OUTSIDE ANIMALS NEED SHELTER FROM COLD

Wet, cold weather has plagued Jonesboro and surrounding areas for several weeks now and this greatly affects the pets and animals in our lives. From Dec. 24 thru Jan. 3rd NAFA has provided 7 dog houses, 28 pallets and 11 bales of stray/hay to individuals whose dogs (or cats) must live outdoors. NAFA has also removed or had surrendered to them 26 dogs/puppies and 17 cats/kittens directly as a result of weather conditions. Sadly, there have been several occasions where we were called too late and animals exposed to the elements were already dead. Friday, NAFA was contacted by the Sheriff’s department and arrive on scene to find a mother dog, nine puppies and one cat dead – all frozen. And meteorologists are calling for temperatures in the single digits later this week.

While NAFA strongly encourages pet owners to bring their pets in to their garages, utility rooms, spare bedrooms, etc., some dog owners are unable or unwilling to bring their pets indoor during drastically cold and wet weather. Here are some tips for helping your pets when they are outdoors (even if it is only for a short period of time).


TIPS:

1) Shelter is a must. Even if your dog is going to spent only 15 minutes outside, they must have adequate warm shelter.

2) Shelter must keep your dog dry and warm. It must have a sturdy room and a floor. It can not be full of water.

3) Dog house size is very important. If the house is too small, it will be uncomfortable and your dog won't want to stay in it. If the house is too large, your dog will not be able to retain body heat in order to stay warm. Also, dogs feel more secure in a snug-fitting abode. (See sizing tips below)

4) Elevate the dog house - Elevate the dog house bottom so that it does not get submerged in snow, water or ice. Use a sturdy foundation or pallet made of wood or plastic to elevate the platform. This will keep the dog warm and the circulation of air underneath will help.

5) Install a Sturdy Door - A thick door that protects the dog from the cold is essential. It must also provide the dog easy access to his shelter. Use a thick carpet to increase the thickness of the door, or install a new door that is sturdy and heavy enough to resist the wind. The dog house door should be three fourths (3/4) of the dog's shoulder to ground measurement. The door height does not need to be as tall as the dog or larger either. The dog will lower its head when entering the dog house.

6) Keep the Dog House in a Sunny Wind-free Location - Ensue that the dog house is located away from the direction of the wind. Keep the dog house in a spot where it will receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.

7) Provide a Thick Straw Bed - Avoid using materials such as old carpets, blankets or comforters to provide a soft bed for your dog. This is because the dog will track in snow every time he enters the dog house. Such materials will absorb the wetness and soon become ice cold. Far from providing a comfortable bed, an icy comforter can contribute to hypothermia.

8) Buy Heated Dishes or check food and water every couple of hours – Remember your dog needs fresh water for its body to regulate its body temperature - In the winter, water and food can freeze quickly, making it inedible for the dog. If the dog consumes frozen food, he may fall sick too. Buy heated dishes that will keep the food and water somewhat warm. Make sure the dog is well fed and gets as much exercise as is possible.

9) Heater or Heat Lamp – If you are going to invest in a small heater or heat lamp for the dog house, ensure that it is installed safely and that the dog is a safe distance away from the appliance. Follow all safety requirements.

10) Create a Partition - If the dog house is large and spacious, it will remain cold throughout the winter. Add a wooden or plastic partition in the dog house, so that each division is just large enough for the dog to stand and turn around. This will trap more heat in the structure and keep the dog warm.

11) Sizing Tips - Size of Sleeping Area Floor Space - With each inch of your dog's height (measured from top of shoulder to ground) allow 36 square inches of floor space. For example, a dog 12 inches tall needs 432 square inches of floor space, or a floor area of 16" by 27" = 432 square inches. Height of Sleeping Area - Add 1 or 2 inches to your dog's measurement when in a sitting position (from top of head to ground), in order to determine the ceiling height. For example, a dog 12 inches tall will have a sitting height of about 14 inches and the doghouse ceiling should be 15 or 16 inches high. Overall Doghouse Dimensions - For example, a Dalmatian (20" tall, sitting height 23") doghouse should measure: sleeping area - 20"x36"; hall area - 12"x20"; ceiling height - 25"; doorways - 10"square; roof - 36"x72".

