Saturday, November 29, 2008

The difference between selling your car or setting it on fire


Up in New Brunswick there's a trial going on about a breeder who instead of turning over his breeding stock to the NB SPCA - killed them while the Special Constables were outside the door waiting to seize them. He's been charged with animal cruelty.

The first thing I want to make a comment about is the fact that he is having his trial on the 29th of November 2008 and he committed his crime on March 6, 2008. Zonda MacIsaac had her kennel and accesory building raided around the first of February 2008 - and she yet to enter a PLEA in her case - her next court date is like the 5th of December, 2008 or something ridiculous like that. I just want to point that out so that we can see the absolute pathetic lack of justice that is going on here in Nova Scotia in regards to animal cruelty cases.

But back to the pomeranian story. In the trial, the breeder said that he believed he was allowed to end the dogs' lives since they were his property and he couldn't bear for the SPCA to take them away.

Keith Barton may have been right that his dogs are in fact his property - and there's nothing wrong in beleiving that. Our dogs are considered to be our property, and I actually don't have too much of a problem with that - a lot of people DO have a problem with that because they believe that it makes animals appear like a commodity, or disposable, or less than alive - but to me I am always concerned with keeping the dogs as safe as possible. And by having them considered as my property, from a liability and legal standpoint - they are much safer than if they were considered as their own separate entities.

So those little pomeranians were Mr. Barton's property, and it was his right to end their lives as he deemed fit - but it most certainly wasn't his right to do it in a way that caused them distress and suffering. That is animal cruelty and punishment - and is a crime under the eyes of the law - so he should be punished for what he did.

Even if he didn't think he was breaking the law because he thought that he had the right to kill them because they were his property - it behooved him to kill them in a humane manner - and a hit with a blunt object to the back of te head was not a humane way to kill a pomeranian. Especially since 8 of the dogs he tried to kill lived - and ones like Ronald - the dog above in the photo - were really screwed up by the beating.

It's hard to get inside people's brains and figure out what makes them do things - and this is certainly one of those cases. How could someone do such a horrible thing, and then say that they loved these dogs and it killed him to do it but he saw nno alternative. How can we help this man and show him that what he did hurt his dogs and was so unnecessary? Were there alternatives that he couldn't see? We'll never know. I certainly hope Mr. Barton is out of the breeding business though.

Here's the newspaper article from today:

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/search/article/496247

Breeder says he killed dogs to spare them pain
Published Saturday November 29th, 2008

A dog breeder who killed five Pomeranians earlier this year when an animal-protection officer was about to take them away says he did it because he thought it was the best thing for them.

Keith C. Barton's animal-cruelty trial resumed in Burton provincial court Friday. Testimony in the case was heard in September as well.

Barton, 73, of 1257 Pleasant Dr. in Minto stands accused of five March 6 counts of killing a dog and one count of injuring a dog, all under the Criminal Code of Canada.

He also faces three counts of failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter and/or care under the provincial SPCA Act.

Barton testified in his defence Friday, telling the court he feared what might happen to his dogs if they were taken away.

He said he expected being separated from him would be detrimental to them, and he doesn't believe all veterinarians treat animals well when owners aren't there to monitor care.

Animal-protection officials visited his home March 6 after a visit the week before. They said they were seizing the dogs because the conditions of Barton's kennel were unsanitary and needed to be brought up to standards.

Barton said he decided to euthanize the Pomeranians himself, and, out of sight of the officers, he struck each one once with a hammer at the back of the head.

He delivered blows to the heads of six Pomeranians, but one survived.

"To my knowledge, I rendered them unconscious," he said.

"I thought I had the right to put them down. I didn't think I was breaking any law ... I loved those dogs so desperately."

Officials told Barton he had to keep the kennel clean and dry, and that he had to shovel snow to keep their play area open.

Barton testified he'd come down with shingles in December and has had seven heart attacks. Last winter saw heavy snowfalls, he said, and there was just too much for him to contend with.

"I told them I wasn't going to give myself another heart attack," he said, noting he's found it impossible to find someone to help him.

Barton admitted he hadn't kept the kennel as clean as he usually did that week due to his illness and the heavy snow.

"I don't think I looked after them as good as I usually do last winter," he said.

A few other dogs were seized alive and treated by local vets.

Oromocto veterinarian Dr. Erin Grant said she examined one, a female, that had an impaired leg, the result of a previous broken bone that didn't heal properly.

She said a month after it was seized, the dog underwent an amputation procedure. It died a few hours after the surgery.

Barton was upset to learn that, and his anger was apparent when he was on the witness stand.

"I don't think you should be persecuting me for cruelty," he said, referring to that dog's death while in the care of a veterinarian.

He said the dog broke her leg when she was four years old in the mid 1990s. He'd taken her to a vet, who put the leg in a cast, but it never healed properly.

Barton had to pause to compose himself a couple of times on the witness stand.

Veterinary pathologist Dr. James Goltz testified Friday the five dogs died as a result of blunt-force trauma to the back of their heads.

He said striking dogs in that spot with a hammer is not an approved method of animal euthanasia.

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah argued Friday that Barton should be acquitted of the Criminal Code charges because he had a sincere belief that he was within his rights to put down his animals, as they're his property.

That colour-of-right defence means that while ignorance of the law isn't a defence, an honest but mistaken belief about one's rights and the law can be if the mistaken belief is reasonable, said Judge Patricia Cumming.

"I think that's going to be the big question here," the judge said. "This is obviously the crux of the defence."

She urged Crown prosecutor Paul Hawkins to offer more submissions on that point.

The case was adjourned to Jan. 7 so the prosecution and defence can present more arguments on that point of law.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

"An Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress" now online

So Bill 186 - the former Animal Cruelty and Prevention Act, and the new "Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress" is now available to be read online at http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/...

It is certainly open to a lot of interpretation. I'd say that it's also open to a lot of abuse if the government wants to use it that way - so what we're going to have to do is take a deep breath and try to remember that we live in Nova Scotia - not the United States - and hope upon hope that this is a place where when decisions are made - the right and correct ones are usually made, and that they are made in the best interests of the animals - which actually sometimes pisses off the humans because the humans want a different outcome (which is a different thing entirely).

Things that are being talked about regarding the new Act are the fact that it appears that the regulations concerning how animals being used for experimentation are treated and how the scientists are monitored has been loosened exponentially - and will now be watchdogged by a group sponsored by the Animal Testing community itself - the animal experimenter has hired their own yes man, and the Department of Agriculture has just legalized it.

Another new thing is that there is now going to be an animal cruelty appeal board -

31 (1) There is hereby established a board known as the Animal Cruelty Appeal Board
composed of not more than ten members appointed by the Governor in Council for such terms as the Governor in Council determines.

If you are convicted of animal cruelty, or your animal is seized - you can go to the appeal board and have your case heard. I am interested in this because I want to know how you get on the Board - I want to fill out an application!

The NS SCPA is officially going to not do agricultural complaints anymore - only the department of Agriculture is going to do it - so they'll be doing some hiring if anyone's qualified for the jobs - another case of the the the foxes watching the hen house unfortunately.

As well - if the Minister of Agriculture - or

19 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, appoint a person as Administrator of the Society for the purpose of investigations and inspections under this Act if the Society takes up a practice or tolerates a situation incompatible with its mandate with respect to investigations and inspections under this Act and the Administrator has all the powers of the Society under this Act for the purpose of investigations and inspections.

So he can appoint someone to come in and take over administration of the NS SPCA if he thinks things are becoming too screwed up and the Board has gotten out of control. THAT is interesting.

