Latest news with #Petbarn
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
Why Bully Sticks Are a Top Pick for Aussie Dog Owners
G'day, fellow dog lovers! If you're an Aussie pet parent in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere in between, you know how much joy our furry mates bring to our lives. Whether your pup's tearing around the backyard in Cairns or lounging on the couch in Melbourne, keeping them happy and healthy is the goal. Enter bully sticks—the dog treat that's got tails wagging all over Australia. Let's have a yarn about what makes bully sticks so special, why they're a hit with Aussie dogs, and how to pick the right ones for your four-legged bestie. If you're new to the world of bully sticks, don't worry—it's not as complicated as it sounds. Bully sticks are natural dog chews made from dried bull pizzle (yep, that's the polite way of saying it!). They're a single-ingredient treat, which means no dodgy additives or fillers—just pure, natural goodness. The process is pretty straightforward: the pizzle is cleaned, stretched, and dried to create a tough, chewy stick that dogs go bonkers for. Think of it like a long-lasting jerky for your pup. Here in Australia, bully sticks have become a staple in pet stores from Adelaide to Darwin. You'll find them on the shelves of big retailers like Petbarn or online at Aussie faves like PetCircle and My Pet Warehouse. They're popular because they're tough enough to keep even the most enthusiastic chewers—like a Staffy in Perth or a Kelpie in Townsville—occupied for ages. So, what's the big deal? For starters, bully sticks are like a gym session and a puzzle rolled into one for your dog. Chewing on them provides mental stimulation, which is perfect for keeping your Border Collie in Brisbane from getting bored and digging up the garden. They're also packed with protein, making them a nutritious treat for growing pups or active dogs, like a Lab tearing up the dog park in Sydney's Centennial Park. Then there's the dental hygiene perk. As your dog chomps away, the chewing action helps scrape off plaque and tartar, keeping their teeth cleaner than a whistle. It's like giving your dog a toothbrush they actually want to use! For Aussie pet owners, especially in places like the Gold Coast where we're all about keeping our dogs fit and healthy, bully sticks are a no-brainer. Let's dig into those benefits a bit more. Bully sticks are a high-protein treat, which is great for keeping your dog's muscles strong—perfect for that Aussie Cattle Dog herding imaginary sheep in your backyard in Alice Springs. Unlike some processed treats, they're highly digestible, so they're gentle on your pup's tummy. This is a big win for sensitive dogs in households from Hobart to Fremantle. The chewing action isn't just good for their teeth; it's also a stress-buster. If your dog gets a bit anxious during a thunderstorm in Melbourne or when you're out for a barbie, a bully stick can keep them calm and focused. Plus, they're low in fat compared to some other chews, so you don't have to worry about your pup packing on the kilos. Now, before you toss a bully stick to your furry mate, a few safety tips from your local dog-loving expert. First, always supervise your dog while they're chewing. Most dogs, from Chihuahuas in Canberra to Great Danes in Geelong, handle bully sticks fine, but you want to make sure they don't swallow big chunks. Once the stick gets small enough to fit in their mouth, swap it out for a fresh one to avoid any choking risks. Second, choose the right size for your dog's breed and chewing style. For a small dog like a Jack Russell in Newcastle, go for thinner, shorter sticks—around 15 cm is perfect. For bigger breeds, like a German Shepherd in Perth, opt for thicker, longer sticks to keep them challenged. If you've got a power chewer (looking at you, Rottweilers in Darwin), look for braided bully sticks—they're extra tough. Finally, store them properly. Australia's warm climate, especially in places like Cairns or the Sunshine Coast, can make treats go off if not stored in a cool, dry place. Pop them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Aussie pet parents are spoilt for choice when it comes to bully sticks. You can grab them at local pet stores like PetStock in Adelaide or hit up online retailers for bulk deals—perfect if you've got a chew-happy pup. Many Aussie brands, like those sourcing from local farms, offer high-quality, natural bully sticks with no nasty chemicals. Check the label to make sure they're 100% natural and preferably Australian-made to support our farmers. If you're in a smaller town like Ballarat or Launceston, online stores are a lifesaver, delivering straight to your door. Just make sure you're buying from a reputable supplier—nobody wants a dodgy import for their furry mate. At the end of the day, bully sticks are a ripper choice for keeping your dog happy, healthy, and entertained. They're natural, packed with benefits, and perfect for Aussie dogs of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're spoiling a pampered pooch in Sydney or keeping a working dog busy in the Outback, a good bully stick is like a little gift of joy for your pup. So, next time you're stocking up on treats, why not give high-quality, natural bully sticks a go? Check out your local pet shop or browse trusted Aussie online retailers to find the perfect ones for your dog. Here's to happy chewing and wagging tails across Australia! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
