Call for the End to the Bounty on Feral Cats in Randolph, Iowa

Within the last day, there has been national media frenzy over a story in Randolph, Iowa (pop. 209) where the mayor has instituted a $5 bounty payment on the catching and delivering of live cats and dogs to the mayor so that they can be taken to a local vet and killed.

Not only is the practice inhumane and ineffective, it could result in the surrendering of companion cats and dogs.

Dogfighting a Nationwide Felony

Dogs have something to celebrate with Wyoming's passage of a bill making dogfighting a felony crime. Now the cruel bloodsport carries felony penalties in all 50 states. 

Trap, Neuter, Return, Repeat

Ann Maffitt had never heard of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)—a method for keeping feral cat populations in check—but she wanted to help the cats in her barn. Her local TNR training program taught her more about feral cats than she ever thought possible. Read Maffitt's story on how she helped give her barn cats a better life.

LOOKING FOR A SWEET EASTER TREAT? THE BEST BUNNIES ARE CHOCOLATE ONES!

It's that time of year again, and real live bunnies will be on their way into many homes in America this March 23—courtesy of well-meaning parents who think they're buying a low-maintenance starter pet for the kids. Unfortunately, young children and bunnies aren't at all a good match—and when the novelty wears off, many of these Easter rabbits will wind up at shelters. Unlucky ones may be dumped outside where they must face predators, cars, illness and injury. Still others are destined to lives of neglect and boredom in cramped cages.

If your family's set on getting a rabbit, give a chocolate bunny or a stuffed toy for Easter; if your young children are really serious, get 'em a book on rabbit care. If they're still begging you for a bun after the holiday has passed, go to your local shelter or rescue group and find out how to adopt the rabbit (or even better, a bonded pair) of your dreams. For info on bunny care and rescue groups, hop over to the House Rabbit Society.

You can also help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets by getting involved in the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign. Started in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, the campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of rabbit care and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits. Check out the group's website, MakeMineChocolate.org for more info.

DOG TIP

Pet owners sometimes complain of their dog urinating indoors when they move to a new apartment. The dog may have never before displayed this undesirable behavior. While stress may have brought on this behavior, it may be that the carpet was urine-marked by the previous tenant's pet.

CAT TIP

If you have to give your cat medication in pill form, here are a few tricks to help her to swallow. After you have placed the medicine in her mouth, carefully tip her head back and stroke her throat. Gently blowing air into her nostrils will also help her to swallow.