Work Continues To Improve Grand Traverse County Animal Control Department

The Grand Traverse County Animal Control Ad Hoc Committee and the community, working to fix a growing issue. Back in June, the committee was formed to help raise money and make improvements to the Animal Control Department. There are several solutions being considered but it was evident Wednesday night there won’t be a quick fix for Animal Control. Click here for more on the story.

‘McRescued!’ – Cat Rescued from McDonald’s Drain Pipe in Oceana County

A 6-week-old kitten stuck in a drain pipe for 48 hours just outside of the McDonald’s restaurant by the drive-through was rescued thanks to the dedicated volunteers of Oceana County Animal Friends. The male kitten is recovering and is expected to be fine following his harrowing ordeal.

“Everyone could hear him crying who went through the drive-through,” said OCAF President Kathie Babbin. Click here for the rest of the story.

USDA Seeks Public Input on Updates to Animal Welfare Act Licensing Requirements

Marking the 51st anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today asked for input from the public to help determine potential updates to the law’s licensing requirements.  The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is tasked with upholding and enforcing the AWA.  The AWA was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 24, 1966.

“As a trained veterinarian, humane standards of care for animals are close to my heart and central to my love and concern for our four-legged friends,” Perdue said.  “Administering the AWA is a key USDA mission, and we are always looking for ways to improve.  We welcome comments from the public as APHIS considers changes to the licensing requirements to help us fulfill this important responsibility.”

Each year, USDA issues nearly 6,000 licenses to people who breed, sell, or exhibit animals for commercial purposes.  The department is responsible for ensuring that these licensees comply with the AWA’s humane standards of care, which enables the American public to confidently purchase pets and view animals on public display. Click here for the rest of the story.

Officials Seek Options as Support for Lansing Seized Pit Bulls Swells

Ingham County officials are exploring an arrangement that might allow at least some of the dogs seized in a local dogfighting investigation to escape euthanasia as their fate draws growing nationwide attention. A civil hearing Friday on a county request to euthanize nine of the 53 dogs seized in the probe was adjourned because one of the two owners of the dogs had changed attorneys and the other owner was unrepresented. Click here for the rest of the story.

Animal Charities to Participate in SwingShift and the Stars in Fall 2017

photo credit: Erik Nygren, http://www.lovemeow.com

The Charlevoix Area Humane Society and Peace Ranch will be charity participants for this year’s SwingShift and the Stars event held at the City Opera House in Traverse City. WQON’s Jerry Coyne will team up with Dance Instructor Julie Wojcik on October 20th for the 2nd competition out of four dates for the Charlevoix Area Humane Society. WTCM’s Colleen Wares will dance with Instructor Mel Kiogima, representing Peace Ranch, on November 17th for the 3rd competition. Both events start with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and audience dance lessons at 6:45 p.m. The show starts at 7:15 p.m. and there is a cash bar.

Peace Ranch provides Professional Equine Assisted Counseling and Education (PEACE) services for all in need regardless of ability to pay.

The Charlevoix Area Humane Society’s mission is to practice and promote the principle that every life is precious. As such, they are committed to the highest principles of humane care and professional treatment of injured, ill, neglected or abused animals at their animal Shelter in Boyne City.

Cadillac Police Department Has A New Friend: Hazel The Dog

After the Cadillac Police Department busted a meth lab in downtown Cadillac Wednesday evening, Hazel the dog had no place to go. Hazel, who was rescued from the meth lab bust, has been hanging out with Cadillac officers all night. Click here for the rest of the story.

Wadena Woman Fights to Keep Her Three Basset Hounds – City Council Not Budging

Under the City of Wadena’s kennel ordinance, dog owners are allowed no more than two grown dogs per home. While the mayor says it’s really only enforced when neighbors complain about barking, one woman says the rule has torn her family apart and is asking City Council to compromise.

Tuesday night (Aguust 8th), Amber Block went before the Wadena City Council to fight to keep her three basset hounds: Flash, Comet and Roxy.

“Our dogs are our family,” said Block. Click here for the rest of the story.

If you’d like to contact the council members, their email addresses are here.

New Shelter Manager at UPAWS

The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter has a new face helping to run the place. Ryan Poupore is the shelter manager and has been on the job for a couple of weeks. Poupore comes to UPAWS from NMU, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration. Poupore says the shelter manager position at UPAWs interested him because he’s an animal lover himself, the proud owner of cats and dogs. The relationship the shelter has with the community was also a big factor in his decision to take the job. Click here for the rest of the story.

Animal Control Seizes Dozens of Animals from Bitely Home in Newaygo County

A Newaygo County couple arrested for animal cruelty late last week was formally charged today. Police and animal control say they took nearly 60 live cats as well as ten dead ones from the Lilley Township home of Thomas and Julie Bennett last Friday. Click here for the rest of the story.

Cat Stuck in Tree for Nearly a Week Rescued

A cat which had spent the past several days stuck high in a tree is back on the ground safe and sound tonight. After we aired this story on 7&4 News at 6, the response to our newsroom offering help poured in. Just after 8pm tonight, a tree service company was able to use a bucket truck and get the cat to safety.) A stray cat had been stuck in a tree more than 50 feet up for the past six days at an RV campground in Kalkaska. Click here for the rest of the story.

Wexford County Animal Shelter to Remain Closed Until at Least Aug. 15

The Wexford County Animal Shelter will not be opening two weeks after it was originally closed, but the hope is it will be soon. Wexford County Sheriff Trent Taylor said Wednesday it was recommended the shelter remained closed until at least Aug. 15 after consulting with the county’s contracted veterinarian services, Meyer Vet Clinic. Click here for the rest of the story.

Click here for the original story.

Northport Dog Parade Celebrates 21 Years

Dog owners and dog lovers came out to watch their canine friends walk in the 21st annual Northport Dog Parade on Saturday. The theme this year was Hairy Tales. Click here for the rest of the story.