Scraps & Treats

House bill calls for stiffer animal cruelty fines

In response to the recent rash of dog killings in Superior Township, Michigan State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) recently introduced legislation that would stiffen animal cruelty fines. She asked the House of Representatives to immediately consider House Bill 6095, which would amend an existing law to allow a $5,000 fine for each animal affected and allow consecutive sentencing. It has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. Since January, officials have discovered nine dead dogs in the rural community east of Ann Arbor, four of whom were decapitated. “This kind of disgusting, senseless violence toward people’s pets is beyond sick. If the threat of jail time isn’t enough of a deterrent, then perhaps huge fines will be,” Byrnes said in a news release. The Humane Society of Huron Valley is still investigating the cruelty case, offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the crimes. Anyone with information should call (734) 662-5585, ext. 127. For more information about House Bill 6095 or to contact Byrnes, visit www.052.HouseDems.com.

National Homeless Animals’ Day

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 percent of shelter dogs and 2 percent of shelter cats are reunited with their guardians. In 1992 the International Society for Animal 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 worldwide occasion, falling on the third Saturday of every August. This year it will be recognized on Aug.19 with organizations all over the globe hosting events to commemorate the day, including pet walks, open houses at shelters, and candlelight vigils. To request a Vigil Packet visit www.ISAROnline.org or write to:
International Society for Animal Rights
965 Griffin Pond Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411

The Real World: Cat Town

Move over Project Runway, there’s a new reality show on the way: The Meow Mix House. Filming for the first-ever reality show based on cats just wrapped shooting at a specially designed cat pad in New York City. Ten shelters throughout the country, sent a feline friend, or “cat-testant,” to participate in the show, which is being produced by The Meow Mix Company. Webcams were set up in every room of the house to see just what cats do all day when their guardians aren’t around. A panel of judges determines the winner, who will receive a job working for The Meow Mix Company as Feline Vice President of Research and Development. All of the cats will be adopted into a (pre-selected) permanent home and given a year supply of Meow Mix. The show airs Fridays beginning June 23, for more details visit www.MeowMixHouse.com.