In the "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" section it says:

22 A person who owns or is in charge of an animal other than a farm animal shall
(d) not confine the animal to an enclosure or area with inadequate space, unsanitary
conditions, inadequate ventilation or without providing an opportunity for exercise so as to significantly impair the animal’s health or well-being

That to me says that large scale - or small scale as well - puppy mills - people who keep their "breeding stock" dogs in cages all the time - won't be allowed to do that anymore. There is now a specific spot in the Act that we can point to that says - "this is not allowed - you are not allowed to be treating your dogs this way - and I am calling the NS SPCA Cruelty Inspectors to report you". I can personally think of a couple people who I have been told about - and one that I've met personally - who fit this category. This, to me - is fabulous. And people who know me, and who we all know the same people - can figure out who I'm talking about, too.

Cropping and docking COULD creep up again - under the "General" section it says:

40 (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations
(m) defining or prescribing unacceptable animal practices, modifications or
mutilations;

as well - they could impact some SPCA's and pounds by saying that gas chambers and shooting dogs as forms of euthanasia are inhumane with the line -
(d) prescribing acceptable methods of euthanasia

In the same section is some shitty stuff though -
(f) exempting research activities from the requirements of subsection 23(1) if
the research activities are being conducted pursuant to an audit program approved by
the Canadian Council on Animal Care or an organization prescribed in the regulations;
(3) No regulation may be made pursuant to subsection (1) that is not consistent
with the Canadian Council on Animal Care Guidelines for the scientific use of animals

There's tons of other stuff too, you can only take in so much at once. So that's enough for now I guess.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

"I Rescued a Human Today"

I have gotten this poem several times this week and each time I read it, it moves me - so I thought I'd post it here for anyone who hasn't been lucky enough to receive it. I did a Google search on it to see if I could find where it came from - and it's from a lady named Janine Allen who has a blog called "Adopt a Shelter Dog Today" - and all she asks is that she get credit for writing the poem and have a link to an online version of the poem - which is here

So here's the poem - and get your kleenex ready -

I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the
kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only
have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who
haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

www.rescuemedog.org
Toll Free 888.777.0071
A Non-Profit Organization

Bil 186 Passed Yesterday

I don't know in what format Bill 186 passed yesterday - but looking at the Nova Scotia Legislature's website today - you can read the following:

Bill No. 186 An Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress*
Hon. Brooke D. Taylor
Minister of Agriculture

First Reading May 27, 2008 (Second Reading Debates)

Second Reading November 6, 2008

Law Amendments Committee November 17, 2008, November 21, 2008, November 24, 2008
November 25, 2008

Committee of the Whole House November 25, 2008

Third Reading November 25, 2008

Royal Assent November 25, 2008

Commencement Proclamation

So now we just have to find out what actually passed - because yesterday it was at the Law Amendments committee, went through a 3rd reading, and then was passed. So who knows what went on yesterday before it was passed.

All we can do is keep our fingers crossed that things went well yesterday.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

There is no such thing as a puppymill there is just substandard care

"There is no such thing as a puppymill there is just substandard care"

What do you think about that? I've been chewing on that for the last few hours. A Nova Scotia dog breeder wrote that in an email to me today. She herself is not a puppy miller, far from it. She actually is a responsible breeder, highly respected by her peers, a long time member of the CKC, screens her potential homes for her puppies, does health checks, breeds to her breed's standards, shows her dogs, does confirmation, is active in her breeds kennel club.

But she also said that she is a breeder. She loves her dogs but they are not her pets, they are breeding/show stock and she places pets in loving homes. She understands that they are CANINES - not small people in fur coats.

In a further conversation - which is great, because at the end of this - all I'm trying to do is learn what is best for animals - so I'm glad that we continued talking - she said that she doesn't like the term puppy mills because she's seen high volume breeders who do give a good level of care to their breeding stock, and she's seen breeders who only have one or 2 animals and breed them over and over and don't give them any care whatsoever and don't provide them with vet care, shelter, food or water - so she thinks the term puppy mill is a word that is misused.

So I've been chewing over this the last few hours. Our conversation had started because she had posted to a yahoo email list that we both belonged to and she'd said the bit about her being a breeder and that her dogs weren't pets - they were breeding/show stock - and I really felt behooved to respond to her personally about that because to me - the duty of care that her dogs received based on that wouldn't be adequate.

And I have to say - I still think that. Especially when she talks about the fact that she thinks that large scale breeders give an "adequate level of care to their breeding stock". I really don't think that would be possible. I think that companion animals in order to live a fulfilled life need to be around their humans - they need to be in our bedrooms and our kitchens and to follow us into the bathrooms when we take a shower or have a pee. And large volume breeder's breeding stock never get that chance. They probably also never get to go for a nice long walk in the woods on a regular basis.

One thing that also struck me - this breeder said they hadn't bred any dog in three years - how long can you go without breeding a dog before you can't call yourself a breeder anymore? That's just an aside.

I have talked before about what I had thought my perfect future world would be like when people only got their dogs through responsible breeders and pet stores didn't sell dogs anymore - I've been going on monotonously about it for years.

I just wish that a couple responsible breeders would listen to a couple of us in the rescue community for once and realize that we are in fact not the enemy - and that our perfect world would happen a lot sooner if we could all just "get along".

On another note - I got the message today that a fabulous new blog has started up!! It's called "Digby's Famous Puppy M(K)illers" - and it's an awesome blog! The owner has put a STUNNING amount of work into it in a short amount of time, and there's an amazing amount of information there to poke through. There is lots of good stuff there to read. It is really great - the more information out there for people to find - the better.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Cute big dog photos, a great article, and some updates

I got a couple great photos of the big dogs tonight - these are of Charlie getting some liver - here's he's looking at the treat - saying - "HELL YES I WANT THAT TREAT!!!"
Here Charlie is saying "don't put that treat where I can't see it!"
And here's the money shot - him going in for the kill - he's got the treat - he's a happy boy now...
Now here's Daisy - I am working on my lap top - and this is what I have laying beside me taking up most of the love seat we're sitting on - her on her back completely splayed out - Daisy is completely one huge pile of "Id"
"Oh yeah - I am all about getting my underside scratched for as long as possible - you only need one hand to operate that computer, don't you?"

So on to the updates - Zonda MacIsaac was in court today - for what? We don't know - she didn't enter a plea - the Hawk 101 radio station put out a news release saying -
A Port Hastings woman facing animal cruelty charges will be in court next month to enter a plea.

Zonda MacIsaac, the former operator of Celtic Pets rescue shelter in West Bay Road, wasn't present in Port Hawkesbury provincial court Monday morning.

She's due back in court on December 8th to enter a plea.

MacIsaac was charged following a raid on the shelter in February.

The SPCA seized more than 90 cats and dogs during the raid.


So we will wait until December 8th for the next stage in her drama - her mother goes to court December 4th to start her trial (we hope).

In another case - the Chapmans - the puppymillers up in northern New Brunswick who are also up on animal cruelty charges and unrelated to their current charges killed 175 of their dogs and no one seems to have cared or noticed - are going to court for their own trial on November 28th - so we'll keep our eyes on that too.

If you had tried to watch the documentary "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" from my blog post "You Do it to Yourself" and had found that the links didn't work - I found new links that currently DO work - so go back to the post and try them again so you can watch the documentary in it's entirety so you can have your own viewpoint on the situation.

