Staff and Zen the office
mascot want ABC managing director Jonathan Shier to explain reports that
he referred to an on-air presenter as "that dog of a woman".
John Millard, an ABC
television producer, wrote to Mr Shier and the ABC board noting that the
comment "connotes a management conduct transgressing the laws on
sexual discrimination, staff victimisation and cruelty to animals feelings
(Zen) while also painting the picture of an MD unsuited to hold such an
important, culturally and politically sensitive position".
The Sydney Morning Herald
has reported that at an executive meeting Mr Shier asked about the
appearance of some presenters. Of one woman, Mr Shier reportedly asked:
"Who's that dog of a woman? She must be someone's girlfriend to be in
that job."
A spokesman for Mr Shier said
he would neither confirm nor deny whether the comment had been made.
Zen the office mascot (pic
to the left) has also filed a complaint asking what's wrong with being
a dog anyway. These comments has caused him heaps of stress and since
reading them we have not been able to get him away from the mirror where
he sits in contemplation of why looking like a dog is bad, when all
everyone wants to do is pat and caress him.
Further doggy news
Dog
saves family from fire
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One
dog's tribute: Hundreds of Zimbabweans attended the funeral
yesterday of white farmer, Terry Ford, the latest victim of the
country's explosive racial violence. Ford was attacked with an axe
and run over by a car before being shot five times. Squeak, Ford's
ever-faithful 12-year-old Jack Russell, stood guard, motionless next
to his coffin throughout the service.
Picture: AP
Report
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Weeks after eagle attack, dachshund near recovery
March 24, 2002 Posted: 4:39 PM EST (2139 GMT)
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After two surgeries, Ava is expected to return home from
the hospital later this week.
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MADISON, Maine (CNN) -- It's a story straight out of a
cartoon, or perhaps a National Geographic special.
Fortunately for Laura Martins, the owner of a 13-pound dachshund
snatched by a bald eagle just over two weeks ago, this story has a happy
ending.
Ava, the Martins' 2-year-old dog, is now recovering in a Maine animal
hospital from her second surgery in as many weeks after her harrowing and
almost fatal adventure.
"She's still in the hospital, but she's doing fine," said
Laura Martins. "I can't see her until Tuesday or Wednesday, because
when I go over there, she get so happy and excited" the doctors worry
she could burst open her scars.
An eagle, considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species
Act, swooped down and clawed Ava on March 8 while the dog was roaming near
her rural Maine home. The bird carried Ava about 300 feet before dropping
her.
Surgeons operated on Ava soon after the attack, and the dog returned
home last Monday. But Ava returned to the hospital the following day after
her wounds became infected, and went under the knife again on Friday.
"She had to have the first operation to close the hole"
caused by the eagle's sharp talons, explained Laura. "After the
infection got a little better, they wanted to clean up everything"
with a second operation.
While eagle attacks are rare, attacks on pets by other types of
predators aren't uncommon, said Stephen Zawistowski, a science adviser for
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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The bald eagle is protected under the Endangered Species Act.
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Pets, particularly smaller ones, may be vulnerable to alligators,
coyotes, even owls, among other threats.
"It's a question of learning to live with those neighbors and
taking some simple precautions so you can enjoy the wildlife and at the
same time make sure you protect your creatures," Zawistowski said.
John Martins Sr., Ava's owner, said he nothing against the bald eagle
and hopes no one will hurt it.
"I like this bird," said Martins, a native of Portugal.
"This bird is very important for this country."
His son, John Martins Jr., initially expressed concern about paying for
Ava's medical expenses. But Laura Martins said she got several phone calls
after her dog's story was publicized, and many helped pay the bill.
"I want to thank the people," she said. "God bless
everybody."
-- CNN.com writers Greg Botelho and Thurston Hatcher contributed to
this report.
Tie
Up The Dog!
In Massachusetts,USA during the month of April, all dogs
are required to have their hind legs tied. Stkilda-events staff have
raised the possibility of introducing this lovely cruelty free practice
within the confines of our office. However since mentioning the idea our
mascot Zen has slapped an injunction on us prohibiting us coming any where
near his bitch girlfriend with rope of any kind. More
news to follow soon. Micro
Chipping
The
microchip system that was meant to make it easier for families to
recover their lost pets is being reviewed because of problems with
the chips and scanners. Up to 750,000 dogs and cats have had the
chips implanted under their skin, but it has often still been
impossible to identify them.
Picture: Darryl Gregory
Report
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