April 23, 2012

ASPCA Arrests Woman for Starving Two Puppies

Cagney and Lacy before receiving treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

Who could starve two puppies? Apparently, Gillian Irving could. On April 20, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Agent Ann Kelly arrested the 27-year-old Bronx woman for allegedly neglecting and starving her two seven-month-old Pit Bulls, Cagney and Lacey.

It was last February when HLE Agents first responded to a complaint that two skinny dogs were living inside Irving’s Bronx apartment. Upon arrival, Agents seized the two emaciated dogs and transported them to ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for life-saving treatment. ASPCA veterinarians determined Cagney and Lacey had been starved—weighing only 16.4 and 15.2 pounds.

After receiving treatment, Cagney now weighs 27.1 pounds and Lacey weighs 26.9 pounds—a 65 and 77 percent increase, respectively. Both dogs are continuing their recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

As a result of her actions, Irving was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Irving is due in Bronx Criminal Court on August 22.

Take Action!
We need you on our side! If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty in your neighborhood. And consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian—together we can fight animal cruelty across the country.

November 23, 2011

Go, Terry Mills! NY Dog Fighters Plead Guilty

Thanks in part to ASPCA Animal Fighting Expert Terry Mills, two dog fighters in New York are facing the consequences for their gruesome crimes.

On April 13, police in Long Beach, New York, came upon a horrifying sight near a sewage treatment plant: Two men were street fighting three Pit Bulls by mashing their faces together, rotating the dogs for endurance training.

When it came time to prosecute the two dog fighters, Sha-ron Hicks and Robert Stockdale, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office turned to ASPCA Animal Fighting Expert Terry Mills to serve as an expert witness.

As the trial date neared, defense attorneys tried to block Mills from testifying, but the judge struck down their motion. Soon after, facing a case bolstered by Mills’ expert testimony, the defense folded; Hicks and Stockdale pleaded guilty to felony dog fighting.

Hicks will receive three months in jail, five years of probation, an order not to possess animals for five years, a spot check agreement to support the order, and restitution for related veterinary bills. Stockdale will receive the same sentence, minus the jail time.

This case marks the second and third guilty pleas Mills has helped secure in Nassau County.

October 23, 2011

Breaking News: ASPCA Responds to NYC Carriage Horse Death

The ASPCA issued the following statement today after a carriage horse tragically collapsed and died en route to Central Park in Midtown Manhattan:

"The ASPCA was made aware of an incident this morning during which a carriage horse heading to Central Park collapsed and died on the street,” says Stacy Wolf, Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “At present, the findings are inconclusive, but the ASPCA is investigating the cause of death. The horse is in the ASPCA's custody and is being transported to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy. We at the ASPCA express our sadness and concern at this tragic incident. The life of a carriage horse on New York City streets is extremely difficult and life threatening and the ASPCA has long believed that carriage horses were never meant to live and work in today's urban setting."

Stay tuned to www.ASPCA.org for more on this breaking story.

September 12, 2011

Five Fire Safety Tips for People with Pets

We shudder to think about it. But according to the National Fire Protection Association, each year more than 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by pets. As part of National Preparedness Month, we suggest you take a minute to pet proof your home against potential fire hazards—it could mean the difference between life and death for your four-legged friends.

Secure wires and cords. Cats are especially interested in playing with anything that looks like string. Keep electrical wires and power cords secured and out of your pet’s reach.

Blow it out. Don't leave lit candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock the candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders placed on a stable surface. Want to be really safe? Consider using only flameless candles.

Cover it up. Pets are naturally curious and will investigate almost anything that has a scent. This includes your oven. Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. Believe it or not, exploring stove tops is the number one way your pet can accidently start a fire.

Go crazy with the detectors. There is no such thing as too many smoke detectors. In fact, you should have at least one on each floor of your home. Out a lot? Consider using monitored smoke detectors. These systems send an immediate alert to a call center letting them know smoke has been detected.

Stick ‘em up. In the event of an emergency, our pet rescue sticker alerts rescue personnel that animals are inside your home. Write down the number of pets inside and attach the sticker to a front window or door.

For more information on preparing your family for an emergency, please read our list of Disaster Readiness tips.

September 9, 2011

A Tribute to the Rescue Dogs of 9/11

This Sunday, millions of people from around the world will unite in commemorating the anniversary of 9/11. In tribute, the ASPCA would also like to honor the working dogs who risked their own lives to help on that tragic day.

“In the wake of the attacks, more than 100 search and rescue dogs along with their handlers, bravely searched the debris of Ground Zero,” says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “Their courage led to the recovery of countless survivors.”

