Walk for animals in 2009!

Minnesota, May 2- animalhumanesociety.org/walk 
Boston, Methuen and Hyannis, Sept. 13-mspca.org/site 

San Diego, May 2-sdhumane.org/site 
Atlanta, May 2- atlantahumane.org/events 
Seattle, Sept. 27- seattlehumane.org/explore/events 
Philadelphia, May 2- phillywalk.org 
Nebraska, Sept. 27-nehumanesociety.org/site 
Virginia, May 9- awla.org/animal-fundraising-walk.shtml 
Ohio, May 9- summithumane.org/events.asp 
Missouri, May 16- member.hsmo.org/site 
Indiana, Oct 11- cityoffortwayne.org/index.php 
North Carolina, May 16 - apswalk.org 
Maryland, April 26  - aacspca.org 

A scam targeting potential pet owners.

 A new scam is targeting people looking for pets, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is warning the public that the hoax could end up costing them hundreds of dollars.



The scam was reported to the AVMA by Dr. Walter Woolf, owner of the pet moving service Air Animal Pet Movers, after his company was listed as a participant in an Internet pet-selling sham.


Online advertisements posted from Cameroon promise pets at below-market prices, says Woolf, but after buyers wire an initial payment, they are repeatedly asked for more money for unexpected transportation costs, veterinary services and other "problems." No pets are ever delivered, Woolf says.


Potential pet owners should be warned not to purchase a pet from someone they can't meet face-to-face, cautions Dr. Gail Golab, AVMA's Animal Welfare Division director.


"Many reputable breeders, who are concerned about making sure the pet receives a suitable home, will not sell animals unless they are able to meet and interview their potential owner or owners," Golab says. "If extenuating circumstances prevent you from meeting with a breeder face-to-face, you should check references and credentials first, and never send money without speaking to the breeder."


Pet owners who have been victimized by scams like this should contact the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.


Source:
veterinarynews.dvm360.com 

Dog Diary vs Cat Diary-Hilarious!

DOG DIARY

 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!


 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!


 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!


 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!


 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!


 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!


 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!


 5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!


7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!


 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!


 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!



------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.


My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are
fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for
the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in
order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their
feet.  I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it
clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made
condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.
Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However,
I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my
confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what
this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try
this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and
snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly
released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is
obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with
the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My
captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell,
so he is safe.
For now...

New Years Resolutions for your pet

1. Exercise more
2. Lose weight
3. See the vet every 6 months and whenever I need to
4. Stop making a mess by the food and water bowl
5. Drink more water
6. Stop eating out of the trash
7. Play with my humans more
8. Stop sitting under the table looking for falling food
9. Stop waking my humans up at 6 am on the weekends
10. Show my humans how much I love them

Treat Your Pets to a Safe Halloween

No Boo! Hoos: Treat Your Pets to a Safe Halloween

That parade of kids, adults—and yes, even pets—in funny outfits is due to arrive at your door next week, bringing all the sweet and scary joys of Halloween! But pet parents, as you carve the jack-o-lanterns and fill those bowls of candy, please be aware that your furry friends may stumble upon dangers you hadn’t thought of.

Warns Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, which includes the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, “Many of our favorite Halloween traditions could pose a potential threat to our companion animals. As pet parents start to make plans for trick-or-treating or costumes, they should be aware of Halloween-related products and activities that can be potentially dangerous to pets.”

The following are just a few precautions you should take:

No Chocolate: Even if your pet has a sweet tooth, ingesting chocolate—especially baker’s and dark chocolate—can be dangerous for dogs and cats, possibly causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures.

No Sweets for the Sweet: Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures.

Dangerous Décor: Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

Don’t Play with Fire: Keep your pets away from jack-o-lanterns with lit candles inside—knocking the pumpkin over can easily cause a fire. And curious kittens can get burned or singed by candle flames.

Costume Caution: Please don't put your pet in a costume unless you know that he or she loves it. Costumes can cause skin irritations, obstruct a pet’s vision or impede his breathing.

For more information on having a safe Halloween with your pets, please visit our complete list of Halloween Safety Tips. And if your pet accidentally ingests potentially harmful products, immediately consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Source: ASCPA

When you move-take your pets!!!!

