|
Interacting with Wildlife
This usually doesn’t go well for one or both of the animals involved, so it’s a good idea to do your best to avoid such encounters. Being a rural area, Pender Harbour has it’s share of resident Wildlife and although opportunities to view this wildlife are exciting, they can be dangerous for our pets and the wildlife. Here are a few tips to help keep everyone healthy and safe:
1. Be aware that cats and small dogs are prey for eagles, especially in open areas near the shore.
2. Never feed your pets outdoors. Leftover food, even the tiniest amounts, will attract wildlife including rats, coyotes, raccoons, bears and crows.
3. Watch for ticks! These nasty little beasts are just as happy to feed off your dog or cat as they would you, but your pet can’t tell you he’s carrying one around. If your pet goes outside, comb his coat frequently and carefully, on the lookout for ticks.
4. Antifreeze is a deadly poison to dogs and cats (and most other living things), so clean up spills immediately because many animals like the taste and won’t hesitate to lap up a lethal amount.
Sprayed by a skunk-- what to do
This is a distressing experience for a dog, cat or human being, not unlike being assaulted by teargas so we hope you’re not in a situation of having to deal with it. If you are, here are some helpful hints.
1. If your pet has been sprayed in its eyes, rise well with water as soon as possible.
2. Don’t bother with tomato juice because it doesn’t work. Do not spray your pet with Febreze, perfume or any other scent-masking agents (in some cases the combination can make the skunk scent even worse). Do not spray your pet with orange or other citrus agent.
3. Now, here’s a “skunk shampoo” formula that really does work:
Mix together these ingredients:
- 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- 1/4 cup (sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon liquid soap or dish detergent
IMPORTANT: This mixture is is unstable and should NOT be stored. Use it immediately and dispose of any left over solution as soon as you’re done.
Apply the mixture to your pet’s coat, taking care to avoid its eyes, nose and mouth and work it well into the coat.
Rinse well with warm water
Repeat if necessary.
4. The good news is, dogs rarely go after a skunk a second time if they’ve been sprayed.
Top of Page
Dogs
There is no dog-control bylaw in Pender Harbour-Egmont, so leashing and licensing is not required. Please keep your best friend under your control at all times so we aren’t forced into another law and more taxes that none of us want.
Please scoop your dog’s poop! Your neighbours don’t want to look at it and hikers don’t want to step on it (you thought you were the only one who used that wilderness trail?).
Many dogs love to stick their heads out of the car window or face the wind in back of a truck. This is best prevented because it’s easy for a particle of sand or other tiny, sharp object to become embedded in Fido’s eye, causing pain, possible infection and even blindness. If you must ride around with Fido in the back of your truck, keep him properly secured from being thrown around or falling out. Otherwise, you’re not only endangering your pet but breaking the law and subject to fines.
Domestic livestock, pets and deer are common in the area, and their safety is our priority. A dog can be legally shot to protect livestock on private property.
Free-range dogs are not only at risk, but they are nuisance animals that frequently cause property damage and endanger wildlife and other pets. As well, many people have a fear of unfamiliar dogs. Please be a responsible dog owner-- you, your neighbours and your dog will all be happier for it.
Top of Page
Cats
Cats are skilled hunters, and their owners are typically pleased when Fluffy keeps the house free of rodents. However, when songbirds are the prey, the cat often isn’t so popular. Unfortunately, cats cannot un-learn this strong instinct to stalk, pounce and often eat their prey. Your cat is not being cruel; it does not and cannot distinguish between a rat, a robin and the string you dangle in front of him for play (cruelty is scolding or punishing your cat for being a cat). The cat is an effective part of the natural selection process, where weak, injured and ill animals are removed from the gene pool.
The only way to prevent your cat from hunting is to keep it indoors, and this is just one of many good reasons to have an indoor-only feline. Cats that roam outside are at risk of disease, parasites and injury from other animals and traffic. Cats may be poisoned by unknowing neighbours who set out rat poison when the cat catches a poisoned rat.
You can minimize the loss to your local bird population by placing bird feeders either high off the ground or in an open area where an opportunistic feline won’t have the advantage of cover when stalking its natural prey (remember that birds will also go after the seed that falls on the ground, under the feeder). Putting a bell on a cat is of no use, other than teaching the cat to move without sounding the bell.
Top of Page
Organizations for Animal Lovers
SPCA
Animal Shelter, 604-740-0301
Animal shelter - 4376 Solar Road (off Field Road), Wilson Creek
Noon-4pm, Wednesday-Sunday, closed on all statutory holidays
EMERGENCY NUMBER - 604-741-1599 - to report an injured, stray animal.
The Sunshine Coast branch of the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals operates an animal shelter, investigates complaints of animal abuse and is involved in a number of campaigns to have animal-related laws created or strengthened.
Call them to adopt a pet, make a donation or volunteer for their organization.
Happy Cat Haven
Violet Winegarden, 604-886-2407
760 School Road, Gibsons
Violet Winegarden, with the help of volunteers, operates this private shelter for cats in her Gibsons home. Many of the cats are unadoptable for reasons of illness, disability, advanced age or personality, but Violet and her crew find homes for many other felines. Happy Cat Haven also operates a program to feed and spay/neuter feral cats.
Renaissance Animal Rescue Society
604-884-5055
Sechelt
This registered, non-profit society arranges for adoption of animals from foster homes. Call them to volunteer, make a donation or apply to adopt a pet.
Top of Page
Offsite Pet Links
|
