Window on a cruel world - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20070720/cm_usatoday/windowonacruelworld
Fri Jul 20, 12:22 AM ET
Until this week, dogfighting was something many Americans heard about in passing and quickly forgot. With Tuesday's federal indictment of Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick, forgetting will be tougher.
In gruesome detail, the indictment links Vick and three associates to a dogfighting operation in rural Virginia with the fitting name of Bad Newz Kennels. Amid the 19 grim pages is one particularly haunting sentence: In April 2007, Vick and two associates allegedly "executed approximately eight dogs by various methods, including hanging, drowning, and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."
The animals' crime? They performed badly in "testing" sessions to see how viciously they would fight.
It will be up to the courts to decide Vick's guilt or innocence. But if the case serves as a window on this seamy, secretive world, it will have a served a worthy purpose. While holding dogfights is illegal in every state — a felony in all but two — weak penalties, legal loopholes, and disinterested police and prosecutors allow it to thrive from the rural reaches of Georgia and Texas to the city streets of New York and Chicago.
Because much of the public has been unaware of the details, enthusiasts have gotten away with calling dogfighting a sport and themselves "fanciers." What they really fancy is cruelty.
The dogs, typically American pit bull terriers, are bred as killing machines. At fight sites shrouded in secrecy, two dogs are placed in pits, usually 16-by-16 feet. Spectators wager, sometimes thousands of dollars. The dogs do battle, tearing into each other's flesh until one is dead or can't move. The loser is sometimes shot. Those are the lucky ones. Others are electrocuted; it makes less noise.
How has this despicable activity been able to flourish?
In many states, authorities must catch owners in the act to prosecute. That's difficult. Fights are held in secret, with spectators told of the location only at the last minute. If caught, participants can claim they are simply spectators: That's a felony in only 22 states and legal in two. And with fines of less than $5,000 in some states, owners can chalk it up to the cost of business. There's big money in wagers on champion dogs.
The hopeful news is that some of this is changing.
In South Carolina, after the attorney general got involved, a legendary breeder was convicted in 2004 and sentenced to 40 years in jail. That's sure to get the attention of other "fanciers."
And with prodding from the Humane Society of the United States and other animal advocates, Congress passed a law this year making interstate transport of fighting dogs a felony, triggering more interest from federal prosecutors.
Educating police and the public on the horrors of dogfighting is the surest way to spur stronger laws, tougher penalties and more prosecutions.
For now, the dogs born into this brutal world have little hope. Those rescued in raids — including many of the 50-plus found on Vick's property — are almost always euthanized. Dogs bred to kill dogs can't be adopted.
Thousands of others remain innocent victims. Only an end to this reprehensible "sport" will stop their suffering.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
contacts for the Atlanta Falcons and M. Vick's indictment
IF you feel like writing letters/emails to the M.Vick group....
Federal Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia:
600 East Main Street
Suite 1800 Richmond, VA 23219-2447
(804) 819-5400
Contact/comments via email:
usavae.usattys@usdoj.gov
Arthur Blank owns the Falcons GrantInquiries [mailto:GrantInquiries@ambfo.com]
Roger Goodell's info. (NFL commissioner):
email address: Roger.Goodell2@nfl.net
telephone #: (212)450-2027
Call Joanna Hunter with the NFL at (212) 450-2449 and give her your thoughts
To contact the Falcons
Mailing Address:
Atlanta Falcons
4400 Falcon Parkway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Phone Number: 770-965-3115
Website Address: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/
Email Address: feedback@fans.atlantafalcons.com.
Also, here's another:
NFL Main Office/Public Relations
1-212-450-2000
(you may end up having to leave a voicemailmessage)
fax +1-954-267-0971
email dns_admin@nfl.net
From the Richmond Times Dispatch
Vick charged in dogfighting
Former Virginia Tech star, three others could each get six years on federal count
By TOM CAMPBELL
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
A federal grand jury in Richmond yesterday ended the suspense by indicting NFL quarterback Michael Vick and three men alleged to be his dogfighting associates.
In an on-again, off-again investigation that started in April, the grand jury handed up a one-count indictment that could mean up to six years in prison for each man charged.
The defendants are: Vick, 27, of Atlanta, where he plays for the Falcons; Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta; and Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton.
Vick, a Newport News native and former Virginia Tech star, might also face penalties from the NFL. In recent months, Commissioner Roger Goodell has put a new emphasis on discipline, suspending three players who faced a variety of legal charges. Most notably, Goodell banned Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said: "We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him."
"The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal," McCarthy said. "Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts."
Efforts to reach Vick and his agent for comment were unsuccessful.
The Falcons called the indictment troubling and apologized to the team's fans, but said the legal process would be allowed to unfold.
Each of the defendants faces a federal charge of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce for unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture.
If convicted on the interstate-commerce portion of the charge, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on the dogfighting portion, each faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The indictment gives Vick's nickname as "Ookie," Peace's as "P-funk" or "Funk," Phillips' as "Q" and Taylor's as "T."
The indictment accuses the men of a conspiracy, starting in 2001, to form Bad Newz Kennels -- a dogfighting venture that authorities say operated at Vick's property in Surry County at 1915 Moonlight Road until this past spring.
The indictment alleges, among other things:
The investigation into possible dogfighting at the Surry County property started April 24 when Vick's cousin, Davon Boddie, was arrested in Hampton on drug charges. He gave his address as 1915 Moonlight Road in Surry.
The next day, police searched the property under a warrant to look for drugs and paraphernalia. They found what looked like a dogfighting complex and called animal-control officers. Under another warrant, more than 60 dogs and evidence of dogfighting were seized.
Vick early on denied any involvement in dogfighting. He said Boddie lived at the Moonlight Road house and that he had seldom visited.
John M. Seward, chairman of the Surry Board of Supervisors, said he doesn't believe the indictments reflect poorly on the county.
"This is not something that's exclusive to Surry," he said of dogfighting. "I hope they go ahead and prosecute whoever's responsible."
But Seward said that the federal case could cast Surry law-enforcement authorities in a bad light for not bringing charges. "The local authorities, it would appear, didn't want to charge anyone or they would have. They certainly had time," he said.
Neither Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter or Sheriff Harold D. Brown could be reached for comment last night.
While experts say the volume of dogfighting activity is hard to quantify because of its illegal, secretive nature, it appears to be on the rise nationally and in Virginia.
"It's clear there has been a growth in dogfighting in our communities," John P. Goodwin, deputy manager of animal-fighting issues for the Humane Society of the United States, told The Times-Dispatch recently.
Contact Tom Campbell at (804) 649-6416 or tcampbell@timesdispatch.com.
Staff writer Kiran Krishnamurthy contributed to this report.
More on Michael Vick
Falcons' Vick indicted in dogfighting probe
Star quarterback, 3 others charged with training and procuring pit bulls
The Associated Press
Updated: 9:44 p.m. ET July 17, 2007
RICHMOND, Va. - NFL star Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation so grisly the losers either died in the pit or sometimes were electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot.
The Atlanta Falcons quarterback and three others were charged with competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
The operation was named "Bad Newz Kennels," according to the indictment, and the dogs were housed, trained and fought at a property owned by Vick in Surry County, Va.
The 18-page federal indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants began the dogfighting operation in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year with the Falcons.
The indictment states that dogs fought to the death — or close to it.
If convicted, Vick and the others — Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor — could face up to six years in prison, $350,000 in fines and restitution.
Telephone messages left at the offices and home of Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, were not returned. A woman who answered the phone at the home of Vick's mother said "no comment" and hung up.
"We are disappointed that Michael Vick has put himself in a position where a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against him," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
"The activities alleged are cruel, degrading and illegal. Michael Vick's guilt has not yet been proven, and we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts."
Vick and the Falcons are scheduled to report to training camp on July 25.
"Obviously, we are disturbed by today's news," the team said in a statement posted on its Web site, apologizing to fans for the negative publicity.
"We will do the right thing for our club as the legal process plays out. We have a season to prepare for," it said.
John Goodwin of the Humane Society said the manner in which losing or unwilling dogs were killed was especially troubling.
"Some of the grisly details in these filings shocked even me, and I'm a person who faces this stuff every day," he said. "I was surprised to see that they were killing dogs by hanging them and one dog was killed by slamming it to the ground. Those are extremely violent methods of execution — they're unnecessary and just sick."
Vick and the others are accused of "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture" and conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture.
About eight young dogs were put to death at the Surry County home after they were found not ready to fight in April 2007, the indictment said. They were killed "by hanging, drowning and/or slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."
The indictment also outlined a rough chronology:
—In March 2003, after a pit bull from Bad Newz Kennels lost in a fight, it said Peace consulted with Vick about the losing dog's condition, then executed it by wetting it with water and electrocuting it;
—In March 2003, after two Bad Newz Kennels dog lost fights to dogs owned by a cooperating witness, it alleged that Vick retrieved a bag containing $23,000 and gave it to the owner of the winning dogs. One of the fights had a $20,000 purse;
—In the fall of 2003, a person witnessing a dog fight involving one of the dogs trained by Bad Newz Kennels incurred the ire of another cooperating witness by yelling out Vick's name in front of the crowd during the fight.
It also said that after establishing Bad Newz Kennels in early 2002, Vick and the others obtained shirts and headbands promoting their affiliation with the kennel.
After a police raid on the property in April, Vick said he was rarely at the house, had no idea it may have been used in a criminal enterprise. He blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity.
On Vick's Web site, he lists his birthplace as Newport News, "a.k.a. BadNews."
Purses for the fights ranged from hundreds of dollars to the thousands, and participants and spectators placed side bets, the document said.
Local authorities have been investigating the allegations since the April 25 drug raid at the property Vick owned. On June 7, officials with the Department of Agriculture executed their own search warrant and found the remains of seven dogs.
Surry County prosecutor Gerald G. Poindexter said he didn't know of the indictment before it was filed, and said he's not sure how the county will continue its case.
At the start, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment commonly used in dogfighting. About half the dogs were tethered to car axles with heavy chains that allowed the dogs to get close to each other, but not to have contact — an arrangement typical for fighting dogs, according to the search warrant affidavit.
The indictment said dogfights were held at the Virginia property and dog owners brought animals from six states, including New York and Texas.
In a search warrant executed July 6, the government said the fights usually occurred late at night or in the early morning and would last several hours.
