May 14, 2010
Breeder Permits to help reduce euthanasia

THE Animal Welfare League of Qld supports the introduction of Breeder Permits on the Gold Coast as an important step to reducing the numbers of abandoned cats and dogs which are killed because there are too many for the numbers of responsible homes available.

The AWL Qld is a leading welfare organisation with the lowest euthanasia rates for a whole city in Australia. However, it is still always full with abandoned cats and dogs from the Gold Coast and surrounding cities and shires.

Last year 1400 abandoned cats and dogs from Gold Coast residents were euthanased despite ongoing publicity regarding the importance of desexing, (including low cost services through the AWL Qld Community Vet Clinic), and extensive community awareness and education programs.

AWL Qld strategic development officer Joy Verrinder has welcomed the scheme and is confident it will reduce the number of unnecessary deaths.

“The new Breeder Permit legislation will provide additional impetus to reduce accidental and irresponsible breeding,” Ms Verrinder said.

“Any Gold Coast resident who has an entire animal who intends to breed cross breeds or pure breeds will now have to get a Breeder Permit. It applies to those who breed from a couple of cats or dogs in their backyard, those who breed as a hobby, and those who have commercial breeding establishments with large numbers of breeding animals.

“The new breeder permit system will help end the cycle of thousands of unwanted kittens being born each year to be abandoned in pounds and shelters or left to wander and breed without a home.”

Ms Verrinder said as the new Breeder Permit system comes into effect over the next few weeks Gold Coast residents will be required to desex their kittens prior to sale or transfer at 10 weeks of age; unless the new owner purchasing the kitten has a breeder permit, or a veterinarian authorises the kitten would be at risk if desexed.

She said desexing kittens at eight to 10 weeks was an easier operation, less stressful on the cat, and prevented cats getting pregnant from which they can do from four months of age.

“Our statistics show 20% of people who have an unwanted litter just haven’t got around to getting their animal desexed; another 20% have not had their animal desexed due to cost or because they thought their cat was too young,” she said.

“The great thing is that anyone who accidentally breeds without a permit, or who cannot afford to desex their kittens, will be supported by subsidies for desexing.”

To avoid a fine for being an unpermitted breeder, kittens can be handed in to AWL Qld for desexing and rehoming, and AWL Qld will desex the mother cat or dog free of charge if the owner cannot afford to pay. Anyone who cannot afford desexing can phone the National Desexing Network on 5509 9001.

“While puppies don’t have to be desexed prior to sale, the new Code of Practice will provide a legislative framework to require breeders to take good care of their breeding animals, socialise the breeding animals and their puppies,  and provide information to new pet owners so animals are more likely to stay in their new home for life,” she said.

“There has been a lot of publicity about ‘puppy mills’ and ‘backyard breeders’ who exploit their breeding animals and churn out animals with little care for the animals’ health and well-being.

“Under the new Breeder Permit system, Gold Coast breeders will also be required to publish breeder permit numbers so that people purchasing a puppy or kitten will know if the breeder has been authorised as able to provide acceptable welfare standards.”

The Breeder Permit requires compliance with a Code of Practice which sets Standards (which will be requirements under the Gold Coast Local Law) and Guidelines (which are highly recommended practices) for cat and dog breeders covering the following areas:

• Enclosure and housing
• Sourcing of animals
• Food and water
• Hygiene
• Socialisation
• Exercise, training and enrichment
• Health care
• Breeding and rearing of young animals
• Transfer of ownership
• Record keeping

The Breeder Permits will cost $369 from June. This is a necessary cost for inspections to assess breeders’ capacity to comply with animal management and welfare standards in the Code of Practice.  

Breed organisations have accepted this as a necessary requirement to ensure people who do choose to breed from their animals are aware of their responsibilities.  Breeders will be able to recoup this cost through the sale of their litters. Breeders who do not care for animals appropriately will not be issued a Breeder Permit.  An inspection will be required every three years, or earlier if there are complaints.

Irresponsible breeding costs the community millions of dollars each year, with the council having to impound and care for more than 6000 abandoned animals and AWL Qld dependant on community funds to care for and rehome about 5000 animals each year.

The new Breeder Permit system has undergone an extensive planning process involving all stakeholders including representatives from Gold Coast City Council Animal Management Dept, AWL Qld, RSPCA Qld, Queensland Feline Association, Queensland Independent Cat Council, Council of Federated Cat Clubs, Dogs Queensland, Gold Coast Dog Obedience Club, Wildcare Australia, Wildlife Preservation Society, Pet Industry Association of Australia, Australian Veterinary Association and the Queensland Government.

