When I visited Hills awhile back I learned about their awesome animal welfare efforts — the company is totally dedicated to helping shelter animals throughout the country. They are of the mindset that, as you will agree, every pet in a shelter deserves food, shelter, and love… For the past 10 years Hill’s has provided over $240 million worth of Science Diet pet food to nearly 1,000 shelters, 365 days a year.

Together with their shelter partners they helped more than 7 million cats and dogs find their forever homes! WOW!

Now, with the new Hill’s Food Shelter & Love™ Program every eligible shelter in the U.S. has the opportunity to become our Partner – meaning they can/will reach even more pets!

Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM is excited to open a new program in April 2013.

Since 2002, Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM has helped more than 7 million pets find a new home and continues to work every day with nearly 1,000 shelters to feed their pets all year through.

The new Partner Program is accessible to eligible animal shelters that are not benefiting already from the current Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM program.

Join the new program at a Partner level and:

-          Enable your shelter pets to enjoy the benefits of Hill’s Science Diet nutrition consistently 365 days a year

-          Obtain exclusive discounts on Hill’s Science Diet nutrition to feed your shelter pets

-          Access exclusive resources for your shelter and staff on the Hill’s dedicated website

-          Offer your new adopters exclusive Hill’s Science Diet offers

Submit your shelter application today via this link and see if you qualify to start immediately in April 2013.

The nice folks at Hill’s are truly are looking forward to you joining the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love^TM program and helping them give millions more pets a home!

ASPCA encouraged by passage of SB 130,
Requires commercial dog breeding facilities to be licensed, inspected

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) yesterday applauded the Ohio House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 130 by a vote of 89-5. This bill is crucial and something that I have talked about multiple times before on the blog, requiring commercial dog breeding facilities to be licensed and inspected for the first time in the state’s history.

The ASPCA had worked to strengthen the bill, recommending that critical provisions which had previously been removed from the bill, be reinstated.

“The Ohio General Assembly has been considering various puppy mill bills for over six years,” said Vicki Deisner, state director of ASPCA Government Relations for the Midwest region. “Ohio has taken a critical step today by regulating commercial breeders, which will improve the living conditions of breeding dogs destined to spend their whole lives in these barren, commercial breeding facilities.”

Sponsored by Senator Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), SB 130 unanimously passed in the Ohio Senate last February. While the Senate version of the bill contained many strong provisions, the current version has been stripped of several of the vital requirements that would most improve the lives of Ohio’s puppy mill dogs.

The ASPCA had recommended to the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee that every breeding dog receive a hands-on veterinary exam once a year, and that facility inspections be performed by state-level inspectors only.

“In order to ensure that all breeding dogs are healthy and safe, each dog should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year,” said Cori Menkin, senior director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign.

“In its current form, SB 130 does not require this, but the legislation is still a step in the right direction. We look forward to eventually working with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to ensure more humane standards of care are instituted.”

Ohio has become a haven for puppy mill operators, which is why in addition to its legislative work, the ASPCA has focused part of its national “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign on the Columbus area.

The campaign aims to reduce the demand for puppy mill puppies by urging consumers to pledge not to buy any items—including food, supplies or toys—from stores or websites that sell puppies.

Last year, a poll conducted by Lake Research Partners revealed that while 86 percent of Columbus-area residents would not purchase puppies if they knew they came from puppy mills, 74 percent of Columbus area residents are unaware that most puppies sold in pet stores come from them.

The ASPCA believes that convincing consumers not to shop for anything, including puppies, at pet stores that sell puppies is a necessary part of stopping the demand for puppy mill dogs.

To learn more about the ASPCA’s efforts to eradicate puppy mills, please visit www.NoPetStorePuppies.com.

The ASPCA is not the only group concerned with what is going on here in Ohio, my home state (I live on the lake in Cleveland, about two hours north of Columbus.)

Several other groups have slaved for years on petitions, awareness, etc doing very honorable work to ensure Ohio citizens are aware. And though their work may not specifically be about SB 130, we Ohio animal welfare groups support one another, helping each other to spread each other’s work, “liking” things on Facebook, and writing, Tweeting, and Pinning where ever asked.

The Humane Society of the United States was also applauding Ohio yesterday; they were involved in the passage of this SB130 as well – their heavy lobbying efforts undoubtedly had an effect. They noted in a press release yesterday that Ohio is one of 22 states with no regulation or oversight of commercial high volume breeding kennels.

“S.B. 130 is the product of careful consideration, intense labor and a spirit of cooperation,” said State Rep. Dave Hall, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “Thanks to Senator Hughes, we had a good base. I’m pleased to say that the House Agriculture Committee was able to work with both sides of this issue to clarify and strengthen certain aspects that were critical for its passage. We were able to find that elusive ‘middle ground.’ As someone whose family has taken care of several rescue pets, I can say with confidence that this bill’s passage is a major victory for all Ohio dog lovers.”

