Sidhe's Xanga

President signs animal fighting bill!!

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:15:33 GMT

The President Signs Landmark Animal Fighting Legislation

May 3, 2007

The fighting dog's life is full of misery.

Today, President Bush signed into law a bill that will help law enforcement rid the United States of dogfighting, cockfighting, and other forms of animal fighting.

Dogfighting and cockfighting crimes are rampant in the United States, with individuals arrested every week in scores of locations under state laws. The vast underground networks generate pervasive animal cruelty, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, public corruption and even violence and murder. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which passed Congress with large bi-partisan support, will give law enforcement a stronger tool to crack down on this illegal activity.

"Animal fighting is a barbaric and inhumane practice, and it is fitting and appropriate that we now have a national policy condemning and criminalizing this form of organized animal cruelty," states Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, which has led the national battle against animal fighting and been the primary advocate for this federal legislation.

The HSUS Asks NFL to Sideline Dogfighters

In a letter sent May 3, 2007 [PDF], HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle offered NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell help in creating a zero-tolerance NFL policy against dogfighting. More »

The law takes effect immediately. It provides felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export related to animal fighting activities, including commerce in cockfighting weapons. It will make it much harder for criminals who engage in dogfighting and cockfighting to continue their operations. Each violation of the federal law may bring up to three years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine for perpetrators.

Cockfighting is outlawed in every state except Louisiana, although there is mounting pressure in that state to ban the practice. Many states still have misdemeanor penalties for cockfighting. The federal law slaps felony penalties on interstate cockfighting trafficking, and this should provide an enormous deterrent for the tens of thousands of people involved in this criminal industry.

The law will have a devastating impact on major breeders of fighting animals, who depend on customers from all over the United States and abroad. Dog kennels rely on transporting their fighting dogs across state lines and across the world to customers. The new law should substantially curb the transport of fighting animals across state and U.S. borders. The HSUS is already seeing some major breeders of fighting roosters cutting back on production.

The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act will help end the export of fighting animals to other countries. Selling roosters to customers in the Philippines and other nations can be lucrative for American cockfighters. The new law puts increased pressure on the airlines to stop shipping roosters to cockfighting hot spots.

The new law had been introduced by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) in the House, and by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in the Senate. It had also been endorsed by more than 500 groups, including all major humane organizations, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Chicken Council, the National Sheriffs' Association, and more than 400 local law enforcement agencies covering all 50 states.

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See more at The Humane Society's homepage

FDA recall expanded to dry food

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:24:56 GMT

The FDA has expanded the recall to include a Hill's Science dry brand as well, read about it here

Please sign the petition to congratulate DA Howard!

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:25:13 GMT

This is the story:

Boys Get 10 Years For Puppy Torture

Joshua and Justin Moulder

Reported By: Keith Whitney

Web Editor: Michael King

Last Modified: 2/9/2007 11:30:02 PM

A pair of teenage Atlanta brothers will soon begin serving a ten-year prison sentence for the torture killing of a puppy.

The Moulder brothers, 19-year-old Justin and 17-year-old Joshua, pleaded guilty to binding the puppy in duct tape, then cooking the dog to death in a gas oven.

The boys threw themselves on the mercy of the court, but the court had other ideas.

"Your actions are totally despicable; totally reprehensible," said the judge from the bench.

With that, the judge sentenced each of the boys to ten years.

"It's going to be rough on them," said defense attorney Timothy Owens. "We'll get on with our lives, but they're the ones who have to live with this. They're the ones who have to do the time, and quite frankly, the sentence didn't match up to the crime."

But the courtroom was packed with people who disagreed -- many believing the sentence was not long enough, given the brothers' conduct.

"That was very surprising, and actually frightening," said prosecutor Laura Janssen. "Just to see how little remorse they had, and how something so serious was so funny to them."

Thousands of people from around the world demanded justice in the case -- a rare outpouring that the D.A. did not ignore.

"We wanted to send a message to people in our county that we really respected the life of an animal in this case," said Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard.

Prosecutors said the case went way beyond animal abuse. They believe for the Moulder brothers, it was puppies first; humans next. And that the torture was little more than a rehearsal for murder.

from 11 Alive

Here's the link to sign the petition to thank this wonderful DA

and if that wasn't enough from the world of animal cruelty:

More News Headlines
» Source: Babineaux Says Dog Mean

Jonathan Babineaux

Reported By: Jerry Carnes

Last Modified: 2/24/2007 10:55:45 AM

According to a source, Atlanta Falcon Jonathan Babineaux has told police he was attempting to train his girlfriend's pit bull mix not to be aggressive the day the animal was injured and died.

