A Florida firefighter has taken in a kitten she rescued from inside a home’s walls, and it is not the first time she has taken home a pet she saved. Tara Holcomb, 30, a seven-year veteran of the Mount Dora Fire Department, responded to a call March 30 from homeowners who thought there was a cat in their home’s chimney. “We got there and the homeowners had tried to get the cat out because they heard it crying but couldn’t find it,” Holcomb told ABC News. “They had cut a little inspection hole in the wall of an upstairs bedroom next to the chimney and used a flashlight to look in but couldn’t see anything.” Holcomb says she could not see anything inside the hole either so she stuck her hand in and originally thought she had found something much worse: a rat. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Holcomb recalled. Instead, Holcomb had found the newborn kitten that had fallen into a void space in the wall. “I pulled it out and it was just a tiny kitten that didn’t have its eyes open or anything,” she said. How the kitten got into the home’s structure remains a mystery because the homeowners do not have any pets. “We’re not positive, of course, but we’re thinking the mom was in the attic and the baby was in between the drywall and just couldn’t get out,” said Holcomb, who said she and her colleagues searched and found no evidence of more kittens or the mom cat in the home's attic or walls. Holcomb says animal control officers instructed the homeowners to put the cat on their back porch – with a heating pad and some milk – to see if its mother would return. When the mother did not return, the homeowners, who are allergic to cats, searched for a home for the kitten. “Originally they thought they found a home with a friend but as I was leaving work the next day, they called and told me it fell through and asked if I would want the cat,” said Holcomb. “I said, ‘Yes,’ and turned around and got him.” Holcomb, appropriately, named the kitten, a boy, Wall-E. Wall-E is now being taken care of by Holcomb along with another cat the firefighter rescued nearly two years ago. “We had a cat that was stuck in a tree and when we were trying to get it out it fell and was limping,” Holcomb said. “I took that one home and adopted it.” “So they’re all laughing at me that whenever we go on a pet rescue you’re going to adopt it,” Holcomb said of her fellow firefighters.
Life in the Dog House’s Chris and Mariesa give some recipes from Mr. Mo’s Cookbook. This is a special cookbook where not only are there many healthy options for your furry family members, but with each one sold, the proceeds goes to helping out senior dogs. All of the delicious doggy treats in the cookbook were gathered from fellow dog lovers via Facebook. People were encouraged to submit a recipe along with a photo of their dog. Many entries were received, and even though they all sounded great, they had to narrow things down until a useful cookbook was born. The recipes had to also be relative simple to do. They had to consist of things that most people already have in their kitchen or pantry. This way you can make something tasty and healthy, without a ton of extra shopping necessary. Some of the recipes look and sound so good, some of them might be tasty to us humans, as well as our dogs! It would also seem that dogs are actually very handy to have around in the kitchen. They are always ready, willing and able to assist with cleaning up. Especially if when you cleaning up, you mean eating any leftovers or scraps of food you didn’t use! If you’d like to get your hands on a copy of the cookbook, and help keep some senior dogs out of shelters, you can go to www.blurb.com and searching for the Mr. Mo Cookbook, or you can click HERE.
Fort Pierce, Florida- A man said he captured a remarkable wildlife encounter Monday: a bobcat emerging from the surf near Sebastian Inlet with a shark in its jaws. But the photo that made the evening news before spiraling onto the Internet inevitably raised questions over its authenticity. “I can appreciate that,” said John Bailey, a Fort Pierce sales rep who said he initially thought he’d walked up on a dog in the surf as he was strolling down the beach between 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Monday. Bailey said he watched the bobcat wade through the water, then pounce and stride out of the water with the shark in its mouth. Using his iPhone, he said he was able to snap one quick picture before the bobcat dropped the shark and took off for nearby brush. The entire encounter lasted just seconds, he said. Florida wildlife officials who looked at the picture said they had no reason to suspect it was fake. But in several Internet postings, people asked: Real or Photoshop? And long shadows also raise questions. Bailey, in a phone interview with the Miami Herald, said he couldn’t remember exactly where he was in Sebastian Inlet State Park, an area just north of Vero Beach with a long ocean-side sandy beach. The angle of the strong shadows suggest that for the picture to have been shot in the evening at sunset, the bobcat would have to have been on the western, Indian River side of the park. But that inland area has only a few patches of sandy beach along the inlet and the river. Bailey said he couldn’t recall if he was walking north or south, just that the beach was on his left. “Had I realized I was going to stumble onto something like that, I probably would have been aware of my surroundings,’’ he said. Bailey said he had gone to the beach “just to clear my head.” Bobcats, the closest relative of the Florida panther but far smaller and with a namesake bobbed tail, have been spotted near area beaches in the past. But the normally shy felines typically move about at night and are notoriously elusive. They don’t fear water, unlike some wild cats, and have been known to take a dip in search of food. They typically eat small mammals like rats and rabbits, but wildlife biologist Robert King said increasing development in the area may have driven out prey, forcing the cats to expand their menu. “Would they go into the surf and pull out a shark? Darn right they would,” said King, who studied bobcats in the Everglades in the 1980s. “Unless it’s been photo-shopped, I believe it.” Bailey said he never imagined the shot would turn into Internet fodder. “It’s kind of been a shock,” he said. “I didn’t think it was that rare, but I guess it is.”
