Pets of the week: Will County animals require homes

Animals are ready to be adopted from area shelters. Please see the veranda below for photos of these kittens and cats: Human Haven Animal Shelter’s 9-month-old Inge is already a mother but needs loving thought, toys and playtime to be able to act like the kitten she is. Inge can be seen at the Bolingbrook Pet smart on Wednesday and Sunday.

Joliet Township Animal Control has Bob, a neutered male cat. He has a laid-back personality and loves to relax. How you can adopt Bob. Rubin is a male, domestic, short-hair fawn tabby. He was born March 30 and is available at the Animal Care Center in Plainfield.

Iowa City opposite funding gap for new animal shelter

Iowa City wants other communities in the area to fragment in for a new Animal shelter the city hopes to build in the next few years. The city is in the planning stages of a new Animal care facility. The previous shelter flooded in 2008 and the provisional facility is several miles south of town, which planners say discourages people from Adopting pets.

Stray animals from surrounding communities come to the shelter here, but only Iowa City is accountable for building and maintaining the facility. City council members at Monday night’s work session said other municipalities should appropriate money for the new $4 million facility. Planners have already safe about $2 million for the facility. The Friends of the Animal Center Foundation — an independent nonprofit which supports the Iowa City shelter — is in the preliminary stages of a fundraising drive to close the funding gap. Organizers say they’re confident local donors will give money to the project.

Animal owners 'still pleased to buy dog supplies'

Despite the continuing hard economic conditions, Animal owners are still ostensibly content to buy special dog supplies and treats for their beloved pets. People are continuing to buy special dog supplies and other treats for their animals in order to keep their pets happy, recent research shows. A study by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that despite economic concerns, people are ongoing to spend more on their pets.

Speaking to Reuters, APPA president Bob Vetere said: Although the economy has been a major issue for many industries, the pet industry continues to see extraordinary growth." Time Newsfeed suggests there may be one key reason why people are still happy to spend on their pets, despite other monetary worries. It notes that pets animals can help to decrease stress and bring happiness to their owners, so regardless of hard external factors, people may be "more likely to care for their source of relief".

Hundreds of pups in bicoastal contributions dog walk

About 50 dogs in moorland have been signed up for a bicoastal puppy procession Saturday to raise awareness for pets abandoned when their owners' homes are foreclosed. The other pup crawl will take place in New York City. The parade began in 2009 as a way to help shelters contract with an increase in foreclosure pet’s animals at a time when donations and adoptions were down, said event co-founder Joseph Hassan.

Six rescues in New York, Florida and California were chosen to receive donations from the pup creep. Money is raised through registrations, corporate donations and the sale of lighted leashes, which will be used by some of the owners during the parade. In California, the beneficiary is Ace of Hearts in Los Angeles, which rescues animals from shelters the day they are listed to be euthanized then, finds homes for them. The West Coast Pup Crawl is sponsored by Helping out Pets Everyday of Upland, a city about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. In New York City, 500 canines and their pets owners will trot across the Brooklyn Bridge. Hassan said the New York event reached its capacity for its authorize.

Pigeons supposedly killed by man with crutches in San Francisco's

A man was arrested for Animal cruelty Wednesday after he supposedly murdered pigeons with his crutches in the Polk Gulch neighborhood, police said Thursday. Concerned citizens called cops saying the suspect was attempting to kill pigeons in the area of Polk and California streets around 2:45 p.m. When cops arrived, they not only spotted a suspect fitting the account – they also noticed he had pigeon feathers on his crutches, according to police at Northern Station.

Witnesses told cops “they had the right guy.” They sharp out the dead pigeons to the officers. The alleged pigeon killer told the cops that he had every right to kill the pigeons since they were “stealing his money,” police said. The man was arrested for crime cruelty to pet’s animals, police said. This wasn’t the only time defenseless birds were targeted in San Francisco. Last year, one of the two iconic swans that waded in the Palace of Fine Arts lagoon had its neck broken, and beer cans were found at the crime sight.

Please visit San Francisco Tours for travel packages available to visit San Francisco.

Dumped pets on the raise

Tauranga SPCA is becoming a dumping ground for unwanted pets as firm economic times hit the pockets of Western Bay families. Operations manager Margaret Rawiri said cat owners regularly came in and said they did not want their adult cat anymore, particularly if it had just had kittens. "If people did not want their cat to have kittens then they should have had it de-sexed in the first place," she said. Yesterday 64 cats and kittens were being housed at the Animal shelter and 20-25 dogs, mainly puppies. There were between 20 and 30 kittens in SPCA foster homes around the region.

"People are really getting restless with us when we tell them we really don't have any spare cages and try to explain we are here for sick and injured animals, not for unwanted pets."For some people it seems their animals are dispensable items and when they don't want them anymore, because they are moving house or can't afford to care for them, they expect someone else to pick up the loose". The number of incoming pets animals this year had surpassed the number of adoptions, which had slowed down. On average between 700 and 800 dogs are impounded each year, but the retrieval rate by their owners remains stable at 80 per cent.

Ohio's exotic animal ban soon to terminate

A managerial order signed by former Gov. Ted Strickland banning the buying and selling of Exotic animals is set to expire as the new administration weighs continued regulation, the Dayton Daily News reports. The 90-day order Strickland signed banned new exotic pets, which include big cats, bears, primates, large snakes and other animals during Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Gov. John Kasich said the administration supports the animals' rule but “believes any new regulations should be developed in a transparent way with input from the public.” That assistance the ban is pushing its extension as a matter of safety. In the past 21 years, at least 29 people in the state have been injured and one killed in incidents connecting such pets animals, the paper reported.

