Animal Herbology

Introduction to Animal Herbology


Herbal medicine is gaining popularity in Western culture. Those of us who use herbal remedies in our own lives, are also apt to use natural remedies to enhance the health of their pets. Herbal medicine is a very useful adjunct to traditional veterinary medicine, however, it is not without its own risks. Herbs that help in humans do not necessarily have the same effect on animals. And more importantly, some herbs that are safe for human consumption may kill or injure our pets. Therefore, it is essential to seek qualified professional assistance from professionals well versed in animal herbology and dosages.

I can’t stress too strongly that use of herbs or any other medical procedures on your pets without clear knowledge of what you are doing puts the lives of your animal friends at risk. Herbal and vitamin supplements can be of remarkable assistance in a well managed therapeutic regime, but you MUST make certain that you inform your veterinarian of any herbs, vitamins, or other supplements that you have administered to your pets, AND you must know what you are doing. When in doubt, speak to your veterinarian.

A note about birds: If you have pet birds, you are likely already aware how careful you must be regarding what medications are administered to them. Sometimes, even licensed veterinarians are unaware of what substances can be fatal to birds. For your bird’s health, please seek a qualified AVIAN veterinarian for advice. For safety’s sake, do not use any of the following herbs in this lesson, unless they are specifically noted as safe for birds.

This lesson is meant to supplement knowledge you have already obtained through other appropriate studies. It is not meant to in any way be a complete guide to a subject as complex as herbology for animals, so it will definitely be necessary for you to do your own research as well.

Please also be aware that even though the following herbs are mentioned in this lesson as having been used in animals with therapeutic effect, natural does not necessarily mean “safe.” It is important to purchase your herbs from reputable sources with standardized strength. It is also necessary to understand that animals, like humans, can have unforeseen allergic reactions. Whenever you administer medications of any sort to your pet, it is necessary to watch them carefully afterwards for any symptoms.

Herbs That Should NOT Be Given To Pets

Certain herbs should never be given to your pets, as they are toxic. These include:

White Willow Bark (Salix alba) – Similar to asprin, toxic to cats.


MMUNE SYSTEM STIMULATION

One of the most common uses for herbal supplements in both animals and humans is to stimulate the immune system. Keep in mind that in certain cases, such as auto immune disorders in which the body essentially attacks itself, immune system stimulation is exactly the opposite of what you want to be doing. It is important to be certain of what the problem truly is before treating it.

If, after a proper diagnosis, you wish to assist the immune system of your pet, there are several supplements that can be used:

Shark Cartilage: Shark cartilage is a traditional Chinese remedy that contains mucopolysaccharides and carbohydrates that stimulate the immune system. It can also be used as an anti inflammatory that helps with issues such as arthritis or other types of joint injuries.

Echinacea: The purple coneflower, echinacea augustifolia, and echinacea purpurea are the species of echinacea most often used as a herbal remedy. Echinacea stimulates the immune system via several different methods, and is a highly useful herb that can be used in cats, dogs, and birds. It should generally be used in conjunction with drugs prescribed by a veterinarian. Be certain to inform the veterinarian if you are using echinacea for your pet, since it could be a concern during anesthesia and recovery. Echinacea should NOT be used if your pet is suffering from lupus, tuberculosis, connective tissue disorder, FeLV, FIV or FIP. Do not continue use beyond 6 to 8 weeks, as the immune stimulation actions fade over time. You can restart therapy after a “rest” of approximately 4 weeks.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa sprouts contain many vitamins and minerals, and is generally a nutritional herb, but is also said to stimulate the immune system. Alfalfa may be used in birds.

Brewer’s Yeast: Also said to stimulate the immune system.

Seaweeds: Certain types of seaweed, such as Kelp, Kombu, Nori, and Undaria protect against some bacterial agents, as they stimulate the immune system. They have been used in birds. Be aware that Kelp should not be used in animals with autoimmune thyroid disorders.



CYSTS, ABRASIONS AND ABCESSES

As always, serious injuries should be seen by your veterinarian. For minor wounds, you can use the following herbs:

Lavender Oil: After thoroughly cleaning the wound, one drop of lavender essential oil will assist in healing. Lavender oil can also help burns heal.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil can be used after thorough cleaning as an anti microbial agent. It can also be used to bring a cyst to a head. One drop is all that is necessary. After the cyst is brought up and drained, use a drop of lavender oil to aid healing.

