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See how Bark Busters changedthe life of an Airforce dog han-dler or, view the “Aspen’s Story”video on YouTube.com

ach September, we take a look at theefforts made for animal welfare legisla-tion. This year was the most successful

session for animal protection legislation ever.The controversial Texas Puppy Mill Bill wassigned into law. This means that commercialbreeding facilities will be regulated by the TexasDepartment of Licensing and Regulation.Kudos to everyone who supported this legisla-tion and who worked to get it passed.

Also in this issue we feature a story onOperation Baghdad Pups. It’s a wonderful pro-gram that helps reunite war zone dogs with theirservice men and women. To read about it, turnto page 14.

Editorial

E

Issue 8: Volume 5www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, we pay trib-ute to the search and rescue dogs who bravelysearched hour upon hour for disaster victims.They are truly the unsung heroes of this fatefulday that none of us will ever forget.

Although summer is officially over, that doesn’tmean you still can’t have fun with Fido. Fallmarks the start of many area pet festivals thatare fun for the entire family. Check out our cal-endar for upcoming events.

As always, we encourage you to follow us onTwitter and like us on Facebook for the mostup-to-date information and fun!

Jennifer Kitchens

On the Cover

Photos by Ashlee Newman Photography.

URBAN PAWSMAGAZINEP.O. Box 1556Spring, Texas 77383www.UrbanPawsMagazine.com

Design and layout by:ZOECOCREATIVE

© Copyright 2011. No part of this publication may bereprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publish-er’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumesno responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature andidea submissions, or photographs, and such material willnot be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no lia-bility for the contents herein and has the right to refuseadvertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine doesnot endorse any specific product or service containedherein; we do encourage you to support our advertiserswhenever possible.

Please tell our advertisers you heard about them inUrban Paws!

Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the mostup-to-date information, news and events!

6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Calendar

September 2011 Events For a full listing of events, visit:www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events

SEPTEMBER 4Dog Day at Minute Maid Park presented by H-E-B. Bring man's best friend to HoustonAstros Dog Day at Minute Maid Park and seeyour Houston Astros take on the MilwaukeeBrewers at 1:05 p.m. To purchase tickets, visithttp://mlb.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/dog_day.jsp.

SEPTEMBER 17Smart Petz Pet Adoption Event at PetSmart, I-45 and 1960. 12:00 - 4:00 pm. For more infor-mation and additional dates, visitwww.smartpetz.com.

SEPTEMBER 18Dock Jumping Class at Rummy’s Beach Club.Dock Jumping is one of the world’s fastestgrowing canine sports. 9:30 - 11:30 am. To reg-ister, visit www.rummysbeachclub.com.

SEPTEMBER 23-24You are invited to join fellow animal advocatesat the Texas Humane Legislation NetworkThird Annual Conference to be held at HotelDerek. Learn the latest in legislative issues thataffect animals in Texas and how you can makea difference. Network with animal welfareadvocates from across the state. Learn fromexpert speakers how to help your organizationbe more effective in your efforts to promoteanimals protection. For more information, visitwww.thln.org.

SEPTEMBER 25-30National DogWeek

SEPTEMBER 26Tee up for the 7th Annual Golf Tournamentbenefiting Abandoned Animal Rescue (AAR).High Meadow Ranch Golf Club in Magnolia. 7a.m. sign in. 8 a.m. shotgun start. Prizes will beawarded for top teams, longest drive, straight-est drive, and closest to the pin. The $125 entryfee includes a lunch buffet, green fee, cart,range balls, morning coffee, goodie bag withsnacks, two drink tokens and door prize draw-ing. Additional items include a $10 raffle ticketfor helicopter ride or YMCA membership,mulligans, tiger woods, and more. For moreinformation, email: [email protected].

