The danger wrong dog diets!

With the outbreak of the Aflatoksikose, we should pay special attention to what we feed our dogs. There are a lot of different brands of dog food and some are not trusted. Products like Buddies Complete, Legends and Hi-Pro off the shelves hopefully more dogs will be safe.

Human food is not good for the dog, it does not contain all the nutrients that the dog need to boost the immune system and for good skin and coat. Dry diets are advised as they are good for the dog’s teeth.

People should look out at the type of nutrients that are found in the food, also to ensure that the ingredients are of high quality. “The main nutrients that one should look at are proteins (meat), carbohydrates (heat treated rice or potatoes) and fat (Omega fatty acids). The food of high quality would have meat as a source of protein while the low quality food would have skin and bone,” explains Dr Pieter Cordier.

Dog food should be stored in a cool and dry place. Cordier says that food that is stored in the sun is exposed to too much heat and that gives the food a horrible taste while dog food that is stored in a moist environment is most likely to have fungus that may even lead to the dog having Aflatoksikose.

Once you have opened your dog food, it is the best interest of the dog to store it in a sealed container. “Go for the brand that has been in the industry for years and is recognise, always read the fine print and buy the best quality food that you can afford for your dog, it is in its best interest, ” says Cordier.

There are a lot of damages that dog food can cause to dogs. Food of lower quality makes it hard for the dogs to digest. There are signs that tell if the dog is being fed high or low quality food, the stool of a dog that is fed high quality food should be well formed and that of low volume, while the dog fed low quality food would be of high volume, loose and watery.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

WHILE SHOPPING
• Never leave your bag/purse in the shopping trolley, however well hidden by goods.
• Never leave your bag unattended on a shop counter that is how it gets pouched by thieves.
• Always hold your valuables close to you.
• Never keep your wallet in the back pocket of your pant.
WHILE DRIVING
• Vary you route to work if possible.
• When talking to strangers only keep your window 5cm open and the doors locked.
• Beware of staged accidents, is slightly bumped into get the necessary details and drive to the nearest police station.
• DO NOT give strangers lifts.
• Gear lock is affordable, easily accessible and an anti safety device
WHILE PARKING
• Always park your car where there is security.
• Never leave your firearm in the car as it is against the law.
• Be aware of people who claim to inform you of a flat tyre, it might be a hijacking or robbery.
• Always keep your windows close while driving in town
WHILE BANKING
• Always be accompanied by a family member, friend or the police when withdrawing large amounts of money.
• Follow the orders of bank robbers at all times, for the safety of everyone else including you.

57 arrests in seven days

Reckless and negligent drivers be aware, in the past week 33 drivers were arrested amongst 57 law offenders. The offences ranged from driving without a seatbelt to skipping a red light or a stop sign.

The arrests included assault, robbery, shoplifting, public drinking and illegal trading amongst others. The police are approaching crime with an iron fist and can use help from the community to help make Tzaneen a crime free area. Although most of the offences are related to the contravention of the road traffic Act, it is advised for law offenders to be aware of their actions and the implications of those actions.

Although crime statistics show that the rate of crime has dropped by 16.4 percent, crime is still an issue in most of the areas around Tzaneen. Assault and rape cases are still being hid from the police by parents and/or the victims themselves. The police edge all community members to be active in doing away with crime.

DEATH IN POLICE CELLS

The police in Haenertsburg have opened two counts of murder after the death of two awaiting trial prisoners. The two victims- Cassius Mashele(20)-awaiting trial for rape in Ritavi and Agreement Mongwe(20)- awaiting trial for murder in Ritavi, were allegedly assaulted to death in the Haenertsburg police cells between the 13 and 14 June 2011 in the evening.

The two killed appear connected and were in separate cells, it is alleged that the two victims were assaulted in their cells by fourteen awaiting trial prisoners.

The Independent Complaints Directorate was informed about the incident in order to conduct independent investigations.

Fourteen suspects were identified and have already appeared before court. The cases of murder for the fourteen suspects are postponed to 6 September 2011 pending further police investigations.