https://twitchinkitten.com/ Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:38:48 +0000 MyBB https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-4528.html Mon, 25 Jan 2016 08:12:21 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-4528.html
Although I see this as a bit of a victory, I am putting it in Alerts because it still needs more. It's not a full on victory IMO.

U.S. Justice Department Now Tracking Animal Cruelty Nationwide <--- click for full story

Starting this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is tracking crimes against animals as “Group A Offenses” akin to major felonies like arson, homicide and kidnapping. Police departments across the nation now are expected to report these offenses to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), the FBI’s database for collecting and tracking information on criminal activity.

The NIBRS accepted reports of animal abuse prior to January 2016, but these crimes were not given their own unique category; instead, they were lumped in with a variety of other miscellaneous crimes considered to be lesser offenses. This lack of cohesive data made it impossible for those who use the system—such as criminologists, law enforcement and researchers—to accurately gauge the frequency of these crimes or track their outcomes.

“The question I am asked most frequently is ‘Is animal cruelty on the rise?’” says Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President for Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects at the ASPCA. “In the future, we will hopefully be able to answer that question and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to combat animal abuse and neglect.”

Law enforcement agencies and the animal welfare community have long been aware of the link between animal cruelty and crimes against people; ... (click for full story )]]>
Although I see this as a bit of a victory, I am putting it in Alerts because it still needs more. It's not a full on victory IMO.

U.S. Justice Department Now Tracking Animal Cruelty Nationwide <--- click for full story

Starting this month, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is tracking crimes against animals as “Group A Offenses” akin to major felonies like arson, homicide and kidnapping. Police departments across the nation now are expected to report these offenses to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), the FBI’s database for collecting and tracking information on criminal activity.

The NIBRS accepted reports of animal abuse prior to January 2016, but these crimes were not given their own unique category; instead, they were lumped in with a variety of other miscellaneous crimes considered to be lesser offenses. This lack of cohesive data made it impossible for those who use the system—such as criminologists, law enforcement and researchers—to accurately gauge the frequency of these crimes or track their outcomes.

“The question I am asked most frequently is ‘Is animal cruelty on the rise?’” says Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President for Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects at the ASPCA. “In the future, we will hopefully be able to answer that question and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to combat animal abuse and neglect.”

Law enforcement agencies and the animal welfare community have long been aware of the link between animal cruelty and crimes against people; ... (click for full story )]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3766.html Fri, 16 Aug 2013 06:21:35 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3766.html THIS PAGE for the food and the batch numbers on the labels.

Salmonella has been found in some of the dry foods and this is one of the things that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa.

I should put up the food and pet food recall feeder again. I had one up ages ago and one on the cooking forum too. You'd be surprised at all the stuff constantly on that list. ]]> THIS PAGE for the food and the batch numbers on the labels.

Salmonella has been found in some of the dry foods and this is one of the things that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa.

I should put up the food and pet food recall feeder again. I had one up ages ago and one on the cooking forum too. You'd be surprised at all the stuff constantly on that list. ]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3741.html Thu, 01 Aug 2013 07:32:51 -0400 TenFour]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3741.html http://www.capitalarea.org/

Your money will end up in places like this.

If you want to do some good for animals simply adopt the ones you can afford to adopt. The ASPCA and PETA kill more pets than they help statistically every year.]]> http://www.capitalarea.org/

Your money will end up in places like this.

If you want to do some good for animals simply adopt the ones you can afford to adopt. The ASPCA and PETA kill more pets than they help statistically every year.]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3681.html Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:17:11 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3681.html
http://blog.aspca.org/content/picture-worth-1000-words-aspca-launches-photo-database-usda-licensed-dog-breeders?utm_source=newsalertemail_061413&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert

http://nopetstorepuppies.com/buy-a-puppy]]>
http://blog.aspca.org/content/picture-worth-1000-words-aspca-launches-photo-database-usda-licensed-dog-breeders?utm_source=newsalertemail_061413&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalert

http://nopetstorepuppies.com/buy-a-puppy]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3408.html Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:22:38 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3408.html http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hxrl66dab&v=001KKT2fJZ6zHOXAyGsx3Pr0mjRO414zPDTLqLeuygryAROyj8LYaZvyG-72mI5t3wYI48L_3c8wbuN1oBK0OgMERgPiG8MSJLA1ZKgN2rtoZYT_vEXVoF6fQ%3D%3D

So sad. If you feel like giving, please do. It's a good cause.]]> http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hxrl66dab&v=001KKT2fJZ6zHOXAyGsx3Pr0mjRO414zPDTLqLeuygryAROyj8LYaZvyG-72mI5t3wYI48L_3c8wbuN1oBK0OgMERgPiG8MSJLA1ZKgN2rtoZYT_vEXVoF6fQ%3D%3D

So sad. If you feel like giving, please do. It's a good cause.]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3091.html Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:38:21 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-3091.html this link and write Gov Christie. It passed legislation and he needs to be prodded to not veto this thing.

