America's Great Horse Culture in Peril as Economy Leaves More Equines Vulnerable To Crimes of Slaughter --The Body Politic Radio Show Gets Inside Grisly Door of Equine Slaughter Transport
/24-7/ -- It's near midnight as a two-tier cattle truck climbs a hill 50 miles from Tulsa, OK, grinding and spitting from its lumbering load. The grueling 1,000 mile trek that began at a horse auction near Waukegon, Illinois is far from over, as the truck's destination is a Texas holding pen earmarked for slaughter-bound horses nearly 355 miles away. If the truck makes it across the state line, it will deliver nearly 50 horses----yearlings, pregnant mares, registered Thoroughbreds, purebred Arabians, wild Mustangs and ponies, Appaloosas, and newly born foals to a Mexican slaughter house. While these equines have individual stories and backgrounds, they share one commonality: They were all purchased at auction by what is known in the industry as "kill buyers" who are fulfilling independent contracts with the slaughter house. As many as 22 horses have already died en route due to kicking injuries, water and food deprivation, and suffocation since departing the auction nearly 72 hours earlier. This scene is not set in the Dust Bowl era. The overweight, fragile truck is not filled with John Steinbeck's endearing "Joad" family seeking a better life . It's a glimpse into the all too real underworld of horse slaughter transport to plants located in Mexico and Canada-----fostering a highly egregious form of animal cruelty that continues unabated in the U.S. despite years of bitter public and political opposition.
The continued public outcry prompted Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY) and John Spratt (D-SC) to sponsor bill H.R. 503 in 2006 in an effort to stop Mexico and Canada from butchering tens of thousands of healthy American horses every month. Although passed by a strong bipartisan vote in the House, the bill has been reportedly blocked by Agricultural special interest groups repeatedly, and remains in a seemingly permanent state of limbo in the Senate. The bill was reintroduced to the House of Representatives on January 14, 2009 by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan) and Dan Burton (R-Indiana), which became known as The Conyers-Burton Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009. The bill would criminalize the shipping, transporting, purchasing, selling, delivering, or receiving of any horse, horse flesh, or carcass with the intent that it be used for human consumption. In 2007, two slaughter plants in Texas and the last slaughter house in Illinois were permanently shut due to the enforcement of state laws and related lawsuits. Passage of H.R. 503 would prevent such slaughter houses from opening in any state that does not already have a ban in place. More than 100,000 American horses were exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter last year.
On Monday, December 7, at 1:00 PM PST, radio host and investigative journalist, Suzanne Marcus-Fletcher will continue her Itunes series on the state of horse welfare in America in a 60 minute interview with nationally recognized equine advocate Shelley Sawhook, President of the American Horse Defense Fund (AHDF) based in Washington, D.C. AHDF is the nation's leading horse welfare organization working to protect America's horses from abuse www.savinghorses.org. Fletcher's interview with Sawhook can be heard live or on demand at www.blogtalkradio/thebodypolitic or by calling The Body Politic Listener dial-in number: (646) 595-2146 at 1:00 P.M. PST on 12/7/09. The broadcast will be available in the Itunes store under The Body Politic / Blog Talk Radio podcasts.
Among the show's topics will be the current status of H.R. 503, and other major advocacy initiatives now underway at the AHDF on the issues of slaughter and equine transport.
National awareness of the equine slaughter issue ballooned after it was learned that one of America's 100 greatest racehorses named Exceller-----who beat two Triple Crown winners in the 1978 Jockey Gold Cup (Seattle Slew and Affirmed) and won 11 Grade or Group one Races, died in a slaughterhouse in Sweden on April 7, 1997----the same month he was nominated for induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Fletcher's interview with the The Exceller Fund's Executive Director, Nicole Smith, and former President/Executive Director Bonnie Mizrahi is available in the Itunes store and at www.suzannemarcusfletcher.com. The Exceller Fund www.excellerfund.org was launched one month after the famed equines' death to help transition Thoroughbred horses to a second career off the track and provide "a future beyond the finish line." Said Mizrahi, "We all bemoan what happened to Exceller, yet this [slaughter] is happening every week with race horses that aren't as well known, but are no less deserving." Indeed, slaughter foes appeared to unite en mass after American news agencies reported that Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner, ended up in a slaughterhouse in Japan in 2002.
"Horse slaughter is an industry----not a charitable way for farmers to dispose of their old, sick, horses as believed by many across the country" said acclaimed equine advocate, Anne Irving. "It is an industry driven by the demand of foreign diners in Europe and Japan who consider American horse-meat a delicacy, and enjoy the lean horse-meat, which sells for approximately $20.00 per pound - and costs about .39 to .49 cents per pound on the hoof at auction," noted Irving. "Following the closing of the U.S. based plants, exports to Canadian and Mexican plants increased to quickly bring the total slaughter (numbers) back to the same level as before the closings."