Before fights, participating dogs of the same sex would be weighed and bathed, according to the filings. Opposing dogs would be washed to remove any poison or narcotic placed on the dog's coat that could affect the other dog's performance.
Sometimes, dogs weren't fed to "make it more hungry for the other dog," it said.
© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Vick's Indictment Papers
If you're interested in seeing the indictment papers here's a link to them
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Dogfighting sees a cultural shift
http://www.kansascity.com/440/story/173977.html
Dogfighting sees a cultural shift
By BILL BURKE
The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.)
Hardly a day goes by without John Goodwin receiving a phone call or e-
mail about his most popular subject: Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Michael Vick.
Some, like the man who called June 1, are confidential informants
passing along tidbits about Vick to Goodwin, the top dog in the
Humane Society's campaign to wipe out animal fighting in the United
States.
Shortly after Vick's house was raided and evidence of a suspected
dogfighting operation was found there in April, Goodwin added the NFL
star to a massive database he oversees.
The 20,000 names it contains include a rogue's gallery of the
nation's most notorious known and suspected dogfighters:
David Tant, a 300-pound bear of a man and one of the world's most
prolific breeders of fighting dogs, serving a 30-year sentence in
South Carolina, among the stiffest ever imposed for the crime. One of
the "directional mines" he planted to keep people away from his dogs
injured a land surveyor.
"Fat Bill" Reynolds of Virginia, convicted in 2001 of transmitting
images of fighting dogs across state lines and sentenced to 30 months
after Tant testified against him before a federal grand jury. He has
served his time and is now back on Goodwin's radar.
Louisiana's Floyd Boudreaux, one of the patriarchs of the blood
sport, who has played cat-and-mouse with investigators for decades
and is reported to have once traded his grand champion dog, Blind
Billy, for a house.
The cast of suspects is a mongrel mix that includes legendary dogmen
such as Mountain Man and the Gambler, professional athletes, rap
music performers and Alane Koki, a patent-holding cancer researcher
in North Carolina.
Those familiar with dogfighting say it has undergone a cultural shift
in recent years. A pursuit once practiced chiefly in the rural South
has moved to the mean streets of the city.
Enforcers like Goodwin -- the Humane Society's deputy manager of
animal fighting -- describe a brutal business in which dogs that lack
the killer instinct are often shot or electrocuted, then tossed in a
trash bin or buried in a bone yard.
"We don't want that type of barbaric activity going on in South
Carolina," said Mark Plowden, a spokesman for the state's Attorney
General's Office, which in 2004, created a dogfighting task force
that has snared Tant and others.
"It's clear that when you have dogfighting, drugs and gambling and
other criminal subcultures follow," Plowden said. "We want to drive
it out of South Carolina. If it shows up in other states, that's
their problem, not ours anymore."
When agents raided Reynolds' property in September 2000, among the
evidence they seized was a treadmill with the inscription: "Custom
Made for Fat Bill by the Gambler, 8-24-00. Happy Birthday."
"Fat Bill" and the Gambler, legendary figures in the shadowy realm of
dogfighting, have earned the distinction of "dogmen" -- professionals
in the blood spectacle.
The term is part of a clandestine covenant many use to avoid
prosecution for an activity that was once a misdemeanor in all
states, but is now a felony everywhere but Wyoming and Idaho. The
fight itself is called a "show," and dogs with superior fighting
traits are said to have "gameness."
Along with the treadmill, authorities seized from Reynolds' trailer
syringes, steroids -- which are often used to pump up fighting dogs
-- and copies of underground dogfighting magazines, one of which, the
"American Gamedog Times," Reynolds was said to have published.
Treadmills are often used to train fighting dogs. "Bait animals" such
as cats are sometimes placed in cages just out of range of the
charging dog, which is rewarded by getting to feast on the cat after
the training session.
Tant was among those who testified before the federal grand jury that
indicted Reynolds. His attorney, Michael Bosnak, said Tant was
granted immunity from prosecution for his cooperation in the Reynolds
case.
But that did not stop members of a new South Carolina state animal-
fighting task force from bringing charges after a raid on Tant's
property in 2004.
That April, a land surveyor was injured by birdshot fired by a booby
trap Tant had planted on his property to keep intruders away.
Investigators confiscated from Tant's property 47 dogs, cattle prods,
treadmills, five more armed booby traps and a framed photo of Tant's
grand champion Yellow, whose pedigree is one of the most revered --
and expensive -- in the world of dogmen. Offspring of Yellow, who
died in 1994, can fetch several thousand dollars each.
The Internet has revolutionized the way dogmen do business, making it
easier for members of the secret society to find and learn from one
another.
Mark Kumpf, the director of the Montgomery County, Ohio, Animal
Resource Center, noted a parallel with another class of social pariahs.
"The Internet has brought two groups to prominence, and that's the
pedophiles and the dogfighters," he said.
Through the Internet, dogfighters research how to treat injuries,
pick up training techniques and discuss tactics, Kumpf said. The
newest craze, he said, is to broadcast fights on the Web so people
can bet on them offshore.
The stakes are rising in what is now a half-billion-dollar industry
as animal-rights groups turn up the heat on prosecutors and the
number of task forces increases.
In August, a suspected dogfighter in Texas was killed by intruders
who apparently intended to torture him into revealing where he had
hidden $100,000 wagered in a high-stakes dog match.
In Ohio earlier this year, 28 people were indicted in state and
federal court after an inquiry by state investigators and a federal
task force.
And earlier this month, the feds, apparently concerned that Virginia
investigators were dragging their feet, intervened in the
investigation into the suspected operation at Vick's house. No
charges have been filed.
Those who post on Web sites in the United States, where enforcement
is growing, often include disclaimers noting that the sponsors do not
encourage or condone dogfighting. They also state that any accounts
of fights are fictional.
But those who maintain Web sites in countries where dogfighting is
not criminalized often make no effort to conceal their purpose.
"Hallo and Welcome to all lovers of fighting dogs!" exclaims the site
for Serbia-based Balkan Boys Kennel. The site posts the "Cajun rules"
for dogfighting, which are the pre-eminent set of regulations among
today's dogmen.
The rules were promulgated in the 1950s by Lafayette, La., Police
Chief G.A. "Gaboon" Trahan, who hosted dogfights that drew attendees
from all over the South long before animal activists demonized the
activity and legislatures criminalized it.
To hear "Chopper Dan" Brouseaux, another Lafayette native son, tell
it, dogfighting is as ingrained in the Southern culture as NASCAR,
and has been around much longer.
"Cajuns and black people have been fighting dogs for 200 years," said
Brouseaux, a dog breeder and former merchant seaman who said he has
never been involved in the activity.
Still, Brouseaux, 60, remembers the day that the events were a
Saturday ritual "that would draw 50 to 100 people, and there would be
guys selling popcorn and chewing gum."
The Humane Society's Goodwin bristles at those who romanticize
dogfighting. He said that "Law enforcement is realizing it's a real
community problem, intertwined with other crimes" such as drugs and
gambling.
He cited one raid that turned up an electrocution device that had
been used to kill dogs.
Another law effort in Massachusetts turned up dogs with broken legs
and one whose tongue had been ripped out.
Pit bulls have become iconic in the rap and hip-hop music culture.
Missy Elliott and rapper DMX feature the animals on album covers, and
an unedited version of rapper Jay-Z's video "99 Problems" features
footage of dogs preparing to fight in a pit as spectators watch.
Dogfighting has also caught on within some gang cultures, where
"there is less revulsion to violence," Goodwin said.
Though dogfighting remains primarily a Southern phenomenon, the
center of gravity in recent years apparently has shifted eastward.
Today, if there's a dogfighting capital in the United States, it may
be North Carolina.
One of several magazines that provide services for pit-bull fanciers,
the "Pit Bull Advertiser," is published in Gastonia. It features ads
for more than 20 North Carolina-based kennels, offering dogs for
sale, stud services and a variety of products, including canine
treadmills.
The magazine features kennels with names such as Outlaw, Rampage and
Lockjaw, and characteristics of some of the featured dogs like
Blondie, with "ability, style and one of those mouths that would
break you into pieces."
Another advertiser is Tom Garner of Hillsborough, N.C., who Goodwin
insists is a patriarch of dogfighting in America. His name is
contained in Goodwin's database.
Garner, convicted of dogfighting in the mid-1980s, insists he breeds
dogs and sells only puppies these days -- none for fighting. If
buyers use them for illegal purposes, Garner says, there's nothing he
can do to stop them.
His prize dogs included legendary grand champions Chinaman and Spike.
"I still have frozen semen off of Spike and have made some breedings
that have produced some excellent offspring," Garner notes on his
kennel Web site.
Garner's name came up earlier this year when Orange County, N.C.,
officials created a task force to study the legality of tethering
dogs. Garner failed in his effort to be named to the committee, but
one of its members was Alane Koki, who purportedly has ties to
Garner's dog-breeding operation.
Koki, a published scientist and cancer researcher, is perhaps one of
the most unusual alleged dogfighters on Goodwin's list. After an
independent weekly newspaper in the Raleigh area published stories
about her links to Garner -- she reportedly operated a kennel called
Thundermaker Bulldogs -- she resigned from the committee while
denying any wrongdoing.
Dogfighting in North Carolina can now be found from the coastal
flatlands to the mountainous west, say Goodwin and others who monitor
the activity. The state's vast expanses of piney wilderness are a
lure for dogmen, some of them forced out of South Carolina in recent
years.
Others have traveled to the Tar Heel State, where until a few years
ago dogfighting was a misdemeanor, from Virginia, where it has long
been a felony.
One of them is the local breeder who knows what it's like to gather
with other men late at night on a moonlit landing strip, in a wooded
clearing or in an abandoned warehouse, with thousands of dollars
riding on thick-chested beasts named Lil Hitler, Crunch and So Evil.
Potential champion dogs are the product of cross-breeding between
animals that often have champion pedigrees. Aggressive dogs are
identified early on as "prospects" and receive special treatment. At
8 or 9 months, a less-aggressive littermate is placed in front of the
chained prospect "to see how aggressive he is."
The first competition, called a "roll," usually takes place at about
15 months when two prospects are allowed to "have at it" for about 10
minutes, the breeder said.
