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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Annie, my feral cat, let me pet her outside of her cage

I went in to Annie's room to see if she was back in her cage. What normally happens is that I let her out of the cage to run around the room and eventually, she goes back in there to sleep in her bed. She didn't do that tonight. I realized that I probably wouldn't get her back in the cage and decided it would be okay to keep her out of the cage while I was asleep.

She likes this spot between my desk and the wall. So, I was laying about 5 feet in front of her, doing some homework. I slowly made my way closer to her. She let me pet her outside of the cage for the first time!

Yay!

Support bill that prevents communities from discriminating against any breed of dog in Missouri! No breed specific legislation!





From KC Dog Advocates:
URGENT! A vote may be coming soon! Please contact the members of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Local Government committee and urge them to support SB 886 in its ORIGINAL form! SB 886 prohibits laws that target dogs based on looks alone and will force cities to target only truly dangerous dogs. Phone calls are best! Don't worry about making a speech, all you need to do is call and say, "I support SB 886 in it's original form." Then, follow up with a fax or email with more information if you choose - please include your address. Missouri residents' opinions carry the most weight but BSL effects people traveling to the state as well. Please be courteous, succinct and truthful.

John Griesheimer, 26th, Chair
State Capitol Building
Room 227
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-3678
FAX: (573) 526-2609

Tom Dempsey, 23rd, Vice Chair
State Capitol Building
Room 433
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-1141
FAX: (573) 522-3383
E-Mail: tom.dempsey@senate.mo.gov

Jason Crowell, 27th
State Capitol Building
Room 323
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-2459
FAX: (573) 522-9289

Kevin Engler, 3rd
State Capitol Building
Room 428
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-3455
FAX: (573) 522-9318

Jack Goodman, 29th
State Capitol Building
Room 331A
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-2234
Fax: (573) 526-9808

Carl Vogel, 6th
State Capitol Building
Room 321
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-2076
FAX: (573) 751-2582

Victor Callahan, 11th
State Capitol Building
Room 334
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-3074
FAX: (573) 751-4551

Harry Kennedy, 1st
State Capitol Building
Room 226
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-2126
FAX: (573) 522-2465

Chris Koster, 31st
State Capitol Building
Room 225
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-1430
FAX: (573) 751-9751

Ryan McKenna, 22nd
State Capitol Building
Room 421
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-1492

Wes Shoemyer, 18th
State Capitol Building
Room 434
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
(573) 751-7852















Missouri: SB 886 Regulates the Dog, Not the Breed
Sponsor(s): Senator Jolie Justus
ASPCA Position: Support
Action Needed: Please email our letter to your state senator and members of the Missouri State Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Local Government Committee to express your support for this bill.

Sponsored by Senator Jolie Justus, SB 886 would allow any Missouri village, town or city to adopt regulations to control vicious or dangerous dogs—but importantly, the bill prevents communities from discriminating against any breed of dog.

Dogs are individuals: any dog can bite. Citizens should be protected from vicious and dangerous dogs of all breeds or mixes. Discriminating against certain breeds of dogs fails to protect the public and penalizes responsible dog owners.

Your letter will be sent to:

* Senator John E. Griesheimer
* Senator Jason G. Crowell
* Senator Kevin Engler
* Senator Wes Shoemyer
* Senator Victor Callahan
* Senator Carl M. Vogel
* Senator Michael R. Gibbons
* Senator Jack Goodman
* Senator Ryan Glennon McKenna
* Senator Harry Kennedy
* Senator Luann Ridgeway

To read the full text of the bill click here.

Go to the ASPCA site to send email and letter you can copy and paste to send a snail mail letter.

This is sooo important for us to respond to! This is our chance to end this terrible legislation for our dogs in Missouri!

Please send a snail mail letter. Actual, physical letters sitting on a desk or in a basket can pile up and show the amount of people who care. Emails are erased and even if they "pile up", who would notice? Letters cannot be ignored as much as an email!

The dogs all over the state will thank you!! :)

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

City Bans Tethering, Chaining Dogs

FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth City Council today approved an ordinance banning dog tethering. The new ordinance, which becomes effective this week, makes it illegal to use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device to attach an unattended dog to a stationary object or trolley system. A dog still must be confined within a secure enclosure at all times.

This new ordinance is partly due to a new state law passed in 2007, which allows tethering during certain time frames, under certain circumstances and using certain types of restraints.

“There is evidence that tethering dogs makes them more dangerous,” said Assistant Public Health Director Scott Hanlan. “Unfortunately, our animal control officers encounter on a daily basis tethered dogs that are neglected and left without food, water or shelter.”

One study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that animals that are kept roped or chained are 2.8 times more likely to bite people than dogs not kept roped or chained. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends never tethering or chaining a dog, because it can contribute to aggressive behavior. Anti-tethering campaigns are also endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society of the United States.

Under the new ordinance, the tethering of dogs will still be allowed under limited circumstances when the owner is present. The exceptions include a lawful animal event, city dog park, veterinary treatment, grooming, training or law enforcement activity.

Those who violate the new ordinance could face a fine as high as $2,000. However, Animal Care and Control staff emphasize that they will work with residents to educate them on this new law. Staff members also will provide residents with information on low-cost, more humane ways to restrain dogs before issuing citations for violations that don’t pose immediate threats to people or animals.

The issue of chained-up dogs is one element in the larger problem of irresponsible pet ownership faced not only by Fort Worth but by communities across the United States. Fort Worth animal control officers impounded 25,500 animals last year. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of those animals never made it out of the shelter alive.

For more information, call the Animal Care and Control Division at 817-392-3737.

###

Media Contact:
Susan Whittenberger
Public Education Coordinator
Public Health Department
817-871-6658 (office)
817-999-8493 (cell)
susan.whittenberger@fortworthgov.org

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Sign the Petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare through the World Society for the Protection of Animals! 84K signatures so far!

Every day millions of animals are born into lives of unspeakable suffering. Every day millions more suffer terrible deaths. All animals should be able to live their lives free from misery.

But they struggle in a world that is often indifferent:

* The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year.
* An estimated eighty percent of the world’s cats and dogs are unwanted and suffer from hunger, disease, neglect and persecution as pests.
* Animal cruelty is shockingly prevalent around the world, even in countries like the U.S. with strong legal penalties.

The road toward better animal welfare is through cooperation, information and a strong international commitment. Urge the United Nations to adopt a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare! The declaration would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.

Note: your signature will be one more toward the goal of 10 million signatures on the "Animals Matter to Me" petition, making it the most ambitious global initiative on animal welfare that has ever been attempted!

Puppy Torturers Receive Strong Sentence – Congratulate Georgia DA!

