European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Dec 01, 2006 21:19

3 countries have signed the European Convention for Pets but not ratified same, but of all countries, it is Ireland that signed neither.

It says only too much about Irish mentality and explains the cruelty to animals scenario that sees almost the highest number of dogs 'eradicated' in Europe. We also export our unwanted dogs to the UK, again this reflects a mentality.

Well spotted Senator Jim Higgins. Ireland cannot remain in the backwaters when it is supposedly a Celtic Tiger.

Times change, people change and hopefully, the point is to learn. European countries ensure that pets are treated with the utmost hospitality, invited to Churches, to restaurants. Dogs in the US have developed a new culture for the single being......They have runs to meet other dogs....and so then people meet and central parks are distinctly dog friendly with the many breeds stepping out in the latest fashion. An Irish man has established a magazine for dogs - along the lines of the infamous Cosmopoliton - I am sure some have seen the programme on TV about it.....

Minister Coughlan.......Pets are not farm animals but yet many a farm would not produce the bounty without the working dogs.........

Dogs, cats, all have a function within our environment.

What a joy when a friend brought back the morning paper with the photos of Minister McDowell walking along the Canal with his dog (a bit Jack Russell like my own and may of the rest of us who walk the canal).

Serious note:

The exercise of lateral thought function..........especially via the net is a worthwhile pasttime. I note that certain companies are closing down which means job losses. I would always say there is hope in ideas.

The Dogs for the Blind......what a lesson to be learnt? Tonight we hear of little fully blind children not having the funding for their junior school from Government or other sources. These are the people that one day will have the their dogs for the blind and will engage fully with life.

Autistic children are the latest children to be assisted to engage with society through the accompaniment of a dog, usually the gentle labrador.

Then there are the dogs that scent out criminals, drugs.......dead bodies left to the elements to decay.....Do we really think about our dogs?

Then there are the dogs who keep many of our elderly warm in winter - when they rest and often afraid to put on the heat.

There are dogs that deal with people with ABI, Phobias, and Depression, like me and my dog Jack - the toal rises for those who don't count in this Celtic Pussycat............Talking about cats.....let us recall those people in the city and other places who make sure the cats are fed and catered for.

Multiple Sclerosis - a brain degenerative and awful illness. Dogs can be trained to put clothes into the washing machines, to answer the phone, to collect the posit and most important to be a friendly pet.

I have written many times on Animals and the attitudes of people to people with disabilities particularly re. dogs. I live in D4 and it astounds me. All appear to hide behind food legislation yet not know what they are talking about.....Let's open up the mindset.

The UK are to the fore in their linkages with medicine and disabilities. If anybody is interested just check the 'Assistance Dogs' website.

Minister McDowell - I must thank you for your help to Lucy and her Jack Russell, Danny Boy. We made contact with your office and Mary and things are happening....I know you have a passion for having a coffee a la pavement. Sometime ago in Baggot Street at Donohoe's pub, myself and my Jack Russell were refused a coffee even in the laneway outside. Then we were told to move on. One customer tried to assist me. As I sat outside another coffee shop in Baggot Street, this man approached me....he petted Jack and then showed me his dogs!!! They were in his car. I have met him several times since and we talk about dogs..

You have my vote in May Minister and my friends no doubt but meet me half way on this. Your friend Jack would support me and Jack I think.....

Personally I think there was wisdom to having dogs at homesteads in the past,,,,,,,,the forming of allegiances between the core family group. In relation to the ever increasing suicide rates, I feel that the Celtic tiger mentality that says no to life in the slow lane often negelect sensitivities that can be fulfilled by animals.......Just a thought...............

Michelle Clarke
Quotation
William James, Harvard trained physician and professor
The Principles of Psychology
'The greatest discovery in our generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change all the outer aspects of their lives'

by Anju - None Sat Dec 02, 2006 23:51

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development NI has just (at long last) announced a public consultation on proposed legislative changes affecting animal welfare, in line with the philosophy of the changes being drafted in England & Wales and, separately, in Scotland.

The deadline for replies to the consultation is 5 December 2006.

