Paws to Think
Winter 2003 Volume 2, Issue 1 www.petsavers.org
contents Meet The Paws to Think Team...................................................................................................................... 1 Calendar of Events ............................................................................................................................................ 2 What’s News? ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 The TEAM Mobile Feline Unit........................................................................................................................ 8 Cats Low Risk To Spread Disease To Humans .....................................................................................9 A New Approach: Animal Control Becomes No Kill....................................................................... 10 Be More Productive...........................................................................................................................................17 Dogs’ Line Traced To Wolves From Asia ................................................................................................19 Letters To The Editors.......................................................................................................................................21 Cold Weather Tips ............................................................................................................................................24 Special Thanks to The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, A KeyBank Trust, for their generous support!
The Pet Savers Foundation proud parent organization of SPAY/USA • host of the annual Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy Headquarters 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3898 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax
1 (800) 248-SPAY SPAY/USA Administrative Office: 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3898 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax www.spayusa.org alwaysspay@aol.com Esther Mechler, Director
info@petsavers.org www.petsavers.org All inquiries should be directed to the administrative office.
Administrative Office 59 South Bayles Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax
Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy CHAMP Administrative Office: 59 South Bayles Avenue Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax www.champconference.org info@champconference.org Joyce Schmitt, Administrative Assistant
Paws to Think is an official publication of The Pet Savers Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 59 S. Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050. The Pet Savers Foundation promotes the no-kill philosophy and advocates for humane organizations to improve their management skills while developing effective working relationships with other animal welfare organizations. Paws to Think is published quarterly and distributed to more than 20,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world. You can receive Paws to Think four times each year for a suggested minimum donation of $20 each year.
Meet The Paws To Think Team The launch of Paws to Think in the spring of 2002 brought together the No-Kill News and the SPAY/USA Network News and expanded upon those publications. The response to Paws to Think has been overwhelming! Circulation continues to expand and requests for more articles on the activities of those making progress in animal welfare increases.
To respond to this demand, The Pet Savers Foundation has assembled a team of talented individuals dedicated to bringing you the news and advancements from around the country and the world. Meet our team. They are anxious to hear from you and to provide you with the contacts, tools and resources that will advance your efforts to help the animals.
Esther Mechler Esther is no stranger to Paws to Think or to most of you. She has been involved in Paws to Think since its inception. Esther is the founder and director of the national program SPAY/USA, a program of the Pet Savers Foundation. A tireless advocate for spay/neuter services, Esther has elevated the level of awareness for the need to spay/neuter around the country. While Esther’s office is in Connecticut, she works closely with the Port Washington headquarters.
Teresa Dockery Teresa brings to Pet Savers over fifteen years experience in animal welfare. She has been involved in grass roots organizations in Southwest Virginia and for the past 10 years has been a leader in the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies where she served in several positions including President and Director of Government Affairs. In addition to coordinating Paws to Think, the CHAMP conference, and the Ambassador Program, Teresa she directs a program in Virginia called “Spay Virginia”.
Jennifer Reimels As Program Manager for The Pet Savers Foundation Jennifer is responsible for several projects, including the CHAMP conference, Paws to Think, and The Pet Savers Foundation Ambassador Program. Being a member of the Pet Savers’ team has enabled Jennifer to utilize her background in writing and marketing and realize her lifelong dream of working to make the world a better place for homeless animals.
Joyce Schmitt Joyce began her career in animal welfare at North Shore Animal League America. She joined The Pet Savers Foundation in June of 2002 and assists in all aspects of coordinating the CHAMP conference, in addition to performing various administrative duties. Joyce is also a good source for referrals in many areas of animal welfare issues.
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Christine Treiland Christine gave up her daily commute to Manhattan over five years ago to join the animal welfare community. She got her start managing various Pet Savers’ programs and has evolved into our graphic designer. Chris is responsible for the design of Paws to Think, as well as all materials for the CHAMP conference and any other literature you may receive from The Pet Savers Foundation. Her three loves, Casey, Chester & Murphy, inspire her to do everything she can to help homeless animals everywhere.
Calendar of Events 2003 JUNE
MARCH 21 – 22
Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey • Somerset, New Jersey • 908-362-5108 • conference@awfnj.org
4–7
27 – 29
Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Conference • Richmond,Virginia • 540-879-3384 • henrygallen@email.msn.com
JULY 31
APRIL 2–5
Humane Society of The United States Expo • Reno, Nevada • 1-800-248-EXPO • expo@hsus.org
27 – 29
Texas Federation of Humane Societies Conference • Plano,Texas • 512-282-1277 • TXFederation@austinrr.com
27 – 29
The Association of Sanctuaries National Training Conferenc • Portland, Oregon • 830336-3000 • taos@gvt.com
28 – 30
New England Federation of Humane Societies Conference • Nashua, New Hampshire • www.newenglandfed.org
MAY 29 – 31
National Animal Control Association Confernece • St. Louis, Missouri • 913-768-1319 • naca@interserv.com
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Jazzpur Society For Animal Protection – A.L.I.V.E. • Ontario, Canada • 519-258-9299, conference2003@jazzpur.org
Conference on Homeless Animal Management & Policy (CHAMP), St. Louis, Missouri • 516-883-7767 • www.champconference.org
AUGUST 1–3
CHAMP • St. Louis, Missouri • 516-883-7767 • www.champconference.org
SEPTEMBER
SCHOOL
7 – 10
American Humane Association Conference • Anaheim, California • www.americanhumane.org
10 - 14
Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference • Orlando, Florida • 916-443-3855 • apdt@details.com
OCTOBER 2-4
Tufts Expo • Boston, Massachusetts • 800-6429429
23 - 26
SPAY/USA Southern Regional Leadership Conference • New Orleans, Louisiana • 800-2487229
Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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News From Hong Kong The Hong Kong SPCA unveiled their newly created Animal Welfare Vehicle in July. The 10month process involved many hours of meetings between the project team and the builders, with progress visits being made to the site on a regular basis. The vehicle was designed to house 27 kennels of dif-
In each issue of Paws to Think, we will feature developments in animal welfare that are taking place around the country and the world. Contributions are welcome and encouraged, and may be submitted to Esther Mechler at alwaysspay@aol.com or Jennifer Reimels at jenniferr@petsavers.org.