I was reading the latest issue of Bark magazine today and I was so happy to read an article called "Breaking the Chain" and it was all about anti-tethering legislation - and it featured the organization "Dogs Deserve Better" - which is a group that I've been involved with since 2003 - it got me to thinking that maybe I should get some shit together and see if some things could be added to Bill 186 about anti-tethering stuff. That would be a really good idea I think. That would be really good. I put the article on my server so everyone could read it because I couldn't find it online anywhere. It's currently at http://sinden.ca/ddb_bark_nov_2008.pdf

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Bill 186 - everyone should go READ IT

I went this afternoon and actually read bill 186 - the proposed new anti-cruelty legislation for Nova Scotia, and I have to say - I really hope that it doesn't get passed as written. It is really horrible legislation.

Basically the minister of Agriculture owns every animal in the province. And he has full say over what happens to them, and where they go and what he wants to do to them. It's really awful.

It really had to have been written completely by government officials and not by any pet owners or anyone from the NS SPCA or the CKC.

People who are into their "personal freedoms" should be freaking out because they have clauses in there

"Where an inspector has reasonable and probable grounds for believing that an animal is in distress in or upon any premises other than a private dwelling place the inspector may, with or without a warrant, and by force, if necessary, enter the premises and search for the animal and exercise the powers conferred on the inspector by this Section with respect to any animal in distress found therein.

and

An inspector who, on reasonable and probable grounds, believes that there is an animal in distress in a private dwelling house shall obtain a warrant to enter the private dwelling house for the purpose of carrying out duties pursuant to this Section."


The thing about this bill is that they've added a codicil about being allowed to use force in order to gain entrance now - "Where an inspector uses force in entering premises, the inspector shall use no more force than is reasonably required under the circumstances"

As well - they can now stop your vehicle - "For the purpose of this Act, an inspector may require the operator of a vehicle or vessel that is in motion to stop and, where an inspector signals or requests an operator of a vehicle or vessel to stop, the operator shall comply immediately and shall not move the vehicle or vessel until permitted to do so by the inspector."

And then the next section says -
An inspector who is lawfully in premises pursuant to this Act or a warrant issued under this Act may seize any thing that is produced or that is in plain view if the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that the thing
a) will afford evidence of an offence under this Act; or
b) was used or is being used in connection with the commission of an offence under this Act and that the seizure is necessary to prevent the continuation or repetition of the offence.
2) An inspector may remove a thing that is seized or may detain it in the place where it is seized.
3) An inspector shall inform a person from whom a thing is seized of the reason for the seizure and shall give the person a receipt for it.


What does #3 mean? What could the inspector be seizing that doesn't have to do (necessarily) with the animal? It's something that just happens to be in plain sight - which it has to be to be in the terms of this bill - but this part is adding something in so that they can seize things that don't necessarily have to do with animals - I think it could be anything. But I'm not the minister of agriculture or a lawyer, so I don't know for sure.

There are a couple of things in it that are good that were the suggestions of people from outside the department of Agriculture - there will be a committee set up called the "Animal Cruelty Appeal Board composed of not more than ten members appointed by the Governor in Council for such terms as the Governor in Council determines."

It also lays out the new rules for the NS SPCA's Board - that their AGM's must be open to the public, that they must submit a year end report to the minister of Agriculture, that the Provincial board of directors writes the policies and procedures for the branches, and that the Chief Provincial Inspector has to have a certain base amount of qualifications in order to do and keep their job.

If the bill passes into law I'll like to see how many animals Brooke Taylor is going to be getting delivered to his house or office - there is a section -

22 (1) Where an inspector finds an animal in distress and the owner or person in charge of the animal -
a) does not immediately take appropriate steps to relieve its distress; or
b) is not present or cannot be found promptly,

the inspector may, subject to this Act, take such action as the inspector considers necessary to relieve the distress including, without restricting the generality of the foregoing,

e) delivering the animal into the custody of the Society, the Minister or a suitable caretaker.

Isn't that a hoot? Who would write that into a piece of legislation? That the actual Minister could take charge of an animal being seized. Can you imagine.

I think you should go read the bill and draw your own conclusions - it's at http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/bills/60th_2nd/1st_read/b186.htm

Saturday, November 22, 2008




Jackie says - were those cartoons funny?
Buttercup says - they were certainly a lot funnier than the tv shows on the cartoon network!

Friday, November 21, 2008

This is another reason why things are screwed up


There is currently an organization that exists to give a legitamite and clean face to puppy mills and pet stores in Canada. It's a lobbying organization - and it's called the "Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council" and it does whatever it can to become associated with what it believes are upstanding organizations. It's been in existence for many years now. Every time I see it involved with other organizations I'll send in a letter of protest - most recently with the CKC's "RDOG" week a couple months ago - they were one of the sponsors, and I wrote a letter to Lee Steeves - our areas President for the CKC.

PIJAC - almost at the same time as RDOG week, held a trade show up in Toronto, and one of the biggest booths on the floor of their trade was no other than the Hunte Corporation - one of the - if not THE - biggest puppy millers/farms in the United States. The irony of that was not lost on me when I emailed Ms. Steeves.

When she emailed me back she said - " It is a long and often challenging road trying to educate people in dog businesses but we have made some inroads with PIJAC and continue to try to get our viewpoint embedded. Not a perfect situation but at least they are at the table and listening to us and to the vets and shelters. "

Do you know what I say to that? BULLSHIT.

PIJAC is laughing all the way to the bank - because they are loving to be able to put their logo next to the CKC and next to the Canadian Federation of Humane Socieities and the Canadian Veterinary Association. It TOTALLY legitamizes them, and confuses the naive public into thinking that pet stores "certified" by PIJAC are okay.

The FIRST THING that the Canadian Kennel Club has to do is break off all ties with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and stop accepting any of their blood money. I don't care what the National Companion Animal Coalition is doing - they'll be able to do it with a lot more legitamicy WITHOUT PIJAC. End of sentence.

It's pathetic. And it must stop NOW.

No wonder people who are involved with puppy mills and pet store realities have no belief in anything the CKC says - we know what's going on behind the scenes. Unlike the public who thinks that PIJAC is really a "good" organization. As IF.

You Do It To Yourselves

This is Teddy - who I loved, loved, loved, and he could never love back - he was a purebred black toy poodle who was the most tragically damaged little dog I've ever met in my life.


There's a song that goes "You do it to yourselves, you do..." and that's all I can remember of that song - but it keeps going over in my head - that's what comes up when I think of what's going on with the breeders being unhappy with their lot in life - not only here in Nova Scotia, but New Brunswick, the United States - and England too.

They have a real martyr mentality, and think that everyone is out to get them - and think that anyone who is not them are something they malevolently call "AR extremists" - and they - and because everyone but them are these people - so that includes you, me, the NS SPCA, veterinarians, the RSPCA, the HSUS, we are even included in now with PETA and are on the same level with them - are trying to do no more and no less than take away their rights as pet owners and take away the fancy of pet ownership - not just the hobby of breeding. I am not kidding you.

On show dog lists this week in response to the NS SPCA wanting to make it illegal in Nova Scotia to dock tails and crop ears - breeders are saying "that if they can't have these procedures done to their dogs - what's the difference between docking and cropping - and spaying and neutering, which is also a procedure that causes dogs pain and suffering - and is also an elective procedure." Can you imagine.

Talk about grasping at straws.

It's all about having control over the product that you are selling - and breeders don't like having that messed with. They're also very unhappy with veterinarians too. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association isn't liking how breeders are turning some dogs into complete mush - they have a position statement on breeding at http://canadianveterinarians.net/ShowText.aspx?ResourceID=416 about purebred dog breeding that says in part -

The CVMA opposes the selective breeding of dogs resulting in changes in body form, function or temperament, that are detrimental to the health and quality of life of the dog or that have a negative impact on its behaviour towards people and/or other dogs.

