Rockville, Maryland - The investigation began Dec. 31 when animal services officers responded to the home for a dog bite case. While speaking to the homeowner outside, police said the officer became suspicious that there might be a large number of animals inside. A search warrant was executed Jan. 1, and it took 16 hours for animal services to find and track all of the dogs in the house. “When they went in, they saw the conditions, they saw the circumstances, and at that point in time, what we thought was maybe 20-plus dogs, it ended up being over 60 dogs – 66 in total,” said Tom Koenig of Montgomery County Animal Services. On Monday, FOX 5’s Emily Miller saw dog food piled up inside the house and dog feces all over the backyard. The owner was not home. “I've been doing this 11 years and this is the most dogs I’ve ever seen seized,” said Koenig. The 66 dogs were taken to the county shelter. They are different breeds, sizes and ages. Some of them required immediate medical care. “It was a variety of conditions. Some okay, some not so okay,” Koenig said. Currently, the dogs are being kept out of public view because they are considered evidence in an ongoing investigation. The owner could face criminal charges, including animal cruelty and abuse. The shelter says it will advertise on its website when the dogs that were seized are ready to be adopted. Until then, they have plenty of other dogs available. Learn more about adoption:www.montgomerycountymd.gov/asd
If you love cats you know how horrible and inhumane it is to declaw them, yet some people still insist on having the cruel treatment done to their cats to “save their furniture” even though there are many other ways to deal with the issue. A south New Jersey Assemblyman named Troy Singleton is sponsoring legislation that would make “onychetomy” which is the medical term for “declawing” your cat a crime of animal cruelty punishable by law. Both the cat owners seeking out the procedure and the veterinarians who perform it would face fines of up to $2,000 and 6 months in jail. Declawing is not a suitable replacement for proper training of your cats, it’s inhumane and cruel and it’s nice to see lawmakers are finally willing to take the steps to make this crime of animal cruelty illegal. Let’s hope this movement spreads across the country. If the law passes New Jersey would be the first state in the U.S. to outlaw declawing. A few cities in California have banned declawing, but it’s not a crime punishable with jail time and fines. Declawing may seem like a quick and simple solution to your problems but it’s not the humane solution, so if you or someone you know is considering declawing a cat, please get educated on the procedure and how cruel it really is.
Like many cat owners, Dr. Jessica Quimby spends a lot of time worrying about feline health. With six cats of her own, this veterinarian knows the odds are that at least one will develop chronic kidney disease. In fact, her cat Sophie already has the highly common and incurable disease. “I’m really surprised when a cat in its mid-teens doesn’t have kidney disease. It’s so common that it is more abnormal for an older cat to have normal kidney function,” said Quimby, an assistant professor and board-certified internal medicine specialist in the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Veterinarians estimate that up to half of cats over 15 years old will develop renal failure. That’s 2 million cats in the United States. Chronic kidney disease is irreversible, so treatment focuses on treating complications through changes in diet, medicating high blood pressure, and keeping the cat hydrated. Quimby is a cat crusader, doggedly pursuing these and other treatments that will make life better for ailing cats and their humans. “As an internal medicine specialist, I work with both cats and dogs, but I always had the goal of working with cats – elderly cats, complicated cats. I grew up with cats on a farm and saw them suffering from various diseases, so I came to CSU so I could have the power to do studies and learn new things to help them,” said Quimby, whose office in the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital is decorated with photos and paintings of feline friends. Does your cat have chronic kidney disease? To read more on this story, click here:Starting from Scratch: CSU Veterinarian Searches for Answers to Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
In Wisconsin, starting this summer, good Samaritans who see dogs — and kids — trapped in hot cars can bust them out, without facing civil liability. California, New York, and Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering similar bills. Wisconsin’s law — like those in the other states — allows concerned bystanders to take a hammer to a car window only under certain conditions: You’ve got to have a good faith belief that the pet or child is in danger. “Forcible entry” must be required — in other words, make sure the car door isn’t unlocked. You must call 911 or let law enforcement know what you’re about to do. And then you’ve either got to stick around until the owner or the cops arrive, or leave a note on the windshield about who you are and what you did. This law was signed by Wisconsin governor Scott Walker last November. As Milwaukee public radio station WUWM noted in a recent story, this is the first summer that the law has been in effect. “I wonder whether or not in the 25 cases where children died last year, or hundreds, if not thousands of cases where pets died last year, whether or not people saw it happening but they didn’t think that was their business or their call or didn’t want to get in trouble damaging the property,” one of the bill’s co-authors, Reps. Tod Ohnstad, told the station. We’re going to go ahead and editorialize here: This law is really great. We’d like to see the other 46 states adopt their own versions of it. (Let your state lawmakers know if you’d like that, too.) “Laws like this increase bandwidth of first response agencies and even better rely on community members to help each other out in crisis. Most people who leave a pet in a hot car do not do so out of malice, and never expect their ‘quick errand’ to result in tragedy,” said Cory Smith, the Humane Society of the United States’ director of public policy for companion animals. “These Good Samaritan laws can prevent tragedies for people and pets.” It’d be even better if no one had to use their hammer, legal or no. When it’s hot out, don’t leave your dog in a car — for pete’s sake, leave your dog at home.