Washington, DC - $15,000 REWARD: On March 15, a young cat was found on the 1400 Block of G St, NE with an eye injury. Upon treatment it became apparent that a BB gun pellet was lodged in his eye. Based on the condition of the eye upon treatment, it is suspected that the cat was shot not much earlier before he was found. Thanks to our friends at Alley Cat Allies and a generous anonymous donor, the reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for this horrific act of animal cruelty has tripled and is now $15,000. WHS is seeking the help of the community for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrific act of animal cruelty. The Washington Humane Society, Alley Cat Allies and a generous anonymous donor are offering a $15,000 reward that will be given to any person who provides such information. If you have any information about this case, please contact the Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Department: Officer D’Eramo dderamo@washhumane.org (202) 723-5730 Information will be kept confidential upon request.
Rockville, Maryland - The Montgomery County Humane Society, in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, is gearing up for the 17th Annual Paws in the Park Dog Walk & Festival, one of the largest dog walks in the DC area. As a signature event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, it raises funds to help rescue, care for and adopt out homeless animals from several overcrowded shelters in the region.
Paws in the Park will take place on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave. , Gaithersburg , MD , next to Gaithersburg High School. The fun-filled afternoon includes a 1-mile dog walk, pet contests and games, demonstrations, children’s activities, a pet-oriented market featuring dozens of vendors, food, music and more.
Several new activities are being added to this year’s event, including:
Dog Kisses Kissing Booth
Pet & Owner Look-alike Contest
Best Wag Contest
Best Dressed Dog Contest
Photos with Your Dog
New games for kids in the new Kids’ Activities Area
Advance registration is $20 for individuals or $45 for families in advance (up to 5 p.m. on April 25). Admission at the door is $25 for individuals and $55 for families. Dogs attend for free.
Registered attendees can also help MCHS by encouraging their friends and family to contribute through online fundraising.
To register, visit our online registration site:Register
Paws in the Park supports the Montgomery County Humane Society’s work to rescue, care for and adopt homeless animals that it pulls from overcrowded public shelters, as well a host of animal enrichment, humane education and community outreach programs to help the community care for pets and keep them in their homes and out of shelters. Programs also include medical care, spay/neuter, and other initiatives.
About the Montgomery County Humane Society: The Montgomery County Humane Society in Rockville , MD , is an independent, non-profit animal welfare organization that has provided animal welfare services for residents of Montgomery County since 1958. It operates a private rescue for cats and dogs, located at 601 S. Stonestreet Ave. in Rockville , in which homeless animals are housed, provided medical, preventive treatments, and enrichment activities, and adopted into permanent loving homes. Other programs include post-adoption assistance, humane education for all ages and community outreach. MCHS is funded 100% with program revenues and private donations. Visit our website to learn more, or call 240-252-2555. Hours are 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day except holidays.
About the City of Gaithersburg : Located in the heart of Montgomery County , Gaithersburg became an incorporated City in 1878. With a population of just over 60,000, it is now one of the largest cities in Maryland . Gaithersburg is an international center of biotechnology, and it boasts award winning schools, neighborhoods and commercial developments. Its respect for its heritage, demonstrated by the revitalization efforts in the Olde Towne residential and commercial district, coupled with thoughtful planning for new communities, and a commitment to cultural, recreational and leisure time activities, makes Gaithersburg the ideal place to live, work, learn, and play. For more information, please visit their website.
Whether to adopt or shop for your next pet should be an easy decision. Companion pet adoption is not only far more humane and ethical, it saves lives. dog in emergency shelter Deciding if you’re ready for a pet, or another one First and foremost, bringing a pet into your family is a serious decision. You must be willing and able to provide shelter, food, medical care and, above all, love. What you get in return is beyond measure. At minimum, ask yourself these questions: Who else is part of my household? It’s important to consider the presence of children, elderly family members and other pets you may have. You want any new addition to be a harmonious one. What is my lifestyle?
