WELFARE - Wrongful Deaths and Civil Suits

(Vern, courtesy Tim Reeves)

In 2014, Officer Rodney Price of the Anne Arundel County police service shot and killed Vern, a four-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever.

The shooting is one of many such incidents, but this one is notable because three years later a jury has awarded Vern’s family $1.26 million in damages.

This amount includes $500,000 in monetary damages and $760,000 for the anguish the family suffered as a result of the shooting.

The question of how to handle pet deaths caused by police officers is a fraught issue in contemporary America.

Late last year a federal court determined that officers are justified in shooting dogs that bark or move during a police raid.

And, earlier this year, a federal judge rejected a request to dismiss a lawsuit filed after an officer shot and killed a dog who charged at him when he entered a yard to search for a missing child.

The courts seem undecided on how to handle situations of pet deaths, and that ambiguity is likely to remain a factor for quite some time.

Pets are in a shifting legal position right now, no longer considered mere property but still not given the same consideration under the law that a person would be.

Some legal scholars have proposed that animals be treated as “living property,” which would introduce a new legal category of property and would afford non-human animals legal rights.

Austria, Germany, and Switzerland all have legislation that defines animals as something other than property, but none of these countries take the legislation so far as to consider animals persons under the law.

Personhood under the law doesn’t necessarily mean that fewer dogs would be killed, or that their families would more easily or consistently receive compensation.

America’s grappling with police shootings and wrongful deaths extend far beyond the many animals shot and killed each year, and the $1.26 million damages awarded following Vernon’s death stand in stark contrast to other recent lawsuit settlements.

Last month, a Cook County jury awarded $350,000 in damages after ruling that the police shooting of Christian Green, a 17-year-old black teen, was unjustified.

A 2014 report by the Washington Post found that municipalities pay out millions of dollars settling lawsuits related to police abuse, and a 2015 report by the same paper highlighted the uneven results of civil suits.

Some claimants receive awards in the millions, and some receive nothing.

There are many factors that influence how, and whether, families receive financial compensation following a wrongful death, but often these cases require proof of improper training or past misconduct.

The issue of wrongful police killings of humans, which disproportionately impact racialized communities in both America and Canada, is a separate issue from that of police shootings of dogs.

But they share an element in common – these killings are often committed by police officers who have not received adequate training in de-escalation, threat assessment, and non-lethal response.

Officers have been trained to use force first, and efforts to move to de-escalation training (which could reduce avoidable deaths), has met some resistance.

Although civil lawsuits offer families some compensation following these tragic deaths, no dollar amount can be sufficient.

There remains a need to teach officers how to respond more effectively to perceived threats.

In 2013, following Vern’s death, owner Tim Reeves questioned the safety of an officer discharging his weapon in a residential neighbourhood. He said, “I’m just glad it wasn’t a person.”

Unfortunately, sometimes, it is a person.

About Tiffany Sostar

Tiffany is a published academic, an editor with the Editors Association of Canada, an independent scholar and researcher, and a self-care and narrative coach. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology and identity - how our tools shape our selves and change our stories, and in how the nature of work is changing as we incorporate more technology into our daily lives.

RESEARCH - Why Large Dogs Live Shorter Lives

What is the most common complaint about dogs? They don’t live long enough.

This is especially true of larger breeds.

A recent study out of Colgate University in New York, may have some insight as to why large dogs have a shorter lifespan than small dogs.

With most other mammals, the opposite is true - elephants and whales live much longer lives than rats and guinea pigs, for example.

Undergraduates Josh Winward and Alex Ionescu studied 80 samples from large and small breed dogs and puppies, measuring antioxidants and free radicals.

In the adult dog cells, free radical and energy production was about equal in the two breed sizes.

However, in puppy cells the balance was off.

The cells from large breed puppies had many more free radicals than antioxidants.

Why is this interesting?

When an organism grows, its cells break down food to make the energy it needs.