Last August, two teenage brothers in Atlanta, GA, were charged with torturing and baking a three-month-old puppy to death. Just recently, justice was served - the brothers received the maximum sentence allowable in each of the nine counts under which they were charged. These sentences will be served concurrently, and in effect, the young men will serve 10 years in prison and 10 years under strict probation, for a total of 20 years.

The horrific death of this poor puppy touched animal lovers around the world, and the strong sentencing in this case highlights how strongly the public feels about cruelty toward animals.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard felt so strongly about seeking justice in this case – describing the death of this puppy as "so egregious it cries out for special attention" - that he sent a letter to Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue requesting that the penalty for animal cruelty be raised above the current five year maximum.

DA Howard should be applauded for his commitment to justice and the humane treatment of animals – please sign this petition today to congratulate him on success in this case!

Please sign the petition--We need to let lawyers and judges know we are watching these cases and applaud their serious attention to such terrible cases!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Obtaining pets through "Free to good home" ads!

I just visited Craigslist.org, I have only been on that site once or twice before today. I was searching for animal cages and dog houses. What also came up in my search got my blood boiling. There are probably a hundred cats and dogs being offered to "good" homes in Kansas City.

I cannot believe that craigslist is allowing this!

I suspect that many of these pets are being sold from BREEDERS! I despise breeding. There is nothing you can tell me that will make me think breeding animals to sell is a good thing. There are millions of animals, kittens and puppies, and purebred included, in shelters all across the country.


There are many reasons why this is ethically wrong:

1. People sometimes get kittens and small cats to feed to large snakes.

2. People called Bunchers, get free animals and sell them to labs for testing or other terrible reasons such as bait animals for dogfighting or to actually become part of the dogfighting ring. “BUNCHERS” n 1. humans who acquire animals, either singularly or in bunches, by taking them away without right, permission or under false pretenses for purposes of profit. 2. humans whose greed exceeds their compassion

3. Animal abusers search out ads like these. Such as the case of Barry Herbeck, who according to police, admitted collecting cats via "free to good home" ads, then killing them through acts of bestiality (having sex with an animal). Here is a link for more information about this case.
Herbeck is only one person who was caught, while I am sure millions of people have done this and can continue to do it because people don't know about it or don't care.

4. They could be used for breeding. Breeders most times banish a breeding animal to a cage then kill them once they can no longer reproduce. They most often live within their own feces.

5. They could be used as a bait animal for teaching dogs how to fight. This unfortunately happened to my cat. Read about that here on my website.

6. They could train dogs to fight in a dog fighting ring.

Last fall, a man did this:
"The cats were found under a sweatshirt, their bodies arranged in the shape of a triangle. One was disemboweled, at least two had their throats slit and all three had fishing line tied around their necks, Vitacco said. The cats' legs were duct-taped and their bodies slashed, a police report said", to cats he got on Craigslist.org

Anthony Appolonia, convinced 22 cat owners that he was able to provide a safe environment for their cats after he answered their ”Free to a good home” ads. Further investigation showed that once he was in possession of the adopted cats and kittens he then tortured these defenseless creatures. He would torture these cats by beating them, breaking their bones and then leaving them to suffer for up to a day before he ended their lives by drowning them.

Barry Herbeck's new girlfriend found parts of a dead cat in Herbeck's kitchen plumbing, and hearing from his two young children that Herbeck had taped their puppy's mouth shut, then left him to die in front of them. According to police, Herbeck admitted collecting cats via "free to good home" ads, then killing them through acts of bestiality.

Is this the fate that you want for your animals?????

DON'T ADVERTISE YOUR ANIMALS! Bring them to a shelter where the potential adopter can be thoroughly checked out!.

Don't breed or buy while shelter pets die!

Know of any dogs that are chained or penned and don't know what to do??? Want to help chained dogs but know of any?

Know of any dogs that are chained or penned and don't know what to do??? Want to help chained dogs but know of any?

Visit Dogsdeservebetter.com Just in time for Valentine's Day, dogsdeservebetter.com has a way to reach those people who chain dogs. Anonymously send the address where a chained dog lives to dogsdeservebetter.com, they send out a Valentine and information that may help bring a dog inside! If you don't know of any dogs being chained in your neighborhood, you can make Valentines for the dogs instead. They need all addresses and valentines by FEB. 5TH. Here is the link again, dogsdeservebetter.com

Make a difference in a dog's life!!


Saturday, January 26, 2008

PETsMART Again Linked to Mistreated Animals

Action Alert:
PETsMART Again Linked to Mistreated Animals

Published 01/23/08

Recently Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute alerted members to the discovery of diseased birds in 23 PETsMART stores that were linked to a distributor in Florida that mass-produces birds for PETsMART.

Now PETsMART is in the news again for allegations of animal mistreatment at one of its major animal suppliers. A story that aired on the Today show revealed appalling conditions that birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small mammals are force to endure while used for breeding or awaiting shipment to PETsMART stores. Video footage shows sick and injured animals tossed in garbage cans and rabbits being neutered without proper veterinary protocols. View the Today show segment here.

Born Free USA is once again calling on PETsMART to discontinue its sale of birds and other live animals. You can let PETsMART know that you won’t be shopping at its stores until live animal sales cease.

Contact:

PETsMART
19601 N. 27th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
customercare@petsmart.com

Dogs are not the problem--HUMANS are!

I am very tired of hearing about "mean" or "vicious" dogs. I am not going to go into Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) too much but I want to talk about these terms in general.

If a puppy or dog is treated in a loving, humane way, we would not hear about dogs biting people or children nearly as much as we do now.

When I hear another city has passed some sort of BSL, I cringe. I know that many, many innocent, loving dogs may be euthanised simply because now, after the passing of an ordinance they are considered dangerous. When just yesterday, they were just another dog enjoying the sunshine in their own backyards. Now, they must be killed because they are vicious and dangerous to people.

Come on! Are humans really that stupid and ignorant?! This sounds like the Salem Witch trials in 1692! Have humans remained ignorant for over 400 years? Apparently, the answer is yes.

Humans are choosing to remain ignorant because then they don't have to look at how their OWN behavior causes the problems.

We need education and we need people to be responsible pet owners. We need people in the community to be humane and compassionate to any stray animals they see and teach their children to be kind.

I think it is incredibly sad that people are not interested in getting to the root of the problem and just take the first, quick answer that will "solve" the problem.

According to the ASPCA:

Any dog that is treated harshly, neglected or trained to attack, may bite a person. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous dog. The owner is most frequently responsible--not the breed, and not the dog.


If you have been a victim of BSL and would like to talk about it, please leave a comment or email me.

Read the ASPCA's position on BSL.

End Euthanasia of Healthy and Treatable Animals!

End Euthanasia of Healthy and Treatable Animals!

Every year, an estimated four to six million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal care and control facilities in the United States. This problem is pervasive, and it remains a source of shame for our country.

