Hello to all my regular readers and to those who are visiting my site for the first time.

I have decided to run for a position on the BOARD of the South Australian RSPCA in the next election later this year. I feel strongly that all animals need a BIG VOICE.

On numerous occasions I have sent the RSPCA letters and emails with low or no cost creative suggestions which I have never received a response for. So how exactly are members able to have a say? When Board members have agreed to raise issues on a member’s behalf, the hierarchy of the SA RSPCA has railroaded them into submission, resulting in the issues never being tabled, discussed or resolved.

What I endeavour to do as an SA RSPCA board member:

*        Expand community education, knowledge and policing of animal welfare issues

*        Improve on the numbers and types of animals rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed into our community

*        Ensure State/Federal Legislation and regulations for beneficial welfare of ALL animals are relevant and up to date with the needs of the animals

*        Add further value to this state and country, not the overseas markets by fighting for bans on ‘live’ stock imports and exports.

Why I am a suitable candidate for the Board:

The RSPCA board needs an all-rounder who has extensive experience with animals and in life as this can be drawn on for the purpose of improving the welfare of animals in this state.
We need a person who has the PASSION and motivation to get things done, not only talk the talk BUT walk the walk. I can assure you this is not something I am doing to spruce up my CV.

Since 2004 I have been running a home based shelter, receiving some support from my family and friends. I have rescued rehabilitated and re-homed thousands of domestic pet rabbits and continue to do so for the love and care of these defenceless creatures.  My love of wild life is also well known, to this day I still take in the occasional possum or kangaroo, but my focus has been with domestic pet rabbits as there has been no-one else in South Australia to do the job.

The experience and knowledge I gained of working on the land with cattle, sheep, horses and poultry will also provide fair outcomes to the farming community. I do not and will not support farmers who act negligently toward their live stock.  I am shocked by the ‘live’ stock export market which I do not support in any way and will fight for the bans. I believe in adding value to this country not the overseas markets.

Due to my varied knowledge from experience I know how to care for animals at the ground level. In addition to working with animals I previously owned my own business which has given me a great understanding of business management, marketing and the requirements of Board and its members.

I will not be submissive by standing back to see what happens. I make things happen; quite honestly the RSPCA needs to be held accountable for where the funds it receives is spent.
Money needs to be allocated in areas where it is desperately needed and which members will see it WORKING. ‘Care’ (animals, shelters and staff) is the bigger picture of ANIMAL WELFARE. Funding should also support positive political lobbying at a state and Federal government level to amend legislation and regulations in regards to the welfare of all animals.

What I believe the GROUND ZERO needs of a working RSPCA are:

There needs to be more investigations into acts of cruelty to animals; by re-distribution of funds from paid inspectors into educating Volunteers in Animal Welfare Legislation, Animal Critical Care Studies for accidents and large animal confiscation and Justice studies, in addition to gaining Gun licenses for accidents and fires for the humane dispatch of severely injured large animals; volunteer inspectors are crucial to providing improved policing of animal welfare in the community.

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With the election last year of new Board members that were keen and enthusiastic, I expected many issues to be put on the table and resolved. I thought the new board would put forward innovative ideas, make decisions and bring them to fruition quickly but, they too like the old board seem to have lost motivation and appear to have done nothing. What happened to the fresh and new ideals? Hundreds of South Australian members have been disappointed to see this. We all assumed that this Board would be different but the ideas, ideals and work for Animal Welfare has not happened as it should.

I have the determination to find out why this important animal welfare work is not being carried out and intend on implementing plans of action to ensure it is done. I am not one to sit on my hands about anything I believe in or set my mind to do. Those who know me know this to be true.

Life is too short to wait and see if someone else will do it. We are all here on this planet for such a short time and what time I have left is GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

So I ask that you please become a member of the S.A. RSPCA by the 16^th July 2010 to ensure you have a vote in this year’s board member election and vote for me, Sally Arnold so I can get things done.

This is just a quick approach to my Bunny friends and Family, you all know I also have 2 dogs Riley and Lolly, 4 cats Millie, Molly, Frankie and Smokey all Moggies. I have Parrots all of which have been rescues with injuries and I have kept them because of their special needs. Plus the many many bunnies that come as rescues and sometimes stay with me because they too have special needs.

Thank you and please if you have any concerns contact me, with your help I will be voted onto the board and I expect that if you have any concerns ideas or offers of assistance to the RSPCA they will be tabled.

Bunny Hugs

Sally Arnold