19 Bangladesh nationals are happy after being saved
Voice clip by Brigadier Mohlala
Nelspruit: 27 February 2023 – 19 Bangladesh Nationals were saved from traffickers after a dedicated Ehlanzeni District Intelligence Task Team pounced on a wannabe Human trafficker today, Monday 27 February 2023.
Information was gathered and properly followed by the astute members, which led them to a particular house at Kamagugu outside Nelspruit.
The members found 19 Bangladesh males in a three-bedroomed house. They further found that their cell phones were placed in one plastic bag, which suggested that they had no access to communicate with either their relatives or friends.
As a result, a 52-year-old Bangladesh National, who served as the housekeeper was arrested for human trafficking and he is due to appear in Nelspruit Magistrate’s court soon. The 19 found in the house will be charged for contravention of the immigration act.
Our investigation continues to probe their destination and the kingpins however preliminary investigation suggests that some were en route to Middleburg while others were destined for Johannesburg.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has appreciated the good work done by the team.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Calls for calm as a mother (47) and her three children were hacked to death in Piet Retief
Piet Retief – Police are investigating a traumatic experience whereby a mother of three was hacked to death with her pair of twin sons and her daughter in her house at Phola Park, Thandukukhanya in Piet Retief.
The gruesome discovery was made by the police yesterday Friday 24 February 2023 at about 22:25 after the family members laid a complaint that they had made several attempts to get hold of the family members but failed.
Police in Piet Retief immediately responded to the complaint however they found the house locked.
They (the police) had to force their entry into the house and were amazed by the discovery of a lifeless body in the kitchen.
When proceeding with the search, a 47-year-old woman’s body, her 11-year-old son and her 6-year-old daughter were found lying dead in one of the rooms and an axe believed to have been used to eliminate them was also found in the same room. The body found in the kitchen was the twin brother of the 11-year-old boy whose body was found alongside his mother and sister.
Surprisingly their four-roomed house was locked from the outside raising suspicions that the heartless attacker had locked them in, after the gruesome murder.
All victims were certified dead by paramedics on the scene.
It is further alleged that the victims were last seen alive on Tuesday 21 February 2023.
Piet Retief police would like the father of the six-year-old daughter, Thembinkosi Africa Shongwe (55) who can not be located at his known address at Eziphunzini, Thandukukhanya in Piet Retief to come forward as it is believed that he may be of great assistance to the police investigation.
Community members who might know his whereabouts must not hesitate to contact Captain Dumisani Gumbi on 082 493 1962 or call the police Crime Stop number 08600 10111 alternatively on MYSAPSAPP. Police guarantee that all received information will be treated with confidentiality.
In the meantime the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi calls upon community members not to take the law into their own hands and assist the police in fighting violence against women and children. “Attacking defenceless women and children is regarded as being cowardly to those who suppose to protect them,” said the General.
The Mpumalanga Acting MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Speedy Mashilo has called on the Mkhondo community to remain calm and not respond with vigilantism to the murder of four family members whose lifeless bodies were discovered by the police at a house in eThadukukhanya in Mkhondo last night, 24 February 2023.
The Mpumalanga Acting MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Speedy Mashilo
MEC Mashilo called on the community to work with the police by providing any leads that may assist in solving this frightening case.
He says communities have been extremely helpful in the past in solving such gruesome cases of murders directed at women and children.
He also decries growing violent murders that have marred the province in recent weeks. He cited the murders of four people in Senotlelo last weekend and the other three other murders in Mkhondo a few weeks ago.
“We must all come together to bring an end to violent crime. Our communities should not be living in fear. That is why we want our police to work with great speed and ensure that those who are responsible are brought to book.”
“Condemnation of these heightened levels of violence alone is not enough, there is an urgent need now more than ever, to identify the root causes of violent crimes so that we all respond more appropriately,” says the MEC.
He is also calling on the judiciary to hand out harsher and lengthier jail sentences to those who are convicted of such atrocious crimes. This, the MEC says, will assist in deterring would-be criminals.
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURAL BEHAVIOURS OF YOUR PETS CAN HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM.
Dogs are social animals and have a wide range of natural behaviours. These behaviours are instinctive and are used to communicate with other dogs and humans. Common natural behaviours in dogs include barking, digging, chasing and chewing. Dogs also display behaviours such as jumping, licking, marking and play-bowing. These behaviours are all natural and help dogs to interact with their environment and with other animals. It is a way to communicate with those who are willing to listen!