But generating this energy can also generate molecules called oxygen free radicals.

These molecules have an unpaired electron, and as they try to steal one from other cells in the body, they can damage the cells and potentially contribute to cancer and other diseases.

Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals.

While the results are preliminary and there is much scientific debate about free radicals’ impact on aging, Winward believes it might be possible to extend large dogs’ lives with antioxidant supplements for puppies - the antioxidants could help get rid of the extra free radicals before they do damage.

Caution must be exercised as too much of the supplement can also be harmful.

More research is needed and Colgate animal physiologist Ana Jimenez and her students are planning to expand the study.

Dogs are the "Top Dog" in Pet Ownership Around the World

(animalplanet.com)

According to global market research platform, GfK, the canine variety takes first place as most common household pet worldwide – with Latin countries, Argentina (82%), Mexico (81%) and Brazil (76%), ringing in as the countries with the highest rates of overall pet ownership per household.

By contrast, Asian countries ranked the lowest in pet ownership with only 31% of South Korean households owning a pet, followed by Hong Kong at 35% and Japan at 37%; according to GfK, however, the rates of pet ownership in Asian countries is on the rise.

The survey, which includes 27,000 online customers from 33 counties, uncovered that 33% of all respondents were dog owners, with cats coming in second at 23%, followed by fish at 12%, birds at 6% and other pets at 6%.

According to the survey, the U.S. comes in fifth place for pet ownership with around 70% of all U.S. households owning a pet – 50% of these own a dog and 39% a cat.

With the old adage in mind that a dog is ‘man’s best friend’, statistics like these indeed bring the question to light: what causes people to love dogs so much?

An article by Jon Bastian, “The look of love: how humans and dogs bond” refers to an interesting study recently conducted by animal behaviourist, Takefumi Kikusui, at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan.

The study measures the oxytocin levels in dogs and humans before and after being brought into a room together for 30 minutes of interaction. The study found that levels went up in cases where the dogs and humans made significant eye contact during the interaction – 130% in dogs and an impressive 300% in humans.

By comparison, there was no change in oxytocin levels with wolves and their owners put together in a room, as eye contact is perceived as aggression by wild dogs.

While it would appear too early to draw anything conclusive, this study is another indication that there is something going on below the surface – on a hormonal level - that draws humans and dogs together.

The study has caught the attention of many in the animal sciences world. Reference to the study in a sciencemag.org article, “How dogs stole our hearts” cites Brian Hare, an expert on canine cognition at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, as referring to this study as ground-breaking in providing possible insights into why service dogs are so helpful for persons living with autism and PTSD.

When it comes to the love between man and his dog, science just might be on your side.

By Lindsay Seewalt

Lindsay is an experienced journalist and mother of three whose heart and home is always open to a four-legged friend. With her Corgi, Angie, as household editor-in-chief, Lindsay gives back to the animal planet through the written word on anything and all ado about pets. She is passionate about topics regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, which she aims to instill in both her readers and children to be compassionate animal lovers who are conscious and considerate that furry friends around the globe deserve a voice.

Canine Parvovirus Outbreak in Alaska

An outbreak of canine parvovirus, deemed to be “severe” by animal experts has hit the Interior Alaska and claimed the lives of several dogs so far.

Because the highly contagious virus is not on the state's list of “mandatory reportable diseases” for vets, the number of casualties could be higher.

Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska's state veterinarian, is urging pet owners to take steps to safeguard against spread of the infection which can be fatal for puppies or older dogs with weaker immune systems. “It's severe in the symptoms,” he told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. “Several dogs have died due to infection.”

He added the strain appears to be particularly dangerous considering some dogs infected had already had vaccinations for parvovirus.

CPV-2 = Canine Parvovirus 2

The disease can spread easily and quickly, requiring as little as nose to nose touching between dogs, making it important for those suspecting their dog might be infected to isolate it from other dogs and have it tested for the virus.

