Bunny's Blog

ASPCA Midwest Relocation Program transports over 5,000 animals in first year

2018-01-27T10:57:00.001-05:00

The ASPCA has announced the WaterShed Animal Fund Rescue Ride (WAFRR), launched in January 2017, surpassed its first-year annual goal by more than 2,000 animals.

The ASPCA transported 5,715 cats and dogs from shelters throughout the Midwest to areas where adoptable animals are in higher demand.

Among the thousands of animals relocated by WAFRR in 2017, over 700 were moved out of areas impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as part of the ASPCA’s disaster response efforts.

Dudley, the 5,000th animal transported in the program’s first operational year, is a 10-week-old male Lab/Hound Mix. He was moved from Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg, MS to Toledo Area Humane Society in Maumee, OH, and was adopted by a loving family within six days.

Through the WAFRR, thousands more dogs and cats like Dudley will have the same opportunity within the coming months and years.

“The WaterShed Animal Fund Rescue Ride is a shining example of the life-saving impact relocation can have on at-risk animals and is a strong complement to our relocation routes along the East and West coasts,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA.

“With the help of our transportation partners, we are proud to mentor and support these shelters in moving more animals to safe and loving homes.”

The ASPCA Animal Relocation Program partners with overcrowded source shelters, who need assistance moving animals out, as well as destination shelters, where animals have a greater chance to be adopted.

Through the WAFRR, animals are transported from shelters in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, to shelters in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The WAFRR is made possible by and named for the WaterShed Animal Fund, an Oklahoma-based non-profit that funds innovative programs aimed at improving the lives of companion animals.

“Relocation continues to be a major component to life-saving for companion animals in the United States,” said Christy Counts, President, WaterShed Animal Fund.

“The WaterShed Animal Fund is proud to support the ASPCA in its continued work in this area and look forward to the day when relocation is no longer necessary.”

In addition to the ASPCA Relocation Transit vans used across the country, the WAFRR introduced a new state-of-the-art relocation vehicle, which has the capacity to move more animals than any other transport vehicle in the program.

The new 30-foot vehicle can house up to 100 canines in one trip. Alternatively, the vehicle can be arranged into two separate compartments – one holding fewer canines and the other holding up to 40 felines, including kittens.

The ASPCA exceeded its first-year animal transport goal on the Midwest route: WAFRR made 190 trips in 2017, working with 17 source shelters, 17 destination shelters, and 1 waystation agency to move over 1,100 cats and over 4,500 dogs.

Cumulatively, the ASPCA’s Animal Relocation Program moved 28,444 animals across the country in 2017. Animals were transported via the Nancy Silverman Rescue Ride (East Coast), the WaterShed Animal Fund Rescue Ride (Midwest), and the West Coast Animal Relocation Program (West Coast).

Image via ASPCA.org

Alley Cat Allies provides help after California wildfires and mudslides

2018-01-20T10:37:00.001-05:00

After wildfires and mudslides ravaged California, many companion cats and community cats have been displaced from their homes and remain in peril.

Some are injured, others are too skittish to come out of hiding, and many have disappeared amid the rubble of their properties.

Alley Cat Allies, the global engine of change for cats, is stepping in to help fund rescue groups that save cats and reunite them with their owners and caregivers.

"Many animal welfare organizations in California are stretched to the limit to help with injured and lost cats. By adding our resources to the effort, we're helping them to continue their dedicated, lifesaving work and make the biggest impact," said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies.

"Cats are scared and hiding, so this is very difficult work. We want to help create as many happy endings as possible."

One cat, Nemo, a tiny tabby, disappeared for 87 days amid the chaos of the Northern California wildfires in October. He and many other cats went missing when thousands of residents fled Sonoma County as the blaze there lit up homes and businesses.

Nemo's owners suspected where he was and placed traps on their own, but could not find him. They asked for help from Outcast Cat Help (OCH), from Martinez, Calif. Just a few days into the new year, OCH trapped Nemo and reunited him with his family.

Alley Cat Allies is supporting OCH with a grant to set up feeding stations and trail cameras to catch sightings of displaced cats in the affected area. OCH team members compare the cats they see on camera to descriptions of cats that are appearing on local Facebook groups and at local rescues.

When they identify matches, they catch the cats through organized trapping, which is also supported by the Alley Cat Allies grant. OCH is also using Alley Cat Allies funding to provide local animal shelters with supplies and other necessities.

"The grant from Alley Cat Allies allowed us to feel confident in having extra resources to expand our outreach to find cats we suspect survived and just hadn't found yet," said Julie Linford, director and founder of OCH.

"We've purchased many more cameras and feeding station setups to support the capture of these cats. With that help, we can bring even more families back together."

Another Alley Cat Allies grant recipient, Surfcat Rescue & Adoptions in Oxnard, California, also set up cameras at feeding stations to help locate and reunite cats with their owners and caregivers. Surfcat used cinder blocks to raise dens for community cats above swift and unpredictable floodwaters.

The group is providing lifesaving emergency medical care for injured cats and helping to keep lost cats out of shelters, where they would be at risk of being killed.

Some of these owners and caregivers had little to no time before they had to flee the area. Alley Cat Allies is happy to be able to provide the resources to these groups to care for these cats and reunite them with their owners and caregivers after this traumatic experience.

For more information, visit www.alleycat.org.

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation helps dogs in need by granting over $150,000 in 2017

2018-01-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to awarding grants of up to $2,500 to cover the cost of unplanned, necessary medical care for dogs in need, gave a new 'leash' on life to 40% more deserving dogs in 2017.

By year end, the Foundation granted over $150,000 to provide 89 dogs with necessary medical attention.

The organization is the 501(c)(3) entity of Camp Bow Wow, the nation's largest Doggy Day Care and Boarding franchise.

The Foundation focuses efforts on dogs who are placed in shelters/rescues, as well as on families facing hardships. Through its contributions, the nonprofit provides a lifeline to ease financial burdens to keep dogs happy and healthy in their current homes or helps ensure they will find a fur-ever family.

"In 2017, we saw the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation gain unprecedented traction as it received support from our franchise owners' Camps throughout the country as well as through clients and community members," said Erin Askeland, Training & Communication Manager for Camp Bow Wow and the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation.