A new portrait series and book, Retrieved by Charlotte Dumas, honors 15 of the canine heroes. Covering more than a dozen states, Dumas photographed the retired rescue dogs as they spend their golden years in their preferred places—home.

To view some of the poignant portraits, visit the special New York Times photo gallery.

September 8, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: A True Gem

Opal may have big green eyes and a luxurious striped coat, but this gem is more than just a (really, really) cute face. Opal “has lots of personality!” says ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor Katie Watts, and she’s just waiting to let it shine outside our Adoption Center. “She’s been here for well over a year, so she's more than ready for a new home!”

Opal is sweet and mellow, but by no means boring. She’s playful and funny, and a huge fan of people. Opal could live happily with other cats, too. Learn more about Opal today.

Take Action!
Want to help Opal find her forever home? Please share this page on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s help this sweet girl find a family! To view more adoptable pets, visit the ASPCA Online Adoption Center.

August 30, 2011

ASPCA Supports New Bill to Turn Around NYC's Animal Shelters

Guest Blog by Michelle Villagomez, ASPCA NYC Legislative Director.

We have some exciting news! After months of talking with representatives from the New York City government, the City has agreed to support legislation to improve conditions in our city’s shelters. A bill has been introduced in the City Council that would not only restore programs and services to our animal shelters, but increase funding for our animal care and control programs. The City has already agreed to raise funding so that by July 2014 the annual budget for Animal Care & Control will exceed $12 million—a 77 percent increase over the current budget! 

Intro. 655, sponsored by Councilmember Jessica Lappin, would improve New York City’s animal shelter system by:

• Requiring animal receiving centers in the Bronx and Queens, as well as field services, to operate seven days a week, 12 hours per day. (Currently the receiving centers are only open one and two days, and the field services program has been cut);
• Ensuring the maintenance of full-service animal shelters in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island;

• Requiring owners to spay or neuter any cats they own who are free-roaming outdoors;
• Implementing trap-neuter-return (TNR) rules; and
• Requiring the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to provide a report providing key data on trends on the progress and quality of care at each full-service animal shelter and animal receiving center.

Take Action!

This legislation, in conjunction with the increase in funding over the next few years, will allow the shelters hire as many as 100 additional staffers. If you’re a New Yorker, visit aspca.org/NYC_ACC to see how you can help make this happen!

August 28, 2011

ASPCA Reminds Tri-State Area Pet Parents to Remain Cautious

While the worst of Hurricane Irene seems to have passed through the tri-state area, the ASPCA reminds all area pet parents to use caution before allowing their pets to go outside. While the current weather conditions may appear safe, the severe wind and rain that impacted the tri-state area overnight led to downed power lines, fallen trees, and displaced sewer grates and manhole covers—dangers that can cause serious injury or even death to both people and animals. Please think of your pets’ safety, as well as your own, before venturing outside.

For all the latest on Hurricane Irene and the ASPCA’s response, please stay tuned to ASPCA.org.

August 27, 2011

Note from ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres: ASPCA Prepared as Hurricane Irene Closes In

I wish I could personally thank each of you for everything you have done so far to help animals affected by Hurricane Irene.  To each of you who has welcomed an animal evacuee into your home, who has dropped off pet supplies at an evacuation center, who has spread the word directly or through Facebook or Twitter about protecting pets during the storm, who has volunteered, or who has simply kept the East Coast in your thoughts and prayers during this scary time, I thank you. 

While the ASPCA is a national organization, we are headquartered in New York City.  Many of our employees have had to evacuate their own homes, but still insist on working on our disaster response efforts.  We have staff, volunteers and disaster relief experts from around the country working all night in several locations in New York and ready to deploy to the hardest hit areas as soon as Irene arrives. 

Throughout Saturday, ASPCA responders visited evacuation centers across New York City to ensure those centers were equipped to care for pets accompanying their human evacuees.
We are coordinating the disaster response efforts for animals with federal, state, and local officials as well as with other animal interest organizations. 

The ASPCA’s Field Investigations & Response Team is called on to assist the animal victims of disasters and cruelty around the country.  For example, in 2010, this group engaged in 27 full-scale deployments and more than 120 investigations and consultations to help animals in danger.  Despite this breadth of experience, a historic hurricane in New York City will present challenges not seen in other disasters.

Rest assured that the ASPCA is prepared to act fast to aid the animals affected by Irene the best we can.  We have a rescue boat and several massive tractor trailers full of supplies ready and waiting to go to the hardest hit areas.  None of us knows what Irene’s aftermath will bring, but I can assure you that we will do everything we can to save the lives of animals endangered by this storm.