Fuck you Frank Carper. I hope this passes and you never have the opportunity to legally freeze a tractor-trailer full of horses to death ever again.

I have no problem if people feel they need to eat horses. I do have a problem with inhumane means these guys who buy for slaughter transport, treat and handle these animals. I do have a problem that there is no regulation over this and too many times horses stolen or "removed" for insurance claims are brought to this horrific end due to no oversight.

I have seen cruelty with my own eyes that leave me with nightmares to this day.
Anyone who has ever had the honor of having a horse knows the relationship between horse and man is something special. Cruelty and abuse should not be what happens to them. There are so many alternatives than this.

Don't even get me started on the bullshit the BLM do in their wild mustang program to help "preserve" the wild herds. It's all a lie. All of it.]]> this link and write Gov Christie. It passed legislation and he needs to be prodded to not veto this thing.

Fuck you Frank Carper. I hope this passes and you never have the opportunity to legally freeze a tractor-trailer full of horses to death ever again.

I have no problem if people feel they need to eat horses. I do have a problem with inhumane means these guys who buy for slaughter transport, treat and handle these animals. I do have a problem that there is no regulation over this and too many times horses stolen or "removed" for insurance claims are brought to this horrific end due to no oversight.

I have seen cruelty with my own eyes that leave me with nightmares to this day.
Anyone who has ever had the honor of having a horse knows the relationship between horse and man is something special. Cruelty and abuse should not be what happens to them. There are so many alternatives than this.

Don't even get me started on the bullshit the BLM do in their wild mustang program to help "preserve" the wild herds. It's all a lie. All of it.]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2993.html Tue, 15 May 2012 19:31:03 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2993.html
Each branch of the Armed Forces uses military working dogs (MWDs) in service to the country. Many of these intelligent, loyal animals serve alongside our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have prevented countless injuries and saved lives.

Unfortunately, these heroic dogs are currently classified as “equipment” by the U.S. Department of Defense. This classification not only trivializes these animals’ contributions, it also makes it difficult to transport dogs serving in foreign lands back to the United States for adoption once they’re ready for civilian life.

The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act will remedy this issue by reclassifying MWDs as “canine members of the armed forces” and instituting programs to assist with their placement and veterinary care after retirement from service—all without using federal funds. This legislation seems like a no-brainer, and yet the bill has only seven cosponsors in the Senate.


Click the link and write your senators!
http://capwiz.com/aspca/issues/alert/?alertid=61336366
__________________________________

For all the things these military canines do, it's ridiculous that many soldiers have a hard time adopting them when their tour is over or if the dog become too disabled, or too old to serve. These dogs receive medals, get body armor, special training, special treatment until the military is done with them. Then it's off to a kennel or god knows what.
Please take five minutes of your time and write. The ASPCA has the letter already written out and they have a space where you can add your own words (or not). ]]>
Each branch of the Armed Forces uses military working dogs (MWDs) in service to the country. Many of these intelligent, loyal animals serve alongside our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have prevented countless injuries and saved lives.

Unfortunately, these heroic dogs are currently classified as “equipment” by the U.S. Department of Defense. This classification not only trivializes these animals’ contributions, it also makes it difficult to transport dogs serving in foreign lands back to the United States for adoption once they’re ready for civilian life.

The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act will remedy this issue by reclassifying MWDs as “canine members of the armed forces” and instituting programs to assist with their placement and veterinary care after retirement from service—all without using federal funds. This legislation seems like a no-brainer, and yet the bill has only seven cosponsors in the Senate.


