Boycott Skechers!
[January 25, 2012] Skechers filmed a Superbowl commercial for their new running shoes at a greyhound race track, not just any track, but the nation's worst -- the notorious Tucson Greyhound Park. To make light of
the animal abuse that IS greyhound racing to sell a few sneakers is unconscionable, but Skechers say they won't back down. For more information and to sign a petition to stop the Superbowl Ad, go to
Grey2K USA. There will be a protest on Saturday, January 28th, 11 am - 1 pm, at San Mateo & Cutler (near the Skechers) store, in conjunction
with the Grey2K USA Action Day. Please invite your friends and family to express your concern that Skechers doesn’t care about the abuse and killing that goes on in greyhound racing. Please contact Eric at
ejacksonnm@gmail.com for more information or to let him know you'll attend.
Stop Breed-Specific Legislation!
[ December 20, 2011] A misguided and dangerous bill (pdf) is being pushed by Sate Senator Sue Beffort for the upcoming January 17, 2012, session. This bill would
declare pit bulls to be "dangerous dogs," and would require muzzling, special signage, behavior classes, and would not allow the dogs to leave their owner's property except to go to the vet! Owners not complying could
have their dogs seized and killed.
In Beffort's proposal, any dog that is a mix of any of the "bull" breeds -- or any dog that even resembles one -- comes under the purview of this bill (oddly, though, purebred 'bull" breeds are exempt).
Anyone familiar with the Albuquerque dog landscape knows that most mixed dogs would fit that description, meaning any dog with pit-bull-like features could be confiscated and put down.
For more information , see NM Capitol Report, Best Friends
Animal Sanctuary Pit Bull Initiatives, and the National Canine Research Council's Ineffective Laws page. To prevent this travesty of
justice from going any further, sign a petition urging Gov. Martinez to not call the
legislation in 2012, contact Gov. Martinez specifically, write/call Senator Beffort at
505-986-4395 (capitol) or 505-292-7116 (home), and/or write your state senator.
Three-legged Cheyenne Saved
December 26th, 2011] Poor Cheyenne was bone-thin, pregnant, and despondent in boarding at a local vet clinic, according to a story on KOAT, when her future
mom heard about her and contacted NM Dogs Deserve Better. NMDDB, an organization specializing in rescuing abused and chained dogs, believe that Cheyenne's owners had
amputated her leg themselves. "Her new mom saw the story and called us and we followed through on the process, and it turned out to be a wonderful home for her," said Angela Stell, of New Mexico Dogs Deserve Better.
Support Your Favorite Rescue Through United Way
[November 29, 2011] Did you know that you can designate any 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization to benefit from your United Way contribution? This donation can be made through
United Way's easy payroll deduction system, and your contributions are tax-deductible! It's a nearly painless way to help your favorite rescue group(s) while stacking up the tax savings.
You can also make a one-time donation here.
Deadly Parvo Outbreak at Los Altos Dog Park
[November 6, 2011] According to KOAT News, there has been a Parvo outbreak at Los Altos Dog Park (Eubank & Lomas). Parvo is a
highly contagious and painful disease, which can be transmitted by dogs and humans. It can be FATAL and is expensive to treat once contracted.
Parvo vaccinations begin on puppies at six to eight weeks, continuing until the puppy is sixteen weeks old, at which time it is protected. According to the fabulous Dr. Shirley Russman at VCA
Montgomery, "unvaccinated dogs and puppies under sixteen weeks should not go to the dog park." She added that "Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are particularly susceptible to the disease."
If you don't know whether your dog has been vaccinated against this deadly disease, call your vet. When in doubt, vaccinate your pooch!
NM Game Commission Unanimously Wrong on Trapping
[September 20, 2011] Despite huge public outcry for extending the ban on trapping on public lands, the NM Game Commission held its meeting on this in
tiny Clayton, NM, near the Texas border and far from any population centers that might support the ban. Thus unencumbered from public input, these seven wise men
voted unanimously to repeal the ban
and, in fact, actually expanded this barbaric practice, without even allowing exceptions for endangered species. Not only does this endanger all wildlife, but also humans and animals who happen to be out on public lands.
Why would anyone, much less every one of the commissioners decide to allow this cruelty? We couldn't imagine, so asked them for a comment, but not one of them had the courage to explain why they voted to torture
animals. We're contacting their boss, Governor Susana Martinez, to see if she has an answer. We'll keep you posted.
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Santa Fe Vet Sets out Rat Poison to Kill Coyote
[July 1, 2011] According to a story in the Santa Fe New Mexican, and confirmed by ABQDog, Santa Fe veterinarian Dr. Joan
Moreau, owner of the Animal Wellness Center on St. Francis Drive, set out rat poison to kill a coyote she believed killed her barn cat, Nina.
It's hard to believe a vet would attempt to murder an innocent animal -- in its natural habitat -- who probably did nothing to her cat (coyotes eat their prey, not leave it "traumatized"). But she then went on to brag about it on Facebook:
“The coyote that killed [Nina] will die I think in 5-7 days after it ate the beef broth basted rat poison I put out on the game trail I found. It will die minus the trauma I found on my cat ...”. A death from poisoning is agonizing,
and to inflict it on a coyote she "believed" killed her cat is unconscionable. Not to mention that she jeopardized any animal -- companion, wild, or endangered -- and human that might stumble onto her planted DDT.
