One measure, SB 221, bans any gambling at cockfights and was approved earlier this week. The other, HB 108, bans the cockfights themselves, though not until August 15, 2008. The latter measure was given final approval by a vote of 97-1. Gov. Kathleen Blanco is expected to sign both bills in coming days.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization which has been campaigning to outlaw cockfighting for years, commended lawmakers for taking two actions that should spell the end of legal cockfighting in Louisiana, and singled out Senator Art Lentini for his "extraordinary leadership and resolve." The HSUS also recognized House Agriculture Chairman Francis Thompson for the role he played in passing the anti-gambling bill and pushing ahead a cockfighting ban.

"Cockfighting is an embarrassment to Louisiana, and these two bills represent a one-two punch to knock out the barbaric practice in the state," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "With a strengthened federal law against cockfighting in effect and the new statewide ban on gambling, there is very little room for cockfighters to maneuver and they should just pack it in and not invite arrest and prosecution by continuing their unpopular and unethical activity."

For more information, go to hsus.org.

The Bald Eagle was declared endangered in 1967 when barely more than 400 breeding pairs were left in the continental United States. There now are about 11,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

Bald eagles have made a comeback in Texas. They were relatively common nesters in the Panhandle, northeast, central and coastal parts of Texas through the early 20th century. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the 1971 state population was just four pairs. Since then, eagles have repopulated the state on their own, multiplying to 160 pairs in 2005. Regular nesting occurs along East Texas rivers and major reservoirs and the Panhandle and Edwards Plateau are also being recolonized. The highest concentrations of nests are found on Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Livingston and Conroe reservoirs where man-made habitat has replaced some of the lost historical habitat.

For information on the Bald Eagle's status in each state, go to www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd.

To watch some awesome video of the bald eagle soaring again, go to www.fws.gov.

Ceasar is ready to go home with someone today!

Click to watch video

For more information on him, call BARC (713) 238-9600.

The Houston SPCA is sponsoring its Annual Bunny Adoption and Play Day on Saturday, June 30th from 12 pm - 4:30 pm in their Adoption Lobby at 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX.

Bring your healthy, spayed or neutered bunny for an afternoon of fun! There will be rabbit adoptions and "goodie bags" for the first ten adopters, bunny education services, free nail trims, prizes and refreshments. There will also be smaller mammals available for adoption too.

For more information visit www.houstonspca.org or call (713) 869-7722 ext. 121.

Recent advances in systems biology, testing in cells and tissues, and related scientific fields offer the potential to fundamentally change the way chemicals are tested for risks they may pose to humans, says a new report from the National Research Council.

The report outlines a new approach that would rely less heavily on animal studies and instead focus on in vitro methods that evaluate chemicals' effects on biological processes using cells, cell lines, or cellular components. The new approach would generate more-relevant data to evaluate risks people face, expand the number of chemicals that could be scrutinized, and reduce the time, money, and animals involved in testing, said the committee that wrote the report.

Today, researchers typically test the safety of commercial chemicals, pesticides, and other substances by administering large doses to groups of animals and observing them for symptoms of disease; these tests inform decisions about whether and how to regulate the chemicals' use. But how relevant the animal tests are for humans, usually exposed at much lower doses, has often been called into question. Moreover, the current approach is time-consuming and costly, resulting in an overburdened system that leaves many chemicals untested, despite potential human exposure to them, the report observes. Recognizing these limitations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- which oversees the testing of many agricultural, commercial, and industrial chemicals -- asked the Research Council to develop a new approach and strategy for toxicity testing.

The report recommends an approach that would take advantage of rapidly evolving scientific understanding of how genes, proteins, and small molecules interact to maintain normal cell function and how some of these interactions can be perturbed in ways that could lead to health problems. Specifically, the new testing approach would focus on toxicity pathways -- cellular pathways that, when sufficiently perturbed, are expected to lead to adverse health effects.

Over time, the need for traditional animal testing could be greatly reduced, and possibly even eliminated someday, says the report. For the foreseeable future, however, targeted tests in animals would need to be used to complement the in vitro tests, because current methods cannot yet adequately mirror the metabolism of a whole animal.