What may look like naughty behaviour to you is often just your pet behaving as their species do. It is normal and not naughty. What we expect from them, might be labelled by the uninformed as bad, untrained or unsociable or even aggressive. Dogs will do what dogs do and it is unfair of us to expect them to understand, adapt and conform to our human world, forgetting that they are a different species. There can also be breed-specific traits which are not their fault, like Terriers that dig and will likely always dig!
Do you want to better understand your dog and improve your relationship? Then learn about their behaviour. When you know what is natural behaviour you can easily know which “naughty” behaviour to address. One of the five freedoms of animal welfare includes the freedom to express natural behaviours!
Let’s look at a few normal behaviours and what you can do about them.
IS THIS NORMALBEHAVIOUR?
ZOOMIES
Have you ever seen your cat or dog just suddenly start running around like crazy and in circles as if something is chasing them or as if they lost the plot? The technical name for this behaviour is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS) but otherwise known as zoomies. Happy animals tend to do this and it is like a burst of energy that they experience. If they are not in danger of injuring themselves, then just sit back and enjoy!
You have likely witnessed a dog chasing their tail, especially puppies. If it happens occasionally, it could just be happiness or play, but if it happens more often or become obsessive then a vet check is in order. Conditions like an ear infection may contribute to this sort of behaviour and animals who suffer from Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) may also do tail chasing.
HEAD TILTING
This is such an adorable behaviour which a fur-kid might do when they want to pick up some sounds better, but also when they are not sure about what you want from them. Some studies show that head tilters are smarter than those who do not perform this behaviour often. I think they know they are cute when they do this too! My first response would be to clearly repeat the information if you did speak to them at that moment. If it happens a lot or you are unsure then you can consider a vet check.
SLOW BLINKING
Have you ever seen your cat blink slowly at you? The main reason scientists have come up with for this odd behaviour is that it appears to be a way the cat is telling you that they love you. You can mimic the behaviour and blink back slowly to them. If you are unsure or there is discharge from the eyes for example, consider a vet check.
POOP EATING
The scientific name for this behaviour is Coprophagia. It is most likely dogs that will indulge in this behaviour and not cats. This is a disgusting, yet natural behaviour. It played a role in how dogs evolved when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to agriculture and human settlements arose. Our canine ancestors began to approach these areas because it provided a stable source of food. So, it is kind of in their DNA, but not a behaviour you want to encourage. They will likely not eat poop older than two days.
This behaviour may also be caused by a nutritional need, or gut microbiome imbalance and or can be behavioural (boredom, curiosity, if you punished them and use improper house-training techniques). It can also indicate an underlying medical condition. The faeces are a good source of digestive enzymes and dogs with this deficiency will ingest enzyme-rich poop.
It is better to prevent them from having this ‘delicacy’ by removing the temptation or through behavioural conditioning because poop can contain harmful bacteria and parasites too, which can make them ill. Doing poop patrol can also give you an indication of how their health is. Check out this video about what their poop may mean.
BUM SNIFFING
This is one of the most natural behaviours and is a form of greeting. It can even happen across species like a dog sniffing a cat’s buttock. By doing this they can get information like is it male or female, about their health and if they are friends or foes. If it is not obsessive and doesn’t cause distress for the party being sniffed and won’t escalate into a fight, then you can let them sniff.
GRASS EATING
Both cats and dogs may occasionally eat grass and it might not be something to worry about unless it becomes excessive. Some theories suggest that it happens when they lack fibre in their diet, to balance their microbiome, to help eliminate intestinal worms, some eat grass when they feel nauseous or need a laxative and it is an ancestral behaviour. I don’t believe the pet food industry meets the species-specific requirements for most animals and if they frequently eat grass, maybe consider a vet check and diet change.
Read more about healthy diets here. Two main reasons to stop this behaviour will be when your grass has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals even “natural” products or if the behaviour become excessive.
DIGGING
Dogs dig! Some more than others. Sometimes it is to the detriment of our gardens, but that is not their fault and punishing them for that is cruel, especially if you are not meeting their needs. Digging is normal behaviour and great for a few reasons. Some dogs will do this to get to cooler sand for resting on hot days, some to relieve boredom, to explore their environment, to escape an enclosed area, to hunt ground-dwelling critters or just because it is fun.