It is typically spread through fecal matter, vomit and can even live on items, like dog dishes, for several days.

Gerlach suggests pet owners ensure dogs are vaccinated against the virus (although the only required vaccine in the state is for rabies,) and recommends those with dogs already vaccinated consider a booster if they are going to be in frequent contact with other dogs.

Canine parvovirus targets a dog's gastrointestinal system or the cardiac system and in worst-case scenarios can take the life of a dog within days.

Those infected will commonly suffer with diarrhoea, depression, fever, lack of appetite, vomiting or blood in their stool.

Although humans are not at risk of contracting this particular strain of virus, Gerlach recommends individuals working around dogs to change their clothes and wash hands to thwart potential of being a carrier and spreading infection to other canines.

Outbreaks of canine parvo are not uncommon globally and have proven devastating when striking at animal shelters.

Canine parvovirus was first identified in 1967 and evolved into a variety of sub-types, according to Canadian Vet, which states affected dogs are typically between 6 to 20 weeks of age and some breeds, including American pit bull terrier, Rottweiler, German shepherd and Doberman pinscher are thought to be at increased risk.

While vaccines can prevent the virus, mortality can be as high as 91 percent in cases left untreated.

According to petalk.com, cases can be mild but on the other end of the spectrum - deaths from parvovirus usually result from dehydration, bacterial infection stemming from a pet's lowered resistance, blood loss from internal bleeding or cardiac issues.

By Nadia Moharib
Nadia Moharib is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

RESEARCH - DNA Study Shows Inconsistent Identification of Pit Bulls

A recent survey shows shelter staff are inconsistent and often incorrect when it comes to identifying a dog's breed - a potentially devastating, if not deadly, error for any canine labelled a pit bull.

"In the high-stakes world of animal shelters, a dog's life might depend on a potential adopter's momentary glimpse and assumptions about its suitability as a pet. If shelter staff has labelled the dog as a pit bull, its chances for adoption automatically go down in many shelters,” says Julie Levy, professor of shelter medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the lead author of a study published in The Veterinary Journal.

"Identification of dogs as pit bulls can trigger an array of negative consequences, from the loss of housing to being seized by animal control, to the taking of the dog's life."

The findings show one in five dogs genetically identified as 'pit bulls' were missed by shelter staff while one in three deemed to be pit bulls had genetic testing which contradicted the claim.

More than half (52%) of staff identified dogs as pit bull-type when in fact DNA showed only 21% were indeed pit bull type.

The findings are troubling given shelter staff and veterinarians are often expected to guess a dog's breed based on appearance alone and potential adopters often infer, based on apparent breed, what kind of pet a particular pooch will make.

The past few decades have seen an increase in ownership restrictions on breeds including pit bulls and dogs that resemble them based on assumptions certain breeds are inherently dangerous, that such dogs can be reliably identified and restrictions will improve public safety, the study states.

That reality, in addition to negative stereotypes dogging pit bull-types, means inconsistency by shelter staff to correctly identify a breed can be dangerous - the designation often devastating, and at times a death sentence, for dogs waiting to be adopted.

"These results raise difficult questions because shelter workers and veterinarians are expected to determine breeds of dogs in their facilities on a daily basis. Additionally, they are often called on as experts as to whether a dog's breed will trigger confiscation or regulatory action. The stakes for these dogs and their owners are in many cases very high,” Levy says.

"A dog's physical appearance cannot tell observers anything about its behaviour. Even dogs of similar appearance and the same breed often have diverse behavioural traits in the same way human siblings often have very different personalities.”

Researchers evaluated breed assessments of 120 dogs made by 16 shelter workers, including four veterinarians, at four facilities – all had a minimum of three years experience working at shelters.

Then researchers developed DNA profiles from blood samples taken from each dog and compared the findings against staff assessments.

Levy suggests, rather than relying on a dog's appearance or apparent breed as a predictor of behaviour, public safety would be better served by taking steps to prevent dog bites, including supervising children, understanding canine body language, fixing dogs and socializing puppies.

