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Blog ID: 1407 Posted by LucyPal on Tuesday Sep 30, 2008 11:29 AM EST
Artist Under Investigation for Neglecting Sled Dogs
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You always think of artists as being sensitive to others needs, but this case proves that there is an exception to the rule. Internationally renowned artist, Archie Beaulieu currently living in the remote Canadian community of Behchoko in the Northwest Territories is under investigation by the RCMP.
This new inquiry into the artist comes after 44 of his sled dogs, including a dozen puppies were found suffering from severe malnourishment. Their conditions were so bad that they had to be put to sleep.
Local veterinarian and senior RCMP officer, Tom Pisz visited the artist’s property and found the dogs. He also made the decision to give the dog’s lethal injection. He stated to the Canadian Press, ‘It had been raining and the dogs were up to their bellies in mud and feces... The smell was horrifying.’
All of the dogs were in a fenced compound that only contained about three dog houses for all of them! Plus, there was no sign of food or water.
Pisz went on to state, ‘some had skin sores and wounds from fighting with each other, others were limping…The puppies were hiding under scrap wood.’
An RCMP Staff Sgt. Francis Cullen found that the dogs were in very poor condition, so they are currently determining whether or not to lay charges against Beaulieu.
Behchoko is a small town of only about 2,000 people. The dog’s owner, Beaulieu is a Dene artist who’s most often known for his paintings that depict animals of northern Canada. His artwork has been presented to such elite as Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul while also being purchased by governments, dignitaries, corporations and collectors around world.
It seems that Beaulieu is kind of hard to reach these days. He couldn’t be reached for comment by the press and a town official stated that the man walked right by him on Tuesday without saying a word. In addition, a representative from the agency handling Beaulieu’s work stated that they have been trying without success to contact the man for weeks.
Source: http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/canada/article/119710
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Blog ID: 1395 Posted by LucyPal on Monday Sep 29, 2008 11:54 AM EST
Humane Society Rescues 11 Horses
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Near Grand Island, Nebraska eleven horses have been taken from their owner by the humane society for neglect. And these horses were living in a pasture near highway 34 and green bell road. Some of them were so neglected and had been starving for so long that bones were visible beneath their coats. In fact, two of the forces were sold or Lee that they were immediately taken two local veterinarian Jay Stewart. The other horses were taken to area volunteer Foster homes.
It was found that the humane society knew about the horses as early as June and waited to take the horses while they built a case against the owner who rents the land where they were kept. When they came to take the horses this past Sunday, a for sale sign was seen posted on the land.
The owner of the forces is, Juan Medina-Mena of Grand Island. He voluntarily relinquished the animals to the Humane Society. While one of the horses was found to be owned from by a man from Iowa.
Medina-Mena stated that he had planned to take the courses to an auction in a loop city on Sunday. However he discovered that the auction had been on Saturday. When Captain Jim Castleberry contacted the owner he willingly gave up ownership of the animals.
As the humane society officers led the horses into the trailers to take them away, one of them started panicking and thrashing about. It eventually had to be pushed and pulled into the trailer, falling twice; the second fall resulting in a cut on its forehead. Another horse had already been loaded into the trailer, and had to be comforted by an officer as he held her back. Even rescues can be a traumatic experience for animals in trouble.
In addition to being starved, one of the two horses sent to the vet had severe facial warts causing it great difficulty in breathing. A volunteer came in and cleaned out the horse’s nostrils on Saturday to help improve her breathing.
It’s also believed that some of the horses had been moved around by the owner since it seemed their numbers went up or down over the past few months. The horses will be staying with the foster homes until they are in full health.
Source: http://www.theindependent.com/news/x555996823/11-neglected-horses-relinquished
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Blog ID: 1394 Posted by LucyPal on Sunday Sep 28, 2008 9:32 PM EST
Scientists Use Satellite Photos to track Kangaroo Rats
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Scientists are planning on using satellite imagery to keep track of how many Giant Kangaroo Rats there are in the world. They plan on using images taken from the same satellite that is used by Iraqi Defense Forces to find circular patches of Earth that are denuded by these Kangaroo Rats as they gather food around their burrows.
They hope to get the first every accurate population count of these large rodents. Comparing photos of satellite images with 30 years worth of photos released by the US Geological Survey will help the researchers understand how the Giant Kangaroo Rat population fluctuates in response to various environmental factors. They hope to see how things like climate change and the man made arrival of the state and federal canal water to the arid San Joaquin Valley affected the population of the Kangaroo Rats.
The San Joaquin Valley had previously been an arid desert like landscape where the Rats thrived. However, the arrival of the canal water turned the valley into a patchwork of cultivated farms which forced the Rats to higher ground. Also in some areas high levels of rainfall increases the growth of non-native grasses which makes it harder for the rats to find their natural food sources.
If this works, hopefully the new technology will replace the tedium of trapping and airplane fly-overs to track population changes. It could also help them determine if cattle might be used to eat away nonnative grasses in newly cultivated areas, thus allowing the Rats to find food.