If you are not able to provide a dog house for your dog, if you need assistance getting it off the ground, or if you need straw for warmth, please contact NAFA – 870-932-1955.
If you are unable to care for your pet contact NAFA and we will help you find another home for your pet. Also, if you suspect that an animal is neglected or abuse, contact NAFA and we will make a welfare visit.

THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR FRIEND MORE COMFORTABLE INDOORS,

TUT.

To add an animal to your family is not a right ... it's a PRIVILEGE. To care for our animals is not a choice... it's a RESPONSIBILITY.

Rescue of 19 Animals Brings Merry Christmas

Holiday Rescue of 19 Animals from Hoarder in Newport Brings Christmas Joy

Merry Christmas to all ...

With Christmas just a couple of days away, many of us are still shopping and finding holiday stress at every turn. However, for 19 dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and rabbits, this Christmas brings relief from unimaginable living conditions.

It was a collaboration by members of the Jackson County Humane Society and Northeast Arkansans for Animals - which makes it an even happier event. It just goes to prove that animal rescue agencies can put aside their differences and come together for the sake of animals and our community.

It took almost a week for the two organizations to secure legal surrender of the animals. The hoarders, who have had several past issues with animal neglect, were jailed on non animal related issues. Members of the Jackson County Humane Society were able to visit them in the jail and obtain surrender paperwork. Some of the animals had already been picked up by the Newport Animal Control. Again, setting aside agency differences, the Newport Animal Control surrendered all the dogs picked up at the hoarder’s residence to the Jackson County Humane Society.

Finally on Monday evening at about 6:00 pm all 19 animals were brought to the NAFA Animal Services building. There they received immediate medical attention, soft warm blankets, toys and even a treat or two. (For those of you who recently provided blankets and toys, know that each animal found great comfort in the small act of kindness - thanks especially to Scooby who donate two bags of toys and a couple sweaters/jackets - which provided warmth and comfort to the scalded and hairless skin of several animals). . .

It will be a long road to recovery for many of the animals and sadly, some may not make it. But there is great joy in knowing that they will never live in such conditions again. All the animals suffered from different degrees of mange, ringworm, flea infestation, staph, skin lesions, parasites, infections, anemia and various stages of malnutrition.

Thanks so very much to the foster homes who stepped up at the last minute to provide much needed help for these animals.

Thanks to Sharrie Grant and other members of the Jackson County Humane Society for working diligently to save these animals.

Thanks to the NAFA volunteers who came to help assist with the intake and related work helping these animals.

Thanks to each and every one of you and the hundreds of NAFA supporters. Without your continued support of our programs, donated items, cash donations and, of course, your prayers, rescue efforts like this would not be possible and hundreds of animals would continue to live in concentration camp circumstances.




This truly is one of the best Christmas presents ever and what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.

All the best to you and your family,
Tut

... and God bless them everyone.

Corning Chief of Police Shooting Dogs

WARNING: IMAGES IN THIS POST ARE GRAPHIC AND MAY NOT BE EASILY VIEWED!!

NAFA’s position on the shooting of 7 to 8 dogs by the Corning Chief of Police

Perhaps better than most, NAFA understands the plight of Animal Control departments and City Officials throughout Northeast Arkansas with respect to stray and abandoned animals. Dogs and cats are being dumped and abandoned in unprecedented numbers and it is difficult for small communities to physically and financially care for these animals.

