MOBILE PAYMENTS: IS CANADA READY?

KPMG reports are a must read for those involved or wishing to be involved in electronic commerce

Building on KPMG International’s “2011 Mobile Payments Outlook” and “Monetizing Mobile” reports, the new “Mobile Payments: Is Canada Ready?” supplemental publication provides an analysis of the Canadian responses included in the global survey and provides added commentary and perspectives for select industry sectors. The report also explores the challenges faced and what companies need to be thinking about as the new value chain and payments infrastructure for Canada takes form. 

Read these reports

Mars listed on World's Best Multinational Workplaces for 2011

World-leading food company Mars, Incorporated praised for its global Associate engagement program

Mars, Incorporated has been ranked 19th in the inaugural World's Best Multinational Workplaces list, the world's first global workplace excellence ranking by Great Place to Work(R). The list, announced today at a ceremony and gala dinner at the New York Stock Exchange, honored the top 25 global companies to work for in the world.  The World's Best Multinational Workplaces list is based upon all the Best Workplaces Lists published between September 2010 and August 2011 and is featured on Fortune.com. 

Mars, Incorporated is the owner of  brands such as PEDIGREE(R), ROYAL CANIN(R), WHISKAS(R), KITEKAT(R), BANFIELD(R) Pet Hospital and NUTRO(R.  Mars, alongside other qualifying companies, was required to feature on at least five national Great Place to Work lists, have at least 5,000 Associates and have at least 40 percent of their workforce located outside the country in which their company is headquartered. Twelve of Mars, Incorporated's operations are featured on the list including Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

  

"As a global business, we are united by our Principles-based culture," commented Paul S. Michaels, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mars, Incorporated. "Although we operate in 71 countries, speak different languages, and have diverse perspectives and opinions, our culture remains consistent and provides our 65,000 Associates with the opportunity to make their work mean more every day."

  

"To receive this recognition from Great Place to Work and to be featured in the inaugural World's Best Multinational Workplaces list is testament to every Mars Associate who is passionate about their work and takes pride in putting the Five Principles of Mars into action every day," adds Michaels.

The Mars Five Principles of Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom are the foundation of its culture and approach to business. They unite Mars across generations, geographies, languages and cultures.  First expressed by Forrest E. Mars, Sr. in the 1930s as his business model based on delivering a "mutuality of benefits" for all stakeholders, and later articulated as the Five Principles by the next generation of the Mars family, these philosophies guide Mars Associates' relationships with consumers, customers, business partners, communities and one another.

Click here to learn more about Mars as a workplace   

SOURCE  Mars, Incorporated

Colgate 3rd Quarter Results Strong

Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) today reported worldwide Net sales of $4,383 million in third quarter 2011, an increase of 11.0% versus third quarter 2010. Global unit volume grew 4.5%, pricing increased 2.0% and foreign exchange was positive 4.5%. Excluding divested businesses, global unit volume grew 5.0%. The Sanex acquisition contributed 2.0% to sales and volume growth. Organic sales (Net sales excluding foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestments) grew 5.0%.

Net income increased 4% to $643 million in third quarter 2011 and diluted earnings per share increased 8% to $1.31. Net income and Diluted earnings per share in third quarter 2010 were $619 million and $1.21,  respectively.

   

Ian Cook, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented on the results and outlook excluding the third quarter 2011 items noted above, "We are pleased with our strong top and bottom line growth this quarter with worldwide net sales, operating profit, net income and diluted earnings per share all increasing versus year ago, despite very sharp increases in material costs, an intense competitive environment and challenging macroeconomic conditions worldwide".

   

   Read the entire Investor Release

 To access the investor webcast, please go to Colgate's web site at http://www.colgate.com.

Animal shelter outbreaks

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Scott Weese

Infectious diseases are continuous challenges for animal shelters. Unfortunately, outbreaks are not uncommon. Sometimes they're bad luck and mainly the result of the inherent risk that is involved when you bring in lots of animals of questionable health status from different sources. However, if you add in things like inadequate facilities, poor training, overcrowding, poor adherence to protocols, bad protocols, lack of awareness about infectious diseases and failure to get expert help early in any outbreak, the likelihood of badness increases.

