aspca leads raid of tennessee Puppy mill and more updates from our ASPCA friends

some news from our ASPCA friends =)

for more updates log in to:http://www.aspca.org/

1. Breaking News: ASPCA Leads Raid of Tennessee Puppy Mill

The ASPCA’s best and brightest are currently on the ground in White County, TN, managing operations of a puppy mill raid that began Wednesday morning, February 11. Our forensic cruelty investigation team, led by Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, is evaluating dogs and collecting evidence for the future criminal prosecution of the puppy mill’s owners. Members of the ASPCA Disaster Response team and several of our legislative professionals are also assisting at the site.

More than 285 small-breed dogs—including Boston and Jack Russell terriers, Pomeranians, shih tzus, Chihuahuas, poodles, miniature pinschers and schnauzers—were recovered from multiple buildings on the raided property. According to Dr. Merck, the dogs are suffering from a general lack of basic care, such as little to no food or water, feces-encrusted pens and lack of proper ventilation in enclosed areas. Conditions such as matting, sores, mange, poor teeth and abscesses are widespread. Dogs in critical condition were examined immediately on the scene and in the Mobile Animal CSI Unit, and those needing emergency care were transferred to local veterinarians who have volunteered their services.

Local officials became concerned about this particular puppy mill last September after a visitor to the property—someone who had intended to purchase a dog—alerted the White County Humane Society to the poor conditions of the animals. The White County Sheriff’s Department began a formal investigation, ultimately enlisting the ASPCA’s support for this week’s raid. Other parties assisting in the rescue include American Humane Association, Nashville Humane Association, several local veterinarians and PetSmart Charities, which provided the majority of sheltering supplies and an emergency relief vehicle.

Back in June, the ASPCA assisted in the raid of a puppy mill in Lyles, TN—the state’s largest raid to date. Thankfully, the Tennessee General Assembly is taking action to address the state’s puppy mill problem—last week, a consumer protection bill addressing large-scale commercial breeders was introduced in the Senate; introduction of a House companion bill is expected soon.

How can you help to ensure a safe future for dogs like these? When you donate today, you will help us in all of our life-saving efforts, including ones like the puppy mill raid in Tennessee.

To learn more about the White County raid, please visit our blog to see pictures of the puppies we rescued.

2. ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Touched By an Angel

It was a wet and dreary afternoon when Kari Ryan and her husband first saw Angel. “We had been visiting with my aunt when I noticed this poor little dog shivering outside,” says Kari. The animal-loving couple knew they couldn’t just drive away, so Kari hopped out of their jeep and walked slowly toward the dog, crouched down and spoke softly to her. “She just looked me in the eyes and whimpered—then she came right into my arms!”

As soon as they got home, the Ryans closely examined the dog. “We could see she was skinny and terribly matted. She had bloody ears and was just plain filthy.” The couple immediately got to work—bathing and brushing and snipping away as many hair mats as possible. “When we were done,” explains Kari, “we had about three pounds of hair in the trash!”

The next day the trio made a visit to the vet. While there, the receptionist asked for the dog’s name. “On impulse I said ‘Angel,’” explains Kari. “That is probably what she would have become had we not found her!”

Within a few weeks Angel’s coat was growing back and she was gaining weight, but there was one small problem. The Ryans already had three dogs, and worried that four might be too much. “We had a nice family with three kids come and visit her,” says Kari. “It was so hard to let her go, but we thought we had found the perfect home.”

The very next morning, Kari woke to hear a car pulling into the driveway. “I looked out the window and couldn’t believe it,” she says. “The family was dumping Angel over the fence into our backyard! I ran outside trying to catch them, but they sped away.”

Angel, of course, couldn’t have been happier. “She was climbing all over me and kissing me,” says a tearful Kari. “She knew she was back where she belonged and at that point we did, too—our wayward Angel was home.”

3. Winter Health Tip: Keep Your Pet Safe from Antifreeze

We all need a little tune up this time of year, and your car especially may be screaming for some antifreeze. But pet parents, take care around your dog or cat to make sure he doesn't lick this sweet-tasting poison from the driveway or garage floor.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, thousands of pets are exposed to antifreeze each year. Used to protect cars from extreme temperatures, antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a colorless and odorless alcohol known for its attractive taste. Even small amounts have deadly consequences—one teaspoon of ethylene glycol can be fatal to a 10-pound cat, while one to two tablespoons can kill a 10-pound dog.

"The symptoms of ingestion vary depending on how much time has passed and how much the animal has consumed," says ASPCA Director of Medicine, Dr. Louise Murray. "Initially the animal may act 'drunk,' wobbly and unsteady, and develop nausea and increased thirst. As time passes, there are signs of kidney failure, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and eventually failure to produce urine." The best chance for survival is initiating aggressive treatment within the first four to 12 hours of ingestion. Once signs of kidney problems develop, the likelihood for recovery is low.

Prevent your animal companions from coming into contact with antifreeze by storing it in a secure cabinet and monitoring cars to make sure radiator hoses aren't leaking. When flushing or refilling radiators, keep pets inside and immediately clean up any spills. So-called "pet safe" antifreeze products do exist, and they typically contain propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol but can still cause intoxication.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your vet or the ASPCA's 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

4. Fundraise the Fun Way: Become an ASPCA Ambassador

So you want to help raise money for animals who have been abandoned, neglected and abused, but don’t quite know where to start? We can help! When you register to become an ASPCA Ambassador, we’ll guide you through setting up a special fundraising page featuring your favorite furry friend, keep you up to date on ASPCA team events and even assist you in creating a special fundraising event of your own! ASPCA Ambassadors will also have access to easy-to-use email tools and a personalized web address to help spread the word.

As an ASPCA Ambassador, you can:

• Organize a neighborhood dog walk, pet parade or benefit concert in your community
• Participate in a marathon, bikeathon, hike or other sports-oriented event and ask friends and family to sponsor your efforts on behalf of the ASPCA
• Participate in an ASPCA event, like the upcoming Wag-n-Walks in Austin and Los Angeles this April
• Celebrate a loved one or commemorate a birthday, wedding or anniversary by raising money in support of the ASPCA’s mission

Those who register as Ambassadors will also receive a 15-percent discount on a selection of orange merchandise from the ASPCA Online Store. Plus, register before February 20 (that's next Friday) and you’ll be eligible to win a flip video camera!

For more information about the ASPCA Ambassadors program, and how you can be a voice for animals, please visit www.ASPCAAmbassadors.org.

5. ASPCA Awards $100,000 Grant to U.C. Davis

The ASPCA has awarded $100,000 in funding to the University of California’s Center for Companion Animal Health. The grant, annually renewable for the next three years, will allow the Koret Shelter Medicine Program—established to improve homeless animals’ lives with more advanced medical care—to hire a shelter medicine veterinary specialist. This new position will allow for more consultations and outreach advice to be given to animal welfare facilities across the country.

“The ASPCA’s generous grant will enable us to further our reach and scientific knowledge and combine that knowledge with the long history of leadership and professional resources that the ASPCA offers,” said Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

6. Peanut Butter Pet Treats: Recall Reminder!

The peanut butter recall isn’t over, pet parents! In fact, the FDA has added several new pet food items to its expanding list of affected products. Last month, the FDA confirmed an outbreak of Salmonella bacteria in peanut butter products and traced it to a GA-based plant owned by the Peanut Corp. of America. The company does not sell directly to consumers, but distributes peanut butter and peanut paste to institutions and manufacturers, including several pet food makers.

The ASPCA reminds pet parents to keep checking the FDA’s website for updates. Pet parents should also wash their hands after handling any potentially contaminated food and consult with a veterinarian if their dog shows any symptoms of Salmonella infection, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy and drooling or panting. Cats may develop a high fever with vague, non-specific clinical signs. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a recalled product, please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

7. Tune in This Sunday: “Why We Love Cats and Dogs"

The Nature series on PBS has always been a favorite of Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Senior Director, Shelter Research and Development—and now she’s part of the show! This Sunday, February 15, at 8:00 P.M., Dr. Weiss will be featured in the episode “Why We Love Cats and Dogs.”

The episode, which explores the close relationships people have with their four-legged friends, will include a segment about the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match® (MYM) adoption program and how it’s improving the way animal shelters match animals and adopters. Dr. Weiss, who developed MYM, will present real-life adoption success stories. “We are excited about the opportunity to reach the wide audience on PBS,” she says. Set your DVR and tune in this weekend!