 2 rating(s)
Current Members: 31
Bookmark URL: http://my.billingsgazette.com/Groups/Animal_Crackers |
|
|
August 12 Is Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day!
Posted by: jn at 1:13PM MT on August 7, 2009
 To promote awareness of adopting special-needs pets or those with special characteristics, Petfinder.Com is dedicating August 12 as Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day. Shelters across the nation are participating in the event to spread awareness that special-needs pets are every bit deserving of a loving home. Pets with the following characteristics are often overlooked by potential adopters, but adopters may not realize that most, if not all of these special-needs pets make wonderful additions to your family. * Senior/older pets - They are already house-broken, more mellow and less likely to require training. If you've ever owned a senior pet, you understand the pet has given you years of love and companionship, we need to repay the kindness by giving them wonderful opportunities to live out their senior years. * Medical problems - Most medical problems can be managed with prompt veterinary care and followup. Many conditions are easily, and cost-effectively treatable with no recurring health complications. * Breed prejudice - Less popular breeds tend to be overlooked, "mutt" breeds often turn out to be the most friendly, most loyal to your family. * Shyness/not socially adjusted - Keep in mind, shyness is easily overcome with dedication to providing a comfortable and secure environment, bonding and attention to the pet's needs. Also remember many pets are shy simply due to being held in an animal shelter environment. * Physical problems such as deafness, blindness or physical deformities - Such limitations do not affect a pet's behavior and willingness for play, activity and bonding as long as you provide a safe environment, make slight adjustments in the environment to accommodate their needs. Other stigmas that affect overlooked pets in shelters include large dogs, black cats, FIV+ cats, or even pets with different coat textures! Large dogs make great companions (if you have adequate space), black cats have personalities that are just as friendly and loving as other cats, and FIV+ cats can lead long, happy and healthy lives providing they are spayed or neutered, receive regular veterinary care and you are keen to their health needs. Help change the stigma affecting these shelter pets, consider adopting a less-fortunate or special-needs pet. The love and rewards you'll receive in return will amaze you!
Posted by: jn at 1:06PM MT on August 7, 2009
Pet-care expenses would be tax deductible under a new measure introduced by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.).
Tax Deductions for Pet-Care Expenses Proposed House Resolution 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, or HAPPY Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for “qualified pet care expenses.” “Qualified pet care expenses” is defined as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.” “Qualified pet” is defined as “a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.” It does not include animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with a trade or business. The act would not apply for a person who deducted expenses under IRC sections 162 (ordinary and necessary expenses) and 213 (diagnostic and similar procedures, medical devices and other medical expenses not covered by insurance) during the preceding three taxable years. The measure, introduced on July 31, was drafted in conjunction with data from the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey. It has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) issued a Pet Alert (pdf file) on Aug. 5 supporting the proposal. “Providing pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses is an important step towards ensuring that pet owners provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care,” PIJAC stated. “It encourages responsible pet ownership and will hopefully reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn.” Click here to view H.R. 3501.
Posted by: jn at 6:48PM MT on July 29, 2009
Cats are less likely to bother your plants and flowers if you have catnip in your garden. Spaced strategically throughout your garden will allow the neighborhood cats and stray cats to choose areas away from your plants in which to play, rest, seek shade and nibble on their favorite herb (the only herb truly safe for them).
In my garden, catnip is in planters on the deck, a larger planter at a far end of the garden and a catnip patch containing several plants on the other end of the garden. The catnip patch gets partial to full sun, but gets enough shade at different times of the day to allow the cats to rest and nap under a shade tree.
My neighbor cats and stray cats with their catnip:
As you can see, they're happy. When they're happy, I'm happy :)
Posted by: jn at 6:17PM MT on July 29, 2009
My Kitty Garden:
 Small, simple, low maintenance, and for the cats, their private little haven. If you're handy or know someone who is, a free downloadable plan for the footbridge can be found here. We altered it to include posts, and sailor's rope. TIP: Most footbridges made of cedar, red oak, or redwood weather well, as far as strength is concerned. However, redwood for example, is difficult to maintain it's original color, so a weatherproof water sealant is not enough, it will still weather and may turn gray (giving it the appearance of a weathered look, yet still very strong). We learned the hard way, the first year, it turned gray (when the snow disappeared), so we stained it with a light red color as close as we could match to redwood. Garden Color:  As mentioned in the earlier article, additional color in the garden is found in red hummingbird feeders, stained-glass garden stakes, the footbridge, colorful planters and colorful hanging baskets. The Cats In Their Garden (neighbor cats and stray cats, my cats are kept strictly indoors):  Some of the neighbor cats and stray cats. As you can see, they love the garden. Cat-Safe Garden Plants:  Astilbe (pink blooms) Creeping Phlox (Emerald Blue) Hosta (Varigated and Blue - small white blooms) Weigela (small lavender blooms) Lamb's Ear (not to be confused with Elephant Ear!) Coral Bells Echinacea (Ruby Star - pale lavendar blooms) Sedum (ground cover, lines one side of the garden path, small yellow blooms) Sedum (another type - October Daphne) Blue Oat Grass Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Hanging baskets: Fuschia, and various (I know little to nothing about what's in the baskets, except to say they look beautiful and have vibrant colors, so I get them once a year) Shrubs: Blue Chip Junipers Dwarf Burning Bush Viburnums Ready to be inspired?  Cat-owners in Australia know how to do it right. These are indoor cat-enclosures, or, indoor cat gardens, but can be used for inspiration! Or perhaps just a design inspiration... 
Posted by: jn at 6:15PM MT on July 29, 2009
It is fairly easy to create a cat-safe garden, even if you don't have a green thumb (like me). The hard part is choosing what type of design you want, with the space you already have, and sticking to your budget. For example, my garden is a fairly small space and the ground was slightly sloped, so leveling an area for a stepping-stone garden path was important, yet leaving the incline for good drainage. I also wanted to create the illusion the space is actually bigger than it is, so I carefully chose plants that would fit the space, and those plant types that wouldn't overcrowd others.
The most important aspect about a cat-safe garden is choosing plants safe for cats (non-toxic). Planning ahead will save you time because you'll only shop for those you know are safe for cats, should you have kitties who like to nibble. Stick to your chosen list and try to refrain from impulse buying (impulse buying gets you in trouble with spending, plants aren't cheap!). In this and the following article, I'll list the plants I chose for my garden. For landscaping, I chose perennials only. I chose them because a) I have a black thumb and am likely to kill anything if the roots don't grow deep into the ground and b) I wanted very low maintenance and didn't want to have to spend more each year to have fresh annuals and c) some perennials are least likely to be toxic to cats if ingested. However, cat-safe perennials I chose don't necessarily bloom with fantastic color (other than yellows, whites, lavenders or pinks), so I compensate in other areas of the garden with hanging baskets of annuals, spaced strategically, which provide any color I'd like. For additional color in the garden, I have red hummingbird feeders, stained glass garden stakes, colorful planters on the deck, and a redwood footbridge over a dry "creek" of river rock and colorful pebbles. I don't want to clutter my small space, so I keep it minimal and I can expect the same amount of color through spring, summer and fall by the types of plants and the annuals in the hanging baskets. A white trellis is a nice backdrop to bring out the color as well as the various greens in the foliage and other plants (the trellis also serves to hang bird feeders). The most essential elements for a cat-safe garden, beyond the non-toxic plants, are: A garden path, so curious kitties can explore. I chose to use stepping stones, but you can use whatever material you'd like. If I had a larger space, laying the stepping stones in circles or half-moons around larger plants would create a cool yellow-brick-road for the cats to explore. But since it is a small space, I chose to use bark mulch as the main landscape cover, with the pathway winding through the garden in an S-shape. Bark mulch helps maintains the soil, can be placed around the plants without harming them, and can be added to the garden when necessary (usually once a year, in fall or spring). Mulch also gives a deep landscape color in which to show off your other foliage and greenery. WARNING: DO NOT BUY CHOCOLATE or COCOA BEAN MULCH from home and garden centers. It contains theobromine which is toxic to animals (methylxanthine toxicosis )! We buy our mulch at a reasonable cost from Rocky Mountain Compost, they do not use chemicals. They have a variety of colored mulch, such as chocolate brown, black, gold, autumn red, even blue. For our space, we can get 1/2 to a full pickup load of mulch for around $40. A water feature. All critters in the garden love, and require water. If you have enough space and can afford one, a small water fountain or pond would be ideal. But, each requires regular maintenance and I didn't want to have to spend all my time with maintenance, so I have a birdbath and a stainless steel water dish on the deck. The birdbath is for the birds of course, but the cats actually drink from it. Please folks, keep your birdbaths impeccably clean on a regular basis, it's healthier for all the critters in your garden. Shade. Not only do you appreciate shade in your garden, but so do critters and so do your plants. Many perennials as well as annuals need varying degrees of shade throughout the day, and some do well in partial shade/sun. A little preparation in advance will help you design your garden for shade and sun and you'll know where your plants will thrive the best. On hot summer days, shade is crucial so critters can rest, nap and cool off. Catnip. Absolutely essential, a garden is not a garden without catnip. When buying catnip, you can either plant catnip seeds or buy established "starter" plants. I prefer the established plants because it is a hit or miss with seeds. Also, with seeds, you cannot guarantee the cats won't eat them before they've had a chance to grow to a sturdier height. Choose an area in your garden with equal amounts of sun and shade, catnip usually does best in more sun. Make sure your catnip patch is large enough for kitties to rock and roll in because they most certainly will. Also make sure the area is large enough to accommodate seeding, because they will seed if allowed to. Catnip grows to about 2-3 feet in height, so the more established the plants are, the stronger they are. The cats will break many of the stalks as they play with them but the majority of the plant is hardy and will keep coming back. I have my catnip planted in planters scattered on a deck, as well as a planter on one side of the garden and a catnip patch as well. This ensures the cats can choose where they'd prefer to play, and will always have a steady supply should they get too rambunctious with one or more plants. Catnip is also a perennial, so with care, it should come back every year for about 3 years or so. By the way, it is the Nepetia Cataria type of catnip you want, NOT Cat-mint. Sylvan's Nursery and Gainan's usually have a good stock of established catnip for sale in late spring or early summer, reasonably priced at around $4-5. Call ahead so you can be sure they have them, or so they can order or reserve them for you. NON-TOXIC fertilizers or plant foods/sprays. I do not use fertilizer other than soil fertilizer at planting time. I use only a spray bottle with mild dishsoap and water to spray plants that bugs might find tasty. An occasional use of Miracle Grow mixed with water keeps my plants in tip-top shape, but I take care to only pour the mixture around the base of the plant, so the foliage is not saturated (in the event a curious kitty might nibble). I do not use bug-killers or slug baits or anything of the sort. So far, my plants are doing well without the use of toxic chemicals. To use any chemicals or bug baits, moth balls etc., defeats the purpose of a non-toxic, cat-safe garden. The neighbor cats and stray cats never seem to bother anything in their garden. They are not interested in nibbling plants (except their catnip), they can barely reach the hanging baskets, but don't bother them in the least, they enjoy walking through the garden on the path, and love their catnip patch. I've been creative enough to make it both interesting and safe for them and it's a daily adventure for them. They don't dig, they don't topple planters over, and if they urinate, it's ok, because the garden hose is nearby and I simply rinse the plant off. I've never found little "surprises", but there is grass at the far end of the garden for them to use if they must. I don't worry about the birds, since their feeders are hung from the trellis and out of reach to the cats - the cats seem to be more interested in exploring, lounging on the deck, or playing in the catnip. At night, we have a solar outdoor light which casts shadows throughout the garden, cats are nocturnal by nature, so they have as much fun playing hide and seek at night as they do in the daytime. I enjoy the neighbor cats and the stray cats, I love their company when I'm in the garden (their presence makes me forget the garden chores), and there's just nothing sweeter than watching them enjoy it as well. Our little garden haven keeps them out of the crankier neighbor's yards, so it's a win-win situation! Coming up next, photos of my kitty garden and my list of cat-safe plants...
