UK: Warning after two dogs rescued from icy lakes

UK: Warning after two dogs rescued from icy lakes
By Steve Lloyd
December 29, 2009

DOG owners are being warned about the dangers of frozen water after two pets were rescued from area lakes.  The first rescue was on December 21 when fire fighters were called to a dog stuck in ice at Hawley Lake near Farnborough at 11.37am.  The border collie was being walked by her owners and had chased ducks across the frozen water.  She managed to scramble around 30 metres across the ice before loosing her footing, falling into the water and becoming trapped in the ice.

Fire engines from Yateley and Rushmoor were called to the lake, along with a multi-role vehicle containing specialist equipment and animal rescue kit.  Two fire fighters in special dry suits made their way out to the tired dog on two inflated ice-rescue paths.  Martin Walters of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the dog was trapped in the water for around 20 minutes.  “She showed extraordinary endurance and the ongoing encouragement from the fire fighters must certainly have helped her in these treacherous conditions,” he added.

A similar incident happened on Christmas Eve at 11.21am when a male spaniel chased ducks onto an ice-covered Fleet Pond before falling through the water.  Fire fighters wearing protective clothing waded out around 20 metres to reach the dog.  A total of 18 fire fighters from Fleet and Rushmoor helped with the rescue.  Mr Walters added:  “The fire fighters have worked well in cold and perilous conditions.

“During the freezing weather it is important for owners to ensure their dogs are kept on leads at all times so that this kind of incident can be avoided.”  Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is also warning people not to venture onto the ice or throw animals toys onto or near frozen water.


Source: http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2063179_warning_after_two_dogs_rescued_from_icy_lakes

MO: Puppy Mill Broker Caught in Insecticide Scam

Puppy Mill Broker Caught in Insecticide Scam

Posted Dec 23, 2009 by lauraallen

• Companion Animal Breeding

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Hunte Kennel Systems and Animal Care Inc., a division of Hunte Corporation, the largest U.S. wholesaler-distributor, and also an international broker, of puppies, has agreed to pay a $56,632 civil penalty.

Hunte is paying the penalty to settle charges the company illegally sold an insecticide meant for use on cows and pigs as a flea and tick treatment for dogs. Hunte is said to have repackaged and relabeled the insecticide, Prolate/Lintox-HD, and sold it under the name Paramite.

This scam is said to have violated the federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

The Hunte Corporation breeds and raises puppies and also buys puppies from puppy mills and sells them to pet stores including to the notorious Petland and has been named as a co-conspirator in a scheme to sell sick puppies from puppy mills to the public.  The puppies that even Hunte believes are not well enough or in good enough condition for sale to pet stores are sold thru newspaper ads, the internet or at flea markets. Hunte also sells puppies for research and sends them to other countries for other uses.

Go here for a look at the USDA's many citations of Hunte for violations of the Animal Welfare Act regulations. (Look at the Breeder and Dealer categories, under H for Hunte Corporation and T for  The Hunte Corporation.) 

Take a look here at an investigation of Hunte Corporation by the Companion Animal Protection Society.

In 2003 Hunte was cited by the Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources for dumping dead puppies on its property in violation of the state Clean Water and Waste Management law.

In 2006 60 puppies were killed in a truck fire, and in 2007 94 puppies were jeopardized in another truck fire.  The puppies were caged in Hunte trucks transporting them to pet stores for sale. Hunte trucks have been caught without air conditioning in the summer and with no windows.

Go here and here for information about franchisees that have brought suit in Ohio for what they claim are Petland and Hunte's sleazy, fraudulent business practices.  

Hunte boasts tens of millions of dollars in revenues each year from the sale of 90,000 or more puppies as well as pet supplies such as the faked "flea and tick treatment" for dogs. The company's headquarters is located in Goodman, Missouri, and it is there that Hunte has its facility for puppies. Puppy mills are a big business in Missouri, and the very agency charged with regulating breeders and dealers like Hunte, the USDA, has approved millions in Rural Development loans for the company in the past decade to expand its business. The business that profits from the misery of dogs trapped in puppy mills or bred and sold for research or worse.    


Source: http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1126

Russia: Quarantine Introduced in Moscow After Rabid Dog Attack

Russia: Quarantine Introduced in Moscow After Rabid Dog Attack
Published 28 December, 2009, 12:57

Authorities have implemented quarantine in the south-east of Moscow after a rabid dog attacked at least 40 people, eight of whom have been taken to hospital.

The animal was terrorizing local residents from December 13 to 23 and was later found dead in the district. The area has been disinfected.

All people whom the dog bit have been vaccinated against rabies.

Authorities say all stray dogs in the area are being caught and locals have been advised to have their pets vaccinated.

Source: http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-12-28/rabid-dog-attack-moscow.html