August 27, 2011

Hurricane Irene: Day One on the Ground in NYC

The storm has arrived in New York City. As the evacuation centers continue to fill with families, the ASPCA is focusing on providing care for their pets. "We expect the full impact of the storm to hit early tomorrow morning and have spent the day preparing and planning our response to any situation that may arise," says Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response.

Our responders have been deployed to evacuation centers in all five boroughs of New York City. We’ve also created a hotline that evacuation centers can call to receive additional pet supplies and support.

"Our thoughts are with all of the families bracing for the impact of Hurricane Irene, and with those who are now faced with her aftermath," says Rickey. Stay tuned to ASPCA.org for more on this story.

August 27, 2011

Hurricane Irene: Breaking News for the Tri-State Region

As Hurricane Irene continues its projected course towards New York City, the ASPCA is helping pet parents prepare for the worst-case scenario.

• All evacuation centers in New York and New Jersey are required to accept animals. Please don’t leave your pets behind!
• Not sure if you’re in an evacuation zone? Visit this map to see if your home falls in a location currently required to evacuate.
• All New York City taxis are required to transport pets. The city’s public transit system shut down at noon on Saturday, and the mayor reports that it is unlikely to resume service for several days.
• If you haven’t already, please stock up on food, water, batteries, first aid kits and other emergency supplies to keep yourself and your pets safe during a storm or prolonged power outage.
• Stay indoors! Irene is a slow-moving storm and will likely result in unpredictable surges and high-speed winds. Keep your pets with you at all times.

ASPCA responders are currently on site at emergency facilities across the five boroughs, and are ready to offer support and relief to the city’s pets and their families. For all the latest on Hurricane Irene and the ASPCA’s response, please stay tuned to ASPCA.org.

August 25, 2011

ASPCA Member Story: Callie, a Mustang Filly

This guest blog is written by Linda Kramer, a long-time supporter of the ASPCA.

Callie was captured as a yearling filly by the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada, home to more than half of America’s wild horses. Before she was rounded up into a crowded holding pen, she roamed freely with her family in the majestic mountains near Mount Callaghan. She was rescued, along with Valor, by the Kaeli Kramer Foundation and was named after her wild mountain home.

Callie is friendly and outgoing and learns quickly. If left in the wild, she might have become a “lead” mare, making decisions about where the herd would travel and eat. While in the care of her trainer, Callie was a star pupil, mastering the art of relating to humans and adjusting to a life filled with constraints with grace and ease.

Callie’s job now is to educate people [PDF] about the importance of preserving the untamed beauty of America’s last wild horses and our rapidly deteriorating public lands.

For more heartwarming tales of equine rescue, visit our Equine Section. Also, learn about the ASPCA’s special equine adoption event happening next week at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

August 25, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Two’s Company

Sometimes, two kitties are just way better than one. That’s definitely the case with Hutch, a loving fellow who has lots of energy to burn playing with another fun-loving feline. This guy loves other cats, and he’s ready to keep yours entertained for hours.

“Hutch is a high-stepping fellow who loves to play!” says ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor Katie Watts. “But that's not all he's about. He loves a good cuddle, too! Definitely the best of both worlds.”

But when Hutch isn’t having a snooze on your lap, he’s a little ball of fire who can play for hours. “That’s why he needs to live with at least one other cat who shares his passion for a good romp,” adds Watts.

If you don’t have a cat at home but you’ve fallen for this handsome devil, no worries! ASPCA adoption counselors will help you choose another adoptable kitty who’d make a great friend for Hutch! If your family is teens and up and you’d like to welcome Hutch into your home, please call our Animal Placement department in New York City at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120.

Take Action! Want to help Hutch find his forever home? Please share this page on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get this kitty a family!

August 25, 2011

Register for October’s Rock 'n' Roll New York 10k!

Are you looking to get active and raise money to help animals? Or have you thought about joining Team ASPCA, but couldn't commit to running a marathon or half-marathon? If you answered yes to either of these questions, Team ASPCA has just the event for you!

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is coming to Brooklyn on October 22, 2011, with the Rock 'n' Roll New York 10k—and you can walk or run it as a member of Team ASPCA! The 6.2-mile course will include a scenic tour through the urban oasis that is Prospect Park, music and much more! And what would a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon be without a celebratory concert at the finish line? Join New York rockers The Postelles for a post-race show in the park (the after-party is open to friends and family, too)!

Team ASPCA benefits include:

• Comprehensive training guide, including training workshops and access to our national coaching team at Terrier Tri
• Guaranteed race entry into the Rock 'n' Roll 10k
• Official Team ASPCA gear
• Access to exclusive race weekend events, and more!

Register to participate today at www.teamaspca.org. The first 50 people to join receive FREE (yes, free!) registration. Promo Code: RnRNYC

Through Team ASPCA, sponsored by Subaru, you can run or walk, all while helping the ASPCA provide life-saving programs and services to millions of animals. Remember, saving lives is a team effort!

August 19, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Life with Louie

Who wouldn’t love Louie? This boy is just about the most gentle, low-key and people-loving dog we’ve ever met. He is a loyal companion who’ll stick by your side through good times and bad—especially if you dole out the belly rubs!

“Louie is a loving, playful, happy guy with lots of zest for life!” says ASPCA Behavior Coordinator Jessi Colón. “He has met all sorts of people—adults and children, as well as dog friends—and he loves every one of them!”

Everyone can appreciate Louie’s winning personality, but he’s looking for a special family who can also meet his medical needs. Louie has a kidney condition that requires medication, and he also suffers from osteoarthritis. But don’t let that dissuade you—this pup is well worth a little extra care. Learn more about Louie, today! www.aspca.org/Louie

Take Action!
Want to help Louie find his forever home? Please share this page with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get this Beagle a home!

July 29, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Samantha Who?

There is only one Samantha—and she’s quite the catch! This charmer loves to follow people from room to room, showing off her larger-than-life personality. If your ideal companion is a feisty feline who plays hard and loves hard, read on!

In January, Samantha took a shelter break in a foster home, and her former foster mom had this to say about her: “We have come to love Samantha dearly, and hope that someone will appreciate this beautiful girl for what she is...a quirky little sweetheart of a gem just waiting to be discovered!” Learn more about Samantha, today!

Take Action!
Want to help Samantha find her forever home? Please share this page on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s help this sweet kitty find a family!

July 22, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Summer Lovin’

Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon and you’re relaxing on a blanket in the park. You’ve just polished off a delicious picnic lunch, and you’re about to play fetch with your trusty chocolate Lab.

Day dreams do come true! All you need to make this classic American afternoon a reality is a picnic basket, a ball and Whiskey—a dashingly handsome fellow who loves just about everyone he meets.

“Whiskey was surrendered when his guardians fell on hard times,” explains ASPCA Assistant Behavior Manager Marny Nofi. “He is house-trained, good with children and will make a great family pet!” Learn more about Whiskey, today!

Take Action!
Want to help Whiskey find his forever home? Please share this page on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get this great guy a family!

July 15, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Model Cat

Cute Video: Watch Tyra in Action

Could you be America’s Next Top Pet Parent? Then Tyra is looking for you! The Tyra in question is a totally fierce mini-tigress, and she’s searching for a family who gets that she’s very affectionate and sweet but a little shy at first.

When Tyra meets you, she’ll first want to make sure you’re the kind of person who will treat her right—then she’ll start pouring on the love. Maybe that’s why this gorgeous two-year-old has been at the ASPCA Adoption Center for nearly half her life, patiently waiting for someone to see the wonderful companion behind the shyness. Learn more about Tyra, today!

Take Action!
Want to help Tyra find her forever home? Please share this page with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s get this kitty a family!

July 1, 2011

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Baby, You’re a Firework!

What’s prettier and more colorful than any fireworks you’ll see this Fourth of July weekend? Jemima, a gorgeous calico kitty at our Adoption Center who’s waiting for a loving home! She may have a strikingly cute face and unique markings, but there’s a lot more to this lovely feline: She’s affectionate, playful, easygoing and a bit of a chatty Cathy (a trait we find adorable).

Jemima is the perfect pet for someone with a busy lifestyle and lots of love to give.  She’s independent, but she’ll sit right next to you as you watch TV or read a book. Jemima does well with kids, and she’d be a good companion for one other mellow, friendly cat, says ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor Katie Watts.

If you’d like to spend Fourth of July weekend getting to know Jemima, please call our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.

May 18, 2011

High-Rise Syndrome: Don’t Let Your Cat Fall Victim!

Cats may not really have nine lives, but they do usually land on their feet. It’s a smart skill they’ve evolved from eons of clambering through trees to dodge predators and hunt for food. But this innate habit makes for some serious worry in the urban world.

Pet parents residing in tall buildings often allow their cats to sun themselves in open windows and on fire escapes, unaware that their felines’ prey drive may lead them to pounce on moving birds or insects. Tragically, falls often result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs—and even death.

While it may sound a bit like urban legend, High-Rise Syndrome is actually a serious problem for cats in the city. During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City see approximately three to five cases a week!

Why Take Chances?
The good news is that these falls are 100 percent preventable. Please visit our High-Rise Syndrome FAQ for a complete list of safety measures all feline parents should take.