When you move-TAKE YOUR PETS!!! (yes, I am yelling!)

I participate in a freecycle group in my area. In the last week or so, I have seen that many animals are being offered to others for free, hence the freecycle group, and possibly without a thorough check on the person. One of which was a "beloved" dog who they have to "get rid of" (I HATE that phrase!) because they are moving.

There is absolutely no freaking reason to not bring your pets with you. It is a cop out. You just don't want to deal with the hassle of bringing them with you. My pets will always live with me until they pass. I have had them for 9 years and I will have them until the end.

There is no excuse for this. Pets are not disposable! There are ways to find housing that accepts pets for those who are renting and apartment, condo, etc. If you are buying your house, you can certainly have pets. I understand that it is a hassle to bring your pet with you if you are moving a long distance. You have to stop every so often to let them out to go to the bathroom and let them move around. Pet owners that truly love their animals and believe that animals are worthy of living would not think for a second of not taking their animals with them. My animals are like my children. I would never put my child up for adoption simply because I am moving.

Many people bring these animals to a shelter-and they are KILLED! Could you imagine bringing your sweet cat or dog to a shelter where they are scared to death? They are whisked from their soft, warm bed and familiar surroundings and "loving" people and are taken somewhere that is cold and unfamiliar. There are strangers there feeding them a different food and never getting out in the fresh air, not getting taken for walks. Then one day, someone comes in to your cage or run and takes you to a room where they have to forcibly hold you down to kill you. What would your last thought be?

What did I do wrong and why are my "parents" letting them kill me?

This happens everyday in every city.

It is a damn shame that our society is so shallow that they are willing to "get rid" of their animals to make their lives easier.

When puppies and kittens are killed at shelters, older animals have NO CHANCE of getting adopted.

KEEP YOUR PETS FOR LIFE!

Today is National (Pet) Tag Day

The American Humane Organization calls attention to the dangers of not having appropriate identification on your animal by calling April 5 National Tag Day.

Without identification, your pet's chances of reuniting with you are very slim. There are 3 types of identification. Microchips, tattoos and id tags on collars.

Microchips are becoming more and more common and are responsible for many happy endings. A microchip is a rice sized capsule that has a identification number linked to your information. Animal control and most animal shelters have scanners to retrieve this information. There is an online database where your pet's number is entered, which leads to your contact information.

Tattoos are less common than microchipping and probably less effective as not many people realize to look for them. There have been cases where the tattoo had become illegible.

Collars and ID Tags are by far the most common and most effective. People immediately know that the animal is a pet and can feel more comfortable knowing they are most likely vaccinated. There are collars on the market that actually embroider or somehow print vital information onto the collar.

There are many types of ID tags available as well. There are the traditional tags, made of metal with your contact information engraved into it. There are small vials that hold a small piece of paper (similar to a "note in a bottle") and even flash drives that can be put into someone's computer to get your contact information.

The best way to ensure the safe return of your beloved pet is to get them a collar and id tag and microchip them. If they have a collar on, people will definitely know the animal belongs to someone. If the collar somehow gets loose from the animal, animal control can scan the animal and you can still be reunited.

Show your pet you love them--ID them!

Medicine In Small Dose Deadly To Thousands Of Pets

Vets sometimes treat pets with people medications, but those drugs can kill four-legged consumers.

Last year, 89,000 of the 130,000 animal poisoning emergencies handled by the ASPCA's national poison control center were related to pets eating human medications.

"One of the most common misconceptions is that human medications are as helpful to pets as they can be to humans," explains Dana Farbman, senior manager of the poison control center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "In fact, human drugs can be quite harmful, even deadly, to pets depending on the circumstance of exposure."

Just one extra-strength acetaminophen tablet (found in brands such as Tylenol) can kill an average-sized cat.

Recently, the poison control center released a top 10 list of the most common dangers based on the frequency of calls. Human painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements topped the list.

More...

Help protect pets and shelter animals from being used in research (in Michigan only)

Michigan is considering a bill that would strictly regulate how cats and dogs used for research are obtained.