The American Humane Association’s Getting to Zero� Initiative is a national undertaking based on the profound belief that, within our lifetime, American society can reduce to zero the number of healthy or treatable dogs, cats and other companion animals that are euthanized in animal care and control facilities.

This program will help identify, support and obtain funding for the replication of community-based interventions that have demonstrated success in reducing the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. These include adoption, foster care, spay/neuter, training, transfer and generally bringing community support where it is needed most.

Sign this petition today to support programs like American Humane’s Getting to Zero� Initiative, because these animals all deserve a chance to live!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Fox Promo Shows Rat Being Microwaved to Death

I was watching tv the other night and I was horrified to see a commercial promoting a new show called, Unhitched, on the Fox network starting March 2. In the commercial, it shows a scene where a few boys put a rat into a microwave and turn it on--killing the rat! They show their faces while they watch the rat cook in the microwave. At they end, one of them says, "That was the longest 9 minutes of my life," and the other one says something like, "It looked like he was enjoying it for the first few minutes."

This is outrageous! If this is not taken off the air, I suspect we will hear many news stories of children and teens, and idiot adults putting rats, mice, rabbits, who knows what in the microwave! We must say something!! I called the Fox Network Viewer Comment line. Please pass this on!

Here is the number, 310-369-3066
When I called, nobody answered, it was just an answering machine.


Fox Broadcasting Company
ATTN: (Unhitched)
P.O. Box 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900

Phone: 310-369-1000

Or Email: askfox@fox.com

Toll-Free Animal Abuse Hotline Launched In Pa.

Pennsylvania animal rescue officials hope a new toll-free hot line will make it easier for those who witness abuse of animals to get help.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals plans to officially launch its statewide toll-free line on Feb. 1. But Executive Director Howard Nelson says calls to the line are already being answered. The number is 1-866-601-SPCA.

The nonprofit PSPCA is based in Philadelphia, with six satellite facilities across the state and a staff of 14 law enforcement agents with authority to enforce animal cruelty laws.

Nelson says abuse cases have been increasing. The group responded to 8,000 calls last year, up from 6,000 in 2006.


I am so happy to hear that another state has begun using a hotline. New Mexico is the other state I know of that has this other way of helping animals. I know of many times where I could have called a number to talk to someone who specifically takes calls about animal cruelty. I have had to basically harass the police to get them to do anything about animal cruelty here. New Mexico's Animal Cruelty Hotline is 888-260-2178.


Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Chained dogs living outside in freezing temps!





I volunteer with Spay Neuter Kansas City, in the Pet Assistance Program. On the weekends, we go out into the community and help chained dogs. There are so many dogs living in these conditions that we cannot help them all in one day. We generally have 8-10 people out in different parts of the city, helping dogs and any stray cats that wander in their path.

Abvoe, are some pictures I took this past Sunday, Jan 20. The
high that day was 25 degrees.

Annie is doing very well!

My feral cat, Annie, is doing very well. I have started letting her out during the day and she seems to like it. It's funny because after awhile, I will go in there and she is laying in her open cage. I think she likes getting out of her cage but probably feels more comfortable in there.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Cat found with crushed neck, skull (Hearing 1/25/08)

**Important** There is a hearing Friday, Jan 25, 2008!!!
Here is the judge and the address:

Hon. Douglas C. Boyack
60 North Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-533-5563
Case # CRF-25456 (<-- be sure to include this case number if writing a letter or calling!)



A man facing charges for allegedly killing a cat with his bare hands in October will go for psychological evaluation before criminal proceedings continue.

Steven Bruce Tippett, 51, was arrested Oct. 29 on suspicion of felony animal cruelty and appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

The hearing was continued until a psychologist can evaluate Tippett to determine if he is mentally fit enough to understand the proceedings and assist his attorney in his defense.

"At this point, we have a serious concern about it," said Deputy Public Defender Carolyn Woodall, who was standing in for Tippett's attorney Deputy Public Defender Clay Bedford.

If a psychologist finds he is not mentally competent, Tippett will undergo counseling, treatment or education before proceedings resume.

Five members of Sonora Cat Rescue, a nonprofit group that works to spay and neuter feral cats and place some cats in homes, appeared to watch the proceedings.

As Tippett, who was released from jail Oct. 31 on the promise to appear in court, passed the group on the way into the courtroom, he meowed at them, the members said.

The group members said they wanted to follow the proceedings after they heard of the allegations.

Upon evaluation, the cat's neck and skull were crushed.

Deputy District Attorney Dee Shepherd is the attorney for the prosecution in the case.

Tuolumne County Superior Court Judge Doug Boyack set a hearing to evaluate the psychologist's report for 1:15 p.m. Jan. 2 in Department 4.

Dog doused in gasoline, set on fire


Incident Date: Sunday, Jan 13, 2008

Arlington police are seeking help in locating possible suspects in a case of animal cruelty.

Police said someone poured gasoline on a family's pet Pomeranian and set him on fire over the weekend.

Spike disappeared from his South Arlington home Friday night. "The doorbell rang about 7:30 Saturday morning, and it was an Arlington Police officer," said owner Ronnie Villaire.

Spike's charred body had been found in an alley just a few blocks away—burned and left for dead. The dog was identified by a tag listing his address in the 900 block of Cortez Drive.

"There was a lot of mixed emotions—from disbelief, to sadness, to anger," Villaire said.

The family has offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the person or persons who attacked their pet.

"I don't really want to retaliate," Villaire said. "I thought we needed to go to the media like this for public awareness for other animal owners in this area to make sure they know where their pets are."

Noting that he has two small children, Villaire said he was very disturbed to know that a sociopath could be on the prowl in his neighborhood.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arlington Police department at (817) 459-5748.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Arlington Police
(817) 459-5748


Case Updates

More than $10,000 in reward money is being offered for information about the person who set an Arlington family's Pomeranian on fire this weekend, police said Monday.

Police found the remains of Ronnie and Liz Villaire's 3½-year-old dog Spike in far south Arlington on Saturday, near the family's home in the 900 block of Cortez Drive. He had been doused with gasoline and set afire. On Sunday, the Villaires, who have two small children, offered $2,500 for information about the dog's death.

They haven't gotten any tips, but they've received plenty of support, Ronnie Villaire said Monday.

"I tell you, the phone calls we've gotten from the public in general, people wanting to help with the reward money or people just calling to say they're sorry and animal lovers giving their condolences -- it's just been amazing," he said.

A veterinarian examining Spike's remains determined that the dog suffered a skull fracture and was probably lying down, possibly dead or already unconscious, when he was set on fire, Villaire said.

The bump in reward money came in large part from the Dallas-based Murrell Foundation, headed by ThreeM Oil Co. president John R. Murrell. Murrell is offering $5,000 for the arrest and prosecution of the responsible person.

