Abandoned Puppies Suspect Arrested!

Update: Woman charged after puppies dumped in Riverhead.

By: N Gilbert

Update: An Amityville woman is facing animal cruelty charges for allegedly dumping two mange-ravaged puppies in Riverhead on Dec. 18, Suffolk County SPCA officials announced Sunday.

Dog Stabbing!

Dog stabbed in attempted attack on Asbury Park man, official says.

By: O Jefferson

ASBURY PARK – A dog was stabbed in Asbury Park while helping protect his owner’s brother from an attacker, according to an official.

Herbie Update!

Herbie Update 12.28.2012

"Update 12/28/12: Herbie's diagnosis from the specialist is that he has adenocarcinoma. It is non-operable and non-responsive to chemotherapy and radiation.

What a MAN!!!

Lemont man leaves $1.5 million to Chicago-area no-kill animal shelters

By: O Jefferson




December 26, 2012 (LEMONT, Ill.) (WLS) -- Not many people knew Sylvester Czopek during his life. But now many animal lovers will come to know his name after his death.

Death of a Family pet: By a Child!

California boy, 12, admits hanging his small dog ‘to see it die’

By: N Gilbert

The Salinas, Calif., youth showed no remorse, say police, adding, ‘Hopefully the court system will connect him to resources to deal with his anger.’

Herbie Update 12.26.2012

Herbie Update 12.26.2012

By: N Gilbert

Herbie, who has been touching everyone's heart, received his biopsy results indicating that he has underlying cancer. So in addition to battling his malnutrition, his previous traumas, he must now fight his biggest battle of all. He is in good spirits and is eating and gaining weight.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!


Best wishes in the up coming year to all of our fans! Have a wonderful Christmas with your families and stay safe!!! God bless you all and thank you all for everything you've contributed to GLD!
We love you all! ♥ ♥ ♥

Love, 
Nikki, Ollie, & Grace


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……………… …*•○♥○•*………
……………… .*♥♫♀♂♫♥*’………
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… ……………*♥☺▬♥☺♥▬☺♥* ………
………….*♥•♥▬#♠ ♥#▬♥•*♥*………
…………*♥♫♥♥▬♫♥ ♥♫▬♥*♫* ………
………*♥☺♥☺♥♫*♣♥♫♥☺♥☺ ♥*………
…….*♥♣♫♥♣♥☺♥♫♥☺♥� �♫♣♥*………
…….*♥♥☺♣♥♫♥♥♫♥☺♥♫ ♥♣☺♥♥*………
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…………………… .๑۩۞۩๑…………………
…………Merry Christmas Friends……

Make a Sale, Save a Tail

Two little girls turn their grief over their dog into nonprofit to help other dogs

By: N Gilbert

Two years ago Maria and Sophia had to say goodbye to their beloved pug Rocky right before the holidays. The devastated girls used the experience and grief to help other dogs in need. Over the past two years the two girls have raised over $5,000 to help shelters and organizations that help animals in need.

Hit and Run

Ft. Myers woman facing animal abuse charges

By: O Jefferson

A woman in Lee County is facing some horrifying charges of animal abuse. Deputies say Ana Torres knowingly left her Yorkshire terrier to die inside a kennel.

Herbie Update 12.20.2012

Latest News on Herbie the Pit Bull

By: N Gilbert

Via Doc Rick Broz:

Update 12/19/12: Herbie is now up to 51 pounds!! Herbie's bloodwork is slowly improving. Dr. Wood is taking Herbie to the ophthamologist today, so we will have more information tomorrow concerning his appointment.

A Good Day For Justice

Suspects accused of burning 'Justice' the puppy face trial together.

By: N Gilbert

DALLAS -
Four young man accused of setting a puppy on fire will face trial together, a Dallas County judge ruled Wednesday.

Herbie Update

Emaciated Pit Bull Named Herbie, Recovering Well!

By: N Gilbert

As per our Facebook post, here is our update on Herbie! :)

Torturous Death of a Yorkie

Sentencing delayed for third time in death of Yorkie, Honey.

By: O Jefferson

A sentencing hearing for a Gray man who pleaded guilty to torturing his family’s dog to death while high on bath salts and cocaine was delayed for a third time Wednesday because his defense attorney is representing former Unicoi County Sheriff Kent Harris in Harris’ criminal trial in Erwin.

Trooper Update

East St. Louis Woman Charged in Puppy Trooper Dragged Down Interstate Case

By: N Gilbert

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) — Charges have been filed in the case of the puppy that was dragged behind a pick-up on interstate 55 just before Thanksgiving.

