November Focus

• A Summary

From the end of August until the end of September, I focused on how to get an animal shelter started. Topics of tax breaks, non-profits, opportunities for starting and growing, and several others were discussed in how to maintain a successful animal care center. For the month of October, I discussed several topics of animal cruelty. In each posting I discussed the type of cruelty taking place, what can be done to end it, and why it is important for everyone to have awareness of these issues. The cruelty animals face is what has created the need for animal care centers. Although they serve a wonderful purpose in helping displaced animals, if animals were treated appropriately, there would not be a reason to have them in the first place. With proper education, things can change. For my next posts, I will be shifting gears back to individual animal centers rather than animal specific posts.

• A Preview

For the month of November, my posts will be changing back to the animal shelters. They play important roles in helping displaced animals. Without them, more cruelty would take place than currently and towns could be easily overrun with uncared for animals. As mentioned before though, it is somewhat sad that they are even needed in the first place. However, with proper education and awareness, these issues may be resolved. So, for the month of November I will be discussing several different animal shelters or care centers for domestic and wild animals. The following points will be examined:

1. Brief overview of what kind of animal center it is.
2. Discussion of what special activity the shelter uses to stay connected with the community.
3. How this activity provides benefits to the economy or society.

By discussing these topics, unique ways of running a shelter will be revealed as well as methods that other shelters can adopt to be successful and help educate the community.

Breed Specific Laws vs. Reckless Dog Owners

Let's face it. There are some dog breeds people are more afraid of or at least carry some type of negative connotation with their breed. As a result, some communities are trying to enforce breed specific laws. What this means is that some breeds might have heavy laws in regards to what their owners must follow through with in order to keep them, or they may be banned from the area completely. However, this is unfair and ineffective as the ASPCA reveals through statistical analysis.

Breed specific laws are unfair to pet owners, as well as all citizens in a community where they are enacted. It is unfair for pet owners because it disables them from choosing a breed they enjoy. If the breed is banned, people in the community will not be able to choose that breed. Also, if that breed is already owned, the owner will have to either give up the dog or may have severe costs associated with keeping it. On another note, it is completely unfair for all citizens in a community. In order to maintain such a rigorous law, there will be costs. Prince George’s County of Maryland is living proof. Their county spends $250,000 a year just to try to eliminate Pit Bulls in their area. The task force of the county has since tried to appeal the ban because of its cost to the county as well as the fact that banning Pit Bulls does not eliminate neglective, abusive, and irresponsible dog owners who either can encourage their dog to be aggressive or allow it to not be contained. The costs implemented with such laws is simply unfair to all citizens in communities that adopt such breed specific laws.

Not only are these breed specific laws unfair, but they are ineffective. There are several reasons why they are ineffective. For one, aggressive dogs seem to be more the result of irresponsible dog owners than breed specific. The ASPCA outlines the following facts on their website at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServerpagename=cruelty_dogfighting_breedspecific:

1. 70 percent of all dog bite cases involve unneutered male dogs, and that an unneutered male dog is 2.6 times more likely to bite than is a neutered dog.
2. A chained or tethered dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than a dog who is not chained or tethered.
3. 97 percent of dogs involved in fatal dog attacks in 2006 were not spayed/neutered.
4. 78 percent were maintained not as pets but rather for guarding, image enhancement, fighting or breeding.
5. 84 percent were maintained by reckless owners—abused or neglected, not humanely controlled or contained, or allowed to interact with children unsupervised.

Clearly, aggressive dogs are created by their irresponsible owners. So, simply banning dog breeds is not the answer. Another point mentioning is that even if a dog breed is banned, who is to say that these irresponsible owners will not simply look for another dog breed, say, for dog fighting? Other options must be accessed in order to protect society from aggressive dogs other than just simply banning certain breeds.

There are a number of options that will aid in decreasing the number of aggressive dogs given the previous statistics. For one, counties should require their citizens to spay and neuter their dogs. If they do not require it, then those owners seeking to keep their dogs unaltered, must pay fees. Require that dogs either not be chained, or if they are chained they are given ample room to access most of the property in order to give them the ability to exercise freely. Other measures counties can take are to require leash laws, micro chipping for permanent identification of aggressive dogs, and required owner education for certain breeds. All of these measures are simple ways of effectively solving the problem by requiring owners to be more responsible and help protect people in the community as opposed to being unfair and ineffective as the strict breed specific laws.

