Stay up to date on the latest animal news in our state and in the nation. 

It's Time to Put an End to Puppy Mills in the U.S.


May 16, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Under the current requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, commercial dog breeders who produce puppies for commercial resale through pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, breeders who sell puppies directly to the public — through classified ads, the Internet and other means — are exempt from any federal oversight. Read more...

Love Bugs Seek Same


May 14, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - When cats Henri and Simba arrived at the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center, it was clear they were the best of buddies. They were placed in one of the adoption center's free-roaming rooms. Instead of living in cages, several cats live in a room together and can eat, sleep and play where and with whom they choose. Henri and Simba always seemed to choose to be together. Read more...

Humane Society's Annual Report


May 14, 2013 - Humane Society of the United States - We are very pleased to share our 2012 Annual Report, highlighting some of The HSUS’s major accomplishments of last year. None of our work for animals happens without your generous support, and we thank you. Read more...

A Nose for Fun


May 13, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Tamika, a white Chihuahua with an underbite and pretty brindle patches, is spending some time outside her kennel at the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center in Mission Hills, California. She runs around the room, circling cardboard boxes that have been carefully arranged by animal assessment and transport specialist Lauralea Oliver. There's a piece of cheese inside one of the boxes, and if Tamika can sniff it out, it's hers. Read more...

Orphaned Fishers Saved Just in Time


May 13, 2013 - Humane Society of the United States - Three infant fishers, rescued from being killed by a wood chipper, are thriving at Cape Wildlife Center.
 
“They had a very close call,” says Cape Wildlife Center Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Lynn Miller. “The tree in which they were born was cut down and was being processed at a lumber mill. Read more...

Tiny Dog Survives Brutal Beating, Finds Home with Volunteer


May 9, 2013 - ASPCA - Eva Podietz is one of the ASPCA’s most dedicated volunteers. Scores of ASPCA animals have benefited from Eva’s care, and the most recent addition to Eva’s furry family is Bentley, a little Shih Tzu who suffered immensely before starting his new life. Read more...

Smithsonian: Cats Are Not To Blame for Bird Deaths


May 9, 2013 - www.catchannel.com - You don’t even have to be a cat lover to know there’s something amiss when media outlets label cats as "evil” and "stone-cold serial killers.” Newspapers and radio stations nationwide jumped on a "study” by Smithsonian researchers claiming that cats are the leading cause of bird species decline in the United States. But if more reporters had taken a closer look at the study, they likely never would have covered it. Read more...

Only a Few Days Left to Vote for Cat Depot - You Can Vote Online!


It's time once gain to cast your votes in Sarasota Pet's Choice Awards! Each year, animal lovers in Sarasota and Mantee counties choose "the best of the best" in 26 different categories. Awards will be given in each category at a special celebration that will be held in June 2013. Read more...

New Pig on the Block


May 8, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Friendly, outgoing Oliver (whose full name is Oliver Fig Newton John) doesn't mean to call attention to himself. But when he arrived at Piggy Paradise back in January, everybody noticed him. And everyone still does. For one thing, Oliver, who weighs in at 236 pounds, is uncommonly large for a potbellied pig. But no one's talking about a diet for him because he isn't overweight; he's just a big boy. Read more...

The Day Everything Changed and The Happy Ending 


May 7, 2013 - Facebook -Steve Hofstetter - It’s been 18 days since my wife, Sara, and I found a stray dog in a gas station. It’s been 18 days since we cleaned him off, fed him, and named him Carlin. It’s been 18 days since we learned Carlin was in the advanced stages of distemper and we had to put him down. It’s been 18 days since I cried for the first time in years. Read more...

It's Puppy Mill Action Week


May 6, 2013 - The Humane Society - Pet stores that care about puppies don't sell them. That's because the majority of pet stores that sell puppies carry dogs from cruel and inhumane puppy mills. Puppy mills are like dog-making factories with the mother dogs spending their entire lives in cramped cages or kennels with little or no personal attention or quality of life. Read more...

Third Time’s the Charm


May 6, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - It looked like Eudora was down for the count. Picked up as a stray by San Antonio Animal Care Services, she appeared to have a neurological condition that caused a pronounced tic. As a result of this, her life was at risk in the municipal shelter because staff was concerned she might have a condition that was contagious. However, she's a survivor, and San Antonio Pets Alive (SAPA) saw past her twitch to a life worth saving. Read more...

