Another Fabulous Blog You Must Check Out....

Hudson highly recommends checking out http://puppies.burningbird.net blog

Here is one of it's post for you to enjoy !!!

S & S Family Puppies: "Good" and Bad News
Submitted by shelley

CBS has announced that the Missouri Attorney General has closed down S & S Family Puppies in Milan, Missouri. S & S Family Puppies was the top of the list in the Missouri Dirty Dozen report.

I can't find any official announcement at the Attorney General's web site. Nor is there a history of this item being taken to court. In fact, the news may not be as good as it sounds, as noted in a comment to the CBS story (update Did find information on court case, and copy of consent decree, as noted at end of story):

“WAIT. THE FACILITY IS SHUT DOWN BUT THE DOGS ARE NOT SAFE! THEY ARE JUST BEING MOVED. READ BELOW (from today’s HSUS email). It’s disgusting.

The Stephensons’ dogs, however, are not going to rescue groups or shelters where they could be adopted into loving families. Instead, the state is allowing them to be transferred or sold to other commercial breeding facilities. Forty of the dogs are scheduled to be sold to the highest bidder this Saturday at the Southwest Kennel Auction in Wheaton, Mo.

And because only the Stephensons were mentioned in the Attorney General’s statement, we suspect many of these dogs may be transferred to a second kennel operated by another family member, Brandi Cheney. USDA records list Stephenson and Cheney as co-owners of S & S Family Puppies. In fact, last year several aggrieved consumers sued Diana Stephenson and Cheney under the Missouri consumer protection law. The consumers alleged that Stephenson and Cheney sold them sick puppies but misled them into believing the puppies were healthy. A copy of the plaintiffs’ complaint was sent to Attorney General Koster.

Nevertheless, as detailed in our March 2011 Dirty Dozen update, Cheney recently obtained a USDA license for a new kennel, called Circle B Farms, which has also been cited for severe animal care violations.

Thus, the surviving dogs likely won’t have a chance at a better life, but merely a life in another puppy mill. This is unacceptable. Puppy mill operators who have repeatedly violated both state and federal laws should not be permitted to move or sell their surviving “stock” to other puppy mill operators. The dogs have already suffered untold trauma and should not be transferred to another breeding facility, especially considering that local and national animal groups are prepared to help these dogs. It’s time they find a loving home.

(Comment quote from a story at HSUS)

”Southwest Auction is having a consignment kennel auction today, and if you look down towards the end of the page you'll find, in small print, a listing for Diana Stephenson, the co-owner of S & S. I notice that, unlike other auctions, there is no note from the auction house about what a good breeder this breeder is; no testimony from the kennel vet. More disconcerting is that the number of dogs listed does not account for the number of dogs S & S had at their last inspection.

(Missouri MDA inspections)

I'm greatly disturbed to hear that the person listed as co-owner of S & S, Brandi Cheney, obtained new USDA and MDA licenses. The USDA inspections for this newly licensed kennel already show violations. Cheney has also sold puppies under another name, CC Puppies, with a different license, but the same types of violations. By the license fee Cheney paid for her newest license, she has a significant number of dogs, which supports the HSUS statement that all that's happened is that the dogs have been shifted from one of the owners to the other, and this "victory" is nothing more than a sham.

(Note the reference to a second license in the recent USDA inspection report for S & S Family Puppies. Also note that both the Stephensons and Cheney have been sued by puppy buyers.)

update I did find a story on the court judgment. It is a consent decree, which means the Stephenson's agreed to it. But look at the requirements: the facility is required to transfer dogs to another ACFA licensed facility. That's it. Both Director Hagler and AG Koster brag about the outcome, but all that's happened is that the poor dogs have been transferred from one puppy mill to another. This is not a victory.

Second update KMOV covers the fact that Stephensons can keep the profits from the dog auction. The story also mentions the fact that the breeders' daughter is still licensed and able to "buy" her parents' dogs.

A sham. A total sham. That's what the "modification" of Proposition B is giving us: a mockery of a law.

Are You The Alpha Dog In Your House ???

It's not the size of the dog that counts; it's the fight in the dog.

Puppy Mill
What Is a Puppy Mill?
The ASPCA defines a puppy mill as a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on careful husbandry for the integrity of their litters, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.

Puppy mill puppies are typically sold through pet shops and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The accuracy of their pedigree and purebred status is often questionable. Illnesses, diseases, fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are not uncommon characteristics of dogs from puppy mills.

What Is the ASPCA’s Policy on Puppy Mills?
The ASPCA is not opposed to dog breeding when it is done humanely and responsibly. One hallmark of responsible breeders is that they assume lifetime accountability for the animals they have bred. Since puppy mills, by their very definition, are operations that fail to meet the ASPCA’s standards for responsible breeding, we are opposed to them. For more information, please see our Position Statement on Criteria for Responsible Breeding.

When, Where and Why Did Puppy Mills Begin?
Puppy mills began sprouting up after World War II. In response to widespread crop failures in the Midwest, the United States Department of Agriculture began promoting purebred puppies as a fool-proof “cash” crop. It is easy to see why this might have appealed to farmers facing hard times—breeding dogs does not require the intense physical labor that it takes to produce edible crops, nor are dogs as vulnerable to unfavorable weather. Chicken coops and rabbit hutches were repurposed for dogs, and the retail pet industry—pet stores large and small—boomed with the increasing supply of puppies from the new “mills.” Today, Missouri is considered the largest puppy mill state in the country.

Seeking a puppy supply source on the East Coast, puppy brokers—the middlemen who deliver the dogs from mills to pet stores—convinced many of Pennsylvania’s Amish farmers in the 1970s that puppies were the cash crop of the future. Brokers conducted seminars to teach farmers how to operate their own breeding facilities. Thirty years later, Lancaster County, PA, has the highest concentration of puppy mills of any county in the nation and has earned the dubious nickname of “Puppy Mill Capital of the East.”

How Are Animals Treated at Puppy Mills?
Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. The dogs never get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it is not unusual for cages to be stacked up in columns.

In order to maximize profits, female dogs are bred at every opportunity with little to no recovery time between litters. When, after a few years, they are physically depleted to the point that they can no longer reproduce, breeder dogs are often killed. The same goes for puppies born with overt physical problems that make them unsalable to pet stores.

Are There Laws to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills?
The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) defines the minimum standards of care for dogs, cats and certain other species of animals bred for commercial resale and exhibition. The AWA also requires that certain categories of commercial breeders be licensed and routinely inspected by the USDA. However, violations regularly go unpunished, and there are innumerable loopholes and faults within the current system. For one thing, only those animal breeding businesses considered "wholesale" operations—those that sell animals to stores that will resell them—are overseen by the USDA. The AWA does not apply to facilities that sell directly to the public, including the thousands that now do so via the Internet.

