Effective July 1, 2009: Adoptions fees will be:

 Dogs (canines) $90 

Cats (felines) $65

 to include spay/neuter, vaccinations for rabies and distemper, and treatment for worms and fleas. An additional fee  is charged for a Feline Leukemia/Aids test, if requested.

ANIMAL CRUELTY is one of the most disgusting and abhorrent things a person can do, especially in light of the fact that there are SO many accepted studies showing a connection between animal cruelty and cruelty to family, friends and relatives by the perpetrator.  
   Be very cautious around such a person and do not confront them directly; they could as quickly turn their cruel attentions on you as to continue to abuse their animals.  Instead, report the incident to the proper authorities.

Another serious and just as important aspect of the cruelty to animals problem is Puppy Mills.  For more information about Puppy Mills, click the relevant link to the left.

ASPCA.org has updated and posted a very good FAQ (Frequently Asked Question page) on their site concerning animal cruelty.  Of particular interest to me was their list of some things that can be considered cruelty.  Namely:

Tick or flea infestations
Wounds on the body
Patches of missing hair
Extremely thin, starving animal
Limping
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and/or often chained in a yard
Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

Another very interesting quote on their latest newsletter that caught my eye was this one:

<QUOTE>“Without phone calls from the concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, we wouldn't know about most instances of animal abuse,” says ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas, whom you may have seen in action on Animal Planet’s Animal Precinct.
<END QUOTE>  You can sign up for their newsletter at http://aspca.org . 

They can not protect themselves; it is up to us to help them. 

You can read the above and much more by visiting:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_faq#whatiscruel
   The link will open in a new window, so to return here, just close its window. 

It is a fairly well known fact that many people who abuse animals will also abuse children, their spouses, strangers and even their own immediate family.  There are some well written F.B.I. articles on the subject which I will post links to when I get the time.  If you wish to initiate your own research on this, you can go to www.fbi.gov  their public web site. 

Please, report animal abuse via the proper channels and quickly whenever it is observed. But, never, ever use this privilege maliciously or to get back at anyone just because you’re mad at them. It’s against the law.  - web site manager

There are some very compelling reasons why we should care about animal cruelty that go beyond the concepts of humane treatment and being kind to our pets. The following information is from the Humane Society of the United States and other reliable resources.  

Are there actually laws that protect animals? ASPCA.ORG has a Mailing List that will keep you up to date on animal law and much more; almost everything from a to z.  Check them out.
   Check State Anticruelty Law

What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty encompasses a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing. Most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that can be resolved through education.

Intentional cruelty, or abuse, is knowingly depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, socialization, or veterinary care or maliciously torturing, maiming, mutilating, or killing an animal

 
Why is it a concern?

All animal cruelty is a concern because it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature.

Intentional cruelty is a particular concern because it is a sign of psychological distress and often indicates either that an individual has already experienced violence or may be predisposed to committing acts of violence.

Is there any evidence of a connection between animal cruelty and human violence?

Absolutely. Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last twenty-five years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested most had, as children, killed or tortured animals. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse, In fact, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

As natural "explorers," don't all children sometimes harm animals?

Absolutely not. While some children kill insects, few torture pets or other small creatures. If allowed to harm animals without penalty, children are more likely to commit violent acts later in life. Children who abuse animals are generally involved in bullying, vandalism, and more serious crimes, including arson. Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, should never be attributed to a stage of development. Rather, it should be considered a warning that a child may be experiencing some form of psychological or physical distress.

 Not all animal cruelty is intentional, however, and a child's acts of innocent exploration should be turned into opportunities for humane education. Telling stories, role playing, and creative writing can help you find out if a child is in distress and can help the child develop empathy. Additionally, teaching by example is one of a teacher's most powerful tools your efforts to rescue a bug or feed the birds will make a lasting impression.

What is the difference between innocent exploration and calculated animal cruelty?

Innocent exploration may come of simple curiosity, but calculated animal cruelty is motivated by a desire to harm. While even innocent acts of cruelty should be addressed, it is particularly important to intervene when a child is insensitive to the obvious distress of an animal, repeats a harmful behavior or derives pleasure from causing an animal pain.  

How can I find out if a child has witnessed, experienced, or perpetrated cruelty?

A child perpetrator may boast of harming an animal, either verbally or in a story; a child who has witnessed animal cruelty may recount an incident that took place at home or in  the neighborhood. These children may be cruel to, or unnecessarily rough with classroom pets or other animals in school. Other children may report something that was said by a child perpetrator or victim of abuse.
 

What should I do if I suspect a child has abused an animal or reports that a family member has abused an animal?

Discuss your suspicions with the school principal, psychologist, resource officer, or other law enforcement officer assigned to the school. Review the child's behavior, including attendance, peer relations, and academic performance. A parent/teacher/principal consultation is recommended before further action is taken.

 Like any other serious crime, animal cruelty should be reported to the proper authorities. In most jurisdictions a report should be filed with the humane investigator at the local animal welfare agency. If there is no such organization in your area, report the incident to the police or sheriff's department. The child's parents should be made aware of the necessity of such a report. Based on the history of the student and the school team's findings, it may be necessary to file an additional report with the local child welfare agency often, children who abuse animals are abused themselves.  

