Florida Landscaper Runs Tractor Over Duck and Ducklings, as a Family Watched: Arrested and Charged with Nine Counts of Animal Cruelty

Laura Gontchar loved the family of 11 Muscovy ducklings and their mother that lived near her home in Wellington, Fla. After the ducklings hatched, Gontchar and her family would leave food out for them and watch as the ducks ventured out of their lake to eat.

That’s exactly what Gontchar; her husband, Boyd Jentzsch; and their 7-year-old son, Kai, were doing on May 2, they said. That is, until Jason Falbo, a landscaper working his way through the yard on a riding lawnmower, started heading straight for the family of ducklings.

Gontchar told the Palm Beach Post that she ran outside to flag Falbo down as he approached the ducklings. Her son followed her, she said. “He was yelling, ‘Stop, stop! Ducks! Stop!’”

But according to the family, Falbo plowed right into the family of ducklings, then backed up his lawnmower to run them over again. All but two of the ducklings were killed; seven were killed in the lawnmower’s blades and two others drowned as what remained of the family escaped back to the safety of the lake.

On Wednesday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Falbo with nine counts of animal cruelty, according to the office’s inmate records. He’s being held on a $27,000 bond.

Jentzsch told the Sun Sentinel that Falbo was smiling as he made his second pass over the family of ducks:

“What are you doing to my ducks?” Kai wailed, his father remembers. “Why are you laughing?”

The boy, in tears, ran from the backyard and back into his house. Jentzsch and his wife were stunned.

“It was one of the most emotional things I’ve ever seen,” Jentzsch said. “It was just — wow.”

Falbo was confronted by Gontchar and Jentzsch. He said he was unable to see the ducklings as he mowed their lawn. But the family didn’t believe him. After he left their property, Jentzsch called authorities. Animal Care and Control found their remains by the lake, the Sun Sentinel reported.

Falbo’s boss, Wayne Soini, told the Palm Beach Post that the lawn’s grass was too high for Falbo to see the small ducklings and that he believed the whole ordeal was a misunderstanding. But a police report obtained by the paper notes that the family was farther away from the ducklings than Falbo was and had no problem seeing them in the grass.

Soini also defended his employee in an interview with CBS 12. “He’s not cruel, he would not have done this deliberately,” Soini, who gave only his first name to the CBS affiliate, said. Soini rents a room in his home to Falbo and as employed the landscaper for nine months. Soini added that he believes his employee threw the lawnmower into reverse not out of cruelty but because “there were more in front of him … when he backed up it was to prevent [killing] the ones that were still there.”

Gontchar told the Palm Beach paper that since that awful day, the mother duck and her two remaining children have returned to the site multiple times. “She came back and was clucking, calling for her ducklings. But they weren’t there.”

The couple is struggling to explain to Kai what it is that he witnessed, Jentzsch told the Sun Sentinel. “He asked me,” Jentzch said, “‘Is everybody out there like this?'”

FOLLOW US!

Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Determined That Unlike Other Fish, Opah Generate Heat as They Swim

In a discovery that defies conventional biology, a big fish that lives deep in the Pacific Ocean has been found to be warm blooded, like humans, other mammals and birds.

Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) determined that unlike other fish, opah generate heat as they swim and distribute the warmth throughout their entire disc-shaped bodies by special blood vessels. Special "counter-current heat exchangers" in their gills minimize heat loss, allowing the deepwater predators to keep their bodies several degrees above the water temperature 250 feet down.

"There has never been anything like this seen in a fish's gills before," said biologist Nick Wegner, the lead author.

Though some species of fish can temporarily warm their swim muscles, including tuna and some sharks, "whole-body endothermy" has distinguished mammals and birds from fish and reptiles, which draw heat from their environments.

"The opah appears to produce the majority of its heat by constantly flapping its pectoral fins which are used in continuous swimming," Wegner told Live Science.

His colleague Heidi Dewar told The Washington Post "I think that it's really exciting that we spend so much time studying especially these larger fish to find something that's completely unique and has never been seen before in any fish."

Their team's findings are published in the May 15 issue of Science.

Also known as the moonfish, the opah averages 100 pounds, has a diameter of 3 feet and can grow to up to 6 feet long. While deepwater fish are slow moving because of the cold, the opah's warm-blooded uniqueness results in faster swimming, better vision and quicker responses, giving it an edge in the survival sweepstakes.

"Before this discovery I was under the impression this was a slow-moving fish, like most other fish in cold environments," said Wegner, of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, in La Jolla, Calif. "But because it can warm its body, it turns out to be a very active predator that chases down agile prey like squid and can migrate long distances

Opahs, which don't swim in schools, are regularly caught either by longline fishermen from California to Hawaii to New Zealand seeking tuna or unintentionally in commercial driftnets.