Puppy Butcher

Puppy butcher at large!

By: N Gilbert

SOUTH BEND – High-force trauma, broken vertebrae, decapitation -- Police are looking for a man now charged with brutally beating three puppies to death.

Bill Passed Finally!

Senate Passes Anti-Dogfighting Bill!

By: N Gilbert

This week the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act (S. 1947), a bill that will close a loophole in existing law and make it a crime to attend an animal fight and bring additional penalties for those who take a minor along.

Drake: Another Arrest Made!

Thanks to DNA Results, Another Arrest Made In Fatal Shooting of Drake.

By: N Gilbert

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla --  Authorities have made another arrest in the shooting of a retired police K-9 dog named Drake.

Investigators
with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office say they have DNA evidence
that ties Gilson Gilles, 19, to the armed break-in and shooting of a
retired police dog last month at a state trooper's home in suburban West
Palm Beach.

A Dog For Christmas

Christmas Gift Giving: think before you act!

By: N Gilbert

Are you looking to get a new puppy or kitten for your child, friend, or relative as a Christmas gift this year? While it is always nice to receive a pet as a gift, just remember that 9 times out of 10, that pet gets bigger and loses that typical "baby" cuteness. Kids love puppies, but when the puppy gets older, the kids end up overlooking the now grown up dog. That eventually leads to the dog and or cat being tossed aside and then put in a shelter due to the owner not wanting it anymore. Now, not all kids and parents feel this way. Some dogs and cats become part of the family and end up growing old along with the kids, and are able to enjoy their lives with their family. Please read the following information from our friends at PetFinder regarding giving pets as gifts for Christmas.

Duct Taped Death!

Man Who Duct Taped and Dumped Sick Dog in Jail… Finally.

By: N Gilbert

Meet Shane Morehouse, 52, of Fort Edward, NY.  He’s one of two men who were accused of duct taping then dumping a big shaggy dog along a rural road in Argyle, NY in Feb. of 2012.  The other was Louis M. Hart, 43, of Hudson Fall, NY.  When found, the dog had both legs duct taped together, was seriously underweight and  had a serious wound on it’s neck from wearing a too tight collar.

Lilly the Pretty Pit Bull

Pit Bull Terrorized During Home Burglary.

By: O Jefferson

Deputies in Seminole County, Florida are seeking the public's help in locating two men accused of burglarizing a Longwood home, and terrorizing a family pet in the process.The home's residents, who were away when the burglary occurred, returned to find their home in disarray and their dog, a three-year-old pit bull named Lilly, missing.

Pit Bull Progressing

Emaciated pit bull found on Lorain tree lawn improving, named Herbie.

By: N Gilbert

LORAIN, Ohio - The pit bull found extremely emaciated on a tree lawn Saturday is improving -- and has been given a name.
The tiny dog has been named Herbie by the Lorain Animal Clinic.

Dog Owner Jailed For Neglect!

Dog owner jailed after admitting not feeding starving pet for weeks.

By: N Gilbert

Kent, England, UK.


A Kent man has been jailed for 12 weeks after admitting not feeding his Staffordshire bull terrier for weeks.

Metro Update

Metro's Gotta Foster!!!

By: N Gilbert

METRO'S OFF HER FLUIDS! She's still on her meds, but Metro's been able to support herself while off of fluids, which is a big deal around here!

Phoenix Update

Phoenix Shows Off His Playful Side!

By: N Gilbert

Buffalo, NY (WKBW) - Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a puppy is going to survive a harrowing ordeal.

Have a SAFE and Merry Christmas!

How To Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas!

By: N Gilbert

 

Keep Pets Safe This Christmas Season with These Pet Care Tips

Christmas Decorations Pose Health Threat to Pets

The Holiday season for most of us means the Christmas decorations come out of storage and are placed throughout our homes.

Metro Update 12/2/12

Metro the Neglected Puppy: update 12/2/12.

By: N Gilbert

LOOK WHO IS SITTING UP!!

Little Metro

EMACIATED PUPPY FOUND OUTSIDE BUFFALO VETERINARY CLINIC, RUSHED TO SPCA BY RURAL METRO AMBULANCE REPRESENTATIVES.

By: N Gilbert


PUP'S CONDITION EXTREMELY GUARDED; DONATE TOWARDS HER CARE HERE

Officers of the SPCA Serving Erie County are currently investigating circumstances leading up to the appearance of an emaciated, female pit bull puppy outside Anderson Inner City Animal Hospital in Buffalo Wednesday, November 28.

Simpsons Samaritan

'Simpsons' Show Co-Creator Gives $10,000 to Reward in Cruelty Case.