Think about your routines and activity level. Are you an active, outdoor type who wants a companion pet to enjoy your athletic pursuits, or are you looking for a buddy to share quiet times at home? Do I have time for a pet? Consider if your work schedule or other out-of-home activities means your new pet will be alone most of the day. While some pets might be comfortable with a lot of alone time, younger animals who need training, those with separation anxiety, pets with medical needs or animals who are simply not built to be alone most of the day will not be a good fit for you. Can I afford a pet? The costs of food, medical care, supplies and other necessities add up quickly. Average annual pet care costs for dogs for the first year range from $1,300-$1,800, and for cats about $1,000 – in addition to the pet’s adoption fee.
Is my home life stable? If you are about to move, switch jobs or have other major changes to your home life or actual residence, it’s probably not the best time to adopt. Companion animals, particularly those who may have had a hard life prior to adoption, need stability, structure and routine in order to feel secure and build their confidence. Unfortunately not all pets find the lifetime of love and care they deserve. Some end up in animal shelters, animal control facilities or with rescue groups, waiting for their forever families. They may have been surrendered, abandoned, abused or otherwise neglected – and many face the prospect of death or permanent homelessness if not adopted. In spite of these grim facts, bringing a pet into your home should never be a spontaneous decision or one taken lightly. Where do shelter animals come from? Some shelter animals were picked up as strays while others were victims of circumstance. Previous owners may have passed away, fallen ill, moved to a residence that did not allow pets, lost their home, changed jobs, got divorced or simply lost interest in their pet. Whatever the case, many pets are surrendered or abandoned – despite the fact that it is illegal in all 50 states to abandon an animal. shelter cat These orphaned animals are equally capable of giving and receiving love as any other pet, and every one of them has a story. Shelters often have brief descriptions about a pet’s history on their websites, while staff and volunteers may be able to add first-hand accounts of how the dog or cat interacts at their facility with both people and other animals. However, there can be gaps in your pet’s life history, and in some cases – such as animals who were abandoned, found as strays or transferred from other shelters where little was known about them – there may be no information about the animal’s prior life. Many shelters and rescues perform basic screening for behavior and temperament so that they can make the best possible matches in spite of having little or no background on the animal, but this is more art than science. Be prepared to not know everything about your new pet’s story. It’s important not to let gaps in a dog’s or cat’s biography deter you from adopting. Pets live in the moment, and going home with you signals a fresh start for a new and happy life. The next chapter of your pet’s life begins with adoption. Benefits of companion pet adoption When dogs or cats adopted, they have won the lottery: a good home, a warm bed, toys, food, medical care and love. They return that love unconditionally and without judgment, one of the main reasons people are drawn to companion pets in the first place.
Companion pet adoption has distinct advantages over other ways of acquiring a pet:
Help is available. Shelters have adoption counselors to help you through the adoption process and find the best fit for your family. If your household includes children, other pets or even an elderly family member, prepare for everyone to visit the shelter when you are evaluating specific pets for adoption.
What you see is what you get: Adult pets are typically house-trained, know basic manners, may even know tricks, and are often already socialized around people and other pets. Be careful about judging an animal’s temperament too quickly though. A shelter can be a high stress environment, so an initially quiet animal may prove to be more energetic once they are home. Refer to the staff and volunteers who have interacted with the animal for insight.
Variety is the spice of life: Animal welfare organizations offer a wide range of pets for adoption. On average 25% of dogs found in shelters are purebreds. You can find mixed breeds we well, and animals of all ages, size, temperament and medical condition.
Your pet has received basic health screening. Rescued animals receive basic veterinary care and, in some cases, extraordinary care if they have been sick, injured or abused. In many locales, pets cannot be adopted until they are up-to-date on required vaccinations, and sterilized so as not to contribute to pet overpopulation. While most animals are spayed or neutered before they are adopted, some shelters provide vouchers or other means for new pet parents to fix their pets. Your local animal welfare organization can help you find affordable spay and neuter programs, and may host microchip clinics if you wish to ensure your pet’s safety one step further.
You may save money. Pet adoption fees are typically much less expensive than the costs to purchase a dog or cat from a retail store, or acquire one from a breeder. The money you save is that much more to budget for your pet’s needs, such as food, medical care and – hopefully – plenty of treats and toys.
