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Bash Dibra
When Bash Dibra was only three years old and fled with his family from
Albania to a refugee camp in Yugoslavia, he made friends with the attack
dogs that guarded the compound. Later, as the family traveled through
Europe, Bash was able to work with master dog trainers, and he continued his
work when he came to the United States. Then came the opportunity to raise
and train a wolf, and through this experience Bash developed his unique
methods of dog training.
As author of six best-selling books on responsible pet ownership, training
and the proper treatment of animals in the entertainment industry, Bash
Dibra sets the industry standard of service to celebrities and their pets as
well as to pets who are celebrities in their own right. Mr. Dibra has
trained the pets of countless celebrities, including Matthew Broderick,
Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Ron Howard, Kim
Bassinger, Alec Baldwin , Ronald Perelman, Ralph Lauren,Henry Kissinger and a
host of others. His own pets are celebrities themselves,featured in motion pictures,
television commercials and print ads.
Bash has appeared on countless TV shows promoting responsible pet ownership,
and he works diligently behind the scenes for animal welfare and to promote
animals in service to mankind. Bash credits his incredible way with dogs to
his beloved wolf, Mariah, who taught him so much, and who was the official
symbol of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
One of the most famous animal trainers in the country shows how anyone can
turn their beloved pet into a disciplined, well-behaved superstar.
When Hollywood stars need to train their pets, they call Bash. He's taught
good manners to dogs owned by Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey, Jennifer
Lopez, and many others. Even Rags, the canine star of Spin City, owes his
fame to the coaching of Bash. In his book StarPet, he offers readers the same
training tips he gives to celebrity clients. Presenting simple techniques
adapted from his StarPet Workshops, the author makes it possible to turn the
laziest hound dog into a companion who will sit up and beg, roll over and
play dead, carry objects, and speak on cue. With simple, easy-to-follow
instructions for first time owners, StarPet is the key to teaching
four-legged friends how to behave just like the prime-time pooches and
felicitous felines that Bash works with for network television.
Bash Dibra is the author of six bestselling books on responsible pet
ownership and has made appearances on countless television shows. His own
pets are celebrities themselves, featured in motion pictures, television
commercials. and print ads.

FITNESS with FIDO
Save the Date May 4, 2013
Exercising for fitness and good health
that will benefit children, adults and seniors
Canine Court Celebrates it's 15th Anniversary on April 14, 2013
Bash Dibra
Friends of Canine Court
Published in News
Tuesday, 05 February 2013 16:42

5 Things Every Veteran Should Know About PTSD

SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK (February 5, 2013) – Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something that many people are vaguely familiar with. Yet they may not know exactly what it is or what can be done about it. PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after someone has gone through a traumatic event, such as a war; this makes it common among veterans. The more people understand this condition, the more likely they will seek to receive the help they need in order to overcome it.

“Veterans have served time protecting our country. Once they come home, it is our job to step up and help protect them,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue. “Many of our veterans are suffering from PTSD and need resources and help in order to help them improve their quality of life. We try to do our part in helping those veterans, and have been successful so far.”

Here are 5 things every veteran should know about PTSD:

  1. They are not alone. PTSD is common among veterans, so much so that it is estimated that around 400,000 of them currently experience it. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that the average PTSD rate for all adults is 6.8 percent. Yet for veterans it ranges from 12-31 percent, depending on their service. For example, the PTSD rate for those who served in Vietnam is 31 percent, while those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is 14 percent.
  2. It changes people. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PTSD changes the body’s response to stress. It does this by affecting the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves. This creates an anxiety in people, one that comes with a range of side effects.
  3. They may have the symptoms. Some veterans may not recognize that they have PTSD, yet they may have some of the symptoms. Those symptoms include reliving the event, nightmares, emotional numbing, avoidance, being easily startled, and feeling irritated, among others. Veterans who have these symptoms for more than a 30-day period should be evaluated to determine whether they have PTSD.
  4. There are three main categories. The NIH breaks down PTSD symptoms into three main categories, which include reliving the event, avoidance, and arousal (e.g., anxiety, being paranoid, etc.). Each of these tends to disturb their day-to-day activity and life. Another aspect is that veterans may feel guilt about the event, or for being one who has survived it when others didn’t.
  5. There is help. There is help for those who have PTSD. Such things as having a good social support system, attending a support group, and desensitization treatment can be helpful in preventing and addressing it. Animal therapy is another effective treatment method, which involves getting veterans around animals, such as getting them a dog.