By: N Gilbert


The case of the dog struck abused with an ax or machete has gained national attention. Bradenton's animal lovers have stepped up to pay for his ongoing medical care.

Nitro's Law!

The Nitro Law: making it a felony for animal abuse in Ohio.

By: N Gilbert

Nitro. A beautiful family owned Rottweiler. Nitro was taken to a K9 training facility that his family thought was legitimate. Here is his story:

Phoenix's Law!

County Lawmakers Urge NYS Legislature to Enact 'Phoenix's Law.'

By: N Gilbert

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW)- Following a brutal case of animal cruelty, the Erie County Legislature is calling on state lawmakers to enact 'Phoenix's Law'.

Shelter Carelessness

Dog euthanized within hour at shelter; now family grieves.

By: N Gilbert

For at least one local family, here’s a new twist on an old saying: If you love something, set it free. If it doesn’t come back – you probably took it to the Wake County Animal Center.
That was the experience of Danielle Miller and her young family when it came to their dog, Tucker.

Miller said she took Tucker to the shelter Nov. 14 to free it from their small apartment and so Tucker he could be “re-homed.” That’s animal shelter talk for adopted. But Miller changed her mind within an hour and went back to retrieve Tucker.

It was too late.

Tucker, a black German shepherd-Labrador mix, had already been put down, euthanized – oh, who are we kidding? KILLED – despite assurances that that was unlikely to occur.

Two weeks later, Miller is still distraught.

“When I took him in, they said ‘Ooh, he’s so beautiful’ and they’d try to re-home him,” she told me Wednesday. “I asked if there was any chance he’d be euthanized, and they said ‘Yes,’ but don’t worry. It’s not going to happen. I asked if it was OK to call back and check on him.”

Even as she drove away, Miller was tormented by her decision, she said. But so great was her love for the 2-year, 4-month-old dog that she knew Tucker would be better off with some place to stretch out and run.

Oh, Tucker had plenty of room to run, ears pinned back by the wind, tongue wagging, when Miller’s husband, Andy Sargent, was in the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejeune. When he got out of the Corps, the family relocated to the Triangle. “It was much more affordable living” in Havelock, she said, “and we had a huge backyard where he could run and run.” But the family’s Apex apartment didn’t provide that luxury.

“We thought it would work here, but it didn’t,” she said.

It became obvious that the smaller surroundings weren’t good for him. “We read about the center’s adoption policy and thought it would be best” to let Tucker go someplace where he could roam.

‘Aggressive’ Tucker

Miller said she called back 15 minutes after driving away from the center and was told that everything was cool with Tucker. She got the same answer when she called back 30 minutes later, she said. Fifteen minutes after that, though, when she’d decided to bring Tucker home and find some new living arrangements, she got the news that devastated the family.

“I told them I was coming back to get him, and they said, ‘Don’t bother. He’s already dead.’ I said there must be some mistake.” The person on the other end, she said, assured her there was no mistake. “ ‘I’m looking at him. He’s dead,’ ” Miller said she was told.

Dr. Jennifer Federico, animal services director for the center, said the 45 minutes her staff gave for the “aggressive” Tucker to “chill out” was actually longer than usual. “We’re an extremely busy center. In the context of what we do every day, that’s about twice as long as usual.

“We’re not here to euthanize pets,” she said. “I’m a vet. I would much rather return pets to their family.”

The decision to euthanize Tucker was made, Federico said, after staff members tried to put a leash on the dog so it could be de-wormed and vaccinated. “We always tell people there’s a chance of euthanasia,” Federico said, citing space, health and temperament as possible reasons.

She said Tucker became aggressive with staff each time they tried to process him. Hence, the decision to euthanize was made.

“We want to give the animal every chance to be processed, but if they show any sign of aggression, we’re not allowed to adopt them out,” Federico said.

Miller was inconsolable. “I cried so hard,” she recalled. “I went there the next day and asked ‘How is this possible? How could you kill a loving pet within an hour?’ ”

Tucker “was so beautiful and peaceful, Miller said. “He never growled or bit. I can remember him barking only four times his entire life. We literally were concerned about his vocal chords at one point.”

But Federico said it’s impossible to predict how a dog will be at the shelter by how it behaves at home.

‘Unfortunate part’

“The really unfortunate part for Tucker,” Federico said, “ is that the front staff was putting a note in (the computer) that the owner was coming back for him, but the computer wasn’t updated. By the time Miss Miller got back, he’d already been euthanized.”

As a result of that incident, Federico said the center is now recommending that people who surrender a dog for adoption remain at the center until they’re sure the animal can be processed. If not, they can take it back home.

