The Animals at Animaland Zoo Have a New Home, Thanks To ALDF!

“Here’s an email I’m eager to share with you, I’m so relieved these animals are now safe!!” But there is so much more work to be done to free animals from dilapidated road side zoo!!”

 Animaland Zoo Shut Down For Good

Dear Julie,

Now they have grass under their paws, clean water, companionship, enrichment and veterinary care. At last, thanks to the Animal Legal Defense Fund and your support,the animals once held at Animaland Zoo in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania will get the lives they deserve. With you by our side, we sued the roadside zoo for violating the Endangered Species Act and state wildlife laws. In the face of our lawsuit, Animaland settled with us and shut down. We were able to step in and choose new locations for Bear the wolf and the two black bears, Shawn and Sandy.

Let’s celebrate this together—your continued support of the Animal Legal Defense Fund empowers us to litigate these victories for animals.

Help Us Rescue Other Animals in Captivity

All of the animals at Animaland were suffering physically and psychologically. Sandy and Shawn were forced to share a concrete enclosure for 17 years. Almost two decades in a cell hardly big enough for the bears to move in. Thanks to our lawsuit and logistical support from the sanctuary team at Lions Tigers & Bears, Sandy and Shawn are now living at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, a Texas sanctuary where they’ll have the freedom they need.

We also found a safe place for Bear the wolf to live out the rest of his life. Bear was lethargic at Animaland, a pack animal in agonizing solitude. After being nowhere near others of his kind for years, Bear is now safe at the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, where he is exploring lush vegetation amongst other wolves.

Your generous support helped save Bear, Shawn, Sandy and other animals from Animaland. The tax deductible donation you make today can help us find happy endings for even more animals.

We would also like to thank the law firm Baker Hostetler in Philadelphia for their invaluable pro bono assistance with this case.

Every day, the Animal Legal Defense Fund fights to protect animals, and victories like this one are the reason we never give up.

For the animals,

Stephen Wells
Executive Director

Many more animals need out help, Please visit:–https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5154/p/salsa/donation/common/public/;jsessionid=A985D6881533F73B3E5089D7711F864B-n4?donate_page_KEY=14317&okay=true

Dog ‘tortured’ in Limerick given new home in the UK

“There are some evil sadistic people on this planet, that should not be able to breathe the same air as decent folk. I certainly hope they are found & get what they deserve!”

By Donal O’Regan Published 23/01/2015

A PUPPY ‘tortured’ in Limerick has found a new home in England.

The public have raised over €3,400 for George, a five-month-old Terrier, to pay for veterinary operations. He was rescued by Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) after being thrown over a wall in Southill.

George had a broken pelvis, an untreated eye injury, both hips broken, ear tips cut off, burns to his stomach and his whiskers singed off.

LAW’s Kilfinane sanctuary manager, Marie Quirke said he had been “tortured so badly that he is terrified of people.” In the past three weeks he has been nursed back to health by LAW staff.

“George came home on Saturday from Noah Veterinary Clinic in Baldoyle where orthopaedic surgeon Billy McCartney performed an operation on both his hips to stabilise them using pins. He will need to be on strictly confined rest for four weeks to allow the healing process to work. He is on antibiotics and pain relief. Little George will need to have check-ups with John O’Dwyer, a vet in Henry Street to make sure everything is going well,” said Marie, who wished to thank Mr McCartney, all at Noah, Mr O’Dwyer and everyone who contributed to George’s veterinary care fund on their Facebook page.

“Any money over and above the cost of George’s treatment will go towards two other dogs in our care who also need expensive operations to injuries sustained in road traffic accidents,” said Marie.

After a terrible start to life for George is going to live in the lap of luxury for the rest of his days in England.

Animal lover, Coral Plunkett, got in touch with LAW.

“Having read the cruelty this little man suffered and the battle to recover which faced him I didn’t think twice. I contacted LAW and offered him a home with Matt, Connie and Hannah, also adopted from LAW.

