Pets for Life a Look at the Relationship Between People and Their Companion Animals

Pets for Life A Look at the Relationship Between People and Their Companion Animals

A study and activity guide for high-school students and their teachers

www.hsus.org www.humaneteen.org Pets for Life A Look at the Relationship Between People and Their Companion Animals A study and activity guide for high-school students and their teachers

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 1 Our Animal Friends ...... 2 Celebrating Dogs and Cats ...... 6 Noble Companions ...... 19 The Best of the Rest ...... 23 Animal Shelters: A Haven in Need . . . . .27 Companion Animals and the Law ...... 34 Be a Best Friend ...... 40 Resources ...... 43

Editor…………………..Jessica Vanase © 2003 NAHEE. Pets for Life is published by the National Reviewers ……………Bill DeRosa Association for Humane and Environmental Education Andrew Rowan, Ph.D. (NAHEE), youth education division of The Humane Society of Stephanie Shain the United States (HSUS), and Humane Society Press. To Lesia Winiarskyj receive additional copies (available for $5 each) or to learn Designer……………….Deborah Prater about other materials for high-school students, write to The HSUS Youth Education Division, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423-0362. E-mail: [email protected]. Pets for Life may also be viewed and downloaded at www.humaneteen.org. For more information on companion animals and animal pro- tection issues, write to The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Wash- ington, DC 20037, or call (202) 452-1100. Visit The HSUS on the Web at www.hsus.org. For more information about The ISBN 0-941246-24-8 HSUS’s Pets for Life campaign, please visit www.petsforlife.org.

West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of The HSUS’s registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement by the State. Virginia residents may obtain a copy of The HSUS’s financial statement from the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond, VA 23209. FLORIDA RESIDENTS MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE HSUS’S OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Maryland residents may obtain a copy of The HSUS’s current financial statement from the Maryland Secretary of State by contacting The HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, (202) 452-1100.

Printed on recycled paper MEMBER 2002-03 The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrate- ful or treacherous, is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only to be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the rough- ness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. —Senator George G. Vest, speaking to a jury about a dog, Old Drum, who died in 1869

Time spent with cats is never wasted. By associating with the cat, one only risks becoming richer. I am indebted to the species of the cat for a particular kind of honorable deceit, for a great control over myself, for a characteristic aversion to brutal sounds, and for the need to keep silent for long periods of time. Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet. —French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette

Where in this wide world can a man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy or beauty without vanity? Here: where grace is laced with muscle and strength by gentleness confined. He serves without servility; he has fought without enmity. There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent; there is nothing so quick, nothing less patient. —from “Ode to the Horse” by Ronald Duncan

nimals have been our friends and helpers for help companion animals include support services thousands of years. They’ve shared our for animal shelters nationwide, educational pro- A burdens, added to our joy, and showed us grams to combat animal cruelty, and legislative the true meaning of friendship. If you’ve been fortu- efforts to end practices that exploit and harm ani- nate enough to experience a positive relationship mals, such as greyhound racing and puppy mills. with an animal—whether it be cat, dog, horse, para- Our Pets for Life campaign seeks to preserve the keet, rabbit, or any number of small critters—then special bond between people and companion ani- you know that the bond between people and com- mals. To that end, it offers a variety of programs to panion animals is one to be protected and cherished. empower pet caregivers to solve the problems that As the largest animal protection organization in the threaten their relationships with pets. For more world, The Humane Society of the United States information about The HSUS and its programs, (HSUS) strives to help all animals. Our efforts to please visit www.hsus.org. 1 Education: The First Step ways you can make a difference. All positive change begins with knowledge. That’s As you read through this guide, we encourage you why our youth education division, the National to take time to review the critical-thinking ques- Association for Humane and Environmental Educa- tions throughout. And consider taking up one of tion, endeavors to teach young people about the the projects or activities in the various “Explore the important issues facing animals today. One of the Issues” or ways we do that is through our series of study and “Take Action” Pets for Life is intended to give activity guides for high-school students and their sections. you an overview of people’s teachers. (View our other study and activity guides We’ve seen it relationship with pets, humane online at www.humaneteen.org. See “Get Into the time and issues affecting companion ani- Issues.”) Pets again: With mals, and ways you can help If you undertake one of the projects for Life will energy and animals in your community. For or activities in this book, write to help you learn enthusiasm, more information about specific us about your more about teens have animals and pet care, please experience. We the furry, the potential visit the “Pets” section of may feature you in HumaneTeen, feathered, to make an www.hsus.org. Helpful www.humaneteen.org, our website and finned enormous dif- resources are also for teens active in animal protec- friends with ference in the listed at the end tion. To be considered, send your whom we lives of ani- of this guide. name, age, and a brief description share our mals, both in of your project or activity to lives, the their commu- [email protected]. important nities and role animal nationwide. shelters play in helping them, and simple, effective Give it a try!

Our Animal Friends

Number of pets in U.S., 2001-2002 here’s never been a better time to be a com- panion animal. Although all animals are con- PetPopulation Tsidered property under current U.S. laws, Cats 73,000,000 most people have moved far beyond that way of Dogs 68,000,000 thinking. Today, animals are more likely to be treat- ed as companions, confidantes, coworkers, and Fish 165,000,000 family members than ever before. About 62% of all Birds 19,000,000 American households include at least one compan- Small animals 19,000,000 ion animal, which means more than 63 million Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. homes in the United States have a pet. mal-related organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the A Look at Pet Caregivers American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Before we go on to discuss pets, let’s take a look at (APPMA), determine the demographics (statistical the people who choose to include them in their data of a population) of pet caregivers. Here are families. (When possible, we’ve replaced the com- just a few of those results: monly used phrase “pet owner” with “caregiver” • Families with children between the ages of 5 and throughout to reflect The HSUS’s belief that com- 17 are the most likely to have pets; people least panion animals should be treated as friends and likely to have pets are singles and the elderly. family members, not as property.) Every year, ani- 2 • Highest rates of • Why might animal protection organizations be pet caregiving are in particularly interested in how caregivers acquire the Mountain Pacific their pets? and West South Central regions of Explore the Issues the U.S. The lowest Do pets resemble their caregivers? Are there really rates are in the Mid- personality differ- dle Atlantic, South ences between Atlantic, and New “dog people” and England regions. “cat people”? Are • The more people dogs who are in a family, the less closely attached emotionally attached to their care- they are to their givers less able to pets. solve problems? Researchers are • Cat caregivers report less attachment to their hard at work cats than dog caregivers do to their dogs. answering these fascinating questions (and many • Women report more attachment to pets than do others) about the relationship between people and men. companion animals. Keep up-to-date with the lat- est human/animal research with Anthrozoös, the • Households with yearly incomes under $30,000 journal of the International Society for Anthrozool- report more emotional attachment to pets than do ogy (ISAZ), and Society and Animals, the journal of households with incomes over $50,000. Similarly, human-animal studies published by Psychologists college graduates report less attachment to pets for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PSYETA). If than do people with less education. your school library does not subscribe to these • Dog caregivers spend an average of $196 annually quarterly publications, ordering information for in veterinary expenses; cat caregivers spend $104 Anthrozoös is available at www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu annually. /CCAB/anthro~1.htm. Ordering information and Source: State of the Animals 2003 article summaries for Society and Animals are avail- able at www.psyeta.org/sa/. Another survey by the APPMA determined how caregivers acquired their cats and dogs. They A Special Bond found that about 74% of dogs were acquired from Given that pets often require a significant amount sources that typically required some forethought of time, money, and energy, why do so many peo- and planning, such as from a breeder, an animal ple go to the effort of establishing such close shelter, or a pet store. Interestingly, only 38% of bonds with companion animals? Perhaps the easi- cats were acquired with forethought. Instead, most est and most widely accepted answer is that ani- people received their cats from friends or relatives mals offer that rarest of commodities: uncondition- or took in strays on a whim. This information is sig- al love. Unlike people, pets don’t care what we look nificant because it may play a role in pet relinquish- like, how much money we make, what mistakes ment, discussed at length in “Animal Shelters: A we’ve made, or what grades we earn. Whether we’ve Haven in Need,” later in this guide. had a bad day at school or on the job, pets greet Think About It us affectionately and hang on our every word once we walk through the door. The world around us • Why, do you suppose, do the AVMA and may always be changing, but our companion ani- APPMA compile pet caregiver demographics? mals’ love for us stays the same. As the following • Which, if any, pet caregiver demographics listed survey indicates, the vast majority of people keep above surprise you? Explain. pets for emotional reasons. 3 Reasons people give % of pet What other fun or interesting for having pets caregivers statistics can you uncover For the pleasure of having [the pet] 79 about people and pets? Con- To give love to 67 duct your own investigation To cheer home 64 online. Enter phrases such as To receive love from 63 “pet survey,” “attitudes toward As an adult’s companion 60 pets,” and “pet statistics” into As a child’s companion 46 a search engine. Some of the To have something to take care of 34 results are sure to surprise you—and bring a smile For protection 33 to your face. To teach a child responsibility 29 Think About It To keep another pet company 20 • Of all the animal species in the world, what fac- To control rodents 11 tors may have influenced why we have developed For breeding 3 such a close relationship with dogs? Cats? Hors- For entering in pet shows 2 es? Source: Doyle Dane Bernbach, Inc.. 1983 • Which of the following best describes the kind As highly social animals, humans need to connect of relationship you have with the animals in your with and establish relationships with others. Com- life: master-subject, owner-property, friend-com- panion animals give us an opportunity to bring the panion, or parent-child? adage “friends are chosen family” to life. Many pet • One of the most telling signs that pets are caregivers consider their animals members of the viewed differently from animals in the wild is that family—and treat them that way, too! (It’s no won- we assign names to pets. Doing so gives each der that “Baby” is one of the most popular pet animal his or her own identity and personality names.) In studies, researchers have observed simi- and puts the animal on the same level as people larities between the way people treat infants or we know and care about. Interestingly, the names small children and companion animals. For example, we give to our pets often have stories or memo- they tend to use a higher-pitched voice and ask ries attached to them. If you have a pet, what is simple, repetitive questions when speaking to pets, his or her name? Why did you name your pet in a pet caregiver’s version of “baby talk.” Likewise, that? What, if anything, does the name say about games in which people engage pets—catch, peek- how you view the animal? About how you view a-boo, and hide-and seek—tend to be like those yourself? played with small children. Most Popular Pet Names Explore the Issues 1. Max 2. Sam 3. Lady 4. Bear 5. Smokey Some recent surveys show just how Americans feel 6. Shadow 7. Kitty 8. Molly 9. Buddy 10. Brandy about their pets: 63% give their dogs presents at 11. Ginger 12. Baby 13. Misty 14. Missy Christmas, and 75% 15. Pepper 16. Jake 17. Bandit 18. Tiger take them for rides in 19 . Samantha 20. Lucky 21. Muffin 22. Princess the family car; 65% of 23. Maggie 24. Charlie 25. Sheba 26. Rocky cat owners share their 27. Patches 28. Tigger 29. Rusty 30. Buster beds with snoozing Source: ASPCA cats. More than a third of all pet care- Ta ke Action givers display their pets’ photos at home (Gallup In the “Think About It” above, we asked you about Organization, 1996). And according to a Psychology the significance of your pet’s name. Alexa Albert, a Today survey, 99% of pet owners talk to their pets, researcher from the University of Rhode Island, and 25% celebrate their pets’ birthday. took that question to 320 pet caregivers in Provi-

4 dence. She discovered that dogs were more likely have been undertaken to to have been given human names than were cats. determine the effects of She also found that people who considered their companion animals on pets “family members” or “extremely/very impor- human health. While this tant” were significantly more likely to not only have field of research—often pets with human names but also nicknames. Albert dubbed the human-animal concluded that pet names were an indicator of ani- bond, or simply “the mals’ status within the household. bond”—is relatively new, Does Albert’s theory hold up in your community? the results so far are promising. For example, take Conduct a simple survey of pet caregivers in your the relationship between blood pressure and animal community. To get a more accurate picture, it’s best companionship. Numerous studies have shown that to interview as many people as possible. (For help while talking to people causes blood pressure to analyzing your data, you may wish to seek the help rise, talking to and touching pets lowers it. (Exactly of a math or science teacher.) A sample survey why this happens is unknown, but it has been sug- appears below. gested that pets’ nonjudgmental and affectionate nature decrease stress, long believed to raise blood pressure.) Other studies have shown similarly posi- Name of pet ______tive results. Based on those studies, scientists have Type of pet ______found that having pets decreases the chances of I consider my pet a member of the family. dying from heart disease; pet caregivers have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and people with ❏ agree ❏ agree somewhat ❏ disagree AIDS who have pets experience reduced stress and I consider my pet ❏ extremely important less depression. This area of research is continually ❏ ❏ growing. To help you keep up with current research very important somewhat important on the health benefits of animals, we’ve included ❏ not important several resources for you to investigate. I regularly use a nickname for my pet ❏ yes ❏ no Think About It Do you think it is important to study the effects Feel free to add questions in an attempt to uncover of companion animals on human health? Why or correlations between pet names and other aspects why not? of the human-pet relationship. For example, are pets with human names more likely to be allowed to Pets are also known for helping people in social sleep in their caregivers’ bed? More likely to be settings. As icebreakers and image-makers, com- given birthday gifts? Less likely to be allowed to panion animals serve an important role in helping roam? people make friends and practice social skills. For example, virtually anyone who’s had a dog has Does your data support Albert’s theory? Contra- experienced the social lubricating effect of pets dict it? Consider sending the results of your survey at one time or another: While walking a dog, peo- to us at [email protected]. We may publish ple are often smiled at by strangers, asked to pet it in HumaneTeen. the dog, and told stories about strangers’ own More Than Friends pets. Researchers have investigated pets’ roles as social facilitators and have found that people with They provide love and companionship, a listening pets are actually perceived by others as more ear, cuddles, and hugs. They bring laughter and attractive and as having more desirable personality play into our lives. Some pets even make us exer- characteristics. The classic example, of course, is cise when we’re feeling lazy. Instinctively, pet care- that politicians are considered more trustworthy givers just know that pets are good for people. In when pictured with pets. (President Nixon’s dog, recent years, research has been backing up those Checkers, is often credited with boosting his beliefs and proving companion animals can benefit image!) Various studies have also proven what com- people in tangible ways. In particular, many studies 5 mon sense tells us: People are simply more likely to a little digging into the fascinating field of animal- be noticed and spoken to when they’re with their assisted therapy. For a social studies or English companion animals. class, prepare a presentation that explores AAT and Still other research has focused on the success of its role within your community. Ask a local animal- animal-assisted therapy (AAT). An ever-growing assisted therapist to speak to your class about his field, AAT seeks to improve the social, mental, emo- or her experiences working with others. Some great tional, and physical well-being of people through sources of information include Delta Society, interaction with www.deltasociety.org, Tufts Center for Animals animals. The AAT and Public Policy, www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/publist1 programs you .html, and the Center for the Human-Animal Bond, may be most www.vet.purdue.edu/chab. familiar with are Ta ke Action those in which nursing home res- If you’re interested in taking part in an AAT pro- idents enjoy regu- gram (and think your pet would be great at it), visit lar visits from vol- www.deltasociety.org to learn more about the unteer dogs, cats, opportunities available. The organization also offers and even rabbits. a video and educational material to help train your But animals are pet to be a suitable helper. If you do become

