December 16, 2009
DNA Links Brooklyn Man to Cat's Beating
On December 10, Brooklyn resident Lordtyshon Garrett, 31, was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty by ASPCA Special Agents for allegedly beating his mother’s 9-pound cat, Madea, with an umbrella.
The incident took place on October 12 in the home of Garrett's mother-in-law, Deborah Bender, where the suspect and his wife were temporarily staying. Bender claims the cat beating was in response to her telling Garrett to “find a job and move out.”
In a state of fury, Garret took the 4-year-old, Domestic Shorthair into the bathroom shower, closed the door and turned on the water. When Madea was finally released, she was soaked and her breathing was labored. Despite her obviously strained condition, Garret proceeded to chase the frightened cat around the apartment, while repeatedly jabbing and beating her with an umbrella.
Soon after the incident, Bender rushed the cat to the vet's office where she was humanely euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. Bender, then promptly contacted the ASPCA for help.
While working the crime scene, ASPCA investigators found pieces of black plastic from the umbrella in the cat's litter box and located the cat-scratched umbrella which contained Madea's DNA. This evidence was vital in the prosecution of Garret and is the second time the ASPCA has used animal DNA to solve a case.
Garret was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on December 11, where he is currently being held in lieu of $3,500 bail. He could face up to two years in jail.
If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.
December 11, 2009
ASPCA Pet of the Week: Duncan Donut
There's nothing like the holidays to bring out the childlike spirit in all of us. Tentative tot Duncan is a sweet young thing who surely does the job—at one year old, he is mouthwateringly cute and ready for a home for the holidays. Duncan first came to the ASPCA from Tennessee in September, and has spent the past few months getting adjusted to urban life.
"Duncan is very shy and loves to play with toys, once he's comfortable, that is," says Marny Nofi, ASPCA Behavior Coordinator. "With time, he has formed bonds with individual people, but he does not do well in crowds. He needs a quiet adult home—one where there isn't too much activity or people coming and going."
A Terrier mix, Duncan will thrive best in a home without other dogs or children and with an experienced adopter who will work with him on basic housetraining. He is currently taking anti-anxiety medication, and his future pet parent should be committed to continuing this course of treatment. If you're interested in adopting this sweet lil' candy cane, 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.
****Got Facebook? Won't you please donate your status to Duncan? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this pooch needs a home!
[Name] is donating my status to Duncan, a dog at the ASPCA who needs a new home.
October 19, 2009
NYC Dogs Threatened by NYCHA Housing Policy
The ASPCA and the Mayor's Alliance For NYC's Animals are calling for a re-examination of the New York City Public Housing (NYCHA) policy that went into effect on May 1 of this year. The ban-one of the strictest from any public housing authority in the country-prohibits adult canines who reach a weight of over 25 pounds from living in public housing. NYCHA tenants are also banned from owning purebred or mixed-breed Rottweilers, Pit Bulls or Doberman Pinschers and are only permitted to have one dog or cat.
Fearing eviction, NYCHA tenants have been surrendering their pets to New York City Animal Care & Control (AC&C), which has a contract with the city to take in unwanted animals. As a result, healthy, well-behaved pets are being removed from their homes and falling prey to overcrowded conditions and an array of illnesses in the city's shelter system. "These dogs are not coming into the shelter ill," says Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. "They're healthy when they arrive."
According to data gathered by the Mayor's Alliance For NYC's Animals, between April 1 and October 8 of this year, 119 dogs were surrendered by NYCHA residents to AC&C. Roughly half of these pets have been euthanized.
However, 62 of the NYCHA dogs have made it out of the NYC shelter system-16 have been adopted, 46 have been transferred to pet rescues and shelters with larger holding capacity and a handful have been taken back by their owners who plan to fight to keep their dogs.
"These people consider their pets family members," notes Hoffman. "This is not just an issue for the animals. It's a great loss for the families who are giving them up."
