The shelter is a lifeline for animals that need a home,  many dogs there have been abused or abandoned. Here are the details from KAKE 10.

“If we close down, absolutely it would be terrible because there would be nowhere for someone to take an unwanted animal,” said the Pratt Area Humane Society Board President Pam Howell.

“We’re pretty desperate. It’s a crisis situation,” said Howell.

Now they are pleading with the public for help. If they are forced to close, the animals already there would go to other shelters. But for those who still need help, it could be devastating.

“If animal control did pick up an animal, it would just be euthanized after the three day hold so there would be no adoptions. If you’re out of town for those three days, tough luck,” said Howell. “We’re working hard trying to do good things but we can’t do it without their support,” said Howell.

To help the shelter, you can send money to the Pratt Area Humane Society, 10233 Bluestem Blvd., Pratt, KS, 67124. Or go to their website and make a donation.

Pictured  is Angel,  she’s a Plott Hound/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix.  See more adorable Pratt Humane Society dogs by going to their website, adopt your new best friend.

Public services are being cut in counties across America, many effecting animal shelters and animal control.

In Kings County (WA.) there are proposed budget cuts which could eliminate animal control services, something which may have a far wider negative impact than at first glance.

County Executive Kurt Triplett said he will eliminate all discretionary services, and that could include huge cuts in parks and animal control. He hopes to protect the prosecutor’s office and other parts of the Public Safety Department from any major cuts, looking at 2 percent cuts in Public Safety compared with 8 to 10 percent countywide.

He said he will look at cuts in all services not required by the state, and may cut all parks funds not covered by the King County parks levy. This may mean the county will try to persuade local cities to take over county parks in annexation areas, and try to enlist a nonprofit agency, such as the Humane Society, to take over animal control.

But Brenda Barnette, with the Seattle Humane Society, said her organization would like to help, but doesn’t have the resources to take over King County animal control.

When Ron Sims was executive, he asked the Humane Society to work up a proposal on the costs for taking over animal control, and the organization came up with a figure of about $5 million, she said.

“We felt King County animal control was grossly understaffed. There was no interest (from King County) in this and we moved on. We’re not thinking of taking on that responsibility.

“If (Triplett) wants to cut his budget down to zero, it would be insane to volunteer to take it over. We don’t have that surplus money,” she said.

She said without animal control there would be no one to pick up stray dogs or vicious dogs, and each city in the county would have to have its own program.

Claire Davis, an attorney and co-chairwoman of KCAA Exposed, a grass-roots group formed last year to demand changes in King County animal control, said she was shocked by Triplett’s proposal.

“Cutting the budget down to zero has never seriously been considered by anyone. It’s irresponsible and insane,” she said.

Davis said it would be illegal for the county to stop animal control in unincorporated King County.

Metropolitan King County Council member Julia Patterson agreed.

“There’s a state mandate that we provide animal-control services,” she said, but added that she doesn’t necessarily think it’s a bad idea for King County to get out of the animal-control business.

“This gives us an opportunity to explore if other entities could do a better job,” Patterson said, adding that maybe it should be considered as a regional service, with all cities in the county contracting with an agency, such as the Humane Society, for animal control.

“You can’t leave unincorporated King County in the lurch with services for dangerous dogs or dogs running loose,” she said. “But I don’t think it’s such a bad suggestion. We can rethink how to provide the service in a much more humane and progressive way. He’s (Triplett has) thrown the first shot out there, and this is how we evolve. It makes us think outside the box, and that’s a good thing.”

While I realize that times are tough and budgets need to be cut, I hope those in charge consider the end result of their actions. Eliminating the budget for animal control may get them what they want now but cost them far more in the long term.

I want to thank Dogster member Daddy for barking this important story to me.

* In loving memory of Bo’s buddy Checkers-July 4, 1994-July 27, 2009.

In Kaufman County Texas almost 600 dogs, along with some cats, were seized when the Humane Society and sheriff’s deputies raided a puppy mill.

The society said it started investigating the kennel, which is located near Prairieville just north of Mabank, when someone came to them asking for dog food donations. Representatives visited and found poor living conditions and malnourished dogs.

“If loving the animal is a criminal, then maybe I’m a criminal,” she said. “Because I work 6 o’clock in the morning until 11:30 at night taking care of these animals.

Representatives said most of the dogs were living in their own waste and many were under fed. Three dogs died after being rescued and several others have skin or foot conditions.

Watch FOX 4 reporter Fil Alvarado’s story.

If you can’t see the video click here.

Deputies said kennel owner, 72-year-old Margaret Boyd, faces animal cruelty charges.

Boyd told FOX 4 she is fighting to get the animals back. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday and both she and the Humane Society plan to ask for custody of the animals.

* Pic MyFOXDFW

I just read this in our local paper, Vick is scheduled for a visit to Atlanta to attend a Humane Society Event.

Michael Vick canceled a celebration in his hometown of Newport News, Va. so he can attend a Humane Society event in Atlanta.

A spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the United States’ national office confirmed Monday night that Vick is working with the animal organization, but had no details.

The Atlanta Humane Society has no affiliation with the national group and a spokesperson said the local organization has no events scheduled with Vick.

Vick was scheduled to attend a celebration in Newport News on Saturday. The event will be rescheduled so Vick can be in Atlanta, event organizers told the Associated Pres.

Vick has been conditionally reinstated in the NFL after completing a 23-month federal sentence for running a dogfighting ring. The Newport News celebration was to be his first announced public event since his freedom.

Has Vick suddenly become a dog advocate trying to right his wrongs?   Or is this a publicity stunt, trying to get back in society’s good graces?

What I want to know is if Vick becomes a spokesperson for the HSUS is he going to be paid?  Because if he is, I have a big problem with that.

Give me a bark, let me know what you think.

* Pic courtesy Associated Press

There’s a fun event going on tomorrow night to help raise money for the Meriden Humane Society. Join in a  night of laughs at the Night of Comedy show in Meriden, CT.

The Meriden Humane Society and RC Comedy Productions present a night of comedy on Saturday July 18th at 8:30pm.

Headlining the show is national touring act Linda Belt. Belt has recently performed in the Boston and Detroit comedy festivals and is a crowd favorite everywhere she plays. Also on the bill is Meriden native and regional favorite Rick Carino, the very hilarious Andy Paquette and Dicky C.

There will also be a raffle and donations for the raffle are always happily accepted. Proceeds from the show will go to the Meriden shelter. The shelter is a not for profit no kill animal shelter. It is a privately run organization and is supported solely on donations from the public.

The show will be at Ryders On Main located at 467 West Main St in Meriden, CT. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Meriden Humane Society and at Ryders on Main. Box Office: 203-237-1575.

It feels like every day I’m reading about another shelter being forced to close its doors or cut drastically back due to budget cuts.

The Humane Society Naples is now facing this issue and need our support to stop it from happening.

The Humane Society Naples urges public to save DAS adoption program

Media Contact: Stephen Wright, PR Coordinator, 643-1880 x 19

The Board of Directors of The Humane Society Naples has passed a resolution calling on the public to save Collier County’s Domestic Animal Services’ adoption program from proposed budget cuts.

Domesic Animal Services is the Collier County agency that handles violations of pet laws and ordinances, pet licenses, animal cruelty cases, and the prevention of animal diseases that spread to humans. It also has to accept surrendered pets, livestock and exotic animals. For many years, Domestic Animal Services had operated an adoption program for the stray and homeless pets in its care.

“We want everybody to let commissioners know how important this program is and that it must be saved,” said Michael Simonik, Executive Director of The Humane Society Naples.

Founded in 1960, The Humane Society Naples is a private, local no-kill charity that provides shelter and adoption services for the area’s local pets. It is not a government agency, nor is it a branch of any national organization.

Last year The Humane Society Naples adopted out more than 1,500 pets.

“We are just starting a major facility renovation this month,” said Simonik and though we will stay open, we’ll be operating at reduced capacity. If DAS loses its adoption program, there is no way we could handle their overflow of homeless pets,” he said.

Simonik explained that results of the county animal control agency eliminating its adoption program would be devastating for the community. Of course, the number of pets euthanized at DAS would jump significantly, he said.

“But then there are unintended consequences,” he said. Once people know that a pet surrendered to DAS will have almost no chance for adoption, they most likely will just let it loose to run in the community and have at least a small chance of finding a home, he explained.

Rampant pet dumping will result in more animal-to-people and animal-to-pet bites, he cautioned. “And besides the initial injury, there’s the spread of disease, too,” he added.
That’s why it’s so important for the public to call, write or visit commissioners and attend the upcoming county budget workshops, June 29 and June 30.

“If Domestic Animal Services loses its adoption program, it will be a disaster for everyone,” he said. “We can’t let that happen,” he added.

The Humane Society Naples resolution can be found on the organization’s website, HSNaples.org. If you are reading this online, you can click here to see it now.

A News Release from the county states that public comment regarding the proposed budget will be received starting at Tuesday, June 30, at 1 p.m. in Commission chambers.
Board of County Commissioners
3301 E. Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 252-8097
Fax: (239) 252-3602
E-Mail:
Send to Frank Halas
Send to Jim Coletta
Send to Fred Coyle
Send to DonnaFiala
Send to Tom Henning

Incorporated in 1960,The Humane Society Naples is a private local non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. Located at 370 Airport-Pulling Road North in Naples, The Humane Society’s Adoption Center hours are Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For adoption information, call 643-1555 or log onto HSNaples.org.

The HSN has saved so many cats and dogs, it’s a wonderful and very necessary organization.  As you read above the result of cutbacks would have a devastating effect on the community. Please take a moment to send letters/emails to the officials above letting them know a budget cut is not an option.

Click On Dog To See Full Flyer

On Saturday, June 20th join in a fun filled day for the entire family. Come out to learn about dog training and agility, get first aid training, grab something to eat and listen to live music. Plus, there’s a kid’s area complete with jumping castle.