A few shelter outbreaks are underway at the moment, and they highlight some of the infectious disease challenges posed by different diseases in animal shelters. A common denominator in all of these outbreaks is the potential that something could have been done differently. It's possible (although unlikely) that everything that was done perfectly, however it's a rare outbreak where you can't find multiple areas for improvement. Once the crisis is over, a key aspect of outbreak management is an investigation of what really went wrong and why, with efforts to take measures to reduce the chance of it happening again.

Click to read the full blog

The pet industry mourns the passing of Rolf C. Hagen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rolf C. Hagen, on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Rolf C. Hagen was born in 1932 in a small seaside town in northern Germany. In 1955, inspired by a simple idea, he came to Canada and sowed the seeds of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., which blossomed to become one of the world's largest family-owned manufacturers and distributors of pet care products.

His brothers Dieter and Horst subsequently joined the company, both of whom brought new energy and innovation to the company, taking it to new heights of success. The trio formed the first generation of an emerging family-based company that would later include Rolf C. Hagen's three beloved sons, Mark, Tom, and Rolf Jr.

Over the years, Mr. Hagen was honoured with many awards in the pet products industry. In June 1999, he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame. In March 2004, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association in recognition for innovative design of pet products and for his generous support of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and people. He is the only individual in this industry to have received both awards.

Mr. Hagen's support and vision was instrumental in the development of PIJAC Canada. In 2007, he was formally recognized by PIJAC Canada as one of the founders of the association. Over the years he made great contributions to the association and played an important role in building PIJAC Canada into what it is today. Rolf C Hagen was also an Honorary Lifetime Member of PIJAC Canada.

For more information please see the Obituary in the Montreal Gazette  

Louis McCann

Executive Director

PIJAC Canada  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

And the Winners are…

Just Announced Recipients for the 2011 Summit Awards.

CALGARY, OCTOBER 21, 2011:

An initiative of PetLynx Corporation and its industry partners, the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS) is a gathering of executive-level thought leaders from all four sectors of the companion animal industry – animal control/legislation, animal health/wellness, animal welfare and animal services. The Summit is designed to enable participants to advance state-of-the-art urban animal strategies and implement these strategies in their communities.

The 2011 Summit Award winners were determined by current ISUAS delegates and Alumnus in good standing, who cast their ballots via a confidential computerized voting system. Award winners were announced during the gala reception on Friday, October 21st, 2011.

  “I have to say I was really impressed with the quality of the nominees for this year’s awards” declared Joe Mauro Summit Awards Committee Chair and master of ceremonies for the event.  “Each year the bar is raised another level as the number of high calibre candidates grows; and made our job as a selection committee a tough one.  Like the Academy Awards there can only be one winner in each category but the future of our communities is in good hands as exemplified by the commitment and innovative thinking of all our nominees.”

Learn more about the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies and the awards program at www.tsuas.com

And the winners are;

Animal Homing – sponsored by: Iams Canada

Nominees must demonstrate innovation, commitment and extraordinary effort in homing animals through adoption, sale, return-to-owner, re-homing and/or fostering programs.

•    Toronto Animal Services, ON

Animal Sheltering – sponsored by: Petsmart

Recognizes extraordinary efforts to address both the physical and psychological aspects of animal care for animals in shelters, pounds, retail outlets, kennels, veterinary clinics/hospitals, grooming shops and other facilities where animals are housed.

    

•    City of Edmonton, AB

Animal Wellness - sponsored by: Pet Secure Pet Insurance

Recognizes a Nominee’s efforts to improve the overall levels of wellness for animals of pet families in a particular client base, community or industry sector.

•    Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force, AB   

Communications

Recognizes outstanding achievement in the development and successful delivery of content, education, communications programs/strategies/initiatives and/or media involvement that promotes a better environment for pets and people locally, nationally or internationally.