The ivory trade has been running rampant for decades now, and these poor gentle giants suffer immensely at the hands of it. Hundreds, if not thousands, of elephants are killed every year for their tusks to be sawed off and sold on the black market. This can leave many baby elephants without the mothers they need to take care of them, and they end up dying as well. It can be difficult to track down these poachers and see that they’re brought to justice, but one woman is taking the task into her own hands to ensure that these creatures are no longer mistreated and murdered for their tusks.
Since 1977, Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick has taken it upon herself to raise the elephant orphans who have suffered both physical and emotional injuries from the loss of their mothers.
They’re provided with enough space to roam, and each have their own handler to care for them throughout the day to ensure that all of their needs are met.
Her years of study have helped her to develop a formula that is similar to an elephant mother’s milk, making it easier for these babies to develop as they should to be big and strong.
Daphne’s main goal is to help these creatures recover so that they can be returned to the wild and help to repopulate the wild herds that have been diminishing in numbers.
Daphne is so passionate about the ending of the ivory trade that her open arms have been extended to rhinos as well, whose numbers are dwindling into the verge of extinction. Watch the video below.
The familiar cadence of "oohs" and "ahs" increases with each sizzle, pop and boom of a dazzling and people-pleasing Fourth of July fireworks display. Meanwhile, your cat or dog quivers, cowers or worst of all — runs away — due to the shock and stress of it all. "Every muscle of a cat's body is primed for 'kill or be killed,' so its whole nervous system is always on alert," animal behaviorist Jackson Galaxy, host and executive producer of Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell," told TODAY. "Now put yourself in their shoes when they hear fireworks." "The Fourth really can be a scary day for all animals," said DogVacay pet expert Nicole Miller of the popular online pet-sitting community. "Owners may think their dog will be fine, but it's best to be prepared." The terrified-pet scenario will repeat itself millions of times across the U.S. this Monday. In fact, according to the online lost-pet finder system PetAmberAlert.com, animal control officials nationwide expect to take in 30 to 60 percent more pets between July 4 and July 6 than normal. The holiday surge in lost animals strains a system that doesn't bode well for pets that go unclaimed at any time of the year. "It's no myth that fireworks startle pets," Emily Weiss, vice president of research and development at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told TODAY. A certified applied animal behaviorist, she said the nonprofit's own extensive research couldn't confirm such high numbers. However, when analyzing its own shelter statistics, ASPCA found a slight increase in dogs going into shelters during July, but not so for cats. To read more on this story, click here: July 4th Fireworks: Tips to Protect Your Dog or Cat from Jackson Galaxy, Pet Experts
FOLLOW US!
At birth, a baby cockatiel weighs only 4 grams and is the size of a small thumbnail, according to tieltreasures.com. At about 6 days old, they open their eyes! The tiny bird grows fast and by day nine is eating a whole teaspoon (or two) of food three or four times a day! The blue color on the wings starts to appear as well as the crest feathers. The baby’s feathers don’t open up until it is two to three weeks old. When the little bird it about 3 weeks old, it will venture off for its first flight. A full grown cockatiel can weigh from 100 – 250 grams. This video shows amazing footage of the growth of two cockatiel hatchlings. The growth these birds go through in 30 days is unbelievable – they go from completely helpless to full grown birds.
Albany, New York - A person’s dog or cat could soon be a loyal companion in both life and death. The state Assembly this past week gave final legislative approval to a bill that would give cemeteries the option of offering to bury people with the cremated remains of their family pets. The bill sponsors, Assemblyman James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Erie County), wrote in a memo that cemetery organizations are increasingly being asked by their lot owners for permission to be buried with their pets. The two lawmakers cited statistics showing 62%, or about 72.9 million U.S. households, own a pet. “With this increased ownership has come a significant shift in the desire of New Yorkers to have their pets interred in their grave, crypt or niche,” they wrote. According to the bill, cremated pet remains must be disposed of by placing them in a grave, crypt, or niche. A cemetery would not be obligated to offer the option. And religious cemeteries are exempted from the legislation. Leona Helmsley, the hotel magnate dubbed “The Queen of Mean” who died in 2007, had in her will that she wanted her pampered pooch “Trouble” interred with her in the 12,000-square-foot family mausoleum in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester County once the Maltese went to doggie Heaven. But while Trouble was cremated after her death in 2011, she could not be buried with her former master because of the state law prohibiting it. Helmsley, who cut two grandchildren out of her will and evicted her son’s widow after his death, had left her beloved dog a $12 million inheritance, though a judge subsequently reduced it to $2 million. The bill allowing for humans to be buried with their pets passed the Senate in March and the Assembly this past week. Gov. Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi wouldn’t say whether the governor will sign the bill into law, saying only it will be reviewed. The state in 2014 enacted a regulation that allowed pet cemeteries to accept the cremated remains of humans who wanted to spend eternity with their pets.
