2/9/10

Cook County Passes Tethering Ordinance

Several additions to the Cook County Animal Control Ordinance regarding animal cruelty and public safety were recently passed.  Some of the additions include the prohibition of animal fighting and greased pig contests, as well as the need for owners to show proof of current vaccinations in order to enter dog-friendly parks.

The largest additions, however, were in regards to tethering dogs.  Cook County Animal Control defines tethering as restraining a dog by tying the dog to any object or structure (house, tree, fence, post, etc.) by any means (chain, rope, leash, running line, etc.).  Tow or log chains are not to be used as a tether, and pinch, prong, and choke collars are not to be used with a tether.

Some of the highlights:

- Tethered dog must have access at all times to water, adequate shelter, and dry ground
- Multiple dogs must be tethered separately with separate food, water, and shelter
- Tether must be 10 feet long
- Tether must be attached with a properly fitting collar or harness with a rotating toggle attachment and must not be wrapped around dog’s neck directly
- No dog may be tethered during extreme weather conditions
- No dog may be tethered within 200 yards of a school
- Tethered dogs must not make excess noises that cause a nuisance

To view the Chapter 10 - Animal Ordinance in its entirety, visit the Cook County Animal & Rabies Control website.

11/4/09

Cat Tests Positive for H1N1 Virus

From the ISVMA:

A cat in Iowa has tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, state officials confirmed this morning, marking the first time a cat has been diagnosed with this strain of influenza.

The cat, which has recovered, is believed to have caught the virus from someone in the household who was sick with H1N1. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other animals or people.

Prior to this diagnosis, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are reminding pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an altogether unexpected event. Pet owners should monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.

The AVMA is actively tracking all instances of H1N1 in animals and posting updates at www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus.

10/5/09

Pug Party Hosts the Fall 2009 Pug Crawl!

PugParty.com is hosting the Fall 2009 Pug Crawl - Pugs on the Patio!  This event is taking place on Saturday, October 17, from 12pm to 5pm at Zella in Chicago.

To learn more about the Pug Crawl, visit Pug Party at http://pugparty.com.

Traveling With Your Pet?

The Chicago Tribune recently published an article on the different option that airlines are giving pet owners that are traveling with their furry friends.  Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research the alternatives before booking your trip.  And safe travels! 

ISVMA Warns Pet Owners of Distemper

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) is urging pet owners to discuss their dogs' current vaccination status with their veterinarians.  There have been a growing number of reported canine distemper cases in Illinois.

According to the President of the ISVMA, Dr. Sheldon Rubin, canine distemper, usually spread through airborne exposure, is "a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multi-systemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems." 

If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms explained in the ISVMA press release, please contact your veterinarian immediately. 

“In order to protect their dogs, pet owners should be sure that their distemper vaccination is up-to-date, said Dr. Rubin. “Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program for your dogs.”

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update

*Update* As of 04/30/09 at 10:30am EST, the CDC has confirmed 109 human cases of H1N1 in the United States.  The CDC website has not reported any cases in Illinois.  However, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health's website, there are nine probable cases in Illinois, and two that are currently under investigation.

As of 04/28/09 at 11:00am EST, the CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of H1N1 (swine) flu in the United States (none of which are in Illinois).  There are no known cases in cats or dogs at the time of this publication.

Please take a minute to read the precautionary information on the CDC website for advice on how you can stay healthy!

B.C. Dog Training and B.A.R.K. Hosting "Pooch Pantry"

B.C. Dog Training, in conjunction with B.A.R.K., is hosting the Pooch Pantry Dog Food Drive at B.C.’s location in Mundelein, IL.  They are asking for dry dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, biscuits and/or any treats that you might not need or can afford to donate to help those less fortunate.  They will also be accepting gift cards for local pet supply stores.

Donations can be dropped off at B.C. Dog Training at 920 Turret Court in Mundelein at the following times: Monday - Friday 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM and Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Click here for more information regarding Pooch Pantry, B.C. Dog Training, and B.A.R.K.

*Update*

The Pooch Pantry is receiving an average of 13 people receiving donations every Saturday, thanks to all of the generous donors of food and supplies.  There is a local school that is collecting donations for the animals as well.  Keep up the good work and keep those donations coming!