Fletcher will continue her series on the state of horse welfare in America with AHDF President, Shelley Sawhook, Friday December 11, at 1:00 PM PST on The Body Politic radio show. This episode will focus on the Wild and Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act (ROAM), including a discussion of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) alleged plans to initiate mass round-ups in Nevada and elsewhere with the intent to move a significant number of America's remaining wild horses and burros----symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West----into mass holding pens or visitor sanctuaries on the East Coast. For more information on this issue, please visit www.savinghorses.org
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Showing posts with label prevention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prevention. Show all posts
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Protect Your Pet From Theft
(StatePoint) America's fascination with canines knows no bounds. Just look at the late notorious hotel operator Leona Helmsley's multi-million dollar trust fund she left for "Trouble," her beloved Maltese. The inheritance not withstanding, pet theft has become an increasing problem that only now has begun to be addressed.
By following some important tips and being aware of red flags, you can keep your pet better protected from dognappers.
"It's not just about the financial value of the dog for any of these people. It's an emotional attachment that can't be replaced by getting another dog," says Lisa Peterson, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club (AKC), who started seeing enough concern over pet theft to begin tracking the problem. "Some owners, desperate to find their beloved pets, have contacted us, wanting to know what they can do to help get their 'family' members back."
Indeed, pet theft is growing at a hearty rate, with the AKC having begun tracking and reporting such incidents over the past two years. And concern over the theft of dogs has inspired legislators to act by proposing new laws against such thefts and AKC to spread helpful advice for pet owners.
The most obvious step in addressing the issue of pet theft is prevention. By paying extra attention to your pet, the prospect of theft goes down. Simple things, like not letting your dog off its leash and not leaving it unattended in your yard or car can help avoid potentially-dangerous scenarios. Tying up your dog and leaving it unattended on the sidewalk can be particularly problematic, especially with small dogs.
In the unfortunate event that your pet is taken, there are a few methods of recovery.
By getting your dog a SpotLight collar with a GPS tracking device or by embedding a permanent microchip in your dog, retrieving and identifying a stolen pet can be made easier. There are other services available to help recover stolen pets. Sites like helpmefindmypet.com work in conjunction with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery and send e-mail alerts regarding missing pets to every shelter, vet, and animal-control agency within a 50-mile radius.
Even if your pet isn't worth millions, the sentimental value of a loyal animal can be incalculable. But unfortunately there is a market out there for stolen animals. Keeping that in mind, some short-term precautions can contribute greatly to a long-term relationship with a pet.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
By following some important tips and being aware of red flags, you can keep your pet better protected from dognappers.
"It's not just about the financial value of the dog for any of these people. It's an emotional attachment that can't be replaced by getting another dog," says Lisa Peterson, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club (AKC), who started seeing enough concern over pet theft to begin tracking the problem. "Some owners, desperate to find their beloved pets, have contacted us, wanting to know what they can do to help get their 'family' members back."
Indeed, pet theft is growing at a hearty rate, with the AKC having begun tracking and reporting such incidents over the past two years. And concern over the theft of dogs has inspired legislators to act by proposing new laws against such thefts and AKC to spread helpful advice for pet owners.
The most obvious step in addressing the issue of pet theft is prevention. By paying extra attention to your pet, the prospect of theft goes down. Simple things, like not letting your dog off its leash and not leaving it unattended in your yard or car can help avoid potentially-dangerous scenarios. Tying up your dog and leaving it unattended on the sidewalk can be particularly problematic, especially with small dogs.
In the unfortunate event that your pet is taken, there are a few methods of recovery.
By getting your dog a SpotLight collar with a GPS tracking device or by embedding a permanent microchip in your dog, retrieving and identifying a stolen pet can be made easier. There are other services available to help recover stolen pets. Sites like helpmefindmypet.com work in conjunction with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery and send e-mail alerts regarding missing pets to every shelter, vet, and animal-control agency within a 50-mile radius.
Even if your pet isn't worth millions, the sentimental value of a loyal animal can be incalculable. But unfortunately there is a market out there for stolen animals. Keeping that in mind, some short-term precautions can contribute greatly to a long-term relationship with a pet.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Friday, July 17, 2009
Rabies: How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets
/PRNewswire/ -- Rabies is a virus that occurs in mammals and infects the central nervous system; the disease can cause death in humans if it is not treated. Nearly 90 percent of cases occur in wild animals (raccoons, bats, foxes etc.); less than 10% of cases occur in domestic animals like dogs or cats. Humans usually become infected when they are bitten by an infected animal.
Early symptoms of rabies are fever, headache and general malaise. Since these are similar to other illnesses, infected persons often do not seek treatment because they are unaware they have rabies.