A preliminary examination indicated the dog, named Kilo, died from blunt force trauma to the head. Gwinnett County police have not revealed details of Babineaux's story, but have said his statements do not add up.

Babineaux, a defensive tackle for the Falcons, was arrested early Monday morning after the death of his girlfriend's pet. A police report states that the couple had a fight at their Lawrenceville home, and that Babineaux's girlfriend left to go to the movies. The police report states that Babineaux later called his girlfriend, telling her to come home to check on the animal. Kilo died on the way to an emergency animal clinic. A preliminary report indicates the pit bull died from blunt force trauma to the head.

A source told 11Alive News that Babineaux has told investigators that while at his home, Kilo became aggressive. According to the source, Babineaux claims he was taught to swing the dog by its leash when it acted aggressively so the animal would become disoriented. The source says that Babineaux told police that while doing this, he accidentally swung the dog against a wall.

A local dog trainer says she's never heard of such a method to quell an animal's aggressiveness.

You don't use aggression on aggression," said Susie Aga of Atlanta Dog Trainer in Alpharetta. "It's going to make the aggression worse. That's something that would be challenging the dog, plus it's going to hurt them."

Police are waiting for the full results of a necropsy that will tell them more about the animal's injuries. Investigators will compare those results with Babineaux's story to see if they add up.

Attempts to reach Babineaux and his attorney were unsuccessful.

National Spay Day!!

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:27:03 GMT

About every eight seconds, a cat or dog is euthanized in a U.S. animal shelter, according to The Humane Society of the United States. While some may be euthanized due to illness or injury, most are victims of human failure to provide them with the care they deserve. Despite the best efforts of shelters everywhere, there are still too many pets and not enough loving, responsible homes. The cost of pet overpopulation is staggering with more than $1 billion per year to provide community animal control services and care for homeless animals.

Those sobering statistics are the impetus behind Spay Day USA, an annual event when hundreds of community organizations coast to coast participate in activities that make it easier for people to get their pets spayed or neutered. February 27 is designated as the official Spay Day USA 2007, with more than 400 events happening throughout the month. More than 70,000 animals are expected to be spayed or neutered in February.

Animal experts agree that spaying and neutering is the best long-term solution to the problem of pet overpopulation.

"Cats and dogs who are spayed or neutered lead healthier lives, make better pets, and are not contributing to pet overpopulation," said John Snyder, HSUS vice president of Companion Animals. "It is shameful that millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized every year and The Humane Society of the United States is determined to keep working at this tragedy until it is solved."

The HSUS is coordinating Spay Day USA, working with local shelters, humane organizations, veterinary clinics, and individual volunteers to offer special spay-neuter events, deploy mobile spay-neuter clinics, raise money to subsidize spay-neuter surgeries, and increase awareness about the importance and benefits of spaying and neutering.

Local Spay Day USA Events

The HSUS is partnering with PETS 911, a nationwide network of local pet information, to create a clearinghouse of Spay Day USA activities. Through PETS 911's toll free phone number 888-PETS-911, callers can hear recorded messages (English or Spanish) about local events. The web site www.spaydayusa.org will also list events by state.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

In addition to reducing the number of homeless pets entering animal shelters, spaying and neutering offers significant benefits to pets and their families:

Sterilized animals are less likely to run away.

Male cats are less likely to spray, and male dogs may be less likely to bite or get in fights with other dogs. Spaying female dogs and cats gets rid of heat cycles.

Spaying and neutering eliminates many common forms of cancer. This can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

Sterilized animals make better companions. They are less likely to develop behavior problems and generally have a better temperament.

Facts about Dog and Cat Overpopulation

Animal welfare groups have worked for decades to reduce the number of homeless animals. The overall number of animals euthanized every year in animal shelters is down from a peak of an estimated 13.5 million (22% of the owned pet population) in the early 1970s, to an estimated 3-4 million (less than 3% of the owned pet population) today.

Around half of all animals entering shelters are euthanized. If more people spayed or neutered their pets, this sad statistic could be reduced.

A survey of 186 animal shelters showed an average cost of $176 to house and care for every homeless animal.

Spaying and neutering are safe, simple surgeries that stop animals from reproducing.

Healthy kittens and puppies weighing as little as two pounds can be spayed or neutered.

Spay Day USA

The Doris Day Animal League founded Spay Day USA in 1995 to reduce pet overpopulation. DDAL merged with The HSUS in 2006 to streamline and coordinate operations between the two animal welfare organizations.

