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Below is a quote which a friend sent to me, out of all the quotations I have read I do believe this one is my absolute favourite.  How truly wise this man was.

Henry Beston (1888-1968) said it perfectly:

“In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we will never hear.  They are not brethern, they are not underlings, they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”

Recently I received a wonderful book titled “For the Love of Dogs” published by pil Publications International Ltd.  It is easy to read and is certainly a joy to indulge oneself with.  Both informative and enlightening, I would recommend this addition to any animal lovers library.

Below are a few of my favourite quotes taken from this book:

Woodrow Wilson
“If a dog will not come to you after he has looked you in the face, you ought to go home and examine your conscience.” Pretty much tells one that they have alot of work to do on themselves.

George Graham Vest
“The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world – the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous – is his dog.
“…A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness.  He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side.  He will kiss the hand that had no food to offer.  He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince.  When all other friends desert, he remains.  When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love as the sun it its journey through the heavens.  If fortune drives the master forth an outcast of the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dogs asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard agaist danger, to fight against his enemies.  And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.”

Ghandi
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way that its animals are treated.”

Mark Twain
“Heaven goes by favor.  If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”

Webster’s Dictionary provides the following Definitions excerpted below: http://www.merriam-webster.com/

LOGIC: : a particular mode of reasoning viewed as valid or faulty,

INTELLIGENCE:: the ability to learn or understand …also the skilled use of reason

REASON: : the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways, : intelligence: proper exercise of the mind : the sum of the intellectual powers

KNOWLEDGE:: the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association, the range of one’s information or understanding,: the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning

CONSCIENCE: the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one’s own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good

IRRESPONSIBLE: not responsible,: not answerable to higher authority : said or done with no sense of responsibility, lacking a sense of responsibility

INDIFFERENCE: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

DISREGARD: to pay no attention to : treat as unworthy of regard or notice

NEGLECT: to give little attention or respect to : disregard: to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness

neglect: implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one’s attention  disregard suggests voluntary inattention,ignore: implies a failure to regard something obvious,overlook: suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care,slight: implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting,forget: may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one’s mind,mean to pass over without giving due  attention.

Now if one reads through the above definitions:  Here is food for thought:

Is it not logical that if you allow your pet to run at large at anytime, unaccompanied and unsupervised that eventually this animal is going to get hit by a car or other type of vehicle? Possibly get lost or stolen or worse.   Is this not logically a lack of good judgement?  If one exercises their own intelligence one should be able to figure that out quite easily.

In using the reasoning process, one’s own intelligence,common sense and logic, it makes far more sense to either tether the animal outside while at home, walk with a leash or have a fenced yard.

Is it not common knowledge that in some Northern communities dogs are shot on sight if running loose.    It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that those who allow their animals this so-called freedom are thereby practicing the negative arts of indifference, disregard and lack of good conscience showing that they have no regard or respect for the animals life.  Are these owners not also exhibiting a total disrespect to their neighbors and community? Is it not logical and of good conscience to spay/neuter the animal so there is no need to reduce populations by gunshot?

Is it not logical and in good conscience to ensure that your animal is fed properly to meet nutritional needs, is supplied with fresh supplies of drinking water, is properly sheltered, allowed to socialize,  receives exercise and medical care if necessary?  Would this not be using common sense, compassion  and good judgement/conscience,  providing these necessitities of life?

Is it not logical to exercise a conscience effort  to be a responsible animal owner who does not practice indifference, disregard and neglect thereby ensuring that the animal remains safe, healthy, happy and a valued member of the family?

Is it not logical and in good conscience to exercise compassion and common sense, to aid an animal when one is seen in distress, suffering malnutrition, dehydration, extreme cold/heat, neglect, abuse, and indifference?

The question therefore arises as to why so many animals in the North are allowed to run loose, why they are allowed to roam the streets being hit by vehicles, why they are allowed to run uncontrolled and end up being shot in an effort to control the numbers?  Why are they chained, starving, freezing to death, abandoned, neglected and failing to receive the help that they desperately need?

All one need do is look at the  owners who practice irresponsibility, lack of conscience, total disregard, neglect and indifference.  The total lack of common sense, a disrespect for their neighbors and communities, and worst of all the indifference to life…the life of the animal which they own.