In addition, the Humane Society of the United States is offering $2,500 and Safe City Commission Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest, Arlington police said.

"Someone will rat their friend out for that kind of money. So I'm thinking eventually someone will come forward," Villaire said.

11 kittens freeze to death

The garbage bag in Melissa Steele's bathroom contains grisly proof of the frigid conditions inside her Syracuse apartment.

Mixed among the food wrappers and used tissues are the bodies of eleven tiny kittens who died from probable cases of hypothermia. Steele said she is saving the corpses as proof that her landlord is responsible.

"He is to blame," Steele said, cradling two of the dead kittens in her cupped hands. "There are no lights and no gas. That's why they froze to death."

Steele and her landlord's property manager, Syracuse Homes, disagree on whose responsibility it is to pay the National Grid bill. Service was disconnected last week, and Steele has been living in a veritable ice box ever since.

In an effort to keep warm the five surviving kittens and her 16 adult cats, some of whom are pregnant, Steele has placed all of the animals in three pet carriers buried beneath a mountain of blankets, clothes, and couch cushions. They do not have access to food, water, or the litter box except when Steele releases them for brief periods of time each day.

"That, I don't care to go into," she said, insisting they are receiving adequate care. "I do what I have to do to keep my cats warm."

Steele has declined to allow anyone else to care for the cats, even temporarily, and warned that anyone who tried to take them from her would "leave in a body bag."

Fearing the cats might succumb to the bone-chilling cold, CBS 5 News Reporter Steve Flamisch decided to call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Within the hour, an SPCA van loaded with animal carriers was parked outside Steele's Pond Street apartment home.

Despite her earlier threats, Steele -- who has had dealings with the SPCA in the past -- appeared to suddenly welcome the opportunity to relinquish some of the cats. She watched as cruelty investigator Betsy Puffer and another staff member placed all five kittens and 11 of the adult cats into carriers and loaded them into the van. Puffer allowed Steele to keep seven adults.

"The other adults should be fine," Puffer said. "They are of a good body weight and she is doing her best to keep them covered with blankets."

Puffer informed Steele that the cats had to be fed at least once daily, and that a water dish had to be placed in their carriers. Steele agreed.

That may be a moot point, however.

Late Friday, the Syracuse City Codes Enforcement Department informed CBS 5 News that it had condemned the building, meaning Steele will be forced to vacate. The department of social services will work with her on finding alternative housing, and Puffer said the SPCA is prepared to seize the remaining seven cats, if necessary.

Steele is hoping for financial donations, and said she is willing to sell some of the cats for $50-$100.

____________________________________________________
This to me, sounds like an irresponsible person, who cannot pay her own bills. She is also being an irresponsible pet owner or rescuer, whichever one she claims to be. I would never allow any animal to suffer and freeze to death--even if it is the fault of the landlord. She could have done any number of things to save their lives and she chose not to.

She could have called the SPCA herself, she could have taken them to a friends house, hotel (if possible), or bought a space heater or one of those disks you heat up in the microwave. There were many options and she chose none of them!

Spay Neuter Kansas City helping dogs...the news records what we do.

News video from Sunday, Jan. 20. Spay Neuter Kansas City helping dogs.


http://www.nbcactionnews.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=311673@kshb.dayport.com

Monday, January 21, 2008

Sign a petition to end Whaling


Welcome to Whales Revenge, an ambitious campaign to gather 1 million signatures for a petition to stop whaling.

Every year thousands of precious mammals are slaughtered in the name of so-called 'scientific research'.

Add your voice by signing this campaign then forwarding it everyone you know. Please help us stop the killing.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Annie played with me!

Annie let me play with her! It was only for a few seconds but she was playing with my fingers through the cage.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Pit Bull Thrown From Overpass Euthanized


POSTED: 4:24 pm CST January 18, 2008

ST. LOUIS -- A pit bull terrier that was thrown 30 feet from an overpass has been euthanized after suffering multiple fractures in both front legs, nerve damage and uncontrollable pain.

"It is with heavy hearts that we report that the pit bull cruelly thrown from the Union Boulevard overpass has died," the Humane Society of Missouri said in a statement.

Humane Society veterinarians made the decision Thursday night after consultation and examination, veterinarian Melinda Fleming said.

"This dog was in severe, nearly uncontrollable pain and it was questionable whether he would be able to walk again. That someone would allow a pet to be abused in this way is unthinkable and heartbreaking," she said.

The organization got a call Wednesday evening from a witness who saw the pit bull terrier and a large golden retriever or Akita mix falling from the overpass in north St. Louis. Authorities believe the dogs were thrown.

The group on Thursday offered $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The other dog ran away but may have been seriously injured, the Humane Society said.

The Humane Society's rescues and investigations team, along with city Animal Control and police are looking for the missing dog. So far, they have no confirmed sightings.

Rescue team Director Tim Rickey said the Humane Society will recommend prosecution of a felony to the full extent of the law.

Witnesses were urged to call the Humane Society or police with information.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Campus organization working toward educating the public about animal needs


Over the past several months one Northwest Missouri State University organization has been doing their part to educate people about animal advocacy.

One of the major areas of concentration within the Northwest Advocates for Animal Awareness (NWAAA) group is their feral (wild) cat program.

The NWAAA group strives to strengthen the community's capacity to make good decisions concerning domestic animals and to set an example with the care and attention they give their own pets and those they advocate for.

Kristina Martinez, campus safety officer and advisor to the group, has always been an animal lover, owns several dogs and fosters others. To her, it is all about providing important knowledge to the public, so instead of merely masking the problem, they can fix and eventually prevent one.

"We don't just try and get rid of them (the cat population on the campus property) because that doesn't really fix the problem," Martinez said. "You have to teach people things. If we spay and neuter the cats, they generally stay in their areas. We are learning to manage the feral cats."

Last spring, Martinez trapped and had seven wild cats spayed or neutered. Veterinarians around town gave the group discounts because of the work they are doing for the community.

Winter brings slower activity for captivity of those feral animals. Martinez generally leaves a cat that has just had surgery in a cage for a while afterward. She doesn't want the animal to get cold while trapped in a cage, or get caught in an unexpected snow storm — where it wouldn't be able to run for cover.

Because she hasn't been able to spay and neuter over the winter months, she predicts they will have several litters of kittens in the spring.

"We might have to start adopting them out then, because the campus is not good for little kittens," Martinez said.

Groups of cats consistently stay in certain areas around campus. Several stay near the campus safety office, others stay near the Station and still others near the apartments and high rises on campus.

"I wouldn't say they are getting more tame, I would just say they are more predictable now," Martinez said referring to why the cats continually visit the same locations on campus.

Martinez, who often feeds the cat with money out of her own pocket, feeds the group of cats near the campus safety department building.

"I feed them every day when the afternoon sun is shining down and there is less wind," she said. "Every day I drive by around noon and I see them out there waiting for me."