Adoptable Pets from APA

The Pets animals pictured are ready to take up from the Animal Protective Association of Missouri. The adoption fee for dogs is $175. The fee includes spay/neuter surgery, microchip, worming, heartworm test and preventative, rabies vaccination, flea preventative and a two-week limited health guarantee. The APA offers a "Pick Your Price" program for dog adoptions. Adoptable Pets have up-to-date vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, micro chipped, tested for feline leukemia and come with a two-week limited health assurance.

Bieber arguments fans to adopt pets from animal shelters

Justin Bieber jumped at the chance to spearhead a new animal espousal campaign for People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals - because he bonded with his dad at a shelter for stray cats and dogs when he was a child. The Baby singer and his pet dog Bijoux starred in an ad for PETA's youth division in 2009, urging fans to adopt strays from Animal shelters over puppies from stores - and now he's back for a new crusade, recalling the joy he had with his first pet, Sam, who he took in from a shelter.

He tells the animal rights organization's Animal Times periodical, "We moved to a city where I didn't really know anybody, so... I wanted a friend around and Sam was... that friend. "My dad and I used to go and hang out (at the shelter)... just go and visit the different animals."And Bieber is hopeless for fans to visit their local shelter before making any decisions about becoming a dog or cat owner. He adds, "It's really important that people adopt. I really encourage going out to an animal shelter or a place where you can get a dog that has been deserted or doesn't have a home."

Animal-rescue operator found culpable of animal cruelty

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has established the operator of a Phoenix animal-rescue shelter guilty on nine counts of animal cruelty. Diane Habener was arrested in November 2009 after investigators found dozens of dogs and cats living in deplorable conditions at two Phoenix locations. Sheriff’s deputies found that the Animals were without food and water and were living in excrement.

 Many were imprisoned in kennels too small to even allow any real movement by the Pets animal. "It appears as though Ms. Habener got in way over her head by taking in too many animals," Sheriff Joe Arpaio said at the time of her arrest. "She did not provide the proper care needed to safely and caringly house these animals."Judge Janet Barton found Habener guilty on nine wrong counts of unkindness to animals and not guilty on seven others at a non-jury trial. Habener faces probable jail time, a fine and probation when she's sentenced April 15.

Family violence/animal unkindness link to be studied

The SPCA, which has been given a $100,000 funding for the year-long study, will work with Victoria University and Womens' Refuge on it. The society's national chief executive, Robyn Kippenberger, says it will speak with at-risk adults and children to see if pets have also been debilitated in violent households.

She says it will urge the Government for money to shift people away from an aggressive person, and make sure Animals leave too. United States research shows that pets are 15 times more likely to be hurt or killed where there is domestic violence, and that people who hurt animals are also likely to hurt people. Ms Kippenberger says both family aggression and Pets animal abuse often go under the radar because people are too scared to report it.

Pet expo and sale listed in Niles

 Pet owners and pet lovers will have a chance to learn about crop and services for their pets. Doris Straka of Cleveland, animal communicator, will be on hand, and there will be animals for sale or adoption. A pet fashion show will be at 1 p.m. Sunday. Pet owners can symbol up for a vacation giveaway, and there will be raffles, door prizes and food.

Chase for cat poisoner after three pets in the one street fall ill

Animal welfare officers are hunting a cat poisoner after three pets in a Dundee street fell unwell. The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the cats were believed to have been poisoned by anti-freeze. All three cats are from Mains Road in Dundee and one of the Pets animals was put down after displaying symptoms of poisoning. Scottish SPCA Inspector Robert Baldie said that the aid organization had also received reports of cats in the area going missing. He added: "We have received reports that three cats in the area have been fatalities of poisoning and that others have gone missing.

"Sadly, one cat had to be put to sleep and a post mortem has inveterate that it died from anti-freeze poisoning.”Two other cats have also shown symptoms consistent with poisoning. It is possible that the poisonings could be unintentional so we would ask motorists to ensure that anti-freeze is stored carefully to avoid leaks or spillages. "However, it may be that these poisonings have been deliberate, which is a real cause for concern. Poisoning causes an animal an extremely painful death so we would advise cat owners in the area to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. "Anyone found guilty of intentionally poisoning an animal can face a jail sentence, a fine of up to £20,000, or both.

National animal rescue group brings pet adoption attempt in Sacramento

A New York-based Animal rescue group will visit Sacramento on Thursday as part of its national "Tour for Life," an effort to find homes for homeless pets and encourage adoptions from shelters. The North Beach Animal League America's tour bus will be stationed at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter, 3839 Bradshaw Road, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The county shelter and different pet rescue groups and vendors will be on hand, and shelter dogs and cats will be available for Pet adoption. The event also will offer behavioral and other information about pets. The tour will travel across the United States during March and April in an effort to increase adoptions of shelter animals.

Maintain children, pets safe from poisons

National Poison Prevention Week is March 20-26, and it’s the ideal time to make sure that everyone in the family — including dogs and cats — is safe from poisonous substances that prowl around our homes.

Here are some tips:

Chocolate, coffee, alcohol, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, onion powder, yeast dough and other foods that are harmless to humans can be lethal to Pets animals. Make sure children and guests know not to give these to animals.

Xylitol, a sweetener often used in toothpaste, gum and mints, is extremely poisonous to animals, as are many common medications and vitamins, so hoard these products out of Pets’ reach and where they can’t be knocked down.

Myriad hazards lurk outdoors, including antifreeze, fertilizers, poisonous plants, mushrooms (which can pop up overnight) and cocoa mulch. Protect your animals from these and other dangers by custody them indoors and always supervising them closely when they are outside.

Serving Animals in Japan

Animal rescue operations have begun in Japan. Animal welfare groups are undertaking rescue operations to find the lost animals and help injured Pets animals affected by the March 11 devastating earthquake and tsunami. Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, or JEARS includes three Japanese animal welfare groups- Animal Friends Niigata, Japan Cat Network and HEART-Tokushima. These groups are coordinating to find and rescue animals pretentious in Japan tremors.

