This summer I taught the "Kids~N~Kritters" summer camp for the Humane Society of El Paso and one of the topics they learned about was animal cruelty and dog fighting. I tend to get emotional when I see or talk about it but I knew it was important to expose these kids to the reality of it. Today, while on Facebook I saw that a friend of mine had posted a video from an organization I'd never even heard of and I'm so glad that she did!
http://www.knockoutdogfighting.org/index.html
I suppose the Michael Vick case was a blessing in disguise because it brought light to the problem. This underground sport had finally been exposed. I don't hate Michael Vick and I know he's trying to do better now after having served his jail sentence. I know we all deserve second chances 'cause lets face it, we are human and that alone is our biggest flaw. But the victims of dogfighting deserve second chances as well. I had no idea that these dogs were automatically euthanized. It doesn't make sense. They didn't ask for this kind of life. Humans train these dogs to kill. They serve their two year sentence and that's it, they're free but the dogs, the victims get put down. That is NOT okay. It should be the other way around......just kidding.....but not really.
What also breaks my heart is that pets that are advertised on the Internet or in the paper are used as bait to train these dog fighting canines. Again, the animal isn't the one to blame. It's the human. It's just not right. This is just another reason to support Title 7 in El Paso, Texas because you can never guarantee that a pet is going to a good home. The reality is that sometimes, well, people suck. Title 7 will definitely prevent these poor animals from suffering any longer. Shouldn't we all want that?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Pet Lovers Rally Against Proposed Pet Ordinance - News Story - KVIA El Paso
Pet Lovers Rally Against Proposed Pet Ordinance - News Story - KVIA El Paso
Y'know, I'm really glad that the pet overpopulation issue has gotten this much attention here in El Paso. City Council has postponed voting on the ordinance until October so that they can make sure that once it is passed, it will be enforced. That's smart. There are of course other kinks that need to be worked out on this ordinance.
I really think that its not so much about passing the ordinance but more about educating the public about what Animal Services has to do on a daily basis. Today, I went over to AS with a staff member from the Humane Society to pick up two dogs- a gorgeous giant Husky and a playful Boxer! I was so happy that we were able to rescue these dogs from being euthanized. But again, my emotions got the best of me when I saw the other ones that we left behind.
It's inevitable, those that were left behind will meet their fates tomorrow morning. If only others could see it for themselves so that they could truly understand the magnitude of the problem! No dog or cat should have to be put down because of our irresponsibility or ignorance to the situation.
El Paso, and pretty much every American city with a stray or pet overpopulation problem needs to know the true consequences of their actions. I will say it over and over 'til I'm blue in the face- PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Y'know, I'm really glad that the pet overpopulation issue has gotten this much attention here in El Paso. City Council has postponed voting on the ordinance until October so that they can make sure that once it is passed, it will be enforced. That's smart. There are of course other kinks that need to be worked out on this ordinance.
I really think that its not so much about passing the ordinance but more about educating the public about what Animal Services has to do on a daily basis. Today, I went over to AS with a staff member from the Humane Society to pick up two dogs- a gorgeous giant Husky and a playful Boxer! I was so happy that we were able to rescue these dogs from being euthanized. But again, my emotions got the best of me when I saw the other ones that we left behind.
It's inevitable, those that were left behind will meet their fates tomorrow morning. If only others could see it for themselves so that they could truly understand the magnitude of the problem! No dog or cat should have to be put down because of our irresponsibility or ignorance to the situation.
El Paso, and pretty much every American city with a stray or pet overpopulation problem needs to know the true consequences of their actions. I will say it over and over 'til I'm blue in the face- PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Dog Cullings to $600,000 breeds
I have to say that I am deeply disappointed in NBC producers of the Today Show on their piece about Tibetan Mastiffs gaining popularity in China. Aside from displaying the beauty of the breed, they pretty much glorified and encouraged dog breeding for profit. The Chinese man that was interviewed even says it point blank that he's making money off of them. I'm sorry, but is this man a responsible, reputable breeder? Will his newfound fortune influence other money starved people to do the same? Do I need to point out that a year ago China carried out several dog cullings to "control" a supposed rabies outbreak? I used to live in this country. I've seen so many things that would never fly here at home. Human rights don't exist there, I seriously doubt animal welfare is ever gonna be an issue.
It's hard enough trying to educate Americans about animal welfare. People STILL blindly purchase pets from petstores which ultimately keeps puppy mills in business. All because they want their purebreeds with papers and all that ridiculous-ness. Believe it or not, a good number of owner surrendered pets at the pound are these so called purebreeds. So the entire problem isn't necessarily only puppy mills and backyard breeders, it's also the irresponsible pet owners that don't spay or neuter or the jerks that see their pets as a disposable commodity once they become an inconvenience to take care of. So in the land of the free, where education is accessible, and animal welfare actually exists, we still have this problem. Lord only knows how this is gonna play out in China where they literally clubbed stray dogs and domesticated pets to death. My prayers go out for those poor pooches.
