Snowmass Village police are investigating a report of animal cruelty at Krabloonik, the embattled commercial dogsledding operation at the resort.
A former employee of Krabloonik gave a statement to police Monday regarding an incident of alleged cruelty, police Sgt. Brian Olson confirmed.
The police department intends to interview other individuals at Krabloonik who may have witnessed the alleged incident, Olson said.
“We’re looking for anyone who can corroborate what he witnessed,” the sergeant said. The investigation may take a week or two, he said.
Eric Glukowsky said he watched Krabloonik owner Dan MacEachen mistreat a dog on Nov. 1 after the animal snapped at MacEachen’s young grandson. The child was not hurt, according to Glukowsky, who contacted The Aspen Times. MacEachen did not return a telephone message left at his business Wednesday.
MacEachen punched the dog, yanked its chain as if to choke it, and threw a piece of pipe at it multiple times, striking it perhaps twice, Glukowsky said.
“I thought he was going to break its neck,” Glukowski said. “He also said he was going to put a bullet through [the dog's] head.”
The dog was not killed, he added.
Glukowski said several employees witnessed the incident but that only he finally objected. Others feared losing their jobs, he said.
“He [MacEachen] pretty much said, ‘If you don’t like it, get the hell out,’” Glukowski said.
Glukowski, 29, said he was hired as a musher at Krabloonik, which offers commercial dogsled rides, and that it was to be his first season there. He lost his job Sunday, he said, after he received a speeding ticket that Glukowsky contends was used as an excuse to fire him because he confronted MacEachen during the alleged incident. He went to police the following day.
Sgt. Olson said Glukowski’s statement to police will not be made public while the investigation is ongoing.
The Krabloonik operation has come under fire repeatedly over the years. A public outcry about the conditions in which the dogs were kept led to upgrades to the dog kennels and clean-up of the area, and an agreement to limit the number of dogs at the site.
The Snowmass Village Town Council declined to enact sanctions against the operation last August, citing the positive changes at the facility.
As someone like Lance Mackey supports use of illegal drugs (not just for medical purposes), this is an even greater reason to not utilize the cruel Iditarod for teaching in any school system. We are sending our nation’s children the message that not only is animal abuse okay in the name of sport, but drug use as well!
The Iditarod plans to test mushers for drugs and alcohol in March, a change many mushers have no problem with — but one that three-time champion Lance Mackey scoffs at.
“I think it’s a little bit ridiculous,” Mackey said Wednesday night from his home near Fairbanks after a training run. “It is a dog race, not a human race. It (using a drug) doesn’t affect the outcome of the race.”
Mackey, a throat cancer survivor who has a medical marijuana card, admits to using marijuana on the trail and thinks his success has made some of his competitors jealous.
“It isn’t the reason I’ve won three years in a row,” said Mackey, though he concedes marijuana helps him stay awake and focused during the 1,100-mile race that takes winners nearly 10 days to complete.
Now Mackey will have to change his ways or risk disqualification. Drug testing will be a part of next year’s race, said Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Committee, although officials hav en’t yet decided who will get tested or when or where.
“It might be random. It might be a group of mushers at a specific checkpoint,” he said.
Aaron Burmeister, a member of the Iditarod’s board of directors, said the Iditarod Official Finishers’ Club has requested for years that mushers be drug tested.
“It’s time,” said Burmeister, a 12-time finisher from Nenana.
The Iditarod has had a drug and alcohol policy since 1984, Hooley said. But he called it “fairly informal” and said to his knowledge mushers have never been tested. The Iditarod finally will enforce the rule for the 2010 race, he said.
Mackey says the issue of mushers smoking on the trail is irrelevant because it hasn’t affected anyone’s race.
Furthermore, he said, what he does in his time is his business.
“The Alaska lifestyle, you can do just about anything you want if you’re not bothering anybody,” he said. “You have a little more freedom in this state and smoking pot is kind of a common thing here in Alaska.”
Mackey doesn’t blame the Iditarod board for creating the new policy at the behest of the Finishers’ Club. Instead, he contends he is being targeted by other mushers jealous of his three straight Iditarod titles and the four Quest titles he won from 2005-08.
Samuel and Diane Walker, owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, turned themselves in on Christmas Day in connection with allegations of animal cruelty.
An arrest warrant was issued for the couple on Dec. 23. After their arrest at the Park County Jail in Fairplay, they posted $2,000 in bail and were released.
Their next court appearance is 9 a.m. Jan. 4.
The couple have been charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and 30 counts of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor.
Samuel and Diane Walker, owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, turned themselves in on Christmas Day in connection with allegations of animal cruelty.
An arrest warrant was issued for the couple on Dec. 23. After their arrest at the Park County Jail in Fairplay, they posted $2,000 in bail and were released.
Their next court appearance is 9 a.m. Jan. 4.
The couple have been charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and 30 counts of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor.
A necropsy on two female huskies found one died from starvation and complications of pneumonia, and the other died from “bloat” or “twisted gut,” which happens when an animal is given a large amount of food after being deprived of food over time.
Nine of the 10 sled dogs that kept going when their musher fell off near Willow survived two days of tangles, fights and hunger while trapped together on their gangline before being rescued Wednesday afternoon.
The dogs were found in a tangled mess of lines, anchored in place after the snow hook from their sled lodged in the snow about 10 miles from where the dogs escaped east of the Parks Highway, said Erin McLarnon, president of the Willow Dog Mushers Association, which coordinated the search efforts looking for the dogs.
One dog, Tappy, was dead, apparently strangled in the mess of harnesses, said Ted English, the veteran musher who owns the team and who had loaned it to another musher.
“Almost everybody had some type of bite wound on them, and a couple of them had already formed some abscesses, but nothing that’s life-threatening,” McLarnon said.
The dogs got loose about 3:45 p.m. Monday, when Jan Stevens, a 53-year-old from Edmonds, Wash., training for a possible run in the Iditarod with a team from English’s kennel, was knocked off the sled.
Romano Loop along Haessler-Norris Trail is a technically challenging run, and there is not a lot of snow there now, McLarnon said.
Stevens, who’s been mushing for about three years, said she had been going down a hill in the woods when every musher’s nightmare became reality. She hit a tree on her right and was thrown to the left. The sled stayed upright and the dogs kept on going.
“I’ve dumped sleds in the past, I’ve been dragged, but I’ve always managed to hang on to the sled,” Stevens said. “I think it was just the impact on the tree that I was just kind of tossed from the sled. And I got to watch them go around the lake below me, and it was a beautiful sight. It was also a very sickening sight.”
Stevens started walking back and called English on a cell phone. He rushed out to the area on a snowmachine, but they couldn’t find the team.
“The dogs ran out and we missed them somewheres,” English said. “Somebody gets on the trail for the last two or three years out there on that trail with a four-wheeler, and they really tear that trail up, so we had a heck of a time.”
A ground search involving 25 or more volunteers escalated late into Monday night and resumed again Tuesday. By mid-afternoon searchers, confronted with up to 100 miles of trail to cover and no sightings of the team, began thinking they would need air support, McLarnon said. A helicopter took to the sky late Wednesday morning to began a systemic search of the area with McLarnon aboard.
With Hatcher Pass Road to the north, the Parks Highway to the west and Deception Creek to the east, the helicopter began scouring the area for any sign of the dogs. About noon, after just 45 minutes in the air, McLarnon spotted the dogs out of the corner of her eye after the chopper had run eight or nine patterns.
The dogs were beyond a barricade on the trail marking some private property — an area passed by but not covered in the ground search because the barricade was unmoved — and probably just about three-quarters of a mile as the crow flies from McLarnon’s home, McLarnon said.
“When I got the phone call that she found the team, I just burst into tears,” Stevens said. “I was elated. And then she told me of Tappy’s fate, and it was heartbreaking.”
The chopper set down and searchers found most of the dogs doing well. It appeared the team ran straight to that spot before the hook set into the snow, lodging them in place, and that they spent almost all of their 44-hour ordeal in that location, McLarnon said. The sled somehow managed to stay upright the whole time.
At first, the dogs were still straight on the gangline, evidenced by holes melted in the snow where they slept. But the line soon devolved into the chaos McLarnon found as she approached.
“When I got to them it was just a tangled mess,” she said. “You could tell that there had been a little scuffle at some point.”
McLarnon called her husband, and, along with the pilot, began freeing the dogs, cutting some of the most tangled lines. They put the dogs on a stakeout line as English and Stevens headed out to the area, she said.
“Jan snowmachined in and, believe it or not, we put a gangline onto the snowmachine, hooked all the dogs up and the dogs pulled home,” McLarnon said. “They could have ran
another 50 miles, I think. They were just so happy.”The
The carelessness of both the legal guardian of the team, and that of the rookie musher who was running the team, has led to several injured dogs and one needless death...
Nine of the 10 sled dogs that kept going when their musher fell off near Willow survived two days of tangles, fights and hunger while trapped together on their gangline before being rescued Wednesday afternoon.
The dogs were found in a tangled mess of lines, anchored in place after the snow hook from their sled lodged in the snow about 10 miles from where the dogs escaped east of the Parks Highway, said Erin McLarnon, president of the Willow Dog Mushers Association, which coordinated the search efforts looking for the dogs.
One dog, Tappy, was dead,apparently strangled in the mess of harnesses, said Ted English, the veteran musher who owns the team and who had loaned it to another musher.
“Almost everybody had some type of bite wound on them, and a couple of them had already formed some abscesses, but nothing that’s life-threatening,” McLarnon said.
The dogs got loose about 3:45 p.m. Monday, when Jan Stevens, a 53-year-old from Edmonds, Wash., training for a possible run in the Iditarod with a team from English’s kennel, was knocked off the sled.
