August 2007
Hundreds Involved in UK Dog Fights
31/08/07
It has been estimated that several hundred people in the UK are involved in illegal dog fighting activities.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) issued the warning after the BBC uncovered a network of gangs trafficking fighting dogs into the UK. The pit bull terriers, which are illegal to own in the UK, are transported into the country under false papers from other European countries. The RSPCA said the popularity of dog fighting has been on the rise in recent years and the trend is towards betting on fights to the death. Dog fighting has been illegal in the UK since the 19th Century.
The RSPCA warning comes in the weeks following many celebrity ties with dog fighting. In the US, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has plead guilty to dog fighting and rapper DMX’s house was raided for inhumane treatment of pit bull terriers. In the UK, Gaelic football star Gerard Cavlan has been linked to an international dog fighting ring.
$12 Million Maltese
30/08/07
A little dog has inherited a massive fortune and plenty of controversy.
Trouble, an 8-year-old Maltese, was bestowed with a $12 million pet trust fund from his infamous owner, the late Leona Helmsley. Trouble’s inheritance is stirring up some trouble as he was the primary benefactor, while two of Helmsley’s grandchildren received nothing. The dog will be placed in the care of Helmsley’s brother, who received $10 million from the will, until his death when he will be buried next to his owner in the family mausoleum. Helmsley, who was nicknamed “Queen of Mean” for her tyrannical behaviour, passed away from congestive heart failure on August 20.
Trouble was a very close companion to Helmsley and was pampered with diamond dog collars and meals prepared by a personal chef.
Dogs Seized at DMX’s Home
29/08/07
Police raided DMX’s home on Friday, seizing several pit bulls and finding the remains of three other dogs.
The rapper’s Phoenix-area property was raided after the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about dogs being kept in inhumane conditions. The dogs were not being fed or given water. DMX was not present when the raid occurred. In 2002, DMX plead guilty to neglecting 13 pit bulls in New Jersey and did a public service announcement against animal abuse as a part of his sentence.
The DMX raid came as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick admitted guilt in his federal dog fighting case.
Rescued Dalmatian a Celebrity
28/08/07
The dog who was saved after being trapped in a sewer pipe has earned canine celebrity status.
Alex, a 14-year-old Dalmatian, has been interviewed on every major television network in the U.S. since his rescue, including appearances on Good Morning America and the Today Show. Alex will even be a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show next week. The lucky dog has also received lots of letters, get well cards and emails from fans around the country. One package sent to him included gourmet dog treats, a new dog collar and a cheque for $100.
The Dalmatian was rescued from a 30-foot storm drain last week after being trapped for more than 48 hours.
Police Dog Swap
27/08/07
An elite police dog was stolen and replaced with a mongrel puppy by thieves in Mexico this week.
Rex IV was swapped with the mixed breed puppy during an air transfer from Mexico City to the northern state of Sinaloa. The dog was bound for a drug operation with several other police drug sniffing dogs. An airline employee said a man posing as a police officer requested to switch Rex IV with the puppy because the dog was unwell.
Rex IV is a highly trained Belgian Malinois sheepdog with a long record of drug busts. Officials fear that the thieves will use the dog’s abilities to find new methods of concealing drugs.
Update 28/08/07: Rex IV was found tied to a tree today in a public park. Apparently the dog-snatchers realized the police were onto them and abandoned the Belgian Malinois.
Beach Rescue Dog a Hero
24/08/07
A canine lifeguard in Cornwall, England, is being praised for preventing a swimmer from entering dangerous waters.
Bilbo, a nearly 200lb Newfoundland, blocked a tourist from swimming at Sennan Cove when the currents were too strong. The quick-thinking dog is now an integral member of the Penwith Lifeguards based in the area. Bilbo had to pass swimming fitness tests to become the first beach rescue dog in Cornwall. He spends his days patrolling Cornish beaches with his handler and wears a lifeguard vest emblazoned with safety messages.
Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet and water-resistant coats, making them ideal candidates for water rescue work.
More Dogs Biting Mail Carriers
23/08/07
A Canada Post campaign is asking dog owners to keep their pets on a leash when the mail is delivered.
The annual campaign has taken on new urgency this year as the number of dog bites inflicted on mail carriers has more than doubled in some provinces this summer. The Post Office claims that 18 letter carriers were bitten in June and July this year, up from just eight in June and July last year. The campaign was launched in British Columbia this week and encourages dog owners to train themselves on how to handle their dogs.
The Canada Post warning comes just weeks after a mail carrier was attacked by a mastiff cross in June, resulting in serious injuries and controversy over whether the dog should be euthanized.
Vick Pleads Guilty
22/08/07
Michael Vick agreed to plead guilty on Monday in his federal dog fighting case.
