Q: What is canine influenza? A: Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by an influenza A virus. The canine influenza virus (CIV) is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza and it is thought that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus. In the U.S., canine influenza has been caused by the H3N8 influenza A virus. A separate canine influenza virus, H3N2, had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but not in the U.S. until 2015, when an outbreak in Chicago, IL was determined to be caused by the H3N2 strain. Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia. Mild Form — Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days. They may also be lethargic and have a reduced appetite and fever. Sneezing and discharge from the eyes and/or nose may also be observed. Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the traditional "kennel cough" caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex. Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Severe Form — Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers (104ºF to 106ºF) and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and effort. Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection. Because this is still an emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form. Q: Do dogs die from canine influenza? A: Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with canine influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate is low (less than 10%). Most dogs with CI recover in 2-3 weeks. Q: How widespread is the disease? A: The first recognized outbreak of canine influenza in the world is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in January 2004 at a track in Florida. From June to August of 2004, outbreaks of respiratory disease were reported at 14 tracks in 6 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Texas, and West Virginia). Between January and May of 2005, outbreaks occurred at 20 tracks in 11 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). The canine influenza virus has been reported in 30 states and Washington, DC. The H3N2 strain of CIV had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but had not been detected outside of those countries until 2015. In April of 2015, an outbreak in Chicago, IL was determined to be caused by the H3N2 strain. Q: Is there a vaccine? A: The first vaccine for H3N8 canine influenza was approved in 2009, and there are several H3N8 canine influenza vaccines available. At this time, there is not an H3N2 vaccine available in the U.S. It is not known at this time whether the H3N8 vaccine will offer any protection against the H3N2 strain. Q: How is a dog with canine influenza treated? A: As with any disease caused by a virus, treatment is largely supportive. Good animal care practices and nutrition assist dogs in mounting an effective immune response. The course of treatment depends on your pet's condition, including the presence or absence of a secondary bacterial infection, pneumonia, dehydration, or other medical issues (e.g., pregnancy, pre-existing respiratory disease, compromised immune system, etc.). Your veterinarian might prescribe medications, such as an antibiotic (to fight secondary infections) and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (to reduce fever, swelling and pain). Deyhdrated pets may need fuid therapy to restore and maintain hydration. Other medications, or even hospitalization, may also be necessary for more severe cases. Q: Is canine influenza virus transmissible from dogs to humans? A: To date, there is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people. Q: Do I need to be concerned about putting my dog in day care or boarding it at a kennel? A: Dog owners should be aware that any situation that brings dogs together increases the risk of spread of communicable illnesses. Good infection control practices can reduce that risk, so dog owners involved in shows, sports, or other activities with their dogs or who board their dogs at kennels should ask whether respiratory disease has been a problem there, and whether the facility has a plan for isolating dogs that develop respiratory disease and for notifying owners if their dogs have been exposed to dogs with respiratory disease. As long as good infection control practices are in place, pet owners should not be overly concerned about putting dogs in training facilities, dog parks, kennels, or other areas frequented by dogs. Q: My dog has a cough...what should I do? A: Consult your veterinarian. Coughing can be caused by many different medical problems, and your veterinarian can examine and evaluate your dog and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. If canine influenza is suspected, treatment will usually focus on maximizing the ability of your dog's immune system to combat the virus. A typical approach might include administration of fluids if your dog is becoming dehydrated and prescribing an antimicrobial if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Canine influenza virus can be spread via direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, and by contact with contaminated inanimate objects. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or exhibiting other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to them. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease to prevent transmission of infection to susceptible dogs. Clothing can be adequately cleaned by using a detergent at normal laundry temperatures. Q: I manage a kennel/veterinary clinic/animal shelter/dog day care center. How do I keep canine influenza out of my facility, and if it does enter my facility, what should I do? A: Viral disease is usually best prevented through vaccination. A vaccine against canine influenza (H3N8) has been available since 2009. It is considered a "lifestyle" vaccine, which means that the decision to vaccinate a dog against CIV is based on the risk of exposure. A veterinarian should determine which vaccinations are needed based on related risks and benefits and should administer these at least 2 weeks prior to planned visits to dog activity and care facilities (e.g., kennels, veterinary clinics, dog day care centers, training facilities, dog parks). This differs from "core" vaccines - such as distemper, parvo and rabies - that are required for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. Vaccination against other pathogens causing respiratory disease may help prevent more common respiratory pathogens from becoming secondary infections in a respiratory tract already compromised by influenza infection. Routine infection control precautions are key to preventing spread of viral disease within facilities. The canine influenza virus appears to be easily killed by disinfectants (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds and bleach solutions at a 1 to 30 dilution) in common use in veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, and animal shelters. Protocols should be established for thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting cages, bowls, and other surfaces between uses. Employees should wash their hands with soap and water (or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are unavailable) before and after handling each dog; after coming into contact with a dog's saliva, urine, feces, or blood; after cleaning cages; and upon arriving at and before leaving the facility (see "I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs?"). Animal care facility staff should be alerted to the possibility that a dog with a respiratory infection could be presented for care or boarding. If a dog with respiratory signs is presented, staff members should inquire whether the dog has recently been boarded or adopted from a shelter, has recently participated in dog-related group activities, or whether it has been exposed to other dogs known to have canine influenza or kennel cough. The dog should be brought directly into a separate examination/triage area that is reserved for dogs with respiratory signs and should not be allowed to enter the waiting room or other areas where susceptible dogs may be present. Dogs with suspected canine influenza virus infection discovered after entry into the facility should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian. Isolation protocols should be rigorously applied for dogs showing signs of respiratory disease, including the wearing of disposable gloves by persons handling infected dogs or cleaning contaminated cages. Respiratory disease beyond what is considered typical for a particular facility should be investigated, and the investigation should include submission of appropriate diagnostic samples (see "What diagnostic tests will tell me whether a dog has canine influenza?"). Q: What diagnostic tests will tell me whether a dog has canine influenza? What samples do I send? Where do I send the samples? How do I distinguish between canine influenza and kennel cough? A: There is no rapid test for the specific diagnosis of acute canine influenza virus infection. Nasal or throat swabs from dogs that have been ill for less than 4 days may be sent to a diagnostic laboratory for testing. Your veterinarian may also offer other testing, such as an in-house test to detect influenza types A and B. Antibodies to canine influenza virus may be detected as early as seven days after onset of clinical signs. Convalescent-phase samples should be collected at least two weeks after collection of the acute-phase sample. If an acute-phase sample is not available, testing a convalescent-phase sample can reveal whether a dog has been infected with or exposed to CIV at some point in the past. For dogs that have died from pneumonia or other conditions in which CIV is suspected, additional diagnostic tests are available to your veterinarian through reference laboratories. Q: I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs? A: Canine influenza is not known to be transmissible from dogs to people. However, caretakers can inadvertently transmit canine influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs by not following good hygiene and infection control practices. To prevent spread of canine influenza virus, caretakers should take the following precautions: Wash hands with soap and water (if soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner):
Before and after handling each animal
After coming into contact with animal saliva, urine, feces or blood
After cleaning cages
Before eating meals, taking breaks, smoking or leaving the facility
Before and after using the restroom
Wear a barrier gown over your clothes and wear gloves when handling sick animals or cleaning cages. Discard gown and gloves before working with other animals
Consider use of goggles or face protection if splashes from contaminated surfaces may occur
Bring a change of clothes to wear home at the end of the day
Thoroughly clean clothes worn at the animal facility
Do not allow animals to "kiss" you or lick your face
Do not eat in the animal care area
Separate newly arriving animals from animals that have been housed one week or longer.
Routinely monitor animals for signs of illness. Separate sick animals from healthy animals, especially animals with signs of respiratory disease.