"You want to see how your dog -- I'll call him Joe -- takes the
pressure," he said. "Certain dogs go for certain areas. Yellow, he
went for the head and chest. You like to see that."
The prospect is put "back on chain" until it is about 19 months old,
when a second practice session is held, lasting up to an hour.
If Joe looks good, he's ready for "the show."
Four or five backers ante up a few hundred dollars apiece for a
"first time out" dog, the breeder said. The prospect is now "open to
the world." A pot of about $3,500 is typical. A "show" is scheduled,
and a judge chooses the location.
An intensive six-week training routine follows, and the dog is said
to be in "the keep." He is fed a lean, nutritional diet -- some
trainers have secret diets -- and works out on a treadmill every day.
Many dogs in training often swim in a pool. The circular above-ground
pool discovered at the house owned by Vick was typical of those used
for getting fighting dogs into shape, the breeder said. One hour on
the treadmill and two in the pool is a common regimen.
Trainers often try to gain advantages by injecting dogs with steroids
or sharpening the animals' teeth. Some even shave the dog's fur and
mix roach killer with its food, hoping the bitter taste of the new
fur will repel a foe.
"The show" takes place at a secluded location in a makeshift wooden
pit about 2 1/2 to 3 feet high and 8 feet square, often with a dirt
or carpeted floor for traction. A dog that fails to make weight may
forfeit, forcing its owner to surrender an amount equal to half the
purse.
Before the match, the dogs are washed, each by his foe's owner, to
ensure that the animal's fur has not been coated with poison. The
handlers sometimes use Everclear, a brand of grain alcohol, to wash,
and milk to rinse.
The dogs are taken to their respective corners and released after the
command of "face your dogs" by the judge. The competition continues
until one animal retreats or is injured so severely it is unable to
continue.
The first victory for a fighting dog is the beginning of his
"campaign," which can result in a champion (three victories) or a
grand champion (five victories with no losses).
After his campaign, a champion dog can command sizable stud fees.
Mayday earned $100,000 a year for his services, the breeder said.
"I look at it a lot like boxing," said the local breeder. "You've got
your power fighters and your finesse fighters, your power dogs and
your finesse dogs. And they can make their owners a whole lot of money."
Monday, July 02, 2007
REMINDER: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE JULY 4TH
HELP US GET THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT OUT... ANY WAY YOU CAN.
MORE ANIMALS ARE LOST ON JULY 4TH THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF THE YEAR!!
REMINDER: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE JULY 4TH
Animal Services is suggesting pet owners get their pets
micro-chipped before the 4th of July. More animals are lost during the 4th
of July celebrations than at any other time of the year. Loud noises from
fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and
they will do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually
unpredictable and out of character, and it may include chewing through a
leash, jumping through screens and glass windows, digging under a fence,
jumping over a wall, bolting away from the owner, and running into traffic.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ensure your pet's protection. Just follow these five simple guidelines to make
July 4th a great holiday for both of you!
1. Don't take your pet to fireworks displays. The explosions of the
fireworks are loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your
dog,who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second -- that's three
times greater than the human ear can even register.
2. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe
inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a
few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air,
but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3.Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals
become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any
items your pet could destroy or may be harmful to your pet if chewed.
Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him
company while you're attending 4th of July picnics, parades, and
other celebrations.
4.If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises
like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to
help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during
fireworks displays.
5.Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a
chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape
and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or
death.
6.Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if
they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running
at-large should be taken to the local animal care center, where they have
the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Two forms of ID are
always best when it comes to protecting your pet. If an individual finds
your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag. If your pet
is taken to a shelter, it will also be scanned for a microchip.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER AT YOUR SHELTERS ON JULY 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH....
MORE ANIMALS ARE LOST ON JULY 4TH THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF THE YEAR!!
REMINDER: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE JULY 4TH
Animal Services is suggesting pet owners get their pets
micro-chipped before the 4th of July. More animals are lost during the 4th
of July celebrations than at any other time of the year. Loud noises from
fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and
they will do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually
unpredictable and out of character, and it may include chewing through a
leash, jumping through screens and glass windows, digging under a fence,
jumping over a wall, bolting away from the owner, and running into traffic.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ensure your pet's protection. Just follow these five simple guidelines to make
July 4th a great holiday for both of you!
1. Don't take your pet to fireworks displays. The explosions of the
fireworks are loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your
dog,who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second -- that's three
times greater than the human ear can even register.
2. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe
inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a
few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air,
but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3.Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals
become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any
items your pet could destroy or may be harmful to your pet if chewed.
Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him
company while you're attending 4th of July picnics, parades, and
other celebrations.
4.If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises
like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to
help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during
fireworks displays.
5.Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a
chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape
and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or
death.
6.Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if
they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running
at-large should be taken to the local animal care center, where they have
the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Two forms of ID are
always best when it comes to protecting your pet. If an individual finds
your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag. If your pet
is taken to a shelter, it will also be scanned for a microchip.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER AT YOUR SHELTERS ON JULY 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH....
Thursday, June 28, 2007
MSNBC.com Article: States cracking down on puppy mills
States cracking down on puppy mills
State legislators across the nation are attempting to crack down on rogue breeding operations and pet sellers with "puppy lemon laws," which let buyers get their money back if health or genetic defects are discovered within a set time.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19016050/from/ET/
State legislators across the nation are attempting to crack down on rogue breeding operations and pet sellers with "puppy lemon laws," which let buyers get their money back if health or genetic defects are discovered within a set time.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19016050/from/ET/
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Blame the owner, not the dog
MALEAH STRINGER: Blame the owner, not the dog
I'm going to take a chance and step into the nasty swirling debate over "dangerous dogs." Those of you who keep up with state news are aware of the pit bull attacks in Indianapolis in the last weeks. And we are seeing the disfigured face of the little girl who was so viciously attacked by a pit bull last year. I still contend it is not the dogs who are the problem; it is the people who own them. These attacks could have been prevented if the owners of the dogs in these attacks had been responsible pet owners.
I'm going to take a chance and step into the nasty swirling debate over "dangerous dogs." Those of you who keep up with state news are aware of the pit bull attacks in Indianapolis in the last weeks. And we are seeing the disfigured face of the little girl who was so viciously attacked by a pit bull last year. I still contend it is not the dogs who are the problem; it is the people who own them. These attacks could have been prevented if the owners of the dogs in these attacks had been responsible pet owners.
Mayor Bart Peterson disappointed many responsible pet owners across the state by saying he was in favor of banning certain breeds of dogs from being owned in Indianapolis, the pit bull in particular. He believes dangerous, vicious dogs and dog fighting are getting out of control (and he's right) and believes banning breed specific dogs is one way to stop it. Huge fines and jail time for the PEOPLE who engage in animal abuse, which helps create dangerous dogs who they let run loose in their communities, and illegal dog fighting might be the best places to start to tackle this problem. After all, dog fighting is a felony across the country, so use the law to prosecute the owners of dangerous dogs and those who engage in dog fighting.
There are generally three sides to the dangerous breed debate. On one side we have responsible pet owners who have what are deemed in most circles as "dangerous" breeds. These dogs and their affectionate demeanor challenge the typical stereotype for these dogs; they are non-aggressive, loving pets. These people do not want a ban a specific breed.
Then you have the people who hear the words pit bull and want to kill every pit bull on the face of the earth believing that the extinction of that particular breed will solve our dangerous dogs and dog fighting issues. If it wasn't pit bulls it would simply be another muscular type dog. Again the particular breed of dogs isn't the problem; it is the behavior that is the problem.
Finally and where I believe the solution lies: we have the people who engage in the worst form of animal abuse — dog fighting and breeding of dangerous dogs with the sole purpose of engaging in dog fighting. It is this third group that we need to address and punish — the people need to be punished not the dogs. Unfortunately, vicious dogs that cannot be rehabilitated will need to be humanely put down.
Perhaps it might also be helpful to stop glorifying the people who engage in animal cruelty and the ILLEGAL blood sport of dog fighting. Prominent rappers and a particular NFL Atlanta Falcon quarterback have been reported to allegedly have ties to dog fighting. This in and of itself sends a terrible message to the youth of America by promoting animal cruelty.
Indianapolis, I believe, is taking a step in the right direction concerning "dangerous dog: legislation. They are creating a law that is "identifying behavior and not breed as the potential danger to communities."
Stacy Coleman, president of Indy Pit Crew, a non-profit group that advocates for the responsible pet ownership of pit bulls says, "With the proposed changes, irresponsible owners are targeted, not the dogs. There is no breed specific language, which is important since all breeds of dogs can be dangerous. The changes clearly place the responsibility where it needs to be, on the people who have chosen to abuse, abandon or neglect their dogs to the point they become a risk to public safety. If a person makes a choice to get a dog, they MUST be held responsible for that dog's care and behavior.
"Any dog that has aggressively, bitten, attacked, endangered or has inflicted serious injury on a person on public or private property is the primary definition of a "dangerous" dog. Additionally, any dog that has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while being off the owner's property or has knowingly been used primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for dog fighting could be deemed dangerous."
It's been found that less than 2 percent of all dogs properly identified in dog attacks have turned out to be pit bulls. But, in 90 percent of the dog attack cases, the attacking dog was not neutered/spayed and/or was abused by owners. One more reason to spay/neuter your dog, and yet another reason to take animal abuse seriously. Animal abuse can create dangerous dogs and dangerous dogs maim and kill people.
Indianapolis is also forming the Central Indiana Canine Crime Stoppers program. This is the first Crime Stopper program designed specifically to target the crime of dog fighting. In this program citizens can anonymously report suspected dog fighting activity and receive a cash reward of up to $1000 for information which leads to a felony arrest using the hotline.
So, what's the rest of the state going to do concerning vicious abused dogs and dog fighting?
*Information courtesy of Nuvo and Department of Public Safety, City of Indianapolis Animal Care and Control Division.
Maleah Stringer, president of the Animal Protection League, is an animal massage therapist specializing in esoteric healing. She can be reached at maleahstringer@aol.com.
Pet Rescue offers pit bull good citizen evaluation
Pet Rescue offers pit bull good citizen evaluation
Article Last Updated: 05/30/2007 10:56:24 AM PDT
All the pit bulls adopted out of the shelter in Corning must be certified for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test. Second Chance would like to extend this certification to 30 pit bulls in Tehama County.