Romano Loop along Haessler-Norris Trail is a technically challenging run, and there is not a lot of snow there now, McLarnon said.
Stevens, who’s been mushing for about three years, said she had been going down a hill in the woods when every musher’s nightmare became reality. She hit a tree on her right and was thrown to the left. The sled stayed upright and the dogs kept on going.
“I’ve dumped sleds in the past, I’ve been dragged, but I’ve always managed to hang on to the sled,” Stevens said. “I think it was just the impact on the tree that I was just kind of tossed from the sled. And I got to watch them go around the lake below me, and it was a beautiful sight. It was also a very sickening sight.”
Stevens started walking back and called English on a cell phone. He rushed out to the area on a snowmachine, but they couldn’t find the team.
“The dogs ran out and we missed them somewheres,” English said. “Somebody gets on the trail for the last two or three years out there on that trail with a four-wheeler, and they really tear that trail up, so we had a heck of a time.”
A ground search involving 25 or more volunteers escalated late into Monday night and resumed again Tuesday. By mid-afternoon searchers, confronted with up to 100 miles of trail to cover and no sightings of the team, began thinking they would need air support, McLarnon said. A helicopter took to the sky late Wednesday morning to began a systemic search of the area with McLarnon aboard.
With Hatcher Pass Road to the north, the Parks Highway to the west and Deception Creek to the east, the helicopter began scouring the area for any sign of the dogs. About noon, after just 45 minutes in the air, McLarnon spotted the dogs out of the corner of her eye after the chopper had run eight or nine patterns.
The dogs were beyond a barricade on the trail marking some private property — an area passed by but not covered in the ground search because the barricade was unmoved — and probably just about three-quarters of a mile as the crow flies from McLarnon’s home, McLarnon said.
“When I got the phone call that she found the team, I just burst into tears,” Stevens said. “I was elated. And then she told me of Tappy’s fate, and it was heartbreaking.”
The chopper set down and searchers found most of the dogs doing well. It appeared the team ran straight to that spot before the hook set into the snow, lodging them in place, and that they spent almost all of their 44-hour ordeal in that location, McLarnon said. The sled somehow managed to stay upright the whole time.
At first, the dogs were still straight on the gangline, evidenced by holes melted in the snow where they slept. But the line soon devolved into the chaos McLarnon found as she approached.
“When I got to them it was just a tangled mess,” she said. “You could tell that there had been a little scuffle at some point.”
McLarnon called her husband, and, along with the pilot, began freeing the dogs, cutting some of the most tangled lines. They put the dogs on a stakeout line as English and Stevens headed out to the area, she said.
“Jan snowmachined in and, believe it or not, we put a gangline onto the snowmachine, hooked all the dogs up and the dogs pulled home,” McLarnon said. “They could have ran another 50 miles, I think. They were just so happy.”
The following statement is from the Humane Society of the United States:
The Humane Society of the United States commends the Park County Sheriff’s Office for seizing nearly 100 sled dogs from a state-licensed dog-sledding facility due to the animals’ alleged neglect. After receiving a tip that dogs there were living in deplorable conditions, The HSUS called the sheriff’s department, which quickly took action to help the animals.
The case is the most recent action law enforcement in Colorado has taken in response to a sled-dog facility accused of inadequate care. It came only weeks after Snowmass Village police confirmed that they are investigating allegations of animal cruelty at Krabloonik, a state-licensed dog-sledding operation, whose owner has been arrested on animal cruelty charges in the past.
These cases are only two examples of a larger regulatory problem in Colorado, and The Humane Society of the United States calls on the Colorado Department of Agriculture to strengthen oversight and enforcement of these operations. Sled-dog operations are covered under the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act and are regulated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Both facilities, in Park County and Snowmass Village, are PACFA licensed.
“Park County police took immediate action to relieve the suffering of these dogs. We applaud their commitment to protecting animals and hope the state will follow suit,” said Holly Tarry, The HSUS’ Colorado state director. “We ask the Colorado Department of Agriculture to step up its regulatory enforcement so punitive action can be taken against those who fail to meet standards. Consistent and timely enforcement of these regulations can prevent the suffering these dogs had to endure.”
The Colorado Department of Agriculture facility files reveal that many sled-dog facilities (including the one in Park County) do not meet the minimum standards required by law, yet the facilities are able to continue in sub-par condition with no corrective action. The owner of the Park County dogs, whom police are investigating, was convicted of cruelty to animals in 2003 after one of his dogs was found with a collar embedded in his neck. After the conviction, the Department of Agriculture, which has the authority to revoke licenses, sent the owner a letter stating that they would not revoke his license.
Both the sled-dog facility owner in Park County and the owner of Krabloonik were previously convicted of animal cruelty, and both have maintained their PACFA license. And, most importantly, both have come to police attention again for allegedly allowing animals to suffer at their facilities. This pattern is unacceptable and presents a clear need for stricter regulatory enforcement of the laws, which are designed to prevent the sort of needless suffering recently exposed in Park County.
“The Park County Sheriff’s Office has seized about 100 starving and neglected sled dogs after finding eight other dogs dead.”
- MSNBC Colorado 9News
Photo Credit: Lewis Geyer
About 100 starving sled dogs have been seized from a racing business in Colorado.
Colorado’s state veterinarian says an anonymous tip led authorities to Pawsatrack Racing Sled Dogs in the Park County town of Hartsel, about 70 miles southwest of Denver. The facility is owned by Sam and Diane Walker of Florissant.
Authorities say they found six dead husky-type dogs and seized 30 starving dogs immediately. On Thursday, animal protection authorities took the remaining 70 dogs and placed them in shelters around Colorado.
“Some are a little thin, but aside from that, no major concerns noted at this point,” said Dr. Jeff Fankhauer, a veterinarian with the Denver Dumb Friends League.”
Court papers obtained by 11 News show Sam Walker received a state kennel license in 1998. Walker was found guilty of animal cruelty and violating animal ordinances in Teller County in 2003.
At that time, the Walkers kenneled more than 100 dogs at their home in Florissant.
The same year, they were ordered to reduce their number of dogs to 30, and agreed to remove them from their Teller county property.
Dr. Keith Roehr, the state vet, says the dogs were all crossbreeds of Alaskan descent used in sled racing.
Park County sheriff’s officials were investigating the dogs’ owners for possible animal neglect charges, but as of Thursday afternoon no one had been charged.
The dogs are now receiving medical care in state shelters, and may soon be available for a new owner.
“It could take a few weeks to a few months until some of the dogs are ready to be placed for adoption,” said Michelle Ray, a Denver Dumb Friends League spokesperson.
Here is the official release from the Park County Sheriff’s Office:
On Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at approximately 1:45pm Sergeant Bobbi Priestly of Park County Animal Control received a call from the United States Humane Society.
Sergeant Priestly was informed by the United States Humane Society that they had received an anonymous tip that a sled dog facility located near Hartsel, CO, had dogs that were dead and dying from apparent neglect and starvation.
Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control responded to 6000 Forest Service Road 108 where they discovered approximately 100 dogs in severely neglected and starving conditions.
During the early morning hours on Wednesday, December the 16th, 2009 Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers executed search warrants at the sled dog facility. Over 100 animals were found in extremely poor physical condition.
Dr. Kate Anderson with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection scored the animals on the Hennekee Body Score System and determined several of the animals scored 1 or less on a scale of 1 to 9. Animal Control Officers and volunteers removed 30 dogs that were rated in the poorest condition and transported the animals to facilities in Colorado Springs, Buena Vista, Salida and Park County.
On December the 17th, 2009 Park County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers removed the remaining 70 animals and will be placing them in approved facilities throughout the state. Rescue operations are ongoing at this time.
Sam and Diane Walker who reside in Florissant, CO, and whom operated the sled dog facility, could be facing multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect.
Anyone wishing to help can contact The Park County Animal Rescue at PO Box 604, Fairplay, CO 80440.
“Dr. Kate Anderson with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection scored the animals on the Hennekee Body Score System and determined several of the animals scored 1 or less on a scale of 1 to 9.”
- KKTV News
HOW TO HELP
Donate to the organization which initiated the rescue:
Park County Animal Rescue
PO Box 604
Fairplay, CO 80440
Donate to the Leadville Animal Shelter, which has reportedly taken in 10 of these dogs:
Leadville Animal Shelter
800 Harrison Ave
Leadville, CO 80461
Donate to the Arkansas Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista, which reportedly took in 13 dogs. Visit their website to learn how you can donate where they need it most:
I have kept in touch with people that read my original blog article and call for help. Some of them were actually able to adopt some of the Quebec sled dogs. This is the continuing story for two of the dogs who found such a home with a woman named Trish.
“I wanted to take one dog and make sure it was the happiest dog possible.”
Minou was going to be difficult to place since she is thought to be 6 or 7 years old. Yet she came to us with a surprise. When she went to be spayed it turned out that, she was very pregnant but too skinny to tell. I wanted her home to bond with me during her delivery and while she had her puppies. When I met her she was timid but accepting and put her head in my hand for the drive home from the foster. She has a brown eye and a blue one and her thick fur is brownish black on a creamy undercoat. She has been a dream dog, housebroken, inquisitive, and gentle. She fit right in with the 9 month old puppy my daughter has. We have begun installing a 6 foot fence so she can run around without any leash. She loves walks and we go on about 3 a day. Her advanced pregnancy made it a challenge to get on my bed, but she sleeps beside my bed in a crate with no door because she wants to. She had two healthy puppies out of four and is slow to produce milk, but since she was so skinny you couldn’t tell she was pregnant, it is not so shocking. Imagine what would have happened out there among 100 other starving dogs. She has learned to play a little and she gets excited and dances when she sees the leash. She takes treats gently and is happy to learn to sit, lay down, and come. Since she had her puppies I have slept by her side and shown her that I am also a protector and now I wake to kisses and dancing at the door to go outside. Welcome home Minou, you’ll never be hungry, cold or alone again.
