SICKENING; Animal Abuser Left Puppy In A Paper Bag In Empire Damansara Carpark With Broken Legs And Mouth Taped

“I am appalled, sickend & saddened that someone could do this to such a tiny 3 month old dog. What kind of sick psycho, capable of doing such an evil thing, can manage to walk amongst us; undetected?? This poor little puppy couldn’t hurt a fly it’s so small. The bloody Empire Damansara should be willing to hand over CCTV of the car park where the dog was found! In fact, you would think they would find this such an atrocity that they would be offering any help they can; but they don’t seem to give a rats ass about it! I’m just thankful that an animal lover found this tiny pooch & took action. Please go to the Face Book page below to show your support & help catch the abomination that tortured this tiny dog!”  

Details Published on Wednesday, 29 June 2016 12:48

In the same week that news about a female dog nursing its puppies was found shot dead in Muar, Johor, in Damansara Perdana, a puppy with its legs broken and mouth taped was found in the Empire Damansara parking lot.

Luckily, the puppy was rescued by the hands of an animal lover, who posted details about the condition of the three-month-old frail animal found on June 22.

The user named Vicky Liew relayed on her Facebook how she and her friend came to find the puppy that was left in a paper bag.

The rescuers only discovered later on the puppy, a good Pomeranian breed, had lost its legs when taking it to the vet.

“This poor dog had been abused because both front legs were purposely broken by inhuman people!! Stay strong puppy!!!,” Vicky wrote.

How could anyone do this??

She then tried to hunt down the culprits who abused the puppy by reporting to the management in hopes they were able to track them down through the CCTV footage, however she reported that Empire Damansara was not being cooperative on the matter.

This is just heartbreaking!

“Write on Empire Damansara page to urge them to cooperate so the people who are working on this case can lodge a report to the Department Of Veterinary Services. Keep it viral and keep it going,” she urged the public after sharing it on Dog Lovers of Malaysia group.

FaceBook page:–https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogloversmsia/

The latest updates on the rescued puppy, now named Summer, is living in a new home with loving owner Sim Kian Theng, and shows that the animal had been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well.

“She will be healing soon! I need strong mentality!!! I committed 24hrs care for her!!!,” wrote Sim.

Kudos to good Samaritans like Sim and Vicky, however thus far, no updates have been shared regarding the Empire Damansara management lodging a report against animal abusers, nor statement of them taking action on the case, as well as increasing security in their parking lots with adequate CCTV footage, despite the complaints by netizens and fellow residents.

Last year, the Malaysian government passed the Animal Welfare Act 2015 – a new comprehensive Act with fines 100 times heavier for animal abuse cases. Offenders now face a minimum fine of RM20,000 and possible jail time.

News Link:-http://malaysiandigest.com/frontpage/29-4-tile/619285-animal-abuser-left-puppy-in-a-paper-bag-in-empire-damansara-carpark-with-broken-legs-and-mouth-taped.html

 

 

A Personal Note: R.I.P My Beautiful Horse…Heartbroken, Lost And Devastated Without You!!

It is with a broken heart that I write this myself, (albeit over several days) despite feeling lost, alone, terribly sad, heartbroken & in pain, I just wanted to let you all know; my beautiful horse (who saved my life) had to be put to sleep Thursday 17th July; she passed over Rainbow bridge around 6.30p.m. after a long battle with colic!

R.I.P Lillia, gone but never forgotten xxx

My apologies for taking so long to get in touch, but it’s taken all this time, for me to be able to think let alone write about Lillia; without breaking down! Some of you may have seen posts on FB, as my daughter put it on her FB page & shared it to mine.

Many of you know I suffer with pain, due to a riding accident, which lead to several failed back surgeries, throughout my life. There has often been times I haven’t been able to post due to pain or being in hospital! But now I have lost my best friend & life saver; I’m devastated…I just haven’t got the strength to cope with ill-health & a broken heart at the same time, to enable me to post; aside from the odd petition in the last few days!

Regards Lillia, I feel it may help me, to deal with her loss, if I write about it. To this day, I still can’t talk about her, without bursting into tears, I just wanted to be left alone to grieve in my own time! So I’m hoping this will ease my heart & reduce my tears…I hope it may also help other horses owners, that haven’t seen a horse colic & realise, just how small the signs, in their horses behaviour, can lead to severe colic!

It all started on the 23/07/2014. The vets had been called out for 3 days in a row, to see Lillia at the livery yard. Lillia was off her food & wasn’t drinking much, the livery staff also noticed a lack of faeces! It could have been anything from an upset tummy to very mild colic symptoms, going by how she was presenting! She was treated with the appropriate medications & walked accordingly, but by 7.30 p.m on Wednesday evening, she was no better; so the vet referred her for immediate investigative surgery! I felt so guilty, helpless & heartbroken that I couldn’t go with her; due to my own complications from recent surgery! My only solace, was that my daughter was with her throughout.

