Thursday, October 25, 2012

No More Gas Chambers For The Dogs In Pennsylvania


Gas Chambers Banned in PA -- Dog Lovers Throughout the Commonwealth Thank Legislators: John Maher, Andy Dinniman, Dominic Pileggi and Everyone Who Supported HB 2630  

 


 Citizens and animal welfare organizations throughout the Commonwealth celebrate as Pennsylvania becomes the twentieth state to ban the use of gas chambers in animal shelters and animal control facilities. Governor Tom Corbett has signed HB 2630 into law. The measure received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the Senate and House. "The citizens of Pennsylvania should be proud of their legislators for coming together to end this barbaric practice," said Nancy Shilcock of Main Line Animal Rescue.

 

 "This is a victory not only for the dogs and cats of Pennsylvania but for all the people who fought so hard to ban gas chambers in our state," said Bill Smith (also of MLAR). Most advocates agree the bill would not have gone through without the support of several key legislators. Senator Andrew Dinniman of Chester Countyintroduced a bill designed to end the use of carbon monoxide chambers in Pennsylvania; guiding the bill through the Senate earlier this year. Representative John Maher representing parts of Allegheny and Washington Counties then used his considerable clout as Chair of the Ag Committee to shepherd legislation through the House of Representatives.

"Both Senator Dinniman and Representative Maher worked tirelessly to make this a reality," said Jodi Goldberg of All Things Pawsible Animal Rescue. "They deserve the gratitude of every man, woman, and child in Pennsylvania who love animals and want dogs to be treated humanely with respect."
Both Representative Maher (R) and Senator Dinniman (D) impressed animal advocates by devoting countless hours to the passage of HB 2630 during their election and reelection campaigns for Auditor General and State Senate. Senator Dominic Pileggi of the 9th District representing parts of Chester and Delaware Counties also lent his considerable support to the bill as he did with PA's new dog laws in 2008. The Republican leader was instrumental in passing legislation designed to improve conditions for dogs in PA's puppy mills.
Only four or five shelters and animal control facilities in Pennsylvania currently use gas chambers to destroy the dogs and cats in their care. The process can last up to thirty minutes with multiple terrified dogs or cats in the chamber at one time.Pennsylvania joins New YorkNew Jersey and Delaware in prohibiting the use of gas chambers.
Main Line Animal Rescue contact info: 610-933-0606  mainlinerescue@aol.com

Are You Ready For The Third Annual Petco Pet Food Drive


Third Annual Pet Food Drive Starts Sunday at Petco Stores Nationwide

 

Pet lovers asked to donate pet food and litter Oct. 28 - Nov. 11 to feed hungry pets this holiday season

 Petco and the Petco Foundation are hosting the third annual National Pet Food Drive, and are calling on all animal lovers to provide a healthy and plentiful holiday season for furry friends across the United States. The National Pet Food Drive will begin Sunday, Oct. 28, and run through Sunday, Nov. 11.