Japan Animal Rescues Dash to Save Pets Affected by Earthquake, Tsunami

The earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear reduce have devastated Japan during the past seven days. The number of people affected by the disaster numbers into the millions; however, there are also silent victims: the Pets animals. Many Japan-based animal organizations have experience rescuing animals after natural disasters, thanks to the many earthquakes that happen in the country each year.

However, few events competitor this earthquake. "From our experience of the great Hanshin earthquake on Jan. 17, 1995, we know that the number of homeless pets may be immense," said Elizabeth Oliver, chairman of the Board of Animal Refuge Kansai. "In the case of Kobe, most of the animals that came to us came from the emergency centers where people had sought shelter with their pets.

Others were ones that had been rescued from smashed houses or off the street by local people. In that one year we took in 600 animals, mainly dogs and cats, but also rabbits and birds."Animal rescue organizations mobilized quickly after the earthquake - and many are already working in the country. The challenge -- according to Japan Cat Network's Susan Roberts -- is be short of space.

"One of the biggest problems that we will be facing is the intense lack of existing sheltering facilities," Roberts told the Best Friend's Animal Society. "Though we plan to use fostering extensively, as we always have, it will be a real challenge to find places and space to put the large numbers of animals that are now in need of rescue from the tragedy areas."

Donate to the Animal Marvel Network to help pets in Japan

The world has been following the devestating repercussion of last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The situation continues to worsen with radiation threats and aftershocks and people are struggling for Animal shelter, food and water. But the animals of Japan are also in crisis and there are events you can take to help volunteer teams rescue and care for homeless pets.

One of the organizations set up to help with relief pains is the Animal Miracle Network who are now collecting cash donations in order to send volunteers and provide cats, dogs and other Pets animals with food, shelter and medical thought. 100% of all donations go directly to the cause and funding is needed desperately for the rescue efforts to continue. People who wish to send provisions can also package up a box and send it to the Animal Miracle Network.

Emotional overhaul pets can no longer travel for free

Service animals really help those who need to get approximately and live better lives. Because of that, we make many allowances for those working animals that we don't make for Pets animals. Well, those allowances have been abused for years on airlines. Many pet owners have brought their dogs aboard planes for free by saying the animals meet mental needs. 

No doubt many do, but new rules say that will no longer be sufficient to be considered a service animal. "It has got to do something. It got to be able to get your keys, it's got to be trained, no more emotional service animals," said. He says this is very similar to the crackdown on blue disabled parking plates. The rules were issued by the Department Of fairness and affect all service animals everywhere, not just on planes. The new rules have already gone into effect.

Animal shelter intended in case of evacuation

A special crisis animal shelter will be set up at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo to shelter animals if a residential evacuation is implemented in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The Red River Regional Disaster Animal Response team will open and operate the shelter. Team members comprise city and county emergency managers and representatives from the FM Humane Society, Adopt-A-Pet and the Red River Zoo.

The Cass-Clay County Emergency Animal Shelter will be activated only in the event of a deluge evacuation advisory. Under Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, the shelter will accept only household pets, including cats and dogs. Exotic animals and birds will be accepted by the Red River Zoo. The Cass and Clay County Extension offices are working on plans to help large animals and livestock. All area residents are being urged to make arrangements for their Pets animals now by asking for the assistance of friends and family who can help house pets in the event of a mass departure.

South Dakota reports fall in animal rabies cases in 2010

The Department of Health's Lon Kightlinger says South Dakota had 32 rabid Pets animal cases in 2010, down from 53 the previous year. Nine of those cases were domestic animals. Kightlinger says it's important for people to keep their pets vaccinated because rabies is always a possibility. He says the skunk population is the main tank of the disease.

Seven animal rabies cases have been reported so distant in 2011. Infected wild animals can pass rabies to pets or livestock, which can in turn expose humans. Officials say wild animals that appear tame can be rabid, so it's important that people don't attempt to catch or handle wildlife.

One more motive to spay or neuter your pets

A starving, frightened young hoary tabby cat was found alone in the snow. Someone rescued her and gave her to me. She was in horrible shape, skinny, bleeding and with low body temperature. Thanks to Dr. Spence Mobile Vet Clinic, who attempted to make her better, but in the end, she had to be euthanized. It was the kindest thing to do. This is only one story out of thousands of animals that are deserted each year. There is a way to help.
Have your pets spayed or neutered to help remove many unwanted pets. There are many services in the area that provide low cost spay and neuter, such as the Spay/Neuter Clinic in Auburn. Such a small thing that you can do to prevent the needless suffering of blameless animals.
Please also support your local shelter, the California Spay/Neuter License Plate and donate to local animal groups. Cats and dogs are domesticated Pets animals and cannot be dumped into the outdoors to live on their own.
They need human intervention to thrive. Kitten season is approaching, please have your cats spayed or neutered and don't let the death of this small tabby kitten go ignored.

Discounts presented for adoption of pets

The Animal House Adoption Center, a pet center at 3516 Newburg Road operated by Metro Animal Services, is celebrating St. Patrick's Day by leasing adopters determine their own discount with the roll of a die. Discounts apply to animals 5 months old and older. Regular adoption fees for cats, dogs, puppies and kittens variety from $50 to $175. 

Discounts will differ from 10 percent to 60 percent, depending on the number rolled on the die. For example, a one will earn a 10 percent discount, a two a 20 percent discount. The promotion begins today and ends March 20. All Pets animals come with a full adoption package, which includes spaying or neutering, rabies vaccination and license, preventive vaccinations, deworming, heartworm or slinky leukemia test, a microchip and $100 in coupons.

