tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47984374092001149372024-03-06T19:07:36.595+11:00Barking MadAustralia's National Lobby group for Pet Owners.Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-88105255670416411402012-06-05T21:04:00.000+10:002012-06-05T21:06:26.752+10:00<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">w</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>ebsi</i><i>te is not operational, many links on this blog are broken, work is starting again, contact</i></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <i>is</i> <b>bonefido at gmail.com</b></span>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-6557736178278433502012-06-05T20:12:00.002+10:002012-06-05T20:12:30.907+10:00Copy of complaint to <a href="http://www.vpb.nsw.gov.au/page/Consumer_Information_and_Complaints" target="_blank">Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW</a> against Chris Gough, Riverbank Animal Hospital (Formerly South Grafton Veterinary Clinic) for engaging in conduct in the veterinary practitioner's professional capacity that likely caused unnecessary suffering to an animal and caused the inappropriate death of an animal, namely, Pema.<br /><br /> As this is another self-regulated industry, nothing is likely to happen and this conduct will likely be repeated by Chris Gough, causing further suffering and death to animals. <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/95993306">http://www.scribd.com/doc/95993306</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cordia New"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-83214725258098328232010-12-12T23:04:00.006+11:002010-12-28T20:11:51.630+11:00Pema has passed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholF1fNhjHEdwa1338MRZ07svsNT17wxLpolNGaELhJIj6XIY5TG5eTxs4PZ02sDfpqS1EthX9Ypqm2Ri-xk8vo4jRHId9dq3tW2EFnTFnauVVQEPE24Ou4HNa4pn2HR7OThiCT64r2Do/s1600/pema-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholF1fNhjHEdwa1338MRZ07svsNT17wxLpolNGaELhJIj6XIY5TG5eTxs4PZ02sDfpqS1EthX9Ypqm2Ri-xk8vo4jRHId9dq3tW2EFnTFnauVVQEPE24Ou4HNa4pn2HR7OThiCT64r2Do/s200/pema-face.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLmLTdaO0jJDniBssy4GeVUq-0nWxruakabfQqwofIPgJ5sx3tv7xyrq0Cq-OCICl3uZ6SF0g9B9lmivu7JKc-OrWVi2T0p_qzyI2YUytQwL8s5YLZZTJiDa7Lp1TsG4mUohDKxvJCsM/s1600/pema-resting-place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLmLTdaO0jJDniBssy4GeVUq-0nWxruakabfQqwofIPgJ5sx3tv7xyrq0Cq-OCICl3uZ6SF0g9B9lmivu7JKc-OrWVi2T0p_qzyI2YUytQwL8s5YLZZTJiDa7Lp1TsG4mUohDKxvJCsM/s400/pema-resting-place.jpg" width="382" /></a>Pema is dead. Tick. Treated fortnightly. Hair clipped. Vet didn't think it was a tick, admitted he didn't do a thorough search and gave her a shot because she'd had cruciate ligament surgery (a year ago) and sent us back to the house we had rented for our holiday. Vet had 5 dogs in for ticks at the time and seemed to ignore the fact that Pema has been working cattle in a paddock for 6 months even though she'd had knee surgery.<br />
<br />
Bad tick season because of wet and vegetation. Next day she could not walk at all. Back to vet where nurse found tick in 5 minutes in feathers on a front leg. Pema crashed about 15 hours into treatment. Can't recommend South Grafton vet. Pema was sent on her way in a beautiful wild river in full flood.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I sit and watch you from my window, <br />
Giving yourself away, <br />
You've been working hard all day <br />
<br />
I see the ground catch at your feet, <br />
I see the sweet signs of defeat, <br />
Like you're beaten but you feel no pain <br />
<br />
And then you turn to me instinctively, <br />
Checking if you're alone, <br />
Like a reflex from my guilty mind <br />
<br />
I fall away into the background, <br />
Like a shadow on the wall, <br />
To leave you with your peace of mind <br />
<br />
I watch from my window up high, <br />
All alone in this room, <br />
So many people go the same way, <br />
I think it's time that I changed my view <br />
<br />
I got nothing got left to lose, <br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">Well you're the part of my memories</span><br style="color: #741b47;" /><span style="color: #741b47;"> That I never wanna live without</span></span>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-67786032698463852952010-09-01T09:33:00.008+10:002010-09-01T12:42:31.198+10:00Back in Oz with dog, cows, poultry, horses, cats & pigs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcLSAEVOEGZWjIWKKdNO4MyTYQ0k_CTRaRCWUz30HVm6GwERvzMq_Szbt0neknRQ9fKlpK7VvRHZtoHwCvAx0OhGi6Qr7lRv57JWhIOkO1gOnJ5bWHaGYKVMTpQ3ZKDBZnVePrHNpWng/s1600/collage-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcLSAEVOEGZWjIWKKdNO4MyTYQ0k_CTRaRCWUz30HVm6GwERvzMq_Szbt0neknRQ9fKlpK7VvRHZtoHwCvAx0OhGi6Qr7lRv57JWhIOkO1gOnJ5bWHaGYKVMTpQ3ZKDBZnVePrHNpWng/s400/collage-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have returned to Oz and am happily reunited with Pema. We've traded daily work with political animals for a daily life with farm animals. Back to a life of primary production instead of methane fueled political lobbying. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Barking Mad Equity for Pet Owners needs a new top dog as my health puts severe restrictions on my travelling. We can still help out with renting-with-pets, and pets-in-strata and some council issued infringement notices in NSW, VIC and QLD. </div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-73004414423263453422010-01-11T19:16:00.003+11:002010-09-01T09:01:37.854+10:00Guard Dog off Duty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TCnfoI0ckmjK9JUyHzOBl5QYNbU6mudzML7ahkQbKEBTztZLoiemR-aqClZMs2LiDuLHKPOWfMJKpdnyefbrvUPU-n3NeXExoEu6lIPGtlwwD2akjHkZ9XqLsR2m7SQSuRVIRxc_3fs/s1600/pema-laughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TCnfoI0ckmjK9JUyHzOBl5QYNbU6mudzML7ahkQbKEBTztZLoiemR-aqClZMs2LiDuLHKPOWfMJKpdnyefbrvUPU-n3NeXExoEu6lIPGtlwwD2akjHkZ9XqLsR2m7SQSuRVIRxc_3fs/s400/pema-laughing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_B_07OC2RsFgdLlKkwcC-DRmWRHtoJdqkHwvwHwir1ayjlR3TEjLQOJmMvnobj8RvDuN7y7rRSNeBHZRgWGmrOe3204uRGqWsYVbnnc6JxweN7FTt2vPhFnMGRMPp3deeZXQY66Kf4M/s1600-h/pema-up-country-pub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_B_07OC2RsFgdLlKkwcC-DRmWRHtoJdqkHwvwHwir1ayjlR3TEjLQOJmMvnobj8RvDuN7y7rRSNeBHZRgWGmrOe3204uRGqWsYVbnnc6JxweN7FTt2vPhFnMGRMPp3deeZXQY66Kf4M/s320/pema-up-country-pub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Eedra, proprietor of Barking Mad Equity for Pet Owners, has had to go away due to prolonged and unrelenting threats to her health, accommodation and livelihood by the man (and his agents) who <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/sex-lies-witch-bank.html">defrauded her</a> of property, superannuation and business back in 2004. At least Pema can laugh about it - don't we love our dogs' lives!<br />
<br />
Therefore, the lobbying work of Barking Mad is suspended. Individual cases for members will be reassigned as required. Court cases will be postponed as required. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=71">Pema</a> is now in a temporary home and doing great work with people - still. Soon, she wll be reunited with me! <br />
<br />
Eedra hopes to be able to return - when the legal system gets an injection of justice, when thugs work both ways or when an advocate comes along with enough guts and authority to say ENOUGH! Or when karma reaches the white-collar criminal.<br />
<br />
Check out past issues of <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26">the Bite</a> for information on work Barking Mad has done. And yes, we're still going <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/search?q=criminal">Warringah</a> for the <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/search?q=ultra">Ultra Vires case</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
BARKING MAD- EQUITY FOR PET OWNERS<br />
PO Box 310, Woy Woy NSW 2256<br />
skype: barking-mad<br />
___________________________________<br />
Your membership of Barking Mad helped create a safe and pet-friendly society. <br />
