400 Dogs And Cats Rescued From Shelter
Clarksdale, Mississippi (Jan 27th, 2010)
More than 400 dogs and cats have been rescued from “deplorable conditions” at a shelter in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
On Sunday morning an operation involving multiple animal rescue organizations swooped on the city’s animal shelter under the authority and request of the city of Clarksdale. Animals were being kept in overcrowded conditions and many had serious health complaints. The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), who assisted in the rescue, described the facility as being suitable for only 60 animals.
The ASPCA worked with local authorities to establish a temporary shelter for the animals, which included 40 cats and around 320 dogs, and was assisted by local organizations including In Defense of Animals, Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi Animal Response Team. These coordinated efforts were assisted by 4 local veterinarians. In addition, the Atlanta Humane Society is transporting at least 100 animals to Georgia where they will become available for adoption.
Tim Rickey, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response, said that many of the animals appear to be healthy, but some have medical conditions, including mange, as well as injuries and bite wounds from living in communal, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. “We are making sure that the animals’ immediate needs are being met, and all animals are being evaluated by a veterinarian and will receive appropriate care,” Rickey said. “This was a situation where the intake of unwanted animals was much higher than the number of animals being adopted, and it led to horrible living conditions. We are glad to be able to provide relief.”
Photograph courtesy In Defense of Animals
This is just another example of how we all need to be vigilant and pro-active in checking things out, noticing abuse of any kind, and reporting problems, abuse and questionable situations.
Posted: Just One More Pet
ASCPA’s 2009 Campaign to Fight Puppy Mills is in Full Swing
As America ushers in a new era of federal leadership, many state governments are also getting back to work—and at least one of them is making puppy mill reform a priority. Last Sunday, the ASPCA joined animal welfare advocates and Illinois lawmakers in Chicago to announce the arrival of Chloe’s Bill, legislation that will help stamp out the worst puppy mills in the Prairie State.
“Illinois has a unique opportunity to adopt one of the strongest commercial breeding laws in the country,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “As commercial breeding increases throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest, it is reassuring that Illinois is recognizing the need for stronger laws before the prevalence of puppy mills becomes a blight on the state’s reputation.”
As currently written, Chloe’s Bill would:
• Limit to 20 the number of unaltered dogs a breeder may possess • Ban anyone convicted of felony-level animal cruelty from acquiring a dog-breeding license
• Prohibit wire flooring in commercial breeding facilities and create guidelines for appropriate heating, cooling and ventilation
• Require pet stores and breeders to provide customers with a dog’s full medical history
• Establish penalties for violations, ranging from fines to animal seizure and license revocation
Sponsored by State Rep. John Fritchey and State Senator Dan Kotowski, Chloe’s Bill is named for a young cocker spaniel—rescued from aMacon County, IL, puppy mill—who was present at Sunday’s press conference. Now living with one of the animal control agents involved in the raid on her kennel, Chloe is the sole survivor from her litter. Like thousands of other commercial dog breeders in the U.S., the owners of Chloe’s kennel focused on producing as many puppies as possible with little regard for the physical and mental health of their animals. The dogs found at this puppy mill were matted with feces and urine, and infested with fleas and internal parasites. Many suffered from deformed paws from living their lives on wire-floored cages.
As Rep. Fritchey explained to the media, “We are not trying to do anything drastic; we’re not trying to do anything radical. We’re trying to implement standards for what is humane care, for what is decent care.” Fritchey added that although he expects the bill will encounter some opposition, any dog breeder who would oppose it is likely to be the type of breeder that should make consumers wary.
How can you help? It is animal lovers like you who bring about change. Even if you don’t live in Illinois, what happens in one state becomes easier to accomplish in others—so we need you in the fight. In the coming weeks, the ASPCA Advocacy Center will email our Illinois advocates, providing guidance on how they can join us in getting Chloe’s Bill passed. But wherever you live, don’t miss out on this or any other important legislative news from the ASPCA—please sign up to receive animal advocacy-related emails.