Scraps & Treats

Mark your calendar!

Dog and cat overpopulation is a huge problem that plagues not only the United States but other countries around the globe as well. According to American Humane, as many as 2.7 million animals are euthanized per year for every 1,000 shelters in the U.S. and only 15% of shelter dogs and 2% of shelter cats are reunited with their guardians. In 1992 the

International Society for Animals Rights created National Homeless Animals’ Day to urge people to spay or neuter their pets and publicize the killing of dogs and cats left in shelters each year. Since that time, it has become a world-wide occasion falling on the third Saturday of every August. This year the world will recognize August 20 as National

Homeless Animals’ Day with organizations all over the globe hosting events to commemorate the day, including pet walks, open houses at shelters, and candlelight vigils. Last year more than 39 states and 24 countries participated and this year, ISAR hopes to represent all 50 states and increase their international presence. For more information, please visit

www.IsarOnline.org.

State Treasurer Treasures Pets

In an effort to control pet overpopulation, Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka partnered with various statewide animal shelters to form the Treasured Pets Program. Topinka, an animal lover herself, saw an opportunity to use her position as State Treasurer to encourage responsible pet guardianship. Through adoption, Topinka wants to address problems rooted in this critical issue including animal abuse, the spread of disease, and taxes intended for animal control. People looking to adopt can find participating shelters on the Treasurer’s website, which offers information about these organizations and photos with descriptions of available animals. Since 2002 over 200 animals have been adopted through her program which has now grown to encompass 22 area shelters and which she hopes to expand nationwide to include other states and shelters. Please visit www.State.il.us/treas/  for more information on adoption through Treasured Pets. Interested shelters can contact the Treasurer’s Office at (312) 814-1793 or email

webmaster@Treasurer.State.il.us.

PAWS to end Puppy Mills

The Humane Society of the United States has begun a campaign to help protect dogs and cats at mass breeding facilities. The Pet Animal Welfare Statute, or PAWS, targets puppy mills that carelessly mass produce dogs in poor conditions, which include inadequate food and shelter, overcrowded cages, minimal veterinary care, and little socialization with humans. Some canines live out their lives in these mills solely to produce as many puppies as possible. Unfortunately, once they reach their reproductive capacity, these dogs are killed. Many of these facilities fall through loopholes of the Animal Welfare Act because they are considered “pet stores” that sell directly to the unsuspecting public. Consumers who buy from such facilities often wind up with puppies that harbor genetically born diseases and other expensive health problems. PAWS requires those who fall in this category and produce seven or more litters of dogs or cats each year to be licensed by the USDA. The HSUS is asking citizens to petition their U.S. Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor

PAWS by visiting www.Community.hsus.org