Leona Helmsley, who died in 2007, had will made demanding that her dog be buried with her.
Both Hemsley and her dog died before the bill was pushed for owners to be buried with their pets.
For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California. Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma. SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500. Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors. The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles. Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.
The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are. Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety. Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.
We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.” They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters. The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have. 'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.” Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.
Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.
Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.
SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.
Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.
Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.
Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.
Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.
Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.
Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.
Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.
Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.
Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.
Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition.
FOLLOW US!
For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California. Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma. SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500. Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors. The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles. Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.
The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are. Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety. Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.
We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.” They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters. The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have. 'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.” Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.
Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.
Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.
SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.
Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.
Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.
Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.
Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.
Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.
Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.
Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.
Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.
Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.
Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition.
FOLLOW US!
If you’re a dog owner, there’s probably one thing you dread about holidays like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. Fireworks scare dogs. Imagine you have no idea what fireworks are. Suddenly you see bright lights and hear explosions coming from the sky. You’d be pretty terrified, too. Fireworks wreak havoc on animals, and vet visits skyrocket around holidays where fireworks are common. Dogs, with their sensitive hearing, are especially vulnerable, and many hurt themselves trying to escape or hide. They can run and risk getting lost hit by cars.
There’s no doubt that a stunning fireworks show can be the highlight of anyone’s night. The bright lights and explosions are mesmerizing, causing us to forget the negative effects of the fireworks themselves. Many pet parents understand the anxiety and stress loud fireworks have on animals, but these details are usually overlooked by event planners. However, one little town in Italy is finally putting a stop to the noise.
Collecchio, a small town of 14,000 people located in the province of Parma, is making headlines in the pet parent community. Recently, a bill has been passed to make the use of loud fireworks illegal, in hopes of reducing stress on household animals and livestock. The people of Collecchio were recognizing some of the more severe side effects of fireworks on animals, such as anxiety, disorientation, and in extreme cases, burns or eye damage. Chickens are also less likely to produce eggs after the stress of a fireworks, causing issues in the farming community.
Legislation in Collecchio now states that silent fireworks must be used for events, in replacement of noise making ones. The government is hopeful that this will reduce “acoustic stress” on the animals, without eliminating fireworks from events completely.
Columbus, Ohio - Until a new law was passed this spring, it was against the law in Ohio, along with many other states, for firefighters or paramedics to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations. Only licensed veterinarians could do that. The legislation passed recently makes Ohio one of the first states to protect first responders who administer lifesaving aid to pets, companion animals or police dogs in crisis. Animal advocates say they hope the statute, which they liken to laws protecting good Samaritans who come to the aid of injured humans, removes hesitation for first responders who might have concerns about tending to injured pets. The law will allow first responders to, without fear of liability, provide oxygen, perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation, try to stem bleeding, bandage and even administer the overdose antidote naloxone to dogs or cats that have ingested opiates. Liability has been a concern because owners of pets have sued first responders who treated animals that ended up dying. "It's another layer of protection for the good guys," said Cory Smith, director of public policy for companion animals at The Humane Society of the United States. Ohio's law, which follows a similar action by Colorado in 2014, came about after Bob Swickard, the director of an EMS service in a small town in northeastern Ohio, contacted state Republican Rep. Tim Ginter with concerns about a recent rash of on-duty injuries to police dogs. In seeking guidance from a veterinarian on first aid for dogs, Swickard said he found "a missed loophole" — it was clearly illegal for EMTs to treat animals. He and Ginter were especially concerned that paramedics couldn't administer naloxone to police dogs that came in contact with prescription pain pills or heroin. "There is the possibility that a dog could get a snout full of something and go down," Ginter said. "The best that they could do before this law was to call either a veterinarian to come to the scene or call for transport." Dr. Ed Cooper, head of emergency and critical care at Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center, said that as a result of the law, which takes effect Aug. 31, some veterinarians are reaching out to first responders to provide basic training, and first responders are beginning to seek it out. "The hope in having this law passed is really just to give first responders the opportunity and extend the option without the potential for recourse to assist pets as well as people in these kinds of crisis situations," Cooper said. "So (veterinarians) certainly see it as a positive thing." What the law doesn't do is require first responders to treat animals, nor does it now make it OK for people to call 911 when their pets get injured or sick. People should still call emergency animal hospitals in these situations. Smith noted that with two-thirds of American households having at least one pet, it stands to reason that first responders are going to encounter injured animals on the job. "Really, it's just about building humane communities," she said. "I think when first-response agencies and local governments and especially state governments plan around the fact that animals are such a huge part of our lives, it can only lead to good things."
In this Dec. 9, 2010, file photo, Amira Bichara, right, gasps in relief when a golden retriever rescued from a house fire begins breathing normally, as a firefighter and resident administer oxygen in Kettering, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
In this Oct. 24, 2008, file photo, Perkins Township, Ohio, firefighters administer oxygen to a dog rescued from a house fire in Sandusky, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
In this June 24, 2008, file photo, fire paramedic Kelsey Ward administers oxygen to a pet cat that suffered smoke inhalation before it was rescued from an apartment fire in Enon, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
