Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au some politicians with their misinformation] to abuse either verbally or physically anyone who is different by colour or religion. We have “heroes” who spit on and threaten violence to Muslim ladies and try to remove their head dress. They don’t, however, do it to nuns. So I agree with Ms Rayner, allow these asylum seekers in to Oz. Maybe Christine Fry should walk a mile in the refugees’ shoes. Or, better still, go to Alleppo in Syria for a week. Many nationalities have gone into making up our race, so a little bit of compassion would go a long way. John Cain, McCrae
Barking angry I feel very let down by the Mornington Peninsula Shire regarding neighbours barking dogs. I have endured 10 years of relentless daily barking of an inconsiderate neighbours two Labradors. Over the 10 years I have reported the problem to five rangers who have a very non-committal approach to this serious matter. To add to my problem, two large dogs have arrived on the other side. These dogs bark regularly while their owners are out or at work each day. One rate paying resident of 40 years versus four barking dogs. I desperately need help or advice on this matter. All I ask is to have some peace and quiet free from daily barking dogs. Name and address supplied, Rye
Dogs in danger The story about a zookeeper who punched a kangaroo in the central west of NSW has gone viral. People are asking why a person so experienced with animals would use violence against one, particularly a member of a native species. Others are worried about the dog which was being held by the ‘roo just before the punch. The man’s employer, Taronga Zoo, said it “strongly opposes the striking of animals and does not support the practice of using dogs to hunt, as this can result in negative welfare for both species”, but has not fired the perpetrator. One thing is being missed in the row over who was in danger and who was threatening who. The dogs were only confronting the kangaroo because a bunch of men wanted to go and kill a pig. The lesson is clear: if you are genuinely
concerned about the welfare of your dog, don’t put him or her in danger among wild animals and guns. And if, like the vast majority of Australians, you are opposed to cruelty to animals, leave the rifles and dogs at home and take a camera instead. Ashley Fruno, associate director, PETA Australia
Take care on roads As the festive season kicks off and our social calendars begin to fill up, it’s timely to remind everyone to take extra care on the roads. Many of us will travel long distances in the coming weeks for Christmas get-togethers and we know the roads become increasingly busy during this time of year. It’s critical that everyone plans their journeys, makes good decisions and looks out for each other on the roads to ensure we’re all present for our loved ones this Christmas. In the excitement of festivities it can be difficult to keep track of how many alcoholic drinks we have consumed and we know consuming as little as one drink impairs your judgement. If you’re planning on drinking any alcohol our advice is to plan a way home that doesn’t involve driving. Some of us will travel on unfamiliar roads this summer so it’s important we all slow down, take regular breaks and drive to the weather and road conditions. Let’s all work together to keep each other safe so we can all enjoy Christmas with our families and friends. Joe Calafiore, TAC CEO
Festivities can distract Every year we look forward to the festive season – it is a time to relax, celebrate and be with those we love. It is also a busy time – a time of travel, parties and distractions which makes it a dangerous time on our roads. Already this year we have seen 270 lives lost on Victorian roads, 36 more than this time last year. This not only represents the lives lost, but also the families, friends and communities left mourning their loved ones. As a motor vehicle accident lawyer, I have represented many families and have unfortunately seen the widespread devastation caused by road accidents. By being patient, prepared and responsible behind the wheel this festive season, we can all enjoy a safe, well deserved break with our loved ones. Joanne Panagakis, practice group leader, Slater and Gordon
Summer visitors: This tiger snake was stopped in its tracks last week in Rosebud, but the advice is to leave them alone.
Warm weather warning A MORNINGTON Peninsula snake catcher is urging people to be cautious of snakes coming out of hibernation, but to resist the urge to kill the legally protected reptiles. Mornington-based, registered snake catcher Barry Goldsmith receives about 20 to 30 calls about snake sightings every week, mainly from around the peninsula but also as far as Tullamarine, and said snakes were important indicators of a healthy environment and were usually just trying to hide. “Snakes will be more obvious now the weather is warming up, but the better thing to do rather than try to hurt or kill it, is to let it escape, stay away from it and keep yards tidy and grass mown,” he said. “Despite what some people think, snakes do not want to attack and will be more frightened of you that you are of them. “They are part of the ecosystems, and they eat rats and mice.” Mr Goldsmith said even tiger snakes, often thought of as aggressive, would rather get away than
bite. But Rosebud resident Kevin Berkefeld, whose neighbour killed a tiger snake in his backyard last week, said he was fearful that the snake could bite his grandchildren, who visit regularly. “We both have clean, tidy backyards but to see the snake in the middle of the day heading cross the lawn toward the back steps was quite scary,” he said. “My neighbour has a farming background, so instincts kicked in.” Mr Goldsmith said snakes did not die instantly when decapitated, and could suffer extended agony before death. “It’s in pain and scared, and that’s the worst thing you can do, as there are plenty of cases of people being bitten by the body-less head when trying to put it in the bin.” “I would advise take precautions, but don’t kill snakes, it’s cruel and unnecessary.” Call the Department of Sustainability and Environment on 136186 for a list of snake controllers.
RE L A X , T H E RE ’ S T I M E T O E N J O Y C H RI S T M AS S H O PPI N G WI T H O U R E X T E N DE D H O U R S. Monday
12 December
9am to 9pm
Saturday
24 December
8am to 6pm
Tuesday
13 December
9am to 9pm
Sunday
25 December
CHRISTMAS DAY - CLOSED
Wednesday
14 December
9am to 9pm
Monday
26 December
BOXING DAY - 10am to 5pm
Thursday
15 December
9am to 9pm
Tuesday
27 December
10am to 5pm
Friday
16 December
9am to 9pm
Wednesday
28 December
9am to 5.30pm
Saturday
17 December
8am to 6pm
Thursday
29 December
9am to 9pm
Sunday
18 December
8am to 6pm
Friday
30 December
9am to 9pm
Monday
19 December
9am to 9pm
Saturday
31 December
9am to 5pm
Sunday
1 January
NEW YEAR’S DAY - 10am to 5pm
Tuesday
20 December
9am to 9pm
Wednesday
21 December
9am to 9pm
Thursday
22 December
9am to 9pm
Monday
2 January
10am to 5pm
Friday
23 December
9am to 9pm
Tuesday
3 January
9am to 5.30pm
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Southern Peninsula News 13 December 2016
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