/PRNewswire/ -- The rescue of nine cruelly abused elephants from a commercial training facility in Zimbabwe will begin on Monday, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) has announced.
The elephants were confiscated in April 2009 after an inspection by the Zimbabwe National Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals (ZNSPCA) found cruel and torturous methods were being used to "tame and train" them for the elephant back safari industry - a popular tourist activity in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in southern Africa.
The ZNSPCA requested IFAW to step in and assist in translocating the elephants to a safe haven with a view to rehabilitating the elephants and releasing them back into the wild.
"These elephants have been subjected to the most appalling cruelty, all in the name of servicing an indefensible form of safari industry," said Neil Greenwood, spokesman IFAW Southern Africa.
"In fact 10 elephants were originally caught for training. Tragically one - a young male named Dumisani - died of malnutrition and the abuse he was subjected to. Given all of this, IFAW has assembled a top team of capture experts to translocate the remaining nine elephants to safety with the least possible stress."
The elephants will be transported from a privately owned ranch in the West Nicholson area, south of Bulawayo where the elephants were being "trained," to Hwange National Park, some 700 kilometres (437 miles) further east.
The wild elephants were originally caught on protected land in October 2008. In April 2009 when the ZNSPCA inspected the training facility they discovered some of the following abuses taking place:
-- Elephants chained on one leg and being fed from a distance requiring
them to stand on three legs and strain at their chains to reach their
food. This practice was intended to enforce the dominance of the
handlers and caused severe wounds to the chained legs.
-- Restricted access to water and shade.
-- Varying degrees of wounds caused by training techniques and chaining.
-- An adult female elephant separated from her male calf causing
unnecessary stress and physical suffering to both calf and mother.
-- Chaining for long hours preventing the elephants from socialising with
each other.
The translocation of the elephants will begin on Monday afternoon, 2nd November and has been mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The elephants will be darted and transported in a single group to Hwange National Park overnight before being released into a large rehabilitation boma for monitoring before eventually being released into the park.
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Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Taking a Bite Out of Rabies: Merial Provides Rabies Awareness and Prevention Training to Noah's Wish Pet Disaster Relief Organization
/PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to the welfare of animals and raising public awareness about rabies, Merial Pet Vaccines has partnered with Noah's Wish, an international, nonprofit pet disaster relief organization, to provide rabies awareness and prevention training to its volunteers. As part of this effort, Merial technical service veterinarians are traveling to nine training sessions in the US and Canada to educate approximately 1,000 volunteers.
"Thanks to Merial's support, we are able to educate our volunteers about the signs and symptoms of rabies and the importance of rabies prevention when caring for animals affected by natural disasters," said JoEllen Cimmino, director of Animal Health Services and Education, Noah's Wish. "Our volunteers need to know this information, not only for the animals' sake, but also for their own health and safety. We're glad that Merial has joined our efforts in this program."
Noah's Wish volunteers are trained in an outdoor environment, set up to mimic the conditions they would experience during a natural disaster. Volunteers go through an intense, multiple in-field training program to prepare them for the physical and emotional challenges of doing disaster relief work.
"Merial is the leader in rabies prevention, providing injectable and oral vaccines for domestic animals and wildlife," said Vincent Krogmann, US marketing director, Pet Vaccines. "Sponsorship of Noah's Wish further strengthens our ongoing efforts in helping pets affected by natural disasters as it dovetails with our Paws to Save Pets(SM) program, which helps fund emergency relief for pet victims of disasters."
The mission of Noah's Wish is to save animals during disasters with its rescue and recovery services and to mitigate the impact of disasters on animals through its educational outreach programs. Noah's Wish was created in 2002 to expand upon the often fragmented efforts to help animals during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The training runs through June.
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"Thanks to Merial's support, we are able to educate our volunteers about the signs and symptoms of rabies and the importance of rabies prevention when caring for animals affected by natural disasters," said JoEllen Cimmino, director of Animal Health Services and Education, Noah's Wish. "Our volunteers need to know this information, not only for the animals' sake, but also for their own health and safety. We're glad that Merial has joined our efforts in this program."
Noah's Wish volunteers are trained in an outdoor environment, set up to mimic the conditions they would experience during a natural disaster. Volunteers go through an intense, multiple in-field training program to prepare them for the physical and emotional challenges of doing disaster relief work.
"Merial is the leader in rabies prevention, providing injectable and oral vaccines for domestic animals and wildlife," said Vincent Krogmann, US marketing director, Pet Vaccines. "Sponsorship of Noah's Wish further strengthens our ongoing efforts in helping pets affected by natural disasters as it dovetails with our Paws to Save Pets(SM) program, which helps fund emergency relief for pet victims of disasters."
