Monday, August 4, 2014

Urgent need to help animals at Miami-Dade Animal Shelter

In an urgent email on Thursday to rescue groups, Miami-Dade Animal Services administrators sought refuge for dozens of dogs destined to die Friday because of shelter overcrowding.

“The space situation is out of control,’’ wrote Jacquelyn Johnston, clinic supervisor. “We are over 100 dogs OVER our capacity. Imagine, and we only have 267 kennel spaces.” Read more here, spread the word and help if you can!

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/25/3522087_overcrowding-at-miami-dade-animal.html#storylink=cpy

Friday, August 1, 2014

Urgent Message for Dog Guardians!

Owners, vets reporting even more deaths suspected to be connected to Trifexis

 Read more and see news video here.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

ALLEY CAT ALLIES LAUNCHES ‘SAVE THE BIRDS’ CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON THE REAL THREAT TO BIRDS: HUMANS

PSA, infographics put facts in context to stand up for the birds—and for the cats

BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies, the nation’s largest advocacy organization for cats, just unveiled an educational campaign that focuses on the real threats to birds worldwide—humans and human-led activity, including habitat loss, pollution and climate change—in response to a tide of misinformation and scare tactics from so-called bird advocates that demonize cats and distort the truth.

“Blaming cats for the loss of birds is not leadership or advocacy—it is propaganda,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Bird groups like the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) are abandoning their mission by pitting cats against birds to get headlines, and ignoring the threats that are having the most profound impacts on wildlife. We have no choice but to step in, because someone needs to set the record straight.”

The campaign features a website and a Public Service Announcement, as well as several shareable social media infographics that point out that bird deaths are attributed to a much more pervasive predator: humans. According to experts, the major causes of bird deaths are the large scale disappearance of coastal wetlands and other habitats; climate change; pesticides and other pollution; and collision with wind turbines, windows and automobiles.

Every year 70 million birds die from pesticides, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA also finds that at least 100 million birds die from striking windows each year.

“In recent years, some people have misguidedly blamed cats for declining bird populations, but it isn’t the relationship between cats and birds that has changed—it’s the relationship between humans and the environment,” Robinson said. “Condemning cats is a dangerous distraction from the real threat—human impact.”

In the last decade, the number of local governments that officially endorse Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), the only humane approach to feral cats, has increased tenfold to more than 430. Municipalities nationwide are realizing that TNR is not only humane and effective, but it also saves taxpayer dollars.

“Unfortunately groups like ABC are trying to roll back this change with scare tactics including misguided ‘legal action’ and ad campaigns,” Robinson said. “In the meantime, the most impactful threat to birds doesn’t get the attention it deserves. As an organization that values the lives of all animals, we cannot let that stand.”

The PSA, infographics and more information are available at www.alleycat.org/SaveTheBirds.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Abba Goes to the Dogs

Love animals? Love rescued pets and wish more rescues could happen? Then you'll enjoy this fun video! Help spread the word.

Monday, January 6, 2014

What to Do If You See a Pet Left Out in the Cold

by the Humane Society of the United States 
It can be a crime to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures without food and shelter
As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, The Humane Society of the United States sees a marked increase in the number of complaints of dogs and cats left outside with no food or shelter. We encourage you to contact local law enforcement agencies, because pets left outside in extreme temperatures without food and shelter are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even death, placing their owners at risk of facing criminal charges.

The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal, but neglect is a crime. Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” said Ashley Mauceri, The HSUS's deputy manager for animal cruelty investigations, who fields these calls.
If you see a pet left out in the cold, speak out »
Animal neglect is one of the most common forms of animal cruelty, and is investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse. Our most constant companions—dogs and cats—feel the effects of winter weather as much as we do, only they are too often cast outside to weather the storm due to a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering. Without proper food and water, to boot, these domesticated animals’ chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased.

While views on animal welfare vary from region to region, laws are in place in every state to prevent needless suffering. Callers to The HSUS report numerous cases across the country of animals left out in the cold, but the organization is also working with an increasing number of law enforcement agencies that recognize the importance of intervention in these cases.

The facts
 

  • Animal neglect is considered a misdemeanor crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • All but 9 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico and North Carolina) specifically require pet owners to provide adequate shelter for a pet outside, the definition of which generally includes some variation of “protection from the elements or extreme weather.”
  • Felony penalties can be levied in Massachusetts and Oklahoma for any animal neglect case.
  • Felony charges can be applied in animal neglect resulting in death in California, Connecticut, Florida and Washington, D.C.

