02.28.10
Posted in Mandatory Spay/Neuter at 9:50 pm by Administrator
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100228/GJCOMMUNITY_01/702289971/-1/FOSLIFESTYLES
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Periodically, a number of facts seem to fall into place, revealing a truth that might not have been apparent previously.
Something like this happened to me this week. I had been wondering how it is possible for Americans to be so enchanted with dogs as pets, and at the same time, to hold beliefs that, if put into action, would actually eliminate the species in a relatively short time. Let me review the situation, and let’s see if you agree with my conclusions.
Roughly 37 percent of American homes include at least one pet dog. Most people at least pay lip service to an appreciation of how much dogs add to our lives and to our culture. While dogs no longer have the job of warning cave dwellers of approaching danger, the jobs they do perform for us could be even more valuable.
Some very special dogs and their handlers search destroyed buildings seeking for survivors, and for the bodies of those who did not survive. Perhaps you noticed the news clips of search and rescue dogs working in the jumble of what used to be homes and businesses in Haiti?
If you ever fly, them perhaps you have seen bomb or drug detection dogs making us safer at airports? Military dogs are described by their handlers as their most valuable and reliable protection against roadside bombs.
The Dover Public Library is just one of many where dogs patiently help children learn to read. Dogs can also predict epileptic seizures, and locate and predict cancers in humans.
Certainly the tasks performed by dogs no longer fit their job description when they lived with prehistoric people, but an argument could easily be made that their modern jobs are even more important.
Studies show that dogs help us maintain good health. They encourage exercise and social contacts. I’ve been told that walking with a dog is the best way to meet new friends. I think it is safe to say that dogs have earned their place in our hearts and in our society. And yet …
And yet laws requiring the mandatory spay and neuter of all dogs are spreading throughout the country. I wonder if people have given much thought to the only possible result if the MSN laws become universal? Logically, if all dogs are surgically neutered, then in about 10 years there will be no dogs.
If all breeding is stopped — where will you find the replacement for the dogs you love now? If you should want to add a purpose-bred dog to your family — will you still be able to in another 10 or so years?
James Serpell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has said: “The thing about mandatory spay-neuter is that those who are most willing to have their dogs spayed or neutered tend to be responsible people. And often, their dogs also happen to be nice animals in temperament. So what you’re doing essentially is taking those dogs out of the breeding population. What will become of dog ownership if only the ill-tempered puppies from disreputable breeding programs are available?”
Dog and cat owners have certainly grasped the idea that responsible pet ownership entails being responsible for the reproductive capacity of their pets. Somehow, the idea is pushed that vast numbers of dogs are roaming around the country, reproducing at any and every opportunity. In actual fact, the reverse is true. Nationally, over 87 percent of dogs have already been surgically neutered.
Our figures here in the northeast are even more impressive. Last August, I asked three friends to help me perform a survey of veterinary hospitals throughout New Hampshire. I was surprised to learn that 98 percent of owned cats and 95 percent of dogs had been surgically neutered. Yes, we have a population of feral cats. But our pet owners have taken their responsibility to heart, as do owners throughout the north-east.
Here is one example of the adage “no good deed goes unpunished.” Since this area of the country has a dearth of available dogs, and especially shelter dogs — we have become the repository of dogs, many with physical or behavioral problems that make them difficult for novice dog owners to deal with, from third-world countries and from parts of our South — where laws and programs such as we have are not established.
So — should we welcome these imported dogs, even if in so doing we put some of our own dogs at risk? Or should we help other parts of our country to grasp the lessons we have learned?
Being a responsible dog owner does not mean that all of our dogs should be neutered. What it does mean is that instead of importing potentially problematic dogs here, those groups who are profiting from these imports should focus their attention on changing attitudes in the areas these dogs come from.
So — do you really want ALL dogs to be neutered?
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02.27.10
Posted in Guardians? Or Owners? at 11:48 pm by Administrator
Declassifying animals as property
http://www.spanieljournal.com/46lbaughan.html
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Posted in What is HSUS? at 8:24 pm by Administrator
Think You Know the “Humane” Society of the United States (HSUS)?
HSUS has grown to be the richest “animal rights” (AR) organization on the planet by deceiving the public.
Please read the following quotes from HSUS leaders, and decide for yourself.
QUOTES FROM HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENT/CEO WAYNE PACELLE:
When asked if he envisioned a future without pets, “If I had my personal view, perhaps that might take hold. In fact, I don’t want to see another dog or cat born.” —-Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 266.
