Animal welfare continues to need reforms to keep up with community expectations, but to bring change we need to do so in an educated manner, ensuring we have all the information. What I see too often is a photo followed by assumptions then emotions take over, and as much as I understand that being a Sanctuary owner, we must move forward in a responsible manner. The dog in the photos name is Grandpa, he is owned by Guard dogs SA, and was being used under contract by Smiths Holden, he is a healthy well looked after animal, but the first photos put up by a compassionate animal lover cause all sorts of concern for the dealership. I was asked to look into the situation by some supporters and I have done that, so here are the facts, the dog is in good condition and is fed well and exercised, the enclosure meets the legislative requirements, he gets to move around all night and is in this enclosure during the day, but not all the time. Now I personally do not like seeing animals in anything resembling a cage, so I understand totally the anguish some people will have seeing this, but that is not the Dealerships fault, nor is it the Guard dog companies. My babies have the house to roam, and outside area, and our bed to share at night, but that is not the case for all animals, shelters and rescues are legislated to use the same housing for their animals, in fact in shelter conditions 2 hours exercise is all that is mandated, so these guard dogs are better off than some shelter dogs, but obviously not as well of as my babies. The issue here can be narrowed down to whether or not in this modern age we need guard dogs, but that is a debate on its own. For instance (not this one) if a dog is too aggressive to be around other animals and say children, and is then taken on by a guard dog handler and used to guard a property, is it better of living this life, or should it be put down, I am not a purist, I dont like seeing an animal kept like this, but I would not like to make that decision, for those that would, could they pull the trigger? I know of many guard dogs that are more so there to deter break and entry, and are not aggressive, in fact many people still buy a dog for security reason in their own homes. We could debate so many topics of similar concern, but I will never agree that phoning and threatening the dealership staff is the right way forward, I do not agree that any story or photo that is one sided should be used to provoke emotions where the whole story does not accompany it. The head of the dealership has offered to meet with me and the person that originally posted the photos asking for people to phone and confront them, but that person has not followed through, I did, if you see an animal you think needs attention, yes phone the authorities, if you have issues with a situation like this, then find out what is going on, before you provoke altercations. This situation has brought with it good debate, and goes to prove our society cares deeply for our animals, and that is a great thing, empathy however should be towards all involved in an equitable manner, my experience has meant I have been witness to disasters when we jump without looking so to speak. We need to continue to lobby for animal welfare reforms, but in doing so, lets do it united and in a equitable and fair manner, in the best interests of both the animals and their carers. Mark Aldridge
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:25:12 +0000
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