According to Debora Bresch, an attorney with ASPCA Government Relations, the new NYCHA policy also means that available homes for shelter dogs have decreased. "About 172 dogs at the AC&C were adopted by public housing residents in the weeks before the new pet policy went into effect," says Bresch.
"Under the new policy, 107 of these dogs-over 60 percent-are no longer allowed to live with their new adoptive families. Assuming that NYCHA residents would have continued to adopt now-prohibited dogs, the new policy could mean that well over a 1,000 dogs per year will be unable to find the good homes they deserve."
September 29, 2009
Judge Rules: NYC Must Create More Animal Shelters
The ASPCA applauds a decision by the New York State Supreme Court to uphold a 2000 law mandating the existence of full-service animal shelters in all five New York City boroughs. In last week’s ruling, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Shafer gave the City 60 days to come up with a plan to implement the law(PDF) which will ultimately allow for more animals to be adopted and fewer to be euthanized.
While the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island are each outfitted with New York City Animal Care and Control shelters, the Bronx and Queens have only part-time animal receiving centers. Animals in these two boroughs are routinely sent to Manhattan and Brooklyn, where shelters quickly reach capacity, resulting in the euthanasia of healthy pets. Although funds were allocated for a full-service shelter in each borough, the City has not yet taken steps to purchase sites in the Bronx and Queens.
“Each New York City borough, by law, was required to have a full-service animal shelter by July 1, 2006,” states Michelle Villagomez, ASPCA Senior Manager of Advocacy & Campaigns. "The ASPCA has been urging New York City for years to fulfill its mandate and provide the people and animals of Queens and the Bronx with these shelters."
In January 2009, the nonprofit group Stray from the Heart sued the City, reasoning that its failure to set up animal shelters in the Bronx and Queens resulted in the “needless suffering and death of homeless cats and dogs." In its lawsuit, the group charged: “Homeless dogs have been dying in unconscionable numbers because the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has not provided the shelter space required by statute.”
Notes Villagomez, “Not only are healthy, innocent animals being euthanized before getting a chance at adoption, but residents of these boroughs are tax-paying New Yorkers and deserve the same services that residents in the other three boroughs receive.”
The City of New York plans to appeal the court's decision.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #NYCMustBuildShelters
September 18, 2009
ASPCA Locates Dog Attacker Through Facebook
Last Friday, September 11, ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai arrested New Yorker Donnell Walters for allegedly beating his boyfriend’s dog, a 4½-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Lucy. Lucy’s owner alleges that in late July, a verbal dispute triggered Walters, 22, to assault the tiny canine. He is accused of repeatedly slamming or dropping Lucy to the ground, shattering one of her legs.
When ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) began its investigation, Agent Lai had trouble finding Walters. He cleverly used a variety of tools, including Facebook, the popular social networking website, to locate the suspect. Friday’s arrest was made at Walters’ Manhattan workplace; he has been charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, which carries a penalty of up to two years in jail.
"Lucy was the innocent victim of a domestic dispute,” says Stacy Wolf, ASPCA HLE Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel. “As unfortunate as these kinds of incidents are, it is good to know that the criminal justice system is treating them with the seriousness that these crimes deserve."
After the incident, Lucy’s owner phoned the ASPCA to report the dog’s injuries. He then brought her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where her broken leg was operated on and repaired using screws and a metal plate. Lucy was returned to her owner and is recovering well from her ordeal.
If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #FacebookArrest
September 11, 2009
ASPCA Rescues 25 Dogs from Queens Hoarder
On August 19, the ASPCA, NYC Animal Care & Control and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals worked in tandem with local police to rescue 25 dogs from an animal hoarder in Queens, NY. After a carefully planned intervention led by the ASPCA, the hoarder, a man in his mid-50s, voluntarily relinquished the dogs.