Lake County News article about Pooch Pantry

Chicago Tribune article about Pooch Pantry

CVMA Announces Position on Mandatory Spay/Neuter Proposal

The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association has voiced its opposition to the Chicago Mandatory Spay Neuter Proposal, known as the Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance.  (Other groups that oppose this proposal are the ISVMA, Anti-Cruelty Society, The Society for Theriogenology, The American College of Theriogenologists and Alley Cat Allies.)

While CVMA supports spay/neuter programs, they also believe that whether or not an animal is spayed or neutered is a decision that should be made between the client and their veterinarian, not the government.  The CVMA believes that you can oppose this ordinance and still be "animal welfare friendly."

The CVMA asks that you express your concerns about this proposal to the Chicago Aldermen.

11/26/08

AVMA Revises Policy On Ear Cropping And Tail Docking

The revised AVMA policy states: "The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards."

The AVMA is strengthening this policy after weighing the risks and benefits of these procedures for cosmetic reasons.  Welfare risks include anesthetic complications, pain, blood loss, and infection. 

To view this press release from AVMA regarding this policy, please visit their website by clicking here.

On November 19, 2008, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and President Todd H. Stroger passed several changes to the Cook County Animal Control Ordinance regarding rabies.

Firstly, any dog, cat, or ferret four months of age or older is required to have a rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian.  The only exemptions would be animal shelters, animal impounding facilities, or laboratory animal facilities.  Current estimates put only half of owned cats as current on rabies vaccinations; and the majority of human exposure to rabies comes from unvaccinated cats.

Secondly, there are no longer any exemptions for family bites concerning an owned animal.  Effective November 19, any biting animal must be presented to a veterinarian within 24 hours of the bite, and if not current for rabies vaccination, must be impounded for ten days.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding these changes, contact information for the Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control can be found here.

Simethicone is often used for gas relief for rabbits and our pocket pet friends.  A special thanks to our volunteer, Tami, for bringing this to our attention!

Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,000 units of Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops (simethicone-antigas) non-staining sold in 1 oz. plastic bottles that were distributed after October 5, 2008 nationwide.  To view this article in its entirety, or to find instructions on what to do if you have this product, please click here.

The Village of Schaumburg’s Blood Program Committee is sponsoring community blood drives.  Healthy individuals over the age of 17 who weigh more than 110 lbs. are eligible to donate.

September 24, 2008
3 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Church of the Holy Spirit, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg

December 4, 2008
3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg

For appointments, please contact LifeSource at 847-803-7943.  Walk-ins are welcome!

McHenry County leads state in rabies incidences

McHenry County has reported its ninth rabid bat, making it the county with the most rabies activity in Illinois.  The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is reporting that more than 30 people have had to receive rabies treatment so far this year.

To read more about how to avoid the risk of rabies, including keeping your cats and dogs up to date on their vaccinations and avoiding wildlife, visit the MCDH website at www.mcdh.info or click here to read the MCDH press release in its entirety.

Beware of algae, mulch, and heat stroke!

Animal Emergency Center in Wisconsin provides a service called Pet Alert, which notifies you via email of any new potential health risks for your pet.  For example, the blue-green algae found in many lakes, ponds, and water parks due to the abundance of rain and storm water runoff is toxic to animals.  AEC also warns against cocoa bean mulch, pesticides, and keeping your pet away from any compost.  Tips to avoid heat-related injuries are also included.

To learn more, visit AEC's Pet Alert page by clicking here.

Not-so-local parrot finds his way home

Yosuke, an African grey parrot in Tokyo, was rescued by the police from a neighbor's roof.  After spending a few days with a local veterinarian, Yosuke told him his name, address, and entertained staff by singing songs. 

The police checked the information that the bird had given the vet, and it was, indeed, his name and address!  Yosuke was returned home safely.  His family had been teaching him his name and address for over two years.

Click here to read the CNN article on Yosuke and his return to his home.

Streamwood revises number of pets allowed

The Village of Streamwood has revised their pet ordinance, changing the number of pets allowed from three pets per resident to three pets per household.  This ordinance, according to the Daily Herald, pertains to non-caged pets.  Fish, small caged birds, and amphibians, as well as new litters under the age of four months, are exempt from this law.

The leash law has also been clarified to state that all pets not on their own premises are required to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet long. 

Click here to view the Daily Herald article in its entirety.  For additional information, you can contact the Village of Streamwood at 630-736-3800.