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Humane Society Investigation Links Petland to Puppy Mills

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:54:59 -0800

According to the results of a recent investigation, it turns out that the largest chain of pet-selling stores in the US is also the nation's largest retail supporter of puppy mills.

An eight-month evaluation by the Humane Society of the United States uncovered that Petland stores are purchasing and selling puppies from horrific conditions despite promises that the dogs come from known breeders with only "the highest standards of pet care." Many hail from massive commercial facilities or are purchased from large scale "pet distributors" (read: puppy brokers) . . . and the company itself may not even know what the standards of care were like in the first place.

See some shocking statistics and learn what you can do when you read more.

By the numbers:

Number of Petland stores across the country: 140
Number of puppies linked to Petland stores: 17,000
Number of stores visited by the HSUS: 21
Number of breeders and brokers visited by the HSUS: 35
Number of additional USDA inspection reports from Petland breeders evaluated by HSUS: more than 100
Number of those with "serious violations of basic animal care regulations": 60 percent

If this shocks you too, take action and sign a petition letting the company know this is unacceptable to us pet lovers!

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

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The Scoop: Nigel Barker Makes A (Fashion) Statement Against Seal Fur

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:45:57 -0800

With the fashion industry taking the Cool vs. Cruel anti-fur movement to heart, it seems that we're finally making some headway on the realization that cruelty for the sake of couture isn't the best idea. Plus, when celebs like Hayden Panettiere make headlines for their causes – like her involvement in Save The Whales, Again! – it puts a blazing spotlight on issues that are important to our world.

Just like Hayden, Nigel Barker, one of Tyra's industry judges on Americas Next Top Model, is taking a stand against March's annual commercial seal hunt (where each year hundreds of thousands of baby seals are hunted and killed for their fur). Traveling to eastern Canada this week, Nigel will be scoping out the baby seals before the hunt begins :

“It is my hope that by witnessing these baby seals in their natural environment we can draw attention to the inhumane slaughter that will occur in a few short weeks,” said Barker. “Every year hundreds of thousands of baby seals are clubbed and shot to death for their fur. Their carcasses are discarded like waste and left on the ice. It is my strong opinion that this is bigger than making a fashion statement. This is about making a life statement. If we call ourselves human we must act humanely.”

If that's not enough, Nigel will be returning to the ice flows of eastern Canada to film and witness the seal hunt in progress. Ultimately, Nigel and The Humane Society hope that the seal fur trade will be banned in Europe, where a majority of the fur is shipped and sold. To check out a video of Nigel and HSUS President Wayne Pacelle speaking out against the fur trade, just read more.

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Enter the Spay Day 2008 Photo Contest!

PetSugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:30:48 -0800

It's time to groom your pup or kitty and get out the camera! The Humane Society of the United States is hosting a special photo contest in honor of Spay Day. This year the special day falls on Feb. 26 and highlights spaying or neutering pets as an effective and humane solution to the problem of pet overpopulation.

How to you enter the contest? All you have to do is upload a digital photo of your pet and explain how your furry friend has made your life better. The Humane Society celebrity judges will award prizes to 36 entrants judged to have the best photos and write-ups.

The contest ends March 7. You can register your pets on the Humane Society website.

To the Rescue: Donating to Charity

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:28:46 -0700

During and after a disaster such as the Southern California wildfires, it's common to hear pleas for donations and want to help out. As of this time, the creatures at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are doing fine, but organizations like the Humane Society are still helping to rescue, shelter, and provide for the needs of displaced pets and larger animals like horses and llamas. If you're inspired to give to a cause (animal-related or not), here's some food for thought to protect your good intentions from someone else's bad ones.

Pick your passion. Chances are if you're thinking of donating, you already have an organization or a cause in mind. If you're still looking, it helps to search nationally soliciting charitable organizations (and determine their legitimacy) at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a merger of the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation.
Do your homework. If it smells fishy, it probably is. Be careful to avoid charitable scams. Many times, especially when disaster strikes, bogus organizations pop up often with similar or "legit" sounding names. In this situation, give to familiar charities that have a history of working in disaster relief. Always protect your information – don't give card numbers over the phone to solicitors or on the spot cash donations, and keep a record of your transactions. Remember all donations are valuable even offering up your time!

Vote on "Cool vs. Cruel" Fur-Free Fashion

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 08:16:25 -0700

For the third year in a row, the Humane Society of the US educated fashion students from various Art Institutes about the problems associated with animal fur, including cruelty and false labeling. Then, in perfect Project Runway style, comes their challenge: budding designers are shown four runway designs from fall 2007 that used animal fur, then asked to reinterpret and improve them sans cruelty in a Cool vs. Cruel fashion design contest.

Test your eye for style and pick your winner out of the 16 very original designs. Be sure to vote by October 29 – each person can only vote once so don't keep this contest to yourself. Check back on November 8 when fashion guru Tim Gunn and the rest of the judges announce their picks and the People's Choice winner too!

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Rescued From the "Arizona 800," Sophie Gets a Forever Home!

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:04 -0700

You may recall the sad story of 800 dogs living in a Tuscon triple-wide mobile home? Well, I've got a (much more) uplifting follow-up for you. Yay. Many of these dogs have already been adopted in Arizona and across the country, including at our local Marin Humane Society! When I got an email from a reader about her touching experience, I knew I had to share the happy update with you. This cutie pie has been renamed Sophie by her new mommy – even though the pup's still adjusting, look how cozy she looks in her new home! Read the touching story and see more pictures of this lil pooch when you read more.

Yesterday I went down to the Marin Humane Society and adopted a little 7-pound Yorkie who I named Sophie. She was one of 100 dogs brought to the humane society here after being rescued from the breeder/hoarders in Arizona a few weeks ago. She's terrified of humans but gets on well with my other little dog, Buddy. Right now I'm giving her some calm space to get her bearings and I'm sure with some love and time she will come out of her shell.

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Sillify Some Adoro Seals With LOLspeak!

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Nigel Barker is far from done with his seal-saving mission. In more playful news, the America's Next Top Model judge is bringing his talents to a LOLseals Photo Caption Contest - the Humane Society provides photos of lil baby harp seals, you create a caption, and then Nigel picks his fave to win a whole bunch of Project Seals gear! Get some inspiration from the lolspeak glossary to create a LOLcaption by March 21 - I couldn't resist including a gallery of their eight adoro piccys to choose from when you read more.

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Does "Cruelty-Free" Food Affect Your Eating Habits?

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:52 -0700

When you're eating out, there's never any true guarantee as to where your food comes from. Even with claims of "cruelty-free" practices, complaints come up, the most recent filed Wed. against the International House of Pancakes by the Humane Society of the United States.

Although IHOP says the animals used for their food receive "dignified and humane treatment" and have decent living conditions, the HSUS alleges that those eggs come from chickens residing in cages too cramped to spread their wings.

Now when you're picking up a dozen at the grocery store, you may choose cage-free eggs but do you ever check with restaurants about their cruelty-free practices before you enter and order?

LOLseals Photo Caption Contest

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:34:04 -0700

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