In 2018, California voters passed Prop 12 which banned the sale of pork products inside California, even when produced outside the state of California if the sellers did not comply with California husbandry standards and…

Why are animal welfare groups, including California Animal Welfare Association (the California A famous shelter supporter/adopter membership entity that represents both private and public shelters) opposed to California Assembly Bill 1881, (AB 1881) the so…

Guns can be both defensive and offensive, used for war or to protect the peace, automatic or a six shooter, and, definitely a thing that must be managed safely, for a purpose, and one that…

The film “Dog” stars, along with the human actors, a Belgian Malinois character named Lulu. I am terrified that shelters everywhere will be inundated with these dogs who will be bred and inbred in order…

It seems that a hairless french bulldogs is now a new designer dog. This is another example of a deranged need to breed and crossbreed weird dogs for unsubstantiated reasons, (allergy) and for the shock value.

A princess, riding a horse was featured trotting around a Chanel fashion show runway in Paris. Is it a lack of imagination? An uncreative marketing team? A cry for attention? Or what?

This is not the first time that I have talked with you about calling every dog an emotional support dog so that they are given access everywhere and identifying all sorts of animals as service…

I know that we always remind you that some people foods and medicines should not be shared with your pets as they can be toxic or cause harm to their health and well-being.

It has long been known that veterans can benefit from a bona fide service dog to assist them to cope with injuries, PTSD, suicidal impulses and an array of emotional and psychological needs.

A new federal order, issued August 6, 2021, will apply additional stringent requirements regarding the importation of dogs for resale into the United States from countries where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is believed…

Kudos to CDC! Commencing on July 14th, CDC is suspending the importation of dogs from countries with high risk of rabies until further notice, whether or not the reason is for-profit, “rescue” or a personal…

Imagine coming home to discover 15 to 20 condors having a rave at your house! This is exactly what a woman in Tehachapi came upon when returning home from a weekend away. They were all…

Not to be morbid – but what if we outlive our pets? Pets are part of the family, and, can be addressed in an estate plan.

The world is full of people who prey on others for money. In this case, it was at the expense of the suffering of helpless puppies and heartbroken families left with nothing but veterinary bills…

They roll, high-five, and socialize, Mani-pedis they endure, All the while maintaining one beautiful eye on the door.

I have written before how dogs were being trained to detect Covid-19 in people – well check this out: Finland has already begun a pilot program using Covid detection dogs at airports! Passengers are asked…

I need your help tomorrow – not with donations – but with your vote. True leadership, vision, collaboration and change start right here, at the local level. That leadership is forged in every election, by…

It has always been a “trade secret” that you can communicate with your cat by blinking slowly. In fact, veterinarians I know have use slow blinking to put stressed cats, and feral cats at ease…

We have now come to learn that some type of smoke bomb launched at a gender reveal party ignited a wildfire in Southern California – the second time a wildfire started this way.

A new law proposed in Germany would mandate that dogs be “permitted to exercise outside of a kennel at least twice a day for a total of at least one hour,” This can be accomplished by actually…

First, I want to thank everyone for responding to the call to adopt and foster, as shelters all across the country were bracing for the COVID 19 pandemic.

It is possible that some day the COVID-19 “must have” survival kit will include one dog and one llama! The dog will diagnose the disease, i.e. inform you if you have the virus, and the…

We know dogs can be trained to detect seizures, glue, bombs, heart attacks, cancer and other interesting things due to their exceptional smell capabilities. In fact, in his book, Dr. Sleep, Stephen King wrote in a…

UPDATE: Your spcaLA joined 37 other national and international animal and humane welfare organizations to urge California Governor Gavin Newsom and State Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris to ban the sale and importation of wildlife…

A tiger at the Bronx zoo tested positive for Covid-19. It is believed that one of the zookeepers transmitted the disease to the tiger. It is also being reported that the zookeeper was an asymptomatic…

Incidents of domestic violence rise significantly during times of stress. Unemployment, substance abuse, fear, boredom, frustration and feelings of worthlessness often manifest themselves as anger against one’s family and/or self, specifically, as suicidal or homicidal…

In light of recent reports that a dog in Hong Kong was found to have developed an immune response to the COVID-19 virus – antibodies were found in the blood – I want to reassure…

Since today is National Puppy Day, I would like to remind you to adopt a shelter dog rather than to buy a designer dog puppy from a puppy mill half way around the world.

