Dog Treat Products Settlement, Waggin' Train & Canyon Creek Recall

Dog Treat Products Settlement
Adkins et al. v. Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, et al., Case No. 1:12-cv-02871 (N.D. Ill.);
Matin v. Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-01512 (N.D. Ill.);
Gandara v. Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-04159 (N.D. Ill.)

IF YOU PURCHASED OR YOUR PET(S) USED OR CONSUMED WAGGIN’ TRAIN OR CANYON CREEK RANCH DOG TREAT PRODUCT(S), PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. THIS WEBSITE IS TO INFORM YOU OF A PROPOSED SETTLEMENT THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS.

YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM READING THIS WEBSITE. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE BENEFITS UNDER THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT, YOU MUST SUBMIT A CLAIM FORM.

Case Background
A Settlement has been reached in class action lawsuits claiming that Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch brand dog treat products imported from or containing ingredients imported from China (“Dog Treat Products”) were defective and that some pets may have become sick and/or died after consuming the products. A list of the Dog Treat Products can be found here. Defendants Nestlé Purina PetCare Company and Waggin’ Train, LLC have denied any wrongdoing. The Court has not decided which side is right.
Defendants have agreed to create a $6,500,000.00 cash Settlement Fund from which eligible consumers and/or pet owners may receive a cash payment for up to 100% of certain documented economic damages related to their purchase of or their pet’s consumption of the Dog Treat Products, after the payment from the Settlement Fund of the costs of notice and Claims Administration, attorneys’ fees, Class Representative awards, costs, and taxes. Economic damage means the expenses you incurred related to your purchase or your pet’s consumption of the Dog Treat Products, and include veterinary screening or treatment bills and other expenses related to your pet’s illness and/or death.
For each of your pets that used or consumed Dog Treat Products, you may recover up to 100% of certain reasonable economic damages you claim you suffered if you can provide documentation showing the economic damage.
In addition to compensation for expenses supported by documentation, you may also receive up to a $300 payment per pet for reasonable economic damages for which you do not have supporting documentation. You must still complete a Claim Form and provide information about your economic damages to be eligible for payment of your undocumented expenses.
The total amount available for product reimbursement is $700,000, and the total amount available for healthy screenings is $100,000. Reimbursement of Claims may be subject to certain pro rata reductions and other limitations described on this website.

SUMMARY OF CLASS MEMBERS’ RIGHTS AND OPTIONS UNDER THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT
SUBMIT A CLAIM	The only way to get a payment. Submit your Claim Form by mail, facsimile or email (.pdf) to the Claims Administrator no later than April 1, 2015.
EXCLUDE YOURSELF	Get no payment. This is the only option that allows you to not be bound by the final judgment and release and to be part of any other lawsuit concerning the issues being settled now. You must exclude yourself from the Settlement Class by no later than February 10, 2015.
COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT	Write to the Court about why you support or oppose the proposed Settlement. If you want to object to the Settlement, you must do so in writing by May 25, 2015. Filing an objection does not exclude you from the Settlement.
GO TO THE FINAL APPROVAL HEARING	Ask to speak to the Court about the proposed Settlement at the Final Approval Hearing, scheduled for June 23, 2015 (date subject to change).
DO NOTHING	Get no payment. You will not be able to bring or be part of any other lawsuit concerning the issues being settled now, and you will be bound by the final judgment and release in this case.

If you would like further information about the claims asserted in this case, you can review a copy of the Settlement Agreement here.


NOTICE: This website provides a summary of the Settlement and is provided for informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy between the text of this website and the original text upon which it is based, the text of the original document shall prevail.

Questions? Contact the Claims Administrator at 1-866-329-9963 or info@DogTreatProductsSettlement.com

Seagrove NC man arrested for animal cruelty towards a horse, horse dies after medical attention is sought out

 

Seagrove, N.C. — Moore County sheriff’s deputies said Friday they have arrested a Seagrove man accused of starving and mistreating his horse.
Rocky Chriscoe, 33, of 216 Wilkes Road in Seagrove, was charged with felony cruelty to animals, misdemeanor child abuse and resisting a public officer.
Deputies said they went to Chriscoe’s home on Sept. 16 and found an injured horse tied to a tree on the property. The horse was malnourished, had severe wounds and needed immediate medical care.
Animal control officers took the horse for treatment at the Southern Pine Equine Clinic and Healing Hearts Equine Rescue. Doctors and equine rescue members worked through the night to save the horse, but the animal did not survive.
Deputies returned to Chriscoe’s home Sept. 20 and said the man tried to run while carrying his 2-year-old daughter.
Investigators also served three other warrants on Chriscoe: one from Randolph County for resisting a public officer, one from Randolph County for driving while license revoked and operating a vehicle with fictious vehicle registration, and one from Moore County for probation violation.
Chriscoe was being held in the Moore County jail under a $22,500 bond.