The group is making plans to visit military bases and pick up dogs of those soldiers who need help taking care of them while they are serving abroad. This is instrumental so they don’t end up in high kill shelters and can be adopted out or placed in foster homes. They have recently made stops at Fort Stewart and are soon heading to Fort Bragg.

Guardians of Rescue has a program called “Animals Helping People,” where they pair shelter dogs up with veterans suffering from PTSD or other psychological conditions. Army Corporal John Wallace is part of this program to help the soldiers. He teamed up with the organization after they sent him his beloved “Tommy” after he returned from the war. Together, they have helped transport 10 dogs from Afghanistan to the United States and have reunited them with the U.S. soldiers that cared for them during combat.

“Many times, soldiers rely on the dogs they find as their eyes and ears,” explains John Wallace. “But when the troops finally leave, the animals are just left to fend for themselves, and often become targeted. Reuniting these soldiers with the dogs they had while deployed is therapeutic.”

Guardians of Rescue provides assistance to animals out on the streets, helping to rescue them, provide medical care, food and shelter, and find foster home placement. Many families are still struggling to recover from the storm, making it difficult to care for their pet, either financially or while living in temporary housing. To learn more, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.

About Guardians of Rescue

Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.

 

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Published in News
Tuesday, 05 February 2013 15:44

World Spay Day 2013 Launches Pet Pageant

Capture your pet’s essence in images and words, win great prizes

(Feb. 5, 2013)—The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to announce that the World Spay Day 2013 Pet Pageant has begun. Participants upload digital photos of their beloved companions and tell the world how their pets have improved their lives.

“The Pet Pageant is a great way for everyone to celebrate our furry friends this World Spay Day,” said Vicki Stevens, World Spay Day coordinator at The HSUS. “Send us your favorite photo of your pet, share a good story and help animal groups tackle pet overpopulation.”

Entrants are encouraged to share their pet's photo and story with their friends and family and ask them to vote for their pet. Entrants will compete in the Main Pageant, and, for a $5 entry fee, can choose to enter any of five optional categories, including Best Hair, Best Smile, Most Photogenic, Best Personality and Ugly-Cute. There are two ways to win big in the pageant: winners of the Judged awards are chosen by a panel of celebrity judges, and winners of the Popular Pet awards are determined by popular vote. Learn more by visiting humanesociety.org/petpageant.

This year’s celebrity judges are:

  • Robin Layton, professional photographer whose work can also be seen in the book, “A Letter to My Dog
  • Seth Casteel, professional photographer and author of the New York Times best-selling photo book, “Underwater Dogs.”
  • Tricia Helfer, TV/film actor, animal advocate and proud “parent” to several rescued and adopted cats.

There are two winners of the Main Pageant–Judged and Popular Pet–and 10 winners from the optional categories. Prizes include:

  • A $1,000 grant for spay/neuter programs awarded by The HSUS to the World Spay Day Pet Pageant participating organization of the winner’s choice
  • A personalized pet collar engraved with the pet’s name and the Pageant title the pet won
  • A copy of “A Letter to My Dog”
  • A copy of “Underwater Dogs”
  • Photo featured on The HSUS homepage in April 2012

The Pageant opens Feb. 4 at noon EST; and ends March 15 at noon EDT. All Pageant donations and Optional Category entry fees benefit a grant program by The HSUS to help participating World Spay Day organizations continue their valuable spay and neuter work after World Spay Day 2013 ends. For detailed information about pageant prizes, including prizes for international winners, see our pageant rules.

The HSUS and Humane Society International coordinate World Spay Day by working with shelters, humane organizations, veterinary clinics and individual volunteers around the world to offer special spay-neuter events, deploy mobile spay-neuter clinics, raise money to subsidize spay-neuter surgeries, and increase awareness about the importance and benefits of spaying and neutering. World Spay Day 2013 will take place on Feb. 26. Events in honor of World Spay Day also take place throughout the month of February, which is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.

