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What's Your Take: Do Pets Have a "Subjective Value?"
After nearly three years of litigation (!), the case of Dexter has come to an end. When Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare ended their relationship in May 2006, a New Jersey court ruled Eric could keep their pug since it was in his possession at the time. However, earlier this year, an appeals panel reversed the decision saying the judge neglected to consider the dog's "subjective value", making him more like a family heirloom or work of art that cannot simply be awarded to one party for a face-value payment — Doreen received $1,500 — no one can measure Dexter's exact worth.
The Scoop: House and Senate Pass PA's Puppy Mill Bill!
Bow wowee! I'm super duper pleased to announce that both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the "Puppy Mill Bill" in Pennsylvania yesterday! Affecting any commercial breeder selling or transferring more than 60 dogs per year, the main change in the approved bill is that owners get three years to comply with the long list of regulations to make their kennels more humane .
Does Your Dog Have a License?
I'm betting we're all on top of our pets' shots, but does your doggie have a license? Even though many cities, like NYC, require you to renew dogs' licenses annually, not everyone does – or even knows! – to do this.
Out and About: Hawaii's Quarantine Rules
Welcome to Hawaii! Off the bat, I want to mention that the Aloha State has a special quarantine law designed to protect resident people and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must comply with Hawaii’s pet import requirements.
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Do You Know How Many Pets Are Allowed Per Household?
Having a houseful of cats can earn you mean names — who are you calling crazy?! — but do you know how many animals you can legally own in your county? I checked out Cat Ladies at the SF Documentary Film Festival earlier this month and the producers were asked about law breaking for the movie.
Do Tell: Weigh In on Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws
Even if your furry friend is fixed, how do you feel about being told to do so not just by vets or animal behaviorists but by the government!? Last week, a statewide mandatory spay/neuter bill (SB 250) passed the California State Senate and is off to the Assembly to quite possibly become law.
In order to keep an unsterilized pet, you'd need a license or else your animal could be taken away from you.
Do Tell: Would You Get a Dog With a Partner Before Marriage?
Not that I'm trying to prepare for the worst but would you adopt a pet before getting hitched . . .
What's Your Take: Legal Ban on Declawing?
Considered mutilation by many, a simple mention of the word "declaw" warrants an adamant response from even nonfeline fans. Even though the vocal aversion to declawing is already a no-brainer to most of you, the recently proposed ban on the procedure here in SF has earned (what may appear to be) some unlikely challengers — the SPCA.
Even though the organization both opposes the procedure and doesn't practice onychectomy at its hospital, it doesn't agree with legal regulation and SFSPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith worries the proposed law could have other negative side effects:
"The SFSPCA is opposed to declawing .
The Scoop: Gerard Butler in the Middle of a Dog Fight
Nope, not a cat fight — the sometimes heartbreaker Gerard Butler had a furry run-in with the law in NYC on Monday. TMZ is reporting more details on the dog fight involving the actor's smooshy, who we've glimpsed frequenting the set of The Bounty (along with fan fave, Norman).
Gerard's off-leash Lolita was allegedly attacked street side by a Greyhound, Mayfly, which caused the actor to push away the offending animal .
Puppy Facts Knows Where Your Dog Really Came From
I can't say enough about making informed decisions when it comes to adding a pet to your family. The choice to buy vs. adopt is yours, but if you do decide to go the breeder route then it's important to pick a legitimate, well-run facility.
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