Quebec Animaux's Facebook page depicts dogs and cats killed in gas chambers that are proven to take 20 or 30 minutes to kill an animal, sometimes with mixed results. Animals have to be "re-euthanized" when it doesn't work. The pets scramble for air, hitting the sides of the walls, each other, bleeding and yelping in hopes of getting out of there.
So there you have it, Quebec just approved the continued use of this method of eliminating pets much to the chagrin of animal activists everywhere. MAPAQ minister, Pierre Corbeil, has decided that this form of euthanization is acceptable. http://www.montrealdogblog.com/5657/decision-made-quebec-continue-gas-chambers/
Lovely.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
October 4th World Animal Day
World Animal Day http://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/ was yesterday, October 4th. With Quebec's latest puppy mill raid still in the news, the largest seizure in Canadian history with 527 dogs rescued, at least 100 females pregnant, adding over 100 puppies to the count, it is unacceptable that the laws here in Quebec are so lax. Should the mill operator in Clarendon, Quebec, be found guilty of animal cruelty - and how could she not?! - the maximum fine for her would be $1200. That's roughly $2 per dog (never mind the puppies born after the seizure) that lived in inhumane conditions, never seeing the outdoors, eating quality foods, playing with toys or feeling the loving arms of a human. Oh, and the cost to rescue and care for all these dogs for the many weeks it will take to get the case heard in court? So far, it's been roughly $6000/per day! About one third of those dogs rescued need daily medical care. Sounds fair to you?
These breeding dogs were never health tested, socialized or cared for, yet they produced pup after pup that got sold in pet stores, in newspaper ads, online and at flea markets. These are puppies that end up in shelters or euthanized because they aren't house trained, are terrified of humans, are sick or dying, or bite or show aggression. Buyers of these dogs didn't do the research or their homework and end up regretting the purchase of such a huge commitment. Mill operators such as this one don't care about that. They care only that they made a sale and it gives them good reason to continue doing what they do. There are no spay or neuter contracts signed at time of purchase, so the pups that do make it to a year or two and kept within the family home are often bred "because having puppies is so cute" or "we want the children to experience nature"! And so the cycle continues. UGH - don't get me started on that!!!
In Ontario, for example, the punishment for such cruelty as found in this latest case in Quebec, can be fines up to $60,000, up to two years in jail and a lifetime ban of owning animals. Now that is starting to make sense! You think men and women would consider embarking a career in the puppy or kitten mill business if they knew what they could face when caught? Also, Ontario has over 300 officers and inspectors whereas Quebec has only recently increased their numbers to 40. Ontario SPCA http://www.ontariospca.ca/5-critical.shtml complains that they have 400 mills operating in their province and that they need more manpower to check up on these places. Quebec, for shame! With over 2000 mills in our own province that breed up to 400,000 animals a year and so few inspectors available, one has to wonder if we'll ever get this problem solved!
Here is a most interesting and thorough article - and sad to say, it's dated 13 years ago and yet the industry is thriving more than ever. http://www.pets.ca/dogs/articles/puppy-mills/
These breeding dogs were never health tested, socialized or cared for, yet they produced pup after pup that got sold in pet stores, in newspaper ads, online and at flea markets. These are puppies that end up in shelters or euthanized because they aren't house trained, are terrified of humans, are sick or dying, or bite or show aggression. Buyers of these dogs didn't do the research or their homework and end up regretting the purchase of such a huge commitment. Mill operators such as this one don't care about that. They care only that they made a sale and it gives them good reason to continue doing what they do. There are no spay or neuter contracts signed at time of purchase, so the pups that do make it to a year or two and kept within the family home are often bred "because having puppies is so cute" or "we want the children to experience nature"! And so the cycle continues. UGH - don't get me started on that!!!
In Ontario, for example, the punishment for such cruelty as found in this latest case in Quebec, can be fines up to $60,000, up to two years in jail and a lifetime ban of owning animals. Now that is starting to make sense! You think men and women would consider embarking a career in the puppy or kitten mill business if they knew what they could face when caught? Also, Ontario has over 300 officers and inspectors whereas Quebec has only recently increased their numbers to 40. Ontario SPCA http://www.ontariospca.ca/5-critical.shtml complains that they have 400 mills operating in their province and that they need more manpower to check up on these places. Quebec, for shame! With over 2000 mills in our own province that breed up to 400,000 animals a year and so few inspectors available, one has to wonder if we'll ever get this problem solved!