The CVMA is concerned about the breeding of dogs with a known or highly suspect genetic predisposition to particular inherited disorders, such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and cardiomyopathy. The CVMA is also concerned about the continuation of breeds whose structure or characteristics inherently cause health problems. Some examples include the large, brachycephalic head structure in bulldogs, which can cause dystocia due to large fetal size, and respiratory difficulties throughout life; cardiomyopathy in Doberman pinschers and boxers; and intervertebral disk disease in chondrodysplastic breeds such as the dachshund, corgi and Bassett hound.

That bolded part has particularly got them twisted out of shape - the CVMA is concerned about the continuation of breeds - they don't want these BREEDS TO CONTINUE!! Whoa baby! They think the breeders have gotten out of control and the poor dogs are suffering for the breeders greed!

In England the Kennel Club itself is trying to hedge the breeders in. There is a MUCH disputed documentary called Pedigreed Dog Exposed that talks about the crisis of purebreed dogs going on - the whole documentary is available on You Tube at

Section 1 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_S1aP82pI_k
Section 2 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=spDJVR1kvPA
Section 3 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yYODetPf-UI
Section 4 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q0KThQFpyA
Section 5 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz_OykzCL1g
Section 6 - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ysu1qTiQEH4

There is a breeder of Cardigan Welsh Corgis who has a blog in (I think) New Hampshire and she's got a brilliant rebuttal from a breeders perspective on the documentary if you want to go and read it. It's at http://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/implications-of-the-kennel-club-decision-on-the-pekingese-pedigree-dogs-exposed/

I'm sure I'll be adding more to this post as I get more information and/or I get more annoyed and/or more informed on the siteeeeation..... for now - enjoy.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association's website has a whole section on the subject of docking and cropping - including a video of a puppies tail being docked - their position is -

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes surgical alteration of any animal, for purely cosmetic purposes."

Background:

The CVMA believes that cosmetic surgery is unnecessary, except in injury or for reasons of health. Examples of cosmetic procedures include:
1. tail docking in the equine, bovine, or canine species;
2. tail nicking/setting in the equine species;
3. ear cropping;
4. onychectomy in species other than the domestic cat.
The CVMA encourages breed associations to change their breed standards so that cosmetic procedures are not required.


American Veterinary Medical Association Position Statement on Cropping and Docking: Ear Cropping and Tail Docking
(Oversight: AWC; HOD 07/1999, EB revised 11/2008)

The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards.


CKC's position on docking, cropping and dew claw removal -

Although much of the history of the reasons for cropping the ears and docking the tails of dogs remain unclear, the Canadian Kennel Club affirms that cropped ears and docked tails are a significant part of the history of many of the breeds of purebred dogs. Moreover, breeders continue these practices for historical, hygienic and aesthetic reasons. Although the Canadian Kennel Club wishes to be attentive to changing societal values with respect to purebred dogs, the Canadian Kennel Club must also represent the wishes of its members. For the majority of the breeders whose breeds have been traditionally cropped and/or docked, their sense of the history of their breed and their aesthetic appreciation of their breed necessitates these practices. However, just as the breeders of purebred dogs have modified the temperament of the historical "fighting breeds" so that they reflect the values of modern society, so breeders are modifying their practices with respect to ear cropping. In recent years in the conformation and performance events sanctioned by the Canadian Kennel Club the number of uncropped dogs has increased significantly and their presence and form is appreciated by the majority of members of the Canadian Kennel Club. The Canadian Kennel Club has historically operated on the principle that the breeders and the breed clubs determine the standards for the breeds and therefore will not unilaterally legislate changes to these breed standards. The Canadian Kennel Club is concerned that ear cropping and tail docking be done under the most humane circumstances and to this end, has adopted the policy of barring for life from all Canadian Kennel Club events, any person or persons who performs or causes to be performed, the ear-cropping of any dog without the use of a general anesthetic. The Canadian Kennel Club does not believe that any ban on cropped and/or docked dogs in the events of Canadian Kennel Club will stop the cropping and docking of dogs in Canada because these services will still be readily available in the United States and there will remain those who wish this cosmetic surgery for their dogs whether purebred or not, whether participating in the event of the CKC or not. The Canadian Kennel Club considers tail docking and dew claw removal, practices which are distinct from ear cropping. Tail docking and removal of dew claws is necessary for safety in field working breeds and for hygienic reasons in other breeds. Moreover, tail docking and removal of dew claws, when performed on young puppies, is consistent with similar practices in the livestock industry.

Awesome paragraph in a new book I'm reading

I don't know much about the new book I'm reading - it's a sort of autobiography that one of my friends bought me for $ .50 at a book store that they thought I'd like called "Girl on a Leash - The Healing Power of Dogs" by Betty Lim King - but there's a paragprah on page 2 that bodes well for the rest of the book that I had to write here because it's so good -

"Writing about pets is writing about self, but more than that it is writing about the human condition. How we treat animals says much out our communitites and ourselves. Living in three different cultures has made me conscious of how differently each culture regards and treats pets, revealing much about those who make up those societies.

Yet, despite wide differences, how remarkably alike dogs respond to humans! Dogs may be tortured, eaten, kicked around, totally neglected; or pampered and loved to death. However treated, they are steadfast in their loyalty and devotion to our species. We have snatched them away from their wolf mothers, and made them part of us; they have never left our side. It is we humans who waver. Just before dying in a research laboratory, a suffering and mutilated dog licked the hands of the technician who was causing his death. How superbly can they teach us about being humane!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

GROSS! SNOW!

It is snowing out tonight. The cat is exactly where he wants to be - hanging out in the kitchen watching the dogs go in and out and in and out.
It's the first time it's snowed here yet this fall
I am not a big fan of snow and slush and all the accompanying constant wet dogs x 4 that comes with the winter
And I can tell you that 2 of the 4 dogs I have aren't too amused with it either!
I hope this isn't how the rest of the winter is goingn to go - I think I might just go to bed for the rest of it.

Dog stolen from Yarmouth SPCA

The Yarmouth SPCA shelter was broken into last night and the attached dog was stolen. His name is Chico and he appears to be perhaps a Black Lab/Amstaff mix and is less than one year old.
He is friendly with people he knows but a bit cautious with strangers but quickly warms up to them. There is an adoption application in on him by a very nice couple and the Yarmouth SPCA is really hoping that they can find him and have him returned.

Please look at these pictures and keep an eye out for Chico and if you have any information, please contact spcapets@hotmail.com and I can put you in touch with the right people.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Scuttlebutt on Bill 186

First off - I have to say I met one of the nicest people tonight that I've met in a LONG time - hello to you if you ever do manage to get to read my little blog - thank you for taking the time to talk to me tonight about dog stuff. I learned a TON of stuff - and it was SUPER! I am willing to talk to you anytime you want to!

So lots of good talking going on about yesterday's presentations to the Law Amendments committee about bill 186 - proposed amendments to the Animal Cruelty Prevention Act. As predicted, the purebreed dog fancy people are going particularly nuts about the docking, and cropping aspect of the proposed additions.

LeeAnn O'Reilly, president of the Dog Legislation Council of Canada (Canada's first and unique collaborative effort of rescue volunteers, owners, veterinarians, dog trainers, breeders and handlers to promote responsible dog ownership of all dogs) - in a comment to the Chronicle Herald article says "It is a popular misconception that docking,cropping and dew claw removal are done for " cosmetic " reasons...For owners of working dogs,these alterations are done to prevent disease and injury while the dog performed the tasks it was bred specifically for."

