Safety and Responsibility? Pfft!

RSPCA NSW Education Team aren't just about Dog Safety and Responsible Pet Ownership when it comes to school talks! You can bet that the Team can discuss any animal welfare topic, at anytime, any place!

This challenge was accepted by Education Officer, Eva, when she was requested by a School in South Western Sydney to assist two Year 5 classes with their community project. For the second year, the grade has chosen an issue around environmental sustainability and this time focusing on how to help the number of native wildlife in the local area.

Never fear, Eva is here! A topic all too familiar to RSPCA NSW is stray cats and they definitely have a massive impact on the population of native wildlife. The students were aghast at one particular activity which illustrated what can happen if just two cats are undesexed and left to their own devices - the numbers are unbelievable!

And the issue isn't confined to our State, recently Victoria launched a campaign, in the hope of educating people about the problem and how they can help. Trust us, feeding stray cats makes things worse and not better!

Click here for more information on the Campaign: http://www.whosforcats.com.au/theproblem/

July School Holiday Program - Enrolments Open

RSPCA NSW Education School Holiday Program was launched in January 2012 at the Sydney Shelter. It provides a unique opportunity for children and youths to see first hand how RSPCA NSW operate with the Southern Hemipshere’s largest animal shelter, one of Australia’s biggest team of Vets and home to the famous ‘Animal Rescue’ crew – the main animal law enforcement body in the State.

From providing environmental enrichment to our canine companions and keeping up the grooming schedule for our feline friends to hearing the harrowing tales from a seasoned RSPCA Inspector and performing a mock surgery with our RSPCA Vets, the RSPCA NSW School Holiday Program is a look into animal welfare from a whole different perspective.

Participants are asked to find their calling, either in the Primary, Secondary or Youth Program and join the RSPCA NSW Education Team for a journey into our fight against animal cruelty!

PRIMARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM (8 – 11yrs)

Stop Cruelty:

Inspector and Animal Attendant Role, Animal Cruelty and Responsible Pet Ownership

Save Lives Day:

Veterinarian Role, Animal Health and Responsible Pet Ownership

SECONDARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM (12 – 14yrs) 

YOUTH SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM (15 – 17yrs)

Stop Cruelty:

Inspector and Animal Attendant Role, Animal Cruelty and Responsible Pet Ownership

Save Lives:

Veterinarian Role, Animal Health and Animal behaviour and Training

For more information and to book online, go to:

http://www.rspcansw.org.au/education/sydney_2012_april_school_holiday_program

 

A mountain of goods!

This week, Steph visited Mt St Thomas Preschool to talk to the kids about caring for animals. The kids enjoyed meeting ‘Bullet’ (our life size toy dog) and took turns giving him all the different things a dog needs to be a happy and healthy.

At the end of the presentation, Steph was presented with a mountain of donated toys, treats and blankets brought in by the kids . These will go to the animals at the RSPCA Illawarra Shelter. Thank you Mt St Thomas Preschool!



Bullet and the items donated to RSPCA by Mt St Thomas Preschool



Whatever the Weather, Lets Expo Together.....

Last weekend saw members of the education team attend the annual Northern Beaches Expo in Warriewood.  There were FIVE expos under the one roof, including a fantastic pet expo, which is where Claire, Steph, Matt and Zoe spent their time.

On both days, Claire and Matt (having been RSPCA inspectors for 6 years each) delivered a talk to the audience about their role, some of the cases they have come across in the line of duty and the important work the RSPCA does.

The team also had  a display tent set up and got the chance to speak to lots of animal lovers - a great way to spend the sunny weekend!

Zoe with a Guide Dog in training

Claire with another Trainee Assistance Dog

Teddy and Tim! What a day!

Last weekend at the Northern Beaches Expo, Claire and Zoe had the chance to meet lots of great people.  Among these was the expo front man, weatherman Tim Bailey, who did a weather cross with us before the Million Paws Walk earlier this month.

We also met Teddy, a beautiful pomeranian belonging to Lena Seeta (who also had a stall in the pet area of the expo). Teddy was adopted from Yagoona in September 2009 (at that time named Alex) and he was 4 1/2 years old. Lena was told that his owner really loved him but was moving and couldn't take him. Teddy was at the shelter for a month before Lena found him and adopted him. Lena says "Teddy is the perfect dog, gentle, quiet, housetrained and the inspiration behind the Dog Pack"

What's Dog Pack you may ask?  Check out the link at http://dogpack.com.au/ for Lena's original hands free dog walking kit!

Tim Bailey, Zoe from Education and Lena with Teddy

Teddy chilling out

Applause for the million paws!

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Thanks to the many human and canine participants of the annual RSPCA Million Paws walk last Sunday who braved the morning chill to enjoy a great day out, fundraising and supporting a great cause!

It has been proclaimed that 2012 was our BIGGEST walk ever so it was no surprise that the RSPCA NSW Education felt that two stalls were called for. Thanks to those who dropped by to see either Community Education Manager, Matt French, "picking up chicks" at the Humane Food Stall, or Education Officer, Zoe Dawson, cuddling up to RSPCA canines awaiting adoption and sharing responsible pet ownership information.

If you had an awesome time or bumped into one of the Education Team members, we'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment :)

Matt with his "chick"

Zoe with an adoption dog - Kimba

The surmounting begins...

Don't think it was a one-off Vaccination Drive in Cranebrook, because watch out Mount Druitt, we're coming!

Well, actually, we've been and gone but shall be back next week!

Earlier this week saw the RSPCA NSW Education Team run an Info and Registration Day for residents with the postcode 2770. Benefiting pensioners and low income earners and their canine companions, the Drive will hopefully have a direct impact of the parvovirus cases that seem to be hitting hard in the local community.

The Vaccination Day will be held on Tuesday 29th May, 2012 at two local Vet Clinics. If you are yet to register and are eligible, please contact Community Education Manager, Claire Kendall on 9782 4460 or ckendall@rspcansw.org.au