By SUSAN SCHROCK
sschrock@star-telegram.com
ARLINGTON — Another 1,000 animals seized from a north Arlington exotic pet dealer last week have died, in addition to 600 found dead at the facility, according to testimony Monday in Arlington Municipal Court. In the second day of an administrative hearing to determine custody of the animals, experts testified that the more than 26,000 animals housed there lacked food and water, medical care and appropriate environments.
And the company’s handful of employees would not have been able to care for that number of animals, two veterinarians said. Such conditions amount to cruelty, they said. "It is my understanding there were three people taking care of over 26,000 animals. This is completely impossible. There isn’t time in a 24-hour day to do that," said Dr. Janet Martin, one of the vets brought in by the city to care for the seized animals.
Martin, who oversees care for the mammals taken from U.S. Global Exotics, said five wallabies at the facility were loose in a room where bedding material had been thrown on a tile floor. The room was filled with feces and flies, Martin said. The only food in the room was moldy carrots. Martin also said that all of the animals tested so far had parasite infestations.
Temporary housing
But an attorney representing the pet dealer stressed that the facility was a temporary holding site and that the containers in which the animals were housed were appropriate for the short term. Lance Evans, an attorney representing the company’s owners, Jasen and Vanessa Shaw, said that the animals were captured in the wild and could have arrived with the infestations. The Shaws did not attend Monday’s hearing.
Evans also said that the company is a wholesaler and that the animals were kept in temporary housing that was never intended to imitate their natural settings. He also questioned whether the stress of transporting the animals from the business to their current location may have contributed to the deaths of the additional 1,000 animals, especially the temperature-sensitive reptiles and amphibians that were moved on a cold day. "Two hundred a day since you guys seized them with 24 people caring for them 12 hours a day?" Evans asked. "You’ve got more dead in five days than the total you had when you went in there."
Chronic neglect
Dr. Timothy Tristan, a veterinarian brought in by the city to assess the health of other animals, said it was his opinion that the animals that died after being removed from the company had succumbed to the effects of chronic neglect, not the move. At least 80 of them were euthanized. Tristan said many of the animals at the business were already being kept at inappropriate temperatures, including some iguanas and snakes kept in areas at least 40 degrees below what they require to function. His testimony was illustrated with photos of large spiders in tiny plastic containers with no food or water. Tristan said that some of the spiders couldn’t stretch their legs in the tight quarters and that some venomous spiders had pushed the tops off of containers and were loose in the building. He also showed photos of plastic soda bottles filled with up to 50 tree frogs that also lacked food or water. Testimony will continue today on whether the animals are to be returned to the Shaws or remain in city custody.
The animals were seized Dec. 15 after an undercover worker for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals tipped authorities to conditions.
** Thank goodness someone reported this people. Everyone has different stances on PETA - some think they are too crazy aggressive, but thank goodness they saved these animals here...
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Alert: 2009 H1N1 influenza-infected dog in New York
December 22, 2009
On December 21, IDEXX Laboratories confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. Read the press release and the case notes.
We are updating our 2009 H1N1 resources as we get information. These resources can be accessed at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.
At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same.
* This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Pet owners should remain vigilant.
* To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, inappetance/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.
On December 21, IDEXX Laboratories confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, New York. A 13-year old dog became ill after its owner was ill with confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. The dog was lethargic, coughing, not eating, and had a fever. Radiographs (x-rays) showed evidence of pneumonia. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, nebulization and other supportive care, and was discharged from the hospital after 48 hours of care. It is currently recovering. Tests submitted to IDEXX Laboratories were negative for canine influenza (H3N8) but positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. The results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory. Read the press release and the case notes.
We are updating our 2009 H1N1 resources as we get information. These resources can be accessed at http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp.
At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same.
* This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Pet owners should remain vigilant.
* To date, animals infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have shown the following clinical signs: lethargy, inappetance/anorexia, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some of the animals have developed pneumonia. Any animals showing these signs of disease should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Why we love cats!
TUALATIN, Ore. -- For once, curiosity didn't kill the cat.
A 3-month-old kitten rode beneath a SUV for more than 120 miles Wednesday.
