PetHobbyist.com Site Blog

This week, in a basic obedience bootcamp showdown, Presley won the dog bone suite and let his person Travis bring the people for the party they threw.

In a complete reversal of last week’s domination, JD and Galaxy ended up in the doghouse. I don’t think Galaxy noticed. Elvis, who was in the doghouse the week before, might not have noticed either, but his owner definitely did. They're not the rustic types.



Even before that week's challenge got underway, angst abounded. First Elvis and the amazing skateboarding/surfing Tillman seemed to disagree about who was in charge. Tillman ended up with a scratched eye and Elvis’ person, Manhattanite David, got blamed for Elvis’ behavior.



Elvis looked up with his puppy dog eyes and bounced around with his Jack Russell body claiming that he can’t help himself, it’s in his blood. His owner agreed.



Speaking of blood, Star, the life saving dog went exploring and got hurt. Watching her person carry her to the car, his arm covered in blood made me hug my dogs close and make them promise never ever to get hurt.

Continue reading "Recap: Greatest American Dog, Episode 102"

Metaphorically the State of Texas is trying to give me my pet mice back, along with cornsnakes, in proposed revisions to their Commercial Nongame Regulations. The revisions are meant to correct errors made when the rules were first implemented, including errors that our site users pointed out and we posted about here. From the proposed revisions -

The proposed amendment also would remove the cornsnake (Pantherophis guttata), the house mouse, and the rough-footed mud turtle from the list of species that are prohibited from use in commercial activity. The cornsnake is not native to Texas. The house mouse is not wildlife and should not have been included on the list.

Now if someone could only explain to me why my tax dollars are going to offer blanket protections to every species of native mouse, rat, gopher, shrew and vole in the state without offering a shred of scientific justification for it I will be happier.

I would be even happier if they would resolve the issue of the Common Gartersnake still being on the prohibited list.

Exterminators can kill just about all of them in untold quantities, but as a private citizen if you get caught with more than 6 of them in your possession your subject to criminal penalties. For the complete list of species on the proposed "prohibited" list this time around, click below.

The comment period for the proposed revisions to the Commercial Nongame Regulations closes at 05:00 p.m. August 20, 2008 and comments may be submitted online at:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/public_comment/proposals/200808_nongame.phtml

Continue reading "Texas Gives Me My Mice Back - Cornsnakes Too!"

I love reality TV. I love dogs. So it’s no surprise I was all over the new reality competition series The Greatest American Dog, which debuted last Thursday night on CBS, and airs every Thursday night at 9 PM ET/PT.

Elan and Kenji

The first episode begins, as all good reality television does, with interviews of the cocky contestants, who all have one thing in common: they love dogs. Well, they all love their dogs, and like most dog owners, and parents in general, each contestant seems to be convinced that everyone else is doing it wrong. I couldn’t agree more. They are.


Beth Joy and Bella Starlet

Continue reading "Recap: Greatest American Dog, Episode 101"

These are not Jeff's cows photo by Clint Gilders - Staff Photographer

By her own definition House Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (Guam) wants to take away my cows until I can prove that they are not a threat.

In her new bill, H.R. 6311, the Non-native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act introduced on June 16, 2008, she wants "to prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or human or animal species' health, and for other purposes." But in her zeal to protect us from an "invasion" of non-native species she casts her net widely, wildly, and poorly.

Her plan, put simply, is to create two lists that between them include every species of animal in the world. One list would contain species permitted to be imported into the United States; the other list would contain species not permitted to be imported into the United States.

The only animals not appearing on the lists would be animals considered "native" to the United States. Only animals meeting specific criteria -- animals proven to not "negatively impact the economy, environment, or human or animal species' health" would be added to the "approved" list. Eventually people already in possession of animals on the "not permitted" list would be required to dispose of those animals or risk criminal penalties.

How does she define "non-native wildlife"?

" (4) NONNATIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES- The term `nonnative wildlife species'--

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (C), means any species of animal that is not a native species, whether or not raised in captivity;

(B) except as provided in subparagraph (C), includes--

(i) any such species of mammal, bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, mollusk and crustacean, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, and

(ii) any egg or offspring thereof; and

(C) does not include any species specifically defined or regulated as a plant pest under the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or as a threat to livestock or poultry under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.).