All I could do was sit near the phone all night, praying for a miracle. Eventually at 1.40 a.m the vet called, Lillia had been in theater for 4 hours!  Once in theater the vets noted she had suffered from a right dorsal displacement of the large colon & had an impacted Cecum, that could have ruptured at any time. They were extremely lucky they caught it before it did. I found it so strange that she wasn’t presenting the symptoms one would normally associate with the above colic, which is why she wasn’t sent to the Equine hospital sooner! Which just proves not all horses show the classic colic symptoms like; rolling, pawing, kicking the ground, biting at stomach, sweating, with a rapid pulse & heavy breathing. The vet also explained that whilst Lillia was under anaesthetic, she also had problems with her heart, but the vets manage to stabilize her & carry on with the operation. I was mortified to think my horse was going through all this, without me being there to help, due to my own pain; thank God, she had my daughter’s voice, to reassure & calm her!!

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After a week she was allowed home, still with the bandaging , stitches & staples. in place, she didn’t have to return to the hospital, as they could be taken out by any vet. From photo’s my daughter took, I couldn’t believe how quickly she had lost condition, from her withers to her backside; she looked very dehydrated. Lillia was ok for a few days, but unfortunately the colic symptoms returned, so she was rushed back into hospital. This carried on from the 23rd June to 16th July, in & out of hospital with colic symptoms. On the 16th July, she was allowed to come home once again; the yard staff had even made her a welcome home banner, thinking this would be the end of it all!

The day after she came home from her latest visit to the Equine hospital; I can’t describe why, or even begin to understand why, I had this overwhelming feeling that I just had to see her that day. This nagging, gut wrenching urge, just wouldn’t leave the pit of my stomach. Something told me that I had to be with Lillia that day. Although I was still recovering & was due in hospital the next day, I simply couldn’t ignore the feeling. I couldn’t go alone so my mum took me! I couldn’t get to see & be with Lillia fast enough, I was aching to wrap my arms around her, to tell her much I missed & loved her & how sorry I was at not being able to be with her throughout her ordeal.

Finally, we arrived at the stables (the livery yard is in another town, which meant visiting her, a problem due to my pain; my own fault, I wanted the best place where she would be loved , not just another livery number) & I soon had her in my arms! But all I could do was cry with relief, that she was ok & home again! But within 5 minutes, she began pawing the air, at first I thought it was because she was pleased to see me, & wanted a treat (she would often lift her front leg, her sign for treats) but then reality hit home; OMG…she was colicing yet again!!. Immediately the staff began walking her around whilst I rang the vet; it worried me that the staff had never seen her this bad! She was stomping, pawing, sweating & biting at her stomach. The vet reiterated how damaging it would be if she went down & began rolling, he said to give her more bute & keep her up & walking, until he arrived; the trailer was on standby, just in case!

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Lillia so desperately wanted to lay down, her back legs were buckling as she tried to walk, so the staff managed to get her into the sand school arena, so she didn’t injure her back legs. To see her being pulled & tugged at, to keep her up & moving was heart wrenching, but it had to be done. I’d done it years ago with a previous horse, but it’s not easy to keep a horse up; when all it wants to do is lay down! I sat on the bench, sobbing in my mother’s arms, watching my beautiful precious girl in such pain, was devastating to see; but harder because I wasn’t able to help! My tears wouldn’t stop & my heart was breaking. Suddenly, Lillia collapsed in the sand school & nobody could get her up; I just knew I had to be with her! So I left my mum, who was also in tears, to ring my daughter at work, to tell her she needed to get to the livery yard, ASAP.

Somehow, perhaps it was shock & adrenalin blocking my pain, I managed to get in the sand school, I just had to be with Lillia. I fell down to my knees at Lillias head, (all I could hear was my mum shouting frantically, along with the yard staff, to get up, as I wouldn’t have been able to move quick enough, had Lillia tried to get up or started rolling & kicking out in pain) but I knew once I looked into her eyes, she wasn’t going to do that! I just sat, with her head in my lap & told her how much I loved her & how brave she was. I told her that if my operation went well, we could soon be together again, perhaps even ride on the beach again & go hacking through the countryside etc; we just had so much to look forward to!

However, the longer I looked into her beautiful chocolate coloured eyes, I saw her soul & felt her pain; yet I couldn’t do anything to take it away, I just felt so bloody useless…I couldn’t hold back the tears! Stroking her face, I kept telling her how much I loved her & how sorry I was, that I couldn’t get to see her more often! Then suddenly she started to make strange grunting noises, like we would say “ugh” when in pain. I then realised why, the feeling in my gut; was telling me I had to be with her, that particular day!!