• Web Editor: Emily Farrington

Freezing Water and Tempatures for outdoor pets

Animals are unable to find access to water with all these freezing temperatures. Please check your outside water bowls several times a day. Horses, Sheep, Pigs and other animals including our wild birds are all struggling to find access to water during these cold temperatures. Just a reminder to help all these animals esp. our outdoor family pets including feral cats.

CT Law Restricting Animal Rescue Signed by Gov

Posted Jul 14, 2011 by lauraallen

Gov. Daniel Malloy has signed into law a bill that requires "animal importers" to register with the state which includes payment of a $100 annual fee.

Substitute House Bill 5368 also requires "animal importers" to comply with regulations that can be issued with respect to "health, safety and humane treatment" of the animals. The Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to inspect the animals and any records of the "animal importer".
A violation can mean a fine up to $500.

Animal importers must also notify the state Dept. of Agriculture and local zoning officer of any sale, adoption, or transfer of animals that is open to the public. A failure to comply can mean a fine up to $100.
 
What is an "animal importer"?
According to the bill, an "animal importer" is "a person who brings any dog or cat into this state ...for the purpose of offering such dog or cat to any person for sale, adoption or transfer in exchange for any fee, sale, voluntary contribution, service or any other consideration".
This includes "any commercial or nonprofit animal rescue or adoption, humane relocation or delivery organization that is not otherwise required to be licensed". This means all rescues and those transporting animals to rescues within the state. The definition is broad enough to include those traveling through the state with rescued animals.

More requirements under the new law
Not only must animals imported into the state be accompanied by a health certificate, but the "animal importer" is responsible with limited exceptions for obtaining a veterinary exam and new health certificate for the animal within 48 hours of entering the state. Also, the animal must be examined by a licensed veterinarian every 90 days until the animal is sold, transferred or adopted. Veterinary records must be kept by the animal importer for up to 3 years. A violation of any of these provisions can mean a fine up to $500.
Then there is this provision: Any animal importer who intends to offer for sale, adoption or transfer any dog or cat at a venue or location that is open to the public or at an outdoor location, ... shall provide notice to the Department of Agriculture and the municipal zoning enforcement officer of the town ...not later than ten days prior to such event. Such notice shall state the date for such sale, adoption or transfer event, the exact location of such event and the anticipated number of animals for sale, adoption or transfer at such event.
A violation can mean a $100 fine.
This notice appears to apply to a rescuer transporting an animal into Connecticut for transfer at a shopping center, for example, to another rescue which may then take the animal for placement or transport out of state. notice.
The Federation of Responsible Rescues says the new law will "effectively ends the ability of legitimate rescues to offer dogs for adoption in the state of Connecticut by making the cost so prohibitive that adoption is not feasible for the vast majority of adopters."
Substitute H.B. 5368 specifically excludes breeders and dealers bringing dogs and cats into the state to deliver them for sale at pet stores.
Fines are also increased from a $100 maximum to up to $500 for violations of laws requiring health certificates for imported dogs and cats with copies sent to the commissioner of agriculture, permission from the state veterinarian for import of dogs or cats under a rabies quarantine, and the ban on the transport into the state dogs or cats less than 8 weeks of age without their mother for sale, adoption or transfer, and the sale, adoption or transfer of dogs and cats less than 8 weeks of age.
The new law goes into effect October 1, 2011.

Animal Cruelty at it's worse for Wayne County, NC

Asking questions should never put you in fear or make you feel as retaliation will shortly follow.  It’s our right and responsibility to ask questions on any issue that seems to raise our eyebrows and the sooner we ask the better in most cases.