Marc Lichty left Olympia, Wash., in his SUV after finishing up a day of work. Along the way to Tualatin, he stopped at a rest stop and heard meowing. Lichty, however, couldn't find any trace of a cat. When he returned home to Tualatin, he stepped out of the car and heard the meowing again, leading him to grab a flashlight. "Sure enough, the cat was up underneath in the spare tire spot up there," Lichty said. "He shined the light and I just saw this little guy's face there so we tried to get him out and coaxed him with a little piece of salmon," said Jenna Lichty, Marc's daughter. "I pulled him right out." Sub-freezing temperatures reached the teens in the Pacific Northwest this week, which likely made for a chilly ride down Interstate 5 on Wednesday. "It was pretty cold. I can't imagine traveling 75 miles down the freeway and it being 20 degrees out," Lichty said.
The cat does not have a micro chip and was not wearing a collar. The Lichtys called Olympia businesses in the area where Lichty was working Wednesday, but they were unsuccessful in finding the owner. The family has decided to keep the kitten. Now, all they need is a good name. "Well, we've got a few floating around," Lichty said. "Chevy. And there's Tahoe, Pitch and Lucky. Nothing quite yet."
A 3-month-old kitten rode beneath a SUV for more than 120 miles Wednesday.
Marc Lichty left Olympia, Wash., in his SUV after finishing up a day of work. Along the way to Tualatin, he stopped at a rest stop and heard meowing. Lichty, however, couldn't find any trace of a cat. When he returned home to Tualatin, he stepped out of the car and heard the meowing again, leading him to grab a flashlight. "Sure enough, the cat was up underneath in the spare tire spot up there," Lichty said. "He shined the light and I just saw this little guy's face there so we tried to get him out and coaxed him with a little piece of salmon," said Jenna Lichty, Marc's daughter. "I pulled him right out." Sub-freezing temperatures reached the teens in the Pacific Northwest this week, which likely made for a chilly ride down Interstate 5 on Wednesday. "It was pretty cold. I can't imagine traveling 75 miles down the freeway and it being 20 degrees out," Lichty said.
The cat does not have a micro chip and was not wearing a collar. The Lichtys called Olympia businesses in the area where Lichty was working Wednesday, but they were unsuccessful in finding the owner. The family has decided to keep the kitten. Now, all they need is a good name. "Well, we've got a few floating around," Lichty said. "Chevy. And there's Tahoe, Pitch and Lucky. Nothing quite yet."
Friday, December 11, 2009
Book review of "It's a Cat's World... You Just Live In It"
“Cats are not small dogs, and any cat owner will kindly tell you that cats rule and dogs drool.”
After reading this opening line to Justine A. Lee's new book, It's a Cat's World … You Just Live in It, we at the Haute or Not? spiffy reading palace just knew it was going to be great read, which is quite contrary to some our friends' experiences. These types of books, while informative and fascinating, are often dry.
Not Justine's book.
It’s a Cat’s World is a treasure-trove of cat trivia and information written in a fun, friendly, and colloquial way. More than a bland textbook on cats, Justine, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist, takes her life experiences (both at the office and in her home, using her two cats, Seamus and Echo, as examples) and has written an enjoyable all-you-ever-wanted-to-know book on cats.
It's a Cat's World covers all kinds of subjects, such as “what is cat scratch fever?” “can I get herpes from my cat?” (no, ma'am), and even “should I dump my boyfriend because he doesn’t like my cat?” (hellz, yes).
From the serious to the silly to the strange, this book truly does give you the answers to things you wanted to know (especially those really dumb ones you were always too afraid to ask, such as “can cats cry?”), and the answers to things you absolutely need to know (such as “how many vaccinations does my cat really need?”).
But that's not all. Justine writes about what to look for when choosing a vet (hint: find one that owns a cat, or two), the curious world and history of kitty litter, how to make an antisocial cat more friendly, and other interesting tidbits -- all while using her extensive veterinary knowledge and irreverent humor.
A must-have for any cat lover, It's a Cat's World had us desperately wanting for more once we reached the last page. What can we say? She makes learning fun!
Oh, and for those of you looking for that perfect gift or stocking stuffer for pet lovers, look no more. It's a Cat's World and other great items can be found on Justine's Web site, www.drjustinelee.com.
An enjoyable and informative kitty read … oh, so very haute!
