Recently in Pet News Category

Humane Society University offers online classes on diverse topics, including advocacy, animal behavior and caregiving, humane education, leadership development and shelter management, and humane law enforcement.

Find out more at www.humanesocietyu.org.

For more pet-related news and columns, visit our new "Pets and other animals" section online at ydr.inyork.com/ydr/pets.

There, you'll find pet news, photos, videos and columns -- including Q&A columns from veterinarians and other animal experts. There will also be links to animal resources, such as where to find veterinarians, groomers, petsitters, low-cost clinics, and more. Some of those links will bring you back to this blog, but others will be specific to the new Pets section.

There's a link on the right side of the "Pets and other animals" home page to allow you to e-mail me, to let me know about lost or found pets, events, additions, changes, etc.

While the home page of the section will display 10 news stories and 10 columns, you can see even more stories and columns by clicking on the "more headlines" link at the top right of the "In the news" and "Columns" listings.

Check it out at ydr.inyork.com/ydr/pets, and let me know what you think!

Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration is offering a certificate in Animals, Community and the Law.

Taught by Lawyers In Defense of Animals board members, the certificate will require the completion of three online courses and a practicum, and can be completed within one year.

Courses, which will cover topics ranging from limit laws and hoarding to cruelty and disaster planning, may be taken on a non-credit basis or for credit, with each course being three graduate credits.

To review course descriptions or to enroll, visit www.ncpp.us/certcourses.php and click on the "Animals, Community and the Law Certificate" option.

Additional information is available by contacting Isabelle Strauss at anrtesq@aol.com or (732) 255-4696; or Dean Kirchoff at jkirchho@newark.rutgers.edu, (973) 353-1351.

The first course starts January 20, so enroll early.

After bringing down C.C. Baird, the largest Class B dealer in the country, Last Chance for Animals set its sights on the second-largest, Henry Lee Cooper.

As a result of continued violations, Cooper's USDA license to deal dogs to research facilities was suspended on August 26, 2008.

He is no longer allowed to acquire animals.

LCA will continue to fight against Class B dealers.

For more information, visit www.lastchanceforanimals.com or www.dealingdogs.com.

Watch footage from LCA's undercover investigation of Cooper:

The York County SPCA now offers Sunday adoptions, by appointment only.

If you are looking to adopt a pet from the SPCA but would prefer an opportunity to visit the shelter and make a selection in a more quiet and calm atmosphere, this might be right for you.

Adoption counselors will be available to assist you in choosing the right pet, and you can meet the animal in a relaxed environment.

If you are interested in visiting the York County SPCA on a Sunday, submit an adoption application either online at www.ycspca.org or in person. The shelter will contact you to set up an appointment once your application has been received and approved.

Only pre-approved adopters are eligible for Sunday appointments.

For details, call (717) 764-6109.

After 27 years on the air, York County SPCA's "Meet the Pets" is ending Jan. 4.

"Meet the Pets" introduced thousands of adoptable cats and dogs on the weekly televised program, which airs on Comcast Channel 74.

The SPCA is looking for alternative ways to continue to showcase their pets for adoption.

Until Jan. 4, "Meet The Pets" airs 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9:30 a.m.Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. Saturdays.

For details or to offer alternatives, call (717) 764-6109 or e-mail msmith@ycspca.org.

From Best Friends Animal Society:

Yesterday, the upscale Beverly Center Mall in Los Angeles announced it will terminate the lease of the Hollywood pet store institution, Pet Love.

Since last July, Best Friends staff and members have been at the Beverly Center, educating potential customers that those cute puppies at Pet Love really come from cruel puppy mills.

The goal of the Puppy-Store-Free-LA campaign is to convince stores to offer homeless pets for adoption rather than sell dogs from puppy mills. We've already seen two pets stores shut down, and now we have the biggest victory we could have hoped for -- Pet Love, a store that sells to the Hollywood elite, is shutting its doors. The iconic store has sold tens of thousands of unspayed/unneutered dogs in the 15 years they have been in business, adding to the thousands of animals that clog area shelters and where many thousands die annually.

The volunteer position works closely with CPAA member rescues to help place needy dogs in the prison training program and finalize adoptions when the dogs are ready to parole.

For details, visit www.hopedogs.org.

OMAHA, Neb. -- A cat that fled the family car at a stop in Bellevue, Neb., in July has been reunited with its family, now living in Fort Meade, Md.

The cat, Rosie, ran away when her owner, Sgt. Aimee Miller, stopped at Offutt Air Force Base on her way to her new assignment in Fort Meade.

Someone found Rosie, and a microchip implanted in the cat identified her as belonging to Miller.

On Monday, the Nebraska Humane Society put Rosie into a pet carrier and loaded the cat onto a flight to Washington, D.C., where she was reunited with Miller and her family.

Information from KETV-TV, www.ketv.com, Associated Press

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) -- An outbreak of canine distemper at the Horry County Humane Society shelter has led officials to euthanize at least 20 dogs, and authorities say more dogs may have to be killed.

Shelter director Renee Macklen says workers are still trying to figure out how the often fatal virus, frequently found in puppies, made it into the shelter. Dogs are usually vaccinated against the disease.

Macklen says any dogs who show symptoms of the virus are being taken immediately to a veterinarian, who decided what to do next.

Macklen says employees are trying to contact anyone who adopted a dog in the past two months. She wasn't sure how many dogs that would be.

The shelter has been closed since Monday as workers clean kennels and other areas with bleach.

Associated Press

Ani-Care Animal Hospital of Dallastown, PA, has joined other animal welfare organizations in the area that list homeless pets on Petfinder.com, the oldest and largest database of adoptable animals on the Internet.

Nearly 12,000 animal welfare organizations in the U.S., Canada and other countries post their pets on the Petfinder.com. The site currently has approximately 300,000 homeless pets listed, and it is updated continuously.

Ani-Care Animal Hospital Rescue pets can be viewed at www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA642.html. A potential adopter can enter search criteria for the kind of pet he or she wants, and a list is returned that ranks the pets in proximity to the ZIP code entered. Adoptions are handled by the animal-placement group where the pet is housed, and each group has its own policies.

Petfinder.com was created in early 1996 as a grassroots project by Jared and Betsy Saul to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. Since its inception, the site has facilitated approximately 15 million adoptions.

A pit bull named Ice was found in an attic in Berkley County, West Virginia, with evidence that its mouth had been duct-taped and chained shut.

The three-year-old dog was emaciated, neglected and abused, with open wounds on its face. Statements given to police say the dog was beaten repeatedly. Witnesses said the abuse had gone on for weeks.

Police arrested Randall Siford Jr. and Breshannon Devereux. They are charged with felony animal cruelty. If they're not convicted, Ice will be turned back over to them.

Watch the news video

Click here to sign a petition to help ensure Ice won't have to go back to this house of horror.

The West York Borough Council voted to keep Eberton Park, in the 1500 block of West Poplar Avenue, as it is and not change its use to a dog park.

The council previously had approved for a committee to explore turning Eberton into a dog park to be dedicated in memory of Abbey, Toby and Sparkles, former pets of West York Councilwoman Shelly Metzler. However, a meeting designed to get public input brought out residents who opposed the dog park.

At last week's council's meeting, Metzler said she would return donations for the park because she does not intend to find a different place for it.

Council President Shawn Mauck said incidents of hate mail, phone calls and threats against Metzler are being investigated.

A new committee was formed to erect a sign at Eberton Park.

-- JOLI HARRINGTON, for the Weekly Record

Animal Rescue of New Freedom has a cat-care position available immediately; full time and weekends a must.

Duties include caring for cats, sweeping, mopping, washing dishes and litter pans, laundry, etc. Must be able to bend, stretch, and lift.

Those interested in the job should call (717) 993-3232, e-mail bludwig@animalrescueinc.org or stop by the shelter to fill out an application.

Animal Rescue of New Freedom is looking for people to help as volunteers with special events, clinics, mailings, writing thank you's and other "chores."

Volunteers are also needed as soon as possible to help with spay-and-neuter clinic nights, admitting cats for clinic and releasing cats after they are finished. Clinic nights are usually Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings, from 3 p.m. to around 10:30 p.m.

If you are interested in helping, call (717) 993-3232. To learn more about Animal Rescue, visit www.animalrescueinc.org.

Eberton Park, in the 1500 block of West Poplar Avenue, will retain its name but will be made into a dog park and dedicated in memory of Abbey, Toby and Sparkles, former pets of West York Councilwoman Shelly Metzler.

Metzler has donated her monthly council pay of $100 per month to the park project.

People may purchase a five-foot-long picket for $25 in memory of their pets to help pay for the project.

For details, contact Metzler at the borough hall, 1700 W. Philadelphia St., West York, call (717) 846-2071 or e-mail smetzler0725@aol.com.

In addition, Metzler's pay and donations will be used to operate a retired police cruiser to rescue pets during fires. It will be painted pink to distinguish it from other emergency vehicles.

By JOLI HARRINGTON, for the York Daily Record/Sunday News

State police say a dog stolen from its home in Perry County was decapitated and dumped along Route 34 near Shermans Dale.

The black Labrador retriever was taken Oct. 16 from a fenced-in yard in Carroll Township, Perry County, according to police.

The dog's beheaded body was found Oct. 24 in the White Oak Inn parking lot.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call state police in Newport, PA, at (717) 567-3110.

Tuesday (Oct. 21) is National Reptile Awareness Day.

Find out more at www.forgottenfriend.org.

Photo: An Ornate Nile Monitor Lizard lounging with a Boston Terrier and Jack Russel Terrier. Although this behavior is not typical, it shows that mammals and reptiles can peacefully coexist.

From the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General:

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that the Attorney General's Office has a filed legal action to permanently shut down a Lancaster County dog kennel. Corbett is also asking Commonwealth Court to impose more than $4 million in fines on the kennel owners for their alleged advertising violations, which are spelled out in previous court settlements.

Corbett said that attorneys in his Bureau of Consumer Protection have filed a contempt petition in Commonwealth Court against Puppy Love Kennels, also doing business as CC Pets, and their owners Joyce and Raymond Stoltzfus, of Peach Bottom, Lancaster County.

Today is National Feral Cat Day!

For a list of activities and other information, visit www.alleycat.org.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week 2008 is coming soon--November 2-8. With music artists singing the praises of shelters and new ways for the public to show their love, this year's celebrations are sure to be the best ever! Animalsheltering.org can help you spotlight your shelter or rescue during this special week and all year long.

Visit www.animalsheltering.org/sheltersrockfor a downloadable event planning guide and other great resources.

Visit humanesociety.org/sheltersrock to learn about famous fans, download banners and find out more ways to celebrate the great work of animal shelters and rescues.

From Castaway Critters:

A fire on Monday, Oct. 6, that started in the refrigerator of a foster home sent five foster cats and one of the foster home's personal cats to emergency veterinary services.

Four foster cats have since succumbed to smoke inhalation and one cat was able to return home after a day and a half in therapy. The foster caregiver's personal cat did not survive.

With bills mounting beyond $10,000 and costs of $1,600-$2,000 per cat per day, Castaway Critters is in need of donations to assist these cats so they can return to their home and family.

For more information and/or to donate, go to www.castawaycritters.org or make checks payable to Castaway Critters and mail to: Castaway Critters, Attention: Fire Victims, PO Box 1421, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1421.

Castaway Critters, the James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals is a 501(c)3 animal rescue and spay/neuter organization that has found homes for more than 5,000 companion animals since 2002.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 14), Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, will be on the "Oprah" show, making the case to millions of people across the country in support of a campaign that, if successful, will end the cruel confinement of 20 million farm animals.

It's called Proposition 2, a measure on the ballot in California that will end the practice of cramming farm animals into cages and crates so small the animals can't even turn around, lie down, or extend their limbs. If passed, it will be the biggest victory for farm animals in U.S. history.

Click here to find out when the show will air where you live.

From Last Chance for Animals:

Join Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) for two separate events during National Primate Liberation Week. More than ever, it is important that you support the ongoing campaign to end animal research at UCLA. Don't let them stop us from exposing the truth behind locked doors.

There are currently more than 20 Rhesus monkeys at Cal Tech in Pasadena that are being subjected to horrendous experiments to MAKE THEM BEHAVE! The monkeys are currently being used in brain mapping experiments involving restraint chairs, cementing head posts to their skulls, implanting electrodes and eye coils and repeatedly exposing them to sound and light in a chamber and depriving them of water and food. Please help us expose these cruelties.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
WHERE: UCLA, corner of Le Conte and Westwood, Westwood Village
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 13, 5 to 7 p.m.

and

PROTEST
WHERE: Cal Tech, corner of Wilson and California Blvd, Pasadena
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon to 2 p.m.

For details, visit all-creatures.org/saen.

The Pennsylvania Legislature on Wednesday night passed HB 2525, a bill that will improve the lives of tens of thousands of dogs living in Pennsylvania's puppy mills. Only one state senator out of 50 voted against the bill.

Introduced in May, HB 2525 doubles the cage space required for dogs in Pennsylvania's commercial breeding facilities, prohibits wire flooring and the stacking of cages, mandates exercise and twice-yearly veterinary exams for all dogs, and requires that animals be humanely euthanized by licensed veterinarians.

Governor Ed Rendell signed HB 2525 into law the day after it was passed.

I've been going to the annual Puppy Mill Awarenesss Day since 2004, and this year's crowd was the largest I've seen at the event.

Not only were there lots of people participating, there were also oodles of dogs of all breeds and sizes. (I think there were more French bulldogs than any other type. One of the Frenchies even had on a bat costume!)

The walk through town and to the puppy millers' houses took longer than expected, because there were so many people and dogs walking. Everyone was wearing shirts with slogans such as "No more puppy mills" or "Mill dogs never have a nice day." There were even mini versions of the T-shirts on some of the dogs. There were lots of signs with similar slogans, too -- some of my favorites were "Make quilts, not puppies" and "My God values dogs' lives."

Rikki Rockett of Poison was a no-show, although he's usually at Awareness Day. But the guys from Rescue Ink were there, as well as Chris DeRose of Last Chance for Animals and AnnMarie Lucas of Animal Planet's "Animal Precinct." Chris DeRose, who recently had surgery on both knees and his back and was limping quite badly, walked (hobbled) with the rest of us. Hope he had some good pain meds waiting for him!

By Joli Harrington, for the York Daily Record/Sunday News:

Dallastown Recreation Director Mary Kline said the plan to have a dog park at Dallastown Community Park is moving forward.

The park at West Cherry Lane and South School Place, which is behind Dallastown Rescue Fire Company No. 1, is expected to be complete in early spring, Kline said.

Fencing would allow dogs to be off leashes to play ball, Frisbee, etc.

It's quite a place to play.

Thirteen and a half acres. Fenced play areas. Free water. Everyone plays with others their size.

And it's all for the dogs.

Saturday will be the grand opening of Canine Meadows, a dog park at John C. Rudy County Park. It is the first of its kind in the area and allows dogs to play without being leashed.

Two newborn kittens (approximately 24 hours old) were found in York, PA, and the woman who found them is hoping to find a mother cat who's currently nursing to care for them.

If you can help, please call Barbara at (717) 855-6630 or e-mail crafty@825@hotmail.com.

Barbara said she'd be willing to take the kittens back after they're older and stronger, to find them good homes; but she's afraid they won't survive without a "mom" cat right now.

A boy caused a stir Monday when he caught a fish with teeth during a Labor Day fishing derby at York's Kiwanis Lake. It's believed to be a pacu fish, a freshwater tropical fish.

Read the story

AN emergency team rescued 1,000 dogs from a puppy mill nightmare this past weekend in West Virginia. They have worked feverishly to get every last dog and puppy -- some as young as two days old -- to an emergency shelter to be carefully assessed by team veterinarians. The next step: to find the loving homes they so deserve.

Good news -- a West Virginia puppymill is closing.

Bad news -- Dachshund Rescue of North America needs to find foster homes for 700 dachshunds. Lots of pregnant moms, adults and puppies.

If anyone is willing to foster, or if any rescue is willing to take these pups, please contact Dona at fortdox@gmail.com. If you want her phone number, e-mail Amy Snyder at doxierocks76@yahoo.com.

For information on Dachshund Rescue of North America, visit www.drna.org. If you could take even one dog, it would mean so much!

Channel 69 WFMZ-TV talks to one of the kennel owners who killed 80 dogs.

Click here to watch the video interview

From the Philadelphia Inquirer (Aug. 13):

Two Berks County kennel operators killed nearly their entire kennel population -- 80 dogs - after wardens ordered veterinary exams on dozens of their animals.

After receiving a poor inspection report on July 24, Elmer Zimmerman of Kutztown shot his 70 small-breed dogs and threw them onto a compost pile on his property, according to officials with the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. His brother, Ammon Zimmerman, who operated A&J Kennel next door, shot 10 dogs about the same time, they said.

Puppy Tails-Jorvik, 292 Dew Drop Road, York Township, has added a new pet treat to its inventory -- Frozen Woofys.

The couple that created this product are from Northern York County. There are currently two flavors, Banana Rama Ding Dog and Barkin Berry. The treats contain all natural and organic ingredients.

Puppy Tails is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

For more information on Frozen Woofys, visit www.frozenwoofys.com.

Wanted: licensed wildlife rehabber or avian vet to give a workshop in New York City.

The New York Bird Club receives many calls from people who have found injured or abandoned wildlife, and would like to offer a "Rehab For The Rest of Us" basics workshop taught by a licensed bird rehabber or avian vet.

The workshop would involve a kind of Urban and Wildbird Triage training to help stablize a distressed bird until we could get him/er to a licensed rehabber the following day.

Topics could include:

What, when and how to feed

Hydration: When and how

When to keep warm and how

Hygiene and quarantine

Handy supplies

When to intervene

The workshop(s) will be held in Manhattan at a time convenient to the rehabber or vet, and they may request donations at the event.

If you'd like to present this workshop, e-mail Anna Dove of New York Bird Club at bestbirdclub@yahoo.com.

Animal Attraction is now inviting all U.S. shelters and rescue groups with 501(c)(3) status to participate in its charity donation program.

If you're affiliated with a shelter or rescue group and would like more information, click here.

From PSPCA:

Limestone Kennels in Chester County is no longer in operation, thanks to the work of PSPCA humane agents.

Kennel owner John Blank pled guilty to eight counts of animal cruelty, two violations of the state's Dog Law, and one summary charge of harassment. He had his license permanently revoked and was placed on two years probation, during which time state officials will ensure he does not own more than five personal dogs.

Blank surrendered 67 dogs to the PSPCA. Those dogs, once medically cleared by Chief Investigative Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Lee and Director of Animal Health Dr. Ravi Murarka, will be available for adoption at the Philadelphia headquarters.

From Veronica Henson, Helping The Helpless, Coatesville, PA:

This transport is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29. The reason it's on a weekday is because the sending rescue already has a transport coordinated from starting point in Wilson, NC, to meet a CT Rescue in MD.

I am driving to MD to pick up a Husky and Momma Shepherd with nine 12-day-old puppies that are going to rescues noted below. I will transport them to York, PA; so from York to Erie, PA, we are hoping for volunteer drivers.

This is also a late transport. We must, however, get these babies to safety. The husky is being tied outside by owner, not being treated for glaucoma, and will take to pound which euthanizes every 3 days. Momma and babies have been stranded, in this heat without shelter.

Thank you in advance if you are able to help on a weekday and at such late hours!

***10 min have been added to each leg for potty breaks. PLEASE be sure to have dogs securely tethered before letting them out of car.***

Leg 1: MD to York, PA - FILLED I-83
Total Estimated Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Total Estimated Distance: 83.12 miles
2pm - 3:45pm
by Veronica

Leg 2: York, PA to Lewistown, PA - NEEDED I-83
Total Estimated Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Total Estimated Distance: 82.80 miles
3:55pm - 5:30pm

Nestle, the Chocolate Labrador Retriever from Hanover, has been invited to the DockDogs World Championship for the third consecutive year.

Nestle is known for his 2005 gold medal performance at the Great Outdoor Games. Three years later, he remains competitive in Extreme Vertical, which is one of his qualified events. The 6-year-old owned by Angie Jones is currently ranked sixth in the world with an average height of 6'11.3".

Angie and Nestle have also qualified for the Iron Dog event.

A part-albino Golden Eagle has been found in Southern Colorado.

Read more, and see photos

From the ASPCA:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that administers America's public lands, including the animals who call this land home.

As part of its wild horse management program, the BLM has spent the past several years rounding up wild horses and keeping them in private, long-term holding facilities--which is expensive. Now, the agency wants to euthanize thousands of healthy horses, claiming it is too costly to feed and care for them.

The ASPCA encourages the BLM to explore other solutions, including but not limited to reopening additional land for the horses and increasing certain contraception programs that have already proven safe and effective.

