West York Council explores feral cat issue

By JOLI HARRINGTON

The West York Council is exploring if there is any recourse for a problem with feral cats.

Resident Judy Groft of the 1100 block of West Poplar Street in West York said a neighbor has about seven or eight cats in her yard every day. She puts out food and has a rough kitty litter system.

“It has to be stopped,” Groft said. “The odor goes through your house. You can’t open the kitchen window. It is a shame.

Councilwoman Shelley Metzler said she would discuss the problem with the neighbor. The problem could be addressed possibly as a nuisance or health and safety issue, she said. There is no ordinance that limits the number of cats or cats running loose, she said. Metzler might contact the York County SPCA for help, she said. Also, she will look at other municipalities in the county, which have addressed this issue.

Mary Wagner, also of the 1100 block of West Poplar Street, concurred with Groft that roaming cats are doing damage to porches and cars.

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Low-cost vaccine clinic in Camp Hill

A low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Pet Bath and Beyond, 937 Kranzel Drive, Camp Hill, PA. This is a first-come, first-served clinic.

Vaccines offered include canine and feline rabies, canine distemper, canine bordetella (kennel cough) and feline FVRCP for $10 each; canine lyme, $20; and feline leukemia, $15.

Microchipping will be available for $25, which includes registration. Nail-clipping to remove rough edges will be provided for dogs for $10.

All dogs should be on a short leashes (no chains, please) and cats should arrive in secure pet carriers. Animals that are pregnant or lactating should not be vaccinated.

Hot dogs and baked goods will be available for purchase.

Veterinary services are being donated by Dr. Diane Ford, VMD. Dr. Diane’s Mobile Veterinary Service provides a number of services for cats, dogs, ferrets, horses, goats and pigs throughout Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Perry counties. For details, visit www.dianejfordvmd.com.

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Low-cost vaccine clinic in Lewisberry area for dogs and cats

The Dogs’ Den and PAWS will host a vaccination clinic from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Lewisberry Gardens, 761 Lewisberry Road, Lewisberry, PA.

Dr. Rob Heidecker of Good Hope Animal Hospital will be administering the vaccinations. Rabies and distemper vaccines will be available for dogs and cats, and kennel cough vaccines for dogs. Proof of previous-year rabies vaccination is required in order to get a three-year rabies vaccine.

Microchipping is also being offered for $25, which includes registration. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. NO breeders will be serviced.

For additional information, call Denise at 717-648-0773.

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Visit Scarecrow Farm in Hopewell Township, help animal food bank and rescue

Scarecrow Farm 2178 Orwig Road, Hopewell Township (near Stewartstown, PA) will host a Furry Friend Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 19.

Animal Rescue Food Bank will hold a book and bake sale, and Scarecrow Farm donated three tables to help the organization raise some money.

Visitors can also pamper their pets with outfits, toys and accessories, with proceeds going to help Animal Rescue Inc. of New Freedom.

For details call 717-781-3625.

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Reminder: Bring your dog to Bark for Life on May 19 in Shrewsbury

Humans and their canine friends are invited to be part of the American Cancer Society’s annual Bark for Life of Southern York from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19 at Country Comfort Kennels, 23 Kratz Road, Shrewsbury, PA.

Bark for Life is a fundraising event that honors dogs for their loyalty, love, friendship and support. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. There will be a Blessing of the Dogs at 10:30 a.m., followed by a lap around the facility.

Tribute Bones will circle the path to remember or honor canine friends. These bones will also be part of the luminaria ceremony at the June 21 Relay for Life at Shrewsbury Elementary School. Bones may be purchased at The Pet Shoppe, at Market Square, or Country Comfort Kennels in Shrewsbury prior to the event.

The remainder of the day will be for socializing with other dog lovers, playing games, eating food and finding out more about the local Relay for Life.

For a small fee, dogs may participate in a variety of games, contests and a parade.

Some local vendors and Relay for Life teams will have items available for purchase. All humans and dogs must register at the gate with a donation for the American Cancer Society. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges from friends and family before May 19 and bring the donations when signing in.

You can also register your dog at www.relayforlife.org/pasouthernyork. For details, call Katie at 717-846-2561.

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How do you feel about cats? Share your thoughts in the ‘Great Cat Debate’

Through a new eight-week web series — The Great Cat Debate — Fresh Step looks to settle the score on America’s “love ‘em” or “hate ‘em” mentality when it comes to the purrfect pet.

You’re invited to vote on how you feel about cats at on.fb.me/GreatCatDebate, and then go toe-to-toe with a panel of comedians who will pontificate on the peculiarities of kitties. Put your best paw forward and “scratch back” to settle the score on topics ranging from “Bizarre Behaviors: Napping, CatNip, Hairballs, and Chasing Shiny Things” to “Tales from the Litter Box.”

But in the end, the cats will win thanks to a $25,000 donation from Fresh Step litter to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

For details on the Great Cat Debate, visit on.fb.me/GreatCatDebate.

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Free/low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic in Harrisburg

CPAA will sponsor a first-come, first-served clinic for Harrisburg City dogs and cats from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Central Allison Hill Community Center, 1524 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Vaccinations will be FREE for ALREADY spayed and neutered (fixed) cats and dogs. For dogs and cats NOT ALREADY spayed and neutered (fixed), vaccinations will be $5 each. Rabies, distemper and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines will be offered. De-wormer will be free, and flea prevention will be available for a donation of $15 per dose. Harrisburg City dog license applications will be available.

Home Again microchipping will be available for $15, which includes registration.

All dogs must be on short leashes (no chains, please) and cats must be in secure carriers. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled.

The clinic veterinarian will be Dr. George Bates, DVM, assistant professor at Wilson College, Chambersburg area.

Questions? Call 717-938-1191 or email pdravk@yahoo.com.

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Does Mom get gifts from pets?

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Solid Gold recalls WolfCub puppy food and WolfKing dog food

Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, El Cajon, California, has voluntarily recalled one batch of WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food and one batch of Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Dog, both with a “Best Before” date of December 30, 2012, and an “X” in the 11th digit of the date code.

Solid Gold is voluntarily recalling the products out of an abundance of caution, because these products were produced at the facility that has been linked to recent recalls of Diamond brand pet foods due to potential Salmonella contamination.

For details, visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm303371.htm.

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Volunteers needed for low-cost clinic

Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance will host a free/low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic for dogs and cats belonging to Harrisburg city residents from noon to 3 p.m. May 19 at the Central Allison Hill Community Center, at 1524 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to help with the clinic, and also to help unload the food that will be offered to those attending the clinic.

If you can help, email Pat at pdravk@yahoo.com.

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