Scraps & Treats

Oak Bark?

The Cook County Animal Care and Control Department ordered the leashes back on dogs in Oak Park. There are currently no off-leash dogfriendly areas in Oak Park. As a compromise, the Park District of Oak Park had been allowing off-leash hours at Ridgeland Common and Lindberg
Park during the morning hours. However, as of Halloween weekend, the Cook County Animal Care and Control Department ordered leashes back on the dogs because it violates their off-leash regulations. “The hours won’t be coming back,” said Gary Banning at the park district. The park district and Animal Care and Control are currently seeking alternatives.
“We’re looking to find a temporary dog park fenced in area that can be used and now we’re developing a plan to present to Cook County,” he added. A new, permanent dog park is part of a long term plan. For further information visit www.OakParkParks.com.

Bi-petisan Agreement

For once, Democrats and Republicans are in agreement. Disturbed by the refusal of many disaster victims to evacuate New Orleans sans their beloved companion animals, Reps. Tom Lantos, D-California; Christopher Shays, R-Connecticut; and Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts; are sponsoring a bill to include pets as part of standard evacuation. “I cannot help but wonder how many more people could have been saved had they been able to take their pets,” Lantos told the Associated Press. The new bill would require that state and local disaster preparedness plans required for FEMA funding include provisions for household pets and service animals. While the combined efforts of organizations nationwide saved thousands of animals in Hurricane Katrina, it is estimated that sadly, only 5 percent of those animals will be reunited with their guardians. Formore details visit www.HSUS.org.

Hounda

In Wako, Japan, a new car has been created with dogs in mind. According to Yahoo! News, Honda Motor Company rolled out a new pet-friendly car which made its’ debut at the Tokyo auto show earlier this month.Features of the new vehicle include the “glove apartment,” which doubles as a special crate that is fitted into the passenger side, allowing a safe
place for small dogs and easy interaction with guardians. Another crate is built into the floor of the backseat and pops up, intended for larger dogs. Special seat belts have been designed for even bigger dogs. Other features of the vehicle include sliding doors and removable, washable, rollout flooring. The car was created by Honda designer Katsuhito Nakamura. It is not slated for commercial sale at this time.