Posted by: jn at 3:34PM MT on July 26, 2009
 It happens every time a pet-themed movie comes out in theaters. 101 Dalmatians (and it's sequel), Beverly Hills Chihuahua, the yellow lab retriever in Marley and Me. And so on and so on...here we go again with Disney's G-Force. Every single time, parents relent and buy or adopt one of the adorable icons for their children. And every single time, shelters across the country are soon inundated with those relinquished icons. Kids and adults alike might enjoy the animated little critters and 3-D effects in the movies. But, young kids aren't able to distinguish fantasy critters from live critters, nor do they understand the involvement of every day care, feeding, cleaning of cages, and playtime and bonding as well as veterinary care and expenses necessary to maintain the pet. A new pet is often a novelty item for a young child, and after a month or so, the novelty wears off, the pet becomes a "chore", becomes neglected by both the child and the parent who acted with disregard to the pet AND the child, and the pet inevitably ends up at a shelter. Sadly, many of them euthanized. One rescue group was so concerned, they were on hand at a theater's G-Force movie opening with guinea pigs on display to teach awareness about guinea pig ownership and adoption. (how cool is that!) Parents, be responsible, teach your kids that movies are not real life situations. Teach your kids that pets are a responsibility, for the lifetime of the pet. When you teach responsibility, you also teach admiration for, and compassion for the species. Your kids will admire and respect you more in the long run for not accommodating their every wish. If you feel your children are responsible caretakers for pets, then ensure both you and your child are aware of their special needs, including specific foods, accommodating environment, the need for regular veterinary care, activity and social needs. For guinea pigs, rodents, pocket pets, fish and some birds and reptiles, their life spans are relatively short, are you prepared to handle the grief aspect once the pet's life ends? Are you prepared to take over the care of the pet if your child eventually defaults on his/her promises? Think about that, research the species, teach your children well and you will then be armed to make informed and rational decisions. Let's review: Computer-generated animated guinea pig: no care required, except by mechanical intervention by movie crew and computer graphic artists. Approximate lifespan: Infinate, immortal, especially where royalties are concerned.  Real, live guinea pig: requires proper care by a real live human to feed, water, provide appropriate environment/habitat, play with, bond with, exercise, love, and receive regular veterinary care. Approximate lifespan: 5-7 years.
Posted by: jn at 2:51PM MT on July 20, 2009
Continued from Animal Cruelty: When Justice Fails (Part 1). Cases 8-14:
Jan 24, 2006 Offender: Kelly Sondeno/Safe Harbor Rescue, Fromberg, MT - Carbon County Defense Attorney: Steve Thuesen Case (Pets/Dogs/Cats/Horses): Following up on complaints, investigators found an estimated 50 dogs and 75 to 100 cats, many with obvious health problems and infectious diseases, many receiving substandard care. The situation for the cats was termed "teetering between unrestricted feral cat colony and a typical cat hoarder situation" by the regional HSUS director. Four cats were removed for custodial care and six horses were identified for custodial care. Charge: (1) Count Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Plea: Pleaded not guilty. Sentence/Outcome: Pretrial diversion agreement (basically dismissal) that deferred prosecution on the felony charge if Sondeno adhered to a list of conditions. The agreement stipulated that Sondeno could continue operating Safe Harbor for the purposes of animal rescue, sheltering and adoption. She is, however, limited to a maximum of 30 dogs and 60 cats - and a "reasonable number" of personal pets - on site. As part of the agreement, Sondeno must permit announced inspections of the facility, as well as veterinary examinations of the animals there and she has three years to make improvements at the facility. -------------------- March 16, 2007 Offender: Aleta Rogers, Thompson Falls, MT - Sanders County Defense Attorney: Brian Cotter Judge: (JP) Donald Strine Case (Pets/Dogs): 54 dogs and puppies found from four dilapidated mobile homes and camp trailers owned by Rogers, some of the dogs cramped in tiny cages or cat carriers, many living in 2 to 3 inches of their own feces and urine. 7 of them were euthanized on orders from the sheriff's department, for liability reasons, after they bit their rescuers. 4 more were euthanized or died from health-related causes. A 12th dog, a chihuahua-terrier cross with a deformed jaw discovered inside a crate in the first trailer, was killed by some of the other dogs later that day, before the authorities could get back to the property to retrieve all of the dogs. Charge: (29) counts of animal cruelty. Plea: Pleaded guilty. Sentencing/Outcome: (Dismissed). Rogers had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges and was given a 1-year jail sentence and a $1000 fine on each count, all suspended provided Rogers paid $6,000 in restitution to animal shelters and veterinarians who cared for the animals (a plea agreement). However, she sought to withdraw her guilty plea and her attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges since the officers did not have a search warrant to search and seize animals at her home. All charges and fines were dismissed, the prosecutors decided not to re-file charges, leaving a local animal care shelter without restitution for around $3,800 spent caring for the dogs. -------------------- March 23, 2007 Offender: Betty Jo Brown, Manhattan, MT - Gallatin County Judge: Holly Brown Case (Horses): 7 horses found on Brown's property, severely malnourished; 6 of them weak and emaciated, 1 in very poor condition. They were living in small, dilapidated, manure-filled corrals and were in obvious pain. Plea: Unverified Charge: (7) counts of Felony Animal Cruelty Sentence/Outcome: 14 years of jail time, fully suspended, and forfeiture of the horses to the county. Brown was ordered not to own livestock during the suspended term. She was ordered to pay $17,000 in restitution. Brown had a prior conviction for animal cruelty in 2002. This is the third time Brown has been convicted of animal cruelty offenses. -------------------- Oct 4, 2007 Offender: Eugena Fugate, Fort Shaw, MT - Cascade County Case (Pets/Cats): 53 malnourished cats and kittens found on Fugate's property, others found deceased. The cats were inside a pen attached to a quonset hut where some areas had feces as deep as 12 inches. The cats and kittens were living in deplorable conditions. A great Falls veterinarian stated that that the cats were so underfed that they resorted to cannibalism. Animal control officials euthanized 26 cats and kittens due to neglect and illness, or because they were "feral". Charge: Initially, (57) Counts of Cruelty to Animals and numerous counts of failure to properly dispose of an animal corpse. Reduced to (20) counts. Plea: Pleaded guilty to 20 counts of animal cruelty. Sentence/Outcome: Given a 180-day suspended sentence for each of 20 counts of cruelty to animals, and ordered to reimburse the county's costs of euthanizing the sick cats. Cascade County Attorney's office tells a news station reporter, "It'll be 10 years before she is allowed to own another animal and officials with the Cascade County Attorney's office say they will make sure she does not violate that condition". In 2001, Fugate was arrested for animal cruelty when officials found malnourished horses, dogs and cats on her property. In March 2002, Fugate was given a year-long deferred sentence and fined $380 by a justice of the peace for possessing starving cats, dogs and horses. She also was forbidden to own any animals, with the exception of the two cats she owned at that time. -------------------- October 18, 2007 Offender: Enrique Tipiani, Belt, MT - Cascade County Case (Pets/Dogs): 45 german shepherds found living in unfit conditions; Tipiani's yard and garage, where the dogs were kept, were covered with urine and feces, the garage's walls were moldy, garbage was strewn about; some of the dogs had been fighting, resulting in injury and death, dogs killed in fights were eaten by other dogs. Tipiani was breeding and selling the dogs. One dog bit an officer, the county subsequently euthanized the dog to test for rabies (the test was negative). Charge: Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty Plea: Unverified. Sentence/Outcome: 4-year deferred prosecution agreement (plea deal), allowed Tipiani to regain 4 of his dogs provided he spay/neuter them at his own expense; he agreed to pay $5,000 to help recover the costs for caring for the dogs by the county, on a 3-year installment plan. Tipiani is only allowed to own 4 dogs, and is subject to regular inspection. -------------------- October 5, 2008 Offender: Phillip A. Brode, Silver Bow County Judge: Kurt Krueger Case (Pets/Dogs): Nearly 100 husky dogs and puppies found cramped in a broken-down schoolbus and trailer; the dogs were found in poor condition, malnourished, infested with parasites, had numerous illnesses and were covered in feces and crowded into small kennels. Charge: Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Plea: Initially, pleaded not guilty. Later pleaded guilty to avoid 2 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of up to $25,000. Sentence/Outcome: Given a 14-month suspended sentence and fined $1,000. Krueger was also allowed to choose and keep 6 dogs, he left the area shortly after sentencing to return to Colorado. The initial 100 dogs and puppies quickly escalated to over 200, as many of the females had been pregnant. Before sentencing, it is estimated the cost to care for the dogs had reached over $150,000, with $26,000 in donations. In February of 2009, most of the dogs had finally been adopted into new homes. Read this link for more striking similarities to the Kapsa case. -------------------- December 30, 2008 Offender: Linda K. Kapsa, Ballantine, MT - Yellowstone County Defense Attorney(s): David Duke, Moira D'Alton Judge: Susan P. Watters Case (Pets/Dogs/Cats/Birds/Goats/Chickens/Horses): Two seperate searches of Kapsa's property resulted in the seizure of over 200 dogs, 3 cats, 27 chickens and 10 cockatiels, most living in deplorable conditions. 9 horses were left behind at the time of the seizure. A search for a reported 50 or more pugs turned up empty. Dogs were found unsheltered, some starving, most without food or water, kittens were locked in an outbuilding with no food or water. Inside one of Kapsa's trailers, a deceased dog was found beside her bed. 24 deceased dogs and puppies were found on the property, suspected of suffering from parvovirus and/or having froze to death. One deceased dog was found on the property, appearing to have been eaten by other dogs. Another dog was so severely wounded, a veterinarian had to amputate the dog's leg. Dogs and puppies suffered from parvo, others from parasites and skin infections. Several of the female dogs were pregnant, resulting in several litters of new puppies after the seizures. Many of the dogs were fearful and not socialized. Conditions inside Kapsa's 3 trailers on the property were noted to contain urine, feces and trash, authorities were reported to say the stench was overwhelming and it was difficult to imagine anyone could live in such conditions. Charge: (2) Counts Felony Animal Cruelty, (4) Related Misdemeanors. Plea: Initially, pleaded not guilty. Then pleaded no contest on one felony count without admitting guilt, the other charges will be dismissed. Sentence/Outcome: (Pending). A plea agreement was reached, final sentencing is pending. The plea deal imposes a maximum 20-year suspended sentence supervised by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The plea deal limits Kapsa to a maximum of 40 chickens, 20 goats, 8 horses, 3 neutered cats and 2 cockatiels; she has already taken 11 chickens and 2 cockatiels prior to sentencing. She also agreed to allow state officials to visit her property without obtaining a search warrant or giving notice. The agreement also requires Kapsa to pay an undetermined amount of restitution, her ability to pay will be part of the Department of Corrections' pre-sentence investigation. The defense attorneys are expected to ask the state to release 20 additional dogs to Kapsa, of her choosing; she has already been allowed to visit and choose which dogs will be argued to the state for release . The MetraPark and Moore Lane kennel facilities have been the holding locations for the dogs, currently costing Yellowstone County taxpayers nearly $160,000, with donations at around $43,000. Nearly 100 volunteers have stepped in to help care for, socialize and train the dogs since January. After Kapsa's first choice of her 20 yet-to-be-determined-for-release dogs, the volunteers will have the next choice for adopting the dogs, followed by the public and/or a third-party rescue group. Kapsa has had numerous run-ins with authorities regarding her breeding operation since 1992, here is the sordid detailed past of the numerous warnings, violations, citations, several subsequent seizures of large numbers of animals due to neglect, and the various rules and judgments issued against her. Details of the present-day case can be found in the archives of the Billings Gazette.