“After speaking with Marie there was no hesitation on my part in naming him George, after St George. Unfortunately George is one of many, you could say he is one of the lucky ones.

The work undertaken by LAW is just amazing and they are totally reliant on the generosity of people, so to have raised over €3,000 for George is just fantastic. Offering your heart and your home to a rescue animal is one of the best investments you will ever make, it will be repaid with love, loyalty and commitment,” said Coral.

News Link:-http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/community/dog-tortured-in-limerick-given-new-home-in-the-uk-1-6537663

 

Amid Complaints of Animal Neglect, ‘Worst Zoo in the World’ Closes Its Doors in Croatia

“As a member Country of the EU ( Croatia joined only last July 2013 ) I have to ask why this filthy, decaying & pitiful excuse of a zoo; has been allowed to have its doors open for so long???”

Split, Croatia’s second largest city, is situated on the Adriatic coastline and is one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations thanks to its location and historic monuments, some of which date back to the Roman times.

TripAdvisor

While tourists have often been satisfied with their visit to Split, one particular attraction – the Split Zoo – has left many visitors disturbed.

A number of low-level reviews have been left about the unaccredited zoo on TripAdvisor, with one visitor stating, “This is by far the worst zoo I have ever seen … The bears had … feces everywhere … and the food being given to the animals looked like it was completely rotten … Someone please shut this place down and send the animals somewhere else!!!”

Another reviewer reported, “The zoo in Split is located at the very top of the Marjan Hill and can be reached by foot from the old town in about 20 – 30 minutes. Unfortunately, on the top of the hill, you will find a very sad place and tears may easily wet your eyes.”

TripAdvisor

For years, animal protection groups in Croatia have been trying their best to shut this zoo down, deemed the “worst zoo in the world” by tourists for its poor care of animals and small, dirty enclosures.

Non-profit advocacy group Animal Friends Croatia sent a letter to Split’s city authorities urging them to close the zoo in both 2005 and 2012, calling it a “genuine animal torture space” in their 2005 letter.

After years of pressure and a recent exposé and call to action in the national newspaper, Jutarnji List, the zoo has finally decided to close its doors.

News Link:–http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/amid-complaints-of-animal-neglect-worst-zoo-in-the-world-closes-its-doors-in-croatia/

ACTION Splicani and morning’s stop terror and save the animals suffering!

Author: Zrinka Korljan Posted: 03/13/2014

Exotic species should be moved elsewhere, and Marjan establish a reserve of domestic animals.

Split Zoo in Split for years was known only by the poor: astounded tourists to sites of Split, the garden is described as the worst memory of your vacation, and local activists persistently struggle to re-zoned area.

Recently all shocked by the news that Tiger Demetrius limp, and that nothing is being done to address the situation. In addition, they say that all they were in the garden, animals makes strange noises. After some time, the problem with the big cat’s paw is resolved, but strangely voting left. Combined with the generally depressed impression in the garden, say activists, tiger voting sounds really painful.

Split is better not to have any zoo than this which violate all the rules, and the animals are kept in really awful conditions – says Srdjan Marinić, president of the Society “Marjan”, which this week sent a request to the Veterinary Inspection to monitor the keeping of animals and health conditions in the zoo … Read the full article at: http://www.jutarnji.hr/1168994 (Vojko Basic / Getty)

Link to pictures:- http://www.jutarnji.hr/zivotinje-u-splitskom-zoo-u-u-nehumanim-uvjetima/1168982/

Translated link:-http://www.jutarnji.hr/splitski-zoo–prekinimo-uzas-na-marjanu–spasimo-zivotinje-koje-pate—/1172972/

Related articles

• Amid Complaints of Animal Neglect, ‘Worst Zoo in the World’ Closes Its Doors in Croatia
• Croatia’s second city to close ‘worst zoo in the world’
• Amid Complaints of Animal Neglect, ‘Worst Zoo in the World’ Closes Its Doors in Croatia | One Green Planet
• Zoo once dubbed the ‘worst in the world’ is to close amid complaints the animals looked ‘depressed’
• Croatia’s second city to close ‘worst zoo in the world’
• Zoo once dubbed the ‘worst in the world’ is to close amid complaints the animals looked ‘depressed’
• This Zoo’s Conditions Are So Horrendous, Even the Animals Are Depressed
• Quirky World … ‘Worst zoo on planet’ to close doors

Graphic Image: Puppy With Ears Cut Off Expected To Recover

UPDATE:  December 28, OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s a happy ending for a little puppy who was the victim of horrific animal abuse.