Here is a most interesting and thorough article - and sad to say, it's dated 13 years ago and yet the industry is thriving more than ever. http://www.pets.ca/dogs/articles/puppy-mills/
Friday, September 23, 2011
Ingredients to avoid in Pet Foods
Commercial kibble can contain ingredients ranging from fresh meat to organs and bones and from brown rice to ground corn, millet and food dye. What do these ingredients mean? Are there ingredients that we should avoid feeding our cats and dogs? What is wrong with feeding corn, ground rice, animal fat or soybean meal? What are vets telling us is good quality kibble, and why?
One website I like is www.dogfoodanalysis.com because it tells you what the ingredients are in many of the commercial kibble products found on the North American market, as well as analyze them, explaining why some are considered unhealthy and some are superior and highly recommended. It is a great teaching tool to allow YOU, the consumer, to decide for yourself what is a good food to feed your pet. Don't believe your veterinarian. Don't believe the young sales clerk at your local store or the guy you meet at the dog park. Learn what the ingredients mean and you will be able to tell, on your own, what constitutes a high quality kibble and what doesn't.
Some kibble contains chemical preservatives such as ethoxyquin, BHT and BHA which are allowed in pet products but are banned or heavily regulated in human food due to the belief that they are carcinogenic. Do you really want to take the risk and feed this to your animal? Did you know that many, or most of the kibble sold in vets' clinics, supermarket shelves and bargain stores contain these ingredients?
As to what is wrong with feeding corn, ground rice, animal fat or soybean meal, consider that corn provides little to no nutrition to a dog or cat and can even cause allergies, digestive problems, hair loss, itchiness and/or chronic licking and ear infections. Ground rice and other grains such as corn (maize), millet, soybean or wheat are fillers and items that are not always fit for human consumption. They can raise blood sugar levels, cause allergic reactions and provide no nutritional value. Animal fat, when listed as "animal fat", is a generic fat source that is most often made up of rendered animal fat, restaurant grease, or other oils too rancid or deemed inedible for humans. Look for a named fat source, such as poultry or chicken fat, that is naturally preserved.
Check this site out: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com/2010/01/avoid-these-dog-food-ingredients/ for a list of some of the ingredients to avoid and why. Here is another site: http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/9830/1/Ingredients-to-Avoid-in-Dog-Food.html
Is the cost of kibble a factor in what you decide to buy? Then please consider the cost of having to feed twice as much kibble that contains grain and fillers, as well as cheaper ingredients just to fill a dog's tummy, compared to one that has a high protein level and few if any grains at all. If you pay $20 a 5 lb. bag and only have to feed 2/3 cup kibble per day, but pay $10 for the same size bag and have to feed twice as much, leaving a dog still hungry because the meat protein content is so low, then where do you save, exactly? Of course, that doesn't take into account what the cost of medical care will be when you feed a toxic-filled commercial food to a dog for several years. Are you having to buy medication or special shampoos and supplements for chronic ear infections, allergies, hair loss, behavioral issues and chronic conditions? Just like with us humans, if fed a diet poor in nutrition and containing toxins, an animal can't help but become ill in the long-run.
One website I like is www.dogfoodanalysis.com because it tells you what the ingredients are in many of the commercial kibble products found on the North American market, as well as analyze them, explaining why some are considered unhealthy and some are superior and highly recommended. It is a great teaching tool to allow YOU, the consumer, to decide for yourself what is a good food to feed your pet. Don't believe your veterinarian. Don't believe the young sales clerk at your local store or the guy you meet at the dog park. Learn what the ingredients mean and you will be able to tell, on your own, what constitutes a high quality kibble and what doesn't.
Some kibble contains chemical preservatives such as ethoxyquin, BHT and BHA which are allowed in pet products but are banned or heavily regulated in human food due to the belief that they are carcinogenic. Do you really want to take the risk and feed this to your animal? Did you know that many, or most of the kibble sold in vets' clinics, supermarket shelves and bargain stores contain these ingredients?
As to what is wrong with feeding corn, ground rice, animal fat or soybean meal, consider that corn provides little to no nutrition to a dog or cat and can even cause allergies, digestive problems, hair loss, itchiness and/or chronic licking and ear infections. Ground rice and other grains such as corn (maize), millet, soybean or wheat are fillers and items that are not always fit for human consumption. They can raise blood sugar levels, cause allergic reactions and provide no nutritional value. Animal fat, when listed as "animal fat", is a generic fat source that is most often made up of rendered animal fat, restaurant grease, or other oils too rancid or deemed inedible for humans. Look for a named fat source, such as poultry or chicken fat, that is naturally preserved.