"Local initiatives and events hosted at Camps, in addition to dedicated patrons such as ten-year-old Hannah Okel of Waukesha, Wisconsin who asked for donations to the Foundation in lieu of birthday gifts, prove we've built a strong network of those who are passionate about fundraising and supporting the Foundation's cause."

One of the many deserving dogs helped by the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation in 2017 was Cricket, a 3.5-month-old Pit Bull mix. She fell out of a three-story window, sustaining injuries requiring amputation of her front leg and a femoral head and neck osteotomy.

After receiving this critical prognosis, Players for Pits, an Illinois-based 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue, placed an application with the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation seeking immediate assistance for Cricket's surgeries.

By being awarded this grant, Players for Pits was able to rehabilitate Cricket with the best quality veterinarian care to prepare her for adoption once she is completely healed. Allowing this puppy to avoid living in extreme pain is one instance which exemplifies the important role the Foundation plays for rescues that would otherwise not be able to provide the needed medical funds.

In 2018, the Foundation will continue to engage its franchisees, clients and community members through meaningful fundraising programs. The first one will kick off with Valentine's Day, during which Campers can share the love with their furry friends by sending a card to other Campers for a donation to the Foundation.

Through such fundraisers, Camp Bow Wow plans to sustain its strong momentum and help provide additional aid for dogs, aiming to support more than 100 dogs throughout the year. To support the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and to help dogs in need, please visit www.bowwowbuddies.com/donate.

2018 Innovation Showdown accepting lifesaving ideas through February 16th

2018-01-06T21:58:00.000-05:00

The 2018 Innovation Showdown invites organizations and companies to compete for the chance at an investment of up to $350,000 for innovative ideas to save animal lives and get feedback from the nation's top animal welfare experts.

Recognizing and rewarding lifesaving innovation has been an area of focus for many of the nation's top animal welfare organizations. The 2018 Innovation Showdown is a collaborative project with a goal to spark lifesaving creativity to help the animal welfare industry reduce the number of animals euthanized in this country.

The Innovation Showdown, originally created in 2017 by the Petco Foundation and Jackson Galaxy Foundation, is modeled after the critically-acclaimed Shark Tank for entrepreneurs, but with one major difference. The Innovation Showdown's ultimate goal is not a financial return on investment but a lifesaving return on investment – that is to save the lives of more animals in need.

"The Innovation Showdown aspires to encourage ideas that will change the landscape of animal welfare," said Susanne Kogut, the Petco Foundation Executive Director. "All of the participating national organizations share the same goal - to end needless euthanasia of animals in this country. By joining forces in this year's Showdown, we can make a meaningful impact with a more significant investment pool and feedback from the industry's experts to debate the lifesaving potential of each new idea."

Participating organizations include, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society of the United States, the Jackson Galaxy Project, Maddie's Fund, Michelson Found Animals Foundation, the Petco Foundation and the WaterShed Animal Fund.

"Partnering with the industry's top dogs, and cats, through the Innovation Showdown is a great way for us to support and foster big, positive, transformational change for animals," said Jackson Galaxy, cat expert, author, entrepreneur, founder of the Jackson Galaxy Project, and host of "My Cat from Hell."

Innovative ideas to save animal lives are now being accepted online until February 16th. Two finalists will be chosen initially and selected additional ideas will compete for the third Wild Card finalist spot. The grand finale will take place on May 16th at the HSUS Animal Care Expo, where the three finalists will make their pitch on stage to the judges.

Eligibility: Non-profit or municipal animal welfare organizations and for-profit companies, provided their idea is to support the mission to save animal lives.

Judging panel of Innovation Investors: Matt Bershadker (ASPCA), Julie Castle (Best Friends Animal Society), Jackson Galaxy (the Jackson Galaxy Project), Mary Ippoliti-Smith (Maddie's Fund), Aimee Gilbreath (Michelson Found Animals Foundation), Susanne Kogut (the Petco Foundation) and Christy Counts (WaterShed Animal Fund)

"The Humane Society of the United States is thrilled to host the Innovation Showdown at Animal Care Expo," said Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the HSUS. "Innovation is a critical pathway to helping us solve problems in our field and to strengthen the human-animal bond. As the premiere educational event for animal welfare professionals, Expo is a great venue to showcase big, new ideas in our field."

Last year nearly 200 idea submissions were received and two winners, the Animal Care Centers of NYC for their digital shelter concept ($100,000) and Brandywine Valley SPCA for "Mama in a Box" a kitten feeding solution ($50,000), took home the top two honors.

For more information, visit petcofoundation.org/showdown

Study indicates therapy dogs provide benefits to families of children undergoing cancer treatment

2017-12-22T10:38:00.001-05:00

Dogs have long been called mankind's best friend, but a major new scientific study now indicates that a dog may also be a family's best friend in times of their greatest need.

Following seven years of pioneering research, American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, revealed the results of its long-awaited "Canines and Childhood Cancer Study," the first and largest randomized, controlled clinical trial to rigorously measure the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in the field of pediatric oncology.

The results, published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, furnish evidence that regular visits from a therapy dog can provide significant psychosocial benefits to families of children undergoing treatment for cancer.

The data indicates positive effects on parents, including improved communication within families as well as between parents and medical staff, which can lead to better medical care, and reductions in their levels of stress, specifically as it relates to their emotional functioning.

"This study advances our understanding of the benefits of the vital bond shared between people and animals," said principal investigator and American Humane National Director of Humane Research Dr. Amy McCullough.

"We believe the findings may further increase access to therapy animals in hospital environments, enhance therapy dog training and practice, and improve well-being outcomes for families facing the challenges of childhood cancer."

"This study is an important step forward in identifying and understanding perhaps underused weapons in the war on childhood cancer," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane's president and CEO.

"After years of anecdotal evidence pointing to its effectiveness, we were finally able to examine in a rigorous manner the scientific underpinning of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy on families of children with cancer. "

"We hope this examination will spur further rigorous research and eventually the increased use of this accessible adjunctive therapy providing invaluable help and support to the families of more than 10,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year."

To read the full announcement, click here.

