News Alert: February 13, 2009

1. Breaking News: ASPCA Leads Raid of Tennessee Puppy Mill
2. Coming Up in NYC: Valentine’s Adoption Weekend/Art Show To Benefit ASPCA
3. Fundraise the Fun Way: Become an ASPCA Ambassador
4. ASPCA Awards $100,000 Grant to U.C. Davis
5. Peanut Butter Pet Treats: Recall Reminder!
6. Tune in This Sunday: “Why We Love Cats and Dogs"
7. ASPCA Job of the Week

1. Breaking News: ASPCA Leads Raid of Tennessee Puppy Mill

The ASPCA’s best and brightest are currently on the ground in White County, TN, managing operations of a puppy mill raid that began Wednesday morning, February 11. Our forensic cruelty investigation team, led by Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, is evaluating dogs and collecting evidence for the future criminal prosecution of the puppy mill’s owners. Members of the ASPCA Disaster Response team and several of our legislative professionals are also assisting at the site.

More than 250 small-breed dogs—including Boston and Jack Russell terriers, Pomeranians, shih tzus, Chihuahuas, poodles, miniature pinschers and schnauzers—were recovered from multiple buildings on the raided property. According to Dr. Merck, the dogs are suffering from a general lack of basic care, such as little to no food or water, feces-encrusted pens and lack of proper ventilation in enclosed areas. Conditions such as matting, sores, mange, poor teeth and abscesses are widespread.  Dogs in critical condition were examined immediately on the scene and in the Mobile Animal CSI Unit, and those needing emergency care were transferred to local veterinarians who have volunteered their services.

Local officials became concerned about this particular puppy mill last September after a visitor to the property—someone who had intended to purchase a dog—alerted the White County Humane Society to the poor conditions of the animals. The White County Sheriff’s Department began a formal investigation, ultimately enlisting the ASPCA’s support for this week’s raid. Other parties assisting in the rescue include American Humane Association, Nashville Humane Association, several local veterinarians and PetSmart Charities, which provided the majority of sheltering supplies and an emergency relief vehicle.

Back in June, the ASPCA assisted in the raid of a puppy mill in Lyles, TN—the state’s largest raid to date. Thankfully, the Tennessee General Assembly is taking action to address the state’s puppy mill problem—last week, a consumer protection bill addressing large-scale commercial breeders was introduced in the Senate; introduction of a House companion bill is expected soon.

To learn more about the White County raid, please see our latest press release and visit our blog to see pictures of the puppies we rescued.

2. Coming Up in NYC: Valentine’s Adoption Weekend/Art Show To Benefit ASPCA

- It's not too late to find your funny (and furry!) love. Visit the ASPCA's New York City headquarters this Saturday and Sunday, February 14 & 15, for our annual Valentine adoption event. As a special treat, we're kicking off the fun with our annual Best in Show talent contest on Friday—and all cats over age 3 are free during the entire weekend!

The ASPCA is located at 424 E. 92nd St., between First and York Avenues. We're open Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information, please visit the ASPCA Adoption Center online or call (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120.

- Debuting in New York City on Wednesday, February 18, Animalania is a group show featuring artists whose mediums differ, but who share the common bond of a love for animals. We can’t think of a better mid-week, post-work plan than sipping a cocktail while rubbing elbows with downtown celebrities at a fabulous art opening—but to sweeten the deal even more, proceeds from the show will be donated to the ASPCA!

The original artwork featured in Animalania was contributed by 23 artists, including director Spike Jonze, photographer Ryan McGinley, actress/comedienne Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Conchords and The Daily Show) and musicians James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Karen O. and Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

Please join us for Animalania's opening night reception from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. at Fuse Gallery, located at 93 2nd Avenue in the East Village. If you can't make it to Wednesday's reception, you can still see the show during regular gallery hours—Wednesday through Saturday, from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.—through March 14. Visit the Fuse Gallery website for a sneak preview.

3. Fundraise the Fun Way: Become an ASPCA Ambassador

So you want to help raise money for animals who have been abandoned, neglected and abused, but don’t quite know where to start? We can help! When you register to become an ASPCA Ambassador, we’ll guide you through setting up a special fundraising page featuring your favorite furry friend, keep you up to date on ASPCA team events and even assist you in creating a special fundraising event of your own! ASPCA Ambassadors will also have access to easy-to-use email tools and a personalized web address to help spread the word.

As an ASPCA Ambassador, you can:

• Organize a neighborhood dog walk, pet parade or benefit concert in your community
• Participate in a marathon, bikeathon, hike or other sports-oriented event and ask friends and family to sponsor your efforts on behalf of the ASPCA
• Participate in an ASPCA event, like the upcoming Wag-n-Walks in Austin and Los Angeles this April
• Celebrate a loved one or commemorate a birthday, wedding or anniversary by raising money in support of the ASPCA’s mission

Those who register as Ambassadors will also receive a 15-percent discount on a selection of orange merchandise from the ASPCA Online Store. Plus, register before February 20 (that's next Friday) and you’ll be eligible to win a flip video camera!

For more information about the ASPCA Ambassadors program, and how you can be a voice for animals, please visit www.ASPCAAmbassadors.org.

4. ASPCA Awards $100,000 Grant to U.C. Davis

The ASPCA has awarded $100,000 in funding to the University of California's Center for Companion Animal Health. The grant, annually renewable for the next three years, will allow the Koret Shelter Medicine Program—established to improve homeless animals' lives with more advanced medical care—to hire a shelter medicine veterinary specialist. This new position will allow for more consultations and outreach advice to be given to animal welfare facilities across the country.

"The ASPCA's generous grant will enable us to further our reach and scientific knowledge and combine that knowledge with the long history of leadership and professional resources that the ASPCA offers," said Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

5. Peanut Butter Pet Treats: Recall Reminder!

The peanut butter recall isn’t over, pet parents! In fact, the FDA has added several new pet food items to its expanding list of affected products. Last month, the FDA confirmed an outbreak of Salmonella bacteria in peanut butter products and traced it to a GA-based plant owned by the Peanut Corp. of America. The company does not sell directly to consumers, but distributes peanut butter and peanut paste to institutions and manufacturers, including several pet food makers.

The ASPCA reminds pet parents to keep checking the FDA’s website for updates. Pet parents should also wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated food and consult with a veterinarian if their dog shows any symptoms of Salmonella infection, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy and drooling or panting. Cats may develop a high fever with vague, non-specific clinical signs. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a recalled product, please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

6. Tune in This Sunday: “Why We Love Cats and Dogs"

The Nature series on PBS has always been a favorite of Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Senior Director, Shelter Research and Development—and now she’s part of the show! This Sunday, February 15, at 8:00 P.M., Dr. Weiss will be featured in the episode “Why We Love Cats and Dogs.”

The episode, which explores the close relationships people have with their four-legged friends, will include a segment about the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match® (MYM) adoption program and how it’s improving the way animal shelters match animals and adopters. Dr. Weiss, who developed MYM, will present real-life adoption success stories. “We are excited about the opportunity to reach the wide audience on PBS,” she says. Set your DVR and tune in this weekend!    

7. ASPCA Job of the Week

The ASPCA is looking for a Client Services Representative to meet and greet clients and their pets, provide exceptional customer service and serve as goodwill ambassador for Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan. We’re searching for a friendly people-person with excellent computer skills and experience in a veterinary or medical office. If you’re a skilled communicator who thrives in a fast-paced workplace, you may be the one to join our pet care family!

The ASPCA offers generous benefit packages for full-time employees. Please submit your resume and salary requirements for our prompt consideration.

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