Tails in the News

Animal control ordinance changes sent for revision

On May 1 the City of San Jose voted on possible changes to Title 7 of its Animal Ordinance. Volunteers from Humane Society Silicon Valley attended the meeting to show their support for the amendments, which would prevent the outdoor sale of animals except by registered shelters and rescue groups. The City Council sent the proposal back to city staff for revisions in order to address safety issues and standards of care. Nine out of 10 council members supported these revisions, but the mayor opposed the action. The council is expected to revisit the proposed amendments in the coming weeks.

Homeless man has heart attack protecting pet

Cornelius Van Der Vies, a homeless man who resided in downtown San Jose, died on April 30 immediately after protecting his dog from an attack. Witnesses say another homeless man was throwing objects at the dog, named Boo Boo, and after Van Der Vies stepped in, the man began kicking and hitting him until he collapsed. Authorities believe he may have suffered a heart attack, which resulted in death. Boo Boo was taken to the San Jose Animal Care Center, where he is adjusting well, according to the organization. They are currently working to find Van Der Vies’ next of kin, but if no one is found, Boo Boo will eventually go to a shelter that will place him with a family. San Jose Animal Care has received several calls from concerned citizens who would like to adopt Boo Boo, but it will be up to the shelter that takes him to make the final decision.

Bush signs animal fighting bill

President Bush recently signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (Bill H.R. 137), which will create felony penalties for the trafficking or purchase of animals used in illegal fighting rings. The new law, which was passed by the senate in April, will make it a federal offense to promote or sponsor animal fighting events, giving law enforcement agents more power when enforcing the budding world of dog and cockfighting. Animal fighting is a popular underground sport often linked to gangs and drug trafficking and is considered to be an inhumane and cruel activity, often resulting in injuries or fatalities for the animal participants. Lately cockfighting has become a major player in the spread of bird flu, often brought on by exposure to birds in tight quarters. By raising this issue to a federal level supporters and legislators hope to crack down on the industry and put an end to the cruelty bestowed on the animals. The law has been in the works for six years and the final approval from President Bush shows action is being taken to thwart future inhumane fights. Violators of the new law could receive fines up to $250,000 and could face up to three years in prison. For more information on the pending bill visit Congress.gov. –C. Warner Sills

Fatal infection affecting area cats, new vaccine provides protection

In 2002, researchers at the University of California at Davis found an unusually virulent strain of calicivirus, which caused severe systemic disease with a high mortality rate in cats. Felines of all ages, even those with vaccinations were affected, but university researchers did not find any new cases after August of 2002. However, Purrfect Cat Rescue in Fremont, California, has recently diagnosed more than one of its kittens with this virus, according to Jennifer Wargo, fundraising coordinator for the organization. They are currently submitting samples to UC Davis for study. In the meantime, Fort Dodge, the animal health division of the pharmaceutical company Wyeth, has developed a vaccine that is shown to provide protection against one of the virulent forms, according to Wargo. Signs of infection include fever, ulcers, runny eyes, open sores, limping, and swelling. It is transmitted through secretions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Legislative Alert: California Healthy Pets Act

The California Healthy Pets Act (AB 1634), a proposal to impose mandatory spay/neuter laws, has been approved by the Assembly Committee, amended, and sent to the Legislative Council. The bill requires most dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered by the time they are four months old and charges those who do not comply with a fine. The fines, which would be enforced by local animal control agencies, would go toward expanding free or low-cost spay and neuter programs. Guide dogs and service dogs, non-resident show dogs, purebred dogs and cats whose guardians have obtained a permit, and dogs and cats who have been deemed too old or unhealthy to spay or neuter would be exempt. Many animal rescue groups across the state of California have expressed their support for the bill. To learn more information, visit CAHealthyPets.com.