Test Valley Borough Council’s Post

AWLQ experiencing significant reduction in animal reclaims https://lnkd.in/dr-NbikC The past year has seen an alarming 77% increase in dog surrenders and a 157% increase in cats and kittens. ;-(((

🐾 This National Pet Month - Are We Truly Animal Lovers? As Gandhi famously said, "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." But how well do we treat our dogs as a nation? While many owners provide love and care, there's a stark contrast for countless others. According to PDSA research, while 24% of Britons own dogs, awareness of their welfare needs remains low. Only 13% correctly identified all five needs outlined by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. In terms of sourcing dogs, alarming statistics show 16% consider buying from puppy farms, contributing to animal suffering. Online platforms like Gumtree pose risks too, as dogs may come with undisclosed issues. Stray dog surveys reveal gaps in microchipping compliance, leaving many dogs vulnerable. Despite laws mandating microchipping, outdated or incorrect data persists, putting countless strays at risk. In conclusion, while some exemplify responsible ownership, there's much to be done to ensure the welfare of all dogs. Let's advocate for ethical sourcing, prioritize education, and strive to create a nation where every dog receives the love and care they deserve. #nationalpetmonth #doglovers #welovedogs #sussexdogs #dogsofsussex #dogfirstaidsussex #dogcare #mondaymotivation

The RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday this year. The Royal Society For The Protection Of Cruelty To Animals is the oldest animal protection organisation in the UK, and possibly the world. This year they've launched a project, called #AnimalFutures. This project looks a 5 possible future scenarios, set in 2050. These 5 scenarios range from a dystopian tech-based future, where we keep cyber-pets, and animal welfare is a low priority, due to the world we've come to live in. This steps through to a scenario when we can communicate with animals. We learn a lot more about how certain pets feel about humans, leading to a decrease in pet ownership. What's missing here is that there's no step through in how technology might be used. It's just there as the worst case scenario. However the communication with animals can only come about through technology. There's room for all scenarios, or elements of each. We need to think harder about becoming responsible and accountable pet parents. A cyber-pet might be a better option for some people, who have the option to switch off their pet when they're bored with it. Conversely, pet parents will relish the prospect of a real-life pet that they can communicate clearly with, so they can provide them with exactly what the need. There's also the possibilities of owning a cyber-pet and a real-life pet. Imagine you have a 12 year old German Shepherd Dog with painful back problems. Your #cyberpet can alleviate all of your heavy lifting work, like getting your dog onto the couch, getting into and out of the car, or getting up and downstairs. What do you think? How do you see our world, as far as pets are concerned? https://lnkd.in/edXftHmR

A Ground-breaking Victory in the Crusade Against Horse Export We've achieved a landmark victory in the struggle for animal rights with the closure of the Bouvry Exports Prime Feedlot in Alberta, Canada. This facility, a central figure in the horse export industry from the United States to Canada, has been permanently shut down after years of scrutiny and advocacy. This accomplishment is the fruit of a decade's worth of unwavering dedication by Tracks Investigations, along with our partners in the sphere of animal welfare. Through our collective effort, we've brought to light the severe mistreatment and dire conditions endured by horses at what was Canada’s largest horse slaughterhouse. Our collaborative efforts, alongside Animals Angels USA and the Animal Welfare Foundation, have unveiled a harrowing reality: overcrowded conditions, sick and injured horses without access to shelter, and the heart-wrenching presence of deceased animals. These revelations led to a pivotal legal action by the Canadian Organization Animal Justice last year, demanding a thorough examination of Bouvry Exports for breaches of animal welfare laws—an effort that proved critical in the shutdown of this facility. The closing of the Bouvry Exports Prime Feedlot represents a significant turning point in the North American horse export industry. It's a testament to what can be achieved with tenacious advocacy, investigative journalism, and the collective will to champion the cause of justice, even in the face of daunting challenges. #AnimalRights #VictoryForHorses #EndHorseExport #AnimalAdvocacy #InvestigativeJournalism #AnimalWelfare

"International Dog Day on August 26, 2024" 🐾 Celebrate International Dog Day with PANDASIA on August 26, 2024, and honor the loyal, loving companions who bring so much joy to our lives! This special day is dedicated to recognizing the important role dogs play in our homes and communities. Whether they're our best friends, working dogs, or rescue heroes, dogs deserve our love and appreciation. Take this opportunity to spoil your furry friend with an extra treat, a long walk, or some quality playtime. And if you don't have a dog yet, consider adopting one from a local shelter to give a deserving dog a home for a lifetime. 🐕 International Dog Day is also a time to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the ongoing need to protect and care for dogs around the world. From supporting animal welfare organizations to advocating for stricter laws against animal cruelty, there are many ways to make a difference. Share your love for dogs on social media, spread the word about adoption, and encourage others to give their dogs the best life possible. Let’s come together to celebrate a special day for our furry friends and work towards a better world for all dogs! 🐶💖 #InternationalDogDay #LoveDogs #AdoptDontShop #DogLovers #RescueDogs #DogsOfInstagram #PetAdoption #FurryFriends #DogCare #AnimalWelfare #ResponsiblePetOwnership #DogAppreciation #HappyDogDay #DogsRule #PANDASIA #EUfunded #HorizonEU #zoonoses #PANDASIA-project #onehealth

