BUNYIP ANIMAL RESCUE NETWORK

JULY 2010 NEWS

Warragul resident, Helen Sibley, recently collected donations of animal bedding for the Lost Dogs Home’s “winter blanket appeal”. In just one month Helen received enough donations to fill a 6 x 4 trailer, and with such a positive response it is likely that this will become an annual exercise in the West Gippsland area. Thank you to Helen for her wonderful work in co-ordinating the local effort, and we’ll keep you posted on any such plans for 2011.

The BARN is pleased to announce an Animal Photographic Competition for 2010. The competition will run for three months, starting on July 1 and closing on September 30. The winning photo will be chosen by the team at the Bunyip Vet Clinic and announced for World Animal Day on October 4. Locals are invited to send their best animal photographs to the BARN via email. We invite images of all kinds of kritters, including wildlife, companion animals and animals living on farms.

• Photographs must be the original work of the entrant
• Each entrant may submit up to three separate photographs
• The photographer must reside in the West Gippsland area
• The photo must have been taken within the West Gippsland area

There is no entry fee for this competition. Contact the BARN for further details, or simply send your best images to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Prizes will be announced in the BARN’s August update and the winning photograph will be published on the BARN webpage in early October.

It is anticipated that a Wildlife Rescue workshop will be held in the Bunyip area during September or October. If you would like to be notified of this upcoming event please send us your details and we’ll keep you posted.

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

JUNE 2010 NEWS

With the winter weather upon us, many older animals will be experiencing the discomfort of stiffness and joint pain. Advancements in veterinary care mean that animals are now able to live high quality lives even into their most senior years, but one of the most debilitating issues, particularly for dogs, continues to be the loss of mobility. To counteract this problem, some clever people are choosing to use prams or pushers to take their geriatric canines on their daily “walks”. A dog sitting in a baby carriage may seem unorthodox, but this simple solution can keep disabled dogs stimulated, and can also assist with the maintenance of obese dogs by allowing them to alternate between riding and walking.

Local animal lovers, Ruth and Graeme Reader, pioneered this practice in Bunyip for their beloved King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Bronte. With Bronte’s recent passing, the Reader family have now donated their pram to the BARN, so that it may be handed on to another family for the same purpose. If you have a small elderly dog who would benefit from daily walks-on-wheels, please contact the BARN so that you can arrange to collect the pram: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    Thank you to Ruth and Graeme for their thoughtful donation. If you have an old pram or pusher that you would like to donate, feel free to get in touch with the BARN team.

On a similar theme, you can visit this link to read some heart warming stories from the US organisation “Pets with Disabilities”: www.petswithdisabilities.org/stories.html  

Sadly, winter is often the time of year when many elderly animals decide they are ready to leave us. There are now many hospice options for dying animals, and locals may be interested to know that additional animal services, such as palliative care and euthanasia support, are available in the West Gippsland area. Contact the BARN for further details.

World Environment Day is being celebrated on June 5. Planting some native trees during the month of June would be a great way to help local wildlife by providing them with much needed habitat.

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

MAY 2010 NEWS

Thank you to Reg and Jenny Mattingley who hosted a wonderful information day about Wildlife Care last month, with support from WRAP. The workshop was attended by more than 20 people, including shelter operators, foster carers, animal rescuers and a police officer. It was an enjoyable day and proved a useful networking event for locals.

A further Wildlife Training event is being planned for later in the year. If you would like to be contacted regarding the next event, send your details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will be sure to keep you up to date.

The annual Million Paws Walk in Warragul will be held on Sunday May 16. It will take place at the Warragul Linear Trail and starts at 2 pm. This event aims to raise funds for the RSPCA and also aims to raise awareness of their work. For further details contact Shirley Westerberg on 5634 2243.

