Mahopac Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Killing Canada Goose

MAHOPAC — A Mahopac man who shot and killed a Canada goose near Lake Ossi faces an animal-cruelty charge, police said.

Putnam County SPCA officers were dispatched to the Lake Ossi neighborhood Monday after a resident reported seeing a man shooting a Canada goose and leaving its body near the shore, police said.

SPCA officers responded with state Department of Environmental Conservation police and spoke with the man, who was seen walking away from the lake.

They determined that Gregory Stefkovic, 44, of Mahopac had shot and killed the goose with a .177 caliber air rifle. Stefkovic explained that he shot the goose because the birds left too much feces by the lake, making it unsafe for children to play there.

SPCA police charged him with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, while DEC police issued several summons for hunting violations, police said.

Stefkovic is due in Carmel Town Court on June 11.

News Link:-http://www.lohud.com/article/20130514/NEWS/305140071/Mahopac-man-charged-animal-cruelty-after-killing-Canada-goose?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews&nclick_check=1

$5,000 Reward Offered After Kitty Found Burned In Kensington

“My apologies for the graphic image, but this type of heinous cruelty needs to be seen by the public; so they can see what sort of monsters are out there! If you see any strange or suspicious looking behaviour, between kids or adults, messing around with animals…it could end up in a similar tragedy to this…so please stay vigilant, don’t keep quiet…if it looks & sounds wrong, it probably is wrong!!”

“WTF… seriously, if ANYONE is friends, know’s or lives with the person that did this, then I would be very worried about your own safety too! Just because you’re a friend doesn’t mean this repugnant vermin won’t turn on you!! Only the mind of a demented, deviant psychopath, could purposefully set fire to a tiny kitten. What happens when they have grown tired of inflicting pain on innocent animals, they may turn to children; anyone they can intimidate & manipulate! Could you have that on your conscience, knowing you could have stopped this sadistic bully; by just speaking up now?”

“This horrific attack happened last week, can anyone remember someone coming home; smelling of flammable liquid or who may have had burns or singe marks on their clothing or shoes…Or…perhaps someone has overheard a person boasting or bragging about setting fire to a kitten? Just remember, those who commit crimes of this nature, normally don’t stop, because of a fine or even jail!! they will soon strike again! Somebody knows who did this, please help put an end to this now. If you know anything, that may help catch the monstrosity that did this, please contact the number below!!”

A $5,000 REWARD is being offered to help authorities catch whoever intentionally set fire to a kitten found in Kensington last week.

A woman recovered the 4- to 5-week-old male kitten last Thursday at Allegheny Avenue and F Street. Authorities said the kitten suffered burns over more than one-third of his body, with most of the burns on his head and back.

The Humane Society of the United States announced the reward yesterday, citing the “depraved act of cruelty.”

“This is the latest in a disturbing string of animals apparently being intentionally lit on fire,” Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania state director for the Humane Society, said in a statement. “This depraved act of cruelty will not be tolerated, and we hope this reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrator to justice.”

The kitten is being treated at Crown Veterinary Hospital in Lebanon, N.J., and is expected to recover.

The Pennsylvania SPCA is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 866- 601-SPCA (7722). - By Solomon Leach

News Link:-http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20130430__5_000_reward_offered_after_kitty_found_burned_in_Kensington.html

Authorities: Telford Man Sparked Other Animal Welfare Concerns

A Telford man facing a spate of animal cruelty and weapons charges in connection with his arrest last month has been on animal welfare authorities’ radar for nearly two years, according to Tracie Graham — a Humane Society police officer and shelter manager with the Montgomery County SPCA.

Graham said that since late 2011, she and other Humane Society officials have been investigating 52-year-old Earl C. Heitz III, of the 100 block of Forrest Road, on suspicion of animal cruelty and failure to provide proper care for animals.

Heitz was arrested at his home by Franconia Township police on March 21 and arraigned on 27 charges — including 21 counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of felony illegal firearm possession — after a report of an injured goat led officers to his residence.

 MCSPCA seized 24 animals from the property, “which are being housed and cared for,” said Graham, who — citing the ongoing nature of the case — did not disclose the medical condition of any of the animals. She said that the removed animals included 11 puppies, three chinchillas, two goats, two roosters, two guinea fowl, two parrots, one iguana and one cat.