Last night, California leadership came together to issue the new Safer at Home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order seeks to help our community flatten the curve, and reduce the spread of the virus.

I know that we are all worried and concerned for the people and pets we love. It does not help that this is also a situation that changes daily with new data and news. The…

As national attention turned to Nevada amid a Presidential visit, a Democratic debate, and Saturday’s Democratic Caucus, one group chose to make their political point using live pigeons.

The subject of pit bulls and other “bully” breeds has always been fraught with agita as we have steadfastly fought against breed specific legislation and bias while focusing on the owner.

In 2016, six dogs came into spcaLA’s care in very dramatic fashion – their owner let them loose on the 710 freeway during a police pursuit. After the requisite holding periods, spcaLA transferred in all…

spcaLA served the residents and animals of City of Long Beach since the forties! We operated Long Beach Animal Care & Control from 1940-1960 under the name Southern California Humane Society.

Thank you for all your support and confidence …

Animal control officers have no standard training requirements. Each locality decides what training it wants to provide other than on the job experience

California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has signed AB 588 into law. The law effectively mandates the disclosure of a dog’s bite history,

The quote is from a fantasy trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson, in which some people mysteriously develop superpowers and promptly proceed to try to destroy each other and the already dystopian planet in fits of narcissistic…

Statistics indicate that 70% of shots fired by law enforcement are at animals, mostly family pets, then wildlife. In response to a highly publicized shooting of a dog in Hawthorne California, spcaLA developed a course,…

I am pleased to announce that DACC has adopted the term “Socially Conscious Animal Sheltering” (SCAS) to describe its animal care philosophies and procedures. SCAS is a new term being used by forward-thinking animal welfare…

A 26-year-old man has been charged with 52 criminal counts for selling puppies that became very ill soon after they were sold to more than two dozen victims, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office…

There is no question that the human animal bond is serious, real, and really serious. A bond that crosses species lines so much so that people risk their lives for their pets and vice versa.…

I commend the City of Long Beach for formally introducing a “CompassionSaves” approach to animal control to their City Council. This was truly made possible by our “it takes a village” ethic!

This year California became one, of a handful of states, to consider the best interests of a pet in divorce cases. Judges, as is the case with other property, can consider who bought, the pet,…

Santa Anita Track won’t suspend racing but agrees to more veterinary oversight b4 a horse races.

Why does Viceland feel a billboard suggesting that blending a live goldfish is something to advertise and be proud of?

The newly enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act smacked down the annual deductions allowed for state and local taxes paid.

Los Angeles City Hall is infested with rats. The four-legged furry ones to be clear.

Every year there are laws passed that affect animals and those that love them. I would like to highlight a few.

Happy New Year! I am sorry that I have not blogged in a while.

We the people have the power of our vote, our buying choices and our freedoms to believe in and express our opinions, and the ability to make change. Apathy, ignorance and opting out, weaken that…

I wrote this book to address the international epidemic of  breeding and trafficking in “Instagram worthy” mutts. No matter how many thousands of dollars or pounds you spent on a puggle – you bought a…

As we approach a holiday weekend, allow me to suggest the documentary film We Are One directed by Kevin Mukherji and narrated by Forest Whitaker.

Your spcaLA had 2 French Bulldogs in fine condition that were available for adoption. There was no doubt that these dogs would be instantly adopted, both because the breed is popular and because the shelter…

The 1992 film Lorenzo’s Oil is about a boy, Lorenzo, who was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a neurological disease, which is usually fatal within 2 years.

Your spcaLA just concluded a five day “Pick your Price” adoption event, where adopters chose their pet and paid what they thought was reasonable, be it one, or one million dollars.

At the close of this school year, a Hawthorne High School teacher surrendered a classroom rabbit, into our shelter as there was no one available to provide him a home for the summer.

We recently had a successful pet adoption festival. Lots of booths, food, activities and new homes for pets. That said, an amazing thing happened. People were coming in and “paying it forward”.

During a rain delay at Comerica Stadium in Detroit a goose flew into the scoreboard. The crew, in an attempt to motivate the goose to fly away, set off fire crackers at him, chased him…

Statistics indicate that 70% of shots fired by law enforcement are at animals, mostly family pets, then wildlife.

