Entries by Bronwyn Hayes

Global insect decline may see ‘plague of pests’

February 20, 2019 in , /by

A scientific review of insect numbers suggests that 40% of species are undergoing “dramatic rates of decline” around the world. The study says that bees, ants and beetles are disappearing eight times faster than mammals, birds or reptiles. But researchers say that some species, such as houseflies and cockroaches, are likely to boom. The general insect decline is being caused by intensive agriculture, pesticides and climate change. Valentine roach revenge for spurned lovers Mosquitoes ‘put off biting’ by diet drugs Edible insects: A BBC reporter’s verdict Insects make up the majority of creatures that live on land, and provide key […]

Is your Child Pet-Ready?

February 19, 2019 in , /by

The bond between a child and their furry companion is undoubtedly a precious one and empowering your child to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet of their own can be a significantly positive step in shaping their future personality and behaviour. Pets Add Value to Children’s Lives Having a pet by their side teaches children to be responsible and empathetic while providing them with a playful companion that can keep them on their toes and give them that much needed physical activity! Pets foster family bonds by encouraging members to come together and participate in collaborative activities […]

Animal testing for cosmetics banned in Australia

February 18, 2019 in , /by

The Australian government has passed a bill that effectively bans animal testing for cosmetics in the country. The Industrial Chemical Charges Bill 2017 was introduced into the House of Representatives in June of 2017, Fashion Journal reported, though this is the first time action has been taken. Australia will no longer accept results derived from animal experimentation as evidence of a cosmetic product’s safety or effectiveness. This means cosmetic brands will be required to show that their products are safe and operational with non-animal testing methods. In partnership with Humane Society International (HSI), the government outlined 11 measures to guarantee that all […]

Is your Cat’s Hair Falling Out, Wearing Out and Tearing Out?

February 14, 2019 in , , , , , , , , /by

Stroking your feline friend’s soft coat is a pastime many pet parents obviously enjoy, but you may find yourself a little bewildered upon noticing the gradual thinning of your purry pal’s fur volume. If your cat is losing a reasonable amount of hair because of shedding season, then you can breathe as this is rather normal. However, a sudden and drastic loss of hair is a problem that you should address immediately. Causes of Hair Loss or Alopecia in Cats If you’ve noticed that your kitty has become abnormally engrossed in chewing and licking their fur of late rather than […]

Company Decides To Bring In Cats To Counter Employee Stress

February 15, 2019 in , /by

Company Decides To Bring In Cats To Counter Employee Stress. Having cats in the workplace truly sounds like a win-win for everybody. The Japanese IT firm called Ferray has officially introduced an “office cat” policy to combat the stressful environment of the Japanese workplace. A total of nine fur friends are allowed to freely roam around in the office and do whatever their little hearts desire. Hidenobu Fukuda, who heads the firm, introduced the famous kitty policy back in 2000 upon request from one of his employees, allowing staffers to bring their own kitties to work. He agreed, and ever […]

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic went above and beyond to protect one of the dogs living in Khayelitsha by building a fence to keep him safe.

February 12, 2019 in , /by

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic went above and beyond to protect one of the dogs living in Khayelitsha by building a fence to keep him safe. Khayelitsha, Cape Town – The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, NPO, veterinary council registered animal clinic in the Khayelitsha township of Cape Town. The clinic helps serve a community of over 300,000 animals, ensuring they are well cared for, vaccinated and sterilised. The clinic was founded in 1996 and sees around 700 animals a month. They also work to re-home strays and educate the community members on the importance of caring for the animals in the community. […]

The Eastern Puma was officially declared extinct

February 11, 2019 in , /by

The Eastern Puma was officially declared extinct early this year by U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Endangered to extinct Many years prior to this tragic declaration, the species could be found in the eastern states of the country – particularly along the Mississippi River. However, the Eastern Puma had been listed as an endangered species for some time – and hasn’t been seen in the wild in over 80 years. A formal notice from USFWS said: “Given the period of time that has passed without verification of even a single Eastern puma, the Service concludes that the last remaining members […]

SA sees growing trend of robbers poisoning pets before striking

February 8, 2019 in , /by

SA sees growing trend of robbers poisoning pets before striking  More and more animals are being poisoned with illegally obtained poisons in South Africa, says the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA). “Death by poisoning is arguably the most cruel and inhumane way to kill an animal. Aldicarb (alternatively known as two-step or Temik) is most commonly used to poison dogs. “Criminals often use these illegal poisons to maliciously kill dogs before committing another crime, such as breaking and entering or motor vehicle theft. “Our wildlife does not escape unharmed either and many fall victim to […]

A new species of button spider found in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

January 31, 2019 in , /by

New species of button spider found in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa Spiders of the genus Latrodectus, along with tarantulas and jumping spiders, are probably the best known spiders in the world. They are commonly referred to as button spiders in South Africa, redback spiders in Australia, katipo in New Zealand, or widow spiders elsewhere. We at WTF Entomology, part of Wild Tomorrow Fund, are proud to announce our recent discovery of a new forest dwelling widow species which we have called the Phinda button spider. Although a scientific name has been chosen, we will only release it once the species […]

Ceasing Sudden Weight Loss in Cats

February 7, 2019 in , , , , , , , /by

Ceasing Sudden Weight Loss in Cats Just like us humans, your feline friend’s weight (whether over or underweight) is an indicator of existing or impending medical conditions, and any associated indications should be addressed in a timely manner. As pet parents, we seem to worry more about the weight our feline friends are accumulating than the weight they may suddenly be losing. Sudden weight loss or cachexia in cats should be managed with the same level of concern as drastic weight gain. If you witness a sharp fall in your cat’s weight which exceeds ten percent of their usual body […]