There is no evidence of transmission of canine influenza virus from dogs to people. However, because of concerns about diseases that are transmissible from dogs to people, in general, it may be prudent for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons to limit or avoid contact with animals that are ill. Q: Is canine influenza transmissible to from dogs to horses or other animal species? A: At this time, there is no evidence of transmission of H3N8 canine influenza from dogs to horses, cats, ferrets, or other animal species; the H3N2 strain has been reported to infect cats. The infection control measures outlined in the section titled "I work in a kennel/animal care facility. What should I do to prevent transmission of influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs?" are recommended to prevent spread of the virus.
Cary, N.C. - The dispute over an adopted dog is headed to court after a Cary lawyer, moved by the case, offered to work for free for one of the families. In February, Bobo left the Davis family home, got lost and turned up at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. Three days later, The Eatons, Chris and his wife Robin, adopted him. Now, both families are claiming ownership. Like many shelters, Cumberland County gives owners three business days to claim a pet from the shelter. A county ordinance requires that timeline be extended another 72 hours "if the owner is known." About 10 minutes before the initial deadline, shelter staff learned that the Davis' were looking for Bobo, but they still adopted him out to the Eatons that same day. The story so incensed Cary-based patent attorney Steve Terranova that he agreed to represent the Davises in their quest to get the dog back. According to the civil complaint he filed April 1, the adoption was "improper and not valid" because Cumberland County Animal Control "became aware of and did not attempt to locate or contact the owner." The lawsuit also alleges the "Eatons improperly adopted Bobo knowing the owner ... had been identified." Terranova said he tried first to resolve the issue without filing suit. He reached out to the Eatons, Animal Control Director Dr. John Lauby and the county attorney. When they didn't respond, he filed suit. Bobo's original owners, Zeida and Lorelai Davis and their mom, Niki, are simply heartbroken. "I don't understand them keeping him," Niki Davis said. Terranova said it was the devastation of the two girls that bothered him most. "It is unfortunate that it's come down to this, but this is the route we'll have to take," he said. Lauby defended his employees. In a statement to WRAL News Thursday, he said: “Cumberland County Animal Control followed its procedures in dealing with the stray dog dropped off at the Animal Shelter with no identifying tags or microchip. The impounded animal was not claimed by its owner after the required three-day holding period and no owner’s name or address was provided to the department. The dog then became available for adoption and we followed our procedures for that process. “It is upsetting to lose a pet and we sympathize with the Davis family. We encourage pet owners to have their animals microchipped. All pet owners should make sure their pets are wearing proper vaccination and identifying tags. Should your pet go missing, contact or visit Animal Control immediately.” Niki Davis said the lawsuit, while an extreme measure, is her way of doing everything she can for Bobo and her girls, who she says ask about him all the time. Robin Eaton declined to comment Thursday on the lawsuit. She previously said keeping Bobo was "in the dog's best interest."
