Three Charged in Puerto Rico Pet Massacre

December 6, 2007

Three Charged in Puerto Rico Pet Massacre

The owner and two employees of Animal Control Solutions have been charged under animal cruelty laws for throwing 80 pets off a bridge. The city of Barceloneta contracted with the company for animal control services. Mayor Sol Luis Fontanes of Barceloneta is named as a defendant in a civil suit.

Tragically this horrific treatment of animals in their care may have been going on for 8 years. It’s reported that during those years, the company didn’t deliver a single animal to rescue shelters as was contracted. It’s possible every animal collected by or surrendered to the company was cruelly killed. Find out more about the case and what you can do.

And check out these three organizations working to end animal cruelty and rescue dogs in Puerto Rico:

December 5, 2007

Unacceptable—No Shelter For Pets Affected By Flooding

Man in paddle boat rescues dogs.

The Pacific Northwest has had some terrible flooding and wind storm damage in the last few days. (We’re grateful that we didn’t have any damage.) Many people’s homes are uninhabitable, requiring them to find shelter elsewhere. Unfortunately, not one of the Red Cross shelters is open to people with pets. According to the Red Cross site it’s due to medical reasons. And that’s a valid reason, but there should be at least one shelter for people with pets. I just don’t understand this after what Hurricane Katrina taught us. Many people will choose to stay with their pets over their own safety.

The area hit hardest by the flooding has a lot of farms and dairies, so a lot of the animals affected are livestock. However, the Lewis County Animal Shelter is full and is moving animals to Oregon. Fortunately, Pasado’s Safe Haven, a Western Washington animal welfare organization, is coming to help rescue and care fo livestock and companion animals. You can make a donation here.

You can see video of the flood’s affect on animals.

December 5, 2007

Pet Peek

The Pet Peek looks like a neat idea for your dog. It’s a doggie window for your fence. It has the benefit that the dog can stick it’s head past the fence and get a good view while still being safely contained behind the fence. And people or dogs passing by can’t reach your dog.

Of course, depending on the size of your dog, you could always just cut a small hole in your fence. Just make sure it’s plenty small enough that your dog can’t fit through it. And be sure to reinforce the opening, so your dog can’t burst through if it sees something irresistible like a squirrel.

If you aren’t handy, I’d stick with the Pet Peek.

November 22, 2007November 22, 2007

We Like: Watercolors By Rachelle Smith

I found these wonderful prints on Etsy. Rachelle’s watercolor pet portraits aren’t like a lot of the portraits I’ve seen. For one, they’re not acrylics or oil, so she captures some different nuances than I’ve usually seen. Like those puddles of lips on the Pointer above.

She captures the softness of a Lab’s gaze, the focused stare of an orange tomcat—you just know there’s a bird he’s caught sight of, and that otherworldliness of Weimeraners.

November 21, 2007

Animal Poison Control Center At ASPCA

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 1-(888)-426-4435 is a great resource. It could save your pet’s life someday. They’re available 24 hours a day every single day of the year and have 25 veterinarians on staff—including nine board-certified toxicologists—and 13 certified veterinary technicians.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, follow these guidelines. Read them now, so if somethings does happen, you’ll be familiar with what to do. You’ll need to tell the hotline about the suspected poison and details about your pet. There’s also have a list of what to have in a first aid kit in case of poisoning. I thought I was prepared, but I hadn’t thought of a turkey baster to administer hydrogen peroxide.

Pet-proof your home after checking out their list of household hazards. Even if you think you know what to avoid, check out their list. You might be surprised by what’s on it and what’s not. Raisins, grapes, blue-green algae (in ponds)—unsafe. Poinsettias, silica gel, glow jewelry—non-toxic (could still cause upset tummies.)

There’s a comprehensive list of safe house plants and a guide to safe flowers and bouquets, including an offer through 1-800-Flowers.com that gives 10% of net proceeds of your purchase to the ASPCA (use the promotion code ASPCA when ordering.) Even horses aren’t left out. There’s a list of plants hazardous to horses that even includes a photo gallery.

Get your own free magnet with the phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center. You’ll also get a window decal to let rescue personnel know you have pets in your home.