Humane Research Australia, mentioned in our April news, has just launched its first three television adverts. These will be screening around the country soon. If you’d like a sneak preview, visit this link: www.youtube.com/user/HumaneResearchAust

Dog Training: If you have been considering the help and guidance of a dog trainer for your canine friend, there are several well reputed trainers working in the local area. Puppy socialising, obedience classes and agility lessons are all available. Contact the BARN for further details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

APRIL 2010 NEWS

The Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter will be hosting an information workshop on wildlife foster care at the Tynong North Hall on Sunday April 11. The workshop will run between 10 am and 4 pm and attendance costs $10.00. For more details check this flyer on the W.R.A.P website:  www.wrap.org.au/pub/BACK%20TO%20BASICS%20colour%20flyer.pdf  and to register for this event please call Reg or Jenny Mattingley on 5942 8518.

The annual World Week for Animals in Laboratories runs this year from April 17 – 24. This international campaign aims to raise awareness about the millions of animals used for scientific purposes. Australia uses approximately 7 million animals each year, and the scientific activities that utilise these animals are largely funded by donations from the Australian public. There are however, many Australian medical and health charities which do not engage in animal based research. If you would like to support medical advancement without supporting animal mistreatment, a list of Australia’s humane charities can be found on the internet at this link:  www.aahr.org.au/humane_charities/index.php#thelist  

Edgar’s Mission is a farm animal sanctuary at Willowmavin, (near Kilmore), one hour north of Melbourne. Their annual Compassionate Art Day is being held on April 18 and submissions of all kinds of animal related artwork, including photography, are invited from all around Australia. For more details visit www.edgarsmission.org.au  or contact the BARN if you would like a flyer sent to you: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

MARCH 2010 NEWS

One of the best ways to help native animals is to remove litter from their natural environment. March 7 is Clean Up Australia Day, and there are many “Clean Up” sites already registered between Pakenham and Warragul. Sites can be located via the official website: www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au  Getting involved in a Clean Up project is a fun and easy way to help the wildlife that lives in our local region.

Easter celebrations are just around the corner, and as we eagerly await a visit from the Easter Bunny, the BARN once again has a handful of copies of Bunny Business to give away. Bunny Business is an informative booklet written by local rabbit lover, Wendy Parsons. If you would like a copy sent out to you free of charge, simply email your postal details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Spare a thought for the many animals used in unnecessary product testing procedures. While the European Union banned this practice some time ago, it is still regularly utilised in Australia for items such as deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, cosmetics, hair colorants and household cleaners. The website of Choose Cruelty Free Australia has compiled a comprehensive list of companies that do NOT test their products or their raw ingredients on animals: www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au  

As consumers, we can save many animals from suffering by purchasing only products which are recognised as being “cruelty free”. If you would like to receive a hard copy booklet of the Preferred Products List from Choose Cruelty Free Australia, just contact the BARN: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 NEWS

Welcome back to a new year of Animal Rescue news. Andrea Darcy from the BAST Cat Rescue team sends her heartfelt appreciation to the Bunyip community for donations of cat food which were left at the Bunyip Vet Clinic in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Andrea and her assistants are currently caring for approximately 70 cats who desperately need loving homes, and your generous donations are being put to good use. Thank you to the Bunyip community, and also to the team at the Bunyip Vet Clinic for receiving donations of food at their office.

The holiday period is a notorious time for animals to go missing. Our altered routines, a change of location, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks are just some of the reasons animals become lost on the holidays, but anybody can play a part in helping a lost animal. Always approach an unknown animal with care, and if it is safe to do so, restrain the animal and take it to an appropriate location, away from traffic. Quite often, animals will have their peoples’ contact details noted on their collars or tags. If there is no identification visible, remember that vet clinics will scan lost animals for microchips free of charge. Microchips are life-savers, and the database of chipped animals is handled by both Central Animal Records: 1800 333 202 and the National Pet Registry: 1300 734 738. Saving a life is often as simple as making a phone-call. Checking the microchip details for lost and found animals can now also be done through the respective websites: www.car.com.au and  www.petregister.com.au

