Scraps & Treats

 

Chinese activists stage massive feline rescue

Some 800 cats in China are looking for new homes after being rescued by animal activists in July. The cats were headed by truck to a market in southern China to be sold as food; cat meat is considered a delicacy there. Duo Zriong, a veteran cat rescuer in Shanghai, initially called police to try and stop the truck. As news of the standoff spread online, other cat lovers mobilized. Activists pooled their money to raise $1,320, enough to buy the animals from the commercial company that raised them for slaughter. All of the rescued cats were put up for adoption.

Dog fighting a common threat in many neighborhoods

Due to the recent allegations facing NFL player Michael Vick, the ASPCA has published a guide to help the public understand the origins of dog fighting and to assist people who suspect the practice may be happening in their community. According to the ASPCA, dog fighting participants and spectators are part of a diverse group of people, many of whom are not economically disadvantaged. However, one of the most basic reasons people get involved with dog fighting is for the money, since dog fight raids can turn up hundreds of thousands of dollars. The fights, which most often involve two Pit Bulls fighting until they are severely injured, usually take place in a area between 14 and 20 square feet and can last for several hours. If you are aware of suspicious behavior that may suggest dog fighting is taking place, the ASPCA recommends contacting local police or animal control officials. The practice is currently illegal in the U.S. and is a felony in every state except for Idaho and Wyoming. To read more of the ASPCA’s recommendations, visit ASPCA.org.

Rats become the latest rage

First came the Dalmatian rush after 101 Dalmatians. Then everyone wanted clown fish after seeing Finding Nemo. Now it is rat sales and adoptions that are on the rise. With the hit summer movie Ratatouille, featuring a bevy of adorable rats who happen to love to cook, vets are bracing for a surge of sick and abandoned rats. Pet stores say it is mostly kids who bring their parents in to pick up a rat. Domesticated rats, unlike those featured in the film or found on the streets, are neither dirty nor likely to spread disease. And, as an added benefit, they rarely bite. Still, people should make sure to do their research on what goes into caring for a pet rat to make sure that it is something they can manage. To learn more about pet rats, visit AdorableRats.com.