Aloe: Fresh Aloe gel is very useful for all animals including parrots. An additional bonus is that Aloe gel can be used as an effective pain reliever for the owners of parrots who may occasionally receive a “love bit” that is overly enthusiastic.

Epsom salts: Soaking itchy paws and abscessed nail beds in 1/2 cup epsom salts per gallon of water for 10 minutes, 2x per day will help draw out infection and relieve itchy feet.


DIGESTIVE DIFFICULTIES

Peppermint: Digestive difficulties in dogs can be treated with peppermint (mentha piperita). It is necessary to make sure that there is no underlying problem such as accidental poisoning or eating something they shouldn’t have.

Catnip and Catmint: Getting peppermint down a cat might be a challenge, since they generally don’t like mint taste. Catnip and catmint are both useful for nausea in cats. Again, make sure that your cat hasn’t gotten into something she shouldn’t have.

Ginger: Ginger works in animals the same way it does in humans. It can be used to help with gas, diarrhea, and car sickness. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory. Ginger can be used with parrots.

Slippery Elm: Slippery Elm bark is a digestive aid for pets with nausea and constipation. It can also be used as a cough suppressant. Slippery Elm can be used with birds for coughing and vomiting, and in animals including birds externally for bites, boils, or abscesses. If a parrot is bitten or scratched by a mammal, even if it looks superficial, bring it to a veterinarian immediately, as a course of antibiotics will likely be necessary due to the parrot’s lack of natural defenses to pasturella bacteria.

Acidophilus: When antibiotics are used to treat your pet, they can kill “good bacteria” living in the gut, allowing “bad bacteria” to build up and cause problems such as gas or diarrhea. These good bacteria can also be killed by stress and illness. Acidophilus is a powdered form of the useful bacteria, lactobacillus.


ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMETISM

It is natural to get discouraged when your pet is in pain, and to attempt to use your own remedies, however, it is important to let your veterinarian know of your concerns, and let them know you are treating with natural remedies.

Dandelion: Useful in treatment of arthritis. Can be used with birds.

Perna Mussels: These muscles contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that assist in building cartilage and bringing down inflammation. The mussels also contain glucosamine, which is a precursor to GAG. The perna mussel also includes a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that reduce pain and help anti inflammatory action.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These products are useful for both humans and animals, however, it is necessary to be very careful with figuring the appropriate dosage for pets. They can take human grade pharmaceutical glucosamine and chondroitin, however not in the same quantities as humans do. Animal supplements often are augmented with absorbic acid to help with its uptake in dogs. Special animal dosages are available through your veterinarian, or over the Internet. These compounds help to heal cartilage and reduce pain in hip dysplasia. They also assist with the pain and joint damage of arthritis in both dogs and cats. If the dosage is too high, dogs may vomit or get diarrhea. It then becomes necessary to reduce the dosage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe for long term use, and can be used with other drugs and vitamins.

Yucca: The yucca plant can be used to reduce pain and soft tissue swelling with minimal gastric side effects. It works by increasing the circulation in the damaged tissue, so that waste build up is reduced.


NERVOUS AND BRAIN DISORDERS

Chamomile: Because its sedative power is mild, it is useful for birds in stressful situations.

St. John’s Wort: Yes, animals can suffer from the same types of nervous disorders as humans, including obsessive/compulsive behaviors, depression, and mood swings. St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) has been used to treat compulsive licking in dogs, aggression, separation anxiety, feather plucking in parrots, and neural disorders. Do not use St. John’s Wort with other antidepressant drugs. Also, do not use St. John’s Wort with animals who spend a lot of time in the sun, as large doses can cause photosensitivity.

Bach Rescue Remedy: Rescue Remedy is a combination of flower essences that can effectively be used to treat temporary anxiety, such as going to the vet. Be sure to let the vet know you’ve given this to your pet.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo is said to increase the blood flow to the brain. Humans have reported increased memory and brain function from use of Ginkgo. Animal herbalists have been using it to treat cognitive dysfunction in older animals.



