CAT driver urges safe travelling with dogs

As Darwin roars into action as Australias motorsport capital this week, the Biante Touring Car Masters and veteran driver John Bowe are lending their support to launch an important new awareness campaign with RSPCA Darwin to promote safe travelling with pets.

At this time of year many Territorians are heading off on holidays and many interstate travellers visit the NTbut what will they do with their favourite pets?

According to an RSPCA survey, 55% of people will take their pets on holidays with them.

Two-time Bathurst winner, Bowe has joined RSPCA Darwin in praising pet owners for including their animals, but warns about the danger of taking pets on unplanned vacations. Long trips and staying in unfamiliar places can become stressful for animals.

Its vital that animals have holiday tags on their collar containing their owners holiday contact details, John Bowe said.

It can be very distressing for animals that are stuck at the RSPCA because there is no way of contacting their owners.

The RSPCA reminds owners that the best way to ensure your pets safe return is by microchipping collars and tags come off, but a microchip is for life!

Before setting off with their pets, owners also need to ensure that their holiday location is suitable for their pets and that cool water and appropriate restraints are used on car trips.

Bowe, who will be tightly strapped into his CAT-sponsored Camaro at Hidden Valley this weekend, strongly urges pet owners to make sure that their dogs are correctly harnessed while travelling, too.

Every year many hundreds of dogs are needlessly injured simply because they werent tethered or harnessed properly. Anything can happen on the road. If you have to swerve or slam on the brakes suddenly to avoid a collision, an unrestrained or incorrectly restrained dog simply has no chance. The dangers are even greater in built up areas where they can be thrown into and under oncoming traffic. It only takes a few extra minutes to do the right thing, Bowe said.

The RSPCA also warns owners not to leave dogs on the back of utes with no protection from the sun and ensure that there is matting, preferably rubber, for them to lie on.

For more information on restraining dogs go to www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au.

For pets that are staying at home the RSPCA strongly encourages owners not to leave their pets alone. Animals, especially dogs, are sociable creatures and are best left with friends or at reputable kennels. By being organised and taking the necessary precautions people can ensure that their trip away is well deserved and stress free for both themselves and their animals.

The NT is celebrating Animal Awareness Week from 22-28 June with lots of events & activities, come down to the RSPCAs Open Day on Sunday June 28.

Racing his CAT Camaro, former V8 Supercar Champion, John Bowe will have his work cut out for him in the Biante Touring Car Masters this weekend, 19-21 June, as he aims to repeat last years clean sweep victory at Hidden Valley.

The Biante Touring Car Masters is proudly supported by Biante Model Cars, Rare Spares, Shannons Insurance, Hoosier Tires, Coopers and official charity RSPCA Australia.