R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios also increasingly involved in AAT, e-mail [email protected]. © being used in programs to help disabled and We may feature you in www.humaneteen.org! abused children, prisoners, students with learning Think About It disabilities, and people with a wide range of med- ical conditions, from cerebral palsy to traumatic Animal shelters, whose common goal is finding brain injury. (For more about the role of horses in good homes for the animals in their care, are typ- AAT, see “Horses as Healers,” p. 21.) While the ically categorized as one of two types. Open- majority of these programs do not record data or admission shelters (also called open-door) measure results, studies have shown that AAT pro- accept every animal coming through their doors grams offer many benefits, among them reducing but often have to euthanize (humanely kill) the loneliness of residents in long-term care facili- unadopted animals to make space for others. ties and increasing people’s social and verbal inter- Limited-admission (also called “no-kill”) shel- actions. ters do not euthanize animals they feel are healthy and adoptable but may turn away animals Think About It because they have no room or because the ani- Companion animals have been compared with mals are considered unadoptable. Before you go psychotherapists, who listen and empathize but any further, write down your opinions and feel- don’t make judgments. How might this character- ings about istic help abused or troubled children in AAT pro- both types grams reconnect with people and heal from trau- of shelters. matic events? We’ll come Do you think it is important for people involved back to in AAT programs to record information and par- your state- ticipate in studies? Explain your answer. ments later

in this R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios Explore the Issues book. © Can an Appaloosa a day keep the doctor away? Do

6 Celebrating Dogs and Cats

heir fuzzy faces help sell products from cars Think About It to cola. Greeting cards abound with photos Wolves have been around for 5 million years and of them in every imaginable shape and size. have been hunted nearly to extinction. Dogs have T been around for just 12,000 years or so, and yet Their photos and stories fill our comic strips, maga- zines, books, television screens, and websites. their numbers continue to rise. What do you sup- When it comes to caring about animals, it’s raining pose accounts for the difference in each animal’s cats and dogs in America. More people have dogs ability to succeed? and cats than any other pet, making them the most A Dog for Every Purpose popular pets in the U.S. (Though more fish are kept as pets than any other, only about 12% of From pug to puli to Pomeranian, it’s hard to believe that the several hundred U.S. households have them.) More than a third of Fast Facts: Dogs dog breeds that exist today all U.S. households include a dog or a cat. Here Family: Canidae descended from one com- we’ll take a look at our canine and feline friends Species: Canis mon ancestor. Through and explore some of the issues that face them. familiaris selective breeding for traits Relatives: wolf, About Dogs such as bone structure, fur fox, coyote, jackal type, personality, and func- With their soul- Life span: 8 to 16 tion, people have managed ful eyes, years to mold dogs into a wide thumping Pet population in variety of sizes, shapes, and tails, and U.S.: 68 million friendly abilities. Today, purebred nature, dogs—those whose parents are of the same dogs breed—are typically categorized into groups, have according to their function. shared a Another Point of View The American longer rela- Authors Lorna and Raymond Kennel Club tionship with Coppinger disagree with the (AKC) uses the people than any popular theory seven groups other companion that people below to classi- animal. There are some shaped wolves fy the 150 68 million pet dogs in into today’s breeds it recog- the U.S. Based on the domesticated nizes. Other discovery of human and dogs. Instead, breed registry dog fossils and cave drawings depicting dogs, they argue organizations experts believe that dogs and people have enjoyed that domestic (such as the a special relationship for at least 12,000 years. dogs evolved as a result of nat- United Kennel Most scientists now agree that all dogs are ural selection, with no help from Club) use dif- descended from wolves. The most popular theory humans. Read their fascinating ferent group holds that the two species forged a bond thou- theories about domestic dogs in designations. sands of years ago, when wolves began hanging out Dogs: A New Understanding near human families to feed on the scraps and The hound of Canine Origin, Behavior, debris they left behind. Eventually, people began group includes and Evolution (Chicago, IL: taming wolf cubs and breeding those with the most some of the University of Chicago Press, submissive or affectionate natures. Over thousands oldest known 2001). of years, those wolves became today’s domesticat- purebred dogs. ed dogs. 7 The greyhound, Ibizan out game for hunters. hound, and pharaoh Retrievers’ soft mouths hound were popular allow them to retrieve birds hunting dogs in without damaging the ancient Egypt, and the body. Bred to work closely elegant Saluki can be with people, sporting dogs traced back more than are known for their train- 7,000 years to Sume- ability and good nature. ria. Scent hounds, This group includes some which include bassett of the U.S.’s most popular hounds and blood- breeds, such as golden hounds, share similar retrievers and Labrador retrievers. features, such as flop- py ears, long muzzles, Think About It and powerful noses, to aid them in tracking prey by Top Ten Dog Breeds Registered by the AKC, scent. Bred to chase down prey, sight hounds, such 2001 as Afghan hounds, Salukis, and greyhounds, were 1. Labrador retriever selectively bred to have lightly built bodies, excel- 2. golden retriever lent vision, and amazing speed. 3. German shepherd 4. dachshund Explore the Issues 5. beagle A portrait of a pouty spaniel on his mistress’s lap. 6. Yorkshire terrier An elegant sculpture of a hound at rest. An oil 7. poodle painting of hounds on the hunt. Around the world, 8. boxer dogs have been celebrated in art, from ancient cave 9. Chihuahua drawings to modern paintings. Research and write 10. Shih Tzu an art history paper about dogs as subjects in art. • Take a look at the current “Top Ten” list of reg- What can you surmise about the changing percep- istered dogs. What kinds of events or publicity tion of dogs, given how they are represented in the do you think might alter the list? What trends in works you have studied? For excellent resources on purebred dog ownership, if any, have you noticed dogs in art, you may wish to check out Iain in your community? How might increased popu- Zaczek’s Dog: A Dog’s Life in Art and Literature (New larity negatively affect a specific dog breed? York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2000) and • Do you think that purebred dogs have more Robert Rosenblum’s The status than mixed-breeds? For example, what Dog in Art: From Rococo qualities or characteristics come to mind when to Post-Modernism (New you think of a German shepherd? A Labrador York: Harry N. Abrams, retriever? A cocker spaniel? A mixed-breed dog? Inc., 1988). Commercial • Some people acquire dogs as status symbols. websites that sell art What kinds of images can a dog help people por- prints, such as tray? How might acquiring a dog as a status sym- www.art.com and bol cause problems for both dogs and people? www.allposters.com, The terrier group earns its name from the Latin may also be useful in your research. ______word for earth, terra. Terriers were developed to “go to ground” in pursuit of small prey such as rats, The sporting group includes retrievers, spaniels, badgers, foxes, and otters. Many of the terrier setters, and pointers. Developed for hunting, sport- breeds were developed in England over the past ing dogs usually perform one particular function, 100 years. From the largest of terriers, the whether it’s detecting or retrieving birds or flushing Airedale, to the smaller border terriers and Norwich 8 terriers, these dogs are and Lhasa Apsos, among others. known for their plucky The toy group spirit, high energy, and consists of small excellent digging abili- dogs developed ties. for their roles as The working group human compan- includes heavily built, ions and lapdogs. powerful dogs such as Many of these Akitas, Siberian huskies, dogs, such as the Great Danes, and St. Pekingese, Mal- Bernards. Though dogs tese, and Italian from other breed groups are used in different jobs, greyhound, were the cherished pets of royalty. Toy the working group includes only those historically dogs are characterized by their small size and used for guarding, rescue work, and sledding. Not friendly nature. This group includes pugs, Shih surprisingly, Tzus, miniature pinschers, and Chihuahuas, the Snoopy. Marmaduke. Odie. many of the dog world’s smallest dogs. Beethoven. Scooby Doo. Rin Tin breeds in this Tin. Old Yeller. Millie. What do group have been Think About It these dogs all have in common? used in wartime. When it comes to dogs, how would you define intelligence? Would it be a willingness to learn They’re all famous, whether it’s The herding and obey commands? The ability to solve prob- in the comics, television, movies, group, as its lems? A strong personality that refuses to bend literature, or the White House. name implies, to human will? For an index of other famous consists of dogs dogs, see www.citizenlunch- developed to Visit www.petri.com/dogint and see what breeds box.com/famous/dogs.html. help people of dogs are considered the most—and least— manage and intelligent. From personal experience, do you protect livestock. Though modern methods of ani- agree with this list? Why or why not? What do mal agriculture have greatly reduced the use of you think the author of this list used as his basis herding dogs, these dogs remain popular for other for intelligence? reasons, thanks to their agility and intelligence. Problems with Purebreds? Herding dogs include the German shepherd, Old English sheepdog, the rough collie, and the border When it comes time to add a dog to their family, collie, who is extremely popular in agility trials and many people choose to purchase a purebred dog. flying disc competitions. The AKC, the largest dog registry organiza- The non-sport- tion in the U.S., recog- ing group is nizes 150 kinds of pure- sometimes bred dogs. Worldwide, described as the some 400 breeds are “catch-all” group, recognized. Some peo- as it includes ple seek a specific those dogs who breed because they were either have a job in mind for developed for no the dog: protection, particular purpose or are no longer used in their herding, hunting. Oth- originally intended capacity. In order words, it con- ers select purebred dogs for their looks or pre- sists of dogs who don’t fit into any other category. sumed personalities. Importance may be given to Not surprisingly, then, this group is very diverse, the fact that the dog “has papers”—that is, the ranging from Dalmatians and bulldogs to poodles 9 dog has been registered with the AKC or another Health and temperament problems are sometimes breed registry organization. Animal protection noted in purebreds, often as a result of careless organizations breeding practices. For example, many Dalmatians point out that are born deaf; German shepherds and Rottweilers The Humane Society of the being regis- often suffer from hip problems; many collies have United States Complete Guide tered does eye diseases; dachshunds frequently have back to Dog Care not ensure problems. Undesirable personality qualities, includ- By Marion S. Lane that a dog will ing aggression, nervousness, and extreme shyness, and the staff of The be of good may also show up in dogs who have not been bred Humane Society of quality. Regis- well. Conscientious breeders eliminate dogs with the United States tration papers such problems from their breeding programs. (Boston: Little, state only the If you’re looking for a purebred pet, The HSUS Brown, 2001). recorded lin- encourages you to first contact a breed placement Looking for a dog? Have a ques- eage of a dog. (rescue) group or your local animal shelter. If you’re tion about your pooch? Ask your It does not still interested in purchasing a pet from a profes- school librarian to order a copy of matter if the sional breeder, do some homework first. To find a The Humane Society of the dogs are suit- reputable breeder, talk with veterinarians, seek out United States Complete Guide to able for local dog and cat clubs, and visit official dog shows Dog Care, which provides tips and breeding or if and/or agility trials. Here are some things to look for. information about various aspects the dogs or Signs of a reputable, responsible breeder: of dog caregiving, including their puppies choosing the right dog, preparing are healthy. • breeds only one or two breeds and knows the for a dog’s arrival, training and “Having breed standards for both socialization, and selecting a vet- papers” means • includes the animals in the family and allows the erinarian. This 390-page book that a puppy’s animals to live in the home also offers important advice about parents are • will not sell animals to pet stores or in any other responsible pet care and suggests purebred, not way that does not allow the breeder to meet and simple ways you can model appro- necessarily interview prospective purchasers priate pet care to others. that the par- • sells pets with contracts requiring that the ani- ents are mals be spayed or neutered unless they are deter- healthy or of mined to be “show quality” and will be actively high quality. Even the AKC notes that it “is not competing in dog shows itself involved in the sale of dogs and cannot there- • educates buyers about the breed and responsible fore guarantee the health and quality of dogs in its pet care and remains available for support after the registry.” sale