EYE IRRITATION

Eyebright: As its name implies, eyebright tea can be used as a wash for eye irritation in all pets including birds.

EAR IRRITATION

Warm about one tablespoon of olive oil, and add two drops of tea tree, one drop of lavender, and one drop of chamomile. Drip into and around the ear. Do not use with parrots.

SINUS CONGESTION

Cayenne: Cayenne is the active ingredient in capsaicin. It is useful in all animals as a treatment for sinus congestion. Recommended for use in parrots as they love its taste.

DETOXIFICATION

Animals, like humans, can build up toxins in the colon and filtration organs. A mild course of detoxifying agents, such as those listed below, can be useful in treatment of other disorders.

Garlic: The anti-oxidant, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties of garlic are useful detoxifiers in all animals including birds. Garlic given to parrots should be fresh garlic, not powder. Do not use for long periods of time, as it could cause anemia.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a mild antifungal and anti-bacterial. It can be used on parrots.

Aloe Detox: Aloe Detox is a commercial product that is made by a company called Naturade. It has been credited with saving many parrots through detoxifying the liver.

Milk Thistle: Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin, an antioxidant that protects and is said to regenerate the liver. Very large dosages can cause loose stools.


CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Ginseng: Both Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius have been used to treat animals with extreme weight loss from chronic conditions such as cancer and leukemia, chronic infections, nerve disorders, and anorexia. It is said to enhance the release of insulin, so that the glucose levels in the blood decrease. Ginseng CAN cause increased blood pressure, may contribute to low blood sugar, and may pose a concern during anesthesia and recovery.

Essiac Tea: Essiac tea is said to be a natural cancer treatment, consisting of various herbs including burdock root, sheep sorrel, Turkish rhubarb root, red clover, slippery elm, and sometimes other herbs. There are several manufacturers of the product. It has been used for cats and dogs.

FURTHER WARNINGS REGARDING PARROTS

Use of non-stick cookware can be fatal to parrots. If the cookware is overheated, it can release polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE) gas that is rapid working and lethal. All species of birds can be affected. The only clinical sign of this poisoning generally occurs when the bird drops off its perch. Although this is not a herbal issue, it is an important safety consideration if you keep birds.

Herbal products to avoid use of with birds include:

Borage
Calamus
Chapparal
Coltsfoot
Comfrey
Ephedra
Germander
Licorice
Ma Huang
Life Root
Lobelia
Pokeroot
Sassafrass
Yohimbe



CONCLUSION:

We have a special obligation to our animal friends, to take as good care of them as is humanly possible. This includes proper veterinary care, as well as alternative medical care when warranted, in conjunction with medical professionals. Herbal remedies can be very useful, but you must do your homework. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Written by:
Rev. Mikki Barry
Master Herbalist
Global Institute For Alternative Medicine

Dogs Cloned For Drug Sniffing Jobs

These puppies are really sweet-looking, aren't they? According to the South Korean Customs Service, the seven Labs you see here are all very good-natured dogs, highly trainable, and exceptionally good at sniffing out drugs. They should be; they've been cloned from Korea's best drug sniffing dog.

Seoul National University scientists, if you remember, created what is believed to be the world's first cloned dog, an Afghan hound named Snuppy, in 2005. The same group of scientists was responsible

for this most recent cloning of the drug sniffing Labrador retrievers, who are now being trained by the Korea Customs Service. The cloned Labs, however, have not been named individually. I guess because they all look alike, they all have the same name - Toppy - the "to" from tomorrow and the "ppy" from puppy.

Although the Associated Press (AP) reports that it cost the Seoul National University about $100,000 to clone each of the seven Labs, the expense may be worth it if the dogs turn out to be better qualified than the un-cloned dogs. Un-cloned dogs are trained for the drug sniffing jobs at a cost of $40,000 per dog, even though only three of ten dogs are actually capable of doing the job after training concludes.

Cloning technologies are being refined rapidly. You can now clone the perfect show dog, the perfect jumper, the perfect pet, and the perfect working dog. Robots are replacing humans in so many industries. Will the good old natural-born dog soon be made redundant?

AP via National Geographic.com
If you would like to see the drug sniffers in action, visit this video .