Although this case is from 2009, I feel we can learn from it to help prevent such events taking place in the future or if nothing else maybe with our right to ask a  question, we can reduce the amount of suffering that other animals may fall victim to versus turning a blind eye.

I look to this case and question on where this man was able to get so many animals, 26 dogs made it out alive on this man’s property but yet an undetermined amount of animals fell victim of his crimes while he mutilated, decapitated and dissected other animals. What pain did they live thru prior to their death?

In 2009 we saw a huge turn to social media for Shelter Animals, people would post a picture of an animal on death row, other people would hit the share button, a Chip In would shortly go up to save the animal and before you knew it someone from many States away announces with just a profile picture and a name that no one knows announces,  they will take the animal if you can get the animal to them. And then we are off, post after post some of the same people would say, I will take that animal, please get it to me.

This all sounds wonderful if you take it for face value, but if you dig deeper you will find many of those unknown profiles on social media are not who you think they are, they are not the name they have listed nor are they living in the location that is listed on their info, yet you have now just shipped them a live animal for them to do with what they please. My point here is none of us should be shipping live animals to people we have not meet in person, never ship an animal to someone without a verified Vet check, and a home visit is a must. Don’t think for a minute that all those profiles jumping to help these Shelter Animals are here for the right reasons. Hidden behind many of those anonymous profiles are animal abusers, class b dealers, hoarders and crush video makers.

I’m not stating that this man in this one case acquired all of these animals due to social media or Craig’s Lists, but I am stating that anytime you send a live animal off to another party that it’s high time you slow down and check on who the receiving party really is. Don’t allow some website to fool you, as we have seen these days, anyone can put anything they want on the internet, doesn’t mean it’s factual.

Check with local Animal Control Officers in the town they live in, contact their current Veterinarian, Dept. of Agriculture, and other State or County Offices. Never should any of us just send these Shelter Animals to a profile on social media as they could land in the hands of a man like this.

Slow down, verify facts for yourself, don’t allow others to direct you on their versions of the truth. Take responsibility for the animals that you have a hand in getting to another party. It tears at the heart but sometimes there is worse than being humanly euthanized in a shelter and it’s called reckless rescue efforts where you send a helpless animal into the hands of someone like this man. I can’t image the pain that some of these animals endured prior to finally dying, the same kind of pain that animals in hoarding situations face, or what’s even worse are those animals that endure the torture of being held in a live testing facility by the hands of the manufactures that still test their products on live animals. It’s 2013, we know better now and we can do better for all living creatures from today forward.

So before you decide to surrender your family pet to a County Shelter, ask yourself what horror am I about to place this animal in? In case you didn’t know, a County Animal Shelter is just that, it’s not an adoption center by any means.

In North Carolina we are listed as a “High Kill” State, we euthanize 287,000 animals each year (on the books that is) while more than 11 Counties still haven’t reported their numbers to be account for. So if you loosely add those missing 11 Counties numbers it raises the State of North Carolina yearly euthanized animals to over 345,000.00 animals a year that are disposed of by one form or another of euthanasia.

Shame on all of us or allowing this to continue to take place this day and time.

 

Please see local news story link here:

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4251302/

A Fremont man, whom authorities charged earlier this month with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, now faces a fourth charge because four dead owls were found on his property.

Lawton McKenzie, 28, of Old Black Creek Road, was arrested Jan. 6 after animal control officers seized dismembered animals, a machete, knives, bowls of blood and what appeared to be a decapitated puppy's head in a bag. Investigators also removed 26 living animals from the home.

Owls are protected under state law.

A Wayne County judge ruled Thursday that McKenzie must also pay the county for the upkeep of animals seized from his home last month.

The county filed a civil complaint against him last week and also requested he post sufficient funds with the Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court to ensure the care of the animals for an additional 30 days.

McKenzie has five working days to post the $8,640 necessary for the upkeep of the animals or he automatically forfeits them.

McKenzie has denied the animal cruelty charges, saying he was studying taxidermy and that he began picking up animal carcasses for that purpose.

Could you spare a can opener for a County Animal Shelter?

Did you know that many County Animal Shelters only have one hand crank can opener? What happens if it gets lost or broken when it’s feeding time for the puppies & kittens in the Shelter? Will an employee be allowed to run out and buy one on the spot, most likely not.  Why not help our County Animal Shelter’s with some small inexpensive donations of items such as this to make their job easier and less stressful while helping the animals out at the same time.