Posted by: jn at 2:21PM MT on July 20, 2009
To those who have nothing better to do than complain that companion animals don't deserve community support, medical care, and basic needs to sustain life..., to those who continue to dismiss animal abuse, ineptly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, I have two words for you. Bite me. I have a duty, as a citizen, to demand change, and to fight for the right to life for those willfully neglected and abused. I have a duty to be a voice for those who cannot speak. I have a duty to challenge a legal system that too often, callously, ignores those rights. If you choose not to campaign for change, you need not challenge me. You are free to move on about your business, and leave me to mine.
The following is a breakdown of 14 cases of animal cruelty, animal neglect, endangering the welfare of animals in Montana. All felonies or misdemeanors and related charges. Nearly all offenders received suspended sentences, minimal or no fines at all, and nearly all were allowed back a number of their animals. Many were repeat offenders. This article is the first 7 cases, in ascending order, dating from 2000 to 2009. This is a mere fraction of cases amid decades of an inept legal system. Cases 1-7: Feb 26, 2000 Offender: Sharon Fiske, Billings, MT - Yellowstone County Defense Attorney: Kevin Gillen Judge: Diane Barz Case (Pets/Cats/Dogs/Other Animals) 175 cats, dogs, mice and other animals living in feces-filled cages, no food or water, medical illnesses, unlicensed animals and other violations. Charge: (1) Misdemeanor: Offensive Barn; (1) Misdemanor: Cruelty to Animals; (4) Felony Counts: Cruelty to Animals. Plea: Pleaded not guilty. Sentence/Outcome: Unverified. One reference suggests in lieu of paying one $1000 fine, she was in jail earning $50 dollars a day toward her fines regarding certain citations. No other information available. (If you know the sentencing/outcome of this case, please let me know). -------------------- Jan 12, 2001 Offender: James Meixner, Missoula, MT - Missoula County Case (Horses): James Meixner starved 5 of his horses, 2 were so emaciated, they had to be euthanized on the spot. Another colt died later. Sentence/Outcome: Fined, billed for $1,000 worth of care and barred from owning horses or livestock for 30 months. -------------------- June 29, 2001 Offender: Dawson McCosh, Great Falls, MT - Cascade County Case (Horses): Previously charged with animal cruelty (starvation of horses), when neighbors complained about additional horses who were emaciated, tied to poles, without food and water. McCosh was arrested and convicted of animal cruelty. Sentence/Outcome: By law, McCosh faced a $1000 fine and two years in jail. Instead, he received a deferred sentence. 7 months later, the county attorney's office filed a motion to dismiss the charges altogether. -------------------- October 31, 2001 Offender(s): Clifford Stone and Mary Parenti-Stone, Clancy, MT - Jefferson County Case (Pets/Dogs/Cats/Reptiles/Birds/Pocket Pets/Rabbits): Discovery inside Stone's mobile home found various levels of animal cruelty, including finding animal carcasses, those animals died from dehydration and starvation. Additionally, 10 snakes, 7 lizards, 2 love birds, 8 guinea pigs, 2 ferrets, 1 mouse, 5 gerbils, 20 rabbits, 5 dogs and 7 cats were found and seized. Charge: Originally, (19) Counts of animal cruelty. Then reduced to 7 counts, "in an effort to simplify the prosecution". Additionally, an endangering the welfare of a child charge, a misdemeanor. Plea: Unverified. Sentence/Outcome: Clifford Stone was ordered to serve 5 years of state supervision after pleading guilty to 5 counts of animal cruelty and 1 count of endangering the welfare of a child, and that Stone could not possess any animals while under supervision. Stone appealed, but eventually, the case was sent back to the district court for re-sentencing. Mary Parenti-Stone was convicted of the same charges and received a 4-year suspended sentence. Parenti-Stone was sentenced to five years probation in 1996 for shooting her boyfriend to death. She was initially charged with deliberate homicide, but the charge was reduced to criminal endangerment. Clifford Stone, who is listed in the Montana Sex and Violent Offender registry for a rape conviction out of California in 1984, also is on probation in connection with a 1996 bad check conviction. -------------------- November 1, 2002 Offender(s): Jonathan Harman and Athena Lethcoe-Harman, Toole County, MT Defense Attorney: Scott Albers Judge: John "Pete" Howard Case (Pets/Dogs): Nearly 180 starving and diseased collies, cold and wet, wallowing in their own waste, found in a tractor-trailer as the Harmans tried to enter the US at the Sweetgrass Port of Entry. Charge: Initially, (180) Counts of animal cruelty, then, combined (360) counts of animal cruelty. Plea: Unverified. Sentence/Outcome: Original trial led to a mistrial. The MT Supreme Court issued a stay pending review for a re-trial. A re-trial resulted in the Harmans waiving right to appeal and a 10-year probation term (suspended prison sentence). The Harmans were not fined, nor held liable for veterinary and other expenses incurred since the animals were rescued. Additionally, they could leave the state, yet ordered not to own or breed any animals, yet 3 animals were returned to them, spayed or neutered. During the case, the animals were held at a temporary shelter in Great Falls dubbed Camp Collie, and were cared for by volunteers at a cost estimated to be nearly $1,000 per day. -------------------- August 2005 - January 2007 Offender(s): Pamela Polejewski, Michael Hanson, Cascade County Defense Attorney(s): Various Judge(s): Various Case (Pets/Dogs/Cats/Rabbit/Chickens/Pigs/Parakeets/Guinea Pigs/Goats/Ducks/Turkeys): Various complaints, investigations, searches, cases of neglect and hoarding, all involving large numbers of animals. Charge: Various. Plea: Various. Sentence/Outcome: Various. I encourage you to read this link to explain the sordid past of these two animal hoarders, which actually dates back to 2000. There are multiple cases, charges, plea agreements, filing suits and more plea agreements. If you think the case between Kapsa and Yellowstone County is insane, you will be incensed after reading this one. The similarities are very eery. -------------------- September 14, 2005 Offender: Steven Henry Neff, Rexford, MT - Lincoln County Judge: Michael Prezeau Case (Horses): Insufficient quality and quantity of food and water; basic health needs unmet, various environmental hazards unsafe for the horses, moldy hay, horses infested with lice. Charge: (17) Counts of Felony Cruelty to Animals - second or subsequent offense. Plea: Pleaded not guilty, initially. 5 months later, entered an Alford plea of guilty to 3 of the charges. (an Alford plea: the defendant acknowledges the likelihood of conviction should a case go to trial and pleads guilty while not admitting guilt) Sentence/Outcome: 6 years probation. The terms of the plea agreement allowed Neff to keep 2 of the horses for the probationary period. The remaining horses were to be auctioned with proceeds put toward costs of caring for the horses, which reached nearly $12,000. Neff was convicted on similar charges twice in the past. In 1998, he was convicted on misdemeanor charges and in 2000 he was charged with five felony counts that were eventually reduced to misdemeanors. Through a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 6 months, suspended, on each count with the sentences running consecutively and fined $1,000. Comments by the judge at sentencing: Judge Michael Prezeau was unconvinced by the testimony. He told Neff the case was "frustrating" for several reasons. "First of all, you act like this is all a big inconvenience to you and you sit up here and talk to me like you don't know why you're here because you're such a compassionate horse person," he said. Prezeau said he thought Neff was "tone deaf" to his animal's needs and "too arrogant" to care for them properly. He said he didn't think Neff should be permitted to have any horses, but he relented and allowed him to keep the two animals specified in the plea agreement. "I just don't think I should sentence those two animals to be cared for by someone who thinks he's smarter than he is when it comes to understanding their plight," Prezeau said. -------------------- Continue to Animal Cruelty: When Justice Fails (Part 2)
Posted by: jn at 2:10PM MT on July 15, 2009
There's been discussion from members of the community and dedicated volunteers from Operation New Beginnings, of initiating a public petition against allowing any animals being released to Linda Kapsa. However, I'm of the mind that there may not be time to gather signatures. The plea agreement has not yet been signed between parties, nor has sentencing been scheduled. Only the attorneys involved and the judge have direct knowledge of when legalities will take place. I'm also not sure it would be productive to contact Yellowstone County attorneys, by all accounts from various news sources, it appears they intend to fight for the 6 altered, companion animal limit. It is the public defense attorneys the community should be concerned with. Ultimately, Judge Susan Watters will make the final ruling(s). She also does have a duty not only to hear arguments between the attorneys, but from the public as well.
