Local pet owners can take advantage of $20 off their first consult at RSPCA’s Burwood Vet Clinic as part of a special end of ‘fur-nancial’ year deal for the month of June.

The RSPCA Burwood Vet Clinic at 3 Burwood Highway, Burwood East (corner Middleborough Road) has appointments available now and welcomes new clients. It’s open Monday-Friday 8.00am-8.00pm and Saturday-Sunday 8.00am-5.00pm.

Chief Veterinarian, Dr Bronwyn Oke, said there are lots of reasons why the RSPCA vet clinic is a great choice for local pet owners.

“We’ve recently employed several new vets and they are ready and waiting to take care of local pets. Our vets are highly experienced and caring – when you come to RSPCA’s clinic you can be sure your pet is getting the very best care,” Dr Oke said.

“Many vet clinics have long waiting lists and it’s hard to get in, but at RSPCA we’ve recently expanded our team, so we have appointments available now.

“We offer a full range of services for domestic pets and additional services including care for exotic pets and orthopaedic surgery.

“Plus, we have vets who speak multiple languages including Mandarin. If you haven’t visited our clinic before, you can take advantage of our end of ‘fur-nancial’ year offer and get $20 off your first consult.

“By visiting us you’ll get the best care for your pet promptly and at a competitive price, and as a bonus, by supporting our clinic you are also helping the RSPCA care for other animals that need help too.

“Our friendly team is waiting to meet you – make a booking today by phoning (03) 9224 2222.”

Most Victorians will be relieved when duck hunting season ends today according to four leading animal charities.

RSPCA Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, Animals Australia and Birdlife Australia are calling for the season to be the last, citing concerns around animal welfare, sustainability and data indicating two out of three Victorians support a ban.

The future of duck hunting in Victoria is currently under review, with hearings underway for the Government’s Inquiry into Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements.

RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker, is relieved the 2023 season ends today and feels Victoria is on the cusp of positive change.

“Put simply, the RSPCA is opposed to the recreational hunting of ducks due to the inevitable pain and suffering caused to waterbirds. There is also much data to suggest it is unsustainable and has significant impacts on other species including threatened species,” said Dr Liz Walker.

“Data shows that at least two out of three Victorians support an end to duck hunting. With the Inquiry underway, now is an historic opportunity for the Government to take action to ban duck hunting and bring Victoria in line with NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT.”

Lisa Palma, CEO of Wildlife Victoria, said her organisation has seen first-hand the impact of this year’s season.

“Wildlife Victoria was in field near Donald for the first five days of duck hunting season. Across those five days Wildlife Victoria’s veterinary team received and assessed 73 native waterbirds including eight threatened species that are illegal to shoot. Of the 22 waterbirds that presented alive to the veterinary team, all needed to be euthanised given the severity of their injuries and on welfare grounds. The majority of the 73 waterbirds assessed had gunshot pellets in their bodies on x-ray and gunshot wounding was the cause of death.

“This is just a tiny snapshot of the death and injury that was inflicted on our native waterbirds across the state’s wetlands for the last six weeks,” said Ms Palma.

Birdlife Australia’s National Public Affairs Manager, Sean Dooley, echoed concerns about the impact on waterbird populations and said duck hunting is no longer sustainable in Victoria.

“Waterbird populations continue to show significant long-term declines. If we are serious about recovering and restoring these beautiful species, we must remove any additional pressures. That means an end to recreational hunting.”

Glenys Oogjes, CEO of Animals Australia, said her organisation senses a mood for change in the community.

“This is the Victorian Government’s chance to be on the right side of history and make a change that will put the views of most Victorians and the welfare of our native waterbirds first,” said Ms Oogjes.

“This practice is no longer acceptable to most people within our community, who care about our environment, sustainability and the welfare of animals. Victoria is a progressive state and Victoria has a massive opportunity to relegate duck hunting to history today and join other progressive states which have already banned this practice.”

Joint investigation by RSPCA Victoria and Australian Border Force

A Victorian man is being investigated by RSPCA Victoria after Australian Border Force (ABF) detected an alleged importation of illegal cockfighting implements and equipment through international mail in Melbourne.

