Animal Cruelty Outrage as public fears for the welfare of Maremma Guardian Dogs.
The issue
Amor and Avis, retired and aging Maremma Guardian Dogs from the Middle Island Penguin Project partnered with Deakin University and sponsored by Petstock are currently being kept in a derelict enclosure at Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park under the responsibility of Warrnambool City Council Victoria Australia.
Amor and Avis are now educational ambassadors for the Middle Island Penquins Project and help contribute to its funding efforts including revenue for Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park. Instead of receiving the respect and care benefiting their role and breed, they are now treated little more than a petting zoo attraction which undermines the integrity of their purpose and the Project they represent - Animal Conservation.
Amor and Avis are currently housed in a poorly maintained enclosure which poses significant risks to their health and well-being. Immediate intervention is required to ensure their health and safety.
The Maremma community alongside concerned members of the public nationwide have expressed grave concerns over the inhumane treatment of Amor and Avis. The conditions that they are enduring can only be described as cruel and neglectful particularly given the specialised requirements of this intelligent and noble breed.
Their current enclosure is rusty and decaying measuring only 5 x 6 meter's which is inadequate for one Maremma let alone two. This small space is littered with their faeces and overgrown with weeds some reaching approximately 60 CM in height. These weeds pose significant health risks including injuries from grass seed infections that can lead to severe health complications and in some cases death.
The tin shelters provided are far too small and unsuitable for this breed. The inside of these small shelters are overrun with weeds as high as the roof, a clear indication that Amor and Avis do not utilise them due to these shelters being too small and confining. As a result Amor and Avis are left exposed to harsh weather conditions with no protection from the elements. Even more distressing is that their only water source is an old dirty tub left in full sun which compromises the quality of their drinking water.
Maremma's are not comfortable in small, confined spaces and shelters. This breed prefers larger open shelters that allows for visibility in all directions as this aligns with their natural guarding instincts.
The Warrnambool City Councils approach to managing the welfare of these Maremma's along with their response to public concerns, has further highlighted a clear lack of understanding of the breeds unique requirements in regard to their management practices and supplying an environment that respects and nurtures this breeds needs and natural instincts.
We urge Warrnambool City Council and Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park to take immediate action in providing appropriate basic requirements to ensure Avis and Amors safety, health and well-being.
Actions and requirements for Amor and Avis...
- Larger Enclosure: Ideally a spacious paddock where they can move freely and comfortably.
- Upgraded Fencing: Secure and appropriate fencing to ensure their safety and containment.
- Natural Shade: Trees or other natural sources to provide relief from the heat and sun.
- Well maintained grass: Free from weeds, seeds and faeces to prevent health issues.
- Shelters: Large raised weatherproof shelters suitable for Maremma's with clean bedding to ensure comfort for age related health issues and protection.
- Water Stations: New, regularly cleaned Water stations that are permanently located in shaded areas.
These basic requirements will ensure a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment that supports Avis and Amors dignity and well-being ln their retirement years.
These beloved Guardian Dogs cannot advocate for themselves but together we can be their voice.
Join us in demanding immediate improvements to their living conditions. The inhumane treatment of Amor and Avis must end now. The Warrnambool City Council has a duty of care to these precious Guardian dogs which thus far they have chosen to neglect.
2,222
The issue
Amor and Avis, retired and aging Maremma Guardian Dogs from the Middle Island Penguin Project partnered with Deakin University and sponsored by Petstock are currently being kept in a derelict enclosure at Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park under the responsibility of Warrnambool City Council Victoria Australia.
Amor and Avis are now educational ambassadors for the Middle Island Penquins Project and help contribute to its funding efforts including revenue for Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park. Instead of receiving the respect and care benefiting their role and breed, they are now treated little more than a petting zoo attraction which undermines the integrity of their purpose and the Project they represent - Animal Conservation.
Amor and Avis are currently housed in a poorly maintained enclosure which poses significant risks to their health and well-being. Immediate intervention is required to ensure their health and safety.
The Maremma community alongside concerned members of the public nationwide have expressed grave concerns over the inhumane treatment of Amor and Avis. The conditions that they are enduring can only be described as cruel and neglectful particularly given the specialised requirements of this intelligent and noble breed.
Their current enclosure is rusty and decaying measuring only 5 x 6 meter's which is inadequate for one Maremma let alone two. This small space is littered with their faeces and overgrown with weeds some reaching approximately 60 CM in height. These weeds pose significant health risks including injuries from grass seed infections that can lead to severe health complications and in some cases death.
The tin shelters provided are far too small and unsuitable for this breed. The inside of these small shelters are overrun with weeds as high as the roof, a clear indication that Amor and Avis do not utilise them due to these shelters being too small and confining. As a result Amor and Avis are left exposed to harsh weather conditions with no protection from the elements. Even more distressing is that their only water source is an old dirty tub left in full sun which compromises the quality of their drinking water.
Maremma's are not comfortable in small, confined spaces and shelters. This breed prefers larger open shelters that allows for visibility in all directions as this aligns with their natural guarding instincts.
The Warrnambool City Councils approach to managing the welfare of these Maremma's along with their response to public concerns, has further highlighted a clear lack of understanding of the breeds unique requirements in regard to their management practices and supplying an environment that respects and nurtures this breeds needs and natural instincts.
We urge Warrnambool City Council and Flagstaff Hill Tourist Park to take immediate action in providing appropriate basic requirements to ensure Avis and Amors safety, health and well-being.
Actions and requirements for Amor and Avis...
- Larger Enclosure: Ideally a spacious paddock where they can move freely and comfortably.
- Upgraded Fencing: Secure and appropriate fencing to ensure their safety and containment.
- Natural Shade: Trees or other natural sources to provide relief from the heat and sun.
- Well maintained grass: Free from weeds, seeds and faeces to prevent health issues.
- Shelters: Large raised weatherproof shelters suitable for Maremma's with clean bedding to ensure comfort for age related health issues and protection.
- Water Stations: New, regularly cleaned Water stations that are permanently located in shaded areas.
These basic requirements will ensure a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment that supports Avis and Amors dignity and well-being ln their retirement years.
These beloved Guardian Dogs cannot advocate for themselves but together we can be their voice.
Join us in demanding immediate improvements to their living conditions. The inhumane treatment of Amor and Avis must end now. The Warrnambool City Council has a duty of care to these precious Guardian dogs which thus far they have chosen to neglect.
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Petition created on 3 December 2024