Animal regulation a failure

The intent of the animal control bylaw concerning cats, as I recall, was to control the perceived growth of the population of cats in Saskatoon. It has turned out to be an ineffective set of regulations that only swelled the number of abandoned animals. The bylaw encourages people to abandon their unlicensed pets when faced with the high fines and pound fees. Running a red light will cost you about as much in fines ( $250) as for having an unlicensed pet. The result is that the Saskatoon SPCA and other Animal rescue programs are overloaded with untaken animals.

A more reasonable solution to the cat population problem would be a subsidized spay and neuter program, and a public education program to encourage responsible pet ownership. Yes, there's an income tested spay and neuter program offered by the SPCA, but information about it is scant. A more effective program would not be as showy as the River Landing project, but some changes need to be made if the city is serious about Animal welfare. The licensing fees that are currently being collected are simply a tax on pet ownership and an added managerial burden on our civic employees.

Justin Bieber Auctions Slash Hair for Animals

If you are/know a tween girl, you may have heard that teen pop feeling Justin Bieber cut his signature swooping locks. But did you know the hair he cut off will benefit animals? Bieber auctioned off his former hair, kept in a clear glass box autographed by the singer, and the proceeds will benefit The Gentle Barn, a nonprofit Animal refuge home to more than 100 farm animals rescued from abuse and neglect.

You might think some tufts of hair wouldn't score big bread, but not when that hair comes from the Bieb's golden head! The winning bid, 100% of which goes the The Gentle Barn, was more than $40,000! No word on who the lucky (and generous) winner is. In the past, Bieber used his fame to help animals in a Peta2 ad encouraging people to adopt pets from shelters. It seems Bieber is a friend to both shelter pets and ranch animals -- will his advocacy work turn you into a "Belieber"?

Memorial garden for pets to be shaped at RSPCA centre in Landing Lane

A NEW memorial garden for pets is being shaped at the RSPCA’s animal home in York – and a group of teachers got digging to help prepare the site. The charity’s York and District branch said animal owners will be able to pay a fee to plant a rose bush and install a plaque in the garden to remember their pet. Branch manager Angela Hunter said the garden, which is being created near the entrance to the home in Landing Lane, would help to raise funds for the contributions, although the fee had not yet been decided.

She said there would be room for two to three dozen scrubs to be planted in the garden, which is set to open in late spring. She said many animal owners were very upset when their pet died, and would appreciate the opportunity to remember them in their own memorial garden while also helping to raise vital funds for the charity’s York branch. She said the bushes could commemorate any kind of pet, but stressed that no Pets animals would be buried in the garden. Eleven teachers and other members of staff from Manor CE School were given spades to turn over the ground yesterday during a day used up at the home, before later helping with the animals.

Rejected pets expression homeless Christmas

The wagging tail of the Labrador/golden retriever combine gave a hint of the unconditional love the middle-aged dog had for its female owner of eight years. The tail kept wagging even as the woman handed the dog's leash over to Debbie Lewis before turning and walking alone out of the Animal shelter. Unfortunately, the woman had installed new carpeting and the dog's coat no longer matched the rug, so the dog had to go.

If there's a reason to get purge of a pet, even during the holidays, Lewis has heard it in her 25 years of working with animal shelters. "It's a terribly traumatic thing for a pet to be separated from its owner," Lewis, executive director of the Fox Valley Humane Association, said as the annual holiday influx of pet surrenders hits the shelter. For some Pet owners, the intensity of preparing for Christmas with gift buying, party hosting and guests in the house — is enough to tip the scales against keeping a pet. For others, it may be travel plans hampered by errands of caring for a pet, or a change in lifestyle made during the holidays, that doesn't include a pet in the new house.

Chinchillas, Deer amid 60-Plus Hoarded Animals

Suffolk County Police uncovered an unusual and alarming case of animal meanness on Long Island Tuesday -- numerous animals, including farm animals and exotic pets, were found inside of a Shirley home. According to Quality of Life Task Force investigators: one cow, one pig, eight goats, five dogs, six cats, two ducks (one was found dead), several chinchillas, one sun conure (a type of bird), two cockatiels, seven fancy rats, two love birds, three hens, one pheasant, one diamond dove, several cats, and approximately 75 pigeons were removed from the house, with five of the pigeons found dead. Veterinarians were at the scene to help the animals who could motionless be saved.

“This animal hoarding is one of the most egregious excellence of Life Task Force cases we have seen," according to Supervisor Mark Lesko. Many animals inside the house were already dead, and firefighters were forced to don HazMat suits with gasp devices to be able to investigate the basement of the house, where many of the Pets animal corpses were left to rot. Feces covered the inside of the residence, and the front and back yards were littered with abandoned tractor equipment. The home is owned by an 85-year-old woman, but a 23-year-old male care taker was taken into custody. He has reportedly said that the animals are his. Criminal charges are predictable but have not yet been filed.

Pets rescued from Ottawa flames

Firefighters rescued two Animals after putting out a fire at an apartment building in Ottawa's southeast end. Firefighters responded to the scene at a six-storey apartment building at 2080 Russell Road, near St. Laurent Boulevard, around 11:15 a.m., and quickly extinguished the fire. A cat and a dog were treated with new equipment purchased specially to deliver oxygen to Pets animals caught in fires. Firefighters said there was about $25,000 worth of property damage, and one person will be provisionally displaced from their home.

Animal shelter over cargo

Animal Shelter more and more animals are brought in, but not sufficient are being placed in good homes. Workers at the shelter say both the economy and the recent weather are to blame. There are over 70 animals in all. Cats, dogs and birds abandoned or surrendered by their previous owners, all needing loving homes. Only 20 animals have been adopted. The shelter is now beseeching for the public's help.