The ABF detected the alleged cockfighting implements after a routine X-ray screening and alerted RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team, which commenced an urgent investigation and executed a warrant at a property in the Whitehorse City Council region on Thursday, seizing the package and implements.

As part of the execution of the warrant, Inspectors also seized two roosters that are now in the care of the RSPCA.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations (POCTAR) 2019, it is an offence to possess or use animal fighting implements. This includes equipment such as cockfighting rings and drugs or other implements used to improve the fighting performance of a rooster.

Speaking about the investigation, Inspector Lisa Calleja, Team Leader of the RSPCA Major Investigations Team commended the assistance from valued partner ABF.

“RSPCA Victoria is committed to stamping out illegal animal fighting in our state, and this investigation wouldn’t have been possible without ABF’s assistance,” Inspector Calleja said.

“Cockfighting is illegal and cruel, and the roosters used in this blood-sport suffer horrific injuries and death. Sadly, this latest investigation shows these barbaric activities are still occurring.

“RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigation Team is committed to investigating and ending illegal animal fighting in the state. Serious penalties apply for persons found guilty of being involved in these brutal blood-sports,” Inspector Calleja said.

ABF A/g Superintendent Felicity Wicks praised the work of ABF officers who detected the cockfighting implements at the border.

“We are highly trained and capable when it comes to making detections at the border. Our officers take immense pride in protecting all members of the Australian community, including beloved pets and animals,” A/g Superintendent Wicks said.

“Our technical expertise and sophisticated technology means that regardless of the method of concealment used, we will find whatever it is criminals are trying to import.

“The Australian border is one of our most critical national assets and criminals should know that we will relentlessly protect it with the help of our valued partners, including the RSPCA.”

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, it is an offence to wound, mutilate, torture, abuse, beat, worry, torment or terrify an animal.  It is also an offence for a person to keep, use or assist in the management of premises for the purpose of causing an animal to fight or for the baiting or maltreating of an animal. Offences under the act carry a penalty of up to 500 penalty units equating to $92,460 or imprisonment for two years.

The investigation follows a large law enforcement operation on 14 April when RSPCA Victoria Inspectors executed a warrant at a property in the Melton area and more than 200 roosters allegedly owned for the purpose of illegal cockfighting. At this stage investigators do not believe the two cases are connected however investigations are ongoing.

All reports made to RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team must be lodged via rspcavic.org/tip-off-form or by calling 03 9224 2222. Facebook messages and emails through unofficial channels do not constitute an official cruelty report.

Be a hero for dogs in need.

RSPCA Victoria’s Million Paws Walk is on again with thirty-four events across Australia on Sunday 28 May, including eight in Victoria with the state’s flagship walk taking place at Albert Park.

The ‘pawsome’ day raises vital funds to help fight animal cruelty as the cost-of-living continues to bite not just RSPCA Victoria but also our four-legged friends.

RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr. Liz Walker said the charity wasn’t immune to the financial pressures everyone is facing.

“Currently we’re experiencing a perfect storm with unprecedented demand for our services, increased costs combined with reductions in donations, revenue, and in volunteer numbers,” Dr. Walker said.

“Sadly, there’s been a 340% increase in calls regarding surrendering a pet over the last three years, and the number of animals seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria inspectors has more than doubled from 1,035 in 2017-18 to 2,172 in 2021-22.

“Many of these animals require complex medical and behavioural care, sometimes lasting for weeks or months.

“This combination is really stretching RSPCA Victoria’s resources and is why events like Million Paws Walk are so vital.”

RSPCA Victoria’s Million Paws Walk is an amazing day for animal lovers and their dogs to come together and raise vital funds.

“We’re so grateful to the Victorian community for their ongoing support and to all our amazing volunteers without whom we simply couldn’t do what we do,” Dr. Walker said.

“Million Paws Walk is a fantastic day out and I can’t wait to see hundreds of dogs, along with families and friends having a wonderful time.

“All funds raised go towards funding our critical work helping the tens of thousands of vulnerable animals in need who come through our doors each year.”

Attendees at Melbourne’s flagship walk at Albert Park Lake will enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, veterinary advice, fun exhibits, along with dog competitions such as “Waggiest Tail,” and can win prizes on the day. The event opens at 9am, with the walk kicking off at 11am.

Register for an event or find out more at millionpawswalk.com.au