On Wednesday, Heitz had his preliminary hearing before District Judge Kenneth Deatelhauser of Souderton continued for a second time. Court personnel did not provide a reason for the continuance. Heitz remains free after posting $50,000 bail on March 22.

“This is not the first time there’s been a problem like this with (Heitz),” according to Graham. She said that on Feb. 19, she filed four non-traffic summary citations for animal cruelty against Heitz with District Judge Catherine Hummel-Fried of Red Hill. That was in regard to 40 animals — including goats, horses and cattle — Heitz allegedly keeps on an Upper Salford property that’s owned by someone else, said Graham, adding that those animals have not yet been seized from the property.

“We are going to be requesting forfeiture of all of the animals,” she said.

Court records show that the four citations are in the process of being transferred from Hummel-Fried’s court — Graham explained that she is trying to have them consolidated into Heitz’s criminal case in connection with his March arrest.

According to police, just after 1 p.m. on March 21, officers were dispatched to Heitz’s property after receiving a tip that a goat on a nearby road had been struck by a vehicle and appeared to have a broken jaw, and that several dogs were running up and down Heitz’s driveway.

When officers approached the house to locate the homeowner, the criminal complaint states, they found the front door wide open, announced their presence but got no response and then, “not knowing if the homeowner was injured or incapacitated,” entered the residence for a well-being check.

Inside, officers found “deplorable conditions,” according to the affidavit: Animal feces in every part of the home, a dead fish on the floor of an upstairs bedroom and a number of live animals both inside and outside the home, including puppies, goats, chickens, chinchillas and birds. Police said they also found three .22 caliber rifles inside the house, which authorities took for safekeeping since the house was open “and anyone would have access to the firearms.”

The MCSPCA and Humane Society then responded to the scene and made the decision to take the 24 animals into protective custody, the complaint states, and an official from Franconia Township was also called in to inspect the property. The township made the determination to condemn the property and posted an official notice to that effect on the front door of the house that afternoon.

Police said that as they were leaving the property, Heitz returned and asked what was going on. According to the affidavit, Heitz was advised that authorities were called to the property because of the goat that had been injured, that the MCSPCA had taken his animals, that the township had condemned the property and he was not permitted inside the house and that he needed to leave the property immediately.

Shortly after 5 p.m. that same day, police received a call that someone was at the house and there were dogs running on the property, court papers state, and while officers were en route back to the property, they learned from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office that Heitz was convicted of a felony drug charge in 1992 and thus was prohibited from possessing firearms. Police said they were advised by an assistant district attorney to make an arrest based on that information.

Upon arrival, Franconia police — observing that the township’s condemned property notice had been removed from the front door — knocked on the door, and when Heitz came to the door he was taken into custody without incident.

A new date for Heitz’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled, court records show.

According to information posted online by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Heitz’s Forrest Road property is listed for Sheriff’s Sale on May 29.

News Link:- http://www.thereporteronline.com/article/20130412/NEWS01/130419844/authorities-telford-man-sparked-other-animal-welfare-concerns#full_story

9-Month-Old Puppy Used as ‘Bait Dog’ Dies Dues To Severe Injuries

“VIDEO TO FOLLOW…OK somebody know’s who this dog belonged to, so do yourself a favour & tell the authorities; anonymously if you must, just please do it! The people that make dogs fight to the death are nothing but cowardly cold hearted thug’s who take pleasure in seeing such heinous cruelty. They are probably into domestic violence too, as they like to dominate & be in control. But these MF’s are not fit to breathe the same air as animals never mind humans; locking them up is too good for them. I say use these MF’s for experimenting on instead of sentient beings who have done no harm to anyone. Please, if you have a conscience, do the right thing; before someone, perhaps a child gets hurt! R.I.P little one x

The male pit bull puppy found in Yonkers was unable to recover from excessive wounds and blood loss, and had to be euthanized.

Local veterinarians were unable to save a 9-month-old pit bull puppy that suffered massive wounds and blood loss after likely being used as a ‘bait dog’ to train other dogs to fight. 

The SPCA of Westchester’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Division was contacted by the Yonkers Animal Shelter who got a call about a severely injured dog found on a walkway between Somerville Road and Edwards Place in Yonkers. The puppy was taken a local animal hospital. 

‘At the time, his breathing was extremely laboured ’ said Ernest Lungaro, director of the SPCA’s HLE Division. ‘The veterinarian who examined him reported that the pit bull had severe multiple bite wounds and abrasions about his face, muzzle and head. He was extremely emaciated and neglected and was mostly likely used as a bait dog in a fighting ring. 