The mission of Noah's Wish is to save animals during disasters with its rescue and recovery services and to mitigate the impact of disasters on animals through its educational outreach programs. Noah's Wish was created in 2002 to expand upon the often fragmented efforts to help animals during disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The training runs through June.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Newnan Kennel Club Offers Assorted Dog Training Classes
The Newnan Kennel Club will be offering a beginning obedience class, a conformation class and a puppy training program Tuesday, April 21. These classes will be held outside at THE DOG HOUSE KENNEL AND GROOMING INC. located at 22 Jefferson Place, Newnan. The AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program is a 6 week course ($45.00) 6:30p.m. and is for puppies 4 to 6 months of age. The Conformation course is a 6-week course ($55.00) 7:p.m. per person. The Beginning obedience course will be a 9 week course [no dogs on first night] ($85.00)7:30p.m.. For more information or to register for any of these classes please call the club phone at 770-253-1233 and leave a message.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
No More Easter Bunnies Please!
/24-7/ -- Many people give adorable baby bunnies as pets at Easter. In a few weeks the babies grow up, the children lose interest and the rabbits are evicted to fend for themselves or end up in shelters. Thousands of rabbits are waiting in shelters for loving homes. Some of these rabbits have become Super Bunnies and their entertaining show can be found at www.clickerbunny.com and on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9OXATfF0o). This Easter, give a plush or chocolate bunny as a gift and then visit local shelters as a family to find the perfect bunny for a pet.
Rabbits can make wonderful pets. They are smart and entertaining, each with its own distinct personality. Many baby bunnies are purchased on impulse at Easter without consideration for the long term commitment and care required. Rabbits can live up to 12 years, must be fed and housed properly and require attention, training and vet care just like a cat or dog. The adorable baby bunny grows to an adult in a few weeks and many are neglected, abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Once a family has decided that they want a rabbit for a pet, the best place to look is the local animal shelter or rabbit rescue organization.
Rabbits can be trained to come when called, go into a carrier, use a litter box and other useful and entertaining behaviors. Canadian authors and animal trainers, Joan Orr and Teresa Lewin wrote the book, "Getting Started: Clicking with Your Rabbit" published by Karen Pryor Clickertraining. This is the first ever book on the subject of clicker training rabbits. "We have been getting a terrific response to the bunny book," said Joan Orr. "Many people did not know that rabbits can be trained and can learn as well as dogs can". "Clicking with Your Rabbit is an eye-opening adventure into the minds of rabbits!", said pet journalist Janice Biniok. "I'm for anything that helps us enjoy our pets more, encourages us to build stronger human-animal relationships, or deepens our understanding and appreciation of our fuzzy companions, and this book does it all." The www.clickerbunny.com website provides information, resources and videos for those interested in clicker training their rabbit, ferret or other small pet.
In order to promote adoption of shelter rabbits and to showcase the talents of clicker training rabbits, Andrea Bratt-Frick of BUNS (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter) in Santa Barbara California (www.bunssb.com) has created the entertaining Super Bunnies video which can be viewed on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9OXATfF0o). More amazing bunny tricks can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgDHWLyztCI&feature=channel. The House Rabbit Society is promoting the purchase of chocolate rather than live bunnies for Easter through the "Make Mine Chocolate" campaign (www.makeminechocolate.org).
Give a chocolate or plush bunny for Easter and then do some research into the care and raising of rabbits and visit your local shelter as a family to pick out the perfect bunny pet.
For information about clicker rabbit training and to see videos of trained rabbits visit www.clickerbunny.com.
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Rabbits can make wonderful pets. They are smart and entertaining, each with its own distinct personality. Many baby bunnies are purchased on impulse at Easter without consideration for the long term commitment and care required. Rabbits can live up to 12 years, must be fed and housed properly and require attention, training and vet care just like a cat or dog. The adorable baby bunny grows to an adult in a few weeks and many are neglected, abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Once a family has decided that they want a rabbit for a pet, the best place to look is the local animal shelter or rabbit rescue organization.
Rabbits can be trained to come when called, go into a carrier, use a litter box and other useful and entertaining behaviors. Canadian authors and animal trainers, Joan Orr and Teresa Lewin wrote the book, "Getting Started: Clicking with Your Rabbit" published by Karen Pryor Clickertraining. This is the first ever book on the subject of clicker training rabbits. "We have been getting a terrific response to the bunny book," said Joan Orr. "Many people did not know that rabbits can be trained and can learn as well as dogs can". "Clicking with Your Rabbit is an eye-opening adventure into the minds of rabbits!", said pet journalist Janice Biniok. "I'm for anything that helps us enjoy our pets more, encourages us to build stronger human-animal relationships, or deepens our understanding and appreciation of our fuzzy companions, and this book does it all." The www.clickerbunny.com website provides information, resources and videos for those interested in clicker training their rabbit, ferret or other small pet.
In order to promote adoption of shelter rabbits and to showcase the talents of clicker training rabbits, Andrea Bratt-Frick of BUNS (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter) in Santa Barbara California (www.bunssb.com) has created the entertaining Super Bunnies video which can be viewed on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9OXATfF0o). More amazing bunny tricks can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgDHWLyztCI&feature=channel. The House Rabbit Society is promoting the purchase of chocolate rather than live bunnies for Easter through the "Make Mine Chocolate" campaign (www.makeminechocolate.org).
Give a chocolate or plush bunny for Easter and then do some research into the care and raising of rabbits and visit your local shelter as a family to pick out the perfect bunny pet.