The vet arrived & after his examination, I could tell it wasn’t good, he immediately gave her pain killers & a little sedation via injection! My daughter arrived not long after the vet, which had given him time to explain the full situation to me. It left me with little doubt, the heartbreaking decision I had to make that day; if I wanted Lillias suffering to stop!!

R.I.P My special angel xx

There was no easy way to tell my daughter, that under the vets advice, I had decided to free Lillia of her pain! We both held each other; whilst sobbing & gently stroking Lillias face. The vet explained again to my daughter, what he had told me…Lillias cecum felt impacted again & could perforate. He ruled out further surgery, as she was still recovering from the first operation & there was a big risk of infection, plus the vet was also concerned with all the complications Lillia was having, post surgery. This time it could be a Cecal perforation (usually fatal)  masked through the use of drugs she was having daily (1). Moreover, there was the added concerns regarding Lillias heart problems, during surgery; the anaesthetic alone could kill her! 

However, because the vet had given Lillia IV pain relief as well as sedation, they had got her back on her feet, so she was just stood there showing little to no symptoms. My daughter pleaded with me to give Lillia another chance, but she hadn’t seen her 30 minutes before, groaning in pain. She asked the vet, if it was his horse, what would he do? He simply said “I would end it”!!

Lillia would never have recovered, if she had a Cecal Perforation; I just didn’t want her to suffer anymore, I had to make the right choice for her! I realised how many times I’d wished someone would have put me to sleep due to my chronic pain; I couldn’t let Lillia suffer. The only reason to keep Lillia alive, would be just for my own selfish reasons, because I needed her in my life & loved her so much… I didn’t want to let her go, especially as this was the first time I had seen in her months, due to my own ill-health; but I knew I had to let her go!

I had to do what was best for her, so I whispered in her ear, she didn’t have to suffer the severe pain anymore, there was a beautiful place waiting for her, just over Rainbow Bridge! Saying those words to the one you love so much is very hard indeed, I felt physically sick…but to let them go is even harder! If you truly love them, you have to let them go, I just couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering another minute, in severe pain. The vet held my arm, but I couldn’t say it, my sobbing stopped me talking…I just nodded; he knew what I meant!

We had to walk Lillia down to a field (she had to be somewhere with easy access for the trailer to get in) so the vet gave her more pain relief & sedative, then he told us to take our time, to say our goodbyes. I have to say the vet was very supportive & said he would do the same, if it were his horse. But it didn’t relieve my guilty feeling, at letting Lillia go, although it helped, knowing I was doing the right thing. My daughter had just bought Lilla, a brand new pink fluffy headcollar, that she had never worn, so we put it on her & she looked beautiful. Our hearts were breaking & our tears flowed, I have never felt so sad, broken-hearted & guilty in all my life!! Devastated, there we stood, with our arms around Lillia, our tears soaking her face. I told her she was ready to cross Rainbow Bridge, where there would be lots more horses & ponies to run & play with; I also asked her to forgive me & that one day we would be back together again, riding through the clouds!

After what seemed like hours, the vet came & told us he was going to give her another injection, that would make her fall to the ground & when we had finished our goodbyes, he would peacefully put her to sleep via another injection. Before he did, I asked if we could have one last picture taken with her! The vet gave her the injection & she immediately fell into the grass. We then spent ages laying in the grass with Lillia, she just laid there looking so peaceful; she didn’t move apart from blinking, her nostrils rising & falling with each breath. We took our time plaiting her main & talked about all the fun things we had done, we both had our own special, precious & fun memories with her!

Saying our last goodbye’s….Just before Lillia went over Rainbow Bridge!

The vet waited with patience & sympathy until we were ready. Whilst holding Lillias head & each other, we sobbed uncontrollably, under the setting sun. It had to be done, so I nodded to the vet, who then gave Lillia the final injection, & her heart stopped. She peacefully passed away in our arms…then crossed over Rainbow Bridge! I didn’t realise just how many tears were left, we cut off the plaits of her hair to remember her by & put them in the lockets we both owned, so she would always be near our hearts forever! Then we had to say our final, heartbreaking goodbyes, leaving her alone in the field just didn’t feel right; but we had to leave. I wished we’d owned some private land. so that Lillia could have been buried, that way we could always visit; but we didn’t, so had to walk away. It was overwhelming & so emotional, all the horses that Lillia had shared the fields with, started to whinny, as if they too were saying goodbye!!

