Making the Case for Cat Protection

This month, the American Bar Association published an article by Alley Cat Allies' Legal Director Wendy Anderson.  In the article, Wendy asserts that humans are the overwhelming cause of bird depletion. She examines the real reasons birds are at risk, human accountability, and the role lawyers can play in animal protection.
Click here to read the full article now. (PDF format)

Educating Veterinarians

Alley Cat Allies is proud to announce the release of a new educational video that demonstrates the stations involved in a feral cat spay and neuter clinic. It highlights a high-volume technique called a modified Miller's knot.  With this video, veterinarians nationwide can explore safer, more efficient spay techniques that veterinians can incorporate into everyday practice.
Please note: portions of this video may be considered graphic. Youtube video.

Alley Cat Allies has been on the forefront of the feral cat movement including the issue of cats in our environment. Recently, Wendy Anderson , Legal Director for Alley Cat Allies, authored an article in the American Bar Associations Animal Law Committee newsletter on a case in Galveston, Texas, in which a birder was charged with felony animal cruelty after shooting and killing a cat.
Click here to read the article.

To protect birds and their habitat we need to change human behaviors. Pollution and habitat destruction are overwhelmingly the leading cause of depletion of birds' habitat. Pitting animal versus animal does no animal justice – it merely diverts attention away from real solutions. The issues are complex and this article begins to explain the legal angles.Sincerely, Becky Robinson President

P.S. Please visit www.alleycat.org/anticruelty for more information on this topic.

USMC Disciplines Two Marines in Connection with Animal Cruelty Video

Late last week, the United States Marine Corps announced that it had disciplined two Marines for their participation in the cruel killing of a puppy while stationed in Iraq. Lance Corporal David Motari and Sergeant Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion received Non-Judicial Punishments, the details of which are protected under the Privacy Act. Based in Hawaii with the 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, Lance Cpl. Motari will be discharged from the Corps for his role in the incident.

These two Marines’ deplorable behavior received widespread attention after a video of their actions appeared on the Internet on March 3. As previously reported in ASPCA News Alert, the clip depicts one of them tossing a helpless pup off a craggy cliff.

The Marine Corps Base Hawaii issued a statement last week denouncing the incident, claiming “the actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated.”

The ASPCA distributed a press release on March 7 urging the Marines to release its findings about the episode and encouraging the public to voice its outrage. Thanks to the overwhelming response of citizens and public officials alike, Lance Cpl. Motari and Sgt. Encarnacion’s casual disregard for life did not go unexamined.

“The ASPCA has the highest respect for the brave and difficult task charged to the men and women stationed in Iraq,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “But as a just and humane country, we must protect the rights of all those who are defenseless, including animals. We appreciate the Marine Corps' thorough investigation of this repugnant act."

A Beautiful Way to Honor Special People & Pets

We never forget the special pets and people who’ve touched our lives, and the ASPCA is proud to offer you a beautiful way to share your memories. The new online ASPCA Memorial Pages are dedicated to beloved pets and people who have passed on, and provide the opportunity to make an online memorial donation.

Creating a Memorial Page is easy with our quick form, which allows you to post a story about your loved one and upload favorite pictures to your photo album. We’ll also provide you with an easy-to-remember URL, along with an email tool for inviting friends and family to visit your page. Please see our ASPCA Memorial Pages today for instructions.

DOG TIP

Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain,
simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making
your dog smell springtime fresh.

CAT TIP

   To find the litter type that is best suited foryou and  
your cat you have many choices, including: antimicrobial,  
charcoal, citrus, clay, clumping, corn, flushable, green  
tea, no-track/low-track, paper, peanut hull,  pine, plant  
based, scented/unscented, silicon, wheat or wood fiber.  
With all these choices you are sure to find the right  
litter for both you and your cat.