Texas Residents: Help Save Lives in Pounds and Shelters!


May 6, 2013 - Alley Cat Allies - A bill that would help save animals in Texas pounds and shelters is on its way to a vote in the Texas House of Representatives. HB 2981 would prohibit pounds and shelters in counties of at least 75,000 people from killing animals when rescue groups are willing to save them. Today we're asking Texas residents to reach out to their State Representatives and urge him or her to support HB 2981. Read more...

Orson the Agile


May 6, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - How does a one-eyed cat master an agility course in Cat World? The path was a long one for Orson, who was found on the side of a road in Maryland. He was severely injured and walking in circles in the rain. Luckily, the person who found him worked at a veterinary clinic and took him in for immediate treatment. Read more...

Meet a Wounded Warrior and the Dog Who Saved Him


May 6, 2013 - First Coast No More Homeless Pets - A Tuesday Evening with Tuesday is a presentation and book signing by Fmr. Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván. Read more...

100+ Shelter Dogs Hit the Road for New Homes


May 2, 2013 - ASPCA - Last weekend as part of the ASPCA Animal Relocation program, 68 lucky dogs took to the skies, leaving Southern California for the Pacific Northwest via plane and even helicopter. They were all headed to areas where we knew they’d be in great demand, giving them the best possible chance at adoption. Read more...

Salmonella Found in More Pet Food
 

May 2, 2013 - The Animal Rescue Site - In March Natura issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of its dog, cat, and ferret foods. The company, known for its line of "natural" and "holistic" pet foods, has expanded that recall after tests by the Departments of Agriculture in both Michigan and Georgia detected Salmonella in additional lots of dry cat food. The expanded recall now includes all dry pet food products with expiration dates on or before March 24, 2014. Read more...

Strut Your Mutt Jacksonville 2013
 

May 1, 2013 - First Coast No More Homeless Pets - Join the First Coast No More Homeless Pets Dog Pack and raise money for the animals!

This year, our fundraising walk will be part of Strut Your Mutt in lieu of the Dogtoberfest walk. Strut Your Mutt, held September 7th in Jacksonville, is a national fundraising walk sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society. Read more...

"You're Never Too Old to Volunteer"


May 1, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - 100-year-old man comes to Best Friends to celebrate birthday and lend a hand.

Bill Philibert never imagined that his 100th birthday celebration would last for well over a month. Nor did he imagine that he'd spend several of those festive days volunteering at Best Friends. It was Bill's youngest daughter, Juli, who arranged a trip to the Sanctuary as a surprise. Read more...

Love Spain, Hate Bullfighting?

May 2, 2013 - Humane Society International - Right now, the Spanish government is considering a law to protect and promote bullfighting, an outdated spectacle that causes the slow & tortuous death of a beautiful bull.

The majority of Spanish citizens don't support bullfighting. Nor do they want their taxes spent protecting it. Read more...

Hillsborough, Florida Commissioners Endorse Trap-Neuter-Return Program

May 1, 2013 - Alley Cat Allies - Last week we asked our supporters to urge their commissioners to support a pilot program that would save 4,000 cats’ lives—and they listened! Today, Hillsborough County Commissioners endorsed the two-year Community Cat Pilot Program with a 6-1 vote. Thanks to everyone who reached out to your commissioners!

The program will redirect 2,000 feral (community) cats each year from the county shelter, where they almost certainly would be killed, to Trap-Neuter-Return programs, allowing them to live out their lives in their outdoor home.Read more...

19 Horses Transported to Safety


April 30, 2013 - ASPCA - The Humane Society of the United States assisted with the seizure of 19 horses who appear to be victims of the cruel practice of "soring" from a Maryville, Tenn., barn and transported them to safety. The horses at the barn were allegedly subject to practices that cause extreme pain such as having chemicals applied to their skin and bolts driven into the soles of their hooves. Read more...

Firefighters Rescue "Pool Table Kittens" at Scene of Fire 


April 29, 2013 - www.lifewithcats.tv - Firefighters responding to a fire at a bar today rescued three beautiful kittens from an abandoned pool table on the property.  The three beautiful babies are safe now, in the care of the Charleston Animal Society, of Charleston, SC.

North Charleston firefighters responded to a fire at the Caliente Bar and Grill at about 2:30 am, finding heavy smoke and flames at the back of the building. Read more...