Current toxicity testing practices are long established and deeply ingrained in some sectors, the report observes. But it emphasizes that the proposed changes will generate better data on the potential risks humans face from environmental agents, building a stronger scientific foundation that can improve regulatory decisions to mitigate those risks, and reducing the time, money, and animals needed for testing.

Copies of Toxicity Testing in the Twenty-First Century: A Vision and A Strategy are available from the National Academies Press by calling 202-334-3313 or 1-800-624-6242 or on the Internet at http://www.nap.edu.

In a 2-1 ruling Friday, the appellate court in Los Angeles said banning declawing for house cats does not violate state law. California prohibits the declawing of captive lions and tigers, but it does not ban the surgery for house pets.

The case stemmed from a 2003 West Hollywood city ordinance that prohibited city veterinarians from declawing cats on the grounds that it causes "unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability."

The appellate court reinstated the West Hollywood ordinance, the only ban of its kind in California, reversing a Los Angeles judge's decision that overturned the ordinance in 2003.

Justice Dennis Perluss, writing for the majority, said West Hollywood can "set minimum standards for the humane treatment of animals within its borders."

This year's Pets & Pals Photo Contest categories include:

Best Pals -- Pets can be loyal friends, playmates or service companions. Honor a special friendship with a picture of your pet (s), either alone or with their best friends -- human or animal.

Families and Pets -- Pets are considered a part of the family. Get the whole family together for a priceless photo opportunity -- you could include mom, dad, siblings, and grandparents with the family pet (s).

Down on the Farm -- On a farm, animals are everywhere! And so are opportunities to capture them in their most interesting moments.

Shelter Life -- Shelter staff, volunteers, veterinarians and animal-control professionals are as devoted to the animals in their care as they are to their own pets. Show us the good things happening in your local animal shelter or humane society.

You could win a prize!

Two Grand Prize winners will each win $2,000 cash and a prize package from American Humane and four Category Prize winners will each win $500 cash and a prize package. See the official rules for details. Winners will be announced in August 2007.

Here's how to enter. Remember, these are the basic guidelines for your entry:

You may enter as many photographs as you wish; however, each photo must be entered separately, with a separate, signed entry/release form.

Make sure your photo is no larger than 8"x10" and no smaller than 3"x5". Digital photos must be produced at a minimum of 300 dpi. Do not send photos on CDs or diskettes. Low-quality digital photos on copy or printer paper will not be eligible.

Put a label on the back of your photo with your name, address, city, state, zip code, the name of your pet and any people in the photo, and the category you are entering. Do not write directly on the photo.

Don't put your pet in distress or dress him or her up in costumes. And companion pets should always wear tags!

Please note that all entries will become the property of the American Humane Association and will not be acknowledged or returned. There is no cost to enter.

All entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2007.

Go to www.americanhumane.org for the official rules, application form and release.

Take this quiz, courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States, to check your level of preparedness.

(1) Can you gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets?

(2) Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number outside the area? Are they microchipped?

(3) If your cat or dog escapes the carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a recent photograph?

(4) Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any nearby animal-friendly motels and hotels, boarding kennels and vet offices?

(5) Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number handy in case your dog or cat becomes ill?

(6) Do you have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work?

(7) Where is your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit"?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to begin disaster preparations before it's too late. Check out more planning tips for companion animals and farm animals at www.hsus.org.

Our local shelters are also busy urging pet owners to prepare for disaster. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.houstonspca.org), the Houston Humane Society (www.houstonhumane.org/tips.aspx) and Citizens for Animal Protection (www.cap4pets.org/emergency.html) all have great information up on their websites about disaster preparation.

Here are the Survival 101 Basics:

Before hurricane season begins, photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents, such as vaccination history and emergency contact information, in sealed/waterproof plastic bags. I have one copy sealed and taped to the top of my dog's crate! A second copy is in the portable disaster kit.

Have a crate or kennel for each four-legged family member. Familiarize your pet with his/her home-away-from-home before disaster strikes.

Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information. Dogs should wear nylon or leather collars only and never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar. You should include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE the greater Houston area in case your phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster.

Your pet should be microchipped. This permanent form of identification can prove ownership of your pet.