Since its inception in 1995, more than one million animals have been spayed or neutered because of Spay Day USA, including more than 140,000 last year.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing nearly 10 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.

The beginning!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:47:05 GMT

Today marks the 4 year anniversary of my meeting Kevin. I met him that night, at his birthday party in 2003.

Happy Birthday, stud muffin!! ;)

Potential cure for Diabetes!

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:11:04 GMT

Tom Blackwell, National Post

Published: Friday, December 15, 2006

In a discovery that has stunned even those behind it, scientists at a Toronto hospital say they have proof the body's nervous system helps trigger diabetes, opening the door to a potential near-cure of the disease that affects millions of Canadians.

Diabetic mice became healthy virtually overnight after researchers injected a substance to counteract the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas.

"I couldn't believe it," said Dr. Michael Salter, a pain expert at the Hospital for Sick Children and one of the scientists. "Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more."

The researchers caution they have yet to confirm their findings in people, but say they expect results from human studies within a year or so. Any treatment that may emerge to help at least some patients would likely be years away from hitting the market.

But the excitement of the team from Sick Kids, whose work is being published today in the journal Cell, is almost palpable.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Dr. Hans Michael Dosch, an immunologist at the hospital and a leader of the studies. "In my career, this is unique."

Their conclusions upset conventional wisdom that Type 1 diabetes, the most serious form of the illness that typically first appears in childhood, was solely caused by auto-immune responses -- the body's immune system turning on itself.

They also conclude that there are far more similarities than previously thought between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and that nerves likely play a role in other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and Crohn's disease.

The "paradigm-changing" study opens "a novel, exciting door to address one of the diseases with large societal impact," said Dr. Christian Stohler, a leading U.S. pain specialist and dean of dentistry at the University of Maryland, who has reviewed the work.

"The treatment and diagnosis of neuropathic diseases is poised to take a dramatic leap forward because of the impressive research."

About two million Canadians suffer from diabetes, 10% of them with Type 1, contributing to 41,000 deaths a year.

Insulin replacement therapy is the only treatment of Type 1, and cannot prevent many of the side effects, from heart attacks to kidney failure.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to shift glucose into the cells that need it. In Type 2 diabetes, the insulin that is produced is not used effectively -- something called insulin resistance -- also resulting in poor absorption of glucose.

The problems stem partly from inflammation -- and eventual death -- of insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas.

Dr. Dosch had concluded in a 1999 paper that there were surprising similarities between diabetes and multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system disease. His interest was also piqued by the presence around the insulin-producing islets of an "enormous" number of nerves, pain neurons primarily used to signal the brain that tissue has been damaged.

Suspecting a link between the nerves and diabetes, he and Dr. Salter used an old experimental trick -- injecting capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot chili peppers, to kill the pancreatic sensory nerves in mice that had an equivalent of Type 1 diabetes.

Tom Blackwell, National Post

Published: Friday, December 15, 2006

"Then we had the biggest shock of our lives," Dr. Dosch said. Almost immediately, the islets began producing insulin normally "It was a shock ? really out of left field, because nothing in the literature was saying anything about this."

It turns out the nerves secrete neuropeptides that are instrumental in the proper functioning of the islets. Further study by the team, which also involved the University of Calgary and the Jackson Laboratory in Maine, found that the nerves in diabetic mice were releasing too little of the neuropeptides, resulting in a "vicious cycle" of stress on the islets.

So next they injected the neuropeptide "substance P" in the pancreases of diabetic mice, a demanding task given the tiny size of the rodent organs. The results were dramatic.

The islet inflammation cleared up and the diabetes was gone. Some have remained in that state for as long as four months, with just one injection.

They also discovered that their treatments curbed the insulin resistance that is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, and that insulin resistance is a major factor in Type 1 diabetes, suggesting the two illnesses are quite similar.

While pain scientists have been receptive to the research, immunologists have voiced skepticism at the idea of the nervous system playing such a major role in the disease. Editors of Cell put the Toronto researchers through vigorous review to prove the validity of their conclusions, though an editorial in the publication gives a positive review of the work.

"It will no doubt cause a great deal of consternation," said Dr. Salter about his paper.

The researchers are now setting out to confirm that the connection between sensory nerves and diabetes holds true in humans. If it does, they will see if their treatments have the same effects on people as they did on mice.

Nothing is for sure, but "there is a great deal of promise," Dr. Salter said.

Stop the wolf slaughter in Wyoming!