Federal: Protect Nonhuman Primates--Support the Captive Primate Safety Act

As many people know, there are often times '"loopholes" in government policies and laws. However, the loophole that exists in the trading of primates. Current legislation prohibits the importing of primates for pets. However, it does not prohibit primates already in the U.S from being soled through interstate commerce as pets. Fortunately, if there is enough support for the Captive Primate Safety Act this loophole can be closed. This loophole must be corrected to prevent cruelty to primates as well as prevent the the dangers that primates pose for humans.

• What is being done to primates?

Primates are being sold as pets in the U.S. The problem is that many of these "pet owners" do not know how to properly care for a primate. As infants, they are more cooperative, but as they age they often become aggressive. Most handlers do not have the proper education or training with how to deal with them. They are an animal that requires constant interaction and must be occupied or will become bored, depressed, and act out in consequence. They need ample amounts of room for exercising and having the ability to swing and have companionship with other primates. For the most part, as pets they are not given these opportunities, which creates dangers for the people caring for them as well as making the primates life miserable.

• What risks do humans have from the loophole that exists?

Unfortunately, primates are known to carry several diseases, including the following:

1. Ebola virus
2. Herpes B virus
3. Monkey pox
4. Simian immunodeficiency virus
5. Tuberculosis
6. Yellow fever

Obviously, allowing people to care for primates as pets can cause serious health risks. The spreading of these diseases would be quite easy as it was mentioned that primates can and often do become more aggressive as they age when they do not have proper care. Wounds may be inflicted through biting and scratching, which would allow these diseases to be transmitted.

• What can be done?

The Act must be supported. In order to prevent the tormenting conditions that the primates endure, as well as the health risks they provide for humans, primates should not be kept as simple house pets. There is no reason for them to live in captive conditions when they could be living free in the jungle. There is no reason for humans to have to worry about obtaining diseases from primates. End the torment and support the Captive Primate Act. Simply go to the ASPCA website at https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2223 and submit a form that is already filled out that shows your support.

All information regarding the use of primates as pets and the potential risks of this activity were found at the ASPCA website.

Support the Federal Pet Safety and Protection Act

Often, animals are used for research experiments. It might be testing for a new drug before being used by humans, or it could be more painful operations testing surgical procedures and animal responses. Nevertheless, has anyone stopped and asked where these research laboratories receive their animals? They have several methods. One such method is that of a class "B" dealer, who obtains animals from other people, then sells them for a profit to research labs. This poses several problems. These class "B" dealers have been known to collect animals from " free to good home" ads, and etc., or even steal people's pets. Current legislation allows this activity to continue. However, the Federal Pet Safety and Protection Act (S. 714/H.R. 1280) is trying to be passed to prevent this activity. Currently, the House has passed it, however it is still due for votes by the Senate. In order for it to be passed, it will need support. The following gives the background information needed to understand the full extent of the problem:

• What is being done to people's pets?

People's pets are being used in laboratory research. According to the ASPCA, "Class B Dealers, licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act, collect dogs and cats from random sources and sell them to the research industry." Random sources includes pets. Sometimes, they will respond to "free to good home" ads in order to make a profit off of someone's good intentions to find a good home for their pets. Also, Class B Dealers obtain animals by stealing people's outdoor pets. Another illegal action they will take just to make a profit; is the falsifying of records in order to make the origin of the animal unknown. Lying, stealing, and fraud are all actions deemed as illegal or shady by society. Not only are these animals ripped from their loving homes, but they endure great distress in research laboratories, which may lead to their deaths depending on the types of research conducted. These unethical behaviors must be prevented in order to protect pets.

• What is being done to prevent this activity?

As mentioned before, the Federal Pet Safety and Protection Act is in the process of being passed. According to the ASPCA, the following outlines the details of who will be able to sell animals to research laboratories:

1. Dealers who have bred and raised the animals.
2. Publicly owned pounds or shelters that obtained the animals from their legal owners.
3. Persons donating a dog or cat who they have bred and raised, or owned for at least one year.

The point of the act is to prevent Class B Dealers from wrongfully obtaining people's pets and selling them to these research groups. It will not prevent the use of animals in research. However, it will protect pet owners from losing a loved pet or unknowingly selling a pet into a horrific life of experimenting. In order for this bill to pass, it will require support. Write to the senate by completing a filled out form for the support of the act at: https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2157.

• Why does it matter?