UPDATE: American Airlines has now joined other airlines in restricting “emotional support” animals on planes. Back in April of 2011 the misuse of “service” and “emotional support” pets was spiraling out of control.

There has been a lot of discussion in the public square about the meaning of ethical leadership, or what is a true leader –  and is the presumption of morality implied in the definition.

There has been more attention paid to alleged “rescues” and sham non-profits stealing funds from kindhearted people who wish to help animals in need and who are actually in financial cahoots with puppy mill breeders…

We were horrified to see that the ban on bringing elephant parts into the United States has been rescinded which would allow trophy hunters, “poachers” and others to bring the heads, tails, tusks, feet, of elephants into…

Sexual harassment, in its many forms is an abuse of power that gratifies the harasser, but, is also always accompanied by a demand for secrecy. Typically, the threat takes the form of “if you tell,…

In an effort to spare lobsters from pain, authorities in Switzerland have deemed it illegal to toss a live lobster into boiling water. Regardless of your opinion of this, the effort represents a trend of…

A colleague sent me an article about an 81-year old veteran, dehydrated, malnourished, with ulcerated skin and broken ribs, who needed to be admitted to the local veterans hospital.

The latest innocent victim of a feud is a turtle named Turntle.

Holidays, disasters, tragedies and social causes bring out the best and the worst in us. It is as common as dirt for con artists to pretend to be charities, to fake a sick children and…

I was dealing with a project today involving multiple players with diverse views and a fair amount of baggage, when it was suggested by one that further discussion should occur away from the group,

The term “no-kill” has been abandoned and seriously debunked by legitimate animal welfare professionals. My prior article “No-Kill does not Mean No Death” discusses the inherent divisiveness, misdirection, dishonesty and cruelty suborned by this characterization,…

In 2004 a law was passed in California that would ban foie gras if the pate was made from force feeding the birds or obtained by a company that treated the birds that way. The…

If you have ever hosted a dinner party or planned an event, you know that food issues can make you crazy. Besides allergies, gluten, special diets as in Paleo, Mediterranean, and unique eccentricities, vegetarians, vegans,…

A puppy is born with a swollen head and no chance of survival as so decreed by a veterinarian. Because the shelter alleges that it is “no-kill”, a shelter employee, a “no-kill” ideologue, insists on…

The July 4th holidays often result in an increase of pets, disoriented and scared by fireworks, becoming lost on the streets and hopefully ending up safely in a shelter.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a FRAUD ALERT warning people of predators trying to scam well-meaning consumers of funds to the detriment of animals in real need and legitimate charities who need…

Over 7000 fighting birds, paraphernalia and other related items were seized in what is purported to be the largest cockfighting bust in U.S. history.

UPDATE: California Attorney General issued Cease and Desist order to Saving Spot. They are also prohibited from reincorporating under a different name. They are no longer in operation.

On April 25 Los Angeles City Council will vote on a proposal File No. 16-1357 to prohibit the exhibition of wild or exotic animals for entertainment or amusement, including circuses, other wild or exotic animal…

Use extreme caution before taxing Facebook with a moral responsibility to censor its content, be it offensive or otherwise.

Yesterday, March 29th a Garden Grove police officer shot and killed Jax, a 2-year-old Pit Bull Terrier, the family pet of Steve Pudiquet, while they were at his residence executing a search warrant for illegal…

I was watching an interview with Thomas Friedman who was advocating the concept of “healthy communities”. Essentially he articulated

A kakistocracy is defined as “government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens”. We are experiencing a systematic scrubbing,

Animals are legally considered property despite the fact that said designation often feels weird. It feels weird because both the humans and the animals can feel love, can hurt, can grieve and can suffer. No…

Henry Bergh, the founder of spcaLA (1877) was reputed to be seen frequently fighting with P.T.Barnum on the streets of New York City in order to persuade him that such a use of animals was…

I was watching an interview with Thomas Friedman who was advocating the concept of “healthy communities”. Essentially he articulated the fact that life was moving too fast for single families to anchor themselves securely against…

It is not uncommon for someone to approach you on a New York City street and offer you the deal of the century. Hung on the inside lining of a long coat are all sorts…

UPDATE: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to stop issuing automatic depredation permits (kill permits) to livestock owners with lion issues in the areas of Santa Monica mountain range and Santa Ana Mountains.