Progressive symptoms include:
-- Insomnia
-- Anxiety/confusion
-- Partial paralysis
-- Agitation
-- Hallucination
-- Excess saliva
-- Difficulty swallowing
-- Fear of water
If you have been bitten by any animal you should seek medical care immediately. After possible exposure to rabies, the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Treatment for someone who has contracted rabies is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP treatment consists of one dose of a substance called immune globulin and five doses of the rabies vaccine over 28 days, both of which help your body fight the virus. Treatment must be given as soon after exposure as possible for the best chance of recovery.
If you see an animal you suspect of having rabies, you should call your local health department or animal control agency. These agencies will have ways to safely remove the animal from the area so that no one becomes infected. Infected animals often display symptoms similar to those listed above and may seem to be acting strangely or seen somewhere outside their normal habitat.
The best way to prevent the spread of rabies is to have all your pets vaccinated against the virus. This will also help prevent them from being infected if they come in contact with an infected animal.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
NC Health Info
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Early symptoms of rabies are fever, headache and general malaise. Since these are similar to other illnesses, infected persons often do not seek treatment because they are unaware they have rabies.
Progressive symptoms include:
-- Insomnia
-- Anxiety/confusion
-- Partial paralysis
-- Agitation
-- Hallucination
-- Excess saliva
-- Difficulty swallowing
-- Fear of water
If you have been bitten by any animal you should seek medical care immediately. After possible exposure to rabies, the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Treatment for someone who has contracted rabies is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP treatment consists of one dose of a substance called immune globulin and five doses of the rabies vaccine over 28 days, both of which help your body fight the virus. Treatment must be given as soon after exposure as possible for the best chance of recovery.
If you see an animal you suspect of having rabies, you should call your local health department or animal control agency. These agencies will have ways to safely remove the animal from the area so that no one becomes infected. Infected animals often display symptoms similar to those listed above and may seem to be acting strangely or seen somewhere outside their normal habitat.
The best way to prevent the spread of rabies is to have all your pets vaccinated against the virus. This will also help prevent them from being infected if they come in contact with an infected animal.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
NC Health Info
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Thursday, May 14, 2009
National Dog Bite Prevention Week - Prevention is the Best Cure for Dog Bites
/PRNewswire/ -- It's estimated that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Fortunately, most dog bites are preventable through appropriate pet selection, proper training, responsible approaches to animal control, and education of dog owners and potential victims.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has joined with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), and The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) to celebrate National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 17-23, 2009. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, followed by the elderly and USPS employees.
"Approximately half of the 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites each year are children. And when a dog bites a child, the victim's small size makes the bite more likely to result in a severe injury," says Dr. James O. Cook, AVMA president.
Most dog bite injuries in young children occur during everyday activities interacting with familiar dogs. With the safety of children in mind, this year the AVMA is introducing The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD, an educational tool aimed at teaching children, 3 to 6 years old, and their parents how to avoid dog bite injuries.
"Research and professional experience tell us these incidents are largely preventable," Dr. Cook says. "That's why National Dog Bite Prevention Week and programs like The Blue Dog are so important. Teaching people how to communicate with and properly behave around dogs is the best cure for dog bites."
"Pediatricians treat children with dog bites every day, and some are quite serious. These incidents can be dramatically reduced if children and parents know what to do," says AAP president David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP.
Dr. Cinnamon Dixon, a pediatrician specializing in pediatric emergency medicine, sees the life changing fear and trauma daily.
"There are over three times as many dog bites as traumatic brain injuries each year. Despite these statistics, a major deficiency in dog bite prevention education and research exists," Dr. Dixon says.
Someone who knows just how traumatic dog bites can be is 17-year-old Kelly Voigt. Kelly was severely injured 10 years ago when a neighbor's dog attacked her. She received more than 100 stitches in her face and throat and was treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Unfortunately, Kelly's injuries are not unusual.
"Children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection or scarring," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Plastic surgeons, who have the training to preserve and rearrange skin and tissue, performed more than 16,000 reconstructive surgeries after dog bites last year. Following these dog bite prevention tips and educating the public will help prevent attacks."
One year after her injuries Kelly began teaching other children how to stay safe around dogs. She developed programs for schools and founded the nonprofit organization, Prevent the Bite.
"Being attacked by a dog wasn't a fun experience, but it allowed me to discover a strong desire to help others," Kelly said. "It doesn't matter how old you are; if you care about others, you can change the world."
"Employee and customer safety are always our number-one concern," said Postal Service Vice President and Consumer Advocate Delores J. Killette. "National Dog Bite Prevention Week is one of our most important campaigns to help our employees and customers remain safe when they come in contact with man's best friend."