Source: InventorSpot

Art, Examined

Art, Examined

During the last month, I've received a torrent of email about Costa Rican artist Guillermo Vargas featuring a starving street dog as “art” in a Nicaraguan gallery. According to accounts we've received, Vargas picked up the poor creature and displayed him in the gallery—attempting to make the point that such an animal on the street would go unnoticed, but in a gallery setting would be a spectacle. A local animal welfare group says the dog escaped after a day in the gallery.

This and other widely circulated photos show the dog
purportedly used in the exhibit.

Vargas's supposition about the shock value of his exhibit was prophetic. But even more so than he could have imagined, or bargained for. The image of the plaintive dog, presumably left to languish and suffer in the presence of gallery visitors and Vargas himself, was too much to fathom for many people who learned about it on the Internet. There was a spontaneous outburst of online petitions and condemnations of the supposed artist—a not uncommon phenomenon in the Internet age when shocking information goes viral.

Two observations. First, this circumstance underscores that there must be some limits in artistic expression, even if they are self-imposed by the artists themselves. Free expression is itself a moral imperative, but it is not absolute. It's one thing to document cruelty, but another matter to play a part in it, to exploit the suffering of other creatures, and to fail to provide any social context for it. Art and other cultural forms can be powerful media for promoting awareness of animal suffering and abuse, and for celebrating animals as creatures who deserve our admiration and respect, but this was not one of those cases. Obviously, if Vargas had taken photographs of starving street animals and called attention to the problem, then his art or documentary would not have provoked any calumny.

This controversy comes on the heels of a similar debate that erupted last month over an exhibit at the San Francisco Art Institute by the Paris artist Adel Abdessemed titled "Don't Trust Me." According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "the show included a series of video loops of animals being bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer in front of a brick wall. The animals killed included a pig, goat, deer, ox, horse and sheep." An outcry ensued, and the Art Institute pulled the exhibit, and rightly so.

My other reaction is that we should rechannel our anguish and anger about Vargas and direct our energy to combat street dog problems in the developing world. Vargas is probably no more than a struggling artist, and we need not waste our time with further denunciations. But let's focus our energy on fighting the street dog problem and working to develop programs and infrastructure that can bring some relief to these creatures. This is a massive problem in the developing world, affecting hundreds of millions of animals, and our global affiliate Humane Society International has a Street Animal Welfare program to develop humane care, spay and neuter, and vaccination programs. Please do get involved with HSI. Get on our email list and get plugged in to our many international activities to help street dogs, to fight factory farming, and to stem the wildlife trade.

We cannot turn our gaze from this terrible problem throughout the world. And when we do focus on the problem, we must turn our anger into action, and select the right targets. Let's pivot from Vargas and focus on the ongoing cruelty, rather than seek retribution.

Source: Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

World Week for Animals in Laboratories is Here!

Today: Call-In Day: Urge NIH to End Cruel Animal Experiments

Many people find this hard to believe, but the U.S. government continues to sink millions of dollars each year into funding cruel and outdated experiments on animals to test the effects of nicotine and tobacco. Please join IDA during this week's observance of World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) to call attention to this outrage and speak out in opposition.

IDA's Up in Smoke campaign highlights the futility and inhumanity of nicotine experiments on newborn and pregnant animals. These are some examples:

- Since 1992, Elliot Spindel at Oregon Health and Science University delivers steady doses of nicotine to pregnant monkeys through pumps implanted into their backs. The babies are cut out of their mothers' wombs in order to dissect their lungs.

- At Texas A&M University, Ursula Winzer-Serhan forces baby rats to consume nicotine mixed with baby formula at the equivalent of three packs of cigarettes a day. After about a week of being fed nicotine, the babies' heads are cut off and their brains are dissected.

- Researcher Kent Pinkerton at University of California, Davis, subjects pregnant rhesus monkeys to smoking chambers where they are forced to inhale cigarette smoke for six hours each day, five days a week. When the infants are ten weeks old, they are killed by lethal injection and their lungs are dissected for analysis.

Over the past five years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has given at least $16.5 million to this category of research. This appalling figure does not reflect the total cost of all nicotine research on animals, only that which focuses on nicotine's effect on fetal and newborn development.

