Kasey’s Cure

The issue of dog fighting re-emerged last week when Michael Vick and three others were indicted on allegations of a massive dog fighting operation.

So far, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has denied any wrongdoing. But no longer can anyone deny the spreading consequences of dog fighting, which has made its way from the rural South to our urban and suburban communities.

Dogfights are horrendous. They can last for hours, leaving animals dead or crippled. The dogs are often kept in deplorable conditions — neglected by their owners until the next fight.

Many are ultimately mauled by other fighting dogs, become useless to their owners because of their injuries and are dumped on the street for local animal control organizations to deal with.

Our animal shelters are flooded with dogs like this with the burden of rehabilitating or euthanizing these animals is left to taxpayers. And most importantly, the suffering and maltreatment of these dogs is incalculable.

Many are calling for action – contacting Nike’s CEO and demanding that they withdraw their sponsorship of Michael Vick. Not a bad idea, but is there something more that we can do to highlight the problem while there is media attention and begin to change this culture of pit bulls and other fighting dogs as a status symbol and a way to make money?

A bill that would require dogs and cats in California to be spayed or neutered failed this morning in a Senate committee — the bill generated nearly 20,000 letters from breeders, pet owners and animal activists.

Opponents say that legitimate breeds would be forced out of business allowing underground breeding operations to flourish.

Supporters say the measure would improve pet overpopulation problem by reducing the number of unwanted pets euthanized in California, while saving millions of dollars.

I don’t know — this is a tough one — what do you all think?

I am looking out the window at the thermostat and it reads close to 110 degrees in the full sun! It is a hot one. And we need to remember that we are not the only ones who suffer in this heat — dogs and cats can also experience overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. So always remember to:

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt for too long. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during heat advisories to a minimum.

- Make sure that there is plenty of fresh water available to your pets and if there are outdoors during the day allow for a cool place for them to avoid the sun.

While planning Independence Day celebrations, everyone should bear in mind that pets can become distressed by the additional noise and commotion of the holiday. Here are just a few suggestions from the Humane Society of the United States to protect your pets from potential harm:

Leave your pet at home. Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used to going places with their people.

Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room, where the pet normally spends time and is comfortable with no windows or doors to access the outside may be best.

Protect your property. When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if it was to be chewed.

Never leave pets outside and unattended. Even in a fenced in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape and get lost, or become injured while trying to seek refuge.

Make sure that your pet is always wearing identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet was to get lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited, even if your pet is microchipped.

If your pet fears loud noises such as thunder, fireworks won’t fly. In that case, consult your veterinarian before July 4 on how to lower your pet’s stress level and consider having someone remain home with your pet.

If you plan to go away for the holiday, decide what will be the best option for your pet. The HSUS website, humanesociety.org features information on traveling with your pet, choosing a professional sitter, and finding a boarding kennel.