sutton078

At the close of this school year, a Hawthorne High School teacher surrendered a classroom rabbit, into our shelter as there was no one available to provide him a home for the summer. The rabbit was suffering from very obvious conjunctivitis in both eyes, ocular discharge that was stuck to his hair, dental disease, and other medical problems. His cage was quite filthy and we don’t know if the proper diet, (important for teeth and overall health) and appropriate medical care was provided to this rabbit while in custody of the school. Notwithstanding the fact that the California Penal Code considers it a misdemeanor or felony to act, omit to act, or permit an action or omission to occur in the care of an animal, what lesson is being taught to the students? I can answer that question – a bad one.  A lesson that sanctions irresponsible behavior, that demonstrates a lack of empathy for another sentient being, that permits the infliction of suffering and pain on one dependent on the ...

spcaLA We recently had a successful pet adoption festival. Lots of booths, food, activities and new homes for pets. That said, an amazing thing happened. People were coming in and "paying it forward". In other words, paying an adoption fee, anonymously, for a stranger. For example, one who recently adopted one of our cruelty victims came to the festival and paid the fees for someone else, (this made our humane officer, who saved the abused pet tear up), a volunteer working the event did the same, and numerous unrelated others did so as well. I was astonished and joined our officer in a cry fest. My shelter staff told me that this has been happening a lot recently. Those of you who know me, and my career choices, can vouch for the fact that I often have low expectations of human nature. I have never been so happy to be proven wrong! Me of little faith stands humbled. Thank you spcaLA staff, volunteers and supporters. You're the best!

During a rain delay at Comerica Stadium in Detroit a goose flew into the scoreboard. The crew, in an attempt to motivate the goose to fly away, set off fire crackers at him, chased him and ultimately caused him to crash into an LED board and fall 2 levels. Fortunately, there was a veterinarian in the stands who helped the goose and arranged for his safe transport to a wildlife sanctuary . Major League  Baseball should institute, mandate and demand humane practices and protocols to handle a wildlife visit on the field. Birds, squirrels, geese and others have long been guests at  stadiums  and are even showcased on the video screen between innings for fan entertainment. Throwing firecrackers and otherwise tormenting wildlife is not the message we want to convey to our children, is surely not family entertainment, and a statement to that effect should be issued and reinforced by MLB post haste.  As stated by Bob Talbert "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them...