USA Today
19-07-2025
- General
- USA Today
Watch puppies react to sting rays, sharks, more at Australia aquarium
A group of future guide dogs in Australia enjoyed a day out at the aquarium as part of their training process. Video footage shows the 9-week-old pups named Bruce, Betsy, Bronte and Barkley visiting the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium in Australia and observing the marine life there. The pups, managed by Petbarn, Australia's largest integrated pet care provider, visited the aquarium as part of their training as future seeing eye dogs for Australians who are blind or have low vision. Watch: Pups react to marine life at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium Petbarn Foundation Manager Janelle Miller told USA TODAY over email on Sunday, July 13, that the puppies "displayed a perfect balance of curiosity and composure" and "explored their environment with interest, observing marine life and investigating different textures while remaining attentive to their handlers.' Which animals did they respond to the most? While the pups observed the oceanarium in awe, they particularly reacted to "large marine life such as sting rays, sharks and turtles moving overhead with appropriate curiosity," Miller said. "They also had a cute interaction with two of SEA LIFE Sydney's scuba divers who were cleaning the tank," she added. Why did the pups visit the aquarium? Bruce, Betsy, Bronte and Barkley are in the initial stages of their development to become Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, according to Miller, who said the "complete training process takes approximately two years before they're matched with a client who is blind or has low vision." Miller added the dogs' visit to the aquarium was part of the Petbarn Foundation's annual Seeing Eye Dog Appeal, which aims to raise awareness around the foundation's mission and funds to "train 22 Seeing Eye Dogs for Australians who are blind or have low vision." The visit also provides "valuable exposure to unique sensory experiences that these puppies wouldn't encounter in everyday settings," Miller said, explaining the pups experience "different lighting conditions, reflective surfaces, unusual sounds, and varied floor textures" at the aquarium. Puppies 'highly receptive' to new experiences at this age Miller said the puppies' age "represents a critical developmental period" in their training. "At this age, they're highly receptive to new experiences, which is essential for building the foundation for their future work as Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs," Miller said. In their daily life, the puppies also enjoy obstacle courses and exploring new environments, all of which are essential components of their training, according to Miller. Petbarn works with different dog breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden crosses. The breeds are specifically chosen for "their intelligence, temperament, and physical attributes that make them well-suited for training," Miller said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- News.com.au
Aussie man charged after allegedly eating live fish in Petbarn
A 20-year-old man has been charged after allegedly walking into a pet store in Sydney and eating a goldfish from its tank while live-streaming on social media. Just after midday on Sunday, police responded to a call from Petbarn in Castle Hill, about 30 km northwest of Sydney's CBD, following reports of a man behaving strangely after entering the shop. NSW Police told that officers attended the scene and were told that a man had allegedly entered the store, taken a live fish from a tank, eaten it whole, and then left. Bizarre move after cruel fish act Police allege he was lifestreaming on Discord at the time, which was initially a platform for gamers but is now used by content creators to stream everyday videos. Before eating the fish, the man allegedly said 'This is for Donald Trump,' according to The Daily Telegraph, who referred to the man as 'the goldfish gobbler'. In a bizarre turn of events, police say the man reportedly left the store before returning a short time later to pay for the $8 fish. Following an inquiry by The Hills Police Area Command, the man was charged with committing an act of cruelty upon an animal and behaving in an offensive manner. Petbarn says incident was 'deeply distressing' A spokesperson for Petbarn told that it was a 'deeply distressing incident for our team'. 'Our store team immediately contacted NSW Police, who responded swiftly and have charged an individual with a number of offences. We are grateful for their prompt and professional action,' they said. 'Our team members were understandably very shaken by what they witnessed and have been offered counselling and support. At Petbarn, the welfare of animals is our number one priority. 'Any act of cruelty towards animals is unacceptable and completely contrary to the values we uphold as a team and organisation committed to responsible pet care and wellbeing. 'We trust that the relevant authorities will take appropriate action in accordance with the law.' PETA responds PETA Asia Senior Vice President Jason Baker told 'Swallowing a live goldfish wasn't a social media stunt, it was a deliberate act of cruelty against a sentient animal capable of feeling fear and pain.' 'PETA urges anyone rightly disturbed by this incident to also consider the trillions of fish killed for food each year — often in equally violent, terrifying ways.' Penalties for animal cruelty In New South Wales, animal cruelty carries significant penalties. People convicted of cruelty to animals can face a maximum fine of $44,000, one year in jail, or both. The man will appear in Parramatta Local Court on August 20.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Aussie man's cruel act in a Petbarn 'in the name of Donald Trump'
