HSUS Valor Dog is Oakland Hero, Buffy
Buffy, a seven-year-old German Shepherd from Oakland, has been posthumously named the Valor Dog of the Year by The Humane Society of the United States. She was chosen to receive the highest honor in the companion dog category because of the extraordinary courage she exhibited when she intervened during a robbery to save her owner’s life.
In July 2007, Buffy’s guardian, Will Bartley, had just returned home from work when he was approached by an armed man who pointed a gun at his chest and demanded money. Buffy sensed danger and lunged at the gunman. He responded by firing two shots, striking her once in the front leg. Despite her wound, Buffy pursued the gunman, who eventually escaped. Thanks to Buffy, Will was left unscathed, but the dog’s condition was very serious. She lost a lot of blood, and the initial diagnosis indicated a strong chance that she would lose her leg. Surgery to repair it appeared successful, but about a month after the incident, an underlying kidney condition that was exacerbated by the injury eventually forced Buffy’s family to humanely euthanize her.
Canine Parvovirus on the Rise
The East Bay SPCA and Oakland Animal Services have seen an increased number of dogs and puppies with the highly contagious and potentially fatal canine parvovirus come into the shelters. On one of the busiest days recently, four dogs from separate households arrived at Oakland Animal Services and tested positive for parvovirus.
“This is tragic because canine parvovirus is completely preventable” states East Bay SPCA Executive Director Allison Lindquist. “Puppies need to get their series of shots, which are very affordable, and be restricted from public outdoor areas until their shot series is complete, which is around the age of 16 weeks.” Parvovirus is in the soil virtually everywhere. If canines are properly inoculated, dog owners need not worry. Symptoms of parvovirus include lethargy, followed by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Once the dog is exhibiting symptoms, immediate veterinary care is required. Many local shelters and veterinarians offer affordable vaccinations.
L.A. Dogfighting Conviction
On November 5, jurors deliberated about three hours before convicting Arnett Counts on ten felony counts of dogfighting. He faces a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. Investigations have been ongoing since last year, when twelve Pit Bulls were found at a house in South Los Angeles belonging to Walter Citizen III. Documents linking Counts to the dogfighting ring were discovered on the premises. Citizen pleaded guilty to five felony counts and was sentenced to 5 years. Some of the dogs, who were found bearing scars and recent wounds, were eventually adopted out; others were euthanized.
Pennsylvania Law Targets Puppy Mills
Pennsylvania House Bill 2525, a law that cracks down on puppy mill operations, passed with overwhelming support from both chambers of the Pennsylvania Congress, receiving final approval by the House on October 8.
In light of the recent raid at Almost Heaven Kennel in Emmaus, this bill is a noteworthy step toward stronger regulation of abusive breeders. More than fifty dogs and cats near death were seized from Almost Heaven in late September, and countless other animals were living in horrific conditions.
Among other provisions, H.B. 2525 will double the minimum required floor space for primary enclosures. For dogs older than 12 weeks, the law prohibits the use of wire flooring and eliminates the stacking of more than two dog cages. It also requires that dogs have access to an exercise area twice the size of their primary enclosure and requires veterinary visits at least twice a year.
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