Saxotech Paragraph Count: 2
–>
The Asheville Humane Society at 72 Lees Creek Road will close 5 pm Tuesday. Staff will work through Labor Day weekend to have everything ready for the Sept. 7 opening at its new location, 14 Forever Friend Lane, off Brevard Road. The cats and dogs will likely be the last to make the move to the new shelter.
The recent recall of half a billion eggs has been bad news for the egg-consuming public. But its been stellar for the birds. The recall has placed chickens — and where they come from — front and center in the national consciousness.
As a result of all the media coverage surrounding the recall — from Diane Sawyer to Amy Goodman to multiple stories in the New York Times to CNNs Jane Velez-Mitchell — countless Americans have been shocked to discover just how hideously chickens are treated in this country.
And thats a good thing for the birds, whose plight deserves to be better understood. At any given point in the US, hundreds of millions of chickens are crammed inside tiny cages, unable even to spread their wings or breathe fresh air. They live like this for their whole lives, each egg representing 34 hours of this unmitigated misery per bird. And Americans eat another 9 billion (yes billion) chickens annually; thats 200 times as many chickens as cattle, and almost 100 times as many chickens as pigs — this means that anyone who stops eating red meat and replaces it with chicken or eggs is actually causing a LOT more suffering.
This new spotlight on chicken factory farms will surely create untold numbers of new vegetarians. But some people may still try to justify their meat and egg consumption. On that subject, a few years back, I wrote a letter to the New York Times, in which I noted that eating your dogs or cats would be morally preferable [to eating chickens or other farmed animals], since they would have led a good life until you killed them. Boy did I get some angry mail; some people actually thought I was in favor of eating Fido and Fluffy, even though my letter ends with a clear entreaty to stop eating all animals.
I have wondered for decades about this curious lapse in logic: Why on earth do people who, to their credit, loathe cruelty to dogs and cats, think nothing of eating a chicken, turkey, pig, or other farmed animal? After all, these animals are made of flesh, blood, and bone–just like dogs and cats. They experience the exact same five physiological senses (ie, they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel). And they feel pain — just like dogs, cats, and we do.
So what gives?
I did a small survey, asking ten people on the streets of Baltimore why they eat chickens, and all ten offered some variation of 1) chicken is healthier than red meat; and 2) well, chickens are not as smart as pets.
The problem with their logic: Its just not true.
On the first point, health and wellness savant Kathy Freston dealt with what she calls the false dichotomy of giving up red meat to eat more birds. In a piece that I hope you will read, she discusses, especially, the issues of health and the environment, arguing convincingly that chicken consumption is just as bad for you and the environment as consuming cattle and pigs.
And on the intelligence point: In fact, chickens have cognitive capacities that are beyond those of both dogs and cats, as was made abundantly clear in a study that, just a few weeks ago, won one of two Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for the year. In the study, researchers from the top Australian agricultural school found that chickens are social, intelligent creatures complete with Machiavellian tendencies to adjust what they say according to who is listening.
According to the Australian Museums press release, the study proves that chickens can share remarkably precise information about the presence of predators and the discovery of food. They typically communicate using sound variations, postures and visual displays.
The scientists point out that this method of sophisticated communication is a first with non-human animals. No animal behaviorist has found this type of detailed communication in any other non-human animal, including primates.
As just a few more examples (read more, and check out all the citations, here):
Summing up the evidence, Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Dr. Bernard Rollin notes that chickens are … complex behaviorally, do quite well in learning, show a rich social organization, and have a diverse repertoire of calls. Anyone who has kept barnyard chickens recognizes their significant differences in personality.
As Dr. Rollin rightly notes, people who have spent time with chickens know that some birds are gregarious and fearless, while others are more shy and watchful; some chickens enjoy human company, while others are standoffish, shy, or even a bit aggressive. Just like dogs, cats, and humans, each chicken is an individual.
For the same reason most of us wouldnt think of eating a dog or a cat — because they are individuals — we should also not eat chickens, pigs, or any animals.