The letter announcing the consultation is here:
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/animal-welfare-consultation-le...6.doc

The consultation paper on the proposals for new legislation is here
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/animal-welfare-consultation-do...6.doc

Links to both and a brief outline of the intention of the legislation can be found here:
http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/consultations/active-con...d.htm

by Jupiter - none Sun Dec 03, 2006 03:39

The 2005 dog control figures just released by the Minister of the Environment show that 16,546 dogs – most healthy – were destroyed last year. Although down on last year’s figure of 16,598, this represents a 0.3% decrease.

The total number of dogs held in Irish pounds increased from 24,716 in 2004, to 25,510 in 2005, representing a 3% increase in total numbers entering pounds, proving the overall situation is not improving.

Limerick City leads the Counties’ League with an almost 100% destruction rate, followed by Mayo, Kerry and Tipperary North and South, each with destruction rates of 90% or more.

On the other hand, the increase shown in the rehoming of dogs by Counties
Leitrim, Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin and Louth is explained by their policy of working with rescue groups

Dog Control Figures/2

Dog pounds exist to act as reception areas for the custody or safekeeping of animals seized or surrendered, yet many of these so-called facilities are, effectively, Death Row for dogs whose owners just want to dump or ‘lose’ them.

This situation is underwritten by the total lack of accountability of many local authorities in their capacity as service providers – and so, taxpayers’ money is used to remove the responsibility from dogowners who just don’t care.

Ultimately, the production of unwanted animals needs to be stopped via spaying, neutering and owner traceability. In the meantime, local authorities must be made accountable for this preventable scandal.

ANVIL Ireland is currently investigating how the various service providers operate and will soon present recommendations to reduce destruction rates to both Government and local authorities.

For more information, contact: Miriam Anderson, ANVIL Ireland Co-ordinator at 0861999512 and/or visit the ANVIL Ireland website www.anvilireland.ie

by Jupiter - ANVILIreland Sun Dec 03, 2006 19:00

"Wednesday in the Dáil, Mary Upton proposed to the Government that those who experiment on the 55,000 animals who are experimented on in Ireland each year should be obliged to record the levels of pain experienced by these animals during those tests.

In 2002 40,996 animals were experimented on in Ireland without anaesthetic.

"A lot of animals suffer extremely painful deaths in Ireland each year in the name of science. The very least we can do is to ensure that we use every single piece of scientific evidence which can be culled from carrying out such tests.

The Minister for Agriculture replied to Dr. Upton's proposal that this is the responsibility of the Department of Health. Yet the Department of Health say that it is not their responsibility.

Yet again Dr. Upton has identified an area concerning animal health and welfare for which no Minister will take responsibility.

"For six months now I have been trying to find out why Ireland has not signed the European Convention on the Protection of Pet Animals. Not only can I not find out the answer to that question, no Minister will actually admit that the protection of pets is their responsibility.

"The UK government has decided that we would all benefit if those who experiment on animals are obliged to report on the degree of pain suffered by those they experiment upon.

"Ireland could be a world leader in the establishment of evidence-based animal health and welfare standards. Yet the Government's animal health and welfare stance is a shambles.

"Three government departments share responsibility for some areas of animal health and welfare policy - environment (control of dogs); Health (some aspects of animal experimentation); and Agriculture (farmed animals).

"Under its animal health and welfare policy, published last month, the Labour Party will reform Ireland's animal health and welfare laws to bring them into compliance with the highest international evidence based standards.

"We will also give responsibility for all aspects of animal health and welfare to one Minister so that in the future gaps like those I have identified in pet animals and making the most efficient use of data gained from animal experimentation cannot and do not arise in future.""

Animals Need a Voice In Legislation
www.ANVILireland.ie - They can't vote, you can, make it count!

by Jupiter - none Sun Dec 03, 2006 21:12

Animals need a voice and you can be just that!

Take part in an animal welfare rally on December the 10th to call for an end to cruelty taking place towards animals across the country. The rally will march down Dublin’s O’Connell St and stop outside Leinster House where decisions to help animals should take place. Bring your friends and family, the animals need us all.

What: Animal Cruelty Rally

When: 10th December 2006

Time: 1pm

Where: Garden of Remembrance, O’Connell St, Dublin

by Michelle Clarke Sun Dec 03, 2006 23:52

Jupiter and others

I am shaking with Anger.

I would advise any human being and particularly approaching Christmas to access the Anvil Posters.........

