Tails in the News
Farm Animal Anti-Cruelty Act passes with flying colors
On Tuesday, November 7, the people of Arizona voted in favor of Proposition 204, the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act, an ordinance that pushes for the humane treatment of all animals. The initiative, which passed with sixty percent of the vote, was supported greatly by animal welfare groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Defense League of Arizona. Large farming organizations such as The Campaign for Arizona Farmers & Ranchers (CAFR) opposed it saying it was unnecessary and politically motivated.
“Animals raised for food should not be denied the most basic types of humane care,” said Cheryl Naumann, the chairwoman of YES on Prop 204 and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society in a statement. “But currently, in our state, close to 16,000 breeding pigs are kept in horrendous conditions by large, corporate factory farms.”
The act aims to improve the conditions of state livestock farms stating: “A person shall not tether or confine any pig during pregnancy or any calf raised for veal, on a farm, for all or the majority of any day, in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down and fully extending his or her limbs; or turning around freely.”
Prop 204 also calls for a strict enforcement of its laws, including a six-month prison sentence and a fine of $20,000 to farmers who violate the decree.
Organizations that opposed the proposition believed that it was part of a national movement to hinder America’s farmers and ranchers, brought to Arizona by out of state animal rights groups with a nationwide political agenda. They also continue to preach the financial tribulations that will result from the act.
“Arizona farmers and ranchers are honest/hardworking people that treat animals humanely and provide them a safe and healthy environment,” said the Campaign for Arizona Farmers and Ranchers in a statement opposing 204.
The initiative goes into effect December 31, 2012. For more information on the act visit the Arizona Secretary of State’s website at, www.AZSoS.gov.
The Phoenix-based Arizona Animal Welfare League is currently treating four puppies for the Parvovirus, a disease found in young canines and wolves, that stunts cell development and is ultimately fatal. Due to the severity of the disease and the necessity to prevent an outbreak, AAWL is looking for financial support to help fund the expensive treatment.
The Parvovirus damages a dog’s cells and in turn destroys the intestinal lining, which causes bloody diarrhea and eventually death, as well as causing higher risks of acute outbreaks. Animals with the disease are generally given an isolated seven-day treatment that is not only expensive but also time consuming.
While the treatment can be an arduous process, dogs that are successfully treated rarely see any long-term side effects from the virus. According to AAWL’s veterinarian, Dr. Kathleen Hoffman, the treatment costs the shelter around $300 per puppy infected with the Parvovirus, a cost that she says is quite reasonable compared to the private sector.
“If the treatment were administered at a private veterinarian’s office, the cost could easily exceed $1500,” said Hoffman.
The Parvovirus is especially deadly among young puppies and is easily spread if not treated in advance. Symptoms of the virus include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
For more information on the Parvovirus or to make a donation to the AAWL please call (602) 273-6852 or visit www.AAWL.org.
On Tuesday, November 7, the people of Arizona voted in favor of Proposition 204, the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Act, an ordinance that pushes for the humane treatment of all animals. The initiative, which passed with sixty percent of the vote, was supported greatly by animal welfare groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Defense League of Arizona. Large farming organizations such as The Campaign for Arizona Farmers & Ranchers (CAFR) opposed it saying it was unnecessary and politically motivated.
“Animals raised for food should not be denied the most basic types of humane care,” said Cheryl Naumann, the chairwoman of YES on Prop 204 and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society in a statement. “But currently, in our state, close to 16,000 breeding pigs are kept in horrendous conditions by large, corporate factory farms.”
The act aims to improve the conditions of state livestock farms stating: “A person shall not tether or confine any pig during pregnancy or any calf raised for veal, on a farm, for all or the majority of any day, in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down and fully extending his or her limbs; or turning around freely.”
Prop 204 also calls for a strict enforcement of its laws, including a six-month prison sentence and a fine of $20,000 to farmers who violate the decree.
Organizations that opposed the proposition believed that it was part of a national movement to hinder America’s farmers and ranchers, brought to Arizona by out of state animal rights groups with a nationwide political agenda. They also continue to preach the financial tribulations that will result from the act.
“Arizona farmers and ranchers are honest/hardworking people that treat animals humanely and provide them a safe and healthy environment,” said the Campaign for Arizona Farmers and Ranchers in a statement opposing 204.
The initiative goes into effect December 31, 2012. For more information on the act visit the Arizona Secretary of State’s website at, www.AZSoS.gov.
Shelter treats severe dog virus
The Phoenix-based Arizona Animal Welfare League is currently treating four puppies for the Parvovirus, a disease found in young canines and wolves, that stunts cell development and is ultimately fatal. Due to the severity of the disease and the necessity to prevent an outbreak, AAWL is looking for financial support to help fund the expensive treatment.
The Parvovirus damages a dog’s cells and in turn destroys the intestinal lining, which causes bloody diarrhea and eventually death, as well as causing higher risks of acute outbreaks. Animals with the disease are generally given an isolated seven-day treatment that is not only expensive but also time consuming.
While the treatment can be an arduous process, dogs that are successfully treated rarely see any long-term side effects from the virus. According to AAWL’s veterinarian, Dr. Kathleen Hoffman, the treatment costs the shelter around $300 per puppy infected with the Parvovirus, a cost that she says is quite reasonable compared to the private sector.
“If the treatment were administered at a private veterinarian’s office, the cost could easily exceed $1500,” said Hoffman.
The Parvovirus is especially deadly among young puppies and is easily spread if not treated in advance. Symptoms of the virus include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
For more information on the Parvovirus or to make a donation to the AAWL please call (602) 273-6852 or visit www.AAWL.org.