The veterinarian also noted the animal had old scars from previous attacks.’

The puppy was put to sleep Thursday, since veterinarians determined he was unable to recover from such severe injuries.

Puppies, weak or older dogs and females who can’t breed are often used as ‘bait dogs’ and are usually tied up and/or have their teeth removed so they are rendered defenceless-according to the Briarcliff based SPCA of Westchester, a no-kill non-profit animal shelter, hospital and animal cruelty law enforcement organization.

‘Although dog fighting is a crime in New York State, we are constantly on the lookout for clandestine groups who fight the animals in Westchester County,’ said Lungaro.

The SPCA’s HLE Division is asking that anyone with information on this puppy or information on dog fighting in their area to make a confidential call to the number below.

REPORT INFORMATION ON THIS PUPPY OR ON ANY DOG FIGHTING IN YOUR AREA ANONYMOUSLY

animal cruelty hotline: (914) 941-7797

or email us at: info@spca914.com

News Link:-http://www.animalsvote.org/article.jsp?ArticleID=1693

Humane Law Enforcement - No Kill shelter

The SPCA of Westchester investigates animal cruelty complaints throughout the county including the cities of Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and White Plains. Cruelty complaints from towns and villages are handled as well.

SPCA of Westchester, Inc.
590 North State Road,
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
or email us at: info@spca914.com

Map to SPCA

Link to another news site with the video that I shall post after this!:-http://westchester.news12.com/news/pit-bull-puppy-euthanized-after-severe-mauling-in-yonkers-1.4938976?firstfree=yes

Another Horrific Case Of Animal Abuse : R.I.P Lilly

“This makes me so fxxxxxg mad, why have a bloody dog & keep it chained in the basement?? I just don’t understand the mentality of these blatant abusers! Poor Lily, she never even got to know what being loved felt like, which makes me so sad that my tears won’t stop! I wish I could be there for all those animals, whose time has come… just to hug them, hold them close & whisper in their ear that they are loved, even if only for several minutes before their final journey! Lilly’s suffering was so bad, she was put to sleep. I hope she was loved & hugged very closely before her final breath!  R.I.P Lilly; run wild & free now you have crossed Rainbows bridge!

“To all the bastards that do this to countless animals, karma is a bitch, your time will come…just a shame I can’t get there first! For everybody else reading this, if you have a pet, go give them a hug, hugs are great, they fit all sizes…tell them they are loved…to be loved cost’s absolutely nothing!”

CORNWALL, Ontario - Last month a Cornwall couple, Glenn and Angie Nielsen, were found guilty of three charges of animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

The charges included permitting distress to an animal; failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention and failing to provide for the general welfare of an animal.

On Feb. 8, Ontario SPCA agents attended the residence of the Nielsens after receiving a complaint concerning a beagle-type dog named Lilly. Ontario SPCA Officers found the beagle in the basement in a horrific condition.

Lilly was suffering from bare and irritated red skin, similar to alligator skin, large warts, nails so long they were growing into the pads of her feet, difficultly standing or walking and a strong odour was coming from her.

Ontario SPCA agents issued compliance orders to have Lilly examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours. The orders were not met and the Nielsens surrendered Lilly to the Ontario SPCA.

Lilly was taken directly to a local animal hospital in Cornwall where she was examined by a veterinarian. The dog was found to be severely ill and in immediate distress due to abuse and chronic neglect. The only appropriate course of action was to have Lilly humanely euthanized.

The Nielsens received a two-year probation, a fine of $1,100 and a lifetime ban from living with, caring for, or owning an animal.

UPDATE: Couple Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty Gets Probation, Fines

“This bloody stinks, the owners knew that dog was suffering & did nothing to alleviate his pain & discomfort! No amount of money is enough when it comes to the life of a family pet, that has been neglected, the poor thing couldn’t even stand…the couple should be jailed; or at the very least banned from owning dogs for life!!”

The Packet — Clarenville A Hillview couple was sentenced to two years probation and 50 hours of community service today in provincial court in Clarenville.

Max, a shepherd cross, is pictured in this file photo after the Clarenville area SPCA and the RCMP took the dog from its home in an emaciated condition. The dog died soon after.

Harvey Murlin Price, 42, and Jacqueline Cooper, 38 had been found guilty under charges under the Canadian Criminal Code for Cruelty to Animals, on Dec. 10, 2012.

