Archive for January, 2009

SUFFOLK SPCA -new horse rescue program

January 21, 2009

The Suffolk County SPCA’s ERC is dedicated to equine rescue and rehabilitation and to restoring horsemanship, the heritage and humane treatment of the horse.The mission of the collaboration is to provide a program of horse rescue and or advocacy for physically or psychologically abused, neglected, troubled, or abandoned horses and to provide rehabilitation, retraining, and placement, where indicated, or retirement within an environment of physical well-being and trust.

Rescue-Our rescue efforts will consist of acquiring horses from locations that place horses in situations where they are in emotional or physical danger. We will provide support to rescue any cruelty, neglect or abuse case wherever and whenever possible.

Funding-Our efforts will be funded by donations from the general public, contributions, fundraisers, adoption placement donations, and grants from grantors that support animal rights. The Suffolk County SPCA and its ERC partners will conduct rescue and fund raising efforts.

Rehabilitation-Once an equine is in our care we plan to rehabilitate him/her for as long as needed until the horse(s) are in a better state of health and condition.

Placement-After an equine has been rehabilitated and in a better state of health and condition, we will place that equine in our “Adoption Program” where the equine will be available to the general public. Our goal will be to find a safe and permanent loving home to continue to give the care he/she needs.

The joint vision of the Suffolk County SPCA and the Equine Rescue Committee (ERC) is to open a shelter where animal lovers can collaborate to provide shelter to animals rescued from abusive situations and to establish a network of foster/adoptive families for the rescued animals.

The equine community is working with the Suffolk County SPCA to open and operate stables for abused horses. The coalition called ERC, the Equine Rescue Committee, is a unique organization focusing on rescuing horses from abusive or unhealthy situations. The Suffolk County SPCA is also planning to coordinate a pet friendly shelter operation within the shelter.

With the population of dogs, cats, horses and other companion pets reaching one million, in Suffolk County alone, the Suffolk County SPCA must be ready to assist in cases of abuse, cruelty, neglect, and abandonment to any and all of these animals. We must be their voice since they cannot speak for themselves.

This vision can only become a reality with donations from the public so that we can open and operate a shelter for abused horses and other companion animals. Please send your donations to the Suffolk County SPCA today or .

“TEACHING A CHILD NOT TO STEP ON A CATERPILLAR IS AS VALUABLE TO THE CHILD AS IT IS TO THE CATERPILLAR.” Bradley Miller

“Protecting Suffolk County’s animals is the only job we do!”

We Need your Help
Donations
help us defray the cost of our programs.

Help Us Protect Our Voiceless Friends

The Suffolk County SPCA
Thank You!

www.suffolkcountyspca.org

Your Local SPCA Serving Suffolk County
The Suffolk County SPCA is not affiliated with, a subdivision of, or funded by any other local, state or national humane organization.

Free! Responsible Dog Ownership Class …New Year, New Classes

January 8, 2009

The Town of Islip offers this class twice-a-month to all residents with the next class on, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each one-time class will teach the basics of responsible dog ownership such as: basic training advice and techniques; puppy and dog behavior; dog park etiquette; and health and well being. This class is for people ONLY and you must call to reserve a seat. Parents are encouraged to bring children ages 10 and up. There is also a “doggie” bag loaded with treats and learning materials for you and your dog! Local trainers and veterinarian on hand. Call (631) 224-5660 or email Nancy1272@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

SPCA- Horse update

January 5, 2009

Remember the CI5 “Central Islip 5″? Five abused and starved horses were seized by the Suffolk County SPCA in the fall of 2008 from deplorable conditions in Central Islip. Through the efforts of Wayne Dougal of Indian Head Ranch in Huntington, as well as a host of wonderful, caring volunteers, they have been rehabilitated back to healthy, vital horses. Advertising their readiness for adoption was graciously donated by www.liequine.com , East End Livestock and Horseman’s Association, Nassau Suffolk Horseman’s Association, and The Old Field Farm
Many potential adoptive families have come forth to take these horses to more secure, loving homes. Now, four of the five horses will be going to adoptive homes this week!
Belle will be going to Smithtown as a third horse for a family that enjoys trail riding at Blydenburg Park.
Lady will be going to Middle Island to a mother and stepdaughter that would like to do more riding together.
Everett will be going to a young girl attending SUNY Cobleskill for Equine Management.
The Paint Pony was adopted previously by the veterinarian caring for him
Little Rain, the pony still needs a loving home. She is receiving lots of love and training at Indian Head Ranch. If you are interested in adopting her, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722, www.suffolkcountyspca.org or Wayne Dougal at 631-692-0965 (barn) or 631-766-3007 (cell)

Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products

January 5, 2009

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to caution consumers about a potential association between the development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products. The products—also called chicken tenders, strips, or treats—are imported from China. FDA continues to receive complaints of sick dogs that their owners or veterinarians associate with eating chicken jerky products. FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in September 2007.

Australian news organizations report that the University of Sydney is also investigating an association between illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky in Australia. At least one firm in Australia has recalled their chicken jerky product and the recall notification stated the product was manufactured in China.

What is FDA Doing?
FDA, in addition to several veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States, is working to find out why these products are associated with illness in dogs. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a precise cause for the reported illnesses.
FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant.
FDA continues to actively investigate the problem. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.

Tips for Consumers
Do not substitute chicken jerky products for a balanced diet. The products are intended to be used occasionally and in small quantities. Owners of small dogs must be especially careful to limit the amount of these products.
If you choose to feed your dog chicken jerky products, watch the dog closely. Stop feeding the product if your dog shows any of the following signs, which may occur within hours to days after feeding the product:
- decreased appetite, although some dogs may continue to eat the treats instead of other foods
- decreased activity
- vomiting
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- increased water drinking or increased urination
Call your veterinarian if signs are severe or last for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to FDA have involved dogs that have died.
Consumers and veterinarians should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods or treats to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator listed for their area at www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.
This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products.

For More Information
Preliminary Animal Health Notification
www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/ComplaintsChicJerky.htm

Greetings from Sunny San Diego

January 2, 2009

Great dog park!San Diego