However, the actions by the City of Corning, specifically the Chief of
Police and the Mayor, is unconscionable, unethical and in our
opinion illegal for several reason. We also believe that these actions
pose a threat to the well being of the citizens of Northeast Arkansas.
As a result, NAFA is calling for the following actions:

1. A complete investigation by the District Prosecuting Attorney’s
office as to animal cruelty charges and improper euthanasia as defined by Arkansas State Law

2. The City of Corning must provide to NAFA and the public - the City protocol for the handling,
housing, length of holding, adoption, euthanasia procedures and proper disposal for any and
all animals picked up by or in the care of the City of Corning.

3. The City of Corning placing Wannda Turner, NAFA director and animal abuse investigator, on
the agenda of the next Corning City Council meeting to address public concerns about this
incident.

4. The City of Corning initiating written protocols, in compliance with Arkansas State Laws and
Arkansas Health Department regulations for the handling and disposing of animals suspected
of rabies. These protocols should be made public and available to any citizen.

5. The City of Corning addressing any issues that might arise from the burial of the animals that
were recently shot should those animals have actually been rabid.

In support of NAFA’s position, we provide the following:


According to Arkansas State Laws
4-97-103.Definition
(7)“Euthanasia” means the humane killing of an
animal accomplished by a method that utilizes
anesthesia produced by an agent that causes
painless loss of consciousness and subsequent
death, and administered by a licensed veterinarian
or a euthanasia technician licensed by the Drug
Enforcement Administration and certified by the
Department of Health;

20-19-308.Shipment to laboratory of head of animal
suspected of being rabid.
(a)(1)Any person causing the death of an animal, either wild or
domesticated, suspected of being rabid shall cause the head of
the animal, together with an affidavit stating that he or she has
reasonable grounds to believe that the animal was rabid, to be
presented to the county court of the county in which the animal
was killed.
(2)(A)It shall be the duty of the court to have the head shipped,
prepaid, to the State Public Health Laboratory of the Division of Health of the Department of Health
and Human Services.
(B)The expenses incurred in such a shipment shall be paid from the county general fund of the
county in which the animal was killed.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association Euthanasia Guidelines – June 2007
GUNSHOT
For use of a gunshot to the head as a method of euthanasia in captive animals, the firearm
should be aimed so that the projectile enters the brain, causing instant loss of consciousness.
A gunshot to the heart or neck does not immediately render animals unconscious and thus is


not considered to meet the panel’s definition of euthanasia.
Brain tissue may not be able to be examined for
evidence of rabies infection or chronic wasting disease
when the head is targeted.
Gunshot should not be used for routine euthanasia
of animals in animal control situations, such as municipal
pounds or shelters.




With Regards,
Tut

Low Cost Vaccination Clinic - 11/14/09

Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic for Qualified Individuals

Saturday, November 14th 7:30 am to 11:30 am

NAFA's Animal Services Building -
233 N. Gee (red and white building corner of Gee/Dan across from Riceland)

NAFA sponsored vaccinations at a reduced costs. All services will be provide by an
Arkansas licensed veterinarian - Dr Jack Jones

No Appointment Necessary. Services Available:

1) FREE exam by Veterinarian with any vaccinations. All dogs not on heartworm preventative will receive intestinal deworming at no charge. Cat deworming for intestinal parasites are available upon request.

2) $7.00 - Rabies Shot, with certificate and tag (animals must be 12 weeks of age to get a rabies shot)

3) $10.00 - Canine 5 in 1 protects against distemper, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus and coronavirus (dogs must be at least 7 weeks of age) puppies and totally unvaccinated dogs will need additional vaccinations

4) $10.00 - Feline 3 in 1 protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus (upper respiratory) and Panleukopenia (feline distemper)

5) $15.00 - Occult Heartworm Test - Dogs testing negative will need to take test results to local veterinarians for purchase of heartworm preventative within 30 days.

6) $10.00- Bordatella - protects against kennel cough

Individuals must qualify for these services...

