News Alert: June 19, 2009

1. Help Fight Circus Cruelty in Your Town
2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Just What the Doctor Ordered
3. High-Rise Syndrome: Protect Your Cat from Dangerous Falls
4. Honor Dad with a Gift that Gives Back

1. Help Fight Circus Cruelty in Your Town

Circus season has arrived and we need your help to stand up for animals who are forced to entertain under the big top. In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing them beaten, whipped and denied food and water to force them to learn their routines.

 If a circus featuring animal acts comes to your area, here's what you can do:

• Don't Go!
  …Instead, choose a circus that doesn't feature animal performers—and there are lots of them! Read our list of cruelty-free circuses.
• Contact the Venue Hosting the Circus
  Ask that the invitation be withdrawn and suggest an animal-free circus instead.
• Ask Authorities to Check on the Treatment of Animals
  If the circus comes to your town, make sure the correct permits have been obtained. Also, ask your local law enforcement agency or humane society to ensure that local and state laws regarding the humane treatment of animals are being followed.
  
  

Read our Top Ways to Help Fight Circus Cruelty for a more complete list of actions you can take.

P.S.: The ASPCA is doing its best to fight against circus cruelty. We are currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Ringling has pitched its tents on Coney Island for the summer, and we're asking animal lovers to contact the CEOs of Taconic Investment Partners, Paul E. Pariser and Charles R. Bendit, who are providing a free lot to Ringling Bros. Send a respectful email letting them know that their donation is supporting cruelty to animals.

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Sometimes the key to our hearts lies in the most unexpected places. Ruth and Tom Reinecke of Queens, NY, found theirs in a middle-aged cat with a funny grin and special needs. Back in the summer of 2007, Lilly was a favorite of ASPCA adoptions staff and volunteers. Sweet and shy, she was a perfect candidate for anyone looking for a mellow lap cat. But one thing deterred potential pet parents: Lovely Lilly had tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which can seriously weaken a cat's immune system.

The Reineckes, however, were not put off by Lilly's medical status. "We were entranced by the funny way she stuck out her tongue," Ruth says, laughing. And her winning personality helped her score the kind of forever home of which many kitties dream. The Reineckes understood that Lilly's FIV status didn't mean she would necessarily get sick or show symptoms for years. With the right care and compassion, FIV-positive cats can enjoy happy, healthy lives.

"At more than five years old now, Lilly has not been sick," Ruth reports. "In fact, she's been very active and glad to have more room to scamper and play. She does the cutest hops!"

Ever the bouncing social bee, Lilly never met a person—or a belly scratcher—she didn't adore. "She still loves her tummy rubs and believes all visitors have come just to pet her," says Ruth. "This may be so—our friends and family barely say hello before asking, 'Where is Lilly?'" Nonetheless, she still reserves her special "nose kisses" for Ruth and Tom.

"Our sweet girl came to us with a heart full of love," says Ruth. "Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at the ASPCA for our darling Lilly."

3. High-Rise Syndrome: Protect Your Cat from Dangerous Falls

Summer breezes drifting through a city-dweller's apartment may be relaxing to humans, but windows left ajar can often put urban felines in danger. A cat's prey drive may lead him to pounce on moving birds or insects—often through an open window. In fact, cats falling out of unscreened windows is such a frequent problem in big cities that the veterinary profession has a name for it—High-Rise Syndrome.

During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week, many resulting in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.

The good news is that these falls are 100-percent preventable. Please take heed of the following precautions provided by ASPCA experts:

• Install snug-fitting, sturdy window screens.
• Make sure adjustable screens are tightly wedged into window frames.
• Cats can easily fit through the bars of childproof guards, so use screens as well.
• If your cat falls, assume he has survived and immediately rush him to the nearest animal hospital. There is a 90-percent survival rate for feline high-rise victims who are given immediate medical attention.
• Follow these precautions even if your apartment is on the first or second floor of your building. Shorter falls may prove more dangerous since they don't give cats enough time to adjust their body posture to land correctly.

Visit ASPCA.org for the complete list of facts on High-Rise Syndrome.

4. Honor Dad with a Gift that Gives Back

This Father's Day, the ASPCA is proud to offer a very special way to appreciate the most important man in your life. The ASPCA Father's Day Honor Gift is a one-time donation made in your father's name to directly support our efforts. Dad will also receive a personalized ecard letting him know a generous gift was made to homeless pets in his honor.

"While Father's Day only comes once a year, an honor gift from the ASPCA will keep giving to help the animals who are being saved each day," says Jo Sullivan, ASPCA Executive Vice President. "Not only will it show Dad how much you care about him, but he'll know how much you care for causes that are close to his heart."

This June, consider a Father’s Day Honor Gift—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Dad and help animals in need!

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