How You Can Help Furry Victims of Hurricane Ike . . .

PetSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:00:08 -0700

Thankfully, there were improved plans in place before the recent hurricanes hit, but I'm reminded that plenty of pets still need help in the storms' aftermath. Shelters including the Houston Humane Society and the Galveston Island Humane Society are working around the clock to photograph all the arriving animals to help keep track of the pets, and locate their owners. Much of the area is still without running water, electricity or gas . . . but the stray and injured animals keep on coming!

In addition to accepting monetary donations online, if you're local to these areas (or any place affected by the storms), don't be shy about stopping in to volunteer or bring by some much-appreciated goods. To see the items on the shelter's wish list, read more.

Towels
Batteries (especially 9 volt)
Crates of ALL sizes
Tarps
Bungee Cords
Bottled Water
Cat Litter
King Size Kong toys for dogs
Rabbit Food - Timothy Hay pellets or Timothy Hay
Small TVs with built in VCR/DVD
Soft Chewable Dog Treats
Current Key Maps
Disposable Rubber Gloves
Digital Cameras
8- and 12-Inch Cable Ties (50 lb strength)
Newspapers
Food for Hamsters, Rats, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets, and Gerbils
Halters - small and medium size
Fly Spray and Masks
Thrush Medicine
Mucking Forks/rakes

Source

What's Your Take: Mama Cat or the Piping Plovers?

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:30:59 -0800

To summarize the story for you, founder of the Galveston Ornithological Society, James M. Stevenson, shot and killed a cat that lived under the San Luis Pass toll bridge that connects Galveston to mainland Texas. An avid birder, he felt that the cat (and other wild animals) were feeding on the endangered piping plovers in the area – so he took matters into his own hands.

The state law at the time of the incident prohibited killing a cat "belonging to another," but it was changed on Sept. 1 to include all cats regardless of ownership. Although the cat was living under the bridge, Mama Cat was named and cared for by a toll collector, John Newland. Opening arguments began on Nov. 13 for the case where Stevenson faces up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine if convicted on animal cruelty charges.

It's a very polarizing suit, with animal lovers often feeling for both sides. I'm curious to hear how you feel about this:

Source