Breeders who sell to the public often fall through the cracks on the state level, as well. The federal government doesn't require them to be licensed as they are considered "retail pet stores," leaving them to states and consumers to regulate. However, states often deem these facilities "breeders," not "retail pet stores"—thus leaving them to be regulated by the USDA.

The result is that no one regulates these facilities. There are no inspections, no standards that they are required to meet, and no consequences for providing inadequate care. As more people purchase puppies via the Internet, more and more breeders are using this loophole to get around regulation and inspection. Lack of enforcement by the USDA and state agriculture departments means that thousands of dogs are left to suffer in inadequate and inhumane conditions year in and year out

Three Dog Bakery

Hudson wants to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to a fabulous bakery at 1134 Town and Country Crossing Drive in Town and Country, Missouri 63017. It is a fabulous place to spoil your dog with treats made fresh everyday in their bakery and wonderful leashes and everything you could possible want for your pooch. They have a Treat of the Month card where once a month your dog gets a Free delicious homemade treat when they come in with their owner.They are hosting a Dog's Night Out in conjunction with Cafe Provencal 427 S. Kirkwood Road on Tuesday, June 21 st at 6:30 p.m. to benefit Three Dog Foundation. 1 dog to 1 person ratio and adults must be 13 and up only please. All dogs must be kept on a leash ( no retractable leashes allowed. Reservations must be made in person or by phone (636) 527-3DOG . They also have a Mutt Mixer coming up on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at their store. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and mingle with other dog lovers and for your pooch to gain social skills. There is always appetizers for you and treats for your pup. For additional information call (636) 527-3DOG. On Wednesday 5% of all sales on treats and food goes to a rescue. Hudson loves Three Dog Bakery and highly suggests you check it out !!! You can go to their website at www.threedogstl.com

Joplin, Missouri Pets Need Our Help !!!

JOPLIN, Mo., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Joplin Humane Society are hosting a major adoption event on June 25 and June 26 for nearly 600 animals who need permanent homes after being displaced by the May 22 tornado that tore through Joplin.

"After a month of housing and caring for the animal victims of this disaster, our focus now is on finding loving homes for the remaining cats and dogs," said Joplin native Tim Rickey, the ASPCA's senior director of Field Investigations and Response. "We hope people from across the country will open their hearts and give them a second lease on life."

"The outpouring of support from the local community has helped us connect hundreds of displaced animals with their owners, and we thank everyone for their heroic efforts," added Karen Aquino, executive director of Joplin Humane Society. "Our goal now is to find families who will adopt the remaining four-legged tornado survivors, which is in everyone's best interests."

"Over the past week, the number of people coming to the emergency shelter to look for and claim lost pets has dwindled to a trickle," added Rickey, who also noted that even in the best of circumstances, conditions in an emergency shelter are never ideal. "Having suffered and survived a disaster of this magnitude and spending weeks in a temporary shelter, these animals have demonstrated an incredible level of resilience and are more than ready for the comforts of a permanent home."

Adoption fees are being waived for this event, and adoptable animals will be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, and provided an ID tag free of charge. Additionally, all the dogs have been evaluated by the ASPCA animal behavior team to assess temperament and personality in order to make the best possible match with potential adopters.

Both agencies are lining up other activities as well, such as tours of the ASPCA Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, a specially-designed vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools as well as medical equipment tailored for animal patients. In addition, the Missouri Emergency Response Service team will conduct large animal rescue demonstrations, and there will be food, music and other family-friendly activities.

Since May 23, the day following the devastating tornado, the ASPCA and Joplin Humane Society have been working around the clock to track down the owners of lost pets through grassroots outreach, paid advertising including flyers, ads, public service announcements, and stories in the media. The mandatory 14-day holding period for animals affected by the disaster was even doubled in an effort to reunite as many people and pets as possible.

To date, the ASPCA has provided emergency sheltering for nearly 1,300 animals. More than 400 have been reunited with their owners, and 600 are available for adoption. Approximately 300 others include those being boarded by families temporarily displaced and animals not yet ready for adoption, such as newborns and injured animals.

The ASPCA provided the Joplin Humane Society with a $100,000 grant to support disaster relief and recovery efforts, and has established a $500,000 grant fund for animal welfare groups affected by disasters across the country.

For more information on the weekend adopt-a-thon and adoption application form, please visit http://www.joplinhumane.org/adoptathon.html or www.facebook.com/JoplinHumane.

More Information on the ASPCA/Joplin Humane Society Weekend Adopt-a-thon for Tornado Pets:

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, June 25 and June 26; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE: Emergency Animal Shelter located next to the Joplin Humane Society (140 E. Emperor Lane, Joplin, MO 64801).

HOW: Potential adopters should bring with them one government-issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license, passport, military ID, or non-driver ID) and proof of address.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation's leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

About Joplin Humane Society

Joplin Humane Society was incorporated with the state of Missouri in 1948 and has serviced Southwest Missouri since its inception. Currently AARC accepts and is contracted for sheltering animals from 17 municipalities as far reaching as Vernon County, Branson in Taney County and Southeast Kansas. The population served is more than 199,000 and the Society accepts approximately 13,000 animals each year.

Wayne Pacelle's Blog.........

Our Work for Animals Won’t Be Slowed by Smear Campaign
Rick Berman may be the most discredited person in the broad domain of American politics—but not because of any sexual escapades or misconduct, which have recently brought down a growing list of Republican and Democratic politicians. In Berman’s case, it’s due to his naked campaigns to undermine public health, animal welfare, and environmental protection.

Berman is a public relations operative who lives in a $3.5 million home in McLean, Va., and drives luxury automobiles to his office in downtown Washington, D.C. He’s made a mint taking money from tobacco companies, junk food companies, alcohol interests, agribusiness concerns, the tanning bed industry, and other corporate interests that are facing public criticisms over their practices. He makes his living defending and explaining away little things like hundreds of thousands of people dying from lung cancer or skin cancer, people killed by drunk drivers, individuals falling down dead from heart attacks because of widespread obesity, or billions of animals being confined in factory farms and millions of seals being clubbed to death for their fur. Surveying his father’s body of work, Berman’s own son said he’s a “despicable man” and “a sort of human molestor” [sic]. I think he understated it, but I see his point.


James Branaman
One of thousands of pets rescued by The HSUS this year.
For the past few years, Berman’s been running an advertising campaign against The HSUS. Our supporters have realized that we must be doing something right to spark the flow of millions of dollars from the backers of animal abuse into Berman’s coffers. We’ve won every ballot measure we’ve supported since he started, and we’ve piled up more victories than we can count. The only thing Berman has accomplished is inventing his own personal enrichment scheme, since 2008 tax records from one of his nonprofits show that 92 cents of every tax-exempt dollar raised went to Berman and his for-profit PR firm. As the New York Times reported in 2010, Berman’s syndicate of nonprofit front groups generates as much as 70 percent of his firm's revenues.

