Tails in the News


New animal care facility serves Santa Clara County


The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, formed in 2000 to ensure the well-being of animals by providing low-cost animal control services, opened a state-of-the-art, 17,000-square-foot facility in November 2006 after the Humane Society of Silicon Valley made the decision to stop providing animal control services to local communities. The facility primarily provides services to the residents of Campbell, Monte Sereno, and Santa Clara, but adoption is not limited to residents of these cities, according to executive director Dan Soszynski. “SVACA provides field and stray animal services for these cities only; our adoption center is open to everyone in the Bay Area, and beyond!” he says. In addition to providing adoption services, the SVACA investigates animal bites, fields animal complaints, provides animal licensing, investigates reports of animal abuse, loans out humane traps, and provides care for sick and injured wildlife in Santa Clara County.

Rabbit shelter reminds residents to reconsider impulse adoption

 


The Rabbit Haven of Scotts Valley is asking California residents to think twice before adopting a rabbit for a child this Easter season. Every year the pet industry markets bunnies as basket stuffers for Easter morning, resulting in thousands of baby rabbits being purchased without much thought about their needs, care, or well-being, according to The Rabbit Haven. Many of the animals are purchased at pet stores, which sell them before they are properly weaned, or they are sold by “back yard breeders,” who sell bunnies at flea markets or yard sales. This year, The Rabbit Haven has partnered with the national “Make Mine Chocolate” campaign, which encourages people to give chocolate bunnies or plush toys to children this Easter. For those who have put careful thought into the rabbit adoption process and are still interested, The Rabbit Haven urges community members to attend a regular rabbit adoption show at the Petsmart in Santa Cruz or at Other Living Things in Sunnyvale. For more information visit www.TheRabbitHaven.org.
 

Animal adoption fair and clinic debuts on south side


The indoor animal pet adoption and information fair and low-cost clinic, presented by the office of City Council Member Forest Williams and Dr. Mayor Reed of Bascom Animal Hospital, is set to take place at the Southside community and Senior Center in San Jose on March 31. The event will feature adoptable kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, and bunnies seeking a good home. For those who already have pets, low-cost shots, microchips, and nail clipping services will be available. Heartworm, flea, and tick medication will also be available at a low price, and Dr. Reed will be providing animal behavior counseling. Dr. Reed’s previous adoption events have been successful; during his indoor pet fair in October 2006, more than 400 members of the public attended the three-hour event.

New laws affect dog and cat caretakers in California


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed three state bills that aim to improve animal welfare across the state. State Bill 1578 makes it illegal to tether a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours at a time. The crime is now considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in a county jail. Similarly, State Bill 1806 makes it a crime to leave animals unattended in vehicles during dangerous conditions. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for six months. State Bill 1349 increases the penalty for animal fighting to up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in county jail (call Silicon Valley Animal Control at 408-764-0344 or Humane Society of Silicon Valley at 408-578-PAWS to report violations). Also, beginning April 1, all cat litter products are required to include a statement that instructs the proper disposal of cat feces to encourage disposing of it in the trash and discourage flushing it down the toilet. This provision is part of Section 4501 of State Bill 2485, which amends the Fish and Game Code to reduce water pathogens that affect the mortality of marine animals.

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