By Mitchell Clarke
A Pakenham woman reliant on a mobile dog groomer to treat her elderly dog’s major skin irritations has joined an industry peak body in calling for the welfare of animals to be deemed essential under Stage 4 restrictions.
Deanna Hart’s 11-year-old Rottweiler, Nikita, requires a visit from her groomer every fortnight to keep her condition under control but that’s been illegal throughout the pandemic.
Scallywags Mobile Dog Grooming has been washing Nikita since February 2016, after numerous vet appointments, medications and natural remedies failed to alleviate her unknown skin condition.
“It’s been a real mess. She’s not allowed to have her usual visits, so the skin problems are starting to come back again,” Ms Hart explained.
“The irritations are forcing her to keep licking herself and she’s becoming incontinent.”
Ms Hart said it wasn’t fair for dog groomers to be considered non-essential, especially given the low risk they pose to the community.
“You don’t have any contact at all. I pay over the phone so all I have to do is open the front door and Nikita goes out to Fiona (the groomer),” she explained.
“It’s a necessity, not just a luxury. Health wise, there’s actually a lot more to it.”
The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) has called for the roadmap out of lockdown to address and ensure the welfare of domestic animals.
“The PIAA is gravely concerned for the welfare of domestic animals in Pakenham and surrounds given the extension of the Stage 4 restrictions,” national president Barry Codling said.
“We are disappointed the Victorian Government has not included services that support pets’ welfare in its roadmap and urgently call on it to do so.”
Mr Codling said Nikita’s situation was “exactly why animal welfare must be included in the Essential Services Act”.
“It’s vitally important, in times of grave emergency, that meeting the basic health and welfare needs of Victoria’s domestic and companion animals does not depend on the discretion of ministers and officials, but is unambiguously legislated as a category of essential service,” he said.
“This isn’t just about veterinary and feed services, but access to other supplies and services that ensure domestic animals can live happily and healthily, even in the midst of this pandemic.”