If you're inclined, perhaps instead, write your concerns directly to Judge Susan Watters. The following, extracted from the Billings Gazette, points out the numerous concerns, at least in my opinion: * Kapsa accepted a plea agreement that limits her to owning six neutered companion dogs and imposes a maximum 20-year suspended sentence supervised by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. (Yet, the evidence against her pretty much proves she is incapable of properly caring for any animal; the fact that, according to the proposed plea agreement, the prosecution team allows for and limits the number of 79 animals allowed Kapsa, is truly a contradiction in terms. I'm pretty confused about that part.) * Judge Susan Watters will set the final conditions during a sentencing hearing, after the Department of Corrections conducts a pre-sentence investigation, which usually takes six to eight weeks. A sentencing date has not been set. (It could take weeks after the DOC conducts their pre-sentencing investigation, as well as determining Kapsa's ability to pay restitution as part of the plea bargain, before the process begins for adopting the dogs into homes) * Under the negotiated plea, Kapsa agreed to surrender the estimated 20 dogs and puppies she now keeps at her 10-acre property. The animals escaped seizure in December and have been breeding. ("The estimated 20 dogs" - Is there not an accurate count? Have any one of the so-called "officials" forgotten that parvovirus continues to survive on the premises? After the December 2008 seizures, up to three veterinarians determined the cause of death in some of the dogs was in fact, parvo, other causes were medical neglect, starvation, and freezing to death. Parvovirus can live in the environment for months and years, especially in soil and structures left un-decontaminated, and especially on a dilapidated property; transporting dogs and puppies in an out of a contaminated environment such as Kapsa's property is a recipe for disaster. We have to question Kapsa's agreement to surrender the approx. 20 dogs and puppies on her property. Did she agree because she has been "ruined" by the county and cannot sell the puppies via the internet, nationwide? Did she agree because she might get 20 unaltered dogs who are in near perfect health condition now that the vets, volunteers and taxpayers paid dearly to get them into healthy condition? Did she agree because 20 unaltered dogs will in fact, keep her in business, despite her claims she is no longer in the breeding business? Did she agree because she has no intention of following her sentencing rules, defiantly refusing to cooperate, as she has done so numerous times in the past? Or, did she agree because she intends to sue the county, again, on any charges she can trump up? All speculation aside, these are questions of concern.) * The plea deal limits Kapsa to a maximum of 40 chickens, 20 goats, eight horses, three neutered cats and two cockatiels. She also agreed to allow state officials to visit her property without obtaining a search warrant or giving notice. (The evidence against her was crystal clear. Not only did she deny the basic needs of the various animals she had on her property, she also denied the basic needs of her own health, living in deplorable conditions. What steps have been taken to improve those living conditions for both the animals and herself? What steps have been taken to improve the property? What steps have been taken to ensure 20 unaltered dogs will not "escape" the premises, roam at large and introduce parvo beyond the premises, and continue to breed? What steps have been taken to improve dog kennels, heating for winter, proper care and shelter and food for the cats to ensure they will not be locked in a barn without food and water? The heat of summer is just as deadly as the cold of winter. Think heatstroke. Most importantly, what steps have been taken to analyze and prove without a doubt, that one person, and one person alone, can adequately care for 79 animals, keep the premises in acceptable condition and take care of herself as well? What steps have been taken to ensure Kapsa has the means to afford food, veterinary care, licensing costs, permit costs, every day living expenses for herself and the animals? If her so-called "breeder" livelihood is at stake and will no longer apply, it is a serious contradiction to allow her 79 animals and expect that she could properly care for each and every animal. It seems apparent that no psychological counseling may be required of Kapsa, without counseling, this plea bargain is a recipe for disaster, history does not lie. Research from the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium indicates that the recidivism rate is almost always 100% without counseling or medical psychological treatment. We also must question the circumstances where 50+ pugs and other animals mysteriously disappeared before the scheduled seizure, and why Kapsa's veterinarian daughter residing and practicing in another state was allowed to get away with transporting them across state lines, surely there must have been a rush to vaccinate them, particularly for rabies before crossing state lines. Lastly, we remember clearly, Kapsa's statements in December, she had no idea the true number of dogs on her property) * Approximately, 227 dogs, three cats, 10 cockatiels and 11 chickens are in the custody of Yellowstone County. * Since January, the cost of caring for the animals has topped $157,433, according to the county. (This will likely continue to incur, with additional medical expenses, costs for spaying and neutering, vaccination series continuation, paperwork, transportation, supplies, eventual cleanup and restoration of the MetraPark and Moore Lane facilities, etc.) * Witnesses would have testified that Kapsa's trailer home was covered with feces and a dead dog was next to her bed. There also would have been testimony that there was inadequate food, water or shelter for the animals and that 50 of the seized 200 dogs needed immediate veterinary care. Many of the English shepherds were starving, covered with feces and infected with lice. (Let's also not forget the kittens locked in a barn without food and water. Or, 24+ dead dogs and puppies, found in areas such as under an unsheltered structure, dead puppies shoved in a dog food bag, and dead dogs on top of a manure pile, too frozen to recover all of the bodies. We assume the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services will address Kapsa's personal living conditions prior to any plea agreement signing and sentencing. However, whom from this department or the DOC has the experience, expertise, or is in full working capacity to ensure the welfare and care of the animals is met? What "state official" exactly, is working in this capacity for unannounced inspections per the plea bargain terms?) * The agreement also requires Kapsa to pay an undetermined amount of restitution. Her ability to pay will be part of the pre-sentence investigation. (This should be interesting, without Kapsa's "breeder" livelihood, how does the court expect her to pay restitution? Will she have to sell her property? Will she then become dependent upon the state for her welfare? Does such a situation not imply 79 animals to be allowed on the property is a clear contradiction in terms?) Perhaps the most important point we could call upon Judge Watters: link > Those who ignore the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat it. Note: Letter-writing should be as brief as possible, yet to the point, and preferably sent by postal mail (emails should be fine, as long as you leave your name, address and/or phone number). Screaming or accusatory tones do not lend to getting your letters read (you can scream on my blog if you must). State your knowledge of the facts of the case as have been publicly provided, perhaps briefly remind of Kapsa's past history with animals, remind about future situations that can be prevented or lessened in severity dependent upon the outcome of this case. Leave your name, address and phone number in your letters for credibility and for contact information purposes; anonymous letters will surely be promptly tossed in the trash. Encourage your friends, family, neighbors or associates to do the same. Pass on this blog post for example, for discussing ideas, or if you just desire support! Honorable Susan P. Watters
Posted by: jn at 2:22PM MT on July 13, 2009
According to Matt's article this morning in the Gazette regarding the city council meeting tonite, the council is set to approve a rather large donation for the YVAS. The YVAS claims they plan to use the majority of the money to build outdoor kennels for the dogs, and the remainder to improve the building's air quality.
"The council is also slated to accept a $94,051 donation from the Phyllis Forshay Trust intended for the city animal shelter, which is run by the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter. City rules require that the council approve any donations over $500. YVAS officials said they plan to use most of the money to build fenced outdoor dog pens at the back of the shelter. The rest of the money will be used to improve air quality in the building." I love dogs, I really do. I also strongly advocate for improving shelter environments for pets in various areas such as visiting, interacting with the pets, allowing the pets to play and exercise, and even going so far as to create private rooms for the meeting of pets and the adoption process (as funding permits). Of course, quality air control is crucial, since without it, the environment can breed nasty pathogens and spread airborne diseases quicker than you can imagine. There is an isolation ward for the purpose of isolating sick pets, that room should be the most well-maintained room that has the best air quality control in the building, as well as the treatment room, surgery room and recovery room. I would have assumed when the building was built brand new, air quality was taken under heavy advisement and I assume quality standards were met. The dog kennels are well-sized, well maintained, they are more than sufficient, at least for an animal shelter environment. Likewise, the cat room is well-maintained and sufficient. The "stray cat" room on the other hand, in my opinion, could use some improvements. It is small, dark, the cats do not get to view much of anything interesting other than the opposite wall and the door that leads to the room. When I was there last, the lights were even turned off, in the middle of the day. There is no window in the stray cat room in which to view out of, unlike the other cat room. Neither room has any cat-related niceties, such as colorful walls, cat-safe plants or greenery, nor a special cat containment system to allow one or more cats together at any given time to play or exercise outside of their cages. Even without a containment system, which is unnecessary with healthy cats mingling together, there is room to allow a few niceties. With a non-existent or at best, a limited number of staff and volunteers, it is very unlikely the cats get a relief from their cramped cage quarters to play or exercise, short of time spent between cleaning cages and rotating cats. Both the dog kennels and cat rooms are quite sterile-looking. There is nothing wrong with a sterile environment, in terms of cleanliness and sufficiency, we'd expect nothing less for any animal shelter. However, shelter pets need an interesting environment to calm them, to stimulate their senses, to improve health and keep them happy. A stimulating environment also gives the impression to visitors and potential adopters that you care enough about the less-fortunate and want to improve their lives, which in turn, a happy and healthy pet increases the likelihood of adoption. Likewise, first impressions are everything. Pleased visitors will continue to recommend you to their family and friends and will be more likely to support you with donations, volunteerism. I remember the YVAS stating quite emphatically, early in the contract negotiations, that they wished to provide a special cat room for cats to interact, exercise and play which would create a more friendly atmosphere both for the cats and potential adopters to interact with the cats. So, gee, might you spare a little for the cats too? You know, those at full capacity, those you're sending on to Help For Homeless Pets because you're out of room, those who might appreciate a bit of attention as well. As I have said several times elsewhere on the blog, cats exceed the number of dogs in most shelters. Since the YVAS took over the shelter in late March, the statistics have not changed, cats overwhelmingly outnumber the dogs. Kitten season increases the number significantly. Assuming the YVAS still plans to add an addition at some point for a special cat play/adoption area, why not provide at least a little something for the cats now? Is it too time-consuming to water a couple cat-safe plants? How about a little color in the rooms? How about a scratching post, a kitty jungle-gym? How about a play mat on the floor instead of hard tile or concrete? How about something like this?  Or this?  Notice the space-saving effect? Notice the friendly eye-catching colors? Notice the cats thoroughly enjoying themselves? Or how about an outdoor containment system for the cats who deserve fresh air and sunshine, room to play and exercise too, especially for those cats languishing in the shelter for months?  A shelter in FL paid $2,500 for this outdoor cat space addition, which includes shade cloth to shade the pets in the summer. The Sheriff's Department helped with providing some prison labor to construct some climbing benches and other equipment for the cats. Toss in a play mat, a couple scratching posts, a cat tree, potted catnip and watch the fun these cats could be having. And, watch a volunteer keep coming back. A couple quarts of paint, soft floor mats or rugs, a cool cat tree or kitty cottage, a piece of small furniture to make it home-like, or an outdoor play area. Is that so much to ask?
Posted by: jn at 1:24PM MT on July 9, 2009
At least in Billings, MT.
Kapsa pleads "no contest". I make no reservations for the headline. Neglecting the basic needs of animals who entrust you with their lives, allowing them to starve, freeze to death, and allowing them to suffer gruesomely from preventable and treatable disease is unconscionable, and in my opinion comparable to murder of the innocent and defenseless.  Sure, the result of a plea bargain speeds up the process of getting the dogs into loving, caring, responsible homes and god knows they deserve that. It also eases the burden on the taxpayers to avoid trial costs and extended costs for caring for the dogs. That's the only decent thing about this. But the message is clear to current and future animal hoarders (or puppy mill operators) in Montana. Plea bargain your way out of it and relax. Absolve yourself through whatever means necessary; have no fear, the community will clean up your mess. If you follow the rules and promise not to sue, sign on the dotted line, you're free to go. Never mind the angst, the fear, the sickness and death before them, if you promise to behave, we'll let you have a few more animals to place their trust in you once more....  (images courtesy Big Sky Pet Center, Rob Bruner, DVM)
Posted by: jn at 12:11PM MT on July 9, 2009
 There's nothing cool about allowing your dog unrestrained in the back of your pickup or flatbed truck. Every year, hundreds of dogs are seriously injured or killed due to jumping or falling out of trucks, or subsequently getting hit by oncoming traffic. Tethering does little to nothing to protect your dog from injury and in fact, can make matters worse for your dog. Perhaps you believe it won't happen to your dog, you naively think your dog can maintain his balance. But in reality, perhaps it's time for you to review Newton's 3 Laws of Motion. Not only are you endangering the life of your dog, you're also endangering yourself and other motorists.