Animal researchers staunchly defend these experiments as necessary for improving maternal and newborn health. But answers don't come from animal studies. After decades of animal studies, we still have not solved the problem of smoking during pregnancy. Only education, public health outreach, and prevention programs can address the human behaviors that lead to smoking.

Please call and/or email the following individuals today to politely urge the NIH to stop funding nicotine experiments on animals and instead redirect funds towards prevention, education and smoking cessation programs. Then follow up with a letter, fax and/or personal email:

Elias Zerhouni, M.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health
Building 1, Shannon Bldg RM 126
1 Center Drive, MSC 0148
Bethesda, MD 20892-0148
Email: ez26y@nih.gov
Tel: (301) 496-2433
Fax: (301) 402-2700

Norka Ruiz Bravo, Ph.D.
Deputy Director: Office of Extramural Research
1 Center Drive, MSC 0152 (Room 144)
Bethesda, MD 20892-0152
Email: ruizbran@od.nih.gov
Tel: (301) 496-1096
Fax: (301) 402-3469

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Dolphin Song

The Widget above is from Wild Dolphin Foundation

Great gift idea: Adopt a Dolphin



Films Online:

Click Here to watch the film from Oceanic Preservation Society

Click Here to watch the film from Glumbert




Petitions:

Help Save Dolphins

No More Dolphin Capture

Keep Tuna Safe for our Families and Dolphins

End Dolphin Slaughter in Japan

Stop the Dolphin and Whale Killing in Taiji

Save Our Dolphins

Hero To Dolphins

Keep the Caribbean Dolphins Wild and Protected


Learn More:

Save the Dolphins Campaign

Blue Voice

The Dolphin Defender

HSUS: Global Dolphin Day

WWF: New Zealand Dolphins Under Threat

Sea Shepard Conservation Society

DOW: Dolphins

The Dolphin Institute

Seacology

Dolphin Research Center

Imaging Foundation

Act for Dolphins: Podcast

Act for Dolphins: Website

Dolphin World

ACS Online: Dolphins

Greenpeace Japan

Monarch Butterfly Migration Endangered by Deforestation in Mexico

April 2008. Intense deforestation in Mexico could ruin one of North America’s most celebrated natural wonders, the extraordinary 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly. According to a University of Kansas researcher, the astonishing migration may collapse rapidly without urgent action to end devastation of the butterfly’s vital sources of food and shelter.

‘To lose something like this migration is to diminish all of us,’ said Chip Taylor, KU professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. ‘It’s so truly spectacular, one of the awe-inspiring phenomena that nature presents to us. There is no way to describe the sight of 25 million butterflies per acre and the sensation of standing in a snowstorm of orange as the butterflies cascade off the fir trees.’
Taylor leads Monarch Watch, a program at KU dedicated to research and conservation of the butterfly. Since 1992, Monarch Watch has tracked populations at the Monarch Biosphere Reserve, a 217-square-mile area in central Mexico that is the winter home for millions of migrating butterflies from across the continent.

Nomads of the Wind - Special Reader Offer
Stunning new photographic study of the Monarch Butterfly migration, with photos by BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Ingo Arndt.

Details and images.

Illegal Logging
In spite of its protected status, the isolated reserve is suffering from illegal logging driven by soaring prices for lumber in Mexico. This logging, once sporadic, has increased in recent years and now is threatening the survival of the butterflies. Over the past two winters, millions of monarchs have died from exposure to wind and cold temperatures in clear-cut areas. Monarch Watch estimates half of the reserve needs reforestation.

‘It’s a remote area, and it’s difficult to police,’ Taylor said. ‘There are elements that are quite forceful in their logging. They carry guns. They overpower the local residents. They sneak in there at night, sometimes with 100 trucks, and clear out 2 or 3 hectares. And we’ve got the local residents contributing to this as well. Now that they’ve taken out most of the areas where the butterflies don’t occur, they’re going to be starting work on the areas where they do occur. This prospect is very ominous and is a serious threat to the over wintering population.’

Population Halved in Three Years
‘Since 2000, we’ve had the three lowest populations we’ve ever seen at these over wintering sites,’ said Taylor. ‘On the surface, it looks like the population is going down. Previously, the population occupied 9 hectares. Now, we’re only averaging about 6 hectares per year. This year the population was 4.61 hectares — the third-lowest population.’