Senate unanimously passes animal cruelty bill

2017-12-15T12:13:00.001-05:00

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, S. 654, earning praise from the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

As the first-ever general federal animal cruelty bill, the PACT Act builds on the federal animal crush video law enacted in 2010, which banned the creation, sale and distribution of obscene videos that show animals being crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled, or subjected to other forms of heinous cruelty.

The PACT Act, led by Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., will prohibit those same extreme acts of animal cruelty when they occur in interstate or foreign commerce, regardless of whether a video is produced, and those convicted of such abuse will face federal felony charges, fines and up to seven years in prison. The measure also makes bestiality a federal criminal enterprise.

The House bill introduced by Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and Ted Deutch, D-Fla,. has earned bipartisan support with 262 cosponsors. This legislation is also endorsed by more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the country. Few bills in the Congress have this level of bipartisan support.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said: “It’s past due for the federal government to enact a strong anti-cruelty law, to complement the state laws against malicious mistreatment of animals. We know that there is a correlation between vicious cruelty to animals and violence against humans.”

Sen. Toomey said: “Animal crushing is absolutely disgusting and there is no place for this behavior in our society. It is long past time this abhorrent practice came to an end and I am glad the Senate once again took the next step towards advancing that goal. I am hopeful that this bipartisan bill will pass the House and finally get enacted into law.”

Sen. Blumenthal said: “This bipartisan measure finally prohibits a heinous, inhumane practice – stating emphatically once and for all that there is no place in a civilized society for the maiming and torturing of animals. Thanks to the long overdue action of the Senate, the barbaric individuals who commit these crimes will no longer walk free. I call on the House to pass this important legislation immediately.”

At a time when our nation is divided, opposition to animal cruelty is one of the ideas that unites us. Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for malicious cruelty, and the PACT Act complements the work of the states in rooting out malicious mistreatment of animals.

“We are immensely grateful to Senators Toomey and Blumenthal for leading this critical fight,” added Pacelle. “Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for violence against innocent animals.”

American Humane delivers a ton of love to the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County

2017-12-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, and Chicken Soup for the Soul worked together this week to literally deliver a ton of love in the form of 2,000 pounds of nutritious free food to the animals at the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida.

The donation is part of an ambitious national campaign called "Fill-a-Bowl … Feed-a-Soul" to help care for shelter pets waiting for their forever homes.

Together, American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul are distributing hundreds of thousands of meals of premium, all-natural Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food to U.S. shelters, which house and care for millions of animals each year, and the organizations are striving to reach a goal of one million meals.

The campaign has benefited the animal victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in Texas and Florida, as well as those caught in flood-devastated Louisiana, where American Humane set up rescue operations, and an estimated 75 percent of all homes were destroyed, leaving lost, frightened, and hungry animals wandering among the wreckage. American Humane now works with Chicken Soup for the Soul to identify shelters where a donation of food can do the most good.

"We are so grateful to American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul for this generous donation," said Anne Miller, shelter manager of the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County. "This donated pet food will help many animals."

"This campaign helps animals when they need help most," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "On behalf of all the beloved pets across the country, a big thank-you to our friends at Chicken Soup for the Soul!"

The "Fill-a-Bowl … Feed-a-Soul" campaign is the latest collaboration between American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul, which have worked on several projects together, including the publication of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That? and Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cat Really Did That? earlier this year, with forewords authored by Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.

Chicken Soup for the Soul's publisher and editor-in-chief Amy Newmark said, "We're pleased that we can provide assistance to animals in need and we are glad to be working with American Humane on this vital campaign."

American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. To learn more, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

Petco Foundation is making Holiday Wishes come true for animal welfare organizations

2017-11-18T13:04:00.000-05:00

The Petco Foundation, in partnership with Petco, has revealed the names of 52 stories that have earned their animal welfare organizations a grant investment through the fifth annual Holiday Wishes campaign.

This year, the Petco Foundation will deliver a total of $765,000 in grant awards during Holiday Wishes celebrations from now until December 20– including one $100,000 grand prize, and a series of finalist awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support the tremendous lifesaving efforts carried out by these deserving organizations year-round.

Thousands of adopters from across the United States shared personal accounts of how their adopted pets changed their lives giving the animal welfare organizations they adopted from the chance to receive a Holiday Wishes grant. The adopters with the winning stories will each receive a Petco gift card of up to $1,000.

"Every year these touching Holiday Wishes stories fill our hearts with joy. Each story perfectly illustrates how a pet's love changes everything – whether it is simply making one's routine much more enjoyable by sharing it with a pet or a more of a life changing or lifesaving impact of a pet in one's life," said Susanne Kogut, Executive Director of the Petco Foundation.

"That's why at the Petco Foundation we're thrilled to celebrate that love with the individuals and families who share their experiences with us as well as reward the animal welfare organizations who work so hard year-round to save lives."

While the stories range from inspiring to humorous, and even a few lifesaving narratives, each celebrates how these adopted pets positively changed and enriched the adopters' lives. The following submission is just one of the finalists for the “Holiday Wishes” campaign:

Nominator Jim Case was restless after retiring from his job as a firefighter until he adopted Grace from the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County in Florida. "Rescue work is in my blood… [I missed] serving the people in my community," said Jim. He knew that Grace was smart, well-behaved and could be perfect for search and rescue. Now Jim and Grace provide rescue services to local, state, and federal law enforcement. They are ready 24 hours a day, and they couldn't be happier or more fulfilled.

The Petco Foundation invites all animal lovers to play a role in making Holiday Wishes come true. From now until December 20, 2017, fans can read all finalist stories and vote for their favorites to win the "People's Choice Award" at petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes.

The five organizations with the most votes will receive additional funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to support their lifesaving work. Results of the "People's Choice Award" will be revealed before Christmas.

Animal lovers can join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by using the hashtags #HolidayWishes and #PetcoFamily. To learn more about the Petco Foundation's lifesaving mission, visit petcofoundation.org.

ASPCA and Cloud Nine Rescue Flights partner to fly animals displaced by Hurricane Maria

2017-11-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

The ASPCA and Cloud Nine Rescue Flights are joining forces to transport homeless animals displaced by Hurricane Maria to animal shelters in Florida and New York where they will be made available for adoption.

