Tails in the news

Horse slaughter banned for
human consumption

On May 16, the Illinois Senate voted 39 to 16 to ban horse slaughter for human consumption, effectively shutting down the Cavel International Inc. horse slaughterhouse in DeKalb. The act was signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich on May 24, forcing Cavel to stop processing horsemeat immediately. Before the passage of this bill, the DeKalb plant was the only remaining factory actively killing horses in the United States. Even though there is no domestic market for horsemeat in the United States, the factory shipped the meat to foreign countries for human consumption. Actress Bo Derek was instrumental in assisting with the passage of the law, traveling to Illinois along with the Society for Animal Protective Legislation to discuss the issue with state lawmakers. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, also known as H.R. 503 and S. 311, is currently working its way through Congress. If it is passed, it will make it a federal law to end horse slaughter for human consumption and prevent the exportation of horses to be processed for horsemeat.

New law protects pets in domestic
violence disputes

On May 22, the Illinois state Congress passed H.B. 9, which amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, allowing the court to order protection orders for animals in homes with domestic violence problems. The bill also gives the petitioner exclusive custody, care, and control over the animal and forbids the respondent to remove, hide, harm, conceal, or otherwise dispose of the animal. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals worked closely with legislators to implement this amendment, which is similar to efforts that have taken place in other states including California, New York, Vermont, and Maine.

Internet hunting banned in Illinois

On May 23, the Illinois state legislature unanimously passed H.B. 201 and S.B. 518, which bans killing live animals over the Internet. The new law prohibits operating, providing, selling, or using any computer software or service that allows a person not on-site to remotely control a weapon used to kill wildlife. Those who use Internet hunting services or software could be found guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, and those who facilitate the use of such software or services could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The measure was supported by the Humane Society of the United States, which has advocated similar legislation in 32 states. Bills to outlaw Internet hunting have been enacted on the state level since 2005, after the first website that allowed hunters to pay a fee to shoot captive animals with the click of a mouse, was developed. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware all have bills pending to outlaw Internet hunting.

Chicago area dog advances to Chihuahua Championship Race finals

Canine resident Chalupa, of Hammond, Indiana, has been named Chicagoland’s fastest Chihuahua after winning the third annual Petco Unleashed regional race in Wheaton. This marks the third straight win for the speedy canine who will go on to compete at the Petco Unleashed 2007 event in San Diego on September 2. Chalupa beat out approximately 300 Chihuahua competitors after racing down the 35-foot-long track in approximately three seconds. She was also the national winner in the first-annual Petco race. Her guardian, Alfonso Salinas Jr., said he trains Chalupa with some of her favorite treats, which helps her focus on winning the races. The winner of the San Diego race will be crowned America’s Fastest Chihuahua and will be awarded with a trophy, a $300 Petco gift card, and a year’s supply in Royal Canin pet food.

Area vet sued for alleged misconduct

Phil Elliott of Glendale Heights is suing Glen Ellyn veterinarian Dr. Lori A. Civello for alleged misconduct, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence after Elliot’s 15-year-old dog Lucky, a Labrador mix, left home unexpectedly in the fall of 2005. A neighbor brought the dog to the Glendale Animal Hospital where Dr. Civello works. The dog was euthanized within two hours of being examined by the veterinarian. DuPage County Animal Care and Control mandates that stray dogs impounded in DuPage County must be held at least seven days before being euthanized, unless they are suffering. Elliott claims Lucky only suffered from arthritis and a skin infection, however Dr. Civello’s attorney says the dog was found in horrible shape and couldn’t walk into the hospital on his own. Lucky was also microchipped, but Civello did not detect the ID tag. Elliott and his wife claim they have suffered mental anguish, loss of sleep, and appetite and are seeking more than $50,000 in damages as part of their suit.

Actress and animal rights activist dies

Gretchen Wyler, former vice-president of the Humane Society of Hollywood and founder of the Genesis Awards that recognize excellence in humane media, passed away on May 27. The long-time animal rights activist had been suffering from metastatic breast cancer. She was 75.

Wyler, an actress best known for her roles on Broadway, was the first woman to serve on the board of directors at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She then formed The Ark Trust, which eventually became HSUS Hollywood. During her career as an animal crusader, she touched many people, including Beverly Kaskey, the new executive director of the Genesis Awards. “She changed my life and the direction of my life,” says Kaskey, who worked at a movie studio but got involved with Ark Trust shortly after meeting Wyler.

Wyler’s spirit for animal welfare was contagious, and although she knew the battle for improved animal rights was difficult, she never gave up. “She was tireless; she was tenacious,” Kaskey says. “She told me once that she took her losses very well. When you’re fighting for animal rights, you take a lot of losses.”

At the 21st Annual Genesis Awards, held earlier this year, the board named an award in her honor. It recognizes a celebrity or public figure who has made news or created awareness in the animal community. Kaskey says she knows Wyler was proud of this because it ensured all of her hard work would continue.

Wyler had also fought tirelessly for five years to have Ruby the African elephant released from the Los Angeles Zoo to an animal sanctuary. Two weeks before Wyler’s death, Ruby was sent to PAWS Sanctuary in Northern California.