All one need do is look at the lack of true Animal Protection Laws in the North and the failure to enforce what laws actually do exist: The Federal Criminal Code of Canada, Section 446, what Municipal By-laws that are in place and yes even the current archaic Dog Act. Blind eyes of indifference are everywhere…..are your eyes blind?

Now unless a person mistakenly  draws the conclusion that all Northerners suffer from Brain Freeze and cannot therefore think rationally, exercise good conscience, judgment, responsibility, compassion and common sense then one cannot come up with an acceptable excuse as to why animal cruelty is perpetuated in the North without serious consequences.

Responsible caring pet owners across Canada’s North, across Canada period,  and from around the world (as evidenced by the comments accompanying petition signatures) want to see positive change and they want to see it happen now.  The bubble of indifference needs to be shattered.  It is time Canada’s Northern eyes opened,  it is time Canada’s North joined the 21st century and began keeping up to the Standards on Animal Welfare that are in place throughout the rest of Canada.

Would this not be a logical step in the right direction considering that the North wants to advance in development, continue and increases it’s tourism trade and entice new workers. Alot of new families  and visitors coming North do have pets.

Animal Protection Legislation in the North is the Logical and the Right thing, the Responsible and the Compassionate thing, the essence of Good Conscience and Judgement.

A recent write up in the Edmonton Sun “Warm homes for cold dogs” http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/12/22/12245696.html
cites truly good news for the Northern dogs who continue to suffer cruelty and neglect in Canada’s North.  Koodos to the Alberta animal lovers who have stepped up to the plate to aid in the rescue, relocation and who will hopefully find new forever homes for these deserving animals.

For decades dogs, animals in general, have been considered “disposable”.  Note that term comes from a reliable source.  The blatant disregard for their care and welfare is more than evident and continues unabated and without consequence.

While good, caring and responsible pet owners shudder at the continued published accounts of animal cruelty and are often witness to the suffering of these innocent victims and while these same individuals may speak up, may make reports of incidents, there remains within them a fear of retaliation, as well as the sense that any reports which they may have the courage to make are disregarded by authorities.  After all it is just a dog, just a cat, and there are so many more important matters to attend to.

While written assurances have been received by this writer from the Minister of MACA: Hon. Robert McLeod and the Minister of Justice: Hon. Jackson Lafferty  who wrote that “the Department of Justice is working with other Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) departments towards the goal of introducing new animal protection legislation.  The government has committed to bringing forward this legislation during the life of the 16th Assembly….the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is currently moving forward with planned amendments to the Dog Act.  These amendments, while limited to protecting only dogs, will address the immediate concerns regarding the protection of dogs, until more comprehensive animal protection legislation is implemented.” (July 6, 2009) Note that the 16th Assembly does not end until August 2011.  How many more animals will suffer horrifically during the next two years???

In a letter dated August 24, 2009 received from MACA, Mr. McLeod writes “As you know, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) through the Departments of Justice and Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), is developing new legislation to address animal welfare in the NWT, as well as revising the Dog Act as an interim measure until animal welfare legislation is developed and enacted.” In his response to my position that the Dog Act should be replaced by comprehensive animal protection legislation to protect all animals in the North, Mr. McLeod responded “Your point is excellent, however, developing and implementing comprehensive animal protection legislations will take time.  In the meantime, MACA is moving forward with amendments to the Dog Act to address immediate concerns.”

Unfortunately as stated by Kam Lake MLA David Ramsay “The fall is here, the snow is falling and Christmas is coming.  Where exactly is this legislation, how come it hasn’t even gone to committee yet?” http://www.cjcd.ca/archives.boa (MLA unhappy with state of NWT animal rights laws (03-Nov-2009) Further Mr. Ramsay refers to the current NWT Dog Act as archaic: http://www.cjcd.ca/archives.boa (MLA Says Animal Neglect Has To Be Dealt With (09-Mar-2009).