While these cats are getting used to being fed everyday, they are still very much wild cats, Martinez said. Most of them run when approached, but one student on campus has been able to approach at least two of the cats.

"There's just something about her that the cats like," Martinez said. "I'm no Emily, I just feed them."

Cats are also vaccinated upon their captivity and released back into the campus population. Those that "are fixed" have a tipped left ear to show that they have already had surgery, and also so Martinez knows she doesn't have to trap them again.

The group raises money through fundraisers, she said. Last year Martinez received $200 from a lady who took one of the feral cats to a rescue agency in Kansas City.

"I told her we weren't in the business of selling cats," she said. "The point was to slow down the rate at which feral cats reproduce by getting them fixed and then releasing them back into the wild.

"She handed me a check and I looked down and I couldn't believe it was $200. She wrote a little note on it that said, 'keep up the good work.' I've never heard from her again, but it was good for the students to see that people really do support what we do."

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Tethered-dog photos disturbing to Texas council

Posted on Wed, Jan. 16, 2008


By MIKE LEE
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
FORT WORTH -- The pictures were upsetting: a slit-eyed dog chained to a tree in a bare dirt yard with no way to get to food or water. Another dog kept on a chain so short it could barely move.

And those were the ones that the city animal control department felt it could show in public.

"Our animal cruelty officers encounter many examples of dog tethering that are far worse," said Scott Hanlan, assistant public health director.

It could soon be illegal to chain or tether a dog in Fort Worth, except in limited circumstances. City Council members, who were visibly angered by the pictures, could vote on a change in the ordinance next week, including a $2,000 fine.

Hanlon said there's evidence that chaining dogs makes them more dangerous. One study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that animals that are kept roped or chained are 2.8 times more likely to bite people than other dogs.

"I find the photographs you just showed us disturbing to say the least," Mayor Mike Moncrief said. "I guess perhaps in my own mind the most appropriate punishment for those who choose to treat animals that way is to tether those owners themselves for a period of time."

Enforcement

If the council approves the ordinance next week, it would be illegal to keep a dog on a chain or rope unless the owner is present. Hanlan said animal control officers plan to start educating owners about their options, including inexpensive ones. It can cost as little as $200 to build a dog run out of chain-link fence, and dog runs are much more humane than chains or ropes, Hanlan said.

City ordinance already requires dogs to be kept in fenced yards or some other type of secure enclosure.

Other cities, including Austin and Irving, have passed similar ordinances. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has endorsed so-called anti-tethering laws as a more sensible alternative to laws that focus on one breed of dog, such as pit bulls. The Humane Society of the United States publishes a pamphlet telling activists how to get similar laws passed in their community.

Street culture

City animal control officials say part of the problem is the street culture, whose members value dogs as a status symbol. Dogfighters sometimes use heavy chains to strengthen a dog or make it more aggressive.

Suzette Watkins, who owns a kennel in the Riverside neighborhood, has taken pictures of chained animals around Fort Worth and sent them to council members and the news media.

"You look tough if you've got a chained, mean dog by the side of you," she said. "It's like a loaded gun; they don't realize what that dog is capable of."

Chaining dogs hurts them on several levels, Watkins said. It deprives them of exercise and keeps them from interacting with people or other dogs.

"By nature, dogs are social beings. For them to be tied up ... it's no life for a dog," she said.

A larger problem

The issue of chained-up dogs is one facet of a citywide problem. Fort Worth officials have been trying for years to do something about irresponsible pet owners who they say contribute to the proliferation of stray and abused animals. Thousands of animals are kept without proper vaccinations, spaying or neutering, training, city licenses or a decent environment.

City animal control officers collect about 25,500 dogs and cats a year. At one point, the city had to euthanize three-fourths of those animals. The death rate is now down to about 70 percent, despite Fort Worth's rapid population growth and an increase in the number of animals brought in. At the same time, the animal control department has been requiring people ticketed for animal violations to attend classes on proper animal care.

Woman fears her cats being killed

Mikkelsen, who rents a home on 32 acres in the county, said that when her first cat died three years ago, she didn't suspect foul play. But after four died since Thanksgiving, she recruited a friend to help figure out what was going on.

A veterinarian's report and a Caroline animal control investigation shows that at least two of the cats weren't hit by cars; they were cut vertically along their abdomens and gutted.

Two Dogs Brutally Tortured and Killed

BAINBRIDGE, Ohio - Investigators said two dogs who had been missing for days were abused and killed before their owners found them in the woods on Tuesday.

Barbara Hatfield and Steve McGlonn said their dogs, Mack and Flash, roamed their 56-acre farm, but always returned home, 10TV News reported.

After the dogs did not come home on Friday, the couple started searching for them.

SLIDESHOW: Images From Report

Hatfield and McGlonn discovered their dogs' bodies on nearby property.

"You couldn't believe someone would do that to your dogs," Hatfield said.

"I just wanted to lay down with them and she kept pulling me away," McGlonn said.

Pike County Humane Society investigators said the dogs had been brutally abused.

"These dogs were tortured and brutalized and had massive bone damage," said Humane Society Director John Owens. "They were in plain view of the owner's place of residence. It goes beyond words, there is not enough I can say about it."

Next to the dogs, investigators found a fawn in a garbage bag and another butchered deer, 10TV News reported.

Agents also discovered a wire that they believed was used to tie the dogs down.

"Who would do something like that to an innocent dog?" Hatfield said.

The couple hoped that an investigation could help save another pet from the same fate.

The Humane Society said they have evidence that dogs had been tortured on that property before.

Investigators said the person responsible could face multiple misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.

The animals' bodies were being tested for an exact cause of death.

Pregnant Dog Hung in Philadelphia Schoolyard, Brutally Tortured to Death

WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGES!!

Pregnant pit bull hung and tortured. A horrific sight greeted animal control officers when they investigated after receiving a call regarding a dead dog in an abandoned Philadelphia schoolyard at 27th and Huntingdon. A pregnant pitbull hung, chained to a fence. She had been brutally abused, beaten and tortured to death then her body just left like some kind of macabre exhibit for anyone to see.

The area surrounding the poor dog’s tortured body was covered with debris, rocks and chunks of concrete, many covered in blood, obviously used to torture the defenseless dog to death.

“Just to think someone could throw something at an animal like that and hear it cry out and continue to throw stuff at the dog… it’s heartbreaking,” said Officer Wayne Smith of the PA SPCA.

Imagine the torment, the pain, the suffering that innocent and defenseless creature went through as she was stoned and beaten to death! Imagine the heartlessness and callousness of the sad excuse of a human being or beings who did that to her.

The SPCA released the graphic pictures below in hopes that someone might have some information that would lead to the arrest of the monster(s) who could do something like this. Saddest thing is, even if they ever do find them, this crime, this abominable torture of a defenseless and innocent creature can only be charged as a misdemeanor meaning probably no jail time.