Pack a portable pet disaster kit in a waterproof airtight container and include the following:

Towels or blankets to line the carrier or crate.
Sheets to cover each carrier, if necessary.
Paper Towels.
Food and water, a one to two week supply, for each animal.
Food and water bowls.
Non-electric can opener.
Medications, a one month supply, clearly labeled with instructions. Include flea and heartworm preventative.
Litter, litterboxes and a scoop if you have cats.
A copy of your pet's vaccination records, microchip records, photograph, care instructions and contact information.
A list of pet friendly hotels/motels, boarding kennels, and vet offices.
Animal first aid kit.
Extra leashes.
Toys and treats.
Plastic bags for pet waste disposal.
Newspapers.
Disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.
Grooming supplies.

And, finally, if you must evacuate, take your pets with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets.

---------

On a personal note, everyone always asks me if I really have all this disaster stuff ready to go. The honest answer is YES! We have enough food, water and supplies to be self-sufficient and live in our home for at least two weeks. In the event we had to leave our house/shelter, I have a three-person six-day supply of 5-Year-Shelf-Life U.S. Coast Guard Approved emergency food and water, emergency shelter, lighting, communication, first aid and search and rescue supplies packed inside an easy-to-carry bag. The pet supplies are in a Rubbermaid tub and ready to go too. Crazy? Perhaps, but after surviving the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a hurricane and several notable ice storms and blizzards, I'm ready for disaster!

The Houston SPCA (www.houstonspca.org) sent me this information reminding pet owners that summer presents potential dangers for pets.

Cars and trucks can be hazards. NEVER leave your pet outside in your car while you run errands. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside can reach 120 degrees in just ten minutes. Too many owners have returned to their cars after a short trip only to discover their pet suffering from heat exhaustion.

One of the most dangerous ways to transport your pet is in the bed of a pick-up truck. Countless animals are thrown from the backs of these trucks every year. Even if you chain your dog to the bed, the dog may still be thrown from the truck and dragged down the highway by the chain. Transport the animal in a secured carrier or in the cab of the pick-up truck. In the heat of summer, the bed of the truck can become like a skillet, causing severe burns to the pads of their feet.

Proper shelter is always very important for pets and especially during the summer. If possible, pets should live inside your air-conditioned home. If that is not possible, animals should have access to adequate shade and shelter with plenty of fresh water at all times.

With the increased mosquito population in the summer, heartworm preventative is particularly important for pets. Heartworms are potentially fatal parasites spread through mosquitoes. In Houston, all dogs and cats should be on heartworm preventative year-round but especially during the summer months.

Check your pet regularly for signs of fleas and ticks. Houston's winters are not usually cold enough to kill off these parasites. To control fleas, treat your yard, house and pets. Remove ticks immediately. Consult your vet for flea and tick prevention.

Your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations, especially rabies. Please check with your veterinarian on what vaccinations are recommended for your pets. If you are planning a vacation and your pet will be boarded, ask your veterinarian if there are additional vaccines they would recommend for the kennel environment.

The Houston SPCA asks pet owners to be especially mindful of their animals during the summer and reminds us that June was the start of Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season in the Atlantic runs from June 1st to November 30th. Most hurricanes occur from mid-August to late October. Tomorrow on Animal Attraction...are you ready?

Royal recently put up 19 "lost dog" signs. On Friday, someone tore down nine of them. Despite the setbacks and heartbreak, she's not giving up. "He's done so much for CAP," she said on Tuesday. Joey was the constant companion of Trisha's other dog, Dixie, CAP's Four-Legged Ambassador of Good Will and he would often sub for Dixie at schools, libraries, trade shows and other appearances. "He needs to come back," she pleads, "...he still has work to do!"

Trisha's home was burglarized and she believes Joey was kidnapped. Royal adopted Joey in 2001 and said the black and tan three and a half pound dog has a bad knee and is on medication. He was wearing a black leather collar with rhinestones and ID tags.

If you have any information about Joey, please call Trisha Royal at 713.464.3525 or 713.202.1639. A cash reward is being offered.

HISD Police Officer Stephanie Clinton and her K-9 partner "Reno" grabbed first place in the K-9 Narcotics Search competition.

They competed against police K-9 teams from all around Texas.

Reno sniffed out various hidden drugs such as cocaine and marijuana the quickest with no mistakes.

Hi, I'm Spirit!

Say, were you aware that having a cat can add ten years to your life? Yep, it's true! Hanging around with someone like me will lower your blood pressure and instantly calm you down! Imagine that. No more meds and no more over priced spa-days! Anyways, assuming you want to live a little longer, let me tell you about myself so that you hurry up and come to take me home! I'm a year and a half old boy, who purrs at the drop of a hat and have even been known to purr my way through entire vet exams (just to give you an example of my sweet nature). I'm looking for a new home because the place I was living became overcrowded; I'm in a temporary foster home for the time being. I get along great with other cats and I'm willing to try to love a dog also, though as all true cat people know, that can take some time! I'm fully vetted, and frankly my bags are already packed, so come by and see me soon (your heart needs me). Love, Spirit

Hi, I'm Ted!
I'm an 8-month old Russian Blue (well, at any rate I am gray and cute) love bug of a cat! You know, the type to rub faces with you and curl up in your lap the minute your seat hits the chair! I was pulled from another shelter on what would have been my last day alive. Since then I've received all kinds of terrific care and am now happy, healthy, loving, playful and looking for the purrfect home (heh heh, did you like my joke?). I instantly get along with all other animals and would love a home with plenty of other cats or dogs or even ferrets or pigs for that matter. I would love to meet you very soon!
Ted

If you're interested in meeting Spirit and Ted, you can email or call their foster Mom at tayloredna@msn.com or (713) 628-4052. She'd like them to stay together!

Since 1967 the average population of the common birds in steepest decline has fallen by 68 percent; some individual species nose-dived as much as 80 percent. All 20 birds on the national Common Birds in Decline list lost at least half their populations in just four decades. The findings point to serious problems with both local habitats and national environmental trends. Read more about declining bird populations at http://www.audubon.org/bird/stateofthebirds/CBID.

Is there anything we can do? The Audubon Society says "yes" and provides some specific ways to help including protecting local habitat, promoting sound agricultural policy, supporting sustainable forests, protecting wetlands, fighting global warming, and combating invasive species. To learn more, go to audubon.org.

As a side note, I know there are a lot of cat lovers who read this blog and the National Audubon Society has been outspoken against feral cats. So I researched their website looking for their latest position on feral cats and found the following, "...NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society recognizes the science-based conclusions of the adverse impact of feral and free-ranging domestic cats on birds and other wildlife; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Audubon Society will convey such science-based conclusions to its chapters so that they, if they so wish, will be in a position to advocate that local and state wildlife agencies, public health organizations and legislative bodies restrict and regulate the maintenance and movement of feral and free-ranging domestic cats out-of-doors and to support programs to vaccinate cats and to neuter or spay cats."

This wildlife care center will service the public and wild animals in Houston and the surrounding counties in the gulf coast area. Volunteers will assist staff in the care of the thousands of wild animals that are received every year. Volunteers will help care for and rehabilitate these animals until they are ready for release back into the wild. Volunteers will also be able to attend continuing education classes related to the wildlife rehabilitation process, procedures to obtain the proper permits to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild animals and other general information.

Interested volunteers should attend a free volunteer orientation on Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Wildlife Rehab & Education Wildlife Center at 7007 Katy Rd., Houston, TX 77024. For details and to register, please call (713) 861-WILD.

Wildlife Rehab and Education is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to caring for injured and orphaned wildlife through rehabilitation and public education. For more information visit www.WRandE.org.

The PETCO Foundation and SNAP are joining forces to fix pits for free! It's first come, first served and government assistance is not required. The SNAP Advance Team will arrive before 7:30 am. If you arrive before 7:00 am, please start a list. All dogs must be on leash. No food or water for your adult dog after 10:00 pm the night before. Multiple dogs will be accepted only if there are fewer than 30 people in line.

For more information, call SNAP at (713) 862-3863 or go to http://www.snapus.org/site/Calendar/2112764983?view=Detail&id=4181for more information.

The event will include dog and cat adoptions, training and grooming demonstrations, door prizes, chances to meet the many wonderful dog and cat residents, tours of the new cat habitat, donations drive and much more.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BARC located at 3200 Carr.

WHAT: Prepare your pets before an emergency or disaster occurs. One in three pets become lost. Without identification, 90 percent will not return home. First responders, veterinarians, and animal shelter personnel who scan dogs and cats can detect the presence of a microchip. The resQ ® microchip contains a code that is unique and readable by scanners. The microchip code is registered to your pet for his or her lifetime with your contact information at no additional cost.

Collars and tags can become lost and tattoos can fade or be altered. Microchipping is not only permanent identification of a pet, it is also safe and convenient. A resQ ® Microchip, the size of a grain of rice, inserted under the skin with one injection, provides permanent identification for your pet.

Dogs or cats entering area shelters are scanned for the presence of a microchip. If a lost pet is identified with a microchip he or she can be quickly reunited with his family, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through Bayer’s resQ ® recovery network.

During the Hurricane Preparedness Promotion, a rabies vaccination, tag, and the microchip with lifetime registration are offered for just $25.

WHEN: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments required.

WHERE: Animal Alliance Spay & Neuter Clinic, 608 Bayou Road, La Marque, Texas.

WHY: The resQ ® microchip by Bayer is the only ISO compliant microchip currently available in the United States. Only ISO compliant microchips are utilized in the European Union. Universal standardization of microchips will be required in the United States.
A Microchip provides a permanent form of identification with a unique number that cannot be altered.

One in three pets will become lost during his or her lifetime. Without identification, 90% will not return home. First responders, veterinarians, and animal shelter personnel who scan dogs and cats can detect the presence of a microchip. The resQ ® microchip contains a code that is unique and readable by scanners. The microchip code is registered to your pet for his or her lifetime with your contact information at no additional cost.

Collars and tags can become lost and tattoos can fade or be altered. A resQ ® Microchip, the size of a grain of rice, inserted under the skin with one injection, provides permanent identification for your pet. The resQ ® microchip by Bayer is the only ISO-compliant microchip currently available in the United States.

The low cost microchips and rabies vaccinations are available at the Animal Alliance Spay & Neuter Clinic, 608 Bayou Road, La Marque, Texas every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No appointments required. For more information, please call (409) 933-1600.

On June 11th, the Houston Humane Society and Precinct 6's R.A.I.D.E.R. Animal Cruelty Investigation team was brought in by HPD to seize over 40 pit bull dogs in northwest Houston. Neighbors originally called the HPD about a pit bull terrorizing the neighborhood. Upon investigation, officers discovered the property full of dogs.

According to the Houston Humane Society, the dogs were staked on chains so heavy that two police vehicles had to be tied together to pull them out of the ground. A spring pole, used for strengthening the jaws of fighting dogs was discovered on the property. Many of the dogs on the property were covered in scars indicative of fighting and some were also branded with the owner's initial. Some of the dogs appeared malnourished and had signs of illness, in addition to their injuries.

The 37 dogs and 8 puppies were transported to the Houston Humane Society where they will remain until the court date. For more information go to:

http://www.houstonhumane.org/crueltycases.aspx

Dogs involved in fights often suffer severe, sometimes fatal, injuries. These fights may last for hours until one of the animals quits or dies. Losers that do not die may be tortured, starved to death, or killed outright by their owners. And, other animals, such as stolen pets, "free to a good home" animals, or strays are used as "bait" to train fighting dogs.

Dog fighting promotes crime such as cruelty to animals, violence against others, theft, drug use/possession/distribution, illegal weapons use/possession and gambling. Children who attend these fights are desensitized to violence against animals and people.

For more dog fighting facts go to:

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/dogfighting_fact_sheet

John Goodwin, deputy manager of Animal Fighting Issues for The Humane Society of the United States says that street fighting - an unorganized network of amateur dog fighters - is gaining popularity in urban areas. But, dog fighting doesn't only involve the local street fighter. On April 25, according to an article at ESPN.com, authorities raided a house in Surry County, Va., owned by Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick and reportedly found -- among other things -- 66 dogs (most of which were pit bulls), a dog fighting pit, bloodstained carpet and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting. Vick was not at the scene and denied knowledge of dog fighting at the property and no charges have been filed against him. To read more go to:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2884063&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

The Humane Society of the United States offers a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who organizes, participates in, promotes, or officiates at cockfights or dogfights.