Melisse was also going to be difficult to place. Thought to be around 5 years old, she was very timid, didn’t know how to walk on floors, was afraid of stairs, and people. She was exactly what I was hoping for; a dog that needed me. I am selfish that way. Melisse was one of the pregnant dogs that delivered right after being rescued so I have to wait until her puppies are weaned before she comes home. There is no need to flip her life around again while she is nursing. She had some tummy troubles but that is working itself out. She is learning to be more trusting of people and is beginning to understand life in a house. I wish I was the one teaching her these things but I will wait and teach her unconditional love if that is all that’s left to learn. When I met Melisse for the first time she was the skinniest dog I had ever seen in person. Her light silvery coat hung off of her hips and spine like someone draped it there. Her ribs showed as her skin was pulled taught by teats heavy with milk for her puppies. Her spine was no wider than my hand and led from her slightly wagging tail to her narrow face. She looked like a greyhound disguised in a husky’s coat. Then I looked into her brilliant blue eyes and knew she was mine. I squatted down to introduce myself. She immediately gave me a kiss and I murmured softly to her while I scratched under her collar and deep into the fur of her chest. She was timid but brave and I fell in love with her right there in the driveway.
As Minou has learned belly rubs and to fall asleep on her back getting scratched and snuggled, so too will Melisse and we look forward to her filling the space that we have waiting for her in our hearts and home.
I’d like to thank everyone who rescued the dogs we’ve been waiting to love and I’d like to see changes so that the cruelty that brought them here never happens again.
Reportedly, nearly 20 different shelters across North America have taken part in rehabilitating and rehoming the 97 sled dogs rescued from Canada last month (see original article & case photos). On behalf of the sled dog welfare and advocacy community, I would like to extend thanks to all of the organizations that have helped these innocent souls to have a chance at a new life. This list will be updated as I acquire more contacts and pictures. If I’ve left you out, please feel free to contact me with photos and information of how these dogs are doing!
————————————————————————-
Thank you to the SPCA of Western Quebec.
The SPCA of Western Quebec is providing shelter to three of the rescued female huskies from the Upper Laurentians in Quebec. If you would like to donate, CLICK HERE to learn how!
Shara has been spayed and is now in a foster home, receiving the love and attention she deserves.
Kiska and Nikea, both pregnant, are in foster homes as well, receiving the care they need in advance of having their pups.
Thank you to the Westminster Pet Sanctuary of Ontario.
Amazing Grace is a two year old husky who came to our sanctuary from a horrific neglect case in Quebec. She needs a lot of help with her medical and emotional needs after surviving such trauma and neglect, but that is what we are here for! She has no fur on her back; sores on her legs; a leg injury and is very underweight.
What we can tell you: Amazing Grace has the most gentle, loving spirit and is truly one of the most grateful dogs – to know that she is loved; to have food (poor girl didn’t even know how to chew); fresh water; a comfy bed of her own; and the best of medical treatments!
If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!
Thanks to the Washington Animal Rescue League of DC.
The Washington Animal Rescue League (the League) is providing refuge to 13 mixed huskies surrendered to Canadian authorities by a man who said he could no longer afford to care for the dogs. Altogether, the man had nearly 100 sled dogs, whom he used to pull sleds for tourists and kept on chains in the woods of Quebec when they weren’t working. Eleven other animal shelters in Canada and the U.S. also took in some of the dogs.
The 13 dogs at the League range in age from 1 to 8 years. One has heartworms (a parasite that inhabits dogs’ heart and is spread through mosquito bites) and many of the dogs are thin or emaciated. The largest challenge that the League faces in rehabilitating these dogs, however, may well be the job of acclimating them to life in civilization.
“These dogs are friendly, but they are not terribly well socialized,” according to Sabine Hentrich, the League’s certified dog trainer and behavior specialist. “As far as we know, except for their dog houses, many have never been inside before they arrived here. The floors, doorways, artificial lights—everything is new to them and a cause for anxiety.”
The dogs are currently being evaluated by the League’s veterinarians and behavior staff. Some may become available for adoption as early as the week of November 30. But given their past lives as outdoor sled dogs, the adoption staff cautions that these dogs are not for everyone.
“Those who are thinking of adopting one of these dogs would do well to spend some time researching huskies and sled dogs,” recommends Mary Jarvis, the League’s chief operating officer. “These dogs are very independent and their need for exercise and their ability to escape can be a challenge to anyone who lives with them.”
For more information on these dogs, please call 202-726-2556 or write to adoptions@warl.org. Also, CLICK HEREto donate online!
Thank you to the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance of Nova Scotia.
Fallon is a sweet boy rescued from Quebec along with approximately 100 other abandoned Siberian Huskies and Husky mixes. Fallon and 31 other dogs were brought down into the United States to go into local rescues. He’s around 5 yrs of age. Fallon is the quietest dog I ever had, not a peep out of him since he came into rescue. He’s being fostered in Philadelphia along with his blind foster brother Connor.
He is a very sweet boy who never stops wagging his tail! He’s very quiet for a Siberian Husky, too!
Fallon gets along with other dogs very well. Fallon is being fostered in the Philadelphia area.
He’s totally blind in his left, and his right eye, he sees shadows.
If you want to donate to Fallon’s care, please send to
BDRA
PO Box 63401
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Fallon is a sweet boy rescued from Quebec along with approximately 100 other abandoned Siberian Huskies and Husky mixes. Fallon and 31 other dogs were brought down into the United States to go into local rescues. He’s around 5 yrs of age. Fallon is the quietest dog I ever had, not a peep out of him since he came into rescue. He’s being fostered in Philadelphia along with his blind foster brother Connor.
He is a very sweet boy who never stops wagging his tail! He’s very quiet for a Siberian Husky, too!
Fallon gets along with other dogs very well. Fallon is being fostered in the Philadelphia area.
He’s totally blind in his left, and his right eye, he sees shadows.
If you want to donate to Fallon’s care, please send to :
Saint and Agatha were named after Sainte Agathe, Quebec, the town where they were rescued. Agatha, one of 30 who were pregnant, and Saint arrived emaciated but are receiving food, water, care and vet treatment at the shelter.
“They’re doing great,” reported Shapiro. “They have a great disposition. They’re not fearful; they’re cautious. They enjoy contact, which isn’t surprising given their background. They show signs of submission, but they’re very friendly. They’re adjusting well.”
When not resting in her private nursery, complete with blanketed kiddy pool, Agatha and her buddy, Saint, are now enjoying simple doggy pleasures.
“They love rolling in the grass,” Shapiro said, “They love laying in the grass.”
After gaining some weight and getting neutered, Saint will be available for adoption by February, “just in time for Valentine’s Day,” Shapiro said.
Agatha and her pups will be available before spring, once the pups are old enough to be spayed or neutered.
For information on adoption, visit www.ucspca.org or call 331-5377. Donations are needed to help with the care of Saint and Agatha and can be sent to:
Thanks to Highland Animal Relief Team & Newf Friends in Ontario.
FROM HIGHLAND ANIMAL RELIEF TEAM:
Say Hello to Hera! This lovely girl is a recent addition to HART’s foster pack. Hera has come a long way from Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Que., to join us here in Bancroft.
Hera is one of the over 100 sled dogs recently rescued by SPCA Laurentides-Labelle. The SPCA found dogs chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter. There were numerous dead dogs discarded in heaps on site. This tragic story made headlines around the world.
Worse still, 30 of these dogs were pregnant. Hera is expecting her litter any day. Without help, these expectant moms would have given birth in mud pits. The puppies would have surely suffered and died. Thankfully, all the dogs are now safe in foster homes and shelters in Quebec, Ontario and the United States.
We at HART do everything we can to support the good work of other animal rescue groups. We offered to take in Hera to ease the burden of finding placement for so many homeless animals.
Hera arrived at her foster home feeling tired, and scared. Things have quickly changed. Her blue eyes sparkled when she met her two new canine siblings. She enjoys her warm bed, high-quality food, and gentle human companionship.
Her foster guardians are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Hera’s puppies. Once the puppies are old enough, vet checked and all healthy, they will be placed for adoption. In a few months, Hera will be spayed and then will begin looking for her forever home.
Thank you for reading Hera’s story. Donations to HART to help with her care would be gladly accepted. If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!
FROM NEWF FRIENDS:
Hera, the husky who was rescued along with Hudson from deplorable conditions in Quebec, is in the care of a HART foster home and expected to have her pups any day now. Details about Hera and her pups will be courtesy posted on this site and we will be facilitating her adoption.
We have a long winter ahead of us, and our funds are being depleted rapidly due to extensive veterinary care for dogs that have come through our rescue.
If you are interested in making an online donation, CLICK HERE! (click “Donate Now” and then select “Newf Friends Fund” from the pull-down menu). Also, check out our calendar, which can be purchased through our main site (follow source link below).
We have committed so far to rescue 10 dogs including some pregnant females. The outpour of support has been wonderful and we have several new foster homes to thank for helping to make this happen. We are still in dire need of food donations and blankets as well as any donations towards our inevitable vet costs. Any question regarding the husky situation can be directed to Lisa at 905-713-1531 or email: siberrescueon@gmail.com.
If you are interested in donating, CLICK HERE to learn how!
Thanks to the Bytown Associaton for Rescued Kanines in Ontario.
BARK has helped a group in Ste Agathe who rescued over 100 dogs hidden in the woods outside Ste Agathe PQ.