A Biologist with the Nature Conservancy, Schott Butterfield stated, “It allows us to more quickly recognize whether populations are declining where we want them to exist… If they go below a threshold that is when we would consider intervening.”
Giant Kangaroo Rats are so called because they jump on their hind legs. It’s estimated that farming has taken about 90% of the Kangaroo Rats natural habitat since the middle of the last century.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080918/ap_on_sc/sci_kangaroo_rats;_ylt=AqZX1e.2G1_mLTC.etCHE.R4hMgF
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Blog ID: 1391 Posted by LucyPal on Saturday Sep 27, 2008 11:33 PM EST
Veterinarian Punished for Faking Dog's Death
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Here is a strange tail of deceit, a veterinarian and a family dog. Recently a veterinarian in Milford, Pennsylvania had her license revoked for three months, order to pay a $1,000 fine and complete a five hour course in veterinary law and ethics by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
This vet, Jennifer Makem, received this punishment by her peers for faking the death of a dog owned by one of her clients.
She had been asked to euthanize a German Shepard named Annie, whom was owned by Dana and Gary Ganyer. It was a painful decision for the couple, but they felt they had made the right one as their Annie had become plagued with chronic debilitating seizures.
However, instead of giving Annie euthanasia on February 28, 2005, the veterinarian gave her a strong sedative and told the family that the dog passed away.
Makem’s defense in front of the board claimed that she believed she was acting under orders from her boss, the owner of the Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic. She stated that she felt her job was under threat if she refused to sedate the dog instead of euthanize her.
Annie was later placed by the clinic with a Philadelphia man. However, he had to have her euthanized in November of 2005 when she lapsed into a coma-like state for two days.
The Ganyers are also seeking a lawsuit against Makem, the owner of the Mill Pod Clinic and Veterinarian Joanne Thayer, and staff member Corrine Wurst in unspecified damages. It alleges that fraud, negligence and defamation by those involved.
Source: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-09252008-1596124.html
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Blog ID: 1390 Posted by LucyPal on Friday Sep 26, 2008 1:18 PM EST
RSPCA Cuts Link to Kennel Club over Inbreeding
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The RSPCA has severed links with The Royal Kennel Club and their annual dog show called Crufts, after a documentary suggested that The Kennel Club is encouraging the inbreeding of unhealthy animals.
The Kennel Club runs its show along a series of strict guidelines for every breed. It has been suggested by many that these guidelines encourage ingredient or unhealthy mutations in order to create the ideal image. For years that can all club made donations to the RSPCA and the animal charity endorsed the club and the show.
Now it looks like they won’t be approving of the next Crufts show this spring in March. Other sponsors of the show including Samsung and various pet food companies have withdrawn their support for the next show. Plus, Great Britain’s leading canine charity, The Dogs Trust, is also thinking about withdrawing from next year’s show. In addition, the BBC, Great Britain’s national television channel will be discussing the issue of whether or not they should continue covering the Crufts show every year. The BBC currently has a contract with The Kennel Club to cover the show for two further years.
This documentary has been somewhat devastating for The Kennel Club. They are trying to defend themselves. The spokeswoman for the club stated that according to their own survey, 90% of pedigree dogs meeting kennel club standards did not suffer from health problems that would have a detrimental effect on their quality of life. In addition, she also stated that breed standards from The Kennel Club are under continual review to encourage the breeding a healthy dogs.
Chief veterinarian adviser to the RSPCA, mark Evans stated, ‘Dog shows using current breed standards as the main judging criteria actively encourage both the intentional breeding of deformed and disabled dogs and the inbreeding of closely related animals…There is compelling scientific evidence that the health and welfare of hundreds of thousands of pedigree dogs is seriously compromised as a result. From a dog health and welfare perspective, such shows are fundamentally flawed and do our much loved pedigree dogs no favors…Breeding deformed and disabled animals is morally unjustifiable and has to stop.”
Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4761471.ece
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Blog ID: 1387 Posted by LucyPal on Thursday Sep 25, 2008 9:24 PM EST
Equine Influenza Vaccine Has Some Veterinarians Saying Yes
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Horses get sick too! Well, obviously I knew this, but it's not something you think of when you think equine. Horses seem so strong and healthy. After all, the phrase, 'as healthy as a horse' is commonly used to say someone is in perfect health.
However, there is an equally strong equine influenza virus that can knock horses flat in almost no time at all. Equine Influenza or EI is dreaded by the entire horse industry and it has shown up all over the world. Particularly in
This matter came to a head last year when
The President of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Australia Association stated that the cost of that outbreak came in at a whopping one billion dollars. However, it could have been a lot worse.
Fear of another outbreak has the thoroughbred industry seeking to have the government start vaccinating horses against EI on a regular basis. This came out in a summit between the two sides today. The government is against vaccination claiming it's unnecessary and dangerous because it could potentially mask symptoms of another EI outbreak in a different form. They claim that the virus has been eradicated.
The thoroughbred racing industry is ready to vaccinate their thoroughbred population and pay the $10 to $15 million cost.