Contacting the NM Board of Veterinary Medicine, we learned that complaints had been made and Dr. Moreau had responded, but that the NMVBM has two years to investigate a complaint,
although the representative tried to soften this inadequate performance by repeating that they "usually finish in six to nine months." Trying to determine if anyone was doing anything about this, we were passed from one Santa Fe department
to another -- none of which knew about the case -- and finally reached a wonderful Santa Fe Police sargeant, who reported that no less than six parties, from the USDA to federal wildlife agencies to the NM Livestock Board, are investigating
this egregious act, and that Dr. Moreau has been cited by at least one of them and forced to remove the poison.
This is not just a story about someone trying to protect her cat, but about a woman who carelessly sought irrational revenge on an innocent animal doing nothing more than responding to hunger and instinct. We expect more from the people
who care for our animals. We'll keep you posted on this sad and disturbing story.
Second Chance Treasures Bursting with Goodies
[May 27, 2011] Looking for antiques, nice furniture, quality clothes, and more? Then check out Second Chance Treasures, the thrift store that supports the wonderful rescue organization
Second Chance. They've got so much great stuff, but not enough buyers! So save some dough, find that book or special
necklace, and help support a great group. Second Chance Treasures is at 3701 Corrales Rd., Corrales (next to FrontierMart). They're open seven days a week, 10 am - 4 pm.
City Budget Show Reverses Animal Welfare Cuts
[May 22, 2011] UPDATE: City Councilor Dan Lewis introduced a floor amendment to Mayor Berry's budget rescinding his proposed funding cuts to Animal Welfare; this passed on a 5-4 vote. While we're grateful to Councilor Lewis, it's
pretty obvious that this was a well-orchestrated move by the Berry administration to make animal advocates relieved to keep their current, unsatisfactory level of funding, while the rest of the city enjoys a 1.6% increase. The savings from lack of
kennel, veterinary, and front office staff will go towards building sports complexes and bike trails. A very poor trade-off indeed.
Stop Budget Cuts to ABQ Animal Welfare!
[May 15th, 2011] UPDATE: Mayor Berry and Councilor Winter want to bankroll fun projects like a boardwalk along the Rio Grande, while cutting operational funds, according to The Albuquerque Journal's
May 13th article. This is a startling bit of hubris when the City has ignored voters' wishes by purposely understaffing the state-of-the-art spay/neuter clinic and remodeled Eastside shelter, approved by voters
in 2007.
Animal Welfare is already tragically short on animal handlers, vets & vet techs for spay/neuter, and front office staff to help adopters take home their new best friend, and the City wants to build a boardwalk?!
Unbelievable!
This fiscal irresponsibility not only means that fewer animals will be adopted, fewer animals will be spayed or neutered, and more animals will be euthanized; it also means continued pay cuts and understaffing for other vital City services like
police and fire.
It's wonderful that the City anticipates an extra $4 million in revenue, but let's spend it responsibly, by first providing the people essential to making Albuquerque a wonderful place to live. Councilor Ken Sanchez's budget would
do just that, by funding vacant jobs and rolling back pay cuts. Only then should the City consider frivolous projects, like boardwalks on the Rio Grande or look-outs along the Bosque.
Rio Rancho Man Burns Dog to Save Money
[UPDATE: March 28th, 2011] The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Rio Rancho City Council has included a provision in the new animal
ordinance to allow the city to remove companion animals from a home if one of the residents is charged with animal cruelty. The ordinance will go before the council next month.
[March 21st, 2011] According to KOAT-TV, James Dickie, Rio Rancho, has been allowed to keep other animals after being arrested on charges of
burning his ten-year-old, blind dog's testicles to avoid the cost of neutering him. According to RR mayor, Tom Swisstack, the law does not allow the City to
remove his other animals. The City Council is meeting on Wednesday, March23rd, 4 pm to discuss an animal ordinance that would presumably provide the legal justification to take these animals from this horrifying abuser.
If you can possibly attend this meeting, please wear a black top to show RR that this kind of heinous behavior needs to be stopped! At the RR City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE (map).
Animal Humane Launches Spay/Neuter Resource
[February 15, 2011] In its continuing efforts, to reduce companion animal overpopulation,
Animal Humane | New Mexico has created a great, user-friendly website that corrals all the spay/neuter
information and resources available to state residents -- especially those who are low-income. SpayNM.org allows users to type in a New Mexico county and locate clinics performing low-cost spay/neuter services -- Animal
Humane's veterinary clinic is one of the low-cost clinics listed for Bernalillo County. In 2009, 10,833 dogs and cats were euthanized, and last year the number dropped
to 9,699 -- a decrease of 1,134. Since 2006, euthanizations have fallen 37 percent in Albuquerque.Those who do not have access to a computer can use the program by
calling (855) 772-9669.
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