Friday, April 10, 2015
Dog turns on piano before playing a little tune
Sadie is a 6-year-old German Shepherd/Border Collie cross who was adopted from an animal shelter in 2009. She has recently learned to play the piano. I imagine the singing will come later.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Rancher unhappy about being given ticket for riding horse to Taco Bell
Rick Braun from West Kansas has lived in Lucas, Texas, for 11 years.
And over that time, he's been riding horses on his open ranch just east of Allen.
"It's heck of a lot better than being in a car," Braun said.
He finds peace in the saddle, but lately it's been more pain. He was recently cited by Allen police for 'riding animal on public street.'
"It's horse country!" he said. "Everywhere you go, there's horses everywhere."
But that argument didn't register with Allen authorities after he and friends rode into that city from Lucas two weeks ago. They had stopped off at a Taco Bell. Braun said he's been going there by horse for years, often two to three nights a week. Allen police spokesman Jon Felty said officers had warned Braun repeatedly. "We've asked them, please don't do this," he said. Allen's city code, Chapter 3-18F, outlines the police point of view. It is unlawful for anyone to ride or drive an animal on a public sidewalk. It is unlawful for anyone to ride or drive an animal within any portion of the street or right-of-way of a heavily travelled street.
"You show me what roadway around here is not heavily travelled," Felty said. "They all are heavily travelled." But Braun maintained that his group was riding along a greenbelt nearly the entire way. He concedes there were a couple of streets they had to cross to make it to the restaurant, but that traffic was minimal. "At 5:30 in the afternoon? Yes. But at 10:30 at night? No!" Braun said. Police said they received complaints from residents about horse droppings, and even said Braun's darker horses are a safety issue. "These horses are not visible," Felty said. "They're riding along roadways, and they're not visible late at night."
YouTube link.
Braun said he never heard one complaint over years of riding into town. It took the city four days to get back to them on the citation, which lists a $266 fine. "None of them knew what the ordinance said," Braun argued. "If they leave it the way it is, it's vague, and nobody knows." The riders plan to fight the citation in court next week. Beyond that, Braun and his friends are fighting for clarity, because they have every intention to continue riding their horses where it is deemed legal.
But that argument didn't register with Allen authorities after he and friends rode into that city from Lucas two weeks ago. They had stopped off at a Taco Bell. Braun said he's been going there by horse for years, often two to three nights a week. Allen police spokesman Jon Felty said officers had warned Braun repeatedly. "We've asked them, please don't do this," he said. Allen's city code, Chapter 3-18F, outlines the police point of view. It is unlawful for anyone to ride or drive an animal on a public sidewalk. It is unlawful for anyone to ride or drive an animal within any portion of the street or right-of-way of a heavily travelled street.
"You show me what roadway around here is not heavily travelled," Felty said. "They all are heavily travelled." But Braun maintained that his group was riding along a greenbelt nearly the entire way. He concedes there were a couple of streets they had to cross to make it to the restaurant, but that traffic was minimal. "At 5:30 in the afternoon? Yes. But at 10:30 at night? No!" Braun said. Police said they received complaints from residents about horse droppings, and even said Braun's darker horses are a safety issue. "These horses are not visible," Felty said. "They're riding along roadways, and they're not visible late at night."
YouTube link.
Braun said he never heard one complaint over years of riding into town. It took the city four days to get back to them on the citation, which lists a $266 fine. "None of them knew what the ordinance said," Braun argued. "If they leave it the way it is, it's vague, and nobody knows." The riders plan to fight the citation in court next week. Beyond that, Braun and his friends are fighting for clarity, because they have every intention to continue riding their horses where it is deemed legal.
Disgruntled homeowner ripped tradesman's scrotum with metal hook
A man in Kawerau, New Zealand, has admitted ripping another man's scrotum with a metal hook.
Stephen John Docherty, 66, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent when he appeared in the Whakatane District Court on Wednesday. He was remanded on bail for a restorative justice hearing to take place and for sentencing on June 12.
According to the police summary of facts, Docherty hired the victim to carry out concrete works at his Kawerau property. At 3.30pm on March 17, Docherty arrived home and found the works, being carried out by a contractor, were not done as he had described them to the victim. Docherty demanded to know where the victim was and was told by the contractor he would be back soon.
Docherty replied that he would rip the man's penis off. The victim arrived and an argument between himself and Docherty became heated. According to the summary, the men "got in each other's face" and exchanged words. Docherty repeated his earlier threat and said he would rip the victim's testicles out. He then got a 15cm-long hook with a pointed end that had been fashioned out of a round steel rod.