We first told you about “Sweet Baby Jones”, the pit bull puppy a few weeks ago. He was found with his ears cut off, left out in the freezing cold when he was just four weeks old.

Puppy recovering well after his ears were cut off & left abandoned

The Bella Foundation and Neel Veterinary Hospital nursed him back to health.

Now, Jones will be adopted by a family from Colorado who works with the organization Stopping BSL, a group that works to stop discrimination against pit bulls.

Members of The Bella Foundation are sad to see him go, but can’t think of a better family to place him with.

“His foster mom took such great care of him. He is doing so well on potty training, he plays well with other dogs.” Jessica McLaughlin said. “He’s going to forget about everything that happened to him before this and he’s going to live a wonderful life.”

Jones has had all of his shots, been neutered and finally had the stitches removed from his ears.

The Bella Foundation brought Jones to their adoption event on Saturday for one last public appearance before he goes home with his new family.

Jones will have two siblings, a chihuahua and another pit bull. The family says Jones will fit right in.

News Link:–http://kfor.com/2013/12/28/victim-puppy-with-ears-cut-off-finds-new-home/

November 29 OKLAHOMA CITY – Staff at The Bella Foundation are trying to find the person responsible for cutting the ears off a 4-week-old pit bull puppy.

Puppy found in freezing cold with his ears cut off!!

The puppy was found wandering around near 23rd Street and I-44.

“He had blood covering from his ears all the way down his neck and even onto his legs. And it was frozen to his fur and was also just stuck to him.” Eric McCune, executive director of Bella, said. “We’re still trying to get it off now because he’s so little, you know, it hurts. And so we’ll probably have to wait a few more days and a few more baths to get the rest of it off of him.”

Today, he is doing better. Tevin Garner with The Bella Foundation is nursing him back to health and giving him a good dose of snuggles.

“It just absolutely breaks my heart to know what he was going through when it happened, to know that he was awake, and you know, just an innocent little puppy being abused like that.” She said.

Recovering well after being found abandoned & his ears cut off

“This little guy, his ears were done with no anaesthetic, no pain killer, probably with a pair of scissors. And then set down and left to heal on his own.” McCune said.

They nicknamed the puppy “Sweet Baby Jones.” Over the next few weeks, the pup will stay on painkillers and antibiotics. Then the vet will reshape and fix what is left of his ears.

Jones is just a small part of an even bigger problem though; they are worried there could be more puppies like him out there.

“I personally have never seen a litter of one puppy, especially pit bull puppies.” McCune said. “Usually there are 7 or 8, sometimes more. And so he probably has brothers and sisters that are in this same situation.”

Now they’re working to save other puppies from suffering the same abuse as Jones.

“All he wants to do is be with people and cuddle despite what other people have done to him.” Garner said.

As soon as Jones is well enough, he will be put up for adoption.

The Bella Foundation believes his litter mates are somewhere in the area of N.W. 23rd Street and I-44 and hope to find them soon.

If you have any information on who did this to Jones or where those other puppies are, call The Bella Foundation at 1-866-318-7387. Tips are completely anonymous.

Video & News Link:–http://kfor.com/2013/11/29/puppy-with-ears-cut-off-expected-to-recover/

Fiona the Blind Dog Rescued By Eldad Hager – Video Update 2013

“At last, a much-needed happy ending; kudos Eldad & all at Hope For Paws. I am a protector at Hope For Paws it only cost’s £3 per month. Well worth it for all the work Eldad & Audrey do; for animals in dire need of rescue!”