Shelter workers say the over crowding has gotten so bad that as of Saturday morning only 7 cat cages were obtainable. On one day the shelter took in an overwhelming 16 cats within a half an hour. The animal rescue league prides itself on not turning away any Pets animal in need. Anna Vinacco who works at the shelter says many owners can no longer afford to keep their pets. Whatever the reason-- these fuzzy faces need help and a place to call home instead of a home inside a cage.

Debarking and Declawing Pets beneath Fire

Nearly 60% of Pet owners say its okay to have a cat declawed, but only 8% approve of having a dog’s vocal chords detached. But PETA wants all the procedures stopped altogether. The agency is calling for operations to halt immediately. The group says the operations are crippling animals and are just outdated. PETA believes adjusting a dog's voice for human convenience is downright mutilation and declawing can reason medical problems they will live with for the rest of their lives, since doctors have to cut off parts of their paws for the operation.

 While most pet owner aren’t on-board with PETA all of the time, they do believe that Pets animals have sure rights, just like humans. “Yeah come on, it’s like giving my wife a breast enlargement operation without her consent,” says pet owner Paul Suave, who thinks most pet owners just need to chill and think twice before changing the family pet, even if the barking might be aggravation to neighbors. Another option to debarking your dog could be appropriate them with a special debarking collar which you’ll find at most Pet stores.

California company designs Animal Planet stimulated pet costumes

The custom of dressing up our fuzzy friends in intricate costumes is usually one we save just for Halloween (and is really only imposed upon the most easygoing and patient pets). But a new line of Animal Planet pet apparel from California Costume Collections, Inc. is likely to break the longstanding tradition, if only for one vitally important reason: these costumes are, to put it artfully, freakin' adorable. In collaboration with Discovery Communications LLC, the masterminds at California Costume Collections are planning on debuting the irrefutably delightful costumes at the 2011 Global Pet Expo in March in Orlando, FL.

And, the good news doesn't end there. Keeping with their obligation to making the world a better place for Pets animals, California Costume Collections Inc. donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Animal Planet product to animal-friendly organizations like Reach out Act React for Animals (R.O.A.R.). "We are thrilled to reveal this exciting new product line at the 2011 Global Pet Expo. This will be an opportunity for us to demonstrate our dedication to the well being of animals as well as our commitment to enhance the enjoyable experience and happiness of owning a pet," said Chris Guzman, Chief Designer & Marketing Officer, California dress Collections, Inc.

Match pets with owners

The Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR) believes dogs and cats have their own personalities, too. The organisation plays match-maker to ensure possible pet owners truly understand the responsibility they are taking on while also giving deserted animals a second chance for love. Its founder, Sherrina Krishnan, 40, said match-making principles were applied between pets and potential adopters. "I believe in profiling and understanding what potential adopters want and need from a pet. We have to understand their lifestyles to match a pet with the right temperament."IPR volunteers make every effort to ensure the pet adopted complements the new owner's life and not turn it disordered.

With such a thoughtful approach to both humans and animals, Sherrina said many adopters had since become volunteers at IPR, helping to salvage and foster homeless animals, either temporarily or permanently. One active unpaid helper is Catherine Leyow, 49, of Sungai Buloh, head teacher at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. "It's heartbreaking to see a developed country like Malaysia disregard animals the way we do. "Running IPR mainly using her own funds and also from various donation and fund-raising activities, Sherrina said the organisation does not charge for adoptions. She said it was IPR's goal to find more homes for rescued animals, keeping with their philosophy, "Making a Difference, One Stray at a Time". Apart from conducting a regular "Open Space Adoption" drive at a site near Subang Airport, she said: "We constantly have to look at new ways to do adoptions. If it fails, it fails. If it doesn’t, more animals would be in good homes. "Nothing in life is a sure bet, especially animal welfare in Malaysia. It is buoyancy that will take us into the future of change.

What regarding pets and the animals at the zoo?

With all kinds of closures and delays being reported already, a lot of people are making their way home to pack up, stay warm and hunker down. However, when you get there, don't forget about those other family members -- your Pets animals. Preparations for the cold weather have already been taken care of at the Amarillo Zoo, and one expert says the same safety strategy should also be taken by every pet owner. "If they're outdoor animals, just make sure they either have a heated place to go, or bed them down -- make sure they have extra bedclothes.

They can only take so much of intense temperatures so take precaution," said Rhonda Votino. Temperature sensitive animals at the zoo were brought indoors and Votino says regardless of how much it snows, there will always be someone there to make sure the animals are well-taken care of, and that they have copiousness of food and fresh water. "You want to make sure they're healthy and that you provide the best that you can for them. That includes their well-being during extreme weather -- making sure they have proper Animals shelter, heaters or whatever it takes to make sure that they have a contented life."

Sleeping with pets carries risks owners’ eager to take

A new study finds that people who sleep with their pets may be at risk for parasites and diseases - even pestilence. "A surprising 56 per cent of dog owners sleep with their dog next to them," says the University of California (Davis) report. The sleepover percentage is higher for cat owners -62 per cent. The study includes observations about people and animals kissing and defeat each other, and the authors take a dim view of that for young children and the immunocompromised.

People have become seriously ill from vermin picked up by their pets, but the study concludes that it is uncommon with healthy pets. Not all people want their pets slumbering under -or on top of -the covers with them. But for others, there's no better way to get through the dark night, to soothe their anxieties and heartaches, than to cuddle with their canines and felines. This is really a matter for you and you’re Pets Animals to decide in the solitude of your bedroom.