Whew. Up until now, I’d always thought the saddest dog story ever was the one contained within the song “Mr. Bojangles.” You know, where the dude:

“spoke through tears of 15 years how his dog and him traveled about.

“The dog up and died. He up and died. And after 20 years he still grieves.”

Tucker didn’t up and die. He was killed because of a slow-to-update computer or some other reason.

Whatever the reason, the Millers, too, still grieve.


Moral of the story here: NEVER believe that a shelter is telling you the complete truth unless you see it with your own eyes! RIP Tucker! Never forgotten and always loved!


Credits: http://www.carynews.com/2012/11/28/67268/saunders-within-an-hour-at-shelter.html

More Details in the Case of Trooper!

More has been revealed in the terror on little Trooper.

By: N Gilbert

New details on Trooper's case!!!
A pit bull puppy that was dragged behind a truck on Interstate 55 for a mile on Wednesday is recovering from severe injuries, Humane Society officials said today.

The 5-month-old dog, named Trooper by his medical team, has improved after five days in intensive care and veterinarians are "guardedly optimistic" about his chances.

“This puppy has experienced severe trauma and horrible injuries and his condition could change quickly,” said Dr. Mark Wright, the Humane Society’s director of shelter medicine, in a statement. “However, we are doing everything possible to support his recovery, reduce the chances for infection and keep him out of pain.”

At some point Wednesday morning, the puppy's leash became hooked on the trailer hitch of a Dodge pickup without the driver's knowledge. When the driver left a parking lot at Wilmington Avenue near I-55, the animal was pulled under a trailer already attached to the truck, investigators said.

The driver took the Bates Street on-ramp and traveled northbound one mile before another driver spotted the dog and flagged him down.

Investigators said the driver was distraught but cooperative. He did not recognize the dog or know how the 20-lb. animal became tethered to the truck. The dog had a blue collar and leash but no identifying tags or microchip.

The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a $2,500 reward for information on the incident. Investigators have received several tips but have not found the dog's owner. Anyone with information is asked to call the animal abuse hotline at 314-647-4400.

Toxic Toys!

New study shows dogs exposed to harmful chemicals from plastic toys.

By: N Gilbert

A new study has found that plastic pet toys, such as as bumper toys, which is a common device used to train retrieving dogs, readily leach the harmful chemicals bisphenol-A (BPA) and phtalates and could pose a health risk to dogs.

Scientists at the Texas Tech University revealed that dogs that chew and play with bumper toys (also called "dummies") may be exposing themselves to the chemicals.

In recent years, research in humans and rodents linked BPA and phthalates to a number of health issues including: hormonal fluctuations, decreased fertility, impaired development of reproductive organs and cancers.

Typically, BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic (often hard plastics and vinyl), including some water bottles, baby bottles, and in epoxy resins, which are used to line metal products including some canned foods. Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers - substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility.

The substance was originally declared safe but recently, many health authorities worldwide reversed its position on BPA and phtalates. The United States, Canada and the European Union have banned some BPAs and phthalates in children’s toys, baby bottles and sippy cups. Consumer pressure has also resulted in many manufacturers discontinued using of the chemical additives in their products. However, there are still numerous products, including canned foods, which still use BPAs and phtalates.

Philip Smith, co-author of the study and a toxicologist at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech, became interested in chemical exposures from bumpers after using them to train his own Labrador Retrievers. "Some of the dogs are exposed to plastic bumpers from the time they are born until the day they die. We all want our pets to be healthy," Smith told Environmental Health News.

The study took orange and white bumpers and then measured how much BPA and phthalates leached from the plastic items into dishes filled with artificial dog saliva. Since simulated saliva was used, it is difficult to say how much actual leaching would occur in a dog's mouth.

The bumpers were also exposed to simulated chewing. Chewed bumpers leached more BPAs and phalates than those simply left outside to the elements for a period of time. Further studies would need to be done in order to begin to estimate actual exposure of the chemicals to a dog. However, scientists suspect that the levels of chemicals observed from the bumpers would be considered very high when compared with children's toys.

Researchers also tested pet toys sold through major retailers. Bumpers tended to leach higher concentrations than other toys, but preliminary test results showed that some store-bought toys might have leached other hormonally-active chemicals.

"A lot of plastic products are used for dogs, so to understand the potential for some of the chemicals to leach out from toys is a new and important area of research," said veterinarian Safdar Khan, senior director of toxicology research at the ASPCA's Poison Control Center in Illinois. Dr. Khan also pointed out that there may be other potential sources of environmental chemicals - such as house dust - that affect dogs, given they are much closer to the ground than humans.

