News and updates

It has come to my attention that there has been some misleading discussion on social media, where the Board was called upon to respond regarding: DOGS NSW Regulations Part 1 – The Register and Registration, clause 2.15; which permits DOGS NSW to defer its processing of any transaction concerning a dog or Prefix, owned or part owned by a Member, who is the subject of an Inquiry or investigation, that is instituted or carried out pursuant to the Regulations, or who is a Defendant in any Court proceedings which relates to the keeping of animals.

Importantly, the Board, upon the application of a Member affected by deferral, may grant dispensation from Clause 2.15 to enable affected transactions to be processed. In fact, the majority of applications for dispensation are granted, exceptions can be in cases of accusations of serious animal cruelty or application for wholesale transfer of dogs to another member. The Regulation is to prevent persons, who are the subject of investigation or proceedings, from transferring the bulk of their animals to others to circumvent their perceived risk of being suspended, so as to render any penalty inconsequential.

Further, accusations were made that the process of determination by the Dispute Assessment Panel is unfair, in that the initial complaint is not made available to a Member, who is the subject of the complaint, until the Dispute Assessment Panel has determined as to whether or not the matter should proceed to Inquiry. A significant number of matters do not proceed to Inquiry and for that reason it is preferrable that such matters are concluded as quickly as possible without inflaming matters.

It was argued that the principle of the “presumption of innocence” should be applied. The presumption of innocence, applies in respect of accusations of criminal conduct, but notably defendants often find themselves remanded, subject to bail, or various other restrictions. The principle does not apply to disciplinary matters in non-statutory domestic Tribunals.

Further, complaints were made that the Dispute Assessment Panel is an autonomous standalone Committee comprised of three people who it is said “do not answer to the Board of Directors”. This is incorrect. Whilst the panel is independent and may not be influenced by the Board, the Board nevertheless retains oversight and has the power, at all times, to deal with any matter or thing relevant to discipline. The Panel does have the power to constitute Committees of Inquiry and is independent and is empowered to make recommendations to the Board.

The moral to the story is: Members should source information from [email protected]. You cannot believe everything you read on social media, particularly when posted anonymously. I trust this clarifies the matter. Thank you to the DOGS NSW Honorary Solicitor, Malcolm McDonald, for his assistance in drafting this advice.

On a more positive note, our premier show for the year, The Royal Canin International Spring Fair is fast approaching. Commencing on the first day of Spring, the event features a stellar panel of International Judges from around the Globe including Canada, Italy, Sweden, USA, Philippines and Austria. The Chair of the DOGS NSW Spring Fair Dog Show Committee, Christina Rafton informs me, this year, The Spring Fair Dog Show Committee is producing a hard copy ‘coffee table’ quality bound Catalogue for $20, using high GSM paper, with a full pictorial history of The Spring Fair Best in Show winners from 1975. Full page advertisements are also available at a flat rate of $50 for A4 size.

Just for fun an “Opera Bar” with free Margaritas will feature for all around lunch time, along with a traditional BBQ & drinks daily, prior to General Specials. The raffle this year is gearing up to be a blockbuster, as well as lucky exhibitor prizes daily; the only condition to win, being that you must be on the grounds at General Specials.

More information is available at the Spring Fair Facebook Group Page with the full schedule in the July Journal and entries available on Show Manager.

King Regards

Lynette Brown
Chairman, DOGS NSW

The Dogs Australia Website is now back up online!

Dear Members,

One of the main objectives of the RNSWCC Health & Welfare Charity Ltd is the direct relief of suffering in dogs. 

A pilot program is in development partnering with Hawkesbury's Helping Hands to address a wide range of significant welfare and health needs in dogs owned by those experiencing homelessness or personal crises.

In addition to our Charity-funded activities in the pilot, the Charity seeks donations of dog coats to add to our contributions.

Members who wish to donate unwanted dog coats in good condition, can drop them off in the Amenities Building over the weekend or at DOGS NSW Office throughout the week.

All donations will be accepted with much appreciation.

Thank you in anticipation of your assistance.

Hugh Gent OAM
President, RNSWCC Health & Welfare Charity Ltd

The Dogs Australia Executive Committee has confirmed that this decision applies to all certificates.

DOGS NSW Honorary Life Member since 2017, former Senior Vice President of three years and Director of DOGS NSW from 2009 to 2021, much beloved Russell Britten passed away peacefully in Wollongong Hospital on Saturday 22 July 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

He was a beloved father to Simon and Kristen, father-in law of Nicole and Michael, as well as much loved Pa to Courtney, Thomas, Luke and Ryan and Great Pa to Cooper.

Russell will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Aged 85 years ~ Finally At Peace ~ Forever In our Hearts Always

Family and friends are welcome to attend Russell's Funeral Service to be held at:
Hansen & Cole Funerals
634 Northcliffe Drive
Kembla Grange 

on Wednesday, 2 August 2023 commencing at 12pm.

Hansen & Cole Funerals - Kembla Grange (02) 4272 4900

Dear Members,

As the DOGS NSW flags fly at half-mast, it is with a heavy heart that I inform the membership of the sad passing of Mr Russell Britten.

Known to his friends as “Russ”, he was a Life Member of DOGS NSW since 2017, a former Senior Vice President of three years and served the membership as a Director of DOGS NSW from 2009 to 2021.

Always a kind gentleman and a tireless supporter of the Dog World, Russ will be sorely missed by us all.

Details of Russell’s funeral are yet to be made available.

Lynette Brown
President

Please see Press Release from Dogs Australia regarding the 2023 Inductees to the Retrieving & Field Hall of Fame here.

The Minutes of the Dogs Australia Special Board Meeting held on 17 June 2023 can be found here.

Charles Sturt University is currently recruiting to multiple vacancies on the Charles Sturt University Animal Ethics Committee. Ideally they are seeking individuals located within the regional footprint of the University, but thanks to digital meetings they will consider applicants from any location. The position description and a cover letter from Professor Michael Friend, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and innovation).

The current vacancies include:

• Veterinarian (Category A member)
• Animal Welfare Practitioner (Category C member)
• Layperson (Category D member)

The Animal Ethics Committee reviews teaching and research proposals involving the scientific use of animals to ensure that they are ethically acceptable and follow relevant standards and guidelines. The Committee also ensures that the use of animals is justified, provides for the welfare of those animals and incorporates into their use the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. The University is an accredited Animal Research Establishment and as such the Animal Ethics Committee provides assurance that the University is compliant with Animal Research legislation.

They would love to hear from you if you are interested in being part of our ethics committee. To apply, please submit an expression of interest addressing the selection criteria.

All applications should be emailed to:

Ms Elizabeth Harangozo, Manager, Research Integrity - [email protected]

This week, AVA representatives briefed the committee undertaking the NSW Government’s inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW.  

AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs Dr Cristy Secombe and NSW Division President Dr Zachary Lederhose were invited to present to the Inquiry Committee Members as part of this briefing. The presentation included some background on the veterinary workforce shortage in Australia, a summary of the main factors driving the shortage and proposed solutions. 

This inquiry was announced following the AVA’s NSW Election Platform advocacy on key priorities pre- and post NSW election, including  rural and regional workforce issues.  

The AVA continues to drive advocacy on this extremely important issue. Currently the AVA are undertaking a consultation process with members and key stakeholders to inform the AVA representations to the inquiry. Member feedback will inform a comprehensive AVA submission and representations to the inquiry. 

To read more please click here.

For further information from the Upper House NSW Parliamentary enquiry into Vet Shortages please click here.