What you can do

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center website to e-mail a letter to your legislators in the U.S. Congress urging them to oppose the BLM's plan to kill thousands of healthy wild horses.

From the New York Post:

When her beagle, Rocco, squeezed himself under the backyard gate and disappeared into the streets of Queens, 5-year-old Natalie Villacis refused to believe -- as her parents reluctantly told her -- that she would never see the puppy again.

That was in 2003.

Last weekend, Rocco came home - after being found in Georgia.

Read more...

From Best Friends Animal Society:

Along with three of the other Vicktory dogs, Georgia will be starring in the first new episode of Dogtown - a show that's all about the pooches and people of Best Friends - on the National Geographic Channel this fall.

So this week, she was "on location" at the TV Critics Association convention in Hollywood, where she managed to wow everyone she met, even the TV stars. Seems people just can't believe the progress these dogs have made at Best Friends, since they were rescued from Michael Vick's fighting kennels. Thank you, as always, for making it all possible.

Read more...

From Best Friends Network:

While you are oohhhing and aaahhhing over the colorful fireworks display, your pet may be hiding in a closet.

Here are some helpful resources for keeping your pet safe this 4th of July!

These tips from LA Animal Services include licensing and microchipping your beloved pet before the Fourth, as many animals will do anything to escape the loud fireworks; and even the best behaved dog might bolt.

For more suggestions, read July 4th Safety Tips for People and their Pets.

This widget allows you to search for breeders/kennels, and see inspection reports.

Editor's note: Although I agree with most of this article, I disagree with the part about not comforting your pet when they're frightened because it might convince them that noise is something to fear. I think they need to know that you're there to protect them and I always comfort my pets when they're frightened by fireworks or thunderstorms. Two of my cats would rather not be bothered when they're frightened, so I leave them alone, but if the others want to cuddle when frightened, I let them snuggle up.

From Drs. Foster and Smith:

The noisy explosions and flashes of light produced by fireworks can create anxiety for household pets. An animal exhibiting signs of firework phobia may cower in a corner or closet, or even jump through a window screen in an attempt to flee the noise and sound. With more than 30 years of experience in the veterinary field, Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith, co-founders of Drs. Foster and Smith, have often dealt with the aftermath of July 4th and offer the following advice to pet owners.

Perhaps the sagest advice the veterinarians suggest is to keep fearful pets indoors as much as possible during Independence Day weekend. An animal left in a backyard may become so distressed that it will break free of a leash and hurdle a fence to escape an undesirable situation. As such, the veterinarians advise that owners make certain that dogs and cats have ID tags, so if the animal does run away, it can be quickly returned.

There are some other actions pet owners can take to put animals at ease during fireworks, or even thunderstorms. First, pet owners can obstruct fear-producing noise by creating louder background noise. Running a fan or air conditioner and turning on a TV or radio may aid in blocking loud noises. Some people may also want to consider placing pets in a room without outside walls or windows to keep uncomfortable sounds from reaching an animal's ears, but do remember to include a water bowl.

"If you place a pet in a special room, make sure it's a space the dog or cat is familiar with and is normally comfortable," Dr. Foster said. "If the animal feels trapped, this may actually increase anxiety and cause further problems."

Another quick solution is to create a safe haven for distressed pets. Dr. Smith said some animals feel more comfortable in small spaces such as a kennel crate or bathroom. If the pet is comfortable in a crate, the crate can be covered with a blanket to enhance the feeling of security. The door to the crate, however, should be left open so the pet doesn't feel confined. Some pets, especially cats, may find that a closet or area under the bed makes a good retreat.

Some medications on the market today can also aid in calming pets. But pet owners must consult with their veterinarian before administering such drugs. A second option would be to use natural therapies such as Rescue Remedy, Ultra-Calm or Pet Calm found at DrsFosterSmith.com. These items contain a blend of natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals that put some pets at ease during stressful situations. These items do not require a prescription and can be administered shortly before an anxiety-inducing situation develops.

Both Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith agree that these solutions are quick fixes for a more severe problem. "A dog or cat that shows fear of fireworks is actually displaying what is considered to be 'noise phobia,'" said Dr. Smith. "Fireworks, a summer thunderstorm or any loud, sharp noise will create anxiety that the animal attempts to relieve by seeking comfort, hiding, fleeing, or exhibiting a number of other responses."

There is no guarantee that a noise phobia can be totally resolved, but in many instances the fear can be managed. Effectiveness of treatment depends on factors such as the phobia's severity, how long the condition has existed, and the amount of time owners are willing to commit to changing the behavior. Dr. Foster said one way to address the problem is to offer the pet a favorite toy whenever loud noises and anxiety occur. This teaches the animal to associate a good result to an uncomfortable situation. Another option is to slowly introduce pets to loud noises under a controlled situation. To accomplish this, purchase a storm CD and play it at low levels for the animal -- slowly increasing the volume over days or weeks so the animal becomes familiar with the noise and desensitized to its presence.

As heart-wrenching as it may be, Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith both advise that pet owners refrain from petting or consoling animals suffering from noise anxiety. Animals interpret these actions as a signal that a loud noise is something to be truly feared, thus reinforcing the animal's phobia. Similarly, a pet should not be punished for showing fear as it will only increase anxiety.

For more information about addressing noise phobia, or dealing with any animal care concerns, pet owners can visit DrsFosterSmith.com or PetEducation.com. Also watch the "Faithful Friends" program on Animal Planet each Sunday at 9am ET/PT for additional pet care advice from Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith.

About Doctors Foster and Smith Doctors Foster and Smith, a privately owned company, is the #1 catalog and online seller of pet supplies and pharmaceuticals in the industry. Doctors Foster and Smith is known for empowering pet owners by providing extensive veterinarian-supported advice, proprietary information and quality pet products, serving millions of pet owners from coast to coast. Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith have become the nation's foremost authorities on pet wellness, pet care and pet-owner education, earning an unmatched reputation for the scope of their veterinary expertise on dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, pond life, small animals and equine. For more information, visit DrsFosterSmith.com and PetEducation.com.

A small group of animal lovers from York County has been meeting regularly and fundraising to open Almost Home, a new animal shelter in York County, PA.

Almost Home is seeking land, preferably in Lower Windsor Township, and will need a great deal of financial and volunteer support in order to buy, build, modify and prepare to accept animals.

Any individual or group interested in helping, please call Beverly at (717) 840-1309 or Alita at (717) 246-9296 with ideas or information.

Editor's note: It's important that you contact your state Rep. and Senator to get a "yes" vote on this. To locate your representative and senator, visit www.legis.state.pa.us.

House Bills 2525 and 2532 are Advancing!

Thanks to the dedication of Pennsylvania dog lovers who called, wrote and e-mailed their representatives, these two important pieces of legislation have moved out of committee and on to the House of Representatives for a vote.

While this is a huge step forward, there is still work to be done.

The bills have passed their first hurdle, but there are many more steps they must take before getting to the Governor for signature to become law. There is opposition to these bills, and time is running out to get them passed in 2008. Not passing these bills now could mean Pennsylvania dogs living in commercial kennels would spend another winter in the freezing cold, snow and rain.

Protecting Dogs:

Among other protections for dogs, H.B. 2525 doubles the minimum floor space for dogs and requires solid flooring, as well as access to an outdoor exercise area twice the size of the dog's primary enclosure. The legislation would also mandate annual veterinary care, and eliminate the stacking of cages for adult dogs.

Improvements to the welfare of all dogs are included in H.B. 2532. Specifically, debarking, the practice of cutting or destroying a dog's vocal cords, would only be done by a veterinarian, as would surgical or cesarean birth. Tail docking would be allowed by individual owners until the dog is three days old, after which point it must be done by a veterinarian.

For more information, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us/doglawaction.

From Fund for Animals:

Fledgings, birds just learning to fly, can often be seen on the ground as they develop their flying skills. Though it is tempting to want to protect the juvenile from harm's way, removing the bird is not always the right choice.

The Cape Wildlife Center provided expert care and rehabilitation to a fledging oriole, who was found on school grounds and thought to be in danger. Fortunately, this juvenile survived and was released back where he was originally found. Learn about what signs to look for, so you'll be prepared to help.

Learn more at fundforanimals.org.

Paws For Courage is a network of shelters, foster homes and transporters dedicated to giving domestic violence victims a greater chance of becoming survivors.

The group is currently building a network of volunteers. Please read their Volunteer page at www.pawsforcourage.org and consider joining or supporting the cause. An animal's (and humans') life may very well depend on it.

From Sarah Speed, Humane Society of the United States:

HB 2525 Is in serious jeopardy in the PA House Agriculture Committee.

The Committee members are being bombarded with calls, e-mails, letters, and visits from breeders all over the state.

The breeders are howling so loudly that the dogs are being drowned out! Breeders have filled the room at every hearing and even our supporters on the committee are balking under the pressure and claiming that HB 2525 is unnecessary.

On Tuesday, June 24, the House Judiciary Committee will be voting whether to outlaw breeders from performing their own surgical births, debarking, and tail docking in HB 2532 in room Irvis G-50 at 10 a.m. On that same day in the same room, the House Agriculture Committee may be having a vote on HB 2525.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We need warm bodies in those seats to come early and give the animals a voice!

We also need calls to go into the House Agriculture Committee members to let them know that the animals cannot be forgotten for the breeders' greed.

House Agricultural Committee Members:

Mike Hanna - 717-772-2283 (Chairman Majority)

Gary Haluska - 717-783-7548 (Vice Chairman Majority)

David Kessler - 717-787-2769

Mike Carroll - 717-787-3589

Mark Cohen - 717-787-4117

Scott Conklin - 717-787-9473

Richard Grucela - 717-783-3180

Peter Daley - 717-783-7558

Harold James - 717-787-7517

Babette Josephs - 717-787-8529

Tim Mahoney - 717-772-2174

John Myers - 717-787-3181

Frank Oliver - 717-787-3480

Tim Solobay - 717-705-1887

Tom Yewcic - 717-783-0248

Rosita Youngblood - 717-787-7727

Art Hershey - 717-783-6435 (Chairman Minority)

Bob Bastian - 717-783-8756 (Vice Chairman Minority)

Mike Fleck - 717-787-3335

Karen Boback - 717-787-1117

Michelle Brooks - 717-783-5008

Gordon Denlinger - 717-787-3531

Jim Cox - 717-772-2435

David Hickernell - 717-783-2076

Rob Kauffman - 717-705-1951

Mark Keller - 717-705-7012

David Millard - 717-772-0094

Dan Moul - 717-783-5217

Tina Pickett - 717-705-1949

As you probably know, House Bill 2525 was introduced last month, and will better protect dogs by requiring, among other improvements:

Larger cage sizes

Outdoor exercise areas

Solid flooring

Your help is needed to pass this important legislation!

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is currently reviewing the bill, which is being attacked by kennel groups.

There is a lot of misinformation about this bill and the need for improvement. Read about some of the myths surrounding the legislation at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/doglawaction.

Current law allows dogs to live in small, stacked cages their entire lives with no requirement for exercise and only minimal attention.

The photos at DogLawAction.com tell the story.  These are real dogs in Pennsylvania kennels.  They live in small cages, sometimes for their entire lives, with no exercise. In many cases, wire flooring has resulted in cysts or deformed the dogs' feet. 

To be clear, these conditions all exist today in Pennsylvania.  All are currently legal in Pennsylvania.

  What can you do to help?

Make your voice heard. Legislators are hearing from groups opposed to this bill -- they need to hear from those who want to see improvements to commercial breeding kennels.  Call your representatives today.

Click here for their contact information. 

As tough economic times force more and more pet owners to surrender their animal companions to shelters, the PETCO Foundation is launching a new fund to support local programs that help keep pets where they belong - with their families.

The "We Are Family, Too" fund provides short-term funding for animal welfare groups to help pet owners who have lost their homes or are experiencing temporary financial hurdles. We Are Family, Too funds such programs as pet food banks, product donations, referral lists of pet-friendly housing, short-term foster pet care, spay and neuter services, and veterinary services.

Animal welfare groups can apply for We Are Family, Too grants of up to $2,500 by clicking on the PETCO Foundation link on www.petco.com.

Pet parents nationwide can also help by purchasing PETCO reusable shopping bags, which sell for $1.99 at all PETCO stores and at www.petco.com - with $1 of the purchase price funding the We Are Family, Too program.

By KATE SANTICH, The Orlando Sentinel

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sometimes in life, if you're lucky, you may come to love someone so deeply that you refuse to give up -- even when reason and family and friends all say it's time to let go.

So it was for Angela Surguine and her beloved dachshund, Sophia.

On June 7, after a long day of working in the yard of their 5-acre spread near Clermont, Fla., Sophia didn't come in for supper. Angela knew something was very wrong.

Sophia had never run away in all her seven years. Maybe, said Angela's husband, Jim, the dark-haired pup had wandered near the front gate and someone had snatched her.

Professional racecar driver Andrew Prendeville will donate proceeds from this weekend's race - which is being run in Iowa - to Best Friends' efforts rescuing animals from the devastating floods that have hit the state.

Through his Racing Laps for Best Friends promotion, Andrew raises money at every race of the Firestone Indy Lights season. The funds go to Best Friends, but this is just the second time they would be allotted to a specific purpose. Last year, proceeds from twin races at Watkins Glen, New York, went to the Pets Alive sanctuary in upstate New York. Best Friends was helping to save the troubled organization.

Find out more at news.bestfriends.org

When pets are not properly restrained in vehicles, they can injure themselves or other occupants. In an accident, pets can sometimes be aggressive, making rescue efforts difficult; or the pet could escape, running into traffic.

Starting this month, Lehman Volvo is offering free pet travel safety kits at the dealership on North Hills Road in Springettsbury Township.

Each kit includes safety information and a decal that will include contact information for the pets' veterinarian.

Lehman Volvo encourages anyone who has a pet to come to the dealership to pick up a free pet travel safety kit and learn more about the importance of proper pet travel safety.

For details, e-mail danlehr@lehmanvolvo.com, call call (717) 755-7676 or visit www.barkbuckleup.com.

The Yoe borough council signed a $190 contract effective through the end of the year with the SPCA.

This contract replaces the one the council had with Susquehanna Stray Animal Shelter in Lower Windsor Township, which closed.

Residents who find a stray dog or cat may take the animal to the SPCA or call York County 911, which will contact the borough’s animal-enforcement officer, Hemler Animal Control Service. Residents may also call Hemler directly at (717) 235-6213.

— JOLI HARRINGTON, for the York Daily Record/Sunday News

From Last Chance for Animals:

Today, in Honolulu, it was announced that Lance Cpl. David Motari is "being processed for separation" from the Marine Corps according to a USMC news release.

The 17-second video that was posted on YouTube in March was an instant topic of discussion. The clip shows two Marines joking before Motari hurls the puppy into a rocky gully. There was a yelping sound heard as the puppy helplessly flipped through the air. Besides being expelled from the Marine Corp, Motari also received unspecified non-judicial punishment.

The YouTube video was played hundreds of thousands of times before YouTube took it off their site because of a violation of the site's terms of use.

"In honor of the millions of men and women who have worn the Marine uniform, I feel that the Marine Corps has followed through and done a great job in dismissing David Motari from service. This should be an example that no one is above the law and everyone has a moral duty to uphold and represent our great country. It was you, the public, with your outrage, who made this happen," replied Chris DeRose in response to hearing the news of Motari's dismissal.

The second Marine in the video, Sgt. Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion, also received unspecified non-judicial punishment. "The actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated," Marine Corps Base Hawaii said in a news release.

Animal Rescue of New Freedom is asking the public for help. ... This little girl was found May 17 on Route 425 in Airville, PA in the direction of the Indian Steps Museum.

She was left in a cardboard box (marked for an air conditioner) that was taped shut. It was pouring rain and there was dog and cat food strewn about the field.

“Sweetiepie” was, and still is, extremely traumatized.

It's unknown if there were other dogs or cats that were dumped along with her.

If you know this little girl, or saw anything near the area of 773 Furnace Road/Route 425 that would lead to information regarding this incident, please call the Animal Rescue at (717) 993-3232 or e-mail info@animalrescueinc.org or akessler@animalrescueinc.org.

By KATHARINE HARMON
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
(from ydr.inyork.com)

William Albert thought he was saving a fawn when he scooped it off a road in Maryland and took it home to nurse it after its mother was hit by a car.

The New Oxford man bottle-fed the fawn in his 218 Reba Drive garage and called around to see if any wildlife-rehabilitation centers would take the baby deer. Among his calls was one to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, to see if they could help him find a center.

But when a wildlife officer showed up at his house just 10 minutes later, Albert said, he took the deer.

The officer arrived at Albert's house before Albert could get home, and he called Albert and said he wouldn't tell Albert's children the deer would be killed.

Now, Albert is angry, saying he received a call later that day -- before the fawn was killed -- from a farm in Maryland that said it would take the deer.

And Albert said his 13-year-old daughter, Amber, overheard the conversation when the officer called him and cried for almost five hours.

His 7-year-old daughter, Savannah, asks every day if the deer is coming back, but Albert said he doesn't want to tell her what really happened.

Calvin is a 6-year-old orange & white neutered male Brittany (55 lbs.) who needs transport from his foster home to his approved & screened forever home in Collegeville, PA.

He is up-to-date on all immunizations, heartworm negative & healthy. He is friendly to people & to other dogs. Calvin will travel with leash, collar, vet records & a health certificate.

Rescue responsible for Calvin is National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network (NBRAN), www.nbran.org (Deb Schuster, dlschuster52@ameritech.net) If you can help Calvin to get to his forever home, e-mail Nancy Walker at nwalker@capecod.net or call (508) 896-3602.

TRANSPORT ROUTE - Toledo, OH to Collegeville, PA - Sunday, June 15 (This route & its legs are very flexible. Please let Nancy know what you can do she'll adjust.)

The ASPCA Collection of travel and safety products from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will arrive in mid-June at Family Dollar Stores and June 25 at Wal-Mart stores.

Also available online at aspca.org, the collection includes affordably priced flashing safety leashes, anti-spill travel bowls, collapsible bowls and carriers, reflective safety vests, safety seat belts, car harnesses, safety seats and pet totes. A portion of the purchase will go to support the organization.

Products come with safety tips from veterinarian Stephen Zawistowski, also known as Dr. Z.

Chase makes a one-time donation of $75 per new account on its ASPCA credit card, available by calling (800) 474-6581. The new accounts must be used and kept open for at least six months to qualify, said the ASPCA.

-- (from the Associated Press)

Thirty pet owners seeking class action status in a year-old lawsuit against leading pet food manufacturers, packers and their retailers say the $58 billion spent by consumers on pet food over the last four years has been without the knowledge that the "wholesome," "quality," "premium" or "gourmet" foods they are feeding their pets "are made of wholly or partially of inedible garbage unfit for human consumption."

Among the ingredients in most pet foods, the plaintiffs say, are "restaurant grease, road kill, hair, blood, pus, esophagi, chicken heads, feet and intestines, cow brains, excrement, fetal tissue, moldy grains, hulls, Styrofoam packaging from discarded supermarket meat, euthanized animals -- including dogs and cats -- and/or diseased dying, disabled and dead animals."

Read more on www.law.com.

Each click on the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Animal Rescue Site, www.theanimalrescuesite.com, provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary.

It takes less than a minute (actually, it only took about 5 seconds when I did it), and it doesn't cost you a thing.

Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need at the Fund for Animals' renowned animal sanctuaries (including Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in California), pet shelters supported by the Petfinder Foundation , North Shore Animal League , and other worthy animal care facilities supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation.

Corporate sponsors/advertisers base donations on the number of visits/clicks. Visit the site daily -- make it part of your computer start-up routine, like checking your e-mail.

You can also shop while on the site to help even more.

Stacie Jameson of Dover Township held a chicken barbeque as a senior project to benefit the York County SPCA. Stacie raised $401.97 to help the shelter pets.

Carly Gomez of Fairview Township donated $1,000 for the animals at the York County SPCA. The money was raised from Pay it Forward through Trinity United Methodist Church.

Sue Mowry, 71, a former long-time York County dog law officer who a few years ago also managed Animal Control and Rescue League of Red Lion, died Tuesday after suffering a heart attack at her home in a Florida retirement community.

Nature's Pet Place held a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 29 to mark the opening of its new business at Grandview Shopping Center, 1446 Baltimore St., Suite D, Hanover, PA.

The shop specializes in natural and organic pet products.

(photo caption) From left, Vicki Little and J.Steven Harner of M&T Bank; Tim Raubenstin (holding Sammy) and Stephanie Raubenstine, owners of Nature's Pet Place; and Rajeane Burkenstine and John Beil of Burkentine & Sons Builders.

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) provides surgeries for more than 2,000 cats in the local area each year, which adds up to a tremendous financial burden.

That's where you come in! SNAP deends on financial assistance from the community in addition to its own fundraising efforts to make it all happen.