It's hard enough trying to educate Americans about animal welfare. People STILL blindly purchase pets from petstores which ultimately keeps puppy mills in business. All because they want their purebreeds with papers and all that ridiculous-ness. Believe it or not, a good number of owner surrendered pets at the pound are these so called purebreeds. So the entire problem isn't necessarily only puppy mills and backyard breeders, it's also the irresponsible pet owners that don't spay or neuter or the jerks that see their pets as a disposable commodity once they become an inconvenience to take care of. So in the land of the free, where education is accessible, and animal welfare actually exists, we still have this problem. Lord only knows how this is gonna play out in China where they literally clubbed stray dogs and domesticated pets to death. My prayers go out for those poor pooches.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Paws-itive Change for El Paso
El Pasoans React To Pet Problem Proposals - News Story - KVIA El Paso
I started volunteering at the Humane Society of El Paso(HSEP) back in May and believe I have found my calling. I am in charge of offsite adoptions on the weekends at Petsmart on Yarbrough (btw, offsite adoptions are held every Saturday and Sunday until 3pm). I also taught the "Kids~N~Kritters" summer camp a few weeks ago. I taught the kids, ages 10-16, about responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty, and the importance of spaying and neutering pets. I felt really good about all of it until the last day of camp. Animal Services(AS) is right next door to the Humane Society and the kids were scheduled for a presentation and tour of the facility. The huge difference between AS and HSEP is that HSEP is a no-kill shelter (since January) and AS unfortunately has the traumatizing task of euthanizing nearly 200 animals DAILY! Basically they do the dirty work for backyard breeders and irresponsible pet owners.
It was a heart-wrenching day. I couldn't take it. I saw these sad faces of both owner surrendered and stray dogs and my heart just broke for them. They didn't ask for this life. We, humankind, let this happen. Whether its a reputable responsible breeder or a backyard breeder, they are bringing all these animals into the world and cannot guarantee that they will end up with responsible pet owners. Irresponsible pet owners will make an impulse purchase of a puppy not really knowing what being a pet owner truly entails. Aside from feeding it, there's the vet care, making sure it's properly socialized with other dogs and people, giving it enough attention, playtime, and exercise. Everyday, people surrender their "purebreds that have papers" because they see pets as a disposable commodity. It's infuriating.
So now, Mayor Cook has proposed a new ordinance that would ban pet stores in El Paso and make spaying and neutering mandatory for pets over the age of 4months. I applaud the mayor for taking a step in the right direction but this will not be enough. Educating the public on responsible pet ownership needs to be a priority. People need to be made aware of the consequences of what happens when they don't spay or neuter their pets, they need to know the difference between a reputable, responsible, LICENSED breeder and a backyard breeder that only seeks to gain a profit off the animal. They also need to be made fully aware of what a huge responsibility it is to own a pet, both financially and time wise such as pets needing to be taught the correct, expected behavior. It doesn't just happen magically. People need to understand that to have a pet is a LIFETIME COMMITMENT, not an "until it becomes an inconvenience" commitment.
Tomorrow, City Council will be voting on Title 7 and I encourage all animal lovers to attend and speak up for those who do not have a voice.
I started volunteering at the Humane Society of El Paso(HSEP) back in May and believe I have found my calling. I am in charge of offsite adoptions on the weekends at Petsmart on Yarbrough (btw, offsite adoptions are held every Saturday and Sunday until 3pm). I also taught the "Kids~N~Kritters" summer camp a few weeks ago. I taught the kids, ages 10-16, about responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty, and the importance of spaying and neutering pets. I felt really good about all of it until the last day of camp. Animal Services(AS) is right next door to the Humane Society and the kids were scheduled for a presentation and tour of the facility. The huge difference between AS and HSEP is that HSEP is a no-kill shelter (since January) and AS unfortunately has the traumatizing task of euthanizing nearly 200 animals DAILY! Basically they do the dirty work for backyard breeders and irresponsible pet owners.
It was a heart-wrenching day. I couldn't take it. I saw these sad faces of both owner surrendered and stray dogs and my heart just broke for them. They didn't ask for this life. We, humankind, let this happen. Whether its a reputable responsible breeder or a backyard breeder, they are bringing all these animals into the world and cannot guarantee that they will end up with responsible pet owners. Irresponsible pet owners will make an impulse purchase of a puppy not really knowing what being a pet owner truly entails. Aside from feeding it, there's the vet care, making sure it's properly socialized with other dogs and people, giving it enough attention, playtime, and exercise. Everyday, people surrender their "purebreds that have papers" because they see pets as a disposable commodity. It's infuriating.
So now, Mayor Cook has proposed a new ordinance that would ban pet stores in El Paso and make spaying and neutering mandatory for pets over the age of 4months. I applaud the mayor for taking a step in the right direction but this will not be enough. Educating the public on responsible pet ownership needs to be a priority. People need to be made aware of the consequences of what happens when they don't spay or neuter their pets, they need to know the difference between a reputable, responsible, LICENSED breeder and a backyard breeder that only seeks to gain a profit off the animal. They also need to be made fully aware of what a huge responsibility it is to own a pet, both financially and time wise such as pets needing to be taught the correct, expected behavior. It doesn't just happen magically. People need to understand that to have a pet is a LIFETIME COMMITMENT, not an "until it becomes an inconvenience" commitment.
Tomorrow, City Council will be voting on Title 7 and I encourage all animal lovers to attend and speak up for those who do not have a voice.
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