World Spay Day 2013 partners include the Doris Day Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, the House Rabbit Society, the Humane Alliance, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities®. World Spay Day 2013 is sponsored by Abaxis.

For more information about the event, please visit: worldspayday.org.

Published in News

Annual global initiative promotes spay/neuter to help save companion animal lives

(Feb. 4, 2013)—The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International are pleased to announce that World Spay Day takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 during Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. World Spay Day is an annual campaign that promotes spaying and neutering as a proven, effective means of preventing pet overpopulation and saving animals’ lives.

Hundreds of World Spay Day events will take place in the United States and dozens of countries around the world, on World Spay Day and throughout the month of February. To find a World Spay Day event near you, visit worldspayday.org. The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, in partnership with the Doris Day Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, the House Rabbit Society, the Humane Alliance, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities® serve as proud partners of World Spay Day 2013. World Spay Day 2013 is sponsored by Abaxis.

“I was so pleased when I heard the results from World Spay Day in 2012,” said legendary actress Doris Day. “It is a dream come true for me to see how the spay/neuter program has grown over the years and how, by working together, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, along with the Doris Day Animal League under the supervision of The Humane Society of the United States have been able to accomplish so much. This year the Doris Day Animal Foundation will award a $75,000 grant to fund spay/neuter for pets in 16 towns and cities in 14 states."

World Spay Day provides a unique opportunity for everyone who cares about animals to come together towards a common goal – a global, united solution to end the euthanasia and suffering of homeless companion animals, feral cats and street dogs.

“Sterilizing dogs and cats is the best way to stem the overpopulation of cats, dogs and other pets, and to prevent homelessness and suffering,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “World Spay Day allows caring people the world over to come together and raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of spaying and neutering and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this global effort.”

Founded as Spay Day USA in 1995 by the Doris Day Animal League, the program has grown to include participants in 45 countries. Events include low and no-cost spay/neuter clinics for under-served communities, fundraisers to benefit spay/neuter programs and educational campaigns. Since Spay Day’s inception, it is estimated that more than one and a half million animals have been spayed or neutered in conjunction with the campaign.

Highlights for World Spay Day 2013 include:

  • The HSUS partnering with the ASPCA to host a low-cost spay/neuter event for residents of East Harlem in New York City on Feb. 23.
  • PetSmart Charities® funding “Beat the Heat,” a grant program enabling 61 clinics to spay more than 15,500 cats during Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.
  • The Humane Society of Tampa Bay spaying or neutering 60 pets on World Spay Day.
  • The Iowa Humane Alliance dedicating Spay/Neuter Awareness month to rabbits and hosting "Twenty Bunny Monday" on Feb. 25, a day reserved solely for spaying or neutering twenty rabbits.
  • East Tennessee Spay Neuter hosting “Hunka, Hunka Furry Love”—featuring “crooning” dog Melvis—on Feb. 9 to sign up low-income pet clients for spay/neuter.

The HSUS will also host a World Spay Day 2013 online Pet Pageant. Participants can begin uploading their pet’s photo to the online photo pageant Feb. 4 at noon EST. The pageant ends March 15 at noon EST. All proceeds from the pageant benefit local U.S. non-profit organizations participating in World Spay Day. Visit humanesociety.org/petpageant for more details.

For more information about World Spay Day 2013 and to find local events, please visit: worldspayday.org.

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our "HumaneTV" app.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We're there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- on the Web at humanesociety.org.

Published in News
Saturday, 02 February 2013 18:39

Talkin' Pets News

Talkin Pets News
Saturday, Feb. 2, the 33rd day of 2013.
There are 332 days left in the year.

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SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK – (February 1, 2013) – Within New York City alone, the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Department investigates over 5,000 cases of animal cruelty each year; the animals vary from household pets to horses and livestock. However, most cases are never reported and the animal’s suffering goes unrecognized and without the necessary intervention. To assist in the protection of abused animals, the Guardians of Rescue organization steps in.

“It’s easy to overlook the many animals in distress, or to turn away from it,” Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, stated. “We don’t do that. We work hard, with the support of those in the public, to help these animals in need, and we feel great doing it.”