The surgery fee to spay a female cat is $40 through SNAP, and to neuter a male cat it's $25. Please consider helping by sponsoring a cat surgery for someone in need.

If you'd like to schedule a low-cost spay/neuter surgery for your pet, call SNAP at (717) 732-5377.

For details about SNAP or volunteer opportunities, visit www.snapofpa.org or call (717)732-5377.

Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its fourth annual Woofstock event to be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Riverfront Park in Harrisburg, PA.

Volunteers are needed to obtain donated items for to fill raffle baskets and items to be used as prizes for the Funkytown Pet Costume Contest and the Grateful Dog Walk. (The Grateful Dog Walk begins at 10 a.m.)

Volunteers are needed to seek business sponsorships, to sell advertisements for the program and to post flyers advertising the event.

Volunteers are also needed on the day of Woofstock to set up beginning at 7 a.m., to staff the registration table and the CPAA food table, to direct traffic, to help with the Grateful Dog Walk, to help rescue groups handle adoptable animals and to close down at the conclusion of the event.

If you love animals, like to have fun and wish to participate in a groovy day of pet-themed entertainment and education, please raise your paw! Call Pat Dravk at (717) 938-1191 or e-mail woofstock2006@yahoo.com.

Woofstock is an important fundraising event for CPAA. Profits will benefit CPAA's "DeSex in the City" spay/neuter program, spay/neuter van and vaccination clinics.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering grants of up to $2,000 to animal shelters, rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to help establish, expand or publicize services or programs that assist individuals in caring for their pets during the current economic downturn.

For details, visit www.animalsheltering.org.

From the New York Mayor's Alliance:

As reported by amNew York, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has resumed its cruel and ineffective feral cat extermination program at JFK Airport and plans to begin roundups this week. Read the full story on amNew York's website. With your help we can make a difference!

Please contact the decision-makers below to help save the JFK cats and join us for a rally this Tuesday, June 3, at Port Authority headquarters near Union Square in Manhattan!

You can also read more details and background on the New York City Feral Cat Initiative of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals website, www.animalalliancenyc.org/nycfci/jfkcats.php.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

RALLY TO SAVE JFK CATS

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
11:15am to 1pm – Rain or Shine
Port Authority headquarters at Union Square
225 Park Avenue South, between 18th and 19th Streets in Manhattan

WHO TO CONTACT

Please call and write the following and urge them to immediately stop the roundups at JFK Airport and work with local animal protection groups to implement a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

Christopher O. Ward, Executive Director
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
225 Park Avenue South, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10003

Port Authority Corporate Headquarters
General: (212) 435-7000
Public Affairs: (212) 435-7777
(Get a live person on the line and demand to speak to someone about the JFK situation - keep calling until they respond)
Fax: (212) 435-4032

Anthony R. Coscia, Chairman
Board of Commissioners
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Phone: 732.846.2120 (direct line)
732-846-7600 (this is the general number for Mr. Coscia's law firm)
Fax: 732.846.8877

In addition, for the names and contact info of Port Authority officials, go to the home page of www.neighborhoodcats.org. Note that, due to the enormous public outcry, e-mail addresses and phone numbers may have been changed.

The Dallastown Council is discussing putting up additional fencing for a dog park at the Dallastown Community Park, West Cherry Lane and South School Place, behind Dallastown Rescue Fire Company No. 1.

The fencing would allow dogs to be off leashes to play ball, Frisbee, etc.

The council will check if there is additional liability and vote on the matter in June.

"The Pet Hour," presented by Iams, airs at 6 p.m. (Eastern) Fridays on XM Channel 155. It re-airs at 9 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays and 7 a.m. Tuesdays.

Tune in to hear funny stories, get helpful tips and hear answers to pet care questions.

The show is hosted by Nancy Glass and Cindy Connors.

Don't have XM Radio? Visit The Pet Hour at thepethour.com/index.html to download "Petcast" excerpts of the show and subscribe to full-length episodes of the show the iTunes music store.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

CAMDEN, N.J. -- A federal judge in Camden Friday approved a $24 million settlement for thousands of owners whose animals were sickened by tainted pet food.

The deal, worked out last week, resolves more than 100 lawsuits filed in the United States and Canada since an epidemic of sick pets began last year.

Lawyers said Friday an estimated 1,500 pets died from commercially sold food that contained tainted wheat gluten grown in China. Thousands more were made ill.

Pet owners would be reimbursed for documented medical expenses, as well as up to $900 for undocumented costs, such as wages lost while caring for the animals, property damage and transportation costs.

The main defendant in the case was Menu Foods, a Canadian manufacturer of about 100 of the contaminated product lines.

The defendants previously paid $8 million to settle other claims.

Thousands of pet owners are to receive notice of the settlement by June 16 and will have until early December to submit claims. The goal is to wrap up the case at a hearing Oct. 14.

Plaintiffs' attorneys asked for 25 percent of the settlement in fees. Any settlement money left over would be donated to animal-welfare charities.

A Web site will be established to inform pet owners on the settlement, attorneys said.

From Cindy McDevitt, Best Friends Ambassador:

Dog lovers and lawmakers rallied at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA, May 14 to support new legislation for improving Pennsylvania's large commercial breeding kennels (puppy mills), targeting approximately 650 large-scale breeders. The bill defines commercial kennels as any facility that sells dogs to a dealer or pet shop, or sells more than 60 dogs a year.

Representative's James E. Casorio, Thomas R. Caltagirone and Gene D. DiGirolamo; and Special Deputy Secretary for Dog Law Enforcement Jessie Smith all spoke to the crowd with such enthusiasm and hope. People came in from the Lancaster area and even New Jersey.

A package of three bills: House Bill 2525, 2532 and 499 will mandate access to outdoor exercise areas which are to be twice the size of their (new) cage size, double the floor space and require solid flooring of cages, no longer allow any stacking of cages, clean water at all times, daily cleaning standards, lighting/ventilation standards, controlled temperature of 50-85 degrees, fire extinguishers in place.

They will also require some surgical procedures only be done by a licensed veterinarian, such as Cesareans and debarking. One sweet little puppy who was debarked by the practice of shoving a metal rod down her throat was present in the crowd.

As far as cruelty to animals, the legislation also requires owners of confiscated animals to pay for the costs of the animals care while it is confiscated, or give up ownership; increases the penalty for misdemeanor and felony animal cruelty; allows dog wardens to file charges of cruelty; and the dogs can no longer be shot after their money-producing days are over.

What you can do
The dogs still need YOUR HELP. These are fast acting bill -- they want to have them in force by June 30, which means that we need you to contact your legislators within the ASAP. They have a tremendous amount of support, but still need more!

For More Information
Please, visit the official PA website www.doglawaction.com to find out more, such as how to contact your legislator, or find a local newspaper to write a letter. You can also sign up for additional news and updates.

From PSPCA:

Putting an end to the cruelty and neglect that takes place at Pennsylvania's puppy mills is a top priority for the PSPCA. We need your help to protect and save the thousands of dogs that are harmed each year by the abusive practices at these dog factories. Ask your local representatives to support the following bills.

  Berks County Representative Thomas Caltagirone has proposed changes to the state's cruelty laws that will improve conditions for dogs in commercial kennels. Currently, Pennsylvania dog owners can perform a variety of veterinary procedures on their dogs without medical supervision, including ear cropping, debarking and caesarean sections. Commercial kennel owners have been able to perform these procedures in unsanitary areas with little or no repercussions. Under Representative Caltagirone's proposed House Bill 2532, only licensed veterinarians will be able to carry out the operations. The amendments also grant the dog wardens who inspect commercial kennels the power, under certain circumstances, to file cruelty charges against kennels.  

Westmoreland County Representative James Casorio has introduced legislation that will amend the state's Dog Law. House Bill 2525 requires the following for dogs over 12-weeks old in large commercial kennels:  double the cage space; exams by a licensed veterinarian at least once a year or at each pregnancy; a solid floor on which to rest; access to an outdoor exercise area; and limits to  the number of stacked cages. Kennel owners would be required to provide the following for all dogs, regardless of age: clean water at all times; remove dogs from their cages when the cages are being cleaned; housing facilities be kept between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times; sufficient ventilation and lighting in all kennels; smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in all kennels; euthanization performed by licensed vets only; and no more than six dogs housed in one cage (except for nursing  mothers with litters).

Representative Casorio's bill would also give the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement increased authority to penalize unlicensed kennels.   In addition to these bills, Bucks County Representative Gene DiGirolamo introduced House Bill 499, which would increase the fines for those convicted of animal cruelty.

For details on all of the legislation, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us/doglawaction/site/default.asp.

  You can help ensure the passage of these important bills by writing to your local representative and asking him or her to vote for the changes to Pennsylvania's animal cruelty laws.

To find your representative's name and contact information, visit www.legis.state.pa.us. Write your own letter, or use the following template to let your voice be heard:

Dear: (fill in name here)

As a Pennsylvanian and animal lover, I am concerned about the Commonwealth's status as the "Puppy Mill Capital of the East."  

There are more than 2,100 commercial breeding kennels in Pennsylvania.  In many of these facilities, dogs are kept in deplorable conditions, over bred, abused and neglected, with little or no consequence for the kennel owner. 

Representatives Caltagirone, Casorio and DiGirolamo have proposed amendments to the Commonwealth's animal cruelty and dog laws. This crucial legislation would prohibit some of the worst abuses in these kennels,  help ensure enforcement of the state's animal cruelty law by those who oversee the regulation of these kennels and increase the fines for those convicted of animal abuse.

   I am requesting your support of Representatives Caltagirone's, Casorio's and DiGirolamo's bills to amend the state laws to address the cruel practices in these kennels and the current lack of enforcement of the cruelty law.

 The bills would prohibit dog owners from performing procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking of dogs more than three days old, debarking and cesarean sections, and instead require that these procedures be performed by a licensed veterinarian; require providing basic necessities for dogs, such as clean water at all times, cages with solid floors and room to exercise; and permit dog wardens to file cruelty charges against kennels.

Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Address)
(City, State ZIP)

Thanks to investigator Lisa Ling, who went undercover into a handful of Pennsylvania puppy mills, the April 4 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show revealed to millions of viewers the horrific abuses that go on in these large-scale breeding facilities.

This important episode will be shown again next Thursday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. EST.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering grants of up to $2,000 to animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to help establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist individuals in caring for their pets during the current economic downturn.

Learn more at www.animalsheltering.org.

The good folks at the Humane League in Philadelphia, PA, convinced a nearby university to allow the release/rescue of the rats used in repetitive, pointless classroom psychology experiments.

This year, there are nearly double the number of rats as in previous years -- 70 rats, and whichever ones don't find homes will be killed.

E-mails to rescue lists and myspace bulletins have gotten very few offers of help. These rats are going to be gassed with carbon monoxide in late June if they have not found homes for them by that time.

The rats are all white albino males, very friendly and sociable.

If you live in the upstate NY area and can adopt or foster a rat, please e-mail Amber at info@syracuseanimalrights.com.

If you do not live in the upstate NY area, but are still interested in helping, please e-mail info@thehumaneleague.com.

For more information, visit: www.thehumaneleague.com/campaigns/animalrescue.htm.

From the Associated Press:

CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council has repealed its controversial two-year-old ban on foie gras (fwah-GRAH’), a delicacy made of duck and goose liver.

The vote was led by Mayor Richard M. Daley, who called the measure that went into effect in August 2006 the “silliest” ordinance the council’s ever passed.

Supporters of the ban consider foie gras cruel because geese and ducks are force-fed to make their livers bigger.

The measure passed Wednesday by a vote of 37-6 with no debate.

The Illinois Restaurant Association and a local restaurant had filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to overturn the ban, but a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the effort last June.

Pets for the Elderly Foundation, based in Ohio, will pay up to $50 of the adoption costs -- fees, medical exams, spaying or neutering -- when people 60 or older adopt a cat or dog from one of 58 animal shelters in 31 states.

According to the foundation's website, The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is a participating shelter.

For details and a list of participating shelters, visit www.petsfortheelderly.org or call, toll-free, (866) 849-3598.

By MIKE HOOVER
Daily Record/Sunday News

Tired of waiting for someone to do something, Michael “Beeper” Zeigler climbed a 100-foot oak tree in Lower Windsor Township to rescue Tinkerbell the cat.

Tinkerbell was stuck in the tree at the Zeigler Trailer Park for four days.

Zeigler grabbed the orange-and-white tiger-striped cat, who was about 75 feet up, said the cat’s owner, Allison March.

He then climbed down and tossed the cat to people who were holding a blanket below, she said.

Zeigler went up the tree after local firefighters stopped by Thursday to see if they could help but could not. Power lines were too close to the tree to use the ladder truck.

March said she hasn’t had a chance to thank Zeigler, the brother of one of her neighbors.

“He saved my cat. He is so awesome. I am going to send him flowers or something,” March said.

She said she learned of the rescue about 10 p.m. Thursday after returning home from being fitted for a bridesmaid dress for an upcoming wedding.

March said Tinkerbell bounced off the blanket and ran. She said she heard Tinkerbell scratching at her trailer door about midnight.

Other than being hungry, Tinkerbell was fine.

March said her little girls, Nikita, 4, and Jaden, 3, were happy to see that Tinkerbell had returned.

“They were hugging her. She slept in their bed like she always does,” March said.

Blog editor's note: This story might sound familiar, but it's a DIFFERENT cat, and this one still needs help to get down out of the tree. And the tree is taller. (The cat stuck in a tree last week was rescued by Brian Wike of Dallastown, also known as "Brian the Tree Guy," who was considering adopting the cat, last I heard.)

By MIKE HOOVER
Daily Record/Sunday News

Tinkerbell is stuck.

About four days ago, the orange, tiger-striped cat climbed a 100-foot oak tree at Zeigler Trailer Park in Lower Windsor Township.

Now, she can’t get down, leaving about 50 residents feeling helpless as she meows for help.

“She is screaming her head off. It is dehydrated and crying for help. It has attracted the whole darn park,” said resident Rebecca “Becky” Socash.

“Everyone in the park has tried to do something. They have tried climbing the tree. It is too high and too far up to get her.”

Tinkerbell has climbed so high up that she can no longer be seen, said the cat’s owner, Allison March.

March bought Tinkerbell at a pet store about a year ago for her little girls: Nikita, 4, and Jaden, 3. The girls do not know the cat is missing.

“I don’t want them to see the cat in the tree. My daughters would freak out. I don’t want them crying. It breaks my heart,” she said.

March said her boyfriend and another man tried to rescue Tinkerbell.

“I don’t want them falling and busting their legs or falling and killing themselves,” March said.

March called 911 and was told fire companies no longer get cats out of trees.

She asked Lower Windsor Township Police and the Craley and Leo Fire departments for help.

Lower Windsor Township Police Chief David Sterner suggested calling a tree service.

It is not safe for police to go up a tree for a cat, and fire departments are concerned about the liability, Sterner said.

Someone could get bitten and fall out of the tree or get rabies, he said.

“I feel bad. But we just can’t be climbing trees for every cat that goes up a tree. We don’t want to be a bad guy with this. But it is not a police issue,” Sterner said.

Leo Fire Chief David Stump said he has not been contacted about Tinkerbell. In his 20-plus years in fire services, he said, he has helped rescue a handful of cats from trees.

If contacted, he said, he might send someone to evaluate if the fire company can help.

Firefighters answer all kinds of calls, including animal rescues, Stump said. Just last week, he rescued six ducklings from a storm drain in the Dairyland Square in Red Lion.

Sterner and Stump said the cat will eventually find its way out of the tree.

“Sooner or later, when the cat gets hungry enough, the cat will come down,” Sterner said.

“I have never seen a cat skeleton in a tree.”

Blog editor's note #2: While cats usually do come down, if the cat has been up there for days, it's already quite hungry and it's not likely to find its way down without help.

Cats are prone to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) when they don't eat for several days. Lacking food, the cat's body starts sending fat cells to the liver to process into lipoproteins for fuel. Cats' livers are not terribly efficient at processing fat, and much of the fat is stored in the liver cells. Left untreated, eventually the liver fails and the cat dies.

In cases where cats have starved to death before figuring out how to come down, there wouldn't be skeletons in trees, because when the cat dies, it's no longer able to hold onto the tree.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is preparing to introduce a bill that would change the way commercial dog breeders do business in the state.

He's doing it with a new round of support brought on by Oprah Winfrey and her recent probe of puppy mills.

Find out more...

From WPXI.com:

BULLSKIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A cruel collar forced a dog to undergo surgery. The mixed breed border collie was found wearing a collar full of fishhooks; and one of the hooks created a hole in the dog's neck.

Humane officers at the SPCA in North Union told Channel 11 this was an unusual case of animal cruelty and they have no idea who is responsible, or why someone would do something so terrible.

The dog is recovering from surgery to remove a fish hook from his neck -- one of 15 that someone had attached to the inside of his collar. SPCA Humane Officer Elizabeth Davidson said a resident found the dog wandering along Englishman Hill Road in Bullskin Township.

“When we found the collar it was extremely tight on the dog,” Davidson said.

No one knows for sure how just how long the dog, which rescuers named Hooks, had been walking around with the collar full of fish hooks. But humane officers want to get to the bottom of this, and soon.

Davidson said if anyone has information on owner of dog or knows how the dog may have ended up in that condition, to let animal officials know.

Hooks is on antibiotics to prevent an infection.

Humane officers said if the dog had not gotten treatment when he did, he probably would have died within a few days.

Find out more at www.wpxi.com/news.

From Alley Cat Allies:

This morning, millions of Americans learned about the growing movement to help feral cats in a feature article in the nation’s most popular daily newspaper, USA Today.

Feral cats, along with their advocates and caretakers, are finally getting the national media attention and recognition they deserve.

And, as the article indicates, Alley Cat Allies is leading the way. Alley Cat Allies has worked for over 17 years on a national level to bring attention to feral cats and raise awareness about what they are, how they live, who cares for them, and how they are treated in our outmoded animal control system.

As this article proves, our mission to stop the killing of cats by animal control pounds and shelters and promote humane care is a movement whose time has come. Thank you for your support in making this great news possible!

Read the article...

For the cats, Becky Robinson President

From the Associated Press:

The Humane Society of the United States released video footage Wednesday of sick and injured livestock the group says were mistreated at auction sites and stockyards where cattle are sold for slaughter.

The group released videos shot during April and May showing downed cows abandoned for hours at facilities in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas. The video was posted on the group’s Web site, at video.hsus.org.

“We found downed cows in a state of ill health, with no relief provided to the animals,” said Wayne Pacelle, the Humane Society’s president and chief executive.

Downed cattle may pose a higher risk of contamination from E. coli, salmonella or mad cow disease because they typically wallow in feces and their immune systems are often weak.

The C.V.Y.B.A. Rink A girls' team presented the Adams County SPCA with a donation check for $330.30 earlier this year. The members of the team raised money throughout their season by asking family and friends for donations based on the points they scored in their games. Pictured are (from left) Kaelyn Long, Annie Miller, Ashlyn Nailor, Lyric Lebo, Breanne Sauter, Madison Smith, Jenna Plump, Haley Luckabaugh and Ayanna Johnson, along with Lisa Conklin, Director of Development at Adams County SPCA. Not pictured is Genevieve Rikard.

DogsInDanger.com shows pictures of cute dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized, including how many hours the dog has left to live.

DogsInDanger.com shows pictures of cute dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized, including how many hours the dog has left to live.

On May 2, Belco Community Credit Union introduced the first pet savings account in PA.

Belco’s Critter Club is aimed at pet owners looking for a fun way to save for their pets’ medical bills and other expenses, this new savings account features no minimum balance requirement and easy access to funds. A $5 membership account at Belco is required to open a Critter Club account.

Prior to launching the product, Belco employees researched the increase in pet spending. They found that 63 percent of homeowners have one or more pets, and that pet spending has more than doubled in the past 10 years. Currently, Belco is the only area financial institution offering a savings account exclusively for pets.

Members with a Critter Club account will receive discounts at local “pet partners” as well as be entered into a monthly prize drawing when they deposit $75 or more. Members may choose to have funds deposited via automatic transfer, and funds are available for withdraw at any time.

The account currently pays 0.85 percent APY on balances of $5 or more. Belco members with more than one pet are encouraged to open multiple accounts and to “name” each account using their pets’ names.

To promote the pet club, Belco is planning to participate in several pet-related community events, starting with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area’s 5K Run/Walk for Animals May 17 at the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Harrisburg.

Say goodbye to spills, splashes, and stops. The To Go Bowl is the one and only travel water bowl for dogs to fit conveniently and securely into a car’s cup holder, keeping water accessible and handy during road trips.

No more stops for a water break, and no more worries, the To Go Bowl comes complete with a splashguard and lid. It also has storage space in its removable base for treats or dry dog food.

Check it out at www.furrytravelers.com.