The Scoop

News &Happenings in the Houston Area

SMILE FOR A CURE INHOUSTONTOBENEFIT NATIONAL CANINE CANCERFOUNDATIONThe National Canine Cancer Foundation(NCCF) is partnering with local photographersto launch “Smile for a Cure,” an exclusive,national program to raise awareness and fundsin the fight against canine cancer.During the month of September, Smile for a

Cure pet photographers from across the coun-try will donate 100% of their session fees tothe National Canine Cancer Foundation, anon-profit, 501(C) 3 dedicated to eliminatingcancer as a major health issue in dogs.According to www.wearethecure.org, 1 in 4dogs will be diagnosed with cancer, and 50%of them will die from this terrible disease.Good Dog Photography is located in

Kingwood, Texas and will be participating inthe Smile for a Cure charity event. Additionalinformation on sessions can be found atwww.gooddogphotography.com

WOODLANDS BUSINESS HELPING TORAISE FUNDS FORDOGS IN NEEDAs part of their annual charity drive to raisemoney for non-profit animal rescue organiza-tions, The Woodlands Heating & AirConditioning is helping Smart Petz, a no-kill,volunteer based group located in TheWoodlands. TWHAC will match all contribu-tions made to Smart Petz, dollar for dollar. Formore information, or to donate, visithttp://thewoodlandsac.com.

Urban Paws Magazine 7

NORTHWEST RESIDENTS GETNEWAREADOG PARKA semi-private dog park is scheduled to openin Northwest Houston in September. CypressVeterinary Hospital is building a two acre parkto be named Reba's Dog Park on Cypress N.Houston near Eldridge. Initially, the park willcontain a fenced area and walking trail butplans are to add a pond and other amenities asfunds permit. Public donations are beingaccepted on location. A nominal yearly dona-tion will be required to gain access via a gatecode. The donation fee will be used for parkmaintenance and improvements. For moreinformation on Reba’s Dog Park and other areaparks, visit www.houstondogpark.org.

LOCAL KIDS TAKE PLACE IN 4-H STATEDOG SHOWIt was a great weekend for MontgomeryCounty at the 41st Annual State 4-H DogShow. Best Friends 4-H Dog Project Grouptook ten kids and 15 dogs to the show inBelton, Texas, for three days of competition.Over 100 dogs from more than 25 countiesacross the state took part in the annual event,July 8 – 10th, which showcases the 4-H mem-ber’s training skills and preparation for confor-mation, showmanship, obedience, rally, agility,costume, drill team, and tricks. To read the fullstory, visit www.urbanpawsmagazine.com.

12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Nutrition

Whole Food Nutrition for Pets vs.Today’s Synthetically Supplemented Pet Foods

By Scott Freeman,Nature’s Logic

or eons, humans and animals have fared

pretty well getting all their needed nutri-

ents from food as Nature intended. These nec-

essary nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates,

fats, fiber, vitamins

and minerals.

These, as well as

thousands of other

natural co-factors

have been identi-

fied as beneficial

parts of the com-

position of the

natural foods we

eat daily. Many

health organiza-

tions, including the

U.S. Cancer

Institute and the

United Kingdom

Health Department, recommend that humans

get their daily nutrient needs from a varied diet

of natural, whole foods and not from supple-

menting synthetic vitamins and minerals pro-

duced in chemical plants. If this is recommend-

ed for humans, shouldn’t we offer the same for

pets, too?

Early in the 20th century, companies began

manufacturing cheap synthetic forms of vita-

mins, minerals and amino acids. These singular

synthetic elements became widely used in forti-

fying processed foods or natural by-products of

foods that lacked the normal amount of essen-

tial nutrients, mainly for the purpose of feeding

livestock. The practice eventually evolved into

pet foods, too, so cheap by-product feed stuff

could be used to man-

ufacture these diets

and nutrient profiles

could be easily met by

fortifying with cheap

synthetic supplements.

With their growing

use, also came the nec-

essary studies to deter-

mine their safety lev-

els. Unfortunately, the

manufactured forms

of these elements do

not come without

risks. Many have toxic

levels and some even

lethal dose levels. Just read a warning label on a

human multiple vitamin/mineral iron-contain-

ing supplement or Google® something like

“MSDS+Vitamin D3” and read all the warnings

on any Material Safety Data Sheet for this syn-

thetic element. The National Research Council

(NRC) has published two books on this subject,

Vitamin Tolerance of Animals and Mineral

Tolerance of Domestic Animals. Keep in mind;

this is studying the tolerance of man-made

forms of these elements. There are some very

interesting statements in these books. To para-

phrase, these books say that the amount of

F

studies and research on these synthetic elements

is insufficient, but the NRC uses the insufficient

data along with inference and extrapolation to

come up with what they call “the presumed

upper safe level” of the man-made synthetic

forms of vitamins and minerals. They go on to

state that the “presumed upper safe level” deter-

mined from insufficient data using extrapolation

and inference should be alright to use for a short

period of time (in the feed lot) without showing

signs of intoxication. Getting your nutrients

from food is sounding better all the time as

being the right way to do it, but it does not stop

there. Furthermore, they say that studies of one

year or more to learn potential long-term effects

have generally not been conducted but should

be. In addition, generational studies on the

potential negative genetic effects of synthetic

supplements have not been done but should be.