'Man - dogs best friend. A Labrador....Man a dogs worst enemy' gets straight to the heart. What has happened in Ireland? What cruelty?

Ireland are second from the bottom regarding EU legislation. Northern Ireland are addressing the issue but falling along UK lines on 5th December 2006.

Yes, we are proud of the Corporation holiday rates we give to TNCs (per today's papers Mr. McCreevy shows concern over the EU policy of one rate for all EU members. Well he may be and also Ireland based on the fear that the tax break holiday is over and as the TNC's come they can go.

Ireland hosts 8 in 10 (may need qualification) of the major Pharmaceutical companies in the world. I have no problem with this.

However, I am disturbed to read in one of the foregoing postings that the majority of dogs 'put to sleep' near 50,000 in 3 years are used by Research Departments (in universities too), and without any ruling on procedures. It is stated that no anaesthetics are used by the researchers.

This makes the matter so much more offensive In France, Brigitte Bardot came to the rescue of animals in the 1960's and 70's, the same in England but Ireland inspite of the goods works by the NSPC, Anvil, Assistances Dogs groups and trainers, we appear to be abusing their rights.

How naive I was when I saw our Taoiseach interviewed. It was a soft interview and he spoke of his favorite song as a young child at home with his Mum.........I remember because, albeit we had our own beloved corgi Gracie, and I was only 3, it was my favorite song too......it was song that associated different places, different people in mind and the idea of seeing a doggie for sale.......knowing that I too would like to buy it.

A kind taxi driver gave me and my Jack Russell Jack, a rendition of the same song.....unlike me he had all the words....

Well done Minister McDowell - I hear that your Jack Russell is a good walking companion in Ranelagh.

Taoiseach.........Think of the favorite song......then look to the positive factors about dogs and the friendship they give.

Then please think of the school in Drumcondra that is underfunded. This preschool is for blind children. How can this be?

Neuroglcal health conditions, mental health conditions, autistic children, people who are blind, elderly visits, companion dogs, minders,

Add to this the value given to children with low self esteem, shy people.

Come back the pubs of yore with the dog in his bed and the local clientele taking in their own buddies........there is a pub still in Ranelagh.

Think of the War generals who were accompanied to the battlefield with their muts.......

I note the Limerick is one of the worst cities for the death penalty for animals deemed unwanted.

I believe that a project was established in Cherry

Dogs have saved lives - they are not corrupt. The corrupt tribunals involving human beings now equate to 200 m euros yet, we crucify dogs. Is this because they give that unconditional love that humans do not appear to be able to give and the quotation is:

'There is a question that Bertie would not be able to lie himself out of' )unconditional love) won't make the pharmaceutical companies profits.

Just one thought: 'The Haughey years on TV'.......strip away the seedy interpretations and there was the man being greated by his much loved Jack Russells and other dogs......' Mr. Haughey RIP.......but there was something earthy atttached to the materialism.

Michelle Clarke

One more point I recently met Brendan Kennelly on his walks.....I regularly meet him, when he is about. I asked him had he written about dogs, to which he replied.......he had carried out a study about his favorite dog. I asked the breed and to my surprise it was the Greyhound.......

An acclaimed British Actress has taken on the plight of this dog......much abused once its purpose for gambling humbles it.

by Miriam Anderson - ANVIL Ireland Mon Dec 04, 2006 00:50 info at anvilireland dot ie 0861999512

ANVIL Ireland was established to ensure proper care and protection of all animals in legislation, using the democratic process. The main aim of our group is, to give animals the voice they need in the Oireachtas.

An important aspect of our work is, to encourage public debate on the present status of all animals, and the questioning of legislation and practices that fail to address their needs, or prevent their suffering.

The reality for companion animals in Ireland is grim. There is no government minister or department responsible for their welfare. The main legislation which is supposed to protect them dates from 1911. 16,500 mainly healthy dogs were killed in Irish pounds in 2005, 50,839 between 2003 and 2005. Some dog pounds have destruction rates above 90% with Limerick City topping the chart with 100%! We are producing companion animals simply for destruction.

Approximately 180,000 kittens will die within their first week of life, that's 21 kittens while you eat luch or watch a TV show. Cats and kittens can be 'removed' by pest control companies because there is no real recognition of cats as 'pets'.