They also received fines — $1,000 for Price, and $500 for Cooper — and a combined fine of $510 for restitution to the Clarenville SPCA.

Price received a higher fine breaching a similar section of the Animal Cruelty act in 2002.

In March of 2012 the SPCA and had been called to investigate neglected animals found on Price’s property.

Their dog, a mixed-breed shepard named Max, had been living in a dilapidated dog house, without food and his water dish was frozen.

The SPCA found the animal to be underweight, with significant muscle loss, some broken teeth and visible ulcerations.

The animal was euthanized several days after being taken into the SPCA’s care.

Justice Patrick Kennedy said a mitigating factor was that the animal only suffered the last couple weeks of its life and the decision not to euthanize was out of pity due to losing a member of the family.

“There was no brutal attack or torture. However, Max did suffer for at least two weeks and the accused did nothing to improve conditions,” said Kennedy.

“If an animal trusts you, the community trusts you will care for the animal.”

—– Earlier story –

A sentence of monetary fines paired with a period of probation has been issued for a couple found guilty, in December 2012, on two counts of cruelty to animals — one for neglect and one for causing injury.

The convictions were based on treatment of their pet dog, a Sheppard cross mix named Max.

The dog was removed rom the couple’s home in Hillview in March 2012.

“Upon removal, Max was extremely emaciated, had lost all muscle mass, and was no longer able to walk on his own,” notes a statement issued by the Clarenville Area SPCA following the sentencing.

The SPCA took part in removing the dog from the home and housed the animal before, after a few days, it was put down to prevent further suffering.

The sentence in the case was handed down this morning in a courtroom in Clarenville.

The names of the two individuals sentenced will be published by The Telegram once confirmed with the court.

According to the SPCA statement, the first individual involved was given a $500 and two years probation. She was also ordered to pay $255 to the Clarenville SPCA to cover their costs in removing and caring for the dog.

The second individual was issued a fine of $1,000 and two years probation. He will also have to pay $255 to the SPCA.

News Link:-http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2013-03-21/article-3204713/Sentencing-in-animal-cruelty-case/1

Seal Videos Brings National Spotlight On Animal Abuse : Videos From YouTube

“Isn’t it strange, that it’s ok to set up video surveillance to catch animal abusers on this beach; yet it’s not ok to set up a camera to catch animal abuse in a slaughter house…without being called a TERRORIST!!”

(CNN) – The images of seals being harassed on a California beach are perplexing and disturbing.

In the middle of the night, two women sit on harbour seals, kick them or pull their flippers, all the while snapping flash pictures. The animals eventually flee into the water.

Seals harassed at La Jolla Children’s Pool beach, February 2013

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Video camera captures instances of abuse against seals on a California beach
• Other incidents of animal cruelty include people putting beer cans on sea birds
• Some people abuse animals due to peer pressure, but some enjoy doing it, ASPCA says
• Conservationists say more enforcement is needed, not more laws

A newly installed video camera captures that attack and others on the seals, who have been using the beach at Children’s Pool in La Jolla for decades.

Sara Wan of the Western Alliance for Nature said her organization installed the camera after years of people who are opposed to the seals’ presence on the beach being cruel to the animals, trying to scare them off the sand.

“One of the things we found with the camera is it shows what we knew was going on before,” she says. “Now people are seeing what is going on and saying, ‘You’re right, that’s wrong.’” 

San Diego Mayor Bob Filner placed a sunset to sunrise curfew on the beach, saying people can disagree about how a beach should be used, but they cannot abuse animals, CNN affilate KGTV reported. The restrictions end May 15 after pupping season is over.

The beach was a popular spot for parents to take their children for a safe place to swim, but harbour seals took over the beach in the early 1990s, KGTV said. Beach-access advocates want the area returned to its original use, the station reported.

Our Seals – The story of the Children’s Pool Seals of La Jolla

Uploaded on 30 May 2011

This award winning documentary follows the controversy of the Children’s Pool Seal Colony of La Jolla, California. It covers the history of how the pool was built for the children of San Diego by Ellen Browning Scrips to how the pool evolved to become the only “natural” marine haul-out site in Southern California. We interview lifeguards, scientists from Hubbs Research, volunteers from Friends of the seals, and tourists, and along the way learn important trivia like waters off La Jolla are the birthing ground for the Pacific Great White Shark. Written, Produced, Filmed and edited by Patrick Rea

Because most cases of animal abuse or neglect are never reported, it is difficult to say whether the number of incidents are increasing.