Let's take a look at some animals that meet that definition....

Cows, horses, chickens, domesticated house cats, goldfish, most pet fish, many pet reptiles, hamsters, gerbils and other rodents, most cage birds, etc. etc. The list of animals is literally endless, as new species are literally described every day. I doubt that they could all be categorized on the internet accurately, much less physically printed in the Federal Register, as would be required. That issue of the register alone would run to thousands of pages and would be obsolete before it even came off the presses.

Now I am certain that cows will end up on the "permitted" list through some type of waiver or exclusion. Americans love beef and the cattle industry is powerful. But by the definitions included in the bill cows are among the worst offenders when it comes to damaging the environment and shouldn't be excluded. Horses, probably the first non-native wildlife species to be accidentally introduced to North America, will probably be there with an exclusion as well. Nonetheless, there is certainly no argument that wild horses are damaging to the environment, so much so that the government is again trying to kill more of them this year to keep their population under control.

This sweeping new bill would shut down the pet industry if enacted into law as written, according to testimony by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council's Marshall Meyers. In his response to the House Natural Resources Committee on June 26, 2008, Meyers warned:

"If enacted as drafted, HR 6311 would force the Fish and Wildlife Service into a managerial nightmare. It would have to shut down a number of industries dependent upon nonnative species -- such as the pet industry, food aquaculture, and sports fishing.

Reptile and rodent owners in Texas have already had a taste of life under a "two list" system for animals, and it wasn't sweet. Last year when the state implemented new wildlife regulations, there there was a "permitted" and a "prohibited" list. When first released the state "accidentally" listed the common pet mouse and corn snake on the prohibited list, causing a hue and cry among the owners of those pets, who woke up one morning to find that they were violating the law.

The lists created defacto protections with no scientific evidence or reason for hundreds of animals such as all the state's endemic rat species with little to no input from the public -- and those lists remain flawed to this day.

I would encourage everyone who has a pet cat, bird, fish, or reptile, or anyone who likes to fish, ride horses, or have the occasional hamburger to look over HR 6311 and contact its author and sponsors with your input. Details on how to do that under the jump.

Continue reading "First they wanted my mice, now they want my cows, too..."

I write a regular pet column for the SF Chronicle/SFGate.com, and this week I wrote about how my understanding of snakes and the people who keep them changed after I started working for kingsnake.com. A couple of Bay Area users of the site were interviewed in the piece as well.

When you were young, did you ever lie on your belly in a field, watching a bug crawling up a blade of grass? Did you stand perfectly still in a creek, hoping to catch a frog? Did a garter snake ever slither across your bare foot in the backyard, only to be caught in your curious hands?

For many of us, our childhoods were filled with wonder at the world of nature, and free of prejudice against things that slither or crawl. But as we grew up, we frequently got the message that while puppies, kittens, and baby bunnies are adorable, cold-blooded critters are something else entirely. I know that happened to me.

But all that changed eight years ago. I started doing some editorial work for kingsnake.com, the oldest and largest reptile and amphibian Web site in the world, and had my eyes opened to the beauty of snakes and the motivations of the people who keep them as pets.

Many of the people I met never lost that childhood wonder at the natural world. They would devote endless hours to creating habitats for animals that evolved in environments ranging from the driest deserts to tropical rainforests, sometimes having to learn by trial and error what even the experts didn't know about their snakes. They became obsessive observers of their animals, noting the slightest deviation in activity levels or appetites, their interest and their patience apparently endless.

I also became aware of how much prejudice exists against snakes and the people who keep them. Snakes in our culture have often been relegated to roles as scary monsters in horror flicks and the "ewww gross" segment on nature shows.

I wanted to challenge that view, so I asked some of the Bay Area users of kingsnake.com if they'd be willing to talk to me for a column.

The full article is called "The Surprising Beauty of Snakes," and it's here.

And thanks to Rolf and Natalie for talking to me for the piece!

Owners of pet iguanas in Palm Beach County, Florida may be required to microchip their pets if a new resolution passes at tomorrow's County commissioners meeting.

Palm Beach County commissioners will decide Tuesday whether to join a growing anti-iguana movement by asking state wildlife regulators to do more to keep irresponsible pet owners from dumping the large reptiles.

Commissioners will vote on a resolution asking the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to add green iguanas to its list of "reptiles of concern."