Lastly, tests have admittedly been conducted on

single elements only. Studies to learn the poten-

tial negative effects of two or more elements

combined at elevated levels are admittedly an

unknown the NRC says should be studied.

Today, every commercial dry or canned dog and

cat diet add as many as 26 of these chemically

synthesized vitamins and minerals which the sci-

entific community states long term effects have

generally not been studied. The Venezuelan

polo team recently experienced a sad example of

the intolerance and dangers of these chemical,

supplemental compounds. Prior to a polo event

in Florida, the team of polo ponies was given a

synthetic supplement concoction that included

supplemental synthetic selenium. Within three

hours 21 ponies had died. It was determined by

the University of Florida that up to 20 times


normal levels of selenium were found in the

ponies’ tissues. David Barber, the University’s

toxicologist, determined that there were abnor-

mally high levels of selenium found in the blood

and livers of the ponies.

Tragically, errors in compounding and formulat-

ing these chemical vitamins and minerals do

happen. As recently as the spring of 2006 and

earlier this year high levels of Vitamin D3 added

to pet foods intoxicated and/or killed a number

of dogs and cats due to formulation errors of

this synthetic vitamin, causing a condition called

hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium) and

causing those pets to go into renal failure. Of

the pets that diet consuming one of the diets,

death occurred within three to four days. Pet

food that is marketed and sold as natural, if

labeled correctly, is required to have a statement

on the packaging like or similar to, “Natural with

added vitamins and minerals.” This statement is

a required labeling disclaimer to let the con-

sumer know that the added vitamins and miner-

als are not natural. Perhaps they are saying to

“use at your own risk” which is the purpose of

a disclaimer. Adding to the concern should be

the fact that most synthetic vitamins, minerals

and synthetic amino acids such as taurine now

come from China; the country that caused the

unprecedented 2007 pet food recalls due to an

intentional melamine spiking of exported pet

food ingredients. In studies on animals, the neg-

ative effects of high levels of these synthetic

forms of vitamins and minerals are everything

from renal failure and cancer to hypercalcemia

and death.

Health organizations and health professionals

time and again, have encouraged getting our

nutrients from food. Numerous times wrong

amounts of synthetic nutrients have been for-

mulated into pet food or pet supplements with

the results being illness or death to pets as well

as costly recalls. When the scientific community

admits more studies need to be conducted on

the use of these elements, the case appears very

convincing that it is better and safer for not only

humans, but pets, also, to get their nutrients

from food.

Earlier in the article, it was stated that all com-

mercial dry and canned diets use synthetic sup-

plements. This has been the fact until just

recently. Nature’s Logic brand of pet foods is

the only known full line of pet products in the

world that never uses synthetic vitamins, syn-

thetic minerals, or synthetic amino acids in any-

thing. All essential nutrients for your pet come

from the real whole foods in each diet; just the

way Nature meant for animals to safely obtain

them. This is the logical way pet food should be

made and is the logic behind Nature’s Logic. See

more information at www.natureslogic.com

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t all began in September of 2007 with adesperate plea to get a dog his regiment

had befriend out of the Middle East before their15-month deployment ended. Sergeant EdwardWatson contacted SPCA International and toldhis desperate tale. His biggest obstacle was amilitary regulation that prohibited troops frombefriending an animal in a war zone or usingmilitary property to transport one home.

While on patrol in the outskirts of Baghdad,Sergeant Watson’s regiment discovered Charlie,a flea-infested and malnourished puppy. He wasno larger than a potato. The soldiers hid him ina tattered blanket and snuck him onto a coali-tion forces outpost. Though they were aware ofthe serious consequences they could face ifcaught, they took turns caring for their newbuddy. The bond that grew between the soldiersand the dog justified the risk.

To abandon Charlie would have meant certaindeath for him. “We all made him a promise that

I we would not give up on him. For that reason,we have to find a way to get Charlie to a betterlife in the states,” Sergeant Watson wrote. “Wejust can’t leave our buddy behind.”

After months of exhausting research, disap-pointing dead ends, aggravating moments andcountless emails exchanged with SergeantWatson, SPCA International made it possiblefor the soldiers to keep their promise to Charlie.On Valentine’s Day in 2008, Terri Crisp, anSPCA International staff person, triumphantlyreturned to the U.S. with Charlie to reunite himwith Sergeant Watson. They were greeted bymembers of the local media who quickly recog-nized Charlie’s star power.

The dedication of these special soldiers andCharlie, the wartime dog paved the way for oth-ers serving in the Middle East to find freedomin the U.S. for befriended dogs and cats.Operation Baghdad Pups has now helped to ful-fill many promises of love and friendship.


U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan began

befriending local animals as a way to help cope

with the emotional hardships that they endure

while deployed in a war zone. The program pro-

vides veterinary care and coordinates the logis-

tics and transportation requirements in order to

reunite these pets with their service men and

women back in the U.S. These animals not only

help our heroes in the war zone, but also help

them readjust to life at home after combat.

While it is a violation of General Order for mil-

itary personnel or military contract workers to

befriend a wild animal while serving in a war

zone, SPCA International recognizes why there

must be some control over service men and

women while fighting a war, they also under-

stand the important roles that animals can play

in making it easier to function under the harsh

conditions that they are exposed to.

There is a six and a half month time period in

which to transport animals out, due to the

extreme heat in the Middle East. Operation

Baghdad Pups cannot conduct any missions

between June 1 and September 30 due to tem-

perature embargoes in place during this time.

It is an expensive endeavor to transport a dog

from Iraq or Afghanistan to the U.S. and SPCA

International receives no government funding

for the program. The typical cost to send one

person to Iraq to bring back six animals is

around $6,000.00.

CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTOTHE PROGRAM

• Dogs must have been originally found as pup-pies under the age of three months. Exceptionswill be considered for older dogs.

• Animals must be living in either Iraq orAfghanistan under the care of a United Statesmilitary person or military contract worker.

• Animals must have been in the continuouscare of a military person or belong to a militaryunit for at least two months.

• Animals cannot be going to an animal shel-ter/organization in the U.S. in hopes that theanimal will be adopted.

• Animals must already have a permanent hometo go to in the U.S. in order to be considered forthe program.

• Dogs cannot go to homes where they will beallowed to roam free or be chained for themajority of the time.

• Dogs can never have been part of a pack. Ifthey have been part of a pack for less than amonth, then they may be considered.

• Dogs must be well socialized with people andpreferably with other animals.

• Dogs cannot show any sign of aggression.


2011—In support of the Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International

(SPCA International), Bark Busters, the world’s

largest dog training company, announced the

launch of its Fight to Bring Soldiers’ Pups

Home campaign. The Bark Busters program is a

nationwide fundraiser to help SPCA

International continue to fund a costly but criti-

cal program: Operation Baghdad Pups.

Operation Baghdad Pups provides assistance to

servicemen and women and their families who

wish to transport an adopted pet from the war

zone to their home in the United States.

As part of a long-standing partnership with

SPCA International, Bark Busters Dog

Behavioral Therapists currently evaluate

Baghdad Pups when they arrive in the United

States and provide free training to the pets and

their care givers—more than 110 dogs over the

last 3 years. Bark Busters’ Fight to Bring

Soldiers’ Pups Home is a way to thank SPCA

International for its dedication to these animals

and our troops by helping to raise the funds they

need to support this program.

“We are elated to grow our partnership with

SPCA International by activating our communi-

ty of dog behavioral therapists and their net-

works to raise money for this cause close to our

hearts,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog

behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “By

creating this program, we can all come together

to contribute to a great organization and help

them continue on their mission.”

To raise money and awareness, a portion of

Bark Busters training lessons will be donated to

the Fight to Bring Soldiers’ Pups Home cam-

paign through 2011. Additionally, Bark Busters

is urging the public to make donations of $5,

$10 or more by visiting www.BarkBusters.com

and clicking on the Fight to Bring Soldiers’ Pups

Home pop-up screen.