Click on the dog picture above and you’ll see all the events scheduled for the day. The proceeds go to support the Etobicoke Humane Society in Ontario, Canada.

If you participate in the walk you’ll be eligible to win prizes, all walkers receive a scarf for their dog and a grab bag when the walk is completed. Click here for the sponsor sign up sheet that you can use to get your friends to support you on your walk.

A great day for the family in the park, don’t miss out.

*If you have any trouble with the linked forms, contact Maria at 40acrewoods@rogers.com to have a flyer/pledge form emailed to you.

The following story is beyond sickening, I debated posting it.  I decided it needs to be out there for two reasons. First, so any dog owners in the area will know to never leave their dog unattended. Second, so that the monster(s) behind this can be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I have left out the gory details so if you decide to click on the link and read the full article be warned it is very graphic, and very disturbing.

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (WDTN) – A grisly scene was discovered by a Humane Society employee in Logan County Monday night when he stumbled upon a mass of dead dogs.

The creek is located close to a popular fishing hole off Township Road 136, northeast of Bellefontaine. That’s where Kyle Holcomb made the disturbing find. I’ve never seen anything like this and hope I never see anything like this again. It’s really horrible,” said Dailey, still shaken up, hours after the discovery.

“The dogs were healthy, they appeared to be at a good weight, their nails had been trimmed. They just seemed like family pets,” said Humane Society agent Joni Dailey.

The LCHS is reaching out to all local dog owners, urging anyone who has had a dog go missing to send them a picture so they can try and match it with the dogs they found.

Logan County Humane Society staff encourage anyone who knows anything about this crime to call them at 937-537-1811. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-STOP and remain anonymous.

* Leo is one of the beautiful adoptable pets at the LCHS

In November I posted an article concerning the investigation by The Humane Society into allegations that Petland buys puppies from puppy mills. Yesterday it was announced they are filing a class action lawsuit against Petland.

PHOENIX - Members of The Humane Society of the United States and other consumers filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Petland, Inc. and the Hunte Corporation are conspiring to sell unhealthy puppy mill puppies to unsuspecting consumers in numerous states. Petland is the nation’s largest chain of pet stores that sells puppy mill dogs and Hunte is one of the country’s largest distributors of factory-produced puppies.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Phoenix late Monday, alleges that Petland and Hunte violated federal law and numerous state consumer protection laws by misleading thousands of consumers across the country into believing that the puppies sold in Petland stores are healthy and come from high-quality breeders. Many of the puppies sold by Petland come either directly from puppy mills or puppy brokers such as Hunte, which operates as a middleman between the mills and Petland’s retail stores.

“Unscrupulous dog dealers like Petland and Hunte reap massive profits by pushing unhealthy puppies on well-intentioned dog-lovers who would never knowingly buy a puppy mill dog,” said Jonathan Lovvorn, vice president & chief counsel for Animal Protection Litigation at The HSUS. “Families often bear the great expense of veterinary treatment for sick and unhealthy dogs, or the terrible anguish of losing a beloved family pet. This industry has been systematically lying to consumers for years about the source of the dogs they sell, and it’s long past time for a reckoning.”

The 34-page complaint consists of numerous examples of sick and dying dogs, it clearly shows the health of these dogs is not a concern.  The main purpose of the puppy mill is about maximizing the profits, with no concern for the welfare of the dog.

I know there are states that have been working on banning the sale of dogs and cats from pet stores.  While this most certainly won’t alleviate the problem in its entirety, it’s a step in the right direction. It would at least shut down one avenue of revenue.

* NiKa is the cutie pictured above

The Oregon Humane Society has had a non-stop influx of dogs lately. In January they received over 100 of the 500 plus dogs rescued from an Oregon home. Now they are getting 200 dogs from an older breeder who is giving them up because he can no longer care for them.

Sheriff David R. Glerup, who was concerned about the dogs’ welfare, persuaded the man last week to surrender the dogs to the humane society. By signing the agreement, Glerup said, the man will not be charged with animal neglect. He also will keep 20 dogs.

“He had more dogs than 50 people would need,” Glerup said Thursday afternoon, just as the first group of rescuers from Portland arrived at his office. “We were counting them and got up to 196 but there were more running around.”

Glerup said other than a few cases of worms, the dogs were healthy, well-fed and well cared for. He expects the operation to go smoothly, although the man “has been known to change his mind.”

In addition to Shiba inus and Akitas, both Japanese breeds, the dogs include Labradors and “a mix of many others.”

It’s good to know that unlike the other case most of these dogs seem to be in good condition. The Oregon Humane Society has workers and volunteers who will be helping pack up the dogs and transport them to the Northeast Portland headquarters.

Pictured above is Argentina, she is a beautiful senior dog who needs a forever home.  Since she’s a little older, about 10, she may not be able to go long walks but she has plenty of love to give. Any couch potatoes out there looking for  a great snuggler ?