Norman to expand animal shelter
Norman voters approved a $3 million bond last night to expand the city animal shelter. Here’s a little bit from the story that ran in the paper today:
The five-year bond issue for the expansion will increase property taxes by about $11 on a home worth $100,000. The proposition passed with almost 76 percent approval.
Currently the shelter holds 55 dogs and 25 cats. The shelter is projected to need space for 77 dogs and 57 cats in the year 2030.
Police Maj. J.D. Younger, who oversees the Animal Welfare Division in Norman, said that currently some adoptable animals are killed because there isn’t space at the shelter. The expansion will help them meet the need for more adoptions.
If you want to read more, check out this more in-depth story that ran last week.
Pet safety during earthquakes
I can’t believe I’m actually writing about this, but with the number of earthquakes we’ve had in the past few days, some disaster preparedness info is in order. Here is some excerpts from a couple of ASPCA Q&As about earthquakes.
Hi! I’ve read a lot about pets and flooding, but not so much on earthquakes. I have two cocker spaniels and a cat who hides when she’s scared. I’m worried that if there’s an earthquake, I won’t have time to find them in order to protect them. And when I do find them, what’s the best way to protect them? Thanks!
—Thea N.How can I make sure my cat is safe during an earthquake? Thanks!
—M-A
In case of rapture, please feed my dogs
I’m pretty sure my dogs will do the same things before and after the rapture.
One will be napping and the other will be trying to sneak off to chew one of my shoes.
I’m not sure how the rapture would go down, but I imagine rivers of lava dotted with drifting boulders. My old dog would be asleep on his dog bed on one of those boulders. The young dog would leapfrog away with one of my flip-flops in her mouth.
I guess that’s what they’ll be doing Saturday morning.
The world’s ending Friday, you know. True story.
Pets in the paper: flying kites
Checks out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today:
- NOBLE – Rescued kites are set to soar again.
- OKLAHOMA CITY – Second trip to animal shelter reunites two sister puppies.
- Cats on state payroll were good workers.
A word about heartworms
Here’s a public service announcement from the American Heartworm Society. My dog had heartworms when I adopted him, and it was so sad. Luckily, I was able to get him treated before something horrible happened. Heartworms can be found in every state, especially Oklahoma.
Pets in the paper – breeding law signed
Check out this animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Governor Henry signs bill that regulates pet breeding. (state capitol)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Workers rescue animals from Nashville flood
ASPCA workers help rescue a chicken saved from flooding in Nashville, Tenn.
As Nashville residents bail out of a massive flood, volunteers and animal workers are trying to help save the animals that were also affected. Here’s information the ASPCA sent out about their work:
The ASPCA ® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ® ), under the authority and request of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society in Dyersburg, Tenn., has dispatched its field investigations and response team to assist in the recovery and sheltering of animals displaced by recent flooding.
ASPCA responders arrived Tuesday afternoon and are helping care for more than 70 companion animals, including dogs, cats and various birds that were rescued from floodwaters, trees, rooftops and abandoned homes in the Dyersburg city limits, approximately 80 miles north of Memphis. The ASPCA has established a temporary shelter behind the humane society to handle the overflow of animals, and set up a decontamination station where animals affected by the flooding are washed and cleaned. In addition, the ASPCA provided extra cages, bowls, food industrial fans, and other necessary supplies to help care for animals.
“Our city has been declared a disaster area and many neighborhoods have been evacuated,” said Dr. Carol Feather, president and co-founder of the Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society, which services all of Dyer County, Dyersburg and Newbern. “We’re grateful for the ASPCA’s assistance, and to our own staff and volunteers, all of whom have been working non-stop to help animals that are abandoned or lost. We want to save all the animals we can–that’s our job.”
The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society’s animal control officers have been navigating some areas in a small motor boat to access abandoned pets. Most of the 70-plus pets received so far are owned and were removed from homes at the request of owners who were forced to evacuate. They will be housed at the humane society until they are claimed, according to Dr. Feather. Residents wishing to contact the humane society may call (731) 285-4889 or visit in person at 1120 E. Court Street, Dyersburg, 38024. Volunteers high school age and over who are interested in caring for animals at the shelter may also contact the humane society.
Allison Cardona, the ASPCA’s Director of Disaster Response, said the temporary shelter has “helped ease the strain on the already full humane society.” She added, “The Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society and its staff and volunteers have been extremely dedicated toward the pets in their community during this life-threatening event. The ASPCA will continue to provide supplies, support and manage the temporary shelter and decontamination area, an important component in this operation, as long as we’re needed.”
According to Dr. Feather, all incoming animals are given a physical exam, and if veterinary records cannot be located, they are being vaccinated as a precaution. “A few pets have already been claimed, but the rest we will be holding onto until their families get situated,” she said. “In most instances, even if they have identification, we’re not yet able to reach their owners because they’ve had to evacuate.” Dr. Feather added that the Humane Society is not charging owners for boarding or vaccinations.
In addition to the ASPCA, local businesses assisting Dyersburg-Dyer County Humane Society include Hollywood Feed, which provided cages, and Pet Stop, which relieved the organization of some of its adoptable pets so room could be made for incoming animals.
“We are making sure that the animals’ immediate needs are being met, and that they receive appropriate care,” said the ASPCA’s Cardona. “The ASPCA is glad to be in a position to provide relief.”
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – birds
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Pet fund measure advances. (state capitol)
- Nature center plans bird-themed activities. (Norman)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Be nice! It’s Be Kind to Animals Week!
As if you weren’t already super nice to your pets, there’s an extra incentive. This is Be Kind to Animals Week. Here’s some information from the American Humane Society:
Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, 2010, is American Humane’s annual event celebrating the unique bond between people and animals, and encouraging the humane treatment of all animals. But why limit kindness to one special week? Here are five ways to be kind to animals every day:
- Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed-specific rescue. Shelter pets make loving lifetime companions, and many shelters offer pet-matching services and follow-up training and advice to help you and your new best friend form a beautiful bond.
- Report animal abuse. Violence against animals is terrible enough, but it could also be a sign that other violent behavior, like domestic abuse, is happening.
- Spay or neuter your pets. An estimated 3.7 million animals are euthanized in America’s shelters every year due to a lack of homes. Help stop pet overpopulation and euthanasia of adoptable animals by making sure your own pets are spayed or neutered.
- Live humanely with wildlife. Learn how to peacefully coexist with deer, bats, skunks, squirrels, raccoons and rabbits.
- Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Sign up with us to receive action alerts about issues affecting animals.
As part of Be Kind to Animals Week, American Humane is sponsoring Lemonade for Shelter Aid, a contest that encourages children to set up lemonade stands to raise money for their local animal shelters. The contest runs until May 10, 2010, and is open to children and teens (ages 6-14). One grand-prize winner/team will be randomly selected to receive three Nintendo DS Lite game systems. Learn more and enter!
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – cocks on guard
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Breeders’ bill advances. (state capitol)
- Police find dog, fowl on guard near drugs. (Lawton)
- Animal magnetism: Actor Brendan Fraser takes a beating in new family comedy “Furry Vengeance.” (nationwide)
- Critters, kid-safe plot fuel “Furry Vengeance.” (nationwide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
