Big wags for this pet protection

One of the most loved stories in Paw Print Post this year was our shelter pet contest, where you, the readers, picked your favorites. Walter, an elderly black Labrador retriever, and Eva, an adorable cat, won that contest, which enabled many readers to tell stories about pets they'd rescued, and who in turn, many said, rescued them.

The group behind the rescues in this photo album is on a distant shore, but their commitment to helping animals is near and dear to all of us. I thought you'd enjoy looking at the photos and learning more about Battlesea Dogs & Cats Home. It is one of the oldest and best known animal welfare charities in England and in the world. It is 150 years old and has found homes for three million cats and dogs since its opening.

Security device up your animals this New Year

As the fireworks and celebrations are underway, Animals around South Australia will be terrified by the loud noises and lights. With some animal hearing around 10 times more sensitive than human, that loud bang from a firework that makes you jump, can send your pets into unmanageable panic. It's not just dogs either, as the RSPCA prepares for a 30 percent increase in housing of dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and all kinds of domesticated animals.

With many revellers heading out to enjoy the celebrations, RSPCA SA chief inspector Simon Richards said it is value treating your animals like they are young children. If possible, organize a friend that is not caption out to baby sit your pet animals. If you do return home and find your animal is missing, Simon recommends calling councils, local vets, the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League. If travelling on the roads whilst fireworks displays are happening, or heading home after the events, also ensure you are aware that Animal charities may be fleeing or in a panicked state, and may flit out in front of vehicles

Man may look charges in fire that killed pets

An eastern Pennsylvania man could face Animal unkindness and contempt charges after his home burned down, killing two dozen of his pets. Sixty-year-old Joseph Mayer was barred from owning animals after he pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in 2009. Fire officials say his home was smashed Monday in a blaze caused by cardboard, paper and clothing left near a space heater.

Fifteen birds, three cats, three dogs, two rabbits and a chinchilla died in the fire. Three cats, two dogs and one rabbit survived and were being treated at a veterinary core. The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals expects Mayer to face animal cruelty charges. Defense attorney Scott Wilhelm said Mayer may not have violated the terms of his responsible plea by owning pets.

RSPCA 'at breaking point' with discarded pets

The RSPCA's Weston Creek branch has been swamped this year, with over 700 animals taken in. The Society's Michael Linke says the facility is near breaking point. "Most of society is celebrating Christmas, and celebrating winding down, when in fact here at RSPCA we're zigzag up," he said."We're here every day over the Christmas/New Year period. Staff are not going to get a break."

Mr Linke says people who plan poorly for the holidays are more likely to abandon their pets because they have not organised a place for them to stay. "There’s a sample facility available in Canberra there's boarding facilities, there are people who will come to your home and sit your pets for you while you away," he said. "So we're begging the community to really look at the commercial options available to you before you make your travel plans."

Pets silent need home

Some of the five cats and four dogs detained in a Kalispell parking lot are being adopted by the public. The animals were exposed after clawing their way out of a trailer located in the Shopko parking lot. The family who claimed some of the pets did not return to adopt one dog that was left and all of the five cats.

The dog was adopted by a family on Friday and two cats establish homes on Tuesday, leaving three cats to be adopted. Officials with the Flathead County Animal Shelter say they are currently near full capacity when it comes to housing cats, but are still accepting them. Adoptions this time of year are grave to keep animals out of the cold.

Stanhope discards Greens animal welfare reform

Under the proposal, Pet shops would be barred from putting Animal welfare in their windows and selling to children. Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says the Government is already reviewing the laws and plans to put forward its own changes next year. He says the Greens' proposal goes too far and may well lead to more people buying pets on the black market.

"There's very high degrees of rule and transparency in relation to sales through pet shops," he said. "The pet sales those are of greater concerns are those that are done irregularly, those that are done over the garden fence, those that are done at markets, those that are done over the Internet."It's those dogs that we believe are at greater risk of being ill-treated, of not being kept in circumstances they should be."