Never stop the digging, but rather provide a designated space for them to dig and redirect them to it when they are going for your garden instead of punishing them. This is a fun and easy way to get rid of extra energy and burying treasures (not bones) for them can be a form of mental enrichment. You can also prevent access to unwanted digging areas.
CHEWING
Dogs chew and one of the main reasons is to explore their environment with their mouth and it is a physically and emotionally beneficial activity. It can help clean their teeth, massage gums and give those jaw muscles a workout. If your dog is chewing destructively, it is likely an indication that you are not meeting their needs and that they are stressed or anxious. It can also be an indication of an underlying health problem.
Destructive chewing can be addressed by redirecting them to chewing appropriate objects and making sure they get enough exercise as well as mental stimulation. Make sure what they chew is safe and remember things like raw hides, even if a vet or pet shop sells them, do not mean it is safe for your pets. Also, be careful with choking hazards from chew toys.
Natural Behaviour / Barking – Image via Pexels.com
BARKING
Barking is a very natural way for your dog to communicate and a way to get rid of some build-up energy. There can be many reasons why they bark including greeting humans and other animals, being unsure, as a warning to back off, to alert you, attention seeking, a cry for help or they want to get out. Dogs who bark excessively are an indication that their owners are not meeting their needs.
Excessive barking should be addressed with a qualified and ethical behaviourist and fear-free techniques. Barking should never be stopped completely! Find out why they bark, then manage the environment, get a vet check, do some mental stimulation, exercise and enrichment or consider professional help.
One of the main reasons for surrenders at shelters include behavioural problems, but when that behaviour is evaluated by people who understand animals well, it is actually considered natural behaviour in most cases, especially when their needs were not met.
The behaviour might also not be what it looks like. Before you get frustrated, ask yourself if this is natural behaviour or a behaviour in response to an unmet need. Always look for the underlying reason or trigger before trying to change it and consult with your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions or a qualified ethical behaviourist to address the specific behaviour. Remember that there is a difference between a trainer and a behaviourist.
Never punish natural behaviour! You can manage it better and redirect, but it is cruel to stop these natural behaviours.
Next week we will look at steps you can take to prevent your noise-phobic pet from escaping and helping them with this anxiety.
The Groundery Connection, a brand-new coffee shop within the reception area at Proconics was recently unveiled. A few dignitaries were invited and explained the idea behind The Groundery Connection.
Nomvuselelo Myende, the Marketing intern at Proconics, explains that everyone from time to time thinks of the following questions: “what can I do to help, What change can I make in my community or work?”
The Groundery Connection is a first-of-its-kind coffee shop and corporate third space co-owned and operated by the two beneficiaries Thuso Mkwanazi and James Du Toit from the Marietjie School for Learners with Special Educational Needs in Secunda, and the De la Bat School for the Deaf in Worcester, respectively.
“I think that I can say in all confidence,” continued Nomvuselelo,” that The Groundery Connection was born from those questions.”
A few dignitaries including the Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, the Honourable councillor Nhlakanipo Zuma, significant Sasol stakeholders, and proud Proconics employees attended the opening The Groundery Connection.
Melvin Jones, CEO at Proconics, explained a schematic that one of the founding members of Proconics drew him during his first days at Proconics.
It read: “Problem plus Coffee meets engineer and out comes the solution and the side effect is sarcasm!”
“I am to blame for the coffee culture at Proconics,” said Melvin, “one of the first things I did as CEO is to buy two filter coffee machines. That started the love for coffee here at Proconics.”
Melvin spoke about staying in South Africa and dealing with its problems.
“I want to challenge everyone here today to forget about the problems that we can’t solve,” said Melvin, “and I want you to lean in and solve some of the problems that are right in front of us.”
“And if you do you will be part of making this country the one we want to live in.”
In our bid to effectively address socio-economic issues, Proconics has built The Groundery Connection. A first-of-its-kind coffee shop and third corporate space in our reception area operated by our two beneficiaries James Du Toit and Thuso Mkwanazi who we identified and vetted in partnership with Marietjie School for LSEN. Both these gentlemen are deaf with basic literacy levels. Over the course of the past year, Proconics has taken measures to train and upskill them and they now co-own The Groundery Connection and work as baristas. Wrote Proconics in a short statement
With this initiative, Proconics hopes to usher in a new era of enacting sustainable change in the communities we work and live in.