Rottweillers are bred as guard dogs - why would they need their tail cropped for that? My Daisy is pretty good at guarding her food bowl - she didn't need to have her tail amputated to do it though. And when was the last time anyone saw a great dane doing a job it was bred for? Do any of us know what a great dane is bred to do? Or a boxer dog? Or a doberman pinscher? I think doberman's get it at both ends - tails and ears - and dew claws too. Too bad for them - but maybe good for them if the law passes though.

But back to the pure breed dog fanciers - they're the funniest ones. They are completely twisted out of shape. They are saying things like the SPCA has put forward these proposals to divert our attention away from their own scandals in the past months - move our attention over to the breeders now and give the public a new enemy to focus on - the evil breeders who dock and crop their dogs.

They're also saying that the SPCA can't deal with the repeat offenders and animal abusers - so instead they've decided to take the easy way out and hit the law abiding dog owners like the people of the pure breed dog fancy - and what their ultimate goal is - is to take away pet ownership all together. Can you imagine? An organization as benign and benevolent as the NS SPCA? Now the Nova Scotia Humane Society is another story - but the NS SPCA I feel pretty confident in saying is NOT a radical animal rights organization. I am PRETTY sure....

And I'm very happy to see that Granny has been prostyletyzing on her new blog once again - so we can learn some new insights from her - she's got some great posts over there about bill 186 - 2 just from today - one called "Talking to Politicians part 1" and "Sufficient Unto the Day" - welcome back Granny. I missed you.

The NS SPCA Sticks its neck out

Yesterday Sean Kelly spoke on behalf of the Board of the NS SPCA at the Law Amendments Committee who were going over Bill 186 to amend the animal cruelty legislation here in Nova Scotia. Sean thinks that it was one of his better speeches - and he's a pretty good public speaker - so it must have been pretty good! I meant to get down there, but a little earlier in the afternoon I'd been on the radio for what I thought was going to be a couple minutes but turned into an hour call-in show, so I was pretty frazzled and needed to partake in some popcorn farts toute-suite - so I didn't get to Province House unfortunately.

There's a super article in today's Chronicle Herald about what Sean said yesterday - and a very disappointing response for the Minister of Agriculture Brooke Taylor.

Owners of dogs who partake in the purebreed dog fancy are going to be very unhappy with what went on yesterday because the SPCA wants to make it illegal for any person in Nova Scotia to alter an animal for cosmetic purposes - specifically docking of tails, cropping of ears, declawing, or removing vocal cords.

Personally, I don't see this passing as part of the animal cruelty law - I could see this being a position statement for the SPCA, and a policy of the Nova Scotia Veterinary Association - but the CKC is not going to let this one go I don't imagine.

As well, the NS SPCA wants to make it illegal to have any aspect of dog fighting in the province, which is awesome - as well as being able to put your dog loose in the back of a moving truck.

Another big thing the article doesn't mention is that the SPCA wants to be have any animal facility - any animal broker, groomer, day care, kennel, zoo, rescue, humane society, a breeder of more than 2 litters a year - be licenced and regulated under the animal cruelty act. Now THAT would be something amazing, I think - and how anyone could argue how that would be a bad thing - I would like to debate THAT with them! haha!

The Metro paper had a really good take on Sean's speech - I like their version better than the Chronicle Herald - here's what they said:

SPCA calls for ban on dogfighting and cosmetic surgery for pets
PAUL MCLEOD, METRO HALIFAX

Michael Vick might have gotten away with it in Nova Scotia.

Currently Nova Scotia has no laws banning dog fighting. Yesterday the SPCA lobbied government to change that.

“Federal legislation is so weak right now that only, I believe, one quarter of people who get charged are convicted,” said SPCA board member Sean Kelly.

Kelly said participants can only be charged for cruelty to animals, but banning dog fights would make it easier to convict abusers.

The government seemed receptive, with agriculture minister Brooke Taylor saying he would work to see such laws put in place.

The organization also called for the government to ban cosmetic surgeries such as ear cropping and declawing on animals.

Kelly said veterinarians often refuse to do such surgeries, which drives owners to do the surgeries themselves without proper anesthetics.

“If they did it themselves, that’s cruel. I’m worried that within the (Animal Protection) Act they’re going to try and find some way out of it,” said Kelly.

“So if we just point blank make it all illegal, then we can charge them under the act.”

Taylor said he’d need to study the SPCA proposal before making a decision.



Here's the article from today's Chronicle Herald paper:

Docking ban on the docket

Cosmetic alterations among issues in consideration for animal protection law

By AMY SMITH Provincial Reporter

Nova Scotia should ban cosmetic procedures on animals such as tail-docking and ear-cropping, the legislature’s law amendment committee heard Monday.

Sean Kelly, a member of the board of the Nova Scotia SPCA, said animal protection legislation before the House should be amended to make altering an animal for cosmetic reasons illegal. He said that would include declawing and removal of vocal cords.

"When it’s done properly by a veterinarian and the animal is properly anesthetized, everything is usually fine. However, there are a lot of people taking this into their own hands," he said after his presentation. "There is no way to crop a dog’s ears humanely without anesthetic."

Mr. Kelly said removal of the vocal cords prevents an animal from communicating when it is in pain. He said the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association has recently stopped all cosmetic surgery for animals, adding the majority of vets in Nova Scotia don’t crop, dock or remove vocal cords.

Lendra Barker, an owner and exhibitor of Dobermans, said she fears such a ban would drive some people to do the cosmetic procedures themselves.

She said she has always had her dogs’ ears and tails done by a vet under anesthetic and doesn’t think the practice is cruel.

"I have had Dobermans for 30 years, and the general public wants them cropped and docked," Ms. Barker said. "I guess it’s just a look that we prefer."

Lee Steeves, director of the Canadian Kennel Club for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, said the club is reviewing best practices for purebred dogs.

"Will we see changes over the next few years? Absolutely. Is it something that should be mandated by a legislature? Absolutely not," Ms. Steeves said.

Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor said he will review the suggestion.

"Some (procedures on animals), I think, are quite ethical but then there might be others that, in fact, might be inappropriate."

The minister seemed a bit more receptive to another of Mr. Kelly’s suggestions — to make it against the law to put an animal in the back of an open pickup truck without a crate or safety harness.

"If it’s more safe and more humane, then I would be for that," the minister said.

Mr. Kelly told the committee there should be an entire section in the act to wipe out animal fighting and prohibiting the possession of an animal for fighting. It should also be illegal to attend, fund or profit from animal fights, he said.

Mr. Kelly said NFL quarterback Michael Vick, in jail for bankrolling a dogfighting ring in Virginia, might have gotten away with it if the case had been in Nova Scotia.

The minister, who called dog fighting abhorrent, said he will speak to his staff about bringing in the rules that Mr. Kelly spoke about.

A group from Dalhousie University also made a presentation, saying it’s not necessary to have the SPCA oversee care of research animals because that is already done by the Canadian Council on Animal Care. The council and SPCA both oversee animal testing, but amendments to the legislation would remove the SPCA.

But Mr. Kelly said there needs to be oversight by an organization that isn’t affiliated with animal testing.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bill 186 to go before the Law Amendments Committee Today

It is hoped that the head of the Committee for the NS SPCA who's been working very hard to draw up amendments that they'd like to make to the Animal Cruelty and Prevention Act is going to get to present to the Law Amendments Committee at some point this afternoon - so that is how I found out that the Law Amendments Committee is working on Bill 186 today - the bill to change the Animal Prevention and Cruelty Act here in Nova Scotia - it needs a lot of work, that's for sure!!