As part of its comprehensive approach, the AVMA has developed a brochure, "What you should know about dog bite prevention," which offers tips on how to avoid being bitten, as well as what to do if you are bitten by a dog or your dog bites someone. Also offered by the AVMA is "A community approach to dog bite prevention," a report intended to help state and local leaders develop effective dog bite prevention programs in their communities. For more information on National Dog Bite Prevention Week and to access the brochure and community guidelines online, visit www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.asp.
Important dog bite injury prevention tips include:
-- When selecting a pet, choose a dog that is a good match for your
family and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian for assistance.
-- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people
and other animals so it feels at ease in different situations;
continue this exposure as your dog gets older. Don't put your dog in a
situation where it feels threatened or teased.
-- Train your dog. Obedience training helps dogs understand what is
expected of them and builds a bond of trust between dogs and owner.
-- Avoid playing aggressive games with your dog.
-- Keep your dog healthy. Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other
preventable infectious diseases. Health care is important because how
your dog feels affects how it behaves.
-- Neuter your pet. Science suggests neutered dogs may be less likely to
bite.
-- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
-- Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any
dog.
-- Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet
it gently, avoiding the face and tail.
-- Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
-- Do not run past a dog.
-- If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or
back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl
into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.
-- If bitten, request proof of rabies vaccination from the dog's owner,
get the owner's name and contact information, and contact the dog's
veterinarian to check vaccination records. Then immediately consult
your doctor. Clean bite wound(s) with soap and water as soon as
possible.
For more information, visit the AVMA website at www.avma.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has joined with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), and The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) to celebrate National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 17-23, 2009. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, followed by the elderly and USPS employees.
"Approximately half of the 800,000 Americans who receive medical attention for dog bites each year are children. And when a dog bites a child, the victim's small size makes the bite more likely to result in a severe injury," says Dr. James O. Cook, AVMA president.
Most dog bite injuries in young children occur during everyday activities interacting with familiar dogs. With the safety of children in mind, this year the AVMA is introducing The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD, an educational tool aimed at teaching children, 3 to 6 years old, and their parents how to avoid dog bite injuries.
"Research and professional experience tell us these incidents are largely preventable," Dr. Cook says. "That's why National Dog Bite Prevention Week and programs like The Blue Dog are so important. Teaching people how to communicate with and properly behave around dogs is the best cure for dog bites."
"Pediatricians treat children with dog bites every day, and some are quite serious. These incidents can be dramatically reduced if children and parents know what to do," says AAP president David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP.
Dr. Cinnamon Dixon, a pediatrician specializing in pediatric emergency medicine, sees the life changing fear and trauma daily.
"There are over three times as many dog bites as traumatic brain injuries each year. Despite these statistics, a major deficiency in dog bite prevention education and research exists," Dr. Dixon says.
Someone who knows just how traumatic dog bites can be is 17-year-old Kelly Voigt. Kelly was severely injured 10 years ago when a neighbor's dog attacked her. She received more than 100 stitches in her face and throat and was treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Unfortunately, Kelly's injuries are not unusual.
"Children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection or scarring," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Plastic surgeons, who have the training to preserve and rearrange skin and tissue, performed more than 16,000 reconstructive surgeries after dog bites last year. Following these dog bite prevention tips and educating the public will help prevent attacks."
One year after her injuries Kelly began teaching other children how to stay safe around dogs. She developed programs for schools and founded the nonprofit organization, Prevent the Bite.
"Being attacked by a dog wasn't a fun experience, but it allowed me to discover a strong desire to help others," Kelly said. "It doesn't matter how old you are; if you care about others, you can change the world."
"Employee and customer safety are always our number-one concern," said Postal Service Vice President and Consumer Advocate Delores J. Killette. "National Dog Bite Prevention Week is one of our most important campaigns to help our employees and customers remain safe when they come in contact with man's best friend."
As part of its comprehensive approach, the AVMA has developed a brochure, "What you should know about dog bite prevention," which offers tips on how to avoid being bitten, as well as what to do if you are bitten by a dog or your dog bites someone. Also offered by the AVMA is "A community approach to dog bite prevention," a report intended to help state and local leaders develop effective dog bite prevention programs in their communities. For more information on National Dog Bite Prevention Week and to access the brochure and community guidelines online, visit www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.asp.
Important dog bite injury prevention tips include:
-- When selecting a pet, choose a dog that is a good match for your
family and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian for assistance.
-- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people
and other animals so it feels at ease in different situations;
continue this exposure as your dog gets older. Don't put your dog in a
situation where it feels threatened or teased.
-- Train your dog. Obedience training helps dogs understand what is
expected of them and builds a bond of trust between dogs and owner.
-- Avoid playing aggressive games with your dog.
-- Keep your dog healthy. Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other
preventable infectious diseases. Health care is important because how
your dog feels affects how it behaves.
-- Neuter your pet. Science suggests neutered dogs may be less likely to
bite.
-- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
-- Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any
dog.
-- Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet
it gently, avoiding the face and tail.
-- Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
-- Do not run past a dog.
-- If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or
back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl
into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.
-- If bitten, request proof of rabies vaccination from the dog's owner,
get the owner's name and contact information, and contact the dog's
veterinarian to check vaccination records. Then immediately consult
your doctor. Clean bite wound(s) with soap and water as soon as
possible.
For more information, visit the AVMA website at www.avma.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Free Public Service Resources for National Bite Prevention Week
Bark Busters Offers Free Dog Safety Workshops, an Online Public Service Program for Children and Bite Prevention Tips to Promote Dog Safety
As part of its ongoing commitment to keep pets and people safe, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, will give free dog safety workshops for community-based organizations. Additionally, Bark Busters is offering the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program™, a unique online public service program designed to help educate children about dog safety and bite prevention. These free community-based programs are part of a nationwide effort by the 250+ Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists across the country in for National Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 18–24).
“Part of our mission at Bark Busters is to help keep people and their canine friends safe,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA. “We understand that dog bites are a serious matter, and we believe that more public education, such as the free community workshops we offer, can help prevent the situations that lead to dog bites.”
Free Dog Safety Workshops
Each year on average, nearly five million Americans are bitten by dogs—and more than 40 percent of these are children bitten by their family dog. Of those injured, nearly 400,000 require treatment in a hospital resulting, on average, 12 deaths per year. To combat such startling statistics, Bark Busters is offering free dog safety workshops to community-based organizations. Hosted by Bark Busters’ dog behavioral therapists, these free community workshops will give participants dog-safety tips while helping them understand how to communicate more effectively with dogs by using voice control and body language. Community-based organizations interested in learning more about dog safety, the canine psyche or pack law are invited to contact their local Bark Busters trainer to schedule a free workshop anytime throughout the year.
Free Online Dog Safety Program for Children
Developed specifically for school-age children, the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program provides fun, interactive dog safety activities online. Bark Busters wants to educate children and adults on how to stop dog bites before they happen by making the right decisions around familiar and unfamiliar dogs. Through the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program, kids can learn what to do and what not to do around dogs in order to prevent dog bites across the nation. To participate in the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program visit: www.BarkBustersBuddy.com.
Bark Busters offers the following tips for preventing dog bites and dog-related injuries:
How to Stay Safe When a Dog Approaches
Don’t turn and run—dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.
Stand still, with your hands at your sides. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.
Don’t put your hand out—just allow the dog to approach you to sniff you.
Don't scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
Face the dog at all times, but don’t stare. Avoid eye contact.
Back away slowly, watching the dog from the corner of your eye, until the dog is out of sight.
Safety Tips for Parents
Never leave a young child or baby alone with any dog.
Never allow your young child to discipline a dog.
Never allow your child to feed or walk a dog unsupervised.
Never allow your child to pull on a dog’s collar, ears or tail.
Never allow your child to play aggressive games (like wrestling) with any dog.
Never allow your child to pet a dog that is in someone else’s car or truck.
Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in the area of correcting dog behavior. The Australian training system can successfully train any dog, any age—including puppies. The company’s natural training techniques leverage the same communications methods—body language and voice control—that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality.
For more extensive information on bite prevention—including specific safety tips for parents and children—visit www.BarkBusters.com. To request a Bark Busters trainer to speak to your community-based organization, call 877.500.BARK or visit www.BarkBusters.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
As part of its ongoing commitment to keep pets and people safe, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, will give free dog safety workshops for community-based organizations. Additionally, Bark Busters is offering the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program™, a unique online public service program designed to help educate children about dog safety and bite prevention. These free community-based programs are part of a nationwide effort by the 250+ Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists across the country in for National Dog Bite Prevention Week (May 18–24).
“Part of our mission at Bark Busters is to help keep people and their canine friends safe,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist, Bark Busters USA. “We understand that dog bites are a serious matter, and we believe that more public education, such as the free community workshops we offer, can help prevent the situations that lead to dog bites.”
Free Dog Safety Workshops
Each year on average, nearly five million Americans are bitten by dogs—and more than 40 percent of these are children bitten by their family dog. Of those injured, nearly 400,000 require treatment in a hospital resulting, on average, 12 deaths per year. To combat such startling statistics, Bark Busters is offering free dog safety workshops to community-based organizations. Hosted by Bark Busters’ dog behavioral therapists, these free community workshops will give participants dog-safety tips while helping them understand how to communicate more effectively with dogs by using voice control and body language. Community-based organizations interested in learning more about dog safety, the canine psyche or pack law are invited to contact their local Bark Busters trainer to schedule a free workshop anytime throughout the year.