Nomvuselelo ushered everyone to the Ribbon for the ribbon-cutting ceremony after which she demonstrated ordering coffee at The Groundery Connection.
The Bulletin would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Proconics on this very welcome and innovative initiative.
TWO BODIES FOUND DECOMPOSED IN A RENTAL ROOM IN EMBALENHLE
Shocked community members of extension 11 Embalenhle, could not believe what may have been happening for a long time. A woman reported to police early this week about her son who recently violated a protection order that was served against him last year. Mid-week the son was arrested by police for contravening the protection order. He appeared in court on Thursday 16 February and was remanded in custody.
The crime scene in eMbalenhle
On Friday the mother noticed flies and a very bad odour emanating from her son’s locked room. She became suspicious and contacted the police. Upon arrival, they struggled to break down the door of the room, when they finally succeeded and gained entry they were shocked to discover the body of a woman. She appeared to have been strangled with shoelaces.
A case of murder was opened and attached to the other charges of the son.
The following day, Saturday 18 February, the investigating officer of the case went back to the house to search the crime scene for further clues and to try and establish what could be the cause of the woman’s death.
Yet another shocking discovery was made! A man’s body, almost completely decomposed, was found wrapped in plastic under the bed. All emergency personnel were summoned to the scene.
Soon the family members of the man, whose decomposed body was found, arrived to make an identification of the man whom they believed is their brother. He reported missing three weeks ago. They confirmed the man’s identity as their brother via marks and hair. However, DNA has to be taken to make sure that the identification was correct.
Embalenhle community could not believe what really transpired, some said they are not feeling safe anymore. Another close family member told the investigating officer that the suspect had been seen digging holes behind the family house. Another investigation was immediately launched to see if the Suspect did not bury someone behind the house The K9 unit was also summoned.
The Bulletin did not receive any further information regarding the case at the time of publication of this article.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
This article was submitted by Sandile Mkhwanazi, our correspondent in eMbalenhle and Traffic Anchor – Mpumalanga
The start of the 2023 SA Rally Championship is fast approaching, with rounds 1 & 2 kicking off in the picturesque town of Bredasdorp. Team workshops are hard at work preparing the beasts for the new season. The organizing club, CCMCC, promises an exciting Rally with fast-flowing roads through the heart of the Swartland. The Western Cape rallies are not referred to as the Cape Grand Prix for nothing. The Rally stages offer an array of long winding Crests which pushes Driver and machine to the limit!
Rounds 3 & 4 of the Championship will head to the “Petrol Head” Capital of Mpumalanga, Secunda on the 26 & 27 May. The popularly known, Lake Umuzi Rally, will change its name this year in Honor of a great man who was tragically taken from us in January this year. Billy Te Water, CEO of T.W Group and owner of the farm where the famous Billy Rally stage with the spectacular Quarry spectator point is located, was a loyal contributing sponsor and supporter of the Secunda Rallies since its inception in 2014.
Johan Strauss and Elzaan Venter in their Subaru Impreza in action on the 2022 Lake Umuzi Rally – Photo Dries Beetge
Billy knew and believed in the value of the National and Regional rallies for Secunda and its community. Never asking for anything in return, not wanting publicity or even a mention, his kindness and willingness never ceased to amaze me. The Secunda community had a special place in his heart. Not a man to be toiled with, straight to the point but always there to contribute to the success of the event.
Billy Te Water
Starting out as a Rookie organizer, it always took a few minutes to prepare my “Speech” I would use before making “THE CALL” to Billy, asking for his blessing to race on his farm and Sponsorship towards the event of course. Over the years, getting to know each other, no pre-empted speeches or sales pitches were necessary anymore. The man gave his blessing and support, always. After every event, Billy would say: ”Next year will be bigger and better.” He surely enjoyed watching the Crowds of Secunda gather at the Quarry to enjoy the spectacle!
I still remember my last conversation with Billy so well. Driving with him on a new potential stage I was looking at, on his and brother Dewald’s farm, Billy turned to me and said, ”Dewald is not going to be impressed with either one of us if we use this”. Luckily the Rally Gods prevented us from being able to use the stage as the heavens opened up, drenching most of the land. Billy and I dodged a bullet from Dewald big time!