Animals contribute hugely to society in terms of companionship. They give affection and for some people their pet may be their sole reason for getting up in the morning. International research supports the positive effect animals have on society.

International research also supports the evidence that animal cruelty is directly linked to violent crime and the high level of human violence is almost 'mirrored' by the animal cruelty in some parts of the country.

The animal problem in Ireland is no longer about animal rights or even animal welfare, it is a human responsibility issue. While people are allowed to over produce these animals, we as a society are responsible for them. The issues need to be moved back where they belong, to humans.

If we give animals a 'tag' for instance, if we use terms like 'feral' or 'wild' when talking about free living cats, we can remove any responsibility from ourselves. If, however, we call them what they are, abandoned domestic cats, we acknowledge the human cause of the problem.

If you want to change things for animals, please go to the ANVIL Ireland website and help give these animals the voice they desperately need.

Ghandi once said, The greatness of a nation and its' moral progress can be judged by the way its' animals are treated. Based on this statement, Ireland has not progressed one inch in terms of morals, despite the so called Celtic Tiger.

www.anvilireland.ie
They can't vote, you can, make it count!

by Jupiter - none Mon Dec 04, 2006 04:30

16,500 mainly healthy dogs were killed in Irish pounds in 2005, 50,839 between 2003 and 2005. Some dog pounds have destruction rates above 90% with Limerick City topping the chart with 100%! We are producing companion animals simply for destruction.

I am speechless, in this country of the CELTIC TIGER, there is no Minister for Companion Animals!!!!!!!!!!

Department of the Environment - they release figures on dogs destroyed

Department of Agriculture - does what in relation to companion animals?

So what are people going to do about the plight of the companion animal when it comes to the elections?

Dogs best friend?

by Armargo Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:28

As Christmas approaches the amount of "unwanted" pets being surrendered/dumped is again on the increase to make way for the new cuddly puppy/kitten, etc that are on people's christmas present lists.

Pets don't make good presents, particularly not at busy, hectic times of the year such as Christmas.

The Dogs Trust in the UK is operating a spay/neuter scheme in Ireland whereby people availing of social welfare payments can bring their dog to a participating vet to have it spayed/neutered at a hugely reduced rate of €14.00. Unfortunately not enough people are availing of this and so we continue to produce litter upon litter of collie cross puppies, labrador cross puppies, terrier cross puppies, etc as well as poorly bred pedigree puppies.

Irish Law does not have a "death penalty" according to the records, I am very sorry to say that this is incorrect. Thousands are sentenced to their death every year because of the complete lack of care and educational ignorance of the residents of this country.

Why have we no minister responsible for "companion animals"?
Why are we so far behind other EU countries as regards animal welfare standards?

It is time to stand up and be counted, we need to stop this endless suffering and murder NOW

by Ambrose Mon Dec 04, 2006 17:39

I have been appalled to witness and read about the cruelty and neglect to all animals in Ireland by a nation of so-called animal lovers.

Only a change in legislation and better education can change things which is why Anvil Ireland plays such a crucial role.

by Mikesch Mon Dec 04, 2006 17:40

Ireland is a country which has been doing very well for the last couple of years and is continuing to do so. Sadly, no money, no action, no thoughts are spared by the Irish governement to improve the status of animal welfare in this country. Welfare/rescue organisations are left alone and have to struggle to save at least a few animals while most politicians don't seem to care. It is such a shame!

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion; understanding and compassion Tue Dec 05, 2006 14:20

If people are considering buying a dog or cat this Christmas, I would ask people to think it through thoroughly. Always place in high regard the Pounds which can visited or if you connect by internet, a host of options exist.

Pet insurance exists; as does a virtual vet i.e. the net. There is a location based service also with a minimum charge.

Beyond fear.......trust is about letting go.

Michelle

by maura rua Tue Dec 05, 2006 17:34 maurarua at postmaster dot co dot uk

Havn't we had enough scandals in this country in the last few years, from brown envelopes to child abuse.

A great scandal continues daily in the destruction of approx. 50 healthy dogs in local authority pounds up and down the country
Last year alone 16,546 dogs died, victims of uncaring owners and state sponsered destruction.

We have no minister responsible for companion animal welfare.
We have legislation governing animal welfare dating from 1911.
We have not signed the European Convention for the protection of Pet Animals.
We have a report into the Management of Dog Breeding establishmentssitting on the minister for the Environments desk, not implimented, puppy farms continue unhindered by legislation.

