Pilot Whales beached themselves on the southern tip of Africa

Approximately 55 Pilot Whales beached themselves this past weekend on the main beach at Kommetjie, close to Cape Town in South Africa.



Since 1928, only 8 events of a similar nature have happened off the African coastline.



Volunteers from the local SPCA and NSRI were called on an immediate emergency call out to assist in attempts to get as many whales as possible back into the water.







Everyone got themselves into their wetsuits and tried with all their might to keep these mammals alive. Many of the whales were successfully coached back into the water, but soon afterwards they swam back onto the beach or the rocks - just injuring themselves even further.



Keeping them wet and alive was the main mission of the volunteers. Thereafter they tried to get them back into the water.



Unfortunately the tide was not on their side. Conditions were unfavorable as it was also a cold, wet and windy weekend - it was a tiresome task for the rescuers to endure the weather and their mammoth task at hand.



Eventually the City of Cape Town made the announcement that they were to put the whales down as humanely as possible - and shot them all in the head.



I was not very happy with hearing about this way of euthanasia, but knowing that they were starting to suffer from organ failure and that they would not survive the night - it did sound like the fastest way to get this done before the daylight faded completely.



The rescuers formed a wall between the whales and the onlookers to try and cover as much of the gruesome scene as they possibly could.



Emotions ran high during the entire ordeal and I think this unfortunate event has caused for future similar events to be dealt with in a more controlled and thought after way. I do hope the Disaster Management will be setting up a better plan of action for events of similar nature in the future.





The carcasses were removed by bulldozers. Samples have been taken and tests will be done to try and find the cause of such a mass suicide by a pod of whales.

Well done to all the volunteers who I saw did their utmost best in an effort to save the whales.



Thanks to Alex Aitkenhead for sharing these pics with us.

Giant Tortoise gets a new shell

Timmy the tortoise (23 years old) is fitted with fibre-glass 'crash helmet' to protect hole in his shell

By Daily Mail Reporter

A giant tortoise with a big hole in its shell has been fitted with a specially made fibre-glass 'crash helmet' by vets while the hole heals.



The giant, nicknamed Timmy, is thought to have been hurt in a fight with another tortoise at its home in Paignton Zoo, Devon. But the zoo's vets came up with the idea of covering the hole in the Aldabra giant tortoise's shell to keep it clean and protected during the slow healing process.

Timmy's damaged shell will be protected with a fibre glass 'helmet' (held by head vet Ghislaine Sayers) while it heals

Mike Bungard, curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates at Paignton Zoo, said: 'We think the shell was damaged by another tortoise. The vets cleaned up the hole and the shell will grow back but it could take 18 months.

'In the meantime we needed to cover up the hole and we hit upon the idea of making a section of artificial shell out of fibre glass.'



The zoo's maintenance technician, Don Neilsen, made the false shell for the tortoise, which is rather unimaginatively called number 91 but was given the more sociable nickname by staff.

Timmy the tortoise's shell was probably damaged by a fellow tortoise

Mr Neilson took a cast from a scute (the plate or lump on the shell) of a similar size on another tortoise using a paper mould and Plaster of Paris.

He then cast a fibre glass 'crash helmet' and adjusted it so it fit Timmy perfectly.
Aldabra giant tortoises come from Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean.

They can grow up to 227kg (SOOlb) in weight with a shell of up to 122cm (48in) in length and can live for well over 100 years.

Timmy is 23 years old and weighs a modest 153 kilos.

The tortoises now at the zoo were originally imported illegally in 1986 and confiscated by Customs, before being re-homed at the zoo. When they arrived in Paignton they were the size of a fist.

The Aldabra giant tortoise is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which means it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Ode by Mans Best Friend

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.


