- 1. Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month Video Contest: Last Call for Entries!
- 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Rags to Riches
- 3. ASPCA Arrests Two New Yorkers in Separate Cases of Cat Neglect
1. Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month Video Contest: Last Call for Entries!
Hey, pooch lovers! As you know, October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog (ASDM) Month—those special 31 days of the year when we celebrate the shelter dog with extra, extra gusto. One of our favorite things about the month is getting to see your dog in action, which is why our ASDM video contest is always such a hit.
Whether your pooch spends his time in the city or the country, we want to see the evidence—on video. Take some footage of your dog enjoying his favorite activities, upload it to YouTube and send us the URL with this form. Our top ten favorites will receive a special prize pack and will be featured onASPCA.org for major bragging rights at the dog park. But don’t delay—the deadline for entries is October 31!
2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Rags to Riches
Over the summer, the ASPCA received a call from the Wayne County (TN) Sheriff’s Department requesting assistance with a critical hoarding situation in Waynesboro, Tennessee. A man had become overwhelmed while caring for 85 dogs, most of whom were living in overcrowded pens and unsanitary conditions on his property. After the rescue, the dogs were taken in by the ASPCA in NYC and other rescue groups to be rehabilitated and made available for adoption.
It wasn’t an easy road for most of the dogs, but happier days are no doubt ahead for all of them. One lucky pup named Mufasa has already found the new home of his dreams with Graham Skipper and Jordann Baker of Manhattan. “Mufasa’s one of the happiest, best behaved, sweetest dogs I've ever known,” Graham reports. “He was a little skittish at first about our hallway and the doorways in our apartment—the hardwood floor was a new experience for him!—but he's totally at home, loves his bed and his toys, and loves to cuddle with us on the couch.”
This amiable Shepherd mix is not only beloved by his new pet parents, but by his neighbors, too. Graham says: “He gets along really well with all the other people and dogs on our block—he's already a celebrity!” But Mufasa hasn’t let all of the adoration go to his furry head—he still enjoys a good romp. “He has these moments where he turns into a Tasmanian devil and sprints all over the apartment, leaping into his bed and rolling all over the place,” says Graham. “That warm, friendly dog who froze when you pet him is now a warm, friendly dog with a wild streak!” According to Graham, “he’s also the best friend either of us could have hoped for and a perfect addition to our family.
To read more heartwarming stories of furry fate, please visit our Happy Tails archive.
3. ASPCA Arrests Two New Yorkers in Separate Cases of Cat Neglect
With the help of astute observers and anonymous tips, the ASPCA is cracking down on cat abuse in the Big Apple. On October 13, the ASPCA arrested Brooklyn resident Tiffany Feliciano for neglecting her nine-month-old kitten, Marty. The very next day, our Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Davanand Raghunath for allegedly starving his cat in Queens.
When ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agent Paul Lai arrived at Feliciano’s apartment, he discovered an emaciated, dehydrated, black-and-white kitten in a filthy cage without food. Marty was immediately transported to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he received life-saving medical care.
The following day, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan arrested Davanand Raghunath after finding a starving, flea-infested orange Tabby in the basement of his store in Ozone Park. The seven-year-old cat, Leo, also received emergency medical treatment from ASPCA veterinarians. Both Leo and Marty are now in stable condition and recovering from starvation and skin inflammation, a secondary result of flea infestation.
Marty and Leo are currently recovering at the ASPCA.
Feliciano and Raghunath were each charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and are scheduled to appear in court. If convicted, they face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Do you know the signs of animal abuse? Read our handy guide to recognizing animal cruelty. If you see an animal being neglected or hurt, please don’t keep it to yourself. If you live in New York City, please contact the ASPCA's anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. To see how to report cruelty in other locations nationwide, visit ASPCA.org.