In addition to losing just about every fight with us, I’ve never seen the man get any good press, except stuff that he’s written about himself. CBS’s 60 Minutes labeled him Dr. Evil. Rachel Maddow essentially described him as a con man. And the editorial boards of The Washington Post, USA Today, and now the Los Angeles Times have called him out as a front for industry. In a Sunday editorial, which came after Berman placed two full-page ads in the Times against The HSUS, the Times editorial board called his claims “misleading” and said that he’s trying to drag animal shelters into his nefarious campaign.

Frankly, I am amazed that the food companies, tobacco companies, and animal-abuse industries pay this guy any money at all. They could not have a more tainted or flawed front man. Here’s a fellow that says that pregnant mothers shouldn’t worry about mercury in fish, that obesity and drunk driving concerns are overblown, and that any money donated to animal welfare should go only to dog and cat shelters and not to protect any other animals in crisis. No credible parties listen to him. And it’s ironic that while Berman wages his smear campaign against us, our staff across the country continue to care for animals at our sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers, rescue pets from cruelty and disasters, crack down on animal fighting, promote shelter pet adoption, improve conditions for farm animals, protect wildlife, and so much more. It’s that segment of our work that focuses on large-scale, institutional cruelty that Berman seizes as an economic opportunity for himself.

We know that our political opponents will spend money to defend animal cruelty and to fight us. That comes with the territory. Let’s just hope they keep giving such a large share of their ill-gotten gains to good old Rick. He’s the best, most ineffective, and most transparent opponent we could have.

Love This Writer in Kansas City !!!

He's baaack. Wayne Pacelle pushing new initiative in Missouri
Barb Shelly

Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, is back in Missouri, pushing his book and a potential new ballot initiative.
Pacelle, like his organization, is spoken of darkly by agricultural groups and many legislators as the man out to destroy animal agriculture in Missouri. That’s a big leap from the national Humane Society’s actual mission in the state — humane breeding conditions for dogs.
Without rehashing the sorry saga of Proposition B and its dismantling by the legislature and the governor, let’s just say Pacelle remains unimpressed by Nixon’s “Missouri Compromise,” which the governor touted this very week during a visit to the Humane Society of Missouri in St. Louis. Nixon and Attorney General Chris Koster pledged stepped-up enforcement of licensed and unlicensed breeders.
“Enforcement is great, but the governor needed to be the backstop,” Pacelle said. By backstop, he means the last person able to protect the wishes of the majority of voters who approved the tougher regulations on dog breeders in November. That’s water under the bridge now — the most the Humane Society can do is pledge to monitor the writing and enforcement of the new rules. But Pacelle isn’t done with ballot initiatives.

The Humane Society is gathering a consortium of groups to back an initiative for a constitutional amendment that would make the legislature meet a higher bar for tampering with or dismantling voter-approved statutes.

Only a majority vote was needed to vastly alter the Proposition B statute. The legislature this year also undid a 2008 voter initiative that required Missouri to move toward using 15 percent renewable energy. And the House voted to revoke a 2006 voter-approved law setting a minimum wage threshold, though that measure didn’t clear the Senate.

The Humane Society and other groups plan to push an initiative that would require a three-quarters vote of the legislature to undo or change a voter initiative. Pacelle said he favors that threshold, as opposed to, say, a two-thirds majority requirement, because 75 percent limit would require bipartisan support. The Missouri legislature’s GOP contingent is so large that Republicans potentially could unilaterally overturn a voter initiative.

My guess is this idea will gain a lot of traction. I can see an unlikely alliance of conservative groups, labor backers, environmentalists and others.

Interestingly, Pacelle is working with former Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Joe Maxwell, who now has a law practice in Mexico, Mo., and also raises antibiotic-free pigs. Maxwell is helping line up a coalition for the prospective ballot initiative and also helping the Humane Society form an advisory council of farmers and ranchers.

If you’re in the Kansas City area and can’t get enough of this stuff, stop by Barnes & Noble on the Plaza at 7 p.m. today. Pacelle will be speaking and signing books.

I’ve read parts of his book, “The Bond,” and it’s an interesting blend of stories and perspective on the animal welfare movement. Pacelle is combative, and he pulls no punches when discussing his opinions of groups like the American Farm Bureau, the National Rifle Association and, most prominently, the American Kennel Club. He also discusses his unlikely friendship with NFL quarterback and (presumably) reformed dog fighter Michael Vick.

Summer is Here.......

Don't forget to include your pets in all your fun activities this summer !!!

It is advisable that dog owners avoid feeding their canine companions chicken jerky treats after several cases of kidney disease have recently been reported in dogs after consuming these treats. An official warning has been sent out by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) as well as the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

The OVMA has received multiple reports at present of otherwise healthy dogs who are developing kidney disease after the consumption of chicken jerky treats. One severe case has resulted in the dog being euthanized. The autopsy of the euthanized dog indicated the presence a toxic substance. They are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Pet Food Program division to determine if there is any connection between the chicken jerky treats, and an unusually high number of reports from OVMA members of pets falling ill with Fanconi syndrome-like symptoms of kidney disease.

The products in question appear to be manufactured in Canada, but imported from China or Thailand. Multiple brand names have been implicated. Symptoms include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, and increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Blood and urine tests may show kidney impairment resulting in protein and glucose loss into the urine known as Fanconi Syndrome.

In the spring of 2007 "Jerky Treats dog snacks beef flavour" were voluntarily recalled after their North American distributor learned that a plant in China had been adding melamine to the product. The FDA and CFIA issued a recall on that particular product. Shortly after this, the American Veterinary Medical Association posted an alert that, "multiple brands of jerky treats made in China were making pets sick" based on complaints from pet owners and veterinarians. The symptoms exhibited in some of the pets that ate the jerky treats in 2007 were similar to those seen in animals with Fanconi Syndrome. The same symptoms have again been reported more recently by several OVMA members.

To ensure your dog's health is protected, it is advisable to refrain from feeding chicken jerky treats until more information can be found as to whether they are responsible for these potentially life threatening reactions.

Jackie, my other half has suffered from Fanconi for 2 years now due to eating chicken treats from China. Case after case has been proven to be linked directly with the consumption of these treats but NO BANS OR WARNINGS in the UNITED STATES which is ridiculous. Doctor Gonto is the expert on the Protocol to treating Fanconi.

If you have current concerns about whether you pet may be suffering any ill effects after consuming similar types of treats, please call one of our clinics to set up an appointment.