In addition to MLA David Ramsay, Weledeh MLA Bob Bromley has spoken out in support and is calling for  “prompt revision of the animal protection laws”  http://www.cjcd.ca/archives.boa (Animal Lovers Want Tougher Protection Laws (23-Feb-2009).  In fact you will find Mr. Bromley’s Member’s Statement to the Legislature on Animal Rights Legislation on page 2176 of the Northwest Territories Hansard (February 12,2009). http://google.gov.nt.ca/search?q=page 2176&site=Legislative_Assembly&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&client

The Legislature is now on Christmas Break and Session will begin again on January 27, 2010.  Will this important piece of much needed Legislation be dealt with?  Will the issues to amend the current archaic Dog Act finally be brought before committee?  Will concerned, caring and responsible pet owners finally see progress being made for the welfare of the animals in the NWT?  Or will their call for Animal Protection be disregarded just as is the welfare and care of the animals unfortunate enough to be born in and to live in the NWT???
Pictures submitted by Beafort Delta Regional SPCA Director : early 2009.  No shelter, malnourished mother and pup.  Do these dogs look well cared for to you?

How about these dogs?  pictures submitted 2008,  by Beaufort Delta Regional SPCA Director.

Found frozen to the bottom of his wooden doghouse.  Did not survive.

Below: Victims in Tuktoyaktuk 2009, please see prior posts regarding these dogs in the Archives.  No charges laid. PETA speaks out.

To voice your own concern and support please use the following contact listings:

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs      robert_c_mcleod@gov.nt.ca    (867) 669-2366

Minister of Justice
jackson_lafferty@gov.nt.ca   (867) 669-2399

Hon. Robert McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Hon. Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Justice
Legislative Assembly Building
4570    48th Street
Yellowknife, NT
X1A 2L9

Bob Bromley MLA, Weledeh :                   bob_bromley@gov.nt.ca   (867) 669-2272

David Ramsay MLA, Kam Lake:              david_ramsay@gov.nt.ca   (867) 669-2296

Paul Delorey, MLA Hay River North:    paul_delorey@gov.nt.ca     (867) 669-2233

Please take the time to browse the following links to get a true feel of the situation for animals in the North.

http://www.cjcd.ca/archives.boa
You will have to scroll through the CJCD Archives (tip: search Animal Cruelty to find the titles below).
Behchoko puppy doing well after throat injury (05-Nov-2009)
Animal abuse case leaves three puppies dead, one recovering (22-Oct-2009)
Animal Neglect Charges Stayed for Behchoko Artist (06-Mar-2009)
Charges Coming in Case of Animal Neglect (14-Oct-2008)
Behchoko Artist Could Be Charged For Horrific Neglect of Dogs (14-Oct-2008)
Severely Damaged HR Dog Receiving Care (23-Apr-2008)
Animals and pellet guns don’t mix (18-May-2006)
NWT SPCA not sorry for emotional appeal to adopt animals in shelter (15-May-2006)
Hay River Shooting (11-May-2005)
Justice Minister Concerned Over Animal Welfare (01-Feb-2005) former Justice Minister
Cats left out in the cold (27-Jan-2004)
Dog Update (22-Sep-2003)
Hey want a dog? (15-Sep-2003)

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2009-11/nov6_09brf.html
MLA wants animal cruelty act

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2009-05/may25_09aa.html

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2009-02/feb20_09brf1.html
Animal rights left to the dogs

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-02/feb2_05edit.html
Dogs deserve better treatment

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2005-02/feb2_05dg.html
Police open probe into dog slaughter

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/1999-10/oct4_99edit.html
http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2008-12/dec3_08act-nun.html
http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2001-12/dec7_01spc.html

Please take the time to view the link below and speak out for these highly intelligent creatures.

http://www.all-creatures.org/articles/ar-mostshocking.html

elephantstoronto.wordpress.com

Please also go to:

About Elephants Toronto

to see pictures taken by a very good friend of mine.

Thanks everyone.

Having a Safe and Happy Pet Holiday Season

Christmas and New Years is just around the corner.  It is a magical time for the kids and a hectic time for the grown-ups. It is also a very stressful and a very dangerous time for your companion animals.

Making that living room come alive with Christmas Decorations, getting that perfect tree ready and filling your home with beautiful festive plants can pose many dangers to curious pets.       Not to mention the comings and goings of family members and friends who will drop in making it far too easy for a pet to slip outside unnoticed.  With these extreme temperatures that is not a good thing.    Remember to have an ID on your pet’s collar, just in case he/she slips out unnoticed.  This will allow the pet to be easily reunited with you. The best  precaution is to advise your guests and family visitors that you have animals in the house and that they are NOT to be allowed out unless tethered.  Even better is to place your pet in another room when your guests arrive and depart, that will ensure no accidental slipping out the door.