It was the ending I had always dreamt of, yet never had, with any of my other horses, when having to say goodbye! This, though so very hard, was the perfect ending; I only wish all horses could have such a beautiful & peaceful end! The last thing Lillia saw, was our faces, our voices, the last she heard! The sun was just about to go down, yet it still shone around Lillia, making her look like she was surrounded by a golden halo! Through the warm rays of the sunshine, we looked back; it was very emotional yet strangely so calm, beautiful & serene! Lillias coat glistened in the hazy sun; she just looked like she was peacefully sleeping. As we walked away, my daughter took the amazing picture below. It was a day tarnished with such heartache, sadness & raw emotion; yet also the most beautiful…Lillias image, surrounded by a golden light, will stay in my heart, always & forever. 

Under this beautiful sunset, Lillia passed over Rainbow Bridge…pain free at last! xx God only knows, why I’d had such a gut feeling that day & also  found the strength to be with Lillia. But whatever or whomever pleaded with my heart, to see Lillia that day, I’m eternally grateful for! I was exactly where I wanted to be…where I could be with my precious girl; on the day I had to sadly say goodbye!!

As I write this, my tears fall, but I will be back asap, I just can’t say when! I have a big spinal operation due soon, which will obviously set me back even more; there is a risk of paralyses amongst other complications, so I’ve had to think long & hard about this operation. My main reason for going ahead with it, was so that I could be with Lillia, perhaps even ride again!! However, despite the risks, I have still decided to go ahead with it. I’m devastated that Lillia has gone; but in time, I will buy or rescue another horse, so I need to be as pain-free as possible! I’m sure Lillia would have wanted me to give my love to another horse; however, nothing can or will ever replace my precious girl.

I just hope you understand the reasons for the lack of posts & can stick with me throughout this very difficult & emotional period. Losing Lilla has really knocked me off my feet & I have to admit, I have gone into a bit of a melt down! I just have to get over my broken heart & find the strength from within, to face what I’m praying; will be my last spinal operation!! It won’t give me a miraculous recovery & take all my pain away; but if all goes well, it will hopefully give me a better quality of life!

It’s taken me so many days to write the above, bit by bit, & has made me so very sad, yet I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect end for Lillia! I’ve cried a lot; but ultimately, I think writing this has helped me come to terms with my loss. Lillia was no ordinary horse, she saved me from chronic depression; she made me feel alive again, she was just such a special horse, whom I miss so very much! It’s going to take time, but one day I will find another special horse, or God Willing,  it will find me, to share my love & life with, just as Lillia had done!!

The following poem, is, I believe the words Lillia would say to me, if only she could, as I sit here in such an emotional wreck:-

Miss you from heaven

Obviously, I’ve been away quite some time now, due to my health & the sad loss of Lillia. So I don’t blame anyone who has lost interest in my blog due to the lack of posts. But it would be great, to know I still have some followers left, to write news blogs for!! I really can’t tell you & you will never know, just how much your support has helped me deal with my life over the years…I’d like to thank each & every one of you who have subscribed & supported this blog!!

You have given me a reason, to battle on through my pain, most importantly, to help me to spread the global atrocities & raise awareness to the abuse, animals face daily at the hands of humans. Be it through slaughter for human consumption or entertainment. The public has to open its eyes to the suffering of innocent animals & act accordingly. Please don’t visit zoos or circuses, doing so only adds to their daily abuse & heartache. Please, don’t become part of their suffering by visiting animal attractions like Seaworld! The owners want you to be in awe of the beautiful Orcas & Dolphin displays & you’re encouraged to think they live a glamorous lifestyle, with the best of everything. The sheer size of a captive Orc, in relation to the pool it is kept in, is ridiculous & cruel, it’s the equivalent to a person, being locked in solitary confinement in a 10x10ft room!!!!  They want you to believe it is all done in the best interest of their species & of course for conservation etc. The handful that do so for conservation, don’t expect their  animals to entertain the public.

YOU… need to be made aware of the true suffering involved; for your entertainment. I aim to share the truth & mental suffering these amazing animals have to go through, to entertain the paying public…this goes for every caged animal, forced to entertain for profit! Seriously, you must understand why some captive animals just snap: which usually ends with the life of a human & the animal involved being killed! They never asked to be involved…they were forced. Seriously, have you ever seen an elephant stand on its head in the wild? or tigers & lions jumping through hoops of fire?? It’s not natural to them, they are forced, often in barbaric ways…just to entertain you & are purely motivated by money alone!!

Remember, the only thing that will love you more than yourself, is an animal; pure & simple unconditional love, asking so little in return!

I promise I’ll  be back just as soon as I can & I hope I can count on your help & support by sharing my stories, news & signing petitions regards animals abuse! The free speaking public, need to learn the truth about the abuse animals suffer. Regards the exotic species, torn from their families as youngsters, then cruelly abused & repeatedly trained through abuse & violence, how to entertain those on vacation; such as dancing bears, photos with young elephants on busy streets, monkeys. birds & sea life…that are brutally forced to entertain for money…PERIOD!!! If those who go to venues involving animals, they need to learn the truth & the signs to look for. The swaying elephants, the pacing tigers, bears, repetitive animal behavior etc, they act that way due to psychosis, they are literally going stir crazy…wouldn’t you? if you were taken from your family, caged beaten into submission; then trained to entertain??? If  your answer is no, then  sadly I think you’re reading the wrong blog!!!