To see short video documentaries of how chickens are treated on modern farms (Glass Walls, narrated by Paul McCartney, and Meet Your Meat, narrated by Alec Baldwin), please visit www.Meat.org. Find recipes, shopping tips, and a lot more information at www.GoVeg.com.
The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources just made it easier for owners to take their pets along to restaurants.
New rules allow both dogs and cats in outdoor dining areas at the discrection of the individual restaurant owner. Animals must be physically restrained, not pass through any indoor areas of the restaurant, and not come into contact with food, food service items or food preparers.
Animals other than cats and dogs are still not allowed.
Previously, the presence of animals in indoor or outdoor dining areas could result in up to a two-point deduction from a restaurants inspection rating.
The new rules go into effect Sept. 1.
Stetson is not the first college to have a pet-friendly dorm, but its among the relatively few schools perhaps a dozen or so across the country that have formal policies and accommodations. Stetson officials say the dorms could become a recruitment tool that helps set the school apart, just as big schools such as the University of Central Florida entice students with football stadiums, basketball arenas and trendy eateries.
The idea behind the dorm is to give students freshmen, in particular a familiar presence as they make the sometimes stressful transition from home to campus.
What better way to do that than to have a family friend there to greet you when you get out of class? said Justin Williams, the universitys director of housing and residential life.
Having a pet along for the college journey makes a dorm a home away from home, he said.
Parham, a freshman from Palm Coast, agrees.
I love having my best friend here with me, Parham said.
Eckerd College, a private school in St. Petersburg, has had pet-friendly dorms for years. So has Stephens College, a private school in Missouri that was the previous home of current Stetson President Wendy Libby.
Libby brought the pet-friendly-dorm concept with her to Stetson a year ago. Stetson staff members visited Eckerd and Stephens to get ideas on how to set up similar living arrangements.
Although small, independent colleges such as Stetson dominate the list of pet-friendly schools, powerhouses Caltech and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology allow certain small pets in some campus dorms.
Many schools, especially public ones, may shy from pet-friendly dorms because of liability worries connected to animal attacks or building maintenance, Stetson officials said. Students sign an agreement that sets out terms. Obedience training is required for dogs. Aggressive or noisy animals can be sent home.
In establishing policy at Stetson, the welfare of the animal was a priority. So inspections will be held to make sure students are caring for their pets properly.
Students pay a $400-a-year surcharge to get a pet-friendly dorm room, with $200 of that refundable if the room is kept in shape. Part of the fee goes toward pet-related costs, such as establishment of a fenced dog walk near Nemec Hall. The rooms designated for pets are singles instead of standard double-occupancy rooms to avoid having cats and dogs as roomies.
Not all animals are allowed. Dogs 30 pounds and less are OK, as are cats and caged rodents such as rats, gerbils and hamsters. Small fish and turtles that can reside comfortably in small water tanks are fine, too. Because of potential odor issues, birds, most reptiles and rabbits are not on the approved list. Depending on how things go this year, however, the list may be expanded and the dog-weight limitation could be relaxed.
Its too soon to tell whether Stetsons pet-friendly-dorm experiment will expand. Nemec Hall can accommodate up to 34 students with pets. Two additional rooms for resident staff also are pet-friendly.
Arthur DeFilippo, a residential-life coordinator on staff who lives in Nemec Hall with his wife, came to work at Stetson in part because of the pet-friendly living accommodations.
There was no way the couple were going to give up Elphie, their pet puggle a canine mix of pug and beagle.
For a lot of people, pets are like members of the family, DeFilippo said. Its about quality of life.
Luis Zaragoza can be reached at lzaragoza@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5718.
August 20, 2010
SARL needs homes for lots of dogs and cats
By Jo-Anne MacKenzie
jmackenzie@eagletribune.com
SALEM Elvis is in the building but he wants out. So do Oreo, Daisy, Mr. Bojangles, Captain, Sophie, Fudge, Gage and so many others.
