Last month, a very special initiative was launched in Los Angeles – NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles)
This initiative is another to help achieve the goal of the Best Friends Animal Society: No More Homeless Pets.
NKLA’s website says “We are a coalition of animal welfare organizations, city shelters and passionate individuals. Led by Best Friends Animal Society, we’re dedicated to ending the killing of healthy and treatable pets in L.A. shelters. Our plan is straightforward. Provide spay/neuter services where they are needed most so fewer animals go into shelters, and increase adoptions through the combined efforts of the NKLA coalition so more animals come out of the shelters and go into new homes.”
In 2011, over 17,000 adoptable animals were euthanised in the Los Angeles area – so the need is great.
If you live in the Los Angeles area and are an animal lover, perhaps you should consider assisting the NKLA movement by donating money, fostering, or adopting.
As the name suggests, a no kill animal shelter is one where all adoptable animals are allowed to live until they are found a forever, loving home. Only severely ill animals, or those that are truly determined to be dangerous and unadoptable, are euthanised.
The concept of ‘no kill’ has challenged the animal welfare sector as far back as the 1970s. An article by Ed Duvin in 1989 in a publication called animalines is reputed to have been a major turning point. The article characterised the animal welfare sector as a ‘slumbering giant’ and pointed to the need for a coordinated national effort with a greater focus on education and the valuing of each animal’s life. It challenged the sector to stop killing animals in the name of mercy.
I have just had the pleasure of working at the Best Friends Animal Society sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. This is an inspiring leader in the no kill movement and I look forward to bringing you more news about Best Friends and animal welfare in future blog postings.
A research team led by the University of Durham has published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). This study shows that today’s modern breeds of dog have little in common genetically with their ancient ancestors.
Dog domestication occurred over 15,000 years ago – and there is still much to learn!
Years of cross-breeding are the major influence on the genetic differences, although the researchers are quick to add that other effects on genetic diversity will include patterns of human movement and the impact on dog population sizes caused by major events such as World War I and World War II.
The research team analysed genetic data from 1,375 dogs representing 35 breeds. They also looked at data showing genetic samples of wolves because other research studies have concluded that the dog descended directly from the gray wolf.
Lead author Dr Greger Larson, an evolutionary biologist, says the study demonstrated just how much there is still to understand about the early history of dog domestication. “We really love our dogs and they have accompanied us across every continent. Ironically, the ubiquity of dogs combined with their deep history has obscured their origins and made it difficult for us to know how dogs became man’s best friend.”
The study also refutes claims of previous researchers that genetic differences in breeds such as the Basenji, Saluki and Dingo were evidence of an ancient heritage. The Durham team’s study shows that these dogs are genetically different because they were geographically isolated and were not part of the 19th Century Victorian-initiated kennel clubs that blended lineages to create most of today’s breeds.
‘Agreeableness’ means being less concerned with the needs or well-being of others. Such people may be suspicious, unfriendly and competitive as well.
Participants were given personality tests and indicated their preference for different types of dogs . The dogs were independently rated according to how aggressive people perceived them to be. Bull terriers were rated as most aggressive, followed by boxers; retrievers and cocker spaniels were seen as least aggressive.
The study’s results also show a small effect suggesting that those who liked aggressive dogs showed signs of conscientiousness – being careful, reliable and thoughtful about their actions.
Whilst this finding (about conscientiousness) contradicts a long-held perception that owners of aggressive dogs are always irresponsible, Dr Vincent Egan, the study’s lead researcher suggests caution before reading too much into the conclusion:
“These results with Conscientiousness were unexpected, but the effect is a small one, and needs to be repeated in a different group of people. Studies of this kind tend to only look at a restricted age ranges, which may exaggerate findings which do not occur across the entire lifespan, so we believe a stereotype is always true, whereas it may only be true under certain conditions. Our study employed a broader age range.”
Dr Egan’s study has been published in the journal Anthrozoos.
This time, the cause of concern is salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a zoonotic infection, meaning it can be transferred to humans too.
Salmonella infection in dogs causes gastroenteritis, septicemia, and spontaneous abortions. Humans usually experience vomiting, diarrhea and fevers. It’s not pleasant.
The best prevention is to wash surfaces in the kitchen after feeding your dog and to ensure you wash your hands after handling pet foods.
The brands currently under recall are:
Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, Inc.
Solid Gold WolfCub Large Breed Puppy Food
Solid Gold WolfKing Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Wellpet LLC
Wellness Complete Health Super5mix Large Breed Puppy
Canidae Pet Foods
Canidae Dog, All Life Stages
Canidae Dog, Chicken Meal & Rice
Canidae Dog, Lamb Meal & Rice
Canidae Dog, Platinum
Apex Pet Foods
Apex Chicken and Rice Dog, 20lb and 40lb bags
Natural Balance Pet Foods
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Venison Dog
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog
Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Bison Dog
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Large Breed Bites
Natural Balance Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Dog Small Breed Bites
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Country Value
Diamond
Diamond Naturals
Premium Edge
Professional
4Health
Taste of the Wild
The Kirkland Signature products included in the recall are:
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs
It’s hard to know if some of these foods are available in New Zealand (Canidae definitely is) because some foods are imported in smaller quantities. If you are feeding one of these foods, stop immediately and check with your supplier for more details on the recall.
Here’s an example of democracy in action in the city of Nelson on the South Island of New Zealand.
The Council consulted on revisions to its dog bylaws and dog owners responded about the unnecessary restrictions.