Footnote

1.  Cecal impaction and cecal perforation, the two most common equine cecal diseases, are thought to develop after slowing or interruption of a single progressive motility pattern, which begins in a pacemaker area near the apex, occurs once every 3 minutes, and propels ingesta from the cecum to the right ventral colon. Rectal examination in horses with cecal impaction is the most useful technique to grade the severity of the condition. Medical treatment is undertaken if the impaction is judged to be mild to moderate. Surgical correction of cecal impaction in severe cases requires a ventral midline celiotomy, and exploration reveals a large ingesta-filled cecum and relatively empty large colon.Cecal perforation (CP), a uniformly fatal disease of horses, most often develops when the subtle signs of cecal impaction are missed or are masked by the administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. 

 

 

 

Abandoned Thoroughbred, Defense Team, rescued by South Florida SPCA

“I would be first in line to pick up this stunning mare, how anyone could just abandon her is beyond my comprehension; there is no & never will be, a good enough excuse for this cruel crime, whilst animal organisation exist to help!. But a former race horse that costs thousands, then doesn’t race well, is more than often sent to slaughter or abandoned! I hope they find whomever she belonged to; then proceed with criminal charges! Then I hope Defense Team gets a forever home & is loved for the rest of her life!!!”

MIAMI, FL (February 17, 2014)

 Defense Team, a Thoroughbred gelding, was rescued today by South Florida SPCA. Laurie Waggoner, SFSPCA director of ranch operations, received  a mid-morning call from a Hialeah farmer who reported the former racehorse wandering along a road near one of his pastures, and that he looked “really bad…really skinny.” Waggoner and members of the Hialeah police department found the horse ambling roadside, eating grass.

If you’d like to donate toward the care of Defense Team, please visit http://www.spca-sofla.org/donate/donate-now and indicate that it is for Defense Team at checkout.

“His body condition score is a 1,” said Waggoner, referring to the lowest score on the Henneke System of Body Condition Scoring (view chart.) Fortunately, Defense Team does not appear to be lame or have any other major issues or injuries. He will receive routine vaccinations and a Coggins test, along with farrier attention to his hooves which appear to have been neglected for some time.

The horse’s tattoo number matched that of Defense Team, and SFSPCA learned he was foaled in Florida on April 6, 1999. He was purchased in Ocala, FL for $6,000, and raced only once at Calder on December 28, 2001 where he finished 11 out of a field of 12. (View pedigree.)

I will never comprehend why humans can throw animals out like trash; or just abandon them….heartbreaking!!!

Waggoner noted Defense Team seemed very happy to be found, loaded easily on her trailer and was welcomed to the SFSPCA ranch in Homestead with a nice, safe stall and a tasty flake of hay.

If you’d like to donate toward the care of Defense Team, please visit www.spca-sofla.org/donate/donate-now and indicate that it is for Defense Team at checkout.

Report horses or other large livestock animals that appear to be abandoned, abused or neglected. Call 911 for emergencies, or 305-4-POLICE (Miami-Dade, FL) for non-emergencies.

News Link:–http://www.spca-sofla.org/abandoned-thoroughbred-defense-team-rescued-by-south-florida-spca/

Redwings Horse Sanctuary: State of Emergency Appeal

As a member of Redwings with virtual adopted horses ( See below about Adoptions) from their centre; I received the grim news through the post. I wish I could show you the appalling & very upsetting pictures the state the horse were found in, but I can’t; however I can tell you how some of the rescuers described the scene:- 

“This was the worst cumulative case of horse suffering we had ever witnessed. Seeing the pain & distress of so many horses was worse than you can imagine. This is a tragic & upsetting situation, but we have to share the harsh reality of this crisis. In the hope that we can stop it from happening again…

Scenes from the Somme – stranded in a vast expanse of deep wet mud, surrounded by barbed wire, with no food & no hope the site was reminiscent of a battlefield with all the horrors of war – the horses were utterly desperate.

Death Camp – the Redwings team likened the scenes to a ‘ concentration camp for horses’ with the vulnerable youngsters & their mothers most likely to succumb to starvation & disease.

The Fallen – over 100 horses were so sick, injured & malnourished that they lost their lives.

“Read more from the news below”

Multi-agency operation in South Wales

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the RSPCA have spent over a week working to safeguard the future welfare of more than 400 horses at a location between Bridgend and Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Following a report to the Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards team, welfare officers and vets moved quickly to assess the horses and provide treatment for those needing it. Over six days (12-17 November), more than 300 horses were removed from the site to places of safety by the organisations involved, with assistance from South Wales police and Bristol-based charity HorseWorld who provided vital support.