If you must take your dog with you on whatever the errand or trip, keep him inside the cab with you so he can enjoy the same comforts you do (air conditioning, companionship, safely secured). Ultimately, if you love your dog and want him to lead a long and healthy life, leave your dog at home in a cool environment. Dude, that would be the really cool thing to do.
Posted by: jn at 7:18PM MT on July 2, 2009
 By Kirk DooleyI live in Mesa, Arizona and lately there has been a lot of discussion about the wisdom of feeding stray and feral cats. The stray population here in the Phoenix area has mushroomed in the last year or so -- the Arizona Humane Society took in almost 1500 strays in the month of May alone. There have been several letters to the local paper complaining about people feeding strays and ferals (most of the time, the person complaining has seen their flower beds used as a litter box), and several folks who have been taking care of these cats have been threatened by physical harm. I am feeding 14 strays here at the trailer park I live at, a chore I've taken over from a lady I lived next door to who lost her job and was evicted. I do this because I believe it is important to take care of critters who have trouble taking care of themselves. Also, I have had very little problems with cockroaches, rodents and scorpions here, all of whom I had problems with in other places I've lived in here. (I consider it payment for services rendered.) The management of this park has threatened me with fines for doing this, so I feed the critters after the office closes and the maintenance staff (which does no maintenance, but rides around in golf carts looking for folks to harass) has gone home for the evening. (I answer to a higher authority; I call this, "Doing the Lord's work.") I took in two strays a couple of years ago. One -- a male gray tabby named Oz -- unfortunately tested positive for feline leukemia virus and couldn't fight off a urinary tract a year ago. The other -- a black and white spotted female "cow cat" named Lily -- bolted from my arms when I took her to visit my stepsister in Billings last September. There were a couple of sightings of her (unfortunately, I had to return back to AZ the next day -- which broke my heart), but we never found her. I'm hoping that somebody up there (she bolted in the area of Rimrock and Rehberg) has been feeding her as a stray or has taken her in -- another reason I feed strays. (Many of these unfortunate felines have been abandoned by folks who have had their homes foreclosed upon -- something I cannot, as a pet lover, understand.) My neighbor had trapped most of the cats in her care (I've taken in three of her indoor cats for safekeeping until she can get back on her feet -- her brother-in-law is allergic to cats), taken them to a low-cost spay & neuter clinic (I have a special license plate on my car where part of the extra cost -- $17.50 per year -- goes to support these clinics) and then returns them to the wild. I'd like to be able to find homes for them all, but they are wary of humans (with good reason, I suppose), even those who feed them. I encourage everybody to do as I do, if you have these cats in your neighborhood. Despite the grief you may receive from those who don't understand, I'm sure those of us who love critters will have a good feeling -- doing the Lord's work. ~ Kirk Kirk's article is mirrored on the Petology blog, here. Here is a photo of Lily, who is still lost in Billings: 
Posted by: jn at 4:17PM MT on July 1, 2009
 Beautiful, striking, patriotic.  But, this is what your pets see and experience. Scary, yes? Fireworks and thunderstorms are terrifying to many dogs and cats; our dogs tremble, pant, pace and even become destructive. Our cats shake, meow strangely, and become skittish. Pet anxiety is serious, especially for those who suffer continually. Your pet may flee the scene in terror and be hit by a car, get lost or stolen. He or she may jump through a screen or even a glass window, scratch the walls or rip apart your furniture. So, how to help and calm your fearful pet? Ideally, you will be prepared well in advance, but if you're not, the following tips may be helpful. Resist the urge to take pets to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area inside your home. Provide your pet with a safe place to seek refuge. Dog crates, under a bed or chair, or a closet are common hiding places for pets. Your pet chooses these places because he/she feels protected and the noise of thunder or fireworks is muffled. If your pet has not already picked out a place, provide one. Try leaving a few treats in a safe place to encourage your pet to go there. Make sure windows are closed and secure. Distraction - Calming music, "white noise" such as fans or A/C, TV, radio to drown out the scary sounds. The volume on a tv or radio should be at a normal comfortable level to both you and your pet, not loud or annoying. Synthetic Pheromones - These products may reduce or even prevent stress-related behavior if your pet's anxiety is mild to moderate. Not every pet responds to them.  For your cat, Feliway® Plug-In Diffuser is recommended, or lightly spritz a small amount of Feliway Spray® on his/her bedding and favorite hangouts. Likewise, for your dog, apply a small amount of D.A.P.® Dog Appeasing Pheromone Spray in the cage and if in an enclosed area, plug in a D.A.P.® Dog Appeasing Pheromone Electric Diffuser. Feliway® for cats and D.A.P®. for dogs are available at most pet stores and online pet retail shops. Anti-Anxiety Meds - In some areas, thunderstorms or scary sounds can happen daily. If your pet experiences the misery of anxiety on a constant or extreme basis, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs (like Xanax) or Prozac-like drugs (like Clomicalm or Reconcile). Talk to your vet in advance, about the options. Conversely, these medications may affect dogs differently, so you should never give a medication and then leave the dog alone, unattended. Positive stimulation - Some veterinary behaviorists debate whether or not you should "coddle" your fearful pet during fireworks or thunderstorms. This decision has to be a choice based on your intuition of your pet's ability to handle stress or fear. If you feel it calms your pet to hold him/her and coo to him or her, by all means, proceed. However, some pets may become "conditioned" to this method and rely on you to coddle them in other situations where it isn't truly necessary. Other pet owners have success by assuring the pet there is nothing to fear, then diverting the pet's attention to something more pleasing such as playtime, grooming, or simply being nearby the pet with no additional stimulation. Desensitize - Try "desensitizing" your dog (or cat) to loud noises so the sound becomes normal. This is usually done by playing recorded thunder at a low volume and in short intervals while you monitor your dog’s behavior. Try to distract your dog while the noise is present by playing fetch or engaging in some sort of enjoyable activity. If your dog is too frightened to participate, you need to turn down the intensity of your thunder stimulus and try again later. This process is long and requires patience, but in the end your dog will be much more comfortable during a storm. Sound CD's are available in most pet stores and online pet retail stores. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard, enclosure, tethered, or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, stolen or hit by a car. They can also become entangled in their leash or chain, risking injury or death. Make sure your pets have a microchip and are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, the likelihood of recovery is greater. Never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can result in severe burns and trauma to the face and paws of curious pets. Even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals. Do not leave your pet in a car or truck. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious heat stroke — even death — in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air or escape of heat. An open window also invites your pet getting stolen. Have a happy and safe holiday, and make sure your pets have one too!
Posted by: jn at 1:23PM MT on June 27, 2009
The Pet of the Week in today's Gazette, notes YVAS is (finally) offering "special summer adoption rates" for cats and kittens.
Too late for June's Adopt-A-Cat Month, but I (we) and the cats should be grateful for any reduced adoption fees at all, given the sheer number of cats and kittens they have right now. But, why not a notice placed in a prominent section of the Gazette? I've always felt the "Pet of the Week" section is buried in the paper, how many people actually see it? What if they don't subscribe? What if they don't have access to the online edition?
In any event, despite my last experience, I braved a phone call:
Adult cats, if already spayed or neutered, are adoptable for $25 (what a great price!) and if not spayed or neutered, adoption fee is $50.
Kittens, if already spayed or neutered, are adoptable for $75. Kittens who are not spayed or neutered are available for an adoption fee of $100, but there is a $25 refund to bring them back to the shelter (if underage) for spay/neuter (which means total cost is $75). Even if you choose your own vet to spay or neuter, you will still receive the discount, at least that was my understanding, you might want to call, yourself, to confirm.
The assistant director was uncertain at this time about reduced adoption fees for puppies and adult dogs, so call, visit, find out, if you're interested in adopting, as she just this week decided to focus on cat and kitten adoptions. She said they have very few puppies at this time. She was also uncertain how long the reduced adoption fees would remain for cats and kittens.
Please remember, folks, reduced adoption fees are not intended for people to get pets at reduced fees and not follow up on proper care and veterinary care for the life of the pet. Pet ownership is a responsibility, not a luxury.
To see adoptable pets, you can see photos (some photos are not up) at www.yvas.org/current_guests.php , but nothing is better than a physical visit to interact with the pets.
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Posted by: jn at 5:22PM MT on June 26, 2009
If you're going to dig a hole, make sure you dig it deep enough in which to shovel all of your #### into it.