An old fish tale held that opah brought good luck, NOAA says, so fishermen would give the colorful catch away rather than sell it. But times and marketing have changed, and food fetishists are increasing demand for its "rich, tasty meat."

Two years ago, recreational anglers in Southern California caught a 125-pound opah during a rockfish outing. The "mystery fish" put up a 45-minute fight, leading the captain to think it was a shark, GrindTV reported.

FOLLOW US!

Purina vs Blue Buffalo: Now the Results of this Year-Long Legal Battle Are Out, and it Appears that Purina is the Victor

A year ago, pet owners watched as Purina and Blue Buffalo, two pet food manufactures, slapped each other with lawsuits. Purina sued Blue Buffalo for false advertising, claiming the contents of their food was not accurately reflected on their packaging – that they did not disclose the presence of poultry by-product on their label. Blue Buffalo responded with a counter suit, saying that Purina was engaging in a smear campaign and defaming the brand.

Well, now the truth is out.  Here’s a news story covering the controversy when the cases were filed a year ago:

Now the results of this year-long legal battle are out, and it appears that Purina is the victor.

According to Nestlé Purina PetCare, Blue Buffalo admitted that “’substantial’ and ‘material’ portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry by-product meal, despite pervasive advertising claims to the contrary.”

The claims that the pet food was free from poultry by-product meal, corn, or grain often came at a higher cost to consumers who were led to believe they were making an informed choice regarding what their animals were consuming.

“Only when faced with undeniable evidence from the lawsuit has Blue Buffalo admitted the truth to the court: a ‘substantial’ and ‘material’ portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold over the past several years contained poultry by-product meal. It is unclear to us if or when this practice stopped, or whether any Blue Buffalo pet food containing by-product meal is still on store shelves,” said Keith Schopp, a spokesperson for Nestlé Purina Petcare.

As news spreads about Blue Buffalo’s misleading claims and false advertising, a number of class action lawsuits have sprung up around the nation. 
Poisonedpets.com recently compiled a list of the current lawsuits. Click on the case for more information:

Fisher et al v. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. et al, CaseNo. 14-cv-5937, C. D. CA.

Keil et al v. Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., Case No.14-cv-880, E. D. MO.

Hutchison et al v. Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., Case No.14-cv-1070, E. D. MO.

Andacky et al v. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., Case No.14-cv-2938, E. D. NY.

For more information on Purina’s false advertising lawsuit against Blue Buffalo, visit petfoodhonesty.com.

FOLLOW US!

Washington, DC – Bao Bao The Adorable Giant Panda Is Enjoying Having Her Own Place

She’s not so little anymore. In fact she’s got her own place and isn’t afraid to do, well, what we all secretly do when we’re alone: Run around like she just doesn’t care.

The National Zoo released a video Monday of Bao Bao tumbling around the yard of her enclosure, being the silly young panda that she is.

The zoo says she likes to eat next to the lower viewing glass where bamboo can simply drop from overhead — making it convenient for her keepers.

Check out her antics in the video below.

FOLLOW US!

Two Families of Endangered Monkeys Were Stolen from a Zoo in Central France Over the Weekend

Saint-Aignan (France) - Two families of endangered monkeys were stolen from a zoo in central France over the weekend, the sanctuary's director told AFP late on Monday.

Rodolphe Delord said the thieves broke in to the zoo in Beauval on Saturday night, avoiding security cameras and patrols, and took seven golden lion tamarins and 10 silver marmosets.

"These are extremely rare, extremely fragile monkeys that are part of an international breeding programme," he told AFP, adding that the golden lion tamarins belong to the Brazilian government.

"We have absolutely no idea how such a thing could have happened," he said. "The thieves were experts. They knew exactly which to take."

The zoo is currently looking through CCTV footage and the French police and veterinary services have been informed, Delord said.

Concerns are now mounting for the health of the monkeys, which require a strict diet and are only allowed to be owned and sold by specialists. One of the golden lion tamarins also has an injury on its tail which needs daily attention.

"It is essential that we find these animals very quickly," said the zoo director. "They are very difficult to feed and should be looked after by specialists. We hope to find them very soon."

FOLLOW US!

Stunned Shoppers Watch as Wild Hog Crashes Through Ceiling of Children’s Clothing Store in Hong Kong

This is the dramatic moment a wild boar crashed through the ceiling of a children’s clothes shop.

The incredible footage was captured at a shopping centre in Hong Kong and shows the 55lb animal emerging legs first from the showroom’s false ceiling.