While neighbors had long been complaining to each other about the excessive barking and horrible smells coming from the house, it took several years for anyone to contact authorities. Officials were finally tipped off after a neighbor complained to various city agencies about the constant barking, vile stench and the ever-increasing number of animals in the residence.
The dogs—mostly Beagles, Miniature Pinschers and mixes of the two—were living in squalid conditions and suffering from an array of medical conditions including parasites, fleas, overgrown nails and mange. Four of the dogs are pregnant.
"Hoarding situations are complex and depending upon a number of factors, including the mental health status of the hoarder, they may or may not be referred to the criminal justice system," says Allison Cardona, ASPCA Director of Disaster Response. "It is vital that authorities be notified of hoarding situations so that steps can be taken to ensure the protection of the animals. This kind of problem will not go away by itself. It will only get worse. That is why people need to speak up!"
The ASPCA also worked closely with Adult Protective Services because, as in many of these cases, the hoarder himself was in need of medical attention. "Like many psychological conditions, there are probably multiple underlying causes for animal-hoarding behavior. These are not situations that can or should be handled by animal welfare agencies alone," explains Cardona. "The ASPCA will continue to work with Adult Protective Services to monitor this man's behavior. Without intervention and monitoring, the relapse rate for hoarders is 100 percent."
The surrendered dogs are recuperating in several shelters, and ASPCA animal behaviorists are currently working with seven in particular. "These dogs have never been socialized, walked on a leash or run around in a yard," says Cardona. "Their future pet parents will need to be especially caring, patient people, willing go the extra mile."
For more information on animal hoarding, visit ASPCA.org.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #HoardedDogsRescued
August 24, 2009
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Neglecting Aging Pet
On August 11, Brooklyn resident Vincent Turzio, 43, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams for severely neglecting his 12-year-old German Shepherd, Bella.
Covered in urine and feces, Bella was brought to the Bay Ridge Animal Hospital, where veterinarians contacted the ASPCA about the dog’s deplorable condition. Emaciated and too weak to stand on her own, Bella was also suffering from an open wound on her hind leg that was the size of a large grapefruit. The wound was infected, and blood, bone and tissue were fully exposed.
“By the time we arrived, the vet had already made the decision to humanely euthanize the suffering dog,” explains Special Agent Adams. “Bella’s old age, coupled with the severity of her body condition and open leg wound, left the vet little choice. She had been in pure agony for some time.” The vet estimated the dog had been in this terrible state for over a month.
Turzio was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Learn how to recognize and report animal cruelty in your community.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #BellaArrest
August 24, 2009
Carriage Horses Pulled from the Streets of NYC
Starting Monday, August 10, and repeating this past week, temperatures in New York City reached and exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time this summer. According to the New York City Administrative Code, 90 degrees is the temperature at which carriage horses must stop working and be allowed to rest in their stables. As the de facto enforcer of New York City’s carriage horse laws, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents were on hand to make sure carriage horse operations ceased and that the horses were safe. No medical emergencies were observed.
“Temperatures at that level only compound the already difficult job performed by carriage horses,” says Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “Ideally, we would like to see this industry leave New York City entirely—but until then, ASPCA Agents will continue to make sure that the carriage horses are well cared for.”
The 90-degree threshold is a strict measure of air temperature alone. The law does not take into account humidity or the extreme heat that radiates off the city’s black asphalt streets onto horses’ legs and stomachs.
The ASPCA believes that our city’s unique environment is incapable of ensuring that horses and their human passengers stay healthy and safe, and we have been fighting to get the horses off our noisy, congested streets. To learn more about the fundamental cruelty of New York City’s carriage horse industry—and to see proposed humane alternatives and solutions—please visit our partner agency, NYCLASS.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #CarriageHorses
August 18, 2009
ASPCA Happy Tails: Family Reunion
What started as a leisurely, sunny Sunday for Dan Catalano and Sarah Warren of Riverdale, NY, soon turned dark when their elderly cat, Boutros Boutros Kitty—aka “Bootsy”—went missing.
