October News 2012 front
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WE ARE THEIR VOICE
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month In this Issue: ASPCA Horse Protection Governor Jerry Brown Signed the State’s Bill to Ban Hounding (S.B. 1221) Into Law Most Pet Store Puppies Come from Puppy Mills! Does your local pet store sell puppies? The Right Pet for You Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting How to Become An ASPCA Guardian
Every single day of the year, the ASPCA is rescuing animals from a lifetime of cruelty, violence and pain. Your commitment makes it possible for our life-saving programs to create happy endings for those innocent lives touched by cruelty. Please continue to be there for the ASPCA and the animals we serve. For over 140 years the ASPCA has worked tirelessly to make the pain and suffering of animals a thing of the past and we'll continue in our efforts until that goal is reached. Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with Learn how to report animal cruelty. One of the best things you can do to help animals in your community is to keep a list of people, including a humane law enforcement officer, a teacher or your veterinarian, who can help you report animal cruelty.
Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of many animals. From walking dogs and organizing fundraising events to fostering abused or frightened animals, shelters across the country are in desperate need of volunteers.
Adopt don’t shop!
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Horse Protection
Horses have been central to the ASPCA’s work since our founding in 1866. The ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, rescue, enforcement of New York City’s carriage horse and anti-cruelty laws, and grants distributed through our Equine Fund. Horse lovers across America can celebrate a big victory. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee just approved an amendment that will prevent taxpayer dollars from being used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inspect U.S. horse slaughter facilities. By blocking this federal funding, the House has taken its first step to ensure that horse slaughter facilities cannot legally operate on U.S. soil. We will need your help to ensure this provision gets through the whole House and the Senate, so stay tuned for upcoming advocacy alerts. While our current Congress has prided itself on reducing government spending, last year’s agriculture funding bill actually omitted this provision—opening the U.S. market to the horse slaughter industry.“Using taxpayer dollars to fund this abhorrent industry is a wildly unpopular decision,” says Nancy Perry, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Government Relations. “At a time when funding for many vital programs is being cut, it is imperative that Congress not use $5 million of taxpayers’ money to fund horse slaughter, a cruel practice that benefits only foreign interests.” Take Action! Rep. Moran’s amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill protects American communities from the devastating environmental and economic impact of horse slaughter facilities, but the bill still has to pass the full House of Representatives. Please contact your U.S. representative today and urge him or her to pass the bill with the Moran Amendment intact and reject any attempts to fund horse slaughter during fiscal year 2013!
You can help us stand up for horses by learning about the issues affecting equines today and getting involved
Governor Jerry Brown Signed the State’s Bill to Ban Hounding (S.B. 1221) Into Law
The new law bans the practice of releasing radio-collared dogs loose in the woods to chase and tree bears and bobcats, all so trophy “hunters” can shoot the terrified animals down from pointblank range. California now joins the more than 30 states that do not permit this blatant and needless form of animal cruelty.We started work early on this legislation, partnering with the many groups and shelters that attended our 2012 California Humane Lobby Day. Hundreds of advocates flooded the Capitol, where we held a rally for the hound.
Hundreds of advocates flooded the Capitol, where we held a rally for the hound dogs and wildlife—and of course, hound hunters showed up to oppose us and the ban. They were determined to preserve this unsporting pastime despite ample evidence of the grotesque abuses inherent to hounding. Even under such pressure, humane voices won the day. Every time we asked for your help, you responded in full force. Your work through the ASPCA advocacy program has changed your state forever and made it a safer haven for thousands of animals.
The Aspca works with local, state and federal legislators to help enact meaniful protection laws for animals. We also offer advoacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in grassroots lobbying.
Stay informed and get involved- politics is not a specator sport. For more details go to lobby@aspca.org or call (212) 876-7700
The Right Pet for You
Congratulations, you’ve decided to get a pet! Now comes the task of finding the right species for you and your life style.
Whether you have a thing for fur or feathers, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the pros and cons of living with a particular, and sometimes peculiar animal companion. Dog Loyal and loving, dogs are social animals who thrive on being upstanding members of their families. If there are young kids in the house, a puppy may not be your your best bet. Instead, try a medium-sized dog over five months of age. If you've done your research and found a breed that meshes with your lifestyle, you’re on the right track! Draw up a schedule of who in the family will walk, play feed and groom your new dog!
Budgie Playful, cheery and chirpy, the most popular avian companion can be readily tamed to sit on your shoulder, and makes a perfect first bird for the young members of the family. Birds can be reall, really messy. You'll need to clean the cage and surrounding area daily. A budgie is a great choice if you've got your heart set on an avian mimic but don't have the time, money or space for a larger member of the parrot family.