By Nadia Moharib
Nadia Moharib is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

RESEARCH Who's Happier - Dog People or Cat People?

Researcher, Katherine Jacobs Bao, didn't mean to unleash debate in controversial territory. But when she tried to determine which are happier - cat people or dog people - that is exactly what she did.

“As a pet owner, I have always been interested in how pets relate to our happiness,” Bao, who works in happiness research, told InfoStream.

The goal of her study out of Manhattanville College, which was announced at the recent Society for Personality and Social Psychology Convention in San Diego, was to determine if there is a difference in what some might call “happiness,” (i.e. life satisfaction, more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions,) between pet owners and non pet owners. But Bao concedes it is far from the final word on the topic.

What the study did show is that “dog owners were higher in well-being, marginally more extroverted, less neurotic and more agreeable,” than cat-owning counterparts. Dog people reported higher levels of happiness and positive emotions than cat people, however, the study did not show differences in life satisfaction or negative emotions. “I'm a cat person, so this was a little upsetting” she scoffs.

And while it was revealing, Bao's findings - gleaned in part from a questionnaire given to 263 participants, half men and half women, aged 19 to 68 years - also left many questions unanswered.

“Do happier people adopt dogs, or do dogs increase people’s happiness?” Bao muses. “One could ask whether extroverts seek out dogs, or whether dogs make people more extroverted.”

No doubt, studies have shown animal owners, in general, lead a more satisfied life than non-pet owners and many studies back claims there are health benefits to owning a pet; like lower blood pressure, less depression and reduced risk of death after heart attacks. But little research has been done on happiness.

And despite Bao's bid to delve into the topic, the question remains – which group is happier?

Katherine Jacobs Bao

Currently continuing her research on the topic, Bao hopes to learn which group, cat owners or dog owners, leads the pack when it comes to happiness. The answer, she says, lies in following pet owners over time to see, for instance, if newly adopted pets indeed boost happiness but owners return to baseline levels of well-being after the passage of time, and if personality actually changes as a result of pet ownership.

Either way, Bao figures pets help make people happier given they help “fulfil the basic need of relatedness, (to) feel connected.” That is especially the case with people who treat pets “as part of the family rather than something else in the house.”

And until her subsequent research reveals more, Bao is intrigued by the reaction to her recent findings. “Some publications are taking it too far and saying, 'Everyone needs to get a dog,'” she says of conclusions drawn by media from her recent study. “I didn't expect it to pick up quite as much attention as it did. Now, it seems to have sparked some cat/dog owner rivalry.”

By Nadia Moharib
Nadia Moharib is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

Options to Bring Your Dog to Dinner - and Other Adventures - are Growing

More and more North American businesses are rolling out the red carpet to cater to customers AND their canine cohorts. From an art deco tour to ATV outings, historic walks, trolley rides, paddling adventures (dubbed 'sup with your pup') and beach-front or mountain-top resort lodgings – the list of possibilities for those wanting to hang with their hound are growing.

The Southern Nevada Health District doled out patio permits, (AKA, dog-friendly waivers) to make it possible for patrons to bring their pooch to dinner while ensuring rules are in place which include the low-down on what to do should the dogs, ahem, do their business.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Las Vegas, requires basic manners from mutts (no biting, barking or begging) and offers entrees like grilled hamburger patties with brown rice and complimentary water for four-legged patrons served in bowls.

Across North America there are numerous dog-friendly locations (go to BringFido.com for a list) including numerous options in Canada.

Several years ago, Ranchman's Cookhouse in Calgary, Alberta, became the first drinking/dining establishment in Canada to open its doors to dogs who are welcome on the patio – owner, Harris Dvorkin, inspired to import the concept to after seeing it during U.S. travels to places like Las Vegas, Houston and New York.

The list of possible dog-friendly outings across North America doesn't end with dinner.