You may remember Fiona’s rescue by Eldad Hagar of Hope For Paws, from the March 2012 video that has been seen by over 2 million viewers. Finoa was blind, dirty and scared when her rescuers approached her.

Here is the original video of her rescue. Please see the video with Fiona below this one, where she enjoys a visit from her rescuers a few days ago.

Blind dog Rescue – Fiona

Published on 17 Mar 2012

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/eldad75
Please make a small donation to Hope For Paws:http://www.hopeforpaws.org

The video update on Fiona below shows a beautiful, happy, playful girl who has blossomed and thrives in her forever home. She soaks up the love and attention when she is visited by her rescuers.

Update on Fiona 2013

Published on 26 Jun 2013

To really appreciate this video, please watch Fiona’s original rescue video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJkZXh… – Please share it. There are still a few billions of people who haven’t seen it yet. Thanks 🙂

To read the great article written by our friend Annie Hart and to see a few EXCLUSIVE pictures of Fiona, please click here:http://www.dogheirs.com/billfoundatio…

I am testing a new editing software. If anything looks weird / off / bad sound / bad colour / anything – please let me know in the comment section below.

Thanks!!!

Eldad

http://www.HopeForPaws.org

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/06/2-fiona-the-blind-dog-rescued-by-eldad-hagar-new-video-update-2013/

Video: Fireman Rescues Dog Trapped On Window Ledge

The Fire Department of New York had a crowd of spectators holding their breath as they watched one fireman patiently gain the trust of a scared dog trapped on a window ledge.

Fireman gains dogs trust as the dogs teeters on the edge of window

Witnesses said the dog appeared to have escaped out of a second-story window, but was unable to climb back in because of the window guard. New York City law states that apartments where children live must have a window guard.

“He must have wiggled through and couldn’t figure out how to get back in,” said James Morgan, the witness who caught the dramatic rescue on video.

Passers-by noticed the dog, teetering on the six-inch ledge, and began to gather around. The FDNY was called in and cleared the area under the window to pull right up under it.

The dog lost his footing several times as apprehensive onlookers watched, helplessly.

“It was pretty nerve-racking,” Morgan said.

A fire-fighter ascended toward the dog in a cherry picker, but descended to gather a leash, some water and treats. He offered water to the dog, and slowly gained its trust enough to pet it.

He clipped a leash to the dog, and after steadying himself in position, scooped the dog into the bucket lift.

The crowd erupted into relieved cheers for the heroic fire team.

Morgan said the dog was immediately brought inside, but it is unknown if the owner was in the building.

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/07/fireman-rescues-dog-trapped-on-window-ledge/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

FDNY Rescues trapped pup on window ledge in Brooklyn

Published on 12 Jul 2013

A dog that became trapped on a window ledge in Brooklyn was rescued by a fire-fighter who won the pup’s trust with treats and brought him down in a bucket truck.

Firefighters Revive Yellow Lab Saved from Southern Illinois House Fire | Life With Dogs

“Phew…close call, dread to think what would have happened had they not been able to get oxygen into the dog! I think this proves all fire engines should carry these life saving masks, made especially for dogs. Kudos to HALO for donating them. Perhaps people could visit their web site for ways to help them, so more of these dog masks can be given to the fire services. And LIKE their Facebook page, I have, just to show my gratitude for their life saving donation & their commitment to helping animals in need!!”

On June 25, 2013, Swansea Ill. firefighters responded to a house fire at 4069 Bassen Drive, just after 2 a.m. Auggie, a yellow Labrador retriever, was found unconscious on a bathroom floor, but luckily fire rescuers pulled him to safety and revived him.

Animal Hero’s

“We had to carry him out and he didn’t look like he was with us at all,” Swansea Fire Chief John McGuire toldBND. “He’s a big dog, between 80 and 100 pounds. One guy was dragging him and one was pushing him. We gave him some oxygen and dribbled some water into his mouth and called the vet.”

