New California Pet Store Law Helps Shelter Animals

January 1, 2019 was the first day that a new animal welfare law went into effect here in California.  Under this law (called the Pet Rescue and Adoption Act), pet stores cannot sell dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they are from animal shelters or rescue organizations.

This law prevents pet stores from selling animals sourced from commercial breeding operations, known as puppy mills.

According to the Sacramento Bee, pet stores in California must publicly display documentation on each animal’s origins in the area where the animal is housed.

Pet stores in violation of this law will have to pay a fine of $500 for each pet that is sold illegally.

Here’s a video on the new law from NBC News:

 

Advertisements

Netflix Docuseries “Dogs” a Treat for Animal Lovers

Grab a box of tissues before you start watching the new 6-part Netflix documentary series “Dogs.”

“Dogs” is a moving and heartwarming look into the unique bond between people and their dogs.

Each episode takes you on a journey across the world and introduces you to some very special dogs…and their humans!

Here’s a quick episode guide:

1. A look at how service dogs can make a difference in the lives of special needs children.
2. A Syrian refugee and his friends go to extraordinary lengths to rescue his dog from war torn Syria.
3. A senior Retriever is the loyal best friend of an Italian fisherman.
4. An inside look at the world of professional dog grooming competitions.
5. A profile of the large Costa Rican dog sanctuary, Territorio de Zaguates.
6. Texas shelter dogs get a second chance at life with adopters in New York City.

Check out the official trailer below:

 

 

Voters Approve New Animal Welfare Laws in Florida and California

This week’s midterm elections saw two major animal welfare victories in the states of Florida and California.

Florida’s Amendment 13, a measure to ban commercial Greyhound racing, was approved by 69% of voters in the state.  Thanks to this new legislation, Greyhound racing will be phased out over the next two years.  Good news for dog lovers interested in adopting retired Greyhounds!

In California, Proposition 12 was on the ballot.  Prop 12 was approved by 61% of California voters.  This measure will establish minimum space requirements for farm animals (egg-laying chickens, veal calves, and breeding pigs).  It will also ban the sale of meat and eggs from farms that don’t meet the space requirements.

Do you know the animal protection laws in your state?  You can find out by clicking on the interactive map on the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s website.

 

Heartwarming Video: Best Friends Tito and Frank

In honor of Senior Pet Adoption Month, here’s a true senior pet adoption success story!

Tito is a 15 year-old Chihuahua with multiple health issues who was taken in as a foster.  Tito and his “brother” Frank soon became inseparable.

Tito had a collapsed trachea and cannot use his back legs.  Frank helped nurse Tito through his medical care and totes him around on walks.

Frank is a rescued Pit Bull, found emaciated and living in a junkyard.  His early trauma has led to anxiety issues, but feisty little Tito is helping Frank every bit as much as Frank is helping him!

Watch the story of these two special dogs here:

 

US Law Enforcement Works to End Animal Abuse

Did you know that the National Sheriffs’ Association has a division called the National Law Enforcement Center on Animal Abuse?

The NLECAA website has lots of great information for animal lovers around the US who are interested in finding out how law enforcement responds to animal maltreatment.

They recently released a report on the connection between animal cruelty and violence against humans.  The report notes that before 2016, animal abuse was put into an “all other offense” category in a national crime statistics database.

Since 2016, law enforcement now collects data from all over the country on animal cruelty, including gross neglect, torture, organized abuse, and sexual abuse of animals.

The report provides guidance for first responders on the scene at animal abuse investigations, including how to link animal abuse to other forms of possible violent criminal activity.

You can download the full report HERE.  The National Law Enforcement Center on Animal Abuse also has a guide on how to report suspected animal abuse in your state.

You can follow the work the NLECAA is doing to protect animals on Twitter!

Images:  NLECCA