http://www.montanasnews.tv/articles.php?mode=view&id=14898 I won't ask my readers to suffer through the video (all 44:20 minutes of it), instead, I'll just point out that they're getting personal. At least for a Gazette reporter, the manager of the dog case operations at the Metra, and the tireless volunteers. Kirk D., if you're reading, don't worry, I'm keeping my sanity in check :) In the first segment, (at 2:23 minutes into the video), Donald Cyphers and Linda Kapsa accuse the Billings Gazette, namely, reporter Greg Tuttle, and his camera person of "not printing fair, true, accurate statements" of what resulted in Kapsa's June 17 interview with the Gazette . Kapsa now denies she is back in business, and explains that one of two of her dogs "was already bred"; the other "was locked up and ripped up a latch on a door and got out and got bred, and she has 4 puppies". She said, "I could have bred 6 other dogs, but I didn't".  In the second segment (at 11:33 minutes into the video), Cyphers interviews one of the original volunteers working with the dogs, Jenny Dolan, who apparently is a disgruntled volunteer, she alleges: Catherine Schaeffer bought tons of cans of Fancy Feast Cat food to "deworm" the dogs, and the supply suddenly disappeared one day. Dolan also alleges "Schaeffer told the volunteers to keep silent anything said between workers and volunteers at the Metra since the public didn't need to know about the operations". About two months after the operations started, Schaeffer obtained a shelter relief fund for dog food which enables them to get the food for free, the shelter fund is sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition (the dog food is Science Diet). Cyphers goes on to say the county is ripping off the taxpayers with their claims of the costs for food. Dolan further alleges: "No one knows where all the donated money is going, since the volunteers are paying out of their own pockets for some things" that are needed.  (Then, there's an assumption of conspiracy because Schaeffer suddenly bought a new truck, and Dolan wonders where she got the money to pay for it). Cyphers holds up pictures of donated items that he alleges the county and Schaeffer threw away (the donated items appear to be tarps used for shade for the dogs, that Dolan donated). She claims Schaeffer and her right-hand person, Georgia Peters, threw the items out as trash. Dolan claims "dogs are being refused medical treatment". (Cyphers alleges veterinarian Dr. Rob Bruner is rarely ever at the Metra to inspect or care for the dogs). Dolan alleges a bar-b-que was held for the volunteers but Dolan didn't attend because Schaeffer had "kicked her out". Cypers then claims approx 45 volunteers have been fired, "over asking questions or noticing things that weren't right". Two volunteers wrote or called the county commissioners, but they "did not want to listen, they didn't want anything to do with it". Cyphers and Dolan claim that Deputy County Attorney Ingrid Rosenquist "has been at the Metra on several occasions and has also told volunteers to be quiet, therefore she is hiding things that are going on at the Metra". Cyphers claims "some of the volunteers have been physically threatened as well as verbally threatened" (but not before his usual spiel about Rosenquist being a fanatical animal rights activist, which he calls FARK, but couldn't explain the acronym). Dolan alleges that Schaeffer's right-hand person, Georgia Peters, physically assaulted her after Dolan requested a sheriff's deputy accompany her to the Metra so she could recover the tarps thrown away by Schaeffer, but when asked to explain, it is clear Georgia Peters in no way, physically assaulted Dolan. Cyphers then claims that "volunteers are scared to go to the Metra in fear of being physically assaulted or abused by Schaeffer or Peters". Dolan also claims "that sawdust, straw and hay is moldy and not replaced, that pipes have been frozen and that dogs go without water". Cyphers claims "there is a hostile environment, people are in fear of being beaten up apparently by Catherine Schaeffer". Dolan says she talked to the sheriff's department, asked for a meeting to explain her side of things, met with two of the deputies for two hours, but Mike Schieno only "offered her a deal" in which, "he would let her take care of two dogs (as opposed to the ten she was previously working with), and work in an environment where she wouldn't have to deal with Schaeffer or Peters" although Dolan never says she will take the deal. Cyphers then portrays that "the MNA has done undercover operations down there on multiple different scales" and that Dolan's statements "can be validated as MNA's reporters have seen for themselves".
Posted by: jn at 11:34AM MT on June 19, 2009
 Kansas City -- The owners of a pet-food company implicated in the 2007 recall that is estimated to have killed about 4,000 pets pleaded guilty to some of the charges leveled against them. Sally Qing Miller and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, of Las Vegas, were indicted, along with their company, Chemnutra Inc., in 2008 for their alleged role in the 2007 pet food recall. Chemnutra buys food and food components from China, then imports and distributes those foods in the United States, according Matt J. Whitworth, acting U.S. attorney for the western district of Missouri. The Millers imported more than 13 shipments, totaling 800 metric tons, of wheat gluten tainted with melamine between November 2006 and February 2007, Whitmore says. The tainted wheat gluten was then used to make various brands of pet food -- 150 brands of which were later recalled, but not before an estimated 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs died from eating the tainted food. The Millers and their company each pleaded guilty to one count of selling adulterated food and one count of selling misbranded food. They Millers are subject to up to two years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine of up to $200,000 and restitution, according to Whitmore. Chemnutra as a company is subject to a $400,000 fine and restitution. China was also implicated in melamine-tainted baby formula that killed six infants and made thousands of babies sick with kidney stones. The former company chairwoman was jailed for life and fined $3.6 million for her role in the scandal. In 2007, Menu Foods recalled 60 million containers of cat and dog food after animals died of kidney failure. The FDA alone had received more than 8,000 complaints. Sentencing hearings have not yet been scheduled. U.S. attorney's news release The Associated Press has more about the case
Posted by: jn at 5:36PM MT on June 17, 2009
 Ok then, I hereby nominate...  Because apparently, opinions do necessarily reflect the opinion of a Gazette moderator. Admit it, it's happened to you, and probably on more than one occasion.
Posted by: jn at 12:46PM MT on June 17, 2009
I don't wish to portray pet groomers in a bad light here. Professional groomers are schooled and trained and most are qualified to provide quality service and care for your pets. But, hazards do exist. This article is worthy reading on the potential hazards at the groomer's and how owners can recognize post-grooming problems they may otherwise ignore.
Posted by: jn at 2:58PM MT on June 13, 2009
To promote her “Nutrish” line of packaged dog food, Food Network's Rachael Ray published a recipe intended for human consumption in a popular dog lover’s magazine (Modern Dog Magazine, Winter 2008/2009 Edition). The recipe, “Isaboo’s Butternut Squash Mac and Chedder” was inspired, states Ray, by her pit bull Isaboo’s love of squash. But readers were confused and believed the recipe, which included an ingredient that could potentially kill dogs, was intended for dogs.
Posted by: jn at 2:46PM MT on June 13, 2009
Here's a March 2008 video on the Evanger's pet food website, presented by Food Network's tv cooking personality, Rachael Ray. Ironically, Rachael Ray should be the LAST person pet owners should listen to. Ever. I'll tell you why in my next article.
You have to watch the video to appreciate the irony. I mean, the numerous ironies. First, we have Rachael Ray touring Evanger's "fabulous, high standards" manufacturing plant, guiding us through Evanger's conveyor-belt manufacturing process for their "all-natural" canned pet foods. Next we hear how "all natural" ingredients are picked exclusively by the owners, to ensure your pet is getting the very very best meat, fruit and vegetables from local markets. And we hear Ray remind us that NONE of the Evanger's products were affected by the 2007 pet food recalls. Returning to the plant, the camera zooms in on a digital analyzer that "periodic testing confirms that each pet food recipe conforms to industry standards and government regulations." And then a few statements about cat nutrition. The video oddly cuts off at this point. But, the FDA is not so impressed. The problem actually dates back to April 2008. After inspections conducted in March and April this year, yesterday the FDA suspended a Temporary Emergency Permit, claiming Evanger's "deviated from the prescribed process, equipment, product shipment, and recordkeeping requirements in the production of the company's thermally processed low acid canned food (LACF) products. The deviations in their processes and documentation could result in under-processed pet foods, which can allow the survival and growth of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), a bacterium that causes botulism in some animals as well as humans." The FDA notes "Botulism is a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system and can be fatal. The disease has been documented in dogs and cats. Signs of botulism in animals are progressive muscle paralysis, disturbed vision, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and progressive weakness to the body. Death is usually due to paralysis of the heart or the muscles used in breathing." Read the FDA's action here. You can also read Evanger's response to the FDA, where they conveniently shift blame onto their "process expert", and ignore the FDA's concerns entirely: "In August of 2008, while updating required process information to the FDA our "process authority" (processing expert) inadvertently deleted pertinent filings. Evanger's has been working with the FDA to resolve this issue quickly. This situation does not call into question the safety of any Evanger's products." Bottom line: the terms "organic", "wholesome", "all-natural", "human grade" and other nonsensical terms (and often misleading claims) in the world of "natural" pet foods, does not always mean safe, nor does it mean you are in fact, getting a "high quality" product. Evanger's is not the only pet food company to come under the FDA's inspection and enforcement action, or the public's scrutiny, and it certainly won't be the last. Least of all, should pet owners be taking advice from tv personalities and celebrities on pet foods.
Posted by: jn at 2:35PM MT on May 28, 2009
It will be interesting to see if the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (YVAS) and local rescue groups will be involved in the campaign, and to see if they can get creative to promote pet adoption in our local shelters.
As part of its ongoing effort to promote cat and kitten adoption, American Humane created Adopt-A-Cat Month(R). Adopt-A-Cat Month is held annually in June, when shelters around the country are inundated with litters of kittens in desperate need of loving homes. Adult cats as well are high in numbers in shelters across the country. The event encourages cat adoptions from shelters, promotes the benefits of owning a cat and informs the public about how to care for their pets responsibly. So, come on, Billings shelters, let's see what you can do! Like this AZ Humane Society, offering half-off adoption fees throughout the month of June. Or, this LA shelter takes it one step further, $1 adoption fee for the entire month of June. Or this creative effort from a KS shelter, "pay what they weigh", if the pet weighs 10 pounds, for example, the adopter would pay $10. And not to be outdone, the example by this shelter in FL, will waive adoption fees entirely, on adult cats 1 year and older, and reduce fees significantly for kittens, throughout the months of June, July and August! They explain that they "want to save more lives and adult cats are the animals most at risk of not being adopted in shelters when there are so many kittens available". To potential adopters: Please, make sure you are ready and prepared in advance before considering adopting! * Do you own or rent your home? Some landlords prohibit pets, please check with landlords before adopting. Some landlords will work with you if you provide a deposit for the pet(s). * Do you have enough space in your home? Studio apartments or very small apartments may not be suitable for more than two or three cats, they require sufficient space to romp, play and exercise. * Know your limit. Can you afford food, toys, a scratching post, and above all, veterinary care and unforseen emergency care? Dedicate money to your pet's veterinary care fund monthly so that you are never without funds in the event of an emergency. Consider pet insurance. * Do you have a newborn child or very young children? Some pets are not suitable for young children, and children must be supervised, trained to respect the pet(s). Don't expect young children to fulfil the duties of cleaning, feeding, walking, playing with the pet. Pets are NOT novelty items! * Have you kitten/cat-proofed your home? Just as with small toddlers, make your home safe for your pet(s). Keep electrical cords covered and out of the way, keep miniblinds/cords out of reach, keep plants out of reach, keep people medicines out of reach, keep chemicals, toxins and other hazardous substances out of reach, do not feed human foods to pets. * Can you dedicate time every day to enrich the life of your pet(s)? Playtime, activities, bonding, quality time spent with your pet are essential for your pet's well-being and health. * Does someone in your home have allergies? See your physician to persue testing to ensure you or your family member is not allergic to pet dander. Too often, pets are relinquished to shelters because owners or their children suddenly "develop" an allergy. Many times, the allergen is not due to the pet, but other sources in the environment. * Are you familiar with feline health care and behavior issues? Far too often, owners don't recognize subtle or obvious changes in their pets that are oftentimes resolved with a veterinary checkup or additional testing to determine the source of the problem in which to treat quickly and effectively. Be familiar with feline health care and behavior and when you need to see your vet. Early care and prevention is the key. This is by no means a complete list, but it is a general list of things you should know before adopting a pet. Are you ready? If you're perpared and ready, why not adopt in pairs? Cats tend to live longer and are healthier with a feline companion. Also consider adopting an older cat, many older cats have already been housebroken and understand simple household rules, and will make wonderful pets and companions.
Posted by: jn at 1:34PM MT on May 28, 2009
Which appears to be good news. BETHESDA, Md., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association reports that the vast majority -- at least 80% -- of pet cats in U.S. households are neutered, with middle-to higher-income households reporting rates of over 90%.
