Former clients and employees of a Colorado hair salon owner who was cited for coloring her poodle's fur pink, said she isn't revealing the entire truth.  

Numerous people said they've witnessed Boulder's Zing Salon owner, Joy Douglas, use substances other than beet juice to dye several dogs an array of colors, the Boulder (Colo.) Daily Camera reported Wednesday.  

A former stylist of the salon said Douglas advised her to use human hair color to dye a canine.  

"She made me apply it to the dog. She definitely uses stuff other than beet juice," Kelly Daley, 28, of Louisville said. Douglas reportedly said she is faced with a $1,000 fine this week and possible time in jail for dying her poodle with beet juice to support medical research for breast cancer. She appeared Tuesday in Boulder Municipal Court when she requested a different court date, the Daily Camera reported. 

Animals throughout the United States are increasingly becoming tied up in litigation as the study of animal law increases nationwide.  The (Raleigh, N.C.) News & Observer reported Sunday that 92 of the 196 American Bar Association-approved law schools currently offer their students courses in animal law, indicating the legal practice is growing dramatically. 

Included among these law schools are prestigious learning institutions such as Duke University and Harvard University.  Lawyer Calley Gerber, who practices animal law in North Carolina, says while many are skeptical regarding the new legal branch, she is confident it will gain acceptance.  "Everyone says you can't make a living doing it," Gerber said. "But I decided, well, I'm going to try." 

The News & Observer said the growth of animal law is due to a growing number of legal cases involving animal abuse, animal-based litigation and pets becoming the controversial beneficiaries  
in owners' wills.

ASPCA Aids in anti--cruelty raid of record proportions

In one of the largest anti-cruelty raids on recent record, 516 ailing cats were removed from the property known as the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary in Tarentum, PA, 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) obtained a warrant to search the property after a former Butler County humane officer who volunteered for Tiger Ranch used a hidden camera to videotape the horrific conditions that existed inside.

On the evening of March 13, a team of 120 ASPCA and PSPCA animal welfare experts found multiple buildings filled with hundreds of sick, malnourished cats living in squalor. Deceased cats were also discovered throughout the property, 110 of them removed from freezers and graves.

“This is by far the worst case we’ve ever encountered,” said Howard Nelson, PSPCA CEO. “Our primary concern is to get these animals the care and treatment they so desperately need.”

Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director, Veterinary Forensics, comments, “The overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, the flea and parasite infestation, along with the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses, have resulted in severe conditions.” She adds, however, that the majority of the cats seem friendly and well-socialized. “Many of them came running up to us when we arrived, and every effort is being made to treat those whom we think can be saved.”

The cats have been transferred to the Clarion County Humane Society where they’re being treated by veterinarians with the goal of being made available for future adoption. They will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days.

The sanctuary’s owner, Linn Marie, age 45—also known as Linda Bruno—has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

DOG TIP

Veterinary specialists offer sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options for dogs with serious health problems. Many consider their pets as family members and want to ensure that their pets get the highest quality care possible. If you are interested in taking your dog to a veterinary specialist, ask your veterinarian for a referral.

CAT TIP

If you have recently adopted a very young or orphaned kitten make sure to touch and handle it often. Research has shown that the human touch can aid in her development. Spend a few minutes after each feeding gently massaging and stroking her body.