New at Reason TV: Why Are Pit Bulls Banned? How Media Scare Stories Create Stupid Laws - Watch As Lisa LaFontaine, CEO, Washington Humane Society Gives Her Views

"This idea that aggression can be traced back to specific breeds is the folklore of a criminal subculture. This is not an idea that exists in science."

That's Janis Bradley, one of the country's premier experts on canine cognition, dismantling the idea at the heart of laws banning pit bulls, a dog breed that has become synonymous with violence, mayhem, and attacks on humans.

Watch the video below:




                                 Here are pictures of what Pitbulls looked like in the 1800's:

FOLLOW US!

Two Senators Are Urging the Food & Drug Administration to Open an Investigation into the Purina’s Beneful Brand Dog Food Allegations

A lawsuit filed in California claimed that thousands of dogs became ill or died after eating Purina’s Beneful kibble. Two senators are urging the Food & Drug Administration to open an investigation into the allegations.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, along with California Senator Dianne Feinstein, sent a letter [PDF] to the FDA calling for the agency to quickly investigate claims that Purina PetCare Company’s Beneful brand dry dog food contains toxins.

The senators also called for immediate updates on the implementation of FDA
requirements that could prevent such harmful contamination from occurring in pet foods.

In late February, it was revealed that a California man had filed a class action-seeking lawsuit against Purina saying the company’s dry dog food contains substances that are known to be toxic to animals and can lead to internal bleeding and other serious health issues for pets.

The man alleges that less than a month after beginning to exclusively feed his dogs Beneful dry kibble, all three became ill and his 8-year-old English Bulldog eventually died.

According to the lawsuit, illnesses experienced by thousands of dogs across the country were a result of toxins in Beneful such as, but not limited to, Propylene glycol and Mycotoxins.

Propylene glycol, the lawsuit states, is an automotive antifreeze component that is a known animal toxin. However, the substance is also an FDA-approved food additive for humans.

As for Mycotoxins, the lawsuit states they are a group of toxins produced by fungus that occurs in grains.

Representatives for Purina have said that the lawsuit was “without merit” and that the company would vigorously defend itself.

In their letter to the FDA, Durbin and Feinstein are asking for updates to the agency’s implementation of a 2007 law enacted to help prevent contaminated pet food from reaching animals.

Under the 2007 law, the FDA is required to ensure that pet food companies report to the agency within 24 hours of determining they have an adulterated product in their supply chain.

Additionally, the law requires the FDA to set ingredient and processing standards for pet food, strengthen labeling requirements, establish early warning systems for contaminated products and mandate that companies report contaminated food and make key records available during investigations.

“The components of the law that FDA has implemented are important to the public and veterinarians, namely the searchable online recall list posted on the agency’s website,” the letter states. “We appreciate that FDA has implemented an online database to inform consumers of pet food recalls. However, eight years later, most provisions of the pet food safety law have not been implemented and protections Congress enacted are not in place.” FOLLOW US!

Many Pet Owners Assume That if a Medication is Safe for Humans, Especially Children, Then it Must Be Safe for Animals: It's Not

March is Poison Awareness Month. In this series, Dr. Kupkee discusses some of the most common causes of toxicity in pets, and what you can do to prevent them.

Almost every day our clinic receives a call from a concerned pet parent asking which over-the-counter medications they can give to their pets. The short answer is, not many. Sadly, many pet owners assume that if a medication is safe for humans, especially children, then it must be safe for animals. Our pets’ bodies are different. They do not metabolize substances in the same way that we do. Let’s take a look at some of the most common culprits of medication toxicity.

Tylenol
The “pain reliever hospitals trust most” is perhaps the number one reason our pets are rushed to the emergency clinic. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, has been linked to liver failure in both dogs and cats. Cats are especially susceptible to acetaminophen poisoning as even a single, child-sized dose can be fatal. Many people assume that if it is safe for babies, it is safe for pets. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Ibuprofen and Naproxen
These common over-the-counter pain medicines can cause bleeding ulcers and irreversible kidney damage. If you suspect your pet is in pain, call your veterinarian for a veterinary approved alternative.

Aspirin
Back in the old days, veterinarians would prescribe baby aspirin or buffered aspirin for pets. We now know that this seemingly benign drug can cause ulcers, internal bleeding, liver damage, and kidney damage.

Adderall
Commonly used to treat ADHD in children, Adderall contains stimulants that cause hyperactivity, high fevers, elevated heart rates, tremors and seizures in our pets. It also contains a binder that many users report as having a sweet, citrus-like taste. It is entirely possible that this is why pets find it irresistible. Make sure children who are taking these medications understand that they can never be given to pets.

Sleep Aids
Medications such as Ambien and Clonazapam can lead to extreme agitation and elevated heart rates in pets. Because these pills are often kept on bedside tables, they are easy for pets to find and ingest.

Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications
While certain medications can be used for pets in very small doses, most drugs of this type can cause anxiety, tremors, excessive vocalization and seizures. Do not ask “Dr.Google” for advice on dosing your pets, and do not attempt to medicate them for anxiety without a veterinarian’s supervision.

Decongestants - The Devil in the “D”-tails
Certain antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Claritin are perfectly safe for pets. However, certain varieties of these drugs contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, that can lead to dangerous heart palpitations. Be sure to check with your veterinarian regarding antihistamine doses and never, ever use a product containing decongestants. Helpful hint: an antihistamine that ends with “-D” probably contains a decongestant. A good rule of thumb when shopping for these drugs is “D stands for Don’t”. Never give Psuedophed intentionally, and keep those pretty red tablets out of Fluffy’s reach.

Cough and Cold Medicines
There are times when it is appropriate to treat a coughing pet with over-the-counter cough medicine intended for children. That being said, most of these drugs contain acetaminophen and/or pseudoephedrine. If your veterinarian recommends one of these products, have him/her write down exactly what you should purchase, including which active ingredients should be included. If you must ask the pharmacist to get it for you, chances are you are getting the wrong product, as defined by one containing pseudoephedrine. Stop, call your vet, and get clarification before buying anything. Remember, pharmacists are not trained in veterinary medicine, and it is not their job to be familiar with off-label, veterinary uses of human products. If you find yourself getting conflicting opinions, go with your vet’s. Your pets are our patients and our responsibility.

Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications
While certain medications can be used for pets in very small doses, most drugs of this type can cause anxiety, tremors, excessive vocalization and seizures. Do not ask “Dr.Google” for advice on dosing your pets, and do not attempt to medicate them for anxiety without a veterinarian’s supervision.

Marijuana
While medicinal uses are being studied by veterinary researchers, marijuana remains one of the leading causes of drug-related toxicity. Pets who ingest marijuana usually do so in large doses, causing lethargy, respiratory depression, dangerously low heart rates, low blood pressure, coma, and seizures. They are often guilty of raiding the “special brownies”, and suffer from the toxic effects of chocolate as well.

If you think your pet has gotten into your stash, the most important thing you can do is to be honest with your veterinarian. Several years ago, I treated a teacup Yorkie who presented several times in the course of a week with dilated pupils, shallow breathing, and neurological symptoms. We tested her for hypoglycemia, liver problems, distemper, as well as a host of rare conditions that would have put Dr. House to shame. Every test came back normal. It wasn’t until I recommended a $3000 MRI with a veterinary neurologist that the teenage son sheepishly admitted to “doping” the dog in an attempt to stop her from barking. Your veterinarian is not there to judge you. Our job is to help your pet, and we cannot do that without knowing the facts. Be honest, and don’t attempt any “herbal remedies” at home.


FOLLOW US!

A Chinese Man Sues Local Government Officials Over an Attack by a Wild Panda and Wins More Than $80,000

Beijing, China  - A Chinese man sued local government officials over an attack by a wild panda. He won more than $80,000 in compensation.

The animals are known for their lovable appearance but despite their placid, bamboo-chewing image they are members of the bear family and have a fearsome bite.

The animal wandered into Liziba village, in the northwestern province of Gansu, where local officials trying to capture it chased it onto Guan Quanzhi's land.

"I saw a panda jump out in front of me, its body completely covered in mud," he told the newspaper.

The creature bit him in the leg and only released its grip when another villager covered its head with a coat. The incident in March last year, left Guan with injuries requiring seven hours of surgery.

The panda escaped.

Guan's son sued local forestry officials and the nearby Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, which is home to more than 100 wild pandas.

Following "negotiations", officials agreed to pay compensation of 520,000 yuan ($83,000).

Guan is "satisfied with the amount", which will cover his medical bills, he said, adding that he may need further operations.

The number of wild giant pandas rose nearly 17 percent over the decade to 2013 to reach 1,864, state media cited an official survey data as saying this month, with a government agency crediting conservation measures for the increase.

Pandas are a major generator of tourist revenue in several parts of China and for Beijing, which capitalises on the global fascination with the animals by renting them to foreign zoos.

They have been known to attack humans.

The nature conservation organization, World Wide Fund (WWF) says on its website: "As cuddly as they may look, a panda can protect itself as well as most other bears," using its heavy weight, strong jaw muscles and large molar teeth.

It cautions: "Although used mainly for crushing bamboo, a panda bite can be very nasty."

FOLLOW US!

Washington, DC - The Smithsonian's National Zoo: Help Name Our Andean Bear Brothers - Voting Ends March 22

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is asking for your help in namimg two of its newest additions. In November, the Zoo's eight-year-old Andean bear Billie Jean gave birth to two cubs and now the Zoo is crowdsourcing naming of the bear brothers.