From the Associated Press:

WEST MIDDLESEX, PA -- State police in Mercer County say they believe all-terrain vehicle riders are responsible for the dragging death of a 10-year-old blind pony.

Owner Tory Morgan found Kahlua’s mangled body Wednesday afternoon in a pasture in Shenango Township.

Authorities say the animal’s back legs were broken and large pieces of skin had been ripped away from its legs, chest and belly.

Police believe the animal had been roped and then dragged behind an ATV.

Authorities say four other horses had cuts and scratches, possibly from running through trees to escape their attackers.

Morgan says Kahlua was a friendly animal that carried children on its back.

Kahlua is a breed known as Pony of the Americas.

There is a $500 reward for information on the attack.

Brian "The Tree Guy" Wike of Dallastown rescued a cat Friday afternoon that was stuck 60 feet up in a tulip tree for three days.

Land owner Lisa Catherman said she tried for days to find someone to help. The East Prospect Fire Company offered, but firefighters couldn't get the ladder truck up the Lower Windsor Township farm lane.

Wike, who owns a tree service, put a 30-foot ladder against the tree, then used ropes to pull himself up another 30 feet to reach the kitty.

The male cat devoured food at Seth and Lisa Cathermans' home in Lower Windsor Township on Friday afternoon. The Cathermans -- who already have a menagerie of pets, including eight cats -- said they're not sure what they'll do with the cat.

(Photos by Bil Bowden, York Daily Record/Sunday News photographer)

From a reader:

CAT HAS BEEN RESCUED We could really use some help. My husband and I have a stray young cat stuck in our tree (at least 60 ft. up) behind our home and no one seems to want to help rescue it.

I know this is a long shot and a strange request, but maybe someone could help us rescue this cat before it's too late. I've exhausted every resource I know, and all I've gotten from the fire dept. and police is "shoot it down" ... the SPCA doesn't deal with this, and animal control doesn't waste their time with cats, just dogs.

I just don't know what to do at this point; it's killing me to hear it's desperate meows for help. So I guess I'm asking for suggestions, ideas and help on how to get a stray kitty out of a tree.

We're worried sick about this cat. It's getting cold at night and calling for ugly weather so we're getting more & mored worried for the cat's welfare. Our 30 ft. ladder isn't even getting close to it.

We did put a can of tuna on the highest branch we could reach, hoping it'll come down for that. But as time goes on we're having our doubts. I called the animal emergency clinic and they said to call the police or fire company, which I did, and they said they can't help and recommended shooting it.

I'm truly at a loss, so if anyone has an idea on how to help this forlorn kitty, please e-mail me at mysaygrace@mail.arczip.com.

Thank you,
Lisa

From Newsday:

Nobody bats an eye when a dolphin jumps through a hoop. But a molly?

The R2 Fish School is a complete training system that gives you the goods to train fish from 1 to 6 inches long to go through tunnels, do the limbo, even fetch. It was developed by fish-training expert Dean Pomerleau, whose goldfish, the aptly named Albert Einstein, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the fish with the largest repertoire of tricks.

Included in the training system are an instructional DVD, a training platform and 20 accessories, such as a feeding wand and basketball hoop.

The kit is available for $29.99 from www.amazon.com, or www.r2fishschool.com.

From The Yomiuri Shimbun:

TOKYO — A Tokyo-based nonprofit organization will open a facility Friday in Yokohama to train abandoned dogs to become service dogs for the deaf, and use socially isolated young people cocooned at home to become hearing dog trainers.

Service dogs for the deaf assist the daily lives of the hearing impaired by such actions as informing caretakers about ringing doorbells and fire alarms.

As guide dogs for the blind, large breeds such as Labrador retrievers are most suitable. Because dogs to assist the deaf are usually employed indoors, a smaller breed is preferable but any breed can be trained for the purpose.

From TODAYshow.com:

Most pet owners try to be responsible, but sometimes they make mistakes. Pet expert Andrea Arden and some furry friends visited TODAY with tips on how to avoid common errors.

Find out more at today.msnbc.msn.com.

From the Associated Press:

HARRISBURG, PA -- Bud the cat is back home safe and sound after spending more than four days stuck in a drain pipe in his family's yard in Harrisburg.

Linda Grudi said Bud disappeared a week ago and the family searched high and low for him, nearly giving up hope.

Then, on Saturday morning, as she was gardening, Grudi heard a faint 'meow.' Neighbors, a contractor, a plumber and the fire department resumed the search.

Finally, Dave Jones of Roto-Rooter was summoned and he and his team dropped a fiber-optic camera about 100 feet into a 6-inch drain pipe and there was Bud, staring back at them.

Some digging and sawing, and Bud was finally freed — none the worse for wear, Grudi says, although a couple of pounds lighter after more than four days without food and water.

Information from: WHTM-TV, http://www.whtm.com

Kiersten Bowser, a first-grader at Wallace Elementary School in West York Area School District, recently organized a fundraiser to benefit the animals at York County SPCA.

With the help of her classmate, Sidney Cooper, and fifth-grader Holly Parr, a dance routine was developed and practiced at the home of Carol Adams, while the children waited after school for their parents to come home from work.

Olivia Bourinski and Alyssa Bunnell also participated in the dancing.

On a recent Saturday, Kiersten’s home was the stage for a show presented to the dancers’ parents. Proceeds from the show and the sale of snacks totaled $50.36. The money was then donated to the SPCA.

Kiersten’s father, Chad, is an engineer with Buchard Horn. Her mother, Lori Stover, volunteered at the SPCA for several years while attending West York Area schools. She now teaches at Northeastern Senior High School.

Kiersten wants to vounteer at the SPCA when she gets older. She also hopes to play volleyball for West York.

Those wishing to donate to the SPCA may send a check to the York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA 17402. To volunteer, call (717) 764-6109.

My Organic Market (MOM), the Washington/Baltimore metro area's homegrown organic grocery chain, has expanded the MOM's family to include a new pet food store named Mighty Healthy Pet in College Park, MD.

Mighty Healthy Pet, which opened Saturday (April 26), offers a variety of holistic and organic foods and treats for dogs, cats, and small animals.

In addition to a large variety of raw frozen dog and cat diets, wellness products including supplements and natural grooming aids are also offered. Unique toys and accessories, such as hemp toys and organic cotton beds, round out the eco-friendly assortment.

For more information about Mighty Health Pet and directions to the store, please visit: www.mightyhealthypet.com.

Raegan Franz of Springettsbury Township collected donations for the animals at the York County SPCA in honor of her fifth birthday.

Alex Keener of Conewago Township collected donations for the homeless animals at the York County SPCA.

Abbey James of West Manchester Township collected items for the York County SPCA as a community service school project for Trimmer Elementary School.

Daniel Miner collected donations for the York County SPCA as a community service school project for Trimmer Elementary School.

Rachael Blaine of Manchester Township collected York County SPCA wish-list items to celebrate her ninth birthday.

Xavier and Orion Musti of Springettsbury Township presented the York County SPCA with donations collected in honor of a birthday party.

Mariah Reyes of West Manchester Township collected wish-list items for the York County SPCA as a school project.

Chloe Smith of West Manchester Township performed a community service project by collecting items throughout her neighborhood to benefit the York County SPCA.

Students from Conewago Elementary/Lincoln Intermediate Unit - (N. I.) collected 212 rolls of paper towels for the York County SPCA. The students are pictured with SPCA volunteers and staff.

Christian and Nicholas Quattrocchi of York Township donated proceeds from a lemonade stand and e-mailing weather reports to family and friends to benefit the York County SPCA.

Emma Flaharty of Windsor collected donations and money in honor of her seventh birthday to benefit the York County SPCA.

From the Associated Press:

You see an emaciated cat in a neighbor’s window or hear a dog crying night after night. How do you know when it needs your help?

You won’t know for sure, but an expert will.

Humane law enforcement officers say you should always err on the side of calling for help if you are worried about an animal, even if it feels funny to tattle on a neighbor.

There’s no simple checklist what counts as animal cruelty or neglect. Not only do laws differ in different places, but breeds and even individual animals vary in need and circumstance. It often takes an expert to assess the situation.

Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) needs volunteers for its phone committee helpline.

Phone committee staff members remotely retrieve messages and return calls one night a week -- a commitment which takes approximately one or two hours per week.

If you enjoy talking on the phone, have access to e-mail and believe in the importance of spaying and neutering, call (717) 732-LESS and leave your name and contact information in Mailbox 2.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement will be canvassing York County the week of April 22.

State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. The fee is $6.50 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8.50 for other dogs. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4.50 for spayed or neutered dogs and $6.50 for others.

Violators will be cited. The maximum fine is $300 per violation plus court costs.

Rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and any cat (that enters a human dwelling) over three months of age. The maximum fine per violation of the rabies law is $300.

All dogs must be under control and are not permitted to run at-large. Complaints may be reported to State Dog Law Enforcement Officer Cathy McKinney at (717) 259-8651.

Dog Licenses may be purchased at the following locations:

For details, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Sam Jefferis of Windsor Township celebrated a recent birthday by collecting donations for the York County SPCA.

The Central PA Animal Alliance and the York County SPCA have joined forces to continue efforts to reduce the number of homeless animals in Central Pennsylvania through low-cost spay/neuter programs.

"We are reaching out to veterinarians who are willing to perform both canine and feline surgeries at our shelter surgery center, as well as off-site; and also to volunteers who can help transport animals to the off-site facilities, said York County SPCA Executive Director Melissa Smith. "We are grateful that CPAA has stepped forward to benefit the YCSPCA in its mobile veterinary hospital, as well as provide surgery appointments through its own spay/neuter program."

For details, visit www.ycspca.org, e-mail msmith@ycspca.org or call (717) 764-6109.

Tax-deductible monetary donations may be sent to York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, Pa. 17406.

For details on CPAA, visit www.cpaa.info.

From Best Friends Animal Society:

For many people and their pets, the current mortgage crisis is every bit as devastating as a natural disaster.

Across the country, animals are being found abandoned in foreclosed homes. Other pet owners who’ve fallen victim to the subprime mortgage mess, finding themselves just days or even hours from being homeless, are desperately trying to find someone to take in the furry and feathered members of their families. Some have tearfully left their pets at shelters, not knowing what would become of them, but believing they could at least give them some chance of being adopted.

“We’re seeing more and more cases of people leaving their homes and dropping the dog off at the shelter and the cat in the local park,” says Michael Mountain, president of Best Friends Animal Society. “Sometimes they even just tie the dog up outside and drive off.”

It is never OK to leave the family pet to fend for himself. Many people have been calling Best Friends’ Animal Help department for advice on how to keep their pets as they weather the economic storm. Department manager Liz Finch says she’s seeing an increase in calls and e-mails from people facing foreclosure.

Shelby is coming home Wednesday! The family had raised about $1,500, and the emergency clinic agreed to donate the rest of the funds needed to meet the $3,000.

Editor's note: Melissa Smith of the York County SPCA has been bombarded with inquiries about this story, and would like folks to know -- This story is true, Shelby is in an SPCA foster home and her owner DOES need to raise $3,000 to get her back.

This is a scenario that I know frightens a lot of pet owners. What happens if your pet needs expensive surgery or treatments, and you simply don't have the funds available?

The Herrmann family's sheltie, Shelby, got out of their Dallastown yard and, witnesses say, was purposely run over by someone in a Ford Bronco. Shelby required extensive surgery, costing thousands of dollars.

The Herrmanns are a one-income family, and cannot afford to pay that amount, so they had to sign Shelby over to the emergency clinic, which then turned Shelby over to the York County SPCA. The SPCA took care of Shelby's surgery, and the Herrmanns can get Shelby back if they can pay for the cost of the surgery ($3,000). Otherwise, Shelby will be put up for adoption.

The Herrmanns have created a donations website, www.lovingshelby.com, to try to raise the needed money. If everyone reading this can give even a little bit, it will help them get their sweet baby back!

From The Washington Post:

Earth Day (April 22) is a good time to think about ways you might reduce your pet’s carbon paw print.

Owners who use eco-friendly products and services also want them for their pets, according to Angela Torrey, director of marketing communications for The Bramton Co. Her firm, which is based in Dallas, specializes in producing pet waste management products including stain and odor removal formulas made from all-vegetable ingredients. Here are a few tips from Torrey and other pet experts:

Look for pet products made from recycled materials. The Web site www.worldwise.com features bed designs for cats or dogs filled with recycled fiber-fill blend made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

The cardboard cat scratching box in their line is constructed of recycled materials and is sprinkled with certified organic catnip.

Make sure product packaging of any pet items you buy is totally recyclable.

Plastic grocery or newspaper bags can be reused to pick up pet waste. Even better: biodegradable bags.

Adopt a pet from a shelter instead of paying big for a designer breed.

Consider hemp, which contains no harmful dyes, for pet clothing and collars.

Use a glass or ceramic food dish rather than plastic; it will last longer.

(Also, pets can be allergic to plastic, which means plastic bowls can cause skin problems, especially around the face and chin. -- Rose)

Take your dog for a walk to the post office or grocery store; pets need the exercise, and you will save on gas.

The York Daily Record is in search of caregivers. If you are in charge of caring for an elderly or disabled friend, relative, neighbor or animal, we’d like to hear from you.

Send a brief message about what type of caregiving you do. Include a photo of yourself in action, along with your name, age, the municipality in which you live and a daytime phone number.

Submissions can be sent to York Daily Record/Sunday News c/o Jennifer Vogelsong, 1891 Loucks Road, York, PA 17408; or e-mailed to jvogelsong@ydr.com.

Deadline for submissions is April 21.

The new Panasonic PetCam lets you keep an eye on how your pets are doing from almost anywhere. Use your computer, cell phone or PDA to check in on them.

Find out more at seemypetcam.com.

From Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance:

Mount Gretna, PA – Due to “Oprah Fever” following Ms. Winfrey’s recent show exposing the horrors of puppy mills, a local CPAA affiliate animal rescue is being inundated with placement requests for former puppy mill dogs from several breeding mills. While this is wonderful news for the animals, it brings an unprecedented urgency for help from the public in various ways.

A Tail To Tell Inc. is accepting 52 dogs this week and another 35 over the weekend – all of various ages and genders. The animals include several Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkipoos, Maltipoos, an Eskipom mix (male), a Blue Heeler (male), a Golden Retriever (female), a Husky (female), an 8-week-old Malamute puppy missing part of a leg, Cocker-Puggles and Poodles.

Foster help is needed! Potential adoptees are needed! Transportation assistance is needed! Supplies are needed! Tax-deductible monetary donations may be sent to “A Tail To Tell”, PO Box 524, Mount Gretna, PA 17064. To complete foster and adoption applications, or for more information about A Tail To Tell”, visit www.atailtotell.com. For serious inquiries only, please call Cindy at (717) 964-1309.

Dog Scouts of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership, the important role of the human/canine bond and to challenge people and dogs to learn how to better serve each other.

It is the DOG that becomes a Dog Scout, so the individual at the loop end of the leash can be an adult or a child. They have programs for all ages!

Much like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, Dog Scouts can earn badges and attend camp. They also have uniforms! (See photo above.)

There are troops all across the U.S.; click here to find a troop near you. Or, you can start your own troop.

In honor of her eighth birthday, Sarah Otto of West Manchester Township held her birthday party at the York County SPCA and collected items for the shelter’s wish list.

A state-by-state compilation of all the continuing-education requirements for veterinarians is available at www.dogsadversereactions.com/CE.shtml.

The chart also shows continuing-education requirements for licensed vet techs and human doctors.

By Denise Flaim, Newsday:

E-mails have been making the rounds complaining about “breedist” requirements at PetSmart “doggie day care” facilities.

Indeed, the company says outright that its PetsHotel and Dog Day Camp programs do not welcome any dogs with a “bully breed” classification, which it defines as “American Pit Bull Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers or mixed breeds that have the appearance or characteristics of one of these breeds.”

It also retains the right to reject individual dogs of any breed.

“I will no longer patronize them in any way -- and have written them to tell them so,” wrote one irate cross-poster. “On the Web site, there is a ‘contact us’ capability to send an e-mail. I thought a good name for them would be PetStupid, and told them that was what I would call them from now on... ”

Makes good sense to me -- judge each dog individually, as opposed to making sweeping generalizations about breeds. After all, there are some well-socialized, dog-loving pits and pit mixes out there, just as there are killer chihuahuas.

Also troubling to me, as someone who is very careful to avoid overvaccination, is that PetSmart requires dogs in these programs to be vaccinated for parainfluenza, a vaccine that the American Animal Hospital Association calls “noncore” (read: unnecessary), in its 2006 canine vaccination guidelines.

From ydr.com:

The American Kennel Club is warning pet owners and breeders nationally about a rise in dog thefts in recent months, according to a news release.

More dogs were stolen in the first three months of 2008 than during the same period last year, the Kennel Club reports on its Web site.

The organization cites cases this year of armed robbers entering breeders' homes to steal their dogs, puppies taken and stuffed into purses at pet stores, and most recently, purebred pets being snatched from cars in parking lots and shelters.

"The value of pets in people's lives has been on the rise for a long time, and now we are seeing thieves trying to capitalize on this," Kennel club spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said in a news release.

"Whether they seek to resell the dog, collect a ransom or breed the dogs and sell their offspring, thieves seem to be attuned to the increased financial and emotional value pets have in our lives," she added.

York County has had several purebred puppies and dogs stolen in the last two years, according to police reports.

The Kennel Club offers the following advice to prevent pet theft:

--- Don't let your dog off its leash

--- Don't leave your dog unattended in your yard

--- Keep the purchase price for your pet to yourself

--- Beware of home visits by potential puppy buyers

--- Never leave your dog in an unattended car.

For more information or safety tips, go to the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org.

In 2007, the 'artist' Guillermo Vargas Habacuc took a dog from the street, tied him to a rope in an art gallery, and starved him to death.

For several days, the 'artist' and the visitors of the exhibition watched the shameful 'masterpiece' based on the dog's agony until, eventually, the dog died.

Does it sound like art to you?

But that's not all ... the prestigious Visual Arts Biennial of the Central American decided that the 'installation' was actually art, so that Guillermo Vargas Habacuc has been invited to repeat his cruel action for the biennial of 2008.

PLEASE HELP STOP HIM. Sign the petition.

Find out more

From Reuters.com:

A pet duck named Circles, shot and wounded by a neighbor with a pellet gun, has received an order of protection to keep it safe, the first duck in New York state's Suffolk County to benefit from such an order.

Read more...

Selling for around $20, "Poochie Bells" loop around your doorknob, dangling within reach of your dog, so he can let you know when he has to go out.

Find out more at
www.poochie-pets.net.

Oprah Winfrey's show today (Friday, April 4) will investigate puppy mills.

Oprah plans to dedicate the show investigating abuses at puppy mills to her cocker spaniel, Sophie, who died last month from kidney failure.

The show features special correspondent Lisa Ling investigating puppy mills, which Ling calls "horrific" and "haunting."

Winfrey said the show is "for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment."

While Sophie was not a product of a puppy mill, and Winfrey's three current dogs were adopted from breeders, Winfrey says in the future she would look to adopt from an animal shelter.

"I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show," she said.

For details, visit www2.oprah.com or Best Friends Network

The 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com web site is setting up an online database on which people can offer to provide foster care for animals.

"It can work if it's done properly and the people who are fostering the animals understand they are providing a temporary home," said David Meyer, president of the nonprofit adoption group.

More than 5,000 animal shelters post pets for adoption on the Save-A-Pet site.

A Texas man is facing charges for selling liquor without a license after he was found peddling bottles of vodka containing dead baby rattlesnakes.

Bob Popplewell, who runs "Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch," a tourist attraction west of Fort Worth, was believed to be selling the vodka in the Asian community, where snakes are seen having aphrodisiac properties, state authorities said.

Popplewell faces misdemeanor charges for not having a liquor license but will not be charged over the 10-inch (25-cm) baby snakes in the bottles.

The York County SPCA spends thousands of dollars caring for sick and injured animals that come to the shelter. You can help by making a contribution to the SPCA's Second Chance Fund, which is reserved specifically for injured or sick animals.

For details, call the SPCA at (717) 764-6109 or visit www.ycspca.org.

The York County SPCA has partnered with Hill's Science Diet to provide complimentary pet food for shelter animals.

Therefore, any pet food received as donations will be used for the SPCA's Chow for Our Pals program. The program provides food to pet owners who are on a limited income or are temporarily experiencing financial problems because of job loss and/or illness.

The York County SPCA has two satellite shelters where you can visit with SPCA pets available for adoption.

PetSmart, 351 Loucks Road, Manchester Township, houses up to 10 cats at the store and allows the SPCA to bring dogs to the store once a month.

Morgan's Paws, 305 Hill St., York, houses up to six cats for the SPCA.