Many outside veterinarian experts are encouraging that
During the outbreak many of the thoroughbred and standardbred horses were vaccinated against EI. However, they are due for another set of shots towards the end of the year. While, those horses who contracted the flu and recovered will be losing their natural T-Cell immunities soon as well.
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Blog ID: 1384 Posted by LucyPal on Wednesday Sep 24, 2008 10:21 AM EST
Colleges Going to Pet Friendly Dorms
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Colleges today are taking more interest in animals especially pets. Many colleges have joined a growing trend in creating pet friendly dorm rooms for interested students. These days there are a dozen or more such colleges around the country that offer pet friendly dorm rooms for students to bring their pets to college.
One such college is Washington and Jefferson College near Pittsburgh. About two years ago when they first offered these unique dorm residences for some of their students. The astute dunce really took to it. One student, Christine Durkoske, brought her pet a six year old Bichon fries, her dog has traveled with her all over the world to places like Mexico, Canada and Italy. He is one of her and constant companions and she states that when she graduates he will come with her wherever she goes to start her career.
Other colleges are that have gone into the pet friendly game are Stevens College in Colombia, Missouri and Eckerd College in saint Petersburg, Florida. Stevens College has 60 rooms in two residence halls that are pet friendly and home to various animals including; cats, dogs, Kim stars, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Eckerd College had a few problems with pets when they first started. Once they had to modify the snakes size policy after one student brought in a 12ft. boat constrictor that scared some other students. And at Stevens College administrators had to remove pets from two students who weren’t giving them the proper care and attention they needed. However, can those students cleaned up their acts and later got their pets back. There were also cases of dogs barking at each other and barking incessantly which they had to call in a trainer to take care of but the problem was solved.
The American society for the prevention of cruelty to animals is ‘ cautiously supportive’ of pet friendly campus ideas. Stephen Zawistowski of the ASPCA stated, ‘We know kids will have pets anyhow … and it's probable that if the college has a good program that's well-structured," with regular monitoring, it works to the animals' advantage.’
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-09-23-dorm-pets_N.htm
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Blog ID: 1383 Posted by LucyPal on Tuesday Sep 23, 2008 11:31 PM EST
Bill Banning Horse Slaughter Worries Veterinarians
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Veterinarians in Montana are expressing concern over a new bill that would ban horse owners from sending their horses to slaughter knowing the meat might be eating by people. This wednesday the House Judiciary Commitee in Montana will be voting on the bill to decide whether or not to pass it into the US. House for voting.
This bill will send anyone, horse owners, dealers or vets to a federal prison for three years if it were found that they knowingly sent their horses to slaughter.
While it may seem very odd to us, horse meat is still considered a delicacy in places like Europe and Asia. Even places like Mexico, south of the border will slaughter horses for human consumption.
However, the first offense would be considered a misdemeanor if the horse owner has less than five horses. So the accused would get a second chance. Though, if he or she persisted in sending horses to slaughter it would mean prison time. Of course, this bill will still need to be approved by the US. House and the Senate. There are plenty of hurdles yet to pass.
Veterinarians in the area are concerned about this bill. They state that if passed it could result in more neglect and abuse of horses. Doug Corey, an Oregon Horse veterinarian and former president of the American Association of Equine Practioners said that passing this bill will force owners to turn their horses loose to starve or be run down on the roads. Since slaughter for some may be the only viable alternative to watching their horse starve for lack of grain or fall ill without vet care they can't afford.
A Humane Society Spokeswoman in Washington, D.C. dismissed some protesters complaints that the proposed prison sentence was too severe and that there weren't enough horse sanctuaries to care for unwanted horses.
Source: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/DC5/809180334
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Blog ID: 1379 Posted by LucyPal on Monday Sep 22, 2008 10:36 AM EST
Long Dog Dachshund Races a Success
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I have always adored Dachshunds for their unique body shape and effervescent personalities. So, I'm kind of in a toss up over this recent wiener dog attraction. This past Sunday the first Long Dog Derby was held with dozens of long dogs running the racetracks at the Oktoberfest celebrations in Denver, Colorado.
This race was just one of several fun attractions that involved rambunctious wiener dogs. Over 60 dogs signed up to participate in races in six different categories including one aptly named, 'Hot Dog Carts' for those Dachshunds doggie wheelchairs and 'little links' for the puppies aged 1 year and younger. Owners and members of the crowd were able to cheer on Dachshunds with many unique names like; Daisy the Destroyer, Lightning Lilly, Black Pearl and Frank the Tank.
These puppies handled the races with varying degrees of success from dashing straight to the finish line to meandering dazedly across the track. I'm sure a few of them just sat down and cried for their owners. Not every dog is a racer.
It takes two to handle each pup at the races. One dog person to hold the dog at the starting line and a second at the finish line to encourage the dog to head straight for them. Denver Actor Paul Borillo called the race and told the puppy handlers, 'No spanking them, no pushing them, you just lift your hands off."
Another fun event involving these long dogs was the costume contest. The wiener being a 6 year old miniature long haired dachshund named Oscar Mayer Weiner. You can easily assume what his winning costume was this year. I wonder where you get a miniature sized bun costume?