Marvelous Mutts Dogs don’t need pedigrees to be perfect companions. Mixed-breed dogs—those whose parents are not the same breeds or who are mixed-breeds themselves—are as loving and intelligent as the rest. Thanks to “hybrid vigor,” mixed-breed dogs often enjoy better overall health and life spans than purebred dogs. Whether you’re looking to adopt a mixed-breed dog, need information on mutts, or want to sponsor an event to promote their adoption, visit www. maydayformutts.org. Created by Karen Derrico, author of Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart, Not of Breed, Mayday For Mutts is a holiday intended to increase the adoption of mixed-breed, older, and spe- cial-needs dogs, put an end to “canine discrimination” toward mutts, and educate the public about the need for spaying and neutering to reduce the pet overpopulation problem. 10 • tests for genetic problems and offers to show the provide a loving home for a purebred dog until a official test results permanent placement is found. To locate a breed • requires that if the new family is unable to keep placement group in your area, see www. the pet, he or she will be returned to the breeder, shelterdog.org and www.pets911.com. no matter what the pet’s age Friends and Helpers You can also contact The HSUS Companion Animals While specific dog breeds were first developed to and Equine Protection Section for a larger checklist help people hunt prey and watch over flocks, dogs of what to look for in a responsible breeder. today perform a remarkable variety of jobs. In addi- Think About It tion to providing companionship to people— • The AKC’s website states, “All dogs are wonder- arguably their most important “job” of all—dogs ful, but purpose-bred or purebred dogs are more are used for police work, detection of bombs, predictable in many important ways than random- drugs, and mines, assisting disabled people, keep- bred dogs and therefore make better pets.” Do ing airport runways free of birds, and participating you agree with this statement? Why or why not? in pet-facilitated therapy, among many other duties. The term “service dog” is often used to describe a • Breeders pay a fee to register their dogs, and dog who has been specially trained to perform a registration fees are a large source of income to specific job. the AKC. How might that fact influence how the AKC regards mixed-breed dogs? To repeat the oft-used cliché, it’s no wonder that dogs are called man’s best friend. Beyond providing Explore the Issues companionship and affection, dogs have proven • After the release of Disney’s live-action film 101 willing and able to put our needs and desires Dalmatians, people flocked to buy the spotted pups before their own. Nowhere does that become more from pet stores and breeders. When people real- obvious than in the relationship between assis- ized that the dogs were more work than they had tance dogs and their handlers. Recognizing the bargained for—often because of tendencies toward important roles assis- behavior problems, deafness, and skin conditions— tance dogs play in they relinquished scores of Dalmatians to animal helping people with shelters and breed placement groups. Interview disabilities live normal your local animal control officer and ask if he or lives, a law called the she has noticed any incidents of “fad pets” in your Americans with Disabili- community. Ask how this problem could be avoided. ties Act allows assis- Write up your interview and run it in your school tance dogs to accom- newspaper to educate fellow students about the pany their handlers into problems of fad pets. any area accessible to the public, whether it’s • Compare the AKC’s current Top Ten Dog Breeds the supermarket or the list with those compiled five and ten years ago. movie theater. Which dogs have remained the most popular in the © R. Drew/Associated Press last decade? Which dogs from past lists are no Assistance dogs are highly trained to perform specific longer ranked in the top ten? Which are new to the tasks, depending on their handler’s disability. Guide list? What might account for these particular dogs act as eyes for visually impaired people; hearing changes? dogs act as ears for deaf people; mobility assist dogs act as arms and legs for the disabled; walker Ta ke Action dogs provide balance for the disabled; seizure Adore Akitas? Love Labradors? Crazy about Cairns? alert/response dogs get help for people who suf- If you and your family are fans of a particular breed fer from seizures; and psychiatric service dogs of dog, consider becoming a foster family for a provide support to those with mental disabilities. breed placement group. As a foster family, you can 11 Ta ke Action Let ’Em Work Before they enter official training programs, many When you see an assistance dog at work, follow assistance dogs spend their puppyhoods with vol- these tips: unteer foster families who socialize them and teach Don’t pet, feed, or call to the dog. Doing so them basic obedience skills. Would you or your may distract him from his work and possibly family be able to provide a solid foundation for an compromise the safety of his handler. assistance dog? For more information, contact an organization for guide dogs (or other assistance Talk to the handler, not to the dog. If you have a dogs) in your state. A state-by-state listing is avail- question, comment, or concern, address it able at www.thepuppyplace.org. Another good directly to the handler, not to his or her dog. source of information is www.guidedogs.com. ______Explore the Issues In addition to helping disabled people live happier, well-balanced lives, dogs have also proven invalu- Contact your local police department and ask if able in protecting and saving lives. Many police they have a K-9 unit. If so, see if you can interview departments pair officers with highly trained patrol the K-9 handler about his job and his relationship dogs who protect their partners and assist in with his canine partner. Some questions to ask apprehending and holding suspects. Breeds fre- include: How long have you and your dog been quently used in K-9 work are German shepherds, together? What kind of training did each of you Belgian Malinois, and Doberman pinschers. Thanks undergo? What is your dog’s life like when he’s not to their amazing sense of smell—it’s been estimat- working? Can you describe a typical day in your life ed that they smell at least one million times better as a K-9 unit? Can you describe a time when your than people—dogs are also frequently used in dog found or apprehended a suspect? Write up narcotics and explosives detection, search and your interview for your school newspaper, or sub- rescue missions, and missing person searches. mit it to your local newspaper. Accelerant detection dogs are useful in identify- Ta ke Action ing causes of fires and possible arsonists. Breeds frequently used for scent You or your animal protection club can help dogs work include bloodhounds, in the line of duty by raising funds to purchase bul- Labrador retrievers, and let-proof vests for police dogs. Many nonprofit golden retrievers, although groups accept donations. To see if there is one in most kinds of dogs could your area, type “bulletproof vests, dogs” into a be trained to perform such search engine. Another great site is www.dogvest work. The Federal Bureau .com, which includes a listing of state Vest-A-Dog of Investigation (FBI) programs you can become involved with. employs a number of dogs Issues Affecting Dogs in its investigations; you Earlier, we discussed the importance of the human- can read more about their animal bond and how this relationship has benefit- service dogs at ed people in numerous ways—from improving our www.fbi.gov/dogs. health, jumpstarting our social lives, and providing Think About It comfort and companionship. Sadly, that special Many dog breeds, including Airedales, giant bond is sometimes broken or distorted by peo- schnauzers, and German shepherds, have served ple—for profit, for status, or for lack of knowledge. people during wartime. Other dogs are used in In this section, we’ll explore some of the specific dangerous occupations such as patrol work and issues that face dogs and ways you can help solve bomb detection. Do you think it is morally those problems. acceptable for people to use dogs in dangerous lines of work? Explain your answer. 12 Puppy Mills AKC shares some responsibility for the proliferation of puppy mills. Do you agree or disagree? Research Every year, puppy mills—large-scale breeding the Internet to form your own opinion. Write an facilities—produce thousands of purebred puppies opinion paper on the topic and present it to your for sale. Those puppies are sold either to brokers English or debate class or at your school’s animal and pet stores across the country or directly to the protection club meeting. public via the Internet, newspaper ads, and at the breeding facility itself. Animal protection groups, Ta ke Action including The HSUS, have long been outspoken Discourage people in your community from pur- critics of the substandard care that most dogs chasing puppies from pet stores. Design flyers and receive in puppy mills. Puppy mill operators’ prima- posters explaining the connection between puppy ry concern is making a profit; the care of the dogs mills and pet store puppies. For more information, is secondary. To reduce costs and maximize profits, visit www.nopuppymills.com or www.hsus.org. puppy mill operators often don’t give the dogs Distribute your flyers at malls with pet stores and adequate food, shelter, or veterinary care. Docu- ask permission to hang your posters in veterinary mented problems with puppy mills include over- offices and pet supply stores that don’t sell dogs. breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor Don’t forget to e-mail us at humaneteen@nahee quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization .org and tell us about your project! with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals. Adult breeding dogs spend their Dogfighting entire lives in puppy mills, producing litter after lit- Illegal in all 50 states, the ter of puppies. Once females are no longer able to cruel “sport” of dogfighting is produce enough puppies per litter, they are com- nonetheless alive and well. monly killed or auctioned off cheaply to someone Dogfights can last up to two intent on getting “a few more litters out of her.” hours and end only when one The same fate awaits male dogs once they are no of the dogs is no longer will- longer able to mate. D. Smith/Getty Images ing or able to continue. © Due to the poor breeding that takes place in puppy Injuries sustained by fighting dogs are frequently mills, dogs produced there may suffer from a vari- severe or fatal. Dogs often die of blood loss, shock, ety of health dehydration, exhaustion, or infection. Specifically problems, bred and trained to fight, “pit bull” type dogs are some of those most often used. However, not all “pit bull” which may type dogs are aggressive. When raised with kind- not appear ness, many are loving family pets. until years Besides the cruelty inherent in such events, law later. In addi- enforcement officers have noted other serious tion, lack of problems as well. Illegal gambling is the norm at socialization © HSUS dogfights; dog owners and spectators bet thou- with people may make them ill prepared to be sands of dollars on the outcomes of the fights. good family pets. The HSUS and other humane Firearms and illegal drugs are often prevalent. And organizations strongly oppose puppy mills and young children are sometimes present at the encourage people to adopt animals from shelters events, which can promote insensitivity to animal or to acquire purebred dogs only from reputable, suffering and a lack of respect for the law. responsible breeders and breed placement (rescue) groups rather than pet stores or inexperienced Explore the Issues “backyard” breeders. Most people are unaware of the prevalence of dog- fighting and the dangers it brings to communities. Explore the Issues Research the problem and ways you can teach oth- Some animal protection groups contend that the ers about it at www.AnimalFighting.org. While 13 you’re there, check out The HSUS’s undercover ideas and information, see www.hsus.org. For more video. Be advised that the video contains graphic information about adopting a greyhound, visit footage of fighting and injured dogs. www.adopt-a-greyhound.org. Greyhound Racing Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Greyhounds are one of the world’s oldest breeds of Ever wonder why some Doberman pinschers’ ears dog—and one of the fastest. These gentle, grace- stand perfectly straight, while others’ flop? Or why ful dogs are capable of running at speeds up to 40 so many terriers sport such curiously short, round- miles per hour. ed tails? Hint: These dogs aren’t born that way. Unfortunately, Many purebred dogs have their ears cropped and the greyhound their tails docked to meet breed standards. Crop- racing industry ping usually involves cutting off part of a young is responsible dog’s ears and bracing and bandaging them for the deaths of straight up while the wounds heal so that the ears as many as 20,000 greyhounds each year. When remain upright and pointed. Docking removes the dogs are no longer fast enough to race, or if pup- end of puppies’ tails usually when they are just a pies are determined unlikely to win at the track, few days old. Though few, if any, practical argu- they are often killed. As with any business, profit is ments exist in support of ear cropping, supporters the bottom line in greyhound racing; therefore, of tail docking argue that the practice helps hunt- greyhounds are often killed with the least expensive ing dogs avoid painful tail damage while pursuing methods, including gunshot, bludgeoning, and star- game through heavy vegetation. They also claim vation. Other documented problems occur in the that docking helps keep longhaired breeds cleaner greyhound racing industry as well. Dogs spend the around the tail area. majority of their adult lives in crates, pens, or The HSUS opposes surgery on dogs when done fenced enclosures with limited human companion- solely for the cosmetic preference of the owner ship. And greyhound training activities continue to and without benefit to the animal himself. Although cause many domestic rabbits and wild jackrabbits the AKC does not require cropping and docking, it to be maimed and killed every year, although such still allows individual dog show judges the power to practices are illegal. penalize uncropped ears and undocked tails in the Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, many “retired” show ring. The AKC also openly encourages these greyhounds are adopted into loving homes, where as standards for breeds and shows pictures of the they make wonderful companions. But adoption breeds in these “ideal” forms. alone is not the answer to the problem. There will never be enough homes for all the greyhounds pro- Think About It duced by the industry each year. That’s why The Ear cropping is illegal in the United Kingdom, HSUS and other animal protection organizations Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and are actively working on legislation to ban grey- South Africa. Similarly, tail docking is against the hound racing in the states that still allow it. law in 13 European countries. In the U.S., ear cropping and tail docking are Think About It controversial but allowed by law and acceptable How might the greyhound racing industry affect to the AKC. According to the AKC’s Canine Legis- animals waiting for homes in animal shelters? lation Position Statements, “ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in Ta ke Action certain breed standards, are acceptable practices Never attend greyhound races and urge others to integral to defining and preserving breed charac- avoid them as well. Consider taking your compas- ter and/or enhancing good health.” Why, do you sion a bit further by fostering greyhounds until think, are practices such as ear cropping frowned suitable homes are found for them or by launching upon in some parts of the world and regarded as an effort to ban greyhound racing in your state. For desirable in others? 14 Dog Tethering Ta ke Action The scene is a familiar one: In a backyard, an “out- If you know of a tethered dog in your community, side” dog spends all his days on the end of a chain, don’t try to confront the owner yourself. Report receiving little, if any, attention. Sadly, dog tether- the situation to your local humane society or ani- ing—tying dogs outside for long periods of mal control officer. For more information on how to time—is a fairly common form of pet neglect. help dog caregivers treat their dogs better, contact Many caregivers tether their dogs because they the Companion Animals and Equine Protection don’t know how to deal with behavior issues or Section at The HSUS at (202) 452-1100. housetraining problems. Some see tying a dog out as a way of protecting their property by deterring About Cats trespassers. Others simply know of no better way Move over, Rover. to keep their dogs from roaming. In 2001, there Whatever the reason, were some 73 dog tethering causes million pet cats in dogs to suffer greatly. the U.S., making As pack animals, dogs them the are social creatures nation’s most who long to be with popular pet. their families. Without (Though more adequate shelter, people have tethered dogs are dogs than cats, exposed to bad households with weather. If they’re cats are more lucky enough to have likely to have D. Thompson/PAWS

© food and water dishes multiple cats, that are filled regularly, it’s still common for their which accounts chains to overturn the dishes, leaving the dogs for their higher hungry and thirsty. Tethered dogs are also at risk of population.) The being attacked by other dogs or wild animals and rise in cats’ popularity has been attributed to teased by cruel people. Americans’ changing lifestyle: from houses to apart- ments, one-income families to two-income families, Dog tethering can also be annoying and dangerous forty-hour work weeks to longer work weeks. These for people who live nearby. It should come as no clever and friendly creatures can be wonderful com- surprise that tethered dogs often receive little or panions for city and country dwellers alike. no training, attention, or socialization. As a result, they usually don’t know how to behave around Friends in Time of Need people or other animals. Out of boredom, tethered The domestication of the cat is almost as interest- dogs may bark constantly. They are also notorious- ing as the animal himself. Nestled in the Nile River ly territorial. They may lunge at passersby or bite valley, ancient Egypt has Fast Facts: Cats people and animals who come within reach of their been credited with some of Family: Felidae chain, in order to protect their small space. the world’s most important Species: Felis catus achievements. But perhaps As people become more aware of the problems Relatives: tiger, most impressive—at least with dog tethering and the risks it presents to lion, bobcat, to cat lovers—is the communities, they are making efforts to outlaw dog cheetah domestication of the cat. tethering. The practice is already banned in several Life span: 12 to Between 7000 and 5000 U.S. counties, thanks to the efforts of concerned 18 years B.C., African wildcats began citizens and local humane societies. Pet population in living near human settle- U.S.: 73 million ments along the Nile River. 15 The clever creatures had discovered that wherever at different times in history. (The timeline on p.17 people lived, so did rats and other tasty rodents, may help in your research.) Present your findings in who fed on crops and grain supplies. In ancient an oral report for a social studies class. Egypt, rodents were a major threat to food sup- plies. Egyptians observed Think About It that the small cats roaming • People have developed cats into a number of around possessed excellent breeds, from the sleek, vocal Oriental breeds to hunting abilities. Before long, large, fluffy Maine coons and Persians. Compare they were depending on the the numbers of registered purebred cats and sociable, graceful animals to dogs: The Cat Fanciers’ Association, a purebred help protect their crops and cat registry, registered about 69,000 purebred grain from certain destruc- cats in 1996. That same year, the AKC registered tion by rodents. They began 1.3 million dogs. What factors might account for welcoming cats into their the difference? homes—and into their • How do you think Edward Lowe’s 1947 inven- hearts. Steadily and surely, tion—cat litter—changed our relationship with cats began the slow process of domestication. Peo- cats? ple began breeding cats who were friendlier and well-adapted to living with humans. Over thousands Free-Roaming Cats of years, cats have developed into the affectionate Unfortunately, cats’ independent nature leads many companions they are today. Intelligent and mysteri- people to believe that they can take care of them- ous, playful and independent, they’re among the selves, indoors and out. You’ve probably heard it most fascinating of all animals to observe. before: “I could never Explore the Issues keep my cat Ancient Egypt enjoyed a love affair with the cat like inside all no other. To mourn the loss of their feline friends, the time— Egyptians shaved their own eyebrows. Wanting to he just keep the pleasure of cats’ company all to them- loves it out- selves, they forbade the exportation of cats to doors!” other countries. They couldn’t bear to part with Many care- them even at death—beloved cats were entombed givers believe keeping their cats inside deprives with their owners. them of enjoyment and adventure. Cats allowed to But cats haven’t always enjoyed such devotion. roam outdoors, however, often are hit by cars or fall Throughout history, they’ve been vilified as demons victim to disease, poisons, attacks by other animals, and scapegoats. Research societal attitudes and or mistreatment by humans. In fact, The HSUS esti- spiritual beliefs about cats in different cultures and mates that the average life span of a free-roaming

Declawing Cats Many people decide to declaw their cats as a way of preventing them from damaging their furniture and carpets. But declawing is hardly a simple operation. Instead of removing just the cat’s claws, declawing— or onychectomy—involves full amputation of the first bone on each digit of the paw. By comparison, it’s like having your fingers cut off at the top joint. The HSUS opposes declawing when done solely for the convenience of the owner and without benefit to the animal, which is the most common situation. Many animal shelters ask prospective cat adopters to sign a contract stating that they will not have the cat declawed. With regular nail trimming, a scratching post, and patient training, most destructive scratching can be eliminated. Declawing should be considered only as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted.