During the two-week drive, consumers can pick up extra food or litter during their shopping trip, or bring unopened cans or bags from home, and drop them into specially marked pet food collection bins located in each of the more than 1,150 Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores nationwide. In support of this effort, Hill's Science Diet has committed to match, pound for pound, every bag of Science Diet dog and cat food donated, up to 80,000 pounds.
"Many of the people we serve will put off feeding themselves so they can feed their pets," said Jessie Ramirez, owner of Valley View Community Food Bank in Youngtown, Arizona. "In one instance, a family was feeding their Chihuahua, Gotti, scraps of table food because they couldn't afford dog food. With the help of donations from the Petco and Petco Foundation Food Bank program and the people who generously donate food, we were able to provide that family with the pet food they needed so they could not only keep Gotti healthy, but also keep a member of their family."
Last year's drive provided more than 169 tons – that's 338,000 pounds – of pet food for families in need, and this year, with the help of Petco associates and customers, the goal is to provide 500,000 pounds of pet food to help keep pets well-nourished and with the families who love them in these tough economic times.
"We believe that pets enrich our lives and strengthen our communities, and those pets deserve loving homes, the best nutrition and a high quality of life," said Paul Jolly, the Executive Director of the Petco Foundation and a Petco vice president. "No one should have to give up their beloved four-legged family member due to financial hardship. The pet food donated during the annual Pet Food Drive is an incredible gift leading into the holiday season, and such an easy way for people to help families in need take care of their pets."
Since the National Pet Food Bank program launched in March 2010, Petco and the Petco Foundation have collected and donated more than 1.5 million pounds of pet food and litter to families in need. Each Petco and Unleashed by Petco store has collection bins available for year-round collection; and each store partners with a local food bank or animal welfare group to ensure donations are provided directly to economically stressed pet parents in that store's community.
In addition to the opportunity to donate, Petco has also partnered with VolunteerMatch, the nation's largest network of volunteer opportunities, to give pet lovers around the country an easy way to volunteer in support of the pet food drive, as well as find other volunteer opportunities in their area. And, for the third year, Best Friends Animal Society® will support the National Pet Food Drive by mobilizing its nationwide network of volunteers to register for the event and help drive awareness of the program.
To register as a food drive volunteer, visit https://petco.volunteermatch.org and select "Petco Foundation Pet Food Drive." Volunteer opportunities are open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the pet food drive (Oct. 28 and Nov. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11). Once registered, volunteers can pick a Petco store location and convenient time.
To learn more about the Petco Foundation and how you can make a difference for animals in your community and across the country, visit www.petcofoundation.org. To learn more about Petco or to find a location near you, visit www.petco.com.
About Petco and the Petco FoundationPetco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,150 stores nationwide, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $100 millionsince it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 8,000 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 250,000 animals through in-store adoption events every year.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Boots And Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears And Boots Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats Recall


Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Boots & Barkley Roasted American Pig Ears
And Boots & Barkley American Variety Pack Dog Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk



Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its BOOTS & BARKLEY ROASTED AMERICAN PIG EARS AND BOOTS & BARKLEY AMERICAN VARIETY PACK DOG TREATS product because it may be contaminated with SalmonellaSalmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

The recalled Roasted Pig Ears and Variety Pack Dog Treats were distributed nationwide through Target retail stores in August 2012.

The Roasted Pig Ears product comes in a clear plastic bag containing 12 pig ears marked with UPC bar code 647263899158. The Variety Pack product also comes in a clear plastic bag weighing 32oz and marked with UPC bar code 490830400086.

Kasel Industries is recalling lot number BESTBY 13SEP2014DEN for both products because this lot code tested positive for the Salmonella bacteria through analysis by the Colorado Department Of Agriculture.

No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this product.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the Colorado Department Of Agriculture that revealed finished products contained the Salmonella bacteria. The company has ceased distribution of any lots that have possible contamination of the bacteria. No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in the recall of the 12 count packages of Roasted Pig Ears and the 32oz Variety Pack Dog Treats.

Consumers who have purchased the 12 count packages of Roasted Pig Ears and the 32oz Variety Pack Dog Treats are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at (800) 218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits Recall


Nature's Recipe Voluntarily Recalls Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits With Real Chicken Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination



 Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.
 
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of its commitment to safety and quality, the Company is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.

The potentially affected lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken were distributed nationally, primarily through pet specialty retailers.

Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken is sold in 19-ounce stand-up resealable pouches. The product affected by this recall is identified below and has the following "Best If Used By" dates:
Lot Code:
UPC Code:
Size:
Product Name/Description:
Best If Used By Date:
2199TP
30521 51549
19-ounces
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken
10 11 13
2200TP
30521 51549
19-ounces
Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken
10 12 13

Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.
Consumers who have purchased the above lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken should stop feeding the product and discard immediately.  For further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining replacement product, consumers can use the Contact Us form at www.naturesrecipe.com or call the Consumer Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 800-237-3856.
About Nature’s Recipe® 
Nature’s Recipe®, a brand of Del Monte Foods, markets a complete line of natural dog food and treats and recently introduced a line of natural cat food.  Nature’s Recipe® has been making better pet food where “Every Ingredient Counts® ” for more than 30 years.  For additional information about Nature’s Recipe®, visitwww.naturesrecipe.com.  