But with enhanced technology and social media, some of the most egregious cases have recently caught the attention of the media.

There were cases where people apparently were ignorant of the law, such as the woman in Florida who rode a manatee, and other more serious ones where people showed wanton disregard for wildlife, as in the case of two sea birds found struggling to breathe after someone forced beer cans over their heads.

In December, at least 10 dead dolphins washed up on beaches in the Gulf Coast. Some were shot, while others were stabbed.

It makes you wonder, what is wrong with people?

“I really don’t understand how someone can be deliberately cruel to an animal like that. It’s really baffling,” says Sharon Young, marine issues field director with the Humane Society of the United States. “They know it’s illegal, they know it’s wrong.”

Studies have shown that people who have little or no empathy for animals often have none for other humans, activists say.

Animal cruelty is a crime that mostly goes unreported. A 1997 report from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that only 40% of people who witness abuse ever report it.

The same study found people who committed violent crimes against animals were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans than were other people who lived in the same neighbourhoods.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there are three reasons people abuse animals.

Most people, the ASPCA says on its website devoted to children, “don’t think about or realize what they are doing.” Take, for instance, the pet owner who doesn’t understand how cruel it is to tie a pet up all day on a chain that is too short.

Another type of abuser is the person who is bowing to peer pressure. In those cases, the person, usually someone young, doesn’t hurt or harass animals but a few times. Eventually, they learn to feel for the animal, the organization says.

The third category is people who enjoy hurting animals. These people are often looking to demonstrate their power, the ASPCA says.

Sometimes, people feel they are at odds with the wildlife, Young says. It’s a clash, where a growing human population wants the same space as the animal population, Wan says. The pressure is growing. ”And more and more we are taking it out on wildlife,” she says.

Both Wan and Young agree that there isn’t a problem with the legal penalties for animal cruelty, but with catching and convicting the bad guys.

“We don’t need stronger laws, but clearly there is a need for stronger enforcement,” Young says. “We need to make proverbial examples of some people.”

Her organization works with groups to educate the public. In the case of the seals, the cruelty has “accelerated so rapidly” that activists are scrambling to do something, she said. They hope to create a video that draws attention to the problem.

For now, she and Wan hope the beach closure will help give the seals a respite from the types of incidents caught on camera.

News Link:-http://www.kctv5.com/story/21751923/seal-video-brings-national-spotlight-on-animal-abuse

Behind The Scenes At The SPCA: Investigating Animal Cruelty

George Bengal of the Pennsylvania SPCA is like the Ed McMahon of animal rescues. There’s just one difference: When he comes to your door, he’s not bringing an oversized check and balloons.

“I’ve had cases where the people we’re investigating will say to me, ‘I know you, I’ve seen you on TV,” said Bengal. “And to that I say: ‘And now you’re going to be on TV with me, but it’s not for a good reason.”

As the director of humane law enforcement for the Pennsylvania SPCA, Bengal has seen everything from dog-fighting, as seen in the recent Germantown case, to pet hoarding. He’s also a retired Philadelphia police officer.

With 12 humane officers on the team, the group can have a workload of 30 to 50 cases at one time. They also have the daunting task of enforcing the animal cruelty laws for 16 counties.

“People often think that we’re funded by the state because we’re enforcing state laws, but that’s not the case,” said Bengal.

His team is constantly following-up on calls and investigating animal cruelty and abuse. 

“We have a twenty-four-seven hotline,” said Bengal, “calls come in everyday and we look into each one. Every time I think I’ve seen the worst case, another one will top it,” said Bengal.

A look into the world of animal fighting

Bengal says he has seen horrific scenes of animal fighting. The fights, which are motivated by money, involve high-end betting.

“In one case, my team found half a million dollars in cash at a home,” said Bengal. “It’s a blood sport. These animals are trained to fight, even to the death.”

He says the fights attract large crowds and he’s seen over 100 people in one house. Spectators can be charged just for watching.

“In many cases, women will be cooking and actually selling food upstairs in the kitchen, while downstairs the men are watching the fighting,” said Bengal.

A dog rescued from dog-fighting. (Courtesy of the Pennsylvania SPCA)

He says the animals are trained to fight from a young age. Owners may start out playing tug-of-war with the dog as a puppy using a towel or rope. Eventually, they will start training with weight pulls for a sled, which are legal.