Since 2008, Operation Baghdad Pups has

helped military personnel transport their pets

from the war zone to the U.S. Every animal in

the program must already have a home waiting

in the states before being accepted.

SPCA International carefully counsels soldiers

to make sure they are aware of the potential

challenges they and their families might face as

the pet they have befriended adjusts to living in

a real home, not a war zone.

“The logistics of moving animals from a war

zone to a new home overseas are complicated

and really expensive,” said Stephanie Scott,

SPCA International’s director of communica-

tions. “We operate solely on donations and vol-

unteers, so we are thrilled that Bark Busters has

offered to help us meet our financial needs.”

For more information on Operation Baghdad

Pups, or to make a donation, please visit

www.BarkBusters.com.

Bark Busters Launches Nationwide Fundraiser forSPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups



HERO DOGS REMEMBEREDTHE UNSUNG HEROES OF 9/11

his month marks the tenth anniversaryof the 9/11 attacks. Urban Paws wouldlike to pay tribute to the 350 incredible

disaster search dogs who contributed so muchto the efforts to find the 2,976 victims, and later,their remains. These dogs are true heroes andtheir efforts did not go unnoticed or unappreci-ated.

It was the largest deployment of search dogs inU.S. history and possibly the single greatestexample of inter-species cooperation in the his-tory of human disasters.

Search and rescue dogs are amazing and dedicat-ed animals that have come to the aid of so manydisaster victims over the years. Beyond theWorld Trade Center tragedy, these dogs haveassisted in countless search and rescue effortsfollowing hurricanes, floods, earthquakes andother disasters.

What most people don’t realize is that SARdogs–esspecially those trained to find livingpeople–feel increased stress and depression astime passes with no survivors found. It hasbecome a common morale booster for handlersto stage mock finds, so that the dogs can feelsuccessful. Hour after hour of searching for anysign of life takes a toll, whether you are humanor canine.

TPhoto credit:: Beverly & Pack

SAR dogs and their handlerssearched the pile around theclock for weeks.


Search andrescue dogsworked 12 hourdays alongsidetheir handlers tofind any sign oflife.

A search and rescue dog is transported outof the debris of theWorld Trade Center.

“What counts isnot necessarilythe size of thedog in the fight;it's the size ofthe fight in thedog.”

General Dwight D.Eisenhower

Gimme ShelterJoin us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!


The first thing that strikes you about Capriare her incredible eyes. If those don't getto you, nothing will! Capri was found as apregnant stray. She delivered multiple pup-pies, whose father appeared to be aGerman Shepherd. Due to her lean andlanky body, the puppies drew her reservesdown to nothing. Capri stands about 16"tall and currently weights about 18 pounds.Her ideal weight will be at least 25 pounds.

She has a very sweet and loving personali-ty and loves to cuddle and look at you withthose beautiful, brown eyes. Occasionally,she has spurts of energy and runs laps inthe yard.

Capri is heartworm negative, beautifulinside and out, and will make the perfectaddition to any home. If you are interest-ed in adopting Capri, please contactHouston Beagle Rescue.

Please note that these dogs may have been adopted by the time you visit them; however,there are many more wonderful dogs in need of forever homes.

Ourcover dog,Capri!

Houston Beagle and Hound Rescuewww.houstonbeaglerescue.org

Houston Beagle and Hound Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization dedicated tobeagle and hound rescue. They are a small group of volunteers who foster dogs in their homes. There isno shelter facility. They provide placement assistance to shelters and individuals who need to find homesfor hounds which, for various reasons, have become stray or homeless.

JACOBIf you are looking for a young, playful,cuddly and handsome young beaglethen you can stop because you'vefound Jacob! Jacob is about 2-3 yearsold, 14" tall and weighs 25 pounds. Hehas a silky smooth tri-color coat. Jacobwas originally very shy when he firstcame to his foster home, but now he isjust as outgoing as all of the other bea-gles. He loves cuddling with his fostermom and waking her up in the morn-ing with kisses! He can still be shy innew situations and around new people,but just give him a little time to warmup and you will be getting kisses too!