 How you can help
 

  • Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case.
  • Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding who you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.
  • If you still need help, call The HSUS or email us.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

IMPORTANT WARNING RE: PET JERKY TREATS

Nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have been sickened in an ongoing, mysterious outbreak of illnesses tied to jerky treats made in China, federal animal health officials said Tuesday.

Most of the cases have been in dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes — although 10 cats have been sickened, too — after eating chicken, duck and sweet potato jerky treats. The pace of the reported illnesses appears to have slowed, but federal Food and Drug Administration officials are now seeking extra help from veterinarians and pet owners in solving the ongoing puzzle.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/pet-jerky-treat-mystery-nearly-600-animals-dead-still-no-8C11436330

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Project Blue Collar Partners with PetHub on High Tech ID Tags


Tags help lost dogs get home faster—rescue dogs will ‘never be lost again’

CINCINNATI, OH—Project Blue Collar, a company devoted to improving the perception of shelter dogs and encourage adoption as the first option, has partnered with PetHub to launch a Project Blue Collar themed high tech dog identification tag.
PetHub dog tags provide three easy ways for your lost pet to get home faster. Each tag has a unique QR code and web address that link to your puppy pal’s free personal profile—providing crucial information about your pet, including your contact information, relevant medical information and the activation of optional $3,000 of emergency medical pet insurance coverage, if applicable. For the less tech-savvy, there is also a phone number for the 24-hour “Pet Found Hotline.”
“So many dogs end up at the shelter because they have been abandoned, surrendered or lost,” said Carole Feeny, president and co-founder of Project Blue Collar. “Once they are adopted and tagged with a PetHub/Project Blue Collar ID they’ll never be lost again.”

The Project Blue Collar branded tags retail for $16.75, with the option of a reasonably priced subscription with additional features—including email notification when your pet’s profile is accessed and GPS tracking of the location where your pet’s tag is scanned. The tags are available for purchase online at www.projectbluecollar.com.

“We are strong proponents of adoption—and proud to be a part of the Project Blue Collar movement,” said Lorien Clemens, PetHub’s Director of Marketing. “There are misconceptions associated with rescue dogs, and we can all play a part in dispelling these myths.”
Project Blue Collar’s mission is to elevate the status of rescue dogs—so they are recognized as wonderful pets and companions. Millions of dogs are put down in shelters each year due to low adoption rates and the high volume of breeders and puppy mills exploiting dogs for profit.
The company’s signature Support the Underdog® Blue Collars, which are similar to cause-related silicone wristbands, adorn a pooch’s neck to identify them as a rescue. The collars provide an opportunity for dogs and owners to show their rescue pride and share their positive adoption story. Project Blue Collar also offers an opportunity to raise money for the animal rescue community through their Shelter of the Month program

“The collars serve as a conversation starter to help build the movement,” said Kristin Waters, vice president and co-founder of Project Blue Collar. “Telling the story of your adopted dog inspires others to help, and encourages them to adopt, not shop, when adding a pet to the family.”
The collars, which are made in the USA, retail for $10—and are available for purchase online at www.projectbluecollar.com. Dog toys, apparel and car magnets— all aimed at raising awareness of rescue dog pride—are also available for purchase.
High resolution photos available upon request. 

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About Project Blue CollarProject Blue Collar – Support the Underdog™ is a movement to celebrate rescue dogs and unite the communities and people who believe in their potential.  The company’s signature Blue Collars encourage adoption as the first option and offer an Opportunity for the animal rescue community to raise money through their Buy One Give one program. With each collar purchased, the movement grows and the more lives are saved. Since launching in October 2012, over 2,100 dogs have been Blue Collared in 40 states and 4 countries. Get your rescue dog (or someone else's) Blue Collared at projectbluecollar.com

About PetHub
PetHub helps lost pets get home faster by providing the most comprehensive and affordable lost pet recovery system on the market today. In 2012, 97% of PetHub recovered pets were home in less than 24 hours, 25% reunited with their families in under an hour. PetHub ID tags provide multiple ways to help lost pets get home, including QR codes linking to a free online pet profile and a 24/7 Found Pet Hotline. 
Success stories can be found at www.PetHubFound.me. Awards include Dog Fancy Magazine's "Editors' Choice," Pet Business Magazine's "Industry Award," Pet Age Magazine's "Retailer Silver Select Award," and "2013 Most Innovative Product of the Year." Visit www.PetHub.tv to view some of its fan videos, including "Ullr’s Adventure."