These horses will be cared for and receive further treatment as necessary whilst the investigation continues. Redwings have taken immediate responsibility for 19 horses from the site, including 12 orphaned foals.

Sadly, as the operation on site progressed and more animals were assessed, it became clear that a number of the horses were in such a state of suffering that there was only one option for them. Over 100 of the horses had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

Redwings Head of Welfare and senior vet Nic de Brauwere said, “I am incredibly proud of the work my team and staff from the other agencies have carried out over the last week to deal with what was an incredibly severe welfare situation. Our interest at all times was to do the best we could for each horse we found, and tragically for some that meant giving them a peaceful end after all their suffering. This operation has been an astonishing feat considering the small number of people involved and the overwhelming number of demands on our time and resources. Our staff worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the animals on the site despite the incredibly difficult circumstances, and we must give special mention to Vale of Glamorgan Trading Standards team who took quick and decisive action in what was nothing less than a state of emergency for these horses.”

Martin Hubbard from the RSPCA said: “This was a difficult and tragic situation that developed very quickly, leaving many of the horses in a desperate condition. It is thanks to the Vale of Glamorgan local authority and to the fast response and hard work of everyone involved that we managed to attend to the animals and get the majority moved to safety.”

Christina Roberts-Kinsey, Principal Trading Standards Officer for Vale of Glamorgan Council, said, “We take all complaints regarding animal welfare very seriously. After visiting the site and witnessing the appalling conditions it was necessary to take this prompt action to prevent any further suffering to the animals. This action would not have been possible without the help and support of Redwings, the RSPCA and South Wales Police.”

This case is sadly typical of the situation right across the UK, where it is believed up to 7,000 horses and ponies are currently at risk of abandonment or neglect. Welfare charities have produced a report into the current equine welfare crisis, which can be downloaded here http://www.redwings.org.uk/news-updatedhorsecrisis.php.

Since January 1st this year we have taken 219 horses and ponies into our care, and we are currently looking after 1300 rescued residents at our Sanctuary sites across the UK. To donate and help us continue to help horses, please text code RWHS00 followed by the amount you’d like to give (eg RWHS00 £5) to 70070, or follow this link to the donation pages, thanks so much.

News Link:-http://www.redwings.org.uk/news-glamorgan13.php

Please do whatever you can to help – and do it today.

Click here to donate now… or text code HORS30 followed by the amount you’d like to give (eg HORS30 £5) to 70070. Thank you.

There are other ways to help too – you can write to your MP, recycle your mobile phone, or send us your unwanted Christmas presents and old horse tack. It all helps!

Thank you.

News Link:–http://www.redwings.org.uk/news-stateofemergency.php

Equine crisis – urgent update

We are in the middle of an equine crisis situation in the UK. Redwings has just helped rescue 300 horses from a site in South Wales, a few weeks ago we helped move 46 seemingly abandoned horses from a site in Hampshire, and we are already operating at capacity, with over 200 horses having coming into our care this year already.

Fly grazing and abandonment are two of the major issues contributing to this crisis. We have been delighted to see the fast tracking of new legislation from the Welsh Government to tackle the fly grazing of horses and ponies in Wales and are urgently asking the UK Government to follow suit in England to help stem the tide of unwanted horses across the country.

The new Control of Horses (Wales) Bill was passed in the National Assembly on December 10th and just needs to receive Royal Assent to become law. It grants more powers to local authorities to take action to help fly grazing and abandoned horses. However, the UK government has no such plans in England at a time when thousands of horses are at risk of suffering and death and landowners and local authorities struggle to cope with the problem.

On Tuesday 26th November 2013, MPs held a debate in Westminster Hall and we would like to thank everyone who asked their MP to go along. there was a really good turnout and a fascinating discussion which we hope will have helped pushed this issue up the political agenda. You can watch the full debate here: http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=14264

As 6,500 horses remain at risk of needing rescue in England and Wales, Redwings, the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, The British Horse Society, Blue Cross and HorseWorld have released a series of devastating case studies to illustrate how current laws permit horses to suffer needlessly including two recent cases rescued by Redwings; Stephen the foal who was left to drown in a river in Essex and Lottie the pony who was found wandering the streets of Diss.

Stephen was found abandoned at just one day old in a stretch of the River Lea in Essex

You can download a copy of our updated report on the equine crisis below:

http://www.redwings.org.uk/documents/SecondhorsecrisisreportFINALsmaller.pdf

Rescue update of Alton Horses

At the end of September, welfare charities joined forces to remove 46 very hungry and many thin and sickly horses from a bare field in Alton. Eight of the most poorly horses came into the care of Redwings, while the rest found homes at private yards, where the RSPCA is providing for their care.