 

 So let’s lend a hand to some of these County Shelters while we work thru how to become a more humane and caring State for all these homeless animals.

 

Small steps like this can build a bridge for a more humane shelter experience for most of these animals. Let’s put them first in the equation.

North Carolina High Kill Animal Shelters

Saving one life from a County Shelter is more than most ever accomplish. God Bless and Thank You to those who fight on the front lines daily trying to save lives in a responsible manner. The cards are stacked against those in rescue due to the 72 hr. timeline and mass number of animals killed every hour in these County Shelters. Give what you can, do what you can do and again Thank You to those who take on this action. You’re a hero to the animals who walk out the front door versus being tossed out lifeless thru the backdoor. Never give up the fight for responsible rescue and to save lives correctly.

Rabies & Mico-Chip Clinic in Winston Salem NC November 10, 2012

North Carolina Department of Agriculture County Animal Shelters Inspectors list by County

This will aid you to get in touch with the correct State Inspector of our County Animal Shelters by County.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture directly over seas our County Shelters. Click on the link below to search by County Shelter Inspection, Report, Warning Letters and Fines.

http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/aws/

NC Gas Chambers to kill Shelter Animals must END!

 

Why are Flow meter’s not being used on the Gas Chamber’s here in the NC Animal Shelter System? When was the last state Inspection on any of these Gas Chambers? Why are we even in this day & time with the information we have today euthanizing our unwanted pet population in this barbaric way? It’s bad enough over 300,000 ( and that is a skeptical number as if you pull by County reports we sit  about 350,000 animals) that are being killed in the NC Shelter System every year with more that 50% being puppies and kittens which are 12 weeks old or under.

Yet still in NC over 19 Counties electively choose to kill via Gas Chambers. Yes, they electively choose to use Gas Chambers even knowing how barbaric it is and knowing that euthanizing via EBI would save their counties money. So what surrounds the madness in some of these NC Counties to still choose to electively use Gas Chambers to kill these sweet souls, well I encourage you to sit down and write a personal letter to each of these County Managers and ask them for that answer. And let’s see if in 2013 we can dispose of all remaining Gas Chambers here in NC and for this to happen we need YOU ! The animals need you to get involved, the animals need you to write heartfelt letters to these County Officials and help us turn this around. Being killed in a County Shelter at 12 weeks old is horrible enough but to be killed via a Gas Chamber is just unacceptable in this day in time.

 

North Carolina you can do better and as citizens of North Carolina we should all be embarrassed after all these other states in close proximity around us have stepped up to ban Gas Chambers at County Shelter’s all together. We don’t have to sit and wait for a State ban on these Gas Chambers, we just need to address each of these remaining Counties on a personal level.

 

I’m in are you?

Quick List:

 

Wilson County Animal Control

http://members.petfinder.org/~NC508/index.htm 4001 Airport Drive NW Wilson, NC 27896 Phone: 252-291-8142

 

Rowan County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC350.html Rowan County Animal Control Just off I-85 1465 Julian Road Salisbury, NC 28146-2322 (704) 216-7768

 

Cabarrus County Animal Control

http://www.cabarruslaw.us/animalcontrol_0.asp Animals listed here: http://www.cabarrushumanesociety.org/   The Animal Control Office is located off of NC Hwy 49, behind Terminal Trucking, on G...

 

Gaston County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC278.html Gaston County Animal Control 220 Leisure Lane Dallas, NC 28034 Phone: 704-922-8677

 

Union County Animal Services

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC320.html Union County Animal Services 3340 Presson Road Monroe, NC 28112 704-283-8303

 

 

Davidson County Animal Control

http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/community/AnimalsforAdoption.aspx   If no animals are listed, please call!  Davidson County Animal Shelter 490 Glendale Road Lexington, NC 27292 336-357-0805

 

Randolph County Animal Control

www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC384.html Randolph County Animal Shelter 1370 County Land Road Randleman, NC 27317 Phone: 336-683-8235.

 

 

Iredell County Animal Control

www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC117.html   Iredell County Animal Control 243 Twin Oaks Road Statesville, NC 28677 Phone: 704-878-5424

 

Craven-Pamlico County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/cpasc.html Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center 1639 Old Airport Rd. New Bern, NC 28562 (252) 637-4606

 

Brunswick County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC312.html Brunswick County Animal Services  429 Green Swamp Rd. 1.5 miles west of Supply, NC (910) 754-8204 or (910) 754-9261

 

 

Wilkes County Animal Control

http://www.humanesocietyofwilkes.org/animals.html Wilkes County Animal Control 408 Call Street Wilkesboro, NC (336) 903-7688.

 

Ashe County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC682.html   Ashe County Animal Control 767 Fred Pugh Road Crumpler, NC 28617 Phone: (336) 982-4060 (near West Jefferson)

 

Nash County Animal Control

www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC277.html Nash County Animal Shelter 921 1st Street Extension Nashville, NC 27856 (252) 459-9855

 

Granville County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC135.html Granville County Animal Shelter 5650 Cornwall Road Oxford , NC 27565 Phone: 919-693-6749

 

 

Johnston County Animal Control

www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC292.html Johnston County Animal Services 115 Shelter Way Smithfield, NC 27577 919-934-8474

 

Vance County Animal Control

www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC59.html Vance County Animal Shelter 165 Vance Academy Rd. Henderson NC 27537 Contact Phone: 252-492-3136

 

Beaufort County Animal Control

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC293.html Beaufort County Animal Control 3931 Hwy 264 East Washington, NC 27889 Phone: 252-946-45

 

Sampson County Animal Control

http://www.Sampson.Petfinder.com If no pets are listed, please call! Sampson County Animal Control 168 Agriculture Place Clinton, NC 28328 (910) 592-8493

 

Cleveland County Animal Control

Cleveland County Animal Control 1601 Airport Road Shelby, NC 28150 (704) 481-9884 sam.lockridge@clevelandcounty.com (704) 476-3161 Fax: (704) 482-3432

 

Martin County Animal Shelter

Recently bought used gas chamber from New Hanover County 1411 Land Fill Rd, Williamston, NC - (252) 792-6910

SomnaSol being used in some NC Animal County Shelters improperly to kill cat's.

ONLY USE ON CANINE

SomnaSol

This page contains information on SomnaSol for veterinary use.
The information provided typically includes the following:

·       SomnaSol Indications

·       Warnings and cautions for SomnaSol

·       Direction and dosage information for SomnaSol

Somnasol

This treatment applies to the following species:

·       Dogs

Manufacturer: Butler Schein™ Animal Health

Euthanasia Solution

For Dogs Only

For Intravenous Or Intracardiac Use.

Each mL contains: active ingredients: 390 mg pentobarbital sodium (barbituric acid derivative), 50 mg phenytoin sodium; inactive ingredients: 10% ethyl alcohol, 18% propylene glycol, 0.003688 mg rhodamine B, 2% benzyl alcohol (preservative), water for injection q.s. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH.

Product Indications

SomnaSol is indicated for the humane euthanasia of dogs.

Description/indications

SomnaSol is a non sterile injectable solution labeled for the humane euthanasia of dogs.

SomnaSol Dosage And Administration

Use 1 ml per 10 pounds of body weight. IV injection is preferred but intracardiac administration can be used when IV application is impractical.

SomnaSol Caution

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Caution should be exercised to avoid contact of the drug with open wounds or accidental self-inflicted injections. Keep out of reach of children.

Euthanasia may sometimes be delayed in dogs with severe cardiac or circulatory problems.

Warning: For canine euthanasia only.

Must not be used for therapeutic purposes.

Do not use on animals intended for food.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: This product is toxic to wildlife. Birds and mammals feeding on treated animals may be killed. Euthanized animals must be disposed of properly by deep burial, incineration, or other method in compliance with state and local laws, to prevent consumption of carcass material by scavenging wildlife.

Use of Luer-Lock syringe is recommended to prevent separation. The calculated dose should be given as a single bolused injection.

Manufactured by an non-sterilizing process.

Store between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F).

100 mL Multiple Dose Vial

Manufactured For: Butler Animal Health Supply, Dublin, Ohio 43017

Nac No.

10822362

BUTLER SCHEIN™ ANIMAL HEALTH
A Henry Schein Company
400 METRO PLACE NORTH, DUBLIN, OH, 43017-7545

Telephone:

614-761-9095

Fun Facts about NC

State Bird: Cardinal

State Tree: Pine

State Flower: Dogwood Blossom

State Mammal: Gray Squirrel

State Dog: Plott Hound

State Insect: Honey Bee

State Shell: Scotch Bonnet

State Saltwater Fish: Channel Bass

State Precious Stone: Emerald

State Beverage: Milk

State Rock: Granite

State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle

State Historic Boat: Shad Boat

 

 

Pennsylvania House Bans Gas Chambers

Pennsylvania House Bans Gas Chambers

Latest news on PA, it seems the senate after the 3rd time has now passed a Gassing Ban on Shelter Animals, now that's left is for the Governor to sign off. Will we see PA become the 20th State to ban Gas Chambers for unwanted and homeless animals? Will NC be the last state to ban Gas Chambers due to their close relationship with Dr. Hauser? Why would any state want to Gas an animal to death after knowing what we know now?

http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/10/02/chamber_ban/

 

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has applauded the Pennsylvania House for voting to pass House Bill 2630, which would ban the use of carbon monoxide chambers at animal shelters, and allow shelter personnel to procure the drugs necessary to euthanize animals in a humane manner.

 

The bill, sponsored by Rep. John Maher, R-Allegheny, passed 189 to 6, and now moves to the Pennsylvania Senate.

 

 Current Pennsylvania law makes it difficult for animal shelters to procure the drugs needed to euthanize animals humanely, because the drugs can only be licensed to veterinarians, leaving the animals to suffer more painful and gruesome options such as gas chambers. The new legislation, HB 2630, bans gas chambers and also provides meaningful access to sodium pentobarbital to help ensure that when animals must be euthanized in shelters across the Commonwealth it is done as humanely as possible.  It also imposes penalties for violations of the act.

 

“The swift passage of HB 2630 means the tragic euthanasia of cats and dogs by gas chambers in Pennsylvania will soon come to an end,” said Rep. Maher immediately after passage. “I’m excited by the overwhelming passage in the House and hopeful for quick Senate action.”

 

On Wednesday (Oct. 3) , the Pennsylvania House is expected to take up the Costs of Care of Seized Animals Act, HB 2409, a bill stating that owners have a financial obligation for the care for their pets. In addition, owners will be held responsible for costs of care if their animals are seized for cruelty or neglect. By shifting the burden for the cost of care from an investigating agency to the alleged abuser, the act will encourage the vigorous investigation and enforcement of animal cruelty and reduce the financial costs to local taxpayers.

 

Facts:

 

The few animal shelters inPennsylvaniawhich use out of date carbon monoxide chambers as a method of euthanasia do so because they have no access to a veterinarian to provide the necessary euthanasia drugs. HB 2630 will allow shelters across the Commonwealth the ability to procure euthanasia drugs themselves, at a lower cost – both practically and emotionally – over operating a carbon monoxide chamber.

 

The animals euthanized in shelters are often old, young, ill or injured; none of these animals can be humanely euthanized in a gas chamber. Even healthy adult dogs and cats will suffer stress just by being placed in a gas chamber, making their death inhumane.

 

Gas chambers pose great physical and psychological harm to staff. Staff must handle, transport and place animals into the chamber, putting them at risk of bites and scratches. Animal care workers have also been injured and killed by carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas.

 

Studies have proven that it is more expensive to operate a gas chamber than it is to purchase and use euthanasia drugs.

 

For more information on animal welfare legislation in Pennsylvania, please visit humanesociety.org/pennsylvania.

Where will 250 animals go now as a County Shelter Closes?