There's no excuse for animal abuse. Report animal cruelty!

Adoptable dogs and cats from the Houston Humane Society and Citizens for Animal Protection will be available for adoption at the Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Houston at 2550 West Bellfort and the Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Katy at 1011 South Katy-Ft. Bend Road this Saturday, June 16 from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Four of the dogs (Thor and Jedi from the Houston Humane Society and Baby and Shelby from CAP) have been guests at Rover Oaks for about two months and been in basic canine camp for the last several weeks learning to become perfect pals and good citizens.

Shannon Smith, Director of Training at Rover Oaks Pet Resort is providing a demonstration and seminar on Basic Obedience Training at 12:30 pm at Rover Oaks/Houston and 2:30 pm at Rover Oaks/Katy.

For more information, maps and locations please visit:

http://roveroaks.com

http://www.cap4pets.org

http://www.houstonhumane.org

The HSUS says these magazines promote illegal activity with their advertisements for cockfighting knives, cockfighting pits and birds.

Amazon.com defends itself citing freedom of speech issues.

The HSUS says that freedom of speech does not protect criminal conduct and they point out that federal law bans the shipment of publications containing "commercial speech" for the purpose of promoting or "in any other manner furthering" animal fighting. Second, the provision Amazon.com is violating was made a felony crime when President Bush signed into law the Federal Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007. And, third, it is now a federal felony to buy or sell the cockfighting knives and gaffs advertised in the animal fighting publications sold by Amazon.com.

For more information on the HSUS fight against Amazon.com and to read a summary of arguments, the amended legal complaint, the words of Amazon.com and more, go to
http://hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/recent_activities/amazoncom_summary.html.

Stacy joined us this week and has already done a terrific job of updating the blog with important, interesting or just plain entertaining information.

If you have something you'd like included in the blog, you can e-mail Stacy at ssrfox2003@yahoo.com

She has been involved in all aspects of animal protection and welfare since 1989.

Many of you are familiar with Stacy through her work with the Houston SPCA.

She once worked as the Director of Development and Outreach for the SPCA and continues to work for them in various capacities .

She also served as the Government and Public Affairs Liaison for the Peninsula Humane Society (San Mateo, CA) and Director of Public Relations for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, CA).

Stacy is currently a consultant with the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy.

She has produced Pet Telethons in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, Austin, Indianapolis, Rochester, NY, Tampa, FL, and Greenville, SC.

Stacy is also an experienced dog trainer with more than 15 years experience teaching private and group classes.

We're proud to have this animal lover on our Animal Attraction team.

Trisha Royal returned home Wednesday to find her home had been burglarized.

But it's not the stolen jewelry or electronics she's worried about getting back -- it's Joey, her 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.

When Royal came home, her door was wide open and Joey was gone. She's not sure if the burglar took him, or if the dog got out when the burglar left the door open.

Royal is the community outreach director for CAP.

She adopted Joey in 2001.

Royal said the black and tan 3½ pound dog has a bad knee and is on medication.

He was wearing a black leather collar with rhinestones and ID tags.

Joey has been the constant companion of Trisha’s other dog, Dixie, CAP’s Four-Legged Ambassador of Good Will.

Joey would often sub for Dixie at schools, libraries, trade shows and other appearances on behalf of CAP.

"Not all animals can do this job. He looks people in the eye," Royal told the Houston Chronicle. "Some dogs don't want to be petted. These dogs can be manhandled from children coming at them from all directions, and they can just sit there. He's the same as a seeing eye dog. He's needed."

"I view it as a kidnapping," CAP volunteer Kim Hogstrom told the newspaper. "They (Dixie and Joey) have developed a following at this point. This is a member of an immediate family. The whole shelter is miserable."

If you have any information about Joey, please call Trisha Royal at 713 464.3525 or 713 202.1639

A cash reward is being offered.

Officials said several of the animals appeared to have come from West Baytown.
If you have adopted a dog from the shelter in the past 30 days, it's recommended you take the dog to a vet to be evaluated if you see any symptoms. The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through the air.
Distemper symptoms include diarrhea, matting of the eyes, appetite loss, respiratory problems and muscle spasms.
Any owner that has a dog that shows signs may return the animal for a refund.
If you have any questions, you can contact the city at (281) 422-7600.

