Pets get pulled into web
of domestic violence
The tropical fish
she had taken care of for many years were important to her. So when her
partner put acid in the tank, she risked injury in an attempt to save
them. Later, the man found himself facing domestic violence charges in
a Kalamazoo County court. Local advocates for battered spouses and
children say it's common for animal abuse and domestic abuse to go
together. Eighty-five percent of women nationwide who enter shelters to
escape domestic violence come from homes where animals also have been
abused, said Aaron Winters of the Kalamazoo County Humane Society."It's
a technique that the batterer uses to keep his partner under his
control," said Mimi Gabriel, director of Sylvia's Place, a women's
shelter in Allegan. "So he will batter the pet or threaten the pet or
even kill the pet to let the woman know she's next. And it works."
Many
people will stay in a violent situation out of fear for their dogs,
cats, birds and other critters. "We have had more than one resident of
our shelter say to us, if it's a choice between leaving her pet there
and coming to the shelter, she would choose to stay with the pet," said
Gabriel. "She knows that the pet would die if she left." In response,
many shelters work with the Humane Society and other animal protection
groups to provide shelter for animals who are displaced by domestic
violence, Winters said. When someone goes to the YWCA shelter, the
Kalamazoo County Domestic Violence Pet Sheltering Council takes
possession of the pets until the women can find housing for them, he
said. The pets are then temporarily housed with "foster families" at
undisclosed safe houses, or new homes will be found for them if the
women decide they can't take care of the animals themselves.
"We
provide very high care for the pets for whatever time we hold them,"
Winters said. "The people that do the housing spend a lot of time with
these pets because they have behavior issues because they have lived in
a violent home." Pets are evidence of abuse Domestic violence often
comes to light during the investigation of violence against animals,
said Denise Massey, Kalamazoo County assistant prosecutor. Animal
control officers are trained to look for domestic violence, child abuse
or elder abuse during their investigations of animal abuse, she said.
Police officers look for animal abuse during their investigations as
well. Sometimes abuse against children comes to light because a child
is abusing animals. Two of the biggest indicators that a child has been
sexually abused are arson tendencies and violence toward animals,
Massey said.
"They
want to have power in their life, and the animal is the only one that's
smaller than them," she said. "We've seen them abuse animals, we've
seen them torturing animals, we've seen them having criminal sexual
conduct with animals. They are acting out what they experience in the
home."
People
should not mistake such instances as a "boys-will-be-boys" behavior.
"To the general public, we tend to see a child doing something, say
chasing a chipmunk with a rake, that's usually a sign of something," he
said. "When a child is taking it out on a pet or a wild animal, that's
a sure sign." A tool for control, Adult abusers hurt animals to control
human victims, Gabriel said. "We have had more than one client whose
pet has been killed in his efforts to control her," she said. "He's
destroying something that she loves just to prove to her that he's in
charge." Knowing they can take their pets to a safe place helps women
leave violent homes, which sometimes means leaving everything but their
children and animals behind, Gabriel said.
Perhaps
because of the culture's tendency to blame victims or because of
society's love of animals, the emotional elements of a domestic
violence case can be increased when animals are involved. "If I go in
with a domestic-violence case, some of the jurors may say, 'Why didn't
she just leave?' " Massey said. "If I go in with an animal-cruelty case
and I say they beat the puppy and left it in a pool of blood ?sadly,
people are more inclined to get upset."
Animal
cruelty can carry a felony or misdemeanor charge, she said. A first
offense is punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a second offense by two
years, and a third offense by four years.
Urgent
- An Inside Look At the Horrors of Declawing - Don't Do It!
A
Personal Look At
De-Clawing
I
worked for 3
veterinarians, more than 30 years ago, and had the unpleasant
experience of
assisting in one de-clawing procedure. Like many, I had assumed that
the
practice was a simple surgery, and that the cat would awaken in
basically the
same body, only now unable to shred furniture.
What I watched stunned
and sickened me. The vet was a
wonderful, compassionate man, who truly believed that this was a
justifiable
and only alternative to putting the cat to death. The owners probably
didn’t
even investigate options, honestly unaware of what their cat was about
to live
through, and how her life would change forever. When I realized that a
good
deal of her paws had to be amputated, I had a hard time assisting with
the
surgery. But perhaps the worst part was when she awoke from the
anesthetic,
sitting up like a frightened raccoon, waving her bandaged paws in the
air and
howling non-stop. I had worked at a Children’s Zoo for 5 years, raising
and
healing all types of injured and orphaned wildlife. I had never heard
such a
plaintive cry from any creature.
The cat’s eyes were wide
and frightened, and she tried
to stay off of her throbbing paws as much as she could, in spite of the
lingering effects of the anesthetic. It was apparent that she was in
exquisite
pain but also, that she was intensely frightened.