There has been a $1000 reward posted by the SPCA for information leading the arrest of the criminal or criminals in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA at 215-426-6300.

If you know anything, if you have any information at all, please call! The kind of person or people who could do something like this could possibly do the same to other animals or people, innocent children. No one is safe from such depravity!



Police: Man Drills Into Dog's Head--Father Tried To Punish Dog For Biting Son, Police Say

Police: Man Drills Into Dog's Head
Father Tried To Punish Dog For Biting Son, Police Say

POSTED: 5:38 pm EST January 14, 2008
PLAINVILLE, Conn. -- A man drilled holes in a pit bull's head as punishment for biting his son, police in Plainville said.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Hena Daniels reported authorities euthanized the pit bull, named Baby, on Monday.

Man Accused Of Drilling Dog's Head (WARNING: Explicit Pictures)

According to Plainville police, Saverino Cruz, 32, drilled several holes in the dog's head using a power drill after the dog bit Cruz's 8-year-old son earlier in the day. Plainville police said two brothers are being charged in the incident.

"Saverino Cruz left work upon discovering his son had been bit. He went back to the household and, in a fit of rage, grabbed a power drill and drilled the dog that bit this son ... in the head several times," Plainville police Capt. Peter Costanzo said. "He then went to the hospital to see his son."

Police said the chain of events unfolded on Sunday when Cruz's brother, Enrique, the owner of the dog, was watching his nephew, Nick.

Baby somehow got out of a cage in the basement and bit the 8-year-old in the arm. Nick was rushed to an area hospital and was released a short while later.

When officers got to the house, they found another dog -- a 4-month-old puppy, police said. Both dogs were malnourished, unlicensed and not vaccinated, police said.

"The sanitary conditions were terrible in the home and that dog was also taken and placed in the pound," Costanzo said.

Police said Saverino Cruz later told investigators he was very sorry for what he did. He remains in police custody.

The other dog, named Coffee, is up for adoption at Plainville Animal Control.
E-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 866-289-0333.
Connecticut's latest breaking news is on WFSB.com and Channel 3 Eyewitness News. Channel 3 Eyewitness News
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© 2008 by WFSB.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sad story of animal abuse all too common : Aztec Animal Shelter takes in neglected dog "Duke"

Sad story of animal abuse all too common : Aztec Animal Shelter takes in neglected dog "Duke"
By Debra Mayeux The Daily Times
Farmington Daily Times
Article Launched:01/14/2008 12:00:00 AM MST
AZTEC — Puppy years should be happy times for dogs. A time to learn how to socialize and play.

For some animals that is not the case. They are brought home, neglected and starved, kept out in the cold. That is what happened to "Duke," a stray recently brought into the Aztec Animal Shelter.

"He was running around. He had a choke chain on. The collar grew into his skin as he grew," said Tina Roper, shelter director.

The shelter employees had to cut deep into the dog's neck with wire cutters to get the chain out. "His neck is just tore open," Roper said.

"It was horrible, one of the absolute worst ones we have seen," she added.

Some 50 to 60 percent of the animals brought into the shelter suffer from some type of abuse.

"A lot of them that come in ... they are head shy. They've been hit," Roper said, adding that most don't know how to act around humans. "They are scared, and it's hard to get them to understand that not all humans are going to hurt them."

"Duke" is a mixed-breed dog, and is smaller than he should be. The shelter staff can't say whether he lacked food during his growing years, but it is likely because of the neglect.

Roper said that if the animal control officer's knew where this 25-pound dog came from, the owner would face charges, as would any owner who leaves their dog or cat out in the freezing weather with no shelter.

"They can get frostbite. They can freeze to death," Roper said. "You can't leave them out there in the cold wet snow without shelter, somewhere dry to sleep."

While animal control officers do not patrol the streets looking for abuse and neglect cases, they will investigate any call of concern that comes in. If an animal is outside without shelter, food and water, "it would be a violation of an ordinance," she said.

Those calls often come into the San Juan Animal League's hotline, and while the league does help pet owners, it refers those types of calls to non-emergency dispatch, said Donna Ogilvie, co-chairman of the league.

"Any of us that love animals feel terrible when anything like that (abuse) happens," Ogilvie said, adding the league will help to pay for medical bills of animals with emergencies that are taken into loving homes.

The O'Hearn Fund helps to pay the medical bills of rescued animals, Ogilvie said. There also is an emergency fund for people who cannot afford the costs of caring for sick or injured animals.

In the case of "Duke," the Aztec Animal Shelter staff took care of him and had him checked out by a veterinarian. Once he is healed, he will make a great pet, Roper said.

"Duke," however, will need to go to an understanding home, where the owner is patient and the environment is quiet.

"Not only did he come in with physical injuries, emotionally he needs help too," Roper said.

He will need to learn socialization with humans and other animals. He will need to learn to trust. That happens in a loving home, most animal behavior experts would agree.

Ogilvie said that if someone needs advice on animal socialization or behavior, they can get it at the San Juan Animal League's annual meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Farmington Civic Center. The keynote speaker is Ben Gonzales, owner of Doggie Do Right, a mobile dog obedience business.

"He comes to people's houses and helps them train their dogs," Ogilvie said, adding the meeting is open to the public. She encourages anyone with a love of animals to attend.

Back to "Duke." Roper said he is safe and sound, healing at the Aztec Shelter, but when he is well, the staff will be looking for a good adoptive home for the guy.

"He's going to be a wonderful dog for somebody," Roper said.

For information about "Duke," call the Aztec Shelter at (505) 334-6819

For information about the San Juan Animal League, call (505) 325-3366.

To report animal abuse or neglect, call non-emergency dispatch at (505) 334-6622.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

PETA HBO Documentary


I just recently watched this movie. It was definitely overseen by Peta, or Ingrid Newkirk herself. Very graphic images and videos were thrown in there without any warning, which is what I despise most about Peta. This was just another propaganda film that Peta wanted to put out there. Violent images of fur farms, chicken and turkeys being treated cruelly, etc. I know about all of this and I am a vegetarian because of that.

I know, in my personal life, that I cannot change anyone's behavior. I cannot make someone care. If that person chooses to remain ignorant, there is nothing I can do. I am talking about my personal ethics. Peta does not have that and chooses to push the envelope when people don't listen. Really, I think all I can do to change the world is change how I live in it and educate those who actually want to be educated.

I am angry that Peta thinks it has the right to show me, and other sensitive viewers such graphically disturbing material. I have one of the images seared into my memory that was especially graphic and they have no right to do that to me or anyone else.