Please do not tie your pet outside and leave him/her there for the sake of houseguests, and convenience, the temperatures are far too extreme. Rule of thumb: if it is too cold for you to be out there, it is too cold for your pet.  Accidents do happen,  I personally know of one tragedy of a pet being run over by a departing houseguest, the animal did not survive his injuries.

Ensure your pet has a safe and secure place where they can hide out if need be.  Holiday activity and guests can really stress your pet out and be very frightening.  Your pet can easily experience tummy upsets and sudden illness.
Remember that the holiday season is not the right time to introduce into your home a new companion animal. Your home will be far too hectic and noisy for the new pet to adjust properly. Loud noises and many strangers coming and going will make transition very difficult and often traumatic for a new companion animal.  Best to wait until the festivities are over and done, when it is only family members and a quiet household allowing the newcomer time to adjust in their own fashion and you to devote the time needed to train and bond with your new animal.

Here are some suggested safety tips to use to help your pet stay safe, healthy and happy this Holiday Season, after all they  are members of your family too.

Omit holiday plants such as mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies and holly.  While pretty and temporary they can be deadly to your pet if ingested.

When putting up that tree, anchor it solidly to prevent it from falling on your pet and child.  Tinsel while nice to look at, if ingested can wrap around the bowel of your pet, and can also block the bowel. Cats in particular are drawn to this shiny stuff.  If you must use tinsel place it high on your tree.  Glass ornaments which may look like toys can do terrible internal damage if ingested, place them so that your pet cannot reach them. Spray snow is also toxic to your pet and many lights that flicker on and off or change colour contain a liquid solution which can poison your pet. The blinking could also trigger a seizure if the animal suffers from epilepsy.

Do not allow your pet to drink the stagnant water placed in the  tree holder if you use a real tree,  it may contain fertilizers from the tree sap and it often contains harmful bacteria. Remember to pickup those pine needles that fall, one can lodge in a pets throat or get caught up in the bowel.

Puppies have a tendency to chew, so  be weary of your electrical cords.  Plastic from your children’s toys if ingested can cause intestinal blockage as well as choke your pet, so putting away the new toys will save you on vet bills and toy replacement. Some toys also need batteries and the acid in those batteries will cause severe burn damage to a pet as well as poison them.  Remember to pick up all that beautiful wrapping paper and pretty ribbon, that  also poses a very real health risk to your pet, and get rid of those candy wrappers too.

Often new boots and shoes come with small silica pouches in the box, discard those pouches before you wrap the gift, you will be protecting your pet.

Then there are the goodies one serves at this time of year, many are extremely toxic to pets. As tempting as those dark eyes are, pleading with you and your guests so earnestly, do not feed your pets human food and stress this to your guests,  many foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, even serious illness and poisoning.  All forms of  Chocolate, Alcohol, Onions/Garlic, Nuts of any kind, and some Fruits are highly toxic and could result in death. That little bit of turkey, skin and gravy is very rich and can result in quite a mess to clean up.

Keep your normal exercise and playtime with your pet, even though you might be feeling the stress of the season.  Your pet feels that same stress and the disruption of quality time with you will cause confusion and upset for them.

Precautions when buying new toys for your pets just requires some common sense.  Anything that is so small it can be swallowed is a no-no, it can become lodged in their windpipe and  can block their intestines; avoid toys with glass eyes and noses which can be ripped out and swallowed, the backs of these things are very pointed and sharp; toys with bells inside, plastic toys that become splintered and toys with beans in them are additional no-no’s.

As for treats, too much rawhide can block the intestines, and pigs ears can contain salmonella.  Go for the Dental Sticks, Milk Bones, Beggin’ Strips and if you are really energetic how about some homemade dog biscuits.

My Furballs and I wish all of you a very Blessed and Joyous Christmas.
Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday.

Our Best Wishes for 2010.

Christmas and New Years will soon be upon us.  In the hectic rush of the season, please let us not forget.

I do not know the author of this poem, but the message is very clear.