Back in 1994, Dan first discovered the 17-year-old Burmese perched on top of a metal partition near his apartment in New York City’s East Village. She was a young peach at the time, pregnant and alone, but Dan was confident someone would claim the lovely purebred. He put up signs and waited for the call, but no one ever came for her. A cat’s lifetime later, Bootsy is now firmly a part of Dan’s life.
“She really likes to sun herself outside,” says Dan. But he and Sarah were still shocked when the aging kitty, who suffers from arthritis, limited mobility and digestive problems, recently left her sun perch and hopped their back patio’s bamboo fence. Distraught, the couple scoured the neighborhood and shook the cat’s favorite treats to no avail. They eventually put up “lost cat” signs and resigned themselves to an unhappy waiting game.
Meanwhile, a Good Samaritan was already taking care of the naughty escapee. Dan explains: “A neighbor saw Bootsy crossing the street, thought she was a malnourished kitten and scooped her up.” The Good Samaritan brought the cat to the ASPCA in Manhattan, where her daughter is a volunteer and where she knew she’d be in good hands.
But word of mouth started to work in Dan and Sarah’s favor. A friend who manages a feral cat colony in the neighborhood saw their signs and heard about the Good Samaritan who had rescued such a cat. Tuesday night, the Good Samaritan called and told Dan that Bootsy was safely ensconced at the ASPCA.
First thing the next morning, a full three days after Bootsy was lost, Sarah went to the ASPCA to pick up the beloved elder, who’s now slightly miffed because her little neighborhood jaunt means the end of her patio privileges. “We’re just so happy to have her back,” says Dan with a sigh of relief. We do love happy endings!
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #ElderCatReunion
August 17, 2009
ASPCA Asks Court to Direct Helmsley Money Back to Dogs
The ASPCA, along with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Maddie's Fund, filed suit this week in New York Surrogate's Court to intervene in the matter of the late Leona Helmsley's $5 billion estate. The suit seeks to overturn an earlier ruling that allows the Helmsley Trustees-those responsible for issuing charitable grants from the estate-to disregard Mrs. Helmsley's specific instructions that her wealth be used to help dogs.
"Just a fraction of the money involved in Mrs. Helmsley's estate is a game-changer for animal welfare," says Marsha Perelman, ASPCA Board Chair. "The fate of dogs in this country could very well rest on the decision of this lawsuit-it is that critical."
No nonprofit groups involved with animal welfare were contacted or given an opportunity to register formal objections prior to the court's controversial ruling last fall. As a result of that ruling, and in clear violation of Mrs. Helmsley's wishes, less than 0.1% the trust's initial round of grants was allocated to dog welfare-related charities.
"Dog fighting, puppy mills, pet homelessness and overpopulation are not $100,000 problems. But they're not billion-dollar problems, either," says Ed Sayres, President and CEO of the ASPCA. "Mrs. Helmsley understood the importance of animal welfare. She wanted her worldly estate to make our society better for dogs and animals-and if distributed as she intended, it definitely has the power to do so."
This case has larger implications beyond the fate of the Helmsley estate. The three organizations believe that the court system has a responsibility to protect the wishes of any decedent, and also to protect the charity world from the whims of trustees who wish to ignore estate planning instructions. The misdirection of the Helmsley fortune should be of interest to everyone who hopes to provide for beloved pets after death, as well as to the multitude of organizations, from nonprofits to universities, that rely on bequests.
The groups involved in the lawsuit are not seeking grants for themselves, but do hope to work with the Helmsley Trustees in an advisory capacity to award grants to animal welfare groups of various size and scope around the country. "There has been a sea change in recent years in how we treat animals. It's a shame that the Helmsley Trustees don't understand or respect that change," says Sayres.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #HelmsleyEstate
August 12, 2009
Dying Doves Rescued from NYC Park
Two weeks ago, dozens of White Ringneck doves took up residence in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY. Although no one has come forward, the most likely explanation for the sudden appearance of these non-native birds is that they were released during a local wedding.