Santa Stops At Animal Service Core

Santa section made a special appearance at a local Animal shelter to help raise money for the dogs and cats that are housed there. Persons could bring in their pets to the Tallahassee Leon Community Animal Service Center to take a photo with Santa and make those special holiday memories last. Some people said they would turn the photo into a holiday greeting card and even a decoration for their Christmas tree.

"She is a member of the family, she is on our Christmas card every year and people often ask after they ask how we're doing, how's Daisy doing so, it's just a good custom to do and the kids like it and she's part of the family," said Stacie Spears. The center asked folks to donate 5 dollars per picture to help the shelter maintain and care for the animals.

Adoptable Pets

THE Alameda Animal Shelter reports the following lost pets twisted in to the shelter during the week of Dec. 7 through Dec. 11 and requests the public's assistance in their identification: A young male tan-and-white Chihuahua longhair; a young adult female black German shepherd found near Clement and Grand streets; a young male tan and white shorthair Chihuahua with a black bandanna establish near Harbor Bay Parkway; and a large male adult chocolate brown siamese cat with dark points found under a automobile on Lafayette Street.

If you recognize any of these lost pets, please contact the shelter at the number at the end of this column. Rescuer needs help: A longtime rabbit rescuer in Alameda is opposite serious health issues of her own and needs to find loving homes, or other rabbit save organizations, for as many of the bunnies in her care as possible. All are adults and are singles, pairs and one group of four siblings. Most have been spayed or neutered and are healthy, but a few have non-life-threatening health issues that need some special care.

Expect for the best works for ties, not pets

While the idea of waking up to a puppy or kitten on Christmas morning is an tempting one, the city’s Animal and Bylaw Services suggests waiting until after the holidays to become a pet owner. Director Bill Bruce said a better option to buying pets as Christmas presents is giving a gift certificate. “The whole issue comes up every Christmas about gifting of pets,” said Bruce. “Pets are a wonderful addition to everybody’s life but a pet is a very close thing.

”He said it’s better when people are able to come in and pick animals that they bond with.“We all hear the stories about gifting someone a jersey that they hate. It’s worse when you’re dealing with an actual living being.”The gift certificates can be purchased year-round and don’t finish. That approach allows the recipient to have a pet when the time is right for them, Bruce said. He added that if Animal and regulation Services doesn’t have the right animal for the gift-certificate holder, it can work something out with the Humane Society.

Pets Need to be Kept hot in the Cold

Humane Society is getting an increased number of reports of pets being left outside, alone in the cold. "Animals charities need filling, they have to have some way to get out of the cold, if you have a pet and he's chained out to a tree, rested guarantee we will remove that pet immediately," said Linda Lugo, director. 

The Humane Society urges owners to check this from happening, by doing the following:
- Keep food and water fresh for pets at all times
- Insulate shelters and dog houses with blankets, hay, or brood needles
- Bring pets inside as much as possible
Lugo recommends owners keep their pets indoors rather than outside. "Just because they have wrath skin, doesn't mean they don't get cold,"

Information for holiday travel with pets

• Always make sure your pet is properly identified with current information, like address and phone number.
• Have your pet travel in their kennel to ease strain of the animal.
• Makes sure the kennel is the right size. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. If traveling by plane, make sure the kennel is labeled with "this end up" and "live animal" stickers to cover safety.
• If traveling by car, try to keep your pet on the same potty schedule as at home.
• When traveling by plane, try to book direct flights and inform the flight entourage that you have a pet in cargo.
• Avoid traveling with pets that are too young, delicate, or sick to travel. Animals that are "pug-nosed" should not fly in the cargo of a plane. Take copies of vaccination records in case of an emergency. These documents are usually required for soaring.
• Plan your trip in proceed. Some states have strict rules on pet travel. If this happens to affect your trip, planning ahead will allow time to contact a kennel. Holidays are a busy time for kennels, so they fill up quickly.