Make your donation now if you wish to help clear the debt: Bendigo Bank; Barking Mad, BSB: 633-000, Account: 128910064<br />
<br />
BARKING MAD IS AVAILABLE - TAKE IT OVER - FOR DOGS' SAKEBarking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-78857099200117251792009-10-25T23:07:00.009+11:002009-10-25T23:44:01.709+11:00Dangeous Dogs and childrenSMA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIdGGT2eQSCbIRebFbSc-1w2vCOQ0FoH_L_F9DoxTJ5FCf29Q_uCAPMk5vZDSCwvGjvku_wlnt-Zw-8xXowKT813RBsrlMseJHSs5SDVSHE4EpDji2Qzs8Reu3diFXKJQrGYfVYkPlhw/s1600-h/drawing-on-dangerous-dog-br.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIdGGT2eQSCbIRebFbSc-1w2vCOQ0FoH_L_F9DoxTJ5FCf29Q_uCAPMk5vZDSCwvGjvku_wlnt-Zw-8xXowKT813RBsrlMseJHSs5SDVSHE4EpDji2Qzs8Reu3diFXKJQrGYfVYkPlhw/s320/drawing-on-dangerous-dog-br.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396514639208017826" border="0" /></a>LL CHILD WARNING <!-- AddThis Button END --> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="boldResults"> If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category and you also have a child or a visiting small child please take this as a warning. </p><div> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="boldResults">Don't leave your dog with a small child unattended under any circumstances! </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="boldResults">Only one little moment was enough for this to happen.</p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="boldResults">Remember - maltese terriers and labrador retrievers have <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/maltese-terrier-joins-dangerous-dog-list-20091025-hehr.html">joined the list</a> of dangerous dogs in NSW.</p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="boldResults">'Every dog has the potential to attack' or should we say every animal? Because the <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/good-dog-and-ugly.html">risk of harm</a> to humans <span style="font-style: italic;">from </span><span>humans FAR exceeds both </span>the risk and real injuries caused by an interaction with a dog.<br /></p>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-43410771766001344772009-10-04T17:03:00.011+11:002009-10-24T18:33:19.897+11:00Feeding the hand that bites you<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC497nQHbWY0eUvH-UveMJ9jEn_bZpKaVBLMvIpvV0r6CTWxI845sTRCqwofmYoIFfswsHRhsABFxjjyPLVIoOrLnNW9kfzYyMYfe-fUp2V9Shd2-ywgjwZC8uDJ6dtdZs6EIAehkP9pk/s1600-h/collie-dog-house.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC497nQHbWY0eUvH-UveMJ9jEn_bZpKaVBLMvIpvV0r6CTWxI845sTRCqwofmYoIFfswsHRhsABFxjjyPLVIoOrLnNW9kfzYyMYfe-fUp2V9Shd2-ywgjwZC8uDJ6dtdZs6EIAehkP9pk/s400/collie-dog-house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396054349708676882" border="0" /></a>Are you renting your home? Do you have a pet? If so, then you are in the majority. More homes have pets than don't. Homes with pets are about double in number of homes with children, yet families with children make up the largest demographic of dog owners.<br /><br />The real estate industry is slow to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">capitalise</span> on this reality and 'no pets' is frequency seen in adds for rental homes. Many rental applications include <a href="http://www.toop.com.au/photos/TenantApplicationForm.pdf">questions about your pets</a>. Legally, pets are no different than your TV, toaster or handbag. They are chattel - meaning property, legal property.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Each time a responsible tenant puts a case 'to have their pet' to a prospective landlord, including references for it or offering to pay an additional bond <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(the taking of which would be illegal),</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">they are feeding the hand that bites them!</span><br /><br />I know, it's hard when you need a home, love your pets and are an honest person and a good tenant - but letting someone decide if you are their suitable tenant <span style="font-style: italic;">has no more a relationship to your status as a pet owner, as it does to the brand of your toaster or the size of your TV!<br /><br /></span><span>So <span style="font-style: italic;">please</span>, </span><span>show that you are a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">responsible</span> tenant, </span><span>neighbour and pet owner by your actions</span><span>, not by playing into the hands of the 'no pets allowed' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">brigdag</span></span></span><span>e or by letters written by people who happen to love your pet like you do.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>In <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/rtr1995371.txt">South Australia</a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NSW</span></span></span> and most other states, there is no prohibition of pets in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">residential</span> tenancy laws - and why would there be? When renting, you gain a right to quiet enjoyment of the home for due consideration (rent) and you have a responsibility to act legally, take due care of the property and repair what you break or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.<br /><br />The Real Estate Institute of NSW has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">propagated</span> a rental lease form used extensively and they have added a no pets clause as 'standard'. This is contrary to the residential tenancy law. We recommend you request your lease be based on the Act and Regulations, not the REI form.<br /><br />We've started a case in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NSW</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">challenging</span> the special conditions on a residential lease regarding a dog. This is based on contracting out the right to quiet enjoyment and/or the provision for normal wear and tear and/or a tenants' obligation to return the property in the same condition.<br /><br />In South Australia, the tenancy tribunal can vary terms if they are found to be <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_act/rta1995207/s76.html">harsh or unconscionable</a>. Of course, refusing pets in an otherwise pet suitable home with a good tenant is most unconscionable!<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-74257682695579086752009-09-20T12:06:00.001+10:002009-09-20T12:13:09.393+10:00Happy Birthday Pema<a href="http://en.woopets.com/animals/pema"><img alt="Badge1239956890" src="http://en.woopets.com/badges/2109/badge1239956890.jpg" />Pema is 6 years old today.<br /></a>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-59676984097136181232009-09-14T13:01:00.001+10:002009-09-16T14:42:30.613+10:00Not happy dog - again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbnJ8BIiLzuIModaCQ34SAZpeiTGv76ZNdIsFQUZAecH06U_WDX3_ARtx2xQmpqinzfrq9IpY15f5zFx16nfiNULvSjDXeIrALp7BkM3L74UWBaLjcrec1PuBWe9m8KJ__Ev2ivdDjKA/s1600-h/pema-in-wheelchair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbnJ8BIiLzuIModaCQ34SAZpeiTGv76ZNdIsFQUZAecH06U_WDX3_ARtx2xQmpqinzfrq9IpY15f5zFx16nfiNULvSjDXeIrALp7BkM3L74UWBaLjcrec1PuBWe9m8KJ__Ev2ivdDjKA/s400/pema-in-wheelchair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381917018492762082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7rxYD7JSZGdbsXvHVfK3aq3Aia42Kph1kVnp0ugdg1eT6QIsWTKqtVj9zal90rTtM5qcGAgXSAqsBp7z_mQEkh3SESzxs1JDwI0f0qgQaO3opIVs4M93_lzKyDCsVBmjAp6eNpec6A/s1600-h/pema-two-surgery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7rxYD7JSZGdbsXvHVfK3aq3Aia42Kph1kVnp0ugdg1eT6QIsWTKqtVj9zal90rTtM5qcGAgXSAqsBp7z_mQEkh3SESzxs1JDwI0f0qgQaO3opIVs4M93_lzKyDCsVBmjAp6eNpec6A/s400/pema-two-surgery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381909115992915826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaV1KuvmrIvLorvNRwXA4-HlkP1WxTUrZDmzxQ9unosPGI24dZg1OhBA3jT3UWHlvClmVLHhB0J3DCXghCs7P2Tf4sfJsUq8YNARtZcjMwGAzw26-oGfLWaWluab1WOiqrvWEMt_fsaA/s1600-h/pema-and-the-boys.