A total of 56 homeless animals – 47 dogs and 9 cats – will be transported and placed with four animal shelters, including Cat Depot, Humane Society of Broward County, Halifax Humane Society, and the ASPCA’s Adoption Center in New York City.

The animals will be transported from an emergency shelter established by the ASPCA in September where more than 300 animals displaced by Hurricane Maria have received care to date.

The cats and dogs will be transported out of St. Croix on November 11 and 12 by Cloud Nine Rescue Flights, arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and continuing to the Florida and New York-based shelters to find safe and loving homes.

“Relocating homeless animals out of communities impacted by natural disasters is a critical aspect of emergency response efforts because it allows first responders to focus on assisting owned pets and animals in need of immediate medical care,” said Jessica Rushin, partnerships senior manager for ASPCA Field Investigations & Response.

“The ASPCA is pleased to work with Cloud Nine Rescue Flights on this life-saving effort to transport animals displaced by Hurricane Maria from St. Croix to the dedicated shelters and rescue groups in the States where they will have a second chance to find safe and loving homes.”

Since late September, dozens of ASPCA responders have been working around the clock conducting field rescues and managing an emergency shelter in St. Croix. In addition, approximately 17,000 animals impacted by Hurricane Maria have been assisted by the ASPCA through the distribution of critical pet supplies.

For the latest updates on the ASPCA's response, please visit www.aspca.org/maria-response.

Image via ASPCA.org

Keeping Halloween fun for your pets: Safety tips for families with animals

2017-10-28T09:56:00.000-04:00

Halloween is in just a few days, which means frightening family fun—from costume contests to trick-or-treating—is right around the corner.

Although Halloween is filled with light-hearted tricks and treats, it's important to keep safety in mind for every member of the family—including your pets.

Halloween can pose a number of potential safety hazards for pets, who tend to experience high levels of stress due to the hustle and bustle of the holiday.

Here are a few tips from American Humane to keep you and your four-legged family members safe and happy this Halloween:

Costumes, while cute, can be dangerous for pets. Costume contests are popular around Halloween, and it's tempting to want to dress up your four-legged friend in their own costume. After all, who can resist dressing up a pet in a cute witch's cape or antlers? But if you do choose to dress your pet up in costume, make sure they can move in it comfortably and most importantly, safely.
Avoid costumes that require tying anything around your pet's neck that can choke them, or costumes that hang to the ground that they may stumble over. Let your pet be the judge. If they struggle and are uncomfortable, then maybe it's best to let them stay dressed as a Corgi rather than a ghost!
Keep your pet away from harmful Halloween candy and food. Before you give in to your pet's pleading eyes and feed them that Halloween candy bar, be aware of the harmful consequences of feeding human food to any animal.
Chocolate—especially baking chocolate—can be deadly to a dog, so keep all such goodies well out of reach. The other lurking danger during Halloween is a substance called Xylitol. This is a low-calorie sweetener found most commonly in gum and candy. It can be potentially lethal when consumed, even in small quantities.
To reduce temptation, feed your pet before any guests arrive so they will be less likely to beg and steal food. Tell your guests of any house rules regarding your pet, such as not feeding them scraps from the table.
If nicotine and alcohol will be consumed in your home this Halloween, be extra vigilant to keep these items out of your pet's reach. These substances can be highly toxic—even deadly—to animals.
Keep your home a safe space for your pet. Animals can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of guests and trick-or-treaters.
It's best to keep your pets indoors and provide them with a safe, quiet, escape-proof room where they can be removed from the energy and excitement of the holiday. Remember to provide plenty of food and water, and let your pet catch up on some Zs!
As trick-or-treaters come to your door, there will be many opportunities for your pets to slip out unnoticed. Make sure that your pets always wear current identification tags, consider having your pets microchipped if you haven't already—and watch the door!

Halloween, and all the spooky fun that accompanies the holiday, is best enjoyed when the entire family is safe and happy. Follow these tips, and your pet will have just as much fun as you and your kids this Halloween!

HSUS and Emancipet provide free services to animals affected by Hurricane Harvey

2017-10-21T11:01:00.001-04:00

Generous funding from the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust has enabled the Humane Society of the United States to collaborate with Emancipet, a nonprofit veterinary clinic operating in Houston's East End, to offer free veterinary services to owned animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Through December 9, fees for veterinary services at Emancipet Houston will be waived for all pet owners.

In the program's first month, 1,705 pets received examinations and more than 1,500 owners scheduled spay and neuter procedures. On the clinic's busiest day, veterinarians saw 173 pets. The HSUS is sending staff, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians on a rotation schedule to work on-site with the Emancipet team.

According to Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the HSUS, "Harvey dealt an especially harsh blow to families at or below the poverty line, compounding the challenge of meeting life's necessities, including the needs of their beloved pets. We know how much pets mean to their families, and our goal is to keep all members of the family intact."

The waived veterinary fees include services that Emancipet has always provided, like exams, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping and heartworm treatment. During this time of extraordinary need, however, Emancipet will also treat respiratory, skin and ear infections, as well as wounds and lacerations. Veterinarians will also perform some medically necessary surgical procedures.

To ensure that the donated funds stretch as far as possible, and to fulfill the goal of keeping pets with their families, this offer is for owned pets only. Spay/neuter and heartworm treatment require an appointment, and all other services are available on a walk-in basis. Clients will not be asked for any proof of financial need in accessing the services.

Emancipet's mission is to make veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners. For more information, go to https://emancipet.org/houston/.

The Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Trust is a private foundation charged with the task of carrying on the Lewyts' pioneering vision of improving the lives of companion animals, reducing animal cruelty and euthanasia rates, and supporting programs for the general betterment of all animals.

Image credit: Emancipet Houston

California becomes first state in U.S. to ban sale of puppy mill dogs in pet stores

2017-10-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

Local and national animal welfare organizations commend CA Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law legislation that will prevent the sale of commercially raised dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across the state of California. The law also encourages partnerships that promote the adoption of homeless pets.

Authored by Assembly member Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach), Assembly Bill 485 protects animals and consumers, and sets an important precedent for the rest of nation. The bill passed the CA legislature September 14.