HERSHEYHershey is a "school girl." She isattending obedience classes and isshowing off her beagle intelligence!Hershey is a small red and white beagle,only 13" tall, weighs under 25 lbs. andis about 3 years old. She is very cute, asyou can see by her photo! She is anindependent beagle, a typical femalewho knows what she wants and cantwist you around her little paw if you'lllet her. She'd like to get all the attentionin the household, but has lots of ener-gy, so she will do best in a home witha doggie playmate that is not an alphadog. She likes to be queen of the pack!

SPROCKETSprocket is a 5 to 7 year-old tri-colorbeagle boy. He is 14 inches tall andweighs 25 pounds. He worked hard onlosing a few pounds and is looking justabout perfect! Sprocket is doing well inhis foster home and has learned basicdoggy commands. He is neutered,micro-chipped and current on his vac-cinations and monthly preventativemedications. Sprocket is very friendlyand calm most of the time. He likeshugs and kisses, but does just fine withbeing petted and given belly rubs.

BLOSSOMBlossom is 1 1/2 years old and is abeautiful tri-color girl who has unusualhazel eyes. She is 14 inches tall andweighs a perfect 25 pounds. Blossom ishouse and dog door trained. She hatesbeing in the kennel (except at mealtimes) and usually has free run of herfoster home without getting into any-thing. Blossom loves taking walks anddoes well on the leash. She is an inde-pendent girl with a mind of her own,so will need someone with dog experi-ence to tell her who is boss. Blossom isgetting along with her foster siblings,but can be possessive and has a tenden-cy to want to guard things and people.She is more of a people person, sowould do best as an only dog. She lovesto cuddle and gives great kisses!

ROOThis beautiful, tri-colored female goesby the name Roo and she is the beaglefor You! Roo was found on the street,pregnant with no where to go. She losther puppies, but Beagle Rescue savedher and now she is ready for a foreverhome! Roo is a 15 inch, 30 pound girlwho is fit and trim looking for 5 yearsold! Roo is super sweet and needs a lov-ing home to call her own. She getsalong well with the other beagles in herfoster home, but would do well as anonly dog. Roo has a quality not oftenseen in beagles. She is quite the watchdog and will not hesitate to alert you ifsomething is amiss in her home oryard.

SUSIEAfter years with her family, Susie foundherself in a local shelter, because herowner could not longer take care ofher. Susie apparently had some abuse inher former life because she was veryshy and submissive when she first cameto her foster home. Once she learnedshe could trust again, the change in herwas truly remarkable and she began toshow how sweet and lovable she reallyis. Susie is a tiny girl at 13" tall and 22pounds. She is a 6 -7 year old sweet-heart. Susie needs a quiet home withoutsmall children. She would make a per-fect companion for a single person or acouple who wants a tail wagging mem-ber of the family to meet them at thedoor when they come home. Susieloves the outdoors and loves to bask inthe sun and watch the world go by.


breeders who have 11 or more breeding females

and who sell 20 or more of the offspring, in a

calendar year, will be regulated by the Texas

Department of Licensing and Regulation

(TDLR). This measure is a pro-active law to

prevent cruelty before it takes place. THLN,

HSUS, and ASPCA joined forces to champion

this legislation. Also, we are very grateful for the

support of the Texas Veterinary Medical

Association.

The animal friendly license plate fund will now

be 100% allocated for the use of low cost spay

and neuter grants across Texas. This means that

an estimated $1.6 Million in low cost spay /

he 82nd Texas Legislative Session was

the most successful session for animal protec-

tion legislation ever. Passing this remarkable

landmark legislation was a hard-fought battle

each step of the way, by the courageous law-

makers who sponsored these bills, by the organ-

izations that joined forces to support these bills,

and by the citizens of Texas speaking on behalf

of the animals.

HB 1451, the Texas Puppy Mill Bill, became law.

Sponsored by Rep. Senfronia Thompson and

Sen. John Whitmire, the large scale commercial

breeder bill (a.k.a. the Puppy Mill Bill) was suc-

cessfully passed. Commercial dog and cat


T

Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and2011 Animal Legislative Successes

By Shanda Bailey, Texas Humane Legislation Network

neuter program grants will be awarded over the

next two years. These programs are a vital part

of controlling the pet overpopulation problem

in our Texas communities. $22 of the $30 cost

for the Animal Friendly License Plate goes to

fund these important grants. THLN champi-

oned this funding.