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaV1KuvmrIvLorvNRwXA4-HlkP1WxTUrZDmzxQ9unosPGI24dZg1OhBA3jT3UWHlvClmVLHhB0J3DCXghCs7P2Tf4sfJsUq8YNARtZcjMwGAzw26-oGfLWaWluab1WOiqrvWEMt_fsaA/s400/pema-and-the-boys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381919721790020242" border="0" /></a>The Barking Mad mascot is not doing much work at the moment - except making sure our vet has enough income to keep his kids in private school! Between her<a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/not-happy-dog.html"> second</a> injury this year and my illness, we're virtually housebound. Lucky we live in the bush by the sea - come and visit - members are welcome.<br /><br />We did manage to take <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=71">Pema</a> to her <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyM89V8Y7jzgczkni7LRBBLuc1xaBLuo_-X0EPLTxedK-ErjvRWx2PzQqeiOUWkcSNJSHo4N5xGEg2qsvdyXIj92AazEFBdxwjQ5PItcuZr7R6WFGfJMaBgFiZnyL5Ky2KQysEZft19Q/s1600-h/Pema+magic+at+hospital.jpg">weekly visit</a> to the public hospital. It was PEMA that was in a wheel chair. She got a lot of sympathy and still enjoyed making a few of the patients smile on our short visit.<br /><br />If you and your dog are suited to volunteer at a hospital, remember that you don't need to be in any special program to do so - at least in NSW. Visit the <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=139">health</a> section of the <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php">website</a> for more information. I like to know that my dog has $10 million liability insurance - which she does through my home contents insurer.Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-31045560954873299442009-08-15T20:23:00.022+10:002009-08-16T01:49:02.497+10:00Public Transport - Small dog Big bark<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rOHxUMVLyAN6CvsbOx9HnJxvx3ZKhUhL2SeHP-zETMbNGFhC2ujF02uDZWu95evG-VnzjFwD0aTtjYp9wnXkmkm_Zno-ZuSm8BCxhRWIEpqfEg-HJnKJT9m1WYz7oj80m8G3AVolIMs/s1600-h/Pasha-on-the-News.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rOHxUMVLyAN6CvsbOx9HnJxvx3ZKhUhL2SeHP-zETMbNGFhC2ujF02uDZWu95evG-VnzjFwD0aTtjYp9wnXkmkm_Zno-ZuSm8BCxhRWIEpqfEg-HJnKJT9m1WYz7oj80m8G3AVolIMs/s200/Pasha-on-the-News.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370196923631636610" border="0" /></a>The report from the <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/senate-inquiry-into-public-transport.html">Senate Inquiry</a> on Public Transport will be tabled in federal parliament on 20 August. Members of Barking Mad contributed 10% of the<a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/public_transport/submissions/sublist.htm"> submissions</a> received - just for us and our dogs. Well done for our small, unfunded lobby group!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW</span><br /><br />Be positive – our submissions for dogs on public transport were a full 10% of <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/public_transport/submissions/sublist.htm">submissions received</a> – this is massive! For a tiny, struggling organisation, this is such a great show of our influence.<br /></div><ol style="text-align: justify;"><li> Write letters to the editor. Use your local paper and the <a href="http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/write-a-letter-editor">Greens media page</a> for easy access to the media.<br /><br /></li><li>Write, call, fax AND email your <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/House/members/mi-elctr.asp">federal member</a>. If you don’t know your electorate, find it <a href="http://apps.aec.gov.au/esearch/">here</a>.<br /><br /></li><li>Write to the Greens. We want them to add pet owner access to their public transport policy. <a href="mailto:Senator.Bob.Brown@aph.gov.au">Email Bob Brown</a>, party leader and <a href="mailto:Rachel.Pemberton@aph.gov.au">Senator Ludlam,</a> spokesperson for public transport.<br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=35">HELP </a>AT THE BARKING MAD OFFICE. We are beachside on the NSW central coast in a dog friendly community on a dog friendly beach. Accommodation available and help is desperately needed even for a day (due to my ill-health).<br /><br /></li><li>FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE WHO IS WILLING TO CLICK A FEW BUTTONS for our pets. Remember that each letter received by a member of parliament is counted as the view of about 100 voters.<br /><br /></li><li>EMAIL <a href="http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/contact-us">DOGS</a> NSW. Suggest they work WITH us (not just plagiarise our work). Transport <a href="mailto:TomasGanderton@dogsnsw.org.au">contact</a>, office <a href="mailto:info@dogsnsw.org.au">contact</a>.<br /><br /></li><li>Send a press release. If you can help us get a press release out, or would like to make a donation so that we can hire someone to help, please <a href="mailto:eedra@barkingmad.org.au">email me </a>.<br /><br /></li><li>Make a donation - $5 or more - we are resourceful and every $ counts. Bendigo Bank, BSB: 633-000, Account: 128910064<br /><br /></li><li>AND USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITH YOUR TRAINED DOG! Enjoy the community and conversation just because you're joining the masses with a beautiful friend!<br /></li></ol>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-90677317124525365242009-07-07T15:27:00.020+10:002009-07-07T16:44:58.030+10:00Plan to open up Wollongong beaches to dogs<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D2m5RIatixHptsXOK2MeBu1Foavx8AZFRCgkix_r0FoiBpgYWG_51FlsRJr6rmYyju08KkHRMpVqFKyf0EzYanEb6f8vI7vWtuTHgs_3TRPhX1CVr8iMMUJUTke0EJIL36LSpVp4AI4/s1600-h/wgong-beach-dog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D2m5RIatixHptsXOK2MeBu1Foavx8AZFRCgkix_r0FoiBpgYWG_51FlsRJr6rmYyju08KkHRMpVqFKyf0EzYanEb6f8vI7vWtuTHgs_3TRPhX1CVr8iMMUJUTke0EJIL36LSpVp4AI4/s400/wgong-beach-dog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355586334256701250" border="0" /></a>Ok - not just to dogs but dogs AND their loving, joyful responsible owners and guardians! Hooray, they have recognised in the discussion paper the NEED (we say legal requirement under the Local Government Act) to provide services for the 40% of ratepayers with dogs. Wonder where they got that idea from. ;-) <a href="http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/plan-to-open-up-majority-of-wollongong-beaches-to-dogs/1555276.aspx?storypage=0">Media 1-July</a> <a href="http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/public-speaks-up-on-dogfriendly-beaches/1559315.aspx">Media 6-July</a><br /><br /><a href="http://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/dogsonbeaches.asp">Read the discussion paper and make sure to have your say in the consultation</a>.<br /><br />I asked a ranger of an adjoining council why dogs were banned from beaches. He said, because of the perception of dog poo litter. I asked him why they didn't ban McDonalds and drink bottles because there is heaps of junk food litter - he said <span style="font-weight: bold;">because they don't get complaints. </span>It's a crazy system which forces a regulator to cater to the whingers instead of the PURPOSE of the law they work under - providing equitable, adequate and appropriate services.<br /><br />Here are some of our <span style="font-style: italic;">initial</span> thoughts - we are still working with members in the area. Barking Mad will be making a submission and I encourage all members to do the same, even if you can't comment on the specific beaches.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Traffic Light System:</span><br />Yes, it is much fairer than at present to all community members; recommend changing the orange zone following what Coffs Harbour City Council has in place is already working well for them and is fair to all members of the community. Their traffic light system is again Red – Dogs Prohibited, Green – Leash free areas but the other areas (what would be your proposed yellow areas) are “Dogs are Allowed on a Leash” beaches.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Alternative:</span> No, anywhere on a lead.