Monday, June 22, 2009

Treats on the Internets

While I've been mostly away from pet related news this past week, here's some of what I've missed:

Nutro still sux

A mother and adult son left 6 dogs in a vehicle in SC while they went into an unemployment office. All the dogs died, the pair were sentenced to 96 hours community service, and if the mother returns to the city of Hoquiam, WA, she will be arrested for outstanding animal abuse warrants there. Reader's Digest version: Six dogs suffered a horrible death at the hands of a serial pet abuser and a light slap on the wrist was administered. "Justice" served.

Another miscarriage of justice: Tulare Co, CA animal shelter staff had a money making scheme going on the side where they killed shelter pets and sold the remains to research facilities. Of the 3 men arrested and charged in the scheme, none were convicted of animal cruelty. More details and action item here.

25 year old NC man stole 2 Pitbulls and shot one to death

TX school district hassles 14 year old girl over her seizure alert dog

1 comment:

Rinalia said...

"the district might have violated federal and state disability laws"

There is no might about it, what this school district is a clear violation of the ADA, resulting in a significant disruption of the student's life.

"the school asked that Heather's family foot the costs for training for students and faculty members who would interact with Della,"

Um. Yes, just like how we ask blind and deaf people to pay for training the public on how to interact with their service animal. Oh wait, that isn't a requirement. Dogs just wear a vest that say "don't fricking touch me."

And while I agree that training on how to react when she has a seizure is appropriate, I doubt it would cost a lot of money. I'm certain her/a doctor and a guide dog trainer would volunteer their time to speak with teachers (or at an assembly, which might be a little awkward for the student) on how to a) react to a seizure and b) how to handle the dog when a seizure happens.

But no one should have to go through these kinds of hoops to bring a safe, mild-mannered service dog, the kind who may very well protect this student's safety.