Branch News and Updates

Calling everyone who cares about UK animal welfare.

A new petition has been launched by leading animal welfare charities, the veterinary profession and trade unions calling on the government to deliver on its assurances and overhaul dog laws.

Current dog laws are dated and inadequate

Despite last year’s consultation on dangerous dogs by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and assurances from Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the topic, the government has failed to address what the organisations all agree is inadequate legislation that does not adequately protect the public, worker safety and animal welfare.

Some of the proposed changes

The petition demands that the government brings forward a Bill in the Queen’s Speech next year that:

• tightens up the law through consolidating and updating dog control legislation
• addresses the shortcomings of breed specific legislation and instead makes dog owners responsible for their pet’s behaviour
• covers all places including private property to ensure better public safety and animal welfare
• requires permanent identification of dogs such as microchipping
• is better funded so that the law can be adequately enforced and improvements put into practice
• is effectively communicated to the public through education and engagement as a means of prevention and to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Benefits of new dog law

It is hoped a new Bill would:

• have a greater preventative effect by focussing on owner responsibility
• give greater flexibility and discretion to enforcers and the courts
• enhance dog welfare.

Prevention rather than cure will save money

The organisations behind the petition believe the current enforcement costs to the public purse are unsustainable and new approaches are needed that prevent incidents. This would save money in the short and long term.

The 20 organisations (including the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA)) are urging the government to introduce new legislation in the Queen’s 2012 Speech.

We need at least 100,000 signatures which could force a House of Commons debate.

So please sign and share the online petition today at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22631

It is getting cold isn’t it?

Thankfully the animals in private boarding have heated kennels and pens but it can be rather chilly on their walks and we are desperately short on coats.

Many healthy dogs are fine walking in the Winter weather but most of the dogs that come into  our care feel the cold more. Many are a little (or a lot) on the skinny side and some breeds such as the greyhound/whippet type dogs shiver at the mere mention of snow and rain.

So we are appealing for any unwanted/old/unused dog coats. Perhaps you are treating your own dog to a new coat for Christmas and could donate your old one?

We need coats of ALL sizes so any donations will be gratefully received either at My Pet Stop in Denton (if no volunteers are around the kind MPS staff will pass them onto us) or at the Volunteer Centre on Penny Meadow, Ashton (ask for Irene).

Thanks so much (please share if you know of anyone with coats to spare) x

…just in time for Christmas!

When our branch began to use the world wide web with the launch of our first website on 4th February 2001 to ask for urgently needed homes for rescued animals we just couldn’t have imagined what a huge impact this would have. Or, that so many of our animals would have found the love and care they needed with families in towns and villages throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Our website has helped us to rehome over 3000 animals.

It’s been a while in the making but we are pleased to finally launch our new branch website which is easier and quicker to update and our news and animals can get ‘out there’ quicker (once we’ve all got the hang of how to update it all of course!).

Please have a look at the branch cats and dogs currently looking for furever homes and feel free to share among friends who may be looking for a new addition to their family.

Lots of Ways to Receive Branch Updates!

You may already be aware of our Facebook page which we’ve been running since late 2010. We’ll continue to share the cats and dogs that have been added to the website but rather than creating seperate albums we’ll direct you straight to the website. The website has sharing buttons now too which we hope visitors will use to share cats, dogs and interesting news with their friends.  Click here to visit our Facebook page.

We are also on Twitter!  This will update automatically each time there is a post added to the website. You can follow our Tweets at http://twitter.com/rspcabranch.

Not everyone uses social networks so if you would prefer email updates you can subscribe to receive updates ‘as they happen’. Click here to see which updates you can subscribe to.

News Years Resolution Idea

We simply could not function without the support of our volunteers who give up their time for free. We urgently need more temporary foster carers who are willing and able to look after dogs or cats in their home. No matter how much time you can give or what ‘job’ you wish to help with we always welcome new volunteers. If you were thinking about getting involved in animal welfare volunteering in 2012 please read more about volunteering for our branch here.

A Pet is for Life…

As Christmas is almost upon us it seems a good time to remind everyone that an animal is not just for Christmas. That phrase can never be repeated too much because unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be getting through as families rush out for Christmas puppies and kittens without truly understanding and being prepared for the responsibility of owning a living breathing animal. Please take a look at our branch policy on rehoming animals at Christmas or other national holidays.

Feedback Welcomed

We would appreciate any feedback on our new website so please feel free to let us know what you like, what you don’t and especially if you notice anything that doesn’t quite look right. Have a lovely Christmas and we hope to see you in the New Year!

The branch is looking for a Volunteer who has had previous experience in supporting new members of staff and/or volunteers.  Someone who is confident around dogs and has had experience of either walking and training their own dog in the past or has been interested in obedience training.

This is a voluntary position which can be quite time consuming so would suit someone who either works part time hours or who has recently retired.

Did you know that one fifth of people who bought a puppy in the past two years no longer have their dog?* It’s a really sad fact and ends up with more dogs needing rehoming.

Dogs can live for around 15 years or more so owning one is a big and long term commitment. Time spent now researching the right puppy for you will really make all the difference.

Click the image to find out:

• What are the dangers of buying cheap puppies online?
• Have you thought about what sort of dog would suit your lifestyle?
• Do you know how much a dog will cost per year?
• Get top tips on how to find a good breeder and how to select a happy and healthy puppy.

Thank you to all who braved the cold to support the show. We raised £234.50 in total, which will go towards helping animals in the Tameside and Glossop area who aren’t as fortunate as the much-loved and well-cared for dogs who took part on the day.

Here are some photo’s from the day: