AnimalCareLaws

The Most Avoidable Cause of Death in Dogs

2010-07-11T17:44:00.001-07:00

When it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car will hit 99 degrees in 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, it reaches 109 degrees. You may not have known the numbers, but the fact that it's a lot hotter in your car than it is outside shouldn't be news to anyone who has ever driven home at the end of a summer work day, or even just a trip to grocery store. So why are people still leaving their dogs in these ovens-on-wheels?

A few days ago, the owner of Harkins Theatres in Scottsdale, Arizona was cited for animal neglect after leaving his Corgi in the car for over an hour. Scottsdale is a hot place to be this time of year — people wrap towels around door handles because they become too hot to touch during the day. Dan Harkins claims his dog wasn't in distress, but if she was left in the car long enough for someone to spot her, call the police, and then for officers to arrive, it was too long. Police said the temperatures were in the triple digits that day; if a car can reach 99 degrees in 10 minutes on an 80 degree day, the math isn't pretty. Unless Mr. Harkins had his air conditioner running (which he didn't), his dog was in danger.

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Language for Animals

2010-07-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

In the English language it is not uncommon to hear people refer to living beings as if they were objects, to demean someone by comparing them to non-human animals, or to use entirely different words and language to describe the behavior of another species, even if that identical behavior is found in humans as well.

The treatment of non-human animals as if they were objects, devoid of feelings and emotions, is what allows the horrific animal exploitation industries to exist. An aspect of this mindset though, may lay in the common language many of us use when speaking of, or about, non-human animals.

Because many people have difficulty distinguishing the sex of other species, they will use the pronoun "it" when referring to non-human animals. Although the use of "It" may be grammatically correct, the connotations that come with it are far reaching.

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Preview for Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home

2010-07-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

2010-07-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Four months for Md. man who threw Chihuahua off bridge
A man who threw a stranger's 4-pound Chihuahua off a bridge to her death in a fit of anger told the owners Monday that he “was wrong, plain and simple,” before a judge sentenced him to four months in jail.

David M. Beers, 35, an unemployed cell-tower technician and Marine Corps veteran, also must pay a $1,000 fine, perform 300 hours of community service, and pay $318 restitution to Caisha and Timothy Wantz of Jefferson for killing their dog Zoey on June 19, 2009.

Frederick County Circuit Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. suspended a three-year prison term and ordered Beers to serve three years of supervised probation after his release.

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How Can I Travel Safely with My Dog?

2010-07-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

How Can I Travel Safely with My Dog?

Dogs can be wonderful traveling companions. But before you hit the road with your furry friend, make sure you know what you need to do to make your dog as safe and comfortable as possible on your journey. These Frequently Asked Questions can help you plan the perfect trip!

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Canine Cancer Consortium

2010-06-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

To study canine cancer, scientists, clinicians, and veterinarians from TGen, the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and the National Cancer Institute initiated the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC), a program designed to study naturally occurring cancers in dogs to better understand why both pets and people get sick. The CHCC will take advantage of new genetic resources and technologies to develop genetic screens, diagnostic tests, and treatments for hereditary canine cancers as well as gain insight into the biology of human disease.
We will analyze collected DNA and RNA samples from dogs for genetic patterns that are associated with cancer. These patterns may form the basis of genetic tests that may lead to detecting a gene that contributes an increased risk for developing cancer over a dog's lifetime. Also, these studies may provide important clues about cancer in people.

How can you help?
The CHCC is soliciting the assistance of dog owners to help us collect blood and tumor samples for our research. We are currently focused on five target cancers (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis and melanoma), but we are banking DNA samples from dogs with all types of malignancy.

Any affected dog is eligible.

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Renowned Travel Writer Apologizes For Past Support of SeaWorld

2010-06-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

For years, Arthur Frommer, a well-known budget travel writer, has promoted SeaWorld theme parks, particularly the one in Orlando. Not long ago, Frommer even said that, despite the death of Dawn Brancheau--the trainer who was attacked by a captive orca who had been involved in two other deaths--he would still recommend SeaWorld as a tourist attraction. But, recently, after receiving a letter from PETA's Debbie Leahy, an expert on captive animal issues, Frommer acknowleged that he had been heedless of the treatment of captive marine mammals, saying "I am ashamed. I apologize for my former statements and I will no long recommend that tourists patronize the various SeaWold parks."

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Alexandria Passes Dog Tethering Law; Sarasota Considers Similar Ordinance--Will Your Town Be Next?

2010-06-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

Great news: On June 12, the Alexandria City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting people from tethering dogs for more than three hours cumulatively within a twenty-four hour period. Alexandria Vice Mayor Kerry Donley introduced a draft of the ordinance in order to protect dogs from neglectful "owners" who chain their dogs outside all day without food and water.

Hopefully soon, officials in Sarasota, Florida, where I live, will also pass an ordinance protecting dogs from neglect and misery. Today, June 22, the Sarasota County Commissioners will be discussing a similar ordinance to ban the permanent tethering of dogs in Sarasota County. If all goes well, the draft ordinance will be "up for adoption" at a public hearing in the future.