Taking your cat out on a leash is far from a crazy idea. This is exactly what is happening in Alaska. We have succeeded, nationally, in drastically reducing the number of impounds of lost dogs.

Many of us are disturbed by the fact that Montreal issued a ban of all pit bulls and pit bull type dogs (whatever they are) and further planned to euthanize all such dogs by October…

Both Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City are revising their barking dog ordinances to promote relief and resolution of this “nuisance” and to flesh out factors that animal control can use to analyze the…

I apologize for the photo – but – this what your spcaLA does …. Know that the veterinarian’s license was revoked by the California Veterinary Medical Board after they concluded that he (Ryan James Whitney)…

Many of you know that in the mid-90’s spcaLA created and still operates Animal Safety Net™ (ASN), a domestic violence program designed to shelter pets while a battered victim can flee to an emergency shelter.

When my kids were younger I spent a good deal of time assisting them in their frenetic need to have complete first edition sets of Pokémon cards. A graduate of the previous “have to have…

An Amazon jaguar was shot and killed at an Olympic torch ceremony in Brazil when he/she attempted to escape from the organized photo shoot. I fail to see any credible, logical or humane reason to…

I was positively transfixed watching the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives stage a sit-in and then actually teared up when they burst into “We Shall Overcome”.

Tragically, a baby bison was euthanized in Yellowstone National Park after tourists, thinking the newborn needed help, put the calf in their car and drove to the ranger station. After unsuccessfully trying to reintroduce the…

I recently appeared on a radio show to discuss the harm caused by irresponsible breeding practices and the avarice of some breeders, specifically, bulldogs. These dogs should be the “poster children” for everything that is…

Some of you have expressed concern with a tweet from Hill’s® touting the advantages of purebred cats. In fact, they have a similar statement regarding purebred dogs

No sooner did I express my outrage at those taking selfies with wildlife, to the demise of the wildlife, that it was brought to my attention that selfies with hippos at the Los Angeles Zoo…

The obsession with selfies has become dangerous to living things. In China, a peacock died of fright as he was passed around to tourists for selfies. An Argentina crowd did the same with a rare…

Once again the Los Angeles City Council Personnel and Animal Welfare committee, chaired by Paul Koretz is doing something that will ultimately be detrimental to Los Angeles pets.

In a recent opinion, the IRS has ruled that volunteers who foster animals for a duly registered charity may deduct expenses for food, medicine, veterinary bills, and supplies, (Van Dusen v. Commissioner) It is also…

It is quite common for places of business to showcase fish tanks for the benefit of their waiting customers. Though a believer that fish should be left in their natural habitats, as a diver, I…

Former Baltimore Raven Terrence Cody was acquitted of felony animal cruelty charges but was found guilty of lesser counts in Baltimore County Circuit Court. The judge, after a bench trial, bought the argument that his…

Your spcaLA in conjunction with Finding Rover and VCA Animal Hospitals unveiled a new partnership that has the ability to help reunite more lost dogs with their family by using CSI techniques usually reserved for…

Uber – now a noun – “order an Uber”. A verb – “let’s Uber”. An adjective – “it’s an “Uber like” system and probably more. On October 29th, one can Uber Kitten. Yes – click…

Abusers use everything at their disposal to terrorize and control those they batter – including the family pet, often threatening to harm or kill an animal if the domestic violence survivor dares leave. We are…

In his message vetoing the ban on bullhooks, the governor stated that he did not want “to create a new crime”, lamenting that there are so many, and that “our jail and prison population have…

Food issues are a thing. People eat with a purpose which can be ideological, health based, weight loss related or simply trendy. One can be vegan for heart health reasons, environmental concerns or because of…

Victor Almendariz (DOB: 06-19-1992) was convicted on one count misdemeano r animal cruelty in case #5FF00619 before Judge Gustavo Sztraicher at the Metropolitan Court House. Deputy District Attorney Kelly Sakir prosecuted the case. Charges were…

This would be easier if the amendment required that all cats must be indoor only, sterilized and wearing visible identification. At lease they listened to us and abandoned the idea of clowders of 20 or…

California has prohibited the trade of kangaroo parts since 1971. However, lobbying from the Australian government, sports equipment manufacturers and the kangaroo industry led to a temporary exemption of this longstanding ban.

The utter tragedy of Cecil’s’ death notwithstanding, interesting things have resulted.