You save two lives. The first life you save is that of the pet you adopt, and each adoption creates space in the shelter for another animal to be rescued. In this way, every adoption spares two lives.
You may think you’re getting all of these benefits when you buy a pet through a retail store, but most of those animals come from puppy mills - mass breeding facilities with notoriously poor conditions for parent animals and their litters. Choosing adoption means less support for these unscrupulous breeders. Some people acquire their pets from legitimate breeders because they are devoted to a particular breed, unaware that many purebreds are available through breed-specific rescues and animal shelters alike. The pet adoption process When you are ready to have a pet, or found the dog or cat that’s just right for you, it’s natural to want to take that bundle of joy home immediately. While adoption processes vary, they can include adoption applications, reference checks, multiple visits with the animal, a holding period and even home visits. This can make simply buying a pet at the store seem appealing, but shelters have these practices in place for a reason: they want to make sure every dog or cat is going a good, responsible home – and you will want to do everything possible to ensure that you and your pet are a great match. If you want to save the life of a pet who truly needs to be saved, she is more than worthy of a little effort. woman hugging dog Pet adoption fees help shelters and rescues defray the costs of care while the animal was in their custody, including food, shelter and veterinary care, as well as expenses associated with facility operations, such as staff, insurance, rent, utilities and the like. Fees may help cover transport costs for dogs and cats transferred in from other shelters where they faced fewer prospects of adoption. In most cases, the adoption fee does not cover the full costs to the shelter; the difference is typically made up through donations, grants and other forms of revenue. Other ways to help shelter pets Rescuing an animal through adoption is an extremely rewarding experience. Even if you are not ready to adopt, you can still support homeless animals in your community:
Encourage friends and family to adopt.
Donate food, supplies, or money: Shelters advertise what they need on so-called “wish lists;” some of these are common items you may have at home, such as gently used towels, sheets and blankets.
Volunteer: Contact your local rescue group, shelter or animal control to see what positions they have available, such as dog walking, kennel maintenance, answering the phones or other important tasks. If you have a special skill or talent – such as photography – let them know.
Attend local events: Animal welfare groups often host fundraisers, adoption events, and mobile spay/neuter or microchip clinics. Find out how you can support their efforts in the community.
Foster a shelter pet. If for any number of reasons you’re unable to adopt a pet, consider temporarily fostering a dog or cat in your home. Cost of care (food, veterinary bills) are covered by the sponsoring shelter or rescue, and you’ll be helping an animal prepare for his future life as an adoptee. You might even consider fostering a pet for a service member during military deployment.
Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs. Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention. Every year, more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites; at least half of them are children. Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims. There are many things you can do to avoid dog bites, ranging from properly training and socializing your pet to educating your children on how - or if - they should approach a dog. Information and education are the best solutions for this public health crisis. Did you know that 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday? Did you know that 800,000 bites a year are severe enough to require medical treatment, while 1 to 2 million go unreported? The vast majority of dog bites are from a dog known to the child—his or her own pet, a neighbor's or friend's. You can help prevent this from happening to your child. Please discuss with him or her the appropriate way to behave around dogs. The following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs. The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child: 1. I will not stare into a dog's eyes. 2. I will not tease dogs behind fences. 3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yards. 4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside. 5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately. 6. I will not run and scream if a loose dog comes near me. 7. I will stand very still (like a tree), and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me. 8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating. 9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping. 10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the dog's owner. 11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him sniff my closed hand.
Print out this activity sheet for children:
Activity Sheet May I Pet the Dog? Help your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs. Download here:Activity Sheet
Keep your distance from dogs you don't know. Some dogs are so cute it's almost impossible to resist petting them. You should also think twice before you try to make friends with an unfamiliar dog, because some dogs simply aren't very friendly, and many otherwise pleasant dogs may be skittish around strangers. Never try to pet an unfamiliar dog that's behind a fence, tied up, or in a car. As you don't know this animal, it could be dangerous. Dogs can be very protective of their territory, and if you enter their space, they could see you as a threat. Avoid loose dogs. If you're walking and you see an unfenced, untied dog up ahead, try to avoid it. Cross the street or go around the block. Stay out of reach of dogs on leashes, as well. Ask the dog owner's permission before you pet a dog. If a dog doesn't handle strangers well, the owner usually knows.
Allow dogs to investigate you before you touch them. Try holding your hand in a "cup" to introduce yourself to smaller dogs, and hold your hand in a relaxing manner in front of a large dog, like a loose fist. Dogs are naturally curious and may want to sniff you or approach you slowly. This is usually not threatening behavior, but if you don't allow a dog to investigate you before you try to touch him, he may bite in self-defense. By the same token, never surprise a dog and touch him when he's not expecting it.
