Talkin Pets

Born Free USA to reimburse family for veterinary bills

Washington, D.C., March 21, 2013 -- The family of “Skeeter,” an eight year old chocolate Labrador mix in Millington, Tennessee, is the latest recipient of financial support from Born Free USA, a national leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

Earlier this month, the Wilson family’s dog was playing with another neighbor's dogs when all three dogs ran onto another neighbor’s property where Skeeter was caught in a leghold trap that had been allegedly put out by the property owner with the intent of catching the dogs, who he believed were harassing his chickens.

Skeeter, who was wearing a collar with identification, was then shot at point blank range in the head by the property owner – a local fireman. Mr. Wilson was allegedly not allowed to retrieve Skeeter until authorities arrived. Skeeter was still alive and rushed to a local vet. It was determined he could not be saved and he was euthanized.

According to Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “Born Free USA receives dozens of heartbreaking reports from traumatized victims around the country who have seen their own pet trapped and severely injured or killed by a trap that was set for wildlife. But this is the first time we have encountered a situation where a domestic dog was actually the intended victim. The fact that Skeeter was then shot makes this tragic tale even more despicable.”

According to Bill Wilson, "Skeeter was a fantastic dog - well trained and worth a million dollars to me. I just wish I was half the person he thought I was. We are so grateful to Born Free USA with their assistance in covering Skeeter's veterinary costs. His loss is one from which we'll never fully recover, but knowing there are groups out there fighting the injustice of trapping gives us hope that another family might not have to suffer this kind of cruel loss."

Born Free is providing financial relief via its Trapping Victims Fund in the amount of $180.50 for the exam and X-rays and eventual euthanasia of Skeeter. The Fund was established last year and this is the fifth recipient. Born Free USA established the Fund to help defray emergency veterinary care costs for companion animals or wildlife impacted by traps and for specific costs associated with rehabilitating and releasing a wildlife trapping victim back into the wild.

Born Free USA estimates that over 300,000 non-target animals are the unintended victims of body-crushing wildlife traps and snares set each year. Cats and dogs are often severely injured or killed as a result of the remorseless jaws of traps set for wild animals by trappers who plan to capture them and strip their fur. Born Free USA says that for every target animal trapped an estimated two non-target animals are brutally captured. The organization keeps a database at www.bornfreeusa.org/databse, of non-target victims of traps.

Born Free USA is a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to the United States the message of “compassionate conservation” -- the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers, now CEO of both organizations. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at: www.bornfreeusa.org; twitter twitter.com/bornfreeusa; Facebook facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.

34 Texas dog bite fatalities were recorded during this period; more than any other state. Pit bulls were responsible for 76% of the total recorded deaths. Impediments to reduce these deaths include the One Bite rule and the 1991 statewide measure that prohibits breed-specific laws.

Austin, TX, March 20, 2013 --(PR.com)-- DogsBite.org, a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks, releases a report of Texas dog bite fatalities from January 1, 2005 to February 17, 2013. During this period, 34 Texans suffered death due to a dog mauling, making Texas the leading state in the nation for dog bite-related fatalities. Pit bulls inflicted 76% (26) of these deaths, followed by the next most lethal dog breed, rottweilers, inflicting 15% (5).

DogsBite.org began reviewing Texas dog bite fatality data after a second Texas toddler was killed by a chained pit bull in under a 1-month period this year. Last year in the U.S., chained dogs killed two individuals. In the first 47 days of 2013, Texas matched this national statistic. Of the 6 total chaining deaths in Texas, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 100%. Each chaining fatality involved a child 4-years old or younger and occurred in a rural or semi-rural area of Texas.

Victim data from the Texas report showed that 68% (23) of the victims were children ages 11-years and younger. Of this group, 52% (12) were ages 2 and younger. Dog ownership data from the Texas report showed that family dogs comprised 53% (18) of all attacks that ended in human death and 88% (30) of the attacks occurred on the dog owner's property. The combined years of 2006 and 2007 accounted for 38% (13) of all Texas dog bite fatalities during the period.

Texas counties with the most fatal dog attack occurrences include: Harris County (5) followed by Bexar County (4) and Montgomery County (3).

The Texas report also highlights the need to reform Texas laws and the two main impediments to achieving this reform: The One Bite rule, which omits civil liability for the dog's first bite (or first mauling, maiming or death) and the 1991 statewide anti-BSL measure, which prohibits breed-specific laws. The Texas report emphasizes the 1988 and 2011 medical injury studies from Texas doctors; both medical studies explicitly focus on injuries and deaths inflicted by pit bulls.

