Take Action -- Fight Cruelty...

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY:
Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_report

State Anti-Cruelty Investigatory-Arrest Powers
Ever wonder why the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement officers have the power to arrest, but the animal cruelty investigators in your town don’t? You can find out who has the power to investigate and arrest instances of animal cruelty in your state—and what they can and cannot do—via our comprehensive chart. Simply click on your state to learn more, or download the complete list of all states
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_investigate

FIGHT CRUELTY: Protect Your Pet
Don't let your pet be the victim of a cruel act! The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives many calls from owners whose animals were maliciously poisoned—sometimes right in their own backyards. APCC has provided the following tips to prevent this from happening to your animal companions:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_protectyourpet

Cruelty Glossary
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_crueltyglossary

Talking to Kids About Animal Cruelty
From cats to canaries, from Dobermans to dachshunds, our pets often seem to know how we feel. They comfort us when we're hurt, and make us happy when we're sad. They share our joy, and stay by our side when times are bad. But, sometimes, some people are mean to animals. How do you explain this to a child? http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_kidsandcruelty

Dog Fighting: What You Can Do
Although dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and carries a felony charge in most, there are still a few states in which it is not taken as seriously. If you live in a state where dog fighting is a misdemeanor, write to your legislators and ask them to make this crime a felony. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to find out what the penalty for dog fighting is in your state and how to contact your legislators.
Do your kids have questions about dog fighting? Visit our children’s website, ASPCA Animaland, for information about dog fighting that’s written especially for kids.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_dogfighting

Online Cruelty
To report websites that display acts of cruelty to animals, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_onlinecruelty

LOBBY FOR ANIMALS

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_home

It’s Not Wrong to Do the Right Thing!

Dogs In Pickups - It's NOT Safe...

...And, it's NOT legal!

Dogs who are riding in the backs of pickup trucks may look like they're having fun. But they're not safe. When you transport your dog in the open bed of your pickup, you endanger both your dog and other motorists.

If your truck hits a bump, or if you step on the brakes suddenly or swerve to avoid an obstacle, your dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed and onto the road. Chances are, this will injure or kill your dog. But even if it doesn't, being struck by another vehicle probably will. And other drivers may cause an accident by swerving to avoid hitting your dog.

Effective in 2005, Section 7.3.5 of the Dallas City Code makes it illegal to transport dogs in the open bed of any moving pickup, flatbed, or similar vehicle unless the dog is in a carrier.

An estimated 100,00 dogs die every year as a result of falling or jumping off pickup trucks. Don't let your dog be one of them!

Natural Balance Recalls Food Due To Botulism Risk

Natural Balance has announced that it is recalling it’s Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs due to a supplier’s recall. The affected formulas include 15oz cans of: Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy. The supplier, Castleberry Foods, found one instance of botulism in improperly sealed cans of human food.(hot dog chili sauce)

The recall information was only sent to subscribers of their newsletters. This information is not yet available on the Natural Balance website.

Full recall details below:

Natural Balance was informed at 2:45 pm by our USDA manufacturer, Castleberry Foods, in Augusta, GA, that they are doing a voluntary recall on all 15 oz edible foods for humans as well as our Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs (Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Chinese Take-Out and Southern Style Dumplin’s with Gravy).

This voluntary recall is from one reported case of botulism in Castleberry’s human edible Hot Dog Chili Sauce. Botulism is generally due to an improperly sealed can or a can that has become damaged, thus letting air inside.

Natural Balance checks all of its cans for any kind of leakage, puffiness or damage before they are shipped, and we have found none. However, to comply with our manufacturer, we are asking that you discontinue use and return Eatables for Dogs to your store for a full refund. We will give you more information as we get it.

Update: The FDA also just announced the recall expansion.

Be Aware!

Animal Sense Speaker Series: August 2nd./6:30p

Companions For Life
~ Animal Sense Speaker Series ~

Next Event:
Thursday, August 2nd, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Tx 75244

~ Featured Program ~

Dogs, Cats & Urban Wildlife
Presented by
Bonnie Bradshaw, President & Founder of 9-1-1 Wildlife
Texas Master Naturalist & Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator

Pet owners are much more likely than others to encounter urban wildlife.
Bonnie will teach us what to do and who to call when this happens.
She’ll also tell us how to solve common wildlife problems,
such as ducks in swimming pools, armadillos destroying lawns,
squirrels in attics, and skunks under decks.
She’ll also explain why cottontail rabbits,
opossums and other wildlife are thriving in our neighborhoods,
and why feeding wildlife can be harmful to them.

Please join us! Everyone is welcome!
A $5 donation in advance, or $10 at the door reserves your place!
Complimentary refreshments and great door prizes are included.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now at
http://www.companionsforlife.org/ – just click on Animal Sense!

Please no pets except working service dogs.

ASPCA: Disaster Readiness,,,

DISASTER
READINESS
DISCUSSION:
NO ANIMAL LEFT BEHIND

We all want to protect our pets should the worst happen—
we just may not know how. On Friday, July 20, from noon to 2 P.M. EST, we will hold a moderated discussion with the ASPCA’s Sandy Monterose, Senior Director, National Outreach, Disaster Readiness. This is a fantastic opportunity to find out how to be prepared in the case of a natural disaster. Sample questions include:

* What should I pack in my emergency kit?
* What do I do with my pet if officials evacuate my area?
* What is the role of animal rescuers?

Monterose was involved in post-Katrina rescue efforts in a variety of areas, including shelter management. A licensed veterinary technician, she’s a former animal control officer and a former shelter executive director.

Please note, you'll need to log in to post your questions, so click here to sign up if you're not already a member of the ASPCA Community. To view our most recent moderated discussion, a cat chat with the ASPCA’s Dr. Louise Murray, click here.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert071307&JServSessionIdr011=iq4gouiyj6.app23b#5

American Bullie Dog Chew Products...

July 11, 2007

FDA Warning Letter To Company That Makes American Bullie Dog Chew Products

In a follow-up to their salmonella contamination, a FDA warning letter dated June 11, 2007 was sent to T.W. Enterprises, the company that makes American Bullie Dog Chew products. The letter referenced the FDA inspections that were conducted on January 18 and 23.

During these inspections, the FDA not only found salmonella in the products, but they noted that the company had other violations. The company was found to be dipping their products in bleach.

For full information, please go to: http://itchmo.com/read/fda-warning-letter-to-company-that-makes-american-bullie-dog-chew-products_20070710

ASPCA Hot Weather Tips...

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

4th of July Safety Tips...

ASPCA Advises:

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household.


Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.


Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Companions For Life Advises:

July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs are found miles from their homes - confused, disoriented and exhausted. People call hoping to locate a missing dog or cat that was terrified and ran away!

Protect your animals this July 4th.

Be your animal companion's best friend -
you love them, so keep them safe!