Sincerely,


Your Veterinarians and Staff,
Greenbank & Rideau Animal Hospitals

Memphis Police Track Disturbing New Dog Fighting Trend – “Trunking”
May 22, 2011
(By Anna Marie Hartman WMCTV) — The next time you hear loud music from the car next to yours, pay attention. According to Memphis Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Karen Rudolph, the people inside may be committing a crime other than violating a noise ordinance. “There could be a cover up for dog fighting, which is called ‘trunking.’”
Trunking is not the typical dog fighting that often makes headlines and results in arrests. It’s a new and disturbing trend. “Apparently what they’re doing is they’re taking two dogs they’re putting them in the trunk of the car,” Rudolph said. Suspects may leave the car parked or drive around with the music up very loud. They let the dogs fight until one of them is dead, and then pop open the trunk and declare a winner.

“It’s really scary, and it’s usually younger kids,” said John Robinson of the Memphis/Shelby County Humane Society. “It’s people just popping up and doing things like that, but that is becoming more and more popular.”
Memphis police have been training officers on trunking since it came to their attention about a year ago. But often, it’s difficult for the public to know it is happening. “It’s very challenging for officers and also citizens to even know that it’s going on,” Rudolph said.

Police want dog fighters to know officers are being trained on trunking, and they’ll be watching and listening. Rudolph said anyone considering committing this animal cruelty crime should know that trunking is a felony, just like any other kind of dog fighting. “Any dog fighting will be handled the same way,” she said. “Just because they’re in the trunk it doesn’t stop it.”

Apparently this is a task someone must do in order to be initiated into a gang.

What is wrong with our society ???

Susan and her adorable rescued PUPPY MILL DOG that spent her first 6 years in a horrible puppy mill. She had to have 26 teeth pulled and was so afraid of people until this beautiful women opened up her heart and house to this precious dog. Now she will live out the rest of her life with so much love and joy !!!

For Your Viewing........

Best Single Ad Ever Printed......

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me... Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting..... continue a page down

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.

Hermosa Beach Bans Sale of Pets In Stores

Last night the Hermosa Beach, Calif., city council followed the lead of nearby West Hollywood and banned the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.

According to the Daily Breeze, the ordinance, requested by Councilmember Jeff Duclos, won unanimous support and will be formally adopted on April 13.

Currently there are no pet stores in Hermosa Beach that sell dogs or cats. City Manager Steve Burrell told the council that he distributed copies of the proposed ordinance to a pet store in the city and to a veterinarian who offers kittens for adoptions, although the ban would not affect veterinary clinics helping with pet adoptions.

“This is thought to provide the beginning of the emphasis on cutting down on the number of puppy mills and cat factories in various places,” Burrell said.

“We commend the humane leaders of Hermosa Beach for recognizing the direct link between inhumane puppy mills and local pet store sales of dogs and cats,” said Jennifer Fearing, the Humane Society of the United States’ California senior director, in a statement released today.

“Rather than supporting inhumane puppy mills by purchasing an animal from a pet shop or over the Internet, we encourage people to adopt pets from a shelter or rescue group, or to seek out a reputable breeder and visit their home to ensure any pets they purchase were reared with kindness.”

When the ordinance goes into effect, Hermosa Beach will become the third California city to ban pet stores, joining West Hollywood and South Lake Tahoe.

It's coming Missouri....I know we are backwards but the Puppy Millers Days are Numbered.

90% of puppies sold at Pet stores come from PUPPY MILLS.

30% - 40% of puppies sold anywhere in the United States in Pet stores come from MISSOURI PUPPY MILLS.

Bob Barker donates $250,000 to Mercy for Animals, predicts ‘we will prevail’
Katerina Lorenzatos Makris
In a hillside aerie above the City of Angels, octogenarian former game show host Bob Barker rallied a crowd of animal activists into an entire minute’s worth of shrieks and applause—not unlike those he often elicited from eager contestants on The Price is Right—when he handed a check for $250,000 to Mercy for Animals (MFA) founder Nathan Runkle.

“I’m up here babbling away,” Barker said in his speech to about 300 supporters gathered in James Costa’s elegant West Hollywood home for MFA’s Hidden Heroes event Saturday night, “but you’ve heard the old adage, ‘money speaks louder than words’? Well, I’ve brought a check.”

As wild cheers from the audience nearly drowned him out, Barker continued, “Here you are, Nathan. That’ll help you to continue the splendid work you’ve been doing.”

Barker frequently speaks out in support of MFA’s undercover investigations, which he said have “closed slaughterhouses and saved much suffering and animal cruelty in pig farms, chicken farms, dairy farms. I think undercover work has been responsible for many of the advances that we’ve made.”

The evening’s Hidden Heroes theme referred to past and current MFA undercover investigators, two of whom discussed their experiences gathering covert video and photographs of abuses at large-scale animal agriculture facilities such as Hyline Hatchery, Willett Dairy, and E6 Cattle Company, resulting in law enforcement investigations and in some cases criminal charges and convictions.

MFA organized the event to honor Barker and the investigators, and to “raise funds to elevate MFA’s lifesaving work—including the expansion of our investigations department and the launch of a Los Angeles office,” according to the group’s website.

Film producer and philanthropist Cindy Landon, widow of actor Michael Landon, also made a large donation of $25,000.

“The thing that is shocking to me is that people love their dogs, but they eat the cows and they eat the pigs,” said Landon, who became a vegetarian at age 15. “To me there’s no difference between my dogs, the pigs, the horses, the cats, the chickens. They’re all animals. They just come in different shapes, sizes. They feel. They care about their babies. They need to eat. They breathe. They get sad, they get angry, they get happy to see you, they love you, and all of this needs to be exposed. People don’t know enough. So tonight being here and seeing the amazing work these people do, it’s just the right thing to do.”

Barker receives Compassionate Leadership Award

During the evening’s program Runkle presented Barker with MFA’s Compassionate Leadership Award, saying, “When I was 11 years old, I went to the library and picked up a book on animal rights. And Bob Barker was on the cover of it. It was Bob protesting fur in Beverly Hills, and I remember telling my parents, ‘Hey, Bob Barker is a vegetarian.’ And all of the sudden it was like mainstream.”

Runkle continued, “Bob has been such an outspoken advocate for all animals for over 30 years, whether it’s chickens or whales, no animal is too small or too large for Bob to care about. He has done more than probably anyone to bring many issues of exploitation to the forefront. From encouraging people on The Price is Right to spay and neuter, to fighting for whales, to speaking up on behalf of elephants, to supporting Mercy for Animals undercover investigations, he is a real hero.”

Barker is known for his plea at the end of every The Price is Right segment: “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.”

Why care about animals?

In answer to Animal Policy Examiner’s (APE) question as to why he cares so much about animals, Barker replied, “I don’t know. I was just born an animal lover. I’ve loved them all my life, and worked on behalf of them all my life. I picked up strays and tried to help injured animals and here I am an old man still doing it.”