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zero tolerance policy for animal control offences:</span><br />Absolutely not. The wording itself offensive – isn’t this the type of wording used against murderers in New York? These are very strong words and should be used in very severe circumstances. If we are talking about the simple, healthy pleasure of walking your dog along the beach this is way over the top. Recommend to encourage tourism dollars via pet owners.<br /><br />Claiming to maintain a zero tolerance policy is a negligent misstatement. Even if Council DID maintain a zero tolerance policy how can it be justified as an appropriate use of resources?<br /><br />For example, compare the number of offences for drinking in alcohol prohibited areas to dog on beach, or dog off lead. We know alcohol fuels violence and other anti-social behaviour, so resources should be applied in these areas more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time Share</span><br />Time share is discriminatory especially towards women and families. It is also a regulatory nightmare. It is only appropriate a main beach in a city.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specific Comments on W'gong proposal<br /></span><span>Managing a community space is about sharing and the present situation allows dog owners 10% of the public beach space when they represent 40% of the community. In fact during the winter times the only people on the beach are dog walkers, surfers and fishers.<br /><br />Walking your dog on a beach should be encouraged as a healthy way for the community to meet and dogs and owners to socialise. An unsocialised, unexercised dog can create a problem.<br /><br />One argument many non dog owners seem to sprout is dog poo. Dog owners appreciate the beauty of the beach and want to keep these areas that way. 90% are compliant in picking up dog poo. We are educating the other 10%. Many people are seen also carrying plastic bags with them to pick up other rubbish on the beach. They are an asset to the environment. I<br /><br />Providing more off leash areas with bins and poo bags is proven to achieve better compliance with the pick-up culture.<br /><br />Man unpatrolled beaches have become isolated and therefore dangerous since council’s absurd policy of banning dogs and their owners from beaches.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />General comments</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> on urban animal management</span><br />Principles – off leash areas should be accessible and proportional to the population, and available resources, such as 40% of the 16km for off leash. The remaining areas should be on-leash areas (excepting the rock pools).<br /><br />Education should take a larger application or resources than policing to reflect the knowledge established by urban animal professionals.<br /><br />Any debate as to whether people like or dislike dogs is irrelevant. Like is not a requirement in a pluralistic society. Statute is. The current noise, crime, animal and other relevant acts provide a solid regulatory base to take punitive measures against bad behaviour.<br /><br />Council would do well to <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/poo-news-you-should-know.html">dispel the myth</a> that dog poo is a health or <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/really-really-stupid.html">environmental risk.</a> It is not, especially so due to our hot and or dry climate. Council would do well to dispel the myths that vaccinated dogs are better to be around humans. Dogs are not vaccinated for any zoonotic condition. Council would do well to encourage regular worming of dogs. Dogs can create a public safety risk and this needs to be managed in context of <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/good-dog-and-ugly.html">all the risks </a>we deal with daily.<br /><br />Dog litter should not be treated any differently than other litter. Council does not ban McDonalds or Pepsi because of the litter THEY create, so why blame the dog owner if they miss a poo? Doing so can be construed to be vilification.<br /><br />Council would do well to implement dog-share as a strategy for<a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/barking-dogs.html"> nuisance barking dogs</a>.<br /><br />And, above all, remember the ANY dog can go into <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=139">Dept. of Health facilities,</a> i.e. hospitals, so try not to think that a local council knows more about health then DOH.<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-21931212296029360282009-06-01T15:54:00.010+10:002009-06-14T17:20:58.963+10:00Back to Work<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyM89V8Y7jzgczkni7LRBBLuc1xaBLuo_-X0EPLTxedK-ErjvRWx2PzQqeiOUWkcSNJSHo4N5xGEg2qsvdyXIj92AazEFBdxwjQ5PItcuZr7R6WFGfJMaBgFiZnyL5Ky2KQysEZft19Q/s1600-h/Pema+magic+at+hospital.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyM89V8Y7jzgczkni7LRBBLuc1xaBLuo_-X0EPLTxedK-ErjvRWx2PzQqeiOUWkcSNJSHo4N5xGEg2qsvdyXIj92AazEFBdxwjQ5PItcuZr7R6WFGfJMaBgFiZnyL5Ky2KQysEZft19Q/s400/Pema+magic+at+hospital.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347057970802142626" border="0" /></a>Pema is back to being a four-legged dog a few months <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/not-happy-dog.html">after surgery</a>. People who see her now comment that she is much brighter and happier then just a couple weeks ago. I don't notice it as much, but I do notice that she is delighted to be <a href="http://dogtree.com.au/albums.php?user=Pema">back at work</a> delighting people - if only for a moment during their day.<br /><br />After a visit to a hospital ward, I attended a public meeting about ageing held at a community centre. I arrived early and sat in the back of the room - with Pema. Never alone when Pema is with me in her element (anywhere there is a crowd), other early arrivals made a beeline to doggie and it was all chatty with smiles and a very friendly atmosphere even though none of us (with exception of the dog) had been introduced.<br /><br />Upon leaving the meeting, and passing by the office of the community centre on our way out, one of the Council staff felt compelled to run out of her office to tell us 'no animals allowed' or some other waste of authority. It was a priceless moment, for at the very same time, an elderly couple came out of a room oppositite and were very vocal about Pema's beauty, sweet face, quiet nature, soft fur, etc. Ms. Council worker quietly shrunk back to her office.<br /><br />Note: The community centre hosts residents with their pets on a regular basis; people who attend evening meetings such as AA or Weighwatchers bring their pets, and there are shows and classes involving pets. I wish the pet-nazi's would go after litter, public drunkenness and <a href="http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/cpd/ll_cpd.nsf/pages/CPD_graffiti#Other%20government">graffiti</a> and not something that is causing no harm while bringing joy to so many people <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> building community. What would pet-nazi done<a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/rat-story-got-lost-in-one-of-those.html"> if the pet was a rat</a> and she didn't SEE it?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">. . . The cost of </span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);" href="http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/DOJ+Internet/Home/Crime/Graffiti+Management/JUSTICE+-+Graffiti+-+Home">graffiti clean-up across Australia</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> exceeds $300 million a year.