Filed under: Domestic Pets
Mark Sheeran
**Role in company:**co-founder and managing director of CJ Sheeran
**Age:**46
**Family:**married to Marguerite with two children, Henrietta (11) and Patrick (8)
**Hobbies:**bee-keeping, Irish history and coaching underage rugby
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**CJ Sheeran**
**Employees:**55
**Locations:**Laois, Dublin and Limerick
**Turnover:**EUR 6 million in 2011
**Shareholders:**Mark Sheeran
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Mark Sheeran, co-founder and managing director of timber packaging and recycling firm CJ Sheeran, is so committed to diversification he is currently trying to find a way of turning dust into money.
The 46-year-old is a firm believer in the phrase added value, no matter what product he is trying to sell or no matter what detritus his Laois-based firm is left with at the end of one of its many manufacturing processes.
The firm — which primarily packages timber — has turned its attention to a range of dust-free bedding made specially for the equine sector, called Comfybed. Launched just over a year ago, Comfybed has already won pride of place as the main bedding used at the 2011 RDS Dublin Horse Show, and the Mountrath-based firm is in talks with the Horse Show organisers for a second successive contract.
Comfybed has been credited with reducing the risk of horses contracting a respiratory problem called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a major concern for top-flight breeders and trainers. Since going on the general market in 2011, it has sold in the region of 50,000 bales, or an average of around 1,000 per week.
Sheeran came up with the idea for a dust-free bedding product made from timber waste when he saw the effect of COPD on a pony owned by his son after it had been stabled in a dusty environment. It was like it was after smoking 80 Afton, he said.
Two years after that simple genesis of an idea, Sheeran said that sales from the venture were likely to represent 10 per cent of the companys income in 2012, justifying the firms EUR 1.6 million capital investment in a new engineering plant which segregates and bails the new product.
Few people would draw a natural connection between the specialised equine sector and the timber packaging business, which has been CJ Sheerans mainstay since the company was founded by Mark and his late father, Charles.
His father ran a business which had concentrated solely on bespoke, size-to-order timber packaging for business clients.
Sheeran returned to Ireland in the early 1990s from London, where he worked in sales and, in 1994, CJ Sheeran was established.
With the elder Sheeran focusing on the engineering side of the business and the younger man handling sales, the company drifted into the mainstream timber pallet market by the early 2000s, with the firm landing major clients including IBM and Smurfit.
Fast-forward two decades and the firms range of products and services include a fully EPA-licensed recycling arm which is on track to recover one million used timber pallets this year — which Sheeran said would make the firm Irelands largest recycler of wood packaging waste.
Far from the Comfybed product representing a move away from the companys core timber packaging business, Sheeran said it was the opposite. He said it was a case of improving the core element of the business by making use of each and every element of the by-products of their main business.
Sheeran is now considering whether the dust which is extracted from the equine bedding can be re-engineered for another use. He is currently researching whether the dust could be a viable additive for bedding for smaller domestic pets, such as hamsters.
The companys first major foray into diversification arose almost by accident. In 2002, Sheeran was asked whether the company could dispose of a load of used timber pallets at an IBM facility, which IBM no longer wanted to send to landfill. Sheeran was eager to oblige a good customer but then had the dilemma of what to do with the waste pallets. He had the idea of shredding the waste and seeing if it had other applications.
That meant the company was obliged to get waste permits for handling waste timber and, by 2003, it had developed a fully-fledged recovery and recycling operation, with Sheeran actively sourcing new loads of old waste pallets. I accidentally bought an oversized shredder for the IBM load which turned out to be a stroke of luck when the load of old pallets filled 57 commercial trailers, he said.
By the end of 2003, the firm recycled 35,000 old pallets. The decision to get involved in removing old waste pallets also arose from a desire to offer more added value to their clients, by taking away old packaging when delivering a new consignment. Initially, we were just trying to react to customers needs, he said. Then we took the next obvious step and asked, Does this present a new opportunity for company development?.
Sheeran saw a chance to use the shredded waste timber to lower the cost base of the principal side of the business, the purchase of new timber in Ireland, Scandinavia and the Baltics to manufacture new pallets (selling some 20,000 per week).
The company keeps a tight rein on its fleet running cost by scheduling outward deliveries of new and recycled pallets to coincide with a collection of waste pallets to bring back to one of its three facilities, a main base in Mountrath, Ballyfermot in Dublin and Limerick.
Not that it has all been plain sailing. Sheeran said the cost of new timber had fluctuated in recent years, with pallet manufacturers competing with the construction sector.
Timber prices have softened in recent times, with demand falling on the construction front, he said. By repairing and reconfiguring around 60 per cent of the one million recovered pallets and offering them for resale, the firm is less exposed to fluctuation in global demand for new timber.
Of the 20 per cent of recycled pallets which are shredded, Comfybed is just one of several successful spin-off products. During the summer months, the firm diverts the shredded timber into garden wood mulch and timber products such as gazebos and fencing. In the autumn and winter, Sheeran diverts the shredded timber to the production of Comfybed.
Basically, we use the same raw material to make both products. We realised that the products had peak demand in different seasons, so we switched the raw material from one production line to another based on that seasonality, to ensure we were getting the most from it.
The firm has also engineered a childrens playground surface from the woodchip.
The company employs 55 staff. That figure is around 15-20 per cent below the firms peak employment level, when the Irish and global economy was in full swing.
Sheeran predicted the firms turnover — which was EUR 6 million in 2011 — would be in the region of EUR 6.5 million by the end of this year.
We didnt buy any fancy premises during the boom years, but the business environment for every company is challenging right now. For that reason, weve followed the old mantra of diversify or die, he said.
Despite the impression of being hands-on in all aspects of the business, Sheeran admitted he was an ideas man and a salesman first and foremost. His wife, Marguerite, also works at the family firm.
He was quick to credit the men of his fathers era with a certain familiarity and innate understanding of machinery., and said he learned early to leave the engineering side of the firm to the experts. My late father was a remarkable man. He had a great interest in machinery, like many of the guys of his generation. Weve been lucky to have a great fitter here since my fathers day, 82-year-old Sean Conboy.
I remember one day trying to engage my father and Sean in a discussion about plant equipment and machinery, and Sean turned to me and asked me what year I was born in. I said I was born in 1965, and he said, Well, if you were born after 1960, you probably dont know what youre talking about, said Sheeran.
He didnt mean it as an insult. It was so true. Those men have a great feel for machinery. The legacy of that today is that I can ask Sean or our electrical engineer, Joe Thompson, to come up with a complex solution to some engineering problem — and they come straight back with the answer.
April 8, 2012
Battle for bandicoots a cause worth fighting
YOUR article on the threats to the Manly and North Head bandicoot population was very interesting, but also concerning.
As the article explained, this bandicoot population is endangered, with the main threats coming from cars and domestic pets. The Manly Councils project to educate residents on how they can help protect these delightful animals is a very positive move.
In North Avalon we are fortunate in having a thriving bandicoot population. They are frequently seen throughout the suburb and in the various reserves, especially on the headlands and in the dune reserve behind the beach.
The Bangalley Headland Reserve is a designated Wildlife Protection Area, which acts as a bandicoot sanctuary, helping preserve the viability of the population in the suburb.
Our bandicoots are not yet as endangered as the Manly population, but they face exactly the same threats. Like Manly Council, Pittwater Council is also commendably active in educating residents about bandicoots. Its website contains excellent information on the species and how to protect them. It is well worth a look.
MARK TURNER, Avalon Beach
If you play, then come and join our bands
Kerry Hearn can find lots of like minded musicians in touch with their musical side at two community bands.
Monatones is a concert band and Sydney Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble, a symphonic wind band. Both cater for adults, professional and amateur. Each rehearse at Pittwater High School on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 7.30pm. Both perform for the public throughout the year.
I learnt to play the clarinet as an adult and have found joining both bands to be stimulating and enjoyable. Its fun, often challenging, playing lots of different types of music with people from all walks of life. For me, its an important part of why I play an instrument.
Many of our band members started music as kids in school bands, but others, like me, are adult learners and are hopefully late bloomers. It certainly beats taped music and does keep the old brain cells ticking on. Theres a lovely social side to making music together as a group as well. So, like Kerry Hearn, I wonder where all the northern beaches musos are?
DENISE MORGAN, Mona Vale
Councils default response is no
Good luck to Mr Laucis on his quest for permission to have his tree removed. So now the application for approval is $140. I have been trying to have a tree removed for a number of years. After several attempts (it was originally $30 per tree) I have now come to the conclusion that the 93 per cent must only be on council land.
The one particular tree I have been requesting to have removed is lifting a driveway accessed by three households which runs through two houses. It is now an OHamp;S nightmare, not only a danger.
It is one of four enormous trees I have at the front of my house. Two of these continually drop large branches on to the roadway.
The last time I sought permission I was told to re-route the driveway and move the gas pipe that runs alongside my neighbours brick wall. I guess we will have to move the houses to do this.