Oscar's owner feels no guilt over making his pooch wear the costume stating,’ He has been wearing it for Halloween for the last two or three years; he doesn't object, he is a good sport.'
Other dog owners like Loreli Walker, 29, remarked on the amazing personality of these Dachshunds. She's stated of her dog, Daisy May, 'The dog had never raced before, but she wasn't thrown off by the crowd and hoopla...They have such personality...They think they are pretty big dogs when they're not.'
Source: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10525432
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Blog ID: 1378 Posted by LucyPal on Sunday Sep 21, 2008 1:26 PM EST
Mountain Dog Receives Stem Cell Treatment
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It seems that stem cell research in order to benefit animals isn’t being held up the way it is for humans. Just recently a Bernese mountain dog was treated with stem cell therapy in order to repair his arthritic joint.
Crystal Myers is the owner of Cooper, the Bernese mountain dog who got the rare chance these days to undergo stem cell therapy. She decided to pursue this alternative option, when the veterinarians gave her only two choices: replacement surgery for the joint or amputation for the young 2 year old dog. Not satisfied with either choice she turned to the Santa Cruz Westside Animal Hospital for stem cell therapy.
This veterinary clinic is one of just 150 to 200 veterinarians who are certified to practice stem cell treatments within 100 miles of Santa Cruz. This technology is very new and rapidly being adopted by vets as soon as they are authorized to use it.
President of Westside Animal Hospital, David Shuman stated, ‘This is the coolest thing I've ever seen in veterinary medicine…All of the dogs that have been treated by us are doing unbelievably well…I have now done seven in the past six weeks…This is cutting edge stuff and we're on the winning side.”
The procedure for this stem cell treatment is also very easy. The dogs come in, are anesthetized and a small fat sample is removed from their abdomen. The sample is processed at a special facility where the fat cells are collected. When the fat stem cells are sent back to the vet, the dog is brought back in for their procedure. The skin around the dog’s affect joint is anesthetized and the cells are injected into the affected joint or connective tissue.
Those newly placed stem cells grow into the joint’s own tissue and the joint improves. Crystal Myers said of her dog, ‘The surgery was super easy…We brought him to get the fatty tissues removed and two days later his elbow was shaved and the cells were injected. He's like a whole new dog.’
Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10523710?source=most_emailed
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Blog ID: 1376 Posted by LucyPal on Saturday Sep 20, 2008 1:37 PM EST
Dog Breeder to Replace Puppy Lost in Hunting Accident
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Here is your feel good story of the week. A British Columbia dog reader is going to donate a puppy to the twelve year old cancer survivor named, Max rose, to help replace the loss of his puppy, a fourteen week old Jack Russell terrier.
Max received his puppy to celebrate the end of his three year battle with brain cancer. Sadly the puppy named Seymour, was killed last Saturday accidentally, by passing hunters when he raced out of the yard after them. It is a great loss for the family and especially the young boy Max. Max is father, nick rose, was the one who found the puppy by the side of the road after hearing a gunshot.
He stated that the outpouring of subvert from the surrounding a bind Rhode Island community has been overwhelming with offers of new puppies and financial compensation.
However, it looks like the dog breeder who originally gave Seymour to the family will be the most likely to provide another family pet. The breeder, Lois Clough, has remained in touch with the family since the accident.
She has stated, “We've talked a lot, and how terrifically hard this is on the family - just expressing the horror and heartbreak of the situation…When you raise puppies - and Seymour was a particularly charming fellow - it just seemed to be a match made in heaven for this family that has been through so much.”
The breeder has already sent pictures of a new litter of 8 week old terriers to the Rose family. And she will be sending them one named, Leo, when they are ready.
On Monday and31 year old Cody Wellard turned himself into the Westshore RCMP detachment stating that the shooting was an accident. He was a released with a promise to appear in Campbell River Court on October 13. Police will seek charges of careless use of a firearm and endangering an animal.
Source: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080917/BC_breeder_donates_080917/20080917?hub=TopStories
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Blog ID: 1373 Posted by LucyPal on Friday Sep 19, 2008 11:58 AM EST
Veterinarians Needed in Rural Areas
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I’ve mentioned previously the growing need for veterinarians. In the past twenty years the number of it that veterinary school graduates in the United States has only increased from 2200 yearly to roughly 2500 yearly. While there hasn’t been a decrease in the number of graduates yearly, the numbers haven’t been increasing fast enough to keep up with the growing demand for vets.
Of course the American Veterinary Medical Association has found that one of the biggest gaps in meeting demand is between the lack food supply veterinarians compared to pet vets. The AVMA completed a study that found the demand for these food supply vets would increase about 13 percent between 2006 and 2016, while there would be a 5 percent shortfall in the number of graduating food supply vets every year.
The AVMA found one of the biggest problems if that there simply isn’t enough room at the veterinarian schools to hold more students. This accounts to the slow increase in the number of students that graduate each year. Yet, the number of applications to get into vet school have been increasing. So, it’s obvious there isn’t a lack of interest in becoming a veterinarian.