After reading this opening line to Justine A. Lee's new book, It's a Cat's World … You Just Live in It, we at the Haute or Not? spiffy reading palace just knew it was going to be great read, which is quite contrary to some our friends' experiences. These types of books, while informative and fascinating, are often dry.
Not Justine's book.
It’s a Cat’s World is a treasure-trove of cat trivia and information written in a fun, friendly, and colloquial way. More than a bland textbook on cats, Justine, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist, takes her life experiences (both at the office and in her home, using her two cats, Seamus and Echo, as examples) and has written an enjoyable all-you-ever-wanted-to-know book on cats.
It's a Cat's World covers all kinds of subjects, such as “what is cat scratch fever?” “can I get herpes from my cat?” (no, ma'am), and even “should I dump my boyfriend because he doesn’t like my cat?” (hellz, yes).
From the serious to the silly to the strange, this book truly does give you the answers to things you wanted to know (especially those really dumb ones you were always too afraid to ask, such as “can cats cry?”), and the answers to things you absolutely need to know (such as “how many vaccinations does my cat really need?”).
But that's not all. Justine writes about what to look for when choosing a vet (hint: find one that owns a cat, or two), the curious world and history of kitty litter, how to make an antisocial cat more friendly, and other interesting tidbits -- all while using her extensive veterinary knowledge and irreverent humor.
A must-have for any cat lover, It's a Cat's World had us desperately wanting for more once we reached the last page. What can we say? She makes learning fun!
Oh, and for those of you looking for that perfect gift or stocking stuffer for pet lovers, look no more. It's a Cat's World and other great items can be found on Justine's Web site, www.drjustinelee.com.
An enjoyable and informative kitty read … oh, so very haute!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Raccoons in Central Park Raise Rabies Concerns
December 7, 2009, 6:04 pm
Previously published in the New York Times By A. G. SULZBERGER
City health officials are warning visitors to Central Park to avoid contact with wild animals and to keep their dogs on a leash following the discovery of three rabid raccoons, two in the last week.
The discovery was a surprise because, in the previous six years, only one rabid animal had been found in Manhattan, with the majority of rabies cases in the city isolated to Staten Island and the Bronx. Another rabid raccoon that was found earlier this year, near the northernmost tip of Manhattan, was believed to have crossed over from the Bronx on a railroad bridge.
“There is concern that it could spread to more raccoons,” said Dr. Sally Slavinski, a public health veterinarian for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. City employees will be enhancing their surveillance of the park to look for signs of other sick animals and are urging parkgoers who spot disoriented or aggressive animals to report them by calling the city’s 311 information line.
There hasn’t been a human infection of rabies in New York City since 1953, around the time that the city began mandating rabies vaccinations for dogs to combat the disease, according to the health department. At the time, the disease, which is transmitted through a bite from an infected mammal and is usually fatal without treatment, was a significant problem in the city. One report described a dog frothing at the mouth racing through the crowd at a public pool and biting the officer who finally captured it.
In the early 1950s, before vaccination programs curbed the cases, about 40,000 people were bitten by rabid dogs nationwide each year, with about 40 people dying annually from the disease, according to news reports from the time. In 2007, the most recent year for which figures were available, just one person contracted the disease, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Worldwide, however, rabies remains a major killer.)
In New York State, 512 animals were identified as carrying rabies, the third most in the nation after Texas and Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most rabies cases now involve wild animals, with raccoons being the most common carrier, followed by bats, skunks and foxes. (Nationwide, domestic animals like dogs, cats and cattle account for less than seven percent of all infected animals).
The variant of raccoon-borne rabies did not arrive in New York City until 1992 but now accounts for the majority of cases in the city and the state, said Ms. Slavinski. So far this year, 20 rabies cases have been identified in the city: 14 raccoons in the Bronx, 4 raccoons in Manhattan, a raccoon in Queens and a bat in Staten Island. In the previous six years, the Bronx has had 78 cases, followed by Staten Island with 69, Queens with 7, Brooklyn with 2 and Manhattan with 1, according to the health department.
Previously published in the New York Times By A. G. SULZBERGER
City health officials are warning visitors to Central Park to avoid contact with wild animals and to keep their dogs on a leash following the discovery of three rabid raccoons, two in the last week.