As a U.S. citizen, it is our duty to ensure our own rights are protected. Obviously, the allowance of such activity is a violation of a pet owner's rights. They should be able to let their dog, cat, or other pet run freely outdoors without the fear of it being stolen, then sold to a research lab for a profit. You do not have to be a pet owner to support this act. It merely takes an individual concerned with illegal and unethical activities to support it.

The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act

You may have heard. Infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat as resistant strains of disease continue to thrive. Are you participating in any activities that might make your body develop resistances to antibiotics? Unfortunately, if you eat meat, you are. The United States has a serious problem with livestock and poultry producers overusing antibiotics for their animals. This has negative implications both for people and the animals being treated. However, increased awareness of the issue may help alleviate the problem

• What is being done with antibiotics?

According to the ASPCA on their lobby for animals website, "An estimated 70 percent of antibiotics and related drugs produced in this country are used in animal agriculture for non-therapeutic purposes." That's right. Farm animals are being pumped full of antibiotics, regardless if they are really sick and need the medications. The main reason they are used is to prevent diseases from spreading, however if the animals were cared for properly to being with, it would not be an issue. Farm animals are consistently overcrowded in holding pens and live in unsanitary living conditions. If their environments were improved, there would be little if no reason to give antibiotics to the animals. Another reason they are given antibiotics is to increase growth. Fatter animals means more profit, but at what cost? The cost of your health: according to the ASPCA, "The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria cost U.S. society at least $4 billion to $5 billion each year in health care costs." Not only is this costly, but it is making it more difficult to fight disease. What happens if we become so resistant that there are no more cures or just too costly?

• Why should you care?

This is not just a matter of animal welfare. It is about people's health as well. If you eat meat, you are part of this. You shouldn't have to pay more in doctor bills and increased expenses because your body has become immune to the antibiotics from repeated exposure. It's your right to demand quality products. Meat composed of antibiotics is not what we expect. As a consumer, you have the right to be protected and informed. Demand that you are served what you pay for and that you take your health seriously. If animals were properly cared for in the first place, there would be no reason for these antibiotics to make it into our food.

• What can be done?

Once again, its up to the people to act. You shouldn't have to stop eating meat to avoid antibiotics. Instead, people will have to ban together and show their support for the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act which will phase out the use of feeding excessive amounts of antibiotics to livestock. Simply go to the ASPCA's website at https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2191 and complete the filled out form that supports the Act.

The high usage of antibiotics in farm animals is dangerous to our health. If this activity does not cease, people will continue to develop resistance to antibiotics, costing our society millions in expenses and the possibility of fewer cures. The support of this Act will also benefit animal welfare. In order to prevent diseases without antibiotics, the living conditions for livestock will be implemented. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act is imperative in ending this atrocity.

What's for Dinner

Ever wonder how your food is processed? Well, maybe you don't wonder how your food is processed, but there are some things consumers should be aware of when it comes to putting meat on the table. Current legislation allows USDA inspectors to approve meat at slaughterhouses from livestock that was "downed". "Downed" refers to animals that can not walk or stand due to illness or injury. Basically, you could be eating something that was rotting away from sickness. Not only is there poor quality of meat passed for consumers, but animal welfare is not considered. Most of the time, these animals are cruelly treated during their transportation to the slaughterhouse. However, through increased awareness of the issue, legislation may be passed to prohibit this activity.

How is meat being processed for "downed animals"?

Currently, slaughterhouses are permitted to allow livestock to be "downed" in the processing of meat. The only exception is cattle. Cattle was prohibited after the direct result of "mad cow disease". Mad cow disease stemmed from "downed" cattle being approved for human consumption. However, as noted, all other livestock are still allowed to be "downed" for human consumption. Downed animals are livestock who are either too sick or too injured to stand or walk. This usually takes place en route to the slaughterhouse, as many animals can become sick or injured on the ride there. They go without water, food, rest, and veterinary care, so if an animal is sick, it will not receive treatment. Instead, it will promptly go to the slaughterhouse for our consumption, even if the animal was ill prior. Another question raised about downed animals would be how do the animals even make it to the slaughterhouse if they are unable to walk or stand? Well, they are bulldozed, moved by a forklift, or drug by chains in order to get them to the destination. During this process, the animal can easily obtain further injury of abrasions, dislocated joints, broken bones, and other injuries. Obviously, this is unhealthy for consumers, as well as cruel to the animals. Changing legislation is the best way to improve the issue.