One issue in this lack of demand for jobs working as a food supply veterinarian is the culture difference. More and more people are growing up in suburbs and cities and away from the farm and countryside. They just don’t feel comfortable working with large and animals. In addition specializing in large animal medicine is hard work. You often have to wrestle with animal and truck yourself to the farms to meet your patient.
In an effort to reduce the shortage of food supply veterinarians in certain areas and regions of the country the American Veterinary Medical Association is offering a loan forgiveness program. This program will help graduating students in veterinary medicine to reduce their loan debt after school if they work in areas where there is a demand for veterinarians. This could help encourage more people to become veterinarians who are deterred by an average debt of $120,000.00 after graduating.
Source: http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=68400
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Blog ID: 1372 Posted by LucyPal on Thursday Sep 18, 2008 5:45 PM EST
Teen Arrested for Impersonating Big Cat Handler
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An Australian teenager from Gulgong was arrested for impersonating a Big Cat Handler at the local Western Plains zoo. The teen, Adrian Simpson, 19 years of age, has Asperger Syndrome and narcissistic personality disorder. He is well known throughout the local community for his antics in pretending he held other professional positions.
One neighbour in fact stated that he was known around town as being ‘just like that kid from Catch Me If You Can, only better.’
The young man made up a uniform and altered a vehicle to look like those used by the zoo in order to impersonate a ‘Senior Carnivore Keeper’. He impersonated an employee from the zoo between the months of September last through February. This may not see like a big deal, except for the fact that he led people to believe he had experience working with large, carnivorous cats. In addition, he also took one couple on a tour of the zoo and even took them inside an enclosure.
Simpson even applied for employment at other zoos and animal facilities under his guise. He’s applied at the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and Zoos Victoria using the Dubbo Zoo as a work reference. In his applications he also claimed to have attended a North Queensland TAFE College.
Simpson even created a wikipedia article about himself on Wikipedia listing himself as one of the world’s leading animal experts. That listing has since been removed.
Alan Hogan, Simpson’s Lawyer stated that the young man has already taken to the idea of counselling, saying, ‘He has a problem and is aware of that problem."
On the condition that Simpson not get into trouble for any similar offences in the next six months the court magistrate has dismissed the charges of fraud.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/national/big-cat-handler-saved-from-the-cage-20080918-4iy7.html
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Blog ID: 1371 Posted by LucyPal on Wednesday Sep 17, 2008 12:30 PM EST
Goats Used to Clean Up Los Angeles
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Baaa! I say we’re living in a world of goats. At least people in Los Angeles are or have been for a few days last week. It seems the city hired goats to clear off the brush from a small section of land near Bunker Hill high rises. A Community Redevelopment Agency hired the goats to chew on unsightly and dry fire risk brush on a portion of Angels Knoll. According to the agency goats are cheaper for brush clearing than humans at $3,000.00 for a herd of goats to $7,500.00 for people with weed whackers. Goats are also more environmentally friendly and less energy consumptive.
Residents living in the concrete and glass city were amazed at the site of these 100 goats eagerly chewing away after brush one morning last week. People came out of subway exits and down from their high apartments two gawk at the happy eaters as well as take pictures and even pat some of them. As it appears these goats are very tame and easy to get along with.
Most of the goats in the heard are female and to make sure no funny business goes on the male goats have been castrated. These are South African Boer goats.
Many people took out their cell phone cameras and snapped fun pictures of these animal recyclers. One such person the key bravo, a student was near downtown Los Angeles told The Times reporters, ‘My friends won't believe it unless they see it.’
Some spectators even suggested playing The Sound of Music sound track in the background.
The goats have their own security as well as the goat Handler to ensure nothing happens to the goats. The goats are from Corona, California and we’ll be staying overnight as they work late on the job.
Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/09/the-denizens-of.html
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Blog ID: 1368 Posted by LucyPal on Tuesday Sep 16, 2008 5:33 PM EST
Israeli City to Try DNA Matching on Dog Droppings
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The Israeli City of Petah Tikva is now instituting a six month trial program to help encourage dog owners to scoop up their dog’s poop. Yep, they will now use DNA samples to help determine which dog errant dog droppings belong too. So, if you live in Petah Tikva you’d better make sure to take a doggie bag along with you.
To get the program underway, all dog owners in the city are to take their pets to a municipal veterinarian who will swab their dog’s mouths for a DNA sample. This sample is then entered into a DNA Database that the city is building. The city will be able to match any errant dog droppings with those DNA samples in the database to track down the dog’s owner. These miscreant pet owners will then be fined for not following the city’s animal waste policy.
In addition, those dog owner’s who do pick up their pet’s waste and place it in specially marked bins on the streets of Petah Tikva will become eligible for rewards like, pet food coupons and doggie toys.
Tika Bar-on, the City’s Chief Veterinarian came up with this rather unique idea for keeping the streets clean stated, ‘My goal is to get the residents involved, and tell them that together, we can make our environment clean…The sky is the limit on how far we can take this.”
Though it may seem strange to us that they are going to such extremes to keep their streets clean, the residents appear to have accepted the program and are cooperating in a civic spirit.