Other local groups involved include Columbus Top Dogs, which works on many fundraisers and local issues, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions, which works tirelessly on banning the awful auctions which purport the puppy mill problem, and the Nitro Foundation, which is currently working assiduously to amend legislation and make a first-time offense of animal cruelty a felony in Ohio. Currently, Ohio is one of only 4 states where a first count of animal cruelty is a misdemeanor. Offenders rarely get more than a measly slap on the wrist, fine and warning for doing things like beating, burning and killing dogs and cats.

If I missed your organization, please share in the comments. But A HUGE CONGRATS goes out from ThoughtsFurPaws to ALL involved in the passing of SB130 in both the Senate and the House finally. A rousing “thank you” also goes out to my legislators – now please listen to us animal welfare advocates on the other issues we’ve been writing and calling about, ie HB 108!

We have been waiting for years as you will see from the old blog posts (search Puppy Mills, or Animal Welfare Ohio SB 130).

I will soon be writing another post on this because many small time breeders and rescues feel this bill is a burden.

Stay tuned to read their perspective…

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Avon Lake’s Jaime Smith chooses Love-A–Stray Cat Rescue to receive $2,500 cat food donation from Royal Canin

Here’s a press release about a recent donation ThoughtsFurPaws.com made (comments from me inserted in places):

Jaime Lynn Smith, blogger at ThoughtsFurPaws.com, recently chose Avon Lake’s Love-A-Stray Animal Rescueto receive a $2,500 cat food donation from Royal Canin. Smith is

The Pallet of Food that Arrived

an active advocate and volunteer for animal welfare. Her blog, ThoughtsFurPaws.com, shares personal stories to educate, advocate, and help her readers learn more about animals and their well-being. Smith recently participated in a program with pet food company Royal Canin that gave her the opportunity to donate 100 bags of Royal Canin’s new SPAYED/NEUTERED cat food – formulated specially for the nutritional needs of spayed and neutered cats, like those at Love-A-Stray – to the rescue organization of her choice.

“We’re a volunteer-run organization and generosity like this is what makes our mission possible,” said Ellen L Quimper, founder of Love-A-Stray.

“Jaime is an amazing advocate for animal rescue. We’re so happy to have her support, as well that of Royal Canin. The 100 bags of cat food will fuel our shelter for months, keeping our foster cats well-fed and healthy until they are adopted into their forever homes.”

When the donation was made, Quimper said and showed me how the rescue was down to just two bags of dry cat food…

Me Explaining to a Volunteer What Spay/Neuter Formula is

In addition to the product donation to Love-A-Stray to feed its adoptable rescue cats, Royal Canin also recently made a $25,000 donation to American Humane Association in support of feline health research. You can learn more about Royal Canin and the science behind its new SPAYED/NEUTERED cat food at www.royalcanin.us or on Smith’s pet blog at www.thoughtsfurpaws.com.

“I started blogging simply to share my passion for pets,” said Jaime Smith. “It’s amazing to be able to take what started as a hobby and use it to truly make a difference in the lives of animals. Royal Canin’s support and interest in my cause is helping me feed shelter cats and help a great local rescue organization. That’s an amazing feeling!”

In addition to the food donation, you are all aware that I won the Petties Award from Dogtime.com. Hence, I gave the $1,000 donation I received to the same shelter – Love A Stray Cat Rescue. The money was desperately needed and immediately went toward paying off vet bills. Love A Stray is an amazing organization  that I volunteer with and will continue to support for the rest of my life.

When I arrived at Love A Stray to see the food and help take it out of the barn into the catteries, Quimper and numerous volunteers were there to help carry the big boxes of Royal Canin cat food down to the main area. Excited and grateful, speechless yet thoughtful, giddy and giggling, Quimper and the volunteers helped me take 100 boxes of kitten and cat food to the catteries where hundreds of cats awaited new food.

Cats at Love A Stray

Me and volunteers taking food down

About Love-A-Stray Animal Rescue:
Love- A-Stray Animal Rescue is a non-profit, all volunteer organization located in Avon, Ohio. The organization actively promotes spaying and neutering of companion animals and tries to place adoptable animals into permanent homes. Its mission is to end the pet overpopulation problem through low-cost spaying and neutering programs and by educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering animals. Volunteers help Love–A– Stray by housing homeless animals in foster homes, until adopted.

For more information, visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/love-a-stray or see them on Facebook.

I urge you to visit the Petfinder and Facebook pages for Love A Stray and help however you can. Right now they are in desperate need of cleaning supplies like detergent and bleach wipes…

About Royal Canin USA
Royal Canin USA is a forerunner of nutritional and technological advancement in dog and cat food. With more than 40 years of experience in the animal health and nutrition industry, the company prides itself on putting knowledge and respect for the animal first. Royal Canin collaborates with nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world on impartial and relevant research to ensure dogs and cats receive the best nutrition.

For more information, find Royal Canin at www.facebook.com/RoyalCanin.us or visit http://www.royalcanin.us/.