The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) were called in to help rescue these poor dogs who were used for sledding and breeding. There were dead dogs all over this property with nearly 100 dogs chained to doghouses including 30 pregnant dogs. The conditions were terrible with the dogs living in and around their dead friends.
The HSUS set up a temporary shelter nearby to house the dogs while they are being examined, vaccinated, heartworm checked, deflead and dewormed. Several rescues including BARK were called to help with the surrendered dogs.
BARK has so far taken 6 dogs including three pregnant ones.
Our single biggest need is money.
If you would like to donate to their upkeep that would be much appreciated. We expect many of these dogs will need ongoing veterinary care before they are ready for permanent homes.
We also need toys, treats, good quality food, rawhides etc.
All of the dogs have great temperaments. They will not be ready for adoption until after Christmas.
If you would like to help or wish to make a donation please call613-738-0119 or 819-776-5090.
If you are interested in donating online, CLICK HERE!
Thank you to Secours Reach For The Stars Rescue in Quebec.
These two beautiful girls are from the recently publicized surrender of near 100 dogs close to Brébeouf, QC. Both came to us in heavily pregnant states. Jadzia now has 8 healthy pups of one week old. She is gentle, sweet and pretty relaxed for a husky. She loves to get attentiona and be lavished with love. Jadzia needs a safe and patient foster home where she can be with her pups until they are ready for adoption at nine weeks old and on through her vetting, vaccinations and spay surgery. This whole prcess can take 4+ months and we are looking for someone who can commit to be there for her through the entire duration. Coralie, has 9 pups who are all doing very well, but until mom feels a bit better and more confident she will be staying where she gave birth. Once that is achieved she too will be in need of a foster home where she can depend on a patient and kind family who can help her through her journey, also to last 4+ month and includes 9 puppies that will be starting to run and play and will need a safe place where they cannot get into too much mischief! For more information please contact us atinfo@reachforthestarsrescue.com (don’t forget to include “surrendered huskies” in the subject line).
We have officially demobilized, leaving our new friends in the capable hands of the Labell-Laurentides SPCA. It was difficult leaving the last few guys there, but I know they will be off to much better lives this weekend.
I keep wondering if this is healthy for me, going from emotion to emotion so quickly on each deployment. First, experiencing the excitement, anxiety, worry and anticipation of a deployment. What condition will the dogs be in? Will we be able to help them all? What are we going to find when we get there?
Then, the whirl of activity as the seizure or rescue takes place and the dogs begin arriving at the shelter when you don’t have time to think. Triaging them, finding those who need immediate care, those who need some care and those who just need a lot of TLC is phase two of the emotional roller coaster. Then the falling in love bit. Getting to know so many of them, their quirks, their personalities. Names emerge, and we begin to accidentally get favorites. Next comes the bittersweet part of sending them off to the next chapter in their lives and saying goodbye. We know things will only get better and better for them, but they blossomed so extraordinarily in our care, it’s hard to not get attached.
Like I always say, if we weren’t getting attached to them, something is wrong with us. Now I’m going through my “post deployment blues.” I’m so grateful for the opportunity to meet with and work with so many wonderful people, even more so for having helped so many dogs along one major step in improving their worlds, but sad to be saying goodbye.
One thought keeps lingering with me. I’ve heard a few comments that since they’re huskies, they don’t mind being out in the cold. Anyone who still thinks that has never given a husky a blanket. We always marvel at how much the little Chihuahuas and Maltese enjoy their blankies for the first time. Try a husky. At first it’s intense interest and curiosity. Touch it with the paw, sniff it, move it with the nose, sniff it, taste it (not so good), sniff it again. Then it usually takes about two minutes for them to get it bunched up and situated to their liking and plop, down they go, not moving again until the next meal time. I have never seen so many simultaneously, sleeping dogs before.
This was obviously yet another different type of deployment for the Emergency Animal Rescue Service. The volunteers proved their extraordinary compassion by doing the big things (walking dogs who were stronger than most of us combined and cleaning lots of poop) and the little things (covering the scared ones with blankets and giving them names). I am so proud to be part of this team, KNOWING we are making such a huge difference for so many animals who couldn’t have done it on their own.
Sled Dog Central recently began hosting the B.A.R.K. program – aka Buy a Round of Kibble. Below is a quote from the SDC site:
The idea for the “Buy A Round of Kibble” program was developed by ardent race fans/volunteers, Lee and Claudia Nowak, who have already contributed several bags of kibble to some of their favorite teams.
Sled Dog Central is pleased to host this list of participating kennels to bring the BARK program to the attention of mushing fans who want to support their favorite team(s) by buying a bag or two of the kennel’s preferred dog food.
The concept is wonderfully simple: participating kennels add the BARK logo to their web site, along with their preferred dog food and contact information for their regular supplier. Fans can use this info to contact the supplier directly to purchase dog food for the kennel. When the logo/supplier info is posted to the kennel’s web site, their kennel name and link will be listed on this page.
This is a free listing service provided by Sled Dog Central and is open to fans and sled dog kennels world-wide. Our goal is to provide a central connection point for fans and sled dog kennels. All financial transactions are solely between the purchaser and the supplier.
Why is this type of program not being promoted by mushers and their organizations to help needy kennels and rescue operations? I watch the list of kennels who have signed up for this program, and I know many of them personally. I’ve even been to some of their houses, and let me tell you – they are in no way in need of donations. Mushing is a luxury sport for them, and though their dogs live in plastic houses on the end of chains, their own personal houses and vehicles are top notch. So why are these people now asking for donations to operate their teams?
Everyone should try a little compassion and turn this into a charity collection, to help such sled dogs as the 97 recently rescued in Canada, or the dozens of mushers who have run out of food due to poor salmon runs in Fort Yukon this month.
The HSUS Offers Reward in Suspected Puppy Mill Cruelty Case in Erie County
The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning more than 30 young dogs and puppies in Erie County, N.Y.
The Case:
News reports and the SPCA Serving Erie County give the following account: Thirty-one terriers aged from 3 months to 2 years — including one deceased — were found abandoned and left to die in the area of Rt. 219 and Trevett Road in Concord, N.Y., on Nov. 8. Covered in feces, urine and fleas, some of the dogs — mostly Jack Russell terriers and small terrier mixes — were also pregnant, leading local animal control officials to conclude they were used for breeding in a puppy mill operation before being dumped by the road. Many were found with high fevers, several had skin diseases and many have discharge from their eyes and noses. Investigators believe more dogs and puppies from this group might be out there.
Animal Cruelty:
Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
Puppy Mills:
Dogs from puppy mills are mass produced solely for profit and are sold in pet stores, online and directly to consumers with little to no regard for the dog’s health, genetic history or welfare.
“Abandoning caged dogs to die is an inexcusable act of animal cruelty and whoever did this needs to be prosecuted for their crime,” said Patrick Kwan, The HSUS’ New York state director. “Unfortunately, there are still thousands of puppy mills throughout the country where dogs continue to suffer. We urge consumers to adopt pets from animal shelters or find a reputable breeder they have met and screened in person instead of fueling the demand for dogs raised in puppy mills.”
The Investigators:
The SPCA Serving Erie County is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 716-629-3537.
Barbara Carr, executive director for the SPCA Serving Erie County, said, “This community has come together in the past when similar cases have occurred, and we’re again turning to community members for help in solving this case. Anyone who knows anything about the former guardian of these dogs…the person who may have been responsible for this monstrous act…or who saw unusual behavior along southtown roads and highways Sunday, Nov. 8, is encouraged to contact us.”
Resources:
The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. To see our journalists’ animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to humanesociety.org.
MONTREAL — The rescue of 97 sled dogs, living in filth and neglect and chained to the ground near Mont Tremblant, was carried out with the mutual agreement of the owner.
The deal between animal-welfare activists and the “tourist musher” was that he gives up the animals, mostly huskies, and his name and location would not be revealed.
“We had been hearing rumours about these Huskies since the summer,” said Nikolas Gour of the Humane Society International/Canada, which teamed up with the SPCA to rescue the dogs.
Two weeks ago, a local informant tipped off the SPCA as to the location of the dog sled keeper, and they entered into negotiations with him.
“The dogs were chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter,” Gour said from a shelter in Val Morin, south of Ste Agathe, about 100 kilometres north of Montreal.
The dog sled operator agreed he could no longer care for the animals and released them. It also was agreed that no attempts would be made to have him charged with neglect.
The SPCA had been feeding the dogs for the past week.
“Thirty of the dogs were pregnant and were about to give birth in the cold mud, the owner could no longer feed them properly, there was no water on site, and the dogs were filthy,” Gourd said after the last were rescued.
“They were living in dilapidated wood sheds, riddled with urine and droppings, some were close to 10 years old and blind and could not fend for themselves.”
Their chains were 150 to 300 centimetres long and some dogs had parasites, though none was sick enough to to require euthanasia.
“The dogs were incredibly friendly,” Gourd reported.
Eleven that were ready to give birth were brought to the SPCA on Monday, where nine pups were born.
Homes have been found for about 40 dogs from a Canadian waiting list, one as away far Vancouver. Those who can’t be adopted here will be sent to the United States.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the Huskies may contact the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle at 1-819-326-4059 or click on SPCALL.ca
MONTREAL — The rescue of 97 sled dogs, living in filth and neglect and chained to the ground near Mont Tremblant, was carried out with the mutual agreement of the owner.
The deal between animal-welfare activists and the “tourist musher” was that he gives up the animals, mostly huskies, and his name and location would not be revealed.
“We had been hearing rumours about these Huskies since the summer,” said Nikolas Gour of the Humane Society International/Canada, which teamed up with the SPCA to rescue the dogs.
