Issue 12

The Biscuit

Bite-sized storied for animal lovers

The Biscuit7 min read
Crumbs
CONSERVATION Just how much of our planet do we need to preserve to ensure animals can continue to exist alongside humans? CLIMATE CHANGE IS GETTING SOME SERIOUS HEAT within the media and no matter what your stance may be, it’s getting harder to deny
The Biscuit1 min read
RSPCA News & Updates
It’s been over 22 years since the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme was launched in 1996. In that time, we’ve seen an enormous amount of change within the agriculture industry when it comes to animal welfare and consumer expectations. We’re proud to have
The Biscuit7 min read
Rescues
RSPCA ACT A patient wait for her happy ending. Sassy arrived in the ACT shelter in June 2018, a long 16 months ago, when a concern for her welfare was made. Sassy was approximately two years old and did not have up to date microchip details, and had
The Biscuit3 min read
Ask A Vet
With a predicted hot and humid summer around the corner, all pets, irrespective of fur, feathers or scales are susceptible to the effects of heat. Here are some tips to keep your pets comfortable and safe this summer. 1. Recognise the signs of heat s
The Biscuit2 min read
Animals and Anecdotes
Full name: Melinda Claire Buttle Birthday: 25 January 1982 Hometown: Samford, QLD Pets: Dog Ruby FOR COMEDIAN MEL, HER LOVE OF ANIMALS RUNS IN THE FAMILY. “My dad is very into animals, we’d always be dropping an injured bird off to a wildlife carer o
The Biscuit5 min readPsychology
A Tale Of Two Kitties
Many studies have found that domestic cats enjoy the company of other cats and even wild cats will live in prides, like lions, if there are plenty of resources to share. This means that having two well-matched cats in your home is not only purr-fectl
The Biscuit7 min read
Adventure In The Great Outdoors With Your Best Friend
FAMILY CAMPING TRIPS really are the best. It’s these moments together in the great outdoors that create fond memories that’ll last a lifetime, and can even start a family tradition. The thing is, more often than not Australian families now include a
The Biscuit2 min read
Keeping Siamese Fighting Fish As Pets
Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular household pet. These intelligent, curious fish require a tailored environment to meet their needs. It’s a common misconception that bettas can be kept in small fishbowls or tanks. Bettas need
The Biscuit7 min read
An Itch You Can’t Scratch
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED a change in your pet’s skin or scratching habits before. Not only is it irritating for you to hear your pet scratching or nipping, imagine how frustrated your pet might be! We chat to RSPCA Veterinarian Dr Sarah Zito about the mo
The Biscuit2 min readDiet & Nutrition
Why You Can’t Feed Your Cat A Vegan Diet
IN AN EFFORT TO PRESERVE THEIR ETHICAL FOOTPRINT, many vegan cat owners have also adopted plant-based or vegan diets for their cats (Quine, 2018). Good intentions aside, our feline friends simply cannot survive on a vegan or vegetarian diet. This is
The Biscuit2 min read
How Drought Affects Wildlife
The dry conditions we’ve seen across Australia these last three years have been particularly dire during the cool season, which has impacted rainfall runoff. Since 2017, areas affected most by drought include New South Wales, Queensland and South Aus
The Biscuit2 min readNature
Christmas Beetle
Type: Insect Diet: Herbivore Colour: Most are shiny with gold and brown hues, some are vibrant greens and pinks. Lifespan: Depending on conditions and species, the average lifespan is 1-2 years total, with adulthood lasting about 2 weeks. Size/weight
The Biscuit5 min readNature
Waddling Wonders
BACKYARD CHICKEN KEEPERS who’ve waded into the world of waterfowl, boast of the joy that their mixed flock brings. Apparently these feathered friends live harmoniously for the most part. The following will provide some important insights that’ll have
The Biscuit5 min read
Tots & Dogs
HOW A DOG WILL REACT to a new baby is a concern most parents have. And for good reason: introducing your human child to a previously ‘fur-child only’ home can require some tact. However, often owners find that their pets and babies coexist very well,
The Biscuit1 min read
Evacuate!
With dry conditions right across the country, bushfires were inevitable and this year, they have devastated properties and wildlife. I was amongst those in South East Queensland recently impacted by bushfires and had to evacuate. If I can share some
The Biscuit4 min read
Life Under Threat
If I asked you what the world’s most trafficked animal was, you would probably answer back with elephant, rhino or tiger. While these are all animals that are highly sought after in the black trades market, the most trafficked animal is one you proba
The Biscuit3 min readCrime & Violence
Hear Meowt
This was the question I asked after a case involving horrific acts of cruelty to an innocent echidna by an international student at a university campus. Well to some extent, I know the answer to this question already. Recently a man was jailed for be
The Biscuit3 min read
Critter Care
CATS Salt lamps are part of many people’s living rooms. But did you know that these pretty lamps can be dangerous to curious felines looking for a salty snack? What are salt lamps? These household items are made by placing a light bulb or candle insi
The Biscuit1 min read
Fast Facts
With straw-coloured rings around their eyes, leathery looking wings and a fox-like snout, it’s easy to see where the Spectacled Flying Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) gets its name. Also known as the spectacled fruit bat, it is part of the megabat fami
The Biscuit1 min read
What’s On Around Australia
November & December 2019 This festive season you can help change the lives of RSPCA animals right across Australia. Not every pet in a shelter will find a home in time for Christmas, but you can be by their side by donating towards their care. You ca