On Loving Animals...

In case you missed it, because I did, New York State banned the electrocution as a means of execution of animals born and bred for the fur trade. This was back in August 2007. The sponsors for the bills were Assembly member Deborah Glick (D-66) for A. 2613a, and State Senator Frank Padavan (R-11) for S. 3529a. Thank you for your kindness and humanity. The electrocution of animals for their fur includes anal and genital electrocution. Imagine that. Michael Markarian , executive Vice President of The Humane Society of the United States, said, " Animals killed to make fur coats and fur-trimmed apparel suffer in numerous ways, but one of the most inhumane and painful methods is the anal or genital electrocution of foxes, chinchillas and other animals...We applaud state lawmakers for their foresighted leadership in protecting animals from this horrifying fur factory farm practice ... The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our basic values and attitudes toward animals, a...

The Bloomingdale Animal Shelter Society will be holding a dog walk at Shepherd Lake State Park, 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 on Sunday May 4th, 2008. 11am. This is an annual event to benefit the society which serves six towns in the northern New Jersey area without any financial help from them. Incredible, isn't it? Well, you can help us help animals by joining us at the walk plus some donations from yourself and your friends. You can download the registration form HERE . Our goal is to save and rescue 1,000 animals for 2008. You can read all about it from the registration form. For directions, I looked it up on MapQuest and you can see it HERE . Please Join Us!

Filipino rock band Reklamo ( translates to " complaint " in English) has joined the fight against animal cruelty in the Philippines through their music. Their song, Katas ni Ungas, deals specifically on the mistreatment of dogs by their owners, and written for the benefit of Philippine Animal Welfare Society . In a country that still needs to get out of the pre-Cambrian as far as animal welfare is concerned, this group's advocacy is a huge shot in the arm. Previously, this group lamented through their music the laziness of people, piracy, road rage, and environmental harm. Stunning, a rock group that exhibits a good level of social consciousness! The group consists of LC de Leon (vocals and guitars), Mig Dayanghirang (bass), Ciro de Leon (drums) and band manager Amy Rosalyn , all self-proclaimed dog-lovers. Now, the cause of animal welfare in the Philippines stretches from open-air demonstrations, the blogosphere, and government offices to bars/cafes and music halls ...

Okay, folks. This is not animal-related, but a matter of real estate. I co-own a condo in Hoboken, New Jersey ( across the Hudson River from Manhattan ) with my son, and we are now putting it up for sale. He's lived there for approx. four years and four months. The condo is in very good condition, just look at the photos. The condo is situated within 5 minutes walk from the PATH trains in an area regarded as one of the best locations in town. The sale will be in as-is condition although there is nothing wrong with the unit. We just don't want to deal with nitpickers. We're leaving two window AC units plus three ceiling fans. It has an oven that has never been used, good as new. Washer and Dryer in the condo and included in the sale. It's a great investment as well as a home. Two distinct bedrooms and one full bath in a railroad style condo. It measures 640 sq. feet. Take a look. Here's the website: http://hobokeni.kaango.com/feViewAd/11811530

Here's an email I received from the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance concerning a bear being hunted at the present time although no one can identify it beyond doubt. This is a mindless and reckless hunt by the Fish and Wildlife (NJ) because any other bear could be shot and killed. Here's the email: Calls are needed to stop the imminent killing of a black bear in Highland Lakes. Recently, a black bear, attracted by huge amounts of unsecured garbage, broke into the house of a Highland Lakes resident. The man was not harmed but the bear was shot at the other night as he was was running away. It's uncertain whether the bear was hit or not.Today (4/24), Fish & Wildlife has a lynch mob out for this bear. They are combing the woods and streets and even enlisting local residents to find, and ultimately kill this bear. The bear will not be properly identified (not that we want any bear to be shot), so they are likely going to shoot the first bear they see and claim that the pro...

This is Buster, a Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix up for adoption at the Bloomingdale Animal Shelter Society . He came in several weeks ago at the shelter, emaciated and dirty, straight from a chained life in the backyard. He must have been at least 40 pounds underweight. The animal control officer brought him in together with another dog named Dixie. But Buster quickly gained 15 pounds in two weeks, and he now pulls with authority when walked. Buster loves his bed, probably the first bed he has ever slept on. He is classified as " extra large " on his Petfiner.com's ad, and how true it is. He likes to stand up and place his paws on your chest. Buster is just a wonderful dog, friendly and playful, a gentle giant. Buster is waiting for his loving, forever home. UPDATE : ADOPTED May 4, 2008!!!