Miriam Jimeno and Carlota Román from Valladolid, Spain, knew something was wrong when they heard muffled barks coming from a nearby garbage container. When the two woman came close to the large metal box they knew for sure there was a dog trapped inside the container. Someone tossed a pet in the locked automatic garbage disposal and the pet had no way out. Luckily, the women and other concerned neighbors called for help and authorities came to save the dog. Police and firefighters arrived to the garbage bin located on the 20th block of Ferrocarril Street. They tried to reach the scared and trapped dog but couldn’t. Rescuers needed a key to unlock the bin’s locked doors. The city’s waste management office was contacted and soon a representative arrived with a key to open the bin. Once the container was opened, rescuers learned the dog was placed inside a double and tightly knotted bag. Whoever tossed the dog wanted to make sure the pet had no way out and no chance of survival. Fortunately, the dog was saved. Firefighters scanned the pet for a microchip and none was found. The dog, now named Abu, was transported to a local veterinarian where it was determined he is 15 years old, deaf, almost blind and suffers from an enlarged heart. Community members rallied together to collect funds to pay for Abu’s medical needs. The senior dog is currently under the care of a rescue group (Defaniva) and is enjoying proper care and love in a foster home. Animal rescuers hope to find Abu a forever home where he could enjoy the last of his days, which could just be a few months. Abu’s adoption application can be found through the city’s animal rescue site: Defensa de Animales en Valladolid
The cutest nurse at a Polish animal shelter is under a foot tall, with pointed ears and black fur. Rademenes, a black cat who lives at the shelter in Bydgoszcz, does the important work of providing comfort and companionship to animals undergoing medical treatment. Duties include gently resting on top of recovering cats and spooning canine patients. Rademenes came to live at the animal shelter after his original owners brought him in with an inflamed respiratory tract, and feared he was too sick to make a recovery, Polish news channel TVN Meteo reported. But veterinarian Lucyna Kuziel-Zawalich took a liking to the cat, and managed to nurse him back to health before taking him in as her own. Now Rademenes is considered an important asset to office staff, comforting patients after surgery and sometimes cleaning their ears.
Labeled as the most dangerous movie ever made, "Roar" was the ill-fated brainchild of Alfred Hitchcock, muse Hedren and her then-husband, "Exorcist" producer Noel Marshall. Years past schedule and millions over budget, Hollywood eventually lost interest in "Roar" and the film was never released in North America. Now, 34 years later, Drafthouse Films is giving "Roar" its big-screen due, re-releasing it in six theaters nationwide on Friday, then expanding it to about 50 cities through May. A DVD release is planned for later this summer. The story loosely follows a wildlife preservationist whose family comes to visit him and is attacked in their home by the animals. Most of the film has the cast running and hiding in fear as they narrowly escape the all too real danger. Dozens of scenes show full grown lions chasing the actors, pawing at their faces and even wrestling them to the ground. While the exact number of on-set injuries remains a point of contention, the "Roar" shoot was an OSHA nightmare. Many wounds were well-documented in press coverage at the time and also in Hedren's 1985 book "The Cats of Shambala," referring to her Shambala Preserve north of Los Angeles, where "Roar" was filmed. In one instance, Hedren was bitten on the back of the head by a lion. She also suffered fractures and skin grafts after being thrown by an elephant. Then-teenager Melanie Griffith — who quit the project for a time because she didn't want to come out of it with "half a face," according to her mother — returned to the set, only to be mauled and clawed by a lion. Marshall, who wrote, directed and starred in the film, suffered so many bites, including a few that made the final cut, that he was eventually stricken with gangrene. And Dutch cinematographer Jan de Bont, in his first U.S. shoot, required 120 stitches after being scalped by a lion. "I got bit really bad early on," said Noel Marshall's son, John Marshall, who wore many hats on set in addition to acting in the film. He recalled a harrowing moment when a male lion latched onto his head. It took six men 25 minutes to separate the two. That encounter required 56 stitches. "It was a very traumatic bite. But I went back two days later," he said. Noel Marshall (who died in 2010) was a fearless and unsympathetic leader during the shoot at Shambala, where the family lived. According to his son, the director often refused to call "cut," even when the actors (mostly family members) cried out for help. He never wanted to lose a take. He also couldn't show any weakness in front of the animals, his son said. "Melanie and Tippi would try to gravitate to scenes with me. I would put their lives ahead of mine and they knew that," said John Marshall, who was basically the only person on set who could stand up to his father. As one of the few cast members willing to