Salem Animal Rescue League is bursting at the seams with cats and dogs. A number of them have been at SARL for a long time and could be considered hard to adopt, according to Patricia Mack, shelter manager.
But, Mack is quick to add, that doesnt mean there is anything wrong with these cats or dogs, they just havent found their human matches. Some do have some special needs.
Take Oreo. Hes a 9-month-old Great Dane mix.
Hes just so much puppy in a big dog suit, Mack said.
That he is. Oreo is about 65 pounds of energy. Prospective owners would need to be familiar with bigger dogs and be willing to go to training with the playful pup.
He was found in a cellar in Haverhill, abandoned there with no food and no water, Mack said.
But even with everything hes been through, it has not colored the way he looks at people, she said.
Thats true of many of the animals waiting for forever homes at SARL. There are about 35 dogs a record high and some 60 cats on site and 10 more in foster care.
If we had 150 kennels, we could fill them in a week, Mack said.
But they dont. So, as soon as some of these animals are adopted, there will be room for more.
The animals will only go to homes shelter staffers believe are a good fit.
Our job is not to get them out of here, Mack said, but to get them into a good home, good for them and the family.
There are a number of pairs that need to be adopted together, said Ray Denis, director of development.
There are about nine cat pairs, including sisters Sophie and Katie, 5 years old, and with some weight issues. Sophie is, well, beyond plump. The felines are loving and playful, but they are definitely a two-for-one couple.
So, too, are Mr. Bojangles and Angie, a fluffy Maltese duo. The dogs are 9 years old, brother and sister, and need to stay together.
There are some non-sibling pairs, too. Regan, a 2-year-old female, and Luke, a 7-year-old male, are a dedicated feline couple. Regan has lived at the shelter since she was a kitten and Luke took her under his paw. The two are inseparable.
Theyre not ever going to be lap cats; theyre both shy and independent. They need someone who believes, as the shelter staff does, they deserve a permanent home.
So does Gage, a 1-year-old pit bull mix whos been at SARL for about five months.
He is a doll, according to everyone at the shelter. But hes big, exuberant, strong and in need of an experienced dog owner who can teach him whos the boss. Its the same for Chance, a 1-year-old boxer mix with lots of energy and enthusiasm.
There are some senior dogs, too. MJ, a German shepherd mix, is 9 and was just returned to SARL after being adopted six years ago. The oldest residents right now are two 12-year-old Chihuahuas, Miss Missy and Daisy. Daisy had dental issues and is toothless, but does just fine. Miss Missy has hip and leg problems, and is recovering from a recent surgery.
The list is long, but the rewards are great, Mack said.
Denis urges anyone interested in providing a loving home for a cat or a dog to come to SARL tomorrow or Sunday during the Pirate Pet Faire. There are special adoption rates for some of the harder-to-place animals and seniors get a real break, especially when adopting a senior pet.
We know there are people out there for these animals, Mack said, we just want to find them.
Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.
SARL Pirate Pet Faire
What: Microchip and nail clinic ($20 and $5, respectively) from 9 am to 12:30 pm; games, raffles, prizes; adoption opportunities. Pets on leashes or in carriers are welcome, too.
Where: SARL, 4 SARL Drive (off South Broadway)
When: Tomorrow and Sunday, noon to 4 pm
For more details: Visit sarl-nh.org; call 893-3210.
The interactive event features one-time-only, reduced adoption fees, free admission, free refreshments and pet product giveaways. The Weatherford police department and Custer County office of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will give K-9 demonstrations at 9 am and 10 am during the event. Prizes will be given for first 10 dogs and first five cats adopted. For more information, Mars has set up an Adoption Drive hotline at (888) 607-4798.
“All of the nearly 100 associates at MARS Petcare in Clinton are united under a common goal: to see all homeless dogs and cats find loving homes,” said Chris Haas, plant manager, MARS Petcare US – Clinton. “We’re thrilled to welcome the community to our campus to raise awareness for the need to adopt deserving pets. With the help of our partner in this event, The Friends for Life Animal Society, we’re hopeful that every dog and cat present on Saturday, August 21st will find a new, loving home.”
