Texas New Anti-Tethering Law Begins 9/1/7

Effective September 1, all laws passed by the Texas Legislature this spring will go into effect, including many that will improve the lives of animals in Texas. Among them is HB 1411, which addresses the UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOGS, commonly known as the chaining or tethering of dogs. In general, it is now against the law to leave a dog chained up between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; for longer than 3 hours; when the temperature is below 32 degrees; or during a heat advisory or tornado warning.

The new law also addresses the length of a restraint—at least 10 feet or fives times the length of the dog—and the types of collars that cannot be used.

If you know of someone who is violating this new law, contact Animal Services or call 911 immediately. YOU can make a difference in the quality of life for a neglected dog. For a printable copy of the entire law, click here.

The dog in this picture? She's been chained in East Texas all her life, but thanks to some hard-working local rescuers, she'll soon be safe in the arms of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue and looking for a new family who'll help her start life over.

Wal-Mart still selling recalled cat food...

Special Kitty cat food:








...There is still more recalled cat food on shelves in another Wal-Mart store. A TV news team in Alabama went to the Clanton Wal-Mart and found dozens of Special Kitty Pouches just like the ones McComber had purchased.


Initially, the product code checks out as safe, but if the sticker is peeled off, there is another product code underneath. The original UPC code underneath the sticker matches the ones on the pet food recall list.

Because the stickers are over the recalled product code, the items can be purchased by consumers. The news investigator left one of the stickers off of the packages. When the cashier scanned the label on the package, it said do not sell and the cashier would not let him purchase it.

Calls were made to Menu Foods and Wal-Mart in regards to the recalled cat food still on shelves. Wal-Mart issued a statement: “We have worked with our supplier to investigate the concerns raised by WSFA 12 News. Menu Foods, the manufacturer of Special Kitty products, assures us that the products currently available in Wal-Mart stores are, indeed, safe.” A spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said the problem is with the packaging, and not the product. In regards to the packaging problems, she said Menu Foods would have to answer that question. There has been no comment from Menu Foods.


Be Aware!





http://www.itchmo.com/more-recalled-menu-foods-pet-food-found-in-wal-mart-2463

Urban Coyotes - A Warning

Coyote's don't just prowl the open prairies and dry grasslands of rural Texas. They are adapting to, and thriving in, urban and suburban areas all across the country - including the Metroplex. Last week one was one spotted near Ohio Drive and Plano Parkway, just north of Hillcrest and Frankford. It was a daylight sighting - unusual, but not uncommon. The coyote wasn't more than 5 feet from the road, hunting in the foot-tall grass. Traffic was whizzing by on both sides of her and it never fazed her. This is an area surrounded by residential subdivisions, retail, and a couple of auto dealers - definitely not rural. A few months back another was spotted in a residential area not far from a local high school and just a few miles away. That spotting was made around 7 a.m.

And the Coyote's aren't alone. There are foxes, falcons, and owls hunting right in our neighborhoods. Even if you don't see them, they are there. And they don't think twice about snatching a small dog or cat for a meal, or even attacking a larger dog if they feel threatened. Everyone needs to realize this and be aware. Cat owners need to keep their cats indoors, particularly at night, in the early morning, and as the sun begins to set. Dog owners need to be especially vigilant about keeping small dogs inside or on a leash at all times. Not just because we have leash laws, but because coyotes have been known to scale fences as tall as 5' or 6'. Wildlife experts tell us that many animals their owners think became lost, were really taken by coyotes. Be vigilant and your pet will not become an urban coyote's next meal.

Resources for More Information:

If you are considering making your indoor/outdoor cat an indoor cat, the Humane Society of the United States has some helpful information on their website at:
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/humane_society_magazines_and_newsletters/all_animals/volume_4_issue_1_spring_2002/a_safe_cat_is_a_happy_cat_and_your_cat_is_only_safe_indoors.html

For more information on coyotes and foxes in urban areas, the DFW Wildlife Coalition has posted a fact sheet from Fund For Animals on their website at:
http://dfwwildlife.org/resources/fs_co10_foxes.pdf

Learn more about coyotes in our area by reading the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's recent press release containing information from their experts:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20070319c

For more information on animal welfare topics, visit http://www.companionsforlife.org/

Wal-Mart: Bestro Chick Jerky Strips

Wal-Mart Removes
Bestro Chicken
Jerky Strips
After Dog Death

Wal-Mart Removes Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips After Dog Death

Wal-Mart has quietly pulled the made in China dog treat from its stores named Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips. There has been no announcement to the public as of yet. It is also uncertain of how many tainted bags of treats there may still be out among consumers.

A recall has not been issued. There has not been any information on FDA’s website. Wal-Mart has told consumers if they have purchased Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips, they can return them for a full refund.

http://www.itchmo.com/wal-mart-removes-bestro-chicken-jerky-strips-after-dog-death-2321

Be Aware!

Evacuating With Pets - Resources & Information

NOAA's National Hurricane Center is monitoring the season's first hurricane as it continues to strengthen and impacts the Caribbean islands. Hurricane Dean has just been upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane and continues it's approach to the Gulf of Mexico, now projected for Tuesday or Wednesday.

Please keep in mind that the State of Texas hurricane evacuation plan directs that people will be allowed to evacuate with their pets. Please urge everyone you know to take their pets with them if they leave. We must heed the lessons learned after Katrina.

If you have friends or family along the Texas Coast or in the Houston area that may need to evacuate with their pets, here is a list of resources that may help them prepare:

State of Texas Emergency Portal

Pets Allowed Hotels

Department of Homeland Security's Preparing Your Pets For Disaster

Please remind anyone evacuating with a pet to along a photo of their pet, vet records, microchip registrations, identification tags, collars, leashes, prescriptions medicines and a pet carrier or wire kennel.

[Note: If an evacuation is ordered for Harris County, the flood of evacuees with pets needing shelter will put great demand on the animal welfare system in the Metroplex. We will post needs for volunteers and/or donations here as we get word of them, so check back often if you would like to help.]