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Better shelter management has improved the outlook for healthy kittens like these (happily rehomed). We can still do more. |
The welfare of animals in shelters in Australia has
improved by leaps and bounds since I graduated. The influx of animals, once
overwhelming, is now being stemmed thanks to better shelter management,
increased education of staff in animal welfare, behaviour and enrichment, an
understanding and determination to be proactive about combating compassion
fatigue and a groundswell of motivation to do
something to prevent the destruction of healthy animals. There is still a
way to go.
Getting to Zero is a model aimed at achieving ZERO
killing of healthy or treatable cats and dogs – that more than 90 per cent of
the intake of shelters. Every two years, G2Z hosts a conference, drawing on expertise
from around the world.
This year I will be attending the Getting 2 Zero 2017conference. Save the date!
Meantime this has been an incredibly busy week. The
current heatwave is playing havoc with companion animals. One of the most
common things I’m seeing is late presentation of unwell animals, with owners
reporting that they noticed their pet was a bit off colour, or perhaps less
interested in food, but thought it was just the heat. It’s understandable –
this heat is knocking everyone around, and causing behaviours like lethargy,
panting, increased thirst and inappetence that are also seen with illness. But
this is also problematic as it means that signs of illness are easily dismissed.
Undoubtedly its preaching to the converted, but please
ensure pets have access to a cool environment and if you think they’re a bit
off colour, best to get them checked out. More tips on keeping animals cool here. It looks like this hot weather is set
to continue.
Finally, Dr Gwen Adshead, who treats people, gave a great
lecture about medical ethics which raises some issues faced not only by
doctors, but veterinarians. This article provides a beautiful summary of the
key schools of thought in medical moral decision making. Read it here.