[NSW] RSPCA All Pet Adoptions $29 (or Less)

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RSPCA New South Wales

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        resisting the urge on 16/02/2017 - 19:31

        @syousef: Actually there are many ways, cheap and easy ways… if the dog-catcher can do it on the go like the Council officers book motor cars, it'd be a start.

        All the RSPCA staff need to do is fill out a template. You will find thy already do a lot of that, as well as paperwork, just to keep the beancounters happy and to compile stats like the ones you posted. let alone get the RSCPA paid and the councils, gubmint's, sponsors and donors lobbied for more funds.

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        syousef on 16/02/2017 - 19:37

        @zerovelocity:

        Clearly they have templates. The data entry will never be automatic.

        As for the dog catcher doing it on the go, the dog catcher already has a full workload. And the dogs don't all come in via the dog catcher. A lot get walked in to the pound where the staff are already overworked.

        A lot of places worldwide have volunteers taking photographs and doing this kind of work.

        I'm guessing you're relatively young? That isn't an insult. It is just that typically the young fall into the trap of oversimplifying things not thinking through all the detail needed to enact a plan, and the old fall into the trap of thinking it's all impossible.

        This is achievable but not without a change in priorities for people. Right now we're busy cutting funds for human beings, never mind animals.

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        resisting the urge on 16/02/2017 - 19:40

        @syousef: No, I've been working in business and with people for years.

        This is simple stuff, and it is obvious when a website is challenged by inventory. It takes no time to snap a few pics and fill out a form. As I said, you will find they are all doing it anyhow.

        It could probably replace one they already do that is outdated.

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        syousef on 16/02/2017 - 20:06

        @zerovelocity:

        The people working at the RSPCA are already overworked. And I'm sorry to be so blunt but you're clueless about the challenge of photographing so many geographically dispersed animals to a consistent level of quality with varied staff and no budget.

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        resisting the urge on 17/02/2017 - 12:24

        @syousef: Sure, we all know a lot of people that comment on stuff online are blowing out of their 'proverbials'.

        But have you ever thought that sometimes it takes a lot of 'knowing what it takes to do something' for some people to comment?

        And a few things have changed in the last decade:

        3 year olds take photos thee days. And everyone has an Internet connected device.

        That is not to say it wouldn't take a lot of communications and 'hand holding', (not to mention organisational stakeholder commitments, etc.

        But this is what organisations do, every time they introduce a new process. What is required here is nothing new. And it certainly isn't Rocket science.

        And when there is groupthink causing failure or simply people standing in the way who can't see beyond this year's balance sheet, there are many ways forward or around, something which is sadly often the way things get done when there are important aims like caring for animals that need to be done better with less. Getting things done this way is often sub-optimal and is a major symptom of organisational dysfunction- something affecting charities with good to do as much as any Gubmints working for a few.

        From your numbers:

        Reclaimed 17,766 39.26% of total dogs
        Rehomed 16,643 36.78% of total dogs
        Currently in Care 2,839 6.27% of total dogs
        Transferred 1,931 4.27% of total dogs
        Euthanased 5,872 12.98% of total dogs

        Right now there are 412 dogs up for adoption online. On these rough numbers, that is perhaps 15% of the dogs in care.

        That is an appalling effort from a digital/online point of view.

        And these are not monthly figures, so that figure may be even less. I've seen a lot of the advertised dogs have been online for months on end…

        Surely one of the best ways for them to save money (let alone save dogs) is to re-home them as fast and effectively as possible. And doing this better would mean a lot of dogs would go back to their original homes too, which would be far better than re-homing.

        Keeping any animal in care is VERY expensive- and far more time consuming than filling even a few forms out.

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        syousef on 17/02/2017 - 13:33

        @zerovelocity:

        Being an avid photographer, my kids have taken pictures at 3. I wouldn't rely on 3 year olds to photograph animals for an adoption website. Takes a bit of time to stop cutting off parts of your subject, frame and expose appropriate and not get blurries. In any case that's still a task someone has to be paid (or volunteer) to do.

        The RSPCA figures are at a particular point in time presumably near the new financial year and include all animals including ones with medical, behavioural and other issues. I don't know what percentage of suitable dogs available now are online. But let's assume 20% of suitable dogs for ease of calculation. Please tell me how you would go about the collection and data entry of stats and photos for roughly 1600 dogs spread across the country with no resources? This isn't just "filling even a few forms out" as you put it. You could hire 2 junior data entry people to do that. You have to collect the data, arrange vet appointments and procedures (with scarce resources), do behaviour assessments where needed AND do that paperwork.