The cat had owners that
loved her and no doubt thought
they were doing the best thing for all. They had not researched the
long-term
effects, nor did they have any idea what type of terror and pain their
animal
would go through. Like a circumcised infant boy, had this victim a
voice, shewould have insisted, loudly and clearly, on her birthright. Surgery to
correct
disease or to sterilize animals saves lives and in the process, does
not
inhibit inherently important behavior. But surgery that takes away
important
body parts such as protective ears and tails that express communication
in
dogs, or claws that are as vital to cats’ lives as fingers are to
humans’, needs
to be addressed.
We live in a society that
views animals as a commodity;
easily discarded when no longer convenient. Science now has evidence of
what
animal lovers have always known; they have the same chemicals coursing
through
their brains that we do. These chemicals show that the emotions of
fear, love
and grief are very real for non-human animals. Just as a human will
grieve
amputated limbs, so too does the cat. However, we have technology to
help us
regain the mobility and security that we lost. De-clawed cats do not.
Declaw-
More than
Just a Manicure
By Maryjean Ballner
At the veterinarian's
office, the family proudly smiled
at their newest addition to the family. But the cat didn't smile back;
it was
still groggy from the anesthesia. That was just as well; blood was
seeping
through two of the four bandages covering his little paws.
The children were eager
to cuddle him, but the vet
patiently explained that the cat needed rest, and soon he'd be good as
new. The
vet tech who held the cat pondered that. "Good as new? How could that
be?
He's just been mutilated, for goodness sakes. And once the anesthesia
wears
off, the secondary trauma - the long-term trauma- begins."
The little boy asked,
"When will Tommy-Cat be able
to play again? We just bought a new, extra -wide scratching pad for
him."
The vet looked confused, as he gently explained, "Oh no, little guy, he
won't be able to use a scratching pad. Tommy-Cat doesn't have claws
anymore." The little boy said, "What do you mean, he has no claws
anymore? Where'd they go?"
"Well, " the vet said uncomfortably, "we cut them off." The
little boy persisted, "but they'll grow back, right?"
The vet looked up to the family. Didn't they explain to the little boy
what
just happened?
The family meant well.
They were afraid that the cat
would scratch their furniture, maybe ruin a curtain, so they did what
they
thought was a solution. They declawed.
Like most
well-intentioned people, they didn't
understand the extent of declawing- it's not just a manicure. The
entire claw,
tendon, bone and ligament to the first knuckle of each joint is
amputated. It
is a major trauma, with long-lasting repercussions.
During the procedure, the
cat's paw is extended. Large
nail clippers, similar to pruning shears, crunch through the joint.
Hemostats-
clamping scissors- help tear the joint away from the paw. The bloody
stump is
cleaned, and an adhesive is squeezed into the gaping hole where the
cat's toe
had been. Pressure is applied to stop the bleeding and the paw is
bandaged.
Examine your own hand,
palm up. Look for the crease at
your first knuckle. That's where the clippers crush down to amputate.
Imagine
having all ten of your fingertips chopped off. If they were your
fingers and
toes, there's no one on earth who could possibly tell you that "...soon
you'll be good as new."
People who think
declawing will solve one problem, are
often surprised to learn this: Declawing often starts a chain reaction
of
medical and psychological disasters. Please don't declaw. The possible
benefits
rarely outweigh the probable negatives. These include:
- Increase in biting-
Because their first defenses - claws- are gone, declawed cats often
respond to stress, and even play, by biting.
- Litter box problems-
Cats cover over their deposits. But when they feel pain in their paws,
as Annie Bruce, cat behavior consultant and author of "Good Cats Wear
Black" reports, declawed cats are far more likely to urinate outside
the litter box than cats with claws. Dr. Kimberly Harrison in Colorado,
collected data on cats with litter box problems that were not medically
related- 90% were declawed cats.
- A declawed cat can NEVER
safely go outdoors. Because he can't fight, a declawed cat will try to
escape, usually by running up a tree, and they need front claws to do
that. A declawed cat is an easy target for all kinds of predators.
- Scratching is a natural
behavior. Declawing does not change the need to scratch.
- Personality change- Once
subjected to this trauma, many cats have residual, 'phantom pain,'
similar to what a human experiences after amputation. They may distrust
the person responsible for such pain- you. Or drastic personality
changes can occur- after declawing, that gentle tabby becomes a
temperamental tiger.
- Medical studies have
only started to document the long-term problems - debilitating
arthritis, and pain in the knee and hip joints, because of structural
changes from loss of that first knuckle.
Declaw-
More than
Just a Manicure - Part 2
By Maryjean
Ballner
Declawing
has absolutely no health benefits to the cat.