Check this site out: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com/2010/01/avoid-these-dog-food-ingredients/ for a list of some of the ingredients to avoid and why. Here is another site: http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/9830/1/Ingredients-to-Avoid-in-Dog-Food.html
Is the cost of kibble a factor in what you decide to buy? Then please consider the cost of having to feed twice as much kibble that contains grain and fillers, as well as cheaper ingredients just to fill a dog's tummy, compared to one that has a high protein level and few if any grains at all. If you pay $20 a 5 lb. bag and only have to feed 2/3 cup kibble per day, but pay $10 for the same size bag and have to feed twice as much, leaving a dog still hungry because the meat protein content is so low, then where do you save, exactly? Of course, that doesn't take into account what the cost of medical care will be when you feed a toxic-filled commercial food to a dog for several years. Are you having to buy medication or special shampoos and supplements for chronic ear infections, allergies, hair loss, behavioral issues and chronic conditions? Just like with us humans, if fed a diet poor in nutrition and containing toxins, an animal can't help but become ill in the long-run.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Quebec's recent puppy mill seizure
As was announced in the news last week, Quebec has had it's largest puppy mill seizure ever. Over 525 dogs, many females pregnant, were taken from a Outaouais commercial breeder, Paws R Us, due to them being neglected, lacking basic care and medical attention. These dogs had never seen daylight, nor stepped outdoors and walked on grass. They have no idea how to play with a dog toy, get their bellies rubbed, eat nutritiously or walk on a leash.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8858809254704327518
Dogs were found with hair loss, skin sores, blind, respiratory problems, lame, injured, sick and very much afraid of human contact. Video footage can be seen on various news sites as well as at the Humane Society International Canada (HSI) website, but it's a very short representation of what the rescuers saw since they need to be so very careful about the legal ramifications of airing too much before this goes before a judge. There is still the risk that all these dogs and puppies get returned to the Labombard family. Believe it or not!
The dogs are in a shelter, being fed and given water, being held and given minimum medical treatment. Not too much more can be done for them, such as spaying or neutering, trimming nails that have curled under their paws, or taking them outdoors to get them socialized and trained because they are still the property of Paws R Us until a judge says otherwise. These animals can be in their cages at the shelter for weeks, but we can hope and pray that it will be but a bump in the road to a long, healthy and normal life for them all.
I volunteered several times in the past three years at the Montreal SPCA Emergency shelter after they had puppy mill seizures done and it is very emotional and physically draining work. It is, however, quite rewarding when you see a dog half-blind from the ammonia fumes from the urine in the shed he was kept in for years, limping because his paws are splayed from standing on wiring his whole life and with teeth half rotted, wag his tail because you just took him out into a quiet room and held him for a few minutes. That is why I kept going back to help, because most of these dogs recover and go on to lead wonderful lives once they are given the love and basic care they need.
Why does this heinous business continue and thrives in our country, and especially in Quebec? Because people still think of pets as objects, as replaceable, and make rash decisions based on emotions and fleeting thoughts. You can buy a pair of jeans at the department store AND stroll down the aisle and buy a dog ten minutes later at the pet shop! The laws are not in place to prevent this type of business, commercial breeding under cruel and unhealthy conditions. The laws won't change until the public's perception changes. When pet shops no longer sell puppies, but rather get involved with shelters and help them adopt their animals out, when newspaper ads and online pet selling are finally seen as the worst way of getting a healthy pet and when consumers finally learn the questions that need to be asked and the homework that needs to be done before even considering adding a pet to the household, only then will these practices change and the law reflect that. Maybe the law can change first, but I'm not holding my breath!
Dogs were found with hair loss, skin sores, blind, respiratory problems, lame, injured, sick and very much afraid of human contact. Video footage can be seen on various news sites as well as at the Humane Society International Canada (HSI) website, but it's a very short representation of what the rescuers saw since they need to be so very careful about the legal ramifications of airing too much before this goes before a judge. There is still the risk that all these dogs and puppies get returned to the Labombard family. Believe it or not!
The dogs are in a shelter, being fed and given water, being held and given minimum medical treatment. Not too much more can be done for them, such as spaying or neutering, trimming nails that have curled under their paws, or taking them outdoors to get them socialized and trained because they are still the property of Paws R Us until a judge says otherwise. These animals can be in their cages at the shelter for weeks, but we can hope and pray that it will be but a bump in the road to a long, healthy and normal life for them all.