“I don’t have a hands-on fondness for animals…To this day I don’t feel bonded to any non-human animal. I like them and I pet them and I’m kind to them, but there’s no special bond between me and other animals.” —Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 251.
“ One generation and out. We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals.” —Wayne Pacelle, quoted in Animal People, May, 1993
“We would be foolish and silly not to unite with people in the public health sector, the environmental community, [and] unions, to try to challenge corporate agriculture.” —Wayne Pacelle, at the Animal Rights 2002″ Convention, July 1, 2002.
“The entire animal rights movement in the United States reacted with unfettered glee at the Ban in England …We view this act of parliament as one of the most important actions in the history of the animal rights movement. This will energise our efforts to stop hunting with hounds.” —Wayne Pacelle, London Times, December 26, 2004
“If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.” —Wayne Pacelle, Associated Press, Dec 30, 1991
“Our goal is to get sport hunting in the same category as cock fighting and dog fighting.” —Wayne Pacelle, (Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle, October 8, 1991
“We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States … We will take it species by species until all hunting is stopped in California. Then we will take it state by state. —Wayne Pacelle, Full Cry Magazine, October 1, 1990.
“The definition of obscenity on the newsstands should be extended to many hunting magazines.” —Wayne Pacelle, quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 265.
QUOTES FROM HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES MANAGER JOHN (“J.P.”) GOODWIN:
“My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.” —JP Goodwin, employed at the Humane Society of the US, formerly at Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, as quoted on AR-Views, an animal rights Internet discussion group in 1996.
“The industry has produced a booklet that they are sending out to farmers. This booklet describes security techniques that they can adopt. Security techniques which the (Animal Liberation Front) A.L.F. dismantled in Utah, putting the industry to shame. We haven’t gotten a copy of the booklet yet…”
“Sadly, some so called “animal defenders” are not so supportive of these raids. Ann Davis of the Salt Lake City, Utah based Animal Rights Alliance has stated that she has already talked to the FBI, and will continue to do so. The FBI is working for the fur industry. Anyone that works with them is working hand in hand with the fur trade and is a traitor. If you don’t want to be investigated then don’t associate with turncoats. With friends like these, the mink are screwed…”
“Let it be stated loud and clear, that myself and the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade support these actions 100%. We will never, ever, ever work with anyone who helps the FBI stop the A.L.F.” —JP Goodwin, “Fur Wars Heat Up. A.L.F. is on the Warpath! No Compromise, Issue 4, Fall 1996.
“We’re ecstatic,” (of the fire that did almost a million dollars of damage and could have killed a caretaker family sleeping on the premises.) —J.P. Goodwin, ALF Spokesman, Deseret News (Utah), Mar. 11, 1997.
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Posted in What is a puppy mill? at 7:39 pm by Administrator
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html
Dog Owner’s Guide: What is a Puppy Mill? (www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html)] is a part of the Dog Owner’s Guide internet website and is copyright 2009 by Canis Major Publications.
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02.12.10
Posted in Showing and Owner Handling at 9:39 pm by Administrator
For owner/handlers who show their own dogs in the conformation ring, it can be frustrating to know that your dog was the best he could be the ring, and you still end up with a second or third place ribbon. What was missing? What could the owner/handler do differently next time?
Let’s assume a few things, first. Your dog is a healthy, structurally sound, specimen of his/her breed. The grooming part is covered, every hair is in place,toenails are clipped, ears and teath are clean. Your dog is well behaved and shows no aggression towards the judge or the other dogs in the ring. What else is necessary to win? What are the judges looking for?
It starts from the moment that special show puppy is able to stand on its own. The breeder entices the puppy with a morsel of food, while stacking the puppy in the proper position for showing. When the puppy holds that stack, even for a few seconds, praise that pup with the best smiley voice you’ve got. Make the puppy feel that “Yes, I’m the best!!!!!” When the pup realizes that not only does he get a little morsel, he is, at the same time, pleasing the one human that means the most to him, well, he’ll keep right on doing it, and have fun at it, too.