Forgotten Dog’s Christmas~~

‘Twas the night before  Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a  mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that  St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in  their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head

And mamma in  her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap
Knew he was cold, but didn’t care about  that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the  bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a  flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash

The  moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to  objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa  Claus – with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and  quick
Last year’s Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick

More  rapid than eagles he called the dog’s name
And the dog ran to him, despite  all his pain

“Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On,  COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! To the  top of the wall!
Let’s find this dog a home where he’ll be loved by  all.”

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa  Claus had made one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog is not just for  the season
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons

In our  haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we  missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the sameYou don’t give a  gift, then put it on a chain And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of  sight”You weren’t given a gift! You were given a LIFE!”

Philly’s Corner:  Dedicated to the health and welfare of companion animals

These Five Freedoms are contained in the BC SPCA Charter  and    express the dedication of the BC SPCA  ensuring that all animals are healthy, happy and cared for.

“Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom from distress
Freedom to express behaviour that promotes well-being”

As new parents, you are the Alpha/ Pack Leader in your family, your companion animal, be it dog, cat, ferret, bird, rabbit to name a few, will turn to you for every need.  You took on the role of provider and care giver, making a lifelong commitment which could be up to 15 years, you considered the time and energy, the veterinary/health care costs and more importantly the responsibilities and obligations that come with pet ownership.

Unlike human children our pets cannot tell us when they are just not right, so it is up to us to keep a vigilant eye open for problems.  Regular vaccination is just part of what is needed to ensure your pets continued health.  A firm believer in that prevention is worth an ounce of cure, detecting the early onset on health issues can and often saves your pets life.  Veterinary care can be extremely costly, catching a problem or health issue quickly in the early stages not only provides immediate relief and care for your animal but it also makes it easier on your wallet.

All animals when ill/distressed will exhibit signs manifested in behavior different from the norm for that particular animal.  While home remedies can provide some relief from non critical illness and minor injuries (small abrasions) it is best to seek veterinary diagnosis and treatment as quickly as is possible.  Having a first aid kit for your animal is a good practice.  Include in your kit Saline Solution (to wash abrasions and skin irritation), Steptic powder to aid in blood clotting (open wounds) Telfa Pads and Nexcare flexible bandage that is self adhering, antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin, Veterinary medications such as Surolan (ear drops),  Vitalax (for the removal and prevention of hair balls in cats and kittens), Diarsanyl (an oral paste which aids in coating the Intestinal Mucosa) (for tummy upsets and diaherria) (note you can get this for dogs and for cats).  Get other suggestions from your vet, he will be happy to supply you with a list of items to have on hand.

Watch for signs of pain including abnormal posture and immobility, your pet may remain abnormally quiet, is withdrawn and not as alert as normal.  Movement may be stiff or the animal may not want to move at all. These are the usual signs of severe pain.  The injury/disease may be internal and not visible as in spinal injuries and nerve damage (animal does not react to stimuli),  head trauma (dilated pupils, eyes do not react)  internal bleeding / injuries (gums are very pale) and poisoning (vomiting, distorted abdomen).

An animal in “low intensity pain” may experience shivering, may whimper or even howl, possibly growl without any form of provocation, noticeable increases in breathing and panting maybe present, the animal often becomes restless and more alert.  Skittishness when you attempt to examine your animal, for example if you try to check a leg, hip, ear;  licking of the painful area and sometimes scratching of the area will give an indication.  Further in this form of painful discomfort your dog may be anxious, they may experience increased urination , prefer cold surfaces to lay upon and often will hold their tail between their legs, sometimes there may be penal erection.

In cats the behavioral  signs may be a little different in that the cat will tend to find a quiet place to hide, facial expressions such as apprehensiveness and creased forehead may be visible, the cat may cry, yowl and even hiss when approached or attempts are made to move the animal.  Cats do purr when content, however excessive loud purring is often an indicator that something is wrong.  Facial swelling, excessive drooling and pawing at the face as an example may indicate an obstruction in the mouth  or worse an infected tooth which requires immediate veterinary care to prevent toxins being distributed to vital organs such as the liver and heart.