The Canine Good Citizen test assures that your pit bull is under control and is a good "citizen" in the community. There are 10 items that must be passed to achieve the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. These are:
. Accept a friendly stranger
Sit politely for petting
Appearance and grooming
Out for a walk
Walk through a crowd
Sit and down on command/staying in place
Come when called
Reaction to another dog
Reactions to distractions
Supervised separation
The test will be performed by AKC evaluator Deborah Eaglebarger
and will be free to the first 30 pit bull owners."Do you want your dog to pass these items but need guidance in achieving them?" Eaglebarger asked. "We will help you with that."
Depending on initial evaluation, Eaglebarger will ascertain what additional training or preparation your pit bull needs to pass the test. If the needs are excessive, a nominal fee, up to $20, will be charged for preparation. In most cases, the fee may be waived for this training.
"Pit bulls are such a fabulous family pet. They are just not a dog's dog and thus the bad rap," Eaglebarger said. "I've attended some great trainings on pit bulls and their characteristics and want to do what I can to dispel the myths that pit bulls currently carry with them."
But not every pit bull has a sound temperament and not every home is pit bull savvy. Extensive literature is available at the Corning Animal Shelter for people who want to know more about pit bulls and what kind of dog they really are.
"We want to eradicate the myths that are associated with pit bulls, but we are quick to point out an unsound pit bull," Eaglebarger said. "Unsound and incorrect temperament pit bulls should not be allowed in the community. It's a tough call, but one unsound dog can turn a whole community against the entire breed."
The test itself takes about 15 minutes. For those homes where insurance is an issue, having an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate can help.
Anyone interested in having their pit bull evaluated and take part in the AKC Canine Good Citizen test can reach Debbie Eaglebarger at Second Chance Pet Rescue at 824-1985.
Classes aim to blunt pit bulls' bad-boy reputation
Classes aim to blunt pit bulls' bad-boy reputation
01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, May 30, 2007
WEST WARWICK — On Saturday, 14 pit bulls graduated from "Out of the pits and into the Ritz," an obedience program started by Susan Parker, a member of the Little Rhody Bully Breed Club, to help change the reputation of the breed.
Ginger, one of 14 pit bulls "graduated" from an obedience training program Saturday in West Warwick, awaits a treat. The owners received certificates of completion of the Canine Good Citizen program, one of many throughout the country sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
The Providence Journal / John Freidah
"When people see a pit bull, they think they're killers," Parker said. "That they'll eat animals. That they'll eat your children. But these dogs are very active, loyal, smart, admirable, tenacious and strong."
Saturday's graduation, cosponsored by the club and Parker's Dynamic Dog Trainer Service, was held in the park behind the West Warwick Animal Shelter, on Hay Street.
Parker has been turning dogs into good citizens for three years, and has graduated about 25 dogs from the program, she said. Through her work with both family pets and dogs from shelters around the West Bay area, she said she has never had to flunk a dog. Her clients include a high school teacher, chemist, and medical secretary — a far cry from the hard-core image the dog gives off, Parker said.
"A lot of people look at the breed for status," Parker said. "You have to be conscious of who you are giving the dog to. When people come into the shelter looking for a certain breed, we steer them away from the [pit bull breeds]."
The pit bull is not a formal breed, but rather a catch-all term for a series of purebred or mixed-heritage bull terrier breeds. The American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, the most common breeds, are generally muscular and are easily stimulated, according to the American Kennel Club.
The club says the bull terrier's "indomitable courage, high intelligence and tenacity. . . coupled with its affect for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog."
Indeed, the animals can make good family pets, said Mary R. Burch, director of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program.
"It requires an owner that understands what this breed is about," she said. "They have high prey drives and may need fences, but they are wonderful family dogs and can participate in all activities. And because of their strength and size, they need an owner who is consistent when it comes to training."
Going through the Canine Good Citizen Program helps owners do just that, Burch said. The program is a 10-step class where a certified trainer teaches responsible ownership and basic training and good manners to dogs. The certification means that each of Parker's students can meet friendly strangers, tolerate petting, walk through a crowd and perform a number of other tasks that show they are under control.
"We believe that there aren't really any bad dogs," Burch said. "What you have is a problem with owners who need to be more responsible and who need more training on how to communicate and recognize when there's a problem and they need help."
The program, which began in 1989, nationally has certified 500,000 dogs as good citizens, Burch said. Owners of any number of breeds with bad reputations — Rottweilers, chows, Dobermans and bull breeds — have also been able to obtain homeowners insurance as long as the dog receives the good-citizen certification, Burch said.
"They're telling the the data shows it makes a difference," she said. "The best parallel is to driver's education. If you train teens, they are less likely to have an incident. If you give breeds and owners training, you are less likely to have an incident."
But even with programs such as these, incidents do occur.
Earlier this month, a 3-year-old girl was bitten in the face by a family dog — a pit-bull mix— while she played at her aunt's Cranston home. The toddler was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where she required stitches to the cheek and lip and above one eye.
The dog, a 3-year old named Tyson, was taken to the city animal shelter. The owner said she would not take the dog back, even if officials determine the dog is not a threat if properly supervised.
Parker said it's all about knowing your dog, and training it properly.
"I'd trust my dog as golden around my granddaughter," she said.
Like Parker, Burch said that with proper training and supervision, any dog can be obedient.
"Some people like to write off pit-bull breeds," she said. "They look at the aggression in the breed, but in terms of responsible dog ownership, it can be a great family pet if the breeder makes sure it's in the right home, under the right conditions and is trained properly to prevent problems."
More information about Canine Good Citizen programs can be obtained from the AKC's Web site — www. akc.org — and from pet stores. Parker's course, lasting six to eight weeks, costs $165, but she provides training for shelter animals for free.
"We believe that there aren't really any bad dogs. What you have is a problem with owners who need to be more responsible and who need more training…"
>American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program
West Warwick
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Mass. show of support for pit bulls
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/05/15/
mass_show_of_support_for_pit_bulls/
Mass. show of support for pit bulls
Specialists put burden on breeders, owners
By Lisa Wangsness, Globe Staff | May 15, 2007
Pit bull supporters vastly outnumbered opponents at a State House
hearing yesterday on whether the Legislature should consider a
statewide ban on the breed.
About 150 dog owners, trainers, and animal advocates, many sporting T-
shirts and jackets emblazoned with images of pit bulls, made for a
sometimes raucous crowd, grousing at what they saw as antagonistic
questioning from members of the committee considering the ban after a
series of highly publicized attacks on children and others.
Most of the veterinarians and animal behavior specialists who
testified said a pit bull ban would not protect people from attacks.
Instead of focusing on the breed, they said, the state should hold
breeders and owners more accountable for vicious dogs.
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, director of the animal behavior clinic at
Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, also said
that pit bulls were difficult to identify and therefore difficult for
a law to target and that other big, strong dogs can be as dangerous
as pit bulls if improperly cared for or bred.
"I think breed-specific legislation is odious," he said. "It's
fraught with all kinds of problems."
No legislation banning pit bulls has been filed, but Representative
Vincent A. Pedone, House chairman of the Joint Committee on
Municipalities and Regional Government, has expressed interest in the
idea and scheduled the hearing to explore ways to control vicious dogs.
Yesterday he repeatedly asked witnesses whether they would prefer to
be bitten by a German shepherd or a pit bull, and he grilled those
with veterinary exper tise on the pit bull's infamous temperament.
Such questioning infuriated people who sat for hours waiting for
their chance to shower the committee with pit bull testimonials.
Julie Rembrandt Seeley, corresponding secretary of the Massachusetts
Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners, left the hearing
without testifying after 3 1/2 hours, saying she was convinced that
Pedone was "basically on a pit bull witch hunt.' "
After the hearing, however, Pedone said that a statewide ban would be
difficult to enforce, but that "everything was still being looked
at," including restrictions for specific breeds. "The committee is
going to continue to look at different ideas relative to how we can
update our dog laws and possible breed-specific legislation," said
the Worcester Democrat.
Two children were attacked by pit bulls in separate incidents last
week in Boston.
One of them was Zayre Morant, 7, of Dorchester, who lost a chunk of
his right arm when a neighbor's dog mauled him. The dog was put to
sleep, said April Shearrion, 32, the boy's mother, but she said that
Zayre's arm is infected and that he is in pain.
"I think they should ban them not only in Massachusetts, but in the
US, period," she said. "Some family's going to experience worse than
what I've experienced."
While some have also debated the issue, no Legislature has placed
statewide restrictions on pit bulls, according to Marcy Setter of
Milford, who runs a website, understand-a-bull.com, which tracks such
legislation. Some municipalities have bans, includ ing Denver and
Prince George's County, Md., near Washington, D.C., according to the
website. Many municipalities in Massachusetts and across the country
have adopted restrictions on pit bull ownership.
Since 2004, Boston has required pit bull owners to muzzle their dogs
in public, to spay or neuter them, display warning signs on their
property, and if they rent, to obtain a permission letter from their
landlords, according to the city's website.
In April, Canton approved a new bylaw that prohibits households from
owning multiple pit bulls, said Paul R. DeRensis, the town counsel.
Dodman said butchers once used pit bulls to restrain large bulls
about to be slaughtered: The dogs would attach themselves to the
bulls' noses "like a living nose ring," he said. Later, he said, they
were bred to fight in pits. The term pit bull now encompasses a
number of different breeds, he said. A relative of the pit bull, the
Boston terrier, is the state's official dog.
Pit bulls are strong, powerful animals with a high pain threshold,
Dodman said, and when they bite, they often clamp their jaws and
refuse to let go. He told the committee that fatal pit bull attacks
are relatively rare, and that pit bulls tend to be more aggressive
toward other dogs than toward people. Most attacks on humans, he
said, are the result of careless breeding that produces antisocial
dogs or of owners encour aging their dogs to be aggressive. Most dogs
that bite are males that are not neutered.
"When you count all the things that maleness brings with it --
roaming and mounting and aggression and leg-lifting, urine marking --
there's nothing, really, that a family needs," he said.
Rather than ban pit bulls, Dodman suggested later that the panel
consider other tactics to curb problem dogs, including requir ing
owners to take a test on dog care before they buy a dog and getting
rid of puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders.