</span><br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-85197000743374849772009-05-28T19:00:00.008+10:002009-05-28T19:46:52.919+10:00Rebel the Assistance Dog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YUKObXLieyzV6n-Is75kC2pKDFydjwWz268oj31iBQktNFnpqs4GW9d10Qq0L72kg31bsuxUst0x9BMje-MKFRKz10H7sgAxgPj_3vhHVUPAxKrVaf_5yQpdw1FOAZWEUw3td2AeFhU/s1600-h/rebel+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YUKObXLieyzV6n-Is75kC2pKDFydjwWz268oj31iBQktNFnpqs4GW9d10Qq0L72kg31bsuxUst0x9BMje-MKFRKz10H7sgAxgPj_3vhHVUPAxKrVaf_5yQpdw1FOAZWEUw3td2AeFhU/s400/rebel+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340798335235526914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">A BIG FURRY DOG-HUG WELCOME TO REBEL AND GUY</span>. <a href="http://rebeltheassistanceanimal.blogspot.com/"> </a><br /><br /><a href="http://rebeltheassistanceanimal.blogspot.com/">Visit their blog</a>. Here is the first entry of what will no doubt be a heart-warming, inspiring and sometimes tear-jerking BLOG:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Rebel and I were reminded today that I am not a person who is trained in how to handle discrimination. When disabled, you sometimes feel more vulnerable, and when people threaten to refuse access, it can be frustrating.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I began to think that maybe a guide for disabled people with an assistance animal on how to advocate their rights would be useful.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Depriving any one of their rights through shallow behavior is the worst thing you could possibly do, doing this to a person with an <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/88-of-disabilities-are-invisible.html">invisible disability</a> should be prosecuted first by education and then by law."<br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We recommend the DDLC <a href="http://www.ddlcnsw.org.au/images/PDF_files/ddlc_nsw_user_guide.pdf">Users Guide</a> - although in the process of being updated and written for NSW, it is still helpful for people in any state or territory.</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-56988199014453872282009-05-15T21:26:00.025+10:002009-05-15T23:35:42.168+10:00Guide Dogs for the Mind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLQEU2FZ0aQoimyImtv5SvI9ihUwa8p4TmvXkIBUm_jHGZ8cs3aevHgiLBlKnfuvggN7z2mX7JwB_uWVw_5jNBOhth7NAxCkMK0OmJ9xUgvuYVOcNtPRSpRsLRrTklSLi7G0MrHJY9c/s1600-h/LOGO-1-GDFTM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLQEU2FZ0aQoimyImtv5SvI9ihUwa8p4TmvXkIBUm_jHGZ8cs3aevHgiLBlKnfuvggN7z2mX7JwB_uWVw_5jNBOhth7NAxCkMK0OmJ9xUgvuYVOcNtPRSpRsLRrTklSLi7G0MrHJY9c/s200/LOGO-1-GDFTM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336020415977696258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coming Soon - Because:</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">20% of Australians have a disability. It could be permanent, temporary, degenerative or just a speed bump on the road of life. It's a social imperative that we provide options so that people affected can attain or retain quality of life and community involvement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">88% of disabilities are <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/88-of-disabilities-are-invisible.html">invisible</a>.</span><br /><br />Again: <span style="font-weight: bold;">88% of disabilities are invisible.</span> That means for every one person you see that <span style="font-style: italic;">you may think has a disability, </span>there are 8 or 9 other people who are dealing with a medical limitation that is impacting on them.<br /><ul><li>Do you need to SEE someone's condition to accept they are living with a disability? If you don't see it do you think it isn't real?<br /></li><li>Do you think you are qualified to judge if that person has a bona fide dog trained to assist them as part of their treatment?<br /></li><li>Do you believe that all assistance dogs look like labradors or that a schnauzer would never provide a medical benefit to a person?</li></ul>Would you be better equipped to accept your neighbours' suicide due to depression than to admit that their dog was an active <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/as-we-lead-up-to-our-my-dog-isnt.html">suicide prevention mechanism</a>?</span><br /><br />If you are a service provider - would you prefer refuse a customer or client by stating "No Dogs Allowed" then to recognise that their dog may be keeping them alive?<br /><br />Vision impairment is about 10% of disabling medical conditions. Assistance animals come in <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/man-assistance-dog-angry-bus-driver-not.html">all shapes</a> and sizes. Guide Dogs for the Mind will be bringing together mental health clinicians and dog trainers so that the assistance dogs (a 24 x 7 health care provider) can be legitimised, quantified and accredited in such a way to meet public behaviour expectations.<br /><br />If you are dealing with a mental health issue whether diagnosed or not - and would like assistance that includes your dog, or acquiring a dog to assist you than you are welcome to contact us <a href="http://mailto:info@barkingmad.org.au">now</a>.<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-81423705285194632672009-05-05T11:00:00.008+10:002009-05-05T11:11:50.044+10:00Good News for Renters with Pets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdEtJTj69sD69pD7nTm-cf67lroCp3R6qV8_1dZEuG_tgMueJXQ_RFx9EWjHfRo6byM0RHDLj3oFHu8bMTpRntx7Uf7xfd0l4du5ZJdtuoYFHJx2e9cuIJ32uHvHSHiaT4XmRIfoPRRs/s1600-h/lease_pets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdEtJTj69sD69pD7nTm-cf67lroCp3R6qV8_1dZEuG_tgMueJXQ_RFx9EWjHfRo6byM0RHDLj3oFHu8bMTpRntx7Uf7xfd0l4du5ZJdtuoYFHJx2e9cuIJ32uHvHSHiaT4XmRIfoPRRs/s320/lease_pets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332138978955237938" border="0" /></a>Is the often used 'no pets without permission' legally binding?<br /><br />Did you know there is no such clause in legislation in NSW for residential rentals (excluding Strata Schemes)? That's right. It is a MADE UP CLAUSE - made up by the real estate institute.<br /><ul><li>The <span style="font-weight: bold;">law</span> requires a tenant to keep the premises reasonably clean and not to cause a nuisance or annoyance.</li><li>The <span style="font-weight: bold;">law</span> requires the landlord not to interfere with your reasonable peace, comfort or privacy.<br /></li></ul>If you have an agent or landlord telling you not to smoke inside, or not to have your pet, tell them they are contracting out and contact Barking Mad right away. If you are a good tenant, we can help.<br /><br />Please see the <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=88">members area</a> for how to get the rental agreement in the legislation, not the made up one.Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-73660510210302216682009-04-28T21:10:00.010+10:002009-04-30T21:57:19.535+10:00by-laws: keep the dog!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_vmvaG_qZVUSNBW_ix5K3Ycbr9iXq5pN2H1CtEKsZ7w-WvLKqF1wmYX2JZPqbIHR2BdkDCaQKUcEpEMqvFo1wVly5xTpjKkh_8bvcgvTGPHMqBQqLCoo30f9DR7wCbDzmbWMxXhq3z4/s1600-h/Dogs_welcome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_vmvaG_qZVUSNBW_ix5K3Ycbr9iXq5pN2H1CtEKsZ7w-WvLKqF1wmYX2JZPqbIHR2BdkDCaQKUcEpEMqvFo1wVly5xTpjKkh_8bvcgvTGPHMqBQqLCoo30f9DR7wCbDzmbWMxXhq3z4/s200/Dogs_welcome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330447638322750274" border="0" /></a>The NSW CTTT Strata Division ruled in favour of keeping 'Oscar' at a unit in Coogee. It was a tricky case where the body corporate twice refused 'permission' to keep a dog and then attempted to change the by-laws during the dispute to block our members' application.<br /><br />The lesson to responsible pet owners is clear. Persist, do not surrender.<br /><br />The Tribunal held that the refusal was not reasonable. It clearly ordered that just because there had 'never' been pets, and the refusal of pets has stood for decades, that was not a good enough reason to say NO PETS. In granting the owners' permission, common-sense orders were also made to appease the opposition such as entering or leaving the Strata by the most direct route and cleaning up as required in the common areas.<br /><br />This is a significant ruling in NSW and we need to keep getting these issues before the tribunal and courts if we are going to accommodate our pets as our homes get smaller and our communities more densely populated. Members page on <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=88">renting with pets and pets in strata</a>. Read this judgment <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/images/stories/cttt%20strata%20keeping%20of%20pets%20SCS%2009%204642.pdf">here</a>.