Information Library > Rescue News > Rescue in the Media

Are you looking for a 2009 calendar?

It's that time of the year again! If you're looking for a calendar for 2009, why not use it as an opportunity to help your local rescue group?   Read more...

Cavy Rescue full to the brim with gorgeous piggies

The Australian Cavy Sanctuary (ACS) Brisbane Shelter is in urgent need of extra funding/assistance. The shelter is currently struggling with now 150 guinea pigs at the shelter with 70 guinea pigs available for adoption and with several more on foster care, and more guinea pigs due to arrive at the shelter by the weekend.   Read more...

Animal Welfare League Australia officially launched Monday 1 September

On September 1st, the state based Animal Welfare Leagues throughout Australia joined together to form a national body, know as Animal Welfare League Australia.   Read more...

A Poultry Place

Bede Carmody offers a sanctuary to injured or abandoned chickens, ducks and geese at his property near Canberra.   Read more...

The sick, the lost and the lucky

The SPCA is trying to teach owners about their responsibilities. This is why it has created the new education-officer post and built a new education room at the shelter. There is also the excellent job being done by the SPCA's mobile desexing clinic a vets' surgery on wheels that neutered 637 cats and 178 dogs in a campaign around Christchurch earlier this year.   Read more...

(WA) City of Bunbury Desex in the City Campaign

Desex in the City is a low cost cat sterilisation and micro-chipping program run in conjunction with local vets and animal welfare agencies during August. This is a great opportunity for Bunbury cat-lovers to have both their own and any stray and semi-owned cats in the community desexed.    Read more...

(WA) SAFE Saving Lives

By law, pounds only have to keep animals for 72 hours before they can euthanise them. Because of SAFEs work with the city to find new homes for unclaimed pets, only 8.7 per cent of the animals currently end up being euthanised   Read more...

Microchip Awareness Week 14th - 19th July

It's time to microchip your dog or cat: that's the message during Microchipping Awareness Week from July 14-19. The chances of finding your missing pet alive and well are slim if they do not have a microchip, which provides your current contact details.   Read more...

(VIC) Volunteers save threatened mutts

Small dogs that find themselves unwanted and on death row must thank their lucky stars when Kae Norman comes in. Ms Norman runs Rescued With Love, which swoops in to save pound dogs that have not found a home in the allotted time.   Read more...

It's Raining Dogs at the Animal Welfare League Qld

Winter is usually a slower time for rescue, but at the Animal Welfare League Qld it's raining dogs. With over 80 dogs waiting for new homes, if you are thinking about adopting now is the time!    Read more...

Facebook changes luck for lonely cat

A seven-year-old Himalayan cat missing since Friday, August 13, 2005, was reunited with his owner almost three years later - with the help of Facebook.    Read more...

(US) Community pressure leads to Walmart changing new website

Online pet sales are a serious problem, perpetrated by hundreds, if not thousands of companies that seek to to make a profit selling puppies, kittens, birds and other animals. Ads can, and are, placed by families whose dog had a litter, and by large-scale breeders, or puppy mills. And it has a direct correlation to pet overpopulation and euthanasia.   Read more...

RSPCA full after weekend of mayhem

RSPCA shelter in Weston ACT were unable to house the lost pets reported to the society during the night of fireworks and were asking people in the community to care for pets until they were claimed by owners.   Read more...

Pets out as money woes bite hard

Rising numbers of owners are surrendering their beloved family pets because they can't afford to keep them. In the past six months there has been a 50 per cent rise the number of dogs surrendered, the Australian Animal Protection Society said.    Read more...

At last a new home for RSPCA Qld

Premier Anna Bligh attended the RSPCAs Million Paws Walk with her Golden Retriever Zeddy today where she announced a bigger, better home for its Queensland operations.   Read more...

Safety first - DPI helps best mates in the back of the ute

THE image of a working dog in the back of a ute is a great Aussie icon, but too many owners are not doing the right thing by man's best friend.   Read more...

Million Paws - Albert Park extravaganza

I like a dog dressed smartly in a tartan coat or with a knitted cap. Who doesn't? Some people think it's twee. Please do not count me among them.   Read more...

RSPCA - New advertising campaign

A new RSPCA advertising campaign will show the organisation doesn't just deal with the cute and fluffy The documentary-style series of ads, on television and in print media in coming weeks, highlight the link between animal and human abuse, as well as the dangers faced by RSPCA inspectors, who often accompany police on raids.    Read more...

Oprah Winfrey - A dog's wish come true?

The founder and head of 10-year-old Main Line Animal Rescue, in Chester Springs, Smith, spent $10,000 of a donor's money to put up an anti-puppy-mill billboard near Oprah's studio. It pictured a cute dog pleading: "Oprah - please do a show on puppy mills; the dogs need you." Friday, the dog's wish came true.    Read more...

Are you a NSW pet lover?

Are you a NSW pet lover? Then if you haven't already, take a couple of minutes now to email your MP and show your support for the Bill to ban the sale of pets in pet shops - And the new website www.deathrowpets.net has been set up to help you do just that.    Read more...

Guinea pig sanctuary calls for help

UPDATE: Another 17 guinea pigs arrived at the shelter last night, all in a shocking condition, bringing the total to in care to 147........ Australian Cavy Sanctuary is full to overflowing and with 130 guinea pigs currently in care, there is a very real chance of the sanctuary having to close it's doors. 'Last week we had another rescue involving 42 guinea pigs' says founder Jessica 'and we have quite literally run out of money'.   Read more...