•    Nova Scotia SPCA

   

Community Collaboration

Recognizes programs, codes of conduct, best practices, or legislative framework delivered across multiple sectors of the companion animal industry that improve levels of service and care provided to animals and people in a community.

•    Calgary Humane Society & Alberta Animal Services

Community Compliance

Acknowledges efforts to increase the overall level of compliance in a community using a broad definition of responsibility and/or related best practices and standards and/or National Codes of Conduct.

•    Toronto Humane Society Trap, Neuter and Release, ON

Distinguished Service Provider

Recognition of innovative services, products or programs that make a positive impact in the lives of pets and people within a specific community or sector(s) of the companion animal industry.

•    Calgary Humane Society, AB

Individual Achievement - sponsored by: Iams Canada

Honours the exceptional efforts of a person who is currently working or volunteering in the companion animal industry.  These individuals demonstrate unwavering efforts to the improvement of industry collaboration and promoting responsible pet families.

•    Michelle Lem - Community Veterinary Outreach, ON   

Innovation

Recognizes excellence in a product, service or program that improves the overall health, wellness and/or quality of life of animals in pet families, a particular client base, a community or any industry sector(s).

•    Animal Rescue Foundation, AB

Lifetime Achievement

Honours the outstanding efforts of an individual who has retired from active involvement in the companion animal industry.  The individual demonstrates exceptional effort to improving industry collaboration and promoting responsible pet families.

•    Dr. Lynn Webster

Responsible Breeder

Recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment of five or more years to producing, promoting and homing animals while exhibiting a high level of professionalism, commitment and responsibility

•    Cathy Prothro -  Dog Legislation Council of  Canada, NS   

Retail – sponsored by: Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC)

Special achievement in the area of Retailer is presented to a business most deserving based on its commitment to implementing in-store and community programs that enhance the experience of pets and people.

•    Petland – Kamloops, BC

Congratulations to all!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Joe Mauro Summit Awards Chair

(p) 403.219.1088    (e) admin@tsuas.com

The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies [Summit] attract Executive Thought Leaders from North America's Companion Animal Industry to develop strategies that will create and sustain healthy communities for pets and people. Executive level discussion, networking and world class speakers facilitate the executive working sessions.  The Annual Summit Awards are presented in conjunction with the Summit each October and bestow the recognition of industry peers upon individuals and organizations who are achieving success in each summit award category. The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies will be held in Montebello, Quebec from 19 – 22 October 2011.

http://www.tsuas.com

Follow the conversation on twitter with #ISUAS, during the live tweeting event October 19-22

The companion animal value chain

 

The Summit Awards are focused on the value delivery area of the companion animal value chain. While the sponsors and allies who support and sponsor the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies are value providers (green ring) or members of the national and regional support groups (blue ring) all of the Summit Awards are focused on the value delivery area of the value chain (pink ring).

The value delivery area of the companion animal value chain is further divided into four sub-sectors, which are used to determine the merit basis of some of the Summit Awards. These sub-sectors are: Animal Control & Legislative Enforcement: includes bylaw enforcement agencies, licensing agencies and municipal agencies whose primary focus is to protect people from animals. Animal Welfare: includes humane societies, SPCA's and rescue groups whose primary focus is to protect animals from people.

Animal Health & Wellness: includes veterinary clinics, emergency hospitals, behaviour, chiropractic and therapeutic services and other service providers that focus on the health and wellness of animals.

Animal Services: includes all those service providers and value deliverers such as retailers, breeders, kennels, groomers, media, daycare and other services which are required by people and the animals they care for.

Lilly Reports Third-Quarter 2011 Results

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2011.

Third-quarter 2011 revenue grew 9 percent to $6.148 billion due to increased demand for several key brands and favorable exchange rates.Revenue for Cymbalta, Humalog, Forteo, Strattera, Cialis and Alimta all grew in double-digits, with strong growth also seen in animal health, Japan and China.Q3 operating expense growth was driven primarily by marketing efforts to support new launches, investments in research and development, and exchange rates.Clinical pipeline now contains 66 potential new medicines, including 10 in Phase III.Company delivered third quarter earnings per share of $1.11 (reported), or $1.13 (non-GAAP).2011 earnings per share guidance range revised to $3.89 - $3.94 (reported), or $4.30 ? $4.35 (non-GAAP).

"In the third quarter Lilly continued to drive revenue growth for many key brands, including Cymbalta, Humalog, Forteo and Strattera, with strong growth also seen in animal health, Japan and China. This growth offset the continued erosion of Gemzar sales due to generic competition," said John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "As we face the loss of patent exclusivity for Zyprexa in most major markets, we are well-prepared as a company to meet the challenges before us. We remain committed to our innovation-based strategy and are focused on delivering the next wave of new medicines to patients in the coming years."

As previously announced, investors and the general public can access a live webcast of the third-quarter 2011 financial results conference call through a link on Lilly's website at www.investor.lilly.com. The conference call will be available for replay via the website through November 18, 2011.

Lily Worldwide Employees now number 38,380.

Former CFL Hitter Tom Trifaux Tackles Abundance

SESSION SPOTLIGHT

Saturday. 22 October, 2011
09:00  to 10:30

Keynote Breakfast: Thomas R. Trifaux
Professional Athlete, Management Consultant, Keynote Speaker and the Principal of HeadStart Marketing challenges our thinking about changing paradigms in a connected world of abundance.

The 2011 Summit keynote on Saturday morning is being delivered by former Argonaut Offensive Tackle, Tom Trifaux.  The Saturday breakfast and keynote address is designed to encourage leaders of the companion animal industry to meet the challenges they face within the industry and their organizations. Trifaux brings a unique work life history to bear on organizational development and professional services for clients across North America.  

Online communications has shifted the paradigm of business from a 'scarcity' model to one of 'abundance'.  Everything, Anytime, Anywhere is the new experience and expectation of the consumers we all serve. Does this experience based economy have opportunity for you?  What does that mean for your organization?  How will you be successful in an environment where everything is commoditized?  How does abundance in your personal and professional life bring you to a good place?

The term Experience Economy was first described in an article published in 1998 by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore.  In July, these authors updated this Harvard published tome and it will be provided to delegates attending this event.  

Tickets are still available, should you wish to attend this event you may contact Judi Cannon @ 705.930.7387

Elements of this presentation will be tweeted during the presentation .

Follow the conversation on twitter with #ISUAS,

during the live tweeting event October 19-22

____________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Vision: To gather executive level thought leaders who can advance the state of the art in urban animal strategies

Mission: To promote strategies that build healthy communities for pets and people and to recognize those who achieve success

This sixth annual gathering of Industry leaders takes place from October 19 - 22 at the Fairmont Chateau, Montebello, Quebec.

As we are learning, Animal Health and Wellness is directly related to human health in our communities. For this reason the 2011 agenda may facilitate the most strategic conversation to be brought forward to a Summit.

The industry is changing, have your say.

View full agenda and learn more about the summit

2010/2011 Urban Animal Report Data to be Presented

SESSION SPOTLIGHTThursday, 20 October, 2011 08:30 to 10:00

Industry Intelligence - 2010/2011 Urban Animal Report

Data from the 2010/2011 Urban Animal Report will be presented to produce a facts base for the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies. Dr. Lisa Chen, PetLynx Corporation, assisted by colleagues Susan Dankert, PIJAC Canada, Dr. Jim Berry, CVMA and Doug Raven, OVMA will present data from the various surveys conducted during the past 12 months.

Benchmarking the Companion Animal Industry as well as understanding new trends and public opinion is what this presentation is about.  Never before have we had the opportunity to garner so much information and had the ability to connect directly with so many of those we serve. The 2011/2012 Urban Animal Report will be released to the industry in just prior to the Regional Summits in April 2012.

Elements of this presentation will be tweeted during the presentation .

Follow the conversation on twitter with #ISUAS,

during the live tweeting event October 19-22

____________________________________________________________________________ABOUT
THE SUMMIT

Vision: To gather executive level thought leaders who can advance the state of the art in urban animal strategies

Mission: To promote strategies that build healthy communities for pets and people and to recognize those who achieve success

This sixth annual gathering of Industry leaders takes place from October 19 - 22 at the Fairmont Chateau, Montebello, Quebec.