Greetings from sunny California. I arrived here on the 9th for a two-week vacation while New York and New Jersey thaw out furthermore from last winter. I am going to miss the dogs at the shelter, but I brought my own sweetie with me. It's Fidelma's first plane trip, and she did not behave well. She resented being placed in a dog carrier, and things got worse when she got spooked by heavy turbulence. I must say that the turbulence shook us up pretty good, including 5-foot drops. It was too much for an unhappy dog in a Sherpa bag. Here she is pictured at my feet where FAA regulations dictate onboard dogs should be kept. I think I am going to need to sedate her on my return trip.

Cross-post for BAFN: April 10, 2008 Dear Friends and Animal Lovers, As you most certainly know, through no fault of our own, the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network, which has tirelessly served the community and its homeless animals for years, remains suspended from saving further animals from the New York City kill shelter system (NYCACC). Many other groups and rescuers have also been banned. As a result, I am forced to plead for your continued and steadfast support. In the past, BAFN has been able to accomplish its mission mainly through the collection of adoption fees for the animals we saved from NYCACC. Now unable to rescue these dogs and cats, we are now in dire need of income to be able to continue to accept the many animals we rescue before they enter the shelter system. They come from Brooklyn’s streets, gardens and alleyways and from people in dire need of re-homing their pets. Your continued and consistent donations are vital. In addition to standard vetting costs, as a business,...

This was the third Saturday in a row that animal rights activists protested the circus at the Garden in New York City. I am not sure what groups were represented at the demonstrations, but certainly NJ Animal Rights Alliance (NJARA) and NYC Animal Rights.com took part in them. I am both a member of PETA and the NJARA. I was glad to make it to last Saturday's demo, having missed the first two. Most of the demonstrators worked from 2pm until 8pm covering both shows that day. One group positioned themselves at 34th street and 7th Avenue and another group worked the corner of 32nd street and 7th Avenue, across the street from the Garden's main entrance. We had the usual loud speakers and projection screen ( actually a white sheet ) to inform and visually show the crowds the cruelty that circus animals go through. People gawked at the video images, realizing only then that cruelty actually happens at the circus. Some people have no clue! It pleased me to see the sudden realization i...

I couldn't watched Lisa Ling's investigative report on puppy mills for Oprah's show because I was at work, but ABC news did a short piece on the investigation and here it is : http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7289347&ch=4226713&src=news

State Senator Kent Williams, pictured here trying to look distinguished and honorable, is no friend of animals. What else can you say about a man who dumped a very pregnant German Shepherd at a high-kill animal shelter because he does not want to deal with her anymore? Heartless, irresponsible, inhumane...I think these are all appropriate labels for the Senator's action. Actually, Senator Kent Williams rang the local animal control center on March 18th to have them pick up the dog. No way would this Senator be inconvenienced by bringing the dog himself to the shelter. Are you kidding me? He's an important man. On Easter Sunday, in case the Senator is concerned, the dog gave birth to eight puppies at the shelter. Fortunately, a decent human step forward and fostered the dog and her puppies. The dogs, the Senator would be pleased to know, are no longer on death row. Don't worry, Senator. They'll take care of it for you. The fostering will not entail any expenses in time ...

This video will make you smile.

Reason has triumphed over intolerance, or perhaps even ignorance! Congo goes home for good. The final decision put municipal Judge Russell Annich in the doghouse, one who ordered that Congo be put to death late last year. Judge Annich decided that Congo was a vicious dog, a threat to society, and only an appeal to a higher court by Congo's family kept him from death. Congo's triumph is all over the news, and so I will not repeat the specifics of the case and decision. Let's just be happy that through publicity, public outcry, and appeals via email and telephone may have helped shine a brighter light on Congo's case. He will never know the extent of support he received from animal lovers, but that does not really matter for him. He is blissfuly ignorant of the nasty and often unforgiving legalities of the human world. He just wants to go and stay home. Well, he has come out of the woods alive, and I wish him a wonderful life from here on. Not all dogs are as fortunate as...

You can try your hand at this game. You just need a keyboard and good hand-eye coordination. Remember, avoid the guards. Wishing you loads of fun!

Last week, we saw two of our dogs go home! First, there's Mona. This jack russell terrier mix is about knee-high with two wonderful black eyes. See the photo, and you'd know what I mean. I remember Mona as someone who didn't like going back to her kennel after a walk. She'd put on the brakes with all fours. She also loves her toys. There were several toys in her small kennel and those kept her busy. Mona had a bit of a skin problem on her back, but nothing incurable. Then, there's Kado. He's a Shiba Inu mix who also had a bit of a skin/fur problem, but his spirit is strong. Kado's ears are always upright and he looks like he's always on alert mode. He's got this nice golden hue to him, and he's very people friendly. I am glad that these dogs have found their forever home. The shelter has gotten word that they are settling in pretty well in their new homes. Woof!