The new breeder permit system is one of four Pilot Projects supported by the Queensland Government to trial ways of preventing approximately 20,000 cats and 10,000 dogs throughout Queensland being killed in pounds and shelters each year.

Adopt an orphan this Mother’s Day at the Animal Welfare League Qld

Come and give a home to one of the AWL’s cats and dogs this Mother’s Day weekend and save the life of an orphaned animal.

Bring the family with you, or pre-purchase a voucher for mum so she can visit at her leisure. Vouchers can also be used in the AWL shops and Saturday hydrobath at the Coombabah shelter. The AWL Qld Education and Rehoming Centre at Stapylton is open 7 days, 10am – 3pm for adoptions and 10am-4pm viewing and the Coombabah shelter from 10am-4pm for adoptions and 10am-5pm to view animals.

Call 5509 900 or see our animals online at www.awlqld.com.au or in person at either of the two shelters.

The face only a mother could love...

Some mothers would 'ave 'em...

AWL Qld jumps on Easter long weekend wagon to boost adoptions

THERE are many rescue groups and shelters striving to save every life possible, and the AWL is no different, except that it prides itself on its creative approach. Our primary focus is on finding loving, caring homes for animals either surrendered or transferred to us from council pounds. Educating the community and actively promoting and assisting with desexing programs are also very important elements of what we do, as they are essential ingredients for achieving a zero euthanasia future for all companion animals. However adoptions are even more essential; because we don’t place time limits on animals’ lives, we are nearly always at capacity.

As you can imagine, this places an enormous amount of pressure on our staff, foster carers and volunteers, but we are dedicated to finding homes for as many abandoned animals as possible. The AWL Qld believes 90% of animals arriving at shelters and pounds are rehomable – even those some other groups may turn away (or worse) due to lack of resources. We believe any animal, whether they be ill, injured, aged (or too young), timid, shy, badly trained or socialised, or even just an unpopular breed or appearance – all deserve a loving home. These animals are our responsibility as a community and we must recognise this by ensuring they do not lose their lives simply because their appeal has worn off.

One of the AWL’s key principles is innovation; to try things differently while challenging pre-conceived notions and entrenched attitudes. But we don’t go about this in a haphazard way, at least, not when it can be helped. Admittedly, AWL offices and boardrooms were commandeered on occasion this summer to help temporarily house kittens and puppies while foster homes were found, but with hundreds of animal available to adopt at any one time most days, some concessions had to be made. The alternative simply does not bear thinking about, but luckily for those animals, at the AWL there is no alternative but to save lives in any way possible.  The AWL’s pre-adoption interview process (along with surrender interviews) not just help us ensure the best home can be found for that animal, it also enables us to gather evidence to support our adoption strategies.

For example, for many years there has been a common conception that shelters are inundated with puppies and kittens post-Christmas as the result of the impulse buying of animals as gifts. It seems this may no longer be the case, as for the past two years, our records show that only 1 animal was returned in the month of January as unwanted gifts. It’s worth noting none of those had been obtained from the AWL originally, as our interview process means we are able to educate those people on the appropriate way to give an animal as a companion, not a surprise.

The good news is this seems to indicate that responsible pet care messages are getting through to the community (another reason we have such a strong focus in education). Sadly, some rescue groups feel differently, and will even cease adoptions (sometimes for the whole month of December) in order to avoid the chance of one of their beloved charges being abandoned again. We believe by closing your doors to those people who do genuinely want to do the right thing, you are only helping to promote sales at pet shops, and through newspaper ads and giveaways, as your animals are no longer available to adopt. Those people who visit a shelter to adopt have already made that first important step when selecting a pet; where to responsibly source an animal from. We recommend you always first visit your local shelter, pound or rescue group, as you will be helping save lives, or alternatively find a reputable, registered breeder.

The AWL also embraces new strategies to help promote our animals, often holding special events at the shelter to encourage visitors, and holding themed appeals to coincide with holidays and special dates. World Blessing Day was celebrated last year in October, and was a heart warming and atmospheric evening for our loyal supporters, who were able to help us celebrate the joy our cats and dogs bring to our lives each and every day.Most recently we held an Easter SEL Appeal to find homes for the 80 or so adult Gold Coast cats being cared for in foster homes as there is no room for them at the shelter (see poster) and managed to find homes for 21 SEL cats, plus 63 other dogs, kittens, cats and puppies over the Easter long weekend (Saturday-Monday).