16 cat is about three years, compared to 12-15 years the U.S. The Humane Society of the for a safely confined cat. In a 2001 study (Jacobs Free-roaming United States Complete Jenner & Kent), two out of three veterinarians rec- cats cause Guide to Cat Care ommended keeping cats indoors, most often citing numerous prob- dangers from vehicles and disease. Given this infor- lems in a com- By Wendy S. mation, it’s easy to see why humane organizations munity. They Christensen urge people to keep their pets indoors. prey on small and the But not all cats roaming outdoors unsupervised are mammals, song- staff of The pets. The free-roaming birds, and other Humane cat population is difficult wildlife, spread Society of to define. Free-roaming zoonotic dis- the United cats can be owned cats eases (diseases States who are lost, allowed that can be (New York: outside, previously spread from ani- St. Martin’s Press, 2002). owned cats who have mals to people, If you’re thinking about adopt- been abandoned, cats such as rabies), ing a cat or want reliable, up- who are fed by several and cause car to-date information about car- residents in an area but accidents. In ing for a feline friend at home, owned by none of them, addition, unster- pick up a copy of The Humane or so-called working cats ilized, free-roam- Society of the United States who serve as “mousers.” ing cats con- Complete Guide to Cat Care. Free-roaming cats may also be feral, unsocialized tribute to the This 322-page book provides a cats who are one or more generations removed high number of complete history of cats, a look from a home environment and who may live in a cats who end up inside the feline mind, tips on colony of similar cats. Almost every community has in our nation’s making the indoors a stimulat- a colony of feral cats. While the number of stray animal shelters ing environment for cats, and and feral dogs has fallen to a very low level, this is every day. For all ways you can help cats in your not true of cats. One study provides a very rough of those reasons, own community. estimate of about 30-40 million feral/stray cats in The HSUS

900 B.C.: Timeline of the Cat Domestic cats 1200: 7,000 to 1947: transported from Catholic 5,000 B.C.: Cat litter Egypt to Italy, Church views African invented Greece, and other cats as evil; 2002: wildcats 18 00s: countries millions Cats become wander into 100 B.C.: Cats become are killed number-one human Cats arrive popular subjects pet in U.S. settlements in India of British artist Louis Wain

B.C. A.D. 1920s: 3,000 B.C.: 900 A.D.: 1600s: First Egyptian artwork Domestic In London, commercial features cats in a cats arrive in cat cats 1972 : favorable light British Isles food 500 B.C.: slaughtered Reliable test for developed Cats arrive for spreading feline leukemia in China the plague developed

17 Saying Goodbye Your assignment is to come up with a plan to solve the feral cat problem in your community. Here is Near this spot the situation: A colony of about 50 feral cats lives Are deposited the remains of one behind the local high school. Parents, teachers, and Who possessed beauty without vanity, students want the cats removed for fear of rabies. Strength without insolence, Many of the cats appear to be malnourished or Courage without ferocity. sick. The majority of the town’s residents want the And all the virtues of man without his vices. cats removed as soon as possible and by any This praise, which would be unmeaning flattery means. A small group of activists and some stu- If inscribed over human ashes, dents and teachers, however, say that killing the Is but just tribute to the memory of cats is inhumane and is not a long-term solution to Boatswain, a dog. the problem. Your small animal shelter has room to —Inscription on tombstone of Lord Byron’s dog house approximately 40 cats; typically about half Coping with the death of a beloved pet can be of those cages are occupied. one of life’s saddest experiences. In fact, more Develop a plan that will keep the public safe and than half of all pet caregivers say that the help solve the problem in the long-term. Resources biggest drawback to having a pet is “sadness that will help you in developing your plan include when they die” (APPMA, 2001-2002). Many Alley Cat Allies, www.alleycat.org, and The HSUS people spend more time with their animal com- Statement on Free-Roaming Cats, at www.hsus.org. panions than they do with friends or relatives, You may also read Community Approaches to Feral so the loss of that animal causes a great disrup- Cats online at www.AnimalSheltering.org. tion in their lives. To help people who are griev- • With the cloning of a cat in the Missyplicity Pro- ing the loss of a companion animal, The HSUS offers the Kindred Spirits program, which includes tips for coping, suggests various ways The Trade in Dog and Cat of memorializing a pet, and allows people to Fur place a special message in memory of their Since 1997, The HSUS has investigated the deceased pet in the Diary of Kindred Spirits. For international trade in dog and cat fur. Their find- more information, see www.kindredspirits.org ings ultimately resulted in a U.S. ban on prod- or call 1-866-MYFRIEND. There are also many ucts containing the fur of those animals. The support groups for people grieving the loss of a HSUS investigation revealed that in China, the pet. Check with your veterinarian or animal shel- Philippines, and Thailand, millions of dogs and ter for more information on groups in your area. cats each year are killed for their fur. The meth- ods used to kill them are grisly: Dogs are blud- strongly recommends that cats be kept indoors geoned or bled to death, and cats are often and allowed outside only on leashes or in specially strangled by wire nooses. It takes as many as 12 designed cat enclosures. dogs or 24 cats to make one coat. Dog and cat Explore the Issues fur is also used for fur-trimmed parkas, gloves, hats, toys, and fur-covered animal figurines. • Almost every community has a colony of feral The industry uses misleading labels on its prod- cats. Because feral cat colonies are often perceived ucts to hide the fact that cats and dogs have as a nuisance or public health threat, local govern- been killed to make them. Dog fur products have ments have sought to solve the problem through been sold under such names as gae-wolf, goupee, one of two methods: live-trapping and euthanizing Sobaki, and loup d’Asie. Common names given to the cats, or trapping, neutering, and releasing them cat fur products include maopee, goyangi, katzen- (TNR). felle, and gatto cinesi. To learn more, read For a social studies project, imagine that you are “Betrayal of Trust: The Global Trade in Dog and your county’s director of animal care and control. Cat Fur,” at www.bandogcatfur.org.

18 ject, cloning of companion animals became a reali- outdoors. But they’re not necessarily uncaring or ty. What do animal protection organizations think uncommitted toward their pets, are they? If they’re about this practice? Compare and contrast a few like many people, they simply don’t know or under- groups’ official policy statements on the cloning of stand the risks associated with allowing cats out- companion animals. Contact information for animal doors. They may believe the old myths that cats protection groups may be found in the “Resources” have a basic need to explore the outdoors and section at the end of this book. For an interesting would be miserable indoors. Help educate cat care- twist, compare animal protections groups’ view of givers in your community. Safe Cats, a new cam- companion animal cloning with churches’ and paign developed by The HSUS. You can distribute human rights organizations’ views on human Safe Cats brochures and make public service cloning. Are they similar in some ways? What are announcements to encourage the major differences? responsible pet ownership. For pricing and ordering Ta ke Action information, call (202) 452- • If your cat is allowed to roam, bring him or her 1100 or read about the Safe indoors for good. For tips on how to make the Cats campaign at transition easier, pick up a copy of The Indoor Cat, www.hsus.org. by Patricia Curtis (New York: The Berkley Publish- ing Group, 1997). • Think of the cat caregivers in your life. Chances are, a good many allow their feline friends to roam

Noble Companions

belong to a family of mam- Fast Facts: Horses mals called Equidae, which Family: Equidae also includes zebras and Species: Equus wild asses. Today’s domes- caballus tic horses (and ponies— Relatives: zebras, who are horses with a donkeys, mules height of less than 14.2 Life span: up to 35 hands) are thought to be years or more descended from horses Population in U.S.: domesticated in eastern 6.9 million Europe about 4,000 years ago. In 1492, Christo- pher Columbus brought domestic horses to North America. (In North America, native wild horses became extinct about 10,000 years ago. Herds of horses, including mustangs in the U.S., do live in a wild state, but they have all descended from domestic ancestors and are now feral.) Today, there are approximately 6.9 million horses in the U.S., which includes horses kept for both commercial orses and people have shared a close bond and recreational purposes. for thousands of years. Graceful and beau- Htiful, intelligent and sensitive, horses rival A Unique Relationship dogs in their service and loyalty to people. Horses As herd animals, horses are highly social and form 19 Horsekeeping in the U.S. train (nicknamed the “iron horse”), automobiles Activity Number of horses (“horseless carriages”), tractors, and military tanks, our need for horses decreased dramatically. Yet our Racing 725,000 relationship with them continues to thrive. By far, Showing 1,974,000 most horses kept in the U.S. are simply for recre- Recreation 2,970,000 ational riding and companionship. Some are used in Other* 1,262,000 racing, showing, ranch work, rodeo, polo, therapeu- *Includes farm and ranch work, police work, rodeo, and polo tic riding programs, and police work. Major Breed Registrations, U.S., 1999 Explore the Issues Breed Number of Thanks to automobiles, horse-drawn carriages are a registered foals thing of the past—except in places like New York Quarter horse 135,528 City. There, people can take an “old fashioned” car- Paint 62,186 riage ride for a small sum. Critics charge that car- Thoroughbred 36,500 riage horses are worked too hard, too long, and in unacceptable weather conditions, including extreme Miniature horse 19,899 heat and humidity. Several humane organizations Tennessee walker 13,375 are working to improve the working and living con- Arabian 11,501 ditions of New York City’s carriage horses. For more Standardbred 11,183 information on carriage horses and how you can help make their lives better, visit www.aspca.org Appaloosa 10,099 and www.hsus.org and enter “carriage horses” into Anglo & Half Arab 4,453 their search engines. Morgan 3,220 Source: American Horse Council complex bonds with other horses. They easily A Sore Subject transfer their affection and loyalty to humans who One of the most popular breeds of horses is the care for them, proving ready, willing, and able to Tennessee walking horse. Originally developed in work alongside people in the most challenging of the South as gentle riding horses, Tennessee tasks. Horses have good walkers are known for their smooth, comfortable memories and a desire stride. Today, modern competitions require the to please, making them horses to exhibit an exaggerated, high-stepping easy to train and work gait. The flashy gait can be achieved through with. While early horses selective breeding and humane training prac- were mostly used to pull tices, yet a few unscrupulous trainers resort to carts, chariots, and cov- “soring.” Some methods of soring include apply- ered wagons, by the 8th ing chemical irritants to legs and hooves or dri- century B.C., riding ving nails or other objects into the sensitive horses was a popular areas of hooves, causing much pain to the hors- means of transportation. es. Because of the pain, sored horses raise their Until the invention of front legs immediately after touching the the steam locomotive, ground, thus producing the high step. Along horses (and their rela- with animal protection groups, dedicated horse tives, mules and donkeys) were the primary means enthusiasts and breeders have spoken out about of transporting both goods and people, including the cruel practice, which was made a criminal soldiers in war. They were also used for agricultural offense with 1970’s Horse Protection Act. work, drawing water from wells, pulling heavy logs, To learn more about the practice of soring and and building railroads. With the invention of the how you can help stop it, visit www.thegaited- 20 horse.com/morethansore.htm. Horses as Healers My favorite sport is horseback riding, because when I’m on a horse, I feel free. Since I can’t walk, I can’t play sports the way other kids can. When I’m on a horse, I pretend I’m not handicapped. I’ve learned to ride and balance myself on a horse just like anybody else; in fact maybe even better. I can run, jump, climb steep hills on mountain trails, splash through bubbling creeks, and discover new places my wheelchair can never take me. I can ride for hours, and my arms don’t get tired the way they do when I push myself around in my chair. I wish I could ride a horse to my classrooms, but I don’t think it would be allowed! Letter courtesy of Institute of Equestrian Therapy The above letter was written by Alison, a young girl confined to a wheel- chair. Alison wrote this letter in 1985, while participating in the therapeu- tic riding program at the Institute of Equestrian Therapy. Today, hundreds of such programs around the country are helping people with a range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Some of those disabilities include post-traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifda, and multiple sclerosis. The term “therapeutic riding” encompasses a wide vari- ety of activities between horses and disabled persons, including hip- potherapy, which uses the movement of the horse as a treatment to help patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Think About It How might learning to ride a horse help someone who has attention deficit disorder (ADD)? How might spending time with horses help children from abused families?

Ta ke Action cost of maintaining one for just one year. In • Therapeutic riding programs often rely on volun- addition to daily feed- teers to care for horses and assist disabled persons. ing and grooming Consider volunteering at a program near you. To requirements, horses find a local therapeutic riding program, see require regular veteri- www.narha.org. nary and hoof care and • Educate others about the various ways horses constant access to a help the disabled. Ask a representative from a local dry, safe, comfortable therapeutic riding program to speak at your school. shelter to protect them For more information about therapeutic riding pro- from rain, wind, and grams, visit American Hippotherapy Association, snow. People who are www.americanequestrian.com/hippotherapy, unable to keep horses and the North American Riding for the Handi- on their own property capped Association, www.narha.org. must pay boarding fees to a local stable. Add up all the costs for caring for a horse, including veteri- Commitment, of Course nary care, and you come up with a yearly figure Caring for a horse in distinctively different from that greatly exceeds the average cost of caring for caring for any other companion animal. Unlike any other companion animal. Horses also require a other animals commonly kept as pets (with large great deal of exercise and companionship, 365 birds being the exception), horses can live for 30 days a year. years or longer. And while pet-care costs for any Because horses are usually kept for riding, owning animal can mount to surprising levels, caring for horses poses a dilemma when they become too old horses can be extremely expensive. In fact, the cost or unhealthy to be ridden. While horses are still of purchasing a horse is often much less than the capable of providing companionship, some people 21 may view the tradeoff as not worth it. If a horse is unable to be ridden, then the work and expense Pregnant Mare Urine required to care for the animal for life—which may Industry be years—may be undesirable to their owners. Premarin® is a drug made from the urine of preg- Unable to be ridden or shown, many former plea- nant mares, which is rich in the hormone estro- sure horses are sent to horse auctions, where they gen. The most widely prescribed estrogen are sold for slaughter. replacement drug, Premarin® is commonly pre- scribed to relieve hormonal deficiency symptoms A Sad End associated with menopause or hysterectomy. It comes as a shock to most people that horses are There are an estimated 500 pregnant mare urine killed in the U.S. for human consumption. In 2001, (PMU) farms in North America, the vast majority more than 55,000 horses were slaughtered. of which are in Canada. About 30 PMU farms Because there is no demand for horse meat here, it exist in North Dakota, and more have reportedly is exported to markets in France, Belgium, Holland, been established in Minnesota. Japan, and Italy, where it is considered a delicacy. Animal protection groups are very concerned Most horses sent to slaughter are sold at livestock about the treatment of horses at PMU farms. auctions or sales. Many of the horses that HSUS From September until March or April, PMU investigators see purchased for slaughter are in mares are tethered in narrow stalls with a cup good health and bought for only a few hundred dol- positioned over the vulva to collect urine. In lars. Horses commonly slaughtered include unsuc- addition to lack of exercise, PMU mares cannot cessful racehorses, pleasure horses who are old, interact naturally with other horses and may not lame, or ill, surplus riding school and camp horses, be given adequate bedding material. The foals of and foals who are “byproducts” of the pregnant PMU mares are taken from their mothers after mare urine industry (see sidebar at right). three or four months. “Surplus” foals—those foals not kept for future PMU production—are Horses bound for slaughter are shipped by truck, usually shipped to feedlots and fattened for frequently for long distances. They are usually not slaughter. PMU mares who are barren or unpro- rested, fed, or watered during travel. It is not ductive are also sent to slaughter. To learn more uncommon for horses and ponies to be crammed about the PMU industry, type “Premarin” into into double-deck trucks designed for cattle and any search engine, or see www.hsus.org. pigs. The truck ceilings are so low that the horses are unable to hold their heads up in a normal posi- tion. Inappropriate floor surfaces lead to slips and sons other than simple com- falls and sometimes even trampling. Some horses panionship. As with all com- arrive at the slaughterhouse gravely injured or panion animals, people dead. Serious problems exist at the slaughterhouse should consider the lifelong as well. Although federal law requires that horses needs of an animal and the be rendered unconscious prior to slaughter, some ways in which their own lives horses are improperly stunned and may still be will change during that ani- conscious when they are hoisted by a rear leg to mal’s life span. By consider- have their throats cut. ing all the variables that go into caring for a pet for life, A Solution to Slaughter? people can make wiser, more A main component of the The HSUS’s Pets for Life humane decisions—and hopefully eliminate the campaign is educating people about the responsi- slaughterhouse as an option for unwanted horses. bilities of caring for a pet for the animal’s natural Some solutions include adopting horses from life span. Horses present a unique situation as a equine rescue organizations instead of breeding result of their high cost of maintenance, long life them, and providing humane euthanasia for horses span, and the fact that they’re often kept for rea- instead of sending them to slaughterhouses.

