Mad About Pets!

Southern Wisconsin pet store chain Animart chooses to routinely declaw all kittens and cats available for purchase/adoption in their stores. Please encourage them to stop this practice, and instead focus on educating their customers to make knowledgeable choices for their own pets.

Help out with this very important cause by click "Sign Petition" below!

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

Ever wonder where those cute puppies you see at the pet shop come from? The answer may surprise and startle you. An Indiana television station recently did a 3-part exposé on this subject with never-before-seen footage that goes behind the scenes of the Midwestern puppy trade. This is a must-see!

A motion hearing was held in Dane County Circuit Court on January 20, 2010 in the matter of Jorge Iglesias. Iglesias is charged with multiple counts of felony instigation of animal fights for allegedly running a cockfighting operation out of his Madison, WI home.

The motion hearing on January 20 was held in order to discuss the defendant's motion to dismiss for selective and discriminatory prosecution. The judge has ordered the matter continued, and will be heard February 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm.

For a full report of the accusations against Jorge Iglesias, please see:
*Motion to dismiss filed in alleged Madison cockfighting case
*Jury Trial scheduled in Madison cockfighting case
*Hearing Scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting

From Change.org:

Targeting: The U.S. House
Started by: Stephanie Feldstein

To some people, a tax deduction for pet care may not seem very important compared to many of the other issues our federal government is dealing with these days. But for 71.4 million American households that own pets, and for the 3-4 million animals euthanized in shelters each year, it's a question of life and death.

Our struggling economy has seen a spike in animals being relinquished to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Veterinary offices, like most other businesses, have also seen a drop in client visits, which means that many animals may not be getting the care they need. If people knew the money they spent on their pets could be coming back to them at the end of the year, it might help them keep their four-legged family members, and to keep up with their care. A pet care tax deduction could save pets' lives and reduce the societal costs of sheltering homeless animals.

Don't let the HAPPY Act (Humanity and Pets Partnership through the Years) fall off Congress' agenda - write your representative today!

Photo credit: eva101

CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR REPS TO VOTE "YES" ON THE HAPPY ACT!

A final pre-trial is scheduled for tomorrow, October 15, 2009, in the matter of a Madison man accused of holding cockfights. Jorge L. Iglesias was charged on June 26, 2009 with 13 felony counts of instigating animal fights.

Jorge Iglesias entered a plea of not guilty on all charges during his June initial appearance hearing. A jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2009 in the Dane County Circuit Court.

Related story: Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting (detailed story)

A public hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2009 at 10:00 am at the State Capitol regarding AB-250/SB-208, the Smith-Kreitlow Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this meeting.

In short, bill AB-250 will help to eliminate puppy mills in the state of Wisconsin. It will put into place strict rules for dog breeders and shelters, and make their facilities subject to inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. It will also put laws into place regarding standards of care for animals covered by the bill.

The bill is still in committee in both the State Assembly and Senate. Attending the meeting on the 23rd will be members of committees who are reviewing the bill, as well as any members of the public who wish to attend.

What: Public Hearing on the Smith-Kreitlow Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill (AB-250/SB-208)
When: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 10:00 am
Where: State Capitol, Room 412 East, Madison WI

For more info: The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, Inc.