Bay Harbour: March 27, 2024

Bay Harbour News Wednesday March 27 2024
6
NEWS
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Policing hub
Gary, Tom, Arnie
plan on hold
• From page 1
“We’ve got nearly full
coverage of the hill,” Baird said.
“It’s been good for a couple
of situations where suspicious
people have been wandering
around open garage doors. Then
people can let each other know.”
Baird and Lomax both
emphasised members of the
WhatsApp groups should still
report crime and suspicious
behaviour to police as
the channels are only
for monitoring and
reporting to neighbours.
Future plans for the
WhatsApp groups
involve setting up a
community policing
hub at the old Sumner
police station. But
police opposition to the
proposal has brought it to a halt
for now.
The plan to use the Nayland
St building was first raised in
July by the Bays Community
Policing Hub, which includes
some members of the
WhatsApp groups.
But police told Bay Harbour
News the group had been
Lane Todd
advised it could not use
the building “months ago”.
But when Bay Harbour
News approached the hub, a
spokesperson said it was not
aware of this decision and was
surprised by it.
Metro area commander,
Superintendent Lane Todd, said
the plan was declined because
police want people to report
crime directly to them, rather
than through a hub.
“That way we can gather
as much information
as possible at the time,
providing a better
response.”
The building is
currently occupied by
the Sumner Community
Residents’ Association.
The hub spokesperson
said police misunderstood the
proposed function of the hub
as people would be encouraged
to report crime to the police as
well.
Said Banks Peninsula MP
Vanessa Weenink: “If police
don’t support it, I don’t support
it. It seems unlikely it would go
ahead.”
• By Lily Duval
THE STORY of family, nature,
and the bond between a Cass
Bay father, his son, and their
furry companion is unfolding
around Lyttelton Harbour.
Gary Freedman, son Tom and
cocker spaniel Arnie make a
great trapping team.
Freedman said when Arnie
races off to check the traps “he
lets us know if there’s something
in there”.
When a trap has caught
something, they have developed
an easy routine, sharing their
jobs.
“It’s really handy with two
because it makes everything a
bit quicker,” said Freedman.
The trio are members of
Whaka-Ora Pest Project, a
community trapping initiative
covering the parks and trails
around the harbour.
“One of us can do the trap,
and the other person can be on
the app, logging the catch on
TrapNZ. By yourself, you have
to take the gloves off, get into
computer mode, and then flip
back to nature,” said Freedman.
Tom, 17, is so fast at logging
the catches, Freedman barely
notices him doing it.
He said without Tom, he
would probably forget to record
AT WORK: Father and son pest trapping team Gary and
Tom Freedman working in Cass Bay with their loyal cocker
spaniel Arnie.
the catches online.
They’ve recorded excellent
results so far.
“It’s really satisfying when you
get something,” Tom said.
“You know you’re doing it
well, and it’s working.”
The Cashmere High student
has a message for young people
in New Zealand.
“I urge everyone, especially
young people, to do something
like this because it feels so good,”
he said.
“The world so often feels a
little hopeless with climate
change and everything that’s
happening in the world. But
these things on a local scale can
make such a difference.”
Understanding Pain in Pets
ow do we know when our pets are in pain? They’re
H still eating their food, they’re running around and
playing with their toys, surely they feel fine? Don’t they?
In the animal kingdom, the primary goal is simple: keep
the species going. Nature, as it turns out, isn’t too fussed
about our happiness or how good our hair (or coat) looks
or whether we have the latest toys. It cares about survival
– eat, stay out of danger and survive long enough to keep
producing offspring to carry on the cycle. Pain plays
a crucial role in survival. It’s the body’s way of saying,
“That’s hot, get away from that fire!” or “Ouch, that’s
sharp, it’ll cut me!” or “Look out! That other animal wants
to eat me. Run!”
As humans, we have the luxury of interpreting pain with
a touch of modern convenience: If we have a sore tooth
we can just call the dentist, if we’ve injured ourselves we
know we can take it easy for a few days. Our furry friends
have a more primal understanding.
For them, pain isn’t just a signal, it’s a survival tool deeply
rooted in their biology. They’re not going to come and
tell us “Hey, I’m hurting”, they’re wired to tough it out
and keep going, no matter what, so they are masters at
disguising signs of injury or illness.
Pain can manifest in different ways. Acute pain comes on
suddenly and can look more obvious or severe. It acts as
a protective reflex at first but can become harmful if left
untreated. Chronic pain tends to be more insidious in
onset and the signs can be much more subtle, it has little
protective value and can become quite debilitating having
significant impacts on overall quality of life.
So, how do we tell if our furry companions are in pain? It’s
all about paying attention to the signs. It can really help to
think about how your pet behaves normally (or if they’re
older, how they used to behave when they were young),
how they move, what activities they like, how they play,
do they look for attention? Knowing what is normal for
them can help you detect early changes more quickly. Our
pets won’t always show their discomfort in obvious ways,
so it’s essential to be vigilant and proactive in seeking
veterinary care when needed.
At Kowhai Veterinary Clinic, we’re committed to helping
our furry friends live their best lives. From chronic pain
management to proactive preventive care, we’re here to
support you every step of the way. Because when it comes
to our pets’ well-being, there’s no goal more important
than ensuring their comfort and happiness.
Remember, old age is not a disease. While our pets may
slow down a bit as they age, it’sessential to address any
signs of discomfort or pain promptly. With the right care
and attention, we can help our furry companions exceed
nature’s survival goals and live a life filled with comfort
and joy.
So, here’s to keeping our pets happy, healthy, and
pain-free – because when they thrive, we thrive too.
Signs of Pain in Animals
• loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• decreased activity
• restlessness
• decreased engagement with human and animal friends
• panting
• salivation
• posture changes – may be rigid, hunched, or drooping
• wide eyes
• limping/change in gait
• change in behavior – aggression/irritability
• whining/moaning/ other vocalization
• Inappropriate toileting - soiling in house
• squinting, blinking, tears, eye redness or discharge
Common Causes of Pain
• Musculoskeletal – bones, joints, muscles, tendons
– fractures, strains, bruises, arthritis, etc.
• Visceral – coming from internal organs such as
stomach, intestines, urinary tract, even eyes
– think UTI, stomach ulcers, pneumonia, cancer, etc.
• Neurologic – neurologic pain can come from
damaged nerves, neuropathies, and some autoimmune
diseases
• Dental/oral – oral pain can come from fractured
damaged teeth, gum disease, oral ulcers, or oral
foreign bodies
• Dermal – the skin is the body’s first alert system and
it’s full of pain receptors – scrapes, burns, cuts, and
rashes can all cause pain
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz
WE ARE OPEN:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm