A Blog by spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein
I CANNOT WATCH THESE COMMERCIALS ANYMORE!
The advent of the holiday giving season and the optimistic feeling of goodwill also brings the constant barrage of aspca commercials of miserable animals who can’t wait one more minute to be rescued.
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Call to Action – Rodeo ban fight not over – saboteurs poised to vote against ban at next vote
spcaLA Applauds Los Angeles City Council Vote to Ban Rodeos and particularly thanks Councilmember Blumenfield for his efforts and dedication to this reform. I was honored to be asked to speak at both the rally…
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Desecrated longhorn steer found in Oklahoma in advance of Oklahoma state vs. Texas Longhorns game
In a horrific and unsettling turn of events, the body of a desecrated longhorn steer was discovered this morning on the front steps of an Oklahoma State University fraternity in Stillwater, OK. As disturbing images…
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Donate SMART, support LOCAL CHARITIES, and create HEALTHY communities
As we are again coming upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year, I urge you to donate locally. Local papers are again full of advertisements from out-of-state animal charities who do not inform you…
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Supreme Court Sides with California and Upholds Proposition 12!
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…
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Dog and cat bill of rights is nothing of the sort
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…
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RIP SHOOTING VICTIMS
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…
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Just Watch the Movie!
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…
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Hairless French Bulldogs! What could go wrong?
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.
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A Horse, a Princess, and a Fashion Show Runway !
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?
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New emotional support dog anti-fraud law signed
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…
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Ivermectin is for ANIMALS – and not the human kind
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.
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The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act is now law!
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.
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New requirements if importing dogs for resale from ASF regions – getting the message?
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…
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CDC stops the importation of dogs from 100 + countries with high risk of rabies
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…
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So you think you had a bad day!
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…
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Not to be Morbid – but What if our Pets Outlive Us?
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.
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Sick Puppy Peddler Pleads In Superior Court Today
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…
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Yes – a POEM – Happy Holidays and stay well!
They roll, high-five, and socialize, Mani-pedis they endure, All the while maintaining one beautiful eye on the door.
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Covid Detection Dogs Working in Finland Airport
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…
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Vote for YOU. Vote for US. Vote national, state, county and local!
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…
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Blink If You Love Me!
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…
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What do Gender Reveal parties, Labradoodles, and Cubicles have in Common?
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.
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Germany Proposes Law Mandating Dog Walking
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…
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Dogs May Be Good for Children’s Psychological Development
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.
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covid-19 “Must Have” survival kit – a Dog and a Llama!
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…
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No Swabs Necessary -Just Dogs
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…
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Help CLOSE Live Animal Markets in California
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…
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Tiger in Bronx Zoo Tests Positive for Covid-19
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…
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“Safe at Home” not so safe for Victims of Domestic Violence
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…
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PETS and COVID-19
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…
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Convicted Glascow drug dealer sells designer dogs from Dubai
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.
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spcaLA and Safer at Home order
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.
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Corona (Covid-19) – what about my pets?
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…
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Pigeons and MAGA hats glued to their heads! STOP
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.
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“Leadership is an action not a position”
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.
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The Empty Cage Outrage Game
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…
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spcaLA and the Long Beach State of the City -2020
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.
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California enacts Animal Control Standards Act
Animal control officers have no standard training requirements. Each locality decides what training it wants to provide other than on the job experience
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New DOG BITE DISCLOSURE law – effective January 2020
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has signed AB 588 into law. The law effectively mandates the disclosure of a dog’s bite history,
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“Man is a race of monsters inefficiently chained.” Brandon Sanderson
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…
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spcaLA & National Police Foundation Unveil Report to Reduce Dog Shootings in Police Encounters
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,…
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Socially Conscious Animal Sheltering – A guest blogger in her own words
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…
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We Are ALL No Kill
I call on every animal welfare individual, organization, group and association to stand together and simply say, post and remind everyone – we are all “no kill” – who isn’t?…
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Puppy Peddler charged with 52 criminal counts. Are you a victim?
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…
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What do you think? An eternal bond? Is it right?
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.…
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Compassion Saves model made possible by a Village!
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!
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Pre-nuptial agreements for pets!
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,…
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Stop Horse Racing Now
Santa Anita Track won’t suspend racing but agrees to more veterinary oversight b4 a horse races.
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Viceland-WHY?
Why does Viceland feel a billboard suggesting that blending a live goldfish is something to advertise and be proud of?
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Turn New Tax Cut Law Lemons into Lemonade
The newly enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act smacked down the annual deductions allowed for state and local taxes paid.
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The “Rats” at Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall is infested with rats. The four-legged furry ones to be clear.
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Pot, Shop, Adopt and Divorce
Every year there are laws passed that affect animals and those that love them. I would like to highlight a few.
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Attention humans – VOTE
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…
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What do Putin, a dog named Blue and a Teacup have in common?