Finally, a brief note about a new film that will premiere in Australia on February 5: The Soi Dogs Documentary is about the rescue and sterilisation of street dogs in Phuket. Not only is it the first time that this movie will be screened publicly in Australia, but John and Gill Dalley, (the founders of Soi Dog Foundation), will be flying in from Thailand to attend the event. For information about the incredible work being done by John and Gill Dalley please visit: www.soidog-foundation.org  . The screening will take place at the Elsternwick Classic Cinema and it is a fund raising event to assist the Soi Dog team in their amazing work. Details of the night are as follows:

• Date: Friday 5th February 2010
• Location: Classic Cinema Elsternwick, 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick
• Time: 6:00pm food served, 7:00pm movie starts, 9:00pm close
• Tickets are $35 each and include hot and cold food and dessert
• Bookings can be made via direct deposit, credit card or PayPal
• 5 signed copies of the DVD will be given away on the night

Until next time  … “ be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

DECEMBER 2009 NEWS

Congratulations to Katrina McMaster, who is the winner of the book Natural Pet Care written by animal nutritionist Pat Coleby. The winning entry was drawn by Dr Melinda Hartmann from the Bunyip Vet Clinic on November 17.

Now that summer is suddenly upon us it is relevant to issue a timely reminder about protecting animals from heat stress and dehydration. During the intense heat wave of February this year there were many reports of local animals suffering and dying from heat stress, particularly chickens and rabbits. Always ensure that your animals have access to a cool, shady spot on a warm day, and that they have clean water available at all times.

In preparing for the coming bushfire season, it’s essential that we factor in our animals when making our emergency plans, especially for those of us who may be faced with sudden evacuation.

     To access the CFA’s Bushfire Survival Plan (pdf file) go to: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/residents/documents/summer/leaving_early_template_mono.pdf

     To learn about Emergency Planning for your animals visit this RSPCA web link: www.rspcavic.org/animal_care/emergency_planning.htm

     For information on “animal evacuation kits” (courtesy of veterinarian Dr Heather Tilley) go to: www.vca.org.au/assets/pdf/pet-emergency-evacuation-kit.pdf  (pdf file).

     And finally, Emergency First Aid Kits for animals are now available from the Melbourne Fire Brigade’s “Survive Alive” website: www.survivealive.com.au

With all the young wildlife around at this time of year, having recently emerged from nests and dens, there are sure to be a few casualties on our roads. Local wildlife shelters and carers are able to assist with orphaned or injured wildlife. Contact the B.A.R.N. for more details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Christmas is almost here again, but for animal rescuers Christmas is a sad time, knowing that there will be a flood of unwanted animals arriving once the traditional celebrations are over. The greatest contributor of this tragedy is the “impulse buying” of young animals, followed closely by the practice of giving animals as gifts to those who are not ready to receive them. When bringing new cats and dogs into the family, remember that a dog’s life span may be 15 years, and a cat’s life span may be 20. And when selecting a new companion, please remember the best motto of all: “Adoption is the first option”.

The BAST Cat Rescue team, which services the south eastern region of the outer Melbourne suburbs and also West Gippsland, is currently having difficulty meeting the needs of their rescued cats. If you would like to donate a can or bag of cat food to the Cat Rescue team, food items are being received at the Bunyip Vet Clinic between now and Christmas. Thank you to the team at the local Clinic for receiving food donations at their office. 

Have a safe and happy holiday season, and until next time…   “… be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

NOVEMBER 2009 NEWS

There have been several sightings of snakes in the Bunyip area in recent weeks. It is important to remember that most snake bites occur when attempting to catch or kill a snake, and of course, snakes are protected by law. Our closest snake catcher, Geoff Lockwood, is based in the Baw Baw Shire. For information on snake identification or relocation please contact Geoff directly on 0428 352 203 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

If anyone in our town is interested in completing a two-day training course to become a snake catcher, there is a course being held in December. If you would like further information on participating in a nationally recognised snake handling course please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The BAST Cat Rescue team, which services the south eastern region of the outer Melbourne suburbs and also West Gippsland, are currently having difficulty meeting the needs of their rescued cats. If you would like to donate a can or bag of cat food, items may be left in a collection box at the Bunyip Vet Clinic. Thank you to the team at the Bunyip Vet Clinic for receiving donations at their office.

