5 Worst States to be an Animal

From MSNBC

This list details which states have the loosest animal cruelty laws, and outlines some possible changes. What do you think is the key to changing lax laws?

Odessa Puppy Mill Raid

In what’s been described as the “worst puppy mill case in the county”, 78 animals were seized from a West Odessa, TX home. More Details

This has lead to calls for mandatory spay/neuter laws. What must be realized is that:

1.  Dog and cat registries and breed clubs will fight such legislation. MSN and breeder-regulation  laws hurt legitimate breeders and do little to stop backyard breeders and puppy mills, who will ignore the laws anyway. Banning responsible breeding along with irresponsible breeding will only encourage abusive breeders with no regard for the law.

2. The belief that all breeding must be eliminated is mainly promoted by animal rights activists. AR  activists follow a philosophy that teaches that animals are not to be owned or used by people in any way, including pets. This philosophy, rather than concern for the wellbeing of animals, is behind a lot of MSN and breeding legislation.

3. If concerned pet owners, responsible breeders and breed clubs take a firmer stance against irresponsible pet breeders, this will help eliminate support for backyard breeders and puppy mills. Existing anti-cruelty laws need to be better enforced, and when inadequate to address puppy mills, should be toughened up.

Cat as a Witness in Abuse Case

This posting from American Humane details how a cat abused by the same person who sexually molested his owner helped the prosecution nail the case. Read more about it here

Do you think prosecutors should seek out evidence of abuse against animals to help solidify their case? Will it make a different for both kinds of abuse survivors?

Orphaned Pets

This is a situation I occasionally hear about people ending up in with their pets that I thought should be mentioned. What do you do if you’re terminally sick, and none of your family members or friends will take your pet(s)? It’s a question any pet owner should consider.

Ideally, arrangements should be made with a rescue group or privately-owned shelter in advance. Rescue groups often can’t take an animal in at the last minute, which leaves your pets at the mercy of people who can’t or aren’t willing to care for them. An unwilling guardian might have a perfectly healthy pet euthanized, dump it, or turn it over to a municipal shelter, most of which still euthanize when space runs out. Some areas still allow municipal shelters to sell excess animals to research labs, not a life for a pet who’s known something very different.

With this in mind, please consider making sure any of your pets are properly provided for. It’s better to have a willing caregiver in advance than unwilling ones after something’s happened.

Try Petfinder for a listing of rescue groups in your area.

8-State Fighting Ring Busted

ASPCA

A massive dog-fighting ring was busted, resulting in 26 arrests. The story from the ASPCA includes a link to the shelter where some of the dogs are housed in case anyone wants to help.

Gassing the Conscience of Texas

Gassing the Conscience of Texas

Excellent article that addresses this practice, which is unfortunately widespread in this state. God willing, someone will take the initiative and get CO euthanasia out of the picture.

Tough reading, but if you read through to the end, you’ll find a few “miracle stories”

Puppy Mill FAQ’s

ASPCA

Everything that the public should know about puppy mills

Unchain Your Dog

Unchain Your Dog

Advocates stopping the practice of chaining dogs, encourages solutions such as fencing or use of a trolley system

The Partnership for Animal Welfare

The Partnership for Animal Welfare

DC-area group, offers a responsible pet ownership program and adoption shows

Over 300 Animals Rescued from “Sanctuary”

The ASPCA rescued 300+ animals from a “sanctuary” in WI where the animals were kept in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. The group had a contract to serve as a facility for local animal control. Read more here

A lot of “sanctuaries” for pets are nothing of the kind. Many well-intentioned rescuers end up damning the animals they take in to lives in dirty, cluttered, or cramped conditions. While healthy animals should not be euthanized, shelters should not place themselves in a situation where animals are kept long-term in inadequate facilities.

Hopefully, this case will provide motivation for people to work on solutions that 1.) eliminate the number of animals entering shelters and 2.) allow for several alternative sheltering options in their area