The home in which Auggie was trapped was a two-story home that quickly filled up with heavy smoke. Fire was visible on the first floor.

According to McGuire, the fire seemed suspicious. No one, other than Auggie locked in the bathroom was home at the time the blaze started, and the fire had multiple points of origin.

Auggie’s life was saved thanks to the fire department being equipped with pet oxygen masks. These had been donated by Helping Animals Find Loving Owners (HALO) back in 2009. Auggie is the first dog to benefit from the donated masks given to the Swansea Fire Department.

“The masks are designed for an animal’s face for a better seal,” said Roni Aguirre, president of HALO. “We donated the masks in the hopes that if they ever had the unfortunate need to use one, they would have it.”

Auggie was lifeless when pulled from the fire, but as soon as rescuers revived the pet, he was taken to theLashley Animal Hospital. When McGuire stopped by to check on Auggie around 9 a.m., he found an entirely different dog.

“I couldn’t believe it was the same dog from seven hours before,” McGuire said. “He was on a leash and he jumped all over me.”

If it wasn’t for the hero fire-fighters  their love to help everyone – included our four-legged friends, and the donated oxygen masks by HALO, Auggie wouldn’t be alive today.

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/07/firefighters-revive-yellow-lab-saved-from-southern-illinois-house-fire/

Link to HALO:-http://www.thehalogroup.org/index.html

HALO Facebook page:–https://www.facebook.com/Helpinganimalslovingowners

Local Rescue Group Sets Off To Save Will, The Great Dane

A three-year-old Great Dane was hours away from dying when Southwest Great Dane Rescue (SWGDR) in Fla., came to his aid.

When animal services picked him up, they had no idea what was wrong with the dog. They just knew he needed help and fast.

Will The Great Dane

The gentle giant had bloated and gone into torsion. If it wasn’t for SWGDR and John Mullins, the volunteer who picked him up, the dog wouldn’t be alive today.

“In the middle of the night our volunteer went over to animal services to pick him up,” said Vikki Eagan president of SWGDR. “The dog’s stomach had descended and he was just not doing well.”

Once under the care of SWGDR, veterinarian Dr. Beth Brown from West Coast Veterinary Center, examined him and took some x-rays. She prepared the dog for surgery.

“When Dr. Brown opened him up, she saw the bloat and that the stomach had twisted,” said Eagan. “The splint had also burst and it was evident this poor dog had been sick for days.”

The surgery took over three hours. One hour alone was dedicated to emptying dog’s stomach content.

According to Dr, Brown, when the dog was on the table he picked up his head and looked at her with the softest eyes she had ever seen. He showed so much will to live and because of that, his name is now Will.

“Dr. Brown said she was going to do whatever it took to save him,” said Eagan.

Will spent one week in intensive car. At first he couldn’t get up or walk, but with the help of the volunteers and his now foster mom and vet tech Christina Pelletier, Will is doing much better.

“Will came in weighing around 98 pounds,” said Pelletier “A Dane of his stature should weight 135-140 lbs.”

Will has a long road to recovery, but Pelletier and SWGDR are doing what they can to help him. His medical costs are now in the thousands and his care is not over yet.

Will requires a specialty diet of canned food, enzymes, vitamins and freeze dried meat. Val Clows of Holistic for Pets has donated these items. She will also supply Will with Rx dry diet, when he is ready to transition to eating that type of food.

“Will is so determined to live,” said Eagan. “As long as he keeps fighting, we are going to be right there with him.”

If you would like to learn more about Will, contact SWGDR Facebook page. If you would like to help Will, donations can be sent to:

SWGDR
3005 65th Street E
Bradenton, FL 34208
West Coast Veterinary Center
c/o Will
7910 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
PayPal on the website at swgdr.org

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/05/local-rescue-group-sets-off-to-save-will-the-great-dane/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

SWGDR web site:- http://www.swgdr.org/

State Troopers Go Out Of Their Way To Find Missing Dog After Tragic Accident

Molly was in a tragic car accident with her owner John Philippi late Thursday night.

Sadly Philippi lost his life in the accident but Molly survived, though initially authorities had no idea she had been in the accident. When state troopers discovered the man’s dog was missing they went above and beyond to find the German shepherd.

State Trooper & Molly

Philippi, a 45-year-old Minnesota truck driver, was driving his truck with Molly by his side late Thursday night. Suddenly, his truck tipped on Interstate 94 in Wisconsin and then was hit by another semi. Philippi was ejected from his truck and died.

When State Patrol officers arrived on the scene of the accident they had no idea that Molly had been involved, she was nowhere to be seen. When they contacted Philippi’s family members about the accident one of his nephews asked about Molly.

A notice went out to all law enforcement officers in the area to be on the lookout for Molly. One state trooper even went door-to-door at nearby homes to ask if anyone had seen her.

“We wanted to find that dog,” said State Patrol Lt. Jeff Lorentz. “We didn’t want it hit by another vehicle.”

Friday morning the State Patrol office received a tip, someone had seen a German shepherd near an exit. The area was searched but Molly wasn’t found.  State Patrol officers did not give up though. Later that day, trooper John Vernon started walking the interstate in the area of the crash with some volunteers when he spotted paw prints in the snow near the crash site.

Vernon followed the tracks and found Molly underneath a pine tree trying to stay warm. Vernon called out Molly’s name and the dog walked right to him.

Molly had a 6-inch gash on her leg and she let out a yelp when Vernon touched it.  Molly is now staying with Philippi’s relatives while she recovers from her leg wound. Once Molly is healed the family will decide who she will stay with permanently.

The family is incredibly thankful to the extra efforts of the State Patrol officers, especially Vernon.  Even the State Patrol office recognizes the extra effort Vernon, who has an affinity for dogs, put into the search.

“I don’t think anybody showed more determination than trooper John Vernon,” said Lorentz.

News Link:–http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/05/state-troopers-go-out-of-their-way-to-find-missing-dog/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

Woman Who Tied Dog’s Mouth Shut Found Guilty Of Animal Cruelty

YPSILANTI TWP. (WWJ) – A Ypsilanti Township woman who admitted to tying her dog’s mouth shut with twine so he couldn’t eat has been found guilty in the case.

Crystal Smith, the dog’s owner, was found guilty of animal cruelty March 21 in 14B District Court. She’s due back in court for sentencing on May 2.

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) said the Alaskan Husky was severely underweight and dehydrated when he was taken from Smith in August. An investigation into Smith’s treatment of the animal began after a neighbour reported that the dog, which was kept on a chain outside, got loose.

Officials brought the emaciated dog to HSHV, where authorities discovered a large wound on his side. Smith later admitted the his injuries were from a burn, but asserted in court that the burns “just showed up one day.” Smith also admitted in court that she tied the dog’s mouth shut with twine, making him unable to eat.

“This was a really clear case of animal cruelty and we are grateful to the prosecutor and judge for seeing the gravity of this dog’s suffering. Animal cruelty is a serious crime and we want to make sure people who intentionally hurt animals pay for their crimes,” Matt Schaecher, HSHV Director of Animal Cruelty, said in a statement.

HSHV officials say the dog, who has lived at the shelter for 216 days, gained eight pounds in his first eight days at the facility. He also received extensive medical treatment for his injuries and other health problems related to neglect.

“Our staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job of protecting him, healing him and keeping him comfortable during a very long stay. This is a great dog and his suffering is through no fault of his own. He deserves a chance at a happy life,” Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV CEO, said in a statement.

Now healthy and healed, the Husky is going up for adoption and looking for a family that will give him the love and care he deserves. For information on adoption, visit www.HSHV.org or call 734-661-3511.

 News Link:-http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/03/27/woman-who-tied-dogs-mouth-shut-found-guilty-of-animal-cruelty/