The designation would force iguana owners to have identifying microchips implanted in their pets. That would allow state investigators to trace the reptiles' ownership should they get loose or be released illegally.

Owners also would be required to get a $100-a-year permit to have an iguana.

Read the rest here.

Longtime PetHobbyist staffer PHRascal lives in Cedar Rapids, and shared the struggles of humans and the animals they love in the aftermath of one of the largest floods in U. S. history:

I live in Cedar Rapids, IA, one of the cities hit very hard this past week by flooding. There are no words in the English language to adequately describe the extent of devastation here, but losses for the state of Iowa already have exceeded those of Katrina, and the tally climbs daily.

There are over 25,000 newly homeless people in Cedar Rapids now. Over 1300 city blocks of this town were flooded. The flood waters have receded and the massive cleanup has begun, but it is going to be years before this town recovers from this catastrophe. Cedar Rapids was actually cut in half for a while when all bridges across the river were closed due to flooding. Only 1 lane of the interstate was kept open for emergency traffic. One of two hospitals evacuated due to flooding. Both hospitals lost power for 2 days.

In addition to the many businesses and residences that flooded, the police station, the main fire department, the main post office, the federal court house, the county court house and jail, the sheriff's office, city hall, the public library, and the city animal shelter also flooded. Yet, to my knowledge we have had only 1 arrest for looting and the arrest of 2 idiots who tried to impersonate National Guardsmen and enter flooded areas. Alert National Guardsmen noticed their uniforms did not match the current issue and that fraud ended quickly. Police are on record as saying there will be a zero tolerance for scamming or price gouging, and all contractors have had to apply for a photo ID, submit to a background check, be adequately insured and references are actually being checked. Police have told citizens not to pay anyone in advance, for anything.

My home was just far enough from the river to escape flooding and I am very grateful to have experienced just the draconian water restrictions as just 1 pump out of 4 was working. We had a few power surges in this area, but did not actually lose power. Resetting the clocks a few times was a minor inconvenience. Traffic then was congested for some time as slowly the roads began to open after the large debris was removed from the streets and bridges, and people could see for themselves the wrath of Mother Nature. Most of us just gaped in disbelief.

Power is still out for the downtown area, including traffic signals, yet citizens are patiently navigating intersections. The water supply remains at 50% and probably will remain at that level for a while. The downtown area is full of large trucks from national disaster and catastrophe cleanup businesses and there is no shortage of need for those people. Most of the small businesses and almost all of the individuals are left to clean up the hard way, and everything they are handling is contaminated by flood water. The air in those areas is contaminated and people have been urged to wear the best mask they can find, wear gloves, wear boots and avoid touching anything directly. Easier said than done, for sure.

Even the buildings that are going to be demolished have to be emptied first. Rich, black Iowa topsoil has washed away only to be replaced by sludge and rock. Stock up on corn and soybean-based products now as costs for anything related to those products will rise sharply, including even your beef, pork and gasoline. Over 6,000,000 sandbags were used in Iowa this past week.

There are countless stories of loss and heartache, and many stories now of heroism, altruism and dedication to rebuilding this fine town. Iowans are helping Iowans as they always do in a crisis, but I want to put in a plug for one place that really needs help.

The city animal shelter was destroyed by the flood and those animals are now being housed at Kirkwood Community College. Fortunately, Kirkwood has agricultural programs and a vet tech program, along with a beautiful new equestrian arena and several barns. Kirkwood is also the temporary home to nearly 1000 animals, including pets rescued from flooded areas, new strays since the flood and drop-offs by owners who have lost their homes and currently cannot care for their pets.

As you can imagine, the expense is huge for this kind of undertaking. Each animal is microchipped, vaccinated, bathed and examined by a veterinarian on arrival. Medical needs are addressed. Local veterinarians have been generous with their time and volunteers have done a yeoman’s job of helping to care for the ever increasing number of animals. PetSmart and other businesses have contributed much needed supplies. HSUS, EARS and other national rescue groups have been helping rescue, transport and care for the animals. Even an HSUS group from Missouri has been here helping. I have volunteered out there and can attest that the animals are receiving excellent care.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated. If you can’t afford to donate, say a prayer for the people and pets who have lost their homes. Hug your pets and be glad they are safe with you.