If you own a local business and would like to partner with the York County SPCA to feature pets for adoption, call Melissa Smith at (717) 764-6109, ext. 126, or e-mail msmith@ycspca.org.

York Suburban Middle School has formed a club to help the York County SPCA.

The club, named Crafts and Activities for the SPCA, recently raised $408 to benefit the animals at the SPCA.

From Petside.com:

Pet owners have unique needs when choosing a family vehicle. 14 million dogs and 3 million cats travel every year with their owners on vacation. And millions more ride in the car with their owners every day.

Click here to see which car models earned the highest marks for pets.

From Dogs Deserve Better:

What if someone wanted to prove that they could drive to any state and in the space of a few hours easily find, photograph, and videotape a minimum of 10 dogs spending their lives at the end of a chain? And what if they decided to test this theory by going on the road on a whirlwind 12-state tour, spending only one day per state, including finding the dogs, driving to the next state, securing lodging, possibly speaking, meeting media, and creating videos? And what if ,at the end of each day, they uploaded pictures and videos of their findings in that state on that day for the nation to share in the truth of what is going on in our country's backyards?

And what if one day two women decided to make all these 'what ifs' a reality? The result is The Dognamic Duo's 12/12/120 Tour (12 states, 12 days, 120 dogs).

From Team NestleBestly:

Success of the PawsAbilities event, held annually at the State Farm Show Complex, has grown tremendously the past three years since the addition of the Keystone DockDogs. DockDogs has become the premier canine sports spectacle.

This was the year that Angie Jones hoped Nestle, her Chocolate Labrador Retriever, would make his mark by proving his versatility at PawsAbilities.

Editor's note: Even though the crisis has been avoided for now, this shelter (and many other shelters) can always use financial aid, as well as donations of supplies. It costs an amazing amount of money to house, feed and get medical attention for all those homeless animals!

From Hillside SPCA:

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU...

YOUR generosity has kept the doors of the Hillside OPEN!!

Several things had converged in recent weeks to bring the Hillside to the brink of a financial crisis. The fate of over 300 animals hung in the balance, because, without the Hillside, they had NO place to go (breed rescues and other shelters just couldn't absorb that many more animals).

Today, they are SAFE because of your heartfelt and amazing response to our plea. Children gave their allowances, people gave every penny they could even though they are experiencing difficult financial times themselves, companies from throughout the community got involved -- and the response was unbelievable. You made it clear you wanted to save these animals and this very important safe haven for them, and you did. The entire staff of the shelter has been in tears (of joy) over the response to the crisis and our plea.

From Petfinder.com:

Rabbits symbolize Easter, and lots of people adopt one for their kids at this time of the year. Unfortunately, too many bunnies end up in shelters after Easter.

Learn more about rabbits and the special care they require before adopting one.

Horse Nation magazine will help you learn how to best support and understand your equine friends.

For details or to subscribe, visit www.horsenation.info or call (800) 828-6423.

Project R&R's goal is "release and restitution for chimpanzees in U.S. laboratories."

Tom is one chimp who has been released. With gray hair, a freckled face, and a large body, he is a likeable fellow. His caregivers describe Tom as a gentle giant, and say he is likely to remind you of a dear old uncle.

Born in Africa, Tom was ripped from his family and spent 30 years in labs where he was infected with HIV. He endured over 369 knockdowns, 56 punch liver biopsies, one open-liver wedge biopsy, three lymph node biopsies and three bone marrow biopsies. In the lab, Tom was plagued by intestinal parasites, and often had diarrhea and no appetite. When he had strength, he banged constantly on his cage.

The very first time he had been without bars around him in many years, Tom ran without hesitation to the tallest tree and began to climb. From high up in the tree tops, without bars or walls, he sat – handsome, proud, dignified. Thanks to the Fauna Foundation, Tom has a second chance.

Unlike most chimpanzees whose feet are dark or black, Tom has a pink, scarred foot as a result of an injury. Tom is fully aware of this difference between him and other chimpanzees.

One afternoon, Tom refused his usual choices of colorful paints, canvas and brush, and instead insisted on having a jar of black paint. Tom dipped his fingers into the jar and methodically applied the black paint to his pink foot, working slowly and carefully to cover every trace of pink. Finally, he stopped, having successfully returned his foot to a “normal” chimpanzee color.

Tom will be a featured chimpanzee in Project R&R’s soon-to-be-released ad campaign to spread the word about the hundreds of others who are waiting for their own release and restitution.

Read more about Tom and other chimps who inspired the dedication of Project R&R.

Some happy couples are using their wedding day to show their love for animals by foregoing small thank you trinkets to guests in favor of donating to the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Zoo. In return, AHS/Popcorn Park gives the couples attractive cards that explain that the newlyweds have made a generous donation, and that guests can use the cards for one free admission to Popcorn Park Zoo.

The happy couple also receives packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds to be used as table favors or given as thank-you gifts. The back of the seed packets contain the contact information for Associated Humane Societies and have a small inscription: "Seeds represent a new beginning, a hope that life will start again with the promise of beauty and peace. Like a seed, the Humane Society brings the promise of a new life to many animals who have know little joy or comfort. Please plant these seeds and watch them grow with our best wishes and please help us create a better life for many unfortunate animals through your support."

Since the program began in November 2007, five newlywed couples have chosen to contribute to the animals in AHS' care by taking part in this new program.

Couples who want to learn more about this innovative donation program can call program coordinator Debbie Beyfuss at (973) 824-7080 or e-mail associatedhumane@aol.com. For more information on the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Zoo, visit www.ahscares.org.

From MSNBC.com:

One year after contaminated pet food killed potentially thousands of dogs and cats, few safety measures have gone into effect.

While pet food safety legislation has been passed and an industry commission has made recommendations to improve the safety and quality standards for pet food, some critics say the efforts, even when they are fully implemented, may not amount to much more than the fox guarding the hen house.

Read more...

From Philadelphia Inquirer:

From New York to Indiana to Georgia, desperate animal-rescue groups regularly turned to the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary near Pittsburgh and its promise of lifetime care for unwanted cats that likely would have been euthanized in overcrowded shelters.

In the last year, thousands of cats, some feral, many others once family pets, have been shipped hundreds of miles to what their rescuers thought was a safe haven.

But the reality, revealed in a nighttime raid led by the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania SPCA last week, was anything but safe.

A 120-member team of shelter workers, police, veterinarians and volunteers descended on the property, 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, on Thursday night after a seven-month undercover investigation and found hundreds of sick and dying cats, 105 cat carcasses in freezers, and a fresh burial pit.

From Alley Cat Allies:

I am so thrilled to share the news with you about the cats in Chantilly, VA ,and Randolph, IA, that were saved this week. With your quick and committed help, the threat has passed for the cats in both communities.

The Humane Society of Harford County has launched a new program, Free Feline Fix, aimed at controlling the county's surplus cat population.

From March 1 through June 30, HSHC is offering a certificate good for one free feline spay or neuter surgery, a rabies vaccination and one topical flea control application. The certificate is only valid at participating veterinary offices.

There is a limit of three certificates per family, or until the funds are gone.

Households in Harford County that want to obtain certificates should call HSHC at (410) 836-1090, ext. 102.

From ASPCA:

On Friday, March 7, the ASPCA issued a press release urging the United States Marine Corps to release the findings of its investigation of a video clip that appeared last week on several popular Internet sites. The grainy video shows a member of the military—seemingly a Marine—flinging a puppy across a rocky landscape.

The video caused public outcry, and was featured on television news programs and covered by major news agencies, including the Associated Press. Although audio irregularities have caused some question about the video’s authenticity, the USMC has gone on record, deeming its content "deplorable" in a March 5 statement.

From Alley Cat Allies:

A town in Iowa has just announced a bounty on outdoor cats. The mayor of Randolph, Iowa, has instituted a $5 bounty payment on the “catching and delivering of live cats to the mayor.”

Once turned in, the cats will be taken to a local vet and killed.

Mayor Vance Trively is encouraging all residents to take part. Any cat who cannot easily be identified as an owned cat will be killed. The plan is inhumane and ineffective, and it could result in the surrendering of neighborhood pets.

As expected, the citizens of Randolph are very concerned about this new plan and have been expressing their views on the community website -- remarking on both the inhumane approach and the danger to town pets.

Alley Cat Allies has spoken to the mayor and requested an immediate stop to the bounty and implementation of Trap-Neuter-Return. The group has urged the town to put an end to this cruel program.

Click here to contact the mayor of Randolph, IA, and express your outrage at the cat bounty.

From Alley Cat Allies:

Monday night, residents of the Meadows of Chantilly in Fairfax, Virginia came home to find a letter announcing the decision to hire a pest control company to trap and kill the more than two hundred cats. Most of the cats have been spayed or neutered in Alley Cat Allies' Northern Virginia Spay/Neuter Clinic. This decision broke the management’s earlier public promise that they would meet with all of the involved parties before making a decision on the fate of the local cats.

Alley Cat Allies is truly disappointed with this announcement. We have left multiple messages and faxed a letter to the property manager, Equity Lifestyle Properties, urging them to postpone any trapping and to meet with us face-to-face. We are offering our humane, effective services at no cost to them.

Many residents tell us how much they truly care about these cats and consider them part of the community. We are fighting for these cats, whose lives are in imminent danger.

Click here to send a letter to the Meadow's of Chantilly management company voicing your opposition.

Snuppy the Afghan Hound, the world's first dog cloned from adult cells by somatic nuclear cell transfer, is pictured March 12 during a photo call at Seoul National University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

A South Korean biotech company is offering dog owners the chance to clone their pet through a service that can cost up to $148,000 for a puppy.

RNL Bio, affiliated with the South Korean lab that produced the world's first cloned canine, expects to deliver its first cloned dog in about a year to a U.S. woman in her 50s who saved biological material from her beloved pit bull that recently died.

More info and photos on Reuters.com.

At PoliticalPetStore.com, you can buy pet stuff to support Democrat or Republican political views.

Here's a sampling of what you'll find there:

The Maryland SPCA has opened a spay/neuter clinic, which now serves pit bulls and cats -- animals who often find their way into shelters.

Pit-Fix is a new Maryland SPCA program available to low-income pit bull owners, and Fix-Able is open to low-income cat owners.

The SPCA will also continue to serve feral cats through its Feral-Fix program and help rescue groups through Fix-Em.

For details on the spay/neuter programs, call (410) 235-8826, ext.140; e-mail fixem@mdspca.org or visit www.mdspca.org.

Volunteers are building a brick sidewalk in front of the York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA, using personalized bricks. To obtain a brick for a $100 donation, click here.

Request your bricks by March 30 to ensure that the bricks are included in the spring installation.

A new pet store recently opened in the Red Lion area.

Pets 'N' You is at 673 Lombard Road, Cape Horn Square Center, Red Lion, PA. Phone number is (717) 246-1981

The shop's owner described it as 7,000 square feet of full-line pet supplies and happy, healthy companion animals -- family owned and operated.

Looking for something different for your dog?

Try "Songs to Make Dogs Happy," a music CD for dogs, created by Skip Haynes and Dana Walden of Laurel Canyon Animal Co.

The CD was tested for more than 2 years by individuals, rescue groups for its rehabilitation and entertainment attributes for both dogs and dog lovers.

Find out more

From the Associated Press:

If you’re considering a pet snake, here is some advice from experts:

BEFORE YOU BUY

— Check your local regulations; they vary widely from place to place.

— Make sure you know the adult size of the species that you’re buying if it’s a juvenile.

— Buy captive-bred snakes. It’s better for the planet, and better for the health of you and your pet - wild-caught reptiles carry more diseases and parasites.

HOUSEKEEPING

— Choose an escape-proof enclosure and provide clean water and a hiding place. Newspaper is an easy and inexpensive substrate.

— Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning their bodies are the temperature of the environment around them. This means that if its gets too cold, they die. You’ll have to supply a safe heat source (pet stores sell undercage heat pads and heated rocks) and leave part of the cage unheated so the snake can choose a comfortable temperature. Monitor the enclosure’s temperature with a thermometer, and have a plan for a power failure.

— Snakes shed their skin regularly. Shedding is hampered by lack of humidity, so mist the cage with water when the snake is in shed and/or provide a hide box with a moist substrate. Some will soak themselves in a bowl of water if it’s big enough.

— Always wash your hands after handling a pet reptile.

EATING HABITS

— How do you feel about whole dead mice? That’s what most snakes will need to be fed. Frozen mice must not only be defrosted but also warmed up.

— Don’t overfeed. Snakes should be fed once a week or less. Don’t handle your snake for a couple of days after feeding or it may regurgitate.

— Since your snake eats infrequently, its cage will need to be cleaned infrequently, but do clean promptly. Note that snakes don’t produce liquid urine but instead pass solid white urates, similar to bird droppings.

Snake care sheets for common species are available at www.anapsid.org/mainsnakes.html.

From Alley Cat Allies:

The future is looking brighter for the cats of Cape May, N.J.

For weeks, Alley Cat Allies has been working to stop a misguided plan that would have led to the trapping and killing of many of Cape May’s outdoor cats. We organized dozens of local supporters to rally in front of Cape May’s City Hall and presented a petition to the City Council signed by over 9,000 supporters nationwide.

And our efforts paid off. Yesterday, the city of Cape May, N.J., promised to protect the lives of outdoor cats by continuing the city’s Trap-Neuter-Return program.

From Los Angeles Times:

Cat owners are often fiercely loyal to their furry companions -- and such devotion may be rewarded in a surprising way: Owning a cat may lower one’s risk of dying from a heart attack.

Non-cat owners appear to have a 40 percent higher risk of dying from myocardial infarction than those who do have a cat, according to a study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference last month in New Orleans. Researchers examined the data of 4,435 people from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. (Dogs didn’t factor into the findings because fewer participants owned them.)

“The big question is,” says lead author Dr. Adnan Qureshi, executive director of the Minnesota Stroke Institute, “is this the direct effect of having a cat or a variable of people who own cats?”

From Last Chance for Animals:

LCA has been notified of a very disturbing video showing a smiling U.S. Marine in Iraq throwing a puppy off a cliff. LCA fully supports U.S. troops and believes this situation does not reflect on U.S. soldiers that are doing their best and putting their lives on the line. However, the act of a U.S. soldier committing animal cruelty is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.

"This video that everyone has seen is atrocious. U.S. Marine David Mortari and the unidentified Marine in the video are absolute cowards and a disgrace to the men and women of this country who valiantly defend the U.S. There is absolutely no excuse for this behavior. These two men shouldn't be wearing the uniform. I demand that these individuals be held responsible for such a despicable and cowardly act.

When a U.S. soldier is representing America overseas and during war time, it is crucial for any heinous act to be fully investigated. LCA demands for elected officials to put pressure on the military to do a complete and thorough investigation. The correlation between cruelty to animals and cruelty to humans has been proven time and time again. These Marines must be punished." states LCA President Chris DeRose.

Chris DeRose's video statement:

Cape May’s outdoor cats are in serious danger. Passage of proposed Beach Management Plan on the table will mean the end to Trap-Neuter-Return. Instead, the outdoor cats will be caught and killed.

Despite much outcry, the City Council still plans to vote on the plan on March 4. This is a death sentence for outdoor cats.

The city is in a terrible predicament. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are essentially holding an unrelated program hostage until the city council approves a flawed, ineffective beach-management plan that would lead to the trapping and killing of the local stray and feral cats.

Alley Cat Allies is leading the grassroots campaign to stop this cruel program from becoming law. You can be a part of this movement:

First, sign the petition to the Cape May city council to resist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pressure to kill cats. Your signature will show that you care about the cats of Cape May.

Next, help Alley Cat Allies expose this issue on a large scale by attending a Rally and City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 4 in Cape May. E-mail alleycat@alleycat.org to let Alley Cat Allies know you are attending.

The Rally starts at noon Tuesday, March 4, outside Cape May's City Hall, 643 Washington St., Cape May, NJ.

The City Council meeting starts at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, in the City Hall auditorium.

This is Judy, a 7-year-old tri-color beagle that spent her entire life outside in a pen. Lucky for her, she's at the Hillside SPCA now, where she will be loved and adored until she finds an INSIDE home.

Judy needs a Guardian Angel to help with costs of surgery for a mammary tumor, likely the result of not being spayed and having puppies.

Judy needs this tumor removed; Hillside's hope is to have that surgery for her, at which time she will also be spayed, thereby ending her exposure to the heart-breaking cycle of unwanted litters and health issues resulting from remaining intact.

Judy and daughter Jolie, both at Hillside, are happy-go-lucky gals and deserve a good life.

Find out more

Juno was diagnosed with pulmonary stenosis, which means that she was born with a valve in her heart that is too small to pump blood properly. She seems fine now, running and playing, but as she grows, her heart will not be able to keep up. If untreated, two thirds of pups with this condition don't make it to their first birthday.

Surgery is expected to cost between $2,000 and $3,000 and there is 75 percent chance she will be perfectly healthy after.

Read more about Juno

From Dogs Deserve Better:

On Friday (Feb. 22), Tammy Grimes was sentenced to 300 hours community service for a "people organization." She was also ordered to pay for the cost of the trial. (Note: this is not court costs, but trial costs, two different things. Trial cost covers the jurors lunches, the sheriff's wages, and the bus driver's salary.) This was justified by the judge because she said that Grimes chose to go to trial over ARD, therefore she should have to pay for it. Isn't it every person's right to go to trial? Does that right come with a price tag? Interestingly enough, according to Grimes' attorneys, this is RARELY done. The costs were around $1,700.

She was also ordered within 10 days to take everything Doogie-related off of any site she "has control or influence over." We will be appealing most, if not all, of the sentencing ASAP.

From Dogs Deserve Better:

Tammy Grimes will be sentenced Friday, February 22 at 11a.m. in Courtroom 1 at the Blair County Courthouse, 423 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA.

If you can come early and bring a sign to protest her conviction and the continued inadequacies of the Blair County Court system, it would be much appreciated. Any questions, please call the office at (814) 941.7447.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support during this ordeal with and for Doogie, who truly did deserve better.

Find out more about the case at www.dogsdeservebetter.com.

From Hillside SPCA:

Sixty cats, many blind -- 10 dead and more dying -- abandoned in a home and living in three inches of feces, without food or water -- this is what Hillside staff and rescuers found when they responded to a call from the landlord of a rental property in Auburn, PA, on Friday.

From information the neighbors can supply, a woman lived in the property with her deceased mother's cats, but abandoned them sometime last week leaving a note saying she couldn't care for them. The landlord had investigated when neighbors remarked they didn't see footprints to or from the house after a recent snowstorm. Upon finding the horrendous conditions, Hillside SPCA was contacted for assistance.

Becky Moyer, feline manager, believes the blindness many are suffering with is due to being kept in rooms where the windows were blocked from allowing in light. The shelter immediately supplied food and water, then started the rescue effort, removing some cats on Friday and continuing to remove and rescue more throughout the weekend.

Although it is believed the woman left the property and the cats a week or so ago, the condition of the animals shows clear evidence of extended neglect, with some being literally "skin and bones." Several of the animals were in such bad condition, they were humanely euthanized to end their suffering.

State Police have tracked the woman down and she will be facing cruelty to animal citations.

Sadly, this is not the first time -- and will not be the last time -- the Hillside has encountered animal hoarders and the wake of destruction they leave. The cost for this rescue can't have a price tag put on its head. The loss of life of these precious animals is only the tip of the iceberg. Starvation is a horrid, wretched, agonizing way to die -- and so many of these cats died that way. The abandonment by an owner causes fear and trauma that many times can't be easily, if ever, overcome.

The Hillside is already bursting at the seams with unwanted animals, now dozens more have decended on an already overcrowded facility. And not only the animals suffer physically and emotionally -- taking part in a rescue like this, seeing the pain and suffering these animals endured, and having to deal with the guilt and sadness torments rescuers. It can become overwhelming, dealing with the grief over the ones that cannot be helped. The hours are long and taxing, the conditions aren't fit for any living creature to be in, whether 2- or 4-legged, and the work feels endless.

There is initial care and triage, transportation to the shelter and veterinarians for those who need it. There is food and water, a warm bed and a hug for each and every one that comes through the door.

The budget is strained with all these extra animals needing help, the vet bills pile up quickly, and there are still the "regular" ones -- both already at the shelter and coming through the door in an endless stream -- who need attention, food, medical care, and love, too.

Please keep these animals in your prayers tonight. And if you can, won't you please send a donation -- whatever your budget will allow -- to help defray the high monetary cost of rescues like this latest in Auburn. We need you now more than ever.

Bless you, Lori -- Web Manager/List Manager

WNEP TV coverage

The Republican Herald coverage

A petition has been started on the Care2 Network to Ed Rendell, the Governor of Pennsylvania, to pardon an Altoona woman who was charged in December 2007 for trying to help a dying dog.