Billy, I want to pay homage to a great human being. I want to express my immense appreciation, not for only what you meant to the Sport of Rallying but echo my gratitude for having had the honour of knowing you. From us all, THANK YOU! Motorsport and SA Rally Salute you.
Guy Botterill in action on Billy’s stage at the 2022 Lake Umuzi Rally. Photo by Dries Beetge
Johan Rosslee, owner of Lake Umuzi, Main Sponsor of the Secunda Rallies since 2014 and friend of Billy, made the suggestion that the 2023 Secunda Rally be named in Honor of Billy. The Billy Te Water Memorial Rally promises to showcase the skills and speed of our Racing Guys and Girls. The planning phase of the event is soon to start and we welcome local businesses to get involved.
Information about the event will be published on our website and social media platforms closer to the time of the event. All the links to our social media platforms are at the bottom of the page.
Bring the family for a weekend filled with pure adrenaline. Lake Umuzi offers a big selection of Accommodation options for every need and taste. Hotels, Self Catering Chalets, Guest Houses and Camping facilities. If Rally is not exciting enough for the wife and kids, Lake Umuzi offers the Largest indoor Jungle Gym in Africa to keep the kids occupied. Restaurants, A Wellness Spa, Water Park and so much more are on offer. Contact Lake Umuzi’s central reservations today on Landline(1):+27 (0)17 631 3506 – Landline (2): +27 (0)17 631 3452 email:welcome@lakeumuzi.co.za
Diarize the dates, 26-27 May. Don’t delay. Book today to avoid disappointment. See you in May Secunda!!
Bethal – Two suspects aged between 33 and 38 were arrested for Possession of suspected stolen property worth R40000.00
Police in Bethal arrested two(2) suspects for possession of suspected stolen property in the morning on Friday 17 February 2023.
It is alleged that the police were executing their visible policing duties within Bethal policing precinct when they came across two males on the R38(Bethal-Standerton road) pushing a trolley full of property covered with blanket and black plastic. The police then stopped to check what was in the trolley.
While checking the trolley, members found four(4) sets of plasma televisions, forty-six(46) cellphones, speakers and electric cords. The police asked the men for the reason to be in possession of such items but failed to give a satisfactory explanation about the property.
Vigilant police officers further conducted a preliminary investigation where it was discovered that the men committed a burglary at business premises in Bethal CBD where they force opened the door and stole the property.
The owner of the business reportedly opened burglary and theft at business premises and subsequently a further charge was added.
The two suspects are expected to appear at Bethal Magistrates Court on Monday 20 February 2023 facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and burglary at a business premise.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
FIVE PEOPLE SAVED WHEN THEIR TRUCK WAS SWEPT FROM THE HIGH-PRESSURE WATER BRIDGE
Nelspruit: 16 February 2023 – With heavy rains still pouring in most areas of Mpumalanga, motorists and pedestrians are warned to avoid overflowing low-lying bridges and river banks as they might be easily swept away.
Five workers contracted to Transnet narrowly survived as they escaped death when their truck was swept away whilst trying to cross the bridge at Schuilspruit dam in Amersfoort this morning, Thursday 16 February 2023 at about 08h00 am.
According to information, the five workers, one female and four males of which two were inside the truck and three on the truck’s rooftop were rescued by the police and other stakeholders including Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department and other locally based community structures. With such warnings spreading like wildfire, people are still trying their luck and trying to cross the bridge.
Immediately after the five were rescued, police and other stakeholders rendered assistance to a motorist from Rustenburg who also got stuck with his bakkie at about 12h45 this afternoon. He was safely saved.
Community members are once more reminded that flowing water applies pressure on contact points, the higher the speed, the more the pressure. Motorists just drive in without walking the terrain so to determine the pressure, police warn motorists and pedestrians that the best way to determine water pressure is not to take a risk at all and stay away.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her disappointment that after numerous warnings issued, people still gamble with their lives. “Important appointments can always be rescheduled rather than honouring them at the expense of your one precious life” said the General.
THE MUZZLE DOG STIGMA NEEDS TO CHANGE AND THAT HAPPENS THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING.