Two weeks ago, a local informant tipped off the SPCA as to the location of the dog sled keeper, and they entered into negotiations with him.
“The dogs were chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter,” Gour said from a shelter in Val Morin, south of Ste Agathe, about 100 kilometres north of Montreal.
The dog sled operator agreed he could no longer care for the animals and released them. It also was agreed that no attempts would be made to have him charged with neglect.
The SPCA had been feeding the dogs for the past week.
“Thirty of the dogs were pregnant and were about to give birth in the cold mud, the owner could no longer feed them properly, there was no water on site, and the dogs were filthy,” Gourd said after the last were rescued.
“They were living in dilapidated wood sheds, riddled with urine and droppings, some were close to 10 years old and blind and could not fend for themselves.”
Their chains were 150 to 300 centimetres long and some dogs had parasites, though none was sick enough to to require euthanasia.
“The dogs were incredibly friendly,” Gourd reported.
Eleven that were ready to give birth were brought to the SPCA on Monday, where nine pups were born.
Homes have been found for about 40 dogs from a Canadian waiting list, one as away far Vancouver. Those who can’t be adopted here will be sent to the United States.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the Huskies may contact the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle at 1-819-326-4059 or click on SPCALL.ca
Nov. 17, 2009 (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts) – Humane Society International and the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle partnered to rescue approximately 100 neglected sled dogs in the Upper Laurentians of Quebec. The owner was unable to care properly for his dogs and released them to the care of the SPCA LL.
“This rescue will prevent the situation from getting worse: among the dogs we took in, approximately 30 females are pregnant,” said Corinne Gonzalez, executive director, SPCA LL. “Without our intervention, the owner could easily have found himself with 150 more puppies when winter is right around the corner. The SPCA LL is asking the population for financial help for part of the food and vet fees for these dogs during their stay in Val-Morin.”
Rescuers are swiftly removing the dogs and transporting them to an emergency shelter in Val-Morin, where all of the dogs will receive veterinary treatment, food, water and care. As soon as possible, the dogs will be brought to rescue groups in Canada and in the United States, where they will be sterilized and adopted into loving homes.
United Animal Nations has deployed a team of volunteers to staff the emergency shelter in cooperation with HSI and the SPCA LL.
“United Animal Nations volunteers are expert at running temporary shelters and supporting communities that become overwhelmed by a large influx of animals,” said UAN emergency services manager Janell Matthies. “They will work non-stop to give these rescued dogs clean kennels, food, water and attention like they never experienced before.”
Tragically, this situation is not unique, with cases of neglect of sled dogs regularly reported in Canada. HSI and the SPCA LL are calling upon the provincial and federal government to pass stronger animal protection laws to ensure the protection of all dogs. For sled dogs, sterilization and planning for the care of the dogs during the eight-month low season should be a priority.
Earlier this year, The Humane Society of the United States, the American partner of HSI, delivered 25,000 pounds of dog food to remote Alaskan villages to assist sled dogs and their owners affected by flooding of the Yukon River.
Humane Society International/Canada will have broadcast-quality video and photos available from this operation for viewing and download by news media outlets at video.hsus.org.
Care for these dogs is costing rescue organizations thousands. It has been reported that they require approximately two hundred pounds of dog food per day. Many also have severe medical problems which require expensive treatment. Some are infected with heartworm, a possible death sentence if treatment is not successful.
WARNING: Some viewers may find the above linked footage to be emotionally disturbing. There are graphic images including: dead sled dogs lying into a shallow depression in the ground; extremely thin and emaciated sled dog; close-ups of sled dogs with skin and eye abnormalities due to neglect; sled dogs on short, tangled chains with no food or water and dilapidated housing. Viewer discretion is advised.
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IMAGES ARE OF DEAD SLED DOGS
It is not uncommon for sled dog mushers to simply dispose of dead dogs by throwing them in shallow pits. These pits are also often where feces and other debris are emptied. Though horrible, this practice is not specific to this case alone. I have witnessed these “dead dog pits” personally at an Iditarod champion’s kennel in Alaska. Below are photos from this recent case in Canada.
Will (black and white with blue eyes) is 6.5 years old.
Zorro (lighter black and white with brown eyes) is 6.5 years old.
Blue (gray and white with blue eyes) is 10 years old.
Second row, left to right:
Lil‘ Red (red with blue eyes) is 9.5 years old.
Denver (cream colored and blind) is 6.5 years old.
Matt (cream colored with brown eyes) is 9.5 years old.
What do these innocent souls all have in common? They are rescued working sled dogs, and they are all homeless. Worse yet, they all have heartworm disease (a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals).
The Kent County Humane Society has been spending tons of time and effort to get these dogs back to health. They are beginning their first round of heartworm treatment this month. If they survive the treatment and respond well, they will be available for adoption sometime around February 2010. Information will be provided shortly for those interested in donating financially to the care of these dogs while they are at the Humane Society – the heartworm treatment alone costs approximately $1,500 per dog, and then all of the boarding and food expenses must be considered. So please, I encourage you to contact the Humane Society of Kent County in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They can be reached by phone at 616-453-8900 and e-mail by humane@hskc.org – specifically state that you are inquiring about donating toward the care of the Double JJ Ranch sled dogs.
But these are not just any dogs. It will take special people to rehabilitate them mentally and continue their physical rehabilitation. Sled dogs often spend their lives at the end of a chain, and these are no different. They will need to be introduced to different environments (including indoors) and treated with much patience and love. If you’re interested in what it takes to mentally rehabilitate a neglected sled dog, feel free to drop me an e-mail at ashley@lakotasong.com – I’d be more than happy to share my nearly twelve years of experience with you.
Sled dogs eating rocks is a common problem in many kennels and unfortunately, it often leads to death. The following musher quotes were taken from sled dog central.
Some mushers, like the one quoted below, are very nonchalant about the situation:
I had 6 dogs in a litter that are rock eaters, NONE have come back to where they were before the surgery and 2 died. 2 rock eaters in the litter still are top dogs (no surgery).
And in situations like the one quoted below, some dogs don’t even get a second chance at life through surgery – they just die on their chains due to ignorant handlers:
hate to tell you this, but in my experience, once a rock eater is always a rock eater. Lost a sweet little 2 yr. old female while I was at the ISDRA conference in June – didnt think to tell my ‘dog sitter’ about her being a rock eater – It was just second nature for me to keep her head high when walking her through the part of the yard that has rocks.
As we’ve covered in previous blog posts, most mushers seem to view their dogs as “just dogs” and not as the individual, sentient companions that they are:
I think we have to come to the conclusion sometimes that dogs will be dogs. It is rather funny to see what we as mushers let slide in our dogs. The average pet owner squeals when their dogs do what we see as fairly normal.
So why do sled dogs eat rocks? Let’s review some answers from professionals:
From an article in the Associated Press, by Kristie Leong, M.D.:
Although medical conditions should be ruled out, in most cases, none will be found and your dog’s habit will be attributed to a behavioral problem. This can be a challenge to treat in some cases. Another reason for rock eating in dogs are mental problems such as anxiety or stress. Sometimes simple boredom can even motivate a dog to devour rocks and gravel.
From the ASPCA Website, we have the following answer:
The consumption of nonfood items is a disorder called pica. Although pica can be a sign that a dog’s diet is lacking in some nutrient, when pica occurs in puppies and young dogs the most common culprit is boredom. Occasionally, eating nonfood items develops into compulsive behavior, resulting in a dog who’s highly motivated to find and consume specific objects. Rock eating is the most common form of pica, but dogs compulsively consume a variety of inedible objects, including plastic bags and containers, human clothing and wooden objects.
From the May 2006 Issue of “Ask AKC,” we have the following answer:
Dear Lisa: My son has a beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer who is a companion plus hunting dog. The dog eats rocks. My son has tried everything to keep him from doing this. The dog gets plenty of exercise everyday, has his own toy box full of chew toys, balls to retrieve, etc., gets regular veterinary care and has a good diet. My son has a shock collar (uses the warning ring most of the time) to prevent this behavior and has also taken all of the rocks out of his pen. What else can he do? – Between a Rock and a Hard Place in Beaumont
Dear Rock: The behavior you are describing is called “Pica” which means ingesting non-food items. The cause is unknown. There could be a variety of reasons why your son’s dog does this. It might be behavioral, anxiety or a medical reason.
I would start with his vet and rule out any medical reason, such as a disease, illness, or digestive or deficiency problem. Once any health issue is ruled out, you can move on to a behavioral cause.
It sounds like your son does a fair amount of exercise and training with the dog. However, using the shock collar probably isn’t the best approach for dealing with this issue. It was a good move to remove the rocks from the kennel but maybe your dog learned this behavior as a puppy and it’s just habitual.
If this is the case, then you really have to get firm about teaching the dog a new behavior when it comes to grabbing and gulping rocks just for kicks. Eating rocks can cause serious damage from an intestinal blockage to perforated stomachs and colons. If any of these happens, it could mean an expensive surgery bill or worse.
Different Day, Same Routine
Besides scanning the internet for “Pica Kit” products to address vitamin deficiencies, you might also want to look at changing his dog food. It has been reported that sometimes this behavior is linked to dogs tied out on runs. It could be that your dog is just bored with the same old routine, toys and activities even if you think they are adequate for him.
With a highly intelligent, active hunting dog, like the German Shorthaired Pointer, you will need to constantly provide him with a challenging job. Making strides to incorporate highly stimulating activities for your dog and taking his mind off eating rocks may just save his life.
This email is an update on where the bills sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) currently stand.
The California Legislature is currently on recess, however they will be back in session soon, and both of our bills (SB 250 and AB 241) will be heard in committee later in August.