In addition, a large database of canine DNA samples could help veterinarians and researchers looking at genetic diseases and mutations in dogs. Bar-on said that the city will consider making this DNA testing mandatory for pet owners if the six month trial program is successful.
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Blog ID: 1367 Posted by LucyPal on Monday Sep 15, 2008 4:28 PM EST
Some Horse Veterinarians Use Acupuncture
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Using Acupuncture is often thought of as an alternative medicine even today, but very few people think of using acupuncture the way this veterinarian is practicing it. A licensed horse veterinarian, Nancy Elliot, in Atherton, California works her magic with acupuncture.
About 20 years ago, Elliot moved from a traditional veterinary practice to the more unconventional use of acupuncture and chiropractic medicine. She’s the only veterinarian on the peninsular who practices this ancient Eastern art form, but horse owners love her work.
Elliot first came into the idea of acupuncture when she graduated from vet school and worked at the Peninsula Equine Medical Center. Her she met a self-taught horse chiropractor who could do amazing things with the horses. During this time Elliot began to notice how many different ailments fell into a chronic injury category. Vets could treat the symptoms but knew little about ways to help the underlying cause of the injury. Acupuncture and its ideas of promoting the body’s own healing tendencies appealed to Elliot. She went back to school for training in acupuncture and chiropractic medicine.
She told the San Mateo County Times of the Chiropractor she first worked with, "I could go over to a horse and touch his body and find things that were not right. She would work on him. She had this ease with the horses in a way I had never seen… Horses are very honest. They really want to do the right thing. As you work on their body, you can feel it changing with you… All of a sudden, they can do something that's really hard for them. All this tension goes away… Joints are joints, and bodies are bodies, and once you figure out how they're supposed to move, you can help them.”
Elliot can’t always fix a problem with her acupuncture and chiropractic measures, but she can usually reduce the pain and even diagnose medical ailments not noticed by other vets. With her training she’s able to go in very instinctively palpating the horse’s until she feels something that’s ‘not right’ or the horse responds in pain until she diagnoses the problem.
A recent policy of zero drug tolerance for humans and animals has put neuropaths like veterinarian Nancy Elliot in high demand.
Source: http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_10464850?source=most_emailed
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Blog ID: 1365 Posted by LucyPal on Sunday Sep 14, 2008 2:12 PM EST
Lost Cat Returned Home After Nine Years
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A Birmingham a couple has been reunited with their missing cat after nine that long years. It seems that the cat now that the cat, named Dixie, now fifteen years old went missing in 1999. She was bought to have been killed by a car. They grieved for their lost cat and essentially moved on.
However, the couple, Alan and Gilly Delaney, received a surprise phone call from the RSPCA this past Wednesday. They had found a thin, and disheveled cat less than half a mile from the Delaney’s home. This, after a concerned citizen called up the animal charity to report a cat that had been living in the area for a couple of months.
After picking it up RSPCA animal collection officer Alan Pittaway checked for a microchip in the cat and found it. No microchip confirmed it was, this was Dixie. They called up the couple and found they still lived in the same place after nine long years. Dixie was returned to her former owners within half an hour.
The animal control officer, Alan Pittaway stated, ‘In 29 years of working for the RSPCA I have never seen anyone so excited and happy as Mrs Delaney…It made my day to return Dixie to her owners.’
Apparently, the couple was overjoyed that they would be reunited with their cat after so many years.
Gilly Delaney stated, ‘Dixie's personality, behavior and little mannerisms have not changed at all…We don't think she has stopped purring since she came back through the door.’
The RSPCA hope that the story will encourage other pet owners to have their pets microchipped because you never know when your pet may show up again. That dog you lost several years ago just may show up on your doorstep again one day.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080910/od_nm/britain_cat_odd_dc;_ylt=Aj72yE.9sS2NPmRruNr5IZZ4hMgF
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Blog ID: 1360 Posted by LucyPal on Saturday Sep 13, 2008 1:14 PM EST
Some Mad Cow Disease is Genetic, Research Says
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Doctor Juergen A. Richt a distinguished Regents sir of diagnostic medicine and Pathobiology at the Kansas state university college of veterinary medicine has a bound that mad cow disease can also be caused by genetic mutations. Meaning that some cows have the gene to develop the mad cow disease.
Richt’s team has found new evidence to suggest that mad cow disease is not only food or born but is also rarely caused by a cows own genetics. Mad cow is caused by a genetic mutation within a gene called, Prion protein gene. Prion proteins are those expressed a abundantly in the brain and immune cells of the mammals.
This research follows a ten year old cow from Alabama with an a typical form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. It was found that this cow had the same type of Prion protein gene mutation that is found in people who develop the genetic form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
In humans, mad cow disease is Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. It sometimes develops sporadically from genetic mutations in people’s genes and also is food born meaning when people eat the food products that are contaminated with the mad cow disease.
These findings by the team at the Kansas state university college of veterinary medicine indicate that cows are like humans in that some cases of mad cow disease is genetic while others are food born.
