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Pet Safety and Protection -- Tuesday March 6th, 2007
The Pet Safety and Protection Act Reintroduced!
TAKE ACTION!
http://www.lcanimal.org/cmpgn/cmpgn_dog_pspa.htm
Great news! The Pet Safety and Protection Act (PSPA) is off to a strong start!
Earlier this week, in both the House and the Senate, the PSPA was reintroduced!
S. 714, the senate version, was introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. H.R. 1280, the house version, was introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and had 22 co-sponsors.
The bill will amend the Animal Welfare Act to ensure that all dogs and cats used by research facilities are obtained legally. Specifically, it will make Class "B" dealers an illegal source of animals for medical research laboratories.
See below for information on "Dealing Dogs", the HBO documentary on LCA's undercover investigation on Class B dealer, C.C. Baird. "Dealing Dogs" has become an important tool in the lobbying efforts for the PSPA! LCA Busts Largest "B" Dealer
In early 2002, a Last Chance for Animals undercover investigator infiltrated Class "B" dealer C.C. Baird's Martin Creek Kennels in Williford, Arkansas and acquired over 70 hours of video surveillance detailing an overwhelming amount of animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and unsanitary conditions.
The documentation gathered during the undercover investigation was handed over to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which resulted in the largest multi-agency (federal, state and local) investigation of animal abuse in U.S. history. Baird was subsequently charged with hundreds of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and felony charges of money laundering involving the sale of dogs and cats to laboratories with false acquisition records, to which he pleaded guilty. His Class "B" license was permanently revoked in 2005.
LCA's undercover investigation is chronicled in the HBO documentary, "Dealing Dogs."
Find out more at www.DealingDogs.com
For the Animals, Campaigns Department Last Chance for Animals
Help Fight BSL! -- Tuesday January 16th, 2007
You can make a difference! Visit this site for latest updates, information and tips on fighting BSL http://www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/laws/breedspecific.html
REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY -- Sunday January 14th, 2007
Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately. Illinois: http://www.agr.state.il.us/AnimalHW/awflaws.html Iowa: http://www.animallaw.info/cases/statecases/causiaset.htm Kansas: http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/index.do Missouri: http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutesearch/ Nebraska: http://srvwww.unicam.state.ne.us/Statutes2005.html Oklahoma: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/ TIPS FOR REPORTING ANIMAL CRUELTY Once you have found out which law enforcement agent you should speak to, it’s important to provide him or her with a concise, written, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times whenever possible. If at all feasible, try to photograph the abusive situation and date your pictures. It would also be helpful to get short, factual written statements from other witnesses. When you call to report animal cruelty, always make sure to keep a careful record of exactly whom you contact, the date of the contacts and the content and outcome of your discussion. Never give away a document without making a copy for your file! Make it clear to the agent that you are very interested in pursuing the case, and that you are willing to lend whatever assistance you can. FOLLOW UP IF NECESSARY If you don’t receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, don’t be afraid to present your information to his or her supervisor and, if necessary, to local government officials, such as the county commissioner, and ask them to act. If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police commissioner and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. Remember that expert witnesses are sometimes necessary in animal cruelty cases. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his or her “expert opinion†that a dog suffers when hit with a chain, is deprived of food, etc. Expert opinions will very often make or break a case, so if you happen to know a sympathetic veterinarian, you may wish to seek his or her assistance and tell the officer that you have expert support lined up for your case.