Humane Society votes to close shelter

by Mallory Brown and Dawn M. KurryRichmond County Daily Journal

25 days ago | 22918 views | 11 | 28 | |

Valerie Davis

slideshow

Kenneth Robinette

slideshow

Thad Ussery

slideshow

Time is running out for the Humane Society of Richmond County’s local animal shelter.
In a meeting on Thursday, the Humane Society board voted unanimously to cease shelter operations as of Oct. 31, 2012, according to Director Valerie Davis.
Davis said the decision is due to a lack of funding.
“A couple of months back, I began presenting to the board,” she said. “I kept telling them that it’s really bad. We’ve been running about a $35,000 deficit for over a year. We need to start making some decisions.”
According to Davis, shelter maintenance requires approximately $26,000 a month, and expenses have been piling up.
The Humane Society of Richmond County formed in 1981 as a small cat shelter, she said. In 1999, the officers of the Humane Society approached the county government and proposed the county aid them in operating a shelter. In 2002, doors opened to the new animal shelter located at 529 U.S. Highway 74 West Business, in Rockingham.
“For the last ten years, it has hung in there,” Davis said on Friday. “But there have always been budget constraints and tough times … In our contract, if we can’t function and operate the shelter on the funds we get, it reverts back to the county.
“Last night I asked the board, as a group, to please make a decision tonight. I asked them if they were going to pull out, because, as the director, not only am I going to be unemployed, but I have 11 other employees. I need to start making provisions,” said Davis.
Humane Society Board Chair Evonne Swanson confirmed on Friday that a vote had been taken.
“We have voted as a board that we will not operate in that shelter and continue the contract with the county,” Swanson said. “We won’t be there unless the county assists us in some way … We cannot continue as we have been. There has to be a change.”
Swanson said the shelter can still continue just as it is, but it becomes the county’s responsibility.
Although Davis and Swanson both said Friday that the Humane Society’s plans to withdraw from the shelter had been finalized, a letter from Humane Society Attorney Kelly G. Williams of Deane, Williams & Deane to county officials hints at other options.
The letter to county officials reads, “It has become painfully obvious to the Humane Society of Richmond County, Inc. that it can no longer operate its animal shelter under the current income/expense projections for 2012 through 2013.”
However, toward the end of the letter, Williams wrote, “Time is of the essence for the Humane Society to restructure its income base. If the Society has not received firm commitments from the local governments by October 31, 2012, it will be forced to close its shelter and dissolve its corporation.”
According to the letter, the shelter could stay open with monetary contributions from local municipalities each month. Proposed allocations include $300 from Dobbins Heights, $500 from the Town of Ellerbe, $800 from the City of Hamlet, $250 from the Town of Hoffman, $100 from the Town of Norman, $1,000 from the City of Rockingham and $22,000 from Richmond County. Those figures are based on the number of animals that the Humane Society received from the city limits of each city or town and within Richmond County, the letter said. Municipalities could opt to be billed monthly per animal, each of which would cost $76.50, according the letter. It goes on to list the average number of animals received from each jurisdiction per year, for example 150 from Rockingham.
The letter also reads: “After careful review of past income/expense reports and the projected income/expense report for 2012-2013, the Humane Society estimates a deficit of $53,000.00. Currently, the Humane Society has a deficit of $44,000.00 from Fiscal Year 2011-2012.”
Richmond County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kenneth Robinette said Friday that if the county has to take over the shelter, it would do so.
“Our staff has been monitoring this over the last few weeks and has offered ideas and suggestions to the Humane Society,” said Robinette. “I understand they have sent a letter, which I have not yet seen. If the county takes over the shelter, I promise we’ll run it as efficiently and effectively as we can.”
Robinette also said, “The board will continue to support the Humane Society.”
County Commissioner Thad Ussery said, “I really hate to hear this, but we were trying to help them through their budget crunch. But if they won’t take advice, I don’t know what else they can do. If they give it up, we will have to take it over and run it more efficiently. There are some things that could be changed.”
“There are so many people in the community who have supported us for so long, that have a right to know what’s going on,” Davis said. “We want the community to know that the Humane Society isn’t going to cease to exist. We’re still an organization — we’re just not going to be operating the animal shelter.”
Due to its Oct. 31 closing date, Davis said the animal shelter is working to find a home for all 250 of its animals.
“We’re taking it week by week now,” she said. “We’re going to encourage folks to come and pull — to rescue. We probably will waive adoption fees. We’ve got extra dog houses and transport kennels that were donated to us, and I’m going to donate those with the dogs.”
Davis said the shelter will also adopt new shortened hours, and will be closed to the public on Sunday through Tuesday. It will remain open on Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com. Staff Writer Mallory Brown can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 16, or by email at mallorybrown@heartlandpublications.com.