Lisa Wangsness can be reached at lwangsness@globe.com.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Free spay/neuter for pitbulls in Charlottesville VA
If anyone knows of a pit bull needing spay/neuter in or near Charlottesville, VA, the local SPCA is having free spay/neuter for pits (and low cost for other breeds) on June 11th and 12th.
$20 PER PET
PITBULLS FIXED FOR FREE!
WHERE: Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA
at 3355 Berkmar Drive
WHO: Available to low-income qualifying* Pet Owners and All Pitbull** owners
HOW: By Appointment ONLY (50 spaces available), call TODAY: 973-5959 ext. 249
* Yearly maximum income levels: single (no children) $20,000; married persons (no children) $30,000; married/single persons with children $40,000 - proof of income required
** All dogs must be under 75lbs.
$20 PER PET
PITBULLS FIXED FOR FREE!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
VICTORY: President Bush signs animal fighting bill into law!
Today President Bush signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act into law. This is the culmination of an almost six-year campaign by The Humane Society of the United States and our allies to enact meaningful federal penalties for animal fighting.
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
We are fortunate to have had steadfast Congressional leadership on this issue. But this campaign would not have been a success without your tireless efforts. Thank you again to each of you who sent emails, made phone calls, wrote letters and visited your federal legislators on Capitol Hill and in their home districts.
This victory reminds us to never to give up, and that there are rewards for compassionate action and perseverance. Please share this with others and let them know that you had a part in making it happen
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
Copyright © 2007 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). All Rights Reserved.
The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037
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
We are fortunate to have had steadfast Congressional leadership on this issue. But this campaign would not have been a success without your tireless efforts. Thank you again to each of you who sent emails, made phone calls, wrote letters and visited your federal legislators on Capitol Hill and in their home districts.
This victory reminds us to never to give up, and that there are rewards for compassionate action and perseverance. Please share this with others and let them know that you had a part in making it happen
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
Copyright © 2007 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). All Rights Reserved.
The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Historic victory for animals last night
********************************
The Humane Society of the United States Humane Action Network
Alert
April 11, 2007
********************************
The Humane Society of the United States Humane Action Network
Alert
April 11, 2007
********************************
Dear Amy,
Last night at 8:06 p.m., I watched history happen. The U.S.
Senate unanimously passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition
Enforcement Act.
The House of Representatives passed the same bill, H.R. 137,
late last month by a vote of 368 to 39. What this means is that
after an almost six-year battle, the struggle to
enact meaningful federal penalties for animal fighting has
passed its final congressional hurdle. The legislation now is
headed to the desk of President Bush, who is expected to sign
the measure into law. The new law will take effect immediately,
and I can assure you that this is a dark and long-dreaded day in
the dogfighting and cockfighting worlds.
I cannot tell you know grateful I am for the efforts of each of
you who sent emails, made phone calls, wrote letters and visited
your federal legislators on Capitol Hill and in their home
districts. You kept the pressure on and your tireless efforts
made the difference. The cockfighting lobby was organized, and
its leaders poured hundreds of thousands of dollars to derail
the legislation -- but we out-hustled them and we carried the
day.
Nearly every week, there are reports of dog fighting and
cockfighting crimes in the United States. It is a vast
underground network of people who revel in seeing animals tear
one another apart and gamble on the outcomes of the staged
spectacles. Now federal law enforcement officials have the tools
they need to uproot these underground animal fighting
enterprises and put a halt to the the abhorrent cruelty
inflicted on dogs, birds and other animals.
I hope this victory inspires you to keep working on behalf of
public policies to protect animals. Animal fighting pits will be
closing throughout the nation, and it is joyous day for animals.
This victory reminds us to never to give up, and that there are
rewards for compassionate action and perseverance. Please share
this tremendous news with others and let them know that you had
a part in making it happen.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
********************************
Copyright (c) 2007
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
All Rights Reserved.
humanesociety@hsus.org 202-452-1100 www.hsus.org
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Chaining? Editorial in Richmond Times Dispatch
Very well written article if you have time to read it.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350293788&path=%21editorials%21oped&s=1045855935007
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350293788&path=%21editorials%21oped&s=1045855935007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Assisi Animal Rescue Foundation
2006 PRESS RELEASES
November 14, 2006
STATE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT ASSISI'S ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION, INC.
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Consumer Affairs (ORCA) cautions consumers that Assisi's Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. of Annandale, Virginia, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes. However, as of November 14, 2006, this organization has not registered with or been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner as required by law. Therefore, contributors are cautioned that their contributions to such organization may be used for non-charitable purposes.
ORCA also alerts potential contributors that Assisi's Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. has solicited contributions online and at adoption days at local pet stores. According to ORCA, this organization has not been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax exempt.
The Department recommends that before responding to any charitable appeal by making a donation or by making a purchase in the name of a charity, consumers verify that the organization is registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs. Click here for current registration status for charitable organizations can be found on the Department's Web SITEL.
Consumers should also determine how much of their donation will be actually used to support the organization's charitable purpose, and how much will be used for other expenses such as administrative overhead and fundraising.
For additional information, call the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Consumer Affairs, toll-free in Virginia at 1.800.552.9963 or in the Richmond area call 804.786.2042.
Copyright © 2006, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For Comments or Questions Concerning this Web Site, contact the DACES Webmaster.
WAY Level A Compliant
WAY Level A Compliant
Want a designer dog? Check the pound
Puggles, maltipoos are pricey — and essentially mixed-breed mutts
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17616672/Saturday, March 17, 2007
Another article on the food recall, From CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/17/petfood.recall.ap/index.html
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold
under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60
million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure
and deaths.
An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and
about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said
in announcing the North American recall. Product testing has not
revealed a link explaining the reported cases of illness and death,
the company said.
"At this juncture, we're not 100 percent sure what's happened,"
said Paul Henderson, the company's president and chief executive
officer. However, the recalled products were made using wheat
gluten purchased from a new supplier, since dropped for another
source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. Wheat gluten is a source
of protein. 'Cuts and gravy' food sold in cans, pouches recalled
The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food,
which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, sold in cans and
small foil pouches between December 3 and March 6 throughout
the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The pet food was sold by stores operated by the Kroger Co.,
Safeway Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and PetSmart Inc., among
others, Henderson said.
Menu Foods said it makes pet foods for 17 of the top 20 North
American retailers. It is also a contract manufacturer for the top
branded pet food companies, including Procter & Gamble Co.
Proctor & Gamble announced Friday the recall of specific 3 oz.,
5.5 oz., 6 oz. and 13.2 oz. canned and 3 oz. and 5.3 oz. foil pouch
cat and dog wet food products made by Menu Foods but sold under
the Iams and Eukanuba brands. The recalled products bear the code
dates of 6339 through 7073 followed by the plant code 4197, P&G said.
Menu Foods' three U.S. and one Canadian factory produce more
than 1 billion containers of wet pet food a year. The recall covers
pet food made at company plants in Emporia, Kansas, and
Pennsauken, New Jersey, Henderson said.
Henderson said the company received an undisclosed number of
owner complaints of vomiting and kidney failure in dogs and cats
after they had been fed its products. It has tested its products
but not found a cause for the sickness.
"To date, the tests have not indicated any problems with the
product," Henderson said. FDA also working to target brands
The company alerted the Food and Drug Administration, which
already has inspectors in one of the two plants, Henderson said.
The FDA was working to nail down brand names covered by the
recall, agency spokesman Mike Herndon said.
Menu Foods is majority-owned by the Menu Foods Income Fund,
based in Ontario, Canada.
Henderson said the recall would cost the company the Canadian
equivalent of $26 million to $34 million.
Below are lists of specific brands recalled by Menu Foods, in
addition to Proctor & Gamble's recall of certain Iams and
Eukanuba products. Menu Brands lists the brands on its Web
site, www.menufoods.com, and advises consumers to
call 1-866-895-2708 for more information.
Recalled cat foods
Americas Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority; Best Choice; Companion;
Compliments; Demoulas Market Basket; Fine Feline Cat, Shep Dog;
Food Lion; Foodtown; Giant Companion; Good n Meaty; Hannaford;
Hill Country Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn; Li'l Red; Loving
Meals; Main Choice; Nutriplan; Nutro Max Gourmet Classics; Nutro
Natural Choice; Paws; Presidents Choice; Price Chopper; Priority;
Save-A-Lot; Schnucks; Sophistacat; Special Kitty; Springfield Pride;
Sprout; Total Pet; My True Friend; Wegmans; Western Family; White
Rose; and Winn Dixie.
Recalled dog foods :America's Choice; Preferred Pets; Authority;
Award; Best Choice; Big Bet; Big Red; Bloom; Bruiser; Cadillac;
Companion; Demoulas Market Basket; Fine Feline Cat; Shep Dog;
Food Lion; Giant Companion; Great Choice; Hannaford; Hill Country
Fare; Hy-Vee; Key Food; Laura Lynn; Loving Meals; Main Choice;
Mixables; Nutriplan; Nutro Max; Nutro Natural Choice; Nutro;
Ol'Roy; Paws; Pet Essentials; Pet Pride; President's Choice; Price
Chopper; Priority; Publix; Roche Bros; Save-A-Lot; Schnucks;
Springsfield Pride; Sprout; Stater Bros; Total Pet; My True Friend;
Western Family; White Rose; Winn Dixie and Your Pet.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
REBUTTAL: 'Pit Bull Terriers and Other Bully Breeds' Trish King, Behavior & Training Dept. Marin Humane Society
Rebuttal on the Handout
'Pit Bull Terriers and Other Bully Breeds' Trish King, Behavior & Training Dept. Marin Humane Society
[This handout includes vague language and sweeping generalizations regarding canine behaviors that may or may not be attributed to any specific breed and that are more likely due to a lack of breed specific knowledge. Our rebuttal comments are in ORANGE and inserted in brackets [ ] where appropriate.