“They train them like it’s a fun game,” explained Bengal. “Eventually, they’ll put heavy chains on their necks to strengthen them, pump them full of steroids and have them run on treadmills. Animal fighting is like a boxing match.”

The fights are so serious that the owners will even pay for a cutman to treat physical damage during the fight.

“These guys will go so far as to put a sedative or poison on their fur, so that when the other dog bites, he’ll get weak and sick,” explained Bengal. “With cock fighting, they will implant knives or gaffs on the animals claws.”

When asked if the owners ever feel remorse for their actions, Bengal says they only think of the animals as valuable property.

“They’re mad when we take their animals because some of them are worth thousands of dollars,” said Bengal.

“Some of these dogs are grand champion fighters, and their pups alone can be worth $20,000 to $50,000.”

Dangerous hoarder homes

Can you imagine 110 Chihuahua‘s living in one home? Bengal can. He says that typically, animal hoarding goes hand-in-hand with other types of hoarding, which can mean a dangerous situation for both animals and humans alike.

“These are some of the most tragic cases,” said Bengal. “These people have serious issues. They’ve lost their ability to know what’s right and wrong. They don’t having running water, they don’t get things fixed.”

He says for many hoarder cases his team must wear protective gear and breathing masks due to mass amounts of feces and garbage.

“We’ll find dead animals inside these houses,” said Bengal. “One woman actually asked if she could take pictures of the dead ones before we took them out, she was that mentally attached.”

He says homicide cases for humans mean a felony or a death sentence, but when an animal is killed, it may only mean minimal jail time or a fine.

“When we go to a location, it’s a lot like a narcotics investigation. We get forensic evidence and autopsy results to determine the cause of death,” said Bengal. “We treat these cases as if it were a regular homicide.”

The SPCA works with the Licenses and Inspections (L&I) department to get people out of these conditions and find them psychiatric help. In some cases the properties may be deemed unlivable and are condemned.

“We try to do as much as we can,” said Bengal. “You have to stay professional at all times. Our job is a combination of a cop, social worker and educator.”

Healing hands at the SPCA

Wendy Marano, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania SPCA, says the group has a “no kill” philosophy.

“No animal comes here with a clock ticking,” said Marano. “We work hard to get them better, we want to give them a second chance.”

She says the SPCA team works to rehabilitate abused animals so that they may one day enter into an adoptive home.

News Link:-http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/52547-behind-the-scenes-at-the-spca-investigating-animal-cruelty?Itemid=1&linktype=hp_featured

Mail Man Rescues Beaten And Strangled Dog From Trash Bin

“WTF…why? I hope the monster that did this is haunted for the rest of their life; Karma is gonna get ya!!  Video to follow”

A letter carrier in Clayton, New Jersey was on his route when he stopped suddenly.  He heard a noise, and turned to at a nearby recycling bin. 

Much to his surprise, a dog was inside!  It was a badly injured miniature pinscher.

The min pin had a large gash in his head, couldn’t walk, and his vision was gone.  He was carted off to Clayton Veterinary Associates, where it was determined from bruising and swelling to his neck that he had been strangled, in addition to sustaining the blunt force to his skull.

But there s hope for the little dog, who was to be named Beacon.  Just this week he took his first steps since his injury on his own.  He still has a long way to go, but hopeful technician Janelle Hall says there is still much progress possible.

Video of rescued dog http://video-embed.nj.com/services/player/bcpid634644579001?bctid=2226602222001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAQBxUyxE~,0CRgpqPG9HHbzOArEeUDZPYDaOk_HTxM

“We’ve seen a huge improvement,” she said.  “He should regain about 70 percent or more of his walking ability.”

Beacon is undergoing a variety of treatments, including laser therapy, antibiotics, pain medications and acupuncture.  He will have hydrotherapy, as well as “tender love and care,” to work his leg muscles so he can walk again.

Officials are still searching for the perpetrator of the brutal crime.  They were initially informed of his being found in the bin, but were unaware that his injuries were due to abuse and attempted murder.  The New Jersey SPCA is investigating.

In the meantime, Beacon, who is between 10 and 12 years old, continues to persevere.

His sad story and remarkable fortitude have already ensnared one lucky dog-lover’s heart, and the potential new owner has applied to adopt him when he is well.