Richt stated that, ‘Our findings that there is a genetic component to BSE are significant because they tell you we can have this disease everywhere in the world, even in so-called BSE-free countries… It's a slow process for infectious Prion proteins to develop…That's why the disease takes a long time -- as long as several years -- to show up… Genetic BSE we can combat…We have submitted a patent for a test system that can assess all bulls and cows before they're bred to see whether they have this mutation.’
Mad cow disease caused by genetics is extremely rare. A recent epidemiological study estimated that the mutation affects less than one in 2000 cattle.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912075208.htm
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Blog ID: 1359 Posted by LucyPal on Friday Sep 12, 2008 7:32 PM EST
Cat Breeder in Canada Under Investigation
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A cat breeder in Nanaimo, Vancouver is now being closely watched by be local SPCA. This breeder, unnamed, breeds Siamese cats. However he may not do this for much longer as the local British Columbia SPCA is currently investigating her and will possibly file charges.
It was reported in the Nanaimo news bulletin that this breeder voluntarily surrendered fourteen cats to the Nanaimo SPCA after a complaint that the cats were living in unhealthy conditions.
And investigating officer, Tina Heary, stated that the cats lived in don’t be conditions without proper ventilation and that there were rodents where the cats were being kept.
She further stated, ‘It was very unsanitary… But they are in the care of the SPCA now, they’re on medication for respiratory infections and they’re all expected to be OK. We’ll keep them and care for them until they’re adopted.”
Earlier this year the same breeder surrendered 21 Siamese cats and 3 dogs. However he is still allowed to sell what animals despite the ongoing investigations.
Heary also stated, ‘He still has dogs and birds for sale… There is nothing we can do about that. All we can do at this time is provide verbal and written recommendations since we don’t have any legal authority. He can comply with them or not.’
The breeder in question continues to sell animals to individuals and pet stories on Vancouver Island. The investigating officer said that she has investigated three separate the breeders’ recently for keeping animals in unsanitary conditions. There are two on Vancouver Island and another on a gulf island.
People buying pets from dog or cat breeders should be extremely thorough and careful in the process. Make sure the pet is registered and has seen a veterinarian for all its shots and a physical. In addition, make sure the greater offer some sort of return for recompense policy in case the animal ends up sick or worse yet, dies.
Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/27202759.html
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Blog ID: 1358 Posted by LucyPal on Thursday Sep 11, 2008 3:13 PM EST
Arizona Veterinarian Found Not Guilty of Punching Chihuahua
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A Sun City West, Arizona Veterinarian has been found not guilty of animal abuse in a year old case against him this past Tuesday. The veterinarian had been accused of hitting a 5 pound Chihuahua, named Bella, in the head by two vet techs in June 2007. An incident which caused the Chihuahua’s eye to bulge out.
The veterinarian, Dr. Joshua Winston, 54, stated that the incident which caused the small dog’s eye to bulge was the result of the dog struggling and him attempting to restrain it. This caused the dog’s blood pressure to skyrocket and resulted in the eye bulging out.
Several expert testimonies stated that it was quite common for the eyes of small dogs to bulge in struggles. Plus, Winton repositioned the eye and sewed the corner of the eyelid to ensure that the dog’s eye wouldn’t rebulge. The dog’s owner was also referred to an eye specialist who determined that Bella’s eye sight remained fine in both eyes.
Rob Willard, the jury foreman stated, ‘Because of pressure that built up, it (the eye) bulged, it was pushed forward…If the dog had been punched or hit, there would have been bruising on the dog. There was no bruising on the dog…You've got three veterinarians who said there was no evidence the dog was hit. That's reasonable doubt.’
In addition, it was implied that the two vet techs were disgruntled employees with a reason for exaggerating their claims to the point of animal abuse.
Dr. Winston was found not guilty by a Maricopa County Superior Court Jury of 8 people this Tuesday and earlier last September by the Arizona Veterinary Medical Board.
When the judgment was handed down Winston started crying and hugging his friends and relatives. The cost of his innocence in court and continued chance to veterinary medicine, his retirement savings and a college education account.
Source: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/09/09/20080909chihuahua0909-ON.html#comments
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Left by peppylephew on Wed Oct 01, 2008
This kind of employees should think about what they are saying and take into account how many people they are realy hurting.Chihuahuas are prone to enough problems without people making it harder and harder to get a vet to look at them.Chihuahua owner Sherri
Blog ID: 1357 Posted by LucyPal on Wednesday Sep 10, 2008 12:32 PM EST
Animal Welfare Group Pressuring Australian Dog Breeders
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Animals Australia, a prominent Australian animal welfare organization is now urging the government to tighten laws against back yard dog breeders. They also want the government to limit the number of the puppies bread for profit.
They are blaming the large numbers of dogs being bred for the sharp increase in dog homelessness with. According to the group about 30,000 dogs end up at a pound or shelter into Victoria Australia each year. Of those 30,000 half are reclaimed by owners, 5000 find new homes and 10,000 have to be euthanized every year.
According to executive director Glenys Oogjes, ‘"Every puppy that is born means one more dog at the shelter will be put down… There are only a finite number of homes for dogs -- it's as simple as that…. Those of us who have had to have our dog euthanised because of illness know how upsetting it is. It's a very difficult job to have to put healthy dogs to sleep because no one wants them.’