Although more research needs to be done on the potential health risks for dogs exposed to BPA and phthalates Smith said that consumer education about potential risk seems warranted based on their data.

A number of popular dog toy manufacturers do have BPA and phtalate-free products available. They include: West Paw Design, Chewber, Planet Dog, Jolly Pets, Nylabone and Kong.


Credits: http://www.dogheirs.com/dogheirs/posts/2363-new-study-shows-dogs-exposed-to-harmful-chemicals-from-plastic-toys

Memphis: the drama is finally over!

Memphis & Coltenback: the saga is finally coming to an end.

By: N Gilbert

The months-long ordeal over the Bloomfield pit bull named Memphis may be coming to an end.


PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF COLTENBACK
Bloomfield dog trainer Jeff Coltenback says an agreement is in the works for him to adopt the pit bull Memphis.

According to a statement from local dog trainer Jeff Coltenback, he and his wife Diana have reached a preliminary deal with the Bloomfield Board of Health.

"We are still ironing out the details," Coltenback said in the statement. "But, basically, once Memphis is deemed adoptable by his current caretaker, he will be adopted by Diana and me."

He stated an agreement would be up for resolution at the Bloomfield Board of Health meeting next month.

"I think the agreement [on the table] is putting it in writing what the boards' concern was from the beginning - adoptability and public safety," Karen Lore, director of the Bloomfield Health and Human Services Department, told Bloomfield Life on Wednesday. The issue was never who should adopt the dog once deemed adoptable, she added.

Memphis was held at the John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals after being picked up as a stray in February. Officials deemed the dog "unadoptable" after an evaluation.

Coltenbacks were training the dog at home, but were asked to return Memphis after being accused of violating the contract for allegedly having the dog near children. The Coltenbacks denied that claim.

"Memphis was never at risk," Lore said of the dog's fate in shelter care.

Township officials said Memphis was moved to South Dakota for additional training and because of threats toward the shelter.

Lore said Wednesday that a rescue ground transporter carried Memphis to the Midwest through donations from the town's volunteer Neighbor to Neighbor Network. Lore did not know how much it cost.

Karen Lore, President of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Network and Acting Director of Health and Human Services.



"I'm grateful to the NTNN support committee for assisting us in the rehabilitation, and also the rescue group that came forward on behalf of Memphis," Lore said.

Coltenback said the Board of Health attorney Ronald Ricci approved his statement.

"I'd like to thank the Board of Health for their willingness to work with us," Coltenback stated. "I'd especially like to thank all of the Memphis supporters. Your continued support throughout this is appreciated beyond words. I think this is a great start to the healing process for everyone involved and for the Township of Bloomfield as a community."

Pet adoptions

The animal shelter is running a holiday promotion for the adoption of other cats and dogs, Lore said.

Home for the Holidays runs until the end of the year. The animals are spayed or neutered, and there is a "minimum fee, if anything" to adopt.

The attention of Memphis has hurt the shelter, Lore said, saying donations are down.

"There's been a lot of attention placed on Memphis, but there are a lot of other animals there," she said. "Some of our older animals have been in the shelter for a longer period of time.

"Our goal is to get them into homes with the right families," she said.


Credits: http://www.northjersey.com/news/181249251_Dog_trainer__Bloomfield_pit_bull_ordeal_being_resolved.html

Dog Protected

Woman's dog protected from domestic violence by restraining order.

By: N Gilbert

For the first time in Massachusetts state history, a dog has been covered by a restraining order to protect him from domestic violence. The dog's owner was granted a restraining order in Plymouth District Court against her violent ex-boyfriend that covers her, her child and her 6-year-old Labrador mix named Panzer.

The 38-year-old Marshfield woman feared for the safety of her family and sought help from a woman's resource centre. She told domestic violence advocates that she feared that her boyfriend might try to take the dog, and she stated that he had already kicked and dragged the dog in the past. Marshfield Animal Control officer Deni Michele Goldman was alerted to the situation and arrangements were made to protect the family.

The restraining order was filed in September, just weeks after Governor Deval Patrick signed an animal protection bill that created a safety net for pets caught in domestic violence situations.

The dog is now in safekeeping at an undisclosed foster family under the care of Marshfield Animal Control. Officer Goldman  told the Taunton Daily Gazette, "This new law allows a judge to award the possession of an animal to the victim and to prohibit the accused from abusing, threatening or taking the pet," she said. "This was really good timing."

Goldman said that that more than 70% of abused women report that their batterers have threatened to hurt or kill their pets and have tried to used such threats to coerce battered women into staying or refraining from calling police.