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:59:48 GMT

Any day now, federal officials could make a mistake that could lead to the killing of hundreds of wolf mothers, fathers and their babies in the Northern Rockies.

I've sent many of you a note about this terrible plan already, but our records indicate that you haven't sent in a letter of protest. I wanted to remind you that we need to act quickly, before the plan is released. This could be the worst wolf massacre in the lower 48 states in decades. Please help save the wolves by sending a letter of protest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Here's what's about to happen: this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to propose stripping wolves of crucial Endangered Species Act protections across most of Wyoming and de-listing wolves in Idaho. Idaho is poised to kill up to 75% of the wolves living in the Lolo district of the Clearwater National Forest.

This proposal could allow the use of aerial gunning and other lethal control methods to kill as many as two-thirds of the wolves in Wyoming and as many as 54 of Idaho's 65 wolf packs!
Don't let them de-list the wolves: http://go.care2.com/e/R4hU/C6yr/SoLP

As crazy as it seems, many misinformed citizens motivated by over-blown claims of livestock loss and elk hunting declines are urging federal officials to kill wolves. The wolves need you to speak up now! Help us make sure the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hears from thousands of people like you and me who want to protect the wolves and their families.

In the last century, America's wolves were nearly hunted, trapped, poisoned and harassed to extinction. Neither Wyoming nor Idaho has addressed the core issues that once brought these magnificent animals to the brink of extinction, but now both states want to begin killing wolves again.

Until Wyoming and Idaho take decisive action to promote conservation, maintain adequate range for the wolves and reduce conflicts between ranchers and wolves, removing federal protections is a recipe for disaster.

Send your message now, and urge Fish and Wildlife Service chief Dale Hall to protect wolves in the Northern Rockies.

Thanks for helping today,

Hilary Stamper
Care2 and ThePetitionSite.com

Save Stem Cell Research!

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 16:19:46 GMT

If you are or know anyone who's diabetic, has Alzheimer's , MS, CP or other diseases, this fight isn't in the future--it's now. If these people weren't so back-asswards, or for example, if they had Type 1 diabetes like me, they'd think differently. Please educate yourself on the pros of stem-cell research (and how it's actually carried out instead of relying on scare tactics from the religious right. Ignorance is the most powerful weapon they have.

Visit http://www.defconblog.org/ to find out more.

Victory For Our Oceans!

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:41:53 GMT

Victory for the Oceans – Thank You!

The future of our oceans looks bright for the new year thanks to Congress reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) earlier this month. MSA is the primary law governing fishing in U.S. waters and includes important conservation measures for promoting sustainable fisheries nationwide. Passed on December 9th, President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.

This victory would not have been possible without the thousands of you who took the time to show your support for our oceans. Since we began our Oceans as Wilderness campaign in January 2006, over 12,000 letters, postcards and emails have been sent by Patagonia customers urging Congress to pass a strengthened MSA.

Thank you for taking action and using the power of your voice to make our oceans healthier and more sustainable for future generations.

Learn more about this victory and Oceans as Wilderness

Sea turtle off the coast of Hawai'i. Photo: Rob Gilley

10 steps for a dog-safe holiday tree!

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:50:50 GMT

from Dr. John @ Pet Place

1. Choose the Right Spot. Pick an area where the tree can be enjoyed by the family but so much in the center activity that it can be easily knocked over. An area by the wall or in a corner is ideal and out of the traffic flow pattern of the house. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords long distances.

2. Prepare the Area. Lay down plastic sheeting or buy a “tree bag.” This is an extra large trash bag used for live trees. Center the tree on the bag. When the season is over and you have removed the tree ornaments, pull the bag over the tree. This will catch the pine needles as they fall from the tree – and prevent them from being chewed or swallowed by your pet.

3. Secure the Tree. Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious dog or puppy. Dogs can knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing under it. Pet can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. You can place the tree in a corner and secure it from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. Apply gentle tension and tie. The clear line is invisible.

4. Hide the Cords. Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets – especially puppies and that tend to chew on anything. Cords can cause electrocution and serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.

5. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.

6. Choose Safe Ornaments. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Pet “safer” bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous. If broken, pets can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet – treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.

7. Ribbons. Big red velvet ribbons are a lovely addition and may replace tinsel and garland that can be eaten dogs and caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should really be avoided in households with cats. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.

8. Presents. Dogs love to investigate and most don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day. Decorative ribbons and string can be ingested, gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet. Consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday or make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.

9. Sweep and Water. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.

10. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised. Pets that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged – using positive reinforcement – to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers.