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August 2009 The Ears Have It Paws Up! To Banfield, The Pet Hospital® for refusing to perform certain cosmetic surgeries, unless medically necessary. At its 745 hospitals in the United States, Banfield, The Pet Hospital has stopped performing ear cropping, tail docking, and devocalization (de-barking) surgeries. This decision is in keeping with a recent American Veterinary Medical Association policy opposing ear cropping and tail docking for cosmetic purposes. Banfield veterinarians will still perform cat declawing surgeries only after attempts at working with their clients on behavioral modification issues have failed. NHES opposes declawing, a surgery that removes the entire last digit of each toe. We encourage all veterinaries to also oppose declawing and to educate clients on alternatives to this drastic and disfiguring procedure. Take Action: Write a letter to Banfield, The Pet Hospital expressing your support of its decision to eliminate unnecessary surgeries. In addition, encourage Banfield to reconsider its view on cat declawing. John Payne, CEO Banfield, The Pet Hospital®
8000 NE Tillamook
PO Box 13998
Portland, OR 97213-0998 Telephone: 1-800-838-6738 E-mail: Internet.Inquiries@banfield.net Source: www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-07-30-dog-tails_N.htm # Penalties Prevail Paws Up! To the state of Louisiana for increasing penalties for people convicted of animal cruelty. Governor Bobby Jindel signed into law two statutes that will provide stiffer penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty. According to news sources, Act 179 “strengthens protections for animals by requiring those convicted of a second offense of simple cruelty to face felony penalties,” with punishments including fines up to $25,000 or imprisonment up to ten years. Act 196 requires psychological testing and anger management counseling for second-offenders and “provides for harsher penalties for those who commit aggravated cruelty.” Take Action: Louisiana residents, write a letter to Governor Jindel thanking him for making Louisiana safer for animals. The Honorable Bobby Jindel Governor PO Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004 Sources: www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016068128?New%20Animal%20Protection%20Laws%20Set%20To%20Take%20Effect%20In%20Louisiana www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=10921624 # |
