The previous month’s topic is pet and animal safety, looking both at pet owners and the public who encounter pets. There are many resources available to assist those who are pet owners or are thinking about becoming pet owners. These resources outline the legal requirements of pet ownership and offer many practical ideas about integrating a pet into your household.

If you do decide you have room for a pet in your life and can provide them with the care and attention they deserve, then consider adopting from an RSPCA shelter first -

that way you are not only giving an animal a second chance, but they can match you with the perfect pet for your family. Dogs and cats adopted from the RSPCA are also

desexed, vaccinated and microchipped.

Please remember that pets are a lifelong commitment but given the chance, they will love you for life. Being a responsible pet owner involves a commitment to the well-being and happiness of your pet for life. Here are some essential tips to help you be a responsible pet owner.

Research and choose wisely - before getting a pet, research different breeds or species (cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, reptiles) to find one that matches your lifestyle and preferences. Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organisation. Pets can significantly enrich your life, but they also require a long-term commitment

and entail a considerable financial cost to your family with expenses, such as food, grooming and veterinary care.

Pets need to be fed a balanced and appropriate diet based on their age, size and individual health needs. Always ensure access to fresh and clean water.

Regular check-ups should be scheduled with a veterinarian for vaccinations, preventive care and overall health assessments and advice. Addressing any health

concerns promptly will help to avoid any problems escalating.

You will need to provide regular exercise to keep your pet physically fit. Engaging pets in activities that stimulate their mind, such as puzzle toys and interactive play will

enhance their lives and reduce behaviour issues.

Ensuring that your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with an ID tag and a microchip with up-to-date contact information in the event your pet gets lost can

save a lot of heartache.

It is important to socialise your pet with people, other animals and various environments, such as busy streets and parks. Consider training classes to build a strong bond with your pet and reinforce positive behaviour. It’s important for your pet’s health and wellbeing to give them your time, energy and attention. Spend quality time playing, exercising and simply being with your pet.

As well as being responsible for the health and safety of your pet, you are also responsible for how they interact with the people around them – including family, friends and the general public.

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Most dog attacks involve children in the 0-8 age range and a high number of these attacks also occur in the home environment where children are bitten by their own dog or one known to them.

Educating children and their families ensures the child-pet relationship is not only physically and emotionally rewarding but also a safe one as well. The NSW Office of Local Government has an excellent website (Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership – Education Program - Office of Local Government NSW ) which has many resources

and programs which promote responsible and safe interactions with animals for both children and adults. It also outlines the legal responsibilities of pet ownership such as microchipping and vaccinations.

The recent visit to Cowra by the Animal Care Truck, run by the Animal Welfare League and supported by the NSW Government, was well supported by Cowra pet owners, with nearly 100 animals seen. They were given health checks and microchipped and vaccinated as needed. This visit highlighted the importance of maintaining the care of Animals.

On a completely different note, Cowra Neighbourhood Watch is supporting and promoting the Salvation Army toy appeal for Christmas. This is an annual appeal for toys which can be distributed to children and families in need in the local area. In these precarious economic times, there are more disadvantaged families than in previous years, and we ask those who can do so to donate to this worthy cause. Donations can be dropped at the Salvation Army offices in Macquarie Street.

Stay tuned for more, and as always - stay safe!

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