fering sizes. It comprises one main surgery area, located at the rear of the vehicle. The front end of the unit, which is accessible from the pneumatically operated steps, comprises the kennels, a dental examination table that can be used as a second operating table if necessary, an autoclave, hot & cold water supply, refrigerator, chemical toilet, various storage areas, and two independent Aircons. The vehicle also has two sunroofs to allow as much natural light into the unit as possible. A 10 KVA generator powers the
electricity for the unit and a back-up system is able to power the whole unit from an independent power supply. To keep the unit stable, four air-powered stabilizers can be lowered from the corners of the chassis. The Mercedes cab is equipped with adequate seating for 5 passengers. Thus we can comfortably carry two veterinarians, two vet assistants and one other person, should the need arise. There are also two beds just in case of emergencies. The engine is the diesel powered Euro-3, the latest in design for fuel emission control and reliability. ❄
News From Ecuador
When Peace Corps volunteer and veterinarian Elizabeth Daut arrived in Ecuador in 1997, it didn’t take long for her to notice overwhelming animal neglect and the need for improved animal control programs. Scrawny stray dogs roamed the streets, owners often abused their animals, and illegally captured wild animals were sold in public. After teaching for almost two years at a local vet school in southern Ecuador, Dr. Daut became frustrated with the lack of opportunities for her students and with the poor treatment of animals. She decided the best way to help the veterinary profession and animals in Ecuador was to raise people’s awareness about animals and develop a sense of responsible pet ownership so she established an cont’d on page 4
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What’s News? – cont’d from page 3
animal welfare organization. The Fundación de Protección Animal (Animal Protection Foundation) was legalized by the Ecuadorian government in March 1999.FPA’s mission is to improve the lives of animals through public-education and advocacy programs and direct animal-conservation and protection activities. FPA has several animalwelfare programs, such as preventing pet overpopulation, promoting humane animal-control policy, protecting wild animals and, most importantly, educating the community about animals and the environment. Humane education underlies all of their activities. According to FPA’s president Dr. Daut, "animal
abuse is common throughout Ecuador. The Ecuadorian culture traditionally views animals differently than what we’re accustomed to in the U.S." Young monkeys are captured from the wild and kept as "pets" in small metal cages. Dogs are tied up alone on cement roofs to guard houses, with no protection, water or human interaction. Mules are forced to haul such heavy loads on their backs that they frequently collapse, only to be beaten until they rise. Even at the local veterinary school, animals suffer unimaginable horrors. To combat animal abuse FPA uses a combination of public education and the legal system to ensure protection of animals. Recently, FPA created and successfully lobbied the local government to
accept the first animal control and protection ordinances in the country. People can no longer abuse their animals, and they must provide for their animals’ basic needs. Dogs must be walked with leashes, vaccinated against rabies and can’t roam freely in public areas. The municipality can no longer throw strychnine on the streets to control the stray animal population. Canine overpopulation is a serious problem in Ecuador. Owners routinely let their dogs leave their homes to scavenge food on the streets. Most of the dogs are not sterilized, resulting in uncontrolled breeding. Puppies and sick dogs are abandoned on the streets and often die from disease, starvation, poisoning or car accidents. Rabies is also common in Ecuador and, according to the World Health Organization, “infected dogs are the principle reason for the high rate of human rabies.” As part of FPA, Dr. Daut set up the first spay and neuter clinic in the country. At the clinic, she not only performs low-cost
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surgical sterilizations but also teaches vets and vet students proper surgical and anesthetic techniques. Soon FPA hopes to start visiting rural neighborhoods surrounding Loja to sterilize cats and dogs of families unable to transport their pets to their clinic located in the center of the city. FPA’s work isn’t limited to domestic animals. They promote conservation programs and actively protect Ecuador’s diverse wildlife. Trafficking of wild animals is common in Ecuador. As wildlife inspectors for the Environmental Ministry, several FPA members have the authority to confiscate illegally captured wildlife. FPA’s efforts are resulting in positive changes for animals in Ecuador. Today local veterinary clinics are thriving instead of balancing on the verge of closure as more pet owners accept their responsibility to provide for their animals, including medical care. Citizens are banding together to protect wild animals. cont’d on page 5
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What’s News? – cont’d from page 4
For more information, visit FPA’s new web site at www.fpa-ecuador.org. Please contact Dr. Daut at fpa@loja.telconet.net for further information. ❄
Caldwell at Pawprints, PO Box 644, Pittsburg, KS 66762. ❄
News From Maine
News From Kansas Pawprints on the Heartland has just completed 5,000 surgeries in the Isabelle Rinehart Spay/Neuter Van. Since its beginning in January, 2000, Pawprints has operated two days each week in five counties in Southeast Kansas. Pawprints offers three options: 1) $25 spay/neuter, 2) Best Friends Program – two friends take in two pets – each pays $12.50 and Pawprints, through a grant from PETsMART Charities pays $12.50, and 3) the "Free Voucher" for low-income pet owners made possible by a grant from the DJ&T Foundation. All pets surgically altered in the van also receive a rabies vaccination. For more information contact Mary Kay
Since its inception in 1990, M.A.M.A. (Mature Animals for Mature Adults), a small grassroots animal rescue group in remote Downeast, Maine has dreamed of making low-cost spay/neuter available in its state. According to Michele Lockhart, that dream has become a reality. In the spring of 2000 a lovely 19th century house was purchased. Today that house serves as a spay/neuter clinic and a thrift store. Since M.A.M.A.’s board members were fundraising by holding weekly yard sales, the concept of a thrift store worked well for the additional space in the house. The community has rallied by donating wonderful items for resale and the result is that the thrift store supports the operation of the building and clinic expenses.