"For a Cause to be Just, it must be durable, resilient, and timeless." - @Simon Sinek Animal welfare. At first glance, it might sound like a single-issue cause that revolves around ensuring safe and humane treatment for animals. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that this work is built on a durable, resilient, and timeless foundation, as any just cause should be. Why? Because animal welfare isn’t just about animals. Animal welfare is ecological welfare. It’s woven into the health of our planet. Every ecosystem relies on balanced, thriving animal populations to flourish. And our well-being? It’s inseparable from the world around us. When animals thrive, so do our forests, waters, and air. Animal welfare is human welfare. It’s in the stories of companion animals providing comfort, service animals saving lives, and the simple companionship that pets bring to people. The bond we share with animals enriches us, teaches us empathy, and nurtures a deeper understanding of what it means to protect and be protected. Animal welfare is a timeless value. This isn’t a passing trend or a “cause of the moment.” It’s about committing to an enduring cycle of respect, compassion, and coexistence that stretches far into the future. Just like any just cause, it must continue to evolve, adapt, and prove resilient. That’s the beauty of it—it grows alongside us as we work to build a world that honors all forms of life. In a way, animal welfare is an emblem of the qualities Simon Sinek describes: durability, resilience, and timelessness. It’s a cause about so much more than just today’s world. It’s about creating a legacy of care and stewardship that will shape future generations. For brands, organizations, and individuals looking to stand with a just cause—there’s no better way than aligning with the principles of animal welfare. Because when we protect animals, we protect ourselves, our planet, and our future. If you’re a brand ready to amplify this impact, I’m here to help tell that story. Together, let’s create a message that’s durable, resilient, timeless, and, most importantly, truly just. My DMs are open. 🐾 👉Click and FOLLOW my LinkedIn hashtag #dogsimeet for more Dog Tales and brand marketing tips and advice. #animalwelfare #storytelling #socialimpact

🎉🚨 Live animal exports from the UK have officially been banned – a historic win for animal welfare in the UK! After decades of campaigning and protests, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill recently passed its final stage in Parliament and will now become law, meaning farmed animals will no longer be exported from the UK for slaughter or fattening. Commenting on the good news, SFT’s Policy Director, Lesley Mitchell, said, “We welcome the ban on live exports that will mean animals are no longer taken on unnecessarily long and stressful journeys for fattening and slaughter abroad. This follows 50 years of campaigning and is a credit to those who have stayed the course, particularly our good friends at Compassion in World Farming. This ban also reinforces the importance of limiting travel distances for animals on welfare grounds, and this should include within the UK. For this to happen it is essential the UK has an effective network of small and local abattoirs. The recent announcement that government will fund new abattoirs in England is therefore important and welcome news.” 🔗 Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/e3eGr8_4 👉 Read our response to the recent news announcing a £3 million fund for the creation of new and mobile abattoirs in England: https://lnkd.in/eJuJxpGE 👉 And if you want to find out more about our work around the banning of live exports, click here: https://lnkd.in/eKQtJbne #AnimalWelfare #GoodNewsMovement

Target: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Goal: Require prompt inspection of vehicles involved in collisions with animals to prevent prolonged suffering. A miraculous incident in Port St. Lucie, Florida, highlights a serious oversight in animal safety. Barbas, a 1.5-year-old dog, was reportedly hit by a car and went unnoticed for 12 hours, trapped under the vehicle’s bumper cover. While the dog was eventually rescued with only minor injuries, this case underscores the need for improved safety measures when animals are involved in car accidents. Animal welfare should never be left to chance, and this incident, though ending well, could have been avoided with prompt inspection and awareness. Animals are often hit and left injured or trapped by vehicles, leading to prolonged suffering or even death. Stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns are needed to ensure this does not happen again. Take action now.

📢 It’s National Pet Day, a time to celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives every day and the work of our animal carers who support their wellbeing. 🐇 🐕 🐈   Here’s some fascinating fast facts about the animal care and management sector in Australia:   🐾 Animal care and management businesses employ nearly 58,000 people. 🐾 In 2020-2021, dog owners in Australia spent $20.5 billion on their fur family members, while cat owners spent $10 billion. 🐾 69% of Australian households now have one or more companion animals. 🐾 There are 30.4 million pets in Australia requiring training, grooming, shelter, and health-related services.   Source: Animal Care and Management https://lnkd.in/gY3WRNzk   #nationalpetday

Raising Awareness: The Impact of Prolonged Leash Tying on Dogs 🐾 🐶 As a passionate advocate for animal welfare, I feel compelled to shed light on a concerning practice that affects many dogs worldwide – prolonged leash tying. It's heartbreaking to witness dogs tethered for extended periods, often deprived of the freedom and movement they inherently crave. 🐶Leash tying, when excessively practiced, can lead to several detrimental effects on our canine companions: 🐶Physical Health: Restricted movement can cause muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and even injuries from tangled or tight leashes. 🐶Behavioral Issues: Dogs may develop anxiety, frustration, or aggression due to the lack of social interaction and mental stimulation. 🐶Psychological Impact: Being constantly tied can lead to feelings of helplessness and stress, diminishing their overall well-being. As responsible pet owners and advocates, it's crucial to: 🐶Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of allowing dogs sufficient freedom and exercise. 🐶Promote Responsible Ownership: Encourage the use of appropriate leash times and supervised outdoor activities. 🐶Support Animal Rights: Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the welfare of animals in our communities. Let's work together to create a world where every dog can enjoy a life filled with love, care, and the freedom to thrive. Have you encountered similar situations or have insights to share? Let's start a meaningful conversation below. #AnimalWelfare #PetCare #ResponsibleOwnership #DogRights #PetAwareness #petwellclinic