Author Archives: SCAS

Pets in the Crossfire of Family Violence – Video

“Pets in the Crossfire of Family Violence,” a one-hour video featuring numerous Link authorities, was aired by Twin Cities Public Television and has been made available to watch free online.

The video, seen below, is compiled from a Link conference at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and discusses the evolving role of pets in society, the links between animal abuse and human violence, child abuse/animal abuse connections, and domestic violence/animal abuse links.

The video is built around a presentation by Phil Arkow, with commentaries by Link authorities Diane
Balkin and Jane Hunt, plus experts from family & children’s services, animal-assisted therapy, marriage and family counseling, human-animal bond, and the veterinary college.

For further information relating to to “The Link” between animal abuse and human violence please visit The National Link Coalition.

Animal-Assisted Interventions – Code of Practice (UK)

SCAS are delighted to announce the publication of the first Animal-assisted Interventions Code of Practice for the UK.

AAI Code of Practice - SCAS - 2013As public awareness of the benefits of animal-assisted interventions increases and more providers are looking to set up programmes, there is an ever growing need to ensure a consistent, responsible and safe approach to these interventions.

With the help of our valued members, SCAS has produced a code of practice for the field of animal-assisted interventions in the UK and this has been reviewed and contributed to by many key organisations, including:

  • APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors)
  • BVA (British Veterinary Association)
  • BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association)
  • CAWC (Companion Animal Welfare Council)
  • Dogs for the Disabled
  • Pets As Therapy
  • PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals)
  • RSPCA (Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
  • Riding for the Disabled Association
  • The Cat’s Protection League
  • The Dog’s Trust
  • The Donkey Sanctuary
  • Therapet

Working with a dedicated steering group drawn from our membership, many of whom are active in the field, discussions have been underway since July 2010 and has required a great deal of commitment and consideration from all involved.  Having completed the first draft, the Code of Practice was submitted for consultation to organisations from the animal welfare and healthcare sectors as well as dedicated AAI providers and SCAS members*.

Aimed at providers, the Code of Practice is intended to offer guidance on best practice for  delivering AAI effectively and safely. It offers a unified, structured approach for providers in the UK, helping to ensure that both people and animals benefit from their involvement in AAI.

With special thanks to all those involved in the development of the Code of Practice, without whose generous contributions, its publication would not have been possible.

Download the AAI Code of Practice (UK)

*A full list of the organisations who were invited to comment as part of the consultation is available upon request.

Ever wanted to travel and bring back important knowledge?

The Winston Churchill Fellowship Trust award Travelling Fellowships to British citizens from all walks of life to travel overseas, to bring back knowledge and best practice for the benefit of others in their UK professions and communities.

Fellows receive a travel grant to cover return and internal travelling, daily living and insurance within the countries visited.

Several SCAS members have already used awards from the Winston Churchill Fellowship Trust to travel abroad and bring back knowledge and experiences relating to the human-animal bond and animal-assisted interventions from a variety of other countries.

Is there a programme running abroad that you would like to see running here?

For 2013 Fellowships were awarded for between 4 to 8 weeks.

Could a Fellowship bring real benefits to you, your community and the UK?

If so, check the categories and your eligibility, and then apply online before 5pm on Tuesday 24th September 2013. No qualifications are required.

http://www.wcmt.org.uk/

IFAW Animal Action Awards – who are your animal heros?

Last October at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords hosted by Baroness Gale and Queen legend and animal welfare campaigner Brian May, IFAW proudly honoured the achievements of 10 award winners for their outstanding work to help animals.

IFAW need your help to find this year’s dedicated and committed animal heroes.

Last year’s winners included young vet Vikki Fowler, from Lancashire, who was honoured for rescuing and rehabilitating neglected horses; Julie Hinks from Hampshire, who cares for and rehomes tortoises, many of which have been illegally smuggled into the UK; Kate Williams, a volunteer pet foster carer with Bolton-based Paws for Kids, which provides specialised support for women and children pet owners fleeing domestic violence; and Grace Yoxon, from the Isle of Skye, who was recognised for her global work in otter conservation.

We’re not just looking for people. Last year’s Animal of the Year award went to Haatchi, an Anatolian shepherd dog who suffered horrific injuries after being tied to a railway line and hit by a train. Haatchi, who lost his tail and a leg in the incident, has formed an amazing relationship with the young son of the family who adopted him. Now qualified as a Pets as Therapy dog, Haatchi also works with amputee soldiers and seriously ill children.

IFAW invite you to submit nominations for people you believe have made a significant contribution to animal welfare for the 2013 Animal Action Awards. They’re looking for UK heroes, perhaps someone who runs a sanctuary or rescue centre, a volunteer or fundraiser who would be suitable for the youth award, a campaigner on animal or conservation issues, or an animal that you think is deserving of an award and recognition.

The 2013 Animal Action Awards will be presented in October. Please ensure that you get your nomination in by June 30, 2013.

If you know someone who should receive this award, nominate them by filling in this form.

Please be sure to include:

  • your personal information and the information of the person you are nominating
  • a description of the work the nominee has done for animals
  • and why you think she/he is deserving of an Animal Action Award.

Nominate your Animal Action Award hero today!