First, let me be honest about the primary purpose for this email. We need your help to reach out to all supporters of animal friendly legislation in California, and alert them that these important bills are almost to the finish line! We need dedicated support now more than ever. And, the battle is getting costly, because our opponents are pouring money into California, trying to kill these good bills.
So here’s what I am asking:
Please forward this email to at least three people you know in California who love animals. Our hope is that they will visit www.YESonSB250.com and www.YESonAB241.com, fill out easy support letters, and join the thousands of supporters working towards making our state a better place for pets.
Please consider participating in our new 25 bucks for SB 250 campaign. SCIL is run completely by volunteers and has no paid staff. However, running legislative campaigns is very expensive.
You don’t have to donate $25… any amount at all will help us fight towards our goal to reduce shelter euthanasia through spay and neuter legislation. Click here to donate.
This is a historic time for animal friendly legislation in California and it’s supporters like you who have made it all possible. Thank you!
OK, now for the good stuff… here’s the latest on the bills:
SB 250, The Pet Responsibility Act, authored by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, remains one of the biggest bills in Sacramento today. It has generated more support than any other bill this session. SB 250 simply requires that dogs be spayed or neutered unless their owner/guardian obtains an unaltered dog license when they license their animal. SB 250 also requires that roaming cats be spayed and neutered by their owner/guardian.
SB 250 will dramatically increase the number of pets who are spayed and neutered, thus reducing shelter overpopulation by decreasing the numbers of accidental pet pregnancies. In Santa Cruz County, where a similar law was passed over 10 years ago, shelter impounds dropped by over 64%! You can read about their success by clicking here. Santa Cruz is so successful that they are actually now taking in excess animals from other shelters to help ease overcrowding in those areas.
But the rest of the state is not so lucky. California shelters bring in approximately one million dogs and cats every year, and euthanize (kill) over half, simply because there are not enough homes. This enormous number of homeless pets actually means that every dog born in the state of California today has nearly a 1 in 4 chance of ultimately becoming homeless and dying in a shelter. Two-thirds of the cats entering California shelters are euthanized. And, the numbers are getting worse every year.
According to the State Controller’s City and Counties Annual Reports for Fiscal Year 2006-07, California spends $300,000,000 per year housing and killing animals. This is a moral and financial crisis that we can finally begin to address with SB 250.
SB 250 will be voted on in the Assembly Appropriations Committee later in August, followed by the full Assembly vote, and then the Governor’s desk. We will alert you shortly when it is time to contact your legislators.
AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act, authored by Assemblymember Pedro Nava, limits cruel puppy mills in a reasonable way, by simply limiting owners and breeders to a maximum of 50 unaltered animals.
While 50 unaltered animals may sound like a lot, in reality puppy mills in California today house up to 500 animals. They live in overcrowded, filthy, and inhumane conditions with inadequate shelter and care. Many puppy mill breeding dogs live on wire mesh and never touch the ground their entire life.
AB 241 will be voted on in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 17th, followed by the full Senate vote, and then the Governor’s desk. We will alert you shortly when it is time to contact your legislators.
OK, now for the not-so-good stuff… one of the most frequent questions I am asked about SB 250 is:
Who could be against this legislation?
The answer is: the vast majority of opposition to animal friendly legislation comes from one group – underground animal breeders who fear that new legislation will affect their unscrupulous businesses.
These backyard breeders are joined by hunting groups, fur farmers and other people who make their living off the backs of our animal friends.
The leaders of these groups rely on the most outrageous arguments and claims. They do this in order to rile up animal breeders and animal profiteers, compelling them to call, fax and visit legislators to complain against the bills.
Here are the two primary arguments used by opponents:
1. Spay and neuter legislation is actually designed to eliminate dogs and cats forever. The supporters of spay and neuter legislation are radicals who do not want anyone to own pets.
2. Pet overpopulation is a myth. Dogs and cats killed in shelters are unadoptable, and therefore cannot find homes anyway. And, the reason pets are killed in shelters is not overpopulation… it is actually the fault of uncaring shelter directors, shelter workers and rescue groups who just don’t try hard enough.
It saddens and angers me just to type those words. The idea that the thousands of animal rescuers (including myself) working to pass these bills, most of us whom live with several pets and use our own money to rescue and place others, would want to eliminate pets is the most outrageous, insulting lie I have heard in my over 25 years of animal rescue.
The claim that there is no pet overpopulation problem defies logic. The 500,000 pets who die in California shelters each year are there because the pool of animals born each year is larger than the number of available homes… period.
In Their Own Words
Here are some of the most vocal opponents of spay and neuter laws, and some others opposed to animal laws in general, in their own words (shown in blue).
William Hemby, founder of PetPAC, describing who he thinks is behind SCIL legislation:
“…across the United States you have some of these animal rights extremist groups like the Animal Liberation Front… it started years and years ago, if you remember, about throwing the blood on fur coats and all that jazz….
Well now… these people want to eliminate all dogs and cats in California, and so they want everybody else to conform to their society.”
As far as I can tell, it was PetPAC’s Mr. Hemby who first coined the phrase “Pet Extinction Act” to describe spay and neuter laws. The term has inflamed breeders and presumably increased donations to PetPAC.
PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council), on pet overpopulation:
The claims of pet overpopulation are “without sound basis” and “intended to alarm the public about an overpopulation problem that does not even exist”.
Regarding the enormous number of pets euthanized in shelters “it is unclear where the evidence for such statements comes from, or whether it even exists”.
A quick note… PIJAC is the primary lobby group representing pet stores in California, and these quotes are taken from a letter submitted by JK Pedrotti, a Government relations firm representing PIJAC.
Clearly, it is in pet stores best interest to pretend there is no overpopulation problem. If PIJAC will not believe the shelter admission and euthanasia numbers submitted to the State by the shelters themselves, then they will never believe that we have a problem, no matter how many pets we kill each year.
We the People for Pets, an anti-pet legislation group:
Animal rights is a “staircase leading to pet extinction and total loss of pet owner rights”, and spay and neuter laws are being pushed with tactics “used by the Nazi party to dehumanize their targets”.
I can’t really find words to address this lunatic fringe stuff…
Nathan Winograd, author and shelter consultant, on pet overpopulation:
“Shelter killing is not the result of pet overpopulation; it is the result of shelter managers who find killing easier than doing what is necessary to stop it.”
Nathan states that shelter workers are “content to kill animals” while “hiding behind the myth of pet overpopulation”.
I must take a moment to comment on this. I have spent much of the last four years meeting with shelter workers across California. I have seen their tears as they explain their anguish at having to put down healthy animals every day. I have seen the emotional toll, and I have seen their pain as they come to grips with the horrible task they are faced with every day, thanks to careless pregnancies and reckless overbreeding. You can watch interviews with many of these shelter workers at www.YESonSB250.com.
The claim that it is the shelter workers who are to blame for the number of pets flowing into our shelters, rather than the irresponsible pet owners and breeders who fill those shelters with their careless actions, is callous, shallow thinking.
Nathan is now selling books directly to breeders via a book tour with PetPAC, who advertise “Tour Dates” for him on the PetPAC website. And incredibly, he is now involved with radical underground breeder publications like The Animal Herald, a newsletter based partially on the idea that spay and neuter laws are “akin to genocide of dogs”. The founder of this publication, cat breeder Diane Amble, appears to devote a lot of time trying to find ways to use the term “terrorist” in conjunction with the term “animal rights”. This image is a capture from the latest edition of The Animal Herald… you can see a cartoon of Senator Florez, Assemblymember Nava and myself, dressed as “angels of death” for trying to pass animal protection laws. Nathan Winograd’s contribution to this classy publication begins directly under the cartoon.
Ironically, or conveniently, pet breeders have become the biggest cheerleaders for Mr. Winograd, and they are often seen at the Capitol with a copy of Nathan’s book clutched as their bible. Nathan has given backyard breeders an ‘out’ for a problem they directly contribute to, while blaming those who have to clean up the mess.
Gina Spadafori, regular contributor to AKC (American Kennel Club) Publications:
Pet breeders must “realize that we’re all in this together, pet-owners against the forces of pet extinction”.
Gina is a columnist and author of pet books. Shame on her for constantly pushing the bogus claim that pet owners are against spay and neuter legislation. The truth is that tens of thousands of pet owners have written and called in support of the bills. Those “pet owners” who come out against these bills consistently turn out to be people only looking out for their own self-interest (the “Me Me Me” crowd).
In fact, according to a 2008 poll by the well respected firm Zogby International, “California voters are strongly in support of a law that would enforce the spaying and neutering of pets.” The Zogby poll found that 66% of California voters supported spay and neuter laws, and that after learning more about the laws, a full 80% of the voters supported them. The Zogby poll conclusion? Pet owners overwhelmingly support spay and neuter laws to reduce shelter euthanasias.
From the scarier side of the breeder community… some breeders refer to violence as a possible answer to what they perceive as an intrusive government in league with animal rights “wackos”:
Walt Hutchens, Timbreblue Whippets breeder in southwestern Virginia:
“We need to win as rapidly as possible, hopefully before there is any significant violence. The effect of violence on our chances of victory cannot be predicted.” In general Mr. Hutchens seems to oppose violence, but he also slyly notes “By making the AR wars ‘interesting,’ it will lead to much more media interest”.
Joe Overlease, Cocker Spaniel breeder from Missouri who ships dogs nationwide:
“Every Breeder I know is armed to the teeth as well, hot lead is a good motivator even for the most sincere AR wacko… Welcome to Fort Cocker”.