Monday, October 8, 2012

Are You Voting For A Dog Or Cat In Purina's Debate


 
Cats Or Dogs: Which Is America's Favorite Pet? Purina® Teams Up With Sports Greats Terry Bradshaw And Howie Long To Settle The Age-old Debate

    
   

Purina® Asks Pet Owners to Cast Their Vote to Declare America as a Cat or Dog Nation; Will Donate $1 per Vote up to $100,000 to Support Animal-Assisted Therapy

 Are you a cat person or a dog person? Purina is calling all pet owners, pet lovers and anyone else who's ever enjoyed the presence of a cat or a dog to join in "America's Pet Debate" and help settle the age old cats versus dog debate, once and for all. America's Pet Debate is an opportunity for pet owners to come together for a fun, lighthearted discussion of cats versus dogs ultimately celebrating what makes each species so great. The initiative will help to raise money for Pet Partners' Veterans Programs to provide animal-assisted therapy for America's military veterans.  

 
Even NFL football legends, Terry Bradshaw, a devoted dog person, and Howie Long, a committed cat owner, have declared where they stand in the debate to raise awareness of the benefits of pet ownership and encourage Americans to vote for their favorite pet to help raise funds to support Pet Partners' Veterans Programs.

From now until Nov. 8, 2012, Americans can vote for Team Cat or Team Dog at www.AmericasPetDebate.com orFacebook/AmericsPetDebate. For each vote cast in America's Pet Debate, Purina will donate $1, up to $100,000, to Pet Partners' Veteran Programs (limit one vote per person per day for all voting channels combined). The donation will help fund Pet Partners pet therapy teams for U.S. veterans by providing the mental, physical and emotional support of cats and dogs through animal-assisted therapy.
Purina will proudly declare America as a cat or dog nation on Nov. 9, 2012.
"Dogs have been a part of my life since my earliest childhood memories – I can't imagine coming home and not having at least one dog greet me. Everyday, I enjoy the companionship and fun that comes with owning dogs," said Bradshaw. "A pet provides immeasurable support and comfort to people and asks for little in return."
While Bradshaw and Long hotly debate whether America is a cat or a dog country, both are on the same side with Purina in its support of Pet Partners' Veteran Programs.
"As an owner of four pets, including two cats, JoBu and Lucky, I've experienced firsthand the many benefits of owning a pet. My family and I rescued our cats when they were just kittens and gave them a safe home. Our cats have given us a lot back – they like you every day no matter what – even if you've had a bad day," said Long. "I'm proud to partner with American's Pet Debate to help drive votes and raise money to provide animal-assisted therapy to U.S. military veterans."
After you cast your vote for Team Cat or Team Dog, campaign for your species and join the conversation about the benefits of pet ownership on FacebookTwitterPinterest and Instagram using the hashtags #VoteCat, #VoteDog or #PetDebate. Purina invites pet owners to share pictures, advice, tips and pet ownership stories. If you're unsure about which team to vote for, you can take a brief quiz to determine whether Team Cat or Team Dog is right for you.
"America's Pet Debate is a fun break from some of the more serious issues that we face everyday and allows us to take some time to explore the joyful reality of owning a pet," said Brenda Bax, director of the Purina Pet Acquisition Team. "The program also lets pet owners to support the needs of America's military veterans by helping them connect with a dog or a cat via animal-assisted therapy for mental, physical and emotional rehabilitation."
Benefits of Pet Ownership
No matter which side of the debate you lean towards, Purina knows that for the 62 percent1 of Americans who share their homes with a cat or dog, their lives are better for it. Studies about the benefits of pet ownership show that:
  • Owning a pet reduces blood pressure and lowers risks of heart disease2
  • Pets have been shown to lower stress and anxiety,3 and they help their owners to be more fit and active4
  • Through animal-assisted therapy, cats and dogs can also aid in physical and emotional rehabilitation efforts5,6
America's a Pet Country: Pet Ownership Statistics
  • Americans own approximately 86.4 million cats1
  • Thirty-three percent of Americans are cat owners and 52 percent of those people own more than one cat1
  • There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in America1
  • Thirty-nine percent of Americans own dogs, and while 60 percent own just own one dog, 28 percent own two dogs and 12 percent have three or more dogs1
For additional information, please visit www.americaspetdebate.com.
About Nestle Purina The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Mo., whereRalston Purina was founded more than a century ago. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of the Swiss-based Nestle S.A. – the world's largest food company.
About Pet Partners Pet Partners, established in Portland as Delta Society in 1977, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving human health and enriching lives through positive connections with therapy, service and companion animals. The organization's Therapy Animal Program trains and evaluates volunteer therapy animal teams. Its Service Animal Program provides information and resources for people with disabilities who are considering getting a service dog or who are currently partnered with a service dog, and its Companion Animal Program educates individuals and families on the ways companion animals can improve health and well-being in everyday life. Each year, Pet Partners' 11,000 therapy animal teams visit more than 1 million people across the United States and in 14 other countries. For more information, visit www.petpartners.org.
Beginning at 12:00:00 p.m. CT on 9/17/12 and ending at 11:59:59 a.m. CT on 11/8/12, or when the maximum aggregate donation of $100,000 is reached, whichever comes first, Nestle Purina PetCare Company ("Purina") will donate $1.00 to Pet Partners for every vote submitted to America's Pet Debate. Limit 1 vote per person/e-mail address, per day. Valid in the 50 U.S. states and D.C. Must be 18+. Void where prohibited.
Sources:
  1. American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey
  2. Developing a Physiology of Inclusion: Recognizing the Health Benefits of Animal Companions. Lynch, James, PhD,http://petpartners.org/document.doc?id=114
  3. Stress in Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners. Kraus, Jill. http://petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=333
  4. Owners And Pets Exercising Together (OPET): Study Design And Biopsychosocial Descriptors Of Dogs And Their Owners.Goodie, Jeffrey; Wilson, Cindy C.; Stephens, Mark; Byers, Christopher G.; Olsen, Cara; Netting, F. Ellen; Yonemura, Mary; McCune, Sandra. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 2010 Apr; 39, Supplement 1: 33-33.
  5. Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy at a Veterinarian School. Linder, Deborah, Tufts Veterinarian School, 2009,http://petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=333
  6. The Human-Companion Animal Bond: How Humans BenefitFriedmann, Erika; Son, Heesook. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2009 Mar; 39(2): 293-326.
SOURCE Purina