RSPCA Purple Cross awarded to Tank & Muck

TWO-year-old Max Hillier went missing and almost drowned late last year. But he's alive today because of the loyalty of two dogs who refused to let the adventurous toddler out of their sight.    Read more...

Slow Dog - Fast Friend

The majority of racing greyhounds in Australia are put to sleep when they can no longer race, according to veterinarian Dave Mundy,   Read more...

Top Dog - The face behind PetRescue

"When you meet these animals, they're not abused, they're not faulty and they're not misbehaving. There's actually really nothing wrong with them and you are putting them to sleep."    Read more...

It's a bad time of year for neglected pets

The RSPCA is flooded with abandoned and runaway domestic pets over the festive season. The shelter at Yagoona reached its capacity of 600 dogs and 350 cats three weeks ago, which means new arrivals are more likely to be put down.   Read more...

Australian version of "Animal Hospital" to feature the Lort Smith

Parker has signed a run-of-series contract with Channel 9 to host its new fly-on-the-wall show Animal Hospital. In what is sure to be a ratings winner and tug on the heartstrings of viewers, the show will follow the ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies and real-life drama that occurs at Lort Smith Animal Hospital.    Read more...

(NZ) Cat cull hurt native petrels, study finds

A New Zealand study has turned conventional wisdom on its head, after a cull of wild cats on an island actually harmed a native bird population.   Read more...

(WA) BHP Billiton employee in doghouse to raise funds

It is a rare man who would agree to be locked up in the "dog house" but BHP Billiton employee Gerald Burton-Batty has agreed to do just that to raise funds for The Refuge.    Read more...

Pet Dumping Crisis at RSPCA

RSPCA Spokeswoman Marianne Harrison says every day more and more animals are being dumped and there's no room left to house them all. "We've reached the point where we just cant accept any more animals because we don't have anywhere to put them.   Read more...

Cat plan is a snip

Cat lovers will soon be forced to have their beloved moggies de-sexed if a council animal plan is adopted. The Shire of Yarra Ranges last week approved a draft domestic animal management plan which includes the introduction of compulsory de-sexing of cats.    Read more...

(NSW) Paws in work for reunion

Oddies Creek Park will be barking mad today as past and present pooches from Albury Dog Rescue gather for a reunion. Rescue public officer Trish Smith said the event would be a good opportunity for anyone who had taken on a dog to show the group how well they were faring.   Read more...

Michael Mountain's Aussie visit blog

Michael Mountain (USA) is the President and one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society. The internationally renowned Best Friends animal sanctuary, one largest in the world. Check out his blog from while he visited Oz in October.   Read more...

National Summit to End Companion Animal Overpopulation

The Summit was organised by the Animal Welfare League of Queensland and the National Desexing Network (NDN) - with support from Animals Australia. The conference proceedings are now available for download.   Read more...

A break for freedom - lobsters escape from supermarket

Lobsters in Germany took fate into their own claws and broke out of an Asian supermarket. They now face a brighter future in an animal home.   Read more...

RSPCA kills half of rescued cats, a third of dogs

More than half the cats and a third of the dogs rescued by the RSPCA as people neglect and abandon their pets are being put down. The pet overpopulation problem is a simple formula: While Australia has one of the highest levels of pet ownership in the world, we are still breeding more animals than we can find good homes for.   Read more...

Animal control officers struggle with heartbreaking jobs

Statistics say over 200,000 thousand pets are euthanased every year in Australia, with the task of killing these animal given to our animal control officers. So how do they cope?   Read more...

A dog's life, but it needn't be short and brutal

More than 20,000 greyhounds are born in Australia annually but the total greyhound population is just 35,000, which suggests that the average life expectancy is less than two years. So what happens to greyhounds past use-by date?    Read more...

Lort Smith Christmas catalogue now available

The Lort Smith Animal Hospital is a non-profit animal hospital located in North Melbourne, Victoria that reunites or re-homes thousands of cats and dogs each year. They have a fantastic Christmas catalogue now available.    Read more...

(US) Snip 'n Tip inspires humane management of free-roaming cat population

A lot of communities take what they consider to be an easy way out. They trap and remove, which usually means trap, remove and kill. When they do that, other cats just take their place.   Read more...

Sunshine Coast Daily asks - have you got room for Rocket?

We're always really pleased to see the media supporting local rescue. Check out this great article from the Sunshine Daily.   Read more...

(US) October is Adopt-A-Dog Month®

Celebrated every October in the US, Adopt-A-Dog Month® promotes dog adoptions from animal shelters and provides an opportunity to spread the word about responsible pet care.   Read more...

(US) Woman rescues abandoned chickens, finds them homes

Another day, another liberated chicken.   Read more...

(WA) Can you foster a mamma cat and kittens?

Foster homes needed right now for 7 litters of kittens handed in and homeless.   Read more...

(US) Animal magnetism

Lunch-hour crowds are drawn to new van filled with pets waiting for their homes. "It's matchmaking - that's what a good adoption is," said John J. Bowen, who unveiled the swank new van at yesterday's event   Read more...

(UK) Skunk hangs out at night club

A Blackpool nightclub had an unusual visitor at the weekend, when doormen let in a skunk.    Read more...

Breeders told 'for every dog you breed, you kill a shelter dog's chances'

As American Kennel Club members drive through the Lincoln Tunnel for an event this weekend, the first thing they'll see is a giant billboard attacking their greedy business. The billboard features a "pound pup" peering sadly through the bars of a shelter cage next to the tagline "Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs' Chances.   Read more...