Free Online Dog Safety Program for Children
Developed specifically for school-age children, the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program provides fun, interactive dog safety activities online. Bark Busters wants to educate children and adults on how to stop dog bites before they happen by making the right decisions around familiar and unfamiliar dogs. Through the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program, kids can learn what to do and what not to do around dogs in order to prevent dog bites across the nation. To participate in the Bach & Buster Buddy Dog Safety Program visit: www.BarkBustersBuddy.com.
Bark Busters offers the following tips for preventing dog bites and dog-related injuries:
How to Stay Safe When a Dog Approaches
Don’t turn and run—dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.
Stand still, with your hands at your sides. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.
Don’t put your hand out—just allow the dog to approach you to sniff you.
Don't scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
Face the dog at all times, but don’t stare. Avoid eye contact.
Back away slowly, watching the dog from the corner of your eye, until the dog is out of sight.
Safety Tips for Parents
Never leave a young child or baby alone with any dog.
Never allow your young child to discipline a dog.
Never allow your child to feed or walk a dog unsupervised.
Never allow your child to pull on a dog’s collar, ears or tail.
Never allow your child to play aggressive games (like wrestling) with any dog.
Never allow your child to pet a dog that is in someone else’s car or truck.
Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in the area of correcting dog behavior. The Australian training system can successfully train any dog, any age—including puppies. The company’s natural training techniques leverage the same communications methods—body language and voice control—that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality.
For more extensive information on bite prevention—including specific safety tips for parents and children—visit www.BarkBusters.com. To request a Bark Busters trainer to speak to your community-based organization, call 877.500.BARK or visit www.BarkBusters.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Saturday, June 14, 2008
In The Wake of Dog Attacks on Postal Workers, Doggone Safe Urges Dog Owners to Learn to Read Their Dogs
AAG Note: The following story is out of Canada and raises some good points about safety around dogs- both for the owner and the potential victim. Being still when an overanxious dog is acting threatened is good advice. Put out roots and act like a tree.
24-7 - Last week brought news of an increasing incidence of dog attacks on Canada Post workers over the past few years and of several recent attacks. These reports were from the west, but dogs pose a risk to letter carriers across the country. Dog owners can help by abandoning the assumption that their own dog would never bite, by learning to read the signs of a dog that might bite and by taking action to secure the safety of postal workers and others who might visit their property and encounter the dog.
The vast majority of dog owners love their dogs, consider them to be part of the family and do not want them to bite anyone. In fact, most dog owners believe that their own dog will not bite. "Oh, he always barks like that, but he would never bite", or "If he bites, I will put him down" are two statements that dog behaviour specialist and Doggone Safe co-founder Teresa Lewin hears from dog owners on a regular basis. "Dog owners need to get their heads out of the sand and learn to read dog body language and understand a bit about dog behaviour so that they can see how very close many of their dogs are to biting", says Lewin. "My dog bit without warning", is a common lament from the dog owner following a bite incident. According to Lewin, there is always a warning. Dog owners and all people encountering dogs need to educate themselves so that they can see the warnings and take appropriate action before the dog is pushed to the point of actually biting.
Doggone Safe suggests a three-pronged approach to help reduce the bite risk for postal workers:
1. Education for children in schools as a mandated part of the curriculum so that future generations grow up with the knowledge they need to read dog body language, treat dogs properly and act safely around dogs.
2. Education for dog owners so that they can read the signs that dogs send when they are anxious, recognize dog behaviour signs that indicate a bite situation is developing and take appropriate actions to protect others and to reduce fear and anxiety in their dog.
3. Education for postal workers so that they can read dog body language, recognize the environmental signs that may indicate a dangerous situation, avoid contact with aggressive dogs and defuse a dangerous situation should they be confronted with a dog.
"Dogs generally do not want to bite. It is a last resort after the dog has exhausted all means of warning", says Christina LeBreton, Doggone Safe Western Co-ordinator and owner of Ciera Canine Services in Edmonton. "I joined with Doggone Safe because they offer the very best information available and I wanted to give back to my community and to help educate my clients and the public about how to understand dogs better and act safely around them. There are far too many dog bites and the vast majority of them are preventable using very simple techniques and some understanding of how to speak dog".
Doggone Safe urges dog owners to take immediate preventative steps if the dog displays any of the following signs in response to the mail carrier or others: barking/lunging at the end of a rope or chain, barking/lunging at the door or from behind a fence, stiff body posture with tail held high or wagging slowly, barking and retreating, backing away, tail between legs (may be wagging), mouth closed and half moon of white showing in the dog's eye, yawning, licking his chops or turning away. Any of these signs indicate a dog that is uncomfortable with the situation and could resort to biting if the situation is allowed to continue. Steps that dog owners can take include, confining the dog out of sight of the letter carrier, never tying a dog outside, never giving the dog access to a screen door or a door that a child could open, providing a bone or other treat to enjoy in a crate or pen at the time the mail is delivered, abandoning the assumption that the dog will not bite, not forcing the dog into situations where it might feel threatened, learning how to train the dog using positive reinforcement so that it can learn to do something else rather than bark at visitors to the house, learning to read dog body language so that they can understand how the dog is feeling and can intervene before the dog bites.