The guilty plea threatens the NFL star’s future career could result in jail time. The plea agreement came after his co-defendants negotiated their own plea deals with the prosecution. Without a deal, Vick was also likely to face new charges in the case, including racketeering. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback initially denied direct involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting ring.
Vick will appear in court on August 27 to enter his guilty plea. No details of the agreement have been released to the public.
Wal-Mart Pulls Dog Treats
21/08/07
Wal-Mart quietly removed two brands of dog treats from their stores in July, but they have yet to issue a recall on the products.
The world’s largest retailer started removing the treats from their shelves on July 26 after customers raised concerns that the treats made their pets fall ill. A Philadelphia television station reported last week on a woman who claimed her Chihuahua died after being fed the treats. An autopsy revealed the Chihuahua died of an infection caused by toxic bacteria. Wal-Mart claims that they have yet to make a public announcement on the treats because they are still going through the testing process.
The dog treat brands are Chicken Jerky from Shanghai Bestro Trading and Chicken Jerky Strips from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co.
Pet Fashion Week Review
20/08/07
This year’s Pet Fashion Week in New York City has wrapped up after a long weekend of grooming and modeling.
The second annual event took place over the weekend and featured everything in four-legged fashion from dog wigs to themed parties. Some of the canine couture on the catwalk included colourful sweaters, peacock feathers, leather capes and pink dog wigs. Conventional dog fashion was also showcased with a wide selection of high end dog collars and leashes.
Dog models that strutted the runway were from varied breeds including Chinese Crested, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, Afghan Hound, Doberman Pinscher and Poodle.
Reward for Lost Assistance Dog
17/08/07
A California man is offering a $5,000 USD reward for the return of his assistance dog.
The dog, Quinn, bolted from his owner after the pair was involved in a one-vehicle car crash. The incident took place last Sunday at the Interstate 280/880 freeway interchange in San Jose. Quinn’s owner, Richard Gambord, does not believe that Quinn was injured in the accident but was scared and ran away. Gambord suffers from multiple sclerosis and requires the use of a wheelchair. Quinn assists Gambord in walking short distances.
Quinn is a 15-month old Golden Retriever and was last seen wearing a dog collar with rabies tags and a purple cape with the logo for the Assistance Dog Institute.
Rally for Humane Society Officer
16/08/07
Dozens of demonstrators gathered in front of the Humane Society’s offices in Toronto yesterday demanding the reinstatement of a suspended animal cruelty officer.
The officer, Tre Smith, was suspended after a July 31 incident when he smashed a car window to rescue a Rottweiler trapped in the hot vehicle. Smith then handcuffed the animal’s owner, Paul Soderholm, while he took the dog for emergency treatment. While left unattended, Soderholm alleges a mob of bystanders formed and beat him. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suspended Smith in lieu of incident.
Soderholm is scheduled to appear in court next month on animal cruelty charges. If convicted, he faces the possibility six months jail time and a fine of $2,000 CAD. The Rottweiler, Cyrus, has fully recovered.
Possible Vick Plea Deal
15/08/07
Michael Vick is consulting with his lawyers about a plea deal with prosecutors in his federal dog fighting case.
With the possibility of a new indictment, which includes racketeering charges, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is considering joining his three co-defendants in a plea deal. According to sources close to the case, Vick has not made a final decision yet because he wants to hear from the NFL on how a guilty plea would affect his football career. If Vick cannot secure a deal that saves his NFL career, he could choose to go to trial risking a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Prosecutors have given Vick until the end of this week to agree to the deal, before a federal grand jury hears the new racketeering allegations against him. If Vick accepts the deal, he could be in court to enter a guilty plea as early as next week.
Canine Security for APEC
14/08/07
Nearly two dozen Labradors will be deployed to search for bombs at next month’s APEC meeting in Sydney, Australia.
The explosion detection dogs are newly-trained members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and are worth $90,000 AUD each. They are part of the $170 million AUD security budget for one of the largest dignitary protection events ever held in Australia. Each of the 22 dogs will work with its own handler for APEC week. Labradors have 220 million olfactory sensory cells, compared to five million in humans, giving them strength and clarity of smell a million times better than any person.
After APEC, the handlers will be assigned a second dog specialized in drug detection. The canine teams will then join the 15 existing teams at national airports.
Pet Fashion Week
13/08/07
The second annual Pet Fashion Week is gaining momentum as canine fashion enthusiasts and experts converge on New York City.
The high-end trade show for canine couture will launch this Saturday and feature products including dog collars, grooming supplies, dog leashes, dog clothes, toys and dog food. Top designers in the canine fashion industry will be exhibiting their finest creations over the two-day event. Pet Fashion Week will also support charity fundraisers, including a Legally Blonde look-a-like competition and beauty makeovers.
Last year’s event, which featured a $200,000 diamond dog collar, drew close to 1500 attendees and 120 exhibitors.