Tammy Grimes is the founder of Dogs Deserve Better, and she was called to help a dog that was chained up and neglected in someone's back yard. After several calls to the humane society went unanswered, she decided to take the dying dog off the property and get it much-needed veterinary care. As a result, she was charged for theft and receiving stolen property, and the owners of the dog went unpunished.

Please take a moment to sign the petition, but don't stop there. Forward it to anyone who you think would sign it.

Sign the petition

Learn more about it

By Wayne Parry, Associated Press:

CAPE MAY, N.J. — The cats vs. birds struggle in this Victorian seaside resort has come down to the carrot vs. the stick.

The carrot is a compromise that would preserve colonies of feral cats but move them away from beaches where endangered shore birds nest. The stick is the federal government’s threat to take away some of the city’s badly needed beach replenishment money if the city refuses to move the felines.

Fur and feathers may fly as the City Council could decide Tuesday night whether to approve moving the cats.

Don't miss the new Petfinder TV series at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), Saturdays on Animal Planet. Based on the success of Petfinder.com, the show will help match people with adoptable pets that suit their lifestyles.

For unseen footage, additional information on the week's show and upcoming episodes, visit the Petfinder Show site at www.petfinder.com/petfindershow.html.

From the Miami Herald:

MIAMI -- It was the stereotypical firefighters-try-to-rescue-cat story, but with a twist. Firefighters from the South Florida city of Weston spent a sopping hour in pouring rain Tuesday trying to extract a kitten squeezed in the undercarriage of a stranger's Volvo.

The crew tried jacking up the car and taking off a wheel, all for naught. The feline ducked out of reach at each attempt to grab it.

At some point, the cat escaped undetected, prompting the crew to spend another hour peering in bushes and scouring a Walgreens parking lot.

They finally gave up and headed back to the station, answering at least two more calls on their way.

Five hours after the saga began, the elusive cat reappeared: At the station, in their fire truck's rear wheel well.

This time, firefighters used chunks of meatloaf to try luring it out. It was unenticed, so the crew resorted to an ultimately successful three-pronged strategy: One firefighter poked the feline in the backside with a Slim Jim, another used a hose to force it into an open compartment so a third person could pull it out.

The feline was dirty but unharmed.

From Best Friends Animal Society:

Why rush out for those dime-a-dozen Valentine’s Day cards, when you can say what’s really in your heart?

And the best part is, your sweethearts will be tickled pink, too. That’s because your gift will make the whole world sweeter. How?

Sponsor an orphan pet from Best Friends Animal Society as a gift to dazzle your darlings this Valentine’s Day. Your $25 donation will bring new hope to once-lonely hearts here at the sanctuary.

From “Valentine, you Tug at my heartstrings” to “Your eyes sparkle like a Sapphire!” – it’s a fun and thoughtful way to say what’s in your heart this February 14th.

So put away your car keys, and meet the special pets who’ve cooked up 14-plus ways to help you say Happy Valentine’s Day.

Find out more...

Brittany Transport Team needs help getting three dogs to their new foster or forever homes.

Most of the transport is covered, but they still need drivers for the following two legs of the trip:

Saturday, Feb 16
Hagerstown, MD, to Mechanicsburg, PA (69 miles) (3 dogs) 5:00pm-6:10pm NEEDED

Mechanicsburg, PA, to Reading, PA (65 miles) (3 dogs) 6:25pm-7:30pm NEEDED

If you can help, contact:
Kathy Boje
Brittany Transport Team
Cell: (716) 949-2141
boje@buffalo.edu

See details of the transport below:

TRANS Sat&Sun Feb 16 & 17, 2008 Charlotte & Durham, NC to Holderness & North Sandwich, NH

Harper is a 35 lb, 7 year old, liver/white, UTD, neutered male brittany, who needs transport from his temp foster in NC to his NEBR-approved & screened foster home in North Sandwich, NH. Harper will be traveling with a collar, HARNESS, leash, food, bowls, and medical records & a health certificate.

Vikki, the toy poodle from York County, has taken Best of Breed at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show today.

The event is taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will culminate tonight with the awarding of Best of Show from among 2,600 dogs from across the U.S. and Canada.

Vikki is with her owner, Ron Scott of Warrington Township.

She will move on to the Toy Group competition at 7:30 tonight, which she won at last year's show. She will need to win that to compete for the ultimate prize of Best of Show.

More on the Westminster dog show:

Vikki heads to the city

Vikki comes up short

View slide show

From Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better:

On December 14, 2007, I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property for coming to the aid of this dog, who lay chained, unable to stand, and suffering in an East Freedom, Pennsylvania backyard.

Despite overwhelming evidence of cruelty on the part of the dog's caretakers, no charges were ever brought against them by either the humane officer or the police. A private criminal complaint filed by myself and Dogs Deserve Better languishes unaddressed on the desk of DA Richard Consiglio.

From Reuters.com:

More than 160 feral cats and kittens have been rescued from the site of the London 2012 Olympics as demolition work continues at a pace.

A local animal charity has been allowed access to the site to ensure the safety of the cats that have taken refuge in the various industrial buildings that are being bulldozed.

The Olympic Delivery Authority said Friday that 168 animals had been discovered and were now in the care of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.

The ODA, which has also re-housed newts, frogs and fish from the east London site, said demolition work was expected to be completed in March with construction on the main venues.

From "Brian" (not his real name), an undercover investigator for the Humane Society of the United States:

You probably saw the results of my most recent work. I was The HSUS investigator at the Hallmark Meat Packing Company slaughter plant in Chino, California. I was there for six awful weeks. Day after day, I witnessed -- and recorded -- the most horrifying cruelties inflicted on dairy cows.

Animals cannot talk. But they can scream. Their faces convey pain. Sadly, the only way to end this needless suffering is to make people aware that it's happening.

The slaughterhouse investigation landed with a wallop. It should have. Two days ago, the USDA shut down that slaughter plant. And from school cafeterias in more than two dozen states to the halls of Congress, reaction has been swift and calls for meaningful reform loud and clear.

The awful agonies of the animals who were mistreated at this plant were not in vain.

I was asked to write this note because investigations are one of the most powerful weapons that The Humane Society of the United States can bring to bear against the mistreatment of animals -- whether pets, wildlife, or farm animals. But it's costly work. It takes lots of time.

As I write this, I am about to undertake my next assignment. It's not easy to live a normal life with friends and family, only to disappear for weeks or months at a time when I get embedded in an investigation. But with your support and the knowledge that my work will save potentially thousands of animals from suffering, it's the most meaningful kind of quest I can imagine.

Find out more...

The Panasonic Pet Cam provides live video feed of your pet to your computer, cell phone or PDA.

Easy installation allows PetCam to be placed anywhere in your home, automatically detected by your home network and viewed on your PC without any additional software.

A camera-specific URL lets you view and operate the camera from any location on a PC or compatible cell phone from work, while on vacation or when running errands. (I think you can only get still photos of your pets on cell phones, but video on computers.)

For details, visit www.seemypetcam.com/cameras.

The cameras are available at Amazon.com, Target.com or at Target stores.

There are many dogs and puppies running out of time at the Mahoning County (Ohio) Dog Pound, which I've heard uses the heartstick method of euthanization.

View the dogs

For more on heartstick method of euthanization, see: Petfinder forums

SummitCare.org

Pryor's Planet.

Some of the info is from 2003 and 2006, so some of the issues might have been corrected by now.

Animal Rescue Foodbank of Central Pa. (ARF) is in desperate need of a 7,000-foot warehouse with a dock.

ARF supplies food, free of charge, to rescues and shelters in more than 10 states. Money saved by having food provided can be used for vetting, spaying and neutering of homeless animals.

The food bank cannot take on more rescues or shelters without a larger warehouse.

Those interested in donating a warehouse, being a corporate sponsor or offering a warehouse at a reduced monthly rent should call Carla Haynes at (717) 292-6025 for details.

Puppy Tails-Jorvik, 292 Dew Drop Road, York Township, is continuing “Harley’s Friends,” a benefit for the York County SPCA.

Those donating $5 at Puppy Tails for the SPCA will receive $5 off a $25 purchase. Some exceptions apply.

Puppy Tails will continue to be a drop-off location for donations to the SPCA.

Progressive auto insurance now offers injury coverage for dogs or cats riding in the car.

The pet injury coverage comes complimentary with your collision coverage; there's no extra charge. If your dog or cat is injured in an accident while riding with you, Progressive will pay up to $500 to help you with veterinary bills and medicine.

Currently, Pet Injury coverage is not available in North Carolina, New Hampshire and New York.

As an added bonus for being a Progressive auto insurance customer, you can also receive a 5 percent discount on a pet insurance policy from Embrace and Pets Best pet insurance companies.

Find out more...

We call them the Vicktory Dogs -- 22 pit bulls seized from ex-NFL star Michael Vick and placed in special care at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Visit www.bestfriends.org/vickdogs to follow their progress as they start new lives at the nation's largest refuge for abused and abandoned animals.

Watch the video

BAD RAP is working with 10 of the dogs taken from Michael Vick's home last spring. All 47 dogs were held in shelters at first, but later were released to sanctuaries and rescue groups across the country.

For details, visit http://www.badrap.org/rescue/vick/index.cfm

See videos of some of the dogs, with comments from their foster caregivers:

Overview

Jonny Justice

Hector

Ernie

Uba

From Yahoo News:

CHICAGO -- Forget about the lost furnishings and finances, the most pitiful victims of the subprime mortgage crisis rocking the United States are the family pets.

Shelters across the country have seen sharp upticks in the number of people giving up their pets in recent months because they have been forced out of their homes.

And -- more tragically -- neighbors, police and foreclosure agents are finding increasing numbers of pets left to fend for themselves in abandoned homes.

"We're finding too many animals who have starved to death," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Human Society of the United States.

While some people dump their pets on the street, others go so far as to lock the animal in a closet where their cries for help are harder to hear, she said.

It can take weeks for an animal to starve to death and desperate scratch and bite marks are usually found on doors and windows.

Read the rest of the story

In recognition of National Adopt-A-Pet Month, U-Stor-It Self-Storage will donate $5 for every new storage rental during the month of February to the Heavenly Paws Animal Shelter in North Codorus Township.

Founded in 2004, Heavenly Paws is dedicated to helping disabled and homeless animals. Owner Angeline Behrendt is continuing to work toward her dreeam of providing a full-service facility to help control the stray cat population and provide a safe home for animals seeking adoption.

U-Stor-It is supporting Behrendt’s effort to help increase community awareness through her education and referral services.

For details, call U-Stor-It North at (717) 840-9369 or U-Stor-It South at (717) 741-2202, or visit www.heavenlypaws.wordpress.com.

After the hell of Michael Vick's fighting ring, some of his dogs were rescued by an Oakland, Calif.-based group, Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls, and placed with foster families with the hope that they would eventually be placed in adoptive homes.

View the slide show

From Reuters.com:

MIAMI -- A cat survived a plane trip halfway across the United States after accidentally ending up in a suitcase, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Seth Levy's suitcase, in which 10-month-old tabby Gracie Mae stowed away, was mistakenly picked up by the wrong person after a 2½-hour plane trip from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Dallas-Fort Worth airport in Texas.

But the man who took the suitcase called the kitten's Florida home and spoke to Levy's wife, Kelly, of Palm Beach Gardens, and agreed to hold the cat until her husband could pick it up, the Sun-Sentinel newspaper said.

"Hi, you're not going to believe this, but I am calling from Fort Worth, Texas. And I accidentally picked up your husband's luggage, and when I opened the luggage a cat jumped out," Levy recalled the man telling her on the phone.

Watch the video

Dog breeder Elvin High has been found guilty of six summary counts of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count. Now he is awaiting sentencing, and we need you to ask the judge to take his history of cruelty and kennel violations under consideration. Sally Jane Needs Your Help On January 19th, a Lancaster County jury found dog breeder Elvin High guilty of six summary counts of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count. He is now awaiting sentencing.

Elvin High has a prior 2002 conviction of animal cruelty and, in May, the state Bureau of Dog Law revoked his kennel license for unsanitary conditions and poor maintenance.

Judge Louis J. Farina is expected to sentence High within the next 90 days. The sentencing investigation is likely to bring to light High's past history of neglect and abuse, and Assistant District Attorney Christine Wilson has requested that High be fined $1,000 and be prohibited from owning dogs for 3½ years, as allowed under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Cruelty Statutes.

Please contact Judge Farina and urge him to impose the maximum sentence for Elvin High's cruelty conviction, and request that he be prohibited from owning dogs for 3½ years. In addition, urge Judge Farina to issue forfeiture of the dogs held by the Humane League of Lancaster County.

Sally Jane, the French Bulldog whose charges were not upheld against High, has finally recuperated from the debilitating skin infection and overall poor condition which caused her removal from High's care. She has learned about sleeping on the sofa, begging for treats and cuddling with her doggie friends in her foster home.

Sally Jane deserves better than to be returned to the conditions in which she was found. Ask Judge Farina for her forfeiture to the Humane League of Lancaster County, so she can start her new life in a loving home.

Tell Judge Farina that Lancaster County takes animal cruelty charges seriously, and ask him to send a message to all of the breeders who think that animal cruelty and neglect are part of doing business.

Contact:
Hon. Louis J. Farina
President Judge
Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas
50 North Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

From Reuters.com:

MINSK -- Border guards in Belarus said on Wednesday they had foiled an attempt to smuggle 277 parrots into the ex-Soviet state -- aboard a bicycle.

Spokesman Alexander Tishchenko said the smuggler abandoned his bicycle and cargo -- contained in six cages -- and fled back over the border into Ukraine when confronted late on Tuesday at the crossing point of Dubki.

"The cages were fixed to an ordinary bicycle. The parrots were stuffed inside like sardines, 40 to 50 to a cage," he said. "You can imagine what it was like. This was sheer barbarism. Those poor birds."

Two birds had died. The rest were kept overnight at the border post, then handed over to veterinary inspectors with the eventual aim of offering them to pet shops in the country.

The Humane Society of Harford County in Fallston, MD, needs the following supplies:

For the dogs and puppies:

Toys & kongs (durable/washable)

Rawhides/pig ears/bones

Sweaters & bandanas

Exercise pens

The Humane Society of Harford County in Fallston, Md., has joined Hill's Pet Nutrition's Shelter Nutrition Partnership Program. Through this program, Hill's supplies HSHC with unlimited amounts of its Hill's Science Diet pet foods and only charges HSHC for shipping costs. HSHC will be standardizing its animals' diets by feeding only Hill's Science Diet brand wet and dry food.

The Shelter Nutrition Partnership helps shelter pets stay in their best health so they can be adopted quickly. Precisely balanced nutrition can make a dramatic difference for cats and dogs waiting to be adopted. Because the animals receive one brand of food, not only do they receive superior nutrition, but it also helps prevent intestinal problems and upset stomachs that occur from being fed many different donated brands.

Donations of food from the public must be from Hill's Pet Nutrition's product line; however, donations of cat and dog treats, dog biscuits, rawhides, chews, etc., can come from other brands. Any donations of food that are not Hill's brand will become part of HSHC's new food pantry to help families that are in need and having difficulty providing for a beloved pet.

Three Chihuahua puppies, born without front legs due to a genetic defect, now have what the North Shore Animal League calls “front-wheel drive.”

Venus, Carmen and Pablo, rescued by North Shore from a Virginia shelter, were equipped with two-wheeled carts that give them mobility.

The carts are fastened to the dogs with Velcro-held polar fleece padding for comfortable body support, and have lightweight foam wheels.

The carts were made by Eddie's Wheels, a company in the Berkshire Mountains village of Shelburne Falls, in western Massachusetts. The company designed the carts to be used for 10 minutes at a stretch. They eliminate some of the stress on their lower spines from walking on their hind legs and from the lack of proper posture, the animal welfare agency said.

Normal in every other way, the pups seem unaware of their disability and have accepted the challenge of their new carts much as they did the challenge to learn to balance themselves on their back legs, the League said.

The three now have a permanent home. They were adopted together by a North Shore Animal League veterinary technician.

Petside.com recently launched a "Pets with Disabilities" series. Check it out -- it contains helpful info on blind pets, deaf pets, and pets with other handicaps, as well as a video on pet rehabilitation, named "Road to Recovery."

The site also has lots of other videos, photos, blogs and news. The home page is at www.petside.com.

The Central PA Animal Alliance seeks help from the community to humanely reduce populations of free-roaming cats throughout our area. CPAA member organizations -- including Furry Friends Network, PAWS, Please Don’t Litter and Kitz and Katz Foundation -- need dedicated individuals to humanely trap cats, temporarily care for them before and after their spay/neuter appointments, and transport them to and from veterinarians or multi-cat clinics.

Most free-roaming domestic felines, commonly called “ferals,” are not truly wild but are instead strays, discarded pets or socialized neighborhood or barn cats. Through TNR, any free-roaming cat is spayed or neutered and returned to its original surroundings.

The average free-roaming unaltered female cat can produce up to three litters of four kittens each year. Cats processed through TNR programs cannot reproduce, leading to a decline in their population locally and regionally. In addition to preventing suffering and death among free-roaming and owned cats, TNR programs reduce stress on local animal shelters, lower taxpayer costs for animal control, and decrease wildlife predation.

Through TNR, cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped or ear–punched to identify their status as humanely managed free-roaming cats. In some cases, other services are provided, such as parasite treatments, distemper vaccines and testing for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

In addition to volunteers, CPAA member organizations engaged in TNR need funding to increase the number of surgeries performed, caretakers with private property able to accept the occasional relocated animal, and a wide range of supplies such as humane traps, paper towels, and gasoline gift cards.

For details, call (717) 348-0395 or e-mail christine@cpaa.info. CPAA is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization committed to ending the killing of cats and dogs as the means of animal population control. For more information please visit www.cpaa.info.

On Dec.18, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz arrested New Yorker Sarah Favorite on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony. If convicted, Favorite faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Favorite, a 25-year-old AIDS counselor, was arrested for beating her boyfriend’s cat at his East 86th Street apartment. The 17-year-old male Siamese, Yoda, suffered fractures, three broken legs and severe trauma from being beaten, throttled and slammed to the floor over a two-day period. Yoda was taken by his owner to a local animal hospital, where he was euthanized.

"Sadly, it is not at all unusual for pets to be used as pawns in domestic disputes,” said the ASPCA’s Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director, Humane Law Enforcement. “People will often harm a pet in order to intimidate or lash out at someone, because they know how much the pet is loved. This type of behavior is not restricted to specific classes or economic zones—it crosses all boundaries."

The ASPCA works with legislators across the country to enact state laws authorizing judges to issue protection orders for pets.

To learn how to report animal cruelty, visit the ASPCA's Report Cruelty section.

Celie needs transport to her New England Brittany Rescue-approved and screened foster home in North Sandwich, NH, from her temp foster in Kingsport, TN.

The local legs of the transport include one leg from Hagerstown, MD, to Mechanicsburg, PA (66 miles, 3:35 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12), and one from Mechanicsburg, PA, to Reading, PA (65 miles, 5:10 to 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12).

Celie is a 4-year-old spayed female. She is up-to-date on all shots, heartworm-negative, parasite-free and on preventative.

She is friendy with people and other dogs and will be traveling with health certificates, vet papers, leash and collar. She requires control at all times, as she has lots of Brittany energy.

Rescue responsible for Celie is New England Brittany Rescue, www.nebrittanyrescue.org.

10 minutes have been allowed between legs for transfer and potty breaks.

If you can help Celie get to safety, please e-mail jjcarol@wildblue.net. or call (218) 262-6304.

The National Geographic Channel’s new TV series, “Dogtown,” which features the work Best Friends Animal Society does for abused, neglected and abandoned dogs at the sanctuary in southern Utah, began Friday, Jan. 4.

In addition to meeting – and falling in love with – the dogs who’ve persevered through the worst that life can throw at them, viewers will get to know members of Best Friends’ dedicated Dogtown staff and witness the miracles they perform every day.

Episodes feature multiple story lines, with individual staff members helping each dog to face his or her own unique challenges.

National Geographic has produced three episodes, to air at 9 p.m. Fridays, Eastern time. If the series proves successful, additional episodes will be produced and broadcast.

Check your cable or satellite guide to find the National Geographic Channel.

Best Friends has also launched a Dogtown at Best Friends web page with fun features such as videos of your favorite Dogtown dogs and introductions to some of the staff members highlighted in the TV series. You can also download wallpaper for your desktop and send e-cards to your friends. Visit www.bestfriends.org/dogtown for details.

Editor's note: Melody is scheduled to compete this Saturday (Jan. 5) in the Arctic Air Games, at Bella Vista’s Indoor Training Center, 730 Mount Airy Road, Lewisberry, PA. The games begin at 11 a.m. Snow make-up date is Jan. 13. To view Melody’s schedule, awards and more photos, visit teammelody.com.