Animal Poison Control Cen -- Sunday January 14th, 2007
Aspca Animal Poison Control Center Hotline As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $55 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Dogs and Cats Need LB 12 -- Tuesday January 9th, 2007
IMMEDIATE CALL TO ACTION Nebraska has more than 700 kennels, pet stores, shelters and humane societies and one person to inspect them Again, that is one inspector. How many of those 700 kennels, pet stores or shelters are in deplorable condition? How many dogs and puppies spend their lives suspended above the floor in cramped, over-crowded wire cages? How many live in filth? How many are sick? How many are suffering – right now, as you are reading this?????? It is time to stop it! For the unscrupulous breeders, the animals are only a source of income. They do not care about their comfort, welfare or, sadly, their very basic needs. With more and more puppies being purchased over the internet there are fewer eyes seeing the horrors of puppy mills. They are locking their doors, closing their blinds, pumping out puppies and nobody knows what they are doing to them. It is time to stop! It is time to pull back the curtains and make sure every facility is inspected. It is time for you to take action! If you are in doubt please look at the pictures attached. These are puppy mills in Nebraska ! Senator Mick Mines has introduced LB 12. This key piece of legislation will provide for 4 additional inspectors, a veterinarian Field Officer and legal help for the inspectors. The additional inspectors will allow for pre-license inspections as well as annual inspections. No more closed curtains and doors. No more hiding. The time has come. Please call or e-mail the members of the Agriculture Committee today and ask them to support LB 12. If possible, please attend the hearing of the Agriculture Committee on Tues, January 16th at 1:30 at the State Capital. Please – the animals have only you to rely on. Forward this to everyone you know. We are hoping that every county in the State is heard from on this. Listed below are the members of the Agriculture Committee and the counties they represent. Also included are their e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Please call or write today and let them know that it is time to end the horrors of puppy mills in Nebraska . Agriculture Committee Chair - Senator Phillip Erdman - 47 Bayard Counties: Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith, Deuel, Cheyenne , Kimball, Banner E-mail: perdman@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2616 Senator Annette Dubas - #34 Fullerton Counties: Hall (partial), Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Polk (partial) E-mail: adubas@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2630 Senator Russ Karpisek - #32 Wilbur Counties: Thayer, Jefferson, Saline, Fillmore E-mail: rkarpisek@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2711 Senator Vickie D. McDonald - #41 St. Paul Counties: Boone, Antelope, Wheeler, Greeley , Howard, Hall (partial), Sherman , Valley, Garfield E-mail: vmcdonald@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2631 Senator Norm Wallman - #30 Cortland Counties: Gage, Lancaster (partial) E-mail: nwallman@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2620 The following Senators have already pledged support for LB 12. If you contact them, do it only to thank them. Senator Ernie Chambers - #11 Omaha Ph: 402-471-2612 Senator M.L. Dierks - #40 Ewing E-mail: mdierks@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2801 Senator Don Preister - #5 Bellevue E-mail: dpreister@leg.ne.gov Ph: 402-471-2710
Hazards For Your Pet -- Friday January 5th, 2007
Chocolate
Cats, dogs and other small mammals Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors and seizures
Yeast dough
Dogs Drunken appearance, abdominal pain, respiratory depression, cardiac arrest
Macadamia nuts
Dogs Weakness, vomiting, incoordination, tremors Raisins and grapes
Dogs and possibly other species Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy and kidney failure
Avocado
Dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, cattle, horses and birds Vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the mammary glands in some species, heart and respiratory problems in some species
Coffee
Cats, dogs, small mammals Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors and seizures
Alcoholic Beverages
Cats, dogs and other small mammals Drunken appearance, vomiting, lethargy, respiratory depression
Antifreeze
Cats, dogs, other small mammals, horses, birds, reptiles and livestock Vomiting, drunken appearance, excessive drinking and urinating, seizures and kidney failure
Liquid potpourris
Cats, dogs, other small mammals and birds Oral and esophageal burns
Ice melts
Cats, dogs, other small mammals, birds and horses Vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation and electrolyte imbalances
Electrical cords
Dogs, cats and small mammals Shock or electrocution
Holiday decorations
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles Injury to the mouth or gastrointestinal tract and foreign body obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract
Batteries
Dogs, cats and small mammals Foreign body obstruction and corrosive injury to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract
Human Cough/Cold/Flu medicines
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles May affect one or more body system, life threatening conditions possible
Easter, stargazer and tiger lilies
Cats Vomiting, kidney damage and probable death
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles Gastrointestinal upset
Mistletoe(Phoradendron serotinum)
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles Gastrointestinal upset, lowered blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse and other variable signs
American holly (Ilex opaca)
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles Gastrointestinal upset and depression
Christmas tree preservative
Dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles Mild gastrointestinal upset
Acorns
Dogs, horses, cattle Gastrointestinal upset, foreign body obstruction, kidney failure
AAHA 2006 Vaccination Pro -- Thursday November 16th, 2006
Core Vaccines: The folowing are vaccinations that should be given to every dog. Recommendations are to vaccinate puppies, booster at one year, and revaccinate no more than every 3 years. Tabies it the notable exception, because revaccination is mandated by state law. Most states have adopted a 3 year requirement, but a handful such as Arkansas, require annual rabies revaccination. Canine Hepatitis ( adenovirus-2) Distemper Parvovirus Rabies Noncore vaccines: Otional vaccines that should be given only if an individual dog's lifestyle or risk factors warrant it. Leptospirosis lyme Bordetella ( kennel cough) Parainfluenza Not Recommended Adenovirus-1 Coronavirus Giardia Rattlesnake ( Cortalus atrox Toxiod) Periodontal disease ( Prophyromonas sp.) (Adapted from the America Animal Hos Assoc. 2006 Canine Vaccine Guidelines, available at aahanet.org/About_aaha/vaccine_guidelines06.pdf)
Heartworm Disease -- Sunday September 10th, 2006
It's a devastating, debilitating illness found in every corner of the United States. So why, despite the fact that the disease is easily preventable, are millions of dogs, cats, and other animals across the nation heartworm-positive?