To date, 36 jurisdictions in California – including the cities of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco – have enacted similar ordinances, and the signing of AB 485 makes California the first state in the nation to enact a statewide prohibition on pet store sales of dogs from puppy mills.

"This landmark law breaks the puppy mill supply chain that pushes puppies into California pet stores and has allowed unscrupulous breeders to profit from abusive practices," said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA.

"We're proud to be part of the coalition that worked alongside Assembly member Patrick O'Donnell to pass this critical animal protection bill, and thank the California legislature and Governor Brown for sending the clear message that industries supporting animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our society."

"By signing this groundbreaking bill, California has set an important, humane precedent for other states to follow," said Gregory Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. "We commend Governor Brown's signing of this lifesaving legislation to codify statewide what cities across California have already done to help put an end to the cruelty of pet mills."

"Californians recognize that pet stores enable the work of puppy mills, which cause suffering for dogs and heartbreak for consumers," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "We are grateful to Governor Brown for putting his stamp of approval on a state policy to dry up funding for this inhumane industry."

"This is a significant milestone in easing the overcrowding of homeless animals in California shelters, relieving county budgets and stopping the abusive puppy mill industry," said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. "We commend Governor Brown for signing AB 485 so California can continue to lead the country in the protection of animals and helping end the cruelty of commercial puppy mills once and for all."

"This legislation is a big step forward for animals in California," said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, President of the SF SPCA. "By signing AB 485, Governor Brown has helped stop pet mill cruelty and save the lives of rescue animals in San Francisco and across our state. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Brown for his leadership on this issue."

California joins more than 230 cities, towns, and counties across the U.S. that have passed pet store ordinances to take a stand against allowing cruelly-bred animals to be sold in their communities. Despite enticing claims that they only source from licensed, humane or small-scale breeders, pet stores across the country are invariably supplying unsuspecting consumers with animals from puppy and kitten mills.

These facilities are designed to maximize profits at to the expense of the animals in their possession. Those animals are generally kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, or socialization.

Animals bred in these conditions may suffer severe health problems, including contagious and deadly diseases and congenital defects, as well as behavioral problems. AB 485 will help break the supply chain so that mill operations are unable to profit from their abusive practices.

This groundbreaking legislation has the enthusiastic support of a coalition of local and national animal welfare groups including the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society of the United States, San Diego Humane Society, and San Francisco SPCA.

Petco Foundation honors therapy, service and working animals with Helping Heroes campaign

2017-10-07T10:56:00.000-04:00

This October, the Petco Foundation, in partnership with Natural Balance pet food, invites the public to join them to celebrate and support the transformative impact that therapy, service and working animals have on individuals and communities around the world.

With a goal to raise more than $2.5 million in Petco stores and online, the Helping Heroes campaign supports the incredible work of organizations that help animals who save and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each and every day.

These helping heroes safeguard our military, rescue people impacted by disasters, give independence, comfort the sick, and help children learn to read.

The Petco Foundation has invested more than $10 million to support this life-changing work. Throughout the campaign, the Petco Foundation will share stories about the transformative impact these animals have on human lives.

On Saturday, October 14, the public is invited to meet a helping hero animal in select Petco locations nationwide. Details and participating store locations can be found at www.petcofoundation.org/heroes.

Some of the amazing animal heroes being featured in this campaign include:

Hank, a retired explosive detection dog from Kuwait. Thanks to Mission K9 Rescue, Hank was able to retire back in the United States and be adopted by Lloyd, a Vietnam veteran and combat tracker, who decades earlier had to leave his working dog behind after the war.
Justice, a dog adopted from a shelter and trained to become a seizure alert dog for a teenage pageant queen.
Skye, a former shelter dog, who was rescued and trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation as a search and rescue canine.
Mokey, a once-homeless cat, who was adopted from Town Cats of Morgan Hill and certified as a therapy pet who now helps children learn to read and visits seniors in nursing homes.

"We believe that the love of a pet has the power to change lives, communities, and even the world," said Petco Foundation Executive Director Susanne Kogut.

"These Helping Hero pets are certainly doing that every day. What is even more exciting is when we see rescued shelter pets who are then trained as service, working or therapy pets. We invest significantly in organizations that save these pets and transform them into helping heroes."

Individuals can support the Helping Heroes campaign by donating online or in a Petco or Unleashed by Petco store October 7 through October 29. To learn more about the Foundation and this campaign, visit www.petcofoundation.org/heroes.

Image via Petco Community

IFAW working to reunite animals with families affected by hurricanes in Caribbean

2017-09-30T10:23:00.000-04:00

The US Virgin Island of St. John has been devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria over the past weeks. Trees are uprooted, houses destroyed, and families separated from their companion animals.

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has deployed their disaster response team to help reunite people with the animals they were forced to leave behind during the evacuations for both catastrophic storms.

Teams from IFAW previously performed assessments and delivered emergency relief for community animals after Hurricane Irma, but were evacuated in the face of Hurricane Maria. IFAW's experts in disaster response and animal welfare have returned to continue relief and assessment on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas.

The team will also reunite rescued animals with their families. With help from local partners GreaterGood.org, Wings of Rescue, and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), IFAW will deliver supplies to St. John, prepare the animals for transportation and accompany them to their owners stateside.

"Disasters like the horrific hurricanes we have witnessed over the last few weeks in the Caribbean often separate families from their companion animals," said Shannon Walajtys, Disaster Response Manager at IFAW.

"Our first priority is to address the life-saving needs of animals affected by disaster. Once those are met, we support animal owners and community leaders with supplies and guidance on how best to start recovering together."

Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org.

ASPCA assists with pre-evacuation efforts in anticipation of Hurricane Irma

2017-09-09T12:13:00.000-04:00

In anticipation of Hurricane Irma, the ASPCA is actively engaging with agencies throughout the southeastern United States to assist with pre-evacuation, relocation, and emergency sheltering efforts.

At the request of the Beaufort County Animal Services, the ASPCA has deployed a team of responders to relocate approximately 600 unowned shelter animals to a 40,000 square-foot emergency shelter established by the ASPCA in Duncan, South Carolina, which will serve as a safe space for displaced shelter animals as shelters and rescue groups prepare to make space for lost pets following the storm. The ASPCA is expecting to relocate and evacuate hundreds of unowned shelter animals from neighboring Jasper County to the ASPCA emergency shelter.