Posted by: jn at 2:34PM MT on May 24, 2009
 Every year, approximately 4 million pets are euthanized in shelters across the country. Most, for the simple lack of a loving home. Many of those pets were prior owned and surrendered to shelters for various reasons through no fault of their own. For example, their owner died, or moved to a rental home where pets were not allowed. Or, worse, simply abandoned.  And yet, many people are hesitant to visit their local animal shelters to adopt a pet. There is an unfortunate stigma attached to animal shelters such as horrific visions of overcrowding, unclean premises, understaffed personnel, rude and uncaring staff, sick animals, the very thought makes you cringe and cry and you simply cannot stomach the thought to visit. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong. We have to change that stigma. Here, the HSUS presents a very brief but informative positive outlook on adopting pets from shelters. Read it and learn more, don't let fear or ignorance prevent you from saving a life (or two or three). The Adoption Process: What You Should Know Be open minded: Policies vary from shelter to shelter. Some are privately run and limit the number of animals they accept, while others are publicly funded and charged with taking in all homeless creatures. Wealthier organizations may offer more services and enrichment activities for their animals, other agencies may have enough resources to provide only basic care. But nearly all shelters have the same goal to find loving homes for their animals. Be prepared. You'll probably fill out forms and talk to an adoption counselor. If you rent, staff may ask if you have landlord permission, since "moving" and "landlord won't accept pets" are commonly listed as reasons for giving up animals. "It's not a judgment process," says Kim Intino, director of the HSUS's shelter services program, "it's more of a counseling process." Forgive the sounds and smells. An animal shelter is rarely an oasis of serenity. Barking dogs can be as loud as a classroom of teenagers, particularly in older facilities. "It has to do with the way the kenneling system is set up," says Intino. "But a louder kennel versus a quieter one doesn't mean that there's anything wrong." And though cleaning is usually a high priority, it's an unending task. Overpowering odors may be cause for concern, but the simple smell of dogs and cats is normal. Understand that staff might be stressed. Though many shelters emphasize customer service in their staff trainings, you may catch staff on a bad day. If you don't get the treatment you're expecting, try to be patient and remember that it's not the animals' fault--and nothing would make most shelter workers happier than sending a dog or cat to a forever home. (Learn more at http://www.humanesociety.org/adopt ) -------------- Adopt a Pet at any of the following Billings Local Shelter and Rescue Groups: Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter See available pets HERE Help For Homeless Pets See available pets HERE Last Chance Cat Sanctuary See available pets HERE BARK (Billings Animal Rescue Kare) See available pets HERE Or, see http://www.montanapets.org for more shelters and rescue groups
Posted by: jn at 2:52PM MT on May 21, 2009
Nutro Products Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Range of Dry Cat Food Products
Two mineral premixes were affected. One premix contained excessive levels of zinc and under-supplemented potassium. The second premix under-supplemented potassium. Both zinc and potassium are essential nutrients for cats and are added as nutritional supplements to NUTRO® dry cat food. This issue was identified during an audit of our documentation from the supplier. An extensive review confirmed that only these two premixes were affected. This recall does not affect any NUTRO® dog food products, wet dog or cat food, or dog and cat treats. Affected product was distributed to retail customers in all 50 states, as well as to customers in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Israel. We are working with all of our distributors and retail customers, in both the US and internationally, to ensure that the recalled products are not on store shelves. These products should not be sold or distributed further. Consumers who have purchased affected product should immediately discontinue feeding the product to their cats, and switch to another product with a balanced nutritional profile. While we have received no consumer complaints related to this issue, cat owners should monitor their cat for symptoms, including a reduction in appetite or refusal of food, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat is experiencing health issues or is pregnant, please contact your veterinarian. Consumers who have purchased product affected by this voluntary recall should return it to their retailer for a full refund or exchange for another NUTRO® dry cat food product. Cat owners who have more questions about the recall should call 1-800-833-5330 between the hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST ---------- (UPDATE May 22) You'd think after all the major pet food recalls, Nutro could keep their original recall notice url's intact. Today they've changed them. The following url's are correct: Nutro's Website Recall Notice: http://www.nutroproducts.com/press-recall/press-recall.htmlList of Nutro Cat Food products affected: http://www.nutroproducts.com/press-recall/affected-Products.html FDA Recall Press Release: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/nutro05_09.html
Posted by: jn at 1:51PM MT on May 20, 2009
Montana Post Offices ask customers to help stamp out dog bites: National Dog Bite Prevention Awareness Week is May 17 – 23, 2009
BILLINGS, MT — It’s getting warmer. Summer is approaching. People and their pets are outside more. And it’s the busiest time of the year for dog bite attacks to letter carriers and others.
Learn more from the CDC
Posted by: jn at 4:21PM MT on May 7, 2009
Prove it, MNA, I dare you.
Here's their latest (the Gazette has a word filter in place, prohibiting the term for female dogs, so "#######" refers to that term):
YELLOWSTONE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE GOING FROM POOPIES TO PUPPIES; NEW LITTERS EXPECTED IN LATE SUMMER Can anyone spot the usual inconsistencies in reporting here? Hmmm, "more ##### are pregnant, with litters due at the end of the summer". When exactly is late summer? According to the almanac, the last day of summer is September 22, 2009 (at 5:19 P.M. EDT, to be exact) when Fall officially starts. Thanks for the chuckles, though, on this one: More of Janet Green stumbling to get YC Comissioner Jim Reno to falter under her rediculous accusations. At least Reno had class and didn't fall for her scheming tactics.
Posted by: jn at 2:59PM MT on May 6, 2009
On April 18, 2009, I wrote about the EPA's release of a list of over-the-counter (OTC) spot-on flea and tick pet products under scrutiny due to increased incident reports of adverse reactions when the products were applied to pets. The EPA removed the list on April 28, telling pet owners and consumers that additional investigation was under way and the list would be updated "soon".
Today, the EPA finally released the updated list , essentially listing the majority of all OTC spot-on treatments. The entire list can be seen here. (in PDF format) List of Registered Products: --------------------------------------- If this is any indication of the EPA's past history, it is clear they have no real intention of taking any "regulatory action" against these products and their manufacturers. Remember, these problems and incident reports date back to 2001 and earlier. One staff member of the EPA told me directly, "etofenprox is not a pyrethroid". How many monkeys at the EPA does it take to research data that concludes that etofenprox is a pyrethroid, synthetic or not, and has the exact same mechanism of action as any pyrethrin? Apparently, it takes several monkeys to come to that conclusion. Add the pesky little fact that when inert ingredients are added to an active substance (like etofenprox or any other pyrethroid/pyrethrin), the inert ingredients intensify the active ingredient and significantly increase the toxicity risk. Add another pesky little fact that with repeated use over time, the likelihood of increased toxicity is evident. Hartz, for example, recommends multiple-product use of their products on and around pets, simultaneously, as part of their "total flea and tick control" approach. These products include spot-ons, home environment sprays and powders, and other products, which include permethrins, allethrins, pyrethrins, organophosphates. Wake up, EPA!
Posted by: jn at 4:07PM MT on May 4, 2009
Portrait of a Moron: Let's take a short trip into the past for a moment, in order to understand why I am talking about Moron. Posted in the Lost & Found ads:
Lost a gray tiger stripped male cat. Vicinity of 7th Ave N & N 30th. 860-4641 
Posted by: jn at 4:02PM MT on April 24, 2009
UPDATE: (April 24, 2009) The FDA/CVM responded to my request to validate whether or not Nutro pet products were under an FDA/CVM investigation, with a simple "Nutro Products, Inc. is not under investigation by the FDA". But there was no name or credential or department accompanying the message. I've requested further validation either by a staff's name, credential or website notice. Interesting that during the course of events, the FDA couldn't bother to post a notice on their website stating as such, this could have saved a lot of confusion amid pet owners. UPDATE: (April 28, 2009) The FDA finally placed a notice on their website, claiming they are not investigating Nutro. Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs insists the FDA confirmed to them the investigation, and the question still remains, why did the FDA deny an FOIA request regarding Nutro's pet foods? Mind you, I don't put a lot of stock into much of what Consumer Affairs reports, but any time there is mention of terms like "investigation, pet food, and the FDA", does warrant raising an eyebrow. -------------------------- April 22, 2009NUTRO Products Inc. denies it's under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — even though an official of that agency told ConsumerAffairs.com on Monday that the pet food maker is the focus of a probe. An FDA official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that ongoing investigation is the reason the FDA’s Division of Freedom of Information denied a ConsumerAffairs.com request for a list of complaints and lab results the agency has collected about NUTRO pet food. The FDA did not elaborate on the focus of its investigation, saying only that it could be criminal or civil in nature. Continue reading ....
Posted by: jn at 3:27PM MT on April 23, 2009
New NRDC Analysis Reveals Flea Collars Create Toxic Chemical Residues on Pet Fur that Threaten Human Health
SAN FRANCISCO (April 23, 2009) – The Natural Resources Defense Council has filed a lawsuit in California against major pet product retailers and manufacturers for illegally selling pet products containing a known cancer-causing chemical called propoxur without proper warning labels. In new scientific analysis also released today, NRDC found high levels of propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), another carcinogenic neurotoxin common in household pet products, on pet fur after use of ordinary flea collars. NRDC is also petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for the removal of these chemicals from pet products. “Just because a product is sold in stores does not mean it is safe,” said Dr. Gina Solomon, NRDC senior scientist and physician. “Under California law, consumers have a right to know if a flea control product exposes them to health risks before they buy it.” NRDC filed its lawsuit in California Superior Court in Alameda County against 16 retailers and manufacturers including Petsmart, PetCo, and Petstore.com, for failing to comply with California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, known as Proposition 65, which prohibits businesses from knowingly exposing consumers without proper warning to any chemical “known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive harm.” These companies have failed to caution consumers about exposure to propoxur from the use of their products, which should have been labeled with a warning as of August 11, 2007. Proposition 65 provides for penalties of up to $2,500 for every violation. Continue reading.... ----- Related Webpages:Report: Poison on Pets II - Toxic Chemicals in Flea and Tick Collars
Posted by: jn at 1:48PM MT on April 21, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the agency is investigating NUTRO pet food, following a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths. Consumers have been complaining for more than two years that their pets have become ill after eating NUTRO products; many have recovered when they were switched to other foods. The company has steadfastly denied that its food is to blame.
The investigation came to light when the FDA denied a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by ConsumerAffairs.com seeking a list of complaints and lab results the agency has collected regarding NUTRO pet food. The agency denied the request and said that releasing the information could hamper “prospective or ongoing” action by law enforcement. “The document(s) constitute record(s) compiled for law enforcement purposes, the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings,” wrote the FDA’s George A. Strait, Jr., assistant commissioner for public affairs. Read on.... ------- NOTE: The linked article focuses mainly on dogs, but complaints also include Nutro cat foods. If you are feeding your pets Nutro products, please use caution and stay informed about the latest updates as the FDA’s investigation continues. As of today, the FDA's website does not have a press release statement, stay tuned.