Rhames’ Dogs May Not Have Caused Death
10/08/07
The coroner has stated that Ving Rhames’ dogs may not be responsible for the death of a groundskeeper last week.
The body of 40-year-old groundskeeper, Jacob Adams, was found on the Pulp Fiction actor’s Brentwood Estate last Friday with bite and scratch wounds. It was widely presumed that Rhames’ mammoth-sized bull dogs had mauled the man to death but comments from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office indicate otherwise. It may have been possible that the man suffered a heart attack or other medical condition before or during an encounter with the dogs.
The exact cause of death is expected to be determined today when an autopsy is conducted. Rhames was in Germany filming a movie when the incident took place.
Microchips for Dogs in Singapore
09/08/07
Singapore is tackling irresponsible pet ownership by requiring all dogs in the country to be implanted with a microchip.
The new measures were introduced by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) as a response to rampant negligence by dog owners. Failing to microchip a dog will result in a fine of 5,000 Singapore Dollars, a tenfold increase from the current maximum fine. Other measures, including annual payments for unsterilized dogs and fees for dog breeders, were also introduced. The AVA receives about 3,000 complaints about stray dogs each year. Most stray dogs in the country have been abandoned by their owners. The new ruling is similar to compulsory microchip laws in Portugal and New Zealand.
Implanting a microchip is a relatively painless procedure that places an electronic device just under the skin on the back of a dog’s neck. The microchip contains a number registered to the dog’s owner that can be retrieved by scanner.
Inmate Dog Training
08/08/07
An innovative program in Alaska has inmates training shelter dogs.
The Shelter Pet Obedience Training (SPOT) program is designed to give abandoned dogs a second chance while helping to rehabilitate inmates. A professional trainer works with the inmates to teach the dogs obedience skills. Upon graduation, the trained dogs are available for adoption to the community. Many of the dogs selected for the program were long term residents at the shelter and had been scheduled for euthanization. SPOT has saved 72 dogs since launching last year.
Participants in the program, both dogs and inmates, are carefully selected to achieve the best possible results.
Reunited After Hurricane Katrina
07/08/07
A dog and her owner were reunited on the weekend after being separated in Hurricane Katrina.
John McGee flew to New York on the weekend to pick up his dog, Sheena, after saying goodbye to her nearly two years ago at the New Orleans Dome. McGee was forced to leave the pit bull-terrier mix at a holding area in the dome during Hurricane Katrina, but was unable to locate her after he was evacuated to Houston. Sheena had been transported across the country and settled at an animal shelter in New York.
A few weeks ago, an animal rescue group tried to contact McGee by posting a picture of Sheena and a phone number on the door of his New Orleans home. The rescue group was able to locate McGee from information he attached to Sheena’s collar when he left her at the holding area. When McGee returned to survey his damaged home, he discovered the posting.
Although Sheena had doubled in size from a 15-pound puppy to a 30-pound dog during the separation, McGee was happy to finally be reunited with his pet.
Canine Credit for Austen Role
03/08/07
Anne Hathaway has credited her dog for winning her the leading role in Becoming Jane.
The actress, who stars as Jane Austen in the film, claims that she was cast for the role because of interference by her chocolate Labrador, Esmerelda, during auditions. The night before Hathaway’s second audition, Esmerelda ate her hotel slipper and kept the actress awake all night vomiting. The lack of sleep resulted in Hathaway auditioning while tired and irritable, which unwittingly showed the director her range as an actress. Prior to the Becoming Jane auditions, Hathaway had only appeared in light-hearted films portraying overtly happy characters.
Becoming Jane opens today across North America.
Seattle against Dog Fighting
02/08/07
The Seattle Humane Society is offering $5,000 for any tips that lead to busting dog fighting rings in the area.
The sum will be paid to anyone whose tip off leads to an arrest and conviction of criminals involved in the blood sport. The cash incentive comes in lieu of the Michael Vick case where the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is preparing to face trial on dog fighting charges.
According to prosecutor Dan Satterberg, no one in the King Country region has been prosecuted for dog fighting but it’s no reason to think it doesn’t exist. It is a felony to have any association with dog fighting in Washington State.
Dog Ice Cream
01/08/07
An ice cream parlour in Vienna, Austria has a new selection of frozen treats… for dogs.
"Dogissimo" is the new brand of ice cream made for dogs. Simona Leonardini created the canine dessert to help her three Golden Retrievers cool down from Austria’s scorching summer temperatures.
Although she refuses to share the recipe, Leonardini says Dogissimo is approved by veterinarians for canine consumption. The ice cream has also been taste-tested by her dogs until the flavours were just right. Dogissimo is fat-free, has no additives or artificial colouring and comes in three flavours: rice, vanilla-rice and soy.
CART