The M.A.M.A. Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic has altered 2,148 cats and dogs over the past 18 months. This quality clinic has serviced pet owners, shelters and rescue groups all over the state of Maine and in Canada. The project is run solely by volunteers with the exception of the veterinarian and technician, and is totally self-supporting with help from the thrift store. The clinic operates 1-2 days a week, and performs 30-35 surgeries each day. Dr. Judith Herman and Dr. Ruth Dalto are the experienced spay/neuter surgeons at the clinic. This clinic is helping achieve the goal of reducing the abandonment, abuse and euthanasia in Maine. Statistics show that 80% of the animals that pass through the clinic’s doors were abandoned or abused and were rescued by compassionate citizens. Due to the lowcost surgery services that the clinic provides the number of animals entering shelters is down. A progressive early age spay/neuter campaign has resulted in younger ani-
mals being brought in for surgery. ❄
News From Missouri Operation SPOT, in response to the death of Rodney McCalister, brought the first mobile spay/neuter clinic to St. Louis as Part One of a pilot program with the City of St. Louis to help end the pet overpopulation crisis. In a 12 week program last fall spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, city licenses and microchipping was offered in north St. Louis locations. This program supported the new St. Louis City ordinances which established differential licensing ($4 for altered, $50 for intact, collected annually) and mandatory spay/neuter for animals apprehended by animal control. Part Two of the pilot program involved the operation of "Li’l Red Waggin", a bright red shuttle bus, donated by Huntleigh Bus Sales. The "Waggin" picked up dogs and cats at
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cont’d on page 6
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What’s News? – cont’d from page 5
nine city locations and transported them to a clinic for spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips. Participants must be city residents and show economic need. Part Three of the pilot program with the city was the most innovative and perhaps the most successful. This was a special program for Pit Bulls and Rottweilers only. The ‘Li’l Red Waggin" went into city locations and offered spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, licenses and microchips for free to the owners of purebred or mixed Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. The owners of purebreds were offered a bonus of $20 just for bringing their animals in. In total, 550 animals participated in the three phases of the program. For more information on Operation SPOT call 314995-8678 or visit the website at www.opspot.org. ❄
News From Tennessee 6
The Spay Station of Wilson County celebrated its 10,000th surgery in September. The 30-foot mobile spay/neuter clinic offers surgeries to the low-income pet owners of Wilson and surrounding counties. Operating four days each week, the staff of one veterinarian and two technicians averages 24 surgeries a day. A volunteer program director coordinates scheduling and fundraising. The clinic began operating 2 1/2 years ago to provide spay/neuter services for pet owners who could not afford the surgery. The Humane Association of Wilson County, that owns the Spay Station also operates a voucher assistance program for those who do not qualify for the Spay Station. Sara Felmlee, President of the Association is delighted with the progress of the mobile clinic and that 10,000 dogs and cats that otherwise would have continued to reproduce have been sterilized. ❄
News From Texas
On November 19th, The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) of Denton, Texas began the Denton Spay and Neuter Program that offers low-cost pet vaccination and sterilizations to the community at large, regardless of income. The program is a collaborative effort between area animal welfare groups, animal control organizations and the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, a nonprofit membership organization that works to help communities begin their community programs. "We are very excited to offer this tremendous service to the Denton County area," stated TCAP Director Stacey Mitchel. "We know that this program is really going to impact the area in a mighty way." Prices for pet sterilization start at $5.00, and all pets entering the facility without a current rabies vaccination receives one at the time of surgery for $5.00. Pets are checked in for service each Monday night from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and are released back to their owners the fol-
lowing day. The clinic is manned by volunteers and features state-of-theart veterinary procedures performed by a licensed veterinarian and veterinary technicians. All pets must have an appointment for surgery. Vaccinations are offered on a walk-in basis each Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Pet owners do not have to be residents of the City of Denton. The program is open to any individual whose pet needs sterilization or vaccination. "The goal of our program is to provide high quality veterinary procedures at a low cost to the community," added Mitchel. "Our services are the exact same as those offered at any local veterinary clinic, except our program focuses only on pet sterilization and vaccination for the betterment of our citizens and their animals. Our costs are kept down by our volunteer staff and by donations from the community. Our goal is not to service all animal needs within the area, but we desire to positively impact the area’s animal population." cont’d on page 7
Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
What’s News? – cont’d from page 6
The Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is a 501(c)3 organization that was formed to serve as a resource for Texas animal shelters and animal welfare organizations. TCAP helps organizations establish their own mobile and stationary low-cost pet sterilization programs. The organization also works with animal shelters and independent animal welfare organizations to evaluate the needs of their communities, to establish new programs and to foster support for their efforts from city leaders. For more information contact Stacey Mitchel (940) 566-5551. ❄
News From Virginia The City of Norfolk, following the lead of the City of Richmond, has enacted an ordinance to require all dogs and cats to be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. The city facility currently uses the services of local veteri-
narians and a mobile clinic that operates in the area, but plans to open a clinic in the animal management facility in the near future. ❄ ❄
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The Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is on the road to ending pet overpopulation, and their message is hard to miss. Thanks to a grant from the Norfolk Foundation and some creative artwork from San Francisco artist, Ron Burns, the state of the art van is rolling through Hampton Roads (Southeastern Virginia) transporting animals for spay/neuter surgery at the shelter’s in-house clinic and educating the community along the way. The van, equipped with individual climate controlled cages, is also used as a mobile adoption cen-
ter and community outreach vehicle, spreading the word about companion animal overpopulation. The purchase of the new van coincides with the recent expansion of the Fenton Garnett Jordan Spay/Neuter Clinic that now offers low-cost spay/neuter to the local community. The Norfolk SPCA is the first animal shelter in Virginia to perform reduced-cost sterilizations for the public’s animals. In 1998, the shelter’s in-house clinic opened to provide spay/neuter surgeries to all shelter animals prior to adoption, but with area shelters reporting over 20,000 in 2001, the shelter decided to take a proactive step to help end the problem of pet overpopulation. In just ten short months, the shelter has
performed over 2,600 spay/neuter surgeries. For more information about the Norfolk SPCA’s low-cost spay/neuter program, please call the shelter at (757) 622-3319 ext. 333 or visit the shelter’s website at www.norfolkspca.com. ❄
Sit Up And Get Noticed! Paws to Think is distributed to more than 20,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world. Drop a note to Christine at christinet@petsavers.org and ask for a free media kit detailing classified and display rates, sizes, and all you need to know to place your ad in the next issue of Paws to Think!
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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The TEAM Mobile Feline Unit he TEAM Mobile Feline Unit is a project of Tait’s Every Animal Matters, a nonprofit organization that was established in 1996 to develop programs and services to help needy animals. Since the TEAM Unit began operating in 1997 more than 56,000 domestic and feral cats have been sterilized.