22 Think About It owners, is heralded by animal pro- tection organizations as one of the • How might individual horse owners help reduce finest works of humane literature. the number of horses sent to slaughter? In fact, George Angell, the founder • Explain the differences between euthanizing of the Massachusetts Society for unwanted dogs and cats at animal shelters and the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- killing horses at slaughterhouses. mals, was responsible for the • How might the public respond if it were discov- widespread distribution of ered that people were auctioning their older cats humane storybooks to schools, and dogs off to be slaughtered? (Like horses, including Black Beauty, three million copies of which dogs and cats are eaten in other countries.) Why had been circulated by 1909. To teach children in might people regard the plight of unwanted hors- your community about kindness to animals, make es differently from that of unwanted cats and arrangements to read Black Beauty to elementary dogs? classes in local schools. If time allows, consider a showing of the 1994 remake of Black Beauty. For Explore the Issues activity ideas, visit www.nahee.org, the website of • In terms of the way animals are treated, what are the National Association for Humane and Environ- the similarities and differences between horse rac- mental Education. Click on Black Beauty in the ing and greyhound racing? Compare and contrast “Favorite Flicks” section. the two industries in a paper for an English or debate class. Research how the animals are treated Ta ke Action on and off the racetrack, how they impact the If you and your family are willing to make a lifetime economy, and what happens to animals who are no commitment to a horse, consider adopting one longer able to race. Useful resources include the from a local equine rescue group. If you’re unable National Greyhound Adoption Program, www.ngap. to make a lifetime commitment but would still like org, and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, to get involved, you may be interested in learning www.trfinc.org, as well as the animal protection how you can provide a foster home to a horse in organizations listed at the end of this guide. need. You can locate one in your area at • Black Beauty, Anna Sewell’s classic tale about a www.equinerescueleague.org. loyal horse who suffers abuse at the hands of his

The Best of the Rest

Not all companion animals Number of small animals as pets, 1997 are furry, four-legged friends: Hamsters 1,876,000 Americans share their homes Guinea pigs 1,091,000 with more than 178 million fish and birds. And many Ferrets 791,000 people find that small crit- Gerbils 764,000 ters—such as mice, rats, ger- Mice, rabbits, rats, 1,053,000 bils, rabbits, and guinea and other rodents pigs—provide the loving Source: U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, 1997 relationship they seek with

R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios Not surprisingly, small animals (with the exception an animal, with less of a © financial or time commitment. Most of those animals, of birds) are most likely to live in homes with though not domesticated in the strictest sense, can young children. Many parents want their children be content in captivity if given proper care. to experience the companionship and responsibility 23 of a pet and decide that small mammals—such as ters and rescue groups often have rabbits up for rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs—or fish adoption. are the best choice. Responsible parents and pet caregivers acknowledge that pets are not tempo- Think About It rary playmates for children, but family members • What famous rabbits can you name? Why do who depend on the entire family, especially adults, you think that the rabbit has become such a to take care of them. Parents wishing to provide a popular figure in children’s literature, movies, and pet for their young children must expect that the cartoons? adults in the household will ultimately be responsi- • Is it okay to get a pet solely “for the kids”? ble for the animal’s care. Explain your answer. Rabbits are popular pets. According to one survey, • As a young child, did you have a pet? How one out of four small pet caregivers keeps a rabbit. would you describe yourself as a pet caregiver Rabbits can make cuddly, affectionate companions. back then? Like cats, they can Guinea pigs aren’t really pigs. The guinea pig is Resources for Rabbit even be trained to use actually the domesticated variety of the cavy, a wild Lovers a litter box, increasing animal that lives in the mountains of Chile and their appeal to city Formed in 1988 by a Peru. With a life span of up to five years, guinea and apartment small group of dedicated pigs can make delightful companions for people of dwellers. Because rab- rabbit caregivers, the all ages. They are extremely social and should be bits are social animals, House Rabbit Society kept in pairs, but they also enjoy interaction with they need a fair seeks to educate the public humans. Like rabbits, guinea pigs require ample amount of attention about responsible care of space and a significant amount of attention if they and companionship. rabbits. The group also are to be true companions who enjoy the company Rabbits tend to live rescues and finds homes of humans and are comfortable being handled by longer than the aver- for rabbits. Check out them. age rodent compan- their fun, informative web- ion. A rabbit who has Hamsters, site at www.rabbit.org. been spayed or gerbils, neutered (always a mice, and good idea to improve overall health, prevent rats are pop- unwanted litters, and stop urine marking in the ular first pets home) can live eight to twelve years. Though the for young majority of caregivers obtain their rabbits from children.

These little R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios

friends or pet stores, keep in mind that animal shel- ©

Rabbits Read Telephone Books? What type of shavings is best for hamsters? Should I get one rabbit or two? What kinds of treats are safe for guinea pigs? As with all pets, the key to getting the right pet for you—and keeping him or her happy—is learning as much as you can about the animal before bringing one into your home, and committing to caring for that pet for his or her entire life. For specific information on how to care for your small animal, check out the “Pet Care” section at www.hsus.org. The site gives a brief history of popular companion animal species, as well as specific guidelines on how to care for each of them properly. To find a specific animal quickly, just enter the species into the search engine. Your library and the Internet are also great sources of informa- tion about pet care. (And to answer the question: No, rabbits don’t read phone books. They do, howev- er, enjoy ripping them to shreds!)

24 critters are fascinat- who prefer to live with other gerbils. As with all little Looking for a Piggy? ing to watch, fun to critters, don’t keep males and females together. You Unfortunately, some care- play with, and rela- could end up with more little pets than you bar- givers give up on their tively simple to gained for! guinea pigs when they realize care for. Mice are fairly easy to care for. They prefer to live the work involved in keeping First brought to the in groups and can also become accustomed to gen- them happy and healthy. The U.S. in 1938, ham- tle handling. One of the biggest drawbacks is their good news is that you can sters are inactive short life span of one to two years. provide a loving home to a during the day and Despite their poor reputation, guinea pig in need! Check awake at night, an rats are curious, intelligent, and with your local shelter to see important fact to often affectionate pets. Unlike if they have any guinea pigs keep in mind in some of the other small up for adoption. You may deciding where to rodents, rats can establish a also wish to visit www house the animal. strong bond with their care- .guineapigs.info. This com- (Squeaky wheels givers. They can be taught to prehensive site includes can get annoying in perform a variety of behaviors information about how to the wee hours!) R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios

and enjoy interacting with peo- © care for your pig as well as The average life ple. To keep them from getting lonely and bored how you can adopt a guinea span of a hamster during the day, it’s often best to keep them in pig (or two!) in your area. is three years. pairs. Rats’ life expectancy is three to four years. Clean and friendly, gerbils have been Think About It kept as pets since the 1950s. Gerbils, who live an What are the benefits of keeping small animals as average of two to three years, are social creatures pets? What are the drawbacks?

Get the Word on Birds The allure of a hyacinth macaw or a sparkling white cockatoo is hard for some people to resist. These stunning, highly intelligent birds—which can cost thousands of dollars—are prized as companions. But at what cost to the birds? Are exotic birds, such as parrots, cockatoos, and lovebirds, really suitable as pets? Can they be truly happy in captivity? According to animal protection organizations, including The HSUS, probably not. Although birds can and do make wonderful companions, many require an enormous amount of time, knowledge, energy, and space to care for properly. And large birds give new meaning to the phrase “lifetime commitment.” With a life span of more than 60 years, parrots can easily outlive their owners. Of equal importance is the problem of how those birds end up in pet stores. Many of the larger species, such as cockatoos and macaws, are taken from their wild habitats. Up to 80% of birds caught in the wild die in the course of cap- ture and shipment. In some areas, local populations of wild birds have been decimated because too many have been captured for the pet trade. Additional- ly, wild-caught birds often suffer from stress and the inability to adapt to life in captivity, making them prone to medical and behavioral problems. Before you decide to bring a bird into your family, do your homework. Be sure to purchase only those birds who have been bred and raised in captivity, such as cockatiels, parakeets, and canaries. If your heart is set on one of the larger bird species and you are positive that you have the time, energy, and resources to properly care for one, be sure to acquire a bird who has been bred in captivity, not taken from his wild home.

25 Explore the Issues Here, Fishy, Fishy • Mention the word “rat,” and you’ll more than like- Fish are steadily becoming more popular pets. In ly get a negative response. Yet many people not 2000, about 12% of all U.S. households had only like rats, they keep them as companions! fish, whether freshwater, tropical, or saltwater. Research the rat’s history throughout our culture, While many fish, such as goldfish and guppies, including its suspected role in the spread of dis- are tank-raised, others are not. Many species— ease, its use in scientific research, humans’ efforts particularly saltwater species—have been caught to control rat populations, and how the rat has in the wild. In some cases, divers squirt cyanide gained favor with pet caregivers. Write a paper for into coral reefs to stun fish for capture. The poi- your science or social studies class. son kills most of the fish, coral, and other marine • Ferrets and gerbils are illegal as pets in California. life with which it Why is that so? For more information, contact the comes into con- California Department of Fish and Game at (916) tact. The fish 227-1305 or visit www.cdfa.ca.gov. who survive are sold to the pet Feathered Friends trade. Animal Beautiful to look at and often refreshing to listen protection organizations urge fish enthusiasts to to, birds have been kept as purchase only tank-raised fish. pets for hundreds of years. Today, they are gaining in ied diet, mental stimulation, and frequent attention. popularity as pets. In 2000, Additionally, they can live as long as 20 years, about 7% of U.S. households longer even than the average dog or cat. While wild had at least one bird, and cockatiels still live in their native Australia, pet widows and single people are cockatiels are almost always cage-bred, which, from increasingly choosing to have a humane perspective, makes them suitable pets. birds as pets. Cockatiels and Like cockatiels, pet parakeets are almost always parakeets are the most pop- cage-bred. These cheerful, friendly, little birds live ular pet birds. about eight years on average, and require much Cockatiels are intelligent, playful, and affectionate attention from their caregivers. They tend to bond animals who closely bond with their human care- closely with people and also enjoy living with other givers. Many are beautiful singers; a few can mimic parakeets. Although canaries don’t form close some words. Like all birds, cockatiels require a var- bonds with people, these cage-bred birds can make

Reptiles as Pets Do you know someone who has a pet iguana? How about a snake or a lizard? Probably so. After all, rep- tiles (and amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders) have become increasingly popular pets in the U.S. Millions are kept in American households, and at least 1.7 million are imported as pets each year. Countless others are removed from the wild right here in the U.S. to supply both the domestic and international pet trades. Sadly, many of those animals die in transport or shortly after reach- ing their destinations. And all reptiles carry Salmonella, a serious and some- times deadly bacteria dangerous to people, particularly children. Learn more about the problems with keeping reptiles as pets. Check out Reptiles as Pets: An Examination of the Trade in Live Reptiles in the United States, by Joseph Franke, M.S., and Teresa M. Telecky, Ph.D. (Washington, DC: The Humane Society of the United States, 2001). For ordering information, contact The HSUS. 26 cheerful companions. people can handle. Wild animals kept as pets may even pose a danger to public safety through dis- Think About It ease and parasites. Most people have pets to enjoy the human- Unfortunately, wild animals kept as pets often animal bond. Fish, obviously, cannot bond with spend their days in cages or aquariums. It is not their owners. What might be some other reasons uncommon for them to die at a young age due to that people keep fish? inadequate care—or to be relinquished to shelters Wild Animals as Pets when the novelty of having a wild animal as a pet From bobcats to prairie dogs, hedgehogs to chin- wears off. A large percentage of wild and exotic ani- chillas, it is not uncommon for wild animals to be mals kept as pets are dead within the first two kept as pets. Like years of captivity. Wild animals also suffer during most animal protec- their capture and transport to pet stores. In addi- tion groups, The tion, the wild-pet trade threatens the existence of HSUS strongly some species when they are taken from their natur- opposes the keeping al habitats. For more information about the trade in of exotic and non- wild animals as pets, please visit www.hsus.org. domestic animals as Explore the Issues pets, including lizards, “Cost of pet maintenance” is listed as one of the snakes, and turtles. top reasons people give up their animals to animal Unlike dogs and cats, shelters. Choose a companion animal and deter- who were domesticat- mine how much it would cost for you to maintain ed thousands of years that animal’s care over his or her lifetime. Be sure ago and depend on us to include initial purchase price or adoption fee, for food, shelter, and costs for veterinary care (including routine check- attention, wild animals ups, vaccines, and illness/emergency care), license are self-sufficient and fees, food, shelter (including kennel or pet-sitter fare best without human interference. fees, if you travel), toys and treats, grooming, and When a person assumes responsibility for an ani- all necessary pet care items, depending on the ani- mal, that means providing appropriate, humane mal chosen (e.g., litter box, cat litter, aquarium, care. It is notoriously difficult to provide for all of bedding, collar, leash, etc.). Good sources of infor- an exotic animal’s needs in captivity. Wild animals mation include your local shelter, veterinarian, and have specialized nutritional and social needs that the Internet (type “pet care costs” into a search are usually unmet by their owners. They often grow engine). to be larger, stronger, and more dangerous than

Animal Shelters: A Haven in Need

From providing safe homes for unwanted animals to facilities operated by a city or county and funded educating others about responsible pet care, ani- by taxpayers. While some animal shelters focus mal shelters provide vital services to people and solely on direct care of homeless animals, others animals in their community. The HSUS estimates are “full-service,” with animal care and control staff that there are approximately 3,000 animal shelters who investigate animal cruelty and enforce laws and in the U.S. That figure encompasses a wide variety humane educators who teach children and others of organizations. Some nonprofit animal shelters about responsible pet care. Whatever services they are funded by donations. Others are municipal provide and however they’re funded, all animal

27 shelters share a common goal: helping animals in for livestock pounds diminished. The need for dog need. pounds, on the other hand, grew. Dogs, However, rarely fared as well in pounds as did livestock. In Think About It fact, poor pound conditions in the mid 1800s led What do you know about the animal shelter in humanitarians such as Henry Bergh, George Angell, your community? Write down what you know and and Caroline Earle White to campaign for reform. set it aside. We will come back to your answers in While Bergh and Angell worked to create laws to an upcoming activity. protect animals, it was White’s work that made the greatest difference in the way shelters for homeless The History of Animal Shelters animals were run. In the early 1700s, colonists White and other members of the Women’s Society constructed pounds—sim- for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pennsyl- ple, stonewalled enclosures vania convinced the city of Philadelphia to award to hold cattle or pigs who them the contract for controlling stray dogs. They strayed from their grazing proceeded to build the first truly humane shelter areas. As a rule, the animals for homeless dogs and cats in the U.S. Soon, inter- remained impounded until ested parties in other states sought advice from their owners paid the pound the Women’s SPCA on how to create humane facili- master a few pennies in ties in their regions. penalty for allowing their livestock to wander. As the Animal shelters and animal control agencies took number of people living on farms dwindled and the another leap forward in the mid-1900s. No longer populations of towns and cities increased, the need willing to be seen as “dog catchers” working in

Officers for Animals More than likely, your town or local animal shelter employs an ani- mal control officer, or ACO. (The title of this position varies from place to place. Other common names are humane officer, dog war- den, or animal care officer.) ACOs perform a variety of important jobs. One of their most vital functions is enforcing animal-related laws in your community, from making sure that people don’t allow B. Smith

their dogs to roam to investigating cases of possible animal cruelty. © ACOs bring lost, stray, injured, and abandoned animals to the animal shelter so that they can receive proper care and have the chance to be reunited with their owners. In addition, they respond to calls concerning dangerous animals, dog attacks, loose livestock, and trespassing cats, among many other things. If you’re interested in learning more about ACOs, visit the National Animal Control Association website at www.nacanet.org. Ta ke Action Schedule an interview with your community’s ACO. If the ACO is able to accommodate you, ask if you can spend a day or at least a few hours on the job with him or her. This is known as “shadowing,” and it’s an excellent way of learning firsthand about a particular occupation. Before your interview, develop a list of questions. Some questions to ask include: How long have you been in this job? What kind of training have you received? Do you work for an animal shelter or the municipal government? What kinds of cases do you handle each day? How can our town’s citizens help animals in the community? Publish your article in your school newspaper, or ask the editor of your town’s newspaper if he or she will consider running your article to increase public awareness of the ACO’s important role in your com- munity.