Cecil, a beloved lion, known by all for his black mane was lured out of his protected habitat in a Zimbabwean national park by a Minnesota dentist, Walter Palmer, and his guides, and killed. Not…

Menjivar, 52, pled no contest to one count of unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine. Judge Leland Harris sentenced Menjivar to 36 months of probation, 30 days jail, 500 hours of community service and 16 sessions…

After a weekend of watching too many news shows – the following haiku came to mind:

Like most “sport” hunting and canned hunts, there is no “sport” or real bravery in bullfighting. The bull is weakened, confined, repeatedly stabbed (causing great blood loss) by a group of picadors, and practically dead…

We are now seeing ads for an aspca event in Los Angeles and other cities. Understand that it is not connected to your spcaLA and our pets, and that your funds will go to New…

The term “no-kill” was abandoned years ago by enlightened and legitimate organizations as it became synonymous with horrific and sometimes hoarding conditions, as well as touted by ignorant politicians, less than savory “rescue” groups and…

This Memorial Day weekend (May 28th and 29th) spcaLA will again partner with Animals for Armed Forces® to give pets to members of the military and their families at no charge.

Spring is a time that desert tortoises awake from hibernation and search for food and mating partners. As such, they can be seen walking around, basking in the sun, grazing, drinking, and, yes, crossing the…

A few days ago I did a segment for NBC4 about adoption scams. Essentially, people saw an animal on line, sent money, then more money, only to discover there was never a pet at all.…

One of the reasons life exists on this planet is water. Humans, animals, vegetables all require water to thrive. Whether one is a conscientious omnivore or vegan, one will starve without water.

The article describing proposed California legislation, “The Sodomite Suppression Act”, submitted by an attorney which mandates that all gay people be shot in the head, was sent to me by someone who demanded that I…

Ringling announced today that it is eliminating elephant acts May of 2016 rather than 2018 citing concerns over public opinion and pesky local ordinances!

There was a great rage and fuss raised over a GoDaddy Super Bowl ad involving the selling of a puppy on line. GoDaddy responded by pulling the ad and assuring the public that the dog…

he City of Los Angeles is thinking of raising its cat limit law from 3 to 20+ cats per household. The proposal suggests that if a person owns 1 to 3 cats, the cats may…

As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year I, urge you to know your charities and to donate locally. 

The media needs to stop calling victims of rape and sexual assault “accusers”. It implies that there is no victim, but rather a shrill, angry, mean accuser who is victimizing the rapist. It is not…

I am not an art expert, but I must ask why we need a live skinny dog with a pink leg, bees, ants, and hermitage crabs put into an exhibit at the Los Angeles County…

Many veterans can benefit from a bona fide service dog to assist with head injury issues, and all can be helped by the therapeutic healing powers of a family pet.

Halloween is the event that prompts Americans to collectively reflect and debate the issue of animal cruelty,

Your spcaLA has been on the front lines prosecuting crimes against animals since 1877. We have also led the campaign to prove that it is no coincidence that those who abuse animals will often commit…

Notwithstanding the fact that the NFL has been the most hospitable sanctuary for the vulgar and the violent, (animal abuse, domestic violence, bar fights etc.), I am hopeful that some good will come of the…

In response to members of the public and legitimate animal welfare organizations advising people to use caution if they wish to dump an ice bucket on their dog,

When people ask me – “why don’t you get a real job” or “why did you give up prosecuting people” or “why should we care about animal abuse” – I show them an article

Four fictional ninja turtles and one real disease. I love the ninja turtle movies but I also love turtles. Real turtles are not ninjas, not appropriate pets for youngsters, and not legal to sell if…

involving 501(c)(3) not for profit corporations who characterize themselves as “rescues” or “no kill” shelters,  but are in fact the perpetrators of animal cruelty. It is critical that animal shelters, both public and private,

Last week a bear was hit by a car and killed on the 101 Freeway. This is one of many incidents of wildlife encountering traffic while looking for food, water and the company of friends.…

Many of you have been sending me this story and asking about it. Many of you also think that aspca and hsus are national/umbrella organizations. They are not. They are not connected in any way…

Many veterans can benefit from a bona fide service dog to assist with head injury issues, and all can be helped by the therapeutic healing powers of a family pet. Unfortunately, the difficulties encountered by…

Every year children and pets are left in hot cars – often left to die. Just last week a dog was found dead in a car in Riverside California. The owner was charged with felony…

In my capacity as both your spcaLA President and as chair of the State Humane Association of California legislative committee, it has been my responsibility to draft, study, support, oppose, testify, and ponder new or…

I have been inside more “hoarding houses” than anyone should ever have to. They are scary, dark, smelly and exude

It doesn’t matter if you think an animal is a nuisance or a pet, gratuitously injuring or killing her is a crime in California.