The report names several progressive Texas cities -- Fort Worth, Garland and San Antonio -- that have implemented proactive animal control policies despite state imposed limitations that deny municipalities from directly targeting the two most lethal dog breeds in Texas. The report briefly outlines each policy and offers links to related FAQs and municipal code. All three policies share two key provisions: preventing new attacks and holding dog owners more responsible.

Please click the below link to see the full Texas report:
Report: Texas Dog Bite Fatalities, January 1, 2005 to February 17, 2013

About DogsBite.org

DogsBite.org is a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks. Through our work, we hope to protect both people and pets from future attacks. Our website, www.dogsbite.org, was launched in October 2007 and contains a wide collection of data to help policymakers and citizens learn about dangerous dogs. Our research focuses on pit bull type dogs. Due to selective breeding practices that emphasize aggression and tenacity, this class of dogs negatively impacts communities the most. Our website hosts important dog bite studies, U.S. dog bite fatalities and other key bibliographies. In the Legislating Dogs portion of our site, we offer examples of breed-specific laws (state-by-state) and documentation of the constitutionality of these laws. The Victim Realities section provides a glance into the unforgettable stories victims leave behind and much more. DogsBite.org operates out of Austin, Texas and can be contacted via: 512-650-8510 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Research contributions and active website participation stems from individuals that span the United States of America and across the world.

Austin, Texas - March 19, 2013 - Just in time for clubs, breeders, and pet owners to begin arranging exams to certify their animals free of congenital or acquired diseases, the Animal Registry of Certified Health (ARCH) is now available free of charge.

As of March 1, ARCH is sponsored and free to owners, with no cost for having animal exam results registered and accessible online 24/7. There is no limit on number of animals registered for free, and ARCH will continue to offer certification by board-certified veterinary specialists.

Dog and cat owners seeking to improve the overall health of their breeds often encounter multiple exams, certifications, and associated costs for each animal they own. Access to the information that is collected through this process is vital and valuable to owners, potential breeding candidates, researchers, and specialists looking to understand the nature of these diseases.

In conjunction with the CARE Animal Foundation (www.careanimalfoundation.org), American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Cardiology, and American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, ARCH announces its service free of charge. ARCH was able to waive the certification fees with continued support from new sponsor Prelude Dynamics (www.preludedynamics.com).

Beginning this month, owners may register the disease certification status for dogs and cats for cardiac and ophthalmology disease, in addition to managing exam results, for free. To utilize the Animal Registry of Certified Health, owners may have a club's medical representative coordinate with the board-certified examining veterinarian slated for the annual show, or register online at www.archcertify.org.

For more information, call 512-535-5611 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Talkin Pets Show News
Saturday, March 16, the 75th day of 2013.
There are 290 days left in the year.

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(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) March 14, 2013—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently released two reports that offer data on the veterinary medical profession—the 2013 Report on Veterinary Compensation and the 2013 Report on Veterinary Practice Business Measures.

The Report on Veterinary Compensation provides information, including professional earnings in private practice, and public and corporate employment; earnings by years of experience, region and gender; employee fringe benefits; and income per hour. For example, this year’s report indicates that in 2011, which is the year of the survey, median income for private practitioners was $100,000—$88,000 for associate veterinarians and $124,000 for practice owners. In addition, the report found that the median professional income of veterinarians in public or corporate employment was $124,000 in 2011.

The Report on Veterinary Practice Business Measures provides data and trends including gross veterinary revenue statistics, financial returns and ratios in veterinary practice, key practice operating expense ratios, and revenues according to service categories. The 2013 report indicates that the median gross practice revenue was $728,640 in 2011.

The AVMA has conducted an economic survey of U.S. veterinarians every two years since 1984 and the data from this survey provides reliable statistics on veterinary earnings and salaries. The AVMA’s Report on Veterinary Practice Business Measures and Report on Veterinary Compensation each contain dozens of tables and figures of statistical tabulations along with summaries of key findings.

For more information about the AVMA or to purchase a copy of the reports, visit www.avma.org.

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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 84,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

-Global Pet Expo, held February 20 –22, 2013, in Orlando, FL, a huge success –

(Greenwich, CT - 2013) —The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) are pleased to announce Global Pet Expo 2013 was a big success, reporting record-breaking numbers in exhibitors, buyer and media attendance and total booths sold. Experiencing an increase in growth on all fronts, the 2013 Show featured 5,327 buyers in attendance, a 5 percent increase over last year, more than 3,000 new pet product launches, 964 exhibitors and 2,686 booths sold – the highest post-show numbers reported in Global Pet Expo’s nine-year history. Total show attendance came to just over 13,000 people.