Caregivers simply can't afford to wait until this indiscriminate illness strikes their pet before taking action. "Heartworm is a common disease, and treatment is costly and dangerous." This is a devastating, even fatal, disease that we can safely and inexpensively prevent. Without prevention, animals are exposed to this disease which, in its early stages, has no symptoms.
Heartworm is transmitted to animals through a bite from a mosquito containing the infected larval form of the heartworm. When an animal is infected, the heartworm larva can grow and develop into worms. These worms live inside blood vessels within and surrounding the heart and lungs. The adult worms mate inside the blood vessels, and their offspring—which are called microfilaria—circulate in the bloodstream. These microfilaria can be picked up by another biting mosquito, and then passed to another animal. The disease can be easily prevented, but it does require a visit to a veterinarian. Dogs must be tested to ensure they don't have heartworm before putting them on preventative medication. By federal law, heartworm preventative medicine is only available through a prescription. Pet caretakers should consult with a vet to discuss their pet's individual needs. Vets may tailor medication depending on the type of pet. Although cats can be infected, heartworm is typically more serious in dogs. If the disease goes untreated, the results can be fatal
Moving: How to Move Your -- Sunday September 10th, 2006
If you and your pet are getting ready to move, follow these recommendations to keep your companion safe on moving day. Plan ahead. Advance planning will make your move less stressful on you and your pet. Pack over a period of time, and try to maintain your pet's normal routine. Invest in a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier. If you have a dog or cat whom you want to keep safely confined on moving day, get a carrier ahead of time and gradually accustom your pet to spending time in it. Purchase a new ID tag for your pet. As soon as you know your new address, get a pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number(s). (Or obtain some other visible form of pet identification such as a collar with ID information imprinted on it or an identification band that attaches to the collar but does not dangle like a traditional tag.) An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet's ticket home. Keep your pet secure. On moving day, place your pet (whether in the carrier or not) in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom, so that he or she cannot escape. Place a large sign on the door that says, DO NOT ENTER, and be sure that friends and professional movers are aware that the room is off-limits. Make your car trip safe. If you're traveling by car and your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. Because most cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars, it's best (for their safety as well as yours) to transport them in a well-ventilated and securely placed carrier. Never leave pets alone in a parked vehicle during warm weather as the temperature rises quickly and can injure or kill them. In any season, a pet in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being harmed or stolen. Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van. Talk to your veterinarian. If your pet doesn't enjoy car rides, consult your veterinarian about behavior modification or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Find hotels in advance. Listings of animal-friendly hotels will help you find overnight lodging during your move. Our online information on Finding Animal-Friendly Hotel Accommodations will point you toward some useful resources and get your planning on track. Plan ahead for air travel. Check with your veterinarian, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the airline if your pet will be flying. Also be sure to check out our online tips for traveling with your companion animal. You will need to take precautions to ensure your pet's safety, so give yourself ample time to work out all the arrangements. Prepare your new home. Take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new home: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls, and health records. Also have on hand a recent photo of your pet, for use if your pet becomes lost.
Myths/Facts Spay-Neuter -- Sunday September 10th, 2006
MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.
FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
MYTH: It's better to have one litter first.
FACT: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.
MYTH: My children should experience the miracle of birth.
FACT: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth?which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion?the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.
FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats?mixed breed and purebred.
MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.
FACT: Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.
FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.
FACT: A dog or cat may be a great pet, but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can't guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
MYTH: It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: The cost of spaying or neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian's fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost?a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs if complications develop. Most importantly, it's a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.
FACT: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters who need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter at a time.