Assembly Bill 2140 entitled the “Orca Welfare and Safety Act”,  introduced by Assemblymember Richard Bloom, would ban holding whales captive in California for entertainment purposes, would create an orca retirement program and ban captive breeding…

A golden hair Tibetan Mastiff puppy, allegedly with some lion’s blood is reported to have sold for 2 million dollars in China. According to NBC News – this is the most expensive dog in the…

Deep within the new farm bill is an amendment to the federal animal fighting prohibition law (7 United States Code 2156) which is effective immediately. 

Copenhagen Zoo killed, dissected and fed a giraffe, Marius, to their big cats while children watched. The zoo asserted that this giraffe, though healthy, possessed genes too common with the other giraffes in the zoo…

With almost 200 million dollars in the bank the aspca has terminated their animal cruelty law enforcement department lamenting that it is too small to handle the demand. Now it will be up to the…

Those who seek to break the law, study the behavior of the activists in order to block, parry and continue their activities in peace. To that end the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, targeted against activists…

The latest salvo to reduce euthanasia in animal shelters is to increase the number of pets legally allowed in households. The theory is to increase output thereby reducing the population inside and presto – problem…

The time for Congress to pass the farm bill has come and we must make sure that Republican Senator Steve Kings’ amendment, Protect Interstate Commerce Act (PICA), which would strip states of the right to…

Donors often feel duped and upset to learn that their precious funds neither contributed to programs nor helped needy pets in the intended community. Often, a donor unintentionally exported funds to another state!

History in Los Angeles was made when our city council unanimously passed a ban on bullhooks. Years of work, tireless effort, and constant prodding by dedicated animal welfare advocates and the community, finally resulted in…

Failure to provide needed veterinary care to a pet is a crime in California. Elsa Lopez and her husband, Alberto Chavarria, were each convicted of 1 misdemeanor animal cruelty charge yesterday, as the result of…

Effective January 2016, sales of animals at swap meets will be regulated. Standards of care for those animals must be complied with at the swap meet and in transit to and from the venue.

The Los Angeles City Council will consider banning the use of bullhooks when handling an elephant. Though it is my reference that all exotic animals be banned from circuses and other such exhibitions – I am…

Businesses that sell pets over the internet (sight unseen) will be subject to licensing and inspection under the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) as the USDA revised the 40 year old definition of “retail store”.

The first mandates that the Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly Fish and Game) must use nonlethal force when removing or taking mountain lions that do not pose an imminent threat to public health and…

Charles Ferguson, owner and operator of J.R. Ewing Guard Dogs, Inc. et al, was convicted of 4 felony and 4 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, as the result of a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty…

Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that applies improves the plight of trapped animals.

During an arrest of Leon Rosby for obstructing a police action, Hawthorne police officers shot and killed his dog Max. A spectator captured the incident on video, which has over half a million views on YouTube.

Kendrick Perkins (basketball), Anthony Davis (football) and Isaiah Stanback (football) all posted the desire to sell their dogs on Twitter, and at least Perkins and Davis sold their family pet in under an hour with…

When California voters passed Proposition 2 which requires egg farmers to give egg-laying birds room to stand, spread their wings and move around, then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) added an additional requirement that all eggs…

Your spcaLA and the Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office have united to bring spcaLA’s award winning  violence prevention program to the Los Angeles juvenile system. This mandated, alternative sentencing program,  jTLC™.works…

What do AKC (American Kennel Club) breeders, puppy mills, pet shops, professional breeders, and opportunistic breeders (those that cater to fads or animal movie stars) have in common?  They profit from the sale of these…

During Wednesday’s Lakers game the ESPN commentators could not stop wailing about the tragedy that Kobe Bryant was seen in this photo with a little dog. They ranted, wept and prayed for someone to “say it isn’t…

It is once again legislative season and your spcaLA is working on bills that will prevent animal cruelty. To that end, I will resume nagging you to voice your support or disgust to our employees…

On March 6th a five foot long white-tipped shark flown from New York to Los Angeles to be used in the filming of a Kmart commercial exhibited signs of stress on the set and ultimately…

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) investigation and supporting evidence led to a felony animal cruelty conviction against Terrance Hawkins of Los Angeles, after he threw his girlfriend’s dog out…

Against a landscape of mounting gun violence, our nation is finally willing to look at the issue of gun safety in a comprehensive manner. To that end, universal background checks, bans on high capacity magazines…

As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year I, again urge you to know your charity and donate locally.