On 3 May, the Council announced “Nelson City Council has responded to submissions on its Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Review by developing a new proposal based on feedback from submitters.”
Deputy Mayor Ali Boswijk said, “Ultimately, the dog bylaw we are proposing will take a default position where dogs can be off-leash everywhere, except areas which are identified as prohibited or on-lead.”
“Hindsight is a wonderful thing and perhaps we should have spent more time talking with the wider community before we drafted the original Statement of Proposal. This is a good learning for us and something we will take on board in future.”
The new summary of Council’s preferred direction for the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw:
Dogs to be prohibited from the part of Marsden Valley Reserve to the east of the Barnicoat Walkway
Retain Girlies Hole and Black Hole as swimming holes for dogs during summer (December to March) and allow dogs in all holes during the remainder of the year
Add Sand Island to the list of dog prohibited areas
Dogs to be prohibited from the Maitai Cricket Ground during the cricket season but they can exercise there from April to September.
The shared pathways (Railway Reserve and Atawhai Shared Pathway) will become off-leash areas
The Maitai Walkway to remain an off-leash area for dogs
Seventeen neighbourhood reserves will remain on-lead areas for dogs as requested by submitters
The Good Dog Owner Policy will be amended with input from the Dog Owner’s Group and other interested parties.
In addition, Council is looking at establishing a dedicated dog park at Saxton Field where dogs can exercise off-lead.
Well done to the Nelson City Council for recognising that its constituents wanted something else for dogs and their owners and well done to all who submitted on the dog control bylaw.
If you don’t participate in your local community to represent your interests and the interests of dog owners in general, be prepared for restrictions that will inhibit your ability to socialise your dog and enjoy their company in public places.
Perhaps a lesson for dog owners elsewhere in NZ and overseas?
Researchers at Emory University have published new research into canine cognition. Entitled Functional MRI in Awake Unrestrained Dogs, the paper outlines findings of research that required two dogs to remain motionless in an MRI machine.
Yes – that’s right. Motionless. The two dogs were outfitted with special ear muffs to protect them from the noise of the MRI and trained to rest their heads on a chin rest inside the machine. As the MRI took scans of the dog’s brain activity, hand signals were used to show the dogs whether there was or wasn’t a food reward.
This is a first-ever study on awake dogs, rather than those that have been sedated. Importantly, part of the animal ethics of the study was to ensure the dogs were willing participants.
The findings show a definite brain activity response when the hand signals indicated a food reward. Those dogs are paying attention!
The lead researcher, Professor Gregory Berns, says “We hope this opens up a whole new door for understanding canine cognition and inter-species communication. We want to understand the dog-human relationship, from the dog’s perspective.”
Professor Bern’s dog Callie in training in a mock-up of the MRI scanner (copyright Emory University)
Listen to Professor Berns talk about this project in the Emory University YouTube video:
The Vest-A-Dog Network is actively working to outfit police dogs with protective vests. Started in 1999, with funds were raised by a local girl for Tiko who was a replacement dog for another who was killed in action, the movement has grown.
You can donate directly via the Vest-A-Dog website to support the featured canine protector or you can read about how to start your own local network on the site.
The program funds a K-9 One™ vest to sponsored police dog units. These vests are made with Dupont Kevlar, the same material found in protective vests for human police officers. The vests are designed to be bulletproof, stabproof and to protect against blunt force trauma.
A vest for protection against stabbing and bullets currently costs US$825 which is why many local units have difficulty finding the funds to protect their canine officers.
The New Zealand Police have stated (on their website) that they looked at an Australian vest in 2008/09 and decided that the vest would not have protected dogs that were previously injured on the line of duty.
However, I wonder that if with shootings like that of police dog Gage in Christchurch in July 2010, if the NZ Police should look at alternatives. I’ve emailed them with details of the Vest-A-Dog project.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Since I have Beagles in my massage practice, I thought it would be useful to profile this medium-sized breed.
Teddy
Beagles regularly feature on the most popular breed list in the United States. Using American Kennel Club registrations from 2011, the Beagle is the third most popular dog.
The Beagle originated in the United Kingdom where they were used as hunting dogs for rabbits and other prey animals because of their keen sense of smell and ability to track. As a pet, owners have to watch their Beagle because he/she will easily follow its nose to track interesting smells – potentially wandering far from home.
Beagles are classified as being tri-colour (black, white and tan) or lemon (yellow) and sometimes even red or white. An average life span is 15 years.
This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and allergies. Some develop seizure disorders and hypothyroidism. Regular ear cleaning is recommended because their long, floppy ears (which are very appealing) help to create an ideal environment to hold moisture and bacteria in the ear canal.
The Beagle is a hound and can be extremely vocal, so good training is needed. Beagles are also known for their appetites and so to keep the weight off, a balanced and healthy diet is needed with careful attention paid to how much the dog is eating during the day (treats, ‘finds’ on walks, etc.) Plenty of exercise is also needed.
Owners of Beagles tell me that since they were bred as pack dogs (for hunting), they don’t do well as a solo dog in a household. They need companionship and can become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. (This depression can lead to problem barking problems, too.)
Beagles are often spotted at airports, cruise ship terminals and postal depots because they are widely used as agriculture and drug detector dogs. That’s because they can be trained to put their keen noses to good use! I even came across this YouTube clip from the television show The Doctors where Beagles and Dachshunds are being used as detector dogs for bed bug infestations:
DoggyMom.com 