This tree does not compromise the landscape character of the area nor the native wildlife, being one of many in our street. Each time I have requested approval to get rid of at least two of these trees I have had a predictable outcome of no. So Mr Laucis, good luck on your quest.
JACQUIE WALLER, Frenchs Forest
Choking on boredom
I cant say Im on board with the latest addition to the armoury of the nanny state with another easy attack on smokers. Society should at least be able to tolerate things it doesnt like.
I tolerate non-smokers who annoy the hell out of me. They claim exclusive rights to every seat in any bar or restaurant, want to deny us health care (perhaps I can ban them from receiving my tax dollars?) and most annoying of all, the pathetic joggers who run past you coughing. Face it people, the coolest, most exciting, most interesting people you have known in your lives have all been smokers. Same for all the best artists, writers, musicians and actors. Non-smokers? They live forever but God, are they boring.
JULIAN BROWN, Manly Vale
Park is precious
I am writing in relation to Pittwater Councils proposal to re-zone a portion of Kitchener Park, Mona Vale (Lot 3, DP 251053). I understand that council wishes to sell the land to raise funds for a new skate park.
I am neither for nor against the proposed skate park. However, I am very much against the proposed re-zoning and sale of Lot 3.
Lot 3 is a great parcel of public land, remaining in a near natural state and with many mature trees, that will be sold for medium density housing. The end result will be more people in Mona Vale and less public space. Pittwater Council claims that Lot 3 is presently under utilised and is therefore considered surplus to requirements. It is currently under utilised due to the relatively difficult access to the site from a busy section of Pittwater Rd.
In support of the proposed re-zoning and sale, the council has furnished a consultants report, which purportedly outlines how these access difficulties could be overcome in order to allow the housing development to proceed.
I believe that Lot 3 should be retained as public land and the funds for the skate park should come from councils general funding. Furthermore, the council should adopt its own consultants advice and construct appropriate access to Lot 3 and in doing so, create a wonderful park and usable open space instead of contributing to the population pressures that will result from housing on the site.
DAVID MURRAY, Mona Vale
Members have no say
After weeks of media speculation, the battle for the Labor Party leadership has finally come to a head. By early Monday, we will know whether PM Julia Gillard or former PM Kevin Rudd will have the numbers.
But amidst all the hype, one fact has been overlooked. That is, out of the tens of thousands of Labor Party members across the country (myself among them), only 103 of them will exercise their democratic right to vote for the PM. These people are the 72 MPs and 31 senators of the federal Labor Party caucus.
Over the past few years, thousands of members have walked away from the Labor Party. This is in part due to the sense of disengagement that the average ALP member feels from the leadership and policy decisions made in Macquarie St and Canberra.
Leadership ballots that involved all Labor members would help to turn this situation around.
The British Labour Party has a membership ballot for its leadership. While their system isnt perfect, at least it gives rank and file members some say in who will lead their party.
Surely its time for the Australian Labor Party to follow suit.
SHANE BENTLEY, Dee Why
April 1, 2012
There are about 7,000 animal rabies cases diagnosed every year in the United States. Nebraska reported 35 rabies cases in 2011, and there have been five positive cases of rabies reported in the state this year.
In the Midwest, skunks and bats are the main sources of rabies. Domestic pets and livestock can be infected from exposure to wildlife.
Two Rivers offers these tips to prevent rabies:
- Have a veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock against rabies.
- If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local public health department or animal control department immediately.
- If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
- Do not handle or feed wild animals. Never approach wild animals or bring them into your home.
- If wild animals appear sick or injured, call law enforcement, animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
If you suspect an animal has rabies, contact a veterinarian, Two Rivers Public Health Department or local law enforcement.
March 31, 2012
The Orleans Board of Health is sponsoring its annual rabies clinic for cats, dogs and ferrets on Saturday, March 24, from 9 am to noon at the Animal Hospital of Orleans at 65 Finlay Road, Orleans.
The vaccination fee is $10 per animal. Microchipping will also be available for $20. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrying case and dogs must be on a leash. Domestic pets have been identified as a link between rabies and humans and state law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets, six months or older, must be vaccinated against rabies. Based on previous vaccination status, immunizations are valid for one or three year periods. Paperwork demonstrating proof of qualifying, previous vaccination must be provided to receive a three-year certificate.
For information, call the health department at 508-240-3700, ext. 450, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
March 31, 2012
CATS are exciting creatures and great companion as domestic pets. To offer the public a special education and awareness on cat grooming and ownership, Viva Home Shopping Mall has teamed-up with the Malaysian Cats Fancier Association (MCFA), a non-profitable organisation dedicated to the welfare of cats – to organise the malls first Cat Exhibition.