It can be easy for dog breeders to breed to many dogs in any season. This is a problem breeders must keep a close eye on in their business. The pedigree dog breeding association, Dogs Victoria said they already had best practice guidelines for dog breeders. However, they will consider a license requirement for their members.
However, backyard dog breeder, Diane Cochrane stated it was unfair to focus on the breeders. She said, ‘They shouldn't tell you what you can and can't do…People who want a dog are going to go out and buy what they want -- it doesn't matter what the breeders do.’ She also stated that the number of pedigreed dogs ending up in shelters proved that no dog breeder could control what happens to their dogs after they are sold.
Source: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24305582-2862,00.html
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Blog ID: 1354 Posted by LucyPal on Tuesday Sep 9, 2008 10:47 AM EST
Animal Art Auction to be Held
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Animals and their art! By golly I’m still intrigued by this concept no matter how many times I read about it. It seems that all kinds of animals have an aptitude for artwork like Kangaroos, rhinos, ocelots, elephants and giraffes! Even some animals that live in aquariums like, I’m assuming, the reptilian and amphibian kind like to create artwork.
This September 16th an auction called, ‘Art by Animals’ will be held next week by the Auction Network. This is an online auction open to everyone. So if you are interested be sure to look them up and make a bid. Their art catalog is up at: http://www.auctionnetwork.com/aza/.
All kinds of artworks created by many different species will be auctioned off next week ranging from those I mentioned above to red pandas, frogs and even Komodo Dragons. I took a look at some of the art and it is unique. If you are in the market for a perfect paw print try checking out the piece by ‘Cha Cha the Lion’. It seems he only appreciates art featuring his liony greatness. For something a bit more substantial try the deep red work by Aurora the Polar Bear. Could she be making a point about the plight of her kind?
The President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Jim Maddy, stated that art can be a valuable form of enrichment for animals housed in zoos and aquariums. It’s a safe practice as well since paints that the animals use are non-toxic and washable. Maddy goes on to say, ‘Some animals use a paintbrush while others chose to paint with their paws, claws, tails and scales.’
This is a live online auction and as such will feature some special guest appearances by celebs like Jack Hanna of the Columbus Zoo and British Wildlife Presenter Nigel Marven. An entertaining pre-show for the event is set to start at 4 pm followed by the live auction at 5 pm.
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Blog ID: 1352 Posted by LucyPal on Monday Sep 8, 2008 10:51 AM EST
Sire Horse Storm Cat to Retire at Overbrook Farm
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It’s been awhile since I’ve written about the latest going ons in equestrian news. For those of you who haven’t figured out that’s horse news. So, I figured I’d drop in with a mention about this Stallion named Storm Cat. This stallion is owned by Overbrook Farm in Kentucky.
For years he has been the top stud at the farm. Although he has only raced eight times he has eighteen crops of progeny, including leading sires and broodmares. He’s also produced eight champion horses. Storm Cat has been working at the farm since 1988 and he is an elderly 25 years old. Just this year Overbrook farm has decided to retire this top stallion.
He’s been retired after impregnated three mares this season and these will be the last of his champion stock.
Ric Waldman, an adviser to Overbrook Farm has stated, ‘We have mixed feelings about them because we know this is the last large crop of Storm Cat yearlings. Storm Cat's reputation has been made by his high-priced yearlings … you know this overwhelmingly large number of seven-figure yearlings’
His children certainly have a tendency to bring in the cash. Seven of the ten colts that sold for $5.5 million during last September sales at Keeneland were his. And three of the six fillies that sold for 3 million or more during last September were also his. The most expensive of his children proved to be the horse, Jalil, who sold in 2005 for $9.7 million with quite the coming out. These are young unproven hourses and still they sold for millions because of their potential and their parentage.
This year’s September sale opens today and will continue until September 23. It remains to be seen whether his progeny continue to bring in the high stakes numbers.
Storm Cat’s legacy and progeny will certainly continue on in equestrian circles for years to come.
Source: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/BUSINESS/809070405/1003
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Blog ID: 1349 Posted by LucyPal on Sunday Sep 7, 2008 4:57 PM EST
Little Doggie Swallows 13 Golf Balls
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Oscar the black Labrador retriever performed an amazing magic trick for his owner. He swallowed thirteen golf balls. Yet, this little five year old black Labrador swallowed on entire Baker’s dozen of golf balls.
Oscar’s owner, Chris Morrison, takes his dog on regular walks near the Pitreavie Golf Course in Dunfermline, Fife in Great Britain. Chris Morrison did not notice that his dog was beating the golf balls until Oscar gave off a distinct rattling noise.
He took the little dog to their veterinarian, Bob Hesketh, where Oscar went in for emergency surgery. The veterinarian was stunned when a open off stir up. He stated, ‘It was like a magic trick…When I went into his stomach I was expecting one or two balls, but they just kept coming…until we had a bagful.’ One Golf ball had been in there so long it turned black.