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This project began because of the belief that the only way to solve Connecticut’s feline overpopulation problem was to make spay/neuter services for cats more affordable and more accessible. The decision to develop this program was based on the volume of calls that the organization received concerning the tremendous number of unwanted cats and kittens statewide. People called wondering "what to do" with stray cats, pregnant cats, feral cats and abandoned cats. Clearly, the answer was spay/neuter—there isn’t enough shelter space for all of the homeless cats and kittens. The TEAM organization considers itself lucky as they had few obstacles to overcome and the unit became operational within five months. Upon its completion other groups in the state became eager to utilize the services and supported this program at the outset.
TEAM’s board President, who spearheaded the launch of the TEAM Mobile Feline Unit, is a veterinarian: John A. Caltabiano, DVM. Dr. Calta-biano is the clinic’s most dedicated volunteer; he has his own mobile large and small animal practice, so he does not work aboard the TEAM mobile clinic, although he oversees the medical aspects of this program. Surgeons are recruited through advertising in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and through networking. The launch of the mobile clinic was funded by an endowment, with the help of a generous private donation. There were no state contracts, grants or funds used for this project. TEAM currently owns two vehicles. TEAM Mobile Feline Unit I was purchased new from Dodgen Industries in Humboldt Iowa; this is
the 22-foot vehicle with which the program was launched. TEAM Mobile Feline Unit II is a 28-foot RV that was purchased used, gutted, and completely redesigned by a staff mechanic to meet TEAM’s specifications. Cats are spayed and neutered for $49, regardless of gender or reproductive condition. This fee includes a brief exam, vaccinations (rabies, distemper, upper/lower respiratory infection), nail trim and ear mite treatment if needed. Connecticut’s other animal welfare and advocacy groups regularly bring cats to TEAM for spay/neuter. On the road at least five days weekly, TEAM travels to more than 35 communities statewide. Although TEAM averages 45 surgeries daily cont’d on page 8
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The TEAM Mobile Feline Unit – cont’d from page 8
(12,000 annually on average) and the appointment line rings steadily, there are still many people who lack the money or transportation to get their cats to the mobile clinic. That’s where Good Samaritans and volunteers come in. Over one-third of the cats brought to TEAM, including stray and feral cats, are sponsored by people who do not own them or by animal welfare groups. The advancement of this project has been aided by tremendous public support and extensive media coverage. The results of this project are evident – the number of cats entering animal shelters is down. TEAM’s advice to anyone starting a mobile clinic includes the realization that such a project cannot be done "on a shoestring" or with volunteers alone. “You must make as complete a commitment to your mobile spay/neuter clinic as you would to establishing a stationary clinic or any other business,” says Donna J. Sicuranza, Executive Director of TEAM. For more information on TEAM, contact Donna at 888-367-8326. ❄
Report: Cats Low Risk To Spread Disease To Humans A review by two Yale medical professors concludes that the risk of a human getting seriously ill from a pet cat is minimal. Dr. Jeffery Kravetz, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine, explored the issue after his friends questioned whether he should keep his cats when his wife became pregnant. Kravetz published a review in the current issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. He coauthored the review with Dr. Daniel Federman, professor of internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine. They concluded that cats are rarely responsible for toxoplasmosis, which can be fatal to a human fetus. Indoor cats hardly ever have the infection, and any cat that has it usually has it for only a few weeks, almost always as a kitten, Kravetz said.
However, cats are more likely to infect people with bites than dogs, and they bite about 400,000 people a year. Between 28 percent and 80 percent of the bites become infected, according to the review. Also, 22,000 cases of cat-scratch disease are reported each year, which lead to 2,000 hospitalizations annually. Kravetz stressed that with 57 million pet cats in the United States, the odds of coming down with a catastrophic illness are slim. "Despite the statistics on cat scratches and infections, the risk of serious illness resulting from having a cat is still minimal," Kravetz said. Reprinted with permission of The Associated Press.
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A New Approach: Animal Control Becomes No Kill by Ed Boks, Executive Director, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Maricopa, Arizona The best way to understand animal control in Maricopa County today is to look at it through the lens of history. Our animal control program developed, or rather, evolved over the last century into its current state.
During the first quarter of the 20th Century, Maricopa County communities were rural and sparsely populated. Dogs and cats were valued for what they contributed to this rural lifestyle. Dogs, for the most part, were working dogs earning their keep on a local ranch or farm, or they were used for hunting to help put dinner on the table. Some dogs, as well as cats, were used as mousers to help keep small rodents out of homes and barns. All dogs were permitted to run at large. By the third decade of the 20th Century, free roaming dogs resulted in a dog overpopulation problem, and with it came an increase in the incidence of rabies; a very real threat to public
health. Shooting rabid dogs became commonplace. As a result of this all too common scenario occurring all across America, state legislators began to establish county rabies and animal control programs. In Arizona, our charge is to ensure dogs are vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Cats were not included in this mandate because cats in the Southwest are not a proven rabies vector for the rabies virus. In fact, Maricopa County’s dog licensing program has effectively reduced the incidence of rabies in dogs to a level that naturally occurs in cats; that is, we made it very rare. Because cats don’t pose a significant rabies threat, no laws have been passed to regulate their impact on our communities. In fact, a silly and erroneous notion was promoted that cats are cont’d on page 11
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A New Approach • cont’d from page 10
"free roaming animals" suggesting communities don’t need to regulate cats. An exploding feral cat population is the consequence of this short sightedness and today feral cats have become a significant public health concern. During the decades when Maricopa County was focused on developing its state of the art rabies control program, referred to as such in many veterinary textbooks, a significant change was occurring in the human/animal relationship. In the 1960’s, many of us in the animal care and control field were among the first Americans to bring the family pet indoors. I remember discussing this societal shift with my father when I was about 10 years old. I had been allowed to "buy" my first dog with money I had saved from cutting the neighbor’s lawn. I was the happiest kid on the planet. My father had grown up in a rural Michigan community. He tried to explain to me that he too had a dog when he was a boy, and his dog lived in a doghouse in the backyard. The idea of having a dog in the house was as incomprehensible to him as keeping the dog outside was to me. "Dogs don’t belong in the house," I was told. However, I persisted, and Skipper, a black lab mix, was finally allowed in the house, albeit, in the basement. As time passed, Skipper eventually took his place under the kitchen table during meal times, and at the foot of my bed at night. He became the delight of the entire family.