The woman and her 2-year-old son are now staying at a domestic violence shelter out-of-state. Officer Goldman is in touch with Panzer's owner regularly and says that once the woman and her son are settled in a safe place she will be reunited with Panzer.

As the owner of a pet who was also around domestic violence, I can't stress this enough that if you're with someone who is violent, physical or verbal or both, PLEASE consider the feelings of your beloved pet. They see what's going on and they feel the tension. I myself was in a violent relationship and my dog is still somewhat skiddish around people that are yelling. So for yourself and for the sake of your pet, get out of there immediately. Trust me, it will only get worse!

Related Articles:

• Strong link between animal cruelty and domestic violence revealed
• Domestic violence against family pets bill introduced in Florida

Credits: http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/2355-woman-s-dog-protected-from-domestic-violence-by-restraining-order

Florida Dog Fighters: Busted!

Dog fighting ring operating for decades busted by authorities in Florida.

By: O Jefferson

Rudolf was rescued from a dog fighting ring that had been operating for decades and was closed down by authorities in Hillsborough County, Florida.





A dog fighting operation, which appears to have been operating for decades, has been closed down by Hillsborough County authorities in Seffner, Florida after they received an anonymous tip.

Upon arriving at the large and remote property yesterday, they discovered one of the largest dog fighting rings they have seen in years. Although 7 dogs were rescued from the property, authorities expect to find hundreds of bodies on the property after one of two men arrested confessed.

One of the dogs rescued from the dog fighting ring receiving medical care.

"The individual there actually admitted to us that he has been fighting dogs out there for 20 years and jokingly said we were walking on a graveyard," said Sgt. Pam Perry, investigations manager for Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Authorities report the property had the stench of death and that it was clearly set up for dog fighting. They found a blood-stained pit, paraphanalia, mounds of earth, and other grisly evidence. "There was also a chain with a collar and as you reached the end of that chain with the collar and looked up to a mound there was a jaw and a skull of a dog," said Sgt. Perry.

The isolation of the property meant that neighbors a quarter of a mile away would likely not heard dogs barking or known of its existence. Neighbors expressed shock at learning of the dog fighting operation.

But someone knew enough to tell animal control that dogs were injured and not being properly treated, which lead investigators to the home at 6846 Stark Road.

The two suspects arrested were identified as 55-year-old Vannie Franklin and his nephew 41-year-old Russell Franklin. Both are facing a slew of felony charges including dog fighting, possession of animals used for dog fighting, animal cruelty, improper confinement, possession of marijuana, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Six of the dogs rescued are pitbulls, and one black Labrador mix. Sgt. Perry could not say if all the dogs would survive their injuries, but one named Rudolf appears to have fresh gashes and wounds. His nose raw and red, Sgt. Perry hopes he will find a loving home. "They deserve to live the rest of their life in luxury," said Sgt. Perry of the rescued dogs. "Because they were living in a kill zone."



Hillsborough Animal Services recently found a dog buried to her neck and shot twice in the head. The search for a suspect in that case continues.

If anyone has with information about suspected animal cruelty in Hillsborough County, they can contact Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or can call Crimestoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

The Humane Society of the United States also has a nationwide tip line to report suspected dog fighting at 1-877-TIP-HSUS and offers rewards for tips that lead to prosecution.


Credits & Videos: http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/2358-dog-fighting-ring-operating-for-decades-busted-by-authorities-in-florida

Mission: RESCUE!

Man on a mission to rescue abandoned dog waiting for his owners to return.

By: N Gilbert

A man in a small town in Cuba, Illinois is on a mission to rescue an abandoned dog before winter. He is hoping to enlist members in the community to help him bring the dog in safely.

Brian Anderson first saw the homeless foxhound around two months ago. The healthy-looking dog is wearing a collar and appears to have had an owner at one time. He goes regularly to the northwest edge of town looking for his owner to return. Brian says the roadway where the dog goes – the Country Mile – is notorious for people dumping animals.

Over the past few months, a few homes have been regularly leaving food out for the dog so he gets fed. Locals have nicknamed the dog "Dave", after the Dave Matthews Band and their song Save Me which has the lyrics "Save me, save me/Stranger, if you please/Or am I too far gone/to get back home".

Dave has established a regular morning routine and has a place he sleeps. However, he won't let anyone go near him. He also is quite wiley and has managed to evade capture by net and live traps and tranquilizer. "No luck yet, but we haven't given up on him," Brian told PJ Star. "It's unusual to have one this elusive."