It's done for human convenience, not feline consideration. Many
veterinarians
recognize that declawing is inhumane, and won't perform the surgery. In
Australia, England, Finland, Norway, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and
many
other countries, where it is considered inhumane, declawing is illegal.
Educate-don't
mutilate.
HERE ARE EASY, AVAILABLE OPTIONS TO
CONSIDER:
1.
Scratch
Pads- Ever cat
household needs at least two. Flat rectangular ones that sit on the
floor,
sisal ones that hang from a door- these are available at pet supply
stores and
through catalogues.
2.
"Scratching
Post"- Get a sturdy one, tall enough for a full length body stretch.
3.
"Sticky
Paws"
is a double sided tape that you apply to upholstery that keeps the cat
from
scratching, since they don't like the sticky surface.
4.
"Feliway"
duplicates the scent of the 'cheek-smell' produced when cats rub their
face
against something. Because the 'cheek-smell' scent is a 'feel-good' one
that
basically tells the cat to 'chill and calm down,' when cats rub up
against
furniture sprayed with Feliway, this applied scent reduces the stress
that
often prompts scratching.
5.
Kittens
scratch because
they just don't know how to retract their claws. Once older, like adult
cats,
they can be re-directed against such claw action.
6.
Attention
- an essential
substitute. Cats are mistakenly considered to be so aloof and
independent, but
the truth is they crave attention. Are you spending enough playtime
daily with
your felines? Create brief, specific play times, twice a day. Even if
each one
is for only four minutes, it's focused attention.
7.
"Soft
Paws" -
vinyl claw sheaths that cover the tip of the claw- they don't eliminate
the
behavior, just reduce the potential damage. Usually applied by a
veterinarian.
8.
Distractions-
keep a
small water spray bottle handy. A quick squirt - at their furry tail,
not face-
will help discourage the act of scratching. Or shake an empty soda can
with a
few pennies in it - the tinny noise is uncomfortable to a cat's
sensitive ears.
Once you interrupt the scratching behavior, direct your cat to an
acceptable
scratching area, and be sure to reward your cat with praise and
petting.
9.
Frequent
'Tip of the
Nail' Clipping sessions are easy to do- ask your vet how. Then clip the
tips
every month- more if necessary. Give your cat a treat when done.
10.
Behavior
Consultant- Specializing in feline behavior, these
experts can make specific suggestions so you, and kitty, and kitty's
claws .
Attention all rescue organizations!!
(The following is a letter from a
fellow rescuer to a BREEDER)
"You may all wonder why I have written to all of you from (Breeder name
here) --- the answer to that question is because I have recently come
across a lady who adopted not once but twice from your facility and she
sorely abused the last yorkie that she adopted from you. Before I
identify her to you, I would like to tell you about said abuse. She
kept her 4-1/2 year old yorkshire terrier in ! a cage 24/7 to the point
where the lil one's paws were severely swollen from having to stand in
urine. Her teeth were brown and her gums black and on Friday she had 23
teeth pulled in order to make her more comfortable and able to finally
eat! Her fur was sooooo matted that it took her new adoptive parents
over 5 hours to cut the mats out! Her toenails (after having to cut
matted fur from her feet to even see them) were not taken care of and
one had even grown back into her pad and had to be surgically cut by
the vet! She never had even a puppy toy so she doesn't even know how to
play! When her owner was going to surrender her to me I asked for any
toys or blanket she might have so the pup would be more comfortable
during the transition. The lady said and I repeat word for word: "Toy?
She doesn't have any toys or blankets, but I suppose I could give you a
towel for her to lie on". The reason given for the surrender was "our
personalities do not get along". She adopted this dog 4-1/2 ! years ago
from (Breeder
name here) as a
puppy and the poor lil one's personal "hell" began. I know that you cannont
predict how an animal will be raised after someone adopts them BUT I am
begging you not to let this woman adopt another pet from you. I say
this because she mentioned that she really likes Schnauzers and I am
afraid that she will attempt to adopt from (Breeder name here) in the future since her
first two adoptions, both yorkshire terriers, came from your
establishment. I was unable to take the lil one myself
and I found a fantastic couple who were willing to take her and to date
they have spent a small fortune tending to her immediate needs. She was
not at all housebroken or even puppy pad trained. I am fully aware that
some breeds have problems with housebreaking so I am mentioning this
last. My lil male yorkie passed away after an unfortunate experience
with a Kansas Ci! ty, Missouri vet and my lil female was grieving so
badly that I found another lil male to help her with her grief.