Amazed shoppers looked on as first one, then two legs emerged through the ceiling, before the boar, which had apparently climbed up a ladder in the shop's back room, crashed through completely.

After landing on top of a display case, the wild hog looks down at the crowd of excited onlookers and sets about making an escape.

It walks from left to right before deciding to jump to the ground and make a run for it.

A line of police stand by the door as the frightened animal begins parading the shop frantically looking for an exit.

In its haste it knocks a number of children’s mannequins to the ground as well as an advertising sign as the police close in on it.

The boar even manages to show off its incredible athleticism and effortlessly jumps over a large display fence before it is cornered.

According to the South China Morning Post the boar was eventually tranquilized by a vet and taken to an animal rehab centre.

Local news reports said the animal was a three-foot-long juvenile female.

Wild boars are common in Hong Kong's rural, forested areas.

FOLLOW US!

The Heart-Wrenching Moment Firefighters Resuscitate Dying Labrador Using Oxygen Mask

This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in New Jersey after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Fire crews were called to the multi-family home on Frances Street in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. They quickly determined no people were at the residence.

However, two dogs were inside the property - a Labrador retriever belonging to the unidentified family on the second floor, and a Shih Tzu owned by Carmen and Julio Valencia on the first floor.

Firefighters set about tackling the blaze and initially appeared to have it under control. But before long, flames were flaring up through the house's roof, sending black smoke billowing into the sky.

In an effort to save the pet dogs, officials wearing masks pulled up a ladder to the side of the building and climbed up to a second-floor window, which at one point, flames were spotted shooting out of.

They managed to pull the yellow Labrador through the window, before carrying the panting dog to safety in bedding. They then laid the terrified animal on the ground and gave it oxygen and water.

The Labrador was treated at a veterinarian following the fire, which occurred at around 2.30 p.m., according to NorthJersey.com. Its current condition is unknown and its owners remain unnamed.

But despite the dog's escape, the Valencias' pet Shih Tzu, Luke, was not so fortunate. Firefighters asked the couple where their six-month-old puppy might be hiding, before entering the first floor.

However, when they found Luke, he was already dead.

The Valencias, who have two sons, apparently broke down when they were told their beloved pet had been killed in the blaze. They were handed the deceased puppy in a white bag by officials.

Speaking to the news site, Mr. Valencia, 49, said his wife was 'freaking out' about the death of the Luke, whom she had been worrying about during their frantic drive back to their burning home.

She was also reportedly so shocked about the fire that she had to be given oxygen at the scene.

Firefighters from Totowa, Little Falls, Woodland Park and Wayne spent several hours battling the blaze on Sunday afternoon. The property was left severely damaged, with huge holes in its roof.

No injuries to officials were reported, and the cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.

Police were also at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. 

Saved: This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in Totowa, New Jersey, after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Assistance: Firefighters managed to pull the yellow Labrador retriever through a second-floor window of the burning property. After rescuing the animal, they laid on the ground and gave it oxygen and water (above).

Street Emergency crews were called to the multi-family house on Frances Street (pictured) in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. No family members were at home at the time.

FOLLOW US!

Veteran Breaks Car Window To Save Dog, Owner Has Him Arrested: What Are Your Thoughts?

Athens, Georgia – A man who saved a dog from a hot car wasn't rewarded for his action. Instead, the move landed him behind bars.

"I heard someone say there was a dog in distress in a hot car," said Michael Hammons, a Desert Storm veteran.

Diane Byard said she and a group of shoppers noticed the dog in the Mustang and were waiting on police before Hammons came.

"He says we can't let this dog die, and he starts smashing the windows."

Hammons used his wife's wheelchair leg to smash the window, freeing the dog.

"I've got PTSD, and I've seen enough death and destruction," Hammons said. "And I didn't want anything else to happen if I could prevent it."

Witnesses say when the owner of the car came out of the store, she was furious, and demanded deputies take action.

"We would not have made those charges on our own," said Oconee County Chief Deputy Lee Weems. "The deputies on scene say the owner of the car and of the dog was very insistent that he be charged with criminal trespassing."

The dog's owner told police she had only been gone five minutes.

"It wasn't just five minutes like the lady stated, it was a lot longer," Byard said. "I personally felt the heat in the car; I saw the dog panting. This dog was in distress."

The dog's owner could not be reached for comment Monday.

"If it is 80 degrees outside, within 30 minutes, it will be 114 degrees inside a vehicle, even with the windows cracked," Byard said.

The owner was cited for leaving the dog in the hot car. But without surveillance video, deputies say it is hard to tell how long the dog was actually left in the car.

Georgia state law does allow an individual to break a window to save a child in a hot or cold car, but not a pet. That is something that animal advocates say they are working to change.

FOLLOW US!