This takes us to the next secret, which is to have fun. Both of you. Make it interesting. When you’re happy, the dog is happy. If you have any experience in the ring at all, you know that if the handler is nervous, or unsure, that the lead and collar connects those feelings, and transmits them directly to the dog, who in turn, is nervous and unsure. The way to overcome that nervousness and tension is to play with that special puppy or that show dog. At home, in the kennel area, outside the ring, and yes, inside the ring, too. Of course, when you’re in the ring you do have to control the exuberance, but if the dog is having a great time, a sparkle is introduced to the team. The judge cannot help but notice. Teaching the dog to love its job, is not always easy, a lot depends on how much fun the dog and you are having.
When inside the ring, the handler should remember that a dog that can stack himself, who can show himself off without human intervention, is more impressive to a judge, than the dog who is constantly being handled and manipulated by the handler. These dogs are not dolls with movable parts, most of the time the dogs already know what’s expected. Let them be, as long as they have been trained, which leads us to the next subject.
Individualizing the training techniques to the dog involved is very important. Each dog is an individual, some are easily trained, while others are so “alpha,” they believe that they are in charge of the world. Training begins at puppyhood, conditioning to build stamina must not be neglected, and making the show dog a pet in the home, this last is to teach the dog to compete for attention. Yes, I said to compete for attention. That way in the ring, the dog wants the attention of the judge, and will compete with the others to get it.
Imagine an athlete with a beer belly competing in the Mr Olympia contest. Don’t send your dog into a conformation ring without conditioning. I don’t mean hair conditioning either. Your show dog is not a couch potato, he is a competitor. He needs exercise, and lots of it. It’s good for you, too, even if you watch your dog from the sidelines. Muscle tone will not occur overnight. It requires months of work, dedication and effort, as well as ingenuity. The dog that starts out liking to chase tennis balls, will not keep chasing tennis balls for six months. You have to be creative in thinking of ways to work the dog, exercise the dog, without you covering 100 miles per day, unless you’re considering the Mr. Olympia contest.
It has to remain FUN! Working, showing, or playing, the dog is with you, looking for approval, praise and rewards from you. He is the center of your universe, you are the center of his.
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02.10.10
Posted in Pet Laws at 4:53 pm by Administrator
The link below will take you to a copy of the final report prepared by the Illinois Task Force on Breeder Licensing.
http://elvbendelkhounds.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Task-Force-FINAL-REPORT12-17-091.pdf
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Posted in Pet Laws at 4:40 pm by Administrator
http://capwiz.com/naiatrust/issues/alert/?alertid=14666631&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
http://tinyurl.com/yc9yspd
Seized Dogs Given to Unlicensed Rescue Network Kennel
Murder Hollow Update
February 8th, 2010
The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(PSPCA) originally seized hounds from Wendy Willard’s Murder Hollow
Bassets in July 2009 for violation of the Philadelphia limit law. PSPCA
serves the County as its animal control officers. Despite allegations by
the PSPCA that the dog were voluntarily surrendered, Ms. Willard states
she was coerced into signing the dogs over to the PSPCA by threats to
take all her dogs. However, the Philadelphia limit law does not provide
authority to seize animals for violations and it does not apply at all
unless the dogs are housed in a residential dwelling where human
occupants live or sleep. In fact, Ms. Willard’s dogs live in a barn
completely separate from her house.
Unsubstantiated and, as yet, unadjucated charges for alleged cruelty
were subsequently brought by the PSPCA against Ms. Willard. Not only
does Ms. Willard continue to vigorously deny guilt, she has asserted
that the PSPCA warrant was illegally obtained and that her dogs were
taken in violation of her constitutional rights.
Despite her immediately contesting the alleged surrenders, and six (6)
days before any cruelty charges were filed, the PSPCA gave the dogs to
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue (Tri-State) an unlicensed rescue
organization. Thereafter, before any determination of the charges or
whether the surrenders were voluntary, Tri-State placed 10 of the dogs
for adoption. Tri-State advertises that its adoption headquarters are in
Chadds Ford, PA and, according to their website, claims to place up to
200 bassets annually in the NJ, NY and eastern PA area. Based on a
search of the PA Department of Agriculture website, there is no record
that the organization, which operates as a rescue network kennel, had a
kennel license in 2009 as required by the PA Dog Law, which was revised
in 2008.
In an action that appears oddly coincidental, just five (5) days before
trial, the City of Philadelphia issued violations charging that Ms.
Willard was operating a kennel as an illegal business without a license
and did not have a zoning use permit. This was done despite the fact
that Ms. Willard does not have a kennel, as defined under either PA or
County law, and has never operated a business on her property.