The Guardians of Rescue, based in New York, provides a variety of programs to help and support animals in need, including Junior Guardians. Junior Guardians educates young people on how to recognize animal abuse and report it to the proper authorities and how to fight animal abuse. According to the ASPCA, here are ten tips to recognize and report animal abuse:

1. Visible wounds. Abused animals often have visible signs of illness or injury that are not usually being treated.

2. Unhealthy body. Some animals that are not being properly cared for will be emaciated, where their bones are showing, or may be extremely thin.

3. Inadequate grooming. More than just not being brushed, these animals have not been taken care of and are dirty, have overgrown nails, and may have fur that has been extremely matted.

4. Weakness. A sign that animal has been abused may be that they are not able to move around normally or may be limping.

5. Isolated outside. Pets that are left outdoors for a long time are of concern. They may be in unsanitary conditions and not have access to food and water.

6. Unsafe conditions. If a pet is kept in an area that is unsafe and could lead to injury, such as if the area has a lot of broken glass or garbage.

7. Incorrectly crated. While many people crate their pet, it may be abusive if they are using a crate that is too small and does not allow the animal to engage in normal movements, such as standing up.

8. To Report, Make the Call: Those who believe animal abuse may be taking place should contact their local animal shelter or animal control department. Those who are unable to locate the local shelter or humane society, contact the local police at a non-emergency number and get a referral.

9. Be detailed. If there is animal abuse taking place try to get as many details as possible, so that they can be handed over to the authorities. They will need information such as what was happening, times and dates, and the location.

10. Follow-Up: The calls made to report animal abuse are kept anonymous. But they can still be followed up on if they do not hear back from authorities about it in a reasonable time frame. The person turning in the abuse can also choose to testify if they would like to.

Recently, the Guardians of Rescue stepped in to respond to a call about two pit bulls being kept in poor conditions. Eleven puppies were found in a dark basement, neglected. The Guardians of Rescue swept in and the mother and puppies were removed for the house, treated for their injuries and sheltered. The Guardians of Rescue is a non-profit organization aimed at assisting animals in distress through providing support and shelter to animals in need.

To learn more, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.

About Guardians of Rescue

Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.

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Source:

ASPCA: How to Recognize Cruelty. < http://www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/how-to-recognize-cruelty>

Published in News

Now users can have all of their pet’s information available on multiple devices, wherever they are with a fun, clean, user friendly and social app.

Saint Paul MN, January, 2013 - Blinkloop Software announces the latest, all-in-one iPhone app, Pets+ The Pet Organizer, that helps pet loving parents have available, store, manage and safely save all of their pet’s information on multiple devices, and with a fun, clean, user friendly and social sharing app.

“Keeping all my pet’s information in one place had become very difficult,” says Michael Peterson, creator of the Pets+ iPhone app. “With some information in file cabinets, paper notes on my desk, information on my computer and some on my iPhone, I wanted a place where I could keep all of Atticus’s information available to me easily, wherever I am….that’s why I created Pets+.”

Pet+ The Pet Organizer stores all information about pets including name, photos, gender, breed, weight, birth date, emergency contact information, appointments, identification and microchip information, feeding info, vet and groomer contact info, medication info, favorite websites and shopping sites, and a notes section to include information about a pets vet appointments and more.

With Pets+ users can track of their pet’s weight, create and set reminders for appointments, find nearby groomers, vets, and favorite stores, link them to each pet and map the location. They can also automatically call emergency and service provider phone numbers, and export and share information and photos via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more.

There is no limit on the number of pets that can be entered, making it a great app for multiple pet households, groomers, vets, breeders, shelters and pet care givers. And it works with all types of animals, from dogs and cats, to birds, horses, fish, reptiles, ferrets, hamsters, and other small pets, even pigs, chickens, cows, sheep and more!

Pets+ syncs to the Cloud so users never loose or accidently erase their pets information, again! And the app provides all the social sharing needed to share those great photos with friends and family.