Another reporter asked, “Bob, can you talk about… you just donated a quarter of a million dollars.“

“To Mercy for Animals.” Barker nodded. “That’s right.

“That’s amazing,” the reporter remarked.

“Well, it’s not amazing,” said Barker. “It’s money well-spent. They do a great job. They really do and I’m pleased that I’m able to help them.”

APE asked, “Mr. Barker, you care not only about the dogs and cats that you talked about spaying and neutering on your show, but you care very much about farmed animals as well?”

Barker said, “I care about all living things. All animals, all people, all trees, all plants. I care about the world.”

Runkle ‘shocked’ by Barker’s donation

“We’re shocked and we’re extremely grateful to Mr. Barker for this contribution and all the support that he’s offered for our investigations,” Runkle told APE. “He puts his money where his mouth is. He is a living legend, and he has done probably more than anyone to make this world a kinder place for all animals. He is definitely pushing our society towards that kind of future.”

During his speech Barker quipped, “I wish I had a refrigerator for every one of you. I feel I’ve met every one of you tonight. I feel as though I’ve had a picture made with every one of you tonight. We’ve become a close-knit group. I sincerely appreciate your warm welcome. And I sincerely appreciate your kind words, Nathan, and this beautiful award. I’m flattered and pleased to receive it from an organization for which I have so much respect.”

Article continues below.

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Having a down-to-earth spokesman like Barker has been highly beneficial to MFA, said Runkle. “Mr. Barker is someone who generations of Americans have grown up with. He is just such an incredible ambassador for animals. His being a vegetarian and supporting farmed animal protection issues has certainly pushed them into the mainstream.”

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‘Don’t get discouraged—we will prevail’

“I could go on and on here about people I admire and who’ve helped in the animal rights movement,” Barker told the group. “There are thousands and they are adding to the ranks every day. The animal rights movement is not unlike a big snowball rolling down a mountain. It gets bigger daily, and it gains speed daily. That’s exactly what’s happening with this movement."

“I urge you not to get burnt out,” he counseled, “or to get discouraged.”

A woman called out, “Thank you!”

“The changes that I have seen in the last 35 years are magnificent,” Barker went on,” and that says to me that we will prevail.”

After another minute-long round of cheers and applause, he concluded, “On that happy note, I’m going to say goodnight. But I do want to remind you of one very important thing: Help control the pet population…”

The audience enthusiastically joined the veteran voice for animals in the rest of his trademark sign-off: “Have… your… pet… spayed… or… neutered!”

Hot Cars Are Death Traps for DOGS

Five reasons not to leave your dog in the car this summer, even for "just a minute"

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 18, 2010) – United Animal Nations (UAN) is imploring pet owners to avoid leaving their dogs in hot cars this summer – a practice that can lead to serious illness and even death. Leaving a dog in a hot car is dangerous and often deadly. Visit MyDogIsCool.com to learn more.

“Often people leave their dogs in the car while they shop or run errands, but doing so when the weather is warm can literally be a death sentence for your pet,” said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth.Forsyth offered five reasons why leaving a dog in a hot car can be deadly:

1. Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness because they can only cool off by panting and through the pads in their feet.

2. Even on seemingly mild days, an enclosed car can be deadly. In a Stanford University study, when it was 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature climbed to 116 degrees within one hour.

3. Enclosed cars heat up quickly. In a study by San Francisco State University, when it was 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car rose to 99 degrees in 10 minutes and 109 degrees in 20 minutes.

4. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees; a dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.

5. Studies show that cracking the windows has little effect on a car’s internal temperature.

Already this year, UAN has received reports of dogs like Snuggle, a Maltese/Lhasa Apso who was locked in a car while her owner visited a Tampa, Florida amusement park. When Snuggle was rescued, the temperature inside the car was more than 90 degrees and her core temperature was nearly 106 degrees.

•To learn more about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars, visit www.MyDogIsCool.com.

•Follow UAN on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.

Do You Love Garage Sales ???

Donna M. is having a HUGE garage sale this Saturday from 8 to 1 pm to benefit Stray Rescue of St.Louis. Her address is 537 Hidden Lake Drive, St. Charles, Mo. 63304 She donates every penny to Stray Rescue from the garage sale. Last year she had so many great deals. Hope you can come or donate a few goodies to her. Hudson loves Donna and her darling family !!!

To All The Wonderful FAmilies Who Foster......

You knew that when you took me home,
we’d one day say goodbye.
Unselfishly you made that choice,
and most might wonder why.

What benefits can foster bring,
this temporary state?
How happy can we two become,
whilst for a home I wait?

To start a life then give away,
for someone else to try.
We’ve spoken ‘bout this at the pound,
my sheltermates and I.

We watched as others got that chance
to leave this lonely place.
Thought to ourselves how sad for them,
they’re doomed for more heartbreak.

And then one day my turn it came,
so nervously I went.
What I know now and didn’t then,
is you were heaven sent!

You taught my heart to trust again,
returned my self-esteem.
Without condition gave me love,
prepared me for my dream.

It takes a special someone that,
would welcome this great task.
To love, care for, and nurture me,
and in turn nothing ask.

So thank you foster family,
for all you chose to do.
Though we’re apart, my heart is full,
and all because of YOU!

Hero Dog Runs Door to Door to Get Help for Stricken Owner


Deborah Zeisler, her hero Bear, Parker County Animal Control officer Terry Pena and Parker County Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler. I love stories like this. Someone saves a dog, and the dog watches over his rescuer like a guardian angel, and one day saves his person in return.

Meet Bear. He’s a lovable 180-pound (!) German shepherd who lives in Milsap, Texas, with Deborah Zeisler. About a year ago, Zeisler adopted the 5-year-old dog from a shelter just before he was to be euthanized. (Look at that noble boy above. To think he was next in line for euthanasia…)

Oddly, although Bear had no training as a service dog, he quickly figured out that Zeisler suffered from seizures, and he instinctively knew how to help her. He became her self-trained seizure dog. He gets her to sit down when he senses she is about to have a seizure, and makes sure she takes her meds.

“He will follow me to the kitchen to make sure that I take my medicine,” Zeisler told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Once I feel better he will go lay down. Now I can tell him to go get my pills and he will go and get them for me. They might be a little slobbery, but he will go get them for me.”

But the other day, Bear tried to stop her from going out, she told KHOU. He saw the seizure coming, it seems, but Zeisler pushed past him. She collapsed and hit her head on the steps in her front yard. She lay there under the hot sun, alone, except for her most faithful companion.

The Star-Telegram reports that Bear couldn’t awaken her, so ran to a neighbor’s house and scratched on the front door for help. No one was home, so he proceeded to go to another neighbor, and on and on down the block. As luck would have it, a couple of animal control officers were on the block for another call and saw Bear going from door to door.

Parker County Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler opened the door of her truck, and who should run in? Yes, our noble hero.