When Jeff and Tracy Love brought a puppy home from a West Manchester Mall pet shop a few years ago, they had no idea that their little black and white mixed boxer-Labrador pooch would become a superstar in a sport they’d never heard of.

But, as Jeff Love said when he looked back on it all, “you never know what life will bring.”

Since March, 2006, they have had to find room in their West Manchester Township home for about 70 awards from some 28 disc dog competitions their dog, Melody, has entered.

These events involve a dog catching thrown discs and returning them. Some competitions involve long 30- to 40-yard throws and catches; others use a series of shorter throws from different angles, often done as a set routine to musical accompaniment.

The Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance is seeking a Harrisburg-area “chrome shop mafia” to revamp its 24-foot mobile spay/neuter clinic van. The van needs some minor bodywork and a new coat of paint. It also needs the CPAA logo placed on it, since it still bears the phone number and logo of the previous owner.

CPAA’s Christmas wish is for local businesses to donate toward the cost of painting, graphics and/or wrap for the van, which is used to perform free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations throughout Central Pennsylvania. Businesses making such donations are invited to display their logo on the side of the CPAA van.

Please help brighten up the community by turning CPAA's clunker van into the ultimate “De-Sex in the City” machine. Call (717) 732-0611 or e-mail zella@cpaa.info for more details.

CPAA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to ending the killing of cats and dogs as the means of animal population control. For more information on CPAA and its programs, visit www.cpaa.info.

The Brickfish and PawsConnect.com "Who Would Your Pet Vote For?" $500 scholarship is open to students who are at least 14 years old. To be eligible for this award, you must submit a photo or video of your pet and tell which presidential candidate your pet would vote for and why.

For more information, visit www.fastweb.com.

Susquehanna Stray Animal Shelter of Red Lion (Lower Windsor Township) is closing down as of Dec. 31.

From Roxanne Smeltzer, the shelter's manager:

It is with great sadness that I must admit the time has come to face reality and close the shelter. This has been an extremely difficult decision for the Board, but one that is now necessary and has loomed on the horizon for the past 3 years.

The sole purpose of the shelter was to provide care, comfort and medical attention to injured, homeless and stray animals, with hopes of placing them in loving responsible homes. I believe we have done just that in the past.

After a review of the finances and difficulties in compliance with Commonwealth regulations, increasing costs etc. the Board voted unanimously to close the shelter as of 12/31/07. The shelter has operated with a deficit for the past two years, and is now facing the issues of stricter regulations, less funding, increasing costs, etc.

True to the purpose of "it is for the animals", the shelter will work through the closure in cooperation with the SPCA and Animal Rescue Inc., as well as a few other specialty breed shelters.

The staff, volunteers, municipalities and the public has assisted with supporting us over the years, and are responsible for so many animals finding good homes. York County is fortunate to have several quality shelters available for stray, injured and abandoned animals, and these shelters also struggle financially. I hope the volunteers, municipalities and the public support these shelters as they did us.

We appreciated the relationship we have had with you in the past, and truly wish it did not have to come to an end. Thank you for your support over the years.

Respectfully,

Roxanne M. Smeltzer
Shelter Manager

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift?

The York County SPCA’s 2008 calendars are now available for purchase in the shelter’s gift shop.

The calendar features 13 of the SPCA’s currently available pets — one for each month, plus the cover dog.

Cost is $7.99 for each calendar. All profits from the sale of the calendars benefit the York County SPCA’s programs, including low-cost spay/neuter services; emergency disaster services; SafePet, which provides temporary shelter for pets of domestic abuse victims; and Chow for Our Pals, which supplies pet food to senior citizens on a fixed income or to those who are temporarily unemployed.

For details, call the SPCA at (717) 764-6109, stop by the shelter at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, Manchester Township, or visit www.ycspca.com.

In case you haven't already heard: On Friday, Dec. 15, Tammy Grimes of Dogs Deserve Better was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property in the case involving her rescue of a dying dog named Doogie.

Below is an open letter from Tammy:

On September 11, 2006, I rescued a dog that was dying at the end of a chain in a muddy yard in a small Pennsylvania town. I was subsequently arrested. A little over a year later, on December 15, 2007, I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property.

The last year has been the most traumatic and the most inspirational of my life. I have been labeled a "terrorist" a "vigilante", a "publicity hound" and an "anarchist." I have been called a hero. I have been humbled by encouragement and well wishes from people all over the world. I have been attacked in person and in print in my small town, where the prevailing view is that it is fine and dandy to tie a dog to a tree or a dog house and leave it to pace back and forth for year after agonizing year, in skull-cracking cold or 100-degree weather, with nothing but parasites for company.

I don't regret what I did. Not for one second. And when it comes to rescuing dogs and changing minds and laws, I'm just getting started. Here's why.

From Last Chance for Animals:

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison and three years probation this morning for his role in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation and his participation in the brutal killing of several dogs that did not "perform well."

During his sentencing the suspended football star apologized to the court and his family. However, Judge Henry Hudson told him, "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."

In August, Michael Vick entered a plea agreement stating that he took part in an illegal, interstate dogfighting enterprise. In documents filed, Vick said he knew dogs that did not perform well were killed. He said the fights involved gambling although he did not personally place bets. To read the full text of the plea submitted by Michael Vick (or for background info) click here.

Judge Hudson called Vick's actions "cruel and inhumane" and said that Vick was a full partner in "Bad Newz Kennels" and was therefore equally culpable in all crimes committed. Two of Vick's codefendants were sentenced last week; Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, received 18 and 21 months respectively. The final defendant in this case, Tony Taylor, will be sentenced this Friday.

Prior to the sentencing today Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill asked Judge Hudson to sentence Michael Vick to jail time at the high end of the guideline range of 18-24 months.

Write to the Honorable Judge Henry Hudson and Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill and thank them for taking a strong stance against dogfighting.

Sample Text

Dear _________,

Thank you for taking a strong stance in the sentencing of Michael Vick and his codefendants. Your comments and your stedfast adherence to the law send a clear message to dogfighters across the country that these illegal and immoral activities will not go unpunished.

Addresses:

Judge Henry Hudson
2100 Jamieson Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22314

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill
600 East Main Street, Suite 1800
Richmond, VA 23219-2447

From Last Chance for Animals:

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison and three years probation this morning for his role in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting operation and his participation in the brutal killing of several dogs that did not "perform well."

During his sentencing the suspended football star apologized to the court and his family. However, Judge Henry Hudson told him, "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."

In August, Michael Vick entered a plea agreement stating that he took part in an illegal, interstate dogfighting enterprise. In documents filed, Vick said he knew dogs that did not perform well were killed. He said the fights involved gambling although he did not personally place bets. To read the full text of the plea submitted by Michael Vick (or for background info) click here.

Judge Hudson called Vick's actions "cruel and inhumane" and said that Vick was a full partner in "Bad Newz Kennels" and was therefore equally culpable in all crimes committed. Two of Vick's codefendants were sentenced last week; Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, received 18 and 21 months respectively. The final defendant in this case, Tony Taylor, will be sentenced this Friday.

Prior to the sentencing today Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill asked Judge Hudson to sentence Michael Vick to jail time at the high end of the guideline range of 18-24 months.

Write to the Honorable Judge Henry Hudson and Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill and thank them for taking a strong stance against dogfighting.

Sample Text

Dear _________,

Thank you for taking a strong stance in the sentencing of Michael Vick and his codefendants. Your comments and your stedfast adherence to the law send a clear message to dogfighters across the country that these illegal and immoral activities will not go unpunished.

Addresses:

Judge Henry Hudson
2100 Jamieson Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22314

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Michael Gill
600 East Main Street, Suite 1800
Richmond, VA 23219-2447

Aloha Animal Hospital, 1446 Baltimore St., Grandview Shopping Center, Hanover, marked its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Dr. Brian Jenkins and Dr. Jodi Stolz-Jenkins, owners of Aloha Animal Hospital, have practiced in Hanover and the surrounding area for more than 17 years.

Aloha has a caring, first-rate knowledgeable staff that has years of local primary and emergency medical experience.

Aloha offers evening hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aloha Animal Hospital's community grand opening will be 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 5.

For details, call (717) 633-PETS (7387).

PHOTO CAPTION: Front row, left to right, Gary Laird, President, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce; Melissa Enck , NLS Animal Health; Ellen Ewen, Aloha staff; Jennie Pumphrey, Aloha staff; Dr. Jodi Stolz-Jenkins; Dr. Brian Jenkins; Erica Cole, Aloha staff; Rick Hopwood, Hopwood Insurance; Michael Johnson, Penn Township Commissioner; and Dana Roe, Rager, Lehman & Houck. Back row, left to right, John Beil, Burkentine and Sons; Missy and Gracie Wilson; Mike Hartman, C.W. Test; Dr. Shawn Wilson w/ Carter Wilson; Karl Lehman, Rager, Lehman & Houck; Eric Hinkle, Hopwood Insurance; and Paul Wojciechowski , York County Economic Development Corp.

From Best Friends Animal Society:

What if you could give all the special people in your life a gift that speaks straight from the heart?

As a member of Best Friends Animal Society, you bring new life to thousands of abused and abandoned homeless pets here at the sanctuary.

And this holiday season, you can share that good feeling with all the animal lovers in your life ...

Sponsor an orphaned pet (or barnyard animal or wildlife) as a gift to a special friend or family member. A simple $25 donation brings new life and new hope to any of these once-sad little faces.

It’s truly a gift of the heart. We’ll send a personalized gift e-card from you, on whatever date you specify, along with a photo and the story of the pet you’re sponsoring in the gift recipient’s name.

As an extra bonus, each of your sponsorship gifts includes a full year’s subscription to Best Friends magazine –- full of news and feature stories about animals and the people who love them.

Click here for details, or to view more animals available for sponsorship.

From Alley Cat Allies:

Did you know that more cats are intentionally killed in the United States than die from any other documented cause?

Who is responsible? The vast majority of these cats are not killed by cruel individuals. They are killed because of an antiquated animal control system.

Read more and watch the "Save This Cat" video

Want your holiday gift-giving to be about something more important this year? Why not give a formerly chained or penned dog his/her first taste of holiday cheer?

Sponsor a formerly chained dog or penned dog, and Dogs Deserve Better will send you or your loved one a personalized gift letter with a picture of your sponsored foster dog and his/her story.

For details, visit http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/sponsor2007.html.

The wooden ornaments are handmade and customized with your pet(s) name(s). Cost is a $5 donation; one ornament per pet.

Ornaments will be placed on the York County SPCA tree until Jan. 2, after which you may pick them up.

Call (717) 764-6109 for details or an order form.

Court documents show disgraced NFL star Michael Vick surrendered to authorities before he could be sentenced on federal dogfighting charges.

Watch the video

"I Am An Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA" premiers at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 on HBO.

The documentary is a candid and introspective look at the extreme beliefs and motives of Ingrid Newkirk, the British-born co-founder and driving force behind People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal-rights organization.

Click here for more info

"I Am An Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA" premiers at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 on HBO.

The documentary is a candid and introspective look at the extreme beliefs and motives of Ingrid Newkirk, the British-born co-founder and driving force behind People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal-rights organization.

Click here for more info

When tours are over for American troops in the Middle East, they often have no way to bring their unit’s animal mascots home.

SPCA International recently launched Operation Baghdad Pups to help bring these four-legged friends out of the war zone. Estimated cost is $4,000 each.

For details or to donate, visit www.BaghdadPups.com.

BAD NEWS! CONGO LOST HIS COURT CASE MONDAY -- THE JUDGE UPHELD HIS DEATH SENTENCE!

Click here for updates; and for info on petition, who to contact to protest and how to try to help.

PRINCETON TWP., NJ -- A family whose beloved German shepherd faces death for having led a dog attack on a landscaper is devastated by the news but vows to continue to fight to save him.

"He's innocent. He did nothing more than protect my wife. He never bit anyone until she was grabbed and pulled to the ground," James said.

Congo has been ruled vicious by a municipal judge and ordered put down.

The landscaper, Giovanni Rivera, has won a $250,000 insurance settlement as a result of serious injuries he sustained in the attack, which occurred when he and others disobeyed instructions from James not to get out of their car until Congo and several other dogs on the property could be sequestered for safety.

James, who was about to take a shower, called out a window to them in Spanish, telling them to get back in their car and wait because the dogs were in the backyard being fed.

Instead, Rivera and another worker got out of the car after a few minutes and the dogs began to bark. That worker began to hit the dogs with a metal rake and Elizabeth James, Guy James' wife, yelled for him to stop. Meanwhile, Rivera, who was afraid of the dogs, grabbed Elizabeth from behind and pulled her to the ground, causing her to scream.

At that point, Congo began to bite and scratch Rivera and some of the puppies joined in.

Read more of The Times' story on NJ.com.

A breeder is willing to let some of his dogs go to rescue. Transport can be arranged with a paid transport service. If you can help at all please, e-mail mabear001@yahoo.com or Denise at purent@evenlink.com.

Prices are as follows:

$75 - 2007
$50 - 2006 - 2005
$25 - 2000- 2004
free 1999 & earlier

Health cert are $5, rabies are $8.50; shots are free and shot records will be provided.

LHASA APSO:
female born-10/31/00
female born-7/23/02
female born-2/28/01
female born-11/22/04
female born-7/13/01
male born-8/30/07
male born-8/30/07
male born-8/30/07
female born-8/17/02

SHIH TZU:
male born-3/2/02
female born-6/12/99 Taken
female born-5/17/04 Taken
female born-9/12/05
female born-9/15/05

POODLE:
female born-12/16/00 Taken
female born-11/16/01
female born-5/7/05 - Taken
female born-12/14/03
male born-9/3/07
male born-9/8/07 Taken
male born-8/31/07
male born-8/31/07

DACHSHUND:
female born-6/30/00 Taken
female born-3/23/05
female born-4/2/04
male born-12/27/03
male about a year old
female born-8/9/04

BICHON FRISE:
female born-5/11/00
female born-3/20/05
female born-11/11/01

CAIRN TERRIER:
male born-9/1/02 Taken
female born-8/7/02 Taken
female born-11/12/02 Taken
female born-7/24/01 Taken
female born-10/22/04 Taken
female born-2/20/00 Taken
3 males and 1 female pups born-9/3/07 All taken
2 malepups born-9/16/07 Both Taken

POMERANIAN:
female born-4/22/99 Taken

PAPILLON:
female born-8/31/05 Taken
female born-10/13/05 Taken
female born-3/28/01 Taken

MINIATURE PINSCHER:
male born-4/3/06

TEDDY BEARS:
2 male puppies born-8/31/07 Taken

MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS:
one male pup born-7/26/07

Do you use instant messenger or Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family? If so, you to can help animals -- and The Humane Society of the United States -- by taking two simple steps. If you take action today, Friday, November 9, you could help us win a $50,000 donation from Microsoft for the animals!

Click here to find out how!

From Humane Society of the United States:

Great news! S.B. 1150, a cruelty bill to ban killing animals launched from box traps or tied in place, has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate, and you can help propel the bill forward. Click here to send an e-mail asking for support of the bill.

You may have heard of the barbaric event last year during which live, tame white turkeys had their feet tied to bales of hay and then were shot with arrows fired from people standing just yards away, some even children.

This bill will also finally stop live pigeon shoots, seedy events where dazed pigeons are launched randomly from boxes to be shot by contestants aiming to down the birds within a ring for prizes.

You now have the chance to make sure events like these never happen again in Pennsylvania. Please contact your state Senator, Michael Waugh, today!

TAKE ACTION

Please call Senator Waugh right away at (717) 787-3817 and urge support for legislation to end live pigeon shoots and the use of animals launched from traps or tethered for target practice. Every call helps, and yours could be the one that makes the difference!

Contacting your senator is easy. You will speak to a staff member who can pass your message along to your legislator. You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I am calling from [your town] to urge Senator Waugh to support S.B. 1150 to ban the shooting of trap-released or tethered animals for target practice. These inhumane events have nothing to do with hunting and should be ended in Pennsylvania once and for all. Thank you."

Be sure to leave your name and address so it is clear that you are a constituent.

After making your call, send a follow-up e-mail to reiterate your support for ending live animal trap shoots in your state.

Please ask your friends and family who live in Pennsylvania to contact their senators, too.

An undercover video has been taken, exposing what happens to the carriage horses of Central Park.

Many people are fighting for changes in how these animals are treated, an some will remember the horrible death just last month of a horse right near the park.

From Neighborhood Cats:

A demonstration against the plan of the Port Authority of NY and NJ to exterminate hundreds of feral cats at JFK Airport has been called for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Port Authority Headquarters, 225 Park Ave. in Manhattan, between 18th and 19th Sts., just north of Union Square.

The Port Authority's Board of Commissioners will be meeting on that day. It is the governing body which can order an immediate halt to the extermination effort -- an effort that animal welfare experts have uniformly criticized as inhumane and ineffectual.

A five-month undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States has revealed a substantial puppy mill industry in Virginia, one largely unregulated and often in violation of state and federal laws.

Watch the undercover video

Some members of the public are getting confused about the role of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals in the fight to save the JFK Airport cats.

The Mayor's Alliance is responsible for the NYC Feral Cat Initiative, which is the program leading the fight against the extermination of the JFK cats. The Alliance is a hero; the Port Authority of NY and NJ is the villian.

Please ask people to support the Alliance and thank them for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the cats and all the NYC groups who rely on the Alliance.

From Neighborhood Cats:
(212) 662-5761; headcat@neighborhoodcats.org

Susan Baer, General Manager of JFK Airport, threatened in a recent memo to revoke the right of any employee to be on airport grounds who is caught feeding cats. (Click here for full memo.), visit http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/nyregion/city_room/20071030_AIRPORT.pdf). The NY State anti-cruelty law (see www.animallaw.info) provides that a person who "deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, food or drink; or neglects or refuses to furnish it such sustenance or drink" is guilty of a crime (Ag&Markets, sec. 353). Cats are dependent on people for food and drink and, by ordering their sustenance be withheld, Baer may have committed a criminal offense.

In addition to starving the cats, Port Authority officials continued their extermination effort by trapping some and dumping them at a local shelter. Typically, feral cats are immediately euthanized at animal control due to being unadoptable and a safety risk to staff. Thanks to the heroic efforts of NYC Feral Cat Initiative staff, the cooperation and veterinary care provided by Animal Care and Control of NYC, and caring volunteers, the first 10 cats caught in the Port Authority's purge were pulled alive from the shelter. A grant to cover the costs of saving this first group was provided by In Defense of Animals.

From Stray Cat Alliance:

Despite an avalanche of criticism from thousands of outraged members of the public, the Port Authority of NY and NJ began trapping feral cats at JFK Airport over this past weekend, with the plan of exterminating them.

Rescuers were barred from feeding or attempting to rescue the cats and were threatened with arrest by federal wildlife officials from USDA.

In addition, a Port Authority spokesman admitted to the NY Post his agency had lied when telling the public last Friday the cats would all be adopted into good homes. The NY Post confirmed the cats would be put down immediately instead.

Can anyone drive three Brittany Spaniels from Harrisburg, PA, to Frackville, PA, this Saturday (Oct. 27)?

New England Brittany Rescue (www.nebrittanyrescue.org) is trying to get the dogs from boarding kennels in Tennessee to their NEBR-approved and screened foster homes in North Sandwich, N.H. All are up-to-date on immunizations, heartworm negative and healthy. They gets along well with people and other dogs, and will travel with leashes, collars, vet records and health certificates.

Spencer is a 3-year-old orange & white neutered male Brittany (45 lbs.) Tess is a 1- or 2-year-old tricolor spayed female Brittany (35 lbs.). Lucy is a 3-year-old orange & white spayed female Brittany.

All legs of the trip are covered except the Harrisburg-to-Frackville leg.

If you can help Spencer, Lucy & Tess to get to their foster home, please e-mail nwalker@capecod.net or call (508) 896-3602.

From ydr.com:

A Jack Russell terrier was killed after it was mauled by three dogs in York Wednesday evening. The terrier, named Memphis, was attacked in the rear of the 200 block of North Sherman Street as he walked with his owner just before 6:30 p.m., police said.

The dog's owner, Virginia Trace, told police she put Memphis on a leash and was taking him for a walk on Austin Avenue when she saw three dogs charge at her from an unfenced yard.

Memphis was first attacked by a dog named “Dutch” and a pit bull named “Brit,” police said.

Trace dropped the leash to avoid being bit as the three dogs viciously attacked Memphis, police said.

The dogs' owner, who was not identified, yelled at the dogs to stop and got bit attempting to pull her dogs off the terrier, police said.

Memphis died at the scene from massive trauma, police said.

Mark McCartney, the city's animal enforcement officer, said he was just assigned the case and started the investigation.

He said he will talk with the victim to see if she wants to pursue charges.

From Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States:

The request arrived at the headquarters of the disaster response team at 3:18 p.m. on Monday afternoon.