Charles Ferguson, owner and operator of J.R. Ewing Guard Dogs, Inc. et al was arrested for 3 Felony and 9 Misdemeanor animal cruelty counts as a result of an investigation by spcaLA Humane Officers.

Despite the fact that this lion family was suspected of killing a residents’ goat, and perhaps other livestock, the people of Rescue were upset that Fish and Game, again, resorted to killing the cat and…

California Senate bill 1221, authored by Senator Ted Lieu, will stop the cruel sport of “hounding” in which dogs are used to hunt and detain bears and bobcats so the latter can be killed by…

Tech XX, the English bulldog who served as the mascot for the Louisiana Tech University sports teams died of heatstroke after being left outside in the heat too long.

After speaking out on the recent court decision condemning the treatment of the elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, I received some advice from some members of the public to “stick to spcaLA business and…

The 42 million dollar elephant exhibit at the LA Zoo can remain open provided that certain conditions are met. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge John L. Segal, in his 56-page opinion issued Tuesday, ordered…

Daisy a 3 year old sow died of a seizure Wednesday morning, one day after she gave birth to 11 pink and black piglets at the Orange County Fair.

Many of us expressed concern following the recent gunning down of a baby mountain lion whose quest for something to eat led him into downtown Santa Monica.

Stronger state regulations dealing with the inspection of places that house wild animals have finally been approved by the California Department of Fish and Game Commission.

Whether motivated by a stressful economy, rage at pooping indoors, vengeful feelings toward a spouse, whimsy or ennui, it is not uncommon for people to trash their pets. This author has come to work many…

Effective July 1st 2012, foie gras made from force feeding ducks, geese or any bird will be banned in California. In other words, the actual force feeding in California is prohibited as well as merely…

I recently attended a conference on multiple perspectives of animals and the law. Gary Francione, a professor of law at Rutgers Law School was one of the presenting speakers. Some of his remarks have stuck…

The Maryland Court of Appeals has found that pit bulls and pit bull mixes are “inherently dangerous” dogs and that the owner and/or landlord who knows that an attacking dog is a pit bull or…

Would you buy a used car from Chris Brown? Let alone a pit bull puppy. Chris Brown is breeding and selling 2 month old pit bull puppies for a $1000 each.

Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.

I wasn’t going to write about this – but – it has been bothering me. Last week, the aspca (NOT a national umbrella organization) subsidized adoptions across the country for a couple of days. The…

The Department of Defense is asking President Obama for permission to expand the military’s current animal cruelty policy to include abandonment and to also apply to personal pets rather than just those owned by the…

The ability to genetically engineer food animals, replicate disease free humans and clone your favorite pet have been the fodder for science fiction films as well as for very real debates about the ethical issues…

As advocates and activists for the welfare of animals, and users of social media to help achieve those ends, I felt compelled to study the issues attendant to the Kony video campaign. Can we learn…

The exclusive Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show has banned the mere mention of shelter dogs at its event.

In 1999, an animal shelter mandate known as the “Hayden Bill” was enacted, among other things, to increase holding periods for stray cats and dogs in shelters, create behavior assessments for cats appearing to be…

The omnipresent fast food chain, McDonalds, in an advertisement designed to introduce a new menu item, the chicken McBite, claimed “Trying a new menu item at McDonald’s isn’t risky. You know what’s risky? Petting a…

In an episode of Fear Factor, “Snake Bite”, contestants were asked to remove snakes from crawling on another contestant using only their (the contestant’s) mouths. This exercise was designed to force those afraid of snakes…

Here is to a happy 2012. Every New Year brings with it new laws and regulations. Here are the highlights of new animal protection laws fought for, co-sponsored, developed by and supported by you and…

What do Penn State, Herman Cain, Wall Street banks, aspca, and the Ku Klux Klan have in common?