Under current Michigan law, research facilities and Class B dealers are allowed to obtain cats and dogs from animal shelters. Class B dealers are brokers licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture who obtain animals from “random sources,” such as backyards, auctions, flea markets and animal shelters, and resell them to research facilities.

People bring stray animals to a shelter in the hope of reuniting the pet with its family, and report animal cruelty in the hope that the animal will be rescued and safely sheltered. When an animal shelter sells a cat or dog for research, it is a betrayal of public trust.

Introduced by Rep. Coleman A. Young II (D-District 4), House Bill 5263 would amend sections of the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 to regulate the purchase and sale of random source cats and dogs. The bill prohibits any person, including Class B dealers, research facilities and “bunchers” (unlicensed individuals who collect and sell random source animals), from purchasing, acquiring, selling or making available a random source cat or dog for research or experimentation. The bill specifically eliminates Michigan’s animal control, animal protection shelters, and public animal auctions from releasing a dog or cat for research or experimentation.

The bill will not inhibit medical research, as research facilities will still be able to obtain cats and dogs from licensed dealers or breeders who breed animals for research. However, it is an important step in protecting companion animals and homeless or abused shelter animals by establishing safeguards on how research animals are obtained.

Despite advances that have reduced the use of animals for research, many research facilities continue to conduct experiments and test products on animals. American Humane opposes the surrender of animals by animal shelters and animal control agencies to labs, science and research facilities, or pharmaceutical and educational institutions. All animals in the possession of a shelter or animal control agency should be returned to their rightful owners, placed in suitable homes or humanely euthanized.

Please support this important initiative by contacting your representative!

This action alert is for residents of the following states only: Michigan

Looking For The Love Of Your Life? Try ASPCA's "Meet Your Match

Have you been seeking a stunning executive type? A love bug who'll cuddle all night? A constant companion or a free spirit?

Your local animal shelter may have just what you're looking for through the ASPCA's Meet Your Match™ (MYM) program.

No, MYM won't find your perfect mate, but it just may find your perfect friend. (And 9 of 10 responders pick their pets over their mates, when choosing their "best friends.")

By profiling its adoptable dogs and cats according to their personality types, MYM-participating animal shelters will match your specific pet preferences to their shelter pets' profiles.

Here's how it works...

1. What Kind Of Dog Or Cat Would You Like To Adopt?

Suppose you would like to adopt a pet, and you find a local shelter that's participating in the MYM program. You fill out a short application, on-line or in person, about yourself and the kind of pet you are looking for. The survey asks about 20 easy questions to answer, like Have you had pets before? and Do you want your pet to be laid back or always rarin' to go?

2. Shelter Evaluates Pets For Adoptability (Non-Agressiveness)

Before you filled out the form or came to the pet adoption shelter, the staff have already screened pets to make sure they are adoptable, testing for signs of aggression with a tool called the Safety Assessment for Evaluating Rehoming or SAFER™.

3. Shelter Evalutes Pet Personalities

The adoptable dogs, puppies, and cats are then behavior-analyzed into three color groups and nine categories. The colors are purple, green, and orange; but the category names are different in each group.

The nine cat categories , for example, are Private Investigator, Secret Admirer, Love Bug (purple); The Executive, Sidekick, Personal Assistant (orange); and MVP, Party Animal, Leader of the Band (green). Each Feline-ality™ is explained. For example:

Private Investigator says she's "working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you're under surveillance. I can vanish into thin air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case."

A Personal Assistant cat says, "You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me."

Dog categories are named for distinctive Canine-ality™ traits. There's Couch Potato, Constant Companion, and Teacher's Pet (purple); Wallflower, Busy Bee, and Goofball (orange); and Life of the Party, Go-Getter, and Free Spirit. (Gotta' love'em.) Motivation also plays a big role in dog behavior.

Here's what the Go-Getter says: "Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My “Let’s GO!” lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I’ve got tons of energy; and just like the sun, I’m burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’ll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day." (Externally motivated)

And the Wallflower says "(I'm a) Shy, yet charming, canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I’ll blossom." (Internally motivated)

Shelters house puppies too and they are described in a third way, and naturally MYM has a Puppy-ality™ chart too.