Want to travel with your dog? WestJet accepts birds, cats, chinchillas, dogs, Guinea pigs, hedgehogs and bunnies on its flights while Amtrak has a pilot program where small pets are allowed to ride in cabins, and a U.S. airport which has a terminal with a swimming pool for the pooch and stables for horses opening in 2016.

Wanting a fun vacation with your canine? Bars and restaurants in Key Largo, FL, take turns hosting Yappy Hour where dogs and owners can soak up the waterfront atmosphere and meet rescue dogs up for adoption, or there are wine tours in California.

Indeed, there are dozens of examples illustrating how rapidly the list of dog-friendly attractions is expanding across North America, says Becca Barnett, social media manager with BringFido.com. “We have a very busy call centre, especially during peak travel seasons,” Barnett told InfoStream. “There are over a million users a month and it's growing rapidly and there are many return users.”

Some of the options are interesting, to say the least. Some hotels cater specifically to pets, including one which hosts weddings “for a boy and girl dog to be married” and another with its in-house chef working with a certified veterinarian to create a doggie menu.

Dog-friendly establishments, from bakeries to pubs, seem to be more popular in Europe but Barnett says North America is increasingly Fido friendly. “While they are ahead of the curve, I would say things are changing,” she says. “As far as catching up, there are tonnes of things in the works right now. I think more and more we are realizing how intelligent animals are and travelling with them and sharing experiences increases the bond.”

By Nadia Moharib

Nadia Moharib is an animal lover who has adopted everything from birds to hamsters, salamanders, rabbits, fish and felines. She has written about all-things-pets for years and was a long-time editor of a pet magazine in a daily newspaper which featured a Q & A column, Ask Whit, penned by her pooch (ghost written, of course.) The serial dog owner lives in Calgary, Alberta and most days can be found at a dog park picking up after her rescue pooch, Scoots.

Dog Park Safety Project Aims to Educate

The International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) recently announced the launch of their Dog Park Safety Project. The series of posters are a result of the collaboration between the IAABC, Dr. Jessica Hekman and artist Lili Chin. 

The goal of the project is to promote safety in dog parks and dog play through community education. The posters illustrate dog body language and communication in different situations, and how owners can manage these interactions in ways that are positive for everyone involved.

Founded in 2004, the IAABC believes in the study and science of behaviour consulting. They provide networking and education opportunities for members through on-line discussion groups, guided studies, webinars and conferences. Their 2016 Animal Behaviour Conference takes place April 9th and 10th in Anaheim, California and has cat and dog behaviour tracks.

Three new breeds to debut at 2014 Westminster Dog Show

Three new breeds will vie for Best of Show at the Westminster Dog Show February 10-12. 

The WKC announced last month that Chinooks, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos and Rat Terriers will join the competition bringing the total to 190 breeds. About 2,845 dogs, the most in more than two decades, will participate in the 138th annual show. 

Before being included in the show, a breed must meet American Kennel Club rules, including having sufficient numbers in the United States, a certain geographical distribution, and a parent club that makes sure they are following responsible breeding practices and meet certain characteristics. 

Preceding this year's show, the First Annual Masters Agility Championship on February 8, which will be open to mixed breeds for the first time in more than 100 years. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Baby's best friend

Past studies have suggested that children exhibit a natural interest towards animals, and different intervention programs have shown the presence of an animal being able to increase children's attentiveness and motivation levels.

However, until recently, few research efforts have been devoted to the identification of specific animal characteristics able to attract and engage children. A recent report appearing in the Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin tested children based on a number of features present in the most common pets (and their appeal for humans).

What the study ascertained, is that overall, children showed a preference for kittens over cats but dogs of all ages over cats or kittens. 