In summary, the movie shows graphic video, saves one turkey from a slaughterhouse (which was probably killed after the filming was over anyway), kills one dog because it had heartworm disease (peta actually has a mission to kill all of the animals that could be deemed as pets), damaged property in a fur store in Paris, gave a little insight into Ingrid Newkirk's craziness, showed people making fools of themselves during demonstrations and created an inaccurate portrait of the largest animal-rights organizations in the world.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Annie

Annie is doing very well. I am a little concerned about her boredom levels. I have been videotaping her and I have never caught her actually playing. I am monitoring her for any depression or anxiety symptoms. She does not seem interested in playing with me. I do think there are times where she has played with a toy in her cage but I haven't seen her, just the evidence of playing.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Annie

Annie groomed herself while I was sitting next to her cage. She is definitely getting more comfortable with me. She hisses at me much less even though she is still hissing at me at odd times. She hisses at me when I don't totally expect it, like when I reach in to get her food bowl out or something. I just have to go with the flow, as they say. Whenever she hisses, I just tell her in a soothing voice that she is okay.I have been thinking about letting her out of the cage maybe just for the day and put her back in at night. Even if I let her out for a few hours a day, it might help her. I am just not sure because I know cats, especially feral cats, feel safer in small spaces. The room isn't huge, but it is huge compared to the cage. Would all of that space just freak her out?

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Annie

Annie let me pet her then hissed at me not even 5 minutes later. Sigh! I have come to realize one thing about feral cats. You never know how they will be and you always have to be on guard. You have to possess infinite patience and must have a true knowledge of cats. I am still happy that I caught her but I am conflicted on what to do with her. I am planning on getting her spayed, this week hopefully. After I get her spayed, I need to decide if she is going to stay here with us or if I am going to let her go and take care of her outside. I think she has made such amazing progress so far that it would be a shame to let her go. My question is what is in her best interest? Am I just a human trying to make a pet out of her because I think that is what she should be, or is this what she wants too? I wish I could ask her what she wants.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Annie



I brought Annie out of her room and after my cats were safely put away, I brought her cage next to the balcony door so she could look outside. She seemed a little scared but calmed down pretty quickly. I saw her watching the birds coming to the feeders, I was happy to provide her with some distractions so she could just be a cat. I also brought her cage outside on the balcony for some fresh air. I open her window just about everyday but being out in the fresh air feels so much better!

Council delays decision on dog-chaining law

By Chris Paschenko
The Daily News

Published January 10, 2008
DICKINSON — Saying law-abiding residents shouldn’t be made criminals, the Dickinson City Council decided to postpone enacting an ordinance banning the chaining of dogs, so it could review the language of the law.

Councilmen Mark Townsend and Kerry Neves said Wednesday they’ve had some dogs they’ve had to restrain during loud thunderstorms and temporary restraints were the only way to ensure the canines remained in their backyard fences.

Both councilmen said they would be against a total ban on chaining dogs.

“I had a black lab, and the dog would go nuts,” Townsend said. “He ate up the fence, the wood on the back door. When it thunders, that’s the end.”

Neves agreed, saying his dogs couldn’t be kept in his fence during thunderstorms.

“They go absolutely crazy during thunderstorms and loud noises,” Neves said. “One digs out, and one climbs over. When I’m not home, I restrain them on the porch. They have beds and everything. If I don’t, I’m afraid they’ll become grease spots on FM 517.”

A concerned citizen went to a council meeting last year, asking for members to pass a similar measure adopted in Texas City that prevents the continuous chaining of dogs.

“I understand her point of view,” Townsend said. “But then you’ve got people like Kerry, but if it lightnings, he ain’t the only one going to be in that boat.” If the council passes a total ban, Townsend said, “I think we’ll be making criminals out of law-abiding citizens.”

Neves said the council would likely discuss the matter during a work session as soon as late February or March.

“I guess I agree with it in principle,” Neves said. “It’s just got to be handled in a better fashion. I hate to pass an ordinance that criminalizes good folks trying to do the right thing.”

Neves said paying careful attention to the wording of the ordinance would be key.

“We need verbiage to the effect that it doesn’t apply when restraint is done for the health and safety of the animal, so we don’t criminalize somebody like me,” he said.

Neves said the chaining of dogs could be banned, but animal abuse laws would better serve the public when residents report neglected animals, such as those permanently chained without food, water or shelter.

Copyright © 2008 The Galveston County Daily News

_________________________________________________________________________________

Neves said. “It’s just got to be handled in a better fashion. I hate to pass an ordinance that criminalizes good folks trying to do the right thing.”


I believe this quote to be completely ridiculous! How can someone be so ignorant?
"folks trying to do the right thing." Chaining a dog is not the right thing for anyone to do. Who cares so little about their dog that they allow them to be chained outside during a thunderstorm? There needs to be some serious education in this town. It is so sad when these lawmakers consider the people first and the happiness and welfare of the dogs, who actually have to live outside.

Pit bull found battered to death

By GLORIA CAMPISI
Philadelphia Daily News

campisg@phillynews.com 215-854-5935
The battered body of a dead pit bull, stoned with chunks of concrete and bricks, was found hanging from a railing at an abandoned school at 27th and Huntingdon streets Tuesday.

The dog, an adult male, had been bashed so severely a Pennsylvania SPCA investigator said there was no way to tell whether the animal had been killed for losing a dogfight, for being too timid to fight, or for someone's amusement.

"The dog was tied so closely and tightly to the railing that he had no chance to get away from his tormentors," said the Pennsylvania SPCA's chief executive officer, Howard Nelson.

The gruesome brutality of the stoning of the animal has prompted the SPCA to offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of its killers.

A day after the discovery of the dead dog, police officers found two pit bull puppies dumped, alive, in a duffle bag, at 23rd and Westmoreland streets.

The puppies are being evaluated by SPCA veterinarians.

Is it open season on pit bulls?It seems it always is, says an investigator. Dogfighting, mostly by kids, happens all the time, in all parts of the city, said SPCA police officer Wayne Smith.

While the extent of the cruelty involved in the death of the dog is appalling, the dumping of dead pit bulls is not uncommon, said Smith, who is investigating.

"We get that all the time," he said. "They throw them in a bag, or they're dumped somewhere. Most of the time, it's pit bulls."

Four dead pit bulls were found dumped in two locations in Fairmount Park in August and September.

The bodies of two more pit bulls were found later in September near Philadelphia International Airport.

Investigators believe that all of those dogs were killed either during or after dogfights and, in one case, two bullet casings were found near the dogs' bodies.

A $3,000 reward, including $2,500 pledged by the Humane Society of the United States, was offered in the earlier dog dumpings, but SPCA spokeswoman Heather Redfern said those cases have not yet been solved.

Redfern said anyone with information on any of the cases can provide it through the organization's Web site, PSPCA.org or by calling the shelter's main number, 215-426-6300, and asking to speak with an investigator.