“Bear just crawled up in my lap while I was sitting in the truck,” Kessler said. “One of his tags said ‘I am a service dog’ and another said ‘I am a seizure dog.’ When we found him we knew there was a problem because service dogs normally don’t leave their people.”

Unfortunately the tags were out of date, and the address was an old one. But the officers persevered, and following Bear’s technique of going door to door, eventually located Zeisler.

“We weren’t giving up,” said Terry Pena, Parker County animal control officer. “We knew there was someone out there who needed help.”
Zeisler, who has suffered from seizures for 18 years since a riding accident, was disoriented and confused. The officers called an ambulance. Did Bear let her out of his sight? No way. He climbed in the ambulance with her.

It’s not the first time Bear has gone looking for help for Zeisler, reports the Star-Telegram. In November when Zeisler had a seizure, Bear ran to a neighbor’s house in the middle of the night and scratched on the door to get help. This week’s rescue was a repeat performance, only a farther-reaching daytime one.

“I look at it this way,” Zeisler said. “He saved my life. He is my angel. I don’t really believe in coincidences. I think things happen for a reason,” says Zeisler, who is doing fine now, as you can see in the video below.

What a devoted, amazing dog…I wish I could shake his paw.

Puppy mill owner gets arrested for second time two years
Law enforcement removed 50 animals from her care
Kaufman – Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) assisted the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of approximately 50 dogs who were found to be living in deplorable conditions at an alleged puppy mill an hour and a half southeast of Dallas. All of the animals were seized by the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.

This case began nearly two years ago when authorities seized more than 500 animals from the same property.

After that raid in August 2009, the property owner was convicted of animal cruelty. “I led the August 2009 Kaufman rescue with other members of my team, local law enforcement and other animal protection organizations. We stayed the course and ARC’s Texas State Liaison recently obtained evidence that identified the property owner was in violation of probation,” said Scotlund Haisley, president of ARC.

“We are pleased that the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office didn’t hesitate to act on our evidence and move forward with today’s arrest and seizure of animals.”

“The probation mandates the owner is only allowed to keep two dogs and the animals must be spayed or neutered,” said Deputy Daryl Landrum.

“Kaufman County will not tolerate this violation and we will continue to aggressively prosecute cases of animal cruelty.”

On the scene responders found adult Chihuahuas, Malteses, Miniature Schnauzers and four litters of puppies less than a month old living in urine-soaked, feces-laden enclosures with high-levels of ammonia.

Many of the dogs had no access to food or water and were suffering from malnutrition, hair loss and severe matting.
“The term ‘puppy mill’ does not give witness to the horrors the breeding mothers endure,” said Haisley.
“They are considered machines whose puppies are nothing but products. It is our honor to promise these dogs their suffering has ended forever so close to Mother’s Day, when we celebrate maternal love and resilience.”
ARC is removing all of the animals and transporting them to an emergency shelter set up at the Kaufman County Fairgrounds.
The animals will receive veterinary exams, vaccinations and any necessary medical treatments by a team of local veterinarians.
ARC will provide daily care until custody of the animals is determined and animals can be placed with shelters and rescue groups.
Animal Rescue Corps performed this rescue in conjunction with Robin Sugg and PetSmart Charities®, who sent its Rescue Waggin® with supplies donated to make this rescue possible.
To find out how you can help, please visit www.animalrescuecorps.org/ways-to-help.
Media Contact: Michael Cunningham – info@animalrescuecorps.org, 415-623-4774

Fountain, Colorado Poised To Vote On Pet Sales Ban

The city council in Fountain, Colo., has introduced a ban on the sale of cats and dogs at pet stores and public places. A public hearing and vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2011.
As introduced, the proposed ordinance would prohibit pet stores in Fountain from selling dogs and cats. It would also prohibit the sale of dogs and cats at public places within city limits. Public places include streets, highways, store exteriors, parking lots, sidewalks, carnivals and flea markets.

The expressed purpose of the ordinance is to limit the sale of dogs from so-called puppy mills and cats from so-called kitten factories.

“Animals sold in pet stores live in inhumane conditions prior to and often during their sale in stores,” the ordinance’s summary states.

The proposal is also designed to reduce the number of healthy animals that are surrendered to shelters or abandoned by preventing impulse purchases, reduce the amount of poorly bred animals sold to “unsuspecting” owners, manage domestic animal overpopulation, and encourage responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals, according to the ordinance summary.

The ordinance would not prevent pet stores from offering animals for adoption.

Fines for violations are a minimum of $200 for a first offense and a minimum of $500 for a third or subsequent offense. The proposal carries no maximum fine. The ordinance summary specifically notes that such fines are “significantly more than fines for other provisions of the city code” and courts would be prohibited from lowering the fine.

The city council is scheduled to hold a second reading on the ordinance on May 24 at 6 p.m. in the city hall. If approved, the pet store sales ban would take effect on Jan. 1, 2012.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is calling on “all persons who support the right to breed, sell and have animals” to speak out against the proposal. PIJAC claims the ordinance would dramatically impact pet owners’ rights and the ability of pet stores to stay in business.

In case you PUPPY MILLERS didn't get the memo Find another line of work that doesn't pry on defenseless dogs.

10 Pet-Friendly BEACHES to Visit

1) Del Mar Beach ( San Diego, California) This popular Beach offers your dog plenty of room to run and play. The song "Dog Beach Boogie" was written about this hot spot for pets and their people.
2) Fort DeSoto Beach (Florida) With amenities like showers and drinking water for your four-footed friends, this is the perfect beach getaway.
3) Dog Beach (San Diego, California) Doggie Nirvana !!! Your buddies will have tons of company at this popular spot near San Diego. In fact, the dogs outnumber the people.
4) Montrose Dog Beach ( Chicago) Chicago's first legal of-leash beach, this is a peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of the Windy City. Your dog will have plenty of room to run on the shoreline and swim in Lake Michigan.
5) Squantum Point Park ( Boston, Mass.) Located next to marina bay. This is a well-taken care of and breathtaking spot to take your favorite dog to swim and run off excess energy. Remember to bring your own water though, as there are no facilities at this beach.
6) Cape San Blas ( Florida) Just 35 miles south of Panama City, this relaxing oasis feels as if it's worlds away. It's peaceful, not overdeveloped and you can sometimes walk a mile or two in the off-season without seeing another dog or person.
7) Carmel City Beach ( California) The Carmel Beach is a beautiful and popular escape, within walking distance from the village of Carmel. Other pet friendly sandy spots are close by too, so you can make a day of beach hopping.
8) Hunting Island (South Carolina) Heaven on earth for doggies and people alike. At low tide, the beach on Hunting can literally appear to be a mile wide. Your dog will love the open space and companionship of real dog lovers.
9) Fort Funston State park (California) Most visitors walk the paved Sunset Trail, a north to south route on the bluff, and reach Ocean Beach. You will see scores of dripping wet dogs romping across the sand with driftwood sticks in their mouths.
10) St. George Island ( Florida) No longer than a mile at its wildest point, located near renowned historic towns in the Florida Gulf, there is plenty here for human and man's best friend....With plenty of playful dogs already ready to play !!! Hudson's been here and highly recommends this beautiful island !!!

