Austin Needs To Rebuild Its Model, Not Kill For Space
Apr 03, 2024 Shelters all over the United States are struggling, including Austin Animal Center and us right here at Austin Pets Alive!. In 2011, Austin became a No Kill community and has remained so with increasing save rates year over year. With the recent city ordinance changes and AAC’s latest announcement stating that hard decisions may need to be made for 20+ dogs who volunteers say should never be at risk, it’s safe to say that we’re facing the real chance that Austin is dangerously close to stepping into the wrong...
Hidden Agony Revealed in Poultry Farms While Kentucky Bill Aims to Veil the Truth
Kentucky’s legislature has recently passed Senate Bill 16, a piece of legislation that could significantly impact the transparency and accountability of the state’s agricultural industry. This bill, currently awaiting Governor Andy Beshear’s decision, aims to criminalize the unauthorized use of recording devices within commercial food facilities, including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The proposed law has ignited a fierce debate between industry proponents and animal rights groups, who argue that it could...
South Carolina Shelter Dogs Have Space to Run & Play Thanks to Rescue Rebuild and Volunteers
Shelter dogs spend a lot of time in a kennel waiting for someone to adopt them. Staff and volunteers do their best to give them daily walks, but dogs need a space to run and play. Greater Good Charities’ Rescue Rebuild travels around the country renovating animal shelters to create inviting spaces for both shelter pets and adopters. Their most recent project took them to Lucky Dog Animal Rescue – Team South Carolina to build outdoor play yards for shelter dogs. Photo: Greater Good Charities Read on to see how your donations are...
Lost Pets Are Being Found in Minutes Thanks to High Tech Drones
In an age where technology continuously reshapes our lives, high-tech drones are carving out a significant niche in pet search and rescue operations. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are not just toys for enthusiasts but lifesaving tools in the hands of skilled operators, turning the tide for lost pets and their distressed owners. Photo: PexelsHigh-tech drones are revolutionizing pet search and rescue efforts. From Deer Tracking to Pet Finding As WAFB reports, Southern Drone Recovery, initially started to assist hunters in tracking lost...
Woman Looking for Perfect Buddy for Her Cat Chooses One With Her Uncle’s Name
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My eldest cat Sally was beginning to show her age at 18, which left my spirited 10 year old Chance in a rather boring position. I decided that Chance needed a buddy that could keep up with and distract him, so Sally could enjoy her golden years. CATS. PHOTO: PIXABAY / FELICIA LUCIANA I volunteer at the local shelter, and for a few months, I kept an eye out for someone I thought would fit...
Nearly 800,000 Fish Killed in Iowa Fertilizer Spill Crisis
In an alarming environmental event, nearly 800,000 fish have perished across a 60-mile expanse of rivers flowing into the Missouri River due to a catastrophic fertilizer spill in Iowa. This incident marks one of the most significant ecological disasters in the region in recent memory, the New York Times reports, raising concerns about the fragility of aquatic ecosystems and the potential long-term ramifications. Photo: PexelsA fertilizer spill in Iowa has led to the death of nearly 800,000 fish. Unraveling the Disaster The calamity unfolded...
Exploring the HASS Playbook
[embedded content] The HASS Playbook is a comprehensive collection of FREE how-to guides, programming, resources and research built rise above existing sheltering system challenges and increase the support animal welfare organizations can provide for pets AND people. Each HASS Playbook section is accompanied by an optional, self-paced questionnaire that, upon completion, produces instantaneous customized recommendations for your shelter to create new or enhance existing initiatives. Think of this option as on-demand animal welfare consulting...
10 Ukrainian Pets Rescued From The Frontlines That Need Your Help
Injured, abandoned, and homeless animals continue to arrive at shelters across Ukraine due to the ongoing war. Cats and dogs of all ages are caught in the crossfire and need our help. With your support, we have provided pet food, warm blankets, dog kennels, and medical support to shelter animals in Ukraine. However, the need for pet food and support is greater than ever. Photo: Patron Pet Center As the frontline moves, more pets are in danger and brave volunteers are risking their lives to evacuate them from the Kherson and Sumy regions of...
Wildlife Pay the Price for Rising Cost of Entertainment at SeaQuest
Across the United States, SeaQuest facilities have become a topic of heated debate. These interactive aquariums, designed to offer up-close experiences with a variety of species, are facing scrutiny over the welfare of their captive animals. In the darker side of wildlife tourism, the line between education and exploitation becomes blurred. Too often, innocent animals are paying the price. Photo: PexelsThe USDA inspected SeaQuest Folsom, in California, and found it to be jeopardizing the health and welfare of sloths by failing to provide the...