Click the link and write your senators!
http://capwiz.com/aspca/issues/alert/?alertid=61336366
__________________________________

For all the things these military canines do, it's ridiculous that many soldiers have a hard time adopting them when their tour is over or if the dog become too disabled, or too old to serve. These dogs receive medals, get body armor, special training, special treatment until the military is done with them. Then it's off to a kennel or god knows what.
Please take five minutes of your time and write. The ASPCA has the letter already written out and they have a space where you can add your own words (or not). ]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2887.html Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:54:51 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2887.html WTF is it about rednecks that cause them to be so completely idiotic and uncouth?

I almost thought this was a ridiculous "cause" until I saw the video. I'm not one of those completely wishy-washy nuts who lives in some fantasy land about animals but really, is there a need for this?

I know people hunt and eat turtles and I have no problem with that. This is pointless IMO. It's no wonder the 'redneck' culture is an infinite font for mockery.

Petition Filed to Stop Abuse of Turtles at "Snapperfest" Following Undercover Investigation of Cruelty <-- click for webpage and petition

January 19th, 2012

Animal Groups Urge Indiana to Correct Legal Snafu that Has Allowed Abuse of Turtles at Annual Event as Appalling Footage from Indiana's Snapperfest 2011 Is Released

For immediate release

Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Indianapolis – This morning, the national non-profits Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and Best Friends Animal Society submitted a petition for rulemaking to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, arguing that the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) misinterpretation of state law has allowed for illegal cruelty at Ohio County’s annual "Snapperfest." Never before seen undercover footage provided by the World Animal Awareness Society - WA2S.org at last summer’s Snapperfest—an event where "contestants" demonstrate their prowess by pulling the heads of live turtles far outside of their shells—reveals numerous acts of cruelty that are in violation of state law. However, the DNR has condoned these actions by stating that Snapperfest participants are exempt from anti-cruelty law under an exception for activities including hunting and trapping, because, so they say, the turtles were trapped prior to their mistreatment at Snapperfest. ALDF and Best Friends Animal Society’s petition asks the Commission to clarify that this exception does not and should not apply to the turtles at Snapperfest—which would render the appalling conduct at the annual event illegal. The petition was filed locally by the Law Offices of Lawrence M. Reuben.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RZYdqMr1znM]]> WTF is it about rednecks that cause them to be so completely idiotic and uncouth?

I almost thought this was a ridiculous "cause" until I saw the video. I'm not one of those completely wishy-washy nuts who lives in some fantasy land about animals but really, is there a need for this?

I know people hunt and eat turtles and I have no problem with that. This is pointless IMO. It's no wonder the 'redneck' culture is an infinite font for mockery.

Petition Filed to Stop Abuse of Turtles at "Snapperfest" Following Undercover Investigation of Cruelty <-- click for webpage and petition

January 19th, 2012

Animal Groups Urge Indiana to Correct Legal Snafu that Has Allowed Abuse of Turtles at Annual Event as Appalling Footage from Indiana's Snapperfest 2011 Is Released

For immediate release

Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, Animal Legal Defense Fund

Indianapolis – This morning, the national non-profits Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and Best Friends Animal Society submitted a petition for rulemaking to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, arguing that the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) misinterpretation of state law has allowed for illegal cruelty at Ohio County’s annual "Snapperfest." Never before seen undercover footage provided by the World Animal Awareness Society - WA2S.org at last summer’s Snapperfest—an event where "contestants" demonstrate their prowess by pulling the heads of live turtles far outside of their shells—reveals numerous acts of cruelty that are in violation of state law. However, the DNR has condoned these actions by stating that Snapperfest participants are exempt from anti-cruelty law under an exception for activities including hunting and trapping, because, so they say, the turtles were trapped prior to their mistreatment at Snapperfest. ALDF and Best Friends Animal Society’s petition asks the Commission to clarify that this exception does not and should not apply to the turtles at Snapperfest—which would render the appalling conduct at the annual event illegal. The petition was filed locally by the Law Offices of Lawrence M. Reuben.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RZYdqMr1znM]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2600.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:09:28 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2600.html
Foie Gras

While you're there, sign the petition.

Get disgusted watching the movie:
**turn down your volume - the movie has loud music**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4dhcMhj9p8&feature=player_embedded

]]>
Foie Gras

While you're there, sign the petition.

Get disgusted watching the movie:
**turn down your volume - the movie has loud music**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4dhcMhj9p8&feature=player_embedded

]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2299.html Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:25:40 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2299.html Someone please tell me what the hell is wrong with some people to make them this kind of sick?
Please take action and write a letter by clicking on the link.
All links in this article are live by clicking the headline.