As we are learning, Animal Health and Wellness is directly related to human health in our communities. For this reason the 2011 agenda may facilitate the most strategic conversation to be brought forward to a Summit.

The industry is changing, have your say.

View full agenda and learn more about the summit

Gearing up for the 2011 Summit

PetLynx President and CEO Evans is in Ottawa preparing for the Sixth Annual 2011 International Summit on Urban Animal Strategies scheduled for the Chateau Montebello later this week. The 2011Summit marks the first time the event has been sited in eastern Canada.

An initiative of PetLynx Corporation and its industry partners, the Summits for Urban Animal Strategies [tsuas] attract Executive Thought Leaders from North America's Companion Animal Industry to develop strategies that will create and sustain healthy communities for pets and people. Executive level discussion, networking and world class speakers facilitate the executive working sessions. The Annual Summit Awards are presented in conjunction with the Summit each October and bestow the recognition of industry peers upon individuals and organizations who are achieving success in each summit award category. The International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies will be held in Montebello, Quebec from 19 – 22 October 2011.

The line up of speakers/facilitators and the agenda should bring about an awesome conference on Animal Health & Wellness. Click to view details at www.tsuas.com

The 2011 Summit is a PetLynx Live Tweet Event - follow along on twitter starting Wednesday evening using hashtag #ISUAS

Canmore has more dogs than children, latest census reveals

Canmore really has gone to the dogs. according to results from the 2011 municipal census, the number of children in the community has been surpassed by the number of four-legged friends.

Enumerators counted 1,913 dogs in the community compared with 1,774 children.

Mayor Ron Casey said anyone who has lived in Canmore for any length of time would intuitively know the census numbers to be true.

“There is no question that dogs are certainly a way of life in Canmore,” said the mayor. “Canmore is an easier place than a lot of others to own a dog.”

Read the full article in The Calgary Herald

Open Letter to the pet industry - Update on the Breeder Codes

Dear Industry Member:

In October 2010 amidst the panoramic view of Lake Louise, a discussion began on the topic of how to ensure breeders of companion animals produce quality animals in our communities. Today we have an outcome of that conversation to present to you: The Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct

This was a collaborative effort with voices from every corner of the companion animal industry lending their insight and expertise. The process was open, honest, productive and innovative; in that all our deliberations and comments are posted on a wiki for anyone to see, and we also employed live tweets during our meetings.

Once the first iteration of the code was ready, there was a commitment to submit it to each member of the companion animal industry. So here it is for your perusal, I hope you will tangibly support the work your part of the industry has helped to produce.

The Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct is the stepping stone for bigger and better things. With this Code in place as the moral bedrock, more detailed codes of behavior and ‘best practices’ guidelines can come forward and give the industry, and the public some tangible ways to distinguish the truly committed and caring breeders within our community.

Work continues on the code with focus on how best to present this to the community, and once again your input will help shape the strategy and content of that message. Use whatever means you can to provide your input to this next phase and continue the iterative process. Input is welcome in many forms; commenting on the Open Space wiki, responding to online surveys, commenting to blogs and tweets, or simply emails your thoughts.

I want to thank you and your members for participating in the formulation of this code. I believe this Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct will serve as a template for future industry codes to develop; not only in its physical framework, but in its collaborative and organic process.

Click to access the full document.

Sincerely,

Joe Mauro

Chair, Breeder Code Working Group

Animal-welfare group, Tufts to collaborate

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the International Fund for Animal Welfare signed an agreement yesterday that encourages collaborative research, teaching and student opportunities between the two entities.

Read more at Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

Fourth Annual RDOG Day a barking success

RDOG DAY - Saturday, September 24, 2011.

“Responsible Dog Ownership Groups” (RDOG’S) rallied across Canada to promote, educate and enlighten dog lovers. The annual event gives the Canadian Kennel Club an opportunity to interact with community members unfamiliar with the valued place dogs have in Canadian society.