Endangered Sawfish in Florida’s Waters Spin into a Deadly Mystery
In a concerning development off the coast of Florida, endangered smalltooth sawfish are engaging in inexplicable behaviors leading to their deaths. These creatures, notable for their distinctive elongated snouts lined with teeth, are spinning and whirling onto the shores, particularly in the Lower Florida Keys, in alarming numbers, reports the New York Post. Photo: PexelsEndangered sawfish are dying in Florida by spinning onto beaches. The phenomenon, first observed in January, has resulted in at least 28 confirmed fatalities out of 109...
Supercharge your foster program with Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection
If you’re looking to bring new ideas to your organizations foster program, then look no further than Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection. This monthly webcast held on the first Thursday of the month at 12PM PT/3PM ET is an opportunity to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues. This event is for foster managers and coordinators, and any staff who are interested in learning about what’s working in foster...
Social Kittens Rescued From a Feral Colony Seek Patient, Understanding Homes
This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! As the movement for TNR (trap-neuter-return) grows, so does the heart tugging affection for the kittens that are among colonies where compassionate caregivers trap cats in need of care. When kittens come from a cat colony (a group of free-roaming cats that live together in a...
Nevada Wildlife Officials Investigating Possible Wolf Sighting in the State
Gray wolves once roamed most of the United States, but hunting and habitat loss brought them to the brink by the middle of the 20th century. Since they were listed under the Endangered Species Act in the 1970s, their population and range have increased, and they may have recently been spotted in a state without an established population. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) announced last week that three wolves are believed to have been spotted in Elko County, located in the northeastern corner of the state. A moose collaring crew was in...
American Airlines Eases a Portion of its Carry-On Policy to Make Pet Travel a Bit Easier
Traveling with pets can be stressful for both animal and human, but a U.S.-based airline is making some changes to relieve a little bit of the stress. American Airlines has shifted its carry-on policy to allow pet parents to bring both their pet and a full-sized carry-on into the cabin. Before the update, customers traveling with pets could only bring their pet carrier and a small personal item. Any full-sized carry-on bag, like those with wheels, had to be checked for a $35 fee. This was on top of the $150 fee charged for flying with a pet....
Horrors Unveiled as Federal Agents Raid Dogfighting Ring in Landmark Case
In a significant crackdown on animal cruelty, John Murphy, a 50-year-old resident of Hanson, Massachusetts, faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in dogfighting activities. Murphy was indicted on nine counts related to possessing animals for the purpose of engaging in an animal fighting venture. This indictment came after a meticulous investigation led to a raid on his Hanson home, unveiling a grim scene of animal abuse and evidence of dogfighting operations. This case marks a precedent in Massachusetts, being the first instance...
Barred Owls Could Pay the Price to Save Their Endangered Cousins
In a move that blurs the lines between conservation and controversy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has unveiled a plan that is as drastic as it is debated: to cull over 400,000 barred owls in a bid to rescue the teetering population of the endangered spotted owl. This drastic measure stems from the barred owl’s invasive spread from the East Coast, which has led to significant declines in spotted owl numbers due to competition for habitat and food, reports USA Today. At the heart of this contentious strategy lies a stark...
Ukraine Shelter Desperately Needs Food To Feed Over 3,000 Pets In Their Care
Sirius Shelter, located an hour outside of previously occupied Kyiv, is the largest shelter in Ukraine and is currently caring for over 3,000 animals. Photo: Greater Good Charities The shelter is struggling to feed all the hungry dogs and cats and have started to cook whatever expired food that local supermarkets will donate to them. The staff and volunteers are doing the best they can with the minimal resources available to care for all the pets. Photo: Greater Good Charities Photo: Greater Good Charities Greater Good Charities’ (GGC)...
Unprecedented Livestock Alert as Bird Flu Hits Heartland Dairy Farms
In a startling development, dairy cows in Texas and Kansas have tested positive for bird flu, marking the first time this virus has been identified in U.S. dairy cattle. This news has sparked concerns and prompted immediate action from federal and state health officials. Photo: PexelsBird flu was detected in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas. Understanding the Outbreak The presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in milk and nasal swabs from cattle showing symptoms such as decreased lactation and discolored milk,...
How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Endangered Species Breathe Sigh of Relief as Critical ESA Protections are Restored
In a significant shift from previous policies, the Biden administration has taken decisive steps to restore protections for threatened and endangered species, reversing the deregulatory trend set by the Trump administration. This move reestablishes vital safeguards under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a cornerstone of environmental legislation in the United States since its inception in 1973 by President Richard Nixon. Photo: PexelsThe Biden administration has reinstated critical protections for threatened and endangered species. Restoring...