Starting from Feb 24 to 29, the show which will be held at Viva Home Shopping Mall Ground Floor Centre Court, promises great fun for all pet lovers and their families.
Themed “Love inspiration for hope and happiness”, the event will showcase more than 20 famous cat breeds from Malaysia and overseas. With over 100 cats to be exhibited daily, shoppers will be able to see a wide variety of feline breeds such as Savanah, Bengal, American Short Hair, American Curl, British Short Hair, Scottish Fold, Persian, Exotic Short Hair, Russian Blue, Maine Coon, Burmese, Siamese and many more.
The main attraction of the event will be a special appearance of the African Servel Tiger (a medium-size African wildcat) on Feb 25 and 26.
As an educational and awareness programme, the MCFA Cat Exhibition 2012 by Viva Home Shopping Mall is aimed at giving the public an opportunity to learn more about responsible pet ownership and the appropriate care for their cats. Shoppers and families cruising through the cat exhibition will enjoy an amazing opportunity to see the cats up close and personal and discuss knowledge on the different personality and traits of the various cat breeds.
Says Kenny Chin, general manager of Viva Home Shopping Mall: “The MCFA Cat Exhibition 2012 by Viva Home Shopping Mall is an event not to be missed as it will feature some famous breeds in Malaysia with world championship status and worth up to RM50,000.
“This Cat Exhibition offers a dynamic showcase on famous cat breeds in Malaysia and it will generate interest and also educate the public on cats welfare and care in general. It will also provide a fun-filled event for families and pet lovers and simultaneously add-up to their shopping pleasure at the mall.
The MCFA Cat Exhibition 2012 at Viva Home Shopping Mall will include a variety of pleasurable activities such as a cat drawing and colouring contest, cat batik colouring contest, breed talk, cat grooming section and a special prize giveaways during the quiz session. Visitors will also get to see a number of Cat Painting and Batik Cat Painting display by local artist.
For further information about the MCFA Cat Exhibition 2012 at Viva Home Shopping Mall, please visit: http://www.vivahome.com.my/ or Viva Home Facebook.
March 31, 2012
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People who have exotic pets they can no longer handle will have a chance to do what is best for the animals during Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day which is an an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Floridas native ecosystems.
The FWC and Zoo Miami will host Exotic Pet Amnesty Day, Saturday March 10th from 10 am to 2 pm at Zoo Miami located at 12400 SW 152nd Street.
Exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals will be accepted; domestic pets will not be accepted.
No questions of owners will be asked.
It is illegal to release any nonnative species in Florida, but many pet owners are not aware of this regulation or know that most captive species will not survive in the wild.
“The main purpose is to give pet owners an alternative to releasing their exotic pets into the wild,” said Scott Hardin, the FWC’s Exotic Species section leader. “Many of the 133 species of nonnative fish and wildlife established in the wild in Florida resulted from releases by pet owners.”
March 28, 2012
An alarming number of wild cats have been bred and sold as domestic pets in the US This trend threatens public safety and often results in the mistreatment of these animals.
Dont miss a thing. Get breaking news alerts delivered right to your inbox Just recently, the tragic events in Zanesville, Ohio, where 49 wild animals were killed after they were let loose on an unlicensed wild animal preserve, showcases the dangerous implications of this trend. Currently, only nine states have laws enforcing “no wild animals permitted,” and the remaining states have weak or no laws in existence. This bi-partisan bill will ensure that lions, tigers and other dangerous big cats, do not threaten public safety, diminish global big cat conservation efforts, or end up living in horrible conditions where they can be subject to mistreatment and cruelty.
The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act would prohibit private possession of big cats except at highly-qualified facilities, like accredited zoos, where they can be properly cared for and restrained. Also, since nobody, including the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), state agencies, or local first responders knows exactly how many dangerous big cats are being kept in private hands, under what conditions, and in what locations, the bill would require any persons who currently possess big cats to register those animals with USDA in order to keep the cats they currently own. The bill would also outlaw the breeding of any big cat except at accredited zoos and research and educational institutions. Violators of the law could have their animals confiscated along with any vehicles or equipment used to aid in their illegal activity, and could face stiff penalties including fines as much as $20,000, and up to five years in jail.
“No matter how many times people try to do it, wildcats such as lions, tigers, panthers and cheetahs are impossible to domesticate for personal possession and require much higher living standards compared to a domestic house cat,” said Congressman McKeon. “When accidents happen and these wild cats are released into our neighborhoods, it causes panic, puts a strain on our local public safety responders and is extremely dangerous. This bill is a step forward in protecting the public and ensuring that wildcats reside in proper living conditions.”