The hazard to migrating monarch butterflies extends beyond Mexico. In the United States, sprawl consumes 9.4 square miles of natural habitat per day. And, Taylor says, use of ‘Roundup Ready’ soybeans and corn has reduced monarch habitat by at least 100 million acres since 1996.

‘We’re developing this country at a very rapid pace with very little attention to wildlife,’ Taylor said. ‘In addition, the widespread use of herbicides along roadsides, transgenic crops and expansion into biofuels is reducing habitats for wildlife. These sorts of losses have to be dealt with if we’re going to sustain this monarch population. We have to create new habitats and we have to protect the habitats we have.’

Forest Regeneration
To ease the deforestation crisis at the Monarch Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, Taylor has called for steps including better interdiction to halt illegal logging, increased planting of trees and employment of area residents as forest managers.

In the United States, the KU researcher has encouraged planting of milkweed plants essential to the survival of monarch butterflies by backyard gardeners, landowners, schools, institutions and departments of transportation. Information on creating habitat through the Monarch Waystation program is available on the Monarch Watch Web site.

‘The monarch migration is truly a wonder,’ Taylor said. ‘Here, you have a fragile insect weighing a half a gram, with a tiny brain, that comes out of Mexico in the spring, migrates up to the breeding areas where it has several generations, then migrates back again to an area that the year’s last generation has never been to. There are lessons for life in this butterfly and we need to protect it. If we don’t, we’re pretty lousy stewards of this planet and it bodes poorly for our future.’




Sourced From: WildLife Extra

If you would like to help the Monarch Butterfly for free please follow this Link: EcologyFund

There you can make daily free clicks to donate - one is to help plant trees for the Monarch Butterfly.



More information about the Monarchs:

MonarchButterfly.org

PG Museum

Butterfly Website

Insecta Inspecta World

Monarch Watch

Monarch Butterfly Website

Losing Your Home Doesn’t Have to Mean Losing Your Pet

One lesser known victim of recent home foreclosures is the family pet. Shelters have seen an increase in pet surrenders due to families moving into apartments that prohibit animals. Worse yet, some pet owners are just leaving their pets behind with the house or turning them loose in rural areas. Even in a trying time, it is possible to keep the entire family together. Pet-owners finding themselves moving out of their homes and into apartments can use Pets911.com to find apartments in their neighborhood that accept pets.

Pets 911 is the national pet lost and found database and one of the top pet adoption portals. Its Pet Friendly Living section, in partnership with Apartments.com, provides a database of thousands of pet-friendly rental communities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

An Apartments.com survey to current renters indicated that more than 84 percent own a pet and more than 34 percent stated that it was very difficult to find an apartment that allowed their pet. Because of this, one of the top reasons pets are surrendered to shelters is due to owner relocation.

"Financial situations may make it logical for people to rent instead of own, but pets shouldn't suffer," said Pets 911 Program Manager Tracyann Mains. "Pets 911 wants to make it as easy as possible for movers to bring along pets to their next apartment."

Source: Pets 911 MySpace Page

Animal Shelters: Hope for the Homeless

Take the Pledge: Pledge to End Animal Homelessness


Some animal shelters are wonderful places; others are hideous dumps. Their treatment of animals, purposes, and capacities vary greatly. They may be run by the government, local humane societies, or private individuals. Some are funded by donations alone, while others receive tax support. Sometimes tax money comes with a stipulation that some animals must be turned over to experimenters. Every effort should be made to eliminate this policy, which is known as “pound seizure.”

(See the “Pound Seizure” factsheet for more information.)


Some shelters take in only dogs or only cats, but most take in both, as well as smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, and exotic birds. Some can properly handle wildlife; others refer wildlife emergencies to naturalists or wildlife rehabilitators. If a wildlife facility is nearby, it handles all incoming wildlife. Because of severe space limitations, most shelters kill animals who are old, seriously ill, or aggressive as well as those who remain unclaimed or unadopted after a certain number of days.


