ASPCA Supports Illinois Puppy Mill Bill

The ASPCA has joined animal welfare advocates and Illinois lawmakers in Chicago to announce the arrival of Chloe’s Bill, legislation that will help stamp out the worst puppy mills in the Prairie State.

“Illinois has a unique opportunity to adopt one of the strongest commercial breeding laws in the country,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “As commercial breeding increases throughout the United States, particularly in the Midwest, it is reassuring that Illinois is recognizing the need for stronger laws before the prevalence of puppy mills becomes a blight on the state’s reputation.”

Read the full story on the ASPCA website.

ASPCA: News Alert: December 19, 2008#1

ASPCA: News Alert: Holiday Decor can be Poisonous to Pets. According to Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at an ASPCA hospital, "Over the holidays, veterinary hospitals often see an influx of pets affected by a variety of seasonal hazards, from cats vomiting after swallowing ribbons to dogs who’ve indulged in pilfered chocolates. It's important to keep our animal companions safe when celebrating."

67% of pet owners say their pets 'talk.'

According to a recent poll, about two-thirds of pet owners surveyed say their pets 'talk'. In a related finding, more than 6 in ten owners say their pets understand them when they speak.

Dogs Respond to Nicknames, too

Call your dog a nickname, and he'll come - USATODAY.com

Best Dressed Winners Announced

From the ASPCA: To honor the bond between people and their pets—and those furry fashionistas who know how to rock a good costume—we put out a call this October for photos of your dogs decked out in their finest apparel. The task of selecting the best of the best-dressed went to guest judge Frances R. Sheridan, photographer and author of a book on New York City’s public dog runs, who says, “It was great to see how many people include their canine family members in their festivities!” Congrats to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered—and please tell your dogs for us that they all look mahvelous!

Pilots Fly Doomed Dogs to Safer Havens

From USA Today: Pilots are donating their time, planes and fuel to transport dozens of dogs a month from overcrowded shelters where they face almost certain death to rescue groups and shelters several states away that are committed to finding them homes. Read the article...

Inventor Offers $75M for Solution to Pet Overpopulation

Guy Michelson, a retired surgeon recently ranked in the top 400 richest Americans by Forbes Magazine, has offered a total of $75 million for a "safe, one-time non-surgical means to sterilize male and female cats and dogs" -- in effect, removing the barriers to sterilization -- and to support the research of those who come up with plausible plans.

Read the USA Today story...