Source: Ravings of a Nomadic Mind

Circus Protest

The two baby cubs that are on show, need to be with their mother. Not to entertain our children!!! Please do not support Circus's who exploit animals… Dear All A peaceful (and legal) protest will be held by Capetonians Against Animal Abuse in opposition to a circus that has performing animals at a local shopping mall. Where: Glengarry Village Shopping Center, De Bron Road, Durbanville Directions (from Cape Town) – Take the Okavango turnoff from the N1, turn left towards Cape Gate shopping mall, turn left at the first set of robots onto De Bron Road. The shopping centre is a few kilometres further on the right hand side. When: Saturday 16th May Time: 11h00 WHY: If you have a pet at home, ask yourself, would you keep it locked in a cage or chain it by its leg most of the day, only to release it for a brief period so that it can perform pointless and unnatural tricks in a highly stressful environment? If your answer is no, then you need to support this cause! Animals do not belong in circuses, travelling from venue to venue and living in cramped and inappropriate conditions. A shopping mall tarmac is not a suitable environment for lions, camels, ponies and goats. The more people that turn up, the stronger the message. · If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality. ~Bishop Desmond Tutu Please spare just one or two hours of your morning for this very important cause. ** Protesters may not enter the shopping centre parking lot, but may gather on the pavement outside** Further reading: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/zoo-check/circuses-performing-animals/ http://www.careforthewild.org/default_detail.asp?detail=true&I_ID=633&section=Home http://www.nspca.co.za/page.aspx?Id=170&CateId=158&Category=AEES&SubCateId=170&SubCategory=Policy http://www.animalrightsafrica.org/Entertainment_Circuses.php http://www.captiveanimals.org/circuses/circus.htm http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/circuses/ Saving one animal may not change the world, but surely for that one animal the world will change forever!

Thank you!
Juanita

Sea Shepherd Victory Seal Culling

Sea Shepherd do it again Defending Ocean Wildlife Worldwide May 8, 2009 Dear Juanita, This week, we were overjoyed to hear the news from Europe that the Seal Bill to ban seal imports had passed. This news was especially comforting after doing the math and realizing that the seal slaughter only brought in $0.13 per hour for the sealers who participated in the "hunt." Hopefully, this bloody industry is being put to and end at last. In addition, we are honored to be recognized for our Animal Planet TV show "Whale Wars" by the Television Academy. We also saw success in our campaign to get shark cartilage products off of store shelves across North America in a collaborative effort with Holista Health Inc. In the meantime, our ongoing campaign in the Galapagos moves forward as the K9 unit project expands to more Galapagos Islands to sniff out illegal contraband... It's official- the European Seal Bill has passed!!! Sealing industry devastated- The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly this week to ban seal product imports. Our long struggle to achieve this goal is over and it has ended in a great victory for civilized morality and ecological responsibility over barbaric greed, cruelty, and waste. The results of the vote in Strasbourg were overwhelming: 550 votes for the ban and a mere 49 against it. The European Bill to ban seal products passed with 92% support from the European parliamentarians. "Hopefully this will give the government of Canada the message that they need to join the 21st Century," said Captain Paul Watson. "This kind of barbarity has absolutely no place in our world today." Learn more about this success for the seals Whale Wars Wins TV Academy Award On Thursday April 30th, Sea Shepherd Founder and Executive Director Captain Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd Director of Shark Conservation Kim McCoy attended the 2nd Annual Award Ceremony hosted by the Academy of Television Arts and Science. The awards were presented to eight television shows considered by the Academy to be "television with a conscience." "Whale Wars" was one of the eight shows honored. "It is an honor for us to be a part of a program that is raising global awareness of the illegal killing of whales on the high seas," said Captain Watson. Read more about the red carpet event Victory for Sharks! Sea Shepherd Persuades Holista to Cease Production of Shark Cartilage Products Thanks to hundreds of Sea Shepherd and ARK II supporters writing to Holista Health Inc. expressing their desire to protect sharks, Holista has chosen to establish itself as a leader in the industry by ceasing all production of shark cartilage products. Sea Shepherd applauds Holista for making a compassionate and shark-friendly decision. In doing so, Holista has demonstrated that it listens to customer feedback and values the health of the oceans, setting itself apart from its competitors. Read Holista's response to Sea Shepherd K9 Project Enters Second Phase in the Galapagos In Ecuador, Sea Shepherd cooperates with a government that is very interested in protecting the environment and our projects reflect that. Our main goal for 2009 is the deployment of the K9 units on the three most populated islands in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Currently two out of three islands have K9 units and all cargo leaving the Galapagos via official channels is monitored by the dogs. Their job is to search for illegally obtained shark fins, seahorses, sea lion penises, and sea cucumbers. Read more about our work defending the Galapagos Ever since I was a young boy and witnessed the seal slaughter first hand, I have worked to end the barbaric, cruel "hunt" on Canada's eastern shores. This week, I witnessed a monumental step forward for the defense of the innocent baby harp seals. Our work is not over however, and there are many more campaigns for all forms of ocean wildlife. Thank-you for your support and for making it all possible. For the Oceans, Captain Paul Watson Founder and President -------------------------------------------------- email: captainwatson@seashepherd.org phone: +1 (360) 370-5650 fax: +1 (360) 370-5651 website: www.seashepherd.org