First it should be well-established at the onset of our rebuttal that “pit bull” refers to a type of dog, not a breed. It actually encompasses several breeds and anything that has a certain look regardless of the actual lineage. The actual purebred names are the American Pit Bull Terrier (registered by the UKC and ADBA) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (registered by the AKC)]
There is a lot of prejudice - even hysteria - in the U.S. right now with regard to Pit Bull Terriers and other dogs like them. Our shelters - especially in urban areas - are filled with pit bulls and pit mixes. Very few of them are adoptable, and even fewer are actually adopted. Those that are adopted are often the objects of fear and distrust. [In my experience – from a rural perspective, not urban, far more pit bulls are adoptable than not. A great many pit bulls are social, gregarious and friendly but the lack of space in rescue organizations coupled with limited space and no-adopt policies in high kill shelters allow for far less to be saved than could be in a different world. ]
There are several reasons for this, but the reasons are all controversial, and your belief depends a great deal on your view about behavior - whether it's caused by nature or nurture, and whether one can modify behavior that has already been in place through late adolescence or social maturity (between 1.5-2 years). [I hedge my bets with nature.
This breed is overwhelmingly a resilient breed that can withstand the worst treatment and still come out a people loving fantastic companion dog. When you start talking about pit mixes - the waters can become very cloudy because the dog in question will have the traits of more than one breed and the mixes of these traits can have an undesirable outcome.
When discussing temperament testing results with regards to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, these breeds consistently seem to score higher than other “family friendly” breeds such as the cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever. For more information visit the American Temperament Test Society - www.atts.org]
Many bully-type terriers were originally bred to fight other dogs, to bait bulls, or for other "blood" sports. [Many of our canine companions were originally bred for purposes other than strictly “as a family pet”. All dog breeds were created with a specific purpose in mind and many of popular and “non bully” breeds have a bloody history including hound dogs.] Some breeders have been assiduous in breeding out the tendencies for aggression, but others actually breed for it - and the best way to get an aggressive dog is to breed two aggressive dogs to each other. The reasons for breeding aggression are varied - some people want their dogs to fight other dogs, some to guard their property, and some seem to want the "aura" of owning an aggressive dog. [This is where the widespread lack of understanding of the breed has become a serious handicap to all involved. The American Pit Bull Terrier was never meant to be a guard dog nor a dog that is aggressive to people for any reason. In fact it is quite the opposite. Pit bulls are often targets of theft because, if correct in temperament, they are incredibly people friendly and trusting of humans. Thanks lack of breed knowledge, the incorrect impression of the pit bull as a guard dog continues to be maliciously spread, to the detriment of the breed. The true APBT is a very people soft, gregarious, easy to train dog, with tendencies for intolerance towards other animals. This breed was never intended as a guard dog and is often stolen if left unattended.
The media has also played an important role in promoting the "ghetto dog" image of the American Pit Bull Terrier, which unfortunately may become a self fulfilling prophecy. More and more, people are believing the hype and aren’t taking the time to understand the true nature of this breed. This can take its toll and manifests in poor breeding practices and un-educated ownership. I feel as though this bears repeating – The American Pit Bull Terrier was never intended as a guard dog or a protective dog. Temperamentally sound American Pit Bull Terriers do not excel in this capacity.]
Dogs bred as pets for several generations tend to lose the behavior patterns that are the most problematic. Unfortunately, they are still feared because of their looks, and because many - if not most - bully dogs still retain some of their undesirable behavior patterns. [Each generation it seems has the bad dog du jour with a junkyard image, this generation is no different. Most people can remember the hysteria surrounding the German Shepherds and the Dobermans in the 70s and 80s, now the dog du jour is the “Pit Bull”]
Bully breeds have several desirable characteristics that build breed loyalty in their owners or guardians, such as:
extreme loyalty
affection to their owners
ease of training
[Also, don't forget: gregarious, people friendly, outgoing and social, athletic. A pit bull with a correct temperament enjoys meeting people and making new friends and bonds easily with its owners.]
Undesirable and/or anti-social behavior patterns include:
The tendency to chase things that move (animals, people, etc) [All dogs are hunters and predators and most will chase things that move quickly and/or erratically, even a Labrador or other popularly viewed “family friendly” dogs. Yes, Pit Bulls can have a high prey drive, however, there is a big difference in aggression towards animals and aggression directed towards people. These behaviors are separate and distinct and one does NOT predispose another].
The ability and tendency to bite and hold on – [This is a terrier behavior, jack russels, rat terriers, west highland white, cairn, etc, etc. The behavior is a terrier tendency and not reserved for “pit bulls” alone. ]
The tendency to try and dominate other animals or people by body slamming, mounting and otherwise physically controlling them. [Most performance type breeds require a good amount of training and socialization to be happy, including many shepherd types, border collies and other working dogs. Likewise, pit bulls need a fair amount of physical exercise and can become unruly if not provided with an outlet for their energy. However, though pit bulls can be pushy with other animals, they have been bred to be people soft! This breed is first and foremost a people soft breed – a temperamentally sound APBT will not try to dominate his handlers. ]
Uncontrollable arousal or excitement [“Uncontrollable” is a very deceptive description. We are talking about a performance breed that requires training and exercise just as many other performance breeds require training and exercise. Pit bulls do not have a tendency to re-direct aggression onto their human handlers.]
The first two undesirable characteristics can be classified as "predatory." All dogs have some of this - some breeds more than others. But, in most breeds and breed types, the behaviors are inhibited. For instance, many dogs will chase runners or bicyclists, but they are unlikely to do anything if they catch up - and are easily trained out of the behavior. Truly predatory dogs go through a fairly set series of behaviors that can end up in a serious bite or worse. These dogs are not angry or vicious. Instead, they are obeying an instinct that was essential for hunting [The description of “truly predatory” may be accurate, but it is NOT applicable to pit bulls. More primitive breeds would be predisposed to such predatory behavior but not temperamentally sound pit bulls]. Thus, they are not likely to give any warning and the chase can be amazingly fast. Sometimes they stalk before they chase; other times they don't [stalking before chasing is a herding dog trait: pit bulls are not herding dogs.]. A dog that bites out of fear or anger will virtually always warn its victim - it normally has no desire to bite, it just wants to be left alone [Such behavior is true of ANY dog that is in fear or in pain. It is actually called fear aggression and is undesirable and will render a dog, ANY DOG, un-adoptable].
Predatory attacks are very common in the bully breeds - predation is the main drive used in dog fighting, and it can be lethal. [Which breeds are being included in the bully breed category for this handout? Is this a general classificiation used by the uneducated – anything with a short coat and bulky body with a block head is a “bully breed”? Let be specifically clear about what exactly we are discussing. Some popular guarding breeds or some of the rare mastiffs have been included mistakenly in this category. Pit bulls (specifically the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier) can be prey driven towards small animals and aggressive towards other dogs. At the same time this willingness to take on a challenge by another animal has been cultivated through breeding; these dogs have been bred to be easy to train, easy to handle and very people soft. ]
The third undesirable characteristic of these breeds is "dominating" or "bully" behavior. This stems from confidence. Oftentimes, confident puppies will bully their siblings, and may take away resources (food or toys). They will do the same to members of their own human families [this has not been my experience in the 10 years I have been involved with the breed]. And, if they're successful when they're puppies, they tend to repeat the behaviors when they are grown. [Resource guarding from people is thankfully NOT a typical bully breed behavior. It is a behavior that would/should exclude a dog from a breeding or rescue program. In the 10 years I have been involved with rescue, I have euthanized ONE purebred American Pit Bull Terrier for resource guarding behavior. If you interview others involved with purebred APBT rescue, you will find that resource guarding is not that common of an occurrence.]
The fourth undesirable characteristic - arousal or excitement - is actually the most problematic. Many bully dogs cannot seem to calm themselves down once they get excited. And once they get excited all their behaviors are exacerbated. Thus, if a dog is over-confident and has a tendency to body slam or mount, he or she will really crash into the other dog or person when he's aroused, sometimes inadvertently causing injury. [It isn't clear here if this is an aggression danger or a hyper dog running around and accidentally knocking someone down? or crashing into things and other dogs in a hyper play situation?] He may begin to play-bite, and then bite harder and harder and harder. When you try to stop the behavior, the dog often becomes even more "aggressive." In this way, play can turn into aggression fairly quickly. Research on the brain [whose brain? Dogs, humans or chimps?] has shown that excited play has exactly the same chemistry as extreme anger. [citations? - if heavy word like "research" are used please include references to the proper studies and science documentation] This allows a play behavior to switch quickly into aggression. And, once the dog has become aggressive a few times, the switch is much easier. [the author seems eager to translate “reseach” into “causation” or fact. Excited play may mimic brain chemistry but it does not mean that play causes anger]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our test includes scenarios that allow each of these behaviors to be manifested if they are there. We do not just watch the animals, nor do we try to make them aggressive. What we do is try to anticipate and replicate behavior that occurs in a normal home.
We observe the dog for a substantial amount of time to see whether he is attentive or affectionate toward us. We then show the dog affection (petting), to see if he comes back for more. We then do something the dog is not likely to like but that will not hurt (examining the teeth and hugging). We give the dog objects or food and then ask for it back, or we drop something and then attempt to take it. And we play - we see if the dog retrieves and if he gives up play objects readily when he's excited. We also run around, much as a child would, to see if the dog chases and what he does when he catches up. We then wait to see how long it takes for the dog to cam down, to relax. Lastly, we introduce the dog to one or two other dogs, to see whether he is social to them.
We try to see the whole dog, as much as possible, for the safety and well being of our clients. We do not expect perfection, and will "grade" a dog for different levels of potential owners. [In other words, they do not expect their clients to have any breed specific knowledge. Purebreds were bred with specific goals in mind and understanding how those traits are expressed in the dog you own is crucial to a happy dog/owner relationship, regardless of the breed. This knowledge also impacts methods of training that may be better suited for different breeds]. There are some behaviors that are unacceptable - mostly aggression. If the dog is aggressive towards people in any way, he is not recommended for adoption. In addition, dog to dog aggression is a big mark against the dog as - especially in this country - people want their dogs to lay well with others. [There are many breeds to that do not do well in a "dog park" setting and require more responsibility and vigilance when it comes to interactions with other animals. Unfortunately, dog owners have become selfish and lazy, wanting to satisfy their own desires of having their dog “play” with others while feeling like they are exercising or interacting with their dog. To own a purebred dog, some intelligence regarding dog behaviors and specific breed characteristics is important. Pit bulls are the most popular dog in the United States as well as the most feared and the most legislated against. They are sadly the most misunderstood and until people take time to understand the REAL American Pit Bull Terrier, ignorance will abound with unfortunate consequences.]