Time to obtain care of the pets

Mississippi legislators spend a lot of time listening and taking Pets care of the needs of frequent powerful interest groups represented by well-paid lobbyists. There is an "interest group "that doesn't hire lobbyists whose members can't even speak, but has needs that need to be taken care of this session. Mississippi has a problem with animal abuse. Many of the stories of abuse of pets make the news, but most don't. Law enforcement officers and Animal rescue groups know them all too well. Law officers also know that people who abuse animals are likely to mistreatment people and be involved in other crimes. 

Yet, there is little they can do, even if they catch the user. Mississippi is one of only four states that does not have a felony animal abuse law. The Senate has approved a bill to make cruelty to dogs and cats a first-offense felony. However, the House in the past has not been willing to address the issue. Even though it only applies to pets, dogs and cats, the powerful Mississippi Farm Bureau has opposed it. It died last year in the House Agriculture Committee, chaired by Rep. Greg Ward, D-Ripley. Ward should not block the bill. It's time for lawmakers take care of group that can't speak for itself - the pets animals - and approve a first-offense crime animal abuse law. Dogs and cats can't vote, but those who care about them can.

Austin animal shelters keeping pets hot during extreme cold

Animal shelters around Austin are aware of the intense cold, and are taking measures to help our fuzzy friends. Austin's Town Lake Animal Center houses 425 dogs, cats, and rabbits indoors. All are waiting to be adopted. While the shelter is heated, it tends to be drafty since the building is old, and due to the way the heating system is set up, some kennels are warmer than others. To make sure the pets do not shiver, shelter employees are giving the animals blankets and pet beds, thanks to generous donations from the public. While dogs and cats have a higher body temperature than humans, and have the advantage of fur, pets are still susceptible to cold weather, and need shelter.

“We have to do some shuffling sometimes because some of the runs tend to stay heater than the other ones, so we move the dogs around so the big husky breeds and the big double-coated dogs end up in the kennels that we can’t quite keep as warm, and we put the little more delicate ones in the warmer kennels,” said Amber Rowland, program development manager at Town Lake Animal Center. While shelter officials say they are well-stocked with blankets, donations are always welcome, and they say the best thing for these Pets animals is for people to adopt them so they can be in an even more contented setting at home.

Animal manage searches for cold dogs

This kind of cold is life-threatening to people and pets. Animal control officers with Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department have been flooded with calls the past two days about dogs left outside. More than 100 tips have been called in to Animal Welfare since Monday. In a ride-along with animal control officers, News 13 saw some of those dogs left outside in the single digit temps. Albert Benavides has seen a lot in his five years as an animal manage officer, but this is some of the coldest weather he said he's ever seen.

“When I clocked in today at 1pm it was 4 degrees,” Benavides said. Which means it’s determining up to is one of his busiest days, investigating tips of Pets animals left outside in the cold? Officer Benavides said the cold weather can also leave dogs thirsty because of frozen water bowls. Benavides spends a lot of time trying to decipher the tips that come in. “If we can get some good solid addresses and descriptions of the animals, that makes it a little bit easier,” he said. If you see an animal left outside, you can call 311 to report it. Animal Control officers won't take a dog unless it's in instant danger, or unless no one's home.

Arroyos desire online database for missing pets

Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her son, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Arroyo, on Tuesday filed a bill pushing for a national online folder for Missing pets. The Arroyos filed House Bill 1577 urging the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) under the Department of Agriculture to create and maintain a public website containing a complete database of missing pets and found wander away animals. 

Mrs. Arroyo said the bill was filed due to the increasing cases of missing pet animals in the country. “The missing pets and found strays database should be equipped with a search engine so that all reports of lost pets can be uploaded and categorized, enabling users to find possible matches," she said in a statement Tuesday. Under the proposed gauge, persons with missing pets can create an online profile for their pets in the database, containing the lost animal’s medical.

Rescued pocket pets have Establish safety in Niagara

Humane societies in Niagara have opened their doors to some tiny northern visitors after 300 animals were exposed in a single house during a fire in Kawartha Lakes. Lincoln County Humane Society general manager Kevin Strooband drove to Fenelon Falls Monday night to retrieve 30 of the displaced "pocket pets." Ten of those Small Animals were taken in by the Niagara Falls Humane Society, while the remaining 20 will live at the St. Catharines Fourth Ave. shelter for the time being. They include rabbits, rats, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, a guinea pig and a degu, a small rodent. Strooband said they might finally be adopted out, depending on the outcome of the case.

"We're looking to re-home them if it happens, but it won't happen yet because the investigation is ongoing," he said, adding its possible the owners may be able to get their animals back through the legal procedure. The other 270 animals are at shelters across the province. The Ontario SPCA put out the call to 50 communities to take in the animals, which included cats, dogs, birds and small pets. Strooband said the animals were brought to an ambulance bay in Fenelon Falls where they were stored, treated and then distributed. The small pets animals have been place in the Lincoln County Humane Society's reptile room, which is currently reptile-free.

Animal shelter offers gratis cat sterilization

Pueblo Animal Services, a division of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak province, is now offering free spay and neuter surgeries to income-qualified cat owners. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. “Southern Colorado Community Foundation has generously given us a grant to sterilize cats for those who are in financial need," said Julie Justman, associate director of Pueblo Animal Services. “We hope this event will kick off our normal subsidized spay and spay program that we offer year around."

The subsidized spay-neuter program, which was launched in 2008, offers surgeries for dogs and cats at reduced costs for all persons and families. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce the pet overpopulation by offering a cost-effective alternative to pet guardians,” said Jan Mchugh-Smith, president and CEO of HSPPR. "Normally, clients are responsible for covering a co-pay for the service and it depends on income qualification, pet species, sex and weight. All co-pays are being waived for the free cat spay-neuter for those who are income-qualified." Spaying or neutering pets prevents unwanted litters and reduces behavioral issues; the practice creates a better lifestyle for pets animals in the community and reduces stress on owners.

