A joint venture between state and federal police as well as a non-profit organization has resulted in 133 dogs being rescued from a mass dog fighting ring in Michigan.
Bark Nation, the non-profit that works to end canine cruelty, called it “one of the largest operations to combat dogfighting in Michigan’s history.”
The charity’s Facebook page said earlier this week, through combined efforts, these 133 dogs were removed from multiple properties in Detroit, Michigan, under suspicion of being involved in dogfighting.
Harbor Humane Society (out of West Olive, Michigan) says they’ve recovered $10,000 after reporting someone had stolen money from its account. The shelter called the theft disheartening, saying, “those are dollars that truly have an impact on the daily, the medical, the emergency care that our homeless pets need and deserve.”
Deep inside a pair of borrowed ice fishing boots, my toes curl up in apprehension. Or, more optimistically, it’s a fluttering kind of suspense. Ahead of me, five shaggy tails beat decisively back and forth. The dogs’ paws are covered in neon booties that dig and pad on a trail of packed snow in anticipation. It’s not even 9 a.m. and here I am, standing at the helm of a dog sled in the Michigan wilderness. Apart from the panting of the dogs, and my own thoughts, the world is muted in the particular silence of a deep, fresh snow. I tighten my grip on the sled handle—a thin rod I can barely feel through thick (also borrowed) mittens. I’m waiting for the “go” signal. Waiting to see if I can stay attached to the sled when these five dogs tear off into the woods.
A new bill in the Michigan Senate aims to lessen the number of days fireworks can be shot off in the state around holidays.
Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Paul Wojno from Warren, would drop the number of days Michiganders can shoot off fireworks to 8-9, down from 12-13 days.
This is good news to animal owners all across the state – but in my opinion, does not go far enough to restrict the usage of the fireworks.
A Michigan law concerning service animals is undergoing some changes in 2023. According to Sinas-Dramis attorney Bryan Waldman, the law is being expanded to allow those who train service animals to bring them into public spaces.
“The law was expanded because it essentially recognized, or the legislature recognized that to train service animals, you have to take ’em into the real world,” said Waldman.
With the recent announcement that the charity donation program, AmazonSmile, will be discontinued soon, many animal rescue organizations are upset about what that will mean to their non-profit groups. The program, which began in 2013, allows shoppers to donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to a charity of their choice. But Amazon will be shutting down the program and using their profits for charitable endeavors that THEY want to give to instead of the organizations that their customers want to donate to.
The Munchkins’ Mission, a small cat rescue organization in Suttons Bay, Michigan posted on their Facebook page, “We never received thousands of dollars but the few hundreds we did receive we so helpful.”
Many animal rescue organizations, big and small, in Michigan and elsewhere rely on those donations.
On Tuesday evening, in a 4-2 approval, an all-Muslim city council in Hamtramck voted to amend their animal ordinance to reinforce state and federal law that they said already allows animal sacrifice for religious reasons.
The council discussed the issue at the Hamtramck City Hall for almost three hours amongst themselves and dozens of residents who showed up to share their opinions with the city officials. The majority of those in attendance and those who submitted emails to the council were against allowing animal sacrifice in the homes of city residents. Click here for the rest of the story.
Many successful businesses start out as a passion. If you have a love for animals, then you may be able to turn your passion into a successful endeavor that allows you to spend time with furry and feathered friends while also keeping the lights on. Pet Friends Magazine is just one of many valuable resources animal lovers can use to move forward.
Why Should I Start A Business In The Pet Care Business?
In the United States alone, there are more than 48 million homes with dogs, nearly 32 million homes with cats, and another 4 million or so houses with birds, horses, and other animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association explains further that most homes with pets have more than one; there are approximately 77 million dogs, 59 million cats, and almost 10 million birds and horses living in the US. By comparison, there were only 73.5 million human children in the US in 2021.
What Different Types Of Businesses Are Available?
You don’t have a degree in veterinary medicine to start your own pet care business. A few options here include boarding, training, pet finding, dog walking, bathing, and cleaning up after pets when they “do their business.”
Another smart option, especially if you enjoy exercise, is to become a pet sitter. As a pet sitter, you get to spend time with people’s pets in their homes, and you also take them for a walk and play with them when they need exercise and stimulation. You might also be asked to take them to the vet or to a pet manicure.
The following is from a Facebook post from the Clare County Animal Shelter:
This is the type of Post we hate to share, but we feel that the public needs to be aware.
If you cannot care for your pet, please be responsible, and contact your area Animal Shelter.
“Daisy” (our name for her) was picked up as a stray in HORRIBLE condition. She had a huge tumor on her face, horribly infected ears, her coat was matted completely to her skin. She was filthy, freezing, and so sad. No one has reported her missing.
This case has ended on a good note, as Daisy was found, and picked up by Animal Control. She was transported to Surrey Vet (huge thanks to all there) and they performed a miracle for this poor girl.
Daisy will be looking for a new home after she heals. She is an older girl, and would do well with a quiet lifestyle. She appears to be housebroken, and while her hearing is impaired, she is truly obedient. She will probably always need some medications, as her ears are scarred from chronic infection.
Inquiries for adoption can be made at 989-539-3221
Some believe that your animal chooses you and shows up in your life for a specific reason. That’s exactly what staff at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire believe happened to them. In 2017, Scout escaped the Antrim County Animal Shelter three times. Each time he escaped the shelter’s fence he was found asleep on the couch in the front lobby of the medical care facility.
“I don’t know why he chose us,” said Marna Robertson, Meadow Brook Administrator. “What was funny with Scout is he’s a jail breaker. He can open doors and get out of fences. He’s a very intelligent dog.”
After the third time staff found him sleeping on the lobby couch, employees decided to adopt him. Click here for the rest of the story.
A woman who left more than two dozen cats outside of a veterinary clinic was sentenced to probation on Friday. Kathy Jasinski pleaded guilty last month to a charge of attempted abandonment of four to nine animals. Click here for the rest of the story.
Lost or Found a Dog in Grand Traverse County? Call Animal Control at 231-995-6080
Dog Licensing Information – click on photo… Canine Welfare Check: If you know of a situation where you believe a canine’s welfare may be in jeopardy, or for any routine matters, please contact the Animal Control Division’s main office at 231-995-6080. For dangerous situations involving animal neglect, abuse, endangerment, or any life threatening situations: Please call 911.
Animal Control Ordinance: Click on photo for link
Grand Traverse Pet Advocates FB Group (CLICK ON PHOTO)
How You Can Help
Cats in cages don't have a lot of things that are "their own" with their own scent. Stretch & Scratch is a great addition to any animal shelter. It keeps cats exercised and entertained, encourages their natural scratching behavior and it's something the cat can claim as their own that doesn't get washed and moved out of their cage every day. It helps gives a cat "ownership" of their cage, which makes them less stressed out. Please consider donating some of these to the Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City (or any other animal shelter in your area). The cats really enjoy them and you'll be making a lot of kitties very happy. Please click on the photo and it will take you to the website. Your order can be sent directly to the animal shelter of your choice.
The Pet Poison Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, clinical toxicologists, and other health care professionals. There is a $59 consultation fee for their service. Click on the link above for more info.
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