        They have to strike a balance when it comes to homing them "as fast as possible". If they're not assessed correctly they'll come back and the RSPCA could be held responsible for any harm done to people or animals. If they give them away for nothing (or for a low price) they attract Ozbargainers insted of animal lovers (thought there is certainly an overlap). Also the costs of vet care and microchipping have to be recovered. What you are seeing here is basically desperation ahead of the end of financial year and their statistics stock take (which must be complete slightly before) to clear out the animals. If they don't do this the figures will look worse than last year (when they did similar) which puts pressure on repeating for the following year….etc. They've hit a rebound point because their efforts in the last few years are getting harder and harder to replicate every year.

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        resisting the urge on 20/02/2017 - 11:17

        @syousef: Sometimes to understand it helps to be a little creative.

        I appreciate you might be a photographer but I've trained people to take photos in all kinds of environments- including animals and including dogs. All people with no prior exp.

        Modern cams DO make it incredibly simple, and they shoot far better and are super fast. Just need do is stuff like:

        Frame the shots as you suggest, so yes, that means tracking the dog and getting them to sit.
        Look at the pics they shoot
        Where possible get the tongues hanging out

        "How to go about the collection and data entry of stats and photos for roughly 1600 dogs spread across the country with no resources? "

        Easy!

        1. You get the dog catcher to start the process, recording location, time, date and any other notes they might care to add optionally. Get them to do it using a mobile app and scan at the same time, entering the dog's chip number. Chip number input can fire a real-time lookup and automatic message (email or SMS, or a Council officer to make a call if there is no mobile number held for that rate payer, or in the case of no response.) Even if a police officer picks/rescues up a dog, or even a Member of the Public, they can do the same thing.
        2. The receiver at the pound fills out the normal form they do, but an online version, again using an Internet connected device, such as a tablet. They too scan the dog and simply verify what the dog-catcher wrote. If the dog comes in some other way, the receiver will be doing this for the first time. So far, no extra work for anyone, unless they are taking pictures as this can greatly help people to identify their dogs and encourage them to come and collect them quickly. And it is all done by the time the dog arrives at the pound, or very shortly afterwards if it needs a wash, or other urgent care.
        3. Assessment. Nothing changes, but this doesn't have to take a long time, unless they are waiting for the vet. Even then, it is far better to get the owner there to assist in caring for the dog, for as you say, there are "no" (or rather few) "resources"

        "They have to strike a balance when it comes to homing them "as fast as possible". If they're not assessed correctly they'll come back and the RSPCA could be held responsible for any harm done to people or animals". Charities have enough trouble fending off Lawyers without the public getting paternalisitic too. But yes, the RSPCA, just like any professional, has an obligation and duty of care. However they manage this with insurance and tons of forms (including legal waivers) when someone volunteers to take on a dog. Besides a dog being placed online doesn't have to mean it is ready for adoption, it can have a default status applied automatically, until the next check in the 'welcome' procedure is done. Further information and status can be added at any point during the dog's time at the pound, once someone has enough time with the dog to do it.

        Again, all these are forms they do now to meet their legal obligations. Sad because it is all easily automated to the point where there is zero paperwork and everything happens quickly and with an auditable trail of events.

        "What you are seeing here is basically desperation ahead of the end of financial year and their statistics stock take (which must be complete slightly before) to clear out the animals"…

        Er, do you actually know? Or is this just assumption? Why are >85% of dogs in care effectively hidden? Languishing in danger and misery? Remember pounds are not safe places (some far more than others) and they damage dogs mentally the longer their stay lasts.

        Remember that dogs are amongst the most popular online content. There are plenty of potential owners out there that would be motivated/think about adopting if they were introduced by others in their social networks. This is something the www.adoptadog.com.au website and the RSPCA could leverage but the numbers show they are failing.

        There is no way all this should be waiting for data entry, emails to fly or forms to be collected. These dogs are in danger, are often desperate to rejoin their family group.

        Also there is little (or no) transparency as nobody audits the RSPCA (unless I am mistaken). I can't remember a time it self-reported that that an animal escaped or got mal-treated, yet with this many animals held in pounds around the country, and so many killed as part of the process, anything that minimises the chance of abuse happening, let alone reduces costs as this can could and should have been done years ago.

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        syousef on 20/02/2017 - 11:20

        @zerovelocity:

        Sometimes I think you have to address the problem rather than just tell someone to be less negative. The most negative thing you can do is to never point out a problem and pretend everything is okay.