Rescued animals are frequently great pets

The myth – an adopting family does not know what they're getting when they rescue a homeless dog or cat. Every now and then I'll hear or read comments stating that this is the case. Actually, however, by talking with the people running or volunteering with the Pets adoption agency or shelter, you can learn about your potential pet's habits and character. As far as young puppies go, no one can guarantee what the cat or dog's personality will become. We have some really great salvage groups in Southeastern North Carolina, and the volunteers who work with homeless dogs and cats can help people match their lifestyles with the right pet.

Maybe you want a more lively dog that might enjoy jogging or long walks in the neighborhood. Or maybe your choice is for a more laid back companion (or companions) who would be better suited for snuggling on the sofa to watch movies or reruns of "Timmy and Lassie" or "Wild Kingdom." The volunteers can inform adopters about how the pets animal might get along with other furry members of the family or how they might relate to small children. For pets in general, there are a number of factors that could have an impact on temperament, including heredity and environmental experiences.

North Clwyd Animal Salvage to microchip pets in Flint

NORTH Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR) needs owners to get their Pets microchipped at an event in Flint. The Trelogan-based charity will be outside Jollyes Pet Superstore on Flintshire Retail Park on Saturday (January 29) and will charge £10 for pets to be microchipped.

The organisation will also be appealing for volunteers to help the contributions in a number of ways over the coming year. Animal lovers are needed to walk the dogs, groom the Pets animals and care for cats, kittens and rabbits. Other opportunities include helping at NCAR fundraising events, holding your own event or lottery and helping in the charity’s shops.

Letting pets sleep in your bed makes you sick

Scientists in California claimed that letting pets into the bed increases the chances of constricting the more than 100 diseases which are known to be transmitted from domestic pets to humans. Serious diseases which can be caught from animals include chagas disease, which can cause life-threatening heart and digestive system disorders, and cat-scratch disease, which can also come from being licked by infected felines, and can cause lethal damage to the liver, kidney or spleen. Recently a nine-year-old boy in Arizona caught the plague because he slept with his flea-infested cat, according to the report published in the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention journal "Emerging communicable Diseases."

Bruno Chomel, a professor at the University of California School of veterinary medicine, and who co-authored the study, said: "In many countries, pets have become substitutes for childbearing and child care, sometimes leading to extreme pet care."There are private places in the household, and I think our pets should not go beyond next to the bed. Having an overfed animal in your bed is fine, not a real one." "We wanted to raise the attention of people, as sleeping with a pet is becoming quite common, and there are risks associated with it, even if it is not very frequent," he added. In a recent study up to 62 per cent of  Dog owners said their pets slept either on or in their beds.

Animal salvage centre warns over micro pigs

Micro pigs were in exact after they became "the celebrity pet", but experts have warned it is difficult to predict how big they will actually grow. Brinsley Animal Rescue Centre has been giving new homes to some of the pigs. John Beresford said: "its rescue centres that pick up the pieces of people buying pets animals on a fad and then giving them up on an impulse."

The centre's website states that there is "no such thing as a micro pig" and explains that all pigs are large, powerful and possibly critical. Micro pigs are usually a cross between pot-bellied or Kune pigs and were made popular after different Hollywood stars and the Beckhams bought one. One of the pigs Brinsley Animal Rescue Centre has re-homed came from Bolsover.

Animals suffer upset

Having survived the floods many will face the challenge of trade with their traumatised pets, according to experts from the Australian Veterinary Association. Veterinarians are expecting to deal with large numbers of traumatised pets over the coming weeks and months.

“The human disaster has been huge, but many survivors of the floods who are relying on their pets for emotional support may not realise that the animals have also been emotionally scarred by events,” said pets animal behavior specialist, Dr Kersti Seksel. “Dogs and cats that survive disasters can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder in the same way as humans. “Pets that temporarily lost their owners and/or homes during the flooding may be suffering from division anxiety-related problems.”

Roadshow was no sphere for small pets

I was at Parkway procession on Saturday and chanced upon a Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) road show. Apart from selling pet products, a hamster race was going on, where kids placed their hamsters in plastic balls and "raced" them. Surrounded by screaming kids who were shaking the plastic balls, loud blasting music and crowds, the hamsters were clearly stressed and panicky. Chinchillas and rabbits were placed at the road show as well, amid the loud music and crowds. I understand that PLC is a business and is riding on the Rabbit year to increase profits, but small pet animals should not be subjected to this amount of pressure. PLC should have known better.

Pets pass away in Cambridge house fire

Three pets animals died in a smoke-filled house on Second Avenue after a fire broke out Monday afternoon. A neighbour saw smoke coming from the two-storey detached home at 57 Second Ave. just after 1:30 p.m., and called for help. Firefighters arrived to find the home filled with smoke from a fire burning in the basement.

No one was home at the time. Firefighters rescued a dog, a cat and a hamster from the house and tried to resuscitate them, but were unsuccessful. It’s believed the animals died from smoke inhalation. Five fire trucks and 15 firefighters responded to the call in the Galt area of the city. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. The fire caused about $250,000 in damage. The occupants did have insurance.

Spanish pets head to cathedral

Dogs, cats, hamsters and even pigs trooped into churches across Spain on Monday in search of blessing on Saint Anthony's Day, for the benefactor saint of animals. "Lord, bless this animal that Saint Antonio may protect it from all ailments," said Juan Villa, priest at the Church of San Anton in Madrid as he sprinkled holy water on pets presented by their owners. After their blessing, the animals did the "walk of the Saint," a pageant through several streets in the Madrid district of Chueca.