Bravo Recalls Pig Ears Dog Chews For Salmonella

Bravo Recalls Pig Ears Dog Chews for Salmonella

On May 31, 2011, Bravo LLC of Vernon, CT announced a voluntary recall of their Bravo Pig Ears Dog Chews due to the possibility of contamination with Salmonella bacteria. Complete details regarding this recall are available within the actual News Release dated May 31, 2011. Dog food recalls involving Salmonella contamination are potentially serious matters… for both humans and pets. People who handle dry food can easily become infected with the bacteria.

According to the FDA…

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

So, take precautions… and be sure to tell everyone you know.

Contact Bravo at 866-922-9222 for more information.

You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Get dog food recall alerts delivered right to your Inbox the moment we become aware of them. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s Dog Food Recall Alert email notification list now.

Visit our Dog Food Recalls summary page for a list of links to all the Advisor’s most recent recall reports.

This Is One Sick Women......

Animals killed in the name of "Art" This is Katinka Simons, aka TINKEBELL an alleged Dutch "artist" who produces, among others, handbags from cats. She also makes stuffed puppets from dead animals, that she kills herself.
In 2004 TINKEBELL. made a purse out of her dearest cat Pinkeltje. Pinkeltje was a 'depressed cat' who couldnt be left at home alone. By killing her and making her into a purse, TINKEBELL. could carry her always with her.

In 2005 TINKEBELL. was asked to present a D.I.Y. 'workshop' during the 'Biggest Visual Power Show' in Paradiso, Amsterdam (N.L.) and at the same time she published a website online with this same manual. Later she presented the same workshop during The Biggest Visual Power Show in Eindhoven (NL), Zolverein (DE) and L.A. (U.S.)

The extensive attention her project 'My dearest cat Pinkeltje' received from activists and the media demonstrates that this approach certainly meets with its share of resistance. In this project, she killed her cat with own hands and then had it stuffed and made into a hand bag as a product for consumption, thereby directly bridging the gap between house pet and animal for consumption/production and thus painfully bringing the matter to light. A collection of the threats generated by this and other projects was later published in the book 'Dearest TINKEBELL,'.

Source: http://looovetinkebell.com/pages/my-dearest-cat-pinkeltje
source:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/collectif-4c-contre-la-categorisation-des-chiens/tueuse-empailleuse-et-marionnettiste-danimaux-morts-par-atome-sag-coalition/10150252039455117

Her website:

http://looovetinkebell.com/pages/sam

Her email address: tinkebell@tinkebell.com

the PETITION: http://www.petitiononline.com/183/petition.html
Tinkebell in Rotterdam in 2008Looove Tinkebell...Source: http://www.looovetinkebell.com/pages/tinkebell

TINKEBELL. provokes by exemplifying the blind spots of modern society. She confronts a public that revels in being indignant about everything that has nothing to do with them, but at the same time is very apologetic about their own actions. She questions why millions of male chicks are brutally killed every day (often by throwing them against the walls of a barn) but she gets arrested for threatening to do the same in public. Why are people who openly discuss the lowering of the sexual age of consent treated as vile pedophiles, but are 'barely 18' websites intensely popular?

By turning her own cat into a handbag she tries to show people their own hypocrisy about the use of animals for consumption and leather production. If anything, her works form a extreme incentive for the discussion of our morals and the way society is developing.

These actions often leave her with a lot of negative feedback. From all corners of the web people have used the relative anonimity of the internet to send her the most foul death wishes. Fascinated by the enormous anger and cruelty of these messages, she tried to find the people behind them. To her surprise these were ordinary people living ordinary lives. For these people the internet was a faceless funnel for their anger, a one-click way of justifying their indignance. TINKEBELL's reaction to this flood of hatemail was publicizing a book, called 'dearest TINKEBELL,', in wich she identifies these anonimous criticasters. In this way she defies the awkward position of an artiston the internet. She no longer is just the reciever of all this faceless anger, but takes charge in responing to it.
Looove Tinkebell. ~ "Brutus"Source: http://www.looovetinkebell.com/pages/brutus
"Brutus" is a work in the Baby Bunnies series by TINKEBELL.
The Baby Bunnies series provides an analysis of the consumptive attitude that (post)modern man has taken on in relation to pets.The pet is developing from 'man's best friend' into a completely commodified article of consumption.

Not A Game I Want To See By Google.....

Tell Google they should not promote animal cruelty!

In this day of technology, you can find mobile applications (“apps”) for just about anything, from getting weather forecasts to finding shopping bargains. Now, thanks to a new app by Kage Games, you can virtually participate in the sadistic “bloodsport” of dogfighting. The KG Dogfighting app, which sells on Google’s Android Market website, entices gamers to "Feed, water, train and FIGHT your virtual dog against other players...." The logo is a pit bull’s bloody face.

"The game teaches users how to breed, train, fight, medicate and kill virtual dogs," said Paul M. Weber, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

Dogfighting is a violent crime that is a felony in all 50 states, and it is a federal crime if it involves interstate or foreign commerce. Dogfighting victims suffer cruel training methods and often die in fights. Those dogs not killed during fights may be viciously killed by their handlers when they do not win. Family pets are sometimes stolen to be used as "bait" animals. This is not a game -- it is animal cruelty.

Take Action!
Tell Google they should not be selling mobile apps that promote animal cruelty or illegal activities. Urge them to remove KG Dogfighting from the Android Market today!

Thank you for speaking out against animal cruelty!

For the animals,
Stephen Wells
Executive Director
Animal Legal Defense Fund

10 Pet-Friendliest Cities

A recent survey by Livability.com showed which American cities are best for pets. Their list-worthy qualities? They boast pet-friendly parks and trails, quality veterinary care, active animal-welfare groups, as well as an abundance of pet boutiques & retail shops. Here are the locales that leave our fabulous dogs & cats feeling fine!!!

