Features inside
Western Port
Hastings Trade Expo
FOOD AND ENTERTAINING
PAGES 44–46
is coming
SPORTS DESK
PAGES 47–50
Thursday 10th Nov
SPRING MOTORING
PAGE 51
See Page 9 ∆
Local news for local people
Your fortnightly community newspaper covering the entire Western Port region For all your advertising and editorial needs, call us on 1300
FREE
27 September – 10 October 2011
MPNEWS (1300 676 397) or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
Bullies are real softies
By Keith Platt PETA Lachmund is the victim of mistaken identity. Strangers have been accosting her believing she owns an American pit bull, rather than a “childfriendly” English bull terrier. Ms Lachmund is angry because Ignatius, or Iggy to his friends (which is just about everyone), is a loved family pet and has never caused a dogfight. “I’ve been screamed at for having a pit bull and they won’t listen when I try to explain,” she said. Iggy is taken for a daily walk in the leash-free area on the foreshore at Hastings, which is where Ms Lachmund was subjected to the latest of several abusive remarks by dog owners not knowing the difference between breeds. “A woman’s kelpie came at Iggy from behind, but he just ignored it and I had to pick up our other dog, a ball of fluff really, which was barking at the kelpie,” she said. “She threatened to call the police and ranger, so I took a note of her car registration and said I’d be happy to wait because they would laugh at her. I’ve never seen her down there before and hope I don’t see her again. “It’s a shame people don’t know how friendly English bull terriers are. We’ve had three, and they grew up with our children. I’m not stupid, I wouldn’t buy a dangerous dog. I’ve never met a bull terrier that has bitten a child or hurt its owner.” Ms Lachmund runs the Beach Hut Café in High St, Hastings, with her partner Chris Harmon and has placed photos in the window to show what the different breeds of dog look like. She and Iggy will be among the bull terriers and their owners taking a “bully walk” along the banks of the Yarra and into Melbourne on Sunday 16 October. Ms Lachmund said the bully walks are aimed at showing the public that English bull terriers make good family pets and should not be confused with the more aggressive American pit bulls. While acknowledging that bull terriers were originally bred for combat with other dogs, the Bull Terrier Club of Victoria says they have a “natural affectionate nature and penchant for luxury”. The club’s website describes them as “highly intelligent and they thrive on human interaction and praise. They have a great sense of humour, imagination and personality, and simply like to do things on their terms.” The club goes on to say they are “wonderful companions and family dogs” but need to be socialised from a puppy with other dogs and animals. “While you may trust your bully, you can never trust other dogs and if an altercation erupts, the bull terrier will usually be blamed regardless of who started it.”
MELBOURNE’S
BEST PRICES For all your window furnishing needs
FREE MEASURE & QUOTE
GM’s
Puppy love: Peta Lachmund is tired of being berated by people who think her dog Iggy is a dangerous American pit bull when it is an English bull terrier.
PRESENT THIS VOUCHER
Solar Take control of your bills! Find out how much you can save with solar!
FR EnerE E Mon gy Sep itor in temb er!*
$5
MAIN MEAL
Buy one main meal and receive a second meal for $5*
SELLING, BUYING, RENTING? TALK TO US 5979 4412
From the selected menu (Valid Mon to Fri)
WESTERNPORT HOTEL 16 High Street, HASTINGS Phone 5979 1201 for bookings Not valid public holidays. *Conditions apply. Valid until10th October 2011.
a style for every point of view
1300 856 312 www.cheapestblinds.net.au
ȗ ǡ ϐ Ǥ
Ph 1300 013 648 www.homegreen.com.au
CNR HIGH & SALMON STREET, HASTINGS. PHONE 5979 1201
87 High St, Hastings
5979 4412
www.baywestrealestate.com.au