The need has never been greater for homeless pets. Animal shelters nationwide have seen an increase in the numbers of abandoned pets making their way into shelters. Many of these cats and dog are abandoned through no fault of their own in these tough economic times. More than eight million dogs and cats are available for adoption each year in the US, with only about half ever finding a loving home.
The Friends for Life Animal Society will bring many cats and dogs to the MARS Petcare plant for the event. Pets attending the event can be seen in advance on the organization’s website at www.okfflas.org. Prospective families also can fill out an adoption form on-line to speed the process during the event.
The Friends for Life Animal Society was established in 2003 to provide a caring, safe and loving environment for abused and abandoned animals. It is devoted to adopting these animals into loving, responsible homes with a mission that includes educating the public regarding the proper care and treatment of animals as well as the need to spay and neuter pets.
MARS Petcare US is a longtime supporter of pet adoption, donating more than $6 million since 2005 alone. The company launched The PEDIGREE Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization to benefit dog adoption, in 2008.
The Clinton plant manufactures private label pet food and employs approximately 100 associates. The plant has been a member of the Western Oklahoma business community for more than 17 years.
A Memphis City Council committee has recommended mandatory spaying or neutering of cats and dogs. The full council is expected to vote on the issue on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010.
The ordinance, which was approved by the Committee on Public Services and Neighborhoods earlier this month, would require dogs that weigh 30 pounds or more and cats over the age of six months to be sterilized. It provides exemptions for police dogs; service dogs; hunting dogs; dogs or cats certified by a licensed veterinarian as having a health reason for not being spayed or neutered; dogs or cats boarded in a licensed kennel or business; and dogs or cats registered with the American Kennel Club, Cat Fanciers Association or other recognized registry; or dogs trained and kept for the purpose of show, field trials or agility trials.
There is an element of overpopulation prevention that comes by this naturally, but the key here is in public safety, said councilman Shea Flinn, the ordinances sponsor, during the Aug. 10 committee meeting.
Owners of unaltered animals would have to pay a one-time $200 permit fee. The permit authorizes the whelping of no more than one litter per female dog in any 12-month period and no more than one litter per domestic household in any 12-month period.
Violators would be subject to a $50 fine and court costs. The fine would be waived for first time offenders if proof is provided that the dog or cat is or has been spayed or neutered by the date of the hearing. For second time offenders, the court may enforce the $50 fine plus costs, hold the owner in criminal contempt, and require the owner to prove that the animal has been spayed or neutered.
The council also is expected to consider several other ordinances, including one that would require a dog that has bitten or attacked to be spayed or neutered within 30 days, another that would raise the annual dog license fee from $15 to $35 for unaltered animals and eliminate the $5 fee for sterile animals, and one that would require dogs restrained by tie-outs or overhead cable runs to be spayed or neutered.
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has issued an industry alert on the spay/neuter proposal in which the organization states that the decision to sterilize a pet should be made on a case-by-case basis by pet owners after consulting with their veterinarian.
Interested parties can listen to the Committee on Public Services and Neighborhoods Aug. 10 discussion on the proposed ordinances here.
The Sept. 28 council meeting will be broadcast live on the councils website,then archived for those who wish to listen to the meeting at a later date. lt;HOMEgt;
But dog power?
Mimi McGriff was heading to work Thursday morning from her residence on Leonford Street. She stopped at Burger King for a biscuit. It was pretty much a typical work day.
McGriff is a housekeeper for Michael and Linda Swann who live on Country Club Drive. Shes held the job for years.
But somewhere along the way Thursday, McGriff heard what she thought was a dog yelping.
At first, she considered the worst.
I thought, Oh, no, have I hit a dog? McGriff recalled.