(WA) Petition for government support of better cat welfare

WA SUPPORTERS PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION! There is a permanent cat welfare crisis in WA, with Cat Haven bearing most of the burden. They are calling on the people of WA to support them in their petition for better support of cat welfare.   Read more...

Pet Book Review: One At A Time: A Week In An American Animal Shelter

One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter is a true account of seven days at a typical American animal shelter in Northern California. This book is about those abandoned dogs and cats that come into the shelter during that time.   Read more...

RSPCA urges cat owners not to pussyfoot on desexing

The RSPCA is bracing for an onslaught of unwanted kittens in the coming months and has warned cat owners to take greater responsibility for their pets. Traditionally, spring heralds the start of the mating season for cats, with the majority of kittens born between November and February. The season also coincides with animal shelters being flooded with unwanted and feral litters of kittens.   Read more...

(US) Resident surrenders pet tarantula

Whether in its silken retreat among African scrub brush or a plastic container in a Rocky Point home, the Golden Baboon is one mean tarantula. So much so that its owner couldn't bring himself to keep his hairy pet and called Suffolk animal-rescue officials to whisk the spider away.   Read more...

Brutal culture of US dog fighting

Evidence gathered by animal welfare groups suggests that, despite the fact dog fighting is illegal in all 50 US states, it is both widespread and growing. An estimated 40,000 people in the US are thought to be involved in "professional" dog fighting, using some 250,000 dogs.    Read more...

Statistics highlight RSPCA inspectors' ongoing battle

The most recent national statistics released by the RSPCA reveal the welfare charity investigated 38,913 complaints in the previous financial year, underlining the difficulties faced by the 84 RSPCA Inspectors employed nationally.   Read more...

(SA) Interstate puppy returned to owner

"When you have been doing the job as long as I have, you get to know when something isn't right. I asked the owners 'Is this your dog?' and they replied that it was. I was suspicious of them, so I asked 'Did you know it has a microchip fitted?"As she suspected, they then admitted that it was not their puppy and that they found it.   Read more...

(SA) Animal cruelty penalties to double

Penalties for animal cruelty in SA will be doubled under new legislation introduced into State Parliament on Tuesday. The new bill would be a substantial update on the previous bill, which was well over 20 years old.   Read more...

(US) Rescue offers pitbulls free good citizen training

Connie Paul said "Absolutely not," when her kids brought home a 5-month-old pit bull. Six years later, Romeo is a pampered pooch who adores his family as much as they adore him. "I believed what I had heard about pit bulls, but after researching the breed and seeing just how wonderful Romeo is, I wouldn't have any other dog."    Read more...

(SA) Rehousing helps pets find love

A few years ago, they all used to be euthanised because there's no animal welfare up here and there's so many good dogs out there that need a home. Now, there are a lot of happy owners out there with dogs that would otherwise have been destroyed.    Read more...

Desperate and dogless invited to form rental bonds

A US company, Flexpetz, plans to set up a service in Sydney offering pet dogs for hire to those unwilling to take on a longer canine commitment. But Monika Biernacki, the managing director of the animal rescue charity Monika's Doggie Rescue, said the dogs could develop "separation anxiety" from being repeatedly shifted between different hirers.   Read more...

(SA) Greyhound Adoption Program committee resigns

As announced on their website, the Greyhound Adoption Program (SA) committee has resigned after 10 years of running the program.   Read more...

(WA) Update on the cell dogs program

Cell Dogs seem to be going from strength to strength, we have now had three of our initial four dogs happily rehomed. The only remaining dog left from our initial intake is Cabernet. He is a gorgeous boy, who has responded really well to his training and would make an excellent pet.   Read more...

(WA) South West animal rescue looking for a new home

South West Animal Rescue is a not for profit organisation based in Bunbury, the south west of Western Australia. It was established in November 2006 to address the lack of an animal shelters in the Bunbury area. They are planning to build an animal shelter and are gratefully accepting help in kind and donations.   Read more...

(US) Curbing dog-on-dog violence

Though the threat may be overblown - how many actual dognappings have occurred in your neighborhood? - it's not imaginary. Once considered a relic of the rural South, dogfighting is increasingly a sport of urban gangbangers and drug dealers. The Humane Society of the United States says there are between 20,000 and 40,000 "professional" dogfighters nationwide, each with dozens of dogs.    Read more...

(QLD) Public feedback sought on managing unwanted cats & dogs

Queenslanders are being asked to consider a range of measures to address the tragedy of the growing numbers of cats and dogs which end their lives unwanted and euthanased. Premier Peter Beattie today released a discussion paper on unwanted cats and dogs and urged every animal lover to take the time to consider the issues.    Read more...

(VIC) Drought Dogs Program

About 12 months ago the Rescue coordinator of the Anatolian Shepherd club visited Mildura; 500kms from Melbourne. She made contact with the Council involved with the pound and found out the grim situation for dogs surrendered or found as a stray. Despite the best efforts of council workers only one in five dogs was reclaimed and nearly all the rest were put down.    Read more...

RSPCA Animal Rescue TV show

Make sure you are watching Channel 7 on Tuesday 17th of July @ 7.30pm for the premier of RSPCA Animal Rescue! The show profiles the high-pressure work faced by RSPCA Inspectors, shelter and veterinary staff; men and women who work tirelessly to fight animal cruelty across Australia.   Read more...