Be gentle. Don't play rough with a dog, or the dog may play rough back, which may result in you getting bitten. An excited dog is an unpredictable dog.
Let sleeping dogs lie. Don't rouse a dog that's sleeping, especially if it's not your dog. In addition, avoid disturbing dogs while they're feeding, chewing on a bone or chew toy, or caring for their puppies. DO NOT try to take food away from most dogs, unless you know they are properly socialized, and that they are fine with you taking things away from them. Ask the owner first.
Stay away from mad dogs. Dogs frequently will tell you if they don't want you around. If a dog growls, bears its teeth and wrinkles its nose in a snarl, or if the hair on a dog's back is raised, keep away.
Stand your ground. Also, try not to make eye contact- this is considered threatening in animal behavior. Don't run away from a dog, especially a clearly angry one. Turning your back on a dog and running may awaken the dog's instinct to chase prey, and you don't want to be prey. If you encounter an unfamiliar dog, keep your cool, and walk slowly away without turning your back. Stand still if the dog appears ready to attack you, and keep your hands close to your sides with your fingers curled in to prevent getting them bitten.
Avoid eye contact with a dog. Don't look a strange dog right in the eyes. The dog may see this as a challenge (as said before).
Teach children how to act around dogs, and don't leave children unattended with dogs. Children are small and vulnerable to bites, and they also tend to want to play with dogs even when dogs aren't feeling up to playing. This can lead to situations where a child is in fact harassing a dog, and the dog may become aggressive in order to get the child to stop. If you are leaving the room with a dog and a small child, take the dog with you. That way, if the child has a scratch or a bruise, you know it was not caused by the dog.
Do not HUG dogs. Dogs do not hug each other naturally. Dogs mount each other to mate, show dominance, or to try to get a reaction from another dog. Hugging a dog might get a reaction you do not want, a nip or a bite. Hugging a dog is rude. It is much kinder and more polite to simply stand there, or stroke the friendly dog in its back.
Be careful when moving an injured dog. A dog in pain may lash out even at a friendly person. If you do want to help move a dog that has been injured, either be prepared to receive a minor bite or put on heavy gloves and a heavy coat to protect yourself. If the owner is present, ask him or her to handle the dog's head while you help lift the body. Covering a dog's head with a coat or shirt might help to prevent the dog from seeing you and might block the bite.
Be careful when splitting up dogs that are fighting. If possible, try not to physically touch the dogs at all. Spraying with a hose might work. If the fight is not too serious, human breath spray (Listerine or Binaca)is disgusting to most dogs, but not harmful. If you have to touch them, grab them by the hind legs to pull them apart. Don't touch them near their collars, heads or shoulders. If both dogs seem to want to keep fighting, try to drag one through a doorway or gate, and use the door/gate to separate them, or tug on a leash. Take a look at the videos below:
It might be spring, but flu season is far from over, especially for man’s best friend. A sudden outbreak of the Canine Influenza Virus has reportedly been spreading throughout the Chicago area over in recent weeks. According to Kimberly Cerny, the practice manager at Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, veterinarians in the area have seen a “drastic increase in the number of severe upper respiratory cases coming into their practices and at Blum” within the past two weeks. Cerny says there have already been numerous confirmed cases of Canine Influenza, including two that were fatal. She attributes causes of the Canine Influenza outbreak to the higher amount of dogs boarding due to spring break and the number of dogs in doggie day care each day in the city. Last week, the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois reported a large number of coughing dogs in Chicago, most with a history of frequenting daycare, boarding facilities and dog parks. The facility said a vaccine for the influenza is "on the market" but has not been widely used because of "the low risk of canine influenza." Canine Influenza Virus causes an upper respiratory disease in dogs with symptoms closely mimicking those of Kennel Cough. Dogs show signs of high fever, increased respiratory rate and pneumonia in severe cases. Vets recommend avoiding dog-to-dog contact when possible and vaccinating dogs at high risk. The virus can survive 48 hours on hard surfaces and 24 hours on clothing.