With winter fast approaching, Brian is offering a $200 reward for help in saving the dog and would appreciate any information or support from people in the neighborhood who see the dog or are helping to feed Dave. Brian can be reached at his work number is 647-4861 and cell phone at 224-1195.

If Dave is successfully caught, Brian has several people who will offer Dave a permanent home.

Credits: http://www.dogheirs.com/elleng/posts/2352-man-on-a-mission-to-rescue-abandoned-dog-waiting-for-his-owners-to-return

Beastiality Be Gone!

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Loyalty and Heroism Combined!

Loyal dog saves life of 87-year-old owner trapped in woods for two freezing nights.

By: N Gilbert

An 87-year-old man has his loyal dog to thank for being rescued, after spending two nights in a dense forest in near freezing temperatures.

Ray Grumbach is a tough, former logger who knows the outdoors well. Every Saturday, Ray goes walking in the woods near his home with his dog Chief. But while out for his walk this week, he fell and was unable to get back up. Chief stuck by his side and kept him warm for the next two nights as temperatures dipped below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celcius) and Ray fought to stay alive.

Search and Rescue sent out a helicopter, ATVs, horses and dozens of rescuers near Horne Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada to find the elderly man. Ray's grandson ended up finding him. The grandson joined searchers and Chief recognized Ray's grandson's voice as he called out for his grandfather. The heroic dog ran to the grandson’s side and lead him and group of friends on a very obscure trail directly to Ray's side.

Ray was carried out on stretcher and Chief never let Ray out of her sight. Ray is being treated for hypothermia and exposure at Nanaimo hospital and will be released shortly, no doubt to the delight of Chief.

Credits: http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/2347-loyal-dog-saves-life-of-87-year-old-owner-trapped-in-woods-for-two-freezing-nights

Warrior Puppy!

Xena: what a powerful pup!

By: O Jefferson

  XENA WARRIOR PUPPY

"On 09/15/2012, Xena came into Dekalb Animal Services in Georgia as a stray after someone called regarding a stray puppy found in their yard. An officer picked up the puppy and arrived at the shelter around closing time with this girl. We gave her fluids and nutrical, and a wonderful volunteer took her home. She rushed Xena to her vet & by that time, the little miracle had already perked up. If an owner can be located, cruelty charges will be pursued. In any case, Xena is now safe and we hope that she continues to improve with TLC." Via Xena the Warrior Puppy Facebook Page.

 Another horrific case of abuse with a happy ending! Xena remains in the loving care of a foster who belongs to the Dekalb Animal Services in Georgia where every day she continues to get better and better. If you have any information regarding the abuse on little Xena, please contact Dekalb Animal Services. For donations or information, please go to this link: www.friendsofdekalbanimals.org.

Terror Shelter!

Maricopa Torture Chamber: why in the world are they still in business?

By: N Gilbert

 
Maricopa County Animal Shelter, Phoenix, Arizona.

Everyone that cross-posts has more than likely seen the image to the right of this poor little Chihuahua, Angel. The story begins when shelter employees were euthanizing certain animals that day. This little pup being one of them. When this photo surfaced, Facebook users were outraged, including ourselves. We all tried to get answers. Some got hung up on, told off, and some just got no answers at all. When people finally got through to this shelter, employees told them that they felt "in fear for their lives" due to the aggression from this dog. Now, let's face facts here...a Chihuahua this size couldn't weigh anymore than around 10 pounds. This dog was no ravenous mountain lion getting ready to sink it's teeth into it's prey. This was a scared little being that knew its fate. Unfortunately, she didn't survive due to the shelter using a heart stick (Intracardial injections, commonly know as heart sticks, is a rather inhumane way to euthanize an animal that is not comatose(or nearly comatose) or heavily sedated. A needle and syringe containing sodium pentobarbital is passed through the chest wall and several layers of muscle into the heart. However on an animal that isn't sedated or comatose this is hard to do because the body is in constant motion. It's not uncommon for the person administering the injection to miss and accidentally puncture the lungs causing them to fill up with fluid. This is a VERY painful way to die!) on her just moments after being strangled with a choking catch pole (as seen above). 
Sad thing is, Maricopa ACC is known for the lack of care and abuse they have conducted on their shelter animals. 

Pictured here is another adorable Chihuahua that was obviously abused. According to the Facebook page "STOP the Abuse at Maricopa County Animal Control," "This dog was considered an obvious "Urgent" as his eye was bleeding, yet he was left sitting in his cell at MCACC with no treatment...no help whatsoever. He sat there for days with his eye like this. When one particular volunteer saw him, and finally got him help, his eye was starting to dry up/disintegrate . It is only when a rescue was notified, that he was given treatment. This is, once again, inhumane to let a dog suffer in this condition, with nothing. No help at all. This is complete neglect of an animal."