(WA) RSPCA applauds QLD government's Companion Animal Review

RSPCA WA is calling on the State Government to follow the lead of its Queensland counterpart and consider introducing mandatory identification and desexing of companion animals.    Read more...

(QLD) RSPCA applauds animal welfare milestone

The State Government's decision to conduct a review into the mandatory identification and desexing of companion animals has been applauded by RSPCA Qld. "We urge the people of Queensland to participate and respond positively and favourably"   Read more...

Pedigree Adoption Drive - is adoption for you?

While we're more than keen to spread the word about dog adoption, we also have to remember that many dogs find themselves in shelters in the first place because their owners have either grown tired of caring for them or have not understood that sharing your life with a dog is a real commitment and a real responsibility.   Read more...

Rains take toll on pets

One of Sydney's busiest animal shelters says the long-weekend storms have caused an explosion in the number of stray dogs and cats. At the moment there are about 100 cats and dogs filling the shelter's cages.    Read more...

Australia Cavy Sanctuary rescue mission

This story came to us from the Australia Cavy Sanctuary and gives an excellent insight into what it's like as a rescuer, to find yourself dealing with an animal hoarder. So just how many small animals can one girl, a car and some carry cages rescue?    Read more...

Australia wide Pedigree Adoption Drive

June 18 marks the launch of the Australia wide Pedigree Adoption Drive, funded through sales of Pedigree products, aimed at ensuring more shelter dogs have the opportunity of a second chance at a healthy and fulfilling life.    Read more...

(SA) Mayor opens pet adoption centre in Whyalla

The idea was first mooted about five years ago when it became apparent that too many stray or abandoned dogs and cats were being destroyed. With a spare space to the front of the veterinary clinic, it was the perfect place to set up an adoption centre.   Read more...

(SA) Greyhound Adoption Program suspended

The Greyhoung Adoption Program SA is suspended due to antiquated muzzling laws being re-inacted. If you live in South Australia PLEASE read this article an take action!   Read more...

Ginger group is a cat's paw

If Prime Minister John Howard thought he had a tough opponent in Maxine McKew in his seat of Bennelong, he is yet to meet his new feline foe. Fern, a mildly disabled cat, and her rescuers from CatRescue, will launch Fern's Party for Mandatory Desexing in the Prime Minister's electorate.   Read more...

(US) Pet sterilization legislation finds favour with most owners

It's not just a question of proliferation. Veterinarians are constantly recommending to their human patients that they get their animals spayed or neutered because it's healthier. It's like a doctor telling you to stop smoking or lose weight.   Read more...

Adoption group: cat invasion due to global warming

Droves of cats and kittens are swarming into animal shelters nationwide, and global warming is to blame, according to one pet adoption group. The cause of this feline flood is an extended cat breeding season thanks to the world's warming temperatures.   Read more...

Call for animal 'hoarding' to be seen as mental illness

The RSPCA has called on the State Government to recognise animal "hoarding" as a mental illness, following an increase in animal cruelty cases involving owners keeping a large number of pets.   Read more...

(VIC) Compulsory Micro-chipping to help lost pets

From May 1 2007 the Victorian State Government has legislated that it will be compulsory to have all newly registered dogs and cats microchipped. This initiative, which is strongly supported by the RSPCA, should have a very positive effect in identifying lost animals presented at our Shelters.    Read more...

Think hard before getting parrot as pet, rescuers say

People buy a bird because it looks good next to their couch, or because it fits in with the theme of the room, but parrots require fresh fruits and vegetables and a lot of personal interaction as well as freedom to move around.    Read more...

Stray cats causing problems

We are a nation of cat lovers. Even though the number of Kiwi households with a cat in residence is on the decline, Tabby remains the nation's favourite pet, with an estimated 900,000 to 1.5 million cats in the country.   Read more...

(UK) Dog theft on the rise

Dog thefts in London rose by 74 per cent last year and more than half the dogs stolen were Staffordshire bull terriers.   Read more...

Scientists uncover the long and short of being a dog

In a pioneering investigation of canine DNA scientists have discovered the genetic trick that has allowed small dogs to shrink in size from their wolf-like ancestors.   Read more...

(NZ) No more sex in South Auckland!

The stray cat problem in Auckland is enormous. Thousands of unwanted cats and kittens die in every single year due to starvation and disease; tens of thousands more are put to sleep in pounds and shelters nationwide as there are simply not enough homes. This problem can be easily prevented by responsible pet ownership, specifically, by ensuring that your cat has been de-sexed by 5 months of age.   Read more...

Barbie's dog - 'it really poops!'

Barbie, the doll with everything, has followed in the footsteps of her real-life lookalikes and got herself a dog. And like the real thing, Tanner the toy dog poops out her toy food, leaving Barbie to pick up the toy "biscuits" with her toy pooper scooper.   Read more...

Intolerable cruelty

The intelligent eyes of the adult pit bull fighting dog look from a totally lacerated head. Every square centimetre of the tight, short-haired skin has been cut by another dog's incisors. The ears were previously cut off to reduce opportunities for the vice-like jaws to grab a hold. It's a horrific living head that's been through some sort of a mincer.   Read more...

Wanted: a second chance at life

At this time of year, dumping dogs is an all too common problem for ARF volunteers. People go on holidays and dump their dogs because they don't want to pay for their care while they're away.   Read more...

(QLD) End the killing of healthy companion animals.

Your support is STILL needed to end the killing of healthy companion animals. Almost 9000 signatures supporting legislation for desexing and microchipping prior to sale were tabled in Parliament. The relevant government departments have stated that there is still not enough public pressure to create new legislation.   Read more...