In Toronto, Trinity Bellwoods Park was dog central as dog owners united for CKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Despite a looming rainy forecast, sunshine and clear skies, along with a steady flow of dogs, did not disappoint. This is the second time that CKC has held an RDOG Walk at Trinity Bellwoods Park—a popular Toronto dog park with an off-leash dog bowl-shaped area that draws dog owners who are unmistakably passionate about their dogs.

RDOG Participants were eager to show their support during the national RDOG dog walk at 11 a.m.—as dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes led the way around the scenic grounds of the park.

Read more about the Toronto Event

Learn more about RDOG

Research Veterinarians and Food Safety

Few people know that research veterinarians play an important role in food safety. Their research is crucial to forecasting the emergence of foodborne diseases and possible food safety outbreaks. In this Chew on This podcast, we discuss the role that veterinarians play in food safety research and forecasting with Dr. Scott Hurd, associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University.

Listen to the Podcast posted in the AVMA Media Library

Canadian Kennel Club invites all members to have their say

Make Your Opinions Known this November!

2011 is an Election and Referendum year. The Canadian Kennel Club invites all members to have their say this November by exercising their right to vote and engaging in the electoral process. Collectively, your nominations and voting support can really make a difference!

In November, each voting member of The Canadian Kennel Club will have the opportunity to:

• Vote for the election of the members of their Board of Directors for the three-year term 2012 – 2014
• Vote on a number of important amendments to the CKC By-laws
  

The choice is yours, but only if you participate! Exercise your right as a CKC member and VOTE!

Important Dates to Remember:

• The Election Commission will mail ballots and return envelopes to all eligible voters on or before October 20, 2011.

• Last date for receipt of ballots is November 30, 2011. Ballots must be received at the office of the Election Commission prior to the poll closing at 12:00 o'clock noon on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

Click for more details on the CKC Site

Humane society threatens Canmore with lawsuit over possible cull of feral rabbits

If Canmore’s politicians choose lethal means to deal with its burgeoning bunny population, they will face a legal challenge from the Humane Society of Canada.

In a recent letter to the mayor, the chairman and CEO of the humane society, Michael O’Sullivan, said the group is opposed to killing Canmore’s rabbits because it is inhumane and doomed to failure. O’Sullivan said if Canmore chooses a lethal solution to a human-caused problem the society will mount a legal challenge against it.

“As the Humane Society of Canada, we feel we need to draw a line in the sand,” he said in an interview. “We hope it does not come to that because we want to work with people to solve this.”

Read the full article in the Calgary Herald

Starbucks Perks Up Mobile Payments Program - eMarketer

Back in January of this year Starbucks debuted a new way for customers to pay for coffee—through the brand’s mobile app. With 2-D barcode scanners installed in nearly 9,000 of its store locations, the coffee chain has served as a model for retailers looking to enter the mobile payments space.

A response to customer feedback and a focus on enhancing the customer experience is what brewed this extension of the popular Starbucks Card. In an interview with eMarketer’s Lauren McKay, Adam Brotman - lead of digital strategies for the Seattle-based coffee chain, talks about why the mobile payment program works for Starbucks and where he thinks the market is headed.


Read the interview

Steve Jobs - How to Live before you Die

Apple's founder at Stanford University with three stories from his life and his discovery.

How to Live before you Die

NYC Council passes new animal bill.

On September 21, 2011 The New York City Council passed a bill that would extend hours at animal rescue centers, seek to reduce the number of feral cats prowling city streets and increase the budget for animal services in the five boroughs.

Yet while many animal rights groups applauded the measure, other organizations and some elected officials condemned it as a ploy to relieve the city of having to provide additional services and of possibly losing a lawsuit challenging its treatment of animals. As evidence, these advocates charged the City Council had rushed the bill through, holding hearings last week and passing it today.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the bill had been in the works for about nine months. The council decided to act today, she and the measure's author, Manhattan Council member Jessica Lappin said, because animals in the city face an emergency.

On that point, it seems, few disagree.

Read More in the Gotham Gazette