The Murder Hollow Basset case continues taking new twists and turns as
the PSPCA employs various tactics in an attempt to avoid disclosure of
crucial facts about the hounds taken in the raid on Wendy Willard’s
property and to force Ms. Willard to defend her rights without access to
key information.
Trial was continued on 1/12/10 pending finalization of an agreement
negotiated by the Court that was to include the following terms:
* all charges to be withdrawn at a future hearing,
* Ms Willard to have input into placement of the dogs,
* the house dog to be returned to Ms. Willard, and
* time allowed to address alleged deficiencies in the barn housing
the pack.
The parties agreed to submit a proposed consent order to the Court
within a few days.
What happened next? Shortly after the negotiated terms were announced in
Court, the PSPCA disclosed, as noted above, that the dogs had already
been adopted out by the rescue group with whom they had been placed.
That meant the PSPCA could not keep its commitment to let Ms. Willard
have a voice in their placement. They also demanded that, before
returning the house dog, Ms. Willard needed to pay $3,000 for
reimbursement of medical expenses supposedly related to the alleged
cruelty charges. The PSPCA then informed the Court and defense counsel
that it was having significant problems that impeded moving ahead with
the negotiated agreement. To date, they have not identified the nature
of the problems.
As it now appears, the rescue paid a few hundred dollars for a medical
procedure performed on the house dog (unrelated to the cruelty charges),
four months after the raid! In addition, about 75% of the bill was for
boarding costs. It is beyond belief that the PSPCA wants to charge her
for boarding an animal they claim was voluntarily surrendered to them
and which they turned over to the rescue. Would the rescue seriously
attempt to charge someone $3,000 to adopt the dog? Ms. Willard is
vigorously contesting the claimed voluntary surrender of all of her
dogs, but the issue may require a separate civil action after resolution
of the criminal charges.
Despite these developments and the outrageous demand for money, Ms.
Willard has acted in good faith and remains willing to continue
discussions with a view toward a negotiated resolution.
As for the case, while the PSPCA has provided the defense with some
limited materials, they are refusing, apparently in defiance of a Court
order, to turn over certain key medical records. While in PA discovery
is generally not provided for in summary trials in a complex case like
this, where criminal charges may have significant repercussions for
years, and where expert testimony is critical to provide an adequate
defense, production of information is necessary to protect the
defendant’s rights to due process.
Another troubling tactic they used in an attempt to turn public opinion
against Wendy was the selective release, on the day after trial was
postponed, of a misleading photo of one of the dogs seized. The photo,
taken on the evening of the raid and published on a newspaper website,
purports to show evidence of neglect which Ms. Willard adamantly
disputes. Indeed, photos of the other dogs taken at that time are
inconsistent with the one photo. Also, photos of all of the dogs taken
shortly after the raid show well-nourished hounds. None of the other
photos have been publicly released.
Some of the very people who are in the best position to know that some
humane societies trample civil rights under color of law on a regular
basis and spend lots of money spinning the truth to shape pubic opinion
in their favor (look to the decades old photos that HSUS uses today to
drum up support for anti-breeder and anti-hunting legislation),
seemingly accept the PSPCA’s spin on the Murder Hollow Basset case
without critical analysis.
If the average citizen is going to be able to overcome the efforts of
animal rights fanatics to take our animals without just cause, we must
support Ms. Willard in her difficult and just battle. The alternative is
to allow our powerful opponents to prevail by outspending us and
bleeding our resources while they usurp our constitutional rights.
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Posted in Pet Laws, What is HSUS? at 4:38 pm by Administrator
HSUS’ Jordan has talked Rep. Susana Mendoza into sponsoring a new “puppy mill” bill and
tiltles it as such. Be sure and click on full text to get all the nitty gritty details.
Here is the link:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5771&GAID=10&GA=96&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=51185&SessionID=76
This reduces the Task Force suggested number of 26 to 10 breedable females to be a commercial kennel. Doesn’t define breedable. If you wanted proof they will try and reduce numbers, then here you have it. Wasted a lot of valuable time driving to Task Force meetings if we just have to come back and start all over again each and every session of the General Assembly. (But, I expected as much from the git-go.)
The second bill HB5772 is the disclosure portion separated out:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=5772&GAID=10&GA=96&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=51186&SessionID=76
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02.08.10
Posted in Pet Laws at 1:13 am by Administrator
“You should not examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harm it would cause if improperly administered.”
Lyndon Johnson, 36th President of the U.S.
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