Raising animals for food is the number one cause of global warming, the number one cause of animal suffering, and a decisive factor in the creation of zoonotic diseases like bird and swine flu.  While all of this is true, people just aren’t talking about the issue! Author Jonathan Safran Foer addresses factory farming from numerous perspectives: animal welfare, the environment, the price paid by rural communities, the economic costs and how the way we raise animals for food affects human health.  For example, “Breeding genetically uniform and sickness-prone birds in the overcrowded, stressful, feces-infested and artificially lit conditions of factory farms promotes the growth and mutation of pathogens. Our choice is simple: cheap chicken or our health.”  To read more on this issue from Foer’s perspective, click HERE.

Nearly two dozen dogs, mostly Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, were seized from a northeast Portland facility after the county determined the owner was not providing adequate care for them.  According to Animal Services, the dogs were being cared for in unsanitary conditions.  The owner, Beverly Mathews Simms, has been ordered to keep no more than six spayed and neutered dogs for the next two years and told her the county would be making unannounced inspections to make sure she is compliance with the order. For complete story click HERE.

Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick is pushing Congress to adopt a bill that would stop invasive experiments on chimpanzees and free the mammals from small testing cages. Slick is part of a broad effort, led by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to limit or end drug testing on animals.  Slick has been involved in fighting animal testing for over 30 years and calls animal testing “sloppy science.” For complete story click HERE.

Hard to believe that some people are having sex with animals, likes horses and dogs.  Some might think this is ridiculous or that it doesn’t really happen but more and more cases are popping up all over the country. Many states are pushing to get a bestiality bill on the books and some states are considering a new law that would add bestiality offenses to the sexual offender registry. Studies have shown that 96 percent of juveniles who engaged in sexual abuse of animals also admitted to sex offenses against humans and serial killers have a high rate of animal sexual abuse as well.  It’s important on many levels that all states adopt a law against bestiality so that offenders can be properly prosecuted. For complete story click HERE.

http://www.snugglesproject.org/

Do you love to crochet? knit? quilt? sew?

If so, you will absolutely love the Snuggles Project!

Rae French was devastated at the thought of homeless dogs and cats in kennels with no warmth, no comfort, nothing to dig their little paws into, and that’s when she came up with Snuggles Project. Knitters and crocheters help by making blankets and beds for animals in shelters. This gives the animal something warm and cuddly that they can call their own. Each blanket brings comfort to a homeless animal.

Most shelter animals sleep on cold cement floors and in hard plastic crates, the Snuggles Project brings something cuddly to the frightening world these animals have been thrust into. A small reprieve from a cold cell or kennel.

I encourage you to go to the site and join the cause. Bring warmth to a homeless dog or cat by making them a blanket or bed!

Our little buddy Calvin the clever found a fantastic home as Karen and her husband drove all the way down from northern California to adopt this wonderful creature that had been dumped at the Baldwin Park shelter. Who on this planet would surrender this dog to a high kill temporary holding facility?! Kelly from AAA rescued and fostered Calvin and just after a short week he found the perfect home. This is what Karen, Calvin’s new mom, has recently said about this super dog: “He went to his dog training and was the BEST yet!!  He was such a good boy !! We took him for a little burger after his class he did so good!! what a love bug and a cuddle bug.” The following pictures speak a thousand words as to what Calvin’s life is like now – we wish that more shelter animals had this opportunity and we wish that more people like Karen would give them that opportunity. Have a GREAT life Calvin!

Torre is a handsome two year old red male Shepherd mix who came to the shelter as a stray on September 6th. This fantastic fifty-five pound boy has a medium energy level. Initially shy, Torre gets along famously with other dogs and is very friendly and affectionate toward people. He walks perfectly on the leash, shakes hands, and would love to accompany his new owner on walks or hikes. He will be a wonderful pet for owners living in private homes. AAA rescued Torre as his time at the shelter had expired and he is now in a short-term foster home and looking for a family that will open their home and hearts to this great dog. Torre is very loving, smart, and intelligent.  He listens when called and he knows how to sit, heel and shake hands.Watch Torre in action in this video below.

If you are interested in adopting Torre, please contact Animal Advocates Alliance at info@animaladvocatesalliance.org or at 310.285.8422. You will also need to complete and submit the following online adoption application: ONLINE APPLICATION

Max is a stunning, sleek, cuddly 5-year-old Jindo who is good with other dogs, good on a leash, inquisitive and actually may be OK with cats!  He is a bit aloof when you first meet him but bonds quickly and is very loyal, sweet and affectionate.  Max was strictly an outside dog at his previous home, and is a bit of an escape artist, but I think that’s because he was either lonely or bored!!  Max would love to be in a home where he is finally treated as a member of the family.   If you are interested in meeting Max, please contact Charlotte at 818-438-1474 or failscm@att.net.  Adoption fee and home check required.

Hello everyone! My name is Gabri, short for Gabriel. I am 1-1/2 years old (September 2009) and 90 pounds, and the most mellow, easy-going boy you’ll ever meet. My easy charm has a soothing effect on people, and they say I’m the most handsome, sweetest boy with beautiful coat.  I like to sit and watch children play, and am always nice to other doggies and kitties. You could say I’m a gentle giant who likes to go on strolls in the park.  I love, love food; peanut butter and bones. I also like being pet, giving kisses, and just relaxing with you. But my life didn’t begin so well. I was with a man who left me in his yard 24/7 and often didn’t bother to give me food or water. But lucky for me, a nice lady came to my rescue, then so did a lot of other good folks who are helping me find a loving forever home. The nice lady took me to the vet and learned that I had seizures, but it’s all good now because I’m taking meds, and it only costs about $10 a month. I’m an easy and gentle friend who will love and adore you always. Will you be my forever mom or dad? Thank you.
Please contact Amanda Hicks at 818-438-7295 to make an appointment to meet me – you won’t be disappointed.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office raided the Memphis City Animal Shelter today after receiving reports that animals were being mistreated.  Sick and starving animals were found at the location. Investigators with ASPCA and emergency responders with the American Humane Association are assisting deputies.  While deputies are executing the search warrant, the facility won’t be open to the public and incoming animals will be transferred to other shelters. It is very possible that one or more individuals could face criminal charges based on the outcome of the investigation. For complete story click HERE.