<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-54456544196210159322009-04-18T11:02:00.009+10:002009-04-18T16:16:52.931+10:00Barking Dogs - How to Share the Joy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzVC19tGYP7LIaEKUyAXB6d0qjRHOdf5vs40Zt3lKTkdy36r1scIaOUru4-RXJBiAVeQ2RG-JMU0cNYT03UFEmtY735Y9ssn4Lp6lQQwhceVLtULFe7rc9Awg-v_h_OD8tvWB1oGGhng/s1600-h/3-hour-barking.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzVC19tGYP7LIaEKUyAXB6d0qjRHOdf5vs40Zt3lKTkdy36r1scIaOUru4-RXJBiAVeQ2RG-JMU0cNYT03UFEmtY735Y9ssn4Lp6lQQwhceVLtULFe7rc9Awg-v_h_OD8tvWB1oGGhng/s320/3-hour-barking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325835075899819954" border="0" /></a>Response to recent media on dogs barking.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I too am frustrated by urban residents who permit their dog/s to bark unnecessarily. Even in semi-rural areas, the sound of a dog barking pierces a quiet, peaceful night. It is no longer accepted behaviour, though it is as organic to some dogs as talking on a mobile phone in public is for some people.<br /><br />But annoyances should be viewed in context. Unlike the ubiquitous and more annoying car or house alarms, the benefits of the companion dog cannot be underestimated. Though some will abhor the choice of expensive accessories, the economic contribution of $4.6 billion annually from pet owners should not be overlooked. Think about this number the next time our government cancels a $500,000 project to your disgust. Alternatively, consider that this is a greater contribution than fishing/forestry combined. Though fish don’t bark, fishing has its own pros and cons, including beach and sea litter.<br /><br />Quoting NSW Dept. of Health: Animals visit older people in nursing homes, young people in paediatric wards, trauma victims in acute care wards, and people under care in mental health and palliative care services. They provide comfort, entertainment, distraction, solace and a unique form of interaction. The benefits of these visits are well established and comprehensively documented.<br /><br />There is no such comparison of an public-health benefit for other urban noise such as alarms, diesel buses, pool pumps, the neighbours air conditioner, etc.<br /><br />As our homes get smaller, and single-person homes become the majority, the solace and motivation a companion dog provides to get out and walk must not be negated just because dogs bark.<br /><br />It's said that 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name (SMH Letters, 17 April); I would suggest 10% of dog owners annoy others so much as to blind them to the proven benefits of pet-ownership.<br /><br />Banning dogs from every public space doesn’t work. In Europe dogs are better-behaved and invited into more community spaces. We live in a pluralistic society; if you are annoyed by a dog barking, why not offer to co-parent or pet-sit, then you can share the joy. If the dog is happier or not alone as much, it’s likely to bark less. If this doesn’t work, for the benefit of us responsible owners, throw the noise-regulation book at them. 'Thou shalt not be annoyed by a nuisance dog' has a place is legislation - truly.<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-50089487778865967962009-04-17T18:28:00.007+10:002009-04-17T18:48:51.348+10:00We've gone International<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G1xQ3jDE_IZdYXqRmQdvI49b4hkM7n2N274RtpOum5z5LIsudRR0ugY3-F8g5PGkkuaLPm611ON276_AX_NvG3A9DfekR-mZFoFUBSh4L6h8DysaJMQ5LWfacoEOVxGqvSL3qvBqLQk/s1600-h/woopets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G1xQ3jDE_IZdYXqRmQdvI49b4hkM7n2N274RtpOum5z5LIsudRR0ugY3-F8g5PGkkuaLPm611ON276_AX_NvG3A9DfekR-mZFoFUBSh4L6h8DysaJMQ5LWfacoEOVxGqvSL3qvBqLQk/s320/woopets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325577811765068754" border="0" /></a>If dogs and cats are bad, a nuisance, not able to live in units, inappropriate if owned by a renter and not suitable to take on public transport and not fit to accompany you on holiday - AS WELL AS A HEALTH RISK, then why are 'assistance' dogs any different, and why are dogs in the EU any different?<br /><br />We've joined <a href="http://en.woopets.com/">woopets</a> and started a group called <a href="http://en.woopets.com/groups/help-us-make-australia-pet-friendly">Help Make Australia Pet-Friendly</a>. About half of our members have lived overseas or emigrated here. They know how nice it is when public policy reflects public values and recognises the social and economic importance of pets. (Yes, yes, yes...there are laws to deal with the idiots, just like there are for idiot drivers).<br /><br />We've started forum topics for pets on holiday, in strata, on beaches, in public spaces and on public transport. We hope to get a lot of input and gain a solid understanding of policy in pet-friendly countries.</div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-68459984848178974122009-04-14T17:05:00.018+10:002009-04-14T20:08:18.605+10:00Plagiarism 101 & Renting with Pets<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIaEg7VPGjEL7O2FctzoCbb8PdGi5FBXIJxszc9Ifwebi-2K0DgLNq9ekETJvvyIWABiNJNvlXYVxvgCnMosn9xLwHDs13e-W22iEe1Iry1WfDSxXOYWBWpnMyL_HUq2bLxDPjwo_8NM/s1600-h/my-mother-wears-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIaEg7VPGjEL7O2FctzoCbb8PdGi5FBXIJxszc9Ifwebi-2K0DgLNq9ekETJvvyIWABiNJNvlXYVxvgCnMosn9xLwHDs13e-W22iEe1Iry1WfDSxXOYWBWpnMyL_HUq2bLxDPjwo_8NM/s320/my-mother-wears-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324462230322092418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This post is dedicated to an as-yet unnamed organisation that has given us another legal argument to help remove the '<a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=88">no-pets</a>' clause that exists for renters in NSW but not in Victoria.</span><br /><br />I've been admitted to law school. But I'm having an ethical dilemma. The <a href="http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/lpab/ll_lpab.nsf/vwFiles/DipLawSummer2008_09.pdf/$file/DipLawSummer2008_09.pdf">Course Information Guide</a> states that "<span style="font-weight: bold;">One of the most fundamental qualities of a lawyer is honesty</span>." This is not a joke. It then goes on to back this up with two examples - one from 2004 and one from 2007 where lawyers were reprimanded for plagiarism. There is one solicitor for every 500 people in Australia; citing 2 reprimands does not do much to support the premise that a quality, let alone a fundamental quality of a lawyer is honesty. Or am I being too cynical? If so, I refer to the Bush Lawyer Rules, plagiarised from <a href="http://users.senet.com.au/%7Egregogle/being_bushlawyer.htm">Dr. Greg Ogle</a> and edited by <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=118">me</a>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> The Bush Lawyer</span><br /></div><ul><li>is not a lawyer</li><li>reserves the right to abuse the next person who says "have you thought about being a lawyer"</li><li>used to be an idealist, but has been made cynical by the legal system</li><li>thinks "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Castle_%28film%29">The Castle</a>" is a more important legal source than the rules of the court</li><li>learns most tricks from the other side or by mimicking "normal" legal practice</li><li>works till the wee small hours because there are better things to do in daytime</li><li>can usually be paid with "beers-in-lieu".