He gripped the hook in his hand and reached down past the victim's groin before pulling the hook up sharply, causing the hook end of the weapon to rip into, and through, the victim's trousers and scrotum. The victim suffered a torn scrotum that required surgery. Docherty told police he lost control of his temper in the spur of the moment. Police are seeking a destruction order for the hook.
According to the police summary of facts, Docherty hired the victim to carry out concrete works at his Kawerau property. At 3.30pm on March 17, Docherty arrived home and found the works, being carried out by a contractor, were not done as he had described them to the victim. Docherty demanded to know where the victim was and was told by the contractor he would be back soon.
Docherty replied that he would rip the man's penis off. The victim arrived and an argument between himself and Docherty became heated. According to the summary, the men "got in each other's face" and exchanged words. Docherty repeated his earlier threat and said he would rip the victim's testicles out. He then got a 15cm-long hook with a pointed end that had been fashioned out of a round steel rod.
He gripped the hook in his hand and reached down past the victim's groin before pulling the hook up sharply, causing the hook end of the weapon to rip into, and through, the victim's trousers and scrotum. The victim suffered a torn scrotum that required surgery. Docherty told police he lost control of his temper in the spur of the moment. Police are seeking a destruction order for the hook.
Police unimpressed by drunk man who ate glass beer bottle before going for a lie down
A man got so drunk at a family gathering he ate a glass beer bottle, police in Australia's Northern Territory say.
Superintendent Louise Jorgensen said police and St John paramedics were called to a Wagaman home just after 9pm on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old man had chewed and swallowed a lot of glass, 'and then went for a lie down'. “His family then called police and St John, and he was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital,” she said. This was one of more than 500 calls made to police between 3pm-11pm on Wednesday.
Supt Jorgensen said responding to reports of stupidity frustrates police and stretches an already stretched general duties division. “People are dismayed when we can’t respond to their jobs immediately, but this is why - because of all these other jobs that are coming in. General duties police are run off their feet by anti-social behaviour and Alice Springs is in a similar position.”
She said the evening shift from the afternoon until about midnight is usually the busiest of the day, with police fielding about 350 calls. But she described this week as 'out of control'. “We got 500 calls (Wednesday) evening, and about 450 on Tuesday. “Most of them are domestics, or anti-social and drunk behaviour.”
The 38-year-old man had chewed and swallowed a lot of glass, 'and then went for a lie down'. “His family then called police and St John, and he was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital,” she said. This was one of more than 500 calls made to police between 3pm-11pm on Wednesday.
Supt Jorgensen said responding to reports of stupidity frustrates police and stretches an already stretched general duties division. “People are dismayed when we can’t respond to their jobs immediately, but this is why - because of all these other jobs that are coming in. General duties police are run off their feet by anti-social behaviour and Alice Springs is in a similar position.”
She said the evening shift from the afternoon until about midnight is usually the busiest of the day, with police fielding about 350 calls. But she described this week as 'out of control'. “We got 500 calls (Wednesday) evening, and about 450 on Tuesday. “Most of them are domestics, or anti-social and drunk behaviour.”
Climbing routes closed by pine marten
A female pine marten has closed off two popular climbing routes near Inverness after building a den at the top of the crag.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) said the Ephemeral Artery and Venus Return routes on Moy Rock should not be used.
It said it was an offence to harm pine martens or their dens. Females can give birth to up to five young during April. The MCofS said the routes were closed until further notice. At this time of the year the council usually gives advice on climbs to be avoided because of nesting birds, with ravens having previously nested at Moy Rock.
It said it was unusual to be issuing a warning about a mammal. Pine martens were once found all over Britain before their numbers fell because of persecution in the 19th Century. By the 20th Century they were only found in remote forests and rocky moorland in north west Scotland.
They were given full legal protection in 1988. Scottish Natural Heritage said numbers have recovered since. Climbs on the crag are listed by UK Climbing and Scottish Climbs. Other routes on the rock include ones named Scooby Doo, The Dark Side and The Ticks Ate All the Midgies.
It said it was an offence to harm pine martens or their dens. Females can give birth to up to five young during April. The MCofS said the routes were closed until further notice. At this time of the year the council usually gives advice on climbs to be avoided because of nesting birds, with ravens having previously nested at Moy Rock.
It said it was unusual to be issuing a warning about a mammal. Pine martens were once found all over Britain before their numbers fell because of persecution in the 19th Century. By the 20th Century they were only found in remote forests and rocky moorland in north west Scotland.