Furthermore in conclusion, Animal Activists are currently holding an event on Facebook to hold MCACC accountable for the neglect and abuse that goes on in their shelter. Abuse SHOULD NOT be tolerated in ANY way and it's appalling that a so called "animal shelter" would even allow such a thing. For more information regarding the public event to protest against MCACC, please visit the link here: https://www.facebook.com/events/560597270623253/. The protest will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm MST, the location is:
MCACC EAST - 2630 West 8th Street
Mesa, AZ 85201.

Please show your support to the people who set up the page on Facebook against this horrible facility
at STOP the Abuse at Maricopa County Animal Control. 

Remember, we are their voices. Make a difference in the lives of a helpless animal today!

Sledding Tragedy!

No prison time for man who killed 50 sled dogs

By: O Jefferson

VANCOUVER, B.C. — A man who pleaded guilty in the slaughter of dozens of sled dogs in British Columbia will not spend time in prison, a judge has ruled. 

Provincial Court Judge Steve Merrick concluded Thursday that Robert Fawcett had the "best interests" of the dogs at heart when he culled the pack near Whistler after a business slump following the 2010 Olympics.
The devastating aftermath of the April 2010 killing was outlined in court by Fawcett's lawyer, who described how hard it was for his client to listen to details of the slaying of his beloved animals.
Fawcett, 40, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary pain and suffering to animals. That count relates to the deaths of nine dogs. More than 50 were exhumed from a mass grave in 2011 as part of a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigation. The court was told most of the dogs didn't suffer.
The judge gave Fawcett three years' probation, 200 hours of community service and a $1,500 fine. He can't work in the sled-dog industry or make decisions about euthanizing animals.

The court was told that Fawcett felt forced into the decision when the owners of Howling Dog Tours put an "absolute freeze" on spending, except for food and a bare minimum of labor.
Fawcett was watching the dogs' conditions deteriorate to a point they were fighting and killing each other.
"He accepted the burden because he felt he could do it compassionately, and he did not want that burden placed on anyone else," said defense lawyer Greg Diamond.
The defense supplied 30 character references to the judge who described Fawcett's "admirable dedication" to the dogs.
Diamond said his client has become an "international pariah," partly due to intense media scrutiny.
He said his client has attempted suicide, has tattooed a ring of dogs around his arm to remember their lives, and still shudders when he hears a dog bark.
Diamond said the one "silver lining" that has resulted was legislative reform giving British Columbia some of the toughest animal-cruelty laws in Canada.
Government prosecutor Nicole Gregoire said Fawcett has received death threats, had a mental breakdown that sent him to an institution for two months, and even saw his young children and wife forced into hiding.
The case became public in January 2011 after a workers' compensation claim for post-traumatic stress disorder was leaked.
Gregoire said questions remain about how someone who was caring and had a record of high standards could inflict pain on animals.
She pointed to a psychological assessment, noting the psychiatrist found Fawcett likely had experienced "high levels of distress" leading up to the cull, and likely had disassociated his emotions during the event itself.


Our thoughts? Utter BS!

Credits: http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019752613_sleddogs24.html#.ULQHERWQ4-Y.facebook

Stolen Puppy in Peril!

Poor Puppy: stolen pup thrown into a ravine survives!

By: N Gilbert

Osage Beach, Missouri


A puppy who was stolen from a store and then thrown down a ravine by the thieves, was saved by a police officer on Friday afternoon.

Police responded to a call of a pet store in Osage Beach, Missouri who said a young man and a woman had taken a tiny 2-month-old 3 pound Miniature Pinscher. Quick-thinking witnesses followed the couple and managed to take down the license plate number of their black Jeep Cherokee.

Shortly after, a police officer spotted the suspect's car in a Walmart parking lot a block away and confronted the couple. They told officers they had dumped the puppy in a ravine behind the Osage Beach Premium Outlet Mall.

Sgt. Schwenn went looking for the puppy and searched for nearly 2 hours in the ravine until he heard the puppy whimpering. He found her shivering and happy to see him. Sgt. Schwenn said it was sheer luck that the puppy was found, as she would not have survived the night because temperatures were only 37 degrees Fahrenheit and getting colder.

Both suspects were arrested and the 19-year-old man was charged with felony stealing of an animal and the girl, 16, has charges pending.

Credit: http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/2344-determined-police-officer-rescues-stolen-miniature-pinscher-puppy-from-ravine