With any animal it is important to recognize the onset of health issues, to catch them early before they get worse and possibly threaten the life of the animal.  Bouts of diarrhea, blood in the stool/urine, vomiting, head shaking, excessive scratching, discharge from the eyes and nose, skin lesions, both internal and external parasitic infestation;  all of these if left untreated properly can result in severe complications and could result in death. As an example, some animals are allergic to flea bites and to mites contained in soil and grasses.  Excessive licking and scratching of an area can and often will lead to a bacterial infection of the skin that rapidly spreads throughout the animal being carried by the blood stream.   New areas of the body become affected, hair loss, open lesions, oozing sores can result quickly.  An untreated ear or eye infection can leave the animal permanently deaf or blind.

The quality time spent with your companion is a priceless gift, providing a strong and lasting bond and unconditional love.  This quality time can be used to detect any signs of trouble.  During regular grooming/cuddling sessions you can pay particular attention: Running your own hands completely over every inch of your pet can help you pick up on tender areas, bumps or lumps that suddenly appear, skin lesions or abrasions, areas that the animal does not wish you to touch, is the coat dry, does the skin appear flaky, is there excessive shedding?   A quick check of the ears, are they red inside, have a foul odor ( an indicator of infection);  are your pets eyes bright, pupils not dilated, free from discharge and not bloodshot?  Watching your pets movements both during quiet and play time..are there signs of stiffness, limping,  favoring a hip or paw, walking a little off balance?  Remember to also check that collar to ensure it is not too tight, that hair is not matting around it, that it has not cut into the flesh.  Rule of thumb, it is too tight if you cannot get three fingers beneath it.

Exercise caution when trying to examine an injured or ill animal.  Cats can be extremely skittish, become aggressive, those claws and teeth can do some real damage, believe me I know. Totally wrapping your cat in a thick towel/blanket thereby limiting movement can protect you, wearing long sleeves and even gloves is another good option.  Have someone assist you if necessary.  Your normally sweet gentle dog may snap, even bite if in severe pain.  Remember it is not their fault, they are distressed and very scared. The trust that you have built with your pet comes into play here, more often than naught, they will realize that you are trying to help them and allow themselves to be examined.

Posting alert provided by Animal Alliance of Canada
Coyotes are under fire in Saskatchewan.  Below is an excerpt from a November 10, 2009 News Release from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
BJORNERUD ANNOUNCES SASKATCHEWAN COYOTE CONTROL PROGRAM
Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced the Saskatchewan Coyote Control Program.
The program is intended to help the many farmers and ranchers who are having trouble with coyotes killing their livestock. The provincial government will pay hunters a bounty of $20 per coyote killed.
“Many Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers are struggling to protect their livestock from coyotes,” Bjornerud said. “I hope this program helps address this serious issue and I appreciate SARM and its members working with us to deliver the program.”
The Saskatchewan Coyote Control Program is a pilot program that will run until March 31, 2010, at which point the provincial government will consider extending it.
“In many areas of the province livestock producers have been experiencing losses due to the high coyote populations,” SARM President David Marit said. “We appreciate the provincial government has recognized this problem and has introduced this new program.”
“We are pleased Minister Bjornerud is keeping cattle producers’ interests at the forefront,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Executive Member Ryan Thompson said. “The SCA applauds this step to assist producers in alleviating predation against livestock.”
“It’s good to see government taking action to try and solve this problem,” Lipton area sheep producer and Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association Board member Martin Catto said.
***
Please contact the Minister of Agriculture Bob Bjornerud (pronounced “Benrod”) by phone # 306-787-0338 or by e-mail minister.ag.@gov.sk.ca

The coyotes are depending on us all to speak out on their behalf.  This type of action is regressive and must be stopped.  Canadians must demand that governments begin to look for progressive and humane solutions to human / wildlife conflict issues.

For those of you who have not spent much time searching the Net on the situation here in the Northwest Territories, you likely missed seeing this:  from CJCD100 Online. http://www.cjcd.ca/archives.boa?start=80 Note that MLA David Ramsay mentions looking to other jurisdictions for up-to-date legislation.  Early in my campaign for very real Animal Protection for the Northwest Territories, I sent via registered mail, every APA from across Canada to the GNWT in order that these individual Provincials Acts and the Yukon’s,  may be used as a template. The Federal Criminal Code of Canada Animal Cruelty Laws were also sent to them in this package.   The Federal Criminal Code of Canada is the Law of Canada and irregardless that the NT does not have an effective APA in place, the Federal Laws of Canada do apply to everyone anywhere in Canada.   My campaign for an APA for the NT began in the summer of 2007 and as I state in the following:

“Most definitely that span of time should have seen some positive change forthcoming..thus far it has not”. Excerpt from my recent email to three of the MLA’s supporting Animal Protection.