Walt Hutchens’ writings appear on the website Rexano.org, which is devoted to keeping exotic animal ownership legal and unregulated. Rexano also offers the opportunity to download posters and purchase bumper stickers:
The posters are by artist Tamara Burnett, who envisions pet legislation as a PETA / HSUS plot to remove dogs and cats from society. Tamara has painted her depiction of me on the broom, wearing a PETA hat and stealing dogs from children. I included these posters to illustrate just how far out these folks are (and how much time they have on their hands!).
California Farm Bureau Federation writing about SB 250:
“Not all counties have provisions for intact [differential] licenses, and the amendments do not seem to allow dog owners to obtain an intact license if their cities or counties do not have them. This would force… dog owners residing in these counties to sterilize their dogs.”
This statement from the Farm Bureau is completely wrong, and is one of the many scare tactics being used by opponents of animal legislation. In fact, statewide law for differential licenses have been in existence since 1973 (Food and Ag code 30804.5).
“Farm Bureau is also concerned about the potential for… actions taken against our members who may leave their dogs in the back of a pickup truck.”
This is another example of outlandish hyperbole meant to scare Legislators. There is no provision in SB 250 that would allow animal control to seize a dog, and in the several California communities where similar laws are already in place, these hypothetical events do not occur.
Save Our Dogs, an anti-spay and neuter legislation group:
“…are the supporters trying hide the fact that the real goal of the bill is to eliminate all cats and dogs?”
The Save Our Dogs website, registered to someone in Oregon, also provides misleading graphs for download. The site consistently tries to influence opinion by presenting only part of the available data. In my opinion, this group was formed solely to provide misinformation about spay and neuter laws.
John Yates, American Sporting Dog Alliance (in Pennsylvania), on spay and neuter laws:
“Such is the murderous intent of [this]… movement, which seeks to gradually eliminate animals from American life. Its immediate goal is to force people to sterilize or euthanize as many dogs and cats as possible, and SB 250 was written for this reason.”
Unbelievable. The delusions held by some of these people are downright ridiculous.
Last, but not least.
No overview of spay and neuter law opponents would be complete without mentioning the Oregon group National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). This group is front and center when it comes to opposing legislation that helps any type of animal, whether it is spay & neuter laws, curbs on puppy mills, or restrictions on animal cruelty.
Who are they? According to SourceWatch, who featured NAIA in their “FRONT GROUPS” project, “The NAIA is a front group and industry funded lobbying organization for animal commerce and agriculture based in Portland, Oregon. Agendas include financial interests, legislation and public perception related to farm animal agribusiness, commercial breeding, hunting, fishing, trapping, fur ranching, animal testing, horse slaughter, rodeos, circuses and entertainment.”
At this point, you may be asking yourself, are all pet breeders bad? My answer is no.
There are many types of pet breeders, including responsible ones who love their animals. Through this process I have been in contact with breeders who do abide by the law, and understand the suffering and expense of pet overpopulation. These breeders do feel that laws are needed to address the issue. And some of these breeders reported death threats when they started expressing their opinions. Today, these good breeders have learned not to speak out.
Ironically, if breeders license their animals and simply follow current laws, SB 250 will never even affect them.
I included all this information about our opponents because I wanted you to know what we are up against as we work to pass SB 250 and AB 241. Please forward this email to at least three friends who care about animals, and please consider making a donation if you can afford it.
Please do not let a group of extremists from around the United States hold back progress for animal welfare in California. We cannot allow the opposition to drown out our compassionate voices with their misinformation and paranoia.
Sincerely,
Judie Mancuso
President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization focused on reducing pet overpopulation through legislation.
This has to be one of the best articles I have read in a long time:
The Portland Oregonian described Ted Paul as an upstanding citizen and a life-time dog fancier. Indeed, his love of pets and his local prominence were the reasons he recently found himself in the news.
You see, the Oregon businessman had traveled to the state Capitol and testified in support of legislation aimed at curbing breeding facilities that confine large numbers of animals in deplorable conditions.
But with his courageous stand for the humane treatment of dogs, Paul – who’s been active in the dog show world for more than three decades – found himself under attack from local dog producers. He was called a traitor. He was accused of betrayal. An apology was demanded. Protest letters were mailed. The blogosphere grew heated.
Huh? A dog lover who speaks out for dogs is called a turncoat by those who profess to also care about dogs?
Regrettably, the reaction is all too common. The nation’s large-scale breeders have managed to dupe otherwise humane, sensible people into fighting legislation designed to help the very animals they cherish. The modest bills introduced in Oregon and more than 30 other states this year are aimed specifically at puppy mills, seeking to establish basic care standards and limit the number of breeding dogs in facilities that churn out animals en masse for sale to pet stores an don the Internet.
Yet misinformation and scare tactics have led many good breeders to believe they are the targets of the legislation – a false notion that serves only to buoy an inhumane industry and silence more reasonable voices in the breeding community.
After his bravery put him in the midst of this firestorm, we caught up with Paul to get his perspective:
“I was deeply saddened and somewhat surprised at the very sharp reaction from breeders ?I know in Oregon. Yet, as I look back, I recall seeing this type of reaction forming among dog breeders many years ago – as various pieces of legislation began to surface around the country to curb excess breeding and puppy traffic. (The attitude_ has contributed so much to the overpopulation of dogs in the United States, not to mention the huge amount of euthanasia needed as a result.
My concern with the people who operate puppy mills is that they are callous, ruthless animal abusers who will breed any two animals they think will sell. They are in it only for the money, and in their greed they treat the animals as a cash crop deserving of no favors, just torture.”
Profit-driven puppy producers and their sympathizers resent – and, yes, fear- the likes of Ted Paul because of his credentials as both a humane advocate and a knowledgeable dog breeder and judge. Too often, puppy mill operators have been able to count on support from good breeders in defense of the idea of raising dogs for sale. But Paul and others are increasingly bucking that trend and speaking out:
“I addressed the legislative committee (in support of the puppy mill bill) as past president of the Collie Club of America, past president of the Purebred Dog Breeders and Fanciers Association, past president of the Cleveland Collie Club, and an AKC dog judge.
I have raised many champions, including one of the top winning collies in the country. I have been the features speaker at symposiums and banquets, and I have authored a book, The Christmas Collie.
(My wife) Beverly and I got our first purebred collie in 1960 and raised and showed collies for 30 years. Our objective was to improve the breed, and for a small hobby kennel, we did quite well. Our philosophy in showing dogs was to do it all ourselves: breeding them, raising them, grooming them, loving them, and handling them.”
Ted Paul stands as a true champion of dogs who is willing to break the ranks with other breeders to help stop abusive puppy mills. The HSUS advocates adoption from shelters and breed rescue groups as the first choice for people seeking a pet, but we also see responsible breeders as a valid source of dogs. In the end, as Paul notes, they are not the problem:
“Puppy mills are huge contributors to pet overpopulation. But don’t overlook the thousands of uninformed people who feel they have to breed their pet. For every responsible breeder, there are hundreds of pet owners dumping unwanted puppies into the mix.
How do we stop this? Education, education, education. Start in the school, use word of mouth, advertise, hold registration papers on pets until spay or neuter agreements are signed, and employ any other means necessary to end this indiscriminate backyard breeding.
I sincerely believe this problem will be brought under control, but this is where we all must reach out and bridge the gap between us. It will take a joint effort between the AKC, the HSUS, responsible breeders and legislators to apply the necessary controls against puppy mills and the implementation of spay/neuter laws to stop this animal carnage once and for all.
Responsible breeders will not be affected. The AKC will still register purebred dogs. Dog shows will still flourish. But this curle overpopulation of dogs with so much resulting euthanasia will fade from the scene forever.”
The Oregon bill was waiting the governor’s signature at press time. Lawmakers in the state join their counterparts in Virginia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana , and Washington in cracking down on inhumane mass breeding facilities.
SOURCE: “All Animals” Magazine, Published for members of The Humane Society of the United States, July/August 2009 Issue.
New animal laws have more bite
Alan Stewart
July 08, 2009
With an eye toward upgraded penalties for animal abuse, the first stage of Indiana House Bill 1468 went into effect last week. The second stage, geared more toward commercial dog breeders, goes into effect Jan. 1.
The bill, authored by State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, was passed in April of this year and went into effect July 1. The legislation unanimously passed the House and cleared the Senate on a 44-4 vote.
Among other things, the new law makes it illegal to restrain an animal “in a manner that endangers the animal’s life or health” or “physically harms” the animal.
State law requires a tether be at least three times the animal’s length. Harrison County’s animal control ordinance requires the lead to be no less than 10 feet.
Harrison County Animal Control Officer Bruce LaHue said enforcement will be done through his office, either through complaints or by him witnessing it.
“If I’m driving down the road and there’s a dog tied up with no food, no water, no shelter, I can use probable cause to find out what’s going on. The intent of the law is geared towards those who allow their dogs to be put in a situation where they can’t get to their food, water, shade or shelter,” LaHue said. “We’ve all seen instances where a dog walks themselves around a tree and this isn’t necessarily about that. It’s more for the people who just don’t care about their animals. You can’t feed or give an animal water once a week. You have to feed and give them water daily.”
Under the bill, owners are guilty of neglect if they fail to provide reasonable medical care for an animal’s injury or illness. It’s also a crime under this bill to torture by poisoning any vertebrate animal (not just dogs or cats), and the bill also makes abandoning or neglecting an animal a Class A misdemeanor and en-hances the penalty to a Class D felony if the person has a prior conviction.
The new law gives courts discretion in setting terms of bail, probation or parole to prohibit persons from having contact with their animals.
Parolees and those on probation already can be barred from owning, harboring or training an animal, and, under H.B. 1468, the same condition could be imposed on persons released on bail.
The new law makes it a Class A misdemeanor to kill a domestic animal without the consent of the owner.