28 “dog pounds,” shelter per- nized annually. A follow-up study in 1982 suggest- sonnel and members of ed that number had dropped to an estimated range humane groups sought train- of 7.6 million to 10 million. Today, The HSUS esti- ing for all those involved in mates that about 3 to 4 million animals are eutha- animal control. Today, animal nized each year. Significantly, the number of ani- shelters are staffed by well- mals taken in by shelters and the number of eutha- trained professionals who nized animals have continued to drop even as the provide a wide variety of ser- owned pet population continues to rise. A 2001 vices, including safe shelter shelter demographic survey found that the rate of and adoption for homeless shelter euthanasia is lowest in the Northeast and and abused animals, identification and recovery of highest in the South, with significant decreases in strays, community education about responsible pet euthanasia rates in the Midwest and the Sunbelt. care, obedience training classes for dogs, animal- For an example of one shelter’s decreasing intake assisted therapy, low-cost spay/neuter operations and euthanasia rates, see the table below. and veterinary care, and the creation and enforce- ment of animal protection laws. In short, many animal shelters are The animal intake/disposition experience of one large California shelter now a community’s ultimate Returned to Year Dogs Cats Total caregiver/ Euthanized resource for all matters concerning adopted companion animals. 1970 23 , 50 0 22 ,600 49,100 9,130 37,025 Shelters are changing in other 1971 26,425 20,785 46,210 7,095 39,935 ways, too. While dogs were once 1972 18 , 265 14 ,212 32,477 7,650 24,917 the primary residents, now there 1973 20 , 034 14,920 34,959,27825,676 are more cats than dogs in shel- 1974 17,131 10,890 28,021 9,989 18,032 1975 15 , 019 10 , 052 25 , 071 9 , 552 15 , 519 ters. (In some shelters, there are as 1976 12,530 8,528 21,058 7,250 13,808 many as three cats to every dog.) 1977 11,199 8,001 19,200 6,770 12,430 Many shelters also provide care for 1978 9 , 949 6 , 899 16 ,148 5,07311,775 rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, horses, 1979 8 , 969 6 , 055 15 ,054 5,8709,154 mice, gerbils, and birds. For people 1980 7, 603 6 , 628 14 ,231 5,580 8,651 who are looking to add a pet to 1981 8 , 235 6 , 888 15 ,123 5,634 9,489 1982 8 , 301 7, 833 16 ,144 5,78910,345 their family, animal shelters offer a 1983 8,199 6,729 14,928 4,922 10,006 surprising range of companion ani- 1984 8,360 6,639 14,999 5,041 9,958 mals for adoption, from kittens and 1985 8 , 477 7, 014 15 ,491 5,522 9,969 puppies to older, already-trained 1986 8,141 8,010 16,151 6,099 10,052 dogs and cats. For people who 1987 7, 165 8 , 710 15 ,875 5,962 9,913 prefer a specific breed, The HSUS 1988 7, 171 8 ,916 16,087 6,199 9,888 1989 6,843 9,021 15,864 6,274 9,590 estimates that about one out of 1990 5,866 9,211 15,077 6,088 9,009 every four dogs at shelters is a 1991 5 , 224 9 , 442 14 ,666 6,042 8,624 purebred. 1992 5 , 226 9 , 702 14 ,928 6,176 8,752 1993 5 ,116 8 , 257 13 ,373 5,902 7,471 Steady Progress 1994 4,723 7,312 12 , 035 5 , 797 6 , 238 Animal shelters and other humane 1995 4 , 894 6 , 963 11,857 5,544 6,313 1996 4,925 6,499 11,424 5,624 5,800 organizations have made significant 1997 4 , 934 5 , 866 10 ,800 5,470 5,330 strides in reducing the numbers of Source: State of the Animals 2003 unwanted animals. From the limited data available, it’s apparent that shelter intakes and euthanasias have been in steady decline since at Some of the decline in the number of animals least the 1940s. To give you an idea, a 1973 survey entering shelters can be attributed to the success estimated that 13.5 million animals were eutha- of the Leglislation, Education, Sterilization (LES) 29 initiative championed by The HSUS’s Phyllis Wright • the majority of in the 1970s. This three-pronged approach sought relinquished dogs to reduce the numbers of animals handled and and cats are euthanized by shelters. Major projects of LES between 5 months included the establishment of spay/neuter pro- and 3 years of grams, mandating licensing fees, and educating the age; community through humane education programs • most relin- about proper treatment of companion animals, quished dogs and including the need to spay and neuter. cats had been owned from 7 The Need for Information months to 1 year; As you’ve seen, commendable progress has been • approximately made in reducing both the number of animals half of all pets entering shelters and the number of animals eutha- relinquished are spayed or neutered; nized. Despite this remarkable progress, pet over- • animals acquired from friends are relinquished in population (more animals than there are good higher numbers than animals from any other homes for them) is still being cited as the biggest source; reason for animals entering shelters, and many • 96% of relinquished dogs had received no obedi- shelters and other humane organizations have ence training; focused the majority of their efforts on • 24% of dogs and 17% of cats are surrendered for spay/neuter campaigns. But is pet overpopulation immediate euthanasia for reasons including old age, really the number-one reason animals are entering serious illness, and serious behavior problems; shelters? • dogs are reclaimed by their caregivers at signifi- In order to answer that question and many others cantly higher rates than cats; about the pet surplus problem, a group of 11 • approximately 25% of dogs and cats in shelters American humane organizations, breeder groups, are adopted; 63% and veterinary associations formed the National are euthanized; • relinquished ani- Don’t Leave Home Without Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPP- Them SP). The NCPPSP was established to gather and mals are far less analyze data about companion animals and to use likely to have been “Moving” and “landlord that information to recommend programs that seen by a veterinar- won’t allow” are among the reduce the number of unwanted pets in the U.S. ian within the last top reasons people give for The NCPPSP has conducted studies regarding ani- year. relinquishing their pets to mal entry and exit numbers from shelters nationally The NCPPSP also shelters. If you or your fami- and the characteristics of animals and humans completed confi- ly has pets and needs to involved in relinquishment of animals to shelters. dential interviews move to another rental prop- What has been uncovered so far may surprise you. with pet caregivers erty, don’t assume you’ll who were relin- have to give up your pet. Why Do Pets End Up in Shelters? quishing their dogs Visit www.rentwithpets.org, According to many animal shelters, unwanted litters or cats to animal the most comprehensive of puppies and kittens are no longer their biggest shelters. The table website for pet-related hous- problem. Many facilities whose kennels are full are on the next page ing information. You may actually reporting very few problems resulting from outlines their find- also request a free copy of unspayed animals. Increasingly, they are taking in ings. The HSUS’s booklet “13 pets who once had a home but have been relin- Steps to Finding Rental What conclusions quished (given up) by their owners. To better Housing That Accepts Pets.” can we draw based understand the reasons behind pet relinquishment, Write to Pets for Life, The on the valuable the NCPPSP conducted a Regional Shelter Survey. HSUS, 2100 L Street, NW, data provided by Their study found that Washington, DC 20037. the NCPPSP? For 30 starters, it is very Top Ten Reasons People Give for Relinquishing Their Pets to Animal Shelters clear that people Dogs Cats need to really think about why they want 1. Moving 1. Moving a pet and to plan 2. Landlord doesn’t allow pets 2. Landlord doesn’t allow pets how they will care for 3. Too many animals in household 3. Too many animals in household the animal for his or 4. Cost of pet maintenance 4. Cost of pet maintenance her entire life. Agree- 5. Owner having personal problems 5. Owner having personal problems ing to take an animal from a friend to help 6. Inadequate facilities 6. Inadequate facilities out, for example, 7. No homes available for litter mates 7. No homes available for litter mates does not require 8. No time for pet 8. Allergies in family forethought or even a 9. Pet illness(es) 9. Soiling real desire to have a pet. Not surprisingly, 10. Biting 10. Incompatibility with other pets animals acquired from friends are relinquished at the highest rates. Simi- Research Associates, 55% of Americans think it is larly, relinquishing pets because they cost too better to adopt an animal from a shelter than to much, they require too much time, or there are too buy one from a pet store or breeder, primarily many other animals in the household also shows a because shelter animals are most in need of common theme of lack of planning. Programs that homes. Yet studies conducted by the APPMA encourage people to plan before acquiring pets, indicate that only 18% of people adopt their cats then, could help reduce the number of relinquished and only 17% adopt their dogs from shelters. animals. From the evidence, it also appears that How might you explain this discrepancy? establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early • Unfortunately, there is currently no centralized on when acquiring a pet and providing basic obedi- system for collecting data from animal shelters. It ence training for dogs may help to prevent pet is even difficult to determine exactly how many relinquishment. Interestingly, the NCPPSP’s study shelters there are in the U.S.; the estimate of also shows that although the majority of cats and 3,000 given earlier in the guide is a rough dogs are clearly adoptable, a sizeable number have approximation based on a survey by The HSUS. serious issues affecting their adoptability, such as With the advent of computer technology, some illness or behavior problems. of the more advanced shelters are beginning to As the NCPPSP and other entities continue to collect data on the animals entering their facili- explore the reasons behind pet relinquishment, ties, returned to their caregivers, or euthanized, humane organizations hope to use that knowledge but this kind of record-keeping remains uncom- to keep people and their pets together for life. To mon. Do you think it would be useful if all animal learn more about the NCPPSP and its ongoing shelters collected data on animals entering their research, visit www.petpopulation.org. shelters? If so, what information do you think would be most useful in developing strategies to Think About It keep people and their pets together? • The reasons in the list above were given by the people who were relinquishing their pets. Are you Ta ke Action surprised at any of their answers? What might be Hold a shelter collection at your school. First, call some of the limitations of such a study? Behavior your local animal shelter and ask what they need. problems are considered by animal care profes- Shelters often need donations of cat and dog food, sionals to be a major factor in pet relinquishment. cat litter, blankets and towels, medical supplies such Why, then, do you suppose, are reasons like as cotton balls and bandages, treats, toys, and “allergies” or “moving” higher on the list? office and cleaning supplies. Advertise your collec- • According to a study conducted by Peter Hart tion with posters and announcements. Designate a 31 place where students can drop off their donations. the shelter’s opera- When you’ve rounded up all the goods, arrange to tions and services. deliver them to the shelter. Animal shelters can use Questions to ask donations year-round, but you could consider include: How many holding your first collection during the first full animals does your week of November, to celebrate National Animal shelter care for Shelter Appreciation Week. For more ideas on each year? What how to celebrate this important week, visit are your adoption www.AnimalSheltering.org or e-mail [email protected]. requirements and fees? What is your Explore the Issues rate of adoption? Research and write a biography of one of the Does the shelter humane movement’s leaders: Henry Bergh, George euthanize unwant- Angell, Caroline Earle White, or Phyllis Wright. In ed or unadoptable your paper, describe how that person’s efforts have © R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios animals? If so, what influenced the humane care of animals and the is the time frame for an animal to be adopted? How work of humane organizations. is the shelter funded? How many people does the shelter employ? What are their roles? Does your Ta ke Action shelter keep data on animals entering and leaving? According to a study by Peter Hart Research Asso- Do you accept volunteers? ciates, 55% of Americans value the role of animal Once you’ve gotten the facts, compare them to shelters a great deal. The study also found that what you wrote down earlier in response to the more than 60% of Americans know only “some” or “Think About It” on p. 6. Were your initial thoughts “very little” about the various services and func- accurate? What facts were you wrong about? Con- tions that animal shelters perform. sider putting the information you’ve uncovered to Educate yourself about your local animal shelter. good use. Make a presentation for your animal pro- Call ahead and schedule a visit to learn more about tection club, compose an essay about the impor- tant work of animal shelters for your school or town newspaper, or help the shelter establish a Watch Your Words website, if it doesn’t already have one. Imagine that you’re an employee at an animal shelter. For years, you’ve cared for homeless, Good Shelter, Bad Shelter? abandoned, and abused dogs and cats. Read the One of the most controversial debates in the ani- following statements. Pay particular attention to mal sheltering field centers on the issue of limited- the words in boldface. admission (“no kill”) shelters. Animal shelters typi- “I had to go to the pound to pick up my dog. cally fall into one of two categories: limited-admis- The dog catcher picked up my dog for wander- sion and open-admission, or “open-door.” Open- ing. The last time I was at the pound, it was to admission shelters accept all dogs, cats, and other rescue this same dog. He had one day left companion animals in need. These shelters do not before they were going to kill him. If it wasn’t turn away animals when the shelter is full. They for me, he’d be a goner.” provide care to every needy animal in their commu- nity, even if the animal is clearly sick, injured, or How does the speaker view his local shelter? aggressive or otherwise unadoptable. Because How might his statements make you feel? How space and resources are so limited, animals may be might you respond? In what ways might this euthanized to make room for other incoming ani- speaker’s word choices affect how his message is mals. Open-admission shelters believe that humane received? Why might a shelter employee object euthanasia of homeless companion animals is when people say that they have “rescued” an preferable to the harsh lives and deaths these ani- animal from a shelter? mals face when they must fend for themselves out- 32 doors. Stray animals suffer from starvation, disease, About Euthanasia poisoning, abuse, injuries from traffic accidents, wildlife attacks, and severe weather. If they are not The word euthanasia is derived from a Greek spayed or neutered, they bring even more innocent term meaning “good death.” When animal shel- animals into their world of suffering. In addition, ters must euthanize old, sick, aggressive, or not every animal that enters a shelter is adoptable. unwanted animals, they strive to provide the most humane death possible. In order to be Open-admission shel- humane, every euthanasia technique must result ters have to make diffi- in painless, rapid unconsciousness, followed by cult decisions, based cardiac or respiratory arrest, and ultimately on health, age, and death. Along with the American Society for the temperament, as to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the National which animals can be Animal Control Association, and the American adopted out and which Veterinary Medical Association, The HSUS rec- need to be euthanized. ommends the intravenous injection of sodium In addition, they are pentobarbital as the preferred method of eutha- often called upon to nizing companion animals. take in wild animals that people tried— and failed—to keep as to a shelter when they are thinking of getting a pet. pets. Such animals, The good news is that limited-admission and open- which cannot be adopted out, include lizards, admission shelters are beginning to work together snakes, raccoons, monkeys, and even large, exotic to meet their common goal of finding good homes wildlife. for healthy, adoptable animals. And, as we dis- cussed earlier, humane organizations are hard at In recent years, limited-admission shelters have work determining strategies to preserve the human- received a lot of attention. Limited-admission shel- animal bond and reduce the number of animals ters do not euthanize adoptable animals. Instead, entering shelters. Though there will always be a they hold the animals until a suitable home is need for animal shelters in our society, the progress found, no matter how long it takes. Because such that has already been reported by animal shelters shelters feel that euthanizing animals is not an promises a brighter future for companion animals. option, dogs and cats may be kept at the shelter for years. There is concern about the length of Think About It time some limited-admission shelters keep animals • At HumaneTeen (www.humaneteen.org), our and about the quality of life a companion animal website for teens interested in animal protection, has when he or she is confined for very long peri- we often receive comments from teens criticizing ods of time, which may result in animals becoming shelters for euthanizing animals. Many praise lim- “cage crazy.” As a rule, limited-admission shelters ited-admission shelters and often even go so far do not accept animals who are unlikely to be as to say that they would never volunteer at or adopted. They also must turn away animals when donate to a shelter that euthanizes animals. Do the shelter is full. The animals that limited-admis- you think that knowing the facts about open- sion shelters turn away are often relinquished to an admission and limited-admission shelters might open-admission shelter. The term “no kill” for such change these teens’ opinions? Explain. shelters is also inaccurate; most responsible limit- • An animal shelter director once stated that no ed-admission shelters euthanize animals who are one would ever think to blame the American Can- very ill or considered dangerous. cer Society for cancer, yet some members of the The bottom line is that no shelter wants to eutha- public and the media continue to blame animal nize animals. The fact is, there are not enough homelessness and euthanasia on animal shelters. good homes for the millions of animals surrendered What do you think the director meant? to shelters each year, and not enough people look • How do open-admission shelters complement 33 Giving Their All Ta ke Action Compassion fatigue is • Do you love animals and wish you could find defined as stress resulting more ways to help them? Volunteer at your animal from caring for traumatized or shelter! Many have programs that allow teens to suffering people or animals. interact with animals and the public, raise funds, This stress disorder often and publicize animals up for adoption. If service results in irritability, sleepless- learning is a requirement at your school, consider ness, emotional withdrawal, meeting those credits with a commitment to your anxiety, isolation, and feelings local animal shelter. From designing web pages to S. Fernandez/Behling & Johnson of helplessness and inadequa- © organizing walkathons or helping screen potential cy. Animal care workers, who deal with an ongo- adopters, there are plenty of opportunities for pro- ing flood of unwanted animals, euthanasia, and viding shelters with meaningful assistance while animal abuse, are at risk of developing compas- also advancing your academic skills and experience. sion fatigue, which is also common among nurs- • From pet adopt-a-thons at local malls to “Pet of es, emergency care workers, and rescue person- the Week” spots in radio, television, and newspaper nel. To learn more about this disorder, type ads, many shelters around the country are seeking “compassion fatigue” into any search engine or creative ways of increasing pet adoption. Using the see the March/April 2001 issue of Animal Shel- Internet, research innovative adoption programs at tering at www.AnimalSheltering.org. shelters across the country. Then schedule a meet-

limited-admission shelters? How might limited- admission shelters help open-admission shelters? The HSUS and Animal Could limited-admission shelters exist if there Shelters were no open-admission shelters? Explain. Many people believe that The HSUS is a parent or governing organization for local animal shel- Explore the Issues ters, especially those with the words “humane • Write an English paper about the myths, prob- society” in their name. The HSUS does not lems, and potential of limited-admission shelters. operate or oversee animal shelters. Each shelter For your paper, interview your community’s animal is an independent organization governed by its care and control staff as well as personnel at both own bylaws and board or directors (in the case limited-admission and open-admission shelters. Ask of private humane organizations) or by local if you can present your report to your class, and ordinances and officials (in the case of municipal consider inviting guest speakers from a limited- animal care and control agencies). admission and an open-admission shelter. For more The HSUS does, however, work closely with ani- information about limited-admission and open- mal shelters in a variety of ways. We provide admission shelters, see the 2002 issues of Animal training, guidelines, recommendations, and Sheltering magazine at www.AnimalSheltering.org. advice on shelter operations, policies, and pro- • Animal shelters are sometimes called upon to deal cedures. The HSUS also publishes an award-win- with animal hoarders. Animal hoarders are people ning bimonthly magazine, Animal Sheltering who keep many more animals than they can prop- (www.AnimalSheltering.org), which features erly care for. Investigate the many psychological information about new and innovative programs, theories that may explain animal hoarders’ behavior materials, and resources. Every year, The HSUS and present an oral report on the topic. Good hosts the premier international educational con- sources of information on animal hoarding include ference and trade show for animal sheltering “People Who Hoard Animals,” by Dr. Randy Frost, professionals, Animal Care Expo. The HSUS also in the April 2000 issue of Psychiatric Times seeks to improve the lives of companion animals (www.psychiatrictimes.com) and www.hsus.org. through legislation and education and by pro- (Enter “animal hoarders” into the search engine.) viding assistance directly to pet owners. 34 ing with your local animal shelter to discuss how animals in your community. After your project is you and/or your animal protection club can over, be sure to let us know about it at become involved in one of those programs to help [email protected].

Companion Animals and the Law

Most pet-related laws are enacted at the state, Most towns have leash laws that require dogs to be town, or county level. Federal laws address only a leashed in public areas. Such laws help make com- small handful of issues facing companion animals munities safer and more pleasant by preventing and their caregivers. Because pet-related laws vary dog bite injuries, unwanted approaches by dogs, so widely from state to state and from town to and dog-related damage to others’ property. The town, we strongly encourage you to learn more laws also save dogs’ lives, as free-roaming dogs are about the pet-related laws in your own town, city, more likely to be hit by cars, stolen, or harmed by county, or state. We have provided suggestions and other animals or cruel people. Like most of the laws resources throughout this section to help you do discussed in this section, leash laws vary greatly so. With that said, here are some pet-related laws from town to town. Some allow dogs to be off leash that are typical in many areas of the country. while on their owners’ property or in dog parks; some allow dogs to be off leash only if they have Licensing Laws and Leash Laws been well-trained to respond to voice commands. Virtually all cities and towns require dogs to be Some leash laws have provisions that require own- licensed, and cat licensing is growing in popularity. ers to clean up after their dogs in public areas. To purchase a license, owners must provide proof Although fairly uncommon to date, more leash laws that their animal has been vaccinated against are beginning to address the issue of free-roaming rabies, a deadly disease that can be spread to cats. Those laws require that cats be kept on their humans through saliva. Local governments keep owners’ property and not allowed to roam. records of the animal’s home address and license numbers. Besides Think About It protecting the pub- What are the benefits of leash and licensing laws lic from rabies, to animals? To individual people? To communi- licensing can help ties? lost pets be returned quickly to Explore the Issues their owners. Many Investigate the pet-related laws in your own state or communities have hometown. You can gather information about laws differential licens- by visiting your state’s official homepage. Type your ing laws, which state’s abbreviation into www.state.(state abbrevi- charge less for an ation).us. Another excellent resource for investi- animal who is gating your state’s laws is www.AnimalLaw.com, spayed or neutered. which includes a searchable database of all state This serves as an pet-related laws. To learn about local ordinances in incentive for pet your city or county, contact your local government caregivers to have or animal care and control officer. Laws to research their animals spayed or neutered. Differential include: licensing laws place the burden of higher fees on • Does my state allow greyhound racing? those pet caregivers most likely to contribute to stray and unwanted animals and the many animal- • What are my state’s laws regarding pound control issues related to those problems. seizure? (See more about pound seizure on p. 38.) 35 • What are my state’s anti-cruelty laws? include giving a speech in a general assembly at • What pets are legal to own in my state? What your school, making public service announcements animals does my state prohibit people from keep- over your school’s PA system or perhaps your local ing? radio station, displaying posters, brochures, and flyers throughout your community, giving presenta- • Are licensing, leashing, or dangerous dogs tions to elementary schools in your community, addressed in my state’s laws? and writing articles or letters to the editor of your • Are there any laws in my county regarding dog local newspaper. tethering? Free-roaming cats? When preparing your campaign, keep these tips in • Does my state have any statutes regarding riding mind: or driving horses on public lands? • Be straightforward. State the law and the reason Consider compiling an outline of your state’s pet- behind the law. related laws. Submit it to www.humaneteen.org.We • Be respectful and upbeat. Stress the benefits to may publish it in a separate section of the website the whole community. Avoid accusatory or overly as a reference for other teens. Your outline should negative language. include brief explanations of each law, as well as a list of resources (websites, articles, and books) to • Include contact and resource information for consult. people who wish to know more about your town’s laws. Ta ke Action • Be catchy! Fun slogans and photos will help Perhaps you’ve been approached by a not-so- attract people to your campaign. friendly dog or witnessed birds in your backyard being stalked by a neighbor’s cat. Though pet- Anti-cruelty Laws related laws exist to help keep communities and All 50 states have anti-cruelty laws. However, the animals safe and happy, many people don’t follow laws differ greatly from state to state, affording ani- the laws. In some cases, the reason is ignorance: mals a varying range of protection. Basically, state They are simply unaware of the laws and their laws protect most domestic animals (including important purposes. pets) from neglect, stating that they are entitled to Along with your animal food, water, and shelter. They also acknowledge protection club, con- that animals should not be abandoned, poisoned, sider launching a cam- or treated cruelly. Some laws clearly identify what paign to raise aware- constitutes animal cruelty; others leave that deci- ness of your town’s sion up to judges and law enforcement officials. pet-related laws. Topics Thanks to legislative to investigate include efforts of animal pro- licensing, leash laws, tection groups and free-roaming cats, and well-documented evi- dog tethering. dence linking animal For information, con- cruelty with human tact your town or city violence, more than 30 hall and your local ani- states now classify ani- mal shelter or animal mal cruelty as a felony, control officer. If you live in a larger city, you may a serious criminal also be able to find information through a simple offense that may result Internet search. in imprisonment and heavy fines. Specific Once you’ve done your research, determine how felony provisions and you are going to spread the word. Some ideas 36 definitions of animal cruelty vary greatly from state Laws Regarding Exotic to state. Some consider animal cruelty a felony only in cases involving a dog, cat, or other com- Animals as Pets panion animal. Most state anti-cruelty laws do not When it comes to extend protection to farm animals, wildlife, or ani- keeping wildlife as mals used in research. Some states impose prison pets—including sentences and hefty fines for people convicted of animals such as animal cruelty; others fine as little as a few hundred tigers, bobcats, dollars or impose sentences of a few days in jail. lions, chim- panzees, rat- Think About It tlesnakes, and • Why, do you think, do most state anti-cruelty crocodiles, among laws exclude farm animals? Why are companion many others— animals afforded more protection than other ani- whether it’s legal mals? depends on where you live. Federal laws regulate • Do you think there is more cause for concern if the importation of exotic animals into the U.S., a person deliberately harms a pet dog than a wild but they do not address private possession. animal? Explain your answer. Many states ban the possession of exotic ani- • List five reasons it is beneficial to have strict mals. Others simply require a license or a permit. laws on ownership of wild animals. Additionally, many cities and counties have ordi- nances that restrict what kinds of animals peo- Explore the Issues ple can keep. • It’s hard to believe that anyone would hurt an animal on purpose. Yet across the country, many • You’ve probably heard of people keeping wild animals suffer from intentional acts of cruelty, animals such as sugar gliders, prairie dogs, chin- whether they’ve been beaten, set on fire, hanged, chillas, or hedgehogs as pets. But did you know shot, or poisoned. Why do some people hurt ani- that many other wild animals are kept as well— mals? Why is animal cruelty a problem for both ani- from rattlesnakes to skunks to crocodiles? Do an mals and people? What can you do to stop animal Internet cruelty in your community? For more information search for about this serious prob- information lem, check out Under- about the standing Animal Cruelty, a care of exotic 24-page study and activ- animals. Com- ity guide written espe- pare the cially for teens. Under- claims of standing Animal Cruelty commercial examines the concepts websites that sell exotic species with the facts and and causes associated views presented by animal protection groups. with animal cruelty, Dangerous Dog Laws state and federal laws that address the mis- In light of recent dog attacks, some communities treatment of animals, and the connection between are passing ordinances that address “dangerous” animal cruelty and domestic violence, child abuse, (or vicious) dogs. Those laws require people with and other violent behavior. To order, send $3 to dangerous dogs (dogs who have been determined NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423- to be dangerous by a court of law) to take certain 0362. Understanding Animal Cruelty may also be precautions to protect others. For example, a dog viewed and downloaded in the “Get Into the who has been determined to be dangerous may be Issues” section at www.humaneteen.org. required to wear a muzzle in public. His caregiver

37 may have to buy liability insurance that would pay sion, BARK is the only program of its kind that’s for dog-bite related injuries. been proven effective in teaching elementary-school Other communities are expressing interest in laws students how to behave safely around dogs. that would prohibit people from owning certain The BARK program consists of a 25-minute video breeds of dogs, particularly pit bulls and Rottweil- and a fun, easy-to-use, 31-page activity book of ers. Such ordinances, they believe, will help keep lessons, their citizens safer from dog bites and maulings. repro- Likewise, some landlords do not allow renters with ducible certain dog breeds. And insurance companies are worksheets, known to refuse to issue or renew homeowners’ and color- policies to people who own specific dog breeds. ing pages Many animal protection organizations, including designed to The HSUS, oppose breed-specific dog laws and teach kids policies, because dogs who belong to so-called how to “dangerous breeds” can and do make loving, faith- avoid being ful companions. Such laws, they say, penalize those bitten. You people who take good care of their dogs and dis- and your criminate against individual dogs who may not pose club mem- a threat to a community. Those laws also ignore the bers can take turns leading classrooms through the fact that other dog breeds may be considered dan- entertaining, informative lessons and answering gerous as well. Instead, the most effective laws are questions about safety around dogs. It’s a great those that place the legal responsibility for a dog’s project you can do for your health/physical educa- actions on the owner. tion or social studies class. The complete BARK Dog Bite Prevention Program costs $23.95 and Explore the Issues may be ordered online at www.nahee.org Diane Whipple, a lacrosse coach from San Francis- /shoppingcart/ or by sending a check or money co, California, was mauled to death in her apart- order to NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT ment building by her neighbors’ two Presa Canario 06423-0362. dogs. The case attracted national media attention Pound Seizure Laws and highlighted the serious problem of dog attacks. Research the case online. Could responsible dog Most states allow animal shelters to turn over their ownership have prevented the attack from occur- unclaimed animals to medical schools and research ring? What was the outcome of the trial? Do you laboratories for scientific experiments. Some states think that the dogs’ owners received a fair sen- even require it. This practice is called pound tence? Why or why not? seizure. Humane organizations oppose pound seizure laws Ta ke Action for numerous reasons. Such laws, they say, destroy Looking for a project that will allow you to get the trust between animal shelters and communities involved with local schoolchildren and help animals who believe that animals relinquished there will at the same time? Consider implementing the either be adopted or humanely killed. Out of guilt BARK (Be Aware, Responsible, and Kind) Dog Bite or fear that their animals may undergo painful Prevention Program in an elementary school near experiments, people may be reluctant to surrender you. With the BARK Dog Bite Prevention Program, their animals, even if they are unable to provide you or your animal protection club can help keep adequate care for the pets themselves. Additionally, kids safe around dogs, reduce the number of dog- it has been argued that pets seized from shelters bite-related injuries in your community, and posi- do not make appropriate research subjects, since tively enhance the bond between people and dogs. they are often of unknown heritage and may be Developed by The HSUS’s youth education divi- coping with existing diseases or behavior problems