A downed sheep at a Texas stockyard.

What is being done to prevent this?

In order to end the cruelty that animals face and to protect consumers, legislation must be improved. As stated prior, only cattle have been prohibited from being downed in the use for human consumption. Consumers need to take a stand and demand quality goods be delivered. You can do that by writing to your congressmen and showing your support. The ASPCA has a letter already pre-written for you. Go to their website at: https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2147 and submit your support for the S. 394 and H.R. 661—Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act. With increase consumer awareness and the support of the Act, it will have a standing chance for being approved and allowing consumers to be protected against the quality of food they receive, as well as aid in the end of negligence in the care of animals.

As a consumer, you deserve to "get what you pay for". Many people may not realize that "downed" animals are allowed in the use for human consumption. Technically, you are not getting "what you pay for", since most people would not appeal to the idea of eating diseased meat. This issue is important for animal welfare and will end the neglect they receive. Livestock that is downed will be forced to be euthanized. Not only will animal welfare be improved if people support it, but it will protect consumers. Don't let another "mad cow disease" take place with a different livestock animal. Help support the Act and know that you are getting quality food.

For more information on downed animals and current legislation visit the following:

https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2147
http://www.nodowners.org/

PMU

PMU , a.k.a. pregnant mare's urine, is used in female hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Basically, a pregnant mare's urine contains estrogen, which is extracted in order to make medications for women suffering from menopause since estrogen is one of the hormones that drops in levels from menopause. Recent studies have linked the use of PMU drugs to health risks for women. However, this should not be an issue for women because there are other alternative drugs that can be used, which are either synthetically or organically created. Because of the use of this drug, horses are being slaughtered every year as well as inhumanely treated. It is an important issue because of the mistreatment horses are receiving and the health risks for women that take these drugs.

What is being done to pregnant mare's?

In order to obtain the estrogen from a pregnant mare's urine, the urine must be collected. For this to be achieved, a pregnant mare is tied up for about 6 months of the year (during the most intense estrogen levels of her pregnancy). During this time, she remains in a stall usually tied up, disabling her from exercise or a comfortable place to rest. Some farms use catheters to excrete the urine or some other urine collecting device. These can be unhealthy for the horses as infection and sores is likely. Many of the horses on these farms end up having respiratory infections because of the lack of exercise and living conditions. Once a mare has given birth, she will be impregnated once again and repeat this process until she can no longer. If she can no longer breed, she will most likely go to the slaughter house. What happens to all of their foals you might ask? Well, they too are almost always sold to slaughter houses for their meat or they may just endure the same fate their mothers have. Horses, unlike other "farm animals" require mental stimulation and enjoy "playing". Clearly being a PMU horse, does not offer this chance.

This is a photograph of pregnant mares in their small stalls tied into place.

What can be done to end their mistreatment and miserable lives?

Its simple. Stop using PMU drugs. There are many other drug treatment options. Now that other synthetic and organic drugs have been created there is no reason for this drug to be purchased, or for the horses to endure a life such as they are. By not purchasing these drugs, it will decrease the demand for them, and thus the supply. Some people argue that if these horses are stopped being used for PMU drugs, then they will simply be set to the slaughter house. However, more foals are being slaughtered now because of this torment. It would be better to just end it now and stop the torturous treatment the mares endure as well as stop foals from being born into it.

Why is this issue important?

This form of medical treatment is outdated and there are new medical treatments for women who need HRT. Also, recent studies have shown that using PMU drugs has been linked to increased risks of heart disease and breast cancer for women. Women need to be informed about the medical treatment they receive. This form of medication is not only cruel to horses, but it has health risks for women. Its important for women to protect themselves against these drugs and know all of the information about the drugs they are prescribed. If you are currently taking this type of medication, you should ask your doctor about health risks as well as alternative medications.

Hormone replacement therapy is important for many women suffering from menopause. There are many different medications that may be used for symptoms. However, PMU should be avoided. It causes cruelty to horses, as well as unneeded slaughters. Also, it has been linked to heart disease and breast cancer. With other alternatives available, it should be easy to end the use of PMU drugs and thus help horses live a better life, as well as give women a healthier one.

For more information on this topic link to the following:

http://www.all-creatures.org/anex/horse.html

http://www.premarin.org/

http://www.lef.org/protocols/female_reproductive/female_hormone_restoration_01.htm

http://www.equineadvocates.com/premarin.html