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…
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Just released: WE ARE ONE – the film
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.
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Rescuing that which needs no rescue is what??
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…
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Lorenzo’s Oil Moments …
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.
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The “Pick Your Price” Adoption Episode.
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.
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School fails test for care of class pet
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.
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The kindness of strangers …
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”.
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Come on MLB – no tormenting wildlife in baseball.
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…
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Use of force simulator next step in assisting law enforcement with pet encounters
Statistics indicate that 70% of shots fired by law enforcement are at animals, mostly family pets, then wildlife.
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Loving a pet is not a disability
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.
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Would you stop at a red light at 3 AM on a deserted street?
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.
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Warning – Demand for puppy mill animals created by “rescues”
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…
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Ban on bringing elephant parts into U.S. rescinded
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…
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When Sexual Harassment Occurs at a Charity
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,…
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Why would you punch a police horse and other musings from “she who is pushing a boulder uphill”
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…
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The Focus on Optics is Really a Polite Way to Opt Out
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.
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The Horrible Fate of Turntle the Turtle – A Warning
The latest innocent victim of a feud is a turtle named Turntle.
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The Season for Giving and Thieving
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…
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Do More than Just Say Thank You This Veterans Day
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,
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Time to Speak Truth to Power – Words Matter
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,…
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California’s Foie Gras Ban Reinstated by US Ct. of Appeals!
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…
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Is roadkill cuisine on the menu?
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,…
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“No-Kill” does not mean no death – It’s often worse
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…
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Declare independence from FRAUD this 4th!
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.
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FRAUD ALERT issued by LA County District Attorney re animal rescues
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…
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Largest Cockfighting Bust in U.S. History
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.
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Fakers, Frauds and “Fonies” Oh my …
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.
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Call to Action: Los Angeles City Council Vote to Ban Exotics in Entertainment and House Parties
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…
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Face reality instead of facing off against Facebook
Use extreme caution before taxing Facebook with a moral responsibility to censor its content, be it offensive or otherwise.
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Family pet gunned down by Garden Grove Police – Call for Video
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…
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Healthy Communities – We Must Support our LOCAL Charities
I was watching an interview with Thomas Friedman who was advocating the concept of “healthy communities”. Essentially he articulated
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Kakistocrats Scrub Animal Welfare Inspections and Reports
A kakistocracy is defined as “government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens”. We are experiencing a systematic scrubbing,
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Alaska is First State to Consider Well Being of Pets in Divorce Proceedings
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…
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The Final Curtain to Fall on Ringling Brothers After 146 years
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…
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“Healthy Communities” – Why Thomas Friedman is Correct
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…
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A $5.00 Rolex Will Not Tell Time!
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…
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Fish and Game (Wildlife) Outsourcing Killing of Mountain Lion -P-45
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.
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Cats on Leashes – Seriously
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.
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Please Don’t Kill Me Because I look Like A Pit Bull
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…
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When Dogs Bark – Listen
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…
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California Veterinarian Loses License for This ….
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)…
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More Than Footballs Fly During The Game
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.
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Pokémon Go – AWAY
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…
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Let’s Leave the “Life” in “Wildlife”
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…
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The Rage Against The Majority
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”.
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Animals Happily Await Beer Drinking Boaters & Litterers!
A Florida brewery has proven that you can simultaneously be decadent and righteous – the ultimate multi task! The company has created edible six-pack rings that can feed sea turtles, birds and other animal life…
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Let Bison Be Bison
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…
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The Painfully High Cost of Adorable
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…
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Secret Cat Adoption Tip Inside!
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
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Hippo Selfies – That’s a Thing!
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…
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Death by Selfie – Please Stop
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…
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The Animal Three Card Monte Game Continues With “Pet Shops”
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.
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Fostering animals saves lives and is now tax deductible!
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…
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The bigger the fish tank the worse the service …
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…
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When father does not know best …
Although found guilty of animal cruelty, the klansman’s son was fined $100.00 despite the fact that the veterinarian testified that the dog would have died in 48 hours if untreated.
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Judge fumbles verdict in ex-Raven Terrence Cody’s animal cruelty case
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…
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Facial recognition works for MI6 – why not dogs and cats!
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…
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Who ya gonna call -UBER KITTEN!!
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…
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Please help spcaLA fund our much needed domestic violence program
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…
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The OTHER reason the bullhook veto hurts
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…
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Enter the Flexitarian
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…
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Man Caught on Video Beating His Dog Pleads Guilty
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…
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LA City Council poised to fail cats again
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…
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Kangaroos and Californians
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.
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In the echo of Cecil’s final roar
The utter tragedy of Cecil’s’ death notwithstanding, interesting things have resulted.
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Cecil the Lion
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…
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Charges Filed Against Holiday Humane Society Fake Veterinarian
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…
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My first haiku – maybe!
After a weekend of watching too many news shows – the following haiku came to mind:
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Protect your spcaLA donor dollars from “poachers”!
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…
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Stop Playing Three Card Monte With Our Pets
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…
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A Small Thank You To Our Veterans
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.
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Step Away From the Tortoise
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…
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The Art of the Scam
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.…
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Where Have All The Geniuses Gone?
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.
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Beware of Idea Segregation
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…
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Ringling Bros. Failed to Train the Public to Come to the Show
Ringling announced today that it is eliminating elephant acts May of 2016 rather than 2018 citing concerns over public opinion and pesky local ordinances!
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Animal People Are Not Humorless
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…
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The City of Los Angeles considering Increasing Cat Pet Limits and Permitting Clowders
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…
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Donate Smart-Donate Locally
As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year I, urge you to know your charities and to donate locally.
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stop calling rape victims “accusers”
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…
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MUSEUMS and SKINNY DOGS WITH PINK LEGS
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…
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On November 8th and 9th spcaLA again partnered with Animals for Armed Forces
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.
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The Black Cat Phenom is to Halloween as Ray Rice is to the NFL
Halloween is the event that prompts Americans to collectively reflect and debate the issue of animal cruelty,
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FBI Endorses Plan to Add Animal Cruelty Crimes to FBI National Incident Based Reporting System
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…
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Can Ray Rice Horror Open Eyes
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…
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The Arrogance of the Ignorant
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,
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I Do Have A Real Job
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
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What is Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello and Salmonella?
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…
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Please Don’t “Rescue” Me
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,
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Help Los Angeles Keep our Wildlife Residents Safe
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.…
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aspca et al bribed witness which costs us all
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…
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Veterans as Our New Vulnerable Class
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…
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Do Not Leave Children and Pets in Cars -Even For a Minute
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…
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Don’t Judge a Law by its Title
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…
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Are There Bugs in My Bangs?
I have been inside more “hoarding houses” than anyone should ever have to. They are scary, dark, smelly and exude
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Convicted! You Can’t Just Beat an Opossum to Death Because She is an Opossum
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.
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Need Action: Help Ban Whales at SeaWorld
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…
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You Can Guess What I Have To Say About This
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…
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New Farm Bill Has Surprise For Dogfighters and Cockfighters!
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.
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Healthy Giraffe Killed, Chopped and Fed to Big Cats in Front of Children
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…
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New York City Pets Fall Between the C**P
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…
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Is Your Undercover Expose video Cruel to Animals? Big Business Thinks So
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…
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The Devil is in the Details not the Shelter
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…
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Disgusted With Iowa Republican Steve Kings’ Farm Bill Amendment
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…
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Give With your Heart, but Consult your Brain
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!
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THE NOT SO ” FRIENDLY ” AMENDMENT TO THE BULLHOOK BAN
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…
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ONCE YOU COMMIT TO A PET YOU COMMIT TO A VET
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…
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NEW CALIFORNIA ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS ENACTED THIS SEASON
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.
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CALL TO ACTION – Los Angeles City Council To Vote To Ban Bullhooks
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…
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Really, don’t hate me because I’m a pit bull
Riverside County supervisors passed an ordinance prohibiting residents of unincorporated areas of Riverside County from owning an unaltered pit bull, or pit mix, who is older than 4 months.
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USDA to Regulate Internet Sale of Pets
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”.
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New Mountain Lion and Swap Meet Laws in California!
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…
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Vindication For Crimes Against Working Dogs
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…
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New Trapping Law In California
Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that applies improves the plight of trapped animals.
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Hawthorne Police Gun Down Dog In Front Of Owner
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.
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Athletes Unload Their Pets via Twitter
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…
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Hens will Suffer in Push for Big Government over State Sovereignty
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…
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Juveniles Sentenced to spcaLA for Violence “Cure”
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…
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Is This News to Anyone?
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…
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ESPN: The Size of a Man’s Dog Does is NOT Indicative of His Penis Size
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…
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UPDATE – Swap Meets, Lead Ammo and Ag Gag – Oh My!
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…
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WHAT COULD YOU BUY AT KMART THAT IS WORTH THE LIFE OF A SHARK?
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…
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If You Don’t Believe In The Link Between Domestic Violence And Animal Cruelty-Read This
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…
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Violent Behavior-Heed the Early Warning Signs
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…
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Don’t Be Bamboozled This Holiday Season: Give Locally
As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year I, again urge you to know your charity and donate locally.
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NEWS BULLETIN: spcaLA law enforcement action
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.
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Los Angeles Bans Puppy Mill Pets in Stores
Los Angeles city council voted on Wednesday in favor of an ordinance to ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits obtained from commercial breeders and puppy mills.
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Mother Mountain Lion and Her Three Cubs Killed in Northern California
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…
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I Am Honored and I Thank You
So often, I’m asked – how does spcaLA advocate on behalf of abandoned and abused animals? Preventing cruelty to animals through education and advocacy is part of the spcaLA Mission and something I take seriously…
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CALL TO ACTION -HELP BEARS, BOBCATS AND HOUNDS
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…
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Louisiana Tech Bulldog Mascot Dies of Heatstroke
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.
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Elephants Are spcaLA Business!
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…
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Judge, Extremely Critical of LA Zoo Imposes Conditions to Keep Elephant Exhibit Open
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…
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Mother Pig Dies Hours After Giving Birth at Orange County Fair
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.
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NEW Update on Gunned Down Santa Monica Mountain Lion
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.
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Finally -Stronger California Regulations Governing Captive Wildlife
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.
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Baby Chimp Killed at Zoo While Visitors Watched
The first chimpanzee baby born at the Los Angeles Zoo in 13 years was killed by an adult male chimp while visitors watched. It is alleged that the male took the baby from the mother…
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Woman Tossed Box of Live Kittens and Dog from Moving Car
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…
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Bon Soir Foie Gras
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…
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Rihanna’s Dog Got “Minxed”
The latest trend in manicures and pedicures is the minx manicure. It is a process where pictures and patterns are painted onto fingernails and toenails thereby instantly transforming ordinary fingers and toes into works of…
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Food for Thought…
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…
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Pit Bulls — A Tale of 2 Confused States
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…
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Chris Brown Breeding and Selling Pit Bull Puppies for $1000 Online
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.
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Stop the Cruel and Bullying “Sport”of Hounding California’s Bears and Bobcats
Senate Bill 1221 will stop the cruel and bullying pastime of “hounding” bears and bobcats.
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“Something’s Happening Here – What It Is Ain’t Exactly Clear…”
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…
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Obama to Decide Whether to Expand Military’s Animal Cruelty Policy
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…
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Tortoiseshell Cats Cannot Be Cloned
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…
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Kony Social Media Activism – Good or Bad for Change
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…
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Lion Slaying Fish & Game Commissioner Must be Fired
The President of the California Fish and Game Commission, Dan Richards, whose mandate it is to protect native species, killed a mountain lion in Idaho and posed grinning with the carcass.
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Westminster Dog Show Disallows Shelter Pet Message
The exclusive Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show has banned the mere mention of shelter dogs at its event.
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When Was the Last Time I Asked the Government to do Nothing?
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…
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Trying a Chicken McBite is Less Risky than Being Struck by Lightning
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…
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Democrat’s Cat Killed with “Liberal” Painted on Body
A cat belonging to Jake Burris, the campaign manager for Democrat Ken Aden, was found dead with his head bashed in and the word “Liberal” spray-painted on his side. Ken Aden is running against Republican…
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The Fear Factor Problem and Solution
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…
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Marlins Pitcher Can’t Live In Miami Because Of His Dog
Pitcher Mark Buehrle, who recently signed with the Marlins, cannot actually live near the Miami stadium because, Slater, one of his 4 dogs is a pit bull. Miami-Dade County has had a pit bull ban…
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When a Service Dog is a Pit Bull …
In the case of Mikey, below, the United States attorney’s office is suing the condo complex for not allowing an elderly disabled women to keep her service dog in violation of the Fair Housing Act,…
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New California Animal Welfare Laws Enacted For 2012
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…
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Israel Bans Cat Declawing
Israel has joined the list of over 20 countries to ban cat declawing. Unless performed within the narrow medical necessity exemptions, the procedure has been declared, by Israel’s legislature, to be a crime, punishable by…
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Military Dogs Suffer From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Military dogs, like their human soldiers, can return home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). And why are we surprised? The dogs are asked to locate mines, improvised explosives, search structures and even to assist…
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Obama Legalizes Horse Slaughter for Human Consumption in the U.S.
Horse slaughter plants are legal again in the United States. Restrictions on horse meat processing for human consumption have been lifted. courtesy of Google Images
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He Walked into my Cat-House and Placed iPads on the Floor
he purpose of the visit was to film an episode of a program about cats. They came to spcaLA (not affiliated with any other spca as there is no national/umbrella spca) to film in our…
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What do Penn State, Herman Cain, Wall Street banks, aspca, and the Ku Klux Klan have in common?
What do Penn State, Herman Cain, Wall Street banks, aspca, and the Ku Klux Klan have in common?
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People Power – Give to Local Charities
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…
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Traveling Circus Protection Act Reintroduced to Congress
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…
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$100,000 For A Cloned Dog?
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…
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Allow Dogs On Designated Beaches
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.
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Loose Wild Animals Gunned Down in Ohio
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…
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Landlords – Stop Gouging Pet Owners!
When the going gets tough, the tough gouge the vulnerable. In this case, the vulnerable are pet owners seeking to rent or lease homes and apartments. The trend is to charge pet owners extra rent…
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Porn and Animal Suffering – a Good Combo?
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…
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President Obama: Step Away From Our Charity
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.…
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Law Enforcement Dogs Are Not Bullet Proof – A Thought for 9/11
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.…
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“They Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot” – City DestroysTrees for Shelter Banners
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…
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Polar Bear in Alaska Hazed to Death by BP Security Guard
A polar bear was shot by a security guard hired to protect BP’s Endicott Field compound on the North Slope of Alaska. Polar bears are considered a “threatened species” and it is illegal under federal…
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Pot Pain Patch for Pets Coming Soon
A Seattle company has developed a marijuana pain patch for use on dogs, cats and horses suffering from arthritis, cancer, and other chronic pain. The company, Medical Marijuana Delivery Systems (MMDS), acquired a patent for…
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This Is Loyalty
If any one is neither convinced of the intensity and strength of the human animal bond nor persuaded of the mutual loyalty between the two, you need only look at this picture posted by NPR.
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They Do Shoot Horses . . .
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.
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100% Support of Public Private Relationships-When I Can See Them
In the past few weeks, there has been a whirlwind of opinion and activity around the City of Los Angeles considering a public-private partnership to operate the Northeast Valley Animal Shelter.
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Sarah the Elephant Collapses After Ringling Circus Performance
A 54 year old elephant, named Sarah, collapsed after performing at the Ringling Brothers Circus Sunday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim California. Ringling Brothers maintains it was simply a loss of balance on…
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Old and Sick Pets-Collateral Damage of Our Economy
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.
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Ask Obama to Save the Whales – Decision Due in 60 Days
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…
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While Dining With My Family I Received A Text ….
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…
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Michael Vick to Testify Before Congress and Denounce Dog-Fighting
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…
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Study Suggests No Such Thing as a Hypoallergenic Dog
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…
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Friends WIth Benefits -Science Says Pets are Good for You
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.
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Allergy Dogs Warn Children of Dangerous Allergens
For most people allergies can be uncomfortable, annoying, seasonal and inconvenient. For some, sensitivity is so severe that exposure can be life threatening.
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Exposing Infants to Pets May Reduce Allergies
Allergies to pets are often cited as the reason that pets are returned to shelters or prohibited from the home in the first place. Though people develop allergic reactions to the pet’s saliva or dander,…
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Discrimination Against Black Dogs is a Real Problem
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.
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Palm Trees, Snow-capped Mountains, Unwanted Pets Lay Dying: The New California Landscape?
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…
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The Electric Shocking and Beating of an Animal Actor
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…
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Who’s The Ass Now?
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.
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Animals Forced to Continue to Give Birth on Display at the Fair
Each year the California State Fair boasts a Livestock Nursery exhibit, where extremely pregnant animals are transported to the fair, and are situated to give birth in front of fair goers.
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Cows Don’t Need To Give Birth At The Fair-Please Help Stop This
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…
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Ask Google to Remove Dog Fighting App
Google has launched The Dog Wars app for the Android smart phone operating system, which allows users to train, feed, fight virtual dogs, and raise your dog to be a winning fighter. One navigates the…
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Like Kids, Pets, Africa? There’s a Charity for That!
I hate to sound like a broken record – but – everybody isn’t qualified to run a charity. It is not necessary to start your own corporation to accomplish something or to steer funding to a…
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ADA Guidelines Limit Service Animals to Dogs and Miniature Horses
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…
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Live Animal Key Chains-New Trend in China
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,…
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CEO Go-Daddy Bob Parsons Kills Elephant for Vacation Sport
Bob Parsons, CEO of GoDaddy.com, a domain-name hosting company, proudly posted a vacation video of himself killing an elephant in Zimbabwe.
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The Dog Ate My Oxygen
CNN reported on a book “Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living” by Robert and Brenda Vale, which asserts that dogs are as bad for the environment as driving an SUV,…
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Update to Military Families Forced to Leave Pets Behind in Japan
Immediately following reports of, and my blog post commenting on, the inability of military families to evacuate on government flights with their pets, an official government document, updated as of the evening of March 21st,…
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Military Families Forced to Leave Pets Behind in Japan
It is being reported that families of military members stationed in Japan must leave their pets behind if they wish to evacuate the country on government run flights.
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Save Gym Dues and Get a Dog
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.
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Dam Beavers!
Once again the clash between people and wildlife, specifically beavers, has pitted animal welfare professionals and environmentalists against California’s Departments of Water and Power (DWP) and Fish and Game (DFG). Beavers are felling trees, building…
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I Can’t “Bear” This Anymore – Call to Action
This is as bad as it gets. The California Department of Fish and Game thinks that we, the taxpayers, and interested citizens, can’t see through their smokescreens or tell fool’s gold from the real deal.
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There’s No Such Thing as Magic Fish, Bunnies, or Birds – Just Cruelty
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…
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Race Saving, not Racism – Does Removing Cruelty Destroy Culture?
It is beyond disappointing that the race card is used to avoid facing conflict, making difficult policy decisions and to applying critical thinking skills.
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Score: Political Hackdom 1- Animal Kingdom 0; A Sad Day for Frogs and Turtles
Millions if not billions of turtles and frogs are imported into California to be sold in the live animal markets for human consumption. Those unfit to eat manage to find their way, through the distributors,…
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The Sorrowful End of 100 Sled Dogs
For a period after the 2010 Olympics tourists in Canada were interested in the experience of dog sledding, a service provided by a company called Outdoor Adventures Whistler which also appears to be connected to…
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Why Animal Transports Work
There has been a recent assertion that transporting animals from one place to another simply reassigns the task of euthanasia to the receiving entity. That is not the case with our program or any reliable…
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T’is the Legislative Season – Again
The California legislative season is back, along with its attendant agita. In my capacity as both your spcaLA President and as chair of the State Humane Association legislative committee, it has been my responsibility to…
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Top Models and Crush Videos-Really?
Why would the advertisers for New Zealand’s Next Top Model show think it wise to conjure up crush video images to appeal to a youth market? Among other things, the ad features a model in…
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A Segue Between Weekends of Violence and Peace
As we approach Martin Luther King Day shaken by the massacre in Arizona, I ask that we, the spcaLA family, remind ourselves of the work we are doing together to combat violence, and, to recommit to model…
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A Word About Assasinations
As one of the national figures in the Animal Welfare arena I feel that something must be said and some leadership shown in the wake of the Arizona massacre. Many of us feel passionate about…
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What Do We Shoot When We Are Out Of Animals
MSNBC did a news feature about feral pigs and boars in the mid west bothering residents and destroying property. They are large, feral, smart, plentiful and definitely winning the battle of wits. The proposed solution,…
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Give the Sharks an XMAS Gift-.Ask Obama to Sign Shark Conservation Act
The Shark Conservation Act of 2010 will ban the practice of shark finning, which involves catching sharks, cutting off their fins, and releasing them alive into the water to suffer a slow painful drowning death.…
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Cat and Dog Fur Apparel Must Be Labeled
About 10 years ago, we discovered that some ski boots were lined with dog fur and sold by a chain of sporting good stores. Although legal across the United States, selling those boots in California…
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Michael Vick, The Luckiest Felon in America, Wants a Dog for Christmas
Michael Vick is the luckiest felon in America. After being convicted of dog fighting and serving time in jail, he still keeps his job, earns millions, is fought over by media organizations and media hungry…
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Squirrels Never Forget: Eat Peanut Butter & Just Shoot a Picture.
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…
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Abstinence Didn’t Work For Her – It Won’t For Your Pet Either
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.…
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I Won’t Pick Up a Guitar if You Don’t Run a Charity
As we again come upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year I, again urge you to know your charity and donate locally. We are a generous and empathetic people who react with our hearts…
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The Other Part of the Palin Fish Beating Video that Needs Discussing
There has been a huge kerfuffle surrounding Sarah Palin goading her daughter into beating a live fish to death. Rather than add to the outcry of disgust surrounding this, I would like to focus on…
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I Don’t Want to Use the Word Poop so You Read This
It is once again that time of year when philanthropy and shopping occur at a fever pitch. Securing deductions for the end of the tax year and holiday shopping help charities fund their programs for…
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A Word About Poop and Plastic Bags
Minutes after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to ban disposable single use plastic bags I received a call from the media requesting an interview to answer the question “what do people do…
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Proud to be an Enabler! Permission to Treat Animals Humanely-Granted!
I was at a meeting with both leaders in and outside of the animal protection business, discussing strategies to place more pets in good homes and to foster responsible pet ownership, when one of the…
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Where is the Sport in Hunting-Canned Hunt Video Finally Released
In 2004 a country music singer Gentry, of the group Montgomery Gentry, killed a bear during a canned hunt. A canned hunt is the practice of confining “wild” animals in a relatively small space, and,…
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33 Greyhounds Found Dead at Ebro Racing Track in Florida-Can we Ban this Now?