Lesson in love under the wildness

People think that feral cats are worthless and homeless, but just like any wild animal they don't deserve to be killed. They keep the mice population down and other feral cats away. We do not own Chester or the 'Chesters' of this world, but we as humans have some responsibility for their care.    Read more...

Parole time for the boys

Challenger TAFE, in conjunction with the Department of Corrective Services and K9 Dog Rescue Service in Mandurah, is taking part in an innovative program aimed at assisting with the rehabilitation of minimum-risk prisoners, and reducing the number of stray dogs facing euthanasia.   Read more...

Rescue dog's new tricks put her on big screen

Before coming to the rescue of others on the silver screen, Ginger, the Spa City's newest celebrity, had to be saved herself. The spunky Irish terrier and star of the film "Firehouse Dog" became a famous rescue dog only after she received a second chance at life.    Read more...

Pet food for thought

Doctor Carol Webb is obsessed with cats. She owns seven and wears cat earrings, a cat pendant and a cat jumper. Despite, or perhaps because of, her love for all things feline she's been responsible for the deaths of more than 200,000 cats.   Read more...

(UK) The dogs no one wants

Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the UK are being abandoned by the thousands by pet owners who think they are too dangerous to own.   Read more...

(US) Dalmatians, 101 and then some

A lot of people tell us it's harder to adopt a dog from us than it is to adopt a child, and I tell them they are adopting a child. It's a responsibility and a member of the family.   Read more...

(UK) Family pay £4,000 to save dog

It's cost around £4,000 and involved driving half-way across Europe. But you simply cannot put a price on love. And when the Evans family fell head over heels for a stray dog they bumped into on the Greek island of Zakynthos it turned out to be one holiday love story with a happy ending.   Read more...

(NZ) SPCA purring over new cat code

The first ever Code of Welfare for cats has been announced outlining standards and practical advice for New Zealand's cat owners.   Read more...

Desex family pets: animal groups

The Cat Haven in Shenton Park gets about 10,000 unwanted cats a year with less than a third going to homes, and the rest euthanased. Spokesperson Roz Robinson said the charity was forced to kill up to 135 cats and kittens a day.   Read more...

Safety tips for dog owners with swimming pools.

It is estimated that more dogs drown in home swimming pools than people, despite dogs being naturally better swimmers.   Read more...

Limited space for hundreds of abandoned kittens

The warmer weather is here, and so are the masses of abandoned kittens, arriving daily at the Animal Welfare League. Currently the League is taking in up to 104 abandoned kittens and cats per day.   Read more...

On the wrong side of divorce

It is sad reality that as the divorce rate seems to climb at an alarming speed, so does the number of animals abandoned and left without their family home.   Read more...

(UK) Adopted Cat Alerts Owner of House Fire

"I told my daughter, 'See, you saved the cat and now the cat saved you.'"   Read more...

Discarded doggies await loving home in Drummoyne centre

The quieter holiday period is an ideal time to adopt a dog that needs a home. For those families not going away it's a good time to consider a pet. It's a settling-in time.   Read more...

New recovery centre the cat's whiskers

Cats and kittens with the snuffles can recover in style now the new Auckland SPCA recovery centre is open. It will provide a state-of-the-art environment for cats and kittens suffering from cat flu to make a full recovery and incorporates a new adoption area.   Read more...

RSPCA Welcome $250,000 State Government Boost

The RSPCA has welcomed the State Government's continued commitment to animal welfare in Western Australia, with Local Government Minister John Bowler presenting RSPCA President Lynne Bradshaw with a $250,000 cheque.   Read more...

Detour in trip to slaughterhouse

And that gets to the heart of the problem with horse slaughtering, why it creates such a controversy. No other animal teeters so precariously between livestock and pet. "There's an argument about what a horse is - is it livestock, like cattle? Or is it like a big dog, part of the family?"    Read more...

(NSW) HELP! ARRG forced to close due to lack of funds

Animal Rights & Rescue Group (Northcoast) look to be forced to close by the end of the year 2006. Efforts to raise sufficient funds for their Animal Centre have been unsuccessful.    Read more...

(QLD) Govt calls for corporate donations for new RSPCA shelter

The Queensland Government will spend $14 million to build a new RSPCA headquarters in Brisbane. The animal welfare group has been calling for funding for years, with staff fearing workplace health and safety concerns would force the closure of the existing facility at Fairfield.   Read more...

Dogged RSPCA in Cash Crisis

The country's peak animal welfare body has urged governments to re-prioritise budgets to include extra funding for animal welfare groups struggling to maintain shelters for abandoned and lost pets.   Read more...

(ACT) Dog, cat ownership laws to be toughened

There will be tougher conditions on dog and cat ownership in the ACT under proposed new laws. The compulsory age for cat desexing would be reduced from six to three months.    Read more...

Perth Glory Goes To The Dogs

The RSPCA let the dogs out yesterday during Perth Glory's thrilling win against the New Zealand Knights at Members Equity Stadium. The Round 14 clash had been declared the RSPCA Charity Game, with the Glory partnering with the animal welfare organisation for its 2006/2007 season.   Read more...

Help these paw pets

The number of animals being brought in has already increased this month, and will only get worse in January and February. Many people become stressed at Christmas time and can not put up with their pets. Others surrender their animals because they are unwanted gifts or stopped them going on holidays.   Read more...