Elderly - 65 years of age and on fixed income
Disabled - someone in household must be drawing disability
Low Income - Individual - less than $17,000 annually
Low Income - Family of 4 - less than $20,000 annually
Unempolyed for at least 60 days
Animal may not have seen a vet within last 12 months

No Appointment Necessary For more information call 870-932-1955

Pet Tips - 11/11/09 - Wolf Hybrid Laws

NAFA's RAID unit was called to an incident last night which involved two neighborhood dogs fighting and subsequently one being shot. When NAFA’s RAID investigator arrived, one individual had shot his neighbor’s male Labrador retriever after a vicious battle with a one of his wolf hybrid females. There was no positive result for either neighbor – one lab is dead and the wolf hybrid died this morning as a result of serious lacerations to the neck. The center of the dog fight was the female wolf-hybrid being in heat and the male lab being unaltered. The neighbor who is proudly breeding wolf hybrid puppies for sale was quickly educated as to state law and wolves or wolf hybrids. Because there are many individuals in Northeast Arkansas who claim to be owners of wolf hybrids, NAFA thought this was a good time to provide some information on Arkansas State Law and owning a wolf or wolf-hybrid.

Wolves and Wolf hybrids in Arkansas Law
For the purpose of Arkansas State Law, "wolf-dog hybrid" is defined as any animal which is publicly acknowledged by its owner as being a wolf or a wolf hybrid. No animal may be judged to be a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid based strictly on its appearance.

(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are required to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine approved for dog use, and a rabies certificate may be issued.
(b) Veterinarians must inform the owner of the wolf or wolf-dog hybrid, preferably in writing, that the vaccination is considered "off label" and that protection against rabies is not guaranteed.

Confinement - Care - Inspections.
(a) Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids shall be provided adequate confinement and adequate feeding.
(b) Adequate confinement shall include at least:
(1) A brick, concrete, or chain link enclosure surrounded by two (2) layers of fencing as follows:
(A) For a single animal:
(i) Either an inner chain link fence a minimum of fifteen feet by eight feet by ten feet (15' x 8' x 10') or an electric fence that prevents climbing over, and either extending two feet (2') underground or employing some other means that prevents digging under; and
(ii) An outer fence eight feet (8') high with at least four feet (4') between the two (2) fences unless the inner fence is an electric fence posted with warning signs and the gate is locked at all times;
(B) For a pair, double the cage length for a single animal; or
(C) For more than two (2) animals, add ten feet (10') to the single animal length and width for each additional animal;
(2) A secluded den four feet (4') square for each animal; and
(3) No more than four (4) total of wolves or wolf-dog hybrids, or both, per acre.
(c) Adequate confinement shall not include tethering of a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid not under the direct supervision and control of the owner or custodian.
(d) (1) Adequate feeding shall include daily feedings and provisions of water.
(2) The feed used shall consist of a minimum meat-based protein content of twenty-five percent (25%) and crude fat of fifteen percent (15%), with exceptions for geriatric and overweight animals or under the advice of a licensed veterinarian.
(e) Owners and custodians of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids shall allow inspections by law enforcement personnel at reasonable hours to ensure adequate confinement and adequate feeding.

Pet Tips - 11/10/09

California cities vote to ban cat declawing.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 11 to 0 on Friday to ban declawing. Beverly Hills voted 5 to 0 on Thursday, and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9 to 2 on Tuesday. The cities must finalize their votes in coming weeks. "Onychectomy, commonly known as declawing, is the practice of amputating a cat's first paw joints, including the claw at the first knuckle," said Mirisch, the councilman who introduced the measure. "Indeed, I find this practice to be a prima facie instance of animal cruelty, and I don't need Big Brother in Sacramento or a veterinary board to tell me otherwise."

To read more about this visit http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-declaw-cats7-2009nov07,0,4016163.story?track=rss

Pig Ears and Beef Hooves - Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger , Calif.
The products were manufactured under conditions that facilitate cross-contamination within batches or lots. Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products to not handle or feed them to their pets.
Read more about the recall - http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm189400.htm