A Loveable Imposter


ASPCA - April 24, 2013 - After Benjamin B.’s beloved cat, Fat Larry, escaped from his apartment, his roommates thought they found him at the ASPCA. Sadly, this new cat turned out not to be Larry. He was a loveable imposter. Benjamin shared the following bittersweet story with us:

My roommates left our apartment door open and let out my cat, Fat Larry, while I was working my night job. I was upset and in disbelief. Read more...

Florida Governor Signs Bill Supporting Pound and Shelter Transparency and Trap-Neuter-Return


April 26, 2013 - Alley Cat Allies - We are happy to report that Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law the bill supporting pound and shelter transparency—and it was amended to also endorse Trap-Neuter-Return!

Pounds and shelters will now have to report the number of animals they adopt, transfer to rescue groups, trap-neuter-return, and kill (euthanize). Read more...

Petfinder's Funniest Cat Contest
 

April 25, 2013 - Petfinder.com - Are your adopted cat’s silly antics worthy of internet fame? As part of our I am a Cat Parent campaign, we’re disproving the idea that cats aren’t fun – or funny – and you can help!

Enter a photo or video of your cat in all his hilarious glory for a chance to win a $250 gift card for you and a $4,500 donation to the Petfinder adoption group of your choice! Read more...
 

 

D'Art Gets Adopted: Special Needs Kitty Finds a Home


April 25, 2013 - www.lifewithcats.tv - Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary in Ringoes, NJ celebrated the occasion with an infectiously upbeat video when a very special kitty named D’Art was adopted into his new home earlier this month.  D’Art was a truly needy case when he came to Tabby’s Place, which was able to take him thanks to a grant and sponsors. He thrived at the sanctuary, where he spent time with resident special needs kitty Dot. Read more...

Three Bills to Curb Animal Cruelty


April 24, 2013 - ASPCA - The Florida State Legislature is considering critical legislation that will crack down on animal cruelty, and we need your help to pass these bills into law.

These bills strengthen Florida’s anti-cruelty law in three important ways. Read more...

Hillsborough County, Florida Residents: Support Community Cat Pilot Program


April 24, 2013 - Alley Cat Allies - One week from today, on May 1, Hillsborough County Commissioners will consider a pilot program that would save the lives of 4,000 cats within two years. The two-year Community Cat Pilot Program, a core component of Animal Service’s plan to decrease the number of animals killed in the county shelter, would save the lives of 2,000 impounded feral (community) cats each year by redirecting them to Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Read more...

Harvard Medical School Applauded for Decision to Close Primate Research Center by 2015


April 23, 2013 - The Humane Society- The Harvard Medical School announced that the New England Primate Research Center will close by 2015. The university cited funding issues as well as a shift in priorities as reasons for the decision. Kathleen Conlee, vice president of animal research issues at The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement. Read more...

 

Montana Community Comes Together to Save Starving Horses
 

April 18, 2013 - ASPCA - When several horse lovers in rural Carbon County, Montana, noticed more than a dozen starving, neglected horses on two local ranches, they did what we hope everyone who witnesses animal suffering will do: They spoke up.

Local law enforcement was eager to take on the case. But, like most law enforcement agencies, they didn’t have the facilities or resources necessary to build a successful case against the owners and nurse dozens of horses back to health. Read more...

You're one person. Except for today.


April 18, 2013 - ASPCA - More than 53,000 seal pups have been killed in just 8 days.

It's been more than a week since the slaughter of baby seals started off Newfoundland, and the Canadian government has still failed to announce how many seals can be clubbed and shot for fur.

Your gift to stop the slaughter of baby seals will be DOUBLED. Read more...

Update: No changes to Brevard County, Florida Feral Cat Ordinance


April 17, 2013 - Alley Cat Allies - At a hearing yesterday, Brevard County Commissioners held off on any decisions about the county’s feral cat ordinance and did not lift the moratorium on registrations of feral cat colonies. Commissioners directed county staff to develop recommendations for ordinance amendments. Read more...

Churchill’s Legacy


April 15, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - When Churchill strolled into the Welcome Center on his recent visit to Best Friends, a dozen people were waiting to greet him, and a signed welcome banner hung over the front desk.

It was a special pilgrimage for this special-needs dog, a chance for him to experience a sense of peace and belonging in a place where thousands of animals just like him have taken refuge. Read more...