B.A.R.N. has one copy of the book Natural Pet Care to give away to one Bunyip resident. The book was written by the respected animal nutritionist Pat Coleby, who used to live in the local area many years ago. If you would like to be in the running to win this book simply send your name and contact details to us by November 15, via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    The winner will be drawn on Monday November 16 and announced in our December update.

Until next time…  “… be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

OCTOBER 2009 NEWS

On October 4, people all around the world celebrated World Animal Day, to acknowledge the roles that animals play in our lives and to honour the human-animal bond. Here in Bunyip it was celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of Saint Francis via the annual “Blessing of the Animals” mass at St Thomas’ Anglican church. For anyone who missed out on the Bunyip event, the Anglican parish of Drouin will hold their Animal Blessing mass on Sunday October 11 at 11.30 am.

October 2009 sees the beginning of the biggest animal adoption drive ever held. It is a global effort, sponsored by a major pet food company, and will run over 3 months. This year’s goal is to re-home 1.5 million animals worldwide. To find out which Australian shelters are getting involved for 2009, visit the following website and click on "Australia": www.animalcenter.org/home4theholidays/shelter_map.aspx .

With more than a quarter of a million healthy companion animals being euthanised in Australia each year due to a lack of loving homes, it is absolutely crucial that adoption be considered as the first choice when bringing a new animal into your family. Visit the website of Death Row Pets to read the full details of this tragedy and to find out what you can do to help: www.deathrowpets.net .

If you would like to be sent regular email updates showing an assortment of local animals requiring homes, send a brief message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Are you looking for a specific breed of dog? There are many breed-specific canine rescue groups in Victoria. Contact the BARN for more information.

We are excited to announce the SPEAK UP Exhibition, which will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October at the Old Drouin Butter Factory. Local teenager, Lily Willems, will be presenting her moving photographic display which highlights the human-animal bond, offering a unique visual experience. The event will be both entertaining and educational, since SPEAK UP will also strive to raise awareness of animal mistreatment. Opening night of the Exhibition will begin at 7 pm. Entry is by gold coin donation and the Butter Factory is located at 1 Main South Road, Drouin. For more information phone: 0439 515 848. We wish Miss Willems all the best for her Exhibition.

Until next time…  “… be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N. 

SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWS

What a beautiful start to Spring we are having! And as we leave our cold weather behind us, it is a good time now to cover the spout of your chimney with wire mesh to stop birds from nesting in the flue. Also with our milder weather comes a timely reminder to keep an eye out for snakes. Like all native animals, snakes are protected, so it would be wonderful to hear from any licensed snake catchers living in our local area. (Please contact the B.A.R.N. if you would like to make yourself available for the task of snake relocation in the coming months: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

We are happy to announce that World Animals Day for 2009 will once again be celebrated with a Blessing of the Animals Mass at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, 16 A’Beckett road in Bunyip. We are hoping for a bright and sunny day on Sunday October 4, to celebrate this special occasion, which is also called the Feast of Saint Francis. The Blessing Mass starts at 2.30 PM and is followed by a friendly afternoon tea, courtesy of the St Thomas parishioners. Bring your animal friends – Bring your human friends – All are welcome!

Are you sharing your home with an adorable rabbit or two? We have five copies of the booklet Bunny Business, written by Wendy Parsons, to give away to local rabbit lovers. Bunny Business offers excellent advice on rabbit care - including notes on feeding and house training. If you would like to reserve your copy simply send your contact details to us at the B.A.R.N:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Until next time…  “… be kind to the kritters… ”

B.A.R.N.