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‘Catios’ Bring Cats Outdoors

2010-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

WHEN it comes to their homes, there are few things New Yorkers prize as much as a little outdoor space — a terrace, perhaps, or a small deck in the backyard.

Steve Payne for The New York Times
Madelaine Ann Hare’s second-floor porch in Toronto encloses three Abyssinians, as does an attached 25-foot walkway.

Their cats feel the same way.

So some cat owners who would never dream of letting their pets roam free outside have come up with a creative compromise: an enclosed space — usually in the form of a screened-in porch or deck — that allows them to share the great outdoors.

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Stressed Pigs Make “High-Quality” Hot Dogs, Admits Meat Industry

2010-06-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

The next time you’re at a baseball game or a barbecue and a friend is reaching for a hot dog, you might want to mention that hot dogs are made from the flesh of pigs who endure prolonged stress prior to slaughter, either because they are underfed or overly fatigued due to transportation and mishandling, or both. These animals, according to a recent article on the meat industry site, MeatingPlace.com, yield what’s known as DFD (dark, firm, and dry) meat, which can be “transformed into high-quality products, especially those made with emulsified meat, such as hot dogs.”

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Modern Cat

2010-06-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

I do think of my own cat Gus as a modern cat, even though he is 16 years old.

I've long searched for a great scratching post that is both tasteful and functional and appealing to this particular finicky tabby. So I finally have a great blog to share with those of you who also like your feline products with a bit of style.

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Animals and Hot Weather

2010-04-17T07:27:00.001-07:00

Summertime weather can be too hot to handle for many animals. A dog’s body follows a complex process to cool down. The only part of a dog that actually “sweats” are the footpads. When you compare the size of the pads to the size of a dog, you realize this very small area has a big job to do. To compensate, panting provides another outlet for a dog’s body heat. And size wise, the mouth, nasal cavity and tongue of a dog cover a large area. This makes panting a more efficient evaporative method of cooling down the dog. Here are several ways to keep dogs and cats comfortable as the thermometer climbs:

• Expect your dog’s activity level to decrease as the temperature increases. A combination of high humidity and heat create an especially dangerous duo. Never leave a dog or cat in a confined, unventilated space. When heat and humidity combine, make sure your pets are in a spot where there are moving air currents (either a natural breeze or a fan).

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HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS

2010-04-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

While summertime is often a time to relax, play sports, enjoy picnics, trips to the beach, and backyard parties, the summer months can also offer some potential hazards to our companion animals.

1) Anti-Freeze

If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), the day-glo green colored fluid frequently seen near curbs, is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Fortunately, the Sierra company now offers a far less toxic form of anti-freeze. They can be reached at (888)88-SIERRA.

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Keeping pets safe in hot weather

2010-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Summer's on it's way - if you have pets, here are some tips to make sure they stay safe when the mercury starts to climb.

~ Don't just consider the temperature
Humidity and sunshine can drastically increase the effect of high temperatures. When the humidity is high the body retains more heat and panting is less effective. Sunlight burns skin, and heats hard surfaces, burning feet - reflected heat makes even shady areas dangerously hot. The amount of green vegetation is also important - lush grass and heavy shade helps to keep everyone cooler.

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Traveling Companions

2010-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Pets used to be the underdogs when it came to travel. But savvy hoteliers and restaurateurs realized that Americans today treat their dogs and cats like part of the family and many want to take them on vacation.

The website www.gopetfriendly.com has compiled a list of 30,000 pet-friendly places, including hotels, campgrounds, beaches, bistros, ferry boats, off-leash dog parks and even wineries. The site is user friendly and there are forums to register comments and ratings about places visited with pets in tow. You can even find specialty hotels that cater to large dogs or cats. There is also a helpful section on pet travel books to find out more information on the best places to hike with your dog in Colorado, have an urban dog walking adventure in San Francisco or spend dog days exploring Long Island.

A few other things to remember when traveling with pets: Have your pet checked out by a vet before a trip; bring plenty of your pet's favorite food; keep a water bowl handy in your car or hand luggage; make sure your pet's collar has all your cell phone numbers on it.

--Jura Koncius, Local Living

10 Foods Poisonous to Pets

2010-03-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, we know we’re not supposed to feed our pets human food, but let’s face it, sometimes, it happens. You’re eating lunch and don’t quite feel like picking up the crumbs, so you let your pet play the vacuum cleaner role. Or the sneaky little guy takes some food off your plate when you aren’t looking.

Sometimes it’s not that big of a deal–there are some healthy “people foods” for pets (only small amounts though!). But there are also many foods that can be dangerous to our furry friends. If they do happen to get a hold of them, refer to the tips on page seven to keep them safe. Also, refer to page seven for the ASPCA’s list of 17 most common toxic poisonous plants.