help promote the "Roar" re-release, John Marshall said he still gets nightmares about the experience. "Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful time. But it was stupid," he said. During the production, the Shambala Preserve set, located in rustic Soledad Canyon 50 miles north of Los Angeles, was destroyed by two wild fires and one flood. A few lions escaped during the deluge and local law enforcement had to shoot three of them. And yet, as authentic as the terror is, "Roar's" flimsy story and cheesy script are sorely lacking. Even Hedren admitted as much after seeing the film at its Australia premiere. The $17 million film only made $2 million internationally. It was also the death knell for Hedren's marriage to Noel Marshall. And "Roar's" problems continue. Hedren had invited The Associated Press to her Shambala home for an interview about "Roar" and concerns regarding promotion of the 're-release. But she canceled when the Board of Directors of the preserve and her Roar Foundation asked her not to speak publicly about the film. Through a spokesman, Hedren did tell the AP that promotion for the re-release was filled with "inaccuracies" and that she was "not thrilled." She added, "There are too many for me to even begin to comment." Drafthouse Films, the distribution arm of the hip, Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, uses press quotes like "snuff version of 'Swiss Family Robinson'" in its promos for "Roar." "I think she's just lately come to not really be so proud of the film anymore," said Alamo Drafthouse founder and CEO Tim League, who was tipped off to its existence (and harrowing production) by indie director Greg Marcks. He immediately went in search of the rights holder and reached a deal with Olive Films to co-release the film. League tried to contact Hedren before announcing Drafthouse's plans to re-release the film but didn't hear back until after the announcement was made. "The whole thing is a mess," said League. "A fascinating and lovable mess." "No animals were harmed during the making of 'Roar.' But 70 members of the cast and crew were." So claims a trailer for the theatrical re-release of a little-seen 1981 adventure film starring Tippi Hedren, daughter Melanie Griffith and 150 lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants. Online:http://drafthousefilms.com/film/roar
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows a scene from the film, “Roar," with actor John Marshall surrounded by lions. The movie is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows a scene from the film, “Roar," filmed with 132 lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and jaguars. The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 10, 2012 file photo, Tippi Hedren, right, and daughter, Melanie Griffith, attend Fox Fall Eco-Casino Party at The Bookbindery, in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and Griffith, with 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing from Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows director and star Noel Marshall in a scene from the film, “Roar.” The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
This photo provided by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films shows actresses Melanie Griffith, front, and Tippi Hedren in a scene from the film, “Roar.” The film is releasing in U.S. theaters for the first time on April 17, 2015. (Drafthouse Films/Olive Films via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2007 file photo, actress Tippi Hedren walks across a bridge at her Shambala Preserve in Acton, Calif., prior to a news conference to update the condition of a caretaker who was attacked by a 450-pound Bengal tiger. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
FILE - In this April 10, 2014 file photo, Tippi Hedren arrives at 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival's Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Annie I. Bang /Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this April 10, 2014 file photo, Tippi Hedren arrives at 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival's Opening Night Gala at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The little-seen 1981 animal adventure film, "Roar," starring Hedren and 150 wild lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and elephants, is releasing by Drafthouse Films and Olive Films for the first time in the U.S. in select theaters Friday, April 17, 2015. The movie was available in the U.S. previously on DVD. (Photo by Annie I. Bang /Invision/AP, File)