A young man who allegedly swallowed a live goldfish 'in the name of Donald Trump ' later returned to the store to pay for the $8 red and white comet. The 20-year-old walked into a Petbarn in Castle Hill, over 30km northwest of Sydney 's CBD, just after midday on Sunday. NSW Police said officers received a call saying the man had entered the store, removed a goldfish from the tank, swallowed it whole, and left. He was reportedly livestreaming on the gaming platform Discord at the time. The young man reportedly yelled 'this is for Donald Trump' before he swallowed the fish, the Daily Telegraph reported. Workers who claimed to have witnessed the act said they heard a 'crunch noise'. In a shock twist, the man returned to the pet store and paid for the goldfish. Following an investigation, the 20-year-old was charged with committing an act of animal cruelty and behaving in an offensive manner. In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a spokesperson for Petbarn said that it was a 'distressing' incident for the workers. 'Our team members were understandably very shaken by what they witnessed and have been offered counselling and support,' the statement read. 'At Petbarn, the welfare of animals is our number one priority. Any act of cruelty towards animals is unacceptable and completely contrary to the values we uphold as a team and organisation committed to responsible pet care and wellbeing. 'We trust that the relevant authorities will take appropriate action in accordance with the law.' NSW Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst condemned the 'extreme act of cruelty'. 'Fish are sentient living beings that can experience pain and fear, and there is no doubt this goldfish would have suffered terribly,' she said in a statement. 'What kind of pathetic individual goes to such extreme lengths just to try and get some attention on social media? 'He should be given a lifetime ban immediately on all social media platforms for promoting acts of animal cruelty.' Hurst welcomed the charges by NSW Police, noting that NSW is the only state with laws against such conduct. 'I'm glad to see the police taking action. People found guilty of animal cruelty face fines of up to $44,000 and/or one year imprisonment,' she said. 'Such an act could also be considered to be the production and distribution of animal crush videos - an offence that only exists in NSW, and is punishable by up to five years imprisonment. 'We will be watching this case closely and hope it sends a strong message to the community that filming cruel and thoughtless animal cruelty videos for social media in a desperate attempt to get attention could land you in jail.' He is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on August 20.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Five bizarre words man uttered about Donald Trump before allegedly eating a live GOLDFISH in a pet store - as staff member reveals their horror: 'I heard him crunch on it'
A man has been charged after he allegedly walked into a pet store and ate a goldfish in front of shocked staff and customers. The man allegedly said 'this is for Donald Trump ' before eating the live red and white comet goldfish in Sydney 's Castle Hill Petbarn at 12pm on Sunday. Police allege the 20-year-old had been on a Discord video call at the time and that the incident was part of a social media stunt. The man then left the store before returning a short time later to pay for the $8 fish he allegedly consumed. An investigation was quickly launched to find the man after staff raised the alarm. NSW Police have said they are taking the matter 'seriously due to concerns around animal cruelty and public decency'. The man has since attended Castle Hill Police station and is now assisting officers with their inquiries. Despite the seriousness of the situation Castle Hill Police chose to refer to the man as the 'goldfish gobbler' in a follow-up statement released after he was found. NSW Police subsequently charged the man with animal cruelty after alleging he ate the red and white comet goldfish as part of a social media stunt (pictured, stock) Staff in the store said the man displayed no hesitation before putting the fish in his mouth and biting down. 'He swallowed the whole thing in front of me … I heard him crunch on it,' they told the Daily Telegraph. 'He walked straight over to the tank, picked it up and ate it,' another alleged. The man has been charged with committing an act of animal cruelty and behaving in an offensive manner. He will appear in Parramatta Local Court in August.