Nearby the queue of faithful waiting to present their pets and animals, there was another queue at a church window for bread rolls, baked according to a secret formula that keeps them soft. Each parishioner received three buns, one of which is traditionally kept for a year alongside a coin to ensure work and health and to guarantee the blessing of the saint. The festival has been celebrated in Madrid since the 19th century with only a few breaks. It is also detained in other parts of Spain such as in the Balearic Islands and Burgos.

Foreign pets need new homes.

After a St. Catharines man died on New Years Day, the search is on for people to adopt his pets! About 70 abroad animals are concerned; so far, the humane society has spent over 3 thousand dollars caring for the pets, which range from snakes, to geckos, along with bearded dragons and about 40 rats and pests.

Kevin Strooband of the Lincoln County Humane Society says the process of caring for the pets animal is quite intense; and they even seek outside help at times when it comes to care and feeding of certain species, such as reptiles. If you're interested in giving a pet a home, call the Lincoln County Humane Society. They will put you in handle with the man's next-of-kin, who are also looking for people who want to adopt a pet.

Ohio’s ban from abroad pets permanent

By some events, there are hundreds of exotic and wild animals sold in Ohio each year, but the state has virtually no regulation of these often dangerous pets animals. All that's about to change thanks to an order by outgoing Gov. Ted Strickland who implemented a 90-day ban on selling those animals and requires offered owners of such animals to register them with the state.

The issue hit home late last year when an Ohio man was killed by a black bear detained under private ownership near Lorain. Incoming Gov. John Kasich has indicated he will consider extending the 90-day ban and we agree with others, like the Humane Society of the United states, who want the ban to become permanent. Many of us find abroad animals and wild animals beautiful and exciting, but that doesn't mean we want one as a permanent resident in our neighborhood. And too many owners of such animals are ill-ready to take care of them safely. That's why Gov. Kasich should make the 90-day order permanent.

Rabid Dog Shots for Shelter Workers

A newly published case history highlights the importance of rabies vaccinations for pets and animal shelter workers. The report details a situation involving a stray dog found in rustic Minnesota and taken to a North Dakota animal shelter in March 2010. When it was later learned that the dog had rabies, public health officials began an investigation using animal shelter records and a public announcement to identify people and animals who may have had contact with the rabid dog.

As a result, post-exposure rabies vaccine was given to 21 people, including nine animal shelter workers and one volunteer. Because of possible contact with the rabid dog, 36 dogs were euthanized, including some that had been housed with the rabid animal and others that might have been bare and were not up-to-date on their rabies shots. As of December 2010, there had been no reported cases of rabies in any of the humans or dogs included in the investigation. Rabies is a fatal disease. Animal shelter workers who may come into contact with rabid animals should consider receiving rabies injection before starting their duties, the report authors recommended.

Health tips for winter pets

Watch the temp. It is easy to think that their hair coats will keep them warm in the winter, but in reality, pets get cold outside just as easily as we do. So if your pet is sensitive to cold, keep them inside. The Sacramento SPCA recommends that short-haired dogs, cats and puppies be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; all other pets should come in when temps fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slap the hood. Cats and other critters seek shelter from winter winds wherever they can, sometimes snuggling up to your car's engine to soak up a little warmth. Make it a practice to slap the hood of your car before starting it to give them a chance to wake up and escape.

Keep 'em leashed. Animals can easily lose their smell in winter months, especially when snow covers the ground. So keep your dog on a strap when you're in an unfamiliar area. And make sure his ID tags are up to date as more pets are lost during the winter than during any other season.

Change your antifreeze. Cats and dogs are concerned to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, and will often sample it if they find a puddle on the sidewalk or garage floor. But regular antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is highly toxic to pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using a brand made from propylene glycol in its place.

Wipe em down. Ice-melting chemicals can annoy and burn the pads of your pet's feet and can cause serious illness if swallowed (or licked.) Be sure wipe down her belly, legs, and paws to remove these chemicals if she's spent anytime outdoors.

Break the ice. Sure you may have filled up your pets animals water bowl in the morning, but did it turn in to a block of ice by lunch? Check your pet's water bowl frequently and break the ice if needed to make sure he has access to clean, fresh water.

Walls growing for new animal shelter building

Work on the new facility for the Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is Moving ahead nicely and the building is already taking shape.Walls going up for new Animal shelter building Crews were busy Monday afternoon putting up the outside walls of what will be the main office area. Apex Block donated all of the material for the outside wall frames and the large and light design is saving a lot of time. They only weigh 52 pounds apiece, and so, they go up very fast and you don't have to use any mortar between the joints.

It's foamed together, and then it gets grouted after the fact in all the cells, Mathis says using normal concrete blocks for the external walls would have taken an extra week. Saving Grace Executive Director Wendy Kang said that she is just happy to finally see everyone's hard work paying off. "This has been extremely exciting; it's been great to watch every step of the process. We are so happy that this will be our last winter in this old building," said Kang. The new shelter will be very energy well-organized, but more importantly, will cater to the needs of the animals at the shelter.

Pets Haven open again after search

A WOODEND Animal shelter has reopened after a Macedon Ranges Council and Department of Primary Industry search. Owner of pro-life shelter Pets Haven, Trish Burke said the closure had cost the shelter up to $15,000.The shelter’s permit is for 20 cats and eight dogs. Animal welfare and hygiene issues, connecting to the Domestic Animals Act 1994 Code of Practice had to be addressed before the shelter could reopen.

There would be a Woodend-based pet shop with three directors and a Pets Haven Rescue Group, where rescued animals were farmed out to look after carers.“There are about 80 of these rescue groups like this in the state,” she said. “The cats and dogs can still be permanently adopted and would be microchipped and desexed.“The shelter is barer but we have had enormous support from the community.” Mr Thornton said the council was satisfied to offer a temporary permit to reopen the shelter.