We very tragically lost Georgiana, only two weeks after her rescue. Georgiana was suffering with salmonella – a disease which several of these horses have – and also had an horrendous small redworm burden. Thousands of small redworms can hide inside the walls of the digestive system undetected, and can suddenly erupt out all at once, causing terrible diarrhoea and internal damage.

News Link:-http://www.redwings.org.uk/news-altonupdate.php

Details of how you can get involved, including a quick and easy way to write to your local MP can be found here: http://bit.ly/Um6rKc

News Link:-http://www.redwings.org.uk/news-updatedhorsecrisis.php

Redwings Adoption Club

The Redwings Adoption Club is the fun way to support our charity and make a new friend in the process! A year’s adoption of a Redwings horse, pony, donkey or mule costs just £12.50, which goes directly towards the daily care of your chosen equine and their friends.

Web link:–http://www.redwings.org.uk/adopting/

Useful Links:–http://www.redwings.org.uk/about-us/useful-links/

Faith’s Rescue & Recovery

Published on 27 Nov 2013

The moving story of Faith, who was rescued from Essex after she had collapsed and could not get up by herself – she was taken to Redwings Horse Sanctuary and against all the odds, she survived – watch her story here and read more about her at www.redwings.org.uk. Text £5 to RWHS00 to 70070 to donate to Redwings.

R.I.P: In Memoriam: Dr. Mel Richardson

Posted by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Senior Attorney on January 6, 2014

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a dear friend of the animals and of ALDF.  Dr. Mel Richardson, affectionately known as Dr. Mel to his friends and colleagues, passed away on January 2 at the age of 63.

With more than 40 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Mel was a tireless advocate for captive wild animals.

Mel during filming of Lion Ark. He will be sadly missed. — with Mel Richardson. Animal Defenders International

Picture from; Facebook Save All Elephants:-https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152543127764358&set=a.10152543127689358.1073741832.75101244357&type=1&theater

I first met Mel at an elephant summit at the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary about four years ago. I was immediately charmed by his laid-back demeanor, his sense of humour, his discernable kindness, and, of course, his Georgian accent. Dr. Mel quickly became an important part of ALDF’s work on behalf of captive wildlife. He was the expert witness in our lawsuit against the City of Seattle concerning the inhumane captivity of elephants at the Woodland Park Zoo, where Mel was once a zookeeper.

Dr. Mel was the veterinarian in charge of transporting Ben the bear from a tiny, barren concrete cage to a spacious, naturalistic enclosure at the PAWS sanctuary after a lawsuit filed by ALDF and PETA freed Ben from the roadside zoo in North Carolina that held him captive.

Most recently, Mel wrote a comment letter on behalf of ALDF concerning the cruel captivity of two elephants at the Niabi Zoo in Illinois, who were ultimately transferred to better conditions (albeit, at another zoo).

He was also a regular consultant for us on all sorts captive wildlife cases, and the phrase “Let’s call Dr. Mel and ask him” was uttered frequently at our litigation meetings. These are just a few examples of Mel’s work, and he did much more for many other organizations. His primary allegiance was to the animals and he was happy to help anyone at any time.

We will miss Dr. Mel greatly, not only as a colleague and a consultant, but as a friend. He died too soon, but he left a wonderful legacy that will continue to inspire us to fight for freedom for animals.

News Link:-http://aldf.org/blog/in-memoriam-dr-mel-richardson/

Success! Charges in Dog Dragging Case Upgraded to Felony Cruelty

By Susan Bird – December 23, 2013

The efforts of compassionate Care2 readers have helped changed the course of an animal cruelty prosecution.

An incredible recovery & a Misdemeanor charge now changed to a Felony. Kudos to all that helped this happen

The man accused of dragging a young pit bull for more than a mile behind his pickup truck in late November now faces a felony rather than a misdemeanor criminal charge.

Andra Grace is recovering nicely.

Deputy Omar Yahya of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said Roger Dennis Owens was charged with felony “ill treatment of animals” on December 17, according to Fox Carolina News.

Owens had originally been arrested on December 6 and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of only 90 days in jail and an $800 fine.

“The felony charge comes with a much stiffer penalty if the suspect is convicted,” Yahya said.

In addition, Owens is now charged with two counts of driving under suspension and two counts of being a habitual traffic offender. The felony cruelty charge could bring Owens from six months to five years in prison. If convicted of multiple offenses, he may face significantly more time.

Why the shift from misdemeanor to felony charge? There seems to be only one answer. People like you — many, many people like you — used social media, e-mails, letters and phone calls to call for sterner charges for this harrowing crime. Greenville County heard the outcry, took a closer look and seems to have decided stronger charges were warranted.