And so the puppy farms continue to churn out substandard pups for the christmas market.
Those unfortunate 16,546 dogs who died last year were also once cute pups.
We need legislation to control this awful situation.
WWW.anvilireland.ie is the way forward. Animals need a voice in legislation.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion; understanding and compassion Wed Dec 06, 2006 13:30

Yes, we need a minister to represent the rights of Animals in Ireland. We need to promote the multitude of benefits that pets add to family units.

Other articles on the site have stated same but just think of one of the latest.......

We all know about the marvels of Dogs for the blind 'the eyes for a blind person'.

We saw the programme the other day about the chronic state of psychiatric services and lack of them for children........

Are people aware that Psychiatric illness in the research fields is begining to merge with neurology? There are now Neuro Psychiatrists.......watch this space Govt. Ministers and Taoiseach!

Do preople understand the benefits of working dogs in both psychiatry and for neurological conditions?

A little lateral thought and a visit to to the Naytional Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire provides the insigth to the benefit of working/assistance dogs to people with ABI.......Time to open up minds........I am suggest lateral thought of the professionals here......

Emily Dogs was set up in the South of Ireland to train dogs for people with the brain degenerative Multiple Sclerosis. It is a website worth entering.

I hae Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 3 years now. Ireland provides virtually no understanding or assistance for people with this diagnosis other than the diagnosis of a consultant.......

In the US, it is quite different as they have done considerable research into what is an immune deficiency disease with multi impact on different aspects of health e.g. drop dead exhaustions and awake without feeling rested, infections kidneys, throats, etc. etc.

On my lonely journey, it was man who met me, studied science and had worked in the US that recognised the symptoms that now create the diagnosis. Isolation due to exhaustion gives rise to alienation and fear to phobias and inaction. The answer suggested by K. was a Jack Russell.......therein lies my motivation to do a little and the Jack knows my limits......

Alienation, fear, ostracised. Autistic children fall into the category of Neuology/Psychiatry. Depending on the degree of Autism the condition limits children to a very narrow space in society. However, there has been progress recently. Just imagine a little child who is autistic unable through that inbuilt fear to go shopping with her Mum. Then a working dog comes along and she actually 'tolerate' the noise of society suffice to go to the supermarket......

We need to think.

Pat Kenny dedicated a period of time to Animals a.m., it was most interesting.

Michelle Clarke

by Jack Russell - Social Inclusion Justice and Ethics Thu Dec 07, 2006 18:04

Article 80078 dated 12th December 2006

Most informative and passionate article about dogs in Ireland and their fate.

Christmas time approaches so I hope people make choices based on insight and compassion when choosing a dog......as a friend......

Two points really worth noting from the article by Jupiter

. The lack of breeding legislation that exists in Ireland'

How can this be the case? No doubt corruption and greed is a contributor to this. Refer: Anvil.ie for graphic posters.

This really ought to astound us:

We kill dogs at pounds.......We have a population of 4 m.

But Scotland with a population of 5 m.........kill/put to sleep 800 dogs..

Ireland - our figures for near-sized populations are 20 times higher for dogs?

The irony is how we in Ireland south difffer from Europe, the US

Horrified

Jack Russell......companion, assistance dog, hunter, gather

by Supersammer Fri Dec 08, 2006 13:31

It is quite shocking to read about the disgraceful actions going on daily in Ireland but it is also shocking to see the amount of animals straying throughout the country which is especially noticeable in the Winter months.

At this time of year when everybody is running around buying goods hand over fist it makes you wonder do people really know the full extent of the animal welfare issues in Ireland and if they did would they care??

Would they hold off buying the extra pack of Xmas crackers to donate E10 to a rescue, would they take the time out from writing Xmas cards to write a letter to their local TD?
I somehow doubt it as these are also the people who leave their pedigree, expensives farmed puppies out on the road to wander or dont bother spending the €100 to have Patch spayed and save the litters of unwanted puppies each year.