"Never punish your dog for growling, lunging or barking", says Lewin. This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you suppress the dog's only means of warning, he may go straight to a bite the next time. Yelling, hitting or yanking the dog by the collar in the presence of the letter carrier may stop the dog's overt behaviour for the moment, but it does not make the dog feel better. In fact this will make the dog even more upset and more likely to bite if given the chance when the owner is not there to prevent it. Lewin continues, "the best thing for an owner to do is to change the dog's emotional state. That is, teach the dog to associate positive feelings with the delivery of mail. Happy, confident dogs do not bite. Seek professional help from a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and not punishment to change the dog's attitude and behaviour"
Doggone Safe urges letter carriers to stand still and be a tree if threatened by a dog. This is the best way to prevent a dog bite. Dog behavior experts agree that standing still the moment a loose dog is noticed and remaining still until it goes away is the best advice for anyone encountering a loose dog. Movement triggers the urge to chase and bite in dogs. It is rare for a dog to attack someone that is not moving. If an attack does occur, standing still is the best defense. Trying to fight off a dog will make the bite damage worse and may cause the dog to escalate its attack. Doggone Safe offers safety training to workers who encounter dogs on the job through its "Be Doggone Smart at Work" program.
Doggone safe offers information about reading dog body language, dog training and preventing dog bites as well as an on-line course on basic body language at its website http://www.doggonesafe.com.
The Be a Tree program for dog bite prevention education for school age children is also available for communities across Canada with information at www.be-a-tree.com. This program is supported by veterinary technicians/technologist professional associations across Canada and by the Saskatchewan and Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations.
24-7 - Last week brought news of an increasing incidence of dog attacks on Canada Post workers over the past few years and of several recent attacks. These reports were from the west, but dogs pose a risk to letter carriers across the country. Dog owners can help by abandoning the assumption that their own dog would never bite, by learning to read the signs of a dog that might bite and by taking action to secure the safety of postal workers and others who might visit their property and encounter the dog.
The vast majority of dog owners love their dogs, consider them to be part of the family and do not want them to bite anyone. In fact, most dog owners believe that their own dog will not bite. "Oh, he always barks like that, but he would never bite", or "If he bites, I will put him down" are two statements that dog behaviour specialist and Doggone Safe co-founder Teresa Lewin hears from dog owners on a regular basis. "Dog owners need to get their heads out of the sand and learn to read dog body language and understand a bit about dog behaviour so that they can see how very close many of their dogs are to biting", says Lewin. "My dog bit without warning", is a common lament from the dog owner following a bite incident. According to Lewin, there is always a warning. Dog owners and all people encountering dogs need to educate themselves so that they can see the warnings and take appropriate action before the dog is pushed to the point of actually biting.
Doggone Safe suggests a three-pronged approach to help reduce the bite risk for postal workers:
1. Education for children in schools as a mandated part of the curriculum so that future generations grow up with the knowledge they need to read dog body language, treat dogs properly and act safely around dogs.
2. Education for dog owners so that they can read the signs that dogs send when they are anxious, recognize dog behaviour signs that indicate a bite situation is developing and take appropriate actions to protect others and to reduce fear and anxiety in their dog.
3. Education for postal workers so that they can read dog body language, recognize the environmental signs that may indicate a dangerous situation, avoid contact with aggressive dogs and defuse a dangerous situation should they be confronted with a dog.
"Dogs generally do not want to bite. It is a last resort after the dog has exhausted all means of warning", says Christina LeBreton, Doggone Safe Western Co-ordinator and owner of Ciera Canine Services in Edmonton. "I joined with Doggone Safe because they offer the very best information available and I wanted to give back to my community and to help educate my clients and the public about how to understand dogs better and act safely around them. There are far too many dog bites and the vast majority of them are preventable using very simple techniques and some understanding of how to speak dog".
Doggone Safe urges dog owners to take immediate preventative steps if the dog displays any of the following signs in response to the mail carrier or others: barking/lunging at the end of a rope or chain, barking/lunging at the door or from behind a fence, stiff body posture with tail held high or wagging slowly, barking and retreating, backing away, tail between legs (may be wagging), mouth closed and half moon of white showing in the dog's eye, yawning, licking his chops or turning away. Any of these signs indicate a dog that is uncomfortable with the situation and could resort to biting if the situation is allowed to continue. Steps that dog owners can take include, confining the dog out of sight of the letter carrier, never tying a dog outside, never giving the dog access to a screen door or a door that a child could open, providing a bone or other treat to enjoy in a crate or pen at the time the mail is delivered, abandoning the assumption that the dog will not bite, not forcing the dog into situations where it might feel threatened, learning how to train the dog using positive reinforcement so that it can learn to do something else rather than bark at visitors to the house, learning to read dog body language so that they can understand how the dog is feeling and can intervene before the dog bites.