The Ideal Animal Shelter


The ideal shelter is a true safe haven for lost, injured, abused, and unwanted animals. It receives adequate funding from the jurisdiction that it serves, and no animal is ever knowingly given to a laboratory, guard dog company, or unqualified or cruel guardian. When euthanasia is necessary, it is painless rather than traumatic.

The ideal facility also has kind, attentive, knowledgeable staff members, cruelty investigators, spacious indoor/outdoor housing for dogs and cats, a pre-release spay-and-neuter program, pre-adoption screening and follow-up programs, and a comprehensive humane education program. The staff is supplemented by active volunteers. Animals are provided with veterinary care, and there are sick wards and rooms for isolating newcomers.

The ideal cat room has windowsills and various nooks and perches where cats can lounge, feel safe, or sleep. Cats are allowed to roam the room freely. They won’t fight because they know that no one cat “owns” this territory and because each adult is spayed or neutered before being introduced into the room. The ideal shelter also has areas for cats who must be confined because they need to be observed or because they feel more secure alone when they first arrive.

The public is made to feel welcome, and there is a quiet room where people can be alone with the animal they are considering adopting.

Through a strong publicity program, the public is made aware that the shelter is working to eliminate the companion animal overpopulation crisis, the primary cause of homelessness among animals, and that animals are available for adoption at the shelter. Sometimes, as a public service, local newspapers are willing to publish a notice or a list of animals who are available for adoption, along with the shelter’s public hours. They may also print a photo of one of the animals, which is a good way to attract attention. As a public service, local radio and television stations may also be willing to publicize the shelter. Notices and photos can also be posted in stores, animal hospitals, etc.

The ideal shelter is open for redemption and adoption of animals during hours that are convenient for working people. It is open at least several evenings a week and at least several hours each weekend.

When animals must be killed, a painless intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital should be administered by gentle, caring staff members. (For animals who are feral, very small, or very young, an intraperitoneal—in the stomach cavity—injection may be acceptable.)

Remember: The programs and facilities above would be included in the ideal shelter, and with the help and persistence of dedicated volunteers, good shelters can become ideal shelters.


Less Than Ideal

“No-kill” shelters euthanize animals only under extreme circumstances, if at all. Because of this, they cannot accept all the animals who are in need of help. Some no-kill shelters only take in animals who are highly attractive, young, or purebred or those who come from the police stations of certain municipalities. Many of these shelters direct people with unadoptable, old, injured, or sick animals to facilities that have no choice but to kill the animals to make room for new arrivals. Each time such a referral is made, there is a greater chance that the animal will be abandoned instead of taken to a shelter. At some no-kill shelters, “unplaceable” animals end up confined to cages for years. They may become withdrawn, severely depressed, and “unhousebroken” or develop anti-social behaviors that further reduce their chances of being adopted. Well-meaning people who take on the huge physical and financial responsibilities of a no-kill shelter often find themselves overwhelmed very quickly, and too often, the animals suffer from lack of exercise, playtime, and individual care and attention, ending up warehoused in misery. Some “no-kill” shelters have been shut down by humane officials after gradual neglect turned into blatant cruelty.



Improving Your Local Shelter

Many shelters are in serious need of reform. Citizen involvement is essential if progress is to be made. You can be successful by organizing friends, neighbors, and other concerned individuals to take action:

• At all times, maintain a positive attitude. For each problem that you encounter, offer a solution, along with assistance in implementing your suggestions.

• Focus on specific problems. And don’t expect to get everything that you ask for all at once.

• Document! Before you can launch a campaign to make changes at your local humane society or shelter, you must thoroughly document the abuses occurring there. Common problems include cruel killing methods, dirty conditions, lack of veterinary care, lack of adequate food and water, poor record-keeping that results in animals being “accidentally” destroyed, lack of spay/neuter requirements or programs, pound seizure policies, inadequate screening procedures for adoption applicants, and callous, untrained, or unthinking staff.

• To effectively document abuses, volunteer at the facility or visit it frequently. Compile photographs, written statements, and observations about specific incidents and conditions. Record all pertinent information (date, time, people involved, weather conditions, etc.). Label each photo and get statements notarized. Have as many people as possible visit the shelter and document their experiences. Be sure to keep copies of all your documents and correspondence.

