NEWS DESK
Meow to a better life ONE female cat and her offspring can produce 40,000 cats in their lifetimes. More than a quarter of a million healthy cats and dogs are put down in Australia every year because there are not enough homes for them. Not for profit organisation Meow Rescue is hoping to make a dent in those statistics. Its volunteers, most living on the Mornington Peninsula, rescue cats and kittens and are “passionate about making change in the lives of unwanted cats, kittens and our community”. “We stand for rescue, rehabilitate and rehome,” Committee member Kelly Davidson said. “All rescue cats are cared for by our team of foster carers in their own homes. “We advocate for de-sexing and promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and non-kill solutions.” Meow’s kittens and cats are vet checked, wormed, treated for fleas, de-sexed, microchipped and vaccinated before going on to their “puuurfect” home. Ms Davidson said a Last-Litter program for cat owners was part of an “ethical approach to reducing the numbers of unwanted cats”. “This entails the pet owner surrendering the entire litter to us and, in return, we de-sex the kittens’ mother at no cost,” she said. Cranbourne-based Meow and Friends Community Vet will hold its first assisted de-sexing day on the 6 June. For $50 a cat will be de-sexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Details: meowandfriendsvet@gmail.com
Restrictions eased but caution required
Clarification VETS on the Mornington Peninsula are regulated as to what they can and cannot do with stray animals. The Domestic Animals Act of Victoria stipulates that cats and dogs brought to vets as strays must be handed over to the council if the vet has not signed what is called an 84Y agreement. Vets working outside the agreement can be fined if they are caught checking an animal’s microchip or contacting its owners. Those within the agreement can retain, dispose of, or return cats or dogs to their owners. The veterinary clinic referred to in the article on Neil the cat was not the Rye Vet Clinic in Point Nepean Road (“Loss of cat means loss of confidence in pound” The News 26/5/20).
Jamie Glaum was one of the first skaters to enjoy the easing of restructions at the Rosebud skatepark. Picture: Gary Sissons
IT seemed as though the Mornington Peninsula became active again last Tuesday with the state government further easing COVID-19 restrictions. Playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gym equipment and park equipment, such as furniture and barbecues, were reopened for up to 10 people, with the number expanding to 20 from 11.59pm on Sunday. Libraries, youth centres and other community facilities were given the go ahead to open with 20 people in a single area that complies with social distancing rules; men’s sheds and arts and crafts classes can resume; entertainment and cultural venues, such as galleries, museums, drive-in cinemas and historic sites can open, and swimming pools can open with up to 20 people and extra safety requirements in place. Community sporting activities are also be permitted with up to 20 people in undivided spaces, provided the sport is outdoors, non-competitive, non-contact, and people are able to play 1.5 metres apart. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the easing of restrictions was a sign of “slowly and cautiously heading in the right direction”. “If we stay the course and do the right thing, there’ll be more announcements on 22 June that will see a further easing of restrictions – something we’re all looking forward to.” The gradual easing of restrictions was encouraging for local businesses and, in particular, the tourism and hospitality sectors. “In the meantime, I remind everyone that we still need to remain vigilant and cautious and to observe the social distancing rules and practice good hygiene.” In other signs of easing, non-food and drink market stalls can open, and overnight stays can resume at private houses and in tourist accommodation. Campgrounds and caravan parks can open but with communal facilities closed. The shire camping season is proposed to reopen in October. Up to 20 people are allowed at weddings plus the celebrant and couple; up to 50 are allowed at funerals, plus those conducting the ceremony, and up to 20 are allowed at religious ceremonies, plus those performing the service. Outdoor gatherings can have 20 people and 20 people can be inside a home which, for a family of four, means 16 visitors. Those able to work from home must keep working from home until at least the end of June. Details: mornpen.vic.gov. au/coronavirus
Rosebud Skin Cancer Centre IT’S TIME TO HAVE A SKIN CHECK It’s much easier to treat skin cancer early WE ARE OPEN Entrance at the back of the clinic from Nepean Plaza Rd.
Bulk billing available for pensioners skin checks
Mole mapping HALF PRICE during June and July
Book an appointment
Call 5986 1600
Experienced professional skin cancer doctors all awarded by the College of Skin Cancer. Dr Sally Shaw, Fellow SCCANZ and Dr Mary Tai Kie, Fellow SCCANZ.
1079 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud
Ph: 5986 1600 www.rosebudskincancercentre.com.au
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Southern Peninsula News
3 June 2020