USA: Protect Horses from Soring


April 2013 - ASPCA- Majestic Tennessee Walking Horses have long been cherished, both for their unique four-step gait and their gentle dispositions. Unfortunately, these same traits make these horses vulnerable to extreme exploitation and abuse at the hands of unscrupulous trainers.

On today’s Tennessee Walking Horse show circuit, trainers still engage in the cruel practice of “soring” to force horses to exaggerate their gait. Read more...

Abby’s Second Chance


April 12, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Sweet, loyal Abby almost didn't get a second chance. After being rescued from a horrible life in a dog-fighting ring, she was in danger of being killed because she displayed aggression toward other dogs.

Even when she was tested with a stuffed dog, Abby would run at it and wrestle it to the ground. Read more...

Southeastern Guide Dogs: Bo is a Star in 'Blind Pass!'


April 12, 2013 - Sarasota Patch - In the Winter of 2011, we were approached by Midnight Pass Productions to help out with their latest film, Blind Pass. 

In the film, the main character is going blind and decided she needed a guide dog. The producers came to us not only to see if we could provide a dog for the film, but also to make sure their portrayal was accurate. Read more...

From Puppy Mill to Family Pet: Tyra’s Amazing Transformation


April 11, 2013 - ASPCA - In the days after the ASPCA rescued Tyra from a Kentucky puppy mill, she was afraid of everything. When our behavior team touched the tiny Papillon during an evaluation, she shut down, paralyzed with fear. One glimpse of a child-size doll sent her reeling in terror. She was even too scared to eat. 

Our behavior team knew it wouldn’t be easy, but they were determined to help Tyra. Read more...

Dymphna and Pepper: Rescued in the Nick of Time
 

April 10, 2013 - ASPCA - Sometimes pets come into our lives when we least expect them to. Sharon O’Connell shared the following story about rescuing two of her four special kitties, Dymphna and Pepper, when both were in desperate need of a safe and loving home. Read more...

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate to Crack Down on Animal Fighting Spectators


April 11, 2013 - The Humane Society - Lawmakers urged to swiftly pass bill to penalize criminals who finance or bring children to dogfights and cockfights

A bipartisan group of Senators has introduced a bill that would outlaw spectators’ willful attendance at organized animal fights and impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to an animal fight. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Maria Cantwell, D-Wa., and David Vitter R-La., have introduced S. 666, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act. Read more...

 

Tragedy and Hope at Canada's Seal Slaughter


April 10, 2013 - The Humane Society - Canada's 2013 slaughter of baby seals began this week. The HSUS's Protect Seals team was grounded by weather today, but the killing continued.

There are always days like this at the seal slaughter—when freezing rain and fog keep our helicopters on the ground while the sealing boats continue to devastate the harp seal nursery. Read more...

 

Utah Volunteer Saves Hundreds of Lives


April 10, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - An extraordinary animal lover says anyone can do it. 

In October 2012, Kimberly Bean was recognized as an outstanding volunteer for her dedication to helping animals within Washington City Animal Welfare Services (WCAWS) in Utah.  Her commitment to the mission of No More Homeless Pets has supported over 300 animals in finding safe haven since she began volunteering with the shelter in 2010. Read more...

Kind News Feature: Saving Mustangs


April 10, 2013 - The Humane Society - What has inspired kids across the country to speak out for wild horses and burros?

Wild horses, called mustangs, are found in ten western states. Each year, hundreds of the horses are rounded up by United States government agencies. The horses are put in holding pens where, for a small fee, anyone can adopt them. Read more...

 

A Vicktory for Layla


April 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Former Vick dog becomes a Canine Good Citizen.

On Monday, March 11, Best Friends hosted a big reunion for six of the Vicktory dogs (dogs rescued from the property of Michael Vick) who had been adopted. Layla wasn't among them; she hasn't been adopted yet. But, in February, she reached a major milestone on the way to finding a family of her own. Read more...

The Best Cat for the Job


April 8, 2013 - Best Friends Animal Society - Imagine what most cats do during the day: eat, sleep, play, sleep, use the litter pan, sleep. You get the idea. Not so with Banjo - he's got a job.

While he doesn't have an official title, and his compensation is cat food and TLC, he's proved himself to be worth his weight in gold to Best Friends' Canines with Careers program, which saves shelter dogs' lives by evaluating candidates for many careers, including search, service, therapy and assistance dog work. Read more...
 

 

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