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2160 days ago

From: The New Zealand Veterinary Association.

Pamela Neighbourly Lead from Templeton

Guy Fawkes is coming up (5 November).

Before you purchase fireworks, think about the animals.

The NZVA supports a ban on the private sale of fireworks. To reduce the impact of fireworks on animals the NZVA encourages people to view a public fireworks display rather than purchasing fireworks for private use. We also encourage the public to continue to speak up on this issue and speak loudly for those who cannot speak themselves - animals.

Each year veterinary clinics see injured and traumatised animals as a result of fireworks. Some of the injuries are horrific. Fireworks can also cause severe anxiety and stress in animals and this psychological harm is a significant component of their compromised welfare.

While the NZVA understands that some people enjoy having private displays, it is the role of veterinarians to advocate for what is in the best interests of animals in New Zealand. The NZVA believes that a ban on private fireworks would improve welfare of those animals that find fireworks stressful.

Our Animal Welfare Act, is world-leading by virtue of acknowledging that animals are sentient (ie. the animal is not only capable of feeling pain and distress but also can have positive and negative psychological experiences). The NZVA believes that as a society we all have a responsibility to ensure that both the physical and mental harm to animals, including the harm caused by fireworks, is minimised.

The NZVA’s top tips to protect animals during Guy Fawkes are:
1. Find out where and when firework displays will take place near you and take the following steps to minimise stress to your animal during these times.
2. Keep pets indoors, preferably with curtains drawn and windows closed to reduce noise.
3. Turn on the radio or television to create a familiar sound which can be comforting.
4. Remove anything in the room where you are keeping your pet that could injure them.
5. Provide blankets and pillows for your pet to hide under if they wish.
6. Take your pet to an alternative location for the night if necessary.
7. Owners should remain calm and provide quiet reassurance to their pet.
8. If your pet has previously exhibited fear-related behaviour contact a veterinary clinic for additional coping advice strategies.

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Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 65.9% Yes
    65.9% Complete
  • 30.4% No
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Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

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Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

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How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
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9 hours ago

Christchurch: School Holiday ideas

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

If you're on school holiday duty this week, here are some ideas to get the whānau out of the house! Feel free to share any of your own in the comments below.

Sat, 28th Sept: Superhero Circus show @ The Arts Centre
Sat, 28th Sept: Picture Me: free art workshops @ Turanga
Sat, 28th Sept: Movie Screening: Flow @ The Arts Centre

Sun, 29th Sept: Super Quest activity @ The Arts Centre
Sun, 29th Sept: Quail Island Pirate Treasure Hunt @ Quail Island

Mon, 30th Sept: Movie screening: Gremlins @ Lumiere
Mon, 30th Sept: Teddy Bear Ferris Wheel extravaganza @ Islington
Mon, 30th Sept: Princess-themed activities @ Riccarton Mall

Tues, 1st Oct: Juggling Workshops @ Northlands Mall
Tues, 1st Oct: Creative Writing workshop @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 1st Oct: Carnival-Themed Crafts & Games @ Northlands Mall

Wed, 2nd Oct: Badjelly the Witch Glow Show @ Te Pae
Wed, 2nd Oct: Sleeping Beauty movie screening @ Lumiere
Wed, 2nd Oct: Fudge Shape Decorating @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 2nd Oct: Make: Sticker, Bag Tag and Bag @ South Library

Thurs, 3rd Oct: Feed the Big Butterfly @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Stilt Walking workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Ceramic Planter workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 3rd Oct: Kids Paint & Sip

Fri, 4th Oct: Kids Art Classes - daily crafts @ Roy Stokes Community Hall, New Brighton
Fri, 4th Oct: Storytime @ Riccarton Bush
Fri, 4th Oct: Scouts Aotearoa Variety Show @ Grange Theatre, Riccarton

Sat, 5th Oct: Ballet: Charlie & Chocolate Factory @ Southern Ballet Theatre

Mon, 7th Oct: Sleeping Beauty movie screening @ Lumiere
Mon, 7th Oct: African Drum workshop @ The Arts Centre
Mon, 7th Oct: Cicus Classes @ The Arts Centre
Mon, 7th Oct: Nee Naw with Deano Yipadee @ Tūranga
Mon, 7th Oct: Spring Garden Picnic @ Richmond Community Gardens

Tues, 8 October: Harmoney & Beatboxing workshops @The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: |One Day Circus School @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: Lego Bricks Building @ The Arts Centre
Tues, 8 October: Kids Paint & Sip @ The Arts Centre

Wed, 9 October: Traditional Kite-making workshop @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 9 October: Cicus Classes @ The Arts Centre
Wed, 9 October: Movie screening: Gremlins @ Lumiere

Thurs, 10 October: Carrot & Pickle Clown workshop @ The Arts Centre
Thurs, 10 October: Kids Paint & Sip @ The Arts Centre

Fri, 11 October: Build a Rocket workshop @ The Arts Centre
Fri, 11 October: Storytime @ Riccarton Bush

Sat, 12 Oct: Explore Antartica @ Tūranga

Other ideas:
Air Force Museum
Arion Farm Park
Canterbury Astronomical Society Open nights
Canterbury Museum
The Great Museum Santa Search
Chipmunks
Christchurch Art Gallery
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Gondola
Christchurch Tram
CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Flip Out Trampoline Arena
Imagination Station
Inflatable World
International Antarctic Centre
Mega Air Trampoline Arena
Orana Park
Rutherford's Den at The Arts Centre Interactive, science-themed family fun.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
YMCA Clip 'n Climb
Xtreme Entertainment - bowling and arcade
Playgrounds: The Margaret Mahy Family Playground - Tākaro ā poi and the New Brighton Beachside Playground are popular destinations.
Pools - QE11, Jellie Park

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