I am a big believer in the power of the people. Voting, boycotts, consumer power, social activism and philanthropy are all ways to be heard and effect change. The power of one can move mountains…

Originally launched in 2011, H.R.4525, the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (TEAPA), which would amend the Federal Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the use of an exotic or wild animal…

A man in New Mexico paid $100,000 to clone Old Blue, his dying dog. He sent Blue’s, DNA to a laboratory in South Korea while he was still alive, where it was stored until the…

spcaLA, a corporation serving California since 1877, is urging the City of Santa Monica to permit off-leash beach zones for dogs and their human companions.

Wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and wolves, were turned loose from a private collectors’ property in Zanesville, Ohio. It is believed that the owner of the site, Terry Thompson, turned the animals loose before…

Peta is about to launch a porn site, peta.xxx, that will juxtapose graphic sexual images with those of animals suffering in order to encourage and to promote a vegan lifestyle. I am not bothered by…

President Obama claims to not want to solve the nation’s financial crisis on the “backs of the needy”. Yet by cutting allowable contributions to charity, through his new jobs bill, he will do precisely that.…

Kane, a police dog was mortally stabbed in Washington, Gunner was stabbed in Memphis, Zac was stabbed in Australia, Solo was shot in Wisconsin and New Zealand lists dozens of dogs killed while on duty.…

It is a shameful thing that the City of Los Angeles through the Department of Animal Control allowed the chopping down of over a dozen mature pepper trees that provided nesting locations for birds and…

I was honored to be asked to partake in the festivities surrounding the film Saving America’s Horses screened at the Artivist Film Festival this past weekend.

Old and sick pets have become too expensive to keep during these challenging economic times. Euthanasia instead of expensive cancer treatment, abandonment instead of possible euthanasia seems to have become the new trend.

Iceland and Norway are the only two countries in the world that continue to permit commercial whaling. Much of the meat is either sent to Japan for human consumption or fed to tourists as a…

While dining with my family I received a text containing a photo of this dog, brought in by spcaLA Humane Officers. Upon their insistence I showed them the picture. Each gasped audibly enough to attract…

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, and luckiest felon in America, was convicted of state and federal laws related to dog fighting. Upon his release from prison, while still on probation and playing football, Vick has…

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Yet millions of allergy sufferers search for this magical fix. Even President Obama claimed has could not adopt a shelter dog because his daughter needed a…

A recent study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, concluded that pets are an important source of social support and provide many psychological and physical advantages for their human companions.

As school ends and summer draws near, many families consider adopting a dog. This year consider a black dog and help combat Black Dog Syndrome.

I was talking to a colleague today about the condition and care of shelter animals and whether it has improved, worsened or stayed the same over the past 10 years. She asked me, what law…

TMZ has reported that there is video depicting, the electric shocking and beating of the elephant actor, Tai, who stars in the new film “Water for Elephants”.  Animal Defenders International (ADI) has just released a…

First-we received a call that a drunken donkey would be serving drinks in a bar in Long Beach on Cinco De Mayo (as they did last year). We stopped that.

The cow was part of a livestock nursery exhibit in which very pregnant cows, goats and pigs are transported to the fair and are expected to give birth in front of an audience. As you…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as “animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling…

There is a new trend in China. Live fish and turtles are being sealed into airtight containers which are then sold, very cheaply, as key rings and trinkets. Vendors are appearing in markets, subway stations,…

Bob Parsons, CEO of GoDaddy.com, a domain-name hosting company, proudly posted a vacation video of himself killing an elephant in Zimbabwe.

There has been a lot of research touting the health benefits of having a dog, reduced stress, faster healing and stable heart rhythms to name a few.

The celebration of the Chinese New Year was heralded by six goldfish, ( a symbol of wealth in China) “magically” swimming in perfect synchronization under the direction of magician Fu Yandong. Requests by animal activists…

An spcaLA employee came upon a newborn squirrel in distress. She cared for and bottle fed him around the clock. When Mr. Squirrel, as he was so named, was ready, she released him on our…

Already a single parent, Kitty came to us moody, feeling fat, and ready to pop out quintuplets. She and her children joined the hundreds of others coming to spcaLA with thousands more on the way.…

It is now half a decade after Hurricane Katrina leveled parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. spcaLA‘s elite Disaster Response Team was called in to assist – and we did – sending medical, rescue personnel and…