Pets Across America President Kathy Warnick believes that global warming is a contributing factor to the dramatic increase of stray, owned, and feral cats in the United States. Cats are typically warm-weather, springtime breeders. Warnick, who also serves as the president of the Humane Society of Missouri, says that states that typically experience primarily longer and colder winters are now seeing shorter, warmer winters, leading to year-round feline breeding.

Several Pets Across America shelters experienced an increase of more than 30 percent from 2005 to 2006. The organization associates their steady increase of cat intake — a startling 7 percent last year alone — to likely be an example of how warmer climates really do affect the number of cats breeding more frequently.

Bob Rohde, vice-president of Pets Across America and president of the Denver Dumb Friends League urges pet owners to take action and spay and neuter their pets since global warming is probably not going to be slowing any time soon.

Pets Across America is a 501(c)(3) member organization and the nation’s largest pet adoption community. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat or kitten, visit a Pets Across America shelter today. Visit www.petsacrossamerica.org for more information.

For low cost spay/neuter information in the greater Houston area visit:

http://www.snapus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Houston_Surgery_Clinic
http://www.houstonhumane.org
http://www.classicridesauto.com/greatergood/greatergood.html?37009448
http://www.savinganimals.org/usprog_galveston.html
http://www.spcahouston.org/SPCAHouston/Spay_Neuter_Clinic.asp?SnID=1360582996
http://www.cap4pets.org/Spay&Neuter.html

Injured but healing, little Kaysee is a hero.

"It was terrible, it was terrible," said Garcia.

Two weeks ago, she says, her neighbor's pit bulls rushed at her and her sister while they stood in the driveway. Her sister fainted.

That's when Kaysee came to the rescue.

"Kasey saw my sister on the ground and she saw the pit bulls and she came right out and jumped at them into their mouth," said Garcia.

Click here to read the rest of Lee Mcguire's story about Kaysee.

According to BARC Director Kent Robertson, the heartworm positive dogs have committed veterinarians treating the dogs.

In other BARC news, all cats are two for the price of one this month for adopt-a-shelter-cat month.

The Hurricane Pet Preparedness Campaign will take place at the Houston Humane Society Wellness Center on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning June 4th (other dates include June 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27). The free offer will continue through the month of June, until all 1,000 pet packets are given away.

Free microchips are being provided by 24PetWatch and the PETCO Foundation. Rabies vaccinations are sponsored by Fort Dodge Veterinary Health. Webster Veterinary Supplies and the PETCO Foundation are helping supply items for the emergency evacuation kits.

Microchips reunite pets with their owners every day in this country. The chip, inserted into the pet’s skin using a small needle, can be read by veterinary offices and animal shelters in case the pet is lost or missing, and is the only surefire way to identify a lost animal. The city of Houston requires all pets to be current on their rabies vaccinations. This campaign is an opportunity for Houston pet owners to take responsibility for their pet’s health before hurricane season hits.

No appointment is necessary to attend the Hurricane Pet Preparedness Campaign. The campaign will take place at the Houston Humane Society, located at 14700 Almeda Road, just south of Beltway 8. Please call 713-433-6421 or go to houstonhumane.orgz for more details.

It's kitten season! So this is the time of year when we really need the community to step up and help us find homes for our feline friends, and with all cats available at half price in June, there is no better time to act!

Although we've got lots of kittens right now, we always have plenty of adorable adult cats who need loving homes too. Keep in mind that older cats have already developed distinct personalities, so if you're looking for a particular type of behavior in your cat an adult might be the right choice for you!

Are You Ready For a Cat?

You may want a cat, but are you really ready for one? Here's a list of questions you may want to ask yourself.

Are you willing to put in the necessary time and effort? Cats are fairly low maintenance, but they still need to be fed and have their litter changed. You should also have someone that can handle those duties when you go out of town.

Do you have the financial means to care for an animal? An adoption fee is just the beginning, as food, litter, toys, and visits to a veteranarian can add up.

Are you or any family members allergic? If someone in the household is going to be miserable everytime they get near the new kitty, it's probably not a good idea to get one, regardless of how cute you think they are.

Are cats allowed on your property? As much as we enjoy sending animals to loving homes, we do not promote the housing of animals in locations where they are prohibited.

Do you still feel like you're ready to add a cat to your family? If so, what are you waiting for? Come visit us at the Houston SPCA today! We're open for adoptions 7 days a week from 11am to 8pm. For more information visit houstonspca.org today!

The dogs have until June 8 to be adopted, and then they will be euthanized.
If you want to adopt one of these dogs, go to the BARC shelter at 3200 Carr St. BARC's phone number is (713) 238-9600.
If you would like to set up a meeting with one of the dogs, please e-mail Kathy Deffebach at kdeffebach@sbcglobal.net.

"Most breeders learn how to keep their standards just above violating cruelty statutes, but the conditions are still unacceptable," said Baker, a St. Louis-based national investigator for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "It's difficult dealing with these people. We file charges on the most egregious ones."
State legislators across the nation are attempting to crack down on rogue breeding operations and pet sellers.
The week after the May 16 rescue of 173 dogs from the property of a Dawson County man, the Nebraska Legislature passed a law that increased the number of state kennel inspectors from one to four and requires new operations to be inspected before opening.
Puppy lemon laws, which let buyers get their money back if health or genetic defects are discovered within a set time, are on the books in 16 states and were introduced in four others this year.
California lawmakers are studying a bill that would require cats and dogs over 4 months old to be spayed or neutered, unless the person caring for them obtains a breeding license.
Laws that would tighten the regulation of retail pet shops are pending in Oregon, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and bills establishing standards for breeding operations were introduced in Minnesota and Ohio.
Mass breeding has been a hot-button issue for decades with animal welfare activists, who use the term "puppy mills" to describe the most unsavory of operations, which are usually situated in rural areas.
The Humane Society of the United States has long identified Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio and Pennsylvania as the major puppy-mill states, said outreach director Stephanie Shain.
Of the 7 million to 9 million dogs brought into U.S. families each year, Shain said, an estimated 2 million to 4 million are products of puppy mills.
The demand for popular breeds, and the high prices people are willing to pay, keep breeding operations churning, Shain said. A quick Internet search showed many puppies with four-figure sale prices, and some breeds, including bulldogs and Belgian Malinois, with top prices exceeding $3,000.
Many dog breeders chafe at the term "puppy mill," saying it is inflammatory and lumps conscientious commercial dog breeders together with the unscrupulous.
Clem Disterhaupt, president of the Nebraska Dog Breeders Association, said most commercial breeders have the animals' best interest at heart.
"We don't associate ourselves with puppy mills, but sometimes people are under the impression that if you have a lot of dogs, you must be a puppy mill," Disterhaupt said.
Disterhaupt said reputable breeders are licensed with state or federal agencies and provide adequate space, cleanliness, heat and air conditioning and ventilation.
"That's not a puppy mill," he said. "People need to distinguish the difference."
Daisy Okas, assistant vice president of communications for the American Kennel Club, said breeders, kennel operators and pet stores register all types of breeds with her organization. The AKC has 15 inspectors who visit about 5,000 places a year where significant numbers of dogs are registered.
Shain, however, said people who want a puppy should avoid pet stores and instead buy from a hobby breeder or adopt from a shelter.
Puppy mills, Shain said, damage dogs emotionally and physically because the animals are confined in tight, unsanitary quarters with little or no socialization with humans or veterinary care. Females are bred repeatedly, some when they’re as young as 6 months.
The overbreeding, combined with the dismal environment, results in sickly puppies that have genetic defects and temperament problems, she said. The dogs are sold in pet stores or on the Internet to unsuspecting buyers.
Investigators such as Baker inspect breeding operations after receiving complaints. Breeders usually cooperate, but when they don't, he said, he gathers information by interviewing neighbors and observing the facility from afar.
Baker, who said he has visited more than 750 breeding facilities since 1980, said that when he finds evidence of animal cruelty, he notifies local law enforcement.
"Most abuse we see is neglect," Baker said. "They know some of the stuff they're doing is wrong, and they're embarrassed. They apologize a lot of times when we come see them. But they're blinded by the greed and money they're making off of this.
"Some start out with the right intentions. They breed a few and make money, so they get more dogs but don't put money back in. They get swamped."