If a child reports that a family member is abusing an animal, a school team conference is necessary before filing reports with animal welfare and child welfare agencies.

Will I be required to testify? 

If the case goes to court, you could be asked to testify at some point.

Can the cycle of abuse be broken?

Yes. According to the National Research Council, early prevention efforts are more likely to reduce adult crime than are criminal sanctions applied later in life. The APA's Commission on Violence and Youth encourages the adoption of broad and coordinated initiatives to prevent all youth violence or mitigate its effects.

How can I promote kindness, respect, and compassion through the curriculum?

Humane education, introduced by either classroom teachers, concerned parents, or local animal welfare agencies, should be an integral part of every elementary school curriculum. You will be an effective agent for humane education.   

if your lesson plans include peer mediation and conflict resolution and your long term objectives are to encourage empathetic responses and ensure the safety of children and animals, The Youth Education Division of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) publishes KIND News, a four page newspaper for elementary school students, KIND News helps teachers establish a classroom theme of kindness, respect, and tolerance.

For subscription information, contact 

HSUS Youth Education Division,
 PO. Box 362,
East Haddam, CT 06423.

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PAW PRINTS

ST. LAWRENCE VALLEY SPCA

NEWSLETTER-SUMMER 2007'
YOUR PERFECT PET IS HERE!

Before surrendering an animal, please call theShelter
during regular working hours to make arrangements
to bring it in. We make every effort to take in an animal as soon as possible. However, sometimes space isn't immediately available and you^'ll be asked to be on a waiting list for a brief period of time. Please work with us. If you have a stray dog , you must call the Dog Control Officer for your town. Wayne Ashley is the Dog Control Officer for the City of Ogdensburg and his number is 393-1555. All other towns must call their Town Supervisor or Clerk for the correct information. They are listed in the Transwestenn and Verizon SuperPages directories in the blue pages.

Cat Trivia . . . Every domestic cat alive today most likely traces its heritage back to the tabby-patterned African wildcat, a light brown shorthaired cat with black stripes. Despite the incredible variety in colors and patterns seen in cats today, all domestic cats carry their ancestors' tabby genes. Cats that don't look like tabbies have other mutated genes that merely prevent the tabby coat pattern from showing. In other words, all domestic cats are genetically tabbies.

Spay/Neuter Now...is a non-profit organization that helps obtain low cost spay/neuter for qualifying applicants. Applications can be picked up at the SPCA Shelter, 6718 SH 68, Ogdensburg, NY during regular open hours, by calling 324-5969, accessing the Spay/Neuter Now website at www.spayneutemow.org or by e-mailing spayneutemow@yahoo.com. Please be a responsible pet owner and have your pets spayed or neutered. Perhaps you know someone who needs the program.

This fee includes spay/neuter, distemper, parvo and upper respiratory vaccinations. Animals will be checked for worms, fleas, ticks and other parasites and treated if necessary. Cats can be tested for feline leukemia for an additional $10.00 fee.

First Aid for Your Pet

The responsible pet owner should have a basic understanding of how to respond in case an emergency arises. They should also know what not to do in such a situation since inappropriate treatment can make a bad situation worse. The actions that most often make the difference are: first getting your pet to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible and second , transporting the animal in a manner that reduces the likelihood of the illness or injury being made worse.

If your cat has suffered a traumatic injury such as being hit by a car or mauled by a dog, the first priority is to protect yourself. A hurt and frightened cat can seriously injure a person who is trying to help. Approach the injured animal slowly while speaking in a calm voice. Before attempting to touch the animal cover the head with a towel or blanket to avoid being bitten. Gently lift the animal and place it in a carrier or box. If you suspect spinal injuries, support the head while lifting and be careful not to twist the neck or spine.

With a larger animal use a piece of plywood or heavy cardboard to slide it on. To stop bleeding apply pressure directly to the wound with sterile gauze pads and then cover with a towel. If the animal has a seizure move away all objects that might injure it.

Never give an animal human medication without first checking with your vet. Never try to reset a broken limb or induce vomiting unless a veterinarian advises you to. Never apply an ointment or other substance to a burn area. Don't waste precious time trying to treat your sick or injured pet. Get it to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Home First Aid Kit:

- Your Vet^'s Office Phone Number

- ASPCA National Poison Control Center phone number

(888-426-4435)                                                                                          

- Syrup of Ipecac or 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to Induce vomiting (Only after speaking with the veterinarian or PoisonControlCenter)

- Clean. heavy towels or blankets            - Sterile, non-stick bandages                 - Absorbent cotton or gauze - pads

- Antiseptic solution                                 - cotton tipped swabs                           - antibiotic solution

- rubbing alcohol                                      - Roll of gauze bandaging material         - Scissors with rounded tips

- Cat length board for stretcher                - Your dog size board for stretcher        - Flashlight or Penlight

- Masking tape to secure cat to board     - Duct tape for dog

2001 Book Sale is Postponed
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the SPCA Book Sale scheduled for each Saturday morning in May, will be postponed until later in the summer. We are still accepting donations at the Shelter during regular open hours. Please! No magazines, library discards, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest Condensed Book or text books. They do not sell and disposal is costly. Watch the Ogdensburg Journal and Advance News for the new dates.