After 20 years of working in both the animal welfare and control fields, I came to assume, as I suspect many do, that there are two distinct schools of thought or disciplines in our industry, with more differences than commonalities. These two distinct methodologies have come to be known as humane/animal welfare programs and animal control programs. Usually, these two methodologies are contrasted with each other. An unintended consequence of contrasting these two programs is that over the years something of an animosity seems to have developed between these two branches of the same tree. Thanks to such organizations as the National Animal Control Association (NACA), the American Humane Association (AHA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and others, much of this animosity has substantially subsided over recent years. The two schools of thought slowly learned from each other that there are more similarities between our separate missions than there are differences. The recent societal awakening to the realities of the human/animal bond and the intrinsic value of all living creatures has given birth to a national movement called "no kill". Although the values
Ed Boks and a friend
Mission • Vision • Values Animal Care & Control’s new approach to delivering animal care and control services reflects the delicate balance that exists between animal welfare and animal control.We strive to be proactive and offer programs to prevent problems before they occur. Mission Our mission is to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of pets and people in Maricopa County. Vision We envision the day when: Maricopa County citizens, their property, and neighborhoods will be safe from the dangers and nuisances of irresponsible pet guardianship; animals will not suffer due to abuse, neglect, ignorance; and every pet born will be assured of a good home and care during its natural life. Values We value the integrity of each employee, volunteer, and partner who contributes to the professional delivery of excellent customer service and the humane treatment of animals, in an atmosphere of open, honest communication predicated on our trust in and respect for each other. cont’d on page 12
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A New Approach • cont’d from page 11
espoused by this new movement offer nothing new to most of us in the animal control field, it is ironic that the term "no kill" seems to offend so many of my colleagues in the animal control field. I submit that we in the animal control field should not shun or resent this new movement. On the contrary, we should embrace it. This movement belongs to us as much as it belongs to anyone. no kill is nothing more than a manifestation of our own industry’s evolution from regulatory rabies control programs to progressive animal care and control programs, with an ancillary rabies-monitoring component. Just as we were successful in substantially reducing the risk of rabies in our communities, so I believe, we can be key players in substantially reducing euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets. Who can honestly argue with the concept of "no kill"? Yes, we humanely euthanize animals because we are unable to adopt them all. But isn’t the vision of no kill what we all work for each and every day? Imagine for a moment the day when your organization won’t have to humanely euthanize another healthy adoptable animal. Don’t tell me no kill isn’t our vision too! Let me tell you what we’re doing in Maricopa County, Arizona. Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (AC&C) owns the no-kill
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movement in our community. AC&C takes a back seat to no one when it comes to achieving no kill. In October 1999, AC&C opened the first municipal no-kill shelter in the United States. This community center has a "get acquainted" park that provides prospective adopters the opportunity to play with and get to know an animal they may make a part of their family. The Pet Adoption Center offers dog obedience and agility training classes because we believe that when new adopters take the time to develop a deep and satisfying bond with their new pet they will be less likely to return the pet to a shelter at a later date. Our Pet Adoption Center has truly become a community center; and our community has responded. Our adoption rate has jumped 30% since opening the Center. AC&C is adopting over 22,000 pets annually, more than any pet adoption agency in the world. This program demonstrates that when citizens are provided a pleasant, guilt free environment in which to select a pet they will enthusiastically respond. So excited are the residents of our community to animal control’s embrace of the no-kill movement that a whole new, and here-to-fore untapped, revenue stream has developed. Donations! Local foundations and citizens immediately rallied to support our efforts. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations and grants flow into AC&C now that the community understands
Funding Sources for Maricopa County AC&C AC&C is part of Maricopa County but we receive no funding from the County.We are responsible for obtaining our own operating funds.We raise the money we need to save the lives of thousands of animals in several ways. Donations. Generous donations allow AC&C to continuously improve animal welfare programs. Donations have funded the construction of two spay/neuter clinics and an adoption center, a mobile adoption vehicle, and foster care program for injured and orphaned animals.Whether it's one dollar, a bag of dog food, or major gift, donations go a long way towards the care of animals. Dog Licenses. Dog licenses and vaccinations ensure the safety and welfare of pets. License fees are used to help pay for the care of animals that come into our Centers. Service Contracts. AC&C contracts with 19 cities and towns in Maricopa County to provide field services that include picking up injured and lost dogs, handling dangerous animals, and ensuring the overall safety of people and animals in the community. Revenue from these contracts fund the services provided to each city and town. Extra services such as animal rescue and cruelty investigations are partially funded by donations. Fees. AC&C covers some of the costs needed to operate our Animal Care Centers by charging fees for certain services. Kennel and adoption fees make up the majority of these revenues.
continued on page 13
Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
A New Approach • cont’d from page 12
we were giving more than lip service to this new concept called no kill. AC&C has developed a Shelter Medicine Program. Animals that historically were euthanized at the time of impound because of illness or injuries are now treated and adopted. For instance, recently a pit bull hit by a train required a leg and its tail be amputated. It also required considerable mending from deep lacerations. Citizens across the state wrote essays explaining why they should be allowed to adopt this animal. AC&C has not euthanized an injured animal in over a year and has a 100% adoption rate for rehabilitated injured animals. A comprehensive Foster Program allows time for sucklings and sick animals to become healthy enough to be adopted. AC&C has several hundred pets in foster homes at any given time. Our New Hope Program partners with over 50 local rescue and no-kill organizations allowing them to adopt animals from our euthanasia list at no cost. AC&C even provides a free one-year license that can be transferred to adopters when these organizations finally place these animals with families. Over 3,500 pets lives are saved through this program each year. AC&C works very closely with our local veterinary association. We have implemented a low-income spay/neuter program similar to the New Hampshire program. This pro-
gram helped reduced New Hampshire’s euthanasia rate by 70% over several years. The state of Minnesota found that every $1 invested in such a program resulted in a $19 savings in animal control costs over a ten-year period. AC&C’s Big Fix program provides free or low-cost spay/neuter services to any pet owners on any form of pubic assistance. This program complements AC&C’s practice of neutering every animal prior to adoption. Since beginning this program in 1995 Maricopa County’s euthanasia rate fell from 25 animals per 1000 residents to 9 animals per 1000 residents. In addition to AC&C’s spay/neuter efforts to lower euthanasia, Operation Safety Net helps pets and people stay together by providing pet food, medicine, behavior counseling, and more. AC&C has taken a leadership role in forming a local Maddie’s Coalition. I’m disturbed when I hear that animal control programs are reticent to get involved in such efforts in their communities because "Maddie’s won’t give any funds to our organizations". We have to stop thinking in terms of "our organizations" and start thinking in terms of "our communities." When you think in terms of community you will find that your animal control program is uniquely positioned to own your local no-kill movement. Let me explain.
