Family pets on receiving end of violence in home
A WINE producer has flourished under a replacement for Friday and Saturday night drinks — with its online wine tastings continuing to catch the eye of those stuck at home.
Bellarine Estate has been using video chats to take the cellar door experience to the comfort of living rooms during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Managing director Peter Kenny said the popular sessions had provided a boost to the business during isolation.
“We have had some great feedback from customers saying the sessions are very informative and relaxed, you are not rushed out by your driver or the next booking,” Mr Kenny said.
“Interstate customers have found them particular good value as they can explore a winery in a different state right from the comfort of their lounge chair.
“Many are telling us
VICTORIAN animals have increasingly been beaten, wounded, tormented or terrified during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals yesterday revealed the number of cruelty reports from March to May had increased 16 per cent compared with last year. they will be arranging groups post-COVID-19 for online Zoom tastings.”
Each session includes a home delivery of five different bottles of Bellarine Estate wines plus an espresso martini, followed by a tasting with the estate’s winemaking team via Zoom.
Mr Kenny said some groups had used the tastings to catch up with family for birthdays and parties during the lockdown.
“The sessions are more than just a wine tasting, they are a great chance for people to learn about how wine is made,” he said.
“The most popular questions we have been asked is how to cellar wine correctly, when should I decant a wine and how do I know which wines to cellar and which to drink?”
The online wine tastings are booked out for June, with new dates now available in July.
For information, visit bellarineestate.com.au
RSPCA Victoria received 385 reports involving intentional acts of cruelty during this time. The increased animal abuse during the pandemic has been linked to earlier reports of family violence.
RSPCA Victoria said that cruelty to animals may happen alongside other forms of violence.
“Animal abuse can involve hitting and/or kicking, causing injury or death or severe neglect leading to starvation,” RSPCA Victoria head of inspectorate Terry Ness said.
“Numerous studies have confirmed that in households experiencing domestic violence where companion animals are present, there is also a high probability of animal abuse.”
Escalating family violence meant police were attending cases every six or seven minutes from April to May.
Through door-knocking, more than 100 cases resulted in people being charged and remanded in custody while another 98 were charged and bailed.
Animal cruelty and abuse are penalised in Victoria with fines up to $41,305 or 12months’ prison.