29 Dogs Victimized in Domestic Violence Case <-- click for page to take action

(Hancock County, WV) Alerted to a potentially violent situation on March 9, 2011, a SWAT team brought an end to Jeffrey Nally, Jr.'s alleged months-long abuse of his ex-girlfriend. Nally allegedly terrorized the woman by sadistically killing twenty-nine dogs – mostly puppies which he reportedly obtained via classified ads – over an approximately two-month period during which he allegedly kept the woman captive at the property.

...Police believe Nally began killing the animals in January.
"Mutilated, skinned, anything you can imagine," said Chief Deputy Todd Murray of the animals.
"[Nally used] everything from a crossbow, to a drill, saws to hammers.
There were several means he used to [mutilate and kill the dogs]."
Murray added that it appeared the suspect used a different tool to kill each dog...
..."After the dogs were killed, he would make her clean up," Murray said...
WTOV TV 9, March 10, 2011

With Nally facing charges of kidnapping, domestic battery and 29 counts of felony animal cruelty, this case provides a disturbing reminder of the link between cruelty to animals and domestic violence and the importance of legislative awareness on this issue. West Virginia, for example, recently passed a provision which allows for the inclusion of animals in domestic violence protective orders.

Take Action!

Send a letter to your legislators through ALDF's website! Let your legislators know that as a voting constituent you are concerned about animal cruelty and its effects on communities – effects which are not only evident in the physical suffering these cases involve, but in the monetary costs which repeat offenders shift onto taxpayers by over-burdening animal shelters and other community agencies.

Does your state enable cross-reporting options between agencies (PDF) such as child protective services and animal control? What, if any, mental health evaluation and treatment requirements are mandated for animal abuse cases? Encourage your legislators to consider ALDF’s annual State Animal Protection Laws rankings report and contact ALDF for information on what legislative improvements are needed to your state’s animal protection laws.

Write a Letter to the Editor!

Educate your local newspapers and community on the dangers associated with “free to a good home” ads for animals by writing a letter to your local newspaper editor through ALDF's website. Encourage newspapers to help educate the public by not accepting “free pet” ads and/or running simple cautionary notices in the “animals” sections of their classifieds.


Resources: (must click headline to grab these links)

ALDF’s 2010 State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report
Working With Legislators
Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need by Julie Lewin
National Link Coalition
AniCare Model of Treatment for Animal Abuse
Poster: Battered Women Share Their Homes With Battered Animals (PDF)
The Perils of "Free to Good Home" Ads
]]> Someone please tell me what the hell is wrong with some people to make them this kind of sick?
Please take action and write a letter by clicking on the link.
All links in this article are live by clicking the headline.

29 Dogs Victimized in Domestic Violence Case <-- click for page to take action

(Hancock County, WV) Alerted to a potentially violent situation on March 9, 2011, a SWAT team brought an end to Jeffrey Nally, Jr.'s alleged months-long abuse of his ex-girlfriend. Nally allegedly terrorized the woman by sadistically killing twenty-nine dogs – mostly puppies which he reportedly obtained via classified ads – over an approximately two-month period during which he allegedly kept the woman captive at the property.

...Police believe Nally began killing the animals in January.
"Mutilated, skinned, anything you can imagine," said Chief Deputy Todd Murray of the animals.
"[Nally used] everything from a crossbow, to a drill, saws to hammers.
There were several means he used to [mutilate and kill the dogs]."
Murray added that it appeared the suspect used a different tool to kill each dog...
..."After the dogs were killed, he would make her clean up," Murray said...
WTOV TV 9, March 10, 2011

With Nally facing charges of kidnapping, domestic battery and 29 counts of felony animal cruelty, this case provides a disturbing reminder of the link between cruelty to animals and domestic violence and the importance of legislative awareness on this issue. West Virginia, for example, recently passed a provision which allows for the inclusion of animals in domestic violence protective orders.

Take Action!

Send a letter to your legislators through ALDF's website! Let your legislators know that as a voting constituent you are concerned about animal cruelty and its effects on communities – effects which are not only evident in the physical suffering these cases involve, but in the monetary costs which repeat offenders shift onto taxpayers by over-burdening animal shelters and other community agencies.