I went to the "Hansard" for the Debates and Proceedings to see if they had talked about the bill - and it has passed second reading - and some pretty interesting things were said actually - especially for those of us who have a special interest in feral cats and tnr - there are a couple of MLA's who want to get programs started in their ridings!!! Isn't that fabulous!?! And they want veterinary students to start up mobile spay and neuter clinics. Who knew that MLA's were that smart! haha! Here's the text of the debate - (and here's wishing good luck to the NS SPCA's representative at the legislature later today!)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to have a brief opportunity this afternoon to speak to Bill No. 186, an Act to Protect Animals and to Aid Animals that are in Distress. I agree with much, or even most, of what has already been said in relation to this bill from a positive perspective. I, too, feel this bill is, in fact, a good bill and is very badly needed.

Now, Mr. Speaker, from a personal perspective I have been associated with farm animals from a very early age. My grandfather, who was a coal miner, lived next door to me and had a small farm where he always had at least one, two, and maybe on a few occasions three cows, a horse or two, and certainly other farm animals - pigs, goats, chickens and what have you. As an animal lover, an animal advocate, and the owner of many animals at this very moment (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Could the chatter just come down a little so the member for Pictou East can be heard.

MR. MACKINNON: I currently have six cats and two dogs. Of those eight animals, seven of them were strays. Now, why I have gotten up to speak about this bill today is because there is a problem within my riding and I am sure that this is a problem that is province-wide. We are talking about cruelty to animals in this bill and on a number of occasions, very recently on one street in my hometown, there were two cases of kittens being left at the roadside - a whole litter of kittens being left at the roadside. Sometimes these are left close to homes where they know the people love animals. This is fundamentally cruel. One woman that I had a discussion with recently in my riding about this issue has actually made a hole in the back of her old garage and she is feeding a whole litter of kittens who have now become almost fully grown. She does not have the money to go out and have these animals neutered, to have these animals spayed.

Mr. Speaker, on the same street there is another woman who is in fairly difficult financial circumstances who also had a litter of kittens left at her driveway. She, in fact, has placed a pool underneath the steps of this very modest home that she has and she has some blankets under her steps where these kittens are in fact living and, of course, we have winter coming on. She is feeding those, as was the other woman on the same street. Now, I don't want to belabour this kitten situation because we certainly know that HRM has been talking about a cat issue for a long, long time, but there is a situation that does exist in many parts of the province where animals are being left. People like my wife and I, in fact, are taking some of these strays and trying to do something with them.

The situation is one that has no easy answers. Having lived in Louisbourg, in Cape Breton, there were many feral cats, particularly close to the waterfront. This, of course, is in the Speaker's riding, Cape Breton West, and my wife and I lived there for a number of years. You really have to commend some of the local residents in that community. They have, in fact, pooled their money and have made an arrangement with a veterinarian to have a lot of these animals neutered. When they get some of these feral cats and do have them neutered, a little clip is made in the ears to know which ones have in fact been fixed. Here's a situation where some local people are in fact dealing with this issue.

Now one of my constituents came up with an idea - I really don't know how well this would be accepted by veterinarians or whether it is in fact a 100 per cent positive idea, but it was her idea. I believe as the representative of Pictou East, I should be putting forward some of these ideas in the House. That idea was in fact that perhaps by using student veterinarians to have a mobile clinic and this would be training for veterinarians who are still in the student mode. So it's an idea that has been put forward by a constituent and I throw that out and certainly wonder as I'm speaking about the merits of it and would certainly like to talk to the minister at some point about this idea.

Mr. Minister, I would like to have the time to sit down with you and discuss this idea and a couple of others that are in fact on the go as well. I don't want to hold this bill up and I just decided at the last moment to stand up and talk about this issue which I have become aware of a long time ago but certainly it was brought home on one street. I won't identify the street because perhaps some more litters will be dropped off in that area, but the fact that people with warm hearts and people who love animals are in fact going above and beyond the local call of duty in looking after some of these strays and the ferals that do exist within the province.

I certainly hope that there will be input on this bill at Law Amendments Committee and I requested only a couple of moments to speak on this issue and at this time will take my seat and look forward to it going on to Law Amendments Committee at a later date. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants West.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to rise in my place today and put on the record how important this is to the people from where I come from. We have certainly a lot of farmers and things like that and veterinarians that are now going to be a little more responsible for the recording process. More importantly, we have an SPCA group out home like the honourable member across the way was talking about and looks after a number of animals, the strays that come in. A couple of times a year actually, they take the time to hold fundraisers; that's how much it means to them. This has been something that's been going on for some time.

I just wanted to say that, again, this is very important to Hants West and to the people of the province. They wanted to make sure that their support was shown for this bill. We look forward to it getting to the Law Amendments Committee and back and certainly put through the House. With that I will take my seat. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the honourable minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the comments that members opposite and colleagues on this side of the House made regarding this important piece of legislation. We have taken notes and staff will be reviewing the concerns with the minister, but we do want to say on behalf of the government on this side of the House, we do appreciate the support in bringing the bill to this stage of being passed through the Nova Scotia Legislature. I do want to note that the member for Halifax Clayton Park brought forward a concern that is a concern to many of us and that is the welfare of some animals, pups and dogs that are allegedly being sold without receiving the necessary care and welfare they deserve. It certainly is a concern of ours and previous to the member speaking, I want to say we have, at the department level, brought that concern forward and are discussing that. Possibly through the regulations, we can as well dig in a little bit there and try to put something forward that will address that concern.

It is a difficult issue, we know there's a case now before the courts - at least one case before the courts - obviously the outcome of that case will certainly have an impact on others across the province. Anyway, at this point, I just want to move this bill for second reading and we will welcome others that will have comments and advice, maybe possible amendments at the Law Amendments stage as the bill progresses. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 186. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Bentley the puppy home at last


If you live in the Halifax area, you've probably got at least one - and probably many (!) emails about Bentley the missing papillon puppy in the last week. His Mom Ena was in a car accident coming home from a dog sho in Moncton and he escaped out a broken window in her vehicle and he's been on the run ever since then next to the highway where he escaped.

I think it's a miracle he's still alive, he's only like about 8 pounds - a week without food - and no one picked him up and took them home with them. Live traps really are the way to go - I was involved a few years ago with another dog who went missing - and that's the way we got her too.

Here's the story this morning that let me know the great news -

Bentley the puppy home at last

The merry chase is over for a pint-sized pooch named Bentley.

The 11-month-old papillon with big eyes and even bigger ears finally took the bait in a live trap set up to catch him after he fled the scene of a motor vehicle accident last Sunday on Highway 104 near Londonderry.

"They got him — he’s fine," said a breathless Shana Snow.

One of a large contingent of concerned people who showed up to search for the little dog last week, Ms. Snow found it hard to contain her excitement.

"It’s such good news — I can’t believe it," she said.

Scared, tired, shaky and in need of food and rest, Bentley was found in the trap late Saturday afternoon by his owner, Steve Angus.

Mr. Angus had spent long days searching for the little dog after his wife, Ena, was involved in a motor vehicle accident near the Cobequid Pass last Sunday.

Ms. Angus had some physical healing to do over the past week but she was grateful she had only scrapes and bruises.

"We were coming back from a dog show in Moncton and the next thing I knew the truck was in the air, flipping over," said Ms. Angus, during a telephone interview earlier Saturday.

They had tried his favourites: hot dogs, cheese and cat food, but nothing seemed to work as a lure for the obviously scared dog.

"He was scared and it seems like he’s still scared because he runs away when people try to catch him," she said.

Search teams had been looking for the sable- and white-coloured dog every day. The couple even hired a woman who uses beagles to track missing animals but they couldn’t capture the now-timid little guy.

For most of last week the couple fretted and worried.

They even brought his mother to the spot where he was last sighted but even that bait didn’t work.

On Friday they got a break.

"A truck driver called to tell us on Friday he saw Bentley running by the woods and he even got out and whistled and Bentley stopped and looked at him but then ran back into the woods."

Another driver called to say she saw what she believed was Bentley running out of the woods on Friday.

She described him as a small dog that looked like a brown and white shaggy cat.

Mr. Angus had set out live traps earlier in the week and he spent Friday night and all day Saturday in his truck near where the vehicle crashed.

He intended to spend Saturday night as well but it wasn’t necessary.

"He told me he’d gone to get a coffee and when he came back, Bentley was in the trap, so he was happy," said Ms. Snow.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Pretty Good for a 91 year old

I can't believe that I'd never taken Jack to the beach since he's come to live with me and the dogs.
And today I figured out why - I don't think he's ever been to a beach as far as I can tell - he didn't seem to be too thrilled about it -Once he figured out he had to walk over some rocks he did what he always does when he comes upon an obstacle he thinks he can't get over - he started running back in the direction we came from! So I went and fetched him, and I carried him down to the beach - he was not too impressed with me - I can tell you!But after a couple minutes down on the beach I think he figured out I hadn't dragged him down to hell on earth and the other dogs seemed to be having fun, so he started to perk up.
and of course - there was liver involved with the outing - so it couldn't have been all bad.
Buttercup of course loved it. This next series of photos is of Buttercup running around having a hell of a time - it was so beautiful to see that she still is full of bananas - she was running around and wagging her bum trying to get Jack to play - and they were running side by side - it was really cute. I think they had a really good time.


The big dogs had a good time too - they of course knew what to do immediately - wrestle, run, and go in the water - repeat...

Update on the Dog in the box thrown in the river

I was sent an article from the Cape Breton Post by Linda who had emailed the Cape Breton SPCA volunteering to foster the little dog she was so horrified by the story of the little guy. The SPCA had emailed her back (which actually amazes me that they did that) saying that they had been contacted by the dogs owner - and that the dog had been returned to them. His name is Toby.

Of course all of us - responsible dog owners - are wondering how this little dog got into the hands of a person or persons who would put him into a box and throw him into a creek. Obviously this dog was left unsupervised, either tied out or left out to run at large - but we also don't know the circumstances of his life and his owners life.

We can only hope that he isn't left in any conditions where this kind of experience can ever happen to him again.

As for who did it - one of the comments brilliantly googled the phrase on the box and came up with -

This is scary stuff. That sweet innocent dog. Have you googled Juggalo 4 life?

Check this out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juggalo

That same picture from that box is in this youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mjth5NY3ys

(as a side note - it's weird, because I enjoy the music of Insane Clown Posse, but I certainly do not condone animal abuse... - and being a fan of them, I went through their songs and came up with a song "Another Love Song" - which is kind of eerie in how it represents what happened to Toby. You can click on - this link - to listen to it.

I think that probably the box existed before the idea of screwing the dog in there and dumping him - it probably belonged to some teenager - and the kids came along the dog and thought it would be a hoot to drown him - so they went and got a box they didn't care to own anymore - and put the 2 together. That's my theory anyway.

Here's the Cape Breton Post article

(the Cape Breton Post article is allowing comments - so you should click on the link if you want to go read them, some of them are pretty good/funny)

Dog ditched in box and thrown in water reunites with owner
The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Toby the terrier, who was found inside a plywood box and left in a cold pond, has since been reunited with his owner.
Cape Breton SPCA animal cruelty investigator Ken Manning said the dog was found by two hunters in a wooden area of Edwardsville, Monday.
The dog was later recognized by his owner on a television news report and has since returned home.
A woman from Westmount had been searching for her pooch and was anxious to retrieve the dog Saturday morning, said Manning.
“She called right away. She doesn’t know how the dog got out, and she doesn’t know how someone could do it to her dog, but it is still being investigated,” Manning said.
The hunters told SPCA, they had heard crying sounds when they came across the box — and also thought they heard a splash.
A stick was used to lure the box out of the water, but the dog couldn't be freed as neither man had a screwdriver.
SPCA officials freed the dog and said the plywood box was very well-made.
Materials used were marked with a picture of a cartoon character, and writing in what looks like “Juggqzo for life”.
“If we do find out who did it, they could face charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, plus charges under the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act,” said Manning.

Dog locked in box, thrown into pond

At the bottom of the article the person from the Cape Breton SPCA/Animal Control said that the person who dumped the dog said that the person could have just brought the dog to the SPCA and they wouldn't have been turned away - unlike here at Metro where they don't take owner surrenders - that's one thing about Cape Breton (and why they have such a high intake) - they do take anything that comes through their doors. The problem with them is that they also kill almost everything that comes through their doors.

Dog locked in box, thrown into pond
Hunters in Cape Breton find pooch, turn him over to SPCA
By PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter

There’s one lucky dog in Cape Breton right now.

A little terrier escaped a watery grave Monday, thanks to two hunters in the woods of Edwardsville.

"They thought they heard a splash and then they heard a dog cry, so they went over to this pond and there was a box in the pond," said Ken Manning, an animal cruelty investigator with the Cape Breton SPCA.

As the men got closer, "they could hear the dog, so they got a stick and they pulled the box out of the pond and then they called us."

The dog had already clawed and chewed a hole in the side of the plywood box when the hunters retrieved it from the water, Mr. Manning said. But the men couldn’t free the dog because the box was screwed shut and neither man had a screwdriver.

The SPCA, which also does animal control for Cape Breton Regional Municipality, picked up the dog in the box and took it to the shelter, where it was freed from its would-be coffin.

"He’s traumatized," Mr. Manning said of the pooch. "The first day or so, he was really scared and snappy but now he’s OK, you can pat him and everything and walk him on a leash."

The dog is a male, has white and grey wiry fur and a blue collar with no name tag. He stands 30 to 35 centimetres high and "weighs less than a bag of potatoes," Mr. Manning said.

The dog didn’t appear to be injured but was missing a bit of fur on his back, though that could be due to a flea allergy, he said.

The SPCA is now looking for anyone who knows the dog, its owner or the origin of the box. "The box is well-made," Mr. Manning said. "It’s done by someone that knows carpentry."


The plywood box was about 35 centimetres wide, 35 centimetres deep and 60 centimetres high. Grooves were cut into the plywood to ensure a tight fit at the corners. It also had some kind of character on the box, possibly Lisa Simpson from the cartoon The Simpsons.
It also had a word scrawled across the top. Mr. Manning, who was speaking from his Sydney home Friday night, said it meant "for life," and was possibly spelled "joggqom."

The two hunters who found the dog came by the Sydney shelter earlier this week to see how he was doing, Mr. Manning said.

The dog is not up on the shelter’s adoption floor, because he’s being held as evidence for the time being.

Those responsible for the pup could face charges under the Criminal Code for causing unnecessary suffering and further charges under the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act. "This was done deliberately," Mr. Manning said. "And there was no need of it because the shelter is there. If they brought the animal in and they didn’t have any money to leave the animal, we wouldn’t refuse them."

