RSPCA quits Crufts over controversy surrounding “deformed” pedigree dogs

FROM THE TIMES (LONDON), Sept. 16:
“The RSPCA cut its links with Crufts yesterday as a leading charity warned the organizers of the dog show that they must act to prevent the breeding of ‘deformed and disabled’ animals.

“The BBC, which has broadcast the show for 40 years, is also thought to be on the verge of deciding whether to continue its coverage.
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ASPCA responds to nationwide pet food recall affecting some pet food brands manufactured by Mars Petcare US.

Pet owners are advised to discontinue use of affected products immediately.
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WHAT:
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that trains the most highly certified canine-firefighter disaster search teams in the nation, is in immediate need of volunteers to comb the local shelters or surf the Internet to find high-energy Labs and golden retrievers with the drive and focus required in a disaster search dog.
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It is estimated that more than 1,000,000 dogs are hit by cars in this country each year, and another 60,000 are lost or stolen.

Seems like if more dogs were kept confined in their backyards … fewer of the dogs would run away and get lost or stolen … and fewer dogs would get hit by cars.

This isn’t rocket science, it’s just common sense. Think about it. /Gary

Dear Gary:
I’m writing because I’m sure you’ve heard about the new movie coming out soon entitled “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.” My concern and the concern of other rescue groups is that everyone will want to rush out and adopt a Chihuahua for their family only to realize a few weeks later that the dog doesn’t have the right temperament for their lifestyle.
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Sentinel chickens, more birds test positive for West Nile virus in Contra Costa County, CA.

Contra Costa County Mosquito & Vector Control District says the California cities of Antioch and Brentwood remain areas of high risk for West Nile Virus infection.
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We had a 4.0 earthquake last Friday (Sept. 5) at 9 p.m. near Alamo. It was felt all around the Bay Area.

Did any of your pets react before, during, or after the quake?

Please describe what happened — how your pets acted — and e-mail it to me at gbogue@bayareanewsgroup.com.

Thanks. I’ll print the results here and in my column. /Gary

It’s that time again — time for the 31st Annual John Muir Conservation Award from the John Muir Association in Martinez.

I just received the following press release asking for nominations from the public. Check it out and then please get back to the John Muir Association and nominate anyone you think might fit the qualifications.
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Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president, promotes this barbaric practice, exploiting a loophole in the Federal Airborne Hunting Act to allow private wolf killers to shoot down wolves using aircraft.

Please watch this powerful one minute video by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.

WARNING: This video is extremely disturbing. It contains graphic images of aerial hunting of wolves.

Sad. /Gary

I received the following letter from Dr. Benjamin Otten, DVM, a veterinarian from the Contra Costa Veterinary Emergency Center.

It’s a must read for all dog owners.
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