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/03/mailman-rescues-beaten-strangled-dog-from-trash-bin/

Horse Recorded As Slaughtered Is Found Wandering The Streets: 11 Months After Supposedly Slaughtered: Q&A How Does The Horse Meat Scandal Effect You?

“I was so happy for this horse, I actually cried when I read his story! But I couldn’t help but feel, so much heartache for the poor horse that took its place; in this heinous, despicable & totally unnecessary bloody business! We kill millions of animals daily around the world, to supply the demand for meat for human consumption; SO WE DO NOT NEED TO BE KILLING EQUINES FOR BURGERS, SAUSAGES OR STEAKS! I hope this makes a lot of people think about what they eat; knowing what drugs my horses have had, I would be worried about my health too. This would definitely stop me eating meat; if not already virtually vegan!! 

A horse recorded as being slaughtered by an Irish abattoir in March 2012 was found wandering the roads of Longford last Sunday in the latest alarming twist in the horsemeat scandal.

Worrying: This horse was found wandering the streets of Ireland 11 months after official records state he was slaughtered, raising fears over the state of the country’s traceability system

The discovery of the small, black and white cob known as ‘Charlie’ – 11 months after official records state he was slaughtered – offers concrete proof of the chaos that the State’s traceability system for horses is in.

Experts last night suggested that Charlie’s horse passport – which would have confirmed that he was safe to enter the food chain – could have been transferred to another, larger horse that would have been banned from doing so.

The latest scandal comes after a week of shocking revelations as the horsemeat scandal that began in Ireland spread right across Europe. 

Frozen food company Findus last night confirmed that it may take legal action against its suppliers after its beef lasagne was found to contain up to 100 per cent horsemeat. The UK Food Standards Authority has said it will carry out tests on beef served in hospitals and schools – although the authorities here said they have no such plans.

The French ministry of agriculture has also begun a criminal investigation into the origin of the lasagne horsemeat, which it believes came from Romania.

Last month, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland discovered forged documents had been used in processing some horses at a reputable abattoir in Limerick. While the documentation initially appeared genuine, the veterinary stamp had in fact been forged. The meat was intended for export to Italy.

The discovery of Charlie came as Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told TDs that he had tightened up the passport system for tracking horses

In safe hands:Care: Animal charity worker Andrea Kelly with the scanner that identified Charlie

Under the system each horse is issued with its own passport as well as being implanted with a microchip that gives it a unique ID number. ‘A horse is not allowed into the human food chain unless it has a passport and it is microchipped and identified,’ he told the Agriculture Committee.

‘It must be identified within six months of birth, or within the year of birth. We are enforcing those rules now. I am not saying everything was perfect in the past.’ Mr Coveney added that he would act if he was told that the passport system was in disarray – but only if he was given clear evidence.

‘If anyone has evidence to suggest that something continues to be seriously wrong with regard to the slaughtering of horses, I need to hear about it and see it. I cannot act on hearsay.’

However, when the Mail on Sunday put the case of Charlie to the Department of Agriculture, it declined to comment. A spokesman would only repeat yesterday: ‘As stated earlier in the week, the Department doesn’t comment on individual cases.’

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has repeatedly alleged that passports are switched in order to allow undocumented horses to enter the food chain. Passing horsemeat off as beef offers unscrupulous traders a potential windfall. Horsemeat sells on average for €900 per tonne, while beef costs €3,500.

When the MoS told USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott yesterday about Charlie, he said: ‘That doesn’t surprise me. The Irish passport system is corrupt. I tried talking to the Irish ministry but no-one would listen. Now they are listening, I had three meetings with Mr Coveney’s staff this week.’

Mr Philpott said passports are regularly moved around. ‘The root of the problem is they recycle the passports like washers.’ He added: ‘Charlie could have been part of a consignment of live horses being illegally shipped through the North for slaughter in England. Maybe he was too small or the horse was sold as a pet for a bit of opportune money-making by the driver.’

Charlie was rescued in a starved state by Hilary Robinson, co-founder of the animal charity Hungry Horse Outside, following an alert by gardaí in Longford town. Two of the horses are female and pregnant but have not been microchipped so cannot be identified. The other horse, a stallion we now know to be named ‘Charlie’, did have a microchip.

To Ms Robinson’s shock when she contacted the department’s registry, an official told her that number belongs to a horse slaughtered in March 2012. The official added the horse was registered to Horse Sport Ireland, the largest passport-issuing body in the State.