Unlike their pigeon relatives, White Ringneck doves are heavily domesticated birds who are unable to care for themselves—so rather than enjoying their newfound freedom, the 40 to 45 doves were attacked by larger birds and dogs, bombarded by rain, and suffered from starvation, hypothermia and infections. Happily, about half of the flock has been captured and is receiving veterinary care, while rescuers continue to search for those still remaining in the park.
“There is a common misconception that doves are just white pigeons, and that they’ll be fine out there in the world,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “As this case has illustrated, nothing could be further from the truth. While I would hope that those responsible for releasing these doves in Queens didn’t know any better, at least this episode can serve as a lesson to make responsible decisions when involving live animals in an event.”
Setting doves loose isn’t the only popular, animal-related festivity faux pas. Releasing balloons can also endanger many species of wildlife, particularly birds and aquatic animals such as turtles, whales and fish. Animals often ingest deflated balloons, which can cause choking or gastrointestinal blockage, and can become entangled in the attached ribbons and string.
For more information about celebrating safely with animals, please visit our seasonal and holiday tips online.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #RescuedDoves
August 7, 2009
Brooklyn Woman Assaults Two ASPCA Agents
On July 23, ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas and Special Agent Kristi Adams arrested Brooklyn resident Andrea Stewart, age 39, after the woman attacked the two Agents.
Responding to an anonymous tip about a neglected cat, the Humane Law Enforcement agents arrived at Stewart’s residence to find a seven-week-old, one-pound orange tabby with his whiskers cut off and a serious injury to his right front paw. “The kitten’s leg was broken,” says Supervisor Lucas. “As of now, he might lose his paw and is suffering from a rib fracture as well.” It was determined that Stewart had failed to get medical attention for her cat.
Says Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, “In response to the agents’ decision to seize the kitten, Stewart choked and knocked down one of the ASPCA uniformed officers and punched the other."
Stewart was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams and taken to Kings County Hospital for observation. The agents were treated for injuries at local hospitals, while the kitten, named Macaroni by officials, was taken to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he’s expected to recover and be readied for adoption.
Since it is a felony to assault a New York State Peace Officer, Stewart could receive two counts of felony assault and one count of animal cruelty.
Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #AgentsAttacked
July 24, 2009
ASPCA Pet of the Week: Ziggy Stardust in Her Eyes
Looking for a sweet-faced sister who will keep an eye on things? Look no further than Cora, a two-year-old Tabby cat who’s sitting at our shelter right now, waiting for your love and affection. Deemed a Private Investigator by our expert behaviorists, Cora is a mellow kind—content to hang out and while away the long summer days watching the boob tube or examining your floorboards.
Though we think she’s perfect in every way, Cora does have a misshapen iris in her left eye. It doesn’t cause her any vision problems—it just looks really cool, like David Bowie, who famously has one pupil that’s smaller than the other. So why not get hip to the ways of this modern miss and adopt her today? Please call the ASPCA Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, to set up an appointment. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.
****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Cora today? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to spread the word that this kitty needs a home!
[Name] is donating his/her status to Cora http://www.aspca.org/cora, a cat at the ASPCA who needs a new home.
July 13, 2009
New York Dogs Hurt by Leptospirosis
June’s near-constant rains may have helped make some dogs in New York City critically ill. Local news outlets have been reporting that several otherwise healthy dogs are believed to have died in recent weeks from leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that occurs worldwide and is transmitted in several ways: through bites, contact with the urine of an infected animal, or exposure to contaminated soil, food or bedding.
Veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) confirm that leptospirosis outbreaks do increase during periods of heavy rainfall because the Leptospira family of bacteria thrives in stagnant or slow-moving water. City dog runs with poor drainage and a lack of fresh drinking water create ideal conditions for the disease to flourish.