At least 33 greyhounds were found dead in their kennels at Ebro Greyhound Park in Florida. It appeared from their condition that they starved to death. Their trainer, Ronald Williams, has been charged with animal…
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Veterinarians Must be Included in Cycle of Violence Network
I speak often about the link between animal cruelty and violence against people, in that, it is the same act aimed at different victims. It is now known that serial killers commence their criminal careers…
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Domestic Violence and the Animal Cruelty Link
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. It must also be understood that animals are intrinsically and intricately involved in this problem. Aside from being victims of violence themselves, pets are often used by the abuser…
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The Real Danger of the Lobster Zone Crab Claw Game
There is such a thing in some restaurants, (I won’t mention names because the publicity is helping their business) as a “lobster zone crab claw “game. Like the classic claw game for plush prizes-this one…
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Congress Takes Aim at Crush Videos and Misses
I am very concerned about HR 5566, a law that would amend Title 18 of the United States Code, to “prohibit interstate commerce in animal crush videos”. This new law is poised to replace the…
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Pet Limit Laws – Love Them or Hate Them
The City of Los Angeles is thinking of raising its pet limit law from three to five pets per household. It is spcaLA’s position that one abused pet in a home is one too many,…
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Bloodless Bullfighting in the Name of Religion must be Stopped
Bloodless bullfighting has been legal in California since 1957 as long as it is “held in connection with religious celebrations or festivals.” (California Penal Code section 597m) Absent a religious connection-it is illegal, a misdemeanor…
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More about eggs – free range/roaming not the answer
Many people worried about the egg situation and salmonella are looking to “free range” and/or “free roaming” eggs as a solution. Unfortunately, they are not the panacea for concerns in the egg industry.
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A Positive Katrina Legacy For Animals
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…
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A call to thought – issues surrounding DNA testing of pets
The latest trend I am seeing involves DNA testing for dogs. Some offer home kits so the curious can see what their dog really is. Some suggest that knowing the prominent breed in a pet…
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Requiem for the American Airlines Dead Puppies
Recently 7 out of 14 puppies, traveling in the cargo hold, died on an American Airlines flight from Tulsa to Chicago. Although the airlines will not release the source of the shipment, it doesn’t take…
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Don’t hate me because I’m a pit bull – breed specific legislation issues
Breed specific legislation is unenforceable, ineffective, absurd, and more about lazy legislators, enforcement agents, and insurance companies than public safety. It is most seen in attempts to ban pit bulls from the world, or most…
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The unfortunate gunning down of a dairy cow at the fair.
I am sure by now that you heard the story of the stressed pregnant dairy cow that was shot 11 times at the state fair when she escaped her confines. She and her calf did…
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Yes you can but you may not – about abuse of power
Against the landscape of the future of “don’t ask don’t tell” and the issue of same sex marriage surely headed to the United States Supreme Court- I have to sadly say – no matter the…
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Where does all the funding go? Where did Haiti’s go?
I have been watching a lot of coverage about the 6 month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti and it is awful. Nothing is happening. People are still living on the streets, roads are not…
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Be kind to the hens if you want healthy eggs.
It is so often that doing the right thing for another living thing helps us all. Or-good deeds can produce their own rewards.
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A Dog Dyed Any Other Way Is Still A Dog
What is the obsession of decorating live animals about? Painting turtle shells, and dyeing Easter chicks (illegal in California) are practices that have fallen out of style and/or been outlawed as cruel and wrong. After…
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The Heartbreak of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm – a disease potentially fatal to dogs and cats – is now a local problem as more and more cases have been contracted in our area. It is a worm that embeds in the…
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The Gulf of Tears
The spill in the gulf is ripping my heart out. I stare for hours at the gusher video feeling alternately helpless and enraged. I watch as turtles, sharks, birds, marshlands, reptiles, fish, and mammals die…
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Say no to a Great Dane and I don’t mean Hamlet!
While “to be or not to be” ranks as a great philosophical question for the ages – in my world, it is always answered “to be” by unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills. These opportunists are…
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Not Everyone With Too Many Pets is a Hoarder.
Not everyone with too many pets is a hoarder. Recently we have been asked to assist two elderly citizens whose raison d’etre was to care for neighborhood pets but felt they could no longer do…
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Stop rescission of import ban on frogs & turtles – make some noise!
The Fish & Game Commission, after a decade of asking, finally banned the importation of millions of live frogs and turtles for sale in live animal markets. Notwithstanding the animal cruelty issues, these non-native species find…
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Shame on LA City
I can’t help thinking that it has become a trend to focus us on the evils of Wall Street so we don’t see the overspending, mismanagement and the wasting of assets brought about by our…
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spcas – Stand Up And Light!
Just a thank you to spcaLA’s individual and corporate constituents, particularly Pacific Park, Lax and the Coliseum for their “Go Blue for spcaLA” light support and celebrations.
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What to with the US Supreme Court Animal Cruelty decision
The Supreme Court in U.S. v. Stevens struck down a federal statute that would criminalize certain depictions of animal cruelty. The genesis of this law was to prevent the distribution of crush videos, a genre…
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Amazon Kindle Needs to Grow a Pair!