Mel gives SPCA a big helping paw

Mel's owners, who want to remain anonymous, blew the organisation away when they sent the cheque in last month on her behalf, after reading about the SPCA's plight in Hamilton Press. "It's an absolute disgrace that the SPCA is worried about survival," they said.   Read more...

ACT- Hair of the dog... they're two of a kind

A stall at yesterday's Dogs' Day Out was run by ACT Rescue and Foster who save dogs from euthanasia. Each Saturday, dogs that could make a good pet but would otherwise be destroyed, were selected from the Canberra pound and taken to foster homes where they stayed while permanent homes were found.   Read more...

QLD - Parliament e-petition to end the killing of healthy cats and dogs

A petition asking the State Govt to help end the killing of healthy cats and dogs by requiring desexing and microchipping prior to sale or exchange, is now available to all QLD citizens. After the success of the recent NSW initiative, we are hoping for similar success in QLD.   Read more...

Shelter prepared for dumping season

Kitten dumping season has begun, with the Animal Welfare League preparing to take up to 45 abandoned kittens and cats a day.   Read more...

Spay or pay?

Some estimates put the national cost of caring for and killing unwanted animals last year at $120 million. Mr Rose said this was "a far greater cost for the taxpayer than responsible pet ownership under this system."    Read more...

Wanted: more volunteers to the rescue

A group of North Shore wildlife rescue volunteers is gearing up for a busy summer season and appealing for more help. The service focuses on the "rescue, rehabilitation and release'" of native wildlife.   Read more...

Councils go live on National Dog Database

More than 70 per cent of New Zealand's councils are now 'live' on the National Dog Database and the remainder are in the process of uploading their dog registration data, Associate Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta said today.   Read more...

Paws for a Cause - Auckland Cat Rescue Calendar

A calendar featuring the hottest and most high-profile New Zealand male celebrities, such as Frank Bunce, Rodney Hide, Brendon Pongia and Iain Stables, together with their feline companions is being launched on the 2nd of October to raise money for Aucklands stray and unwanted cats.   Read more...

Discounted De-Sexing Means No Excuse

Dogs are not toys. They are sentient beings with sharp teeth and limited patience. For every family who realises having a pet can teach children respect, responsibility and commitment, there is another who thinks children are incapable of improving their behaviour yet expects the poor dog to behave impeccably in the face of provocation.   Read more...

WA - Border Collie Rescue needs help!

A new representative needed in WA for Border Collie Rescue. This role involves coordinating with the WA pounds, owners seeking to surrender their border collies, potential new owners and other rescue organisations. ***UPDATE* New co-ordinator found, but foster carers always needed - please contact the group for more info***    Read more...

NSW - Foster carers needed to shelter RSPCA animals in bushfires

The RSPCA is calling for kind people willing to act as temporary foster carers to RSPCA shelter animals, should bushfires threaten either its Blue Mountains or Central Coast animal shelters.    Read more...

Shelter Dogs - A portrait

While volunteering at shelters, photographer Traer Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and Internet adoption sites. A few months later, Scott began to create the beautiful, honest portraits that make up Shelter Dogs.   Read more...

Students learn responsible pet care

Griffith students will prepare for their future as pet owners by learning the finer points of responsible pet ownership. The Pets and People Education program visiting local schools to encourage students to understand the responsibilities involved in caring for an animal.   Read more...

Homeless dog wins stage role in

From the shelter to Broadway for Whiskey, a caramel-blonde cocker spaniel. Brian Hoffman, one of the show's dog trainers, said having a disciplined and well-behaved dog, like Whiskey, was really important because there would be loads of people and kids in the show.   Read more...

WA - K9 Rescue 2007 calendar now on sale!

K9' 2007 calendar is here! It has the most marvellous photographs and we think it's even better than last year!   Read more...

Pet-friendly units tipped for better sales

Units in high rises sell more quickly and for higher prices if the building is pet-friendly, a real estate marketing manager said today. The same was true all over Australia – if the building did not allow pets, buyers looked elsewhere.   Read more...

Plea for help after dogs left for dead

Up to 60 greyhounds face an uncertain future after being abandoned on Victorian properties. Greyhound Racing Victoria is seeking foster carers for the dogs believed to have been leased to a man who is not a licensed trainer.   Read more...

WA - RSPCA targeted by thieves

Offenders smashed their way into the RSPCA Animal Shelter in Malaga overnight, stealing hundreds of dollars in cash and causing extensive damage.   Read more...

WA - rock show to help out rescue

A rock and roll concert will be held to raise funds for K9 Dog Rescue who finds homes for 500-600 dogs a year. Local sponsorship and donations are much-needed at this stage.   Read more...

Runaway pets prompt microchip call

With more than a dozen animals reported missing to the RSPCA during yesterday’s wild weather in Perth, a reminder to make sure your pets are microchipped.   Read more...

NSW - no more unwanted kittens: council desexing plan

Wodonga council will tonight vote on whether to introduce the mandatory desexing of cats within the city. A report to the council shows 622 (or more than 80 per cent) of cats impounded by the city between 2000 and 2006 were not collected and had to be destroyed.   Read more...

WA - RSPCA wants cat controls

Controversy over the large number of unwanted cats being put down in WA has reignited calls for the introduction of feline control laws. While the Cat Haven is under fire for destroying 7500 animals every year, the RSPCA says it is time owners were forced to take more responsibility for their pets.   Read more...

SA - a dog's breakfast as dumping worsens

Samantha Catford at the Animal Welfare League said the dumping crisis had worsened this month, with the shelter receiving an average of 20 dogs a day, up from 18 in July. "The tally is at 160 since the start of August," she said.   Read more...

