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...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog field trip benefits, webcasts galore and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How one shelter is using a field trip program to rally their community“One of the best things we could have done for our shelter was create our Paws Around the Pee Dee program,” says Wendy Ransome, a foster coordinator, data manager and volunteer from Darlington County Humane Society in Darlington, South Carolina. (Pee Dee is a region in the northeast corner of South Carolina, which lies along… Learn More These upcoming webcasts will put a spring...
Why Acupressure Is an Effective Way to Help a Fearful Dog
Left unresolved, excessive fear in dogs causes emotional suffering and can even become dangerous. Here’s how acupressure, combined with help from your vet and a canine behaviorist, can help a fearful dog feel safer and calmer. Fear is a necessary defense mechanism — a healthy reaction to any real or perceived threat to your dog’s survival. A timid dog might become frozen with fear or run and hide, while a more aggressive canine could lash out to ward off the frightening trigger. These “fight or flight” responses...
They Have Bird Sidekicks, And Other Fascinating Facts About the Rhino
Rhinos, the stocky tanks of the animal kingdom, were once prevalent across North America, Asia, and Africa, but their numbers – and range – have fallen sharply in more recent history. Hunting, poaching, and habitat loss are the main contributors to their population decline. In fact, of the five rhino species, three – the Javan, Sumatran, and black rhino – are classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The other two, the white rhino and the greater one-horned rhino, are near threatened and vulnerable,...
Man Sentenced for Heartless Animal Cruelty—Shooting Kitten and Displaying Dead Animals
In a harrowing case that shocked the Everett community, Blayne M. Perez, a 35-year-old resident, has been sentenced to three years of community custody following a series of cruel acts against wildlife and pets. This case sheds light on the dark underbelly of animal cruelty and the legal system’s response to such heinous acts. Photo: PexelsA man shot a kitten, causing severe injuries including the loss of an eye. A Pattern of Cruelty The unsettling journey began in January 2022, when local residents reported Perez for shooting birds and...
Abandoned Cats Evacuated from Frontlines in Ukraine Need Safe Space
Animals are once again caught in the crossfire of war in Ukraine. As the frontline moves, homeless and abandoned pets are in danger. Brave volunteers are entering the war-torn streets to rescue the cats and dogs found trembling in fear in destroyed buildings and homes. GreaterGood Patron Pet Center has opened their doors to these innocent animals who arrive in need of medical care and food. They provide a nutritious meal, which many pets haven’t had in many months, and attend to their injuries. With your help, we are helping to provide...
Simba the Lion Trapped in Despair at Tregembo Animal Park
In Wilmington, North Carolina, Tregembo Animal Park, a roadside zoo with a storied past, finds itself under scrutiny once again. Recent inspections have unveiled a series of neglect and malpractice, casting a shadow over the lives of its captive animals, notably Simba the lion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has laid bare the grim reality of life for the animals at Tregembo Animal Park. Photo: PexelsRecent USDA inspections uncovered multiple violations at Tregembo Animal Park. From unsafe enclosures to inadequate veterinary care,...
Eco-Friendly Options for Your Dog or Cat’s Remains
Losing a beloved dog or cat is the most difficult part of being an animal parent. Exploring eco-friendly options for her remains can help lighten the burden on you and the planet. No one wants to think about the day they have to say goodbye to a beloved dog or cat. But planning ahead by considering the various options available for your companion’s remains can help make life a little bit easier when the time comes. This article focuses on eco-friendly alternatives that are easier on the environment than conventional burial or cremation....
Deadly Invasion Unleashed in Florida — Pets at Risk from Toxic Toad Menace
Florida is currently grappling with an ecological crisis that poses a significant threat to pet safety. The invasion of bufo toads, also known as cane toads or giant marine toads, has become a pressing concern for pet owners across the state. These amphibians carry a potent toxin that can be fatal to pets, particularly dogs, if ingested. Photo: PexelsBufo toads in Florida secrete a lethal toxin harmful to pets. Understanding the Bufo Toad Threat Bufo toads secrete a milky toxin that is harmful to pets, reports USA Today. When a pet, such as a...
