Every year the same: people going away on holidays, ones who cannot afford paying boarding for their pets or a pet sitter- dump their pets at the animal shelters

Pets as Xmas presents- kids think the novelty wore off, too hard to look after them, unwanted Xmas gifts - pets dumped at the shelter

Fireworks on New Years EVE- dogs and cats left without Council registration or other ID tags and not microchipped, left outside in the backyard, not confined indoors while fireworks are on- they spook and fret, running away in panic - some get killed by cars, others found by anyone, some returned to owners, others never to be seen again by their previous owners, some end up at the pounds, the animal shelters for adoption and get rehomed, the unlucky ones get put down. Most of it could have been easily prevented if the right thing done by their owners. Much more responsible pet ownership programs needed by the Council, vets, dog trainers, community at large, never enough... out there.

Larger animal numbers enter the shelters during January and February then any other time of the year...

While searching for a new puppy or dog - if you ever encounter a situation that seems suspicious, like a backyard breeder that isn't looking after the dogs properly, breeder's place in appalling conditions, dogs underfed, poorly treated and kept in confined spaces please report it to the RSPCA asap.  One of these places came to my attention recently and when I came to see the dog - that has been recently re-homed it was obvious that he had been seriously abused and neglected. By reporting it you'll be helping save other dogs from living in the same horrible situation. After you report it a RSPCA inspector is likely to go there, inspect the place and check it out. If they observe any acts of animal cruelty breeder will be charged and animals removed and re-homed. There are many backyard dog breeders out there, very ignorant of animal health standards and they just breed them in large scale to make quick money out of them without providing these dogs with not even the bare essentials for a good health and upbringing. They are born into traumatic environments and sometimes could carry genetically inherited problems. Some bitches become like breeding machines - having litter after litter all life long. That's why to choose a reputable dog breeder is so important. When looking for a new puppy to buy please check the Victoria Canine Association registered breeders list. Avoid the newspapers classified ads. You don't know where they come from.

During February 2009 bushfires I came in close contact with the wonderful job organisations like the Animal Aid and Project Horse Hope did to help the hundreds of distressed, burnt, injured animals that came to their centres. And the immediate on site help they provided to the furry creatures in need.  We all know of the wonderful job the RSPCA and The Lost Dogs Home do for the animal welfare. But I have to say the first 2 organisations above were superb considering they had less resources to manage very difficult circumstances. They were restless. Pet Pals helped with financial donations to Animal Aid, Project Horse Hope and Help for Widlife. We delivered van loads of goods to the Coldstream and Gippsland areas. I went shopping for the animals everywhere - pet shops- leads, bowls, collars, toys , saddleries - halters, fly veils, vet wraps, insect repellant and stockfood suppliers, vets - medicine, bandages, seringes, supermarket- parrot, wild birds seeds, possum and koala baby food- you name it. It was such a  tragic loss of human and animal life. My horse agistment boarded 12 horses from affected bushfire areas. Beautiful animals! They stayed there until their owners could rebuild their fences and to have them back safely in their properties. I just hope this summer is a milder one. But it's getting hot too early in the year already.