Too many cats & dogs... not enough homes!

National desexing month is a month of action with the purpose to help end pet overpopulation. During August welfare organisations, pounds, councils and veterinarians are encouraged to raise the public's awareness about pet overpopulation and promote desexing as a humane method of solving it.    Read more...

Animal welfare group fears dog dumping on the rise

Dog dumping has risen dramatically in South Australia, with the Animal Welfare League saying an extra 1,800 dogs were dumped in the last year. While some find new homes, around 40 per cent are put down.   Read more...

The tragic truth about cats and dogs

People working on the frontlines of animal welfare all have the same mantra: desex your pet. But a summit on Queensland's Gold Coast has taken that mantra one step further, calling for pets to be desexed prior to sale — a proposal that involves a radical re-think of current veterinary practices. It's an urgent issue, with around 550 dogs and cats put down every day in Australia's pounds and animal shelters.   Read more...

West Ryde NSW - Foster care training workshop

CatRescue is holding a Foster Care Training Workshop to introduce people to this rewarding and life saving work. We have developed these sessions to provide the best possible advice to new volunteers, and to welcome them to our growing and compassionate network.   Read more...

China - Pets bring host of problems

Having a pet is considered a new way of life, and a symbol of prosperity. Along with a better standard of living, some also attribute the popularity of pets to a growing sense of loneliness, which is common among city dwellers. However, the increase in pet-rearing has also caused many social problems.    Read more...

QLD - national summit to end pet overpopulation

Just a quick reminder that there is now less than one week to register for the National Summit to End Pet Overpopulation with the closing date being the 31st of May 2006.   Read more...

Fewer pets put down in a kinder country

Greater compassion and a stronger sense of responsibility have resulted in a marked decline in the number of pets abandoned and euthanased in Australia during the past decade.   Read more...

Malaga WA - RSPCA cold nose appeal launch

As Perth gets a taste of what winter has in store today, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal for blankets to ensure the dogs in its care are kept warm. Hundreds of blankets and rugs will be needed at the RSPCA Animal Shelter in Malaga through the coming winter months.    Read more...

Monika's Rescues: The no-kill interview

Monika Biernacki is an institution in Sydney. DoggieRescue.com is a registered charity dedicated to saving and re-homing dogs from Death Row. This No-Kill Organisation, thanks to its volunteers and the remarkable energy of Monika has been responsible for housing, feeding and caring for over 6000 dogs to date.   Read more...

10,000 dogs rally to support RSPCA WA

An estimated 10,000 dogs, a handful of horses and ponies and one very brave cat turned out in Perth today for the 10th annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk.   Read more...

Fashion guru swaps catwalk for dog-walk

Fashion guru Trinny Woodall swapped the catwalk for a dog-walk in April as she welcomed the first rescue dogs to London's newest rehoming centre. The state-of-the-art facilities mean that every dog can enjoy their stay at the rehoming centre in a relaxed and calm atmosphere.   Read more...

Viennese dog owners put through the hoop

A two-hour exam will test how tolerant owners are of other animals and whether they understand dog ownership etiquette. Owners will be challenged on topics such as why a dog wags its tail, what it means when it yawns, and whether it is a good idea to take it shopping.   Read more...

RSPCA features on 'Give Me A Break'

If you've ever wondered what life is like for an RSPCA Inspector, make sure you tune into the new SBS series - Give Me A Break.    Read more...

Grenfell NSW - Dog and cat laws get tough

These changes to the Companion Animals Act mean higher and scarier fines for those who don't do the right thing by their pet.    Read more...

Collie WA - Dog and cat dumpings a worry for shire ranger

An average of five domestic animals are euthanasied every week in Collie. Collie Shire ranger Tony Heppener said yesterday that there had been an increase of unwanted puppies and kittens in Collie and urged local dog and cat owners to be more responsible.   Read more...

Mutt Dog will inspire children to be kind to unwanted dogs

Thanks to the volunteers of RSPCA Orange branch, local primary schools, libraries and the children's ward of the Orange hospital will shortly have a book that will help encourage children to be kind to unwanted dogs and to foster their love of animals.   Read more...

NSW - Doggie Rescue is FULL!

Doggie Rescue is FULL! They have no more space to house death row dogs. Within the next week 20+ dogs death row will be destroyed unless they can find 20 foster homes. Can you help?   Read more...

Newcastle NSW - Animal carers and rescuers in short supply

Over 200 baby bats were rescued by The Native Animal Trust Fund in the Newcastle area on New Year's Day. The Trust Fund called on carers from Coffs Harbour to help care for the bats, due to a lack of local volunteers.   Read more...

University of QLD Business School supports the RSPCA

University of Queensland Business School (UQBS) has donated 20 computers to RSPCA Queensland for use in their Brisbane thrift shops.   Read more...

Canberra ACT - shelter struggles with dog numbers

Canberra pet owners are being urged to be mindful of their dogs over the holiday period, with local shelters struggling to cope with demand. Rangers at the ACT's Department of Urban Services are facing higher than usual numbers of stray and abandoned dogs.   Read more...

RSPCA TAS swamped with cats

The RSPCA is concerned the number of cats being brought into shelters in Tasmania is increasing rapidly every year.   Read more...

Coldstream VIC - Prevention breeds hope

The Animal Aid may be forced to euthanase hundreds of cats and kittens this summer. This unfortunate statistic could be easily avoided if only the community would embrace early age desexing and ownership accountability.   Read more...