HB 963, the Seizure Appeals Bill, became law.

This law streamlines the existing appeals process

for cruelty cases, lessening the time that animals

are held at shelters and providing compensation

to shelters and non-profit groups who care for

the animals during the appeal process for some-

one found guilty of animal cruelty. We are

grateful to the bill sponsors, Rep. Hartnett and

Sen. Rodriguez.

HB 1043, the Cockfighting Bill, also passed.

This new law strengthens existing anti-cock-

fighting laws by making it illegal to attend a

cockfight, to possess cockfighting implements

with the intent to fight, to allow one's property

to be used for a cockfight and to participate in

the earnings of a cockfight. We are grateful to

the bill sponsors, Rep. Christian and Sen. Lucio.

Other important

bills that passed

are SB 279 - Inclusion of Pets in Protective

Orders, HB 1103 - Responsible Pet Owner

Class, HB 2471 - Good Samaritan Law and HR

131 - Adopt an Animal Resolution, officially

making October Adopt a Shelter Pet month in

Texas.

Please visit our website at www.thln.org to learn

more details about these laws and our statewide

Annual Conference to be held in Houston on

September 23rd-24th at Hotel Derek. For more

information about the conference and to regis-

ter, please visit thln2011conference.thln.org.

“Passing thisremarkable land-mark legislationwas a hard-foughtbattle each step ofthe way”

Support your favorite group or organization bydisplaying specialty license plates on your vehi-cle. The plates are available through the TexasDepartment of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

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This step-in harness by I See Spot is the newest additionto its dog couture line. Made of breathable Neoprene, it’sthe ultimate in comfort. With just one clip you are readyto go! Available at www.iseespot.com.


The next time you have a wrap a gift for a friend’s pooch,consider these fun and unique designs from Paper GirlDesigns. Wrapping paper, gift tags and note cards avail-able at www.papergirldesigns.net.

This vintage-style ammo box pet feeder is hand-madefrom reclaimed wood and contains 2 - 2 qt. stainless steelbowls. It’s solid, durable and ready for the aggressiveeater! Available online at www.gopetdesign.com.

Zuke’s has expanded its highly popular Mini Naturals linewith a new wild rabbit flavor. Wild Rabbit Mini Naturalsdeliver a protein-rich, lean treat reminiscent of a canineancestral diet. To find a local retailer, visit www.zukes.com.


Tail End

Violators, if caught, are charged a $60 fee - theprice to cover the DNA test. Repeat offendersmay be asked to move elsewhere. Property man-agement says that it’s not about making money,it’s about maintaining the community and hav-ing a nice place for residents to live.

We all know that pet waste is a health hazard.According to PooPrint statistics, a single pet cre-ates 276 pounds of waste per year. They alsoreport that 40 percent of 20 billion pounds ofdog waste is not picked up, and that dog wastecontains harmful diseases that could harmeveryone’s health. These diseases include salmo-nella, E. coli, campylobacter and leptospira.

As pet owners, we all need to be responsible forwhat our pets leave behind. Be sure to scoopFido’s poop to ensure a happy relationship withyour fellow neighbors.

Stepping in it is bad enough, but the environ-mental impact of pet waste is much larger.While most pet owners are responsible enoughto pick up after their pets, there are those whodo not. It’s a touchy subject that is often difficultto discuss with a neighbor, but in some states,dog owners who refuse to pick up their dog’swaste, could be stopped with a simple test.

A growing number of neighborhood associa-tions and apartment complexes in the U.S. aremandating that residents submit a DNA samplefrom their pet. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

across the U.S., fed-up apartment complexesand neighborhood associations are implement-ing PooPrints, a program that matches samplesof unclaimed dog waste to DNA collectedthrough pets' mouth swabs. The goal is toimpose more responsibility among pet ownersand encourage them to pick up their pet’s waste.

Here’s how it works: An owner swabs the insideof their dog's mouth and sends the specimen toPooPrints. PooPrints then determines the genet-ic profile and records it in a database. To make amatch, the association sends a nugget-size fecessample in a preservative-filled vial to PooPrintsfor analysis.

Is your dog a poopetrator?

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Urban Paws magazine