Companion Animals
Grey2K Founder Christine Dorchak Profiled
Published August 01, 2009 @ 06:54AM PT
I was pleased last night to see this profile of Grey2K founder Christine Dorchak in Boston University's newspaper: "A Dogged Fight." Christine's energy and dedication to ending greyhound racing and saving these dogs is admirable--and obvious to anyone who's ever met or spoken with her. Check out the article.
The Arkansas Anti-Cruelty Law: Protecting Few, Exempting Many
Published July 31, 2009 @ 01:12PM PT
In the last day or so, I've seen references in several news articles and a couple blog posts to the new animal cruelty law that's just taken effect in Arkansas. It is not quite the "strong" law some are claiming it to be, not from the animals' perspective. And before I move on, I'd like to take this opportunity to direct you back to the post I wrote on this law way back in January: "Arkansas Farm Bureau Backs Cruelty Bill--Because It Doesn't Apply to Them."
The law does increase the penalties for people convicted of abusing dogs, cats, and horses and makes all animal fighting (i.e., including cockfighting) a felony. But beyond the animal fighting section, the felony cruelty law applies specifically and only to dogs, cats, and horses, and there are plenty of exceptions even for them. So considering the way farmed animals are specifically, intentionally denied protection, the many exemptions for cruel practices against even the protected animals, and the changes in who actually gets to determine what is or isn't cruel and make arrests and seizures (e.g., the law has been changed to specifically remove humane officers' right to make arrests; only certified law enforcement officers have that power now), I'm not nearly as impressed as some.
Wayne Pacelle of HSUS, for example, wrote today that it's a "satisfaction to know that, as of today, the mistreatment of animals in Arkansas, whether by hoarders, puppy millers, cockfighters or others, will be met with a stronger measure of justice, one that is backed by a full array of law enforcement and public officials in the state."
Coexisting with Feral Cat Populations via Trap-Neuter-Return
Published July 28, 2009 @ 10:07PM PT
There's a nice piece on trap-neuter-return efforts in today's Chicago Tribune:
They've been living more or less peacefully around us for thousands of years, and their human friends believe far too many of the estimated 82 million stray cats are dying, many in shelters where they were taken by the well-meaning. So an underground pool of feral friends has come up with an offbeat practice it says is less expensive, more humane and more effective in managing the cats.
It's called trap, neuter and return, and increasing numbers of animal-control groups are becoming converts.
The Pit Bull Blues
Published July 21, 2009 @ 01:37PM PT
Oh, this is a video you have to see (the leather jacket is rather unfortunate, I know, but it's a positive pit bull video at least). If you're the person who shared this on Facebook, feel free to speak up and take credit; I can't remember who it was!
Can a "Rights" Violation Be Ethically Acceptable, Even Required?
Published July 21, 2009 @ 08:49AM PT
Note: This guest post by Alex is helping to make my day of departure from LA less crazed, so thanks go to him for submitting it. I'll be packing and traveling much of the day and unable to moderate much, so I ask in advance that commenters remain respectful of one another if buttons are pushed here. Edit: I just realized also that this is the second horse post in a row. That wasn't intentional; sorry for not spreading these out. -S. Ernst
Some time ago, I had an online encounter with several animal advocates committed to the theory of animal rights proffered by Gary Francione, a brilliant and influential proponent of ethical veganism. I accept many of Professor Francione's arguments. However, oftentimes, some of his enthusiasts over-commit themselves to certain conclusions that aren't necessarily founded in Francione's own reasoning. The following is an example.
Below, I'm using a hypothetical for clarity's sake. However, the aforementioned dispute involved the situation of a horse named Rivet, who was being used in a program designed to provide a therapeutic outlet for the mentally handicapped and the abused. Rivet was being used as such because of the exceedingly high costs associated with his care; he was effectively working for his living.
Dogfighting Bust: 350+ Dogs Seized and in Need of Help, 26 People Arrested
Published July 09, 2009 @ 08:57AM PT
One of the big stories today is news that across multiple states, including my two home states of Illinois and Missouri, multiple dogfighting rings have been busted at once, with 26 people charged and at least 350 dogs seized (some reports this morning are now saying 400-plus dogs).
Letter from Shelter Manager to Breeders, Buyers, and People Who Surrender Animals
Published July 08, 2009 @ 04:30AM PT
A few days ago on Twitter, @deafanimals linked to a gut-wrenching post on their blog: "Life of Cats and Dogs at Shelters," with the subtitle "A Letter from a Shelter Manager." It's not entirely clear who wrote the letter (a note at the end of the post explained, "The letter from shelter manager shown above was crossposted via email"), but it's a painfully honest look at what happens in countless shelters, about the animals who end up there (and why), about what happens to them during their brief stay, and about how many of them have no chance of leaving alive, despite being perfectly lovely, adoptable animals.
The letter has been circulating for some time, so many of you may have already seen it, but if you haven't, take the time to read it now. If you're thinking about continuing to support breeders, read it. If "surrendering" an animal who is in your care has ever occurred to you, read it. If you think a shelter is a safe, calm place where animals stay in comfort until being adopted and that surely the animal you gave up wouldn't be "euthanized," read it.
Photo by Flickr user cnycnfreelancer