1) Portland, Oregon

2) Colorado Springs, Colorado

3) Rocky Mountain, North Carolina

4) Boulder, Colorado

5) Santa Cruz, California

6) Eugene, Oregon

7) Asheville, North Carolina

8) Albuquerque, New Mexico

9) Nashvlle, Tennessee

10) Louisville, Kentucky

12 Reasons To Adopt Your Next Pet From A Shelter or Rescue Group

1.Every dog or cat not purchased from a pet store or backyard breeder improves the pet overpopulation problem created by irresponsibility and greed.
2.Adopting a dog or cat from a no-kill shelter can free up space for older or special needs pets that may not find new homes before the end of their natural lives.
3.There are plenty of animals to choose from at most shelters. They come in every age, shape, size, coat color and breed mix, and you can find purebreds at shelters as well. In fact, many breeds have their own rescue organizations, so if you're looking for a purebred, make sure to check both your local shelter and breed rescue organization.
4.Compared to the cost of purchasing a pet, adopting one from an animal shelter is relatively inexpensive. And if you get a slightly older dog or cat, there's a good chance he is already fully vaccinated and neutered.
5.Adopting an older pet allows you to skip over the time consuming, often frustrating puppy or kitten stage of development.
6.Adopting a mature dog or cat also takes the guesswork out of determining what your pet will look like as an adult – what size she'll grow to, the thickness and color of her coat and her basic temperament, for example.
7.Depending on his background, your older pet may already be housebroken or litter box trained and know basic obedience commands like come, sit, stay and down.
8.Most shelters and rescue organizations do assessments on every new pet taken in, to determine things like temperament, whether the pet has any aversion to other pets or people, whether he is housebroken, has had obedience training, etc. Many of these organizations also have resources to help pets with lack of training or behavioral issues. So when you adopt a pet from one of these organizations, you have a pretty good idea what to expect from your new dog or cat when you bring him home.
9.Many shelters and rescues also provide lots of new owner support in the form of materials about training, common behavior problems, nutrition, basic grooming and general care. In some cases there are even free hotlines you can call for questions on behavior, training and other concerns.
10.If you have kids, and especially if the new pet will belong to a child, adopting a shelter animal can open a young person's eyes to the plight of homeless pets. It can also help him learn compassion and responsibility, as well as how wonderful it feels to provide a forever home to a pet that might otherwise live life in a cage, or be euthanized.
11.An older adoptive pet can be the perfect companion for an older person. Many middle-aged and senior dogs and cats require less physical exertion and attention than younger animals.
12.An adopted pet can enrich your life in ways both big and small. The unconditional love and loyalty of a dog or cat can lift depression, ease loneliness, lower blood pressure, and give you a reason to get up in the morning. A kitty asleep in your lap feels warm and comforting. A dog that loves to walk or run outdoors can be just the incentive you need to start exercising regularly.
There are countless benefits to pet ownership, and when you know you saved your furry companion from an unpleasant fate, it makes the bond you share that much more meaningful.

Six Tips For A Pet- Safe Summer

Six Tips for a Pet-Safe Summer

The last days of May signal the unofficial start of summer for folks, young and old, across the country. But with these carefree months of no homework and summer Fridays comes an increased risk for illness or injury for our furry pals.

From unpredictable weather to unusual routines, our animals are exposed to all sorts of hazards during June, July and August, and your pet is counting on you to keep him safe. Check out our top six tips for keeping your animal secure all summer long.

- Give your pet access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat.
- Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind.
- Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
- Be cool near the pool. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool, lake or high waters—not all dogs are expert swimmers!
- Never leave your dog, cat or any other animal friend alone in a car! The inside of a car can heat up very quickly—even with a window open.
- Be prepared! From tornadoes to floods, we've seen the devastation severe weather has brought to pets and their families these past few weeks. Develop an evacuation plan well ahead of time in case you're forced from your home in an emergency.

Have a pet-safe summer!

Texas Senate Approves New Rules For Puppy Mills

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas Senate on Monday night approved a measure that would impose new regulations, fees and licensing requirements on commercial dog and cat breeders. The bill regulating so-called “puppy mills” will be sent back to the House to approve amendments the Senate added. The legislation defines commercial breeders as those who sell or exchange 20 or more animals yearly and have 11 or more females capable of breeding.

Breeders would have to be licensed and undergo yearly inspection, as well as provide basic grooming, a yearly veterinary exam and clean caging to animals. The Senate bill exempts breeders who raise greyhounds and herding or hunting dogs from regulation. Opponents call the bill a government overreach and say it could put responsible breeders out of business. They say enforcing existing animal cruelty laws would be sufficient to address the problem. Bill sponsor Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said the legislation is meant to punish only irresponsible breeders and prevent them from raising animals in cruel conditions.

“This bill gets at true puppy mills, which gets to all types of health and animal welfare issues,” he said. “The main thing is to stop breeding in inhumane, unhealthy and unsanitary conditions.”

The Humane Society of the United States and Local Animal Shelters File Suit to Block New Fees For Cash-Strapped Animal Welfare Groups

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI (May 13, 2011)— The Humane Society of the United States, the Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, MO, and Stray Rescue of St. Louis in St. Louis, MO, have filed suit seeking to stop a new government fee on non-profit animal shelters in Missouri.
“Animal shelters are already struggling to care for the state’s homeless animals and cope with an influx of animals stranded by the recent near record flooding. The last thing they need is to be hit with a senseless government tax on their lifesaving charitable efforts,” said Barbara Schmitz, Missouri state director of The HSUS. “This new fee is the wrong policy, at the wrong time, and will mean fewer dogs and cats get the medical care, vaccinations, and new loving homes they deserve.”
Until the passage of SB 795 last year, Missouri’s animal shelters were exempt from the licensing fees that the Missouri Department of Agriculture imposes on licensed breeders, dealers, pet stores, kennels, and other commercial entities through the Animal Care Facilities Act. Animal shelters are non-profit organizations that provide a public service to the community, and should not be lumped into the same category as commercial enterprises. In fact, it’s the animal welfare organizations that often clean up the mess created by the commercial entities, such as the large-scale puppy mills that flood the market with dogs.
The removal of the exemption for these non-profit community-based shelters, along with the recent increase in the allowable range of state licensing fees passed as part of the bill enacted by the legislature(SB113 & 95 and the Compromise) gutting the voter-approved Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, could subject the already cash-strapped animal shelters in the state to hundreds—and possibly thousands—of dollars in additional yearly fees. As a result, shelters will have fewer resources to care for animals and place them for adoption.
The suit alleges that the provision of SB 795 in question violates the Missouri constitution in that it differs from the original purpose of the bill, which related to blasting safety. The complaint seeks a declaratory judgment that the provision removing the exemption is unconstitutional, as well as permanent injunctive relief against the enforcement of the provision.
Missouri attorney David B. Cosgrove and lawyers from The HSUS’ Animal Protection Litigation section are representing the plaintiffs in the case.
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Media Contact: Katie Jarl, 301-258-1483, kjarl@humanesociety.org,
Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your iPhone by searching "HumaneTV" in the App Store.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
humanesociety.org
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty

A Must See To Believe !!!

http://www.dogwork.com/kan6/

If You Can Look At A Dog And Not Feel Vicarious Excitement And Affection, YOU MUST BE A CAT !!!