Common Household Pet Poisons

It's nearly impossible to rid your homeof all plants and products that could be poisonous to pets. But knowing what's toxic, you can prevent danger by keeping these items out of reach. If your pet seems weak or tired, has dilated pupilsor is disoriented after possible contact with any of these toxins, take him to the Vet immediately.

·      Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

·      Antifreeze (appealing because it smells sweet)

·      Aspirin (OK for dogs, but deadly for cats)

·      Azaleas

·      Caffeine

·      Chocolate (cocoa is stronger, thus more toxic, than milk chocolate)

·      Fabric softener sheets

·      Household cleaning products

·      Insecticides, Mistletoe, Mothballs

·      Poinsettia

BOARDING YOUR DOG

The St. Lawrence Valley SPCA is available to board your dog. Early reservations, especially during the summer months and holidays, are recommended to reserve a place for your dog's) at our facility.

Your dog will not be boarded in a cage, but in a kennel, both inside and out. There is ample room for exercise and free movement. From 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. when the staff leaves for the day, all dogs are rotated outside in the larger exercise areas for at least (weather permitting) four, forty-five minute exercise periods.

For the safety of your dog, as well as the Shelter animals, veterinarian certification is required at the time of check-in for Bordatella (kennel cough), distemper, parvovirus and rabies.

For information regarding boarding at our facility, please contact the Shelter during regular working hours.

Keep Your Pets Safe

Summer will come to the North Country and more of our pets will be spending time outside. The great outdoors can be a dangerous place for them but there are steps you can take to make it safer.

·       Make sure vaccinations, especially rabies are up to date.

·       Bring them inside at night. Coy dogs are a fixture in St. Lawrence County and are very successful hunters. The Shelter gets calls on a daily basis about missing cats and it's probable that many have fallen victim to these predators. Domestic dogs running at large are a danger to your cats too.

·       Common garden plants and flowers can be dangerous to your pets. The list is endless but some of the more common are buttercup, cowslip, delphinium, foxglove, holly berries, iris, lupines, rhubarb. There are many websites, such as ASPCA.com that can give you more information. The ASPCA has 24 hr, 365 day a year poison control center which can give you advice on types of substances ingested by your pet. The number is 1-888-426-4435. Be aware that there may be a fee for this service.

·       Vehicles are always a danger to your pet. We've heard so many times that a pet never went near the road or street but all it takes is once. Cats can also climb up inside a vehicle engine and be either seriously injured or killed.

• Dogs are easier to secure either in a fenced in yard or run line. Cats are much harder to protect and they are better off inside if possible.

What's In A Name?
Bloodhounds : Contrary to what some people think,
this breed did not get it's name because of it's
vicious or ^"bloodthirsty^" nature. Bloodhounds are, in
fact, quite gentle. Neither did this great scent hound
get it's name because it follows the smell of blood
when tracking. One of the earliest breeds in history,
these dogs were called "Bloodhounds" because only
those of royal blood were allowed to keep them.
Bloodhounds were originally called St Hubert's
Hound after their original breeder.-Planet Dog-ADoglopedia.

From the whole gang at the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA, our sincere thank you to those who support our work and help make it all possible. We couldn't do it without you!

Going to the Dogs. ...North America has the highest dog population inthe world

Shelter Wish List

Purina Kitten Chow
Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food
Rubber Gloves (Medium & Large)
45 Gallon Trash Bags (Heavy Duty)
Dish Soap - Laundry Soap - Bleach
Towels, Blankets, Comforters

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You! Newsletters By E-Mail

How would you like to help the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA combat the rising cost of postage, reduce paperwork and the workload for our staff, plus get the SPCA quarterly newsletter right there at your desk before it arrives to others via the post office? Well you can! Here's how:

1. Decide which e-mail address you want to receive the newsletter at.
2. Use that account to send an e-mail to:

newsletter@StLawrenceValleySPCA.org

1.  Type "Subscribe Newsletter" for the Subject. In the body of the e-mail type your name and the mailing address at which you currently receive the newsletter so we can remove your listing from our postal mailing.
2. Wait for your Confirmation e-mail. It should arrive within two work days.
3.           When you receive the Confirmation e-mail:
4. Open it, using the e-mail address you chose to send the request to us with.
5. Click Reply.
6. Click Send.
7. And that's it! When the e-mail is received by us, your e-mail address will be placed on the distribution list and all future newsletters will be received in an e-mail message and you can read, peruse, print and otherwise make use of them.

Please do NOTuse the website Contact Us links to request the newsletter. The request must come from your own e-mail account or it can not be accepted. Full subscribe/unsubscribe information will be included with each newsletter and the website will reflect the same information in more detail in the Polices section.