For information about clicker rabbit training and to see videos of trained rabbits visit www.clickerbunny.com.
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Monday, August 4, 2008
Think Twice Before Taking Your Pooch to a Picnic
(ARA) - This scenario plays out everywhere. You’re about to head out to a picnic or other outdoor gathering and you know that dog of yours loves going to the park. It can be difficult to leave a beloved pet at home. However, before you melt and reach for the leash when the dog looks at you with pleading eyes, there are many things to consider.
“Taking your dog with you on a picnic can be a wonderful experience. It can also turn into a nightmare if you are not properly prepared,“ says Paula Lind (CVT, BS) chair of the veterinary technology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities. According to Lind, you should inquire ahead of time whether the picnic location allows pets. Many parks ban dogs altogether, and arriving with your pooch could prohibit you from attending the event.
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, Lind recommends that dog owners consider several basic issues before taking a pet to a picnic.
* Vaccinations. The New York Department of Health reports that raccoons present a growing risk for rabies, particularly across the eastern seaboard. Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before exposure to wooded areas and other wild or domestic animals.
* Obedience Training. “A dog must be trained at home with no distractions,” says Lind. “Children running and throwing balls are big distractions that can put stress on a dog. It’s impossible to teach anything when a dog is stressed. If the ‘down’ and ‘stay’ commands are not heeded in the home, it’s not fair to expect that the dog will behave elsewhere. Another consideration is proper off-leash obedience. Do you have reliable recall? Can you get him back if he takes off? If not, it becomes a safety issue.”
* Socialization. “Many unfortunate situations can occur when a dog is not properly socialized. Consider how your dog reacts to children, strangers and other animals” says Lind. A dog that jumps up to say hello can frighten a child and become a nuisance to other guests. One that becomes aggressive toward other dogs should not attend a gathering where another animal could be present.
* Supplies. When a trusted dog with established training accompanies you to a picnic, it’s important to take supplies with you. Lind outlines these basic items: water supply and bowl, food, leash and/or chain, appropriate treats, a toy to keep your pet occupied, and “poop bags” for waste disposal. Lind recommends not allowing guests to feed your pet “people food,” which can cause an upset stomach on the ride home.
* Backup Plan. If your pet disrupts an event away from home, you will need to remove the dog to a safe place. What will you do? “Cars become dangerously hot in the summer months, even with the windows down. Unless you’re prepared to leave early and take your pet home, you will need to arrange for the dog’s safekeeping for the duration of your stay at the event,” states Lind.
“It’s all about training, socialization, and common sense,” says Lind. A dog that is well behaved at home, and proven to be a “good canine citizen” in public, can be a welcome addition at a picnic or outdoor gathering. “As a general rule, if the dog can’t walk on a leash properly around the neighborhood, please don’t take him,” Lind says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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“Taking your dog with you on a picnic can be a wonderful experience. It can also turn into a nightmare if you are not properly prepared,“ says Paula Lind (CVT, BS) chair of the veterinary technology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities. According to Lind, you should inquire ahead of time whether the picnic location allows pets. Many parks ban dogs altogether, and arriving with your pooch could prohibit you from attending the event.
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, Lind recommends that dog owners consider several basic issues before taking a pet to a picnic.
* Vaccinations. The New York Department of Health reports that raccoons present a growing risk for rabies, particularly across the eastern seaboard. Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before exposure to wooded areas and other wild or domestic animals.
* Obedience Training. “A dog must be trained at home with no distractions,” says Lind. “Children running and throwing balls are big distractions that can put stress on a dog. It’s impossible to teach anything when a dog is stressed. If the ‘down’ and ‘stay’ commands are not heeded in the home, it’s not fair to expect that the dog will behave elsewhere. Another consideration is proper off-leash obedience. Do you have reliable recall? Can you get him back if he takes off? If not, it becomes a safety issue.”
* Socialization. “Many unfortunate situations can occur when a dog is not properly socialized. Consider how your dog reacts to children, strangers and other animals” says Lind. A dog that jumps up to say hello can frighten a child and become a nuisance to other guests. One that becomes aggressive toward other dogs should not attend a gathering where another animal could be present.
* Supplies. When a trusted dog with established training accompanies you to a picnic, it’s important to take supplies with you. Lind outlines these basic items: water supply and bowl, food, leash and/or chain, appropriate treats, a toy to keep your pet occupied, and “poop bags” for waste disposal. Lind recommends not allowing guests to feed your pet “people food,” which can cause an upset stomach on the ride home.
* Backup Plan. If your pet disrupts an event away from home, you will need to remove the dog to a safe place. What will you do? “Cars become dangerously hot in the summer months, even with the windows down. Unless you’re prepared to leave early and take your pet home, you will need to arrange for the dog’s safekeeping for the duration of your stay at the event,” states Lind.
“It’s all about training, socialization, and common sense,” says Lind. A dog that is well behaved at home, and proven to be a “good canine citizen” in public, can be a welcome addition at a picnic or outdoor gathering. “As a general rule, if the dog can’t walk on a leash properly around the neighborhood, please don’t take him,” Lind says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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