The offense would be a Class D felony if the person knew — or reasonably should have known — the domestic animal was located on real property that was owned by the owner of the domestic animal or a person who keeps domestic animals on the real property for the purpose of breeding, boarding or training domestic animals.
LaHue said that portion of the new law still is subject to interpretation.
“If a person feels threatened or feels the animal is doing damage to their property or their wildlife, they may be justified, but with it now being a felony instead of a misdemeanor, I would think long and hard before shooting my neighbor’s dog,” LaHue said. “If I make the case that the dog was threatening me and my livestock, and then I can’t prove that, I’m looking at a felony charge.
“I think that it could make people stop and think about allowing the law to work for them instead of taking the situation into their own hands,” he said.
Getting the prosecutor to work with animal control on the new state law will be key in enforcement, LaHue said.
“I can write all the case reports I want, but if (the prosecutor) doesn’t file charges, there’s really nothing I can do about it,” he said.
“I think the legislators have taken a major step to improve animal laws in Indiana in terms of neglect and abuse,” he said. “I think the people that have lobbied to get this done did a good job.”
If anyone can assist with these dogs so far as fostering, adoptions, volunteering or donations – please don’t hesitate!
From the Daily Inter Lake:
These huskies (41 of them) will need homes.
What was 25 huskies found in a filthy trailer last week has become 41, with two females having litters, and the Flathead County Animal Shelter and its allies are looking for help.
The sudden burden of caring for so many dogs has been taxing on the shelter and its staff, director Kirsten Holland said.
“We don’t have a disaster plan in place with an adequate location for these types of events,” Holland said Monday, adding that it was fortunate to find a temporary place for the dogs in a horse barn at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
The dogs came into the county’s custody on June 25 after they were found by county animal wardens and deputies in a feces-coated trailer in Evergreen. Juanita Camille McGranor, 66, was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony.
She was released the next day under a formal house-arrest arrangement because she is not considered a threat to the community, Sheriff Mike Meehan said.
The dogs, in the meantime, have become quite the project for the shelter, animal wardens, the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana.
“The main agencies in the valley are working together really well,” Holland said.
But they also are looking to the public for help in a variety of ways: volunteer at the shelter, adopt the dogs, provide cash donations or provide adequate temporary accommodations for the dogs.
Foster homes need to have concrete floors, ventilation, light and running water, Holland said.
The day after the dogs were rescued, one of the females gave birth to a litter of eight. The following day, another female had eight puppies.
“Huskies have big litters,” Holland said.
The puppies will not be ready for adoption for nine to 12 weeks and the shelter does not manage “pre-adoptions,” Holland said.
“We have to make sure they are healthy. We don’t do pre-adopts, so if people are interested, just stay tuned.”
The dogs have been vaccinated and de-wormed, Holland said.
“Just getting them out of the trailer helped a lot,” she said. “They are filthy beyond description. They’ve never seen a bath, they’ve never seen a rain shower.”
They will be bathed and partially shaved by Saturday, when the adult dogs will be spayed and neutered.
Holland said she is confident all the dogs will find homes.
“Our goal is to place 100 percent of the animals. We feel they are adoptable,” she said. “These animals all appear to have no behavioral or medical issues that are irredeemable.”
The dogs do have issues, however.
“They are just undersocialized because they’ve lived in this box all their lives. They are just scared,” Holland said.
To help the shelter, Holland can be reached at 752-1310 or by e-mail at: kholland@flathead.mt.gov
Flathead Shelter Friends, a nonprofit partner with the shelter, is accepting donations, which should be earmarked “Husky Rescue” and sent to P.O. Box 567, Lakeside, 59922. The group can be found online at www.flatheadshelterfriends.org.
Flathead County Animal Shelter Director Kirsten Holland knew the recent sudden influx of 25 homeless Siberian husky mixes was going to be a heavy load on her already-crowded facility. Then, two days later, that number had climbed to 41.
“The day after we got them, one of the females had a litter of eight puppies,” Holland said. “The day after that, another female gave birth to eight more.”
County officials seized the dogs on June 25 after finding them living in cramped, filthy quarters in Evergreen. They were being kept in a small camper, where animal control officials say they did not have food and water readily available, and were covered with fecal material.
“They were in pretty deplorable conditions,” Holland said.
The dogs’ owner, Juanita Camille McGranor, 66, was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony. She was released the next day into a house arrest arrangement.
In the meantime, the huskies have fallen into the care of the county shelter’s staff, who are also receiving help from several other volunteer agencies and groups, including animal wardens, the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force and the Humane Society of Northwest Montana. The newborn puppies and their mothers are being kept at the shelter, while the other dogs have found a temporary home in a horse barn at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Holland said the dogs all needed to be cleaned, spayed and neutered and have various health issues addressed. Volunteers and staff have also been working to socialize the dogs. “They’re not aggressive, but they are scared,” Holland said. “We’re trying to get them used to being around people again.”
When the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force, a nonprofit that offers low-cost services, heard about the dogs, they put out an e-mail asking their volunteers for help. “I was shocked that within 24 hours of when the e-mail went out with a call to help, there were all these people coming out of the woodwork asking what they could do,” Barbara Palmer, a task force member, said.
On Saturday, volunteers gave up their Fourth of July holiday to gather for an impromptu spay and neuter clinic, delivering the dogs from the shelter and fairgrounds to the task force and offering their services.
Even with the outpouring of help, officials say there’s still room for the public to chip in and help care for the dogs. The shelter is looking for volunteers willing to adopt, do foster care, help at the shelter or provide monetary aid.
Despite an influx of animals stemming from the economic downturn, the shelter thus far had managed not to exceed its capacity this year because, even as more people brought in cats and dogs, more were coming to adopt as well. The huskies, of course, have changed that.
“What we really need from the public is for people who have been on the fence about adopting to come forward,” Holland said. “It’s our busy season anyway, and we need to make room for these huskies.”
For people who can’t adopt, Holland suggested using the shelter’s foster care program, where they agree to house the animals for the short term. The program allows foster parents both the opportunity to help an animal in need and the chance to see if they’re ready to take on a pet full time.
People can also make donations for the dogs’ care through the more recently created nonprofit fundraising organization called Flathead Shelter Friends. Donations should be earmarked “Husky Rescue” and sent to P.O. Box 567, Lakeside, 59922. The group can be found online at http://www.flatheadshelterfriends.org.
The puppies will not be ready for adoption for nine to 12 weeks and the shelter does not manage “pre-adoptions,” but the older dogs have been vaccinated, de-wormed and spayed or neutered, and are ready for new homes.
“Really, even above money right now, it’s just about getting room in the shelter,” Holland said. “Here we can let them out in the yard, get them rehabilitated and back into the land of the living.”
Another abused dog also found its way to the county shelter last week. A black-and-brown neutered male German shepherd mix was discovered by a hiker tied tightly to a tree about 50 yards off a trail near Coram.
It was malnourished and had a bad yeast infection covering its body, Holland said, and early vet inspections show that it may have been shot in the ear. With care, the dog is recovering, she added, and despite its medical conditions is “happy and bouncing all over.”
The sheriff’s office is still searching for the owners who will likely face animal cruelty and abandonment charges.
For more information on any of the dogs or questions, contact the shelter at 752-1310.
SB 250 provides a reasonable, fiscally responsible step towards reducing pet overpopulation in California. The bill simply requires that dogs be spayed or neutered unless their owner/guardian obtains an unaltered dog license when they license their animal.
SB 250 also requires that roaming cats be spayed and neutered by their owner/guardian.
SB 250 The Pet Responsibility Act, is:
* Fair. Licensed dogs may be left unaltered if the owner/ guardian chooses. Owners cited for violating local or state laws may have their license revoked or be required to spay or neuter.
* Fiscally responsible. SB 250 saves the state millions of dollars by reducing homeless pets.
* Proven. Spay and neuter laws have been shown effective for over 10 years. In one community, the number of homeless animals was reduced by over 60% after a similar law was implemented4.
* Forward thinking. Similar spay and neuter legislation is currently being introduced across the country, as legislators nationwide confront the high costs associated with pet overpopulation.
* Provides due process. A full and fair hearing process is provided for matters related to citations.
* Flexible. License costs, fines and implementation details are at the discretion of local jurisdictions.
* Widely supported. A diverse coalition of elected officials, law enforcement agencies, city and county agencies, humane societies and SPCAs, veterinarians and veterinary hospitals, national animal welfare organizations, California rescue organizations, and thousands of individuals and organizations support spay and neuter legislation like SB 250.
The time has come for SB 250 The Pet Responsibility Act, a common sense, fiscally responsible method for reducing California’s tragic, expensive pet overpopulation crisis.
AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act, is well on its way to becoming a full fledged law!
Assemblyman Nava’s bill addresses the problems puppy mills create by limiting the number of intact cats or dogs a seller can maintain to 50. This bill does not impact animal shelters, research facilities, pet stores, veterinarians, groomers or boarding facilities. By limiting the number of animals who can reproduce, this legislation will make enforcement of existing state law possible and enable animal control to more effectively and efficiently deal with complaints about dogs and cats living in squalid conditions and receiving inadequate care. This legislation also addresses pet overpopulation and the stress that large-scale breeders place on animal shelters and our communities. Legislation limiting the number of dogs in puppy mills was passed in 2008 in Louisiana and Virginia. Public concern about the inhumane conditions in puppy mills is at an all-time high, due to recent national news coverage and several large-scale cruelty investigations and rescues. Outraged citizens are demanding an end to puppy mills.
Please show your support for this bill by calling the California Senate Committee on Public Safety or sending an electronic letter. Further information found on http://www.yesonab241.com/
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