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Dedicated Benoit Watchers Give some Advice

One of the Facebook members who are in the group - "Stop Gail Benoit's Puppy Mill" - his name is Scott - and he's been doing a lot of really great stuff and is fighting the good fight to educate the public about what is a good way and a bad way to get your companion animals in Nova Scotia - has made a super new You Tube video giving Ms. Benoit some advice. He also says that contrary to what Gail thinks - his group doesn't hate her - they just hate her practices.

The video is so good and thought provoking in fact that it has garnered local media attention down Digby way - the radio station Magic 94.9 says:

"A group of protesters linked through facebook have just released an on-line plea to Gail Benoit. Benoit and her boyfriend Dana Bailey are facing charges of animal cruelty after several puppies they sold died a short time later. They couple claim they are just as much a vicitm as anybody, and Bailey said as many as 12 of the same batch of puppies died in their possesion before they could sell them. The facebook protest group who have organized earlier protests have a Youtube video entitled "Dear Gail Benoit" released today that tells them they don't hate her, just her practices. The group says they will stop their media campaign against Benoits business when she publicly decrees she will stop selling puppies."

Isn't that super? All public media stuff is good public media exposure!

Here's the video - you can also click on it to go to the You Tube Video itself and leave a comment and show your support.

Somebody is in the WRONG Business

Someone just left this comment on my post "I feel sick"

I don't know if this person left the comment to be funny, or if they're serious - but I can't believe that someone who is currently working within our shelter system feels this way and is planning on applying for the Regional Coordinator of Animal Control Services that is presently posted for the HRM. It has left me shaken. I can't believe that it's anything other than a joke.

For one thing - Halifax doesn't HAVE a pit bull problem. When was the last time that a pit bull mauling happened in Halifax or Nova Scotia? Or any kind of dog mauling? They are as rare as people getting hit by lightning.

And certainly a dog is not a human - what kind of idiot would think that a dog is a human. A dog is a dog. A chicken is a chicken. A cow is a cow. But that doesn't mean that we can treat a human or a dog or a cow or a chicken inhumanely or torture any of those species. Just because the word inhumane has the word human in it doesn't mean that it applies to our species alone - the definition of it means "lacking compassion or kindness" - and if this person is actually speaking truthfully for themself - they are probably not only treating animals inhumanely, I'd be they're also going a few steps beyond that, and taking pleasure in it too.

I really hope this comment was left by some troll who was hoping to get a rise out of me and not by someone who is actually going to apply for the Animal Control job. We're doomed if that is actually the case - he or she will be in good company though.


Hi Joan,
I'm in "The Business" and strongly beleive 90% of shelter dogs should be put down. Nobody wants these dogs and keeping them for weeks/months is not the solution. A dog is a dog..not a human. I fully support breed banning and think all "Amstaffs" and variations of the breed should be destroyed and banned. Think of what a better world this would be without these pitbulls and their owners terrorizing the public. There is absolutely no requirement to have one of these dogs. If you want a dog, get a beagle, or some other normal breed. I find these bottom feeders with 3 or 4 dogs are a drain on society. If I had my way I would ban all these breeds and limit the amount of dogs you have to the amount of money you make. I think the money spent on cats and unwanted animals should go to paving our roads or improving the education system. I'm always amazed at what lengths some of you dog nazis are willing to lower you standard of living for a dog, which you think may love you, but take it away for a month and feed it and it will forget all about you. The answer is simple. Kill these unwanted cats and dogs. eventually things will be better and we can start cleaning up the city. I am going to apply for the newest AC job and hope to make some of these changes. Breed Banning works and it is long overdue in Nova Scotia.

For Fun - Dog Friendly Decor in Dogs in Canada

There is an article online at the magazine "Dogs in Canada" interviewing Colin and Justin from the tv show "Colin and Justin's Home Heist" - and they're talking about dog friendly decor, and some of the suggestions that they give really show that they have never lived in a really dog friendly home - as far as I'm concerned anyway! haha!

The article says that "Dogs in Canada has some simple tips and solutions for Colin and Justin’s top six design faux paws." Well - I'd like to add - "Dogkissers additional ideas to Colin and Justin's design tips"!!

Dirty digs
According to Colin and Justin, the number one thing all dog owners should be doing is keeping their home neat and clean.

Dogs in Canada fix
Regular grooming, slipcovers, and Colin and Justin finish off the section by saying - “No excuse! If your dogs are scratching at your coffee table don’t just try to pass it off as rustic. No one is going to buy that, okay?”

Dogkisser's idea - my very first dog George chewed off the leather handles to an antique trunk that we used as a coffee table in our living room. We only had George for a very short year and a half until she died tragically - but we had that trunk for a lot of years after that - and every time I looked at the chewed off handles on that trunk I thoughth of George and remembered when I came home and saw those chewed off handles - and I'd get a bit misty. Personal possessions and stuff are transient - it's your stuff that you use to frame around your life - but your stuff ISN'T your life. And it should be treated that way.

Smell no evil
Concerned that your house has a distinct doggy odour? “To be sure how clean your house is, ask people who don’t have dogs. Ask them to come over because you be-come immune to it,” suggest Colin and Justin.
“That happens with bad smells as well. Don’t think that only happens with Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hermès, it happens with dog odour as well.”

Dogs in Canada fix
Use a time-release air-freshener in areas your dog favours.

Dogkissers idea - I've written a whole blog post here before about sticking my nose close to Buttercup's bum so I can smell her popcorn farts. Enuf said....

Dog-obsessed designs
When your dog is a winner, ribbons and trophies tend to pile up quickly. But Colin and Justin claim that using them as home decorations is definitely a design no-no. “It’s like an obsession. Love your dog, be proud of your dog, and if your dog is a trophy winner, that’s fantastic. Celebrate that,” the pair offer. “But you do not have to have trophies and ribbons all over the place, because then the dog is dominating your decor.”
Having your dog’s knick-knacks all over the house can cramp anyone’s style. Colin and Justin concede that “You want to spoil your pooches. Of course you do. But do you really want to sit and watch TV with bones and bowls and all sorts of other paraphernalia that your dog may have?”

Dogs in Canada fix
Frame and display just the ribbon and/or photo of a big win.

Put up candid photos, but consider starting a scrapbook for show photos. Or commission an artist to paint your dog’s portrait and display that in a place of honour.

Dogkissers Idea - I have what I call the "Buttercup wall" - a whole wall with nothing but pictures of Buttercup. As far as I'm concerned - my dogs faces ARE works of art. I don't have a problem with that. I don't understand why anyone else would either... I mean, jeez - dogs are so beautiful, right? And bones are like the perfect shape, and stuffed animals on the floor are impossible to trip over because they're soft, and blankets everywhere just add colour to a room...

Fan-atics
It’s easy to become a fan of your dog, but when you accessorize your home using your breed as the motif, being a fan of your dog becomes your identity. Colin and Justin outline a familiar scenario: “It just goes overboard and then you actually become one of those people who that is all you get. It’s a vicious cycle.

Dogs in Canada fix
Edit your collection often. Keep only the things you really like or feel strongly sentimental about.

Dogkissers idea - that's the best thing about having mutts, and having multiple dogs - you will never fall into a breed rut! I am free to put up pictures of every kind of breed that I come across on my walls, on my bed, on my back, on my letterhead, as bookends, on my curtains, as a bumpersticker, you get the idea.

Their final advice -

Love your dog but don’t become obsessive

Dogkisser'e idea - AS IF!!