“The events in Ohio last year showed the tragedy that can occur when exotic animals are privately owned by individuals, with little to no oversight,” said Congresswoman Sanchez. “Wild animals are dangerous and we clearly need better laws limiting their ownership. Exotic species should be regulated to high quality facilities with the ability to properly care for them.”
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) is working on introducing a companion bill in the Senate.
“It’s a little hard to believe that there’s a crazy patchwork of regulations governing people who try to keep wild cats as pets,” said Senator Kerry. “I know it sounds like something you just read about when there’s a tragic news story, but it’s all too real for first responders who respond to a 911 call and are surprised to come face to face with a Bengal tiger. This bill will ensure that these endangered creatures are kept in secure, professional facilities like wildlife sanctuaries rather than in small cages in someone’s backyard or apartment building.”
This legislation is supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Born Free USA, Humane Society of United States, and Big Cat Rescue.
March 26, 2012
Authorities in Thailand have warned that kennels are fit to bursting after more than 2,000 dogs bound for dinner tables in South East Asia were seized in the last six months.
Dog is considered a delicacy in parts of Vietnam and China, and strays and domestic pets are being snatched in increasing numbers from Thailands streets before they are transported abroad.
Sompong Lertjitcharoenboons dog, Tao Tao, was stolen before Christmas. It was a month before Chinese New Year, when demand for dog meat rises sharply.
We lost him after a fireworks display, Mr Sompong said. I thought he was just scared and would come back. We would get up in the middle of the night whenever we heard dogs barking.
As the weeks passed, Mr Sompong and his wife came to accept that Tao Tao was not coming back.
March 25, 2012
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People who have exotic pets they can no longer handle will have a chance to do what is best for the animals during Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day which is an an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Floridas native ecosystems.
The FWC and Zoo Miami will host Exotic Pet Amnesty Day, Saturday March 10th from 10 am to 2 pm at Zoo Miami located at 12400 SW 152nd Street.
Exotic reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals will be accepted; domestic pets will not be accepted.
No questions of owners will be asked.
It is illegal to release any nonnative species in Florida, but many pet owners are not aware of this regulation or know that most captive species will not survive in the wild.
“The main purpose is to give pet owners an alternative to releasing their exotic pets into the wild,” said Scott Hardin, the FWC’s Exotic Species section leader. “Many of the 133 species of nonnative fish and wildlife established in the wild in Florida resulted from releases by pet owners.”
March 25, 2012
As gardeners and lawn caregivers, can you imagine what your lovely grass, flowers and vegetables would look like if we didn’t have a patrol of wildlife to keep the voles, moles, grubs, slugs and beetles under control? It is to our direct benefit to encourage these creatures to regularly visit our property.
As pet owners, we can also help by keeping our dogs and cats under control, especially when the young song birds are fledging. Domestic pets have fast become a major problem in the loss of songbirds.
Wildlife rehabilitators now care for almost as many birds with cat and dog injuries as we care for displaced or orphan birds. To make matters worse, the saliva of primarily cats is toxic to birds and many wild mammals. To delay treatment after being in the mouth of a cat, even with no bites, is virtually a death sentence to a bird. A rehabilitator has antibiotics that can often save these birds, but prompt action is a must.
One of the worst assaults on nature, especially in the spring, is removing a tree or, worse yet, several trees. There are 12 months in a year to think about taking down trees. The spring is when they are most in use with potentially several songbird nests, flying squirrel crevices, owl burrows or as food and shelter to so many species. Some birds and mammals may produce only one nest a season, and the loss of habitat is terribly destructive to nature’s balance.
Finally, and primarily to those of you who complain about too many deer, consider the help that’s out there to control that population. No, not cars or guns but rather the quiet, nocturnal coyote is your best friend. While not a happy thought for any animal advocate, these little 35-pound creatures feed on fawns as well as other small mammals. They hardly pose a threat to people, and, if you are a responsible pet owner, your cats and dogs should be safe, too.
Allow Mother Nature to provide the balance that we all need and appreciate. If we work with and in support of nature, our lives will be all the more enjoyable.
Any wild mammal, marsupial or native North American songbird in need of care should be helped quickly in getting them into the care of a wildlife rehabilitator or volunteer. You can call Triangle Wildlife at (919) 544-3330 for help or visit www.trianglewildlife.org. The people there can provide names and contact information for rehabbers near you. You can also go online to www.wildlifewelfare.org or call (919) 387-1662.
March 24, 2012
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