They were given full legal protection in 1988. Scottish Natural Heritage said numbers have recovered since. Climbs on the crag are listed by UK Climbing and Scottish Climbs. Other routes on the rock include ones named Scooby Doo, The Dark Side and The Ticks Ate All the Midgies.
Goat not ghost responsible for turning lights on at college
A goat fooled staff at a college in Wales into thinking they were being haunted by ghosts.
Turning off lights to save energy is common practice at Coleg Cambria’s Northop campus yet caretakers kept reporting lights were regularly being left on in the rare breeds centre’s goat barn.
But staff were adamant they are turning them off and a baffled animal centre manager Wendy Gacem began to suspect a ghost or intruders were to blame. This week the truth was revealed after Jake the Bagot Billy Goat was caught red-handed flicking the switch. Staff were working in the barn when the lights came on and turned around to see Jake had climbed on his hayrack and pushed the switch with his horns.
Wendy said: “It is a relief that we do not have intruders or a ghost, and animal care staff are relieved that they are no longer being grilled about leaving lights on. Jake has been a cheeky character since he arrived and will often jump on to a wheelbarrow to be pushed around.” Wendy says rare breed Jake has been forgiven for his cheeky antics after becoming a proud father to twin girls last week.
A college spokesman added: “Coleg Cambria takes its responsibilities seriously by encouraging staff to reduce energy consumption. This has been recognised across the UK through the Carbon Trust and Green Dragon sustainability awards. The college is proud to be breeding this very rare goat which are classed as endangered on The Rare Breed Survival Trust Watchlist.”
But staff were adamant they are turning them off and a baffled animal centre manager Wendy Gacem began to suspect a ghost or intruders were to blame. This week the truth was revealed after Jake the Bagot Billy Goat was caught red-handed flicking the switch. Staff were working in the barn when the lights came on and turned around to see Jake had climbed on his hayrack and pushed the switch with his horns.
Wendy said: “It is a relief that we do not have intruders or a ghost, and animal care staff are relieved that they are no longer being grilled about leaving lights on. Jake has been a cheeky character since he arrived and will often jump on to a wheelbarrow to be pushed around.” Wendy says rare breed Jake has been forgiven for his cheeky antics after becoming a proud father to twin girls last week.
A college spokesman added: “Coleg Cambria takes its responsibilities seriously by encouraging staff to reduce energy consumption. This has been recognised across the UK through the Carbon Trust and Green Dragon sustainability awards. The college is proud to be breeding this very rare goat which are classed as endangered on The Rare Breed Survival Trust Watchlist.”
Driver took the wrong train out of station before taking passengers in the incorrect direction
A rail company has apologised after a train crew boarded a wrong train and took passengers back in the direction they had come from.
The First Great Western (FGW) driver and train manager boarded the Paddington to Swansea train at Banbury, instead of the London-bound service. FGW confirmed they soon realised their mistake and returned to Banbury as it was "the simplest thing to do".
The mix-up, on Monday evening, caused knock-on delays to other services. BBC producer Callum May who was travelling to Bristol at the time, tweeted there was an announcement explaining what had happened and the train eventually arrived in Bristol about 30 minutes late.
A spokesman for First Great Western said: "We are really sorry. Unfortunately the train crew boarded the wrong train. Realising the mistake the simplest thing to do to prevent further delays was to return them to Banbury to take the correct train forward. We would ask anyone caught up in this delay to get in touch."
The First Great Western (FGW) driver and train manager boarded the Paddington to Swansea train at Banbury, instead of the London-bound service. FGW confirmed they soon realised their mistake and returned to Banbury as it was "the simplest thing to do".
The mix-up, on Monday evening, caused knock-on delays to other services. BBC producer Callum May who was travelling to Bristol at the time, tweeted there was an announcement explaining what had happened and the train eventually arrived in Bristol about 30 minutes late.
A spokesman for First Great Western said: "We are really sorry. Unfortunately the train crew boarded the wrong train. Realising the mistake the simplest thing to do to prevent further delays was to return them to Banbury to take the correct train forward. We would ask anyone caught up in this delay to get in touch."
Council considering fining dog walkers up to £1,000 if they cannot produce a poo bag
Dog owners in Northamptonshire will be fined up to £1,000 if they cannot produce a ‘poo bag’ for their pet when walking them under a new law that could be adopted by a council.
In a bid to reduce the amount of dog owners failing to clear up after their pets, Daventry District Council is considering using new powers in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which forces people to produce poo bags or containers or risk being given a fixed penalty notice of £100.