4. You Choose A Pet That Meets Your Qualifications

The aim, of course, is to get the qualified adopters hooked up with the most suitable adoptees, so prospective owners are assigned a predominant color, based on their responses to the questionnaire: purple, orange or green. If you fall into the color orange, you'll be encouraged to choose a cat, dog, or puppy that is also an orange, and you'll have three categories within that group to select from.

5. Shelter Provides Follow-Up Beyond Adoption

Beyond just the pet adoption, the MYM shelter follows up with adopting homes, assessing and attending to their support needs regarding their pets.

6. Shelter Tracks Results

Evaluations of each pet adoption experience are recorded and tracked. Although MYM was implemented less than a year ago, collected data to date show substantial reduction in the rate of pets returned to the shelters, pets abandoned, lost, or euthanized.

ASPCA now has several new support programs for shelter administrators and their homeless pets. Meet Your Match is certainly one that improves the long-term care outlook for adopted dogs and cats.

I'm curious about the results of human relationships, if matchmakers conducted follow up and provided support for the human relationships they fostered?

Hoarding-animals found dead in freezer-nearly 200 counts of animal cruelty

A preliminary hearing was delayed on Feb 12, 2007 for a Uniontown couple facing nearly 200 charges related to cruelty to animals.

Tim and Joyce Swaney of 51 Bierer Ave. were each charged Dec. 18 with 68 counts of cruelty to animals, eight counts of failure to dispose of animal carcasses and 19 counts of failure to have pets vaccinated.

Officers Jamie Speelman and Elizabeth Davidson from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had to wear biohazard suits and breathing masks to enter the Swaney home last November where dozens of animals were found living among several carcasses of dead animals.

After the house was completely searched, the officers reported finding 27 living animals, including 15 cats, four rabbits, a turtle, six ferrets and a dog. Officers also found eight dead animals in different areas of the house, including three cats, three kittens, a ferret and a bird.

Some of the dead animals were found in a freezer in the basement of the home. One cat was discovered dead underneath a mattress in the couple's bedroom. A dead kitten was also found in an empty cat food can.

Officials described the home as being "full of feces and debris" and said that animal carcasses were found in several rooms of the home.

Buy stuffed animal rabbits or chicks for easter, not real ones!

Easter brings thoughts of brightly colored eggs, candy, rabbits and chicks. Their images are everywhere; on candy packages, commercials, and even greeting cards. They are cute and it’s no wonder that children would want one of their own. When buying or adopting these animals, people fail to recognize the animals will still be in their house long after the Easter excitement is over. Once that excitement is over, some people let them out in the wild where they will likely succumb to predators, cruel humans or cars, among other dangers. Human raised animals cannot and will not survive in the wild. The other alternative of relinquishing them to a shelter risks the danger of euthanasia.

This Easter, buy stuffed animals or candy bunnies and chicks. Raising a rabbit or a chick is a big responsibility. The ASPCA recommends that if children are especially excited at the thought of having a rabbit or chick as a pet; include a book or two about how to take care of them in their Easter basket and make a decision later about adopting. After the holiday, they may no longer want a rabbit.

Adopting an animal is not a decision to be made on a whim. You are adopting an animal that may live as long as 10 years and require as much work as a cat or dog, the House Rabbit Society reports.

It is important to know the facts associated with the care of rabbits and chicks:
• Rabbits start to chew, spray and dig in adolescence if not neutered.
• Your home must be “bunny-proofed” to prevent the rabbit from chewing cords and furniture.
• Rabbits are not low maintenance pets and are not a good choice for children to take care of without the assistance of an adult.
• Rabbits need to live indoors, with the family.
• Rabbits are very sensitive animals and feel frightened and insecure when being held and restrained.
• Chicks require special feeding, care, and consistent temperatures and when this is lacking they face death.
• According to cdc.gov, chicks often carry harmful bacteria called Salmonella.



Sources:
Rabbit.org
Cdc.gov

Welcome to Henry's Book Club! ASPCA to begin Humane Education book club for children and teens

We’re thrilled to announce the February 2008 launch of Henry’s Book Club! We’ll be spreading the joy of reading and teaching kids what it means to be humane through the pages of our ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award winners.

