What's in a word?

What does the substitution/addition of ONE SINGLE WORD in a clowncil media release headline indicate about the workings, and supposedly changed attitudes of this clowncil to pets? In a December 2007 media release the headline read = "Pets - not ideal Christmas gifts". In 2008, this same media headline is rehashed, to now read - "Pets — not necessarily ideal gifts this festive season". Come on clowncil!!! Surely with the salaries being paid, those who create such releases could be a little more inventive, creative, and desist from year after year trotting out the same spin? Finally, to show readers how little is actually changed I include the entire release from 2007 and 2008. Repetition is not only boring, but displays lack of imagination and creativity!!

From 2007 -


Owning a pet can be rewarding, but the level of commitment it requires is often higher thanexpected. As a result, thousands of pets are abandoned each year.
With Christmas only weeks away, a pet may seem like the ideal gift. However, pet ownership is a big responsibility and many factors should be considered before making the decision. Council urges potential owners to think about the expense involved in keeping a pet, how much space and exercise it will need and who else the pet’s arrival may affect.
Making an informed decision about the most appropriate pet for your circumstances will stop it from becoming one of the thousands dumped in the streets or left in pounds each year. Council is also urging residents to understand that not all stray pets have been abandoned and if you find a stray cat or dog, it is the law to report and surrender the animal to Council.
Manager Civic Compliance John Bordignon said some residents do not report a found pet and instead take it into their care.
“Residents may feel they are saving a pet’s life by not reporting it found, but in fact, they are causing more harm than good,” Mr Bordignon said.
“If a pet has been lost for some time, it may be unwell,” Mr Bordignon said, “Council provides the necessary care at the pound to ensure the pet returns to full health.”
Mr Bordignon said reporting a found pet can save the correct owners a great deal of heartache.
Decreasing the number of unwanted animals or lost pets is possible through responsible pet ownership. If you are confident you can give a pet a good home and be responsible, have the pet registered with Council.
For more information regarding responsible pet ownership or to report a found or missing dog or cat, contact Council’s Service Centre on 9524 3333 or visit www.gleneira.vic.gov.au

AND THE LATEST PIECE DE RESISTANCE -


With the festive season fast approaching, a pet may seem like the ideal gift, however, pet ownership is a big responsibility and many factors should be considered before making the decision.
Glen Eira City Council is encouraging all potential owners to think about the expense involved in keeping a pet, how much space and exercise it will need and who else the pet’s arrival may affect.
Council’s Manager Civic Compliance John Bordignon said owning a pet can be rewarding, but the level of commitment it requires is often higher than expected.
"Making an informed decision about the most appropriate pet for your circumstances will stop it from becoming one of the hundreds dumped in the streets or left in pounds each year," Mr Bordignon said.
Mr Bordignon said it is also important for residents to understand that not all stray pets have been abandoned and if they find a stray cat or dog, by law they have to report and surrender the animal to Council.
"Some residents do not report a found pet and instead take it into their care," Mr Bordignon said.
"Residents may feel they are saving a pet’s life by not reporting it found, but in fact, they are potentially causing more harm than good."
For further information regarding responsible pet ownership, or to report a found or missing dog or cat, contact Council’s Service Centre on 9524 3333 or visit www.gleneira.vic.gov.au