In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week (March 14th-20th), here are the top 10 common foods that are most toxic to your pet:

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Pet deaths prompt warnings on flea meds

2010-03-22T13:31:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON - Products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer.
The EPA said it will develop stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick treatments that are applied to a pet’s skin. The agency also will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products.

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Animal shelter turned into a ‘house of horrors’

2010-03-22T13:29:00.001-07:00

For years, the Toronto Humane Societybragged of its low euthanasia rate — only 6 percent, compared with other big-city shelters that put down 50 percent or more of the animals they accept.
But that impressive statistic was hiding a dark secret, according to criminal charges laid against its top officials. The "model" animal shelter was actually what one investigator called a "house of horrors" — a place where infections ran rampant, animals lived in filthy conditions, food was scarce and a no-euthanasia policy led to sick animals suffering and dying without adequate medical care.

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State Animal Cruelty Laws

2010-03-22T13:28:00.001-07:00

State Animal Cruelty Laws

Most animal cruelty laws vary from state to state. Knowing your state's laws is crucial to help fight animal cruelty. The ASPCA offers this online database with more than 550 animal cruelty laws -- and their penalties -- from all 50 states. This database, maintained by the ASPCA Government Affairs and Public Policy department, will be a dynamic resource for providing information relating to animal cruelty laws. You can select your state, or even use our keyword search to find a specific topic.

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Cold Weather Cautions for Pets

2010-02-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Arctic blast that has hit so many parts of the country this month hasn't been fun for humans or pets. It's important to always consider your pet's comfort during the long winter.

Here are some good tips for caring for dogs and cats in the extreme cold weather from Petfinder.com, an online database of adoptable pets and pet care information:

Feed your pet plenty of high-quality protein foods, since walking outdoors in this weather burns extra calories.
Never leave your pet in the car in cold weather (or any other weather, for that matter). A car in this kind of cold can turn into a refrigerator, and your pet could suffer from hypothermia.
After a walk, check your dog's paws for any chunks of ice or snow and remove them; it's nice to towel their whole body off when you get inside.
Never use metal water bowls outdoors - your pet's tongue may stick to them in very cold temperatures.
Don't clip your pet's hair too short - extra fur is great this time of year.

--Jura Koncius, Local Living section (Petfinder.com)

HBO Films' 'Temple Grandin' Debuts February 6

2010-02-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Gerson Saines, who calls Danes "a revelation," recalls, "I showed Temple some dailies in my room. As soon as she saw Claire and as soon as Claire opened her mouth, she said excitedly, 'That's me, 35 years ago, that's me!'

Today, Temple Grandin is a success story. She has a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and over half the cattle in North America are handled in humane systems she has designed.

"One important factor in my success was the way I used my visual thinking to design and build projects that other people wanted and appreciated," said Grandin. "People in the livestock industry started respecting me when they saw the quality of my work. When I showed them my detailed drawings, I got respect."

A full professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, Grandin speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling. She is also the author or co-author of an array of books.

Editor's note: In the September 2007 issue of Horse & Rider, the article "What's He Thinking?" shares Grandin's theories. Call 940-497-4600 to order the back issue. Plus, read Horses in Translation for additional snippets from Grandin.

Vt. court eyes value of love of man's best friend.

2009-12-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont's highest court is being asked to decide what a dog's love is worth.

The state Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing a case that started in July 2003, when Denis and Sarah Scheele, who were visiting relatives, let their mixed-breed dog wander into Lewis Dustin's yard and he fatally shot it.

Now the Scheeles, of Annapolis, Md., are asking the court to carve out a new legal doctrine that a dog's owners can sue for emotional distress and loss of companionship, just like parents can when they lose children.

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Easy Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday Season

2009-11-26T04:41:00.000-08:00

There’s nothing more scrumptious than gathering with friends and family for the holidays, but many of the ingredients in human fun can result in distress for pets. As we kick off this season of lights, parties and yummy treats, the ASPCA wants to remind pet parents of the potential hazards certain goodies and décor can pose to our furry friends.

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Free-Range: Not Free Enough

2009-11-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

In recent years, the campaign to replace battery-farmed eggs with a cage-free, guilt-free version has gained tremendous popularity. For those who are becoming increasingly aware of the suffering of hens in the egg industry, the 'cage-free' movement appears on the surface to offer a win-win situation: improved welfare standards for hens… and eggs can remain on the menu, even for concerned consumers.

In addition to the 'free-range' label that we're all familiar with by now, new labeling schemes have been developed over the years to offer assurance that the products in question have been obtained from animals living in humane conditions.

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Are American Rodeos More Acceptable Than Spanish Bullfighting?

2009-11-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Helloooo, American arrogance and blindness. In the discussion on the post "It Is Our Job to Fight for All of Them, Not Only Some of Them," reader and Change.org member Lisa R. shared this troubling news report: "From Bullfighting to Rodeos: Culture Shock in Spain." The very premise is that rodeos are somehow a more humane alternative to bullfighting, that those silly Spanish need wise Americans to show them how to exploit and injure animals humanely. Um, no.

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