Pets+ is available from the US Apple App Store for $1.99. For more information feel free to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call (763) 234-6848, or visit http://www.petsplusapp.com. You can also view the app on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqmQw9p3xtA and download a press kit at http://petsplusapp.com/presskit.zip. Pets+ is available in the app store at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/Pets%2B/id590313331?mt=8

Published in News

National coalition of animal health and welfare organizations responds to recent article highlighting cats’ predatory prowess

 

(ANNAPOLIS, Maryland) February 1, 2013—A recent study and corresponding media reports have cast a negative light on cats by suggesting that they may be responsible for killing perhaps billions of birds and mammals. Dr. Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats, and a feline practitioner in Maryland today expressed concerns that the study and corresponding articles may hamper the ability of shelters to place cats in adoptive homes.

“We regret the fact that the articles written about the study have maligned cats as a whole, when in fact, the vast majority of the estimated destruction to wildlife was reportedly by feral or stray cats,” she said. “This works to discourage prospective cat owners from adopting one of the hundreds of thousands of healthy, enjoyable cats that are held in shelters across this nation.”

In response to these disparaging articles the CATalyst Council offers the following observations:

1. Responsible cat ownership is best supported by keeping your cat indoors. This is not only for the protection of wild birds and mammals, but also for your cat’s own good. Cars, dogs and people pose a threat to your cat while it roams, as do parasites, fleas and ticks, and chemicals. Part of being a responsible cat owner is keeping your cat safe from harm.

2. Support your local Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program and the development of other non-surgical ways to sterilize large numbers of animals. Unfortunately, articles written about the study are unclear about the study’s report that feral cats and not pets were responsible for the majority of the estimated deaths. Whether you’re a pet owner or an animal lover, by ensuring feral sterilization programs have the needed local funding, you will be helping to reduce the number of future feral cats in your community.

3. Remember that some of the killed mammals cited in the study are pests, including mice and rats, which reproduce quickly and pose a public health concern when their numbers are allowed to grow unchecked. By helping to reduce the number of rodents, the cats are performing a valuable service.

“I think this study presents an opportunity for discussion about what responsible cat ownership entails and what people can do to help all the animals in their community, including feral cats,” Dr. Brunt continued. “But what we don’t want to see is inflammatory media coverage that discourages cat ownership and portrays cats in a negative light. Because of the millions of cats sent to shelters each year, CATalyst Council has worked hard to enhance community relationships between shelters and veterinarians to solve problems in individual communities, and cat population is a significant one. Commentary in response to the report does nothing to help our shelter population or the people who work so hard to place these wonderful pets in forever homes.”

 

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The CATalyst Council is a national organization which includes a wide variety of animal health and welfare organizations as well as corporate members of the animal health industry that are working together to improve the health and welfare of America’s favorite pet. It was founded in response to troubling statistics released by the American Veterinary Medical Association that indicate an increase in our nation’s pet cat population coupled with a decline in veterinary care for those cats. More information about the CATalyst Council is available at www.catalystcouncil.org.

 

Published in News

With the help of the World Pet Association and other pet-related businesses, the Pet Care Trust raised over $8000 for its Pets in the Classroom grant program.

Bel Air, Maryland, United States., January 31, 2013 - In an effort to promote pet responsibility at an early age, the Pet Care Trust, with the assistance of the World Pet Association and other pet-related businesses, raised over $8,000 for the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program during America’s Family Pet Expo, held November 3-4 in Puyallup, Washington. The money raised will go directly to helping approximately 50 teachers enhance their classrooms and curriculum through the aid of classroom pets, impacting nearly 2,500 students.

The World Pet Association, host of America’s Family Pet Expo, donated booth space to the Pet Care Trust at the annual event held in Puyallup, Washington. At the Expo, the Pet Care Trust hosted a betta fish toss, aquarium raffle, and discounted pet store to raise funds for their Pets in the Classroom program, a grant program supporting responsible pet care in schools by providing direct, no-hassle grants to teachers to purchase or maintain pets in the classroom.

The betta fish toss booth, which gave attendees the chance to win a betta fish by throwing a ball into a cup, raised $1,329 for the program. The fish and supplies were donated by Hikari USA.

The raffle, which was held at the educational exhibit called the “Aquatic Experience,” allowed attendees to purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win a treasure trove of donated aquariums, stands, fish and aquatic supplies. $988 was raised through the raffle.