Does your state enable cross-reporting options between agencies (PDF) such as child protective services and animal control? What, if any, mental health evaluation and treatment requirements are mandated for animal abuse cases? Encourage your legislators to consider ALDF’s annual State Animal Protection Laws rankings report and contact ALDF for information on what legislative improvements are needed to your state’s animal protection laws.

Write a Letter to the Editor!

Educate your local newspapers and community on the dangers associated with “free to a good home” ads for animals by writing a letter to your local newspaper editor through ALDF's website. Encourage newspapers to help educate the public by not accepting “free pet” ads and/or running simple cautionary notices in the “animals” sections of their classifieds.


Resources: (must click headline to grab these links)

ALDF’s 2010 State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report
Working With Legislators
Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need by Julie Lewin
National Link Coalition
AniCare Model of Treatment for Animal Abuse
Poster: Battered Women Share Their Homes With Battered Animals (PDF)
The Perils of "Free to Good Home" Ads
]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2277.html Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:10:59 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2277.html
Dear Animal Advocates,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency that oversees our country’s wild horses and burros, is asking for comments by March 30, 2011, on a plan that it views as a "new direction" for wild horse management. Since the BLM continues to ignore the public and members of Congress who want to insure the well-being of our wild horses and burros, we’re asking you to weigh in on its proposal and make it very clear what the agency should and should not be doing.

We at the ASPCA are concerned that the BLM’s proposed changes do not go nearly far enough. Its “strategy” continues to focus on the removal of wild horses from public lands, rather than restoring the millions of acres that should be theirs. Moreover, the BLM’s plan continues to fall short in not providing adequate transparency during roundups and not using the most humane methods possible. These are but some of the important reasons we need you to raise your voices during this brief period when the BLM is inviting public comment.

What You Can Do
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center right now to learn more about the BLM’s new wild horse proposal and to quickly send an email containing your comments to Bob Abbey, the agency’s director. Please keep in mind, comments are being accepted only until March 30, so there’s no time to waste.

Thank you for your continued support of our nation’s imperiled wild herds. ]]>
Dear Animal Advocates,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency that oversees our country’s wild horses and burros, is asking for comments by March 30, 2011, on a plan that it views as a "new direction" for wild horse management. Since the BLM continues to ignore the public and members of Congress who want to insure the well-being of our wild horses and burros, we’re asking you to weigh in on its proposal and make it very clear what the agency should and should not be doing.

We at the ASPCA are concerned that the BLM’s proposed changes do not go nearly far enough. Its “strategy” continues to focus on the removal of wild horses from public lands, rather than restoring the millions of acres that should be theirs. Moreover, the BLM’s plan continues to fall short in not providing adequate transparency during roundups and not using the most humane methods possible. These are but some of the important reasons we need you to raise your voices during this brief period when the BLM is inviting public comment.

What You Can Do
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center right now to learn more about the BLM’s new wild horse proposal and to quickly send an email containing your comments to Bob Abbey, the agency’s director. Please keep in mind, comments are being accepted only until March 30, so there’s no time to waste.

Thank you for your continued support of our nation’s imperiled wild herds. ]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2259.html Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:56:33 -0400 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2259.html What do you think about the new PUPS Act trying to go through legislation? Is this good or bad for private breeders?
Is it one of those things that is good but a little too invasive/intrusive?
Is it too restrictive?


http://www2.aspca.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=74129.0


Dear Animal Advocates,

There is a giant loophole in U.S. law concerning the federal oversight of large-scale commercial dog breeders (commonly known as puppy mills). Currently, breeders who sell to puppy brokers and pet stores have to be licensed by the USDA, while those who sell puppies directly to the public do not.

However, a new bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, will bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight by requiring any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually to the public—including over the Internet—to be licensed and inspected. The bill will also require all licensed breeders to exercise every dog daily.

The PUPS Act has been introduced in past Congressional sessions, but has always timed out. We’ve been given another chance at enacting this extremely important humane legislation, which would improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs nationwide.

What You Can Do -
It is vital that members of Congress hear that puppy mill reform is important to their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your U.S. representative in Washington, D.C., and urge him or her to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act.

Thank you for your continued support of the ASPCA and our nation’s animals! ]]> What do you think about the new PUPS Act trying to go through legislation? Is this good or bad for private breeders?
Is it one of those things that is good but a little too invasive/intrusive?
Is it too restrictive?


http://www2.aspca.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=74129.0


Dear Animal Advocates,

There is a giant loophole in U.S. law concerning the federal oversight of large-scale commercial dog breeders (commonly known as puppy mills). Currently, breeders who sell to puppy brokers and pet stores have to be licensed by the USDA, while those who sell puppies directly to the public do not.