• Organize a group. After you have collected concrete evidence indicating that there are poor conditions at the shelter, enlist others to work with you. Not only will you need help with your campaign, you’ll also find that public officials tend to be more receptive to groups than to individuals. You might want to run an advertisement—use an address with a post office box—in your local newspaper, asking people who have complaints about the shelter to write to you. For instance: “Do you think that our animal shelter needs improvement? If you have experienced problems with the shelter or want to get involved in efforts to improve it, write to ….” In your ad, be careful not to target any individual, such as the shelter director.

• Organize a meeting with other interested people and set goals. Address the most serious problems first. Group members should be familiar with your state’s anti-cruelty statutes, local animal ordinances, and the specifics of animal behavior and care. Your efforts will be more productive if each member has clearly defined responsibilities.

• Present your case. Depending on the problems that you have observed, you may want to start by meeting with the shelter director to discuss how you might help improve the facility. If this approach fails or is not feasible, request a hearing before the agency that oversees the shelter—the city council, board of county commissioners, or the humane society’s board of directors. Attend the hearing with members of your group and as many other supporters as possible. Present your documentation in an organized way, and be specific. To maintain a high profile in county politics, have several of your group’s members regularly attend these public meetings. This is essential to monitor progress and show officials that your group is serious about reaching its goals.

• Launch letter-writing campaigns to contact local officials. Be sure to write letters of thanks when improvements are made. Develop media contacts so that the entire community gets up-to-date information. Local newspaper and TV reporters who are sympathetic to your concerns can be valuable allies.

• Write letters to the editor. Keep the issue alive in the media by using this easy, free channel to educate the community!

• Get involved in local politics. If there is an upcoming election, you may want to meet with one or more candidates. Schedule your meetings early in the race, dress professionally, and keep your presentations short and concise. Emphasize votes first, and if the candidate is sympathetic to your concern for animals, you may want to offer your group’s endorsement and active support. You will be in a good position to influence your candidate if you have helped get him or her into office.

For more information on improving conditions for animals at your local shelter, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

Polar Bears

Between Global Warming, Hunting and Big Oil Companies the polar bears are suffering. Polar bears are starving, drowning, being run out of their habitat, feeling the effects of global warming, and being hunted. Our government is doing very little to help protect this majestic species. Please, the polar bears need your help: Sign the petitions below to help them:



Ask ConocoPhillips not to Drill in Polar Bear Habitat

Put Polar Bears First

Tell the Bush Administration to Protect Polar Bears and Their Habitat

Save the Arctic Refuge

Help Save the Polar Bears from Global Warming

Tell Your Senators to Put Polar Bears First

Chill the Drills: Protect Alaska's Polar Bears

Chill The Drills: Save the Polar Bears

Please Act Now to Save the Polar Bears

Tell Congress to Protect the Polar Bears: The Polar Bear Seas

Help Save the Polar Bears

Save the Polar Bears from Oil and Gas Drilling

Pledge Your Love for the Polar Bears

Stop Polar Bear Hunting


Get the Facts:

Endangered Polar Bears

Polar Bears S.O.S

Polar Bears on Thin Ice

DOF: Polar Bears

WWF: Polar Bears

CBD: Polar Bears

Polar Bears in Danger

HSUS: Polar Bears

IABRM: Polar Bears





Videos:

Starving Polar Bear





On Thin Ice: Polar Bears and Global Warming




The Polar Bear

Flying Penguins

This come from Environmental Graffiti New Blog:

BBC camera crews discovered something absolutely incredible…

They were filming a colony of Adélie penguins on King Geoerge Island, around 750 miles south of the Falkland Islands, when the weather took a turn for the worse.

Instead of the penguins huddling together, as you’d normally expect, they did something absolutely fascinating. They took off and flew thousands of miles to the South American tropical rainforests to bask in the winter sun.

The program, part of the new BBC natural history series, Miracles of Evolution is being presented by ex-Monty Python star Terry Jones, who said:

The film reveals nature’s stunning glory in exciting and unexpected ways, so much so that it defies belief…Not only does it create a vivid and emotional experience for the viewer, it also illustrates just how bold and simple Darwin’s idea of natural selection was.

You can watch some amazing clips of this in action here:

*Happy April Fools Day!