<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Like every legal practitioner, the bush lawyer has ethical standards and rules to work by. These rules are, <a href="http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?typed=inter+alia&type=3&submit1.x=50&submit1.y=10&submit1=Look+up">inter alia</a>:</span><br /><ul><li>pleadings should be read sober (but affidavits should only be written while drinking Chardonnay)</li><li>pleadings can be written when drunk, but should be checked in the morning</li><li>bush lawyer pleadings should contain political arguments - just to annoy the other side</li><li>the form of pleadings can and should be plagiarised from other cases</li><li>bush lawyer pleadings should always be longer than those from the other side</li><li>only use words like "with respect" and "with the greatest respect" in parody, or in the pub afterwards</li><li>do not refer to the other side's lawyer as my' friend' - <span style="font-weight: bold;">they're not</span><br /></li></ul><a href="http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?typed=rider&type=3&submit1.x=0&submit1.y=0&submit1=Look+up"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rider</span></a><br /><ul><li>always be suspicious of lawyers on your side - they have their own constraints, and you know your case better</li><li>never accept that lawyers on the other side are simply following instructions - <span style="font-weight: bold;">they are an active part of chilling your right to free speech</span></li><li>never send a one-page letter to the other side, it is unsporting</li><li>try to include at least one piece of Latin in any correspondence, it is much more credible than relying on the "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118826/quotes">vibe of</a> the constitution" (but about as meaningless).</li></ul>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-78170921433257705792009-04-12T22:02:00.024+10:002009-04-13T00:34:32.582+10:00Quotes of Note or Nonsense<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheGRRqQnd3orgR1iH-EHSvxFuQ5GXZQEGS60OuwgquY3OKQuzRVjj-oXB5O4TGY5_BaBRCL5dXKxv0PDpJRzHBEG6-Ctxg8d3N0kUu4Sf1HMvCS4tBLJKnYU12J9YGL7VEtSm_PAaNes/s1600-h/nonsense.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheGRRqQnd3orgR1iH-EHSvxFuQ5GXZQEGS60OuwgquY3OKQuzRVjj-oXB5O4TGY5_BaBRCL5dXKxv0PDpJRzHBEG6-Ctxg8d3N0kUu4Sf1HMvCS4tBLJKnYU12J9YGL7VEtSm_PAaNes/s320/nonsense.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323778295879618834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09k51Pjya2RIjHVqayy4zbZS6IknB44y5gT9-7Fi_WQ6m8Gm4Op1kW3Zi6Ej8jnk74894wq4WttkERuQAvYLWEl-zIsStrE69I49bn2uf9XBf5kxBS9MHrFCEcyahd5qqpqWPlzuU2D8/s1600-h/Lens_Hounds_by_Nonsense_Prophet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09k51Pjya2RIjHVqayy4zbZS6IknB44y5gT9-7Fi_WQ6m8Gm4Op1kW3Zi6Ej8jnk74894wq4WttkERuQAvYLWEl-zIsStrE69I49bn2uf9XBf5kxBS9MHrFCEcyahd5qqpqWPlzuU2D8/s200/Lens_Hounds_by_Nonsense_Prophet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323777096251182610" border="0" /></a>A few quotes of note.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">From <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/heckler/">SMH Heckler</a>: "This Government needs to concentrate on what they were elected to do - they should put more effort into providing services and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> spend less time imposing draconian penalties for minor, harmless breaches</span> of outdated laws. (Our Note: We emphasise HARMLESS and relate it to a $330 fine for walking your dog on an empty beach at 7.30am in Sydney).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">T<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118826/quotes">he Castle</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> movie:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Federal court judge</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">: </span>And what law are you basing this argument on?<br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0146264/">Darryl Kerrigan</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> The law of bloody common sense!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission."</span><br />"If it's a good idea, go ahead and do it. It's much easier to apologise than it is to get permission."<br />One of my heroines, a fellow engineer and a co-worker at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Equipment_Corporation">Digital Equipment</a> Corporation (DEC) for one amazing year before she died at age 85 in 1992. - <a href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/grace_murray_hopper/">Grace Murray Hopper</a>. For several years I was the only female hardware engineer for DEC in Australia - I left in favour of corporate <a href="http://www.wme.com.au/categories/waste_managemt/aug1_01.php">environmental</a> management when things started to go the way of desktop, PC computing. (Oceancare <a href="http://www.npansw.org.au/web/journal/200402/features-marine.htm">link</a>, computer recycling<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/earth/stories/s257657.htm"> link</a>, bush walking <a href="http://www.npansw.org.au/web/journal/200208/onthetrack.htm">link</a>)<br /><br /><strong style="font-weight: normal;">From the Grace Hopper Celebration of <a href="http://cs-www.cs.yale.edu/homes/tap/Files/hopper-story.html">Women in Computing</a></strong> 1994: "When Admiral Grace Murray Hopper died, the world lost an inspiration to women and scientists everywhere. Her outstanding contributions to computer science benefited academia, industry, and the military." I lost an inspiration too, but of course her brilliance and brazenness (meaning she was not a lady-in-waiting) continue to inspire me. She believed that the decisions of the past were not the best method to choose the way forward. How novel!<br /><br />Last week I worked on a case to keep pets in a NSW Strata. The owner's corporation objection to the application was based solely on the premise that the <span style="font-weight: bold;">past predicts the future. </span>How annoying...but none-the-less we achieved pets in strata, a success no doubt aided by such a illogical argument.<br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-72417336408560346412009-04-06T19:38:00.008+10:002009-04-06T20:43:36.239+10:00Political Party: Vote Dog-Friendly, Pet Friendly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAS5LE5UA0J2OWk-ji7bdPM1DQozh0eF7ZF4Hrpg6j5m7KtDmXIs2cXb4U63YkVDLH3apQGfhP6CGske2d9l56inHxMt-2z3FxChoYZ85uxBhIjtXl0uJPqtXwQB7JL9tKYaM9ZDr5q4/s1600-h/my+dog+votes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAS5LE5UA0J2OWk-ji7bdPM1DQozh0eF7ZF4Hrpg6j5m7KtDmXIs2cXb4U63YkVDLH3apQGfhP6CGske2d9l56inHxMt-2z3FxChoYZ85uxBhIjtXl0uJPqtXwQB7JL9tKYaM9ZDr5q4/s200/my+dog+votes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321516147478917762" border="0" /></a>Barking Mad will be putting up a candidate for the next Senate election. Name our party is back on the agenda - seriously. See <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-political-future.html">previous post</a>.<br /><br />So, please help with a name (not more than six words).<br />Here is a start:<br /><ul><li>People and Pets<br /></li><li>Citizens with Pets (CWP)<br /></li><li>People with Pets (PWP)<br /></li><li>Our Families, Our Pets (OFOP)<br /></li><li>Responsible Pet Owners of Australia (RPOA)<br /></li><li>Family Pet Reform Party (FPRP)<br /></li><li>Citizens for Pets (CFP)<br /></li><li>Family Pet Advocacy Party (FPAT) FP Advisory Party?<br /></li><li>People/Citizens with Companion Animals/Pets (PWCA, CWCA, CWCP, PWCP)</li><li>Family Companion Animal Advocacy Party (FCAAP)<br /></li><li>Pawlitically Correct (huh?)<br /></li></ul>Funny links: democats, repuppycans - for <a href="http://www.politicalpartypets.com/about-us/">politically minded pets</a>.<br />Image from <a href="http://www.mydogvotes.com/index.php?cPath=3">MyDogVotes</a><br />AEC Party Registration <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Party_Registration/Handbook/index.htm">Handbook</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vote now so you can vote for your pet in the next election.</span>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-63923844654053961822009-03-26T22:24:00.007+11:002009-03-27T20:38:32.061+11:00Another win in court<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5FOIPg1XP5192tYlX7a52F-80KxPIEYh6biEyEIdairhPG1G73eTCwcDXDmk0HrJI-kpWejPkk3ydyj-WMpk36YJBziLFephLB0dz6fPAAmW5gzLfuYuNxVQhCTjtNC9dehvqf0rJYs/s1600-h/not-guilty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5FOIPg1XP5192tYlX7a52F-80KxPIEYh6biEyEIdairhPG1G73eTCwcDXDmk0HrJI-kpWejPkk3ydyj-WMpk36YJBziLFephLB0dz6fPAAmW5gzLfuYuNxVQhCTjtNC9dehvqf0rJYs/s320/not-guilty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317456070301353826" border="0" /></a>Remember when we got dragged of the bus and <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/bus-arrest-and-we-dont-mean-arrest-as.html">arrested</a> by three pushy cops who were called by the State Transit Officers who didn't even know the regulations they are suppose to enforce?