As an extremely busy CEO who loves to read but has precious little down time, I use technology to help. Though a devout paper lover – the smell of a newly opened hard covered book…
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Just Say No to the Circus
This week a circus trainer in Pennsylvania was killed by an elephant. Another avoidable tragedy. In response to this news, my twitter friend, DrBuzziBoomBatz in essence said to leave the creatures alone and ban all…
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I Finally Met a Donation I Didn’t Want
A friend called me dumbfounded. She was speaking to a person who was planning a vacation, could not find a sitter for the family cats, and did not want to spend the funds to board…
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Who Will Care For My Pets When I’m Gone?
The human animal bond runs strong and deep. Our pets are frequently considered part of the family, and, in many cases, the entire family. The concern of what happens if our pet survives us is…
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We Must Speak for California Bears
The California Department of Fish & Game (DFG) is proposing to expand Bear Hunting in several horrific ways. They want to increase the number of areas zoned for hunting, remove the limit on the number…
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“I Have a Little List” – An Animal Abuse Registry
The concept of an animal abuse registry is to list those convicted of certain animal related felonies on a public website as is done with sex offenders. As animal abuse is a violent act, often…
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Tormenting Animals is not Entertainment
Are we not over the need to use animals for our entertainment? How many animals must be unnaturally confined and tormented to perform tricks for our pleasure? How many families have to lose a loved…
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The Village Thanks You
spcaLA recently announced a pet food shortage as a casualty of the bleak economic climate and consequential cutbacks in corporate donations across the board. This was particularly harsh as not only are there more animals…
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How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?
The city of West Hollywood California is on the verge of banning dogs and cats from pet stores unless they come from shelters. Imagine if this were done nationally. Shelters would have more outlets to…
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Call to Action: Tree Frogs, Bull Frogs and Turtles – Oh My!
The California State Fish and Game Commission, at their FEBRUARY 3rd meeting, is proposing to ban the importation and/or sale of live frogs and turtles for human consumption .
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Casting Pearls and Swine in Hollywood Swag Fest
The stark contrast of unemployment and homelessness on “Main Street” against the glut and excess in Hollywood is most pronounced during award seasons. It is, at this time, vendors compete with each other to give…
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Charity Word for 2010 -LOCAL – Thank You Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington’s move your money idea is brilliant. It urges us to move funds from the “too big to fail” banks into community banks in an effort to stimulate local lending, job growth and neighborhood services. Stronger…
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It’s Nothing Personal, Just Business
The real end to the pet overpopulation problem and its attending euthanasia rate can be brought about quite simply. By melding the laws of supply and demand with the practices of non profits, rapid change,…
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Are Politicians Born With Their Fingers and Toes Crossed?
As a high profile CEO I am often asked to speak about the issue of leadership. Are leaders born or taught? Are there ethical responsibilities required of a good leader? What is the skill set…
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Buy And Give Simultaneously
In a holiday season set against a landscape of recession, unemployment, fear and malaise, discretionary funding is small while real needs are great. In fact, the demand for charitable services is increasing exponentially in an…
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Poaching Is Bad For Elephants And SPCAs
Did you know that your spcaLA created an at risk youth anti -violence program that is being used nationally in states like Oregon, Kansas, New York and Georgia, and internationally in Europe, Australia and Canada?…
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Friends for Life and Ever After.
Freud maintained in his book “Jokes And The Unconscious” that essentially there is no such thing as jokes and that they all conveyed truths wrapped in a safer form of communication, or, in most cases,…
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You Can’t Always Get What You Want …
This piece was inspired by some letters to the editor (Long Beach Press Telegram) written to complain about spcaLA denying a person’s applicaion to adopt a pet. An abridged version of this was submitted to…
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postscript to domestic violence blog – what about men?
A comment was made that men who are victims of domestic violence do not have the same help available as do women. spcaLA’s Animal Safety Net program regularly helps male victims of domestic violence, victims…
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CALL ME KAFKA
I find myself trapped in an existential pit. In thinking of the gargantuan efforts to increase pet adoptions, reduce the national euthanasia rates, and dig out of the seemingly inexhaustible supply of animals – the…
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A Zoo Is No Place For An Elephant
The zoo is no place for an elephant. Elephants are majestic creatures that love to walk, need mental stimulation, crave friends and enjoy grazing and problem solving. Elephant experts, well informed state of the art…
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Don’t Drink Your Own Kool-Aid
The animal welfare/animal rights tent has many planks, factions and a cast of diverse leaders. As such a leader myself, I frequently study the styles, methods and track records of other CEO s both in…
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A Tale of 2 Woman’s Nations
I feel obligated to make a comment during this week of the Woman’s Conference. There were women supporting their families and this nation before Madison Avenue created the slogan of women aspiring to “have it…
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My First Blog
This is my first blogging attempt so I thought I would introduce the Sheprador. I have been quite frustrated with the onslaught and popularity of designer dogs like “Cockerdoodles”, “Labradoodles”, “Puggles” and the like. While…
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