We have an active online presence; attracting supporters from all over the world with just a few mouse-clicks and daily updates, and we are also prepared to try new sale techniques to increase adoptions. Even the way we promote our animals is different to many other groups; as we take pleasure in highlighting out furry friends’ best attributes, not their worst. Some in the industry believe it’s best to be brutally honest, sometimes outright blunt, in order to avoid returns when things don’t go perfectly right. Instead, we are able to discuss these issues and offer advice; both during the interview process and also through post-adoption support from our education team.

Sadly, some people still think of the AWL, or perhaps shelters in general, as distressing places to visit. This is understandable, as any animal lover must find it hard to leave without taking all our beautiful souls with them, but what visitors to the AWL need to remember is our zero euthanasia policy means once an animal has been cleared for adoption and has entered the sale pens, their life has already been saved. Sometimes it can take a while to find each animal their new forever home; but rest assured we will do everything in our power to do so.

Community responds to Animal Welfare League Qld pleas for help

ALMOST a month after the fire destroyed its major warehouse the Animal Welfare League of Qld is relieved to be able to announce the address for its temporary storage facility at Currumbin.

AWL Qld public relations manager Gabrielle Wheaton said details of a second facility at Southport would be released as soon as details were finalised, but the first site to be opened would be at 2/30 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin. However people are asked not to drop donations at the site, but rather at the AWL’s Currumbin Op Shop  across the road.

She also wished to thank all those businesses, individuals, schools, clubs and organisations who had responded in the early days of the appeal, and apologised she was not able to name them all.

“It was incredible, and extremely encouraging, the way people reacted to news of the fire,” Miss Wheaton said.

“I was taking calls from people who were offering to leave their cars on the street and empty their garages, and even some who offered their spare bedrooms as they knew how important it was for us to continue to accept donations, particularly of food and bedding, which we lost in the fire.”

Miss Wheaton said the community’s response regarding donations of goods, food and bedding (towels, sheets, and blankets) had been very welcome, as were offers of financial assistance.

So far, she said, about $80,000 had been raised for the AWL Qld Fire Recovery Appeal, but she was also aware much more financial assistance would be needed to fully recover.

“Unfortunately some initial reports stated we had no insurance, which is in fact not correct; we had nominal cover for the building and contents, just enough for us to start again and rebuild when we are able,” she said.

“I’d like to make it clear we would never be as irresponsible as to not have our major logistical hub covered, as we rely so heavily on the public’s goodwill and support we want people to have confidence that if they donate to us then proceeds will go where they should – to the care of the cats and dogs looking for new homes.”

Miss Wheaton thanked the community for its generous donations, and support particularly from State Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Gold Coast City Council Division 11 Councilor Jan Grew, whose response to the fire was immediate and instrumental in assisting the League to start to stockpile donations.

Donations can be dropped at any AWL Op Shop,or  Rehoming Centre, visit our website for contact details: www.awlqld.com.au

Save Every Life program comes to AWL this Easter long weekend

THE Animal Welfare League will welcome back its ‘10^th lifers’ this Easter long weekend, with about 20 Save Every Life cats taking control of the boardroom from Saturday, April 3 until Monday, April 5.

The AWL Qld is open seven days a week, 50 weeks a year, only closing on Christmas Day and Good Friday, so staff and volunteers are praying that people heed the appeal by adopting a cat and saving a life.

AWL Qld PR manager Gabrielle Wheaton said without the Save Every Life program the shelter would not have reached zero euthanasia of healthy, friendly Gold Coast cats and dogs, which was why it was so vital for the appeal to work.

“At the moment we have 80 cats in the SEL program – that’s 80 cats who, in the past, would have lost their lives due to overcrowding concerns,” Miss Wheaton said.

“Since the SEL program launched last May, it has saved the lives of hundreds of beautiful cats who have instead been sent to foster carers until there is room for them to return to the AWL’s adoption pens or pet shops who rehome on our behalf.

“Easter is, for many, a time of rebirth and renewal, so what better way to enjoy the holiday than with a new, eternally grateful, companion at your side?

“Our cats are certainly sweeter than chocolate, are much better for your health, and last much longer than the traditional chocolate splurge, so why not consider treating yourself to a fuzzy lap-warmer in the led-up to winter while also saving lives.”

