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."