Winnie, a cat found in a duffel bag that had been thrown into the Winnebago River 12 days ago has found her forever home, according to the Humane Society of North Iowa. Winnie’s story made headlines when a Mason City couple witnessed a man throw a duffel bag in the river and fished it out of the chilly waters. They discovered a live cat inside the wet bag. She was brought out to the Mason City Stray Animal Shelter (co-located and managed by the Humane Society of North Iowa) and was given the name “Winnie.” A few days later, a Mason City man, William Hill, turned himself for the heinous act and has been charged with animal torture, a simple misdemeanor under Iowa’s law. Winnie’s story of survival made it all the way up to Ken Avery, a man who lives in St. Paul, MN. In January, Ken lost his longtime feline companion to cancer. He had been waiting for the right time to bring a new cat into his life. When he heard Winnie’s story, he knew the time was now. Ken came to meet Winnie last weekend and thought she was beautiful. “Winnie deserves a good home where she is safe and happy. I knew I could provide her that home,” Ken said. Ken returned to the Humane Society of North Iowa today to finalize Winnie’s adoption and take her home. “We are so happy that Winnie is going home with Ken. She survived her horrific ordeal and is now getting a second chance at a happy ending,” said Sybil Soukup, Executive Director of the Humane Society of North Iowa. The Humane Society of North Iowa is a non-profit organization that serves a 9 county area in North Iowa and operates a no-kill rescue animal shelter in Mason City. In the past 25 years, HSNI has found loving homes for over 9000 abandoned, displaced, and neglected animals. For more information, please call the Humane Society of North Iowa at: 641-423-6241 or visit them online at: www.hsni.org.
Colorado wildlife officials say they believe someone dumped four or five pet goldfish in a Boulder lake about two years ago, and they have now multiplied to over 3,000 to 4,000 fish. Because the goldfish are a non-native species, they threaten Teller Lake #5's entire aquatic ecosystem, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill told ABC News today. "Dumping your pets into a lake could bring diseases to native animals and plants as well as out-compete them for resources," Churchill said. "Everything can be affected. Non-native species can potentially wipe out the fishery as we've put it together." Wildlife officials are seeking information on anyone who may have released the goldfish into the lake, she said. CPW is currently considering two solutions -- electroshocking the fish or draining the lake. "With electroshocking, you go in the boat and stun the fish to paralyze and collect them," Churchill said, adding that the shock doesn't kill the fish. "The fish could also be collected if the lake is drained." Either way, wildlife officials will likely take them to a raptor rehabilitation center, where the fish will be used for feeding, Churchill said. Although a few residents have expressed interest in collecting the goldfish to keep them as pets, Churchill said she doesn't want to encourage the practice. "I'm going to talk to Boulder County, who owns the lake to see what they think, but I don't want to send the message that collecting fish for personal fun is okay," Churchill said.
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Police in Prince William County are warning residents that they might see some unexpected neighbors this spring. Coyotes have been spotted in the county often in recent years, and the number of sightings is only expected to increase as the human population grows, authorities said in a release Monday. Coyotes are mostly nocturnal, but have been seen during the day in urban and suburban areas. Authorities say that it's usually because they've been attracted to a food source or to areas under porches, decks and crawlspaces that would be ideal dens for their spring litters. Police offer the following tips to keep coyotes away:
Don't feed wildlife directly or indirectly, which can cause animals to lose their fear of humans.
Keep trash inside until it's about to be picked up, or keep it in an animal-proof bid.
Don't leave pet food outside, and keep any outdoor pet feeding areas clean.
Remove bird feeders when if you've seen problem species around them.
Close up all openings under and into your home and garage.
Clear fallen fruit from around trees.
Keep brushy areas in your yard cut down.
Keep small pets inside and on a leash when outside. Larger dogs are viewed as a threat, especially from January to June when coyotes are breeding.
Install coyote-proof fencing to protect unsupervised pets.
Remember that it's illegal in Virginia to trap and relocate an animal.
If a coyote or another animal is showing signs of rabies (stumbling, foaming at the mouth or aggression), call 703-792-6500 for an animal control officer and the police. For more information, click here:Prince William County Animal Control Bureau .
Dogs are truly loyal to their owners. It doesn’t matter if the pet owner is a law-abiding citizen or not, the pet will stand by his or her owner no matter what. In Florianópolis, Brazil, police officers raided a home and apprehended a group of drug traffickers. When the arrest was made, a pet was found in the residence and when the four-legged friend saw his owners lying on the floor, he too surrendered himself and lay next to his owners. One of the officers found the action of the canine endearing and snapped a photograph of the dog next to his owners. The officer posted the image on Twitter and the image went viral. The dog’s name and breed are unknown, an even though we don’t know what happened to the dog after his owners were taken away, one thing is for sure, the pet was not arrested and thrown to jail.
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