Fortunately, there is a leptospirosis vaccine—talk to your vet about whether vaccinating is a good idea for your dog. “Like other vaccines, there may be a higher rate of adverse reactions in small-breed dogs,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at BMAH. “The vaccine should be administered separately from other vaccinations and in two stages—one shot followed by a booster two or three weeks later.”
The ASPCA also urges dog owners to be on the lookout for the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, coughing and labored breathing. Infected dogs may become jaundiced (yellowing of the eyes and skin) or stop urinating if the disease is severe. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, but prompt medical attention is vital as the disease can be fatal and can be transmitted to humans.
Furthermore, “when outdoors—whether at the dog run or by a pond—dog owners must be vigilant about not letting their pets drink stagnant water,” warns Dr. Murray. “We recommend the leptospirosis vaccine, but don’t allow it to make you lax. Because there are many strains of the disease, vaccination does not guarantee absolute protection. Always bring fresh drinking water when you take your dogs on outings.”
What do you think? Tweet on this article. Include @aspca and #Leptospirosis
April 23, 2009
Hundreds of Pets Are Now Happier in Harlem
This past weekend, the ASPCA's fleet of five Mobile Spay/Neuter clinics offered—completely free!—spay/neuter surgeries and other medical services at the first-ever ASPCA Harlem Community Block Party. Thanks to the hundreds of supporters who attended, the event was a massive success!
We spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped over 100 pets and booked appointments to serve over 250 more in the coming weeks. 150 pets were licensed.
And this is really cool—over 40 pit bull and pit bull mixes were vaccinated! (A sick pit is the pits, so this is great news.)
Thank you for helping to spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter. Not only will your care and concern have a dramatic effect on New York City's homeless pet population, but spayed/neutered pet will live longer, healthier lives!
|
|
|
|
New Yorkers: To find out when the ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic will be visiting your neighborhood, log on to www.aspca.org/877spaynyc, or call (877) SPAY-NYC.
|
April 6, 2009
We’re Painting the Big Apple…Orange?
That’s right, orange. That’s our color, so wear it like you mean it in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April. We’re going to get down and party on behalf of animals.
So dress yourself, your kids—even your pets—in ASPCA orange and join us on Tuesday, April 7, in New York City's Union Square Park from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for an evening of commemoration. Highlights include:
-
Free refreshments and entertainment, including live music by the X Brothers—featuring Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult
-
A variety of pet-themed activities, including caricaturists, photographers and airbrushers
-
Meet-and-greet time with ASPCA's animal cops, behaviorists and pet poison prevention specialists
-
Fun giveaways and free vaccinations for cats and dogs at our mobile clinic
-
The showcasing of some of our wonderful animals who will be looking to find their forever homes
-
A spectacular sunset surprise, when buildings throughout the city will light up in ASPCA orange!
Make no mistake, animal lovers—we’ve got plenty of reasons to celebrate! From the ASPCA Disaster Response Team’s efforts during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike to our involvement in Tennessee’s largest-ever puppy mill raid, we’ve had many victories in fighting animal cruelty in the past year. ASPCA founder Henry Bergh would be proud!
March 26, 2009
Meet You At the Seaport On Monday!
See the morning sun shine on the ocean, huddle up with a bunch of good-looking people dressed in orange, and still get to work on time. What better way to prove your devotion to animals than to wake up really, really early? Help us kick off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month by joining us in a groundbreaking “Go Orange” photo shoot. A professional photo team will creatively arrange all participants to spell out the letters “ASPCA.” Aerial photos will be taken, and used nationwide to further promote Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
So, how do you get involved? It’s easy! Just throw on your brightest orange clothing—T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, hats, jackets, coats, etc.—and head over to New York City’s South Street Seaport at 7:30 A.M. next Monday, March 30. Don’t forget to grab your friends and family members, too. The more participants—and the more orange they wear—the better! Come join in the fun and become part of a photo that will show the world you care about animals! Or come to fulfill your secret modeling fantasy.
