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What's Your Take: Oreo's Law?

PetSugar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:50:48 -0800

This story begins with a pooch (not shown here) who was tossed out the window from six stories up by ~~an insane person~~ her owner. She was rescued by the ASPCA's Animal Cops, treated for her broken bones and other injuries by shelter's hospital, and named Oreo.

About five months later, she began acting aggressively toward people and other dogs in the NYC shelter and was set to be put down. However, another organization, Pets Alive, wanted to see if they could help her; their request was denied and the pooch was put down on Nov. 13 of last year. Based on this decision, Sen. Thomas Duane and Assembly Member Micah Kellner introduced "Oreo's Law," a statewide bill to prevent shelters from killing dogs and cats if a qualified 501(c)3 animal rescue group is willing to take them.

While I certainly don't want to see any animal suffer (or die), this does raise some questions for me - namely, what happens if the rescue then cannot "fix" or home the animal? Do you have an opinion about this legislation? Share your reasoning in the comments below.

What's Your Take: Do Pets Have a "Subjective Value?"

PetSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:30:51 -0700

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.

Now the pup will rotate every five weeks between the homes of the separated couple - do you agree with the "subjective value" decision overturning the custody ruling?

The Scoop: House and Senate Pass PA's Puppy Mill Bill!

PetSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:00:42 -0700

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 . . . as long as they've not already been found guilty of violating these rules.Clearing the House with votes of 183-7 and the Senate 49-1, Rep. James Casorio, D-Westmoreland, the bill's prime sponsor, said:

This is the day that we eliminate Pennsylvania's reputation as the puppy mill capital of the East. The mistreatment of thousands and thousands and thousands of dogs kept in deplorable and inhumane [conditions] will no longer stand.

Although it's just the first step, it makes great strides in changing these horrible conditions and I hope an advancement for animal welfare that will one day (soon) prompt changes and policy consistency across the country.

Source

Does Your Dog Have a License?

PetSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:00:41 -0700

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. Some quick research about our policies here in San Francisco, found this shocking (to me) stat: There are an estimated 120,000 dogs living in San Francisco . . . and only about 20,000 of them are licensed at this time!

Like I advocated for tags in addition to microchips, having the proper pet license can be a quicker way to reunite you with a lost pet, as those tags are immediately visible.

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Out and About: Hawaii's Quarantine Rules

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:29 -0800

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. This makes it impossible to bring your doggie or kitty for a last-minute family vacay – you'll need at least four months of preparation, including rabies vaccinations and a blood test that requires waiting 120 days after a successful test result before entering the state. If you do arrive or relocate on the islands before this time period ends, you'll not only have to give up your pet, but you'll also have to pay boarding fees of $224 for five days or less (plus $17.80 each additional day after that) and relinquish your pet to the quarantine station on Oahu where you can visit during afternoon hours but cannot take animals outside of their outdoor kennel enclosures. To learn more about Hawaii's laws, read more.

This is a big improvement from the previous law, which required all pets to endure quarantine for at least 30 days, but it still makes travel to the nation's only rabies-free state difficult and pricey – even after paying for the necessary health requirements, it costs an additional $165 to get your pet released from the airport to the island. For those of you who've planned a trip in advance and waited the requisite time, they now also have a direct-release program for dogs traveling between the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu making it smooth sailing for subsequent island hopping.

Source

Pet Community: Clooney's Portrait by Gypsy Lane Designs

Pet Community — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:20:22 -0800

This post comes to us from our community member doodlebug in the Pet of the Day group:

My very talented sis-in-law has just started up an Etsy shop, Gypsy Lane Designs, to promote her custom watercolor pet portraits, and I thought I would share a link in case any pet parents would like to capture the essence of their furry loves.

I've attached a photo of the watercolor portrait of my little Clooney, who has been featured twice as the PetSugar Pet Pic of the Day. I LOVE this print and display it prominently in my apartment. I just know that once you see it you'll want one for yourself! I also welcome your comments and feedback - I'm very proud of my SIL's work and am trying hard to gain publicitiy for her new shop!
See the painting close up when you read more.

There's a lot going on in our community - join it, check it out, share your posts or advice in the great groups, and maybe we'll feature it here on PetSugar!

Simon Cowell Knows That Animals Matter

PetSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:03 -0800

Though his direct and oft-gruff demeanor is well known by fans of American Idol, Simon Cowell has a heart of gold when it comes to animals. Lending his support to the World Society for the Protection of Animals, the latest campaign aims to get a common agreement, the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, supported by governments around the globe at the UN. He says:

Animals are an undeniably important part of people’s lives all around the world. Whether they are pet animals that share every part of families’ lives, or working animals that help communities meet basic needs, we cannot ignore the role that animals play in our lives. What we need is global recognition that animals matter and acknowledgement of their welfare needs, to improve their lives and the lives of the people that rely on them.

Hear more of what Simon has to say and read more.

Animals deserve more protection – I do not understand how anyone can get any pleasure from hunting or killing animals. We need international laws and governments certainly need to do more to protect the animals in their care. The only way that you can influence governments is by showing that you care; if you care and you tell somebody else you start to create a movement. If you keep quiet about it, governments can ignore you. You just have to raise your voice and it doesn’t take much to do that.

It's commendable when celebrities use their influence to lend such vocal support and bring awareness to great causes like this one - I've signed the petition already, have you?

Do Tell: Weigh In on Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws

PetSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:05:06 -0700

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. Now, I understand the needless death and overpopulation of shelter animals, but this seems a bit troublesome for lower-income families who would sterilize a pet, if not for the prohibitive procedure price. Do you think this bill is a good start . . . or does it do more harm than good?

Source

Spotted! Maine Coon Fetcher

Pet Community — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:00:43 -0800

This post comes to us from our community member lauren.

Maine Coon cats are relatives of the Norwegian Forest cats. I remember visiting Norway as a child and these cats were huge and weighed 20 pounds or more. A good friend of my brother-in-law, has an adorable Maine Coon that, to my surprise, loved to play fetch! You can teach a cat tricks! When I get a new cat, it will definitely be this lively breed.

If you want to be a cute capturer, share your own video or photo to the spotted group by clicking here!

Wanna Win a Ralph Lauren Pup Wardrobe?: In the LINK of an Eye

PetSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:37 -0800

Enter to Win a New Doggie Wardrobe From Ralph Lauren! - PetSugar
Bitten owner questions law that put her pup in quarantine - Paw Nation
Learn all about 'dogzheimers' - PetMD
Ex-service dog using surfing skills to help teen - Dogster
Hang fat cats on your tree this Christmas - moderncat
10 holiday gifts that give back - People Pets
Pandas like bamboo because they lack taste buds for meat?! - Yahoo! News