While discussions on the Amendments to the Current NWT Dog Act closed this past summer, and while the GNWT received a detailed critique from the Animal Defense League of Canada on these proposed changes whereby the ADLC  made their own recommendations , (I did as well) and despite letters which I have received from the Ministers of Justice and Municipal and Community Affairs reassuring me that the Amended Dog Act (as “an interim measure” while they continue to work on a comprehensive APA) would soon be in place (first by Fall and most recently now January 2010);  as MLA D. Ramsay points out it is now November.  My question and it should be yours as well….What is the Problem?  Why as pointed out by Mr. Ramsay has this not gone to committee yet?  Personally,  I would like to know just who is  sitting on this critical piece of legislation and why? You should want to know that as well. Note that in this recent email of November 21, 2009 to the MLA’s who are supporting the APA I provided internet links on the research done proving the  Animal Cruelty and Human Violence Connection as recognized by policing authorities around the world. Links to these studies were provided in a recent Blog that you can check out yourselves.

Further excerpt from my recent email to MLA’s:

“Granted that one may cite the government process is slow and that there may be issues considered to be far more pressing, the issue of Animal Cruelty in the NT is one which will not go away.  It is an issue that has drawn a very negative light upon the NT (both in Canada and globally) and private citizens who have approached me, who report incidents to me, who raise the question why the Animal Cruelty Laws contained in the Federal Criminal Code of Canada are not being properly utilized, why the provisions under the current archaic Dog Act are not being utilized and why Municipal By-Laws are not being enforced.  They are disheartened, fed up and want to see positive change.  They want to believe and feel confident that when they report incidents of animal cruelty to Town officials and RCMP that their complaints and reports will be taken seriously, not dismissed as irrelevant or told that other case loads are precident. They want to see animals in crisis seized and given the proper care needed, they want to see offenders facing charges and not just receiving a mere slap on the wrist.  They want to see a stop put to abandoned, starving, beaten, neglected, heads being bashed in, shooting and throats being slashed.”

“It is imperative that positive change be implemented now, not when the time can be found to dedicate to committee reviews. “

I am eagerly waiting for a response to this letter emailed yesterday November 21, 2009.

Please be aware that ‘Action for the Protection of Northern Animals’ is now a new Group on Facebook, all those who wish to raise their own voices and awareness of this crisis situation in the NT are invited to join.  Your comments of support will greatly aid the cause in getting this needed legislation, the animals cannot wait any longer.


Policing authorities around the world are fully aware of the Link between Animal Cruelty and Violent acts against Humans.  The reports, research papers and documented cases are far too numerous to account for here.

Below are links to resource materials should any of you choose to take the time to see for yourselves.  Violence and Cruelty Against Animals is seen as a very real and accurate Barometer for predicting future Violence against Humans.

When Violent Acts of Cruelty and Neglect against Animals go unpunished the stage is being set, and we all are left to wonder what is going on in this world.  I truly believe that the measure of Society and Human Morales  can be gaged by the way that Animals are subjected to horrifc acts of brutality.  It is a crisis situation not only in the Canadian North but in every Human Society across the Globe.

Recently Canada has been invited to participate in the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare; the House of Commons resumed from October 1 consideration of the motion. http//www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Mode=1&Pub=hansard&Language=E

You may also sign yourselves in support of this Universal Declaration by going to:

http://www.makeanimalsmatter.ca/share

Please take the time to view the links below and learn about the LINK between Animal Cruelty and Violence Against Humans.

http://www.childresearch.net

http://canadianveterinarians.net/animal-abuse-link.aspx
http://cfhs.ca/info/the_violence_connection/
http://www.animallit.ca/2009/01/sled-dogs-starved-frozen-to-death-in.html
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/509315
http://www.wspa.ca/latestnews/2009/animal_cruelty_still_goes_unpunished_in_canada.aspx

 

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