Fast Facts:

What: Henry’s Book Club, developed by ASPCA Humane Education experts for bookworms aged 5 through young adult.

Who: The club is named in honor of Henry Bergh, who founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866. Born to a wealthy family and appointed by President Lincoln as a diplomat to Russia before starting the ASPCA, Bergh was a familiar figure on the streets of New York, donning a top hat (hence our mascot’s headwear!) and elegant attire while watching out for abuses against animals.

Why: Henry’s Book Club aims to help children develop literary and language skills. Through the club, they’ll meet new people, be exposed to other’s ideas and perspectives, gain a deeper understanding of books and learn to analyze what they read. Participation also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.

Where: We’re encouraging parents and teachers to help kids all over the country start their own Henry’s Book Clubs in their local communities, and we’ve also developed a virtual club for older readers to discuss books online in the ASPCA Online Community.

When: Every month, Henry’s Book Club will feature two books for kids—one for ages 5 to 8 and one for ages 9 and up. Teens can visit the ASPCA Online Community to find and discuss their book of the month.

How: Teachers and parents can read our start-up guide online for info on organizing a club. The ASPCA will provide a brief description of each book, polls, quizzes and a list of discussion questions for use at club meetings. Authors will also be featured as special guests and provide questions that can be included during club meetings.

For more information:

Just for Teens (13 & Up)
Join Henry’s Book Club online! Visit the ASPCA Online Community to see our featured book of the month. After you read the book, you can discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it with other teens across the country. We’ll also be hosting live chats with the authors!

Just for Kids (5 to 12 Years Old)
Visit ASPCA Animaland to learn how you can start your very own book club with your friends! We’ve picked out the books for you—one for ages 5-8 and one for ages 9 & up—and have some ideas on what you can talk about in your meetings.

Parents and Teachers
Wanna make a difference? We’ll tell you everything you need to organize a group of children who share an interest in animals and are dedicated to reading books.

Support Senate Bill 102 to make animal torture a felony in Utah

Imagine how Henry felt when he was chased with a leaf blower and blinded in the left eye. Imagine how the little dog felt later when he was placed in a 200-degree oven for five minutes! Now imagine if Utah joined the 43 other states that currently make aggravated animal cruelty a felony. We owe it to Henry and the beautiful state of Utah to get Senate Bill 102 passed.

Currently, Utah has one of the weakest animal cruelty laws in the nation. Enhanced penalties send a message to the public that animal cruelty is a serious offense. Because Utah’s animal cruelty law lacks felony penalties, even the most horrific acts of torture to companion animals are virtually ignored. SB 102, introduced by Sen. Gene Davis (D-District 3), would make torturing a companion animal a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years' imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

Contact your district senator and ask him or her to support and co-sponsor SB 102. Please also attend the Animal Advocacy Alliance’s lobby day, supported by American Humane, on Feb. 13, 2008. For more information and to RSVP for the event, please see http://www.henryslaw.com/.

This action alert is for residents of the following states only: Utah

St. Bernard Parish deputies won't be prosecuted in dog shootings

Citing insufficient evidence, new state Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell has dropped animal cruelty charges against two men accused of killing stray dogs while working for the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office in the chaotic days after Hurricane Katrina.

Michael Minton, 44, a former sheriff's deputy, and Clifford "Chip" Englande, 36, a sergeant who has been on desk duty for more than a year, were indicted on charges of aggravated animal cruelty in November 2006.

A state grand jury concluded they fatally shot "numerous dogs" that had been abandoned by their owners and were roaming the streets after Katrina swamped the parish.

The indictments, which were obtained by Caldwell's predecessor, Charles Foti, were partially based on jerky video shot by a Texas photojournalist that shows a black Labrador lying mortally wounded on a Violet street as two civilian vehicles commandeered by the Sheriff's Office drive past.

Shootings not shown

Minton was accused of shooting the dog while standing in the back of a Jeep driven by Englande, according to court records. But the recording does not show the dog being shot, and Caldwell, who was sworn in Jan. 14, dismissed the charges in a pair of letters filed Tuesday in 34th Judicial District Court in Chalmette.

