Tails in the News

By Sarah Dahnke

Illinois once again prevents horse slaughter

In late September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled to uphold the decision made by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to prevent horse slaughter for human consumption. The law was originally passed in May, but Cavel International in Dekalb challenged the constitutionality of the decision and was able to remain open in the interim. Cavel could potentially challenge the ruling again by requesting a review of the decision or appealing to the Supreme Court of the United States. But if the slaughterhouse does not take action, this ruling effectively shuts down the last remaining horse slaughter plant in the country.
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which would officially ban horse slaughter in the United States under federal law, is still pending.

Chicago considers TNR legislation

*At press time, the city of Chicago was deciding upon an ordinance that would legally allow the management of feral cat colonies.

Local shelter reunites man with dog

In mid-September, the Anti-Cruelty Society helped Tom Finley, a well-known downtown panhandler, reunite with his dog Reba, who went missing after he left her outside a McDonald’s. The shelter offered a $500 reward for Reba’s return, and after two weeks of aid from the public—including printed flyers and a cell phone donation to Finley—a woman returned the Husky/Terrier mix.
The unnamed woman said she did not want to accept the reward, which had increased due to private donations, so it was given to Finley, who survives on monthly Social Security checks. Anti-Cruelty has also pledged to provide a lifetime of free veterinary care for Reba, who is 12 years old and is exhibiting health problems. After her first checkup, the shelter’s vets found that she had a large growth near her spleen that will need to be removed. Anti-Cruelty is in the process of helping Reba receive the medical care she needs.
“All of us at The Anti-Cruelty Society are very happy that we were able to be a part of reuniting Tom and Reba,” says Nadine Walmsley, vice president of development for Anti-Cruelty. “Every one of us wishes Tom and Reba the very best, and we appreciate the support of everyone who helped.”

Chenny Troupe awarded $10,000 grant

The Planet Dog Foundation, a nonprofit grant making organization, awarded Chenny Troupe a $10,000 grant at the H.H. Backer Pet Industry Trade Show on October 13. The funds will allow the animal-assisted therapy organization to continue its mission to assist clients with physical and emotional challenges. Planet Dog Foundation gives cash grants twice a year to programs that utilize dogs for service and support.

Charity animal hospital proposed for Chicago’s West Side

Best Friends Animal Society is in preliminary talks with local officials to build a charity animal hospital on Chicago’s West Side. The facility would not only provide low-cost spay/neuter services and medical care for pets, but it would also allow residents to receive animal-related education about proper care and positive reinforcement training, with a special focus on reaching children while they are still impressionable. The center could also offer opportunities for adults to learn skills that could help them find employment in an animal-related field. Best Friends says it is important to offer these resources in at-risk areas where they are often limited. At this point, however, no firm decisions have been made, according to Best Friends staff member Amy Abern. The group is also investigating similar sites in a few other cities.

Chicago researcher recognized for animal conservation award

Nominees for the biennial Indianapolis Prize have been announced, and 29 researchers with an array of animal conservation work are being recognized, including Robert Lacy from the Chicago Zoological Society. Lacy is responsible for creating software that enables users to understand how environmental, demographic, and genetic factors influence the extinction of endangered species.
Other nominees were recognized for conducting research around the world that represents the conservation of ocean life, primates, elephants, wetland inhabitants, and more. The group will be narrowed down to six finalists, who will be announced in early 2008, and one winner will be chosen on Sept. 28, 2008. The winner will receive the Lilly Medal for his or her contributions to conserving threatened animals, and a $100,000 reward.
The Indianapolis Prize, administered by the Indianapolis Zoo, is the world’s leading prize in animal conservation and was initiated as a way to bring attention to those who have dedicated their lives to these efforts. Last year’s award was given to Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, who has helped to protect 15 species of cranes.

Man receives settlement after fatal dog shooting

The City of Chicago has agreed to pay $27,000 to a man who says area police shot and killed his dog last year. On Feb. 26, 2006, Calvin Hale, a resident of the west side of Chicago, says he was standing in his yard getting water for Lady, his 10-year-old Akita, when a police officer ran through his yard in pursuit of a suspect. The officer tripped over Lady, drew his gun, and shot her at point blank range, according to Hale’s court statement. Even though Hale tried to call the officer’s attention, there was no response. The plaintiff alleged that fatally shooting a dog on private property, without being provoked, is “not an acceptable police practice.” City officials declined to comment on the settlement and have admitted no wrongdoing.

Suburban shelter director publishes book to promote rescue and adoption

Sandi Petee, clinic director at South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights, has recently self-published a children’s book titled Fostering Champ. The book aims to garner awareness about fostering animals and positively impact children’s beliefs about pets. In addition to enlightening the public about the benefits of rescue and adoption, Petee is offering the book to nonprofit organizations to sell as a fundraising item at a 50 percent profit per book.
Individual books are available for sale at SSHSPets.org. Anyone wishing to buy copies for fundraising purposes should contact Petee at sandipetee@msn.com.