However, a new bill before the U.S. House of Representatives, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act, will bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight by requiring any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually to the public—including over the Internet—to be licensed and inspected. The bill will also require all licensed breeders to exercise every dog daily.

The PUPS Act has been introduced in past Congressional sessions, but has always timed out. We’ve been given another chance at enacting this extremely important humane legislation, which would improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs nationwide.

What You Can Do -
It is vital that members of Congress hear that puppy mill reform is important to their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your U.S. representative in Washington, D.C., and urge him or her to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act.

Thank you for your continued support of the ASPCA and our nation’s animals! ]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2205.html Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:30:53 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2205.html
Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) is introducing language this week to exempt Gray Wolves in Idaho and Montana from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Simpson's plan threatens the future of America's Gray Wolves and the public's right to hold the government accountable for its decisions on wildlife. Furthermore, his efforts ignore the ESA's dependency on sound science.

Also casting a long shadow on the ESA and the Gray Wolf are H.R. 509 and H.R. 510, introduced by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-Montana). H.R. 509 would exempt Gray Wolves outright from the provisions of the ESA, while H.R. 510 would create an ESA exemption for wolves within Idaho and Montana, and give those states exclusive jurisdiction over wolf management within their respective borders.

The ESA is one of the nation's most important environmental laws. The gutting of the ESA and the complete removal of the Gray Wolf from protection is an outrageous campaign with potentially dire consequences. Not only will it harm the future of wolves, but it sets a dangerous precedent for other at-risk species.

What You Can Do
Please tell your U.S. representative that you oppose any amendment to exempt Gray Wolves from the Endangered Species Act as well as efforts to jeopardize the law in its present form. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to email your representative now.
]]>
Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) is introducing language this week to exempt Gray Wolves in Idaho and Montana from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Simpson's plan threatens the future of America's Gray Wolves and the public's right to hold the government accountable for its decisions on wildlife. Furthermore, his efforts ignore the ESA's dependency on sound science.

Also casting a long shadow on the ESA and the Gray Wolf are H.R. 509 and H.R. 510, introduced by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-Montana). H.R. 509 would exempt Gray Wolves outright from the provisions of the ESA, while H.R. 510 would create an ESA exemption for wolves within Idaho and Montana, and give those states exclusive jurisdiction over wolf management within their respective borders.

The ESA is one of the nation's most important environmental laws. The gutting of the ESA and the complete removal of the Gray Wolf from protection is an outrageous campaign with potentially dire consequences. Not only will it harm the future of wolves, but it sets a dangerous precedent for other at-risk species.

What You Can Do
Please tell your U.S. representative that you oppose any amendment to exempt Gray Wolves from the Endangered Species Act as well as efforts to jeopardize the law in its present form. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to email your representative now.
]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2191.html Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:13:58 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2191.html
Jury Fails to Convict Baltimore Teens Accused of Abusing Dog

In Maryland, a shocking case of violence against animals has concluded, for now, with a whimper: A single juror prevented the jury in the Johnson brothers’ animal cruelty trial from reaching a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial on February 7. The 11 other jurors reportedly were in favor of convicting the Johnsons.

Twins Travers and Tremayne Johnson, now 19, were accused of dousing a young Pit Bull in gasoline and setting her on fire in the streets of Baltimore in May 2009. Although the dog was saved by a policewoman and treated by rescue workers (who named her Phoenix), her injuries were so severe that she had to be humanely euthanized a few days after the incident.

Nearly two years after her death, Phoenix remains an enduring symbol and the face of animal cruelty victims nationwide—what’s more, the senseless attack served as a catalyst for change in Baltimore. With support from the ASPCA, the city created the Baltimore Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission in November 2010. The commission, whose members include Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, has pledged to provide training on animal cruelty to law enforcement, prosecutors and judges throughout Maryland.

The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office is expected to retry the case against Travers and Tremayne Johnson—please stay tuned to ASPCA.org for further developments on this story. ]]>
Jury Fails to Convict Baltimore Teens Accused of Abusing Dog

In Maryland, a shocking case of violence against animals has concluded, for now, with a whimper: A single juror prevented the jury in the Johnson brothers’ animal cruelty trial from reaching a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial on February 7. The 11 other jurors reportedly were in favor of convicting the Johnsons.