Back in February 2021, a post by Jeremy Mansfield did the round about his dog in a soft muzzle without explaining much. You couldn’t believe the outrage about the post and not one person asked the question of why his dog was muzzled. Those who did their homework before commenting would know that he has raised millions of rands and has been acknowledged as a champion locally and internationally for his work for animal rights.
He later responded that apart from being hurt about the fact that people would think he would hurt animals, he maybe should have explained better. In his case, she was a rescue who came to them with a fractured jaw. She was certainly not muzzled because she carries toys out of the house, he would not do that! She had to wear a soft muzzle that allows her to eat and drink and pick stuff up but keeps her jaw in place so it heals properly. I assume she is not muzzle anymore, but sadly Jeremy passed away in late 2022.
As Helen St.Pierre, owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training says: “Muzzled dogs are not bad dogs. Muzzled dogs have good humans. Muzzled dogs can have more experiences because they are managed. Muzzled dogs can still have treats. Muzzled dogs are not miserable.”
LET’S LOOK AT REASONS DOGS MIGHT HAVE TO WEAR A MUZZLE
Big dogs, small dogs, and all breeds and sizes may need muzzles sometimes. It is not only a breed-specific tool. Here are just a few of the many reasons all dogs should learn to be comfortable in a muzzle shared by Sarah Knight dog training and others.
Accidents happen – When you treat an animal in an emergency, one of the first things you are taught is to muzzling them. The reason: Any animal in pain or distressed can bite, even if they are a sweetheart otherwise. Need to remove 100 cactuses from your dog? Need to carry your dog with a broken leg down a mountain when on a hike?
Helps prevents blockages – Some dogs like to pick up and eat bones, sticks, dead animals etc., on a walk. No pet parent loves dealing with emergency vet blockage surgery or cleaning up vomit all night. Dogs that love to gulp down treasures on trails are great candidates for muzzle training.
Vet care – Even if your dog is well-behaved/trained, there might come a time when a muzzling them at the vet might be necessary. It lowers the nervous energy of some vet techs, vet and for your dog. Your vet will likely be very grateful too.
Grooming– Whether their nails need to be clipped or a shave, pets need grooming. As dogs age and their bodies get older and more painful maintenance grooming can start to hurt. Pain may cause your dog to growl, snap or bite. Your groomer may feel more comfortable with handling part of the groom with your dog muzzled.
New dog introductions & interactions – Sometimes some dogs need a little extra help with dog-on-dog interactions. Muzzling helps keep them and others safe and might also help the owners be more confident, which in return benefits the dog’s experience.
Evacuations – It doesn’t matter where you live, emergencies and evacuations may happen. If you aren’t home and a rescue team is sent in for your pets they may be crated and or muzzled. Also read about having an emergency plan for your pets.
Aggression or rough play – Some dogs may just play too rough or may be more aggressive. You still need to work with an ethical behaviourist to address it, but muzzling can be useful.
Breed-specific legislation – There might be areas which require certain so-called “dangerous breeds” to wear them when not on private property.
Injuryrecovery – As in the case of Jeremy’s dog, sometimes a muzzle can be helpful when recovering from an injury.
Training – Sometimes muzzling can be a temporary solution while you are busy with behaviour modification training.
I do not support the muzzling of dogs who compete in sports because I do not support the practice of exploiting animals for entertainment. When they are muzzled for this reason, I do not consider it an ethical reason for muzzling, although it will keep those competing safe.
For me, muzzling should not be a permanent solution and if there is a behavioural issue, please address them by working with an ethical behaviourist (maybe a trainer). Ask your vet or local behaviourist which is the best muzzle for your pet as there are different ones. Pack one when you travel or hike, go to the vet or groomer and include it in your emergency or first-aid bag.
Lose the stigma about muzzling and keep in mind that if someone uses one on their dog, it is a responsible, proactive owner who most likely values the confidence and safety of their dog and others around them. Provide space but don’t assume the dog is a “bad dog” or having a “hard time”. If you see a dog in a muzzle, don’t stare! If you are concerned, engage positively with the owner instead of judging! If you are still concerned, contact your local SPCA to investigate.
Is your dog comfortable in a muzzle? I believe all dogs should be comfortable in a muzzle. Include muzzle and crate training in your puppy training schedule, but also start with your older pets if you haven’t yet. It can make a big difference in an emergency.
Next week we will look at what are some normal dog behaviours.