This Just In . . . As we go to press Maddie’s has just announced that Maricopa County nokill shelters will receive up to $6 million in grant funds.While the specific goals/programs are yet to be outlined, the multi-million dollar grant monies will be used to fund adoption programs, expand spay/neuter services, and provide other comprehensive programs and methods to increase public awareness about homeless animals and adoptions. Adoption grant monies will be distributed over the next five years among the following members of The Alliance for Companion Animals—a coalition of Maricopa County no-kill animal shelters and rescue groups: • Arizona Animal Welfare League (lead agency for the project’s adoption component) • CHARM (Cat Help and Rescue Movement, Inc.) • Dog Rescue • Foothills Animal Rescue, Inc. • Friends for Life Sanctuary • HALO (Helping Animals Live On) • Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue • Second Chance • Sun Cities Animal Rescue 80 veterinary clinics to date also have been identified as spay/neuter grant recipients. Monies will be disbursed through the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Association. Project partners include the Arizona Humane Society and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control—these traditional shelters cannot receive funds but must meet the coalition’s project goals.
continued on page 15
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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The Pet Savers Foundation
THANKS YOU
For Your Generous Support! Barnaby, C. Canfield, H. Crawford, D. Csercsevits, S. Dagnie, J. Danzer, J. Dayton, M. De Marco, J. Doering, S. Dollar, J. Drayer, R. Elkin, M. Embry, J. Fancher, S.
Flynn, S. Gilmore, S. Gliwa, V. Goldstein, R. Hall, M. Kronen, D. Manzi, D. Mascot, M. Matinale, F. Meyer, S. Mills, A. Preston, J. Pyle, L. Remick-Simkins, S.
Richman, J. Rolt, J. Saylor, L. Schaefer, B. Sears-Croft, L. Setaro, L. Steele, H. Torrance, N. Volk, J. Wexler, S. Wilke, M. Windsor, V. Wright, C.
Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead, Ph.D.
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Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
A New Approach • cont’d from page 13
With all due respect to all the local no-kill shelters in America today, their reach is limited. Please, don’t misunderstand, I applaud and appreciate all the no-kill organizations. But there is a big difference between a 3,000 square foot no-kill shelter and a 9,000 square mile nokill county. Animal control programs can effectively raise the vision of no kill to a community initiative. Maricopa County is 9,200 square miles containing 24 of the fastest growing cities and towns in the United States, home to more than 3 million residents. Our vision is to create a no-kill community in which every citizen not only understands the no-kill ethic but also participates in achieving this goal. But to truly become a no-kill community requires every local humane society, animal welfare, rescue and nokill organization to marshal their resources to assist the one organization where the killing occurs. Our challenge is to not just participate in, or even coordinate with, a community based no-kill initiative. We in animal control should take the lead! Animal control is where the killing occurs. Who really wants to end it more than we do? Our organizations provide the only real measure against which all the humane societies, animal welfare, no-kill and rescue organizations can even begin to determine their effectiveness. I humbly submit that before any donor or grantor gives $1
to any local humane/animal welfare organization that they investigate what that organization does to help reduce the killing in our local animal control shelters. As community leaders, we must rise above the rhetoric of "us versus them". All local organizations must roll up their sleeves and apply their resources where they will make a difference. Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. I believe no kill is an achievable goal. But it won’t occur if our animal control and animal welfare organizations continue to do business as usual. No kill is achievable only if we work together to implement bold new strategies and interventions that get results. For more information: www.maricopa.gov/pets/ ❄
Join Our Team! Now is the time to get in on the ground floor and represent your state as a Pet Savers’ Ambassador. As a Pet Savers’ Ambassador you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in all sorts of projects – projects like Paws to Think, SPAY/USA, and the CHAMP conference. In return, you’ll have access to a variety of resources, a network of support people, plus discounts, special meetings and presentations at CHAMP. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique opportunity to affect change in the animal welfare world, please send an email to info@petsavers.org or call 516.944.5025.
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
Be More Productive! be in agreement with the goal (and how to reach it) so there will be commitment to follow-up.
We all need to “work smarter, not harder” to accomplish the numerous tasks on daily lists. A new workbook, Productivity Power, by Jim Temme, produced by Skillpath Publications features “250 Great Ideas for Being More Productive.” A few that caught our attention include: Learn how to plan. Priorities are wishes and hopes – they are stated in powerless terms. Goals are action statements. They are stated in powerful language. Each goal must be broken down into activities that have deadlines. Then you need to start taking action. Each activity must be completed. This is closure. Set Action Goals. If a goal is not measurable, then it is probably just a wish or a hope. If a goal is not compatible with our life mission, it will result in a low payoff. Each goal should have a start and finish date. If you put your goal in writing, it will be clearer, and you can communicate it to others … including funders and officials who can help achieve the goal. Goals must be "owned" by those who set them and those vested with the responsibility of carrying them out. Those who work with you must
Efficiency is “doing things right.” Effectiveness is “doing the right things.” Effectiveness is related to leadership, having the vision to define what is important to work on to achieve greater productivity. Efficiency is related to management (people and other resources) for greater productivity. Combining efficiency and effectiveness = excellence, or doing the right things right! Lead yourself. Have a vision of where and what you want to be in the future – then manage in the present to reach your goals. Everything that is urgent is not necessarily the most important. Consider both importance and urgency when deciding what to act on. When we think everything is important, and try to do three or four things at once, nothing gets done. It is important to prioritize. The Productivity Power book offers a priority analysis form which entails ranking priorities by importance, then multiplying them by time value (urgent, important-needs to be done, and important-but can wait) to give a weighted list of ranked priorities for daily, weekly activities.) Concentrate on strategic planning to help you define the objectives, activities and deadlines for each of your goals. The process of strategic planning involves formulation of a mission, the delineation of goals,
objectives and activities – all of which have deadlines – followed by the implementation and then measurement of the effectiveness of the outcome. There must be deadlines for every phase of activity. Use a creative "To Do" list that indicates the approximate amount of time you will need to complete each task. Analyze this "to do" list each day and decide what you can delete and what you can delegate. Always have a beginning and ending time for meetings, and be sure they start and end on time. Circulate an agenda prior to the meeting, and list the meeting’s primary purpose. Have someone record meeting decisions and accountability (follow-up tasks) within 24 to 48 hours of the meeting and distribute this summary. Other helpful tips include: In some instances, hold conference calls instead of meetings; don’t have a meeting if a phone call will do; don’t discuss trivial matters. The publisher has generously agreed to donate 10 books to us (Paws to Think) to share with you. We would like to hear your best ideas for being "productive". Send them to us at The Pet Savers Foundation, 59 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, or email to joyces@petsavers.org and mark them "Being Productive". The individuals who submit the 10 ideas that are selected to be shared with Paws to Think readers will receive a copy of Productivity Power courtesy of Skillpath Publications. ❄
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
Dogs’ Line Traced To Wolves From Asia By Karl Ritter
The Associated Press Friday, November 22, 2002 The Washington Times
STOCKHOLM – Domesticated dogs originated from wolves in East Asia nearly 15,000 years ago, then traveled with humans through Europe and across the Bering Strait to America, according to a pair of studies presented yesterday.