The ASPCA will also be supporting its partners at Miami-Dade Animal Services by assessing needs and providing resources as local agencies prepare for the catastrophic storm. In addition, the ASPCA Relocation team is coordinating multiple requests to transport hundreds of unowned shelter animals throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to safer grounds where they can ride out the storm.

"As we continue our efforts in Texas to help pets and their owners displaced by Hurricane Harvey, we are expanding our efforts to provide much-needed resources and support to shelters and agencies along the coast as they prepare for the impending life-threatening storm," says Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations & Response.

"We are establishing an emergency shelter that will serve as a safe haven for unowned shelter animals, and we will do everything we can to help communities in Hurricane Irma's path who need our assistance."

The ASPCA's response following Hurricane Harvey includes the relocation of hundreds of displaced shelter animals from Texas and Louisiana to other shelters, including the ASPCA Adoption Center. The ASPCA deployed water rescue teams to assist local agencies with search-and-rescue efforts by boat, provided critical sheltering supplies, dispatched its mobile medical unit to help injured storm animals, and established a temporary shelter for lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners.

The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team deploys nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering and placement of animals during disaster situations including wildfires, tornadoes, and floods. The team also works closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance their animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities. In 2016, the ASPCA rescued nearly 1,600 animals from disasters, including Hurricane Matthew and the wildfire in Lake County, California.

For the latest updates on the ASPCA's response for Hurricane Irma, please visit www.aspca.org/Irma-Response.

Operation Grey Muzzle transports shelter dogs from Puerto Rico to mainland U.S.

2017-08-19T11:55:00.000-04:00

The Humane Society of the United States, with some incredible partners, is helping engineer the transport of more than 200 dogs in need from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.

The transport has been dubbed “Operation Grey Muzzle” because of the large number of older dogs on board.

Next week, a group of dogs from overwhelmed Puerto Rico animal shelters will arrive at airports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.

Upon arrival, these lucky companion animals will continue their journey to shelters and rescue partners along the East Coast.

On Wednesday August 23, a flight will arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Receiving shelters for dogs from this flight include Big Dog Ranch Rescue, The Humane Society of Broward County, The Humane Society Naples, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, and Tri-County Animal Rescue in Florida.

On the same day, another flight will arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Receiving shelters for dogs from this flight include Animal Haven and Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons in New York, The Humane Society of Charlotte in North Carolina, The Monmouth County SPCA in New Jersey, and The Humane Society of Washington County in Maryland.

The transport aims to provide room for local animal shelters to take in other homeless and stray animals as they continue their work with Humane Puerto Rico, an initiative of the Humane Society of the United States. The program seeks to improve the welfare of animals on the island.

“We’re grateful to all of the receiving organizations for opening their doors to these dogs in need,” said Kim Alboum, director of sheltering outreach and policy engagement for the HSUS.

“We hope this operation results in new homes for these wonderful dogs and provides much-needed breathing room for the animal shelters as they work toward sustainable solutions to the massive pet overpopulation on the island.”

Participants in Operation Grey Muzzle include Wings of Rescue, Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team, GreaterGood.org, The Grey Muzzle Organization, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Grace Park Animal Hospital, The Humane Society of Broward County, The Humane Society of Charlotte, and The Sato Project.

“GreaterGood.org is thrilled to offer our support to help fund this transport,” said Liz Baker, executive director of GreaterGood.org.

“Helping these animals find their forever homes while also aiding the animal welfare community of Puerto Rico resonates with our organization’s mission and our passionate donors.”

Image via HumaneSociety.org

August 15 is National Check the Chip Day, a reminder to update your pet's information

2017-08-12T11:04:00.001-04:00

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association are recognizing National Check the Chip Day on August 15 by encouraging pet owners to check their pets' microchip information to make sure it is up to date and accurate. The day also offers an opportunity for veterinarians to encourage their clients to microchip their pets if they aren't already.

"Microchipping your pet is vital," said Dr. Mike Topper, president of the AVMA. "But that's only the first step. If your pet's registration information isn't up to date, the microchip is all but useless. It takes less than two minutes to check and update your contact information, and this small act can make all the difference in the chance of a lost pet being reunited with its family."

Microchips are embedded under the skin using a hypodermic needle, similar to those used for vaccinations. No surgery or anesthesia is required – a microchip can be implanted during a routine veterinary office visit. After pets have been microchipped, contact information for the pet's owner is registered to the microchip's serial number in a database that veterinary or animal rescue staff can use to locate an animal's owner should the pet become lost.

To check and update your registration information, you'll need to log onto the database maintained by your microchip manufacturer. If you don't remember the brand of your pet's microchip, contact the veterinarian who implanted it, or you can use the AAHA's Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool to do a quick search based on your pet's microchip number.

According to HomeAgain, a supporter of National Check the Chip Day, 90 percent of lost pets without identification never make it back home. Microchipping your pet and keeping your registry information current is an important step in protecting your animal. The company recently celebrated its two millionth microchip reunion in March when it reunited a 1-year-old American Staffordshire terrier with her family after being apart for 17 days.

The AVMA offers members a Check the Chip Day Toolkit, a suite of resources for veterinarians to educate their clients about the benefits of microchipping and updating their pet's registry information.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 89,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. Visit www.avma.org for more information.

Image via American Veterinary Medical Association

Farewell to a hero

2017-07-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

U.S. military hero dog Cena, a 9-year-old Black Labrador who served as a bomb detection dog in Afghanistan and saved the lives of his handler and uncounted other American warriors, ended his service to mankind after a battle he could not win with bone cancer. Cena died peacefully in the arms of his battle buddy, former United States Marine Corps Corporal Jeff DeYoung, in their hometown of Muskegon, Michigan.

The two first met during Improvised Detection Dog training in Virginia in July 2009. They were deployed to Afghanistan later that year and during their service together, the two were part of Operation Moshtarak in February 2010 that was the largest joint operation up to that point.