Posted by: jn at 4:37PM MT on April 18, 2009
(UPDATE, as of Monday, April 20, 2009: On Saturday, April 18, I specifically requested the EPA modify their release web page to include the brand name Hartz as it applied to the definition of the chemical "RF2004(CCSO)", pointing out that pet owners unfamiliar with the EPA website or chemical classification may bypass it's significance. They agreed to include it on the webpage. However, they seem to be having difficulty discerning that etofenprox (ethofenprox) is a pyrethroid. I was told by the EPA that it was not classified as a pyrethroid, although the EPA website itself has public comment documents on the chemical, and numerous pesticide databases designate it as an ether-based pyrethroid. This ongoing argument may go on ad infinitum, stay tuned)
--------------------------- Following on the heels of another article I recently posted, comes an announcement from the EPA:(April 16, 2009 EPA release) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is evaluating the safety of spot-on pesticide products to control fleas and ticks for pets following a sharp increase in adverse reaction incidents. (note that "RF2004(CCSO)" in the list refers to 5 Hartz Mountain products, interesting that the brand is not listed by name, only the chemical). What the EPA didn't tell you is that these incident reports have long been reported for over a decade. And that several agreements with manufacturers of these products in the past to "re-label" the products with graphics depicting application instructions and stronger warnings on the label have done little to reduce the number of incidents related to the products. What the EPA didn't tell you is that there are safer products available, that are more effective, carry a guarantee if the product fails or causes an adverse reaction (as long as purchased by your vet) and that products sold through your vets do not contain permethrins or their derivatives.
Tips For Pet Owners: Do NOT split large doses and give to more than one pet. This is a sure way to not only predict ineffectiveness at best, and to increase the toxic potential, at worst.
Posted by: jn at 1:07PM MT on April 16, 2009
Experts say look to mental illness first
BOISE, Idaho — On the outside, their houses and shelters may appear to be havens for dozens or hundreds of homeless and unwanted companion pets and other animals. -------- For more information:Animal Hoarding Study (pdf file)
Posted by: jn at 3:32PM MT on April 11, 2009
Judging by the statement by Nutro, could it be the new limitation of distribution of this product by vets and specialty retailers is due to their past claims that pet owners don't properly know how to supervise their pets? Or choose the proper size of the product for their pet?
Let me get this straight, "well-trained and knowledgeable staff" at pet stores know more about the owners' dogs than the owner? I'm all for proper use of products for pets, and granted some pet owners don't always have the light on upstairs, but this seems to be a lame excuse for manufacturers to absolve themselves the responsibility of a potentially faulty product, yet blame the consumer for not using it "properly". I guess proper labeling isn't enough anymore, now you must have your vet or a specialty retail store staff instruct you on giving your pet a dental chew, biscuit or pill pocket. Apr 11, 2009 DVM Newsmagazine Nashville, Tenn. -- Nutro Products Inc., the makers of Greenies® treats, announced April 8 that the Greenies line now will be sold exclusively through veterinary hospitals and pet specialty retailers. "We believe that pet medical professionals at veterinary hospitals and well-trained, knowledgeable staff at pet specialty stores are best equipped to answer pet owners' questions about our products and to make the right recommendation," says Carolyn Hannigan, vice president of marketing at Nutro. The change affects all Greenies lines, including dental chews, smart biscuits and pill pockets. Related Link .... Greenies.com S&M NuTec, LLC is the trademark of Greenies and is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated. Mars, Inc. aquired Nutro Products, Inc. in 2007
Posted by: jn at 11:53AM MT on April 11, 2009
Although chocolate toxicosis is more common in dogs, the toxin has been known to affect or kill cats, birds, rodents and reptiles as well. 
The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, the size of the animal, and the animal's sensitivity to methylxanthines. Clinical signs of chocolate toxicosis include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity (including restlessness, agitation, and pacing), polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors and seizures, and death. Some of these signs can be seen with the ingestion of as little as 0.25 oz of baking chocolate by a 10-lb dog. Based on Animal Poison Control Center experience, mild signs occur in animals ingesting 20 mg/kg and severe signs are seen at doses over 40 mg/kg. The half-life of chocolate in the dog is 17.5 hours.
Posted by: jn at 11:26AM MT on April 9, 2009
Veterinary surgeon marks second year of successful website and pet health e-newsletter.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, is a small-animal, board-certified surgeon at Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center in Whitehall, Pa. who helps pet lovers find reliable information through his website, www.drphilzeltzman.com. To provide additional trustworthy information, Dr. Zeltzman writes a free weekly e-newsletter. It is read in all 50 States and 15 countries. The title of the 3rd anniversary issue, due on April 10, 2009, is “10 tips to help your pet live a long life.” Read More...
Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a board-certified veterinary surgeon at Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center in Whitehall, near Allentown, PA, in the Lehigh Valley. He performs surgery on dogs, cats, and "exotic animals." He manages his own website, www.DrPhilZeltzman.com, which provides reliable information to cat and dog owners. He also writes a weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, which you can subscribe to for free on his web site. Dr. Zeltzman had wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5 when his favorite TV shows were Flipper, Daktari, and Lassie! "Becoming a surgeon has been a dream come true and I am as passionate about my profession as I was when I first started," he says. After graduating in 1993 from the University of Liege, School of Veterinary Medicine in Belgium, Dr. Zeltzman simultaneously worked as a general practitioner, emergency vet and journalist for 3 years in his native city of Paris, France. He completed a 1-year internship at the University of Georgia, then a 3-year surgical residency at Surgical Referral Service in Buffalo Grove, near Chicago, IL. Then he worked as a surgeon in a surgical practice in Cincinnati, OH, for 4 years. Since 2006, he has been working as a surgeon at a specialty practice in Whitehall, PA. In 2007, he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a much coveted professional achievement. He is a certified surgeon for the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and has performed hundreds of these procedures. The results have been very impressive. His interests include all aspects of soft tissue, orthopedic, cancer, reconstructive, and neuro-surgery, as well as physical therapy and emergency cases. In practice, Dr. Zeltzman's goal is to offer the best surgical care, the safest anesthesia, and the utmost pain management to patients. As an author, his goal is to write meaningful articles, stories, and books that will make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. He has published numerous articles in national and international veterinary journals. He is also a prolific speaker, and is currently working on several book projects. Dr. Zeltzman is an 'expert' for dogtime.com and a monthly contributor to Veterinary Practice News.
Posted by: jn at 12:44PM MT on April 6, 2009
In February 2009, Dyne Immune LLC issued a press release boasting their new "Rabies RAPID Screen", claiming the test can detect the presence of rabies in animal saliva within 35 minutes.
Problem is, and it's two-fold, the product is neither approved by the USDA nor the FDA or FDA/CVM. Nor is the test reliable in any way, shape or form. In March 2009, the New York City Health Department in coordination with a zoological veterinarian, issued a warning letter to vets (pdf file) suggesting to avoid the test, noting the test is ineffective for diagnosing rabies and can lead to countless needless, unnecessary deaths of animals if the product is used, it is completely unreliable. The NYC Health Department focuses on such a case where a healthy kitten had been unnecessarily euthanized due to gross negligence upon a false positive result using Dyne Immune's test. A subsequent proper rabies laboratory test confirmed the kitten was NOT positive for rabies. Unfortunately, Dyne Immune LLC got their hands into a lucrative advertising market and subsequently, has passed the dubious information into the media, which has led to hundreds of pet owner and pet health websites posting misinformed merits of the product when in fact, it appears the actual product is only in a testing phase. Another problem is misinformed animal shelter staff assuming the validity of the product and potentially causing untold euthanasias of healthy, adoptable pets. Let's see what Dyne Immune posts on their website. Not very informative at best, dangerous at worst: Well, first, I think it's more productive for vets to buy a SNAP test that obtains results in as little as 10 minutes (most are), as opposed to 35 minutes. This begs the question of validity simply due to a resting sample at 35 minutes and whether temperature may affect the sample. (most reliable SNAP tests in small animal veterinary use today can obtain results in 10 minutes, the preparation is fast, a resting sample is not usually at risk for temperature variations). Next, if a negative result doesn't reflect any accuracy, why use it?
A positive would MOST CERTAINLY require additional testing, hopefully in the form of a more specific assay test (from an outside lab with knowledge and experience). But say we've already spent a lot of money on your fabulous tests, this is only increasing the cost to the veterinarian, the client, and the pet (in terms of monitoring, or quarantine). Hopefully, vets and animal shelters have the common sense to avoid your test at all costs. Perhaps even more alarming and incredulous is the fact that Dyne Immune provides no obvious information to studies, clinical research or clinical trials for the product. There is of course a link to request more information, I assume should you inquire, you'll be sent to a page with limited and dubious studies, none verified by a peer review of course. And they state the test can be used for domestic, wild and agriculture animals. So assume for a moment, you're out there in the field, you don't have a lot of opportunity to re-test that same animal, nor do you have a pristine condition in which to test. Absurd. Buyer beware, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you come across this in articles on your favorite pet sites, please set the record straight to the webmasters of the sites.
Posted by: jn at 12:16PM MT on April 5, 2009
Keep your cats away from Easter lilies, the beauty of the plant is not worth the consequence.
Posted by: jn at 3:13PM MT on April 4, 2009
This really ticks me off.
The Montana News Association is trying very hard to discredit Yellowstone County's efforts regarding the Kapsa dog seizure case. This link alleges an ACO "falsified an evidentary document". Then they allege Yellowstone County and deputy attorney Rosenquist allowed more dogs to become pregnant in their care, thus increasing the costs involved.. In this "report", the MNA says: ....."Other costs are mounting, due to puppies being born. According to a Billings Gazette article written by Laura Tode, published on March 11, 2009, twelve of Kapsa’s dogs are pregnant. Perhaps the MNA should brush up on their fact-reporting skills (don't hold your breath, though) before reporting erroneous information. The canine gestation period averages 62 days but can range from 54
to 72 days, it is flexible. The breed generally does not affect the
canine gestation period. Whether your dog is a sheepdog, chihuahua or
poodle, the gestation period will last approximately nine weeks.
|
About This Blog
Because life ain't worth living without the dog who sniffs the guests and the cat who shreds the toiletpaper. All things fun and educational in the crazy world of pets.
Older Posts
Current Entries
August 7, 2009 July 31, 2009 July 29, 2009 July 26, 2009 July 20, 2009 July 18, 2009 July 15, 2009 July 13, 2009 July 9, 2009 July 2, 2009 July 1, 2009 June 27, 2009 June 26, 2009 June 21, 2009 June 19, 2009 June 17, 2009 June 15, 2009 June 13, 2009 June 12, 2009 June 11, 2009 May 28, 2009 May 25, 2009 May 24, 2009 May 21, 2009 May 20, 2009 May 19, 2009 May 7, 2009 May 6, 2009 May 4, 2009 April 24, 2009 April 23, 2009 April 21, 2009 April 18, 2009 April 16, 2009 April 11, 2009 April 9, 2009 April 6, 2009 April 5, 2009 April 4, 2009 April 3, 2009 April 1, 2009 March 31, 2009 March 30, 2009 |