Sunday, October 7, 2012

So Does Michael Vick Own A Dog

You have to wonder first off: Who would ever sell Michael Vick a dog.

Well I came across an article by Doug Farrar over at the Shutdown Corner who did a post where it might look like Vick has a dog. I could only wonder after reading the article is it true and why would he be hiding it from the world.

Yes Vick served his time for what he did to his dogs but I feel that he has lost his right to ever own another dog. You can say what you want but that's my opinion and you are welcome to your own opinion.

Read the article by Doug Farrar here and look at the two different photos that Vick tweeted one with dog bones and another with out them.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats Recall


Kasel Associated Industries Recalls Nature's Deli Chicken Jerky Dog Treats Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk




 
 Kasel Associated Industries of Denver, CO is voluntarily recalling its NATURE'S DELI CHICKEN JERKY DOG TREATS product because it may be contaminated with SalmonellaSalmonella can sicken animals that eat these products and humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these symptoms after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled Chicken Jerky Dog Treats were distributed to 57 Sam's Club locations in the following states: CO,IA,ID,IL,KS,MO,MT,NE,OK,SD,UT and WY.
The product comes in a clear plastic bag with the Nature's Deli logo containing 2.5 lbs chicken jerky marked with UPC bar code 647263800208. Kasel Industries is recalling lot number BEST BY 091913 DEN because this lot code tested positive through analysis by the FDA.
No illnesses have been reported to date in animals or humans in connection with this product.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling by the FDA that revealed finished products contained the Salmonella bacteria. The company has ceased distribution of any lots that have possible contamination of the bacteria. No other products made by Kasel Associated Industries are included in the recall of 2.5 lbs packages of Chicken Jerky Dog Treats.
Consumers who have purchased the 2.5 lbs packages of Chicken Jerky Dog Treats are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kasel Associated Industries at (800) 218-4417 Monday thru Friday from 7am to 5pm MDT.