In recent news, a pet escaped from its owner, made its way to a shelter and, after three days, was adopted by another family. Unfortunately, the dog was not microchipped and the shelter had no way of tracking down the rightful owner. Now the two families are in litigation over the pet. The moral of the story? Appropriate identification and microchipping can help your pet find his way home to you. Microchipping is only part of what makes a responsible pet owner. Read and share these tips to keeping your pet-ownership experience safe, healthy and happy. Bringing Home Baby Meeting your new puppy, kitten or any other pet can be an exciting experience. Your pet, however, has some adjusting to do. New sights, smells and sounds can be overwhelming for the little guy and keeping a calm household is important. If you are picking up your pet from a breeder, ask her to place a towel in with the litter so it can pick up familiar smells. This will help give comfort to your pet’s new surroundings. If you are adopting from a shelter, you won’t have that option, so make sure that there is ample warm bedding available and a secure place for your pup to quietly relax. A Safe Place Creating a safe place for your pet is crucial to its comfort. Make sure your pet has its own place of comfort where it can rest, relax and feel secure. For dogs, for instance, crate training and acclimation is essential from day one to make home containment a much easier experience. Center for Pet Safety recommends either a plastic or metal crate for home training. Fabric crates are not for puppies, as they can be easily breached. Those little paws and needle teeth can find their way through fabric in a snap. Stay consistent with training, play time and rest time for your pets so they don’t get too overwhelmed. Your calm and consistent demeanor will help your pet to understand that they can trust you. Once you earn their trust, understand the schedule, and feel secure in their safe place, both of your lives will be much easier. To read more on this story, click here:Tips for the Responsible Pet Owner
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Atlanta, GA- Police say Donte Wyatt left a violent path of destruction. He was on the run, hiding from police, when he ran into Wilson. That's where the crime spree ended. Wilson, a blue blood bulldog, was protecting his owner when Wyatt broke into their home. But police tell 11Alive's Rebecca Lindstrom Wyatt's criminal history started long before that canine run-in. In jail records, Donte Wyatt lists McDonough as his home city. Henry County Police know him well; he's been arrested nearly a dozen times for crimes ranging from trespassing, failure to pay child support, robbery, battery, and domestic violence. Henry County police say Wyatt's recent crime spree started when he stabbed his wife in the parking lot of a Stockbridge Waffle House Monday morning. She had surgery and remains in stable condition. Wyatt was on the run. Police say he made it up to Atlanta in a rental truck. That's where he broke into a home on Shadowridge Drive, killed the woman who lived there, and stole her car. Police were able to track him to that home and were close to an arrest. Wyatt crashed the stolen car and took off on foot. That's when he entered the wrong home: one guarded by Wilson. Adra Wilson was upstairs when she heard Wyatt breaking into her home. She called 911, and police told her to keep still. They were on the way. Meanwhile, Wilson had things covered. "He just basically acted as a deterrent, and kept the intruder from coming upstairs," said Adra's husband, Eric Wilson. Police were able to rescue Adra while the suspect was in the basement. After a four-hour standoff, they lobbed tear gas into the house. The suspect came running into their arms -- and away from the Wilsons' bulldog. "They say the dog bit him a couple of times, just kept him at bay," Eric said.
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Twelve cats from Anderson, Indiana’s Animal Protection League have now found their forever homes in an unlikely place, a correctional facility. The stray cats now have a place to stay and people to seek affection from in the Pendleton Correctional Facility. An unfinished office at the correctional facility is now designed for cats. Litter boxes have been set up; scratch posts and walkways placed for all the dozen cats to enjoy. Instead of being confined to cages, these cats now found a perfect sanctuary with inmates to care for them. Animal Protection League director Maleah Stringer said that placing the cats from her no-kill cat shelter into this new program will increase the chances of them getting adopted. “I’ve had offenders tell me when they got an animal, it was the first time they can remember they were allowing themselves to care about something, to love something. That’s a pretty powerful statement,” said Stinger in a WISH Channel 8 report. The prisoners delegated with sanctuary tasks spend most of their day grooming, feeding and cleaning up after the felines. Human and feline relationship has worked out pretty well so far, according to prison spokeswoman Michelle Rains. The prison already hosts a dog training program and putting up a cat sanctuary only proved to be a good idea. The new program helps cats interact with humans and other cats as they are allowed to roam free inside the office. The program has taught inmates to learn more about responsibility as well. “This program means a lot. … It gives me something to look forward to each and every day. It gives me a reason to strive to do better than I did yesterday and to stay out of trouble,” said inmate Barry Matlock. Matlock also shared his heart-warming message about the cats. "I deserve to be in prison; I committed a crime, but these animals, they live like we live in the cell houses in the cages and they don't deserve that." The cat sanctuary program at the facility has garnered a lot of interest from inmates and those who wish to apply are carefully screened before being allowed to participate. This heartening story was also covered in the Herald Bulletin.