Thank god for ANVIL Ireland as it seems at times Ireland animal welfare situation will be a forever flowing river of hurt and cruelty until ANVIL came begin to making inroads and getting the Govt to sit up and listen to us the people who speak for the animals.

by Tracy - none Wed Dec 13, 2006 23:48

your dedication to the cause is invaluable, lets all jump on your bandwagon and keep things moving forward, it ain't the stoneage anymore, let our animals enjoy the benefits of living in a new millenium too.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Sun Dec 17, 2006 22:54

Suppersammer.

Just to let you know I have notified local TD's, MEP's and others. I got a response from Mary Lou MacDonald MEP and Sinn Fein which I passed on other dog related organisations.

Awareness about animals is vital. If people only realised how an animal in a community helps people to share in life.....this is my experience.

Keep up the good work especially at Christmas. Encourage people to keep in mind Dublin Society Prevention for the Cruelty to Animals and others on their website.....who knows, you might find a good friend like I did.

Michelle

Quote
George Eliot
'It is never to late to be what you might have been'

From Jack Russell, Jack: Dogs existed in society before humans.....we have 40 words in our vocabularly.................

and Seneca (Roman Empire.....)
'It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult'

by Jack Russell - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Dec 22, 2006 21:17

This Christmas, if you receive and unexpected gift, of a puppy, a dog, please, please, give careful consideration to the undertaking.

If you feel unable to give the animal a home, think carefully of other people you know or sources like Paw Print, DSPCA, Peata etc. and make an enlightened decision to the future of the animal.

Dogs are extremely good friends but require commitment and if you become really interested in them, many mysteries about life, nature, people, crime lie ahead of you.

Positive Factors for you to consider about Canines........

Our Government have just pledged another Euros 500,000 to a facility to train dogs for children who are autistic. This facility is based on a model in Canada and has proven to be of great value for autistic children particularly in the area of social interaction.

The funds are suffice for 20 dogs now available but there are over 200 autistic children waiting for dogs. Children who are autistic benefit greatly from dogs but it is sad that the funding and the dogs are in short supply.

I enjoy the New Scientist magazine and was please to note the following in the Christmas edition. www.newscientist.com

'Humans can learn an old dogs' trick..'

The importance of Smell and how to improve it!!!. Two scientists at the University of California, Berkeley and their colleagues asked 32 people to follow a 10 metre of chocolate essense through open grass using only their noses......two thirds of the group could.....

This provides new insight into mammals and smell.

Matthias Laska at Linkoping University in Sweden says 'It seems that there is a mechanism of scent localisation from insects to humans,

Sobel considers whether we could ever become as good as dogs at tracing scent.......the problem is 'getting our nost to the ground as quickly as possible'......

Again I say some lateral thinking is needed. I have been refused entry to pubs on several occasions and tried to plead the case that my dog was an assistance dog. A nun has won her case where a pub refused her entry with her dog for the blind.......Why the fear. I believe that dogs with scent training could sort out a lot of our drug crime........

Our canine friends have been around for 14,000 years from the Rockies to Alaska to the North Pole. They have been saving lives for years. Our Eskimo friends look to dogs for their survival and yet Ireland has the second worse record in Europe for murdering our dogs on a daily basis - I ask the question has the Celtic Tiger become so material that we have lost our morals for our nature and ourselves.

Doctors now have discovered that dogs through scent can identify different forms of cancer.

With the state of affairs in Ireland, the new movie in Connemara will be not 'Lassie come home' but 'Lassie will not want to come home to Ireland'. The cast will include Noel Dempsey - the Minister for Shell, Martin Cullen, Minister for chaos on our roads and for our canines.......Michael McDowell, Minister for how Judges think and should think........Bertie: the accountant of the new film, Minister for Cheques and Balances, Mary Harney, Minister for State for Canine contribution to the health service (which canine owners will have to pay for beyond the grave).....wuff wuff

This Christmas I ask - Treat the Poodle in Ranelagh with respect. Treat the Jack Russells (in mourning) at Kinsealy with respect and last but not least treat the mongrel from Drumcondra with respect because today at News at 5 reveals the man.....

Quotation
Revolt
'A little rebellion now and then is a good thing'

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

by Jack Russell - Social Justice for Dogs too Thu Dec 28, 2006 03:33

Remember hel is at hand.

There is the local vet.....

There is the virtual vete

There is the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals

There are Kennel Clubs and Crugts in the UK

Look out for assistaqnce dogs, if there is a person with a disabilitiy in your family.

