Queensland News - Australian Veterinary Association

AVA Queensland News - August 2009SHORT BITS…Stupeed, Breed or DeedThe Scottish Parliament is considering a Bill which will make it an offence by the “proper person” toallow any dog to be dangerously out of control, anywhere in Scotland. In summary, a dog is defined asdangerously out of control if (1) it is not being kept under control effectively and consistently and (2) itsbehaviour, size or power give rise to reasonable alarm and apprehension on the part of any individual.Dr Andrew Easton kindly drew the article reporting the Bill (in the Veterinary Record,4 July 2009:2) to the attention of the News. Those wishing to read the Bill may visitwww.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/29-dogControl/index.htmIt certainly is sensible for legislation to address the “proper person”, because it seems reasonable toexpect that such persons are able to read, and that the dogs can not.Smart but Forgetful State?The Queensland Horse Council is amazed that the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries isconsidering terminating the position of Horse Industry Development Officer, created after the seriousoutbreak of Equine Influenza less than two years ago.In the June 2009 eQuiNEWS, the Council also draws the attention of members to halting the spread ofClass 2 plant pest Fireweed. Fireweed has small, yellow, daisy like flowers about the size of a $2 coin. Itcontains an alkaloid which is toxic for herbivores, causing liver damage and other signs. The toxin cancause sudden death or cumulative toxicity.Divisional StrategyOn 29 and 30 August, Division and Branch representatives will meet in Townsville to draw up a StrategicPlan for the coming year. National AVA will be represented and the strategic plan will dovetail with thenational strategy. The meeting is an annual event and is being held in Townsville to spread the ease ofrepresentation.The strategy will have the following broad aims: develop and improve member benefits; advocate policysolutions to government, industry and veterinary schools; engage branches; communicate Divisionachievements to members and non-members.Members’ inputs are welcomed and encouraged. Please address any comments to the Queensland officeor your Branch representative.ArthritisOur tireless Executive Officer, Mr Steve McMaster, has brought to the attention of the News a pressrelease by the Australian National Kennel Council dated 21 July 2009. A new type of stem cell technologyis being used successfully in dogs in Australia to relieve painful joint problems such as arthritis.The technology is called Regenerative Stem Cell Technology and involves harvesting fat cells from thedog, processing and purifying them, and re-injecting them into the affected joint. Improvement in qualityof life and in movement of the joint is claimed to be as high as 80 percent.The technology has been practised in Australia for less than 12 months. Readers interested in followingup this Short Bit may contact Dr Peter Higgins at publicrelations@ankc.org.au20