Andra Grace: Wagging Her Tail and Recovering

Meanwhile, Andra Grace is recovering nicely. Though she was badly injured, her condition is so much improved that has moved to her new foster home in time for Christmas, according to the Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page.

Want to see how happy and well Andra Grace is now? The Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page has posted this video, as well as many others, so well wishers can keep up with her remarkable recovery. Rescuers were able to recover four of Andra Grace’s puppies as well. They are doing well and will accompany her to their new foster location.

Andra Grace’s puppies, resting before their trip to their new foster home

A Heartwarming Reunion with Two Special Women

Andra Grace had two special visitors on December 19. Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock, the two women who reported seeing Andra Grace being dragged behind the truck, were reunited with her.

According to the Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page, when Kaye and Jennefer saw the pickup truck go by them in the opposite direction, dragging a helpless dog behind it, they turned around to follow it. After the truck sped away without the dog, they searched the roadway until they found her.

Kaye and Jennefer called police and stayed by Andra Grace for the two hours it took for help to arrive. They covered her battered, bloody form with a jacket while trying to soothe her. It might break your heart a little to know that Kaye and Jennefer say poor Andra Grace was wagging her tail as they did what they could to help her.

Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock are reunited with a much recovered Andra Grace

Andra Grace is now happily settled in her new foster home, where her two foster parents are both veterinarians. She’s getting a lot of loving care and is well on her way to a contented and satisfying life. Likewise, her now-weaned puppies are in foster homes and can look forward to long, happy lives.

Care2 readers, your signatures on our petition helped turn the tide with respect to the crime committed against this gentle and loving dog. Your outrage, coupled with a deluge of phone calls and e-mails to Greenville County officials, appears to have convinced authorities to take a closer look at this case. Now Roger Owens is charged with a felony. The possible punishment he faces for this heinous act of cruelty is considerably increased.

May justice prevail for Andra Grace and for all abused animals.

News Link:- http://www.care2.com/causes/success-charges-in-dog-dragging-case-upgraded-to-felony-cruelty.html#ixzz2oub9Eqqd

• overview of original petition

On the day after Thanksgiving, two people witnessed something that horrified them — someone in a pickup truck was dragging a helpless dog down the road on a rope. The rope broke, leaving the dog, an emaciated female pit bull, to die by the road. The trail of blood indicated the poor dog had been dragged over a mile. Her injuries were extensive and grievous. Fortunately Animal Control got the dog to an animal hospital, where it is now receiving care and love.

The truck driver has been identified, and reportedly has at least one prior animal cruelty conviction, but incredibly he has only been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in this case.

However, South Carolina law also contains a felony animal cruelty provision applicable to anyone who:

“…tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal or by omission or commission causes the acts to be done…”

Please sign this petition asking 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor W. Walter Wilkins to prosecute this case under the felony provision of South Carolina’s animal cruelty law, rather than as a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor as currently charged.

Petition link (now closed) http://www.thepetitionsite.com/545/421/014/demand-south-carolina-charge-man-who-dragged-dog-with-felony-animal-cruelty/

SAD UPDATE: Emaciated Dog Left To Fend For Himself In Extreme Cold

UPDATE 12th December:-

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Francis has passed away. He left peacefully during surgery, and we are thankful that he did not die on the cold street. If only for a short time, he knew what it meant to be loved and cared for. From the bottom of our hearts, we are forever grateful for your support of Francis and all of the others we have yet to rescue as we trudge along through this frigid weather. Francis’ rescue story is below…

December 10, Life for a dog dubbed “Francis,” has been hard. When the biting, bitter cold hit St. Louis, Mo., what was formerly difficult became nearly life-ending.

Rescuers with Stray Rescue of St. Louis came upon Francis on Tuesday; the beleaguered senior dog was clearly in distress and in need of immediate help.

Francis’ skeletal body was gently lifted from the frozen ground and he was carried to a vehicle which would transport him to an emergency veterinary team.

As the temperatures dip below freezing, our worries rise. During this extreme weather, the deck is stacked against even the healthiest of street dogs. Sadly, there are also other, more susceptible four-legged friends out there – senior dogs and puppies who really struggle to survive in the elements. As soon as Randy and Donna knew he was in the best hands possible, they were out the door and back in the rescue Jeep again.

The elderly shepherd, who is estimated to be 10 years of age, was placed on I.V. fluids, provided with oxygen and warmed with heated blankets.

The rescue agency captured video of Francis’ first moments at the veterinary hospital; it is painfully evident that the dog is defeated, exhausted and on the brink of nearly giving up altogether.

Francis is not yet out of the woods, but today, for the first time in far too long, he is warm, safe and receiving the compassion and kindness that he deserves.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/emaