PetSugar

The Scoop: Accelerated Ice Melt Threatens Life in the Arctic

PetSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Not only does the ice help regulate the earth's temperature, but it also sustains life by giving access to food to many Arctic creatures. Unfortunately, with the ice shelf melting at an alarming rate (about 10 percent per decade), it's having a deadly effect on the Polar Bears native to the region. Kassie Siegel, staff attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity explains:

The Arctic sea ice melt is a disaster for the polar bears. They are dependent on the Arctic sea ice for all of their essential behaviors, and as the ice melts and global warming transforms the Arctic, polar bears are starving, drowning, even resorting to cannibalism because they don't have access to their usual food sources.

But the Arctic ice melt doesn't just affect residents of the north. See how this will affect us here in the US, just read more.

Melting of the Arctic ice not only effects our temperature, but it also means a change in the weather patterns. It could mean less rain for us . . . which means lower crop production. Experts say that the Arctic could be ice free during the Summer within the next five years! Although it's debated that this climate change is a natural occurrence, I'm frightened to see what that Earth would look like without our Arctic friends so soon!

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The Scoop: Prevent an Early End to Hibernation in the Fridge

PetSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:00:47 -0800

With the effects of global warming causing problems around the globe, I'll admit I was a tad surprised when I read about this solution to an early end to hibernation. Because of the rising temperatures, tortoise experts in England are recommending that owners keep their pets in the fridge (!) during winter months. You see, when warm weather wakes the turtles too early – before the final cold snaps of winter – the creatures are at risk when temperatures drop again. If the animals' body temps rise above around 41 degrees Celsius, the reptiles will begin digesting food and will die when it gets cold again. In response to this growing issue, Joy Bloor, owner of one of England's largest tortoise sanctuaries says that "if you open the door every day they should get enough air . . . but you shouldn't go away on holiday and leave them."

Hmm, I'm pretty neurotic about my fridge – I don't even like smelly food or leftovers to go in there, and I can't possibly imagine keeping a pet in there. Am I being unreasonable here? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Elephants and Donkeys: Some Views on Animals

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:30:53 -0800

Considering all the things we hear and read about the presidential candidates, I'm first to admit that it can be very overwhelming to digest it all. I've picked up facts from Animals & Politics, and I wanted to share a few notes about candidates from both the Republican and Democrat parties with you. I'm by no means endorsing (or bashing) any candidates – so I've just selected positive points here. Stay tuned for my new pal, CitizenSugar, who will be joining us very soon . . . and can discuss and bring you up-to-date on the full picture!

Rudy Giuliani. During his time as NYC's mayor, he promoted and signed a bill to open a shelter in each borough as well as encourage spaying and neutering in efforts to curb the city's pet overpopulation. He's also the first Republican candidate to release a public statement on animal issues, and promising to continue to support education efforts, enforce animal protection laws already on the books, and to advocate for new animal-friendly policies
John McCain. In addition to cosponsoring bills to stop horse slaughter and to eliminate a $2 million subsidy for the mink industry, as a senator he has been a leader in the effort to stop global warming, and opposes drilling for oil in the animal-filled Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Facts about some Democratic candidates when you read more.

Hillary Rodham Clinton. Senator Clinton has cosponsored legislation to stop the processing of “downer” livestock and to crack down on abusive puppy mills where dogs are treated like production machines and has led efforts to stop the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals, which allow them to be crammed in overcrowded, stressful, unsanitary conditions on factory farms.
Dennis Kucinich. He's currently a co-sponsor of 14 animal protection measures in the 110th Congress and, in the past, has led efforts to secure more funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act at puppy mills, research laboratories, zoos, circuses, and other facilities. In November, he even hosted an online forum to discuss animal issues.
Barack Obama. In addition to voting to end the federal funding of horse slaughter in 2005, he's currently a co-sponsor of measures to stop horse slaughter and to upgrade the penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting, both possessing fighting animals and being a spectator at such events.

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