READ THE REPORT

Summit 2013 Breeder Nominees

Five finalists vie for the Urban Animal Industry's highest award in the category of Breeder:

1. Champagne Standard Schnauzers (Line Champagne) for producing healthy, well-balanced dogs, through OFA hip certification and using reproductive technology to produce healthier bloodlines.
2. Bundas Bengals Cattery (Trysh Tolhurst) for producing cats and dogs that do not require cropping or docking and breeding of Bengals where she continues to improve the standards and experience for those who receive her kittens into their home.
3. Floralie Cattery (Louise Laliberte) for her special attention to illuminate the Abyssinian and Exotic Shorthair breed and her work with the Canadian Cat Association since 1976.
4. Tsar Shadow Karelians (Dawne Deeley) for her World renowned breeding of Karelian Bear Dogs and for her work with the Karelians and fostering good relations between Canada and Finland Members of the World Press.
5. Starstruck Labradors (Valina Pope) for promoting ethical and responsible breeding and passion she has is in educating all other breeders and all future dog owners.

The Summit Award for Breeder recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of breeding experience that is compliant with codes of ethical conduct and who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the industry.

The 2013 Summit for Sheltering will be presented during the Awards Gala on Friday, 18 October 2013. This event is open to the public.

VOTE NOW!

CBC's MarketPlace on the Pet Owner Vet Experience

On Friday evening, CBC's MarketPlace zoomed in on the pet owner experience with veterinarians. 

During the next week CBC will collect pet owner experience in the form of pet pictures and accompanying vet bills. 

Next weekend Rex Murphy will further illuminate the pet owner experience on his popular Sunday afternoon program Cross Country Checkup.

The link to the video is here below and the comments on the show cover a broad range of experience and opinion.

Barking Mad - Marketplace - CBC News

Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® Canadian Program

• Since 2007, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program has donated over $8.25 million worth of Science Diet® brand pet food to animal shelters across Canada.
• It has also helped thousands of homeless pets find new homes, and counting.
• The program feeds homeless pets 365 days a year in Canada.
• The program also provides a free bag of Science Diet pet food to the pet parent for each adoption to further ensure a smooth and easy transition for pets to their new home.
• The goal of the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program is simple: to provide dogs and cats with superior nutrition that will make them healthier, happier, and more adoptable as they wait for their forever home.

Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love website www.hillsfoodshelterlove.ca

Hill’s Shelter Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/HillsFoodShelterLove

Thousands of Dogs Arrive in Canada, a New Haven for the Unwanted

In the recent issue of MacLeans, Charlie Gillis illuminates a thorny issue:

'How Canada Became a Haven for the World's Unwanted Dogs'. 

This is must reading for anyone involved in the Urban Animal Industry and especially those involved in the Pet Experience Project.

Gard saves dogs from ?

You are excused from reading, if you can answer the following questions:

• Where are the dogs coming from? 
• Who is adopting them? 
• Why are they adopted instead of shelter animals in Canada?
• What health regulations govern these imports?
• Why don't these adopters favor homing a Canadian purebred?
• Who is funding the transfers?
• Why aren't the problems dealt with in the country of origin?

Barbara Cartwright, Executive Director of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, responds and poses some questions of her own.

Read about the World's Mangy-Masses

BC Sets Mandatory Care Standards for Breeders

Yesterday, North Vancouver-Seymour MLA, Jane Thornthwaite, introduced a Private Member’s Bill that will target puppy and kitty mills while protecting legitimate breeders and future pet owners. The Standards of Care for Breeders of Companion Animals, is intended to outline specific requirements for dog and cat breeders in B.C. to ensure the welfare of their animals.

This legislation intends to:

• Increase public awareness about the standards of care that dog and cat breeders must adhere to.
• Declare that breeders of three or more female dogs or cats capable of reproduction will be required not only to understand, but meet, the standards of care in handling and breeding their animals.
• Punish operators that fail to comply with legislation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
• Implement mandatory regulations for animal care.
• Provide a measure of protection to owners by ensuring that their dogs and cats were bred in a healthy and humane manner.

See the video, Read the bill