Animals needing help and homes

PETS

Pet Empowerment in TownShips

Change your way of thinking.

Please see attached all our animals needing homes & help.

Also for the new supporters, read end of this page for more info on PETS, who and what we are and how our organisation works.

Please note NB NB NB

If you are interested in adopting a PETS rescue, please email the following addresses ONLY Janie.pets@gmail.com;

Completed forms can be sent back to anouxmassey@gmail.com or faxed to 0865174421.

Once the form has been approved, you will be put into contact with the foster parent to meet the puppy/kitten/dog/cat.

PLEASE do not respond to the emails that you receive, those addresses are only used to send out the newsletters.

PAINT PAINT PAINT!!!! If anyone has a contact for paint, PLEASE let me know. We would like to go and paint all the HH Welfare kennels and also our crèche in the Township called Thabong. If you would like more info on the crèche that we are also supporting, email me on anouxmassey@gmail.com. Put in subject line "PACT subscribe".

The 1^st feral kitten was trapped and saved. He will be going into foster care this weekend. As they are rescued we will call upon those who so kindly offered to help. If you still want to get involved in this project, please email anouxmassey@gmail.com

PETS needs: (please ask everyone you know to help), we are trying to help our local welfare get back on their feet. We will personally be delivering the donated goods and will make sure they get utilized for this. Please help us help the caged babies that are not privileged enough to be in a foster program.

· Cat & Dog Toys

· Scratch posts

· A cat trap cage

· Litter boxes & sand

· Stainless steel feeding bowls

· Paint for kennels

· Leads and collars

· Dustpans

· Pallets

· Waterproofing

· Mops/Floorwizzes to help mop up water in cages after cleaning

· Brooms

· Washing powder for washing blankets

· Volunteers to help walk and love the animals.

PETS has a few drop off points i.e. Brackenfell, Tableview, Milnerton, Somerset West/Strand, and can find others closer to you. So you can drop off any donations for us, OR you are welcome to make a monetary donation and PETS will ensure to buy the goodies you would like to donate and we will deliver.

Let's open our hearts to the poor souls in the cages. They too deserve to be comfortable and happy. PLEASE email anouxmassey@gmail.com;

if you would like to help.

PACT – People & Animals Caring Together will also update today, please email anouxmassey@gmail.com if you would like to subscribe to this wonderful new project where we are helping a township crèche and township animals in one project together.

Everyone, PLEASE sms HEFTY PETS to 39055, cost of sms is R15 of which PETS gets a R6 donation. :)

So far we have made R1962.

327 people have sms'd. PLEASE don't stop!!

Thanks to those of you who have sms'd you have sponsored 13 township sterilisations. Thank you!

Go to the website if you want to keep track: http://www.hefty.co.za/fundraiser.php;

NEXT SPAY Day Dates:

If it is time to get your pet sterilised, please contact us for our next spay day information.

Sunday 10 May ♥ Please book now, email anouxmassey@gmail.com

Sunday 7 June ♥ Saturday & Sunday 13 & 14 June in Calvinia ♥ Sunday 28 June ♥ Sunday 26 July ♥

Here is a list of ten points that I feel a person should have considered and found an answer to before they take ownership of a hound, and should continue to practice throughout the relationship.

1. Dogs are pack animals

If you bring a dog into your home and your life, it will think it's a part of the family. Dogs need attention, praise and to feel included. In the absence of a pack to roam with, your dog needs to be actively involved in your life. Don't get a dog if you're going to make it spend its life in the garden, or if you don't want to make time for its needs.

