Tails in the News

 

The Humane Society of Missouri rescued more than 70 animals in Butler county on Halloween, the second animal hoarding offense by the same alleged culprit in three years. Rescuers found 59 dogs, seven cats and four rabbits crowded into inhumane, dirty conditions in and around a woman’s trailer home, according to Tim Rickey, Assistant Director of Rescue and Investigation for the HSM.
“The dogs outside were kept in plastic crates or wired-in cages, some with three or four animals to a cage that was unsuitable for one,” Rickey said. “It was a very unsanitary environment. The cages were probably rarely, if ever, cleaned.”
Rickey said the trailer was also stacked high with clothes, blankets, and newspapers, indicating that the hoarding is a psychological disorder. For this reason, as well as for the welfare of these and future animals, the Humane Society is recommending animal abuse charges be filed.
“We want to prevent this lady from having the opportunity to own animals again in the future,” Rickey said. “We also want a judge to get a court order to get this lady some counseling. This is a psychological disorder that affects not just the animals, but also her personal life.”
The animals are being held as evidence as of press time, but will be available for adoption after a hearing has taken place.

Canines rock the vote

In a little more than a year, Barbara Haywood has gone from an apolitical communications consultant to a full-fledged activist and campaigner, and it all started with a bumper sticker.
“I’m the least political person you would know,” says the Montclair, New Jersey resident. “I sort of fell into this.”
What she’s referring to is My Dog Votes, her “Paul Newman-style” company that sells politically charged t-shirts to pet lovers and encourages them to vote, particularly in an important election year such as this one.
“Politicians only care about votes and money,” she said. “I don’t have any money, but I get votes.”
Starting with just some sticky stuff and a catchy slogan, Haywood has focused on making local politicians aware that dog guardians concentrate on their canines when casting their votes. She’s partnered with organizations like the American Dog Owners Association and the National Dog Club for voter registration pushes and to protest breed-specific legislation.
“I’m more of a campaigner than I am a company at this point,” Haywood said. “I feel very strongly that dog lovers, who make up large chunks of the population, need to make clear that these are strong issues for them.”
Haywood insists that her group is non-partisan, and thus does not endorse specific candidates. But her own pooch, a rescued Pit Bull named Princess Zsa Zsa, tends to sway her into advocacy.
“I wouldn’t want to live in Denver, where sheriffs could come to my door and take my dog—a member of my family—away because she’s the wrong breed,” she said. “The only way to effectively overcome this challenge is to rally average, dog-loving citizens to the cause.”

For more information, visit www.MyDogVotes.com.