It wasnt too much further along that the yelping became louder, and McGriff realized what shed previously have thought impossible there was a dog under the hood of her car.
OK, am I losing my mind? McGriff said she remembered wondering.
She pulled the car to a stop in the 400 block of Country Club Drive and turned on the emergency flashers. McGriff was afraid, she said, to open the hood, afraid of what shed find underneath.
But she finally popped the hood to her 2005 Hyundai and took a look. It was raining, and a number of passing motorists stopped to help. Everyone was surprised by what they found under the hood a pair of puppies that appear to be of German shepherd lineage.
Officers from Lexington Animal Control were called and came to assist. Along with everyone else whod stopped to lend a hand, they had trouble getting the dogs out. Chip Briggs, who stopped when he saw the commotion, finally managed to free the dogs.
Ive heard of cats getting under the hood of a car before, but, honest to God, Ive never heard of dogs, McGriff said.
Exactly how they managed to get under the hood is anyones guess. McGriff said she parked the car at her house about 9 pm Wednesday and left to go to work about 9:15 am Thursday.
Somewhere along the way perhaps because it started raining overnight the dogs decided to seek shelter under the cars hood.
The dogs dont look to be mistreated or malnourished. They each have abrasions on their paws where they appear to have been drug on the pavement. Those whod stopped to help said they were thankful the dogs didnt jump from the Hyundai while the vehicle was in motion. Had they done so, they likely would have been killed.
McGriff said she thinks the dogs started howling when the car warmed up and things got a little uncomfortable under the hood.
Theyre pretty, McGriff said when asked her take on the puppies, pretty as can be.
McGriff and Mary Helen Hoover, a resident of the Country Club section, took the dogs to Davidson Animal Hospital where Dr. Greg Hedrick gave them each an examination Thursday afternoon and began the process of getting the canines up to date on their shots.
Hedrick described the pups as country shepherds, meaning theyre probably not full-blooded. He estimated they were about 2 months old and said theyd probably grow to be medium-sized dogs.
Theyre just a little scared, Hedrick said as he examined the dogs. They havent been around people very much.
He said he was as surprised as anyone the dogs were found under the hood of a car.
Ive heard of that happening to lots of cats, Hedrick said, but never a dog.
He said its important to emphasize that his clinic isnt able to treat for free any animal thats brought in. Veterinarian care, Hedrick admitted, doesnt come cheap, and individuals should have their cats and dogs spayed and neutered to reduce the over-abundance of animals.
A member of Hedricks office staff said people sometimes abandon dogs at the vets office, under the mistaken belief theyll be taken care of and held until theyre adopted. In a perfect world that might happen, the office worker said, but the vast majority of the dogs abandoned at the vets are taken to the animal shelter where their odds of finding new homes are generally slim.
The bill for the vet care for the pups found under the hood of McGriffs car was paid by Hoover who also very much at the coaxing of her 11-year-old daughter, Sarah planned to keep the dogs until permanent homes could be found.
The name of the game is, they could use some good homes, Hoover said.
The term good homes is the key one, Hedrick said.
Its important somebody take them who wants them, he said.
Anyone interested in adopting the pups should call Davidson Animal Hospital at 249-7078.
One of the dogs, the black one, is a male who rescuers dubbed Hyundai. The brown dog is a female they named Elantra. The names come from the Hyundai Elantra in which the puppies were found riding.
Hoover said shes optimistic the story will have a happy ending.
I believe in everyday miracles, she said. Its a miracle they werent killed.
Steve Huffman can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or steve.huffman@the-dispatch.com.
ALEXANDRIA, La.– Im an avid proponent of spaying and neutering of pets, and theres a good reason why. According to statistics from the Humane Society of the United States, animal overpopulation is an ongoing problem and some 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year. Not only that, thousands of other dogs and cats are placed into a variety of shelters all over the United States, waiting for a good home.
PHOENIX, AZ, Aug 17, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
This September, you can fall in love with a new pet during the
PetSmart Charities Second Chance for Love National Adoption Weekend.