Ohio now joins majority of states in restricting private ownership of dangerous exotic wildlife

The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA® and Born Free USA issued statements in response to Ohio Gov. John Kasich enacting the Dangerous Wild Animal Act into law this past week.

Introduced by state Sen. Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, the bill was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 87 to 9 on May 22, and the Ohio Senate by a 30 to 1 vote in April.

Wild Tiger Courtesy Born Free USA

With Gov. Kasich’s signature, there remain only six states with little to no restrictions on the private possession of dangerous wild animals—Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS stated, “Common sense, rather than tragedy, should drive public policy decisions, but sometimes it takes a high-profile event to focus the attention of lawmakers on issues not in the headlines.”

“For all the states that have not adopted sensible policies on private ownership of dangerous exotics, the grim drama that played out in Zanesville should provide all of the evidence

Courtesy HSUS (cropped)

they need to get cracking and adopt strict and sensible policies. We are grateful to Governor Kasich and the legislature for standing firm on this issue, and working to protect animal welfare and public safety,” Pacelle continued.

“The ASPCA commends Gov. Kasich for recognizing the need to regulate dangerous exotic animals and ensuring the safety of Ohio residents, as well as the health and well-being of wild animals kept as pets,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations.

“Safety should always be the paramount concern of lawmakers, and having dangerous exotic animals in our communities, without any regulation or restrictions, threatens us all and the animals pay the ultimate price.”

Adam Roberts, executive vice president of Born Free USA added, “Today marks a strong—and long overdue—step forward in protecting exotics and Ohioans from the dangerous and inhumane ‘pet’ wildlife trade. Born Free USA knows the cruel effects of the trade firsthand. Many of our Primate Sanctuary residents were rescued from abusive situations in which they were forced into captivity as someone’s pet.”

“There is an epidemic in this country of owning wild animals as ‘pets’ and it must stop. As documented by Born Free USA’s Exotic Animal Incidents Database, numerous incidents involving death and injuries to humans from captive ‘pets’ occur regularly and nationwide. We commend Governor Kasich for signing this urgently needed public safety and animal welfare measure into law, and we urge other states to follow suit.”

The new law will:

•    Ban new ownership of dangerous wild animals, including big cats, some smaller exotic cats, bears, hyenas, gray wolves, non-human primate species, alligators and crocodiles in Ohio;

•    Grandfather existing animals so people who currently have them can keep them, as long as they obtain a permit;

•    Require owners of exotic animals covered under the grandfather clause to acquire liability insurance or surety bonds ranging from $200,000 to $1 million;

•    Require existing owners of exotic animals to comply with housing and safety standards that will be established by the Ohio Department of Agriculture; and

•    Require criminal background checks to qualify for a permit for owners of existing exotic animals.

The exotic pet trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that contributes to the suffering of millions of animals, often threatening public health and safety, disrupting ecosystems and driving species to endangerment and extinction.

Each year across the nation, countless numbers of exotic animals are purchased as pets at retail stores and from private breeders and dealers at auctions or over the Internet. Since the vast majority of people who keep exotic animals cannot meet their needs, the animals often become the victims of abuse and neglect—they are caged, chained, tranquilized or even beaten into submission.

Many of you around town have heard of or contributed to the “My Best Friend’s Bowl” pet food bank that was started in February 2011 and is operated out of Lakewood Community Services Center.

The goal of the owner, Judy Towner, is to provide pet food to owners facing difficult times even feeding themselves during tough economic times, and to help the pet owners keep their pets in their homes. Many, unfortunately, have thus still had to surrender their best friends to shelters.

“My Best Friend’s Bowl” has now joined forces with the Public Animal Welfare Society of Ohio (PAWS) a not-for-profit animal rescue, foster and adoption agency, run largely by an all-volunteer staff along with their Director, Amy Beichler. The PAWS has been a tireless advocate for animals in need since 1979.

On Friday, June 15th from 6-10pm, PAWS will be holding the first ever benefit to raise funds, food and awareness of the problem people are having feeding their pets.

The event, “Bowling for Bowls” is $20.00 per person, being held at Mahall’s 20 Lanes, and will include two games of bowling, shoe rental, food, soda, Chinese raffle and 50-50 raffle in 2 shifts.

It’s from 6-8pm and 8-10pm.

-DJ Earl from Lucky Duck DJ/Karaoke Productions will be there to entertain everyone, and Laurie Sekeres from Ganley Westside Imports in North Olmsted will be there with the “Pet tested, Pet approved” Subaru Forrester to help us “Stuff the Subaru” with pet food donations.

*Anyone bringing a bag of dry dog or cat food will receive 2 free Chinese raffle tickets. There will be a cash bar as well.

Get your teams together for an evening of fun, food and music while helping PAWS reach out to more pet owners in need. And, see the newly renovated Mahall’s and the fabulous garage doors that have been recently opened for an open air view of Madison Avenue while enjoying the evening.

-More information can be seen at www.pawsohio.org; click the events tab. You can download a flyer there as well.-