Read more: Richmond County Daily Journal - Humane Society votes to close shelter

Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits Recall

 

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Nature's Recipe Voluntarily Recalls Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits With Real Chicken Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Contact:
Consumer:
800-237-3856

Media:
Chrissy Trampedach
Del Monte Foods
Chrissy.trampedach@delmonte.com
415-247-3268

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 13, 2012 - Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

No pet or consumer illnesses from this product have been reported to date. However, because of its commitment to safety and quality, the Company is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.

The potentially affected lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken were distributed nationally, primarily through pet specialty retailers.

Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken is sold in 19-ounce stand-up resealable pouches. The product affected by this recall is identified below and has the following "Best If Used By" dates:

Lot Code:	UPC Code:	Size:	Product Name/Description:	Best If Used By Date:
2199TP	30521 51549	19-ounces	Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken	10 11 13
2200TP	30521 51549	19-ounces	Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken	10 12 13

Product and product lots that do not appear on the list above are not subject to this recall.
Consumers who have purchased the above lots of Nature’s Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken should stop feeding the product and discard immediately. For further information about the recall and for instructions on obtaining replacement product, consumers can use the Contact Us form at www.naturesrecipe.com¹ or call the Consumer Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 800-237-3856.

About Nature’s Recipe® Nature’s Recipe®, a brand of Del Monte Foods, markets a complete line of natural dog food and treats and recently introduced a line of natural cat food. Nature’s Recipe® has been making better pet food where “Every Ingredient Counts® ” for more than 30 years. For additional information about Nature’s Recipe®, visit www.naturesrecipe.com².

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Has Horse Slaughter haulted for American Horses ?

Press Release: Poisoned Horse Meat Impacts American Horse Slaughter Industry

by Lisa Drahorad on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 12:13pm ·

Poisoned Horse Meat Impacts American Horse Slaughter Industry

The news started trickling in on Friday with rumors of trucks filled with hundreds of horses bound for slaughter being turned away at the plants in Canada and Mexico. As equine advocates struggled to separate fact from fiction regarding this important turn of events for America’s horses, it appears that poisonous drugs found in the meat have forced the EU and the slaughter plants to finally make a stand and cease all slaughter of American horses. The EU is expected to make a statement on Monday, October 15.

American horsemeat contains hazardous carcinogens and other drugs like Phenylbutazone (Bute). Drugs that are clearly marked “Not intended for animals used for human consumption” but are commonly given to horses throughout their lives as they serve as working and companion animals to the American people. Despite these warnings, 1% of the total American horse populations, approximately 134,000 horses have been sent to slaughter every year. These numbers have remained constant and steady even with the closing of the last American slaughter plant in 2007.

"We all knew this was coming and have warned of it for years, yet the suddenness caught all by complete surprise. The EID (Equine Information Document) was the last chance for the horse slaughter industry and its agents to show they could be trusted to assure the safety of the horse meat that is their stock and trade. But their long history of flaunting environmental, transport, humane and other regulations made it inevitable that they would treat the drug residue issue as a joke. True to form, they are already blaming "animal rights" radicals." ~ John Holland, President of Equine Welfare Alliance

Congress has ignored the voice of 80% of Americans against slaughter but this decision by the EU could mean there is hope for our horses and could truly be the end of slaughter. With the option of slaughter being taken away, there would be hope that horse values will increase as mass breeding stops. The BLM would have to come up with another plan for the 45,000 wild mustangs currently in holding pens. People would no longer fear horse auctions as a place to sell their horses. Private auction bidders would no longer be outbid by kill buyers looking for horses to fill their load. Horse industry revenues would go up everywhere as a live horse provides more dollars to the economy over a slaughtered one.

We are estimating upwards of 5,000 horses are currently “lost” in the slaughter pipeline while agencies figure out next steps. It has become increasingly obvious that rescue organizations and individuals need to muster up and be ready for a call to action to help the horses that are now in this, albeit possibly temporary defunct slaughter pipeline.

For more information or if you can help the horses stuck in the slaughter pipeline, please contact Another Chance 4 Horses, www.ac4h.com, Christy Sheidy, Christy@ac4h.com 484-824-4904 or Lisa Drahorad, rovergrl@hotmail.com 856-287-4518.

Lisa Drahorad, Event Coordinator Another Chance 4 Horses
www.AC4H.com