"Despite the existence of probable cause for arrest and sufficient evidence for a grand jury indictment, considering all the facts and circumstances in this matter there is insufficient evidence to prove the guilt of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt," said the letters signed by Assistant Attorney General Dana Cummings.

A spokeswoman for Caldwell declined Thursday to elaborate on his reasons for dropping the charges.

Englande, who joined the Sheriff's Office in 1991 and was assigned to administrative duties after his indictment, referred questions to his attorney, Pat Fanning, who said Englande was misidentified as the driver of the Jeep.

"There is not a lick of evidence that my client killed any dogs," Fanning said. "These guys never should have been prosecuted. I'm just glad the new attorney general gave the case a fair review and determined the right outcome."

Minton, who left the Sheriff's Office in February 2006, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Sheriff praises development

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens said the decision to drop the charges exonerates his department, as well as the two men.

"I'm happy for the two officers involved. They have been under a great deal of heartache and pressure," Stephens said. "I also want to reiterate how proud I am of the way we responded to the greatest disaster in our country's history."

Stephens said Englande will immediately be reinstated to full duty.

The dismissed charges mark the third time a Katrina-related criminal case initiated by Foti has fizzled.

In July, a grand jury refused to indict Dr. Anna Pou on second-degree murder charges stemming from the death of patients at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans. And in September, a jury found Sal and Mabel Mangano innocent of negligent homicide charges in the deaths of 35 elderly residents who drowned during Katrina's aftermath at the couple's flooded nursing home in St. Bernard Parish.

Foti, whose office investigated both cases and prosecuted the Manganos, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Minton's trial had been scheduled to start Tuesday, with Englande's to follow Feb. 14. The felony charges carried penalties of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.

'This place has gone crazy'

Court documents indicate prosecutors with the attorney general's office under Foti, who lost his re-election bid in the October primary, had planned to show the jury a video shot by David Leeson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for The Dallas Morning News who once worked for The Times-Picayune.

The recording, which can be viewed at www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html, includes the sound of a gunshot as the camera pans to a black Lab lying in the middle of the street. The dog yelps and tries to get up as a pickup and Jeep spray painted to indicate they had been seized by the Sheriff's Office drive away.

"They just killed that dog, man," Leeson says on the recording. "This place has gone crazy."

Moments later, another gunshot can be heard, and Leeson says, "They shot that one, too."

In a subsequent interview recorded by Leeson, Minton acknowledged shooting dogs, citing safety and humanitarian concerns.

"It's better for that dog, really. Where's he going to find food? Where's he going to find water?" Minton says on the recording. "We're doing it to protect ourselves, but it's more humane for the dog."

Later in the interview, Leeson asks Minton, "So how many dogs?"

"Enough," Minton replies.

Susan Michaels, co-founder of Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal welfare group in Sultan, Wash., that organized scores of volunteers to rescue pets after Katrina, said she is "appalled" that the charges were dropped.

"There couldn't have been a better case," she said. "You have an admission from Minton, a videotape of the shootings, as well as statements from eyewitnesses. It's just amazing that this is not being pursued."

The charges against Minton and Englande focused on the black Lab and a pit bull puppy and did not address reports that about three dozen dogs were shot and killed in three St. Bernard schools after authorities forced the pets' owners to leave them behind during post-Katrina evacuations.

Lawsuit pending

The owners of some of the dogs have filed suit in federal court in New Orleans against the St. Bernard government, former Parish President Henry "Junior" Rodriguez, the Parish Council, Stephens and numerous deputies.

Michaels, whose organization helped the pet owners file the suit, said the slain dogs were friendly and posed no danger.

"These animals were not packs of wild dogs," she said. "They were people's pets."

Tammi Arender Herring, Caldwell's director of communications, said authorities had legitimate concerns that stray dogs could spread diseases. But she expressed sympathy for St. Bernard residents who lost their pets.

"It's a very unfortunate incident, and we're saddened that it happened," she said. "But from a legal angle, there was not sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt."

Paul Rioux can be reached at prioux@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3321

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!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/723066513#body


The animals will thank you!!

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.

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.