Bendigo VIC - RSPCA swamped

The RSPCA has called on central Victorians to change the culture of pet ownership, with its Bendigo shelter almost full to the brim with stray and abandoned animals.   Read more...

RSPCA homes for Christmas - 3,300 the target!

Staff and volunteers at RSPCA Qld have set themselves an ambitious target. They want to re-home 3,300 animals between December 1st and February 29th. This would be 600 more than in the same period last year!   Read more...

A rescuers passing leaves cats in need

Sadly on the 19th of December an active animal rescuer lost her life in a tragic car accident. DABS are now caring for her cats who need new secure and loving homes.   Read more...

Post-Christmas pet dumpings dismay RSPCA

At least two puppies are being cared for by volunteer after being found yesterday dumped in a plastic bag in suburban Adelaide. RSPCA spokeswoman Emily Vatkovic says the post-Christmas period is notorious for pet dumpings.   Read more...

Lonsdale SA - Xmas pet dump begins

The fluffy maltese cross dogs, a male and female aged about two, were found by a man at a Lonsdale rubbish dump on Tuesday and taken to the RSPCA's Lonsdale shelter. They are among more than 3000 cats, dogs, kittens and pups who have been abandoned by South Australians since the start of November.    Read more...

Shelter dogs to be TV stars!

Sydney Dogs Home has been asked to take about 10 dogs to the Channel 9 studios on Monday morning 28th February to appear on the show Mornings with Kerri-Anne Kennerley.   Read more...

Newspaper for newshounds

Barking mad newshounds? Scruffy staff? Snarling and bristling on deadline day? Nothing new there, but around Albury Wodonga, the Border Tail newspaper takes the biscuit.   Read more...

Book release - A Dog Isn't Just for Christmas

Each year, thousands of animals end up at shelters after the holidays. Initially given as gifts, these animals are often given up simply because the novelty has worn off. Author Beth Peterson addresses this problem in her poignant children's book, A Dog Isn't Just For Christmas.    Read more...

Homeless cats stretch RSPCA QLD resources

Queensland's RSPCA says its shelters all over the state are struggling with an influx of homeless cats. Spokesman Michael Beatty says the Brisbane shelter alone is taking in up to 40 cats a day.   Read more...

Dark days for an unloved black labrador

A labrador was tossed over a two-metre fence into the backyard of Warrnambool's RSPCA shelter on Wednesday night. The dog was left frightened and confused and could have been without food or water for more than 12 hours.   Read more...

NSW - Nova 969 supports rescue!

Nova 969's Bianca Dye has had all kinds of celebrities and special guests join her in the studio, but none more special than the 4-legged variety that will be with her tomorrow (Friday December 16) from 4pm. 12 RSPCA doggies will co-host her show in order to find them a happy home.   Read more...

Warrnambool NSW - 500 animals put down

Warrnambool RSPCA had to kill 300 cats and 200 dogs in the past financial year because homes were not found for the animals. Shelter supervisor Cameron Williams said for the past four years they had hoped the number would decline, but it hadn't happened.   Read more...

VIC - Hearts and homes open up for dogs

Christmas has come early for more than a dozen death-row dogs. Generous Herald Sun readers swamped animal shelters yesterday, offering homes to all but three of 17 dogs due to be put down.   Read more...

NSW - Mudgee Mutts Retirement Haven

The rescue group, Mudgee Mutts, often takes in senior dogs that are classed as unrehomable due to severe health issues. The blind, deaf, or just ancient dog needing a warm bed, nice food, a little sunshine and peace and safety are taken in on a small property in Mudgee by a woman whose heart is larger than her budget.   Read more...

Gold Coast QLD - Schnauzer rescue group raises awareness

Some owners used their dogs as temporary fashion accessories, then dumped them at the pound when they lost interest, Ms Goodwin said. The rescue group aims to help relocate animals whose owners had abandoned them or found their upkeep too demanding.    Read more...

Harbourtown QLD - Pet shop helps rehome homeless pets

Lori and Michael White of Pet Supplies Direct are two of our most dedicated animal loving supporters. Since Pet Supplies Direct began offering the AWL's animals for adoption, the project has become a bigger success than anyone had expected.   Read more...

Pet Talk Radio - 'Welfare Dogs' means a second chance at life

The words welfare dogs may conjure up images of dogs having puppies on purpose for some people but nothing could be further from the truth.   Read more...

RSPCA Superstore - World for Pets

The only thing you can't buy at the RSPCA's superstore, World for Pets, is a pet. The store has one of the largest ranges of dog toys in Australia and supplies everything your pet will need, including grooming and training facilities.   Read more...

Pets in crisis domestic violence program

In an Australian first CUA/RSPCA Qld and dvconnect domestic violence service Queensland have formed a partnership to officially launch their "Pets In Crisis" domestic violence program.   Read more...

Call to cut kill rates at pounds

Council pounds are facing demands to cut their dog and cat kill rates, after an investigation found almost 90 per cent of unclaimed pets are destroyed at some shelters. Animal rights groups have slammed the unnecessary destruction - but blamed owners who dumped them in the first place.    Read more...

East Gippsland VIC - Animals get a second chance

The region's pound has not offered a rehoming service for unclaimed animals remaining after their mandatory 8 days in the pound. After this period, these animals were unfortunately euthanised. And with approximately 50 dogs and 40 cats arriving at the pound each month, a large portion of these animals don't get a second chance at a new home.   Read more...