Talk to the Animals: Top animal news stories for 2014

Opinion

There was no shortage of animal stories making news this past year, though sadly most have not been especially positive. Still, public awareness is a good thing and allows us to be informed and to take action where appropriate or alter our choices around issues that concern us most.

The animal stories that stood out for me in 2014:

Beagles no longer to be used for testing party drugs

Animal welfare advocates with dogs rescued from animal testing laboratories gathered at Parliament. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Testing recreational drugs for harmful side effects on Beagles has to be one the most blatant injustices towards animals in recent years. So much so that even our politicians didn't need to think twice about changing the law to stop this deplorable practice in its tracks. Animal welfare groups did a great job of increasing public awareness around this issue with the subsequent outcry from New Zealanders directly contributing to John Keys announcement in May that Beagles would no longer be used to 'see what happens' when an individual chooses to overdo it with party pills.

Jail sentence for possum torture

They may be a declared pest but no animal deserves the treatment that Whangarei man Joshua Heka dished out to possums he trapped and then tortured. Even more disturbing is that he filmed himself nailing the animals to trees and cutting off their limbs while keeping up a sarcastic commentary. He was sentenced to two years and four months and banned from owning animals for five years. A lifelong ban would be more appropriate given the depravity of his actions.

Animal abuser Joshua Heka in court. Photos / Imran Ali, Thinkstock

Oil exploration in Maui's Dolphin sanctuary

North Island Maui's dolphins are in danger. Photo / DOC

The decision by Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges to open up a marine sanctuary that is home to the rare Maui's dolphin brought nationwide protest, and concern from conservation groups. The minister's claim of 'negligible risk' to the subspecies of Hector's dolphin generated much controversy as the population totals little more than fifty animals. Allowing commercial entities into what is meant to be a marine sanctuary is a worrying move in terms of other endangered species and their 'protected' habitats.

Police officer saves teen from dog attack

Constable Klinkenberg's protective vest and O/C spray were punctured during the attack.

One of a series of dog attacks in the news this year, this incident stands out as the pit bull involved mauled its owner, a 17-year-old from West Auckland. A young police constable Ben Klinkenberg bravely intervened sustaining multiple injuries himself so as to free the teen and prevent the dog attacking others. Testament to the ferocity of the attack is the tearing of Mr Klinkenberg's stab proof vest and puncturing to the can of pepper spray he used to subdue the animal. The victim says his pet of six years "just switched" and "seemed unable to stop". The incident will undoubtedly fuel the debate around dangerous breeds in the community.

Crossbow attack on pet cat

Cat owner Donna Ferrari found her pet in a distressed state with a bolt from a crossbow through its head in a case that shocked vets and Wellington SPCA staff. As well as the obvious pain and suffering inflicted on the animal, cases of this type are very upsetting for pet owners and others dealing with the situation. Thankfully Moomoo the cat was able to be saved thanks to staff at Massey University Teaching Hospital. To his credit the 18-year-old responsible for the attack handed himself in to police and met with Ms Ferrari.

Raw video: Crossbow attack on cat

App users tap here to watch a video on the crossbow attack.

Glassons glamourise animal cruelty in ill thought out advertising

One would hope that Glassons are looking for a new marketing team after their attempts to 'empower young women' using animal cruelty in the form of a woman astride a rodeo bull. Of course selling clothes is more the ultimate aim rather than any form of empowerment, and despite much protest the ad continues to run. On the positive side, it has done wonders for raising the issue of animal cruelty in the rodeo industry. One of the more contentious issues is the use of bucking straps, tightly and painfully cinched around the abdomen of a bull or horse causing the animal to buck violently to rid itself of the discomfort - and to provide entertainment for the crowds. Despite this device being clearly shown in the Glassons ad, a recent Seven Sharp story failed to mention its use, giving a rather unbalanced perspective on the issue.

A shot from the ad, featuring a model riding a bull.

Melbourne Cup double tragedy

Overshadowing the excitement of Melbourne's premier horseracing event was the death of two of the thoroughbreds, including Admire Rakti, the favourite to win. Coming in last before collapsing and dying from heart failure, Admire Rakti fell victim to the strain to his body of the unnaturally strenuous and prolonged exercise that is horse racing. Another stallion, Araldo had to be put down after he was startled by a spectator waving a large flag and broke his leg. This incident though fairly described as a freak accident does highlight the application of common sense when it comes to crowd control.

Araldo (left) ridden by Dwayne Dunn is spooked by a patron waving a flag as the horses return to scale after racing in the Melbourne Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Although these top animal news stories don't paint a very positive picture, there is certainly much good work going on in the community for and with animals. From the work of all the animal charities through to the kind acts of individuals, the majority of kiwis really do care about the welfare of pets, livestock and wildlife. These stories do highlight the need to be aware of the issues facing animals however, and give us all a chance to speak up.

- nzherald.co.nz