Category Archives: Cruelty and Neglect
Greater protection
This morning I was reading with excitement that Idaho has a felony animal cruelty bill that passed the Senate Agriculture committee and is headed to the full Senate for a vote. But then my excitement quickly waned as I read what this legislative bill actually covers. Idaho is one of three states that does [...]
Legacies for change
We continue to see the passage of laws to protect animals from humans harming them, and many of those legislative bills are named after an animal who has been victimized. There is Daniel’s Bill in Pennsylvania to end gas chamber killings and named after a dog who survived an attempt to end his life in a [...]
Can we forgive?
I’ve been watching the unfolding drama of Michael Vick’s scheduled appearance on the Oprah Show. Media and bloggers have gone back and forth on whether this is a good thing or another opportunity for Vick to be in the spot light. As an animal advocate and former prosecutor, I have been conflicted between the continuous [...]
When helping animals becomes overwhelming
This morning I read an article about 157 starved and neglected dogs that were seized in Alaska. Our initial reaction, as those that love and protect animals, is to get the dogs to safety, give them food, water, and shelter. For an animal shelter, especially small rural shelters, in-taking 157 dogs at one time can [...]
Foreclosure pets – we all can prevent this!
Although the protection of animals often involves tragically sad stories, I aim to make this blog into a positive place where we can empower each other to do just a little more to help our furry companions. But this is a story that I am compelled to share because I want your input on what [...]
Hoardings hidden costs
Most people agree that animal hoarding is a serious issue, not only for the health and well-being of the animals, but also from a public health perspective for the community. The multi-faceted issues in a hoarding case, such as the mental health ramifications and the recidivism rate, make these situations difficult to handle and resolve. [...]
The aftermath
Most people wish for animals to be in safe environments and to be removed from places that cause them harm, right?. But when those animals arrive at the local animal shelter, then what? In too many cases, those same animals who were brought to safety have their lives ended because the shelter is overcrowded, does [...]
One Lucky dog
This is a bittersweet story of a dog, now named Lucky, who was chained to a car and dragged for over a mile by her previous owner in Eaton Rapids, MI. Although he says “it was an accident” and he didn’t realize she was chained to the car, what is wonderful is that Lucky is [...]
Animal victims in court?
This is an amazing story and innovative concept … allowing animal victims to face their abusers in court. In this situation, a pit bull named Louis Vuitton, who was beaten with a shovel and set on fire in Montgomery, Alabama, was allowed to attend a parole hearing of his abuser. Parole was denied. This brings [...]
Going the extra mile … one pet at a time
Luke & Leia were victims of terrible neglect until they were removed from their home in DC. They were nothing more than fur and bones when they arrived at King Street Cats in Alexandria a few weeks ago. And now they are in foster care at my home. It has been a struggle to get [...]