Pit bulls and other bully breeds fail most often in the areas of arousal and dog-to-dog aggression. [This is also where breed understanding plays a crucial role in the success of a dog in society. Many breeds are not successful with dog to dog interactions. People who are looking for a generic dog and who will expect nothing from their dog, plan to learn nothing about dog behavior or dog training, and plan to take their dog to the dog park and stand around with a bunch of other people with generic dogs and no behavior knowledge, should stay away from the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that requires more from its owner, it requires an owner to understand the breed. The rewards from the understanding will be tenfold.]
Each and every dog is tested on his own merits. We have and do put pit bulls up for adoption, after a knowledgeable person has fostered him or her for three weeks. [this is not adequate time to get to know a dog, two months is the average requirement (in a foster home) for really truly getting to know a dog and successfully evaluating a dog's personality and adoptability]. We are cognizant of the power of this type of dog - plus many other big dogs - and would rather err on the side of caution than allow a possibly dangers dog into our neighborhoods.
Trish King
Director, Behavior & Training Dept. Marin Humane Society
[Amy Hendrickson
Annabelle’s Second Chance Pit Bull Rescue
www.ascpbr.com]
For other rebuttals on this handout, and breed information please see
http://blog.myspace.com/realpitbull
www.pbrc.net
www.badrap.org
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/speaking-for-our-dogs.html
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/mhs_response.cfm
'Pit Bull Terriers and Other Bully Breeds' Trish King, Behavior & Training Dept. Marin Humane Society
[This handout includes vague language and sweeping generalizations regarding canine behaviors that may or may not be attributed to any specific breed and that are more likely due to a lack of breed specific knowledge. Our rebuttal comments are in ORANGE and inserted in brackets [ ] where appropriate.
First it should be well-established at the onset of our rebuttal that “pit bull” refers to a type of dog, not a breed. It actually encompasses several breeds and anything that has a certain look regardless of the actual lineage. The actual purebred names are the American Pit Bull Terrier (registered by the UKC and ADBA) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (registered by the AKC)]
There is a lot of prejudice - even hysteria - in the U.S. right now with regard to Pit Bull Terriers and other dogs like them. Our shelters - especially in urban areas - are filled with pit bulls and pit mixes. Very few of them are adoptable, and even fewer are actually adopted. Those that are adopted are often the objects of fear and distrust. [In my experience – from a rural perspective, not urban, far more pit bulls are adoptable than not. A great many pit bulls are social, gregarious and friendly but the lack of space in rescue organizations coupled with limited space and no-adopt policies in high kill shelters allow for far less to be saved than could be in a different world. ]
There are several reasons for this, but the reasons are all controversial, and your belief depends a great deal on your view about behavior - whether it's caused by nature or nurture, and whether one can modify behavior that has already been in place through late adolescence or social maturity (between 1.5-2 years). [I hedge my bets with nature.
This breed is overwhelmingly a resilient breed that can withstand the worst treatment and still come out a people loving fantastic companion dog. When you start talking about pit mixes - the waters can become very cloudy because the dog in question will have the traits of more than one breed and the mixes of these traits can have an undesirable outcome.
When discussing temperament testing results with regards to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, these breeds consistently seem to score higher than other “family friendly” breeds such as the cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever. For more information visit the American Temperament Test Society - www.atts.org]
Many bully-type terriers were originally bred to fight other dogs, to bait bulls, or for other "blood" sports. [Many of our canine companions were originally bred for purposes other than strictly “as a family pet”. All dog breeds were created with a specific purpose in mind and many of popular and “non bully” breeds have a bloody history including hound dogs.] Some breeders have been assiduous in breeding out the tendencies for aggression, but others actually breed for it - and the best way to get an aggressive dog is to breed two aggressive dogs to each other. The reasons for breeding aggression are varied - some people want their dogs to fight other dogs, some to guard their property, and some seem to want the "aura" of owning an aggressive dog. [This is where the widespread lack of understanding of the breed has become a serious handicap to all involved. The American Pit Bull Terrier was never meant to be a guard dog nor a dog that is aggressive to people for any reason. In fact it is quite the opposite. Pit bulls are often targets of theft because, if correct in temperament, they are incredibly people friendly and trusting of humans. Thanks lack of breed knowledge, the incorrect impression of the pit bull as a guard dog continues to be maliciously spread, to the detriment of the breed. The true APBT is a very people soft, gregarious, easy to train dog, with tendencies for intolerance towards other animals. This breed was never intended as a guard dog and is often stolen if left unattended.
The media has also played an important role in promoting the "ghetto dog" image of the American Pit Bull Terrier, which unfortunately may become a self fulfilling prophecy. More and more, people are believing the hype and aren’t taking the time to understand the true nature of this breed. This can take its toll and manifests in poor breeding practices and un-educated ownership. I feel as though this bears repeating – The American Pit Bull Terrier was never intended as a guard dog or a protective dog. Temperamentally sound American Pit Bull Terriers do not excel in this capacity.]
Dogs bred as pets for several generations tend to lose the behavior patterns that are the most problematic. Unfortunately, they are still feared because of their looks, and because many - if not most - bully dogs still retain some of their undesirable behavior patterns. [Each generation it seems has the bad dog du jour with a junkyard image, this generation is no different. Most people can remember the hysteria surrounding the German Shepherds and the Dobermans in the 70s and 80s, now the dog du jour is the “Pit Bull”]
Bully breeds have several desirable characteristics that build breed loyalty in their owners or guardians, such as:
extreme loyalty
affection to their owners
ease of training
[Also, don't forget: gregarious, people friendly, outgoing and social, athletic. A pit bull with a correct temperament enjoys meeting people and making new friends and bonds easily with its owners.]
Undesirable and/or anti-social behavior patterns include:
The tendency to chase things that move (animals, people, etc) [All dogs are hunters and predators and most will chase things that move quickly and/or erratically, even a Labrador or other popularly viewed “family friendly” dogs. Yes, Pit Bulls can have a high prey drive, however, there is a big difference in aggression towards animals and aggression directed towards people. These behaviors are separate and distinct and one does NOT predispose another].
The ability and tendency to bite and hold on – [This is a terrier behavior, jack russels, rat terriers, west highland white, cairn, etc, etc. The behavior is a terrier tendency and not reserved for “pit bulls” alone. ]
The tendency to try and dominate other animals or people by body slamming, mounting and otherwise physically controlling them. [Most performance type breeds require a good amount of training and socialization to be happy, including many shepherd types, border collies and other working dogs. Likewise, pit bulls need a fair amount of physical exercise and can become unruly if not provided with an outlet for their energy. However, though pit bulls can be pushy with other animals, they have been bred to be people soft! This breed is first and foremost a people soft breed – a temperamentally sound APBT will not try to dominate his handlers. ]
Uncontrollable arousal or excitement [“Uncontrollable” is a very deceptive description. We are talking about a performance breed that requires training and exercise just as many other performance breeds require training and exercise. Pit bulls do not have a tendency to re-direct aggression onto their human handlers.]
The first two undesirable characteristics can be classified as "predatory." All dogs have some of this - some breeds more than others. But, in most breeds and breed types, the behaviors are inhibited. For instance, many dogs will chase runners or bicyclists, but they are unlikely to do anything if they catch up - and are easily trained out of the behavior. Truly predatory dogs go through a fairly set series of behaviors that can end up in a serious bite or worse. These dogs are not angry or vicious. Instead, they are obeying an instinct that was essential for hunting [The description of “truly predatory” may be accurate, but it is NOT applicable to pit bulls. More primitive breeds would be predisposed to such predatory behavior but not temperamentally sound pit bulls]. Thus, they are not likely to give any warning and the chase can be amazingly fast. Sometimes they stalk before they chase; other times they don't [stalking before chasing is a herding dog trait: pit bulls are not herding dogs.]. A dog that bites out of fear or anger will virtually always warn its victim - it normally has no desire to bite, it just wants to be left alone [Such behavior is true of ANY dog that is in fear or in pain. It is actually called fear aggression and is undesirable and will render a dog, ANY DOG, un-adoptable].
Predatory attacks are very common in the bully breeds - predation is the main drive used in dog fighting, and it can be lethal. [Which breeds are being included in the bully breed category for this handout? Is this a general classificiation used by the uneducated – anything with a short coat and bulky body with a block head is a “bully breed”? Let be specifically clear about what exactly we are discussing. Some popular guarding breeds or some of the rare mastiffs have been included mistakenly in this category. Pit bulls (specifically the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier) can be prey driven towards small animals and aggressive towards other dogs. At the same time this willingness to take on a challenge by another animal has been cultivated through breeding; these dogs have been bred to be easy to train, easy to handle and very people soft. ]
The third undesirable characteristic of these breeds is "dominating" or "bully" behavior. This stems from confidence. Oftentimes, confident puppies will bully their siblings, and may take away resources (food or toys). They will do the same to members of their own human families [this has not been my experience in the 10 years I have been involved with the breed]. And, if they're successful when they're puppies, they tend to repeat the behaviors when they are grown. [Resource guarding from people is thankfully NOT a typical bully breed behavior. It is a behavior that would/should exclude a dog from a breeding or rescue program. In the 10 years I have been involved with rescue, I have euthanized ONE purebred American Pit Bull Terrier for resource guarding behavior. If you interview others involved with purebred APBT rescue, you will find that resource guarding is not that common of an occurrence.]
The fourth undesirable characteristic - arousal or excitement - is actually the most problematic. Many bully dogs cannot seem to calm themselves down once they get excited. And once they get excited all their behaviors are exacerbated. Thus, if a dog is over-confident and has a tendency to body slam or mount, he or she will really crash into the other dog or person when he's aroused, sometimes inadvertently causing injury. [It isn't clear here if this is an aggression danger or a hyper dog running around and accidentally knocking someone down? or crashing into things and other dogs in a hyper play situation?] He may begin to play-bite, and then bite harder and harder and harder. When you try to stop the behavior, the dog often becomes even more "aggressive." In this way, play can turn into aggression fairly quickly. Research on the brain [whose brain? Dogs, humans or chimps?] has shown that excited play has exactly the same chemistry as extreme anger. [citations? - if heavy word like "research" are used please include references to the proper studies and science documentation] This allows a play behavior to switch quickly into aggression. And, once the dog has become aggressive a few times, the switch is much easier. [the author seems eager to translate “reseach” into “causation” or fact. Excited play may mimic brain chemistry but it does not mean that play causes anger]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our test includes scenarios that allow each of these behaviors to be manifested if they are there. We do not just watch the animals, nor do we try to make them aggressive. What we do is try to anticipate and replicate behavior that occurs in a normal home.