38 that could complicate research. In some states, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a set of laws that pound seizure is against the law. govern the treatment of animals in research, test- ing, experimentation, exhibition, and entertainment. Think About It Regarding companion animals, the AWA addresses Do you think it is acceptable for companion ani- several serious problems facing companion animals. mals to be used in research? Do you think there Here are some of the AWA’s major pet-related is a difference between using former pets and points. dogs who have been raised to be sold into • The AWA prohibits sponsoring or exhibiting ani- research? What about strays who may or may not mals in fighting ventures (e.g., dogfighting) and the have been part of a family at one time? Explain transport of animals across state lines for such pur- your answer. poses. Explore the Issues • According to the AWA, the Secretary of Agricul- Interested in learning more about pound seizure ture issues licenses and maintains records on ani- and animal research? Check out Science and Con- mal dealers and exhibitors, including dog breeders science: The Animal with four or more breeding females. Under the Experimentation Contro- USDA, inspectors are responsible for ensuring that versy, a study and breeders (i.e., puppy mill operators) provide ade- activity guide for high- quate care for their animals. school students and • The AWA seeks to prevent the sale or use of their teachers. Major stolen pets for medical research. topics include the his- tory of and current • The AWA outlines housing and husbandry stan- trends in animal dards for animals in research laboratories, some of experimentation, the whom are animals commonly kept as pets, such as use of animals in cats, dogs, and rabbits. Interestingly, the AWA does education, biomed- not extend protection to birds, mice, or rats—ani- ical research, and mals who are kept as pets but are also frequent product testing, and the development research subjects. of laws, alternatives, and other initiatives to The AWA does not cover pet stores or small, pri- improve standards for animal care and scientific vate breeders. Currently, it also allows anyone who research alike. You can view and download the breeds dogs (no matter how many they have) to be guide for free at www.humaneteen.org. Click on exempted from license and inspection under the “Science and Conscience” under “Get Into the AWA as long as they are selling the animals directly Issues.” To purchase a copy of Science and Con- to the public themselves. While this makes sense science, send $3 to NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Had- for small breeders who are keeping their dogs in dam, CT 06423-0362. You may also order online at their homes as part of the family, it is unfair to www.nahee.org/shoppingcart/. allow individuals who may have several hundred Ta ke Action dogs to operate without any oversight at all. Sever- al animal protection groups are trying to convince Pound seizure is banned in more than a dozen the government to correct this inconsistency. For states. Learn more about this controversial practice updates, visit the Doris Day Animal League website and how you can help stop pound seizure in states at www.ddal.org. where it is still allowed. Visit www.banpoundseizure .org. Explore the Issues Federal Laws Regarding Companion Animals Read the Animal Welfare Act at www.nal.usda.gov /awic/legislat/awicregs.htm and select one of the Animal Welfare Act companion animal related issues it addresses. Using Passed in 1966 and amended several times since, the Internet and library sources, investigate how well 39 that law is enforced. When you’ve completed your What’s in a Word? research, write a brief overview of what you’ve uncovered and send it to [email protected]. Under current laws, animals are considered property. If someone hurts or kills your pet, you Horse Protection Act would most likely only receive the cost of veteri- In 1970, nary bills or the amount you paid for the animal. Congress A group in Denver, Colorado, is seeking to ele- enacted the vate the status of companion animals from prop- Horse Pro- erty to “companion.” Col- tection Act orado is one of several (HPA) to states that allows people ban the to leave money and prop- practice of erty to pets in their wills. soring (see In several cities, including “A Sore Subject” on p. 20). This federal law makes Boulder, CO, Amherst, MA, soring a criminal offense. The USDA is the govern- and Berkeley, CA, as well as ment agency charged with enforcing the Horse in the state of Rhode Island, Protection Act. Despite 30 years of government people who have pets are regulation and intervention, soring still occurs in now called “guardians” riding competitions. The difference is that trainers instead of “owners.” Although this change does go to great efforts to conceal soring in order to not alter companion animals’ legal status, propo- escape detection by inspectors. When the HPA was nents of the new language believe it will help move enacted in 1970, a ceiling on its funding was set at people away from the idea that animals are prop- $500,000. Congress has never funded the HPA erty to do with as we wish. To keep current on the even to that level. As a result, the USDA has never legal status of animals and pet-related laws, check had enough funding to ensure proper enforcement In Defense of Animals’ Guardian Program at of the HPA. To learn more about the HPA and read www.guardiancampaign.com. the act in its entirety, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/ac /hpainfo.html. Think About It Under most current laws, if someone sus- Explore the Issues pects his pet suffered or died as a result of Pets for Life a veterinarian’s error or negligence, he can focuses on com- file a malpractice lawsuit. In most courts, panion animals however, the maximum amount of money he in the U.S. When could expect is the cost of the veterinary it comes to legis- procedure and the cost of buying a new pet. lation, how do With a few exceptions, courts do not gener- other countries ally award damages for a pet’s sentimental treat pets? For a value to his caregivers. If companion animals’ history or geog- legal status changes, how might that change raphy report, research another country’s compan- decisions in veterinary malpractice suits? ion animal laws. You may wish to narrow your area Should people be allowed to sue veterinari- of concentration to a specific topic, such as animal ans for unlimited sums if their pet dies or cruelty laws, exotic animals as pets, or dangerous suffers under treatment? Why or why not? dog laws.

40 Be a Best Friend

Throughout this guide, we’ve focused on issues become lost, but unfortunately, animals sometimes surrounding pets and animal shelters and suggest- have a way of getting loose. If your pet is lost, ID ed ways you can help animals in your community. tags increase the likelihood of him or her being Here are some more ways you can make a differ- returned safely. Consider having your pet implant- ence for companion animals. ed with a microchip that contains a unique ID num- Get the facts before getting a pet. Too many ber. Painless and fairly inexpensive, micro-chipping pets are relinquished because their owners were is gaining more popularity in the U.S. unprepared or unwilling to make a lifetime commit- Follow local licensing laws. ment. Before you bring home a pet, research infor- Licensing laws protect ani- mation on the animals’ life span and requirements mals and the communities for shelter, food, exercise, training, grooming, and they live in by requiring veterinary care. Be sure that you have the time, that all vaccinations are money, and desire to properly care for the pet current. (Rabies, for exam- every day for his or her entire life. Take into ple, may be spread from account life changes that may affect your ability to animals to people, so this care for a pet, such as going away to college, mov- vaccination is especially ing, or getting a new job. important.) Licensing laws Spay or neuter your cat or dog to help prevent also enable pets to be pet overpopulation. Contrary to popular belief, returned home in the event that they get lost. If spaying and neutering do not cause pets to your town does not require your pet to be become lazy or overweight. Those problems are licensed, be sure that he or she is current on vacci- caused by too much food and too little exercise. nations and wears a collar and ID tag. Spaying and neutering offer significant health ben- Ta ke p ets to efits to pets by reducing their risk of some kinds of annual vet- cancer. And sterilized dogs are less likely to bite erinary than dogs who have not been spayed or neutered. checkups If you or your family cannot afford to sterilize your and keep pet, contact your local humane society or animal their vacci- shelter or check with www.pets911.com for refer- nations up- rals to low-cost spay/neuter clinics. to-date. Train your pet. Pets Bring your who have been prop- pet to the erly socialized and veterinarian trained are welcome for a checkup as soon as possible after bringing members of society, him or her home. To preserve your pet’s good not nuisances or health, maintain a rigorous schedule of veterinary public health threats. care. If you or your family cannot afford your pet’s Remember, behavior yearly exams or vaccinations, contact your local problems are a lead- R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios animal shelter to see if they offer low-cost veteri- © ing cause of pet relinquishment, and virtually all of nary care. Your veterinarian may also be willing to the pets surrendered to shelters never received offer reduced rates or payment plans. behavior training. Walk your dog on a leash and keep your cat Have your cat and dog wear a collar and identi- indoors. Pets allowed to roam face many dangers, fication (ID) tags. Nobody intends for pets to including cars, cruel people, wild animals, and dis- eases. They may also be a danger or a nuisance to 41 communities, by biting people, damaging property, the event of a disaster. Make or causing traffic accidents when people swerve to arrangements to keep your Want to adopt a avoid hitting them. pet with you. If it isn’t safe pet? Check www.petfinder.org. Consider your local animal shelter a first source for you to stay at home, it for adding a new pet to your family. Animal shel- won’t be safe for animals, ters have a wide variety of animals up for adoption, either. Prepare an emergency from purebred pups to cats to guinea pigs. Don’t kit for your pet. For a list of emergency pet-care kit assume that you won’t find the pet you’re looking items, visit www.hsus.org. for—ask! By Never pur- adopting a pet chase a from a shelter, puppy from a you’ll gain a new pet store. best friend and Almost all possibly save an puppies in pet animal’s life. Breed stores come placement groups from puppy are also good mills. Speak places to search with pet store managers or send letters that polite- for purebred cats ly explain the problems with puppy mills and why R. Stockdale/Stockdale Studios © and dogs. If you will not patronize pet stores that sell puppies. you’re looking for a horse, equine rescue groups The HSUS regularly receives calls from well-inten- often have horses up for adoption. tioned pet caregivers who purchased a dog at a pet Make an emergency plan for your pet. Discuss store. Customers are often told by pet-store staff with your family how you will care for your pet in that the puppies were not purchased from puppy

What to Do If You Suspect Animal Cruelty Mistreatment of animals is a concern, because it is wrong to cause another living creature unnecessary pain or suffering. Intentional cruelty is particularly disturbing because of what it signals about the per- son inflicting it: He or she needs help. People who are cruel to animals may well have suffered (or be suf- fering from) abuse themselves, or they may behave violently toward other people. That’s why it’s extremely important that you report any animal cruelty you hear of, witness, or suspect. Here’s how: 1) Get the facts. Write down the date, time, location, and any details you can remember, including descriptions of the people or animals involved. If someone else also witnessed the act, ask for that per- son’s name and contact information in case officials need more witnesses. Photographs and videotapes are also helpful, if it is possible (and safe) for you to take them. 2) Get help. Don’t handle something as serious as animal cruelty alone. Ask your parents, school coun- selor, a teacher, or any other adult you trust to help you report your case. 3) Get on the phone. Contact your local humane society, animal shelter, sheriff’s department, or animal control officer. You can find this information in your telephone directory. Be sure to provide all the infor- mation you have gathered. Be aware that your complaint will be taken more seriously if you are willing to provide your name and contact information. However, if you are reporting a friend, neighbor, or family member and feel uncomfortable giving your name, you may make complaints anonymously. It is better to make an anonymous report than none at all. For more information about animal cruelty and its connection to human violence, see www.hsus.org /firststrike. There, you’ll find suggestions for ways you can educate community members about this important connection.

42 mills. Because “puppy mill” is not a legal term and or your animal protection club can help, from may be defined differently by different people, it is fundraising to implementing a public awareness unlikely the store could ever successfully be prose- campaign in your community. cuted for the statement. Speak up for animals. Write letters about com- Don’t leave a pet alone in a hot car. Tempera- panion animal issues for your school newspaper or tures inside parked cars can reach deadly levels in a to the editor of your local newspaper. Make sure matter of minutes, even with the window cracked your information is accurate and your writing is open. On warm days, leave your pet at home. If you polite and respectful. Your points will be taken see a pet locked in a hot car, try to locate his or more seriously. School projects and presentations her owner. If you can’t find the owner, call the are also excellent ways to spread the word about police. Your quick action could save an animal’s life. animal protection issues. Don’t let dogs ride in the back of a pickup Start a club. As any activist can tell you, there’s truck. They may be injured or killed if the truck power in numbers. Consider forming an animal pro- stops or turns suddenly. If a dog falls from a truck tection club at your school. For tips on how to bed, he may cause a traffic accident when vehicles start a club and make it successful, see “Start a swerve to avoid hitting him. Club” at www.humaneteen.org. Help your local animal shelter. Suggestions for Continue learning about companion animals, volunteer work at animal shelters can be found issues facing them, and how you can help. A list throughout this booklet in of excellent resources follows. the “Take Action” sections. For more ideas, give your local shelter a call and find out how you can be of the most help. Keep in mind that some shelters’ insur- ance policies prohibit minors from working directly with animals. If that’s the case, there are still many other ways you

43 RESOURCES

INTERNET Inc. 2001-2002 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey. American Animal Hospital Association, Greenwich, CT: APPMA, Inc., 2002. www.healthypet.com Animal Welfare Institute. Animals and Their Legal American Association of Equine Practitioners, Rights. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute, www.aaep.org 1990. American Humane Association, Beck, Alan, www.americanhumane.org and Aaron Katcher. American Kennel Club, Between Pets www.akc.org and People: American Society for the The Impor- Prevention of Cruelty to tance of Ani- Animals, www.aspca.org mal Compan- ionship. West American Veterinary Medical Lafayette, Indiana: Purdue University Press, 1996. Association, www.avma.org Christensen, Wendy, and AnimalConcerns.org, the staff of The Humane www.animalconcerns Society of the United .netforchange.com States. The Humane Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, Society of the United www.avar.org States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York: St. Delta Society, www.deltasociety.org Martin’s Press, 2002. Doris Day Animal Foundation, www.ddal.org Clutton-Brock, Juliet. A The Humane Society of the United States, Natural History of www.hsus.org Domesticated Mammals. HumaneTeen, www.humaneteen.org Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 1999. The Latham Foundation, www.Latham.org Coppinger, Raymond, and Lorna Coppinger. Dogs: A Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruel- New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and ty to Animals, www.mspca.org Evolution. Chicago: University of Chicago, 2001. National Council on Pet Population Study and Poli- Curtis, Patricia. The Indoor Cat. New York: The cy, www.petpopulation.org Berkley Publishing Group, 1997. North American Police Work Dog Association, Lane, Marion S., and the staff of The Humane Soci- www.napwda.org ety of the United States. The Humane Society of the Pets911, www.pets911.com United States Complete Guide to Dog Care. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy, www.tufts.edu Randolph, Mary. Dog Law. Berkeley, CA: Nolo Press, 1997. Working Dogs, www.workingdogs.com Salem, Deborah J., and Andrew N. Rowan, ed. The BOOKS & JOURNALS State of the Animals 2001, 2003. Washington, DC: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Humane Society Press, 2001, 2003. Serpell, James. In the Company JOURNALS of Animals: A Study of Human- Anthrozoös, the journal of the International Society Animal Relationships. Cambridge, for Anthrozoology (ISAZ). Ordering information United Kingdom: Cambridge available at www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAB University Press, 1996. /anthro~1.htm. Slater, Margaret. Community Society and Animals, the journal of human-animal Approaches to Feral Cats: Prob- studies published by Psychologists for the Ethical lems, Alternatives, and Recommen- Treatment of Animals (PSYETA). Articles and order- dations. Washington, DC: Humane Society Press, ing information available at www.psyeta.org/sa. 2002. Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Notes Dear Reader: Please take a few moments to complete the brief questionnaire below. Your input will help us improve our publications and will be useful in developing new materials. For each question, please check one answer. I believe this study and activity guide was effective at helping me learn more about companion ani- mals. ❏ strongly agree ❏ agree ❏ disagree I believe this study and activity guide was effective at teaching me about the humane treatment of companion animals. ❏ strongly agree ❏ agree ❏ disagree After reading this study and activity guide, I am more likely to undertake an activity that will help companion animals. ❏ strongly agree ❏ agree ❏ disagree

Were there any sections that you thought could be improved? Explain. ______Please identify which sections or activities you found most informative or useful. ______Additional comments ______❏ I would be interested in learning about other humane education materials. Please send a FREE catalog. Name and address ______

Mail to NAHEE, P.O. Box 362, East Haddam, CT 06423, or fax (860) 434-9579. You may also e- mail your answers and opinions to [email protected]. Please be sure to specify that you are speaking about Pets for Life. Teach Kids to Care About Animals

From greyhound racing and circuses to puppy mills, can provide a subscription to KIND News as a gift dogfighting, and mistreatment of companion ani- for a child or teacher—and when you do, you mals, animal suffering is all too common in our receive credit on every monthly bundle of KIND society. Yet so many of the causes of animal abuse News! can be reduced through humane education that To learn more, please visit www.nahee.org. To view teaches children how to make better choices for samples of KIND News, go to www.kindnews.org animals. You or your animal protection club can and click “About KIND News.” reach elementary-school kids through NAHEE’s Adopt-a-Classroom program. When you adopt a class, each child in that classroom receives his or her own copy of KIND (Kids In Nature’s Defense) News, an award-winning newspaper for kids from kindergarten through grade 6. It features articles, puzzles, projects, and celebrity interviews that teach children compassion and respect for people, animals, and the environment. A subscription to KIND News costs just $30 and includes 32 copies of the newspaper and a teacher’s guide each month of the school year, KIND News Order Form September through May. Your adopted classroom’s Indicate which KIND News reading level you prefer: teacher will also receive KIND Teacher, an annual ❏ Primary Edition (grades K-2) resource book of fun, reproducible worksheets— ❏ Jr. Edition (grades 3-4) plus KIND ID cards for students, a classroom ❏ Sr. Edition (grades 5-6) poster, and a KIND Calendar for the whole school year. Through our Adopt-a-Classroom program, you Send subscription to: ❏ teacher ❏ student (check one) Name ______School ______School Address ______

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