Twins Travers and Tremayne Johnson, now 19, were accused of dousing a young Pit Bull in gasoline and setting her on fire in the streets of Baltimore in May 2009. Although the dog was saved by a policewoman and treated by rescue workers (who named her Phoenix), her injuries were so severe that she had to be humanely euthanized a few days after the incident.

Nearly two years after her death, Phoenix remains an enduring symbol and the face of animal cruelty victims nationwide—what’s more, the senseless attack served as a catalyst for change in Baltimore. With support from the ASPCA, the city created the Baltimore Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission in November 2010. The commission, whose members include Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, has pledged to provide training on animal cruelty to law enforcement, prosecutors and judges throughout Maryland.

The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office is expected to retry the case against Travers and Tremayne Johnson—please stay tuned to ASPCA.org for further developments on this story. ]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2053.html Sat, 01 Jan 2011 10:19:37 -0500 Twitchin Kitten]]> https://twitchinkitten.com/thread-2053.html Lawmakers Consider an Animal Abuse Registry <-clicky

By JESSE McKINLEY
Published: February 21, 2010


SAN FRANCISCO — California may soon place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing them in an online registry, complete with their home addresses and places of employment.

The proposal, made in a bill introduced Friday by the State Senate’s majority leader, Dean Florez, would be the first of its kind in the country and is just the latest law geared toward animal rights in a state that has recently given new protections to chickens, pigs and cattle.

Mr. Florez, a Democrat who is chairman of the Food and Agriculture Committee, said the law would provide information for those who “have animals and want to take care of them,” a broad contingent in California, with its large farming interests and millions of pet owners. Animal protection is also, he said, a rare bipartisan issue in the state, which has suffered bitter partisan finger-pointing in the wake of protracted budget woes.

“We have done well with these laws,” he said.

Last fall, California became the first state to outlaw so-called tail-docking of dairy cows, where the tail is partly amputated to ease milking. In 2008, voters in the state passed Proposition 2, which gave hens, calves and pigs more room in their crates or cages. That law has upset many in the California egg industry and prompted some agriculturally-minded residents to even talk about seceding from the state.

Under Mr. Florez’s bill, any person convicted of a felony involving animal cruelty would have to register with the police and provide a range of personal information and a current photograph. That information would be posted online, along with information on the person’s offense.

The bill was drafted with help from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, an animal-protection group based in Cotati, Calif., north of San Francisco. The group has promoted the registry not only as a way to notify the public but also as a possible early warning system for other crimes.

“We know there’s a link between those who abuse animals and those who perform other forms of violence,” said Stephan Otto, the group’s director of legislative affairs. “Presumably if we’re able to track animal abusers and be able to know where they live, there will be less opportunity where those vulnerable to them would be near them.”

In addition to sex offenders, California lists arsonists in an online registry, and the animal abusers would be listed on a similar site, Mr. Florez said. Such registries have raised privacy concerns from some civil libertarians, but Joshua Marquis, a member of the defense fund’s board and the district attorney in Clatsop County, Ore., said the worries were unfounded.

“Does it turn that person into a pariah? No,” Mr. Marquis said. “But it gives information to someone who might be considering hiring that person for a job.”

He added: “I do not think for animal abusers it’s unreasonable considering the risk they pose, much like the risk that people who abuse children do.”

One supporter of the proposed law, Gillian Deegan, an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Botetourt County, Va., says such a registry could also be valuable in tracking people who run puppy mills and animal-fighting rings, as well as hoarders, who sometimes collect hundreds of animals, often resulting in neglect.

“A lot of times these people will just pick up and move to another jurisdiction or another state if they get caught,” said Ms. Deegan, who has written on animal welfare laws. “It would definitely help on those types of cases where people jump around.” One Web site — Petabuse.com — already offers a type of online registry, with listings of animal offenders and their crimes.

Such registries have been introduced in other states, but never passed. In 2008, a similar bill in Tennessee stalled after passing the State Senate.

That legislation was endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, said Wayne Pacelle, the president and chief executive of the society.

Mr. Pacelle said that the proposed financing mechanism for the California bill, a small tax on pet food, was “an extremely controversial idea” and unpopular with the pet food industry.

Taxes are usually opposed by Republicans in California, and that gives Mr. Pacelle doubts about the bill’s prospects.