What: Go Orange Photo Shoot
When: Monday, March 30, 7:30 A.M. (Ouch…sorry, but it’ll be worth it.)
Where: South Street Seaport, the north side. See map—X marks the spot (we always wanted to say that).
|
|
|
|
Don’t live in New York City? How about organizing a photo shoot like this in your hometown? Don’t forget to send us the pics!
|
March 20, 2009
Next Time, We Hope She Brings Cookies!
Yesterday, we received a visit from the domestic goddess, Martha Stewart. She came to tape a segment on the ASPCA for her talk show!
Martha will be the honoree of the ASPCA�2019;s 2009 Bergh Ball, which will be held at the Plaza Hotel on April 23. Kudos to Martha for getting in on the April action! As you know, April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Visit www.aspcaapril.org for more info.
Martha trades kennel decoration ideas with Ed Sayres, President & CEO of the ASPCA, and Lambert, an 11-month-old male domestic shorthair who is available for adoption.
|
|
|
|
Who says having a pet has to cramp your style? Buy a bed for your pet that matches the color of your comforter!
|
February 26, 2009
Get a Load of Our Own Best in Show!
That’s right! We had our very own talent show here at ASPCA headquarters on February 13. Eleven canines, all available for adoption at the “A,” and their handlers showcased their talents for a panel of celebrity judges that included film and television actress and ASPCA supporter Candice Bergen (pictured), high fashion model and AIDS activist Maggie Rizer, President and Founder of DeLuca Dog and Friends, Greg DeLuca and ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Assistant Director, Joseph Pentangelo.
The dogs were judged on several criteria, including overall presentation, dog’s attentiveness to the handler and creativity of the commands learned.
Super Tiger earned first prize, winning the judges over with his ability to crawl, attend “spinning class” and—undoubtedly his fave—take a nap on cue.
Tiger is still available for adoption. Come on, you know you want to tell your friends you adopted an award-winning dog.
To see videos of the rest of the contestants, check out the playlist on YouTube! To see photos from the talent show, view our Flickr album.
|
|
|
|
Encourage your local shelter to put on a talent show. They can charge a small admission fee to raise funds for the shelter and promote the fabulous dogs available for adoption!
|
February 26, 2009
15 Minutes of Fame for 5 ASPCA Mutts
Line of the day: “He peed on my foot and I’ve had that warm feeling ever since!” Those were Julie Raposa’s words when introducing her dog, Sam, on The View this morning.
Host Whoopi Goldberg (as if you didn’t know) with Siren, ASPCA mutt available for adoption.
The View held its first Mutt Show, in which ten mixed-breed dogs were showcased. Five of the contestants were dogs owned by viewers, and the other five were dogs available for adoption at the ASPCA! We think it’s great that all of the ladies of The View have dogs at home, except for Whoopi, who has a cat—and a “granddog!” If you saw the episode, OMG, how cute was that segment of Joy’s mutt getting booted from Westminster?
Speaking of the high society of dogville, Westminster’s David Frei judged the dogs on appearance and temperament. He selected the ASPCA’s Eggy, a seven-month-old Dalmatian mix, as “best in show” of the adoptable group. Eggy was then up against Pete, viewer Jill Altruda’s pooch, who took home the grand prize. But that’s okay—as Frie put it, all the ASPCA dogs will be winners by having someone adopt them.
Eggy, runner up for Best Mutt in Show. “He needs an alpha human in his life. ” —David Frei, Westminster judge.
To see photos and adoption info for all five dogs who are available at the ASPCA, please visit this special page on The View website.
|
|
|
|
Teachers, grab a copy of The View host Joy Behar’s children’s book, Sheetzucacapoopoo: My Kind of Dog, to share with your class! You can discuss adopting a mixed-breed dog with your students.
|