Also released at the Show were record-breaking industry figures, as well as results from APPA’s latest Survey showing pet ownership at an all time high; both releases can be found in the Association’s press room at www.americanpetproducts.org.

“There’s no arguing that this industry continues to grow and there’s certainly no better place than at Global Pet Expo for exhibitors to showcase their products and give thousands of buyers from around the world a first look,” said Andrew Darmohraj, APPA senior vice president and trade show director. “We’d truly like to thank all the buyers, exhibitors, and media who participated in this year’s show making this our largest event to date.”

The 2013 Show yielded more new product launches than any other show in the industry, and had more than 900 entries into the New Products Showcase alone.

Ranked one of the top 100 trade shows in the nation by Trade Show Executive Magazine, the 2013 Show grew its international presence by 19 percent with 172 international exhibitors, up from 145 in 2012. Likewise, 27 percent of the attendees were international buyers that represented 71 countries, solidifying Global Pet Expo as a key trading opportunity for companies from around the world.

The 2013 Show also saw record-setting media attendance ranging from pet industry specific magazines and bloggers to major national media outlets like Good Morning America, TODAY, Hallmark and USA Today, further demonstrating the widespread interest in pets.

Social Media played a key role in the 2013 Show as well. During the week of the Show, there were 4,300 tweets about Global Pet Expo from buyers, exhibitors and media alike, generating over 13.5 million impressions. The Global Pet Expo Twitter page has grown 38 percent over the past year and the Facebook page has grown 36 percent. Global Pet Expo’s YouTube channel has shown the greatest increase at over 29,000 views, up 58 percent from the 2012 Show.

This year, award-winning pet lifestyle journalist, author and spokesperson, Sandy Robins was honored with Global Pet Expo’s annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award” for her commitment to the industry. Robins accepted the award February 21^st at the media-exclusive Purina^® Media Reception at Global Pet Expo.

Now in its third year, the New Products Showcase Awards Presentation also proved successful. The ‘Best in Show’ red carpet ceremony took place on the show floor and was hosted by veterinarian and media personality, Dr. Marty Becker. With more entrants in the showcase than ever before, buyers narrowed down top picks out of more than 900 products across nine categories to determine the “Best in Show” winners. Becker also gave a nod to his favorites with his annual “Becker’s Best” awards.

“The 3,000 new product launches at this year’s show included advances in technology, like self-cleaning fish tanks and pet doors you can control from your smart phone, as well as advances in enrichment products from tennis ball cannons to ice cube vitamin supplement kits,” said Darmohraj. “Whether you’ve been in this industry for years and have dozens of products or you are just starting out with a single product launch, Global Pet Expo is a must attend event.”

The 2014 Global Pet Expo will take place Wednesday – Friday, March 12 – 14, 2014 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center. For details, visit www.globalpetexpo.org.

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Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, is presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The 2013 Show featured 964 exhibitors, 2,686 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches. 5,324 pet product buyers from around the world attended. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. The 2014 Show will take place March 12-14, 2014 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. For more information, visit www.globalpetexpo.org.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.

Thousands of Greyhounds In Need of Permanent Homes Due to the Economy, Track Closings

Framingham, MA-A 40 mile per hour couch potato is just waiting to be adopted into a loving and permanent home and what better month than National Adopt-a-Greyhound month to welcome a beautiful, graceful and gentle greyhound into your family.

April is National Adopt-a-Greyhound month and the need to place greyhounds housed in temporary homes and facilities has never been greater. The Greyhound Project is spreading their message of greyhound adoption awareness to ensure that 100 percent of these greyhounds find caring homes.

In the last three years, 11 racetracks have closed around the nation because legislative initiatives and a struggling economy, putting enormous pressure on adoption groups to find homes for as many as 1,000 dogs at every track closing. Pending legislation in Florida may mean that many of its 13 tracks will soon close.  Add greyhounds that have retired from still active tracks around the country and you have thousands of wonderful, elegant dogs being cared for by adoption groups as they wait to be adopted into their permanent homes.

“Greyhounds make great pets and companions,” said President of The Greyhound Project Michael McCann. “They are graceful and gentle and can be a great addition to any dog-loving family. Recent track closings and a struggling economy have resulted in fewer adoptions and more surrenders. National Adopt-a-Greyhound month is a great time to welcome these wonderful Greyhounds into loving and permanent homes.”