Cat Graceful, athletic, playful, sensitive and affectionate, felines are the most popular pet in the United States today and stand high on the cuddle scale. Cats are not like dogs, and can be very independent. If you’ve done your research and decided on a cat of an appropriate age for your household, visit your shelter and be sure to have your new friend spayed or neutered!
Fish
Guinea Pig
Hamster
They're not pigs and they're not from New Guinea, but these cuddle bugs are the most docile of all companion rodents. Under adult supervision, guinea pigs are excellent first pets for children.These little critters aren't the kind of pets you can passively watch through the bars of the cage. They need time out to exercise every day. Fun for the whole family, social GPs are great in pairs, just be sure you have adequate housing for them and understand their dietary needs.
Got allergies, limited space and/or lean towards the exotic? Fish are relatively low maintenance, there’s a definite science to keeping them and their environment healthy. If you’re looking for a pet who will follow you around, lick your face and play fetch, a fish is probably not for you. Get all of your equipment beforehand, do your research and know what species are safe to keep together.
Off the cuteness charts, hamsters are busy little rodents who are very popular with kids and great pets for apartment dwellers. Hamsters sleep during the day and are active at night? You’re ready for a hamster if you're a night owl and/or won't be bothered by your pet eating, digging and running on his wheel in the wee hours. Syrian hamsters are solitary and Dwarf hamsters are more social and can be housed together, make sure you know what species you’re bringing home.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting 1. Why do you want to adopt a pet? Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you're preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle. 2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment? When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life,that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. Lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, need to be considered when choosing an animal. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet? 3. Do you know what kind of pet is right for you? Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers what animals they recommend, they're experts at making matches! 4. Can you afford to care for your pet's health and safety? Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering and proper identification, that means a collar with tags and a more permanent form of ID such as microchipping can add up. Check out our Pet Ownership Costs chart online to determine what you can expect to pay annually for your pet. 5. Will you be able to spend quality time together? Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and if left alone constantly can develop behavioral problems. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions with their human families. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you're out of the house most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt.
6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal's health challenges? Fleas, allergies and sudden medical issues are just a few of the health-related problems that potential pet owners may face. Can you care for your pet if he gets sick? Would you be able to meet the financial needs of an ill or challenged animal? 7. Are you willing to train your animal companion? Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that adopters return pets to shelters—are you willing to solve behavior problems? Basic training helps dogs and their owners communicate better, strengthening the relationship overall. And taking the time to understand why your cat does what she does, especially when it involves her litter box and scratching habits, will help you avoid potential problems. 8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home? Whether it's tightly sealing your garbage cans or paying attention to dangerous decorations during the holidays, you'll need to make your home safe before adopting. That includes keeping toxic foods, pet-unfriendly plants and dangerous household items out of paw's reach. 9. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion? Be sure to choose an animal who will thrive in your home.If you're attracted to energetic large-breed dogs, but live in a small apartment, will your pooch have enough room? If you live on a noisy street, will it disturb your cat? Also consider that many landlords don't allow pets or place restrictions on having them. Be sure to check out your "house rules" before adopting. 10. Is your family ready for a pet? If your kids are still toddlers, you might consider waiting a few years before adopting, as pet ownership ideally is a team effort. Children who are mature enough can happily share pet-care duties. You may also have another pet at home who's not yet—or may never be—ready to share his kingdom with another animal.
Congratulations! By checking with the ASPCA you've taken your first step toward responsible pet ownership. Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takews research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet.
Do you know about the ASPCA Guardians? Join the Guardians, a group of dedicated friends like you who are making a profound impact on the lives of needy animals through regular monthly gifts. Because of our supporters, the ASPCA was able to provide top-notch care for Unicorn, from the moment we rescued him from a Bronx dog fighter’s basement to the day he went home with his new family. In fact, we’re still there for him now, providing a free vet visit at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and any behavior help his new parents need. Thanks to you, Unicorn is safe, happy and loved. At the ASPCA, Unicorn received veterinary
care, high quality nourishment, personalized behavioral enrichment and lots of affection. We take pride in the fantastic care we can provide for animals but we never forget that it’s all thanks to the generosity of people like you. We can’t wait to make more happy endings; please consider making a gift to the ASPCA today. Together we can give thousands of animals their much-deserved happy endings.
Become An ASPCA Guardian, Your Gift Could Save a Life! $25 $35 $50 0ther
Mail tax deductable donations to:
ASPCA
424 E. 92nd St New York, NY 10128-6804
Donations & Membership: (800) 426-4435 Become an ASPCA Member