Why do we allow this?

Or rather why, when we know this happens do we turn a blind eye to it and allow it to continue? I am speaking of abuse, cruelty to animals. On any given day there are at least 10 news stories of extreme abuse or cruelty to animals. One of the 10 I read this morning was about a animal welfare's undercover video release and charges against a dairy showing intentional and sadistic cruelty to the dairy cows and calves there.

I acknowledge that cruelty exists, and much of it goes unreported or found. And I really cannot even pretend to understand what makes a person be intentionally cruel to an animal. And they have proven that there is a strong link from abusing or sadistically killing animals to stepping up to abusing and killing people. And to expand this, I simply don't understand why if so many are against animal cruelty or abuse don't most of them stand up and report it or help stop it?

The ASPCA gives 10 simple guidelines to recognize and do your part to help stop abuse in your area. But there is more you can do on a bigger scale too. You can choose to not buy products from companies who have shown to have abuse or cruelty at their facilities, like the dairy. You can become informed as to where that milk is processed and refuse to buy milk from that facility who receives it's milk supplies from the abusing dairy. Same goes for farms for pigs, chickens, etc. In the case of the seal hunts in Canada, yes, it's not a good thing and there really isn't a need for it anymore, so encourage your local stores to NOT carry any Canadian seafoods in their stores, refuse to buy Canadian seafood. The way to get legislation and laws changed is to hit the pocketbooks. Buy from responsible companies who practice humane animal raising and harvesting practices. Watch your area, where you live, know who to report possible cruelty and abuse to. Be proactive.

Stop ignoring it, it won't go away. By your ignoring it, you are allowing it to continue, and the perpetrator to get worse and possibly cause the death of a person. And yes while I don't understand what the perpetrator must be thinking or feeling or how they can justify the abusive actions, we won't get them to stop if we don't report it.

And yes this is a global problem, not just here in the US. We as the "higher intellegence" beings agreed to care for all life and protect it. Do your part.

Saving animals is not just for women!

Ok, so you think that saving or rescuing animals from abuse and neglect isn't a macho thing? You think caring about animals is not a manly thing? Well hang on to your seats gentlemen! Check out these tough guys, Rescue Ink.



I found out about them while surfing  ABC news and read a story on them. And then there is their website: Rescue Ink  I love their zero tolerance policy on animal abuse and neglect. Each member's history is a bit unique and varied. They will go in where other rescue agencies cannot or will not go in. And they not only rescue, they'll work to educate the abuser in the process. As you read their brief profiles about each one, I for one am happy that I am not on their target list. I am glad I am on the same side. But I mean, come on, would you want to piss them off?

Wow! Talk about an inspiring bunch of guys!  They break the mold on the idea that rescuing animals are only for women or wimps. And gentlemen, you know what I mean. Oh alot of you talk tough but would you really step out of your comfort zone to rescue an animal you witnessed being abused? Now, giving some of you the benefit of the doubt, I believe you would take time out to rescue or care aobut an animal that needed you.  Personally I think these guys do a great thing. I wish there were more like minded people like them across the country. And even though they are in New York, it isn't just household pets they rescue, they rescue horses, like the two colts here, and other animals, even chickens.



I am guessing that there is no rescue creature too small or large for them. And I imagine that when they put their efforts forth that there isn't much that would get in their way. I for one applaud them! Now if I only had the National Geographic Channel, I would certainly enjoy watching them in action. And maybe if the word got out a little more, maybe it would inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and help work towards a good cause and perhaps teach others a little bit about compassion along the way. And last but not least, remember, Never, Ever Judge a Book by it's Cover! You can not ever tell a person inside by his or her appearance.

Way to Go Guys! Join them on Facebook   and on MySpace  if you live in the New York area, voluteer!

Breed Discrimination and Dog Fighting

I thought perhaps I would broach the subject of Pit Bull Terriers, and the discrimination of the breed and misuse of them. This issue is becoming more and more in the spotlight on the news wires.

Some facts, Pits weren't ever bred to be "killers". They were meant to be protectors and were bred for vermin control. They are fiercely loyal dogs and absolutely want to please their human companions. Their predatory hunting instincts have been turned into the "fight" for survival instinct by greedy unconscionable persons. And they are just about one of the top abused and discriminated breeds today.

Back in July, multiple animal rescue organizations (like HSUS, ASPCA, and UAN) along with law enforcement did a multi-state raid on dog fighting rings, over 400 dogs were rescued. Many with life long injuries and scars or loss of body parts. Like the picture of one of the rescues here:



Poor girl has no lips anymore and only half a nose, and she is just one of the survivors. After the rescue, several of the females gave birth in the shelter set up in Missouri bringing the count of dogs needing care, rehabilitation and finding their forever homes to over 500.  Many people gave less than 1/4 of the dogs any optimism of being adoptable or socialized. Recently  UAN  posted aYouTube video of the dogs and how many are finding their forever homes. Today the owners of the fighting rings are in custody and have admitted to breeding dogs for fighting and killing dogs who weren't agressive enough or fought well enough. And the manner in which they disposed of them is awful. Remember the publicity spawned by the Michael Vick case?

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/jHeO3Lu-CsA" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

If you wish to provide help or a possible home for these dogs, you can read more and contact the Missouri Humane Society

On breed discrimination..... This breed is much maligned and many cases of untruths surround them. They are the current objects of the breed "witch hunt" as it were. Because so many people do not understand them, and because they have been so linked in the media for their fighting aggressiveness, people are frightened anytime anyone says the word pit bull. This brings back memories for me of the terror the media spread on dobermans in the late 60's and early 70's and then it was German Shepherds, then Rottweilers. FACT!!!! Man always fears what he does not understand, and the MEDIA feeds this fear. And now any time you hear about a dog attack or of someone being bitten, the dog is always labeled Pit cross or Pit Bull, even if they have no trace whatsoever in them.

Yes, Pits have an extremely strong bite, Yes they can hold that bite. HOWEVER, they are not bite first type of dogs. They ONLY bite IF they feel they or their family or territory  are being threatened, or they feel that their survival is at stake. They will always bark and growl to warn first. We are the stupid ones to not heed the warnings. And yes they are muscular, and active, so they require someone who can play with them, run with them, and stay active with them.  I'll let you in on a tidbit here, Poodles will bite you faster than most any other breed. And small dogs because of their size are quicker biters than pits are because they are fearful of being stepped on or injured by us.

I love the breed, I have had several share my life with me. One was such a beautiful momma dog, that she wanted to mother everything. And the cats care was her personal job. The cats adored her. Her pups (not planned by a high jumping neighbor's shepherd) all went to wonderful homes with kids and they were life long companions to the family and kids. She was also so very loyal and protective of her territory and family. She did her job with love, loyalty and perfection. Even went through a screened window to chase off a burglar who was trying to break in. Good dog!

Fact is, they truly are wonderful dogs, and like any dog of any breed, their traits can be used against them by greedy people. And currently they are the hunted by the witch hunters.  Any dog, can be used to fight if you instill their survival instincts enough.  Perhaps it's time to help educate people on the breed? And vote against breed banning in any state?