known facts – a small amount of archaeological evidence from the region, and the fact that several other animals were domesticated there," lead researcher Peter Savolainen of the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm said. A separate study by researchers in the United States, Latin America and Sweden said dogs with DNA linked to Eurasian wolves were present in the Americas before the arrival of European explorers in the 15th century.
Swedish and Chinese scientists analyzed the DNA of 654 dogs from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America and found that almost all dogs shared a common gene pool.
This suggests that the first settlers in America, believed to have crossed the Bering Strait from Asia 12,000 to 14,000 years ago, brought domesticated dogs with them, the study said.
A higher genetic diversity among East Asian dogs suggested that people there were the first to domesticate dogs from wolves, the scientists said in a study presented in a new issue of the journal, Science.
Uppsala University researcher Carles Vila said the presence of dogs might explain why the settlers spread through the Americas relatively quickly.
"Most earlier guesses have focused on the Middle East as the place of origin for dogs, based on a few
"If dogs somehow helped in the hunt, then that could be much more efficient. The humans
were in a new environment, they didn’t know what species they would find," Mr. Vila said. He said his findings that dogs arrived with the first settlers in America indicated humans and dogs probably lived together in Asia long before. The close interaction with humans has made dogs smarter than other animals, according to a third study also presented in Science. Reprinted with permission of The Associated Press.
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Author Donates Scholarship Funds for CHAMP! Ellen Perry Berkeley, author of Maverick Cats: Encounters with Feral Cats, generously shares proceeds with The Pet Savers Foundation from sales of her newly expanded classic. For every book sold through Paws to Think, Ellen will send $4 to CHAMP’s scholarship fund. Maverick Cats: Encounters with Feral Cats is still the only comprehensive volume on the domestic cat gone wild and now features the very latest efforts and research – • more fascinating information from scientists around the world • more touching stories from the author’s hillside in Vermont • personalized copies for yourself and for gifts With each copy sold, the author will explain how humane organizations can turn sales of this valuable book into a fund-raising project of their own.
Please send me ____ copies of Maverick Cats @$14.95 each (all postage is included) I have enclosed my check in the amount of $_________ payable to Ellen Perry Berkeley. Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Street: __________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________ ❑ Autograph only. ❑ Autograph and inscribe personally to: __________________________________________ $4 of the purchase price for each book will go to Pet Savers’ CHAMP Scholarship Fund. Complete this form and send with your check to: Ellen Perry Berkeley • Box 311 • Shaftsbury, VT 05262-0311 20
Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
Letters To The Editors Hi Esther, Thank you for the article "Working with Public Health Departments", Autumn 2002 issue. As Shelter Operations Manager for a public health department, I definitely believe in collaborations and realize that the most valuable resource anyone in the animal welfare community could have is each other. Unfortunately, because we are "Rabies/Animal Control", we are often labeled in a negative light. However, our staff is very dedicated to controlling pet over-population and adopting out healthy animals. Often you will find them personally fostering animals, adopting them, searching for rescue groups, volunteering their weekends to work mobile adoptions, and the list goes on. Here is a really great example of a very productive partnership with a public health department. We are partnered with SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) to offer low/no cost spay/neuters. We contribute funding and assist in scheduling and location. It is a very positive partnership for our community, in more ways than you would think. We receive calls on a daily basis from people wanting us to pick up their "unwanted" animals. We began doing a survey to see why people turn in their pets. The sur-
vey turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to educate pet owners. When asked why they were turning the animal in, some common responses would be "it is part of a litter, I can’t keep all of them, or she keeps having litters". So, staff gives them information on SNAP, tells them when the mobile clinic will be in their area and a lot of times the owner changes their mind about giving up their pet. What a "winwin" situation. They keep their pet and the pet gets neutered. Thanks again for the article. We all do have the same goal. Imagine the possibilities if everyone really can work together. Danielle Acosta, Harris County Shelter Operations Administrator www.countypets.com Dear Danielle, Your letter is a testimony of the importance of collaborative efforts and progressive spay/neuter education. Keep up the good work! Esther ❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ Hi Esther, I just want to thank you again for your support and confidence in me and especially for this award. I thought the Southern Regional Leadership Conference was one of
the best I have attended in a long time. The enthusiasm of the people attending was contagious, and makes me realize that we can change our world! You both have been role models to me. Your work throughout the country and especially here in the South has made a tremendous difference for our animal companions. You have saved many lives. Thank you again for your support, your friendship and your hard work! Sincerely, Lynne Fridley, Maddie’s Big Fix, Alabama Dear Lynne! You are an inspiration! I remember your first call to us some years ago and things looked pretty grim. Today there is so much positive change going on in Alabama that surely you must feel quite encouraged yourself. We have seen some really positive change in the Southern states over the last two or three years - new leadership emerging with new visions of how to bring the numbers of cats and dogs in line with the number of good homes available. Esther
We love to hear from our readers! Please write to Esther Mechler at 2261 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, email: alwaysspay@aol.com, or Jennifer Reimels at 59 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, New York 11050, email: jenniferr@petsavers.org
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Author Donates Scholarship Funds for CHAMP! “... a practical-minded, “user friendly” book specifically written for volunteers, caregivers, and workers in social services. Focusing on how giving affects one personally, and finding balance between sacrifice and a healthy, well-adjusted life, Give To Your Heart’s Content ... Without Giving Yourself Away is a powerful testimony and guide to enriching one’s life without becoming a martyr, and very highly recommended for the nonspecialist general reader undertaking a responsiblity for the well-being of another individual as a caregiver or volunteer.” – Midwest Book Review