Charity for pets

AS YOU do your Christmas shopping this year don’t forget our four-legged friends. Residents have the chance to lighten the day of an unwanted dog by making a donation or dropping off a present at a Mitcham pet supplies store.

PETstock assistant manager Jodie Miles said donations and presents left at the store’s wishing tree would benefit Rescued with Love, a Balwyn-based charity which fosters and rehouses dogs. The aid rescues unwanted dogs from pounds and shelters, and finds them a new home. To make a donation to the wishing tree go to PETstock.

Animals barred from 4th Avenue Street Fair

The 4th Avenue Merchants Association is giving a thumbs up for the recent rule to ban animals from the Fourth Avenue Street Fair."With 300,000 people, you have one percent that bring a pet, you could imagine how many pets it is. It's not a place for animals," said Kurt Tallis, director of the street light.Vendors said leaving your four-legged friends at home is a good idea, especially when it comes to safety.

"You don't need a dog who might get thrilled and bite somebody or do something - it's in the welfare for everybody," vendor Dave Schindler said.Longtime vendor Debie Quaglino said she's had her share of animals destroying her artwork during festivals."There's a lot of barking and again people try to control their pets, and it makes it difficult," Quaglino said.But others say the regulation is a bazaar, and all animals should be welcomed."Why have birds, why have fish? You know I think all Abroad animals should be invited to everything,"

300 complaint against circus animals exploitation

A crowd of some 300 protested against circus animal spite and exploitation this evening as a circus started presenting its shows in Floriana. The protesters walked from City Gate to Floriana Granaries, where the circus has been set up.
The crowd included representatives of 20 NGOS which form the Circus Animal Rights Coalition. Some of those present shouted' No to animal cruelty No to animal circuses'. They also carried banners against animal spite and jeered and booed the people who walked into the circus tent. No incidents were reported.

A spokesman for the coalition said the NGOs were concerned that notwithstanding the public's opposition to the utilization of animals in circuses, JS Productions had still brought to Malta a circus which featured Abroad animals.
In the morning, circus organisers Silvio Zammit and Johann Said said the circus featured two lions, two bears, a tiger and a hippo. They were born in detention and cared for in line with EU rules, they insisted. The circus also features acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers and a water show.

Cold weather alert: keep your pets

The temperatures are dropping quickly, and it’s time to be sure your pets are well protected from the elements. And keep an eye out for other animals whose need for shelter and warmth may be deserted during this time. Thank you to Orange County Animal Services for providing us with this vital information:

“In addition to these tips, we advise citizens to report chained dogs that are not provided with sufficient shelter for the cold weather,” said Dil Luther, Assistant Manager of Orange County Animal Services. “It is against Orange County Code to leave dogs chained outside during stormy weather as well as between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Chained dogs are at high-risk for suffering the effects of cold weather for long periods of time.”

Snakes on a airplane

A passenger was arrested after security officials exposed he had carried snakes, birds and a squirrel in hand luggage on a long-haul flight. In a thankfully less-dramatic version of the 2006 thriller film Snakes On A Plane, fellow passengers were blissfully unaware of the man's box full of pets. However, police arrested the suspect at Abu Dhabi Airport after the Etihad Airways flight from Jakarta, Indonesia when the animals were establish with him.

The snakes were identified by an specialist as being non-venomous reticulated and blood pythons. It was unclear how he managed to get the animals past security in Indonesia.Khamis al Marar, the acting director general of security affairs and ports in Abu Dhabi, stressed that carrying animals on board is strictly forbidden. In this case, other passengers' safety was at risk, he said.

He added that licensed animals had to travel in specially designed boxes, which should be stored in the aircraft's hold. The unidentified passenger was travelling on Etihad Airlines flight EY471. No-one from the airline was available for comment. Last year a Qantas flight was grounded after four pythons being approved in the hold escaped in flight between Alice Springs and Melbourne.