PHRascal suggests that those who want to help animals in need in her area can contribute to the Kirkwood Foundation, c/o "Friends of the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter" (please put this in the memo section of the check) and mailed to 6301 Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406. You can also donate online here; be sure to indicate the donation is for "Friends of Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter."

Another organization Rascal says can definitely use help is the local dog park, which is underwater. You can view photos of the damage here, and donate to help them restore the park here. It is also a 501(c)3 organization and any donations are tax deductible.

Today, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Marshals seized various animal food products stored under unsanitary conditions at the PETCO Animal Supplies Distribution Center located in Joliet, Ill., pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Chicago.

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

During an FDA inspection of a PETCO distribution center in April, widespread and active rodent and bird infestation was found. The FDA inspected the facility again in May and found continuing and widespread infestation.

"We simply will not allow a company to store foods under filthy and unsanitary conditions that occur as a direct result of the company's failure to adequately control and prevent pests in its facility," said Margaret O'K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "Consumers expect that such safeguards will be in place not only for human food, but for pet food as well."

The distribution center in Joliet, Ill., provides pet food products and supplies to PETCO retail stores in 16 states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

FDA has no reports of pet illness or death associated with consumption of animal food distributed by PETCO, and does not have evidence that the food is unsafe for animals. However, the seized products were in permeable packages and held under conditions that could affect the food's integrity and quality.

As a precaution, consumers who have handled products originating from the PETCO distribution center should thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Any surfaces that came in contact with the packages should be washed as well. Consumers are further advised as a precaution to thoroughly wash products sold in cans and glass containers from PETCO in the 16 affected states.

If a pet has become ill after eating these food products, pet owners should contact their veterinarian and report illnesses to FDA state consumer complaint coordinators.

AB 1634, California’s controversial proposed legislation to mandate sterilization of dogs and cats by 16 weeks of age, is dead in all but name.

The language of the bill has been completely rewritten by Senator Negrete McLeod, Chairman of the Local Government Committee. From Concerned Dog Owners of California :

Under this version mandatory spay and neuter is no longer discussed except as a remedy for dogs about whom complaints, which cannot be barking dog complaints, have been made to animal control. Presumably this would include loose and roaming dogs but would be more inclusive. At the third complaint for dogs, the owner would be required to have the dog altered at his expense. Further the fines for complaints are increased.

Judie Mancuso, AB 1634 “campaign director” and the legislation’s most ardent proponent, wrote in an an email to supporters:

Earlier this week Assembly Member Lloyd Levine met with Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod to discuss AB 1634. Senator Negrete McLeod chairs the Senate Local Government Committee where AB 1634 has been held since mid-2007. The Senator presented amendments that remove all the current language of the bill and replace it with new language her office developed. The new bill targets only dogs and cats who are the subject of repeated complaints to animal control or repeated shelter impoundments. Assemblyman Levine agreed to adopt these amendments, which also adds Senator Negrete McLeod as a principal co-author.

[....]

I know many of you will not be happy with this proposal, and I am personally deeply disappointed that AB 1634 has been rewritten by Senator Negrete McLeod. But, please take a careful look at the new bill and the committee’s analysis, and come to your own conclusion about whether it might help decrease California’s pet overpopulation.

The original author of the bill, State Assembly Member Lloyd Levine, was term-limited out of his house seat, and was defeated in his recent bid for the State Senate.

The amended version of the bill, which will be heard by the Local Government Committee on June 25, can be read here; CDOC has promised to update with new developments throughout the day; that link also includes contact information for faxes of support and opposition to the new language, as all previously-submitted letters are out of date.

A group of stranded scuba divers fought off a Komodo dragon until they were rescued.

Elena Neralairen threw rocks at an aggressive Komodo dragon and scavenged for mussels on a remote Indonesian island where she and fellow divers were stranded for days after being swept away in treacherous currents.

The group — three from Britain and one each from France and Sweden — drifted 20 miles in sharp-infested waters before landing after nightfall on Rinca's palm-fringed beach, their last chance to avoid being swept into the open ocean.

But the next morning, it became clear their ordeal was not yet over. They came face-to-face with a deadly Komodo dragon, which can weigh as much as 365 pounds, and scared the beast away by screaming and pelting it with rocks and sticks.

Here's the rest.