Mad About Pets!

Animals, like humans, have rights. While the debate still rages on whether a pet is a person's property or a companion with feelings, many countries and states have enacted laws designed to protect animal rights. The effort to establish laws that will protect animals from abuse and ensure their proper treatment is ongoing and gaining ground.

In the United States, the landmark law is the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (AWA) that regulates the treatment of animals. It is enforced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its agency the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The law covers all warm-blooded animals used in laboratory tests, experiments, exhibits as well as those used or sold as pets.

The AWA sets the standards for the humane handling of animals, their feeding, shelter and housing, protection, sanitation, and adequate veterinary care throughout the life of an animal. The law also addresses the psychological needs of an animal and requires, for instance, that dogs should be exercised. In 1990, the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act was amended to include more specific provisions for the protection of pets. Among other rules, the law requires an animal dealer to hold on to an animal for a minimum of 5 days before selling it, so its original owner can recover the animal. The dealer must also give the recipient a certified record of the animal's history including transfers and modifications. Violations can reach up to $5,000 for every dog or cat sold. Repeated violations can cause the dealer to lose its license.

In 2007, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Reinforcement Act made animal fighting a felony with up to 3 years' imprisonment for violators. Even trading in objects for animal fighting, such as gaffs, is considered a felony under the law. In 2008, more laws were enacted prohibiting the sale of dogs below 6 months of age and ensuring that they are healthy and properly vaccinated. Penalties for violations were also raised to $10,000 per day for every animal, and 5 years' imprisonment.

Other nations have their own laws designed to protect animal rights. For example, India has the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act; Japan the Welfare and Management of Animals Act; Taiwan the Taiwanese Animal Protection Act; the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006. In the USA, many cities and states have enacted their own laws over and above the AWA provisions.

Spearheading the effort to improve laws regarding animal rights is an organization called In Defense of Animals (IDA). Founded by Dr. Elliot Katz, a veterinarian, the organization aims to “end animal exploitation, cruelty and abuse.” The IDA seeks to raise the “status (of animals) beyond mere property, commodities or things” through “advocating for the rights, welfare, and habitats of animals.” Through the years, the organization has been successful in many projects to improve the welfare of animals.

Fighting for rights, whether of human or non-human creatures, can be a long and difficult task. Animal lovers everywhere, however, are confident that the battle for animal rights will eventually be won.

Author: This article was provided by MindaHome where people planning a trip away can easily to find animal lovers to live in and take care of their pets and homes. 'House sitting' makes it possible for pets to stay in the familiar surroundings of their own homes when their owners need to be away, while pet owners can relax and enjoy their trip comfortable in the knowledge their pets are happy and their homes are secure. To find out more please visit http://mindahome.com

It was announced by the Wisconsin DNR on Wednesday that White Nose Syndrome was found in bats in an Iowa cave less than 30 miles from the Wisconsin border. You might be asking yourself, “Why should I care about bats? What does it matter if they have white noses?” No matter your personal opinion on bats, White Nose Syndrome is a pandemic affecting bats across the country. Bats are an integral part of our ecosystem, and their health (believe it or not) has a direct impact on the human population.

Photo Credit: wvdnr.org

The name White Nose Syndrome refers to the white growth that appears on a bats’ nose when they are infected by the fungus. Fortunately the disease cannot be spread to humans, but it can be spread bat to bat and also spread to other caves by mechanical equipment. Right now six species of American bats are susceptible to WNS, and the mortality rate is estimated to be between 90 and 100 percent.

What happens to a bat infected with White Nose Syndrome?

Hibernating bats infected with White Nose Syndrome will have their hibernation cycle affected. A normal hibernating bat will awaken every 10-20 days, but a bat with WNS will wake up every 3-4 days. About 90% of the bats will die of starvation, due to awakening so frequently to eat/drink and the shortage of insects to eat during the winter months. The fungus also damages their connective tissues, muscles and skin.

How is White Nose Syndrome cured?

Herein lies the problem…as of now, it cannot be cured. Scientists are still not totally clear on what this fungus is, or how it sickens the bats.

Photo credit: mosquitoworld.net

How does White Nose Syndrome affect me?