Dogs are friends to you and to others. Often a lonely person si too glad to echange stories about their dogs. and what it a good way to keep communicy going.

A book with quotations about horses

vtor Hug

'The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are LOVED.

Aniamls love us at a deep level.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion and understanding Mon Jan 22, 2007 21:34

Depression week.. Suicides are reaching an all time high and depression is affecting an ever increasing number of people - including children and adolescents.

Life parameters have changed, we are close by phone and internet but we can be so far apart at an emotional level.

I believe heartily in the treatment of depression, and have supported Aware for years. They have given me great help personally. The promotion of psycho-education is a valuable option to the problem. For those out there who do not know, Aware have an excellent website on Depression. Appropriately, they have used the words Churchill used to describe his depresions.....they call the ste 'Black Dog'. This is well worth exploring!

No I haven't chosen the wrong heading. Dogs/pets are friends and tutors. The European pet legislation is not yet introduced in Ireland and because it concerns pets, we seem to be dragging our feet.

We need this legislation. European countries and pets are a completely different agenda to Ireland. Demographics may explain part of this as we have a young population and Europe have an older population. Dogs have status in Europe and the US. In America, it is an Irish man who is editor of a Cosmolitan glossy type magazine on dogs.......a whole industry there.

Next time in a coffee shop, just ask the foreign staff about dogs. Because I have Jack, I know the answer. They invariably have left their own dogs at home and are very soft on animals. Jack Russell knows the coffee shops that give him that special attention. He knows the people who like dogs too.

We all know about Dogs for the Blind. I recall Gabriel and his dog Heather while a student in Trinity. Heather was at all times his guide dog but if she was off duty, she was a joy to the rest of us. To walk with Gabriel with Heather on duty just made you realise what a marvel Guide Dogs for the Blind are........

Now with great interest I note that a mere suggestion to Ken Brydon (I Think) in Irish Guide Dogs in Cork, led him to Canada to research the success of Guide dogs that do no Rank 1 but are diligent enough to socialise autistic children. Apparently, 20 children now have the benefit of these companions in Ireland......for a child that is inhibited in sensitivities and socialisation, what a good way, to help them deal with their fears.

The neurological diseases stand to gain great support and the community more. I live in the environs of Baggot Street and having suffered from agoraphobia for a period of time.......I had become totally alienated and isolated. Jack has gathered a whole array of introductions, and exchanges, I must recommend a dog, on for this awful cause of withdrawal society. His approach with me has been time and soft and gentle......

Let's get a minister.......let's get animal friendly.......let's get energetic and rather than pumping iron in the gym - lets become more community involved and people freindly.

Anvil: Keep up the good work. Likewise all those involved in services and provision for homeless animals well done........

If you get stressed.......try petting an animal for a change......they do so at Board meetings in Japan.

Good luck in 2007.........

There are always alternatives and answers!!!!

Consuming Passions
'In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves, the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy'
Ivan Illich - American Born Philosopher

I must add.....near Charlemont Clinic an intriguing new shop has opened (it is bside the Vetinary clinic)..........clothes for dogs, jumpers, raincoats, diamonte collars etc. and a very please assistant. They also groom dogs.

Hope it does well.....

by Jack Russell - Social Justice and Ethcis Fri Mar 09, 2007 21:18

I looked up this site because of my concern for cruelty to animals, particularly in Ireland.

Some of the foregoing articles detail same and Shame on all of us.

Crufts is on for the next week circa 8 p.m. It is well worth watching.

Jack Russell called Molly given to an elderly man who has acquired deafness. His wife died and he was alone. All he had to say was that Molly was his best friend and got him out.

Another Labrador works with a family of deaf children....he wakes the little girl in the morning and runs errands for the mother.

Another dog collects the litter in the local village.....and puts it in the bin.

For those people who have lost their jobs in the MNC companies this week.....they ought to consider watching Crufts and looking for ideas....

This week, we exported two dogs for the unsighted to Europe.....There is scope here. This forms part of the knowledge economy, that is sought in Ireland.

Imagine dogs for those with mental illness, neurological problems, hospital visiting, or the Newfoundland St Bernards......In East Anglia, people grouped together to keep the instinct in the breed. These dogs go back to 1700's and are so insulated can spend sufficient time in artic conditions, to save lives.....

Michelle Clarke