"Never punish your dog for growling, lunging or barking", says Lewin. This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you suppress the dog's only means of warning, he may go straight to a bite the next time. Yelling, hitting or yanking the dog by the collar in the presence of the letter carrier may stop the dog's overt behaviour for the moment, but it does not make the dog feel better. In fact this will make the dog even more upset and more likely to bite if given the chance when the owner is not there to prevent it. Lewin continues, "the best thing for an owner to do is to change the dog's emotional state. That is, teach the dog to associate positive feelings with the delivery of mail. Happy, confident dogs do not bite. Seek professional help from a trainer who uses positive reinforcement and not punishment to change the dog's attitude and behaviour"
Doggone Safe urges letter carriers to stand still and be a tree if threatened by a dog. This is the best way to prevent a dog bite. Dog behavior experts agree that standing still the moment a loose dog is noticed and remaining still until it goes away is the best advice for anyone encountering a loose dog. Movement triggers the urge to chase and bite in dogs. It is rare for a dog to attack someone that is not moving. If an attack does occur, standing still is the best defense. Trying to fight off a dog will make the bite damage worse and may cause the dog to escalate its attack. Doggone Safe offers safety training to workers who encounter dogs on the job through its "Be Doggone Smart at Work" program.
Doggone safe offers information about reading dog body language, dog training and preventing dog bites as well as an on-line course on basic body language at its website http://www.doggonesafe.com.
The Be a Tree program for dog bite prevention education for school age children is also available for communities across Canada with information at www.be-a-tree.com. This program is supported by veterinary technicians/technologist professional associations across Canada and by the Saskatchewan and Ontario Veterinary Medical Associations.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
FDA Announces Limited Return of Heartworm Drug to U.S. Market
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a limited return of a reformulated heartworm prevention drug for dogs, which had been withdrawn because of serious, life-threatening adverse reactions, including loss of appetite, lethargy; vomiting, seizures, difficulty walking, jaundice (a yellowish appearance); and bleeding disorders, allergies, convulsions, followed in some cases by death.
ProHeart 6 (moxidectin) Sustained Release Injectable for Dogs, NADA 141-189, manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health, Overland Park, Kan., is an approved injectable sustained-release heartworm prevention product for dogs. FDA is concurring with its limited return to the U.S. veterinary market under a risk minimization and restricted distribution program designed to manage the re-introduction of ProHeart 6 to provide for safe, appropriate use of the product while minimizing risk to dogs.
"This is the first veterinary drug to be marketed under a risk minimization and restricted distribution program. Numerous drugs for use in people have been successfully marketed under similar programs," said Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., director, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. "While we concur with the limited return of ProHeart 6 to the U.S. market, we strongly encourage veterinarians and pet owners to report any possible adverse reactions."
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition for dogs. The parasite that causes heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
The risk minimization and restricted distribution program is intended to educate veterinarians and pet owners regarding the possible risks associated with the use of ProHeart 6. Therefore, Fort Dodge Animal Health is requiring veterinarians who wish to purchase ProHeart 6 to register with the company and participate in a Web-based training program prior to obtaining the product.
The return of ProHeart 6 to the market is based on results of additional toxicological and pharmacologic studies by Fort Dodge Animal Health coupled with the low adverse reaction frequency in international markets.
In 2004, Fort Dodge Animal Health agreed to voluntarily recall the product from the market based upon FDA's concerns regarding reports of serious adverse reactions in dogs following the use of ProHeart 6. In response to FDA's concerns, the manufacturer conducted additional testing of its product, which indicated that residues of the solvents used in the manufacture of ProHeart 6 may cause allergic reactions.
The manufacturer has improved the manufacturing specifications for ProHeart 6 to decrease the presence of those residues and has marketed the product in international markets. Few adverse events have been reported with this reformulated product.
The ProHeart 6 label and Client Information Sheet have been revised to include updated safety information. The new label includes warnings not to administer the drug within one month of vaccinations, and to use the product with caution in dogs with pre-existing allergic diseases including food allergies, allergic hypersensitivity, and flea allergy dermatitis. The label also warns against administering the drug to dogs who are sick, debilitated, underweight, or who have a history of weight loss. In addition, the label’s Post-Approval Experience section has been updated to include information about adverse reactions based on voluntary post-approval drug experience reporting.
Dog owners who suspect their dog is experiencing an adverse reaction to ProHeart 6 should immediately contact their veterinarian to initiate appropriate veterinary care. Veterinarians should contact Fort Dodge Animal Health to report any adverse events at (800) 533-8536.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)