Identities of the callers are kept confidential. *




Find this article at:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080111_Pit_bull_found_battered_to_death.html

Thursday, January 10, 2008

annie

I pet Annie for about 10 minutes today! I opened one side of her cage and reached in to pet her. She has a little cat cube (there is a picture of it on January 4th) and I reached inside, SLOWLY, and eventually made it to her paw. She let me pet under her chin (of course no cat could refuse that!), her face, around her ears and her right front paw. She did not want me to touch her feet, her left front paw, or her belly.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

annie

Annie let me pet her today! She let me pet her nose and a little around her ears. I pet her for about a minute until she let me know that she had had enough. I didn't try to pet her the rest of the night.

Cops say woman hid dog’s body after it froze to death

LIVINGSTON MANOR — A 47-year-old woman was charged with an animal cruelty violation yesterday when police found her pit bull’s body stashed in the woods behind her house.
Police say Daniele Edwards left her pit bull, Blue, outside and without shelter the night of Jan. 4. The temperature dipped to 5 degrees that night, and the dog froze to death, police said.
An anonymous tip led police to the dog’s body. Edwards was charged with failure to provide a dog with adequate shelter, a violation.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080109/NEWS/80108024/-1/NEWS

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

annie

Annie ate a treat out of my hand! She has started purring around me, too. She curls up into a loose "ball" and sleeps and purrs while I am sitting next to her cage.
Technorati Profile

Cats at the shelter I volunteer at




Wally




This is Wally, he was found as a stray in Kansas City, Missouri. Someone put a puppy collar on him and never took it off. As her grew, his skin grew around it and the collar became embedded. He required surgery to remove the collar. He is doing much better now and is available for fostering or adoption.

annie

Annie is more chatty this morning than usual. I went in to see her and she had been playing a lot over night! Her toys were all over the place and usually they are exactly where I left them. I am happy to see her playing. I tried to play with her and she seemed a little interested. I had one of those dangling toys on the end of a stick. I used the end to try to pet her. She smelled it, she didn't mark it, but she let me pet the back of her head with it. I am not surprised that she didn't mark it. Feral cats would rather mark trees or something, not a cat toy. It is interesting though. I am learning so much from her!!

Monday, January 7, 2008

annie

Annie ate in front of me! That is amazing that she felt comfortable enough to eat in front of me. She is really making awesome progress!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

annie

Annie yawned in front of me and drank in front of me. So, for a few seconds she made herself vulnerable in front of me by yawning and drinking in front of me. I had never seen her drink or eat, or go to the bathroom. So, it is apparent by her behavior that she is trusting me more and more. She is making progress!!!

annie

I tried to pet Annie today but she was not having any part of it. I opened her cage and tried to pet her. She swatted at me but only scratched me a little. I think she was trying not to scratch me but tell me that she didn't like what I was doing. She has been squinting her right eye but there is no way I can get any saline into her eye. I can't handle her yet and I don't want to scare her by holding her in a towel against her will. There is no discharge or redness, no indication of illness. So, I am not going to worry about it--but I will keep an eye on her--no pun intended!

Saturday, January 5, 2008

annie


Annie is feeling more safe. Here, she is taking a light nap. Just after this was taken, she woke up. She is still hissing when I come in to check on her in the morning. She is letting her guard down more and letting herself relax a bit. I try to spend a lot of time with her and I think she likes my company--even if she acts like she doesn't.

Friday, January 4, 2008

feral cat


I bought Annie a "Cat Cube" and I think she feels very secure when she is in it. This morning after I put it in her cage, she curled up, let her guard down and went to sleep. She has started to meow if I am not in the room. I have noticed her peeking out to see what we are doing more and more. Most of the time as soon as she sees one of us looking at her, she immediately moves out of sight, behind the blankets on the side. She has made eye contact with me and held that for about 10 seconds or so a few times.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

On Thursday, January 8, the Alliance will be holding a "Beyond Oprah: Missouri's Puppy Mills" educational event in Kansas City.
The event will include a viewing of a portion of the Oprah show exposing the problems with the puppy mill industry in Pennsylvania.  Additionally, there will be a panel discussion of the puppy mill problem in Missouri and how interested persons can help. 
The panel will feature Alliance director, Julie Leicht, Alliance legislative director, John Coffman, and Bob Baker, Investigator with the ASPCA. 
Bob Baker has been active in animal welfare since 1977, and is a nationally recognized authority on animal cruelty investigations.  During his extensive career, he has served as Chief Investigator for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and, most recently, as Field Investigator for the Humane Farming Association. Bob joined the ASPCA in January 2007 as Investigator, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives, where he will be a key player in the ASPCA's ongoing efforts to combat the cruelties of puppy mills and large-scale commercial breeding operations.
This special event will be held at the Ron Berg Gallery and Event Space, Crossroads District, 1525 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64108 beginning at 7PM (Jan 8).  Parking is available behind the gallery for this event.
This educational presentation is co-sponsored by No More Homeless Pets KC and is presented with the gracious support of the Ron Berg Gallery.

feral cat

Annie let me pet her for a second after I gave her some beef baby food. She also used the scratcher I put in her cage. It was brand new and I can see where she has scratched it. I am so happy about her progress!! I am watching her to see when she might be able to handle being let out into the room, without being in the cage. I still think she is too scared right now. She is acting like she really wants out though. I just don't think it is a good idea yet.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

feral cat


Annie was very relaxed this evening.

Know how to Lobby for animals?

Lobbying Tips Workshop to be held in Springfield, Mo.

On Saturday, January 17, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation will be holding a Lobbying Tips Seminar in Springfield, Mo.

Get tips on how to lobby in the state legislature, learn more about the Alliance's legislative agenda for 2009, sign up to participate in Lobby Day in Jefferson City, and learn about upcoming Alliance events in Springfield!

The event will be held
in Meeting Room B, noon to 1:30 p.m., Main Library Center, 4653 South Campbell, Springfield, Missouri 65810. Phone: (417) 882-0714.

This event will be hosted by the Alliance's Springfield coordinator, Kris Hegle.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact the Alliance at mail@maal.org or Kris Hegle at kahegle@aol.com.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

feral cat

Annie was talking to me today! I was making some noises with my mouth and she was meowing back at me in response.

feral cat


I went to visit Annie, that is what we decided on naming her. She was less messy this morning. She took bites out of the top of the small cardboard box I put in there for her to lay in. I think that is anxious behavior. There are cats at the shelter I volunteer at that do that also. I put more toys in there to get her to play but I am not sure she has played with them. I was working on the computer next to her cage and she seemed to be relaxed. She layed down and rolled over a little and I reached in to touch her paw which was close to the side of the cage. She let me touch her paw pad for about 5 seconds then she stood up. Before, I wouldn't even be able to get close to the cage. She is making a lot of progress!!