It was nearly impossible for people all over the world to not pay attention to the events that took place in Egypt over the past few weeks.
While the world sat transfixed by the change in power, Egypt’s pets, particularly its cats, didn’t enjoy the experience at all. Time Magazine‘s World edition points out just a few of the recent crisis points:
Many Egyptians, expats, and tourists have been forced by authorities to flee the country without their pets; zoos and pet shops were also abandoned. The chaos of the uprising put a tremendous strain on the nation’s largest animal rights organization, the Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals (ESMA), of which Mona Khalil serves as treasurer. “It’s very common to see stray cats and dogs on the street, but not for us to see [abandoned] Persians and Siamese,” she says. [...]
So much of what Westerners know about Egypt is animal related, from riding camels around the Pyramids to studying about the worship of cats in Pharaonic times. The recent political turmoil has revealed many deep-rooted, previously overlooked problems in that country, the plight of their animals not the least among them. “A couple of people have asked me why they should care about animals all the way in Egypt,” says [American writer Gwen] Cooper. “My response has been to say that animals aren’t citizens of countries. They’re citizens of our hearts, and our hearts have no borders.”
Thanks to Susan Fox for the link.
Alternatives to Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages: Newlyweds and tourists taking their honeymoons in New York City keep the city’s horse-drawn carriage industry going. Did anyone ever stop to think that perhaps that isn’t the greatest idea if you’re a horse? Now that you mention it, yes. Bill Blasio serves as New York’s Public Advocate. In a Huffington Post column, he calls for the tradition to go the way of, well, the horse and buggy, and he has a state-of-the-art replacement in mind.
There are better solutions out there. The City Council is currently considering legislation, Intro. 86, that would phase out horse drawn carriages while transitioning to electric cars that will provide a 21st century version of the traditional charming ride around Central Park. Passing this bill would enable the city to show a better face to the millions that pass through Central Park every year, while preserving a quintessential New York City experience and the jobs that come with it. And it is critical that if this legislation is passed we make sure that carriage drivers are trained to use the new electric so no jobs are lost.
We should not wait for the next exposé on horses being mistreated, or the next crash that leaves a New Yorker injured or worse. It’s time for New Yorkers to rally around a safer, more humane alternative to the horse and carriage.
He’s right. London, Las Vegas, Toronto and Beijing have all phased out, and in fact banned, the practice of horse-drawn carriages for hire. New York, you should be next.
There are always exercise options for pets: An owner’s injury, 70 inches of snow in the space of seven weeks – both completely understandable reasons why a pet might not be getting as much exercise as usual. The San Jose Mercury News points out there are always options. Personally, I have a hunch the snow scenario would freak them out just a bit, but the advice is still sound.
That’ll do. Louie has outstanding agility skills, better than many of his competitors. He’s exceedingly well-trained. He’ll do anything for a ginger biscuit. Fetch, come when called, you name it. His trainer hopes he’ll perform as part of the Cheshire County dog display team at Crufts some day. None of that would be unusual, except that Louie is a pig. The Daily Mail has the story, and a LOT of pictures. And because it would be silly, perhaps even mean, to deprive you of the context, here’s a reminder of why you shouldn’t laugh at Louie’s talents.
Equal time for ferrets: It has been pointed out to me that I am not giving ferrets their due in my news roundups. I apologize, and offer this token of penitence.
Not everyone is calmassertive: Important disclaimer … I am not trying to reignite the pro- or anti- Cesar Millan holy war for the eleventyninth time, but I’m all about offering differing viewpoints. To that end, here’s something from our BFF Dr. Patty Khuly. This is not from her Fully Vetted blog, but a guest post for Pet News and Views on why some veterinary behaviorists don’t buy into Mr. Millan’s methodology. The post’s comment stream is utterly predictable, but Dr. Khuly’s points stand just fine on their own.
Ciao, Guido! Julia from Canidae Pet Food has a very cute profile of (and interview with) Guido, an Italian therapy cat. The post is good. The pictures are better.
Not a cupid picture: I know you’re seeing fuzzy wuzzy hearts, teddy bears and cupid pictures at every turn today. Allow me to inject a bit of reality into the day. Not everyone is in the Valentine’s Day spirit. This kitteh, for starters.
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see more Lolcats and funny pictures
I always like to hear from readers, especially if you have tips, and links for interesting stories. Give me a shout in the comments, or better yet, send me an e-mail
Photo credit: Cat in a Cairo coffee shop, Tara Todras-Whitehill / AP
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