The Greyhound Project works to support over 300 greyhound adoption groups nationwide. The charity also publishes Celebrating Greyhounds, an award-winning quarterly magazine written for greyhound adopters, owners, and supporters.

About The Greyhound Project

Founded in 1992, The Greyhound Project is a volunteer, non-profit organization. The mission of The Greyhound Project is to promote the welfare and adoption of greyhounds by providing support and information to adoption organizations, adopters, and the public. Please visit www.adopt-a-greyhound.org for more information.

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Although she turned 90 in January, 2012, it won’t slow down comedy legend Betty White, one of the
funniest and busiest actresses in Hollywood. With a career that has spanned more than 60 years, the
seven-time Emmy Award winner has created unforgettable roles in television and film, authored seven
books and won numerous awards, including those for her lifelong work for animal welfare.
White’s first comedy series, “Life with Elizabeth,” brought her first Emmy Award in 1952, followed by a
daily NBC talk/variety show called “The Betty White Show.” She was a recurring regular with over 70
appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jack Paar,” and appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” She also subbed as host on all three talk shows. White was a regular
with Vicki Lawrence on “Mama’s Family,” as sister Ellen, a role she created with the rest of the company
on “The Carol Burnett Show.”
Her recurring role as “Happy Homemaker” Sue Ann Nivens in the classic series “The Mary Tyler Moore
Show” brought two Emmys for Best Supporting Actress in 1974-75 and 1975-76. She received her fourth
Emmy for Best Daytime Game Show Host for “Just Men.” Nominated seven times for Best Actress in a
Comedy Series for her role as Rose Nylund in “The Golden Girls,” White won the Emmy the first season
in 1985, and later appeared in the spin-off “The Golden Palace” for one season. She earned her next
Emmy Award as Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series on “The John Larroquette Show.”
White was nominated for an Emmy in 2011 for her portrayal of “Elka,” the snarky but lovable caretaker
on the TV Land series “Hot in Cleveland,” in which she stars alongside Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves
and Wendie Malick. Betty also won back-to-back Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding
Performance by a Female in a Comedy Series in 2011 and 2012.
When she hosted NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” in 2010, it was one of the highest-rated episodes in the
show’s history, and earned her an Emmy Award for Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, bringing White’s
Emmy total to seven awards. Betty is also Executive Producer and Host of the NBC series Off Their
Rockers, currently airing on NBC and she has been nominated for a 2012 Emmy Award for Outstanding
Host For A Reality or Reality Competition Program.
In addition to charming sports fan with her role in the popular Snickers commercial shown during the
2010 Super Bowl, White has guest-starred on “Ally McBeal,” “That ‘70s Show,” “Boston Legal,” and
received Emmy nominations for guesting on both NBC’s “Community” and “The Middle.” She was also
nominated for an Emmy as a guest actress on “Suddenly Susan.”
Her numerous television movies include “Chance of a Lifetime,” “Stealing Christmas,” “Annie’s Point”
and “The Lost Valentine,” for which she received yet another Emmy nomination. Betty also hosted the
New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade for 20 years, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for
10 years. Her big-screen credits include the Warner Brothers hit “The Proposal,” with Sandra Bullock and
Ryan Reynolds, as well as “You Again,” “Bringing Down the House,” “The Story of Us,” “Lake Placid”
and “Hard Rain.”
The most recent of her seven books include “If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t”), released in
May, 2011 which earned Betty a Grammy Award. “Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo,” was released in
November, 2011. Betty has also been named the world’s Most Trusted Celebrity according Reuters for
back to back years.
White’s awards are numerous, and include the Career Achievement Award in 2009 from the Television
Critics Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jane Goodall Institute in 2009, the Screen
Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2010, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting in 2010
from the American Women in Radio and Television. She was voted AP Entertainer of the Year in 2010,
and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in addition to being inducted into the Broadcasting and
Cable Hall of Fame in 2011.
A passionate supporter of animal health & welfare, White was recently named Chairman of the Greater
Los Angeles Zoo Association, has served on the board since 1974 and as a Zoo Commissioner for eight
years. In 2006, White was honored by the City of Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Zoo as “Ambassador to
the Animals” for her lifelong work for animal welfare. Betty also serves as President Emeritus of Morris
Animal Foundation and has been a trustee since 1971.
She was married for eighteen years to Allen Ludden, host of the game show “Password,” until his death in
1981. Betty lives in Brentwood, California with her golden retriever, Pontiac.

Photo courtesy of TVLand