The new law will be enforced by dog wardens and, failure to pay the fine, may result in the dog owner being taken to court and being fined up to £1,000. Maria Taylor, community manager for Daventry District Council, who has written a report on the potential adoption of the new law said it was accepted that it could be “controversial.”
She said: “It is recognised that the additional powers which form part of this consultation have the potential to be controversial. However, dog fouling continues to be a major concern for our residents.” Before the council decides to introduce the new laws a 10-week consultation will be carried out to see if it has public support. If the new power is adopted, the council said is also planning a substantial educational campaign and the use of an “informal approach” in the first few months of it being introduced.
In a bid to reduce the amount of dog owners failing to clear up after their pets, Daventry District Council is considering using new powers in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which forces people to produce poo bags or containers or risk being given a fixed penalty notice of £100.
The new law will be enforced by dog wardens and, failure to pay the fine, may result in the dog owner being taken to court and being fined up to £1,000. Maria Taylor, community manager for Daventry District Council, who has written a report on the potential adoption of the new law said it was accepted that it could be “controversial.”
She said: “It is recognised that the additional powers which form part of this consultation have the potential to be controversial. However, dog fouling continues to be a major concern for our residents.” Before the council decides to introduce the new laws a 10-week consultation will be carried out to see if it has public support. If the new power is adopted, the council said is also planning a substantial educational campaign and the use of an “informal approach” in the first few months of it being introduced.
Stolen dog flagged down RSPCA van 100 miles from home
A stolen dog flagged down an RSPCA van on a deserted road more than 100 miles from his home.
Alfie the Yorkshire terrier, taken in a raid on his owner’s home in Wednesbury in the Black Country, last month, forced charity inspector Stephanie Law to stop by barking in front of her vehicle in deepest Buckinghamshire.
And then Alfie jumped in when she braked and opened her door to investigate.
A scan of his microchip identified the seven-year-old dog as missing and he was reunited with his owner Kirsty Mitton.
But Alfie’s pal Lillie, a five year-old unneutered female taken in the same burglary, is still missing. Stephanie said she was amazed when the dog emerged from woodland in Gerrards Cross. “I have had plenty of people wave me down for help but I have never been flagged down by a dog in need of rescue before,” she said. “I saw Alfie run towards me, clearly trying to attract my attention. He ran right in front of the van, barking.
“As soon as I stopped and opened the door he bounded in, jumped onto the seat and looked at me. It was as if he recognised my uniform and knew I was there to rescue him. We can only assume he had been dumped in the woods and came running out when he heard me drive along. He’s a lovely, friendly dog, despite his ordeal, and I am so pleased he got the happy ending he deserved. Very sadly, Lillie is still missing.” The dogs were taken in the burglary on March 21.
Kirsty, 23, said: “We are over the moon to have Alfie back. We didn’t think we would see him again, but so sad that Lillie is still missing. I jumped straight in the car to drive the 112 miles to be with him as soon as I heard he was safe. Thank goodness we had Alfie microchipped, as there’s no way we would have been traced without that. Sadly Lillie had not been chipped so we would really appreciate it if anyone who recognises her lets the RSPCA know. We’ve learned the hard way how important it is to have your pets chipped.” Anyone with any information about Lillie should call the RSPCA.
But Alfie’s pal Lillie, a five year-old unneutered female taken in the same burglary, is still missing. Stephanie said she was amazed when the dog emerged from woodland in Gerrards Cross. “I have had plenty of people wave me down for help but I have never been flagged down by a dog in need of rescue before,” she said. “I saw Alfie run towards me, clearly trying to attract my attention. He ran right in front of the van, barking.
“As soon as I stopped and opened the door he bounded in, jumped onto the seat and looked at me. It was as if he recognised my uniform and knew I was there to rescue him. We can only assume he had been dumped in the woods and came running out when he heard me drive along. He’s a lovely, friendly dog, despite his ordeal, and I am so pleased he got the happy ending he deserved. Very sadly, Lillie is still missing.” The dogs were taken in the burglary on March 21.
Kirsty, 23, said: “We are over the moon to have Alfie back. We didn’t think we would see him again, but so sad that Lillie is still missing. I jumped straight in the car to drive the 112 miles to be with him as soon as I heard he was safe. Thank goodness we had Alfie microchipped, as there’s no way we would have been traced without that. Sadly Lillie had not been chipped so we would really appreciate it if anyone who recognises her lets the RSPCA know. We’ve learned the hard way how important it is to have your pets chipped.” Anyone with any information about Lillie should call the RSPCA.
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