Within an hour, Dr. Barry Kellogg, veterinarian and acting director of disaster services for The Humane Society of the United States, “pushed the button.” Local authorities in San Diego needed our help. Our professionals answered. They shouldered their packs and began the race westward and southward -- trained people bringing trucks, portable clinics, equipment and a devotion to the task. Hundreds more trained disaster responders have been contacted, and they are standing at the ready if a second wave of personnel are needed.

Every second meant greater risk for animals in trouble.

Continue reading Wayne's blog entry about the wildfires...

The Pet Shoppe, 11 E. Tolna Road, Shrewsbury, PA, is relocating to 539 S. Main St., Shrewsbury, PA (Market Square Shopping Center) as of Nov. 1.

New to The Pet Shoppe:

self-serve dog wash

Canine Cafe with doggie beer, pizza and ice cream

football hermit crabs (Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Redskins).

Ragdoll Rescue needs help getting five cats (in five carriers) from their temporary foster home to rescue, in order to make more room for other shelter kitties.

Just ONE more transport leg is needed (just 28 miles, from Carlisle, PA, to Middletown, PA), out of the original 10 legs (595 miles). It will only take about 31 minutes of driving, departing from Carlisle at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, and arriving in Middletown at 5:01 p.m.

If you can help, e-mail pdial5@charter.net or ragdollrescueusa@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 16, is National Feral Cat Day.

You can observe Feral Cat Day by spaying and neutering stray cats in your neighborhood; or by donating to a Trap-Neuter-Return program or teaching others about TNR and how it humanely controls and reduces stray cat populations in your neighborhood.

For information on feral cats or TNR, visit www.nationalferalcatday.org.

Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance, as scent hounds do.

There's a Yahoo group at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/sighthoundrescuenet that posts sighthounds in need and anything relating to their welfare. It's a place for those interested in helping sighthounds to offer their assistance.

A partial list of sighthound breeds includes:

Afghan Hound
American Staghound
Azawakh
Basenji
Borzoi
Chart Polski (Polish Greyhound)
Chippiparai
Combai
Galgo Español (Spanish Greyhound)
Greyhound
Hortaya Borzaya (Chortaj)
Ibizan (Podenco Ibicenco)
Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Kangaroo Dog
Kanni
Khalag Tazi
Longdog
Lurcher (Mixed breed between Collie Deerhound and Greyhound)
Magyar Agar (Hungarian Greyhound)
Mudhol Hound
Pharaoh Hound
Rajapalayam
Rampur Greyhound
Saluki
Scottish Deerhound
Silken Windhound
Sloughi
Tasy
Whippet

From the Humane Society of the United States:

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, applauds the work of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee for passing H.B. 1065 to the full House. This bill goes a long way towards protecting dogs who are tethered outside for any length of time.

H.B. 1065 prohibits tethering of dogs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. as well as the use of a choke, chain, pinch or prong-type collar and requires that the chain used to tether a dog be at least six feet long or five times the length of the dog, whichever is longer. The bill also requires food, shelter and water be accessible to the tethered dog.

The Humane Society of the United States now urges the Pennsylvania House to quickly pass H.B. 1065. When H.B. 1065 passes both chambers and is sent to Governor Edward G. Rendell, Pennsylvania will be the fourth state in 2007 to enact tethering protections for dogs.

From Humane Society of the United States:

We have a golden chance to protect pets in Congress and we need your help.

This summer, the U.S. House of Representatives included language in its Farm Bill to prevent stolen pets from being sold into research and to prevent live animals from being operated on in sales demonstrations.

In addition, we’re working to protect puppies less than six months of age from life-threatening long distance transport into the U.S. for the pet trade, when there are plenty of puppies already here who need homes.

The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to take up its version of the Farm Bill any day now. We need to ensure that these important protections are included in the Senate’s Farm Bill as well!

Your U.S. Senator, Robert Casey, Jr., sits on the very committee that will decide what goes in the Farm Bill, and what doesn’t make the cut. Please take action right away.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite phone call right away to Senator Casey at (202) 224-6324 to urge support for these Animal Welfare Act provisions in the Farm Bill.

Making a call is easy. A staff member will take your message and pass it to your legislator. You can say:

"Hello, this is [your name]. I am a constituent from Pennsylvania. I’m calling to urge Senator Casey to protect pets by supporting the inclusion of Animal Welfare Act provisions in the Farm Bill. These issues are very important to me. Thank you for your consideration."

Then, send a follow-up email to reiterate your support for the Animal Welfare Act provisions in the Senate’s Farm Bill.

Finally, please be sure to tell your friends and family about this important legislation and how they can help, too.

Linda Blair speaks about her World Heart Foundation on "Living Live!," and has one of her rescued dogs with her -- a beautiful mixed breed (possibly mastiff/pit bull) named Diamond.

Watch the video

From the Daily Mail:

They're an odd couple in every sense but a monkey and a pigeon have become inseparable at an animal sanctuary in China.

The 12-week-old macaque -- who was abandoned by his mother -- was close to death when it was rescued on Neilingding Island, in Goangdong Province.

After being taken to an animal hospital his health began to improve but he seemed spiritless -- until he developed a friendship with a white pigeon.

Read the rest of the story on the Daily Mail's website...

The Susquehanna Stray Animal Shelter, off Crest Hill Lane in Lower Windsor Township, needs dependable volunteers at least 21 years of age.

If interested, call the Volunteer Center of the United Way of York County at (717) 846-4477.

The votes are in! As part of the Humane Society of the United States' Knock Out Animal Fighting Video Contest, tens of thousands of people voted for the videos they thought best conveyed the anger, sadness and other feelings we experience when confronted with the cruelty of dogfighting.

Two of the videos were featured on YouTube's home page.

Watch the winning videos and then take action to strengthen the laws against dogfighting in America.

People's Choice Winner: Waiting on an Angel

The HSUS Winner: Ms. Paisley Sky

Click here to view all the video submissions

The Central Pennsylvania Animal Rescue Food Bank (ARF), an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit group which redistributes about 200 pallets of dry and canned pet food each month, seeks financial donations to help it move into a leased warehouse and make necessary alterations such as cleaning, painting, and structural improvements.

ARF has outgrown the Wellsville garage of founders Barry and Carla Haynes, who created the organization in 1990 to help local rescues and shelters gain access to donated food from manufacturers, distributors, grocery stores, and other outlets.

In order to meet logistical demands to move donated products quickly and in large quantities, ARF plans to lease a 5,000-square-foot site near Harrisburg. The move will significantly increase monthly expenses. In addition, ARF volunteers plan to power wash and paint the interior of the building as well as make other improvements to maximize efficiency.

Donations payable to The Central Pennsylvania Animal Rescue Food Bank can be sent c/o Barry and Carla Haynes, 1240 Alpine Road, Wellsville, PA 17365. In-kind donations of power-washing, painting, construction, and other services are also welcome. Businesses or individuals interested in providing in-kind donations may call (717) 292-6025 for information.

The Central Pennsylvania Animal Rescue Food Bank is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Wellsville, York County, PA. It provides donated pet food and other supplies to animal shelters and rescues in 10 states, including many in southcentral Pennsylvania.

From Associated Press:

Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that could send the NFL star to prison.

The plea by the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who asked: “Are you entering the plea of guilty to a conspiracy charge because you are in fact guilty?”

Vick replied, “Yes, sir.”

Hudson emphasized he is not bound by sentencing guidelines and can impose the maximum sentence of up to five years in prison.

“You’re taking your chances here. You’ll have to live with whatever decision I make,” Hudson.

In his written plea filed in federal court Friday, Vick admitted helping kill six to eight pit bulls and supplying money for gambling on the fights. He said he did not personally place any bets or share in any winnings.

The NFL suspended him indefinitely and without pay Friday after his plea agreement was filed. Merely associating with gamblers can trigger a lifetime ban under the league’s personal conduct policy.

From Associated Press:

Since Vick was indicted on federal dogfighting charges last month, former fans have donated Vick jerseys to dog shelters, while others have tried to cash in by selling Vick T-shirts and chew toys for dogs.

Vick said through a lawyer this week he will plead guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture.

T-shirts are being sold online with slogans that say “Ignorance Breeds Ignorance. Neuter Mike Vick,” and “ConVICKt” and others that show dogs urinating on footballs and jerseys.

The St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team known for campy promotions, gave out Vick chew toys Tuesday to the first 15,000 fans with some game proceeds going to the Humane Society.

The Atlanta Humane Society also has reported former Vick fans mailing in jerseys -- often accompanied by financial contributions and letters of outrage over the charges.

Those former fans have suggested the Falcons jerseys become animal bedding or rags to help scrub up the messes that dogs leave behind.

From Associated Press:

Take some trading cards picturing a disgraced NFL superstar. Add some dog slobber and teethmarks. What do you get?

The most valuable Michael Vick cards -- by far -- on eBay, that’s what.

Collector Rochelle Steffen of Cape Girardeau, Mo., gave every Vick card she owned to her dogs and let them go to town on the images of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback who is scheduled to plead guilty to a federal dogfighting charge Monday.

Once Monte, her 6-year-old Weimaraner, and Roxie, her Great Dane puppy, were done worrying them, nearly two dozen $1-$10 cards were crumpled, crimped, chewed, torn and generally in a sorry state. Some even had corners missing.

As of Thursday evening, the highest bid on the lot of 22 cards had risen to $765 and thousands of people had viewed the posting. Eighty-eight people already have bid on the auction, which ends Sunday.

The next-most expensive Vick cards -- well-preserved specimens from his rookie year -- were going for less than half the price of the gnawed ones.

“If I would have had some of his super-duper ones, they would have been right in the mix, too,” Steffen said Thursday.

She plans to donate the winning bid money to the humane society of the bidder’s choice.

Harrisburg Humane Society's West Shore shelter is closing and they desperately need help to place the approximately 70 dogs there.

The East Shore shelter can take about 10 dogs, but they need help with the remaining ones. There is a rescue pull fee for dogs that are already spayed/neutered, and CPAA will pay it for the rescues that take a dog from West as an incentive to help these dogs.

If you are not a rescue, please consider adding just one more dog to your home, and please spread the word to your friends, family, and co-workers. Nothing is impossible if we work together!

If you can't take a dog from West, please consider taking one from East to free up space for the dogs from West.

From a reader:

The "Nigerian dog Mafia" is still going strong. They recently have had adds on Petfinder, Yahoo, Craigslist & other classifieds. They usually start out with:

Had to move to Africa ... relocated missionary ... veterinarian helping in South Africa ... pastor so-and-so can no longer take care of his 3-month-old English Bulldog pup (all breeds are included in this).

They go on to say that the dogs are AKC reg., wormed, UTD on VAX, healthy etc. ... They use the Lord's name to try to make you think that they are God-fearing people who wouldn't scam anyone......NOT!

Usually, it is $400-$500 for shipping the dog to you via Express Pets Delivery with next-day delivery. They ask for your full name, address, phone number and nearest airport. When it comes time for the money transfer, they want you to send it by Western Union.

They will give you contacts for Pastor Bob, the transfer agent, a contact in USA, etc.

This is a huge scam that has been going on for well over 3 years. Please inform all that you know not to fall for "rescuing a lovely puppy in need of a loving Christian home."

For those potential adopters that have been searching the web for an expensive breed puppy to adopt, this is almost too good to be true. Well, it is too good to be true ... they take your money and you can't trace it. Therefore, the FBI cannot do anything but warn people about the scam. Here are a few links where you can go to read about the Nigerian Puppy Scam:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_lifestyle_animal/2006/10/more_info_on_ni.html

http://petnblog.preciouspets.org/?p=468

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/comments/4437/P80

Skooperbox is an easy, ecological way to deal with pet waste. It is made of 100 percent recycled materials and is 100 percent biodegradable.

To use Skooperbox, simply squeeze to fold out the box, sccop with the detachable scooper, then close the lid and discard.

Because it takes forever for plastic bags to break down in landfills, San Francisco has banned plastic shopping bags, and many other municipalities are considering similar measures. Skooperbox provides an environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic bags used to dispose of dog waste.

For details, visit www.skooperbox.com.

Or, EcoProducts offers biodegradable BioBags for dog waste on its website, www.ecoproducts.com. (Click on "BioBags.")

From Last Chance for Animals:

Michael Vick has admitted guilt to the dog fighting charges against him and will accept a plea deal Monday, Aug. 27.

Please contact Judge Hudson's office and urge him to impose the maximum fine and the five-year prison term. In addition, Vick should serve time educating the public (i.e. school lectures, interviews) on the horrors of dog fighting and animal cruelty. This would save not only the animals, but countless youths who emulate and, look up to, Vick.

Contact info:

U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson
United States District Court, Eastern Virginia
(804) 916-2290

Click here for more information.

Two men are under arrest in New York for allegedly training dogs to fight. Police say they used kittens as bait.

Click here to watch news video
(The video shows the house, residents, dogs and kittens, but kittens are not being harmed in the news video.)

From CatConnection.com:

It starts innocently enough.. You find a little kitten on your doorstep and rescue it. Then, somehow, another cat comes along, and you take that one in, too. Then another and another -- before long, you look in the mirror and... OH MY GOODNESS! You're a Crazy Cat Lady, too!

If you know someone (or maybe it's you) who fits this description, buy them a Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure at www.thecatconnection.com.

There's also a short quiz to help you decide if you ARE a Crazy Cat Lady. I took the quiz, and it's official: I am a crazy cat lady! (No surprise to my friends and co-workers, I'm sure.)

From ydr.com:

Seven dogs, including four newborn Yorkie puppies, were taken from a home in York sometime Wednesday.

Sylvia Grovell told police someone forced their way into her home in the 900 block of West Princess Street sometime between noon and 3:45 p.m. Wednesday and took more than $4,000 in dog cages and dogs.

The animals include four small, black-and-tan puppies, which were 3 weeks old; full-grown male and female Yorkies; and a female Yorkie/Chihuahua mix.

Seven dog cages also were taken.

Anyone with information is asked to call city police at (717) 846-1234.

Fosters/rescues are needed to help with 15 Westies and Cairn Terriers being given up from a puppy mill closing in Mifflinburg, PA. Transportation can be provided halfway to the Harrisburg, PA, area. Call (410) 353-9834 if you can help.

Central PA Animal Alliance seeks help from the community for a number of its member organizations hard at work reducing and, ultimately, eliminating populations of free-roaming domestic felines throughout central Pennsylvania. Many CPAA member organizations humanely trap, spay or neuter, and vaccinate these animals through Trap Neuter Return (TNR), an effective, humane tool for reducing their numbers.

Most of these free-roaming domestic felines, commonly called “ferals,” are not feral (wild) but strays, discarded pets, or socialized homeless cats who accept indoor homes. Many CPAA member organizations find permanent homes for these animals through their adoption programs.

Truly feral cats prefer to remain apart from humans. Through TNR, cats are spayed or neutered and returned to their original surroundings. In some cases, they cannot be returned to their original surroundings for reasons including displacement by new construction, loss of caretaker, and incidents of cruelty.

CPAA member organizations therefore seek appropriate outdoor surroundings on private property for the infrequent cases requiring relocation of these cats. Examples include: horse farms, rural homesteads, retirement communities, and religious campuses. Requirements for relocation include the presence of caretakers to provide daily food and clean water; and cover such as a barn, shed, or small shelter. Free food and shelters can be provided if necessary. Organizations also provide detailed instructions on acclimation, feeding and other care.

All cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped or ear–punched to identify their status as humanely managed homeless cats. In some cases, other services are provided.

For more information call (717) 732-0611 or e-mail zella@cpaa.info.

CPAA is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization committed to ending the killing of cats and dogs as the means of animal population control. For more information, visit www.cpaa.info.

View Bless the Bullys' message from pit bull owners. It's a very touching reminder that stereotypes are never a good idea...

From Humane Society of the United States:

In the wake of the high-profile indictment of Michael Vick, the nation has been awakened to the cruelty of animal fighting. Members of Congress, corporate leaders, and people like you are speaking out. And Louisiana and New Mexico enacted laws this year to outlaw cockfighting -- the last two states to join the fold.

Online retailer Amazon is now in the lonely position of promoting animal fighting activities. It's the only online retailer of subscriptions to animal fighting magazines in the United States, and these magazines advertise the sale of fighting animals and cockfighting weapons -- sales made illegal by federal law! The Feathered Warrior even advertised fighting dogs from a dogfighter whose operation makes the enterprise described in the Michael Vick indictment look like a bunch of amateurs.

Amazon sells subscriptions to cockfighting magazines like The Gamecock and The Feathered Warrior and claims the right to sell dogfighting videos. These materials are not only offensive because of the cruelty they glorify, but their shipment is also a federal felony under the recently-enacted Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act.

Amazon claims that its commercial sale of these publications is protected by the First Amendment. But the First Amendment does not protect companies advertising illegal contraband, and that's exactly what the magazines sold by Amazon are doing.

Dogs and chickens suffer grievous injuries or death in fights produced for depraved fun and shameful profit. Please ask Amazon right now to stop selling animal fighting magazines.

Click here to learn more...

Click here to send a message to Jeffrey Bezos, Amazon.com's CEO.

Britney Spears might have hit a new low when she purchased a Yorkie puppy for $3,000 from a pet store in Bel Air, Calif. Worse, she did it in half an hour.

Read more...

The volunteers at the Animal Rescue Food Bank (ARF) are in dire need of donated or low-cost warehouse space or land in the Harrisburg, PA, area.

Most animal rescue food banks across the country use large warehouses for storage of donated food for pick up by local non-profit animal organizations. Instead, ARF operates out of a home in Wellsville, PA.

As the supply and demand for donated canned and bagged dog and cat food continue to increase, ARF has no further expansion capabilities in its current location.

Donated or low-cost warehouse space or land in which trailers of canned food can be stored would allow ARF to continue to serve the needy local animals in Central Pennsylvania.

Contact Carla Haynes at (717) 292-6025 to help this wonderful cause for the animals.

Bam, the dog found under a bridge in York, PA, with four broken legs?

He's been through several surgeries, and is doing much better. Animal Rescue celebrated Bam's first birthday in July, with cake, presents and some of Bam's doggie pals.

Click here to see photos of the party.

Think your dog would like to "pay back" accused dogfighter Michael Vick? At least one company is offering a Michael Vick chew toy for dogs. See it at www.vickdogchewtoy.com.

Michael Vick was ordered by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday, July 23, to stay away from the Falcons' training camp until the league reviews the dogfighting charges against him.

From Best Friends Animal Society:

Best Friends is on the ground in a small desert town outside Las Vegas where 400 cats were in great need. County officials had taken control of a local property there, and asked Best Friends to come in and take care of the cats. It’s been 'round-the-clock medical care all week, along with a massive clean-up of the shed-like buildings.

Things are already looking up, thanks to the generous help of volunteers, a great local vet, a casino that’s donating accommodations to the Best Friends team, and many more.

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From the York Daily Record:

The York Housing Authority has reduced the security deposit residents pay for cats to help the York County SPCA find some kittens good homes.

Residents in housing authority properties who adopt a cat from the SPCA before Sept. 30 can pay a security deposit of $100 instead of $300.

The change was approved by the authority's board of commissioners at its meeting last month.

Residents must still apply for approval to add a cat to their household. Other parts of the pet policy remain the same.

The authority manages 1,066 apartments throughout York County.

From the Humane Society for the United States:

The outrage is unprecedented, and for good reason: Two days after a federal grand jury indicted NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and three cohorts on felony dogfighting charges, more than 100,000 people have called on the NFL to suspend Vick immediately.

You can add your voice today. Please urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick immediately.

In a case that The Humane Society of the United States has assisted with since the alleged cruelties came to light in Virigina last April, the 19-page indictment describes abuses that are almost beyond belief:

In or about March of 2003, PEACE [one of Vick’s co-defendants], after consulting with VICK about the losing female pit bull's condition, executed the losing dog by wetting the dog down with water and electrocuting the animal.

In or about April 2007, PEACE, PHILLIPS, and VICK executed approximately 8 dogs that did not perform well in "testing" sessions...by various methods, including hanging, drowning, and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."

The NFL expressed “disappointment” and said Tuesday that “we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.”

Well, that’s just not good enough. These alleged acts were not petty or harmless; they were nothing short of gruesome and barbaric. And there is precedent for a suspension: Other NFL players, such as Pacman Jones and Chris Henry, have been suspended while they awaited trial and before they were convicted. Please click here to contact the NFL today and urge the league to suspend Michael Vick.

For more on why the NFL must act now, please read HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle's latest blog posting. For details about the case and The HSUS’s role in assisting federal prosecutors with the investigation and the care of 52 pit bulls taken from Vick’s property, click here.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three others have been charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.

They are scheduled to appear in federal court in Richmond, Va., on July 26, the same day the Falcons begin training camp.

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