Why Large Birds are not correct for Everyone

Some of the most exotic animals that are kept as pets are birds. Large birds often attract a good many people because of their intelligence and almost humanlike manner. However, experts agree that large birds are not the right choice for everyone. Large breed birds, like cockatoos and parrots, are highly sought after in the market. When a bird is caged for long periods of time it will form a condition known as “cage bound.” When a bird becomes cage jump it fears the world that is outside of the cage and can turn aggressive. 

That is why large birds need to be allowed out of the confine to roam free for sure times during the day. Health problems are also common with the large birds. If they feel neglected then they may start plucking their feathers out. Birds that are frightened in their cage can do themselves harm by flying around inside the confined space. Other birds will start to bite, which can lead to further problems. As such most pet experts suggest that perspective bird owners do their research before owning a large type bird.

Micro-pigs are for life

Micro-pigs, bred to be much smaller than conservative pigs, have become popular pets but they are still farm animals and can grow much bigger, ministers warn. New pig owners should contact their vet, register their animal, have it identified and learn about its welfare needs. They are urged not to move it without a licence or feed it kitchen scraps. Pigs are subject to the same disease control measures and system as commercial livestock, says the Environment Department (Defra).

‘Remember that a pig is a ranch animal and not a pet for Christmas,’ said agriculture minister Jim Paice. ‘A micro-pig may sound like a popular gift idea – but, beware, it can grow too big. I’ve already heard stories about micro-pigs outgrowing their homes.’ Mr Paice advises pig fans to pop along to a petting farm if they want to see the mini creatures. Defra said that pigs kept as pets are still considered farm animals in law because of their wellbeing needs and the risk of spreading disease.

Don't forget your pets

The Shoshone County Humane Society reminds people to make preparations for their animals, small and large, for the winter season. Dogs and cats should have sufficient food, water and shelter. If dogs are chained, they should have exercise off their chains daily. No animal should be on a chain 24 hours a day - they need to be socialized and loved properly. They also need shelter, food and fresh, thawed water. Large animals need regular veterinarian care, vaccinations and foot adornment on a regular basis. 

We get many complaints about horses not being cared for properly. People need to understand they feel pain just like we do and they need proper care, love and attention. This year has been a difficult one with the economy, and donations are always welcome to help us assist the animals and birds in our locale. To send a donation as part of your sharing this holiday season, it can be sent to the Shoshone Humane Society.

Rabies cases noted in November

Health officials reported on Wednesday a rise in extreme animal cases in Botetourt County and announced a vaccine clinic for this weekend.Eight cases were found in November, up from six reported in the first 10 months of the year and four reported in the same month in 2009, said Bobby Parker, a Virginia Department of Health lecturer.

They were four skunks in Fincastle, two skunks in Blue Ridge, a skunk in Troutville and a cat in Buchanan.Rabies is a disease that can kill animals and humans by attacking the worried system. It can be transmitted through an open wound or through the eye, mouth or nose.

Flathead Valley Animal Shelter Has Worst overcapacity In Years

The Flathead Valley Animal Shelter reports its bad year in many years for overcrowding. They've had to close their doors to accepting pets on several days in the past few weeks.The shelter currently houses about 70 dogs and 80 cats. The director, Cliff Bennett, says they are over capacity by about 20 pets not including the 50 others in foster homes. Bennett explains the cold weather inhibits the shelter from given that extra housing outside for the pets.

"We're in disaster mode right now. We're having to turn people away on some days when we just don't have any place to put animals," states Bennett. The shelter asks that pet owners continue to check with the shelter on a daily basis if they are needing to give up their pet. The shelter may have room come available as pets are adopted. Bennett also says they have a few suggestions for pet owners if the shelter is unable to take on any more pets. Mostly, Bennett's just hoping people will come accept the the pets commenting that many of the dogs and cats are "friendly" and would make "great house pets."