The discovery was a surprise because, in the previous six years, only one rabid animal had been found in Manhattan, with the majority of rabies cases in the city isolated to Staten Island and the Bronx. Another rabid raccoon that was found earlier this year, near the northernmost tip of Manhattan, was believed to have crossed over from the Bronx on a railroad bridge.
“There is concern that it could spread to more raccoons,” said Dr. Sally Slavinski, a public health veterinarian for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. City employees will be enhancing their surveillance of the park to look for signs of other sick animals and are urging parkgoers who spot disoriented or aggressive animals to report them by calling the city’s 311 information line.
There hasn’t been a human infection of rabies in New York City since 1953, around the time that the city began mandating rabies vaccinations for dogs to combat the disease, according to the health department. At the time, the disease, which is transmitted through a bite from an infected mammal and is usually fatal without treatment, was a significant problem in the city. One report described a dog frothing at the mouth racing through the crowd at a public pool and biting the officer who finally captured it.
In the early 1950s, before vaccination programs curbed the cases, about 40,000 people were bitten by rabid dogs nationwide each year, with about 40 people dying annually from the disease, according to news reports from the time. In 2007, the most recent year for which figures were available, just one person contracted the disease, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Worldwide, however, rabies remains a major killer.)
In New York State, 512 animals were identified as carrying rabies, the third most in the nation after Texas and Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most rabies cases now involve wild animals, with raccoons being the most common carrier, followed by bats, skunks and foxes. (Nationwide, domestic animals like dogs, cats and cattle account for less than seven percent of all infected animals).
The variant of raccoon-borne rabies did not arrive in New York City until 1992 but now accounts for the majority of cases in the city and the state, said Ms. Slavinski. So far this year, 20 rabies cases have been identified in the city: 14 raccoons in the Bronx, 4 raccoons in Manhattan, a raccoon in Queens and a bat in Staten Island. In the previous six years, the Bronx has had 78 cases, followed by Staten Island with 69, Queens with 7, Brooklyn with 2 and Manhattan with 1, according to the health department.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
AVMA update about H1N1
The USDA has confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a turkey breeder flock in Virginia. This is the first detection of the virus H1N1 in U.S. turkeys. Canada and Chile have already had cases in domestic turkeys. A worker at the Virginia farm had been sent home with flu-like symptoms, and has been identified as the possible source of infection.
Also on the USDA’s updated list is a cheetah in California that has tested presumptive positive for 2009 H1N1. We are currently communicating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) to obtain more information and develop resources for veterinarians and the public.
On November 28, Xinhua (Chinese press) reported that two (2) dogs in Beijing tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 virus. We have not been able to confirm this report. We have contacted sources in China, requesting additional information about the history, signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of these cases, but have not yet received the information.
At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same:
* This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant.
* There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
* There have not been any confirmed cases of U.S. dogs infected with the virus, but because of the Chinese reports we know it may be possible for dogs to become infected.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.
* It is safe to visit zoos.
Also on the USDA’s updated list is a cheetah in California that has tested presumptive positive for 2009 H1N1. We are currently communicating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) to obtain more information and develop resources for veterinarians and the public.
On November 28, Xinhua (Chinese press) reported that two (2) dogs in Beijing tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 virus. We have not been able to confirm this report. We have contacted sources in China, requesting additional information about the history, signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of these cases, but have not yet received the information.
At this time, the messages to clients remain largely the same:
* This is not cause for panic, but underscores the importance of taking pets to a veterinarian if they are showing signs of illness. This is especially important if someone in the household has recently been ill with flu-like symptoms.
* Ferret and cat owners should remain vigilant.
* There is no evidence to suggest that pets have or will spread the virus to humans or other animals. To date, all of the sick pets became ill after a person in the household was ill with flu-like symptoms.
* There have not been any confirmed cases of U.S. dogs infected with the virus, but because of the Chinese reports we know it may be possible for dogs to become infected.
* Proper hygiene and sanitation measures should be followed to limit the spread of the influenza virus.
* Turkey and pork are still safe to eat. Nonetheless, proper food hygiene and preparation are very important when it comes to protecting your family from any foodborne illness.
* It is safe to visit zoos.
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