“The idea of that succeeding in this climate in California is not high,” he said.

But the bill’s sponsor, Mr. Florez, who recently helped establish an Animal Protection Caucus, which includes Republican members of the State Senate and Assembly, says he is confident that he has the votes to move the measure forward and estimates that the registry would cost less than $1 million to establish. He also said his background — he hails from the farming-friendly Central Valley — will help the cause.

“I think people think, well, if Dean is supporting it,” he said, “it can’t be that off the wall.” ]]> Lawmakers Consider an Animal Abuse Registry <-clicky

By JESSE McKINLEY
Published: February 21, 2010


SAN FRANCISCO — California may soon place animal abusers on the same level as sex offenders by listing them in an online registry, complete with their home addresses and places of employment.

The proposal, made in a bill introduced Friday by the State Senate’s majority leader, Dean Florez, would be the first of its kind in the country and is just the latest law geared toward animal rights in a state that has recently given new protections to chickens, pigs and cattle.

Mr. Florez, a Democrat who is chairman of the Food and Agriculture Committee, said the law would provide information for those who “have animals and want to take care of them,” a broad contingent in California, with its large farming interests and millions of pet owners. Animal protection is also, he said, a rare bipartisan issue in the state, which has suffered bitter partisan finger-pointing in the wake of protracted budget woes.

“We have done well with these laws,” he said.

Last fall, California became the first state to outlaw so-called tail-docking of dairy cows, where the tail is partly amputated to ease milking. In 2008, voters in the state passed Proposition 2, which gave hens, calves and pigs more room in their crates or cages. That law has upset many in the California egg industry and prompted some agriculturally-minded residents to even talk about seceding from the state.

Under Mr. Florez’s bill, any person convicted of a felony involving animal cruelty would have to register with the police and provide a range of personal information and a current photograph. That information would be posted online, along with information on the person’s offense.

The bill was drafted with help from the Animal Legal Defense Fund, an animal-protection group based in Cotati, Calif., north of San Francisco. The group has promoted the registry not only as a way to notify the public but also as a possible early warning system for other crimes.

“We know there’s a link between those who abuse animals and those who perform other forms of violence,” said Stephan Otto, the group’s director of legislative affairs. “Presumably if we’re able to track animal abusers and be able to know where they live, there will be less opportunity where those vulnerable to them would be near them.”

In addition to sex offenders, California lists arsonists in an online registry, and the animal abusers would be listed on a similar site, Mr. Florez said. Such registries have raised privacy concerns from some civil libertarians, but Joshua Marquis, a member of the defense fund’s board and the district attorney in Clatsop County, Ore., said the worries were unfounded.

“Does it turn that person into a pariah? No,” Mr. Marquis said. “But it gives information to someone who might be considering hiring that person for a job.”

He added: “I do not think for animal abusers it’s unreasonable considering the risk they pose, much like the risk that people who abuse children do.”

One supporter of the proposed law, Gillian Deegan, an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Botetourt County, Va., says such a registry could also be valuable in tracking people who run puppy mills and animal-fighting rings, as well as hoarders, who sometimes collect hundreds of animals, often resulting in neglect.

“A lot of times these people will just pick up and move to another jurisdiction or another state if they get caught,” said Ms. Deegan, who has written on animal welfare laws. “It would definitely help on those types of cases where people jump around.” One Web site — Petabuse.com — already offers a type of online registry, with listings of animal offenders and their crimes.

Such registries have been introduced in other states, but never passed. In 2008, a similar bill in Tennessee stalled after passing the State Senate.

That legislation was endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, said Wayne Pacelle, the president and chief executive of the society.

Mr. Pacelle said that the proposed financing mechanism for the California bill, a small tax on pet food, was “an extremely controversial idea” and unpopular with the pet food industry.

Taxes are usually opposed by Republicans in California, and that gives Mr. Pacelle doubts about the bill’s prospects.

“The idea of that succeeding in this climate in California is not high,” he said.

But the bill’s sponsor, Mr. Florez, who recently helped establish an Animal Protection Caucus, which includes Republican members of the State Senate and Assembly, says he is confident that he has the votes to move the measure forward and estimates that the registry would cost less than $1 million to establish. He also said his background — he hails from the farming-friendly Central Valley — will help the cause.

“I think people think, well, if Dean is supporting it,” he said, “it can’t be that off the wall.” ]]>