2. Measure the commitment and be prepared for it

How much do vet's bills cost? If your dog gets a flea infestation, are you prepared to spend the extra time and money on de-fleaing it and your home? Dogs need to be dewormed, vaccinated and fed. If you are getting a big dog, are you really, really willing to take it for a walk every day? Will you take it on holiday with you at the end of the year or put it in a kennel? Can you afford that after you've paid the holiday bills and Christmas bonuses?

3. Consider your lifestyle

Do you have small children who will be upset by a large and boisterous dog? Do you have white carpets that will get messed by an enthusiastic and muddy puppy? If you leave the dog in the garden when you go out, do you have somewhere it can find shelter if it rains?

4. You have to be consistent

This is the first rule of successful discipline. You can't get annoyed with a big dog for jumping on the sofa if you let it when it was a puppy. If you feed it scraps from the table, you'll have a dog that watches you hopefully whenever you eat. Work out early on what it is that you expect from your dog, and what you can't live with, and then make sure that you stick to your own rules.

5. Dogs need a lot of affection

Dogs are needy beings. They like being touched, praised and included. Dogs are your companions - don't expect them to be happy with their bowl of food and role as watchdog in the front garden.

6. Dogs need grooming

Dogs with tatty, matted coats are unhappy and hot. Brush your dog - it's a treat for him and it means that your house won't perpetually be covered in his hairs. Wash your dog regularly. Some breeds need frequent grooming at a parlour while others can be hosed down in the garden when necessary. Work out what your dog needs and make sure he gets it.

7. Socialise with people and other dogs

Consider the other people and dogs in your life and start training your dog from an early age to get along with them. Even if you don't mind your dog jumping up when you get home, chances are that it will bother someone. Rather pre-empt the problem by teaching your dog good manners early on than have to deal with alienating friends who aren't dog lovers. Likewise, take your dog to your local park so that it learns how to behave around other dogs. Watch these interactions closely and guide your dog when it runs the risk of scaring its new friends away.

8. Treats for humans are not necessarily treats for dogs

Don't feed them ice-cream and chocolate. Just because you love these things doesn't make them good for dogs. And dogs only develop a taste for them if you got them hooked in the first place. If you want to show your dogs you love them, take them for a long walk or buy them a bone.

9. Don't tease

Dogs don't have a great sense of humour. They like to play and interact, but they don't understand the complexities of a laugh at their expense. Don't take away their food just to see them get hysterical. And don't play the game where you pretend to throw the ball. All that will happen is that you'll end up with a dog that looks stupidly at you when you really do throw it.

10. Enjoy your dog

If you take into account all the points I've mentioned above, and they seem more like hard work than pleasure, then you probably don't want a dog. These kinds of activities make up the majority of your interactions with your canine pet, and you should be able to get enjoyment out of their enjoyment.

PETS is a non-profit, pro-active, pro-life animal rescue organisation,

run by a group of members that still have to work full time and is indebted to all our wonderful foster mom's, and families and supporters. Without your support structure, only a small amount of what we do today would be possible. We do not sit around and wait for animals in need to come to us, instead we spend every free minute we have (much to the distress of our husband's) in the townships LOOKING for the animals that need help. We believe this is making a huge difference and the fact that the community sees us there on such a regular basis they are caring for their animals better as they know we give them hell if the don't. We stress the importance of freshwater and food and good care.

We believe in foster care because it enables the animal to become part of a loving and caring family immediately which enables it to feel safe, loved and nurtured. In these environments the animals flourish far quicker than they would have in a kennel situation. Our foster's are introduced to other animals, cats, dogs and kiddies to try and make them well adapted to all.

As most of our animals are rescue out of horrible conditions in townships, some do come with intense fear and uncertainty, and some take longer to 'defrost' than others, but we have had a 100% success rate thus far!

Our main concern is sterilisation in TownShips and we are trying to raise funds to have 1000 animals done ASAP!

We strive to relieve pain and suffering in impoverished areas, through love, care, feeding, medicating, sterilising, educating the abused, neglected and even worse forgotten animals in the world.

We need your help, so please remember to send our pleas and newsletters far & wide to help create awareness.

Thanks & have a wonderful day!!!

Love & licks

PETS

Pet Empowerment in TownShips

A responsible rescue organisation!