Corporal DeYoung and Cena typically led the way as U.S. troops trudged through the rugged and treacherous landscape of Afghanistan. Cena was trained to detect more than 300 different types of explosives and if he smelled something suspicious on patrol he alerted DeYoung, who would then call in an explosives technician to safely remove or detonate the bomb.

Cena and DeYoung ate together, slept together, and fought together, forging a deep bond between them. "Once I laid down on top of him to protect him from gunfire," said DeYoung. "I carried him through a freezing cold, flooded river on my shoulders."

DeYoung's protectiveness of Cena was repaid many times over. Each military dog is estimated to save the lives of between 150-200 servicemen and women during their career, and one of those lives was DeYoung's. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress and the recent loss of several close comrades in combat, DeYoung decided to take his own life. Cena intervened and saved his comrade from committing suicide.

Despite their seemingly unbreakable bond, Corporal DeYoung and Cena were separated unceremoniously without even the chance for a goodbye when DeYoung left military service and Cena continued working through three deployments. For four years, DeYoung suffered nightmares and flashbacks, missing Cena every single day.

Finally, when Cena was retired for a hip injury, the two were brought back together in an emotional reunion made possible with the help of American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, which has also been working to support the U.S. military, veterans, and military animals for more than 100 years. The reunion in 2014 was covered by media across the nation, and Jeff and Cena's story has been carried in hundreds of countries around the globe.

Since then, Corporal DeYoung and Cena have served as military ambassadors for American Humane, traveling around the country to raise awareness about the importance of reuniting service dogs with their handlers, and how the dogs can improve and save the lives of veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress.

"Military Working Dog Cena is a true American hero and an inspiring testament to the life-changing power of the human-animal bond," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and who owe their lives to him. His work and his example will live on in the memories of all who knew him and were touched by his story."

"Cena was family to me," said DeYoung. "It's always been him and me against the world, and losing him has devastated me to my core. Goodbye, my most faithful friend. I will never forget you."

Image via AmericanHumane.org

Seven courageous canines named finalists for 2017 American Humane Hero Dog Awards

2017-07-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

America has spoken and following more than half a million votes cast by animal lovers across the country and a celebrity panel of dog lovers and experts, seven courageous canines have been named finalists in the 2017 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation.

These heroic canines each took top honors in their individual categories from a field of 188 initial nominees and now a combination of America's voters and a panel of celebrity judges will determine which dog will take home top honors as the 2017 American Hero Dog.

The public is invited to submit one vote per day through August 30 at www.herodogawards.org. The seven finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to take part in the star-studded Hero Dog Awards gala on September 16 at the Beverly Hilton, which will be broadcast as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.

The seven category winners for 2017 are:

LAW ENFORCEMENT/ARSON DOG Ice from Olympia, WA
EMERGING HERO DOG Abigail from Lehigh Acres, FL
GUIDE/HEARING DOG Pierce from Palm Bay, FL
MILITARY DOG Adak from St. Cloud, MN
SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG Luca from Grand Prairie, TX
SERVICE DOG Atlas from Dayton, OH
THERAPY DOG Aladdin from Haddonfield, NJ

Each of the seven finalists will win $2,500 for their designated charity partner and the winning 2017 American Hero Dog's charity partner will receive an additional $5,000 for a grand total of $7,500. Each charity partner is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the roles of dogs in our lives, and like American Humane, focuses on the importance of the human-animal bond.

Over the past seven years, millions of votes have been cast for more than a thousand dogs, all seeking the coveted title of American Hero Dog. The program reaches more than 1 billion people each year and draws the support and participation of top celebrity dog lovers from all over the world.

"The American Humane Hero Dog Awards celebrate the tremendously important roles dogs play in our lives," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO. "The American public and our special judging panel now have an extraordinarily tough task ahead of them in determining who our top dog will be because all are worthy winners."

"It is an honor to support an effort to recognize the best of our 'best friends,'" said philanthropist Lois Pope, who has been the awards' presenting sponsor for six years. "From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and help find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in the Hero Dog Awards campaign. Through this national forum we have helped educate America about the lifesaving, life-affirming work of our nation's canine heroes."

American Humane delivers more than two tons of pet food to Fulton County Humane Society

2017-07-09T11:35:00.000-04:00

American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food have delivered 4,551 pounds of nutritious food and love to the animals served by the Fulton County Humane Society in Wauseon, Ohio.

The donation is part of an ambitious new national campaign called "Fill-a-Bowl…Feed-a-Soul" to help care for shelter pets waiting for their forever homes.

Together, American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul have distributed more than half a million meals of premium, all-natural Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food to U.S. shelters, which house and care for millions of animals each year, and the organizations are striving to reach a goal of one million meals.

The campaign's first shipment of 80,000 pounds of food was sent to help the animal victims in flood-devastated Louisiana, where American Humane set up rescue operations, and an estimated 75 percent of all homes were destroyed, leaving lost, frightened, and hungry animals wandering among the wreckage.

American Humane now works with Chicken Soup for the Soul to identify shelters where a donation of food can do the most good.

"The Fulton County Humane Society is very grateful to American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food for this generous donation," said Steve Wanner, executive director of the Fulton County Humane Society.

"The donated pet food will help many animals throughout our community." "This campaign helps animals when they need help most," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "On behalf of all the beloved pets across the country, a big thank-you to our friends at Chicken Soup for the Soul!"

The "Fill-a-Bowl…Feed-a-Soul" campaign is the latest collaboration between American Humane and Chicken Soup for the Soul, which have worked on several projects together, including the publication of Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog and Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Cat earlier this year, with forewords authored by Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.

Chicken Soup for the Soul's publisher and editor-in-chief Amy Newmark said, "We're pleased that we can provide assistance to animals in need and we are glad to be working with American Humane on this vital campaign."

American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. To learn more, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

July 4th fireworks are no fun for animals!

2017-07-01T09:03:00.001-04:00

Independence Day may be fun for us, but for pets it can be frightening and even dangerous.

July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters as companion animals that fled in fright the night before are found miles from their homes, disoriented and exhausted.

Anxious families often find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break her leash or chain.

If your pet is upset by thunder, a door slamming or other loud noises, Fourth of July fireworks will be utterly terrifying, so take these precautions:

Your pets won't enjoy the fireworks display, so leave them at home! Keep them inside, shielded from loud noises. Keep windows closed and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.