Unfortunately, the breeder told a bit of an untruth and I have acquired
ringworm from the new puppy and could not bring another dog into
"ringworm" territory if I didn't have to (my female has also contracted
the ringworm along with my son. I had planned on picking up the dog on
May 29, 2004, after taking my two to a new vet. The vet, of course,
expressed his concern about exposing another dog to ringworm. Luckily,
that same day I received a call from a couple who were wanting to adopt
another yorkie since their 10-year old yorkie passed away 2 months
prior. I spoke with both of them at length and realized that they would
be a proper fit for Kathy (that was the lil one's name). They have been
a godsend to me and to this yorkie. We have had daily contact by phone
and I have been kept advised of Kathy's vet visits and how she is
adapting to her new home. After only a c! ouple of weeks, Kathy no
longer runs to her crate/carrier. She is beginning to relax, gets along
well with the cat and is sleeping in a newly purchased dog bed next to
her new mom's bed. God does work in mysterious ways!!! Now to notify you who this
woman is: Her name is Linda Weltmer, her current address is 804 S.
Juniper Terrace, Gardner, Kansas 66030-1468. Phone # is:
913-593-3011. I know she will attempt to adopt again
and I am pleading with all of you at (Breeder name here) not to let her adopt. I am
also contacting all of the shelters in the area. I would contact the
pet stores but they are more out for the "sale" than considering what
will happen to a dog after leaving their establishments. I know all of
you care about the pets that come to your shelter and cannot always say
what will happen to a pet after it leaves your shelter BUT in this case
you can rest assure that this lady will not treat an ani! mal with the
love and caring that all pets deserve. I beg of you, do not let her
adopt!!!
I hope that you will
heed the message I have tried to give you.
Thank you for your time!
Shar"
Shar Joyce
Kansas City MO Rep
of the United Yorkie Rescue Group
A poster competition for captive animals!! Click
here.
News on cockfighting in Oklahoma
To: Blue H.A.W.K.
Below I have copied and pasted a message from Cynthia Armstrong,
campaign manager for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Cockfighting.
Since the Oklahoma Senate vote last week in favor of Frank
Shurden's bill to gut the felony cockfight ban approved by voters in
2002, both the Tulsa World and Daily Oklahoman
have condemned the Senate for their action and have urged the House of
Representatives to vote against the bill, when it comes to the House
for a vote on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. It is essential
that people call their own state representative and ask him/her to vote
no on this legislation. The cockfighters are actively lobbying
the legislature for passage of the bill. That says it all with
respect to what is wrong with the bill!
Clova Abrahamson
President, Oklahoma Humane Federation
Cynthia Armstrong writes:
______________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, SB835 PASSED in the Senate last week by
three votes. We were very surprised by Senator Brogdon, Senator
Milacek and Senator Horner voting with Senator Shurden. Had any
one of those individuals voted with us this bill would have died
in the Senate. Nevertheless, our battle is now in the
House. Please call your representatives and ask them to oppose
SB835. You can reach them by calling (405) 521-2711 or
1-800-522-8502
The 5th conference committee version of SB835, which is
what they will be voting upon NOT ONLY DRAMATICALLY WEAKENS PENALTIES
BUT IS A SECTION BY SECTION GUTTING OF THE LAW THE VOTERS PASSED!
IT ESSENTIALLY LEGALIZES COCKFIGHTING WITHOUT KNIVES OR GAFFS AND
SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE FORFEITURE PROVISION SO THAT COCKFIGHTING CAN
CONTINUE UNABATED!
LET YOUR REPRESENTATIVE KNOW THAT YOU UNDERSTOOD HOW
IMPORTANT STRONG PENALTIES ARE TO DETERRING THIS CRUEL AND
BARBARIC PRACTICE OF COCKFIGHTNG. (The cockfighters
have actually lobbied for misdemeanor penalties so we know those
are not a problem for them!)
THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO STOP THIS BEFORE THIS
ISSUE GOES BACK TO A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE! LET YOUR LEGISLATORS
KNOW HOW DISGUSTED YOU ARE AT THE LACK OF RESPECT SHOWN BY THE
LEGISLATURE FOR A STATEWIDE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE!
Cynthia
» Read the Oklahoma Supreme Court's entire 55-page opinion.
http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?citeid=438524
» Read the statement from The Fund and HSUS on the
decision.
http://fund.org/library/documentViewer.asp?ID=1399&table=documents
» Read the editorial in today's Daily Oklahoman
(registration required).
http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=1208764
The cruel poisoning of innocent animals is an important issue to Blue
H.A.W.K., as many of our
dogs at Blue H.A.W.K. farms were poisoned recently. Read their
story at the top of this page.
HELP! Please visit WAG-
New York by clicking the image above.
Blue H.A.W.K. has recently been made aware of an urgent problem in
Greece.
The following horrific pictures were taken from the WAG-
New York website:
Do you want to support the Olympics where they did this??
Chinese Cruelty To Cats, Dogs & Other Animals
Cats awaiting sale as food.......
Read more about this barbaric practice and how you can help to
eliminate it.
http://www.moggies.co.uk/articles/2003/china_cats.html
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