Ms Robinson told the MoS: ‘There is no traceability here; this is the third horse we have found like this in the last year. And I would say 60 since 2007 when we started rescuing horses.’

When the MoS contacted Horse Sport Ireland, Norah Byrne in registration confirmed Horse No 372-1414-0493-4674 was slaughtered on March 24 in an abattoir licensed to kill horses for human consumption. This newspaper contacted the slaughterhouse’s directors but they declined to comment.

The current head of clinical pathology at the Irish Equine Centre, Desmond Leadon, said the case of Charlie supports what he found while researching a report on ‘Unwanted Horses in Ireland.’ He said: ‘Something has gone seriously wrong and someone may have manipulated the situation. What you’re saying is consistent with things that are being rumoured.’

When the registered owner of the horse, Bernadette Walsh, was contacted, she was shocked to hear of the pitiful state Charlie had been found in. But she was also very angry at the lack of regulation which allows her name to be on his records when she passed the horse on more than three years ago.

Mrs Walsh, an animal rights activist in Sligo, speculated that because Charlie is smaller than a coloured cob would usually be, his passport could have been sold on illegally. ‘If you have a book for a small horse, you can pass on that book at the marts. I would like to know whether another cob was passed off as Charlie and was slaughtered,’ she said.

While refusing to comment on the issue of Charlie, a Department spokesman said it was working on improving the passport system.

And adding to the concerns of animal welfare groups is the slow progress of introducing the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. It is hoped this will update the existing Protection of Animals Act 1911.

Q&A: HOW THE HORSEMEAT SCANDAL AFFECTS YOU

Where has horsemeat been found in products on sale?

The alarm over the sale of horsemeat first began when a Tesco frozen ‘Value’ beefburger was found to contain 29% horsemeat.

This was discovered during routine testing by the authorities, with the findings made public on January 15. Frozen burgers on sale at Aldi and Lidl were also affected.

Other burgers at Iceland were found to contain traces of horsemeat DNA, but there is no suspicion that the beef was substituted by horsemeat in those instances. This discovery of this low-level contamination – below 1% – was because of the sensitivity of the tests.

There was further alarm on Thursday when Findus announced it had found 60% to 100% levels of horsemeat in its 320g, 350g and 500g packs of frozen beef lasagne. Tesco removed all of these products from its shelves.

And on Friday, Aldi said 30% to 100% horsemeat had been found in its own-brand frozen beef lasagne and spaghetti bolognese. These have also been removed.

What other meat products could contain horsemeat instead of beef?

The products that are considered most at risk of horsemeat contamination are those made from a form of pulverised minced meat. This is known in the food industry as comminuted meat. So tests are under way on frozen and fresh burgers, meatballs, sausages, pies and ready meals such as lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie and moussaka.

What should you do if you have a product containing horsemeat in your freezer?

You should return it to the store where you bought it. Supermarkets have agreed to accept returns with no questions asked and to refund customers.

How can you best avoid  buying a contaminated product?

The best advice is to buy fresh raw meat at the supermarket or from a trusted butcher.

What about beef served in places such as hospitals, pubs, restaurants and cafés?

If you are in any doubt, ask at the outlet if they can guarantee their beef supplies.

THE FOUR WAYS TO TRACE A HORSE

There are four main ways to tell one horse from another. These are microchips, passports, the markings on a horse’s coat and its whorls, or the pattern its hair grows in.
Microchips with a barcode are implanted into the horse. Since 2009 all horses (and donkeys and ponies) should have a chip which has been put in by a vet.

This chip carries a unique number and is recorded by the Department of Agriculture as well as the relevant issuing body.
There are now seven issuing agencies in Ireland – one was closed by the Department of Agriculture for irregularities in October of last year.

Since 2004 horse owners should have a passport for each animal they own. Depending on the agency, these can be green, blue or plain white.
Green ones are issued to horses where the breeding of both father and mother can be traced. The passport states the breed of the horse as well as name and address of the owner, and carries the barcode to match the microchip in most cases.

The passport also contains a crucial section known as the Marking Chart. Vets must draw in distinctive markings and whorls on a chart – markings could be a different coloured shape on the horse’s back or white ‘socks’ on the lower legs.

Whorls in horses are as unique as fingerprints in humans – they happen when the hair in a small spot grows in a swirling shape and stands out from the rest of the horse’s coat.

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