If loud noises upset your pets, do not leave them alone while you're out celebrating; make sure someone can stay with them. If you're home, act calm and give them reassuring pets and hugs…animals look to you to see how you're reacting.

If you think your pets should be tranquilized, consult your veterinarian well in advance.

Contact an animal behaviorist to work with your pets on their fears. With some positive reinforcement and behavior modification training, by next Independence Day, you all may be worry-free!

Be sure that all ID tags are properly affixed to your pet's collar and that they have your current contact information, including cell number(s).

Update your microchip registrations and pet license information to ensure they're current.

"With a little care and preparation, the Fourth of July can be fun for people and safe for pets," says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "Let's keep our best friends quiet and calm so we can continue to enjoy them come July 5."

American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, visit www.americanhumane.org.

Image via americanhumane.org

More than 80 Great Danes rescued from suspected puppy mill in New Hampshire

2017-06-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

The Humane Society of the United States assisted the Wolfeboro Police Department in the rescue of 84 Great Danes from a suspected puppy mill in New Hampshire.

The Wolfeboro Police Department served search and seizure and arrest warrants on the property on Friday, June 16 and found that the dogs were being housed in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Eighty-four dogs have been rescued from this property as part of this effort.

The Wolfeboro Police Department has previously dealt with the owner of the residence/business regarding barking dog complaints. The department initiated an investigation on May 8 surrounding animal neglect allegations.

When responders arrived, they found 84 Great Danes living in squalid conditions with limited access to food or water. The dogs were sliding on their own feces while walking, and several had eyelids so swollen their eyes were red. The smell of ammonia, feces, and raw chicken overwhelmed rescuers.

Lindsay Hamrick, New Hampshire state director for the HSUS who was on the scene, said: “It’s astonishing that such cruelty can occur and I’m so relieved that these animals are now safe and in the hands of people who will provide proper care for them. We anticipate caring for them for several months.”

Chief Dean Rondeau of the Wolfeboro Police Department said: “I’ve never seen conditions this bad in more than 21 years of law enforcement. Words cannot describe the absolute abhorrent conditions these animals were living in. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Humane Society of the United States, Conway Area Humane Society and Pope Memorial SPCA, whose expert opinion and counsel was well-received, as well as the other local organizations who assisted at the scene.”

The HSUS has safely transported the animals to a temporary emergency animal shelter at an undisclosed location. Responders from the Barnstead Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Conway Area Humane Society, Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord-Merrimack County, Stewart’s Ambulance, Wolfeboro Fire Department, Wolfeboro Health Officer/Code Enforcement also assisted in the rescue.

Hamrick said that the HSUS rarely needs to intervene in animal neglect cases in New Hampshire because the state’s animal shelters have the capacity and resources to handle most cruelty cases, but the financial burden associated with the long-term care of these animals required additional assistance.

“We urge lawmakers to pass a comprehensive cost of animal care law to require those charged with animal cruelty to pay for the costs associated with the care of their animals while the case is prosecuted, so animal welfare groups and taxpayers do not bear these financial burdens,” she said.

Once at the shelter, the dogs will be thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. Nylabone is providing chew toys for all the rescued dogs to help calm them at the shelter. Jewett-Cameron is providing its Lucky Dog custom kennels and exercise runs for the dogs to increase their activity level.

Image credit: Meredith Lee/The HSUS

ASPCA assists with removal of more than 200 birds in cockfighting raid

2017-06-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

At the request of the Indiana Gaming Commission, the ASPCA is assisting with the removal of more than 200 birds from a property associated with cockfighting in Marion County.

The ASPCA is also assisting local authorities with evidence collection, medical assessments, and transportation of the birds to a temporary shelter established by the Indianapolis Animal Care Services in an undisclosed location.

Upon arriving at the property on Friday, investigators found birds with physical alterations common in fighting birds, such as the removal of their combs and wattles. Cockfighting paraphernalia, including gaffs used to maximize injury during fights and supplements to enhance their performance, were also discovered.

“We are grateful to the ASPCA and Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their support on this case,” said Superintendent Rob Townsend of the Indiana Gaming Commission. “There’s no place in Indiana communities for animal cruelty and the illegal gambling that goes with it. We are very pleased that we were able to identify this operation and shut it down.”

“This investigation further demonstrates the cruel and inhumane practice of cockfighting,” said Kathryn Destreza, director of investigations for ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “No animal should be forced to fight to their death. The ASPCA is proud to be on the front line of tackling organized animal fighting in America and commends the Indiana Gaming Commission for their commitment to bringing this brutal sport to an end.”

During cock fights, birds commonly suffer from injuries including punctured lungs, broken bones, and pierced eyes. These injuries are often the result of knives and artificial gaffs—long, dagger-like attachments—that are attached to the birds to maximize injury. Often, steroids or other drugs are administered to the birds to make them more aggressive.

Earlier this year, the ASPCA assisted the Indiana Gaming Commission with the removal of nearly 100 birds in a cockfighting raid in Pulaski County.

In Indiana, conducting a cockfight, as well as the possession of birds for fighting, are Level 6 felonies, each punishable by six months to three years in a state prison, as well as a maximum fine of $10,000. Being a spectator at a cockfight carries misdemeanor penalties.

For more information on cockfighting, visit https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/cockfighting.

Image via aspca.org

U.S. withdrawal from Paris accord is an assault on animals and the environment

2017-06-04T13:00:00.002-04:00

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is dismayed by the decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the global plan to respond to and mitigate climate change.

The science is clear—climate change is man made and represents one of the greatest threats, not just to wildlife, but to all life on earth.

Less recognized is that of all human activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, animal agriculture is the most significant.

Research from the Worldwatch Institute concludes that 51% of all greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are associated with animal agriculture.

We must make significant changes to our food system if we are to adequately address the threat of climate change, and it is abundantly clear that this is a global problem, not one that recognizes national borders.

“It’s our mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. In combatting the horrors of factory farming, we’re fighting to protect all animals, human and non-human, from the worrisome future of climate change,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells.

“A strong, worldwide approach to climate change is necessary, and pulling the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord is a giant step backward for our nation and the planet.”