<br /><a href="http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23281898-5006007,00.html">Daily Telegraphy Story</a><br /><br />State Transit <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/remember-bus-arrest-well-its-back.html">pursued their prosecution</a> of me even after the <a href="http://barking-madblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/no-sht-and-no-agreement.html">Transport Minister confirmed</a> the regulations. What a WASTE of time and court resources. And they lost, their case was dismissed. Fools? Thugs in uniform? Illiterate? A transit authority that wants LESS passengers on their services in off-peak periods? Back to fools.<br /><br /><a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/images/stories/apology%20from%20transport%20director%20general.pdf">READ THE APOLOGY</a> FROM THE TRANSPORT MINISTER, WRITTEN IN APRIL 2008 - IT DIDN'T STOP THEM FROM PROSECUTING. <br /></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-3752341765329070932009-03-24T12:05:00.019+11:002009-04-17T14:53:11.486+10:00Our most recent day in court<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WiUPx9cdzSP18JE0hnK6NGHXdE-D6ilflz4hXPyA_IbiaXNHIZ8fXvuC9N7eXYyHczqwb4SZiM0cve2pXIAEhF15FP1g-ZkBcfsb1iUTZQ_AX9nnuHGhAGJgBmbVZnNjFs4UlHlMMmc/s1600-h/bias2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316655794690547154" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 92px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WiUPx9cdzSP18JE0hnK6NGHXdE-D6ilflz4hXPyA_IbiaXNHIZ8fXvuC9N7eXYyHczqwb4SZiM0cve2pXIAEhF15FP1g-ZkBcfsb1iUTZQ_AX9nnuHGhAGJgBmbVZnNjFs4UlHlMMmc/s320/bias2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <b>Bias</b>: a personal view that has the tendency to interfere with the ability to be impartial, unprejudiced or objective.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Bias is not something the general public expects from a judge - or do we?</span><br /><br />What a fascinating day! With a full court room waiting for more than 30 minutes past the scheduled start time, a judge walking in late without so much as an apology, a judge with a 'good' reputation, but known to be 'grumpy', a judge with a strong Labor past, we were in for a day of surprises - and a good display of 'grumpy' and 'past'.<br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you actually get to have your matter heard on the day it is scheduled, you're lucky (a bit like our hospitals perhaps?) So in that way we were lucky. First up was a team of 4 lawyers and barristers getting their matter adjourned until tomorrow. Took a few minutes and probably cost the clients $5000 combined. As a criminal matter, those clients legal costs may well be paid by the tax-payer!<br /><br />What would YOU do with $5000? These guys charge for a full day in court, even if the entire day was spent waiting. Can we charge our doctors for the hours we wait?<br /><br />We've been waiting for this day for nearly two years; since our legal assembly on Long Reef Beach back in May 2007. Without getting technical, our system of government invites and respects protests and criticism (think the Opposition). Even without a bill-of-rights, this <a href="http://www.nswccl.org.au/issues/protest.php">expression</a> is long established in <a href="http://www.hrlrc.org.au/files/BWTJNGTU4Z/Bukta%20v%20Hungary%20%28+%201%20case%29.pdf">case law</a> and even statute. <a href="http://www.nswccl.org.au/docs/pdf/Right%20of%20Peaceful%20Assembly.pdf">The Right of Peaceful Assembly</a> by R.M. Hope QC.<br /><br />Barking Mad conducts our assemblies legally - they are '<a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/soa1988189/s23.html">authorised' by law</a> which means with permission of the commissioner of police. This allows us to express an opinion peacefully, without menace. However, as we've said and continue to say, Warringah has been successfully menacing with us for quite some time.<br /><br />If an authorised public assembly is held in the way it was approved by the Commissioner, a person is not guilty of any offence relating to participating in an unlawful assembly . . .if done for the purpose of participation. <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/soa1988189/s24.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Reference.</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PS: 14-April-09</span> The cost-effectiveness of being a criminal. Our District Court appeal was dismissed so we're off, two years after having a dog on a beach, to the next court up.<br /><br />And, what everyone has asked about this day in court: It was Judge Finnane who showed us an amazing display of judicial intelligence (or some other term that makes it ok for judges to show what 'normal people' would call bias). <br /><br />After judgment and before the sentencing, for the purpose of leniency, I was explaining my extensive environmental contributions in the fields of organic waste, composting, corporate environmental management and computer recycling . But I was interrupted with the rhetorical question: <span style="font-weight: bold;">HOW CAN YOU BE FOR DOGS IF YOU ARE AN ENVIRONMENTALIST - DOGS DEFECATE, DOGS BITE. </span>And I said, we defecate too, every day if it's a good day! (And I'm not sure how you eat your steak, but I like to bite mine). We await the transcript. We point you the reader to <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/images/stories/Risks%20from%20Dogs%20on%20Sports%20Grounds.pdf">all about dog po</a>o...<br /><br />Read the continuing story and our very exciting next action on the members web. </div></div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-34656244951579980962009-03-20T19:45:00.000+11:002009-03-21T22:23:42.863+11:00New poster and membership form<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://barking-mad.com.au/images/stories/Flyer%203%20column%20March09%20-%202.pdf"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PwCy2lk8DgSZ3Tvl7J9VnWOpKnia6poVpLWRM4NTgvz4QMhuIfxG5iaZEq7h6jWiJyOSAvDzlTG49P_OkJOgHfKBx2E0iiCHT_rUiD0dRF05T3KNyWqtU-YYIDyY_2ymhvIFu23_ueY/s320/march09flyer-600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315566614350720114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/images/stories/Flyer%203%20column%20March09%20-%202.pdf">Download</a> our brochure and membership form and let your friends know that we CAN create pet-friendly communities.Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798437409200114937.post-84510058167866216742009-03-12T18:01:00.005+11:002009-03-12T18:08:58.168+11:00Not Happy, Dog<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60vpBc4Uo-bPo6G5e6tICueX1zYWeHuQvekM6jF5yPiRK_P-eRZ1Y2-rqCWP3SyuZwo3UeaDWYasfrLC5nRYIbkwSHPOP4Hu24VTKXrW4oRkZkwQAnX7Nx6OMPzIJQpqnMM2UC-s9OCQ/s1600-h/Pema-recovery-day-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60vpBc4Uo-bPo6G5e6tICueX1zYWeHuQvekM6jF5yPiRK_P-eRZ1Y2-rqCWP3SyuZwo3UeaDWYasfrLC5nRYIbkwSHPOP4Hu24VTKXrW4oRkZkwQAnX7Nx6OMPzIJQpqnMM2UC-s9OCQ/s400/Pema-recovery-day-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312193282389916130" border="0" /></a>Well, here is <a href="http://barking-mad.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=49&Itemid=71">Pema</a> two days after surgery and after her first full day at home in recovery. I'm adjusting to being nurse. I had the privilege of spending time outside under the stars and as the full moon was rising over the ocean at 3am today, thanks to the toilet needs of dog. It was really quite pleasant and I'm sure 6 weeks of on-lead will perfect her toileting on command. There has to be a positive in all this somewhere?</div>Barking Mad Equity for Pet Ownershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18407579648553910808noreply@blogger.com0