✁
Linda R. Harper, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Give To Your Heart’s Content ... Without Giving Yourself Away, generously shares proceeds with The Pet Savers Foundation from sales of her newest book. For every book sold through Paws to Think, Linda will send $3.00 to CHAMP’s scholarship fund. “Dr. Linda Harper’s book, Give To Your Heart’s Content ... Without Giving Yourself Away, tackles a difficult subject with positivity and hope. Many of us find it hard to include ourselves in the act of giving, and often end up burned out.This book helps us to restore a soulful balance in our lives. I highly recommend this book for anyone working with people and animals.” – Faith Maloney, Director of Animal Care, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
PLEASE CUT ALONG LINE AND MAIL TO DR. HARPER
Please send me ________ copies of Give To Your Heart’s Content ...Without Giving Yourself Away (Innisfree Press 2002) @ $14.95 each ($3.00 postage & handling for first book, 50 cents for each additional book.) I have enclosed my check or money order in the amount of $________________ payable to Dr. Harper. Name:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
City/State/Zip: __________________________________
❑ Autograph Only. ❑ Autograph and inscribe personally to: ____________________________________________________________ $3 of the purchase price for each book will go to Pet Savers’ CHAMP Scholarship Fund. Please complete this form and send with your check or money order to: Linda R. Harper, Ph.D., Parkview Professional Building, 3830 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park, IL 60805. Or, call toll free to order at 1-877-217-6332.
PLEASE VISIT DR. HARPER’S WEB SITE @:WWW.HARPERHELPER.COM 22
Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
What Makes an Effective Animal Care and Control Program? New Guidebook Provides the Answers Have you ever looked for statistics that show a correlation between public investment in spay/neuter and reduced shelter intakes? Have you ever wanted guidance on developing an effective animal control ordinance? Have you ever needed help convincing city or county officials of the importance of properly funding an animal care and control program? If so, then a guidebook published by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is just what you need. Animal Control Management: A Guide for Local Governments provides a wealth of practical information about funding, structuring, and running an effective animal care and control program that protects both citizens and animals. It’s a great resource for humane advocates interested in selling proven
concepts in animal care and control to local government officials. Authored by Geoff Handy of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the 108-page book covers everything from recommended animal control funding levels to the importance of community outreach. For example, the guide suggests that an effective community animal care and control program will cost at least $4 per person per year. It lists minimum budget needs in counties and small towns of fewer than 25,000 people. The chapter on publicly supported spay/neuter clinics and programs describes concepts ranging from breeder permits to mobile sterilization vans. Handy profiles the New Hampshire Animal Population Control Program and its impact on the state’s intake numbers over the last eight years.
The guide also includes simplified formulas for estimating your community’s pet population and figuring out the size and cost of building a new animal shelter. Among the appendices are a sample animal sheltering and control contract from Alexandria, Virginia, and a citizen complaint affidavit from Orange County, Florida. In short, this helpful guidebook is a must-have resource for anyone involved in local companion animal protection work. Animal Control Management is available from The HSUS for $11, which is half off ICMA’s list price of $22. To obtain a copy, order online at www. AnimalSheltering.org or send a check for $11 (which includes shipping) to The HSUS, Dept. ICMA Guide-PSF, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037. Please specify order number PM2280. ❄
Paws to Think • Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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Cold Weather Tips When winter's cold weather descends and the winds begin to blow, there are some special precautions to keep in mind for your pet. A healthy animal with access to shelter will rarely suffer the ill effects of exposure to cold. However, very young or very old animals, and animals that have been ill can become hypothermic and experience frostbite. An animal whose body temperature has dropped dangerously below normal may shiver, will not be completely aware and alert, will have a slow heart and respiratory rate and muscle stiffness. Frostbite, although uncommon, may occur on the tips of the ears or tail of an outdoor cat, and on the scrotum of male dogs that spend a lot of time lying on cold surfaces or in the snow. To prevent these problems, limit your pet's exposure to the cold.
❄ Walks should be brief and in frigid weather limited to ‘taking care of outside business’.
❄ Toy breeds, thin dogs, dogs that have been shaved or have very short coats should wear a sweater or coat outside.
❄ Large breed, long-haired dogs and working dogs that are well acclimated may need or wish to spend more time outside. Dog kennels provide temporary shelter, but prolonged periods of extreme cold are still unwise.The outside working dog requires extra food to stay warm in winter, and available drinking water that is not frozen.
❄ Salt and ice-melting chemicals stick to the fur between your dog's toes and pads.These compounds sting and dogs will often appear very lame. Wipe off these substances with warm water when your dog returns inside.
❄ Do not keep pets in garages or unheated areas. Provide a blanket, rug or dog bed if the floors are bare.
❄ If you're winterizing your car, be sure to properly dispose of all radiator antifreeze. Puddles of this greenish-yellow liquid are too frequently found in street gutters, garages and driveways. Its sweet taste attracts pets and it can be lethal in even small quantities. Restlessness, depression and unsteadiness appear within 60 minutes of ingestion and may be followed by coma and death within 12 to 36 hours. Prognosis is poor and the best treatment is prevention.
❄ Tap on the hood of you car before starting the engine. Small animals, including cats, may crawl up into your engine block for warmth.
If, despite these precautions your pet suffers from exposure to the cold, wrap him/her up in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse your pet in warm water and avoid heating pads that may cause thermal burns. If you keep these simple precautions in mind, winter can be a fun time for you and your healthy pet. Wrap up, put your dog on a leash, and enjoy the snow!
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Paws to Think •Winter 2003 • Volume 2, Issue 1 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org
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