This is a great chance to meet a new friend and save a life. The
event runs Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 at all
1,160 PetSmart(R) stores in the United States and Canada, with a
special expanded event being held at the Asheville PetSmart(R) store.
Proudly sponsored by Hills(R) Science Diet(R) Brand and PetSmart(R),
the event goal is to find lifelong, loving homes for 19,600 dogs,
cats and other pets from shelters and rescue agencies across North
America. More than 2,000 agencies that care for homeless pets are
expected to participate. The Asheville PetSmart(R) store located at
150 Bleachery Blvd. will also provide additional space in its parking
lot to showcase even more pets who need to find homes.
You save a life and enrich your own when you adopt a homeless pet,
said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart
Charities, Inc. Adopted pets make great companions. During this
national adoption weekend, thousands of pets will get second chances
at the lifelong, loving homes they deserve.
Nonprofit PetSmart Charities is the largest funder of animal-welfare
efforts in North America and a strong advocate for pet adoption.
About 8 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters in the US each
year, and about half must be euthanized, Della Maddalena said.
Adoption is one very important way to reduce the number of pets who
must be put down every year in our nations shelters. This adoption
event helps give those pets even more exposure to people who love
pets so they can find lifelong, loving homes.
Since being founded in 1994, PetSmart Charities has led pet-adoption
efforts across North America. In fact:
– During fiscal year 2009, a record 409,613 pets found homes at the
PetSmart Charities adoption centers, which are located inside every
PetSmart(R) store.
– Since 1994, more than 4.2 million pets have been adopted at PetSmart
Charities adoption centers in North America. PetSmart Charities
celebrated its 4-millionth adoption in January.
– One pets life is saved every minute that the PetSmart Charities
adoption centers are open.
– PetSmart Charities now provides more than $10 million a year in
adoption-reward grants to the thousands of animal-welfare agencies it
collaborates with through the in-store adoption program.
During the Second Chance for Love National Adoption Weekend, cat and
dog adopters will receive free samples from Hills Science Diet Brand
and PetSmart(R). In addition, PetSmart Charities will provide
increased adoption-reward grants to all participating shelters and
rescue agencies; in fact, all agencies will receive $35 from PetSmart
Charities for every pet they adopt into a lifelong, loving home in
stores between September 6 and September 12.
We are extremely proud and excited to sponsor this event, said
Suzan Harrison, president, Hills North America. Hills Science Diet
Brand is committed to helping homeless cats and dogs find loving,
caring homes to enjoy for the rest of their lives.
The fourth national adoption event in 2010 is scheduled for the
weekend of November 12-November 14.
How to Adopt
Visit the PetSmart Charities adoption center inside
any PetSmart(R) store in the US or Canada from 9 am to 9 pm on
Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11; and 10 am to 6
pm on Sunday, September 12. Participating animal-welfare groups
manage adoptions and determine their own pet-adoption fees and
adoption guidelines. Call a PetSmart(R) store near you to find out
about a specific agencys set-up time during the three-day event. You
can contact the Asheville store hosting the expanded parking lot
event at 828-298-5670.
To find the PetSmart Charities adoption center nearest you, visit
www.PetSmart.com or call 1-877-473-8762; and to learn about the many
ways that PetSmart Charities is saving the lives of homeless pets,
visit www.PetSmartCharities.org.
ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES(R)
Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities,
Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates
and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise
awareness of companion animal-welfare issues and promote healthy
relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal
welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided
$110 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare
organizations and, through its in-store adoption program, helped save
the lives of more than 4.2 million pets. To learn more about how
PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving
home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call
1-800-423-PETS.
Contact:
Kim Noetzel
Senior Communication Manager
Office: (623) 587-2872
Cell: (602) 319-9708
knoetzel@petsmartcharities.org
SOURCE: PetSmart Charities
mailto:knoetzel@petsmartcharities.org
Copyright 2010 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.
Powered by WordPress