We observe the dog for a substantial amount of time to see whether he is attentive or affectionate toward us. We then show the dog affection (petting), to see if he comes back for more. We then do something the dog is not likely to like but that will not hurt (examining the teeth and hugging). We give the dog objects or food and then ask for it back, or we drop something and then attempt to take it. And we play - we see if the dog retrieves and if he gives up play objects readily when he's excited. We also run around, much as a child would, to see if the dog chases and what he does when he catches up. We then wait to see how long it takes for the dog to cam down, to relax. Lastly, we introduce the dog to one or two other dogs, to see whether he is social to them.
We try to see the whole dog, as much as possible, for the safety and well being of our clients. We do not expect perfection, and will "grade" a dog for different levels of potential owners. [In other words, they do not expect their clients to have any breed specific knowledge. Purebreds were bred with specific goals in mind and understanding how those traits are expressed in the dog you own is crucial to a happy dog/owner relationship, regardless of the breed. This knowledge also impacts methods of training that may be better suited for different breeds]. There are some behaviors that are unacceptable - mostly aggression. If the dog is aggressive towards people in any way, he is not recommended for adoption. In addition, dog to dog aggression is a big mark against the dog as - especially in this country - people want their dogs to lay well with others. [There are many breeds to that do not do well in a "dog park" setting and require more responsibility and vigilance when it comes to interactions with other animals. Unfortunately, dog owners have become selfish and lazy, wanting to satisfy their own desires of having their dog “play” with others while feeling like they are exercising or interacting with their dog. To own a purebred dog, some intelligence regarding dog behaviors and specific breed characteristics is important. Pit bulls are the most popular dog in the United States as well as the most feared and the most legislated against. They are sadly the most misunderstood and until people take time to understand the REAL American Pit Bull Terrier, ignorance will abound with unfortunate consequences.]
Pit bulls and other bully breeds fail most often in the areas of arousal and dog-to-dog aggression. [This is also where breed understanding plays a crucial role in the success of a dog in society. Many breeds are not successful with dog to dog interactions. People who are looking for a generic dog and who will expect nothing from their dog, plan to learn nothing about dog behavior or dog training, and plan to take their dog to the dog park and stand around with a bunch of other people with generic dogs and no behavior knowledge, should stay away from the American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that requires more from its owner, it requires an owner to understand the breed. The rewards from the understanding will be tenfold.]
Each and every dog is tested on his own merits. We have and do put pit bulls up for adoption, after a knowledgeable person has fostered him or her for three weeks. [this is not adequate time to get to know a dog, two months is the average requirement (in a foster home) for really truly getting to know a dog and successfully evaluating a dog's personality and adoptability]. We are cognizant of the power of this type of dog - plus many other big dogs - and would rather err on the side of caution than allow a possibly dangers dog into our neighborhoods.
Trish King
Director, Behavior & Training Dept. Marin Humane Society
[Amy Hendrickson
Annabelle’s Second Chance Pit Bull Rescue
www.ascpbr.com]
For other rebuttals on this handout, and breed information please see
http://blog.myspace.com/realpitbull
www.pbrc.net
www.badrap.org
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2007/02/speaking-for-our-dogs.html
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/mhs_response.cfm
Thursday, February 22, 2007
MSNBC.com Article: Falcon denies killing girlfriend's pit bull
Falcon denies killing girlfriend's pit bullAtlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Babineaux denied responsibility on Tuesday for the death of his girlfriend's dog, which led to felony animal abuse charges against the player.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17243353/from/ET/
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Dog saves family from cobra, is killed
Dog saves family from cobra, is killed
By HERBIE GOMEZCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Feb 16) – A pit bull terrier proved beyond doubt that a dog can become a man’s best friend when it saved and gave its life for its master’s wife and her grandmother in Barangay Lapasan here.The dog named “Chief,” saved 87-year-old Liberata la Victoria and her granddaughter Maria Victoria Fronteras from a cobra that snaked through an opening in the family’s kitchen shortly around 8 a.m. Monday.On two occasions, the snake was about to attack the women when the dog dashed from a corner and used itself as a shield.Marlone Fronteras, an employee of Nestle Philippines who owned the terrier, said Chief seized the venomous snake in the neck with its teeth and repeatedly slammed it on the floor until it died.The dog was bitten too by the cobra; it died a few minutes later after giving its master a farewell gaze, according to the dog owner’s friends Mare Sabelita and Derf Ian dela Rama.An organization of pit bull terrier owners here, Royale Pit Bull Club-Ancient Fraternal Order of the Pit Bulls Inc., honored Chief and gave it the moniker “grandfather” of all pit bulls in the community.Marlone told the Malaya, that he, his family and members of the pit bull owners’ group gave the dog a “hero’s burial” the same day.“We just waited for the children to arrive from school because they loved Chief so much,” said Marlone.Sabelita said Fronteras’s wife Maria Victoria was teary eyed when she narrated the dog’s “heroism” to friends.“The snake was in front of us., maneuvering a deadly attack,” Sabelita quoted Maria Victoria as saying. “I screamed out loud to ask for help.”Hearing this, the four-year old pit bull terrier dashed from its sleeping area to fight off the deadly snake, said Sabelita quoting Maria Victoria.The cobra fought back and bit Chief at the lower left portion of the jaw. The dog then repeatedly slammed the cobra after it succeeded in immobilizing the snake with its sharp teeth, she said.Dela Rama said la Victoria was watching television when she panicked and alerted her granddaughter. The old lady said the cobra was about to attack her and the dog came to her rescue.Maria Victoria said she saw the cobra expand its neck as soon as she turned the lights on. She said the cobra looked like it was spitting as its inched closer, about a meter away, toward her.De la Rama said the terrier, “out of nowhere,” jumped on the cobra , bit it the neck, and then shook it till it died.Moments later, the dog slouched flat and fainted, spreading its arms and feet on the floor, after killing the killer snake.De la Rama said the dog went wobbly and lost control of its organs some 30 minutes after being bitten by the cobra; it started to urinate and defecate uncontrollably as it grasped for air and panted heavily.The Fronterases sought the help of veterinarian but they were reportedly told that it was too late because the snake bite was near the dog’s brain and the venom had already spread.Sabilita said Marlone rushed home when his wife called him up to tell him of what had happened and the dog’s master was stunned.The Fronteras children, who treated Chief like a member of the family and who called the dog “Kuya Chief,” were deeply affected, according to Sabelita.The last thing Chief did was waggle its tail and gaze at Marlone who had just come from work, said Sabelita.“Chief gave his two deep breaths and died. (It) was fighting and saving (its) last ounces of breath to see a glimpse of (its) master for the last two seconds of (its) life,” added dela Rama.Sabelita said he hoped people would change how they look at pit bull terriers, a breed strongly discouraged in many countries and banned because of their “cruel looks.”We never get the change to know them more,” said Sabelita.
By HERBIE GOMEZCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Feb 16) – A pit bull terrier proved beyond doubt that a dog can become a man’s best friend when it saved and gave its life for its master’s wife and her grandmother in Barangay Lapasan here.The dog named “Chief,” saved 87-year-old Liberata la Victoria and her granddaughter Maria Victoria Fronteras from a cobra that snaked through an opening in the family’s kitchen shortly around 8 a.m. Monday.On two occasions, the snake was about to attack the women when the dog dashed from a corner and used itself as a shield.Marlone Fronteras, an employee of Nestle Philippines who owned the terrier, said Chief seized the venomous snake in the neck with its teeth and repeatedly slammed it on the floor until it died.The dog was bitten too by the cobra; it died a few minutes later after giving its master a farewell gaze, according to the dog owner’s friends Mare Sabelita and Derf Ian dela Rama.An organization of pit bull terrier owners here, Royale Pit Bull Club-Ancient Fraternal Order of the Pit Bulls Inc., honored Chief and gave it the moniker “grandfather” of all pit bulls in the community.Marlone told the Malaya, that he, his family and members of the pit bull owners’ group gave the dog a “hero’s burial” the same day.“We just waited for the children to arrive from school because they loved Chief so much,” said Marlone.Sabelita said Fronteras’s wife Maria Victoria was teary eyed when she narrated the dog’s “heroism” to friends.“The snake was in front of us., maneuvering a deadly attack,” Sabelita quoted Maria Victoria as saying. “I screamed out loud to ask for help.”Hearing this, the four-year old pit bull terrier dashed from its sleeping area to fight off the deadly snake, said Sabelita quoting Maria Victoria.The cobra fought back and bit Chief at the lower left portion of the jaw. The dog then repeatedly slammed the cobra after it succeeded in immobilizing the snake with its sharp teeth, she said.Dela Rama said la Victoria was watching television when she panicked and alerted her granddaughter. The old lady said the cobra was about to attack her and the dog came to her rescue.Maria Victoria said she saw the cobra expand its neck as soon as she turned the lights on. She said the cobra looked like it was spitting as its inched closer, about a meter away, toward her.De la Rama said the terrier, “out of nowhere,” jumped on the cobra , bit it the neck, and then shook it till it died.Moments later, the dog slouched flat and fainted, spreading its arms and feet on the floor, after killing the killer snake.De la Rama said the dog went wobbly and lost control of its organs some 30 minutes after being bitten by the cobra; it started to urinate and defecate uncontrollably as it grasped for air and panted heavily.The Fronterases sought the help of veterinarian but they were reportedly told that it was too late because the snake bite was near the dog’s brain and the venom had already spread.Sabilita said Marlone rushed home when his wife called him up to tell him of what had happened and the dog’s master was stunned.The Fronteras children, who treated Chief like a member of the family and who called the dog “Kuya Chief,” were deeply affected, according to Sabelita.The last thing Chief did was waggle its tail and gaze at Marlone who had just come from work, said Sabelita.“Chief gave his two deep breaths and died. (It) was fighting and saving (its) last ounces of breath to see a glimpse of (its) master for the last two seconds of (its) life,” added dela Rama.Sabelita said he hoped people would change how they look at pit bull terriers, a breed strongly discouraged in many countries and banned because of their “cruel looks.”We never get the change to know them more,” said Sabelita.
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