        I do not need a lesson in photography or how to photograph pets.

        I have already explained to you that the dog catcher has a full time job. That job doesn't include photography skills. I know plenty of people who are good with a computer who can't take a decent photo to save their life. The dog catcher is too busy catching, processing and transporting the dog to make him sit or play fetch.

        I am not saying things can't be improved. I am saying your assertion that it is "easy" is ridiculous.

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        resisting the urge on 20/02/2017 - 11:40

        @syousef: Sorry, I apologise if my tone is a little frustrated.

        "I have already explained to you that the dog catcher has a full time job"

        Well if it is a big deal, which I agree is not for me or anyone else to assume, the photos would simply be added later once the dog makes it to the pound.

        Dog catchers are trained to do many more complex things, and like every other person they too can manage taking a few pics in a certain way. However they do not have to produce pro results, as the pound can take better pics later,add them to the dog's online file and de-publish the poorer pictures.

        "I am saying your assertion that it is "easy" is ridiculous"

        And I am saying that I've effected this kind of change before with people far harder to change than those keen enough to volunteer as animal carers. It is just a relative term, from my POV it means these people can be trained to do an effective, if not brilliant job- and if they could it might avoid these kind of insane promotions.

        Not to mention missing out on the revenue they could be making to do so much more.

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        syousef on 20/02/2017 - 17:33

        @zerovelocity:

        Have you ever attempted a small-medium sized data entry project? It would do you a world of good to do so? How long would it take you to retype the meaning of 400 names? Re-enter data by hand for the periodic table of elements? Record the details of a medium sized collection of coins, rocks, figurines or whatever with photos?

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        resisting the urge on 25/02/2017 - 22:29

        @syousef: Why do you keep assuming I no clue?

        400 names is quickly done by anyone that can type and has access to the data. In fact, if the existing site were reliable the following can be grabbed in a flash: State, Name, Breed, Date In, and more. All that gets scraped into a text file and can be directly imported into a database.

        But the challenge here is not about getting existing data in. The existing dogs are important, and the data can be collected and verified, but what is most important is that the system design and implementation generates no bad data.

        I.e. To make sure that the data you get is of a known accuracy and gets checked. Less data of higher accuracy is better as over time you expand the amount of data collected, as well as the proportion that can be collected. So a good way in many situations where you have people carrying out processing and handling of inventory on a daily basis is to focus in capturing the new inventory as it enters the system,

        It is very important to make information capture quick and simple, and above all, accurate. Verification of all entered data by the next person in the chain, so that any guesses are checked so that more accurate information trumps it rather than gets left out.

        What perhaps you are not thinking about is that when one collects the information as I describe, a lot of it is auto-collected, rather than entered. Info such as location, time and date, operator, situation, ID chip scanning, and yes, photos.

        That way its accuracy is known- but also the process is quicker and simpler for the operators.

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        syousef on 26/02/2017 - 00:41

        @zerovelocity:

        It's not 400 names though is it? 10,000 is quite common.

        You assume that obtaining and verifying data about dogs that are often rescued from neglect is easy. I don't think we're likely to agree.

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        resisting the urge on 26/02/2017 - 10:25

        @syousef: 10,000? Yes exactly, 10,0000 a year. Which is why the collection of that data has to be automated

        Anyhow, you are kidding yourself if you think it isn't documented already. That is how those annually reported numbers are collected. They have to be verifiable, and it would have to be done by some internal and external audit regime.

        So we are only discussing the how.

        There is a reason some organisations are stuck in the dark ages, and others become more and more inefficient and eventually collapse. The causes are many. Most sorely lack a vision that everyone in it actually works towards. Organisational paralysis, group-think and/or inability to see a better way to operate are the main ones.

        Despite this, they carry on because the staff on the ground learn to focus on the little things, like every poor animal that comes in.

        Do you think it's sad that so few of the dogs in care are advertised and given a decent chance of adoption?

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        syousef on 26/02/2017 - 22:37

        @zerovelocity:

        I'm not arguing that nothing should be done. I'm arguing that it's not as easy as you say.

        Organisational politics and current procedure are another thing that take time, money and effort to change. RSPCA already rely heavily on volunteer labour and work within regulatory constraints that aren't easily changed.

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    Kiz on 15/02/2017 - 17:14

    +3

    Interesting point. I was there during that time and my experience was different. Yes it was busy and there may have been some people choosing randomly, however the adoption process is pretty strict and the staff do a great job in identifying potential issues and making sure that you are a good fit for the cat. I found that the staff advised that some weren't suitable to couples, or if there were other pets in the house etc. One family even walked away because they couldn't find the cat that was the right fit. There were a lot of responsible deciscions made that day.

    We managed to find our perfect cat, one that had been surrendered multiple times. We were told of all her issues and her history. She's been absolutely great with us and is loving her new home.

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      syousef on 15/02/2017 - 17:42

      -1

      It was years ago but see my story above. One staff member didn't know that a particular dog was known to attack other dogs without warning. The other did but picked it up too late.

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    hhuy837 on 15/02/2017 - 17:30

    +2

    Despite the fact that you had a bad experience adopting, I want to thank you for going back and trying again. You seem like a responsible owner. Thanks :)

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  inamberclad on 15/02/2017 - 17:33

  Discounts at Koorong or discounts at RSPCA. Not sure which gets more passionate comments

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    syousef on 15/02/2017 - 17:44

    +1

    No surprise. Few things more people are passionate about than their pets or their religion. Perhaps family, but family doesn't get advertised on OzB.

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  ChatCPT on 15/02/2017 - 17:45

  Adoptions link getting ozbargained

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  Munki on 15/02/2017 - 17:56

  Thanks OP. Gonna get 10. Can these be overclocked?

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  nuchalis on 15/02/2017 - 18:04

  +13

  My wife volunteers for the RSPCA… before she volunteered I thought they were just annoying phone-beggars and people had rattled me with euthanasia stats, but now I feel pretty bad now I see the reality!

  These folk are saints! I could never do what they do!

  They work hard: the shit-cleaning never ends, they routinely get called in after hours or on their days off, they are always taking sick/needy animals home with them to do those every-few-hours feedings overnight, they have to deal with obvious animal abusers, they take every adoption seriously and often turn people away if they aren't serious, they have large junior staff turnover due to burnout so they are always retraining, etc etc!

  Some idiot always quotes the euthansia stats like they are doing it willy-nilly, how ridiculous… every single euthansia breaks their hearts! It's easy for some keyboard warrior to misquote some stats, meanwhile these poor buggers are easing the suffering when there's just no more hope :(

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    Kiz on 15/02/2017 - 18:15

    +8

    Thank your wife for the work she does. It must be such a thankless job

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      nuchalis on 15/02/2017 - 18:23

      +5

      Cheers, you made her day! But to be honest they make sure their volunteers know they are valued, and the folk that come to the shelter looking for a pet are always really nice :)

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    inamberclad on 15/02/2017 - 18:26

    +4

    -> every single euthansia breaks their hearts

    finally, i read a viewpoint from the inside! :)

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    Ughhh on 16/02/2017 - 13:44

    +1

    Indeed, ultimately is it really their fault there's so many unwanted dogs and in particular cats. Highly doubt the unwanted neglected cat is having a fun time dumpster diving while carrying some disease and is in pain. Strawman be strawman.

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    syousef on 17/02/2017 - 13:38

    -2

    I'm that "some idiot" you're talking about and I don't have anything against the wonderful volunteer work that gets done, but whether your heart breaks or not if you kill 1 in 3 of the dogs and 1 in 2 cats you take in, that's not something I will ever donate to. It's now better, as I acknowledged at just over 1 in 10 dogs and 1 in 3 cats. And no, not every euthansia is to ease suffering. It is for population control too and you know it!

    No kill shelters exist. They don't take on new animals if they don't have room, but they don't dispose of the old ones by killing them either.

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  herysoe on 15/02/2017 - 18:15

  i don't know why WA never have such promotion here… last time they have was for cats adoption..and that's not even from RSCPA

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    resisting the urge on 16/02/2017 - 18:14

    Greyhound racing didn't get banned in WA.

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  tommy-darko on 15/02/2017 - 18:56

  Should be statewide and I'd get one.

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    twig on 16/02/2017 - 12:07

    +1

    it is. NSW statewide.

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      tommy-darko on 16/02/2017 - 12:48

      Fair call :) Nationwide was the term I was looking for.

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  DEvok on 15/02/2017 - 19:41

  +1

  RSPCA it's prob best animal Aussie company that exist compared to others.

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  Empharand on 15/02/2017 - 23:46

  +1

  This is one deal I want to see Ozbargained :D

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    syousef on 17/02/2017 - 13:34

    Only if the pets aren't tossed aside after a couple of days like most OzB gadgets.

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  Windows7forever on 16/02/2017 - 03:57

  Remember, the perfect pet will choose you.

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