Shelter reform is becoming the new black. On the heels of Texas HR 3450, commonly known as the Companion Animal Protection Act (CAPA), Nathan Winograd reports the state of Rhode Island is considering shelter legislation of its own. The gist of S-0091:
Shelters would be barred from killing animals if a shelter is willing to take them, unless:
The holding period for the animal has expired; andThere are no empty cages, kennels or other living environments in the shelter suitable for the animal; andA foster home is not available through another municipal or private animal shelter or Rhode Island incorporated animal organization; andAnother municipal or private animal shelter or Rhode Island incorporated animal organization is unwilling to accept the animal; andThe animal care or control manager of the animal shelter has certified that the above conditions have been met and that he/she has no other reasonable alternative
Basically, Rhode Island shelters would be required to work to save animals. If the planets align just right, 2011 could be known as the Year of the Pet.
‘Cuz I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman: I understand that state and federal budgets are stretched to the breaking point. Still, veterinary health care services have never been taxed. It would make no sense to do so, and would cause millions of people not to seek care for their animals. Nevertheless, as Pet Connection’s BFF Dr. Patty Khuly notes in her Fully Vetted blog, it’s a worrying trend. The states of New Mexico, Hawaii and South Dakota have already started, and California considered it.
[T]hreats to human health often start in animal populations — everything from viruses to tainted foods often find their ground zero in veterinary settings. Hence, why we need to keep our veterinarians as part of the public health team, which is largely why we don’t need any more barriers to keeping people from availing themselves of veterinary services.
And there’s more that meets the eye on these veterinary tax proposals. Consider that animal agriculture uses veterinary services, too. How will that be received by the animal agriculture industry? I’ll bet their lobbyists are already looking in the mirror, Taxi Driver-style, repeating to themselves, “You talkin’ to ME?”
Lennon and McCartney got it right. “Should five per cent appear too small, be thankful I don’t take it all.”
Good news from the Upper Peninsula: Chippewa County, Mich. has joined the honor roll of no kill successes. KC Dog Blog shows how they’re doing it right up there.
Patrick’s fan club grows: Patrick, the poor little pit bull who was dumped down a trash chute – and lived, is getting stronger. In the meantime he has developed a global following, though it comes with a cautionary note.
The Essex County courthouse has received more than 600 letters and faxes from around the world expressing concern for the dog and urging swift and harsh punishment for [Kisha] Curtis. The hospital ordered 500 thank-you cards with Patrick’s picture to mail to those who sent collars, dog shirts, toys, scrapbook pages or dog blankets embroidered with Patrick’s name, and it is fast running out.
Animal welfare officials in New Jersey are warning people touched by Patrick’s story to beware of donation scams that are using his image and story to raise funds. The Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey is urging anyone wishing to donate to make sure they give to legitimate charities that help animals.
Meanwhile, Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, where Patrick was found, has started a fundraising drive to build a new state-of-the-art city animal shelter in Patrick’s name, to ease overcrowding and call attention to the plight of abused or homeless animals.
Thanks to Susan Fox for the SFGate link.
A furry Sunday morning: For more than thirty years, CBS Sunday Morning has been one of my favorite television shows. First with the great Charles Kuralt, and now with Charles Osgood, it’s always been the perfect companion to Sunday coffee. If you missed yesterday’s show, my condolences. The entire ninety minutes was devoted to animals. However, I’ve got your back. You’ll have to make your own coffee while you watch these clips, though. I’m nice, but I have my limits. The intro piece was about how pets have truly become members of the family. Next, the story of Chaser, arguably the world’s smartest dog. Master storyteller Dean Koontz‘s relationship with his best friends have changed his life. Cats on parade, with the inimitable Mo Rocca. Finally, Italian actress Isabella Rossellini‘s own brand of animal magnetism (sorry, no video is available).
Kudos to Ashland: It seems there are a lot of pets in Ashland, Oregon. More importantly, as the Los Angeles Times tells us, the Ashland Fire Department is ready, willing and able to take care of any resuscitative needs the town’s pets may have. The picture accompanying the article indicates that even Garfield would receive good care…
Cop gets bitten. Terry Houston sent me this little radio clip from NPR’s Morning Edition. A woman was walking her pit bull in Memphis, Tenn…I’ll let Steve Inskeep tell you the rest.
The late, great Jimmy Stewart: He left us in 1997, but the legendary Jimmy Stewart’s legacy will be eternal. I didn’t know until I read a piece from my pal Maria Goodavage at Dogster that he was a dog lover. One night in 1981 on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, Jimmy brought the audience, and Johnny, to tears with a very special tribute to his beloved Beau.
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: Kittens, flickr creative commons (abbyladybug). CBS Sunday Morning logo, CBS News.
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