Bats are of critical importance to our ecosystem. A single Little Brown Bat can eat over half of its weight in insects every night, and nursing mothers can eat their entire body weight's worth! If our ecosystem suffers a swift decline in the bat population, one can only imagine the population explosion of bugs humans will have to contend with. Here in Wisconsin, this will likely mean an increase in the number of mosquitoes we’ll be left to fend off. Bats tend to eat night-flying insects, so moths and beetle numbers would also increase. An increase in moths and beetles is a major blow to farmers. With more moths and beetles eating their crops, more pesticides will need to be employed—and the increased cost will inevitably trickle down to the consumer. Natural control of insects via the bat population saves the agriculture industry millions of dollars every year. In addition to the increased cost, an increased use of chemical pesticides will lead to more soil and water contamination affecting humans and wildlife for years to come.

What can I do to help?

Consider planting a wildflower garden! You can help our bats survive by planting flowers that attract their prey insects.  In addition to providing prey for bats, you will also attract beneficial bugs like ladybugs to help control aphids and other pests in your vegetable garden.

Buy a bat house! Providing bats a place to roost will help colonies to thrive, literally right in your own backyard. (As a side note, be certain to never ever handle bats: if you think you’ve seen a live or dead bat with WNS, contact the DNR immediately.)

Consider donating to the bat conservation effort! White Nose Syndrome is spreading quickly, and there is still no cure. Bats populations are expected to decline greatly, and some species may even face extinction if a cure for WNS cannot be found soon. Bat Conservation International is a great organization to support financially, and have many donation options available. If you like to donate more locally, consider becoming a member of Bat Conservation of Wisconsin.

Tell your family and friends! Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Tell your family and friends about White Nose Syndrome, and explain to them the impact of this horrible illness. The more people that are behind this very important cause, the better chance we'll have of finding a cure and saving our native bat populations.

Did you know that as of June 1, 2011, all dog sellers and facilities that sell 25 dogs or more from more than 3 litters (including rescues and shelters) must be licensed and comply with the standards of care established in ATCP 16? This law "requires inspection and licensing of many dog breeders, dealers, and sellers, as well as shelters and rescues that foster and adopt out dogs. The new law also prohibits selling puppies less than 7 weeks old unless they go with their mothers, and requires that certificates of veterinary inspection – health certificates – accompany dogs that are sold or adopted for a fee. The intent is to protect the welfare of dogs and to protect consumers who buy or adopt them." (Source: Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.)

A dalmation at Pretty Penny Kennels in Plymouth, WI (Learn more here) Photo Credit: Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project

Of course not all dog breeders are bad! There are many honest, caring and law-abiding breeders in the state of Wisconsin that do their best to breed well-tempered, genetically sound and healthy pups. But how do you know if the breeder you're working with is reputable? How do you know they have their dogs' best interests in mind? That's where the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Comes in. They maintain a database of all licensed dog breeders in the state of Wisconsin, which is searchable by name, county and even other US states. These breeders have all been licensed and agree to comply with the regulations under ATCP 16. Before you purchase a new dog or puppy, check this list!

So what do you do if you come across a "bad breeder"? What if you know someone who is thwarting this important piece of state legislation? What if you come across a repeat Craigslist offender? Or what if a breeder appears on the DATCP list, but isn't following the standards of care required of them in ATCP 16? As a pet lover and citizen of Wisconsin, it is important that you report these types of breeders to DATCP for further investigation. The only way we can put a stop to puppy mills and bad breeding in the state of Wisconsin is to turn over offenders and make them accountable for their choices. Together we can keep our state and our beloved dogs safe, happy and healthy!

For more info about ATCP 16 and dog breeders in Wisconsin, please visit The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project.

An Assembly public hearing was held on Thursday, March 11, 2010 for Assembly Bill 793, but the bill has not yet passed out of Committee. The Senate public hearing will be held on 6 April. Your letters are urgently needed!

This bill would help shelters, animal control facilities, and local governments cope with the thousands upon thousands of dollars incurred in a large seizure or cruelty case. It would also help lessen stress on the animals by reducing the time they must spend in shelter cages.

Write or email your local representative to make sure we get this bill passed! Find contact info for representatives here.

For more information about Assembly Bill 793, see this previous post.