I volunteered several times in the past three years at the Montreal SPCA Emergency shelter after they had puppy mill seizures done and it is very emotional and physically draining work. It is, however, quite rewarding when you see a dog half-blind from the ammonia fumes from the urine in the shed he was kept in for years, limping because his paws are splayed from standing on wiring his whole life and with teeth half rotted, wag his tail because you just took him out into a quiet room and held him for a few minutes. That is why I kept going back to help, because most of these dogs recover and go on to lead wonderful lives once they are given the love and basic care they need.
Why does this heinous business continue and thrives in our country, and especially in Quebec? Because people still think of pets as objects, as replaceable, and make rash decisions based on emotions and fleeting thoughts. You can buy a pair of jeans at the department store AND stroll down the aisle and buy a dog ten minutes later at the pet shop! The laws are not in place to prevent this type of business, commercial breeding under cruel and unhealthy conditions. The laws won't change until the public's perception changes. When pet shops no longer sell puppies, but rather get involved with shelters and help them adopt their animals out, when newspaper ads and online pet selling are finally seen as the worst way of getting a healthy pet and when consumers finally learn the questions that need to be asked and the homework that needs to be done before even considering adding a pet to the household, only then will these practices change and the law reflect that. Maybe the law can change first, but I'm not holding my breath!
Monday, September 19, 2011
When Ricky got sick
When Ricky, my Havanese, was about 18 months old, back in November 2007, he got his latest vaccine combo, Parvo/Distemper/Hepatitis and had a reaction four days later. He woke me up in the middle of the night, shaking, panting like crazy and not moving when I put him down on the floor. I was so afraid! After an hour, I brought him in to the Vet ER and blood tests revealed his ALT (liver enzyme) was sky-high! A normal maximum level is 100 and at the time, Ricky's ALT was at 1200! He ended up spending the night and during that time, his levels went up to 1800. They were able to bring them down, gave him fluids to bring his high temperature back to normal and he ate a little.
That was the beginning of a very long, frustrating and educational journey into what can cause the liver to go into crisis, how diet can influence an animal's well-being and how vaccines, medication and toxins can change our lives - and not always for the better. It took about 2 years, ultrasounds, biopsies, open surgeries, supplements, medications and many diet changes for Ricky to finally get acceptable ALT levels around 135. That is his "normal" and throughout the ordeal, Ricky was always quite well. He was never sickly, ate well, played with Sammy and with us as usual, slept well and didn't look at all like his liver wasn't quite healthy.
I have learned much about pet nutrition through many, many months of research and consultations. I even got a job in a health food store for cats and dogs almost 4 years ago and it's changed my life. I love it! My desire to share what I've learned is great and I hope you all enjoy the exchanges I hope to have here.
That was the beginning of a very long, frustrating and educational journey into what can cause the liver to go into crisis, how diet can influence an animal's well-being and how vaccines, medication and toxins can change our lives - and not always for the better. It took about 2 years, ultrasounds, biopsies, open surgeries, supplements, medications and many diet changes for Ricky to finally get acceptable ALT levels around 135. That is his "normal" and throughout the ordeal, Ricky was always quite well. He was never sickly, ate well, played with Sammy and with us as usual, slept well and didn't look at all like his liver wasn't quite healthy.
I have learned much about pet nutrition through many, many months of research and consultations. I even got a job in a health food store for cats and dogs almost 4 years ago and it's changed my life. I love it! My desire to share what I've learned is great and I hope you all enjoy the exchanges I hope to have here.
My Passion
I have a passion - well, I have several things I'm passionate about, but one is the well-being of animals, all animals. I became passionate about dogs several years ago, after spending most of my life not even liking them! Who knew? Being the fur-mom of two adorable Havanese, Ricky and Sammy, as well as of three cats, Gigi, Shadow and Sophie, has ignited a passion inside me for caring for pets, farm animals and all animals. Their nutrition, their treatment, how they are raised, their health and their lives are fascinating to me and something I care deeply about.
Hi, my name is Marj. Here, in this blog, I want to share my ideas, what I've learned and am learning still, and have discussions about things going on in the world.
Hi, my name is Marj. Here, in this blog, I want to share my ideas, what I've learned and am learning still, and have discussions about things going on in the world.
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