The first cub, which the Zoo describes as "rambunctious and seems to need Mom's attention a bit more than his brother," has three options to vote for: Larusiri (lah-roo-SEE-ree), which means "giggly;" Mayni (MY-nee), which means "unique;" and Kusisqa (coo-SEES-kah), which means "happy." The cub's brother is described as "playful and likes to wrestle but is more laid back than cub #1" has the following name choices you can vote for: Tusuq (too-SOOK), which means "dancer;" Muniri (moo-NEE-ree), which means "loving;" and Wayna (WHY-nah): means "young."

If you're curious about the origins of the names, they're Quechua and Aymara, which are the languages of the indigenous communities in the Andes, where the bears originate. According to folklore, Andean bears were "said to protect pilgrims, especially musicians and dancers, during their pilgrimage to Q'oylluriti (a festival held high in the Andes mountains)."

The Zoo describes Andean bears as a "loving and happy, seeking harmony and balance in nature," which each of the name suggestions represents. Voting ends on March 22 and the winning names will be announced on March 26.

To vote, click HERE.

FOLLOW US!

Meet Nicholas an Adorable 6 ½ Month Old Yellow Lab Raised with a Special Needs Child - Family Can No Longer Care for Him - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and in Your Home for Nicholas?

Meet adorable Nicholas, a 6 ½ month old, 60 lb, Yellow Lab. Nicholas has found himself in the shelter through no fault of his own. This extra special boy was being raised with a special needs child but the family had several family issues that prevented them from continuing to care for Nicholas.

This is a gentle sweet boy, loves people, was living with several other dogs, and is housebroken. He would do best in a home with at least one other dog for companionship, a playmate, and to help him gain confidence in himself as he explores the world around him. Do you have room in your heart and in your home for Nicholas?

If you are interested in adopting Nicholas, click here: Nicholas


Operation Paws For Homes

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. operates throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC and southern Pennsylvania; OPH is devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of animals from high kill shelters in the southern region of the United States

To learn more about them, click HERE.

Website: Operation Paws For Homes



General Information: operationpawsforhomes@gmail.com
Adoptions: adopt@ophrescue.org

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 90813
Alexandria, VA 22309
Fax: (804) 302-7975

Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

A Denver Family Was Asked to Move Their Mailbox After Mail Carriers Complained of Snakes on the Property

Denver, Colorado – A family was asked to move their mailbox this week, after mail carriers complained of snakes on the property.

Laurie Simmons got a letter in the mail Friday explaining that she had to either move the mailbox from the porch to the curb or she would have to get a post office box to receive mail.

Simmons and her family rent the home in Denver's University Hills neighborhood. She said the two snakes that live in her flower bed are garter snakes, which are harmless.

However, the United States Postal Service says it takes safety of all mail carriers seriously and if a carrier feels a property is unsafe, they can choose not to deliver mail there.

The home is a rental. Simmons says her landlord will not build a new mailbox but has offered to remove the snakes. Simmons doesn't want the snakes removed, because she feels they are an important part of the ecosystem.





FOLLOW US!

Angels for Animals Foundation Launches 'Guardian Angels K9 Fund' to Help with Medical Expenses for Police, Military and Service Dogs

After seven years of service, hero police dog "Judge" was forced to retire due to health problems.

Judge lost his battle with Cushing disease last month, but not before he was given he was given an emotional final salute from fellow officers at St. Francis Veterinary Center in New Jersey.

Judge's incredible story inspired the veterinary hospital to start a national fund that will help care for service dogs like Judge in times of need.

Judge's former partner, Corporal Michael Franks, and Mark Magazu, chairman and founder of the Angels for Animals Foundation, appeared on "Fox and Friends Weekend" this morning, accompanied by Franks' adorable new four-legged partner, Taser.

Magazu said that the Guardian Angels K9 Fund, which was launched yesterday, provides medical assistance to police, military and service dogs when budgets are strained.

Franks revealed that Judge's medical bills were in excess of $12,000, so the help is very much needed.

"We're asking you guys to think about donating to the fund," Magazu said. "We're here, helping dogs like Taser, should he ever, God forbid, find himself ... injured or getting sick or something like that."

"It's an important fund. These guys, just like our police, their risks are gunshots, kicks, assaults. And those medical bills, like Judge, can get up into the tens of thousands."

Watch the "Fox and Friends Weekend" clip below and learn more about how you can help support heroic service dogs by donating to the Guardian Angels K9 Fund.

To donate to the Fund, simply text the word “GuardianK9” to the number 41444, followed by a space and then the amount you would like to donate. Donations can also be made online at www.BeMyAngel.com/Guardian.

For additional information, visit the Angels for Animals Foundation
On facebook

Website: Angels For Animals



About Guardian Angels K9 fund
The Guardian Angels K9 Fund is a dedicated fund of the Angels for Animals Foundation solely focused on raising money to provide life-saving medical care to police and military service dogs on active duty and in retirement. More information can be found at www.BeMyAngel.com/Guardian

.

FOLLOW US!