The Pet Care Trust store, which sold donated pet supplies at a discounted price, raised roughly $6,000. The store was made possible through the donation of goods and resources from the following pet suppliers and organizations: CaribSea Inc., United Pet Group, Aqueon / Central Aquatics, Seachem Laboratories, Hikari Sales U.S.A. Inc., Fluval / Rolf C. Hagen, U.S.A., Inc., Terrascapes, Cobalt International, Segrest Farms, Sea Dwelling Creatures, and Bio Bubble Pets LLC.

“The Pets in the Classroom program has awarded more than 20,000 grants, allowing more than 1 million students to experience the joy of a pet,” noted Pet Care Trust executive director Steve King. “The support we have received from WPA and the many companies that donated products and prizes has been instrumental in the continued growth of this wonderful program.”

To make a contribution to The Pet Care Trust to support the Pets in the Classroom program, visit http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/donations/. A $150 donation will support one classroom pet, or you can support three classrooms with a $500 gift. Please help us reach our goal of reaching 5 million kids with a classroom pet.

Published in News

Exhibit gives an inside look to expose the horrors of dog fighting

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Earlier today, the Crime Museum unveiled “Dog Fighting: The Voiceless Victims,” a temporary exhibit by the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), offering an inside look at the tools used by dog fighters to raise, train, fight and kill dogs injured during this so-called “sport”. The exhibit features evidence seized from dog fighting raids by the ASPCA, including the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history in 2009. The exhibit also demonstrates tools utilized by ASPCA veterinary forensic experts, combining state-of-the-art forensic sciences with veterinary medicine to discover how animals may have suffered or died.

“We want the public to see that dogs used in dog fighting are the victims of the crime as well as individuals, not as instruments of the crime,“ said Dr. Randall Lockwood, senior vice president of ASPCA Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects. “We want people to realize the brutality of dog fighting, and see that it’s the greatest violation of the human-animal bond.”

Some of the many artifacts on display in the exhibit are:
• A treadmill used to condition dogs in preparation for fighting;
• A “rape” stand used to immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes;
• Breaking sticks used to force a dog’s release on another dog;
• A spring pole used to strengthen a dog’s bite, neck, and leg muscles as he pulls or hangs from the end;
• A handmade nailed collar used to antagonize fighting dogs;
• A dog electrocution device used to kill dogs who lost a fight or failed to show sufficient aggression toward other dogs;
• A pit bull skull excavated from a dog fighting crime scene;
• Clandestine grave excavation equipment used to carefully exhume animal remains to provide important evidence of dog fighting and animal cruelty in cases; and
• Michael Vick’s indictment papers, providing details of dogs that were fought and others that were killed (copy).

“Although dog fighting made headlines five years ago in the Michael Vick dog fighting investigation, many people still aren’t aware just how prevalent it is in so many communities around the country,” states Janine Vaccarello, Chief Operating Officer of the Crime Museum. “Through this exhibit, we hope to show our visitors not only the extreme cruelty that dog fighters use against these animal victims, but also how they can contribute to ending the practice nationwide.”

The ASPCA has been involved in the battle against dog fighting in America since its founding, including the Kit Burns dog fighting case in 1868. The ASPCA played an integral role in the collection of evidence against Michael Vick’s dog fighting enterprise in 2007, including the evaluation of the dogs seized from his property. More recently, the ASPCA participated in the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history in 2009, spanning eight states and resulting in more than 20 arrests and the rescue of 500 dogs. As part of the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response department, the Blood Sports division was established to provide training to local, state and federal agencies and investigate blood sports, such as dog fighting and cockfighting, across the country.

“Dog Fighting: The Voiceless Victims” will be on display in the Crime Museum’s temporary exhibit space from January 29 through September 2, 2013.

About the Crime Museum
The Crime Museum’s mission is to provide guests of all ages with a memorable insight into the issues of crime, crime fighting, and the consequences of committing a crime in America through a captivating interactive, entertaining and educational experience. The museum is located on 7th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C. at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Arena exit). For more information, visit www.crimemuseum.org or follow the museum on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NMCPinDC and Twitter https://twitter.com/crimemuseum.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Published in News

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