SEL cats will be brought back from their foster homes for three days only, as they will need to be kept in crates in the charity’s boardroom as there is simply no room at the shelter anywhere else.

During the three-day appeal, you can adopt one of these fine felines for a minimum donation of $30, which covers administration and paperwork costs.

“Normally we would not consider allowing people to adopt for such a small donation, as it costs us about $500 to care for each animal at the AWL, however as we are so full, and have been for months, we have little choice,” Miss Wheaton said.

“The fact we now have 80 SEL cats when the program was only ever meant to have about 10 cats maximum at any one time was also taken into consideration.

“Our foster carers are so caring, and understanding, however we can’t rely on them forever when we know there must be more loving homes out there needing the feline touch.

“Please, come and adopt an SEL cat and help keep the AWL Queensland’s first zero-euthanasia animal shelter.”

Miss Wheaton said the League also had 183 cats and kittens, and 11 dogs and puppies also ready to adopt immediately (and another 283 animals in other foster homes also waiting for space).

What makes the AWL Qld different?

This will be my first blog for the AWL Qld – it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for some time, but never seem to have the time!

I just wanted to jump online and ‘vent’ about an ongoing (but perhaps personal) grievance.We’re trying to promote a few things that are happening at the AWL Qld at the moment, and while we’ve managed to finally attract the attention of some new media organisations, they don’t seem to see the importance in differentiating us from other animal welfare agencies. While we fully support and recognise the efforts of these other groups, it makes it even harder for us to attract new supporters, which is vital to our cause as we receive no government funding.

But it’s not just those who are familiar with the work of the AWL who may be confused; often I am told by people at events  that “Oh, yes! I know you! We support you all the time, we even adopted a dog from you three years ago!” To which I respond “Wow, that’s wonderful, thanks so much for choosing to adopt an animal.”  They then usually go on to say they donate to us at Christmas every year and give the name of another group.

Which is all well and good, don’t get me wrong, anything that helps homeless, sick, injured or abandoned animals is absolutely fantastic – after all, we’re all working towards a common goal: A brighter future for all animals.

Staff at pet supply shops who rehome animals on our behalf have also found the same thing – that many customers are very happy that the stores are supporting AWL, but don’t often have a clear understanding of who we are.  When staff try and explain the differences, ie highlighting the innovative ways we work towards a zero euthanasia future for companion animals, they often get the same response – ‘Oh yes, but you all do the same thing, don’t you?’  Well, yes…but no.

There’s a few key points of difference about the AWL Qld, ones I would like to highlight now:
1. We do not have a time limit on animals in our care.
2. We have a zero euthanasia policy; meaning we do not euthanase animals simply due to lack of space.
3. We do not receive any government funding for our welfare work; relying on the generosity of the community and our hardworking volunteers and foster carers.
4. We never turn away an animal in need.
5. We participate with pet supply stores in order to reach more members of the community and rehome more animals (while also creating more space at the shelter).
6. We heavily support and promote early age desexing through both the Last Litter Fund (we’ll desex the mother if the litter of kittens/puppies is surrendered to the AWL) and the National Desexing Network (a free, Australia-wide voucher-based referral system enabling low-income earners to have their pets desexed at a participating vet in their area).
7. All AWL animals are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea-treated and health-checked by a vet prior to adoption.
8. We operate two Community Vet Clinics in south-east Qld which offer affordable vet services to the public; this means people can access quality vet care as soon as their pet needs it, not just when owners can afford it.
9. We accept all animals; whether they be old, ugly, ill, infirm, unpopular, not just the cute, desirable, and easily-rehomed (although we have those, too!).
10. We offer a 10-day health guarantee and 21-day settling in period to ensure the transition from sanctuary to home is as smooth and successful as possible.
11. We take in animals from all over; including the Brisbane, Beaudesert, Logan, Ipswich and Gold Coast council pounds (plus surrenders from the community).

Because we have been helping find new, forever homes for the cats and dogs in our care for the past 50 years we really need to raise our profile if we expect to do so for another 50. We have achieved our goal of zero euthanasia of healthy, friendly Gold Coast animals – an incredible achievement in a city with a population of 600,000. The AWL Qld has not had to euthanase a Gold Coast dog of this type since June 2008 or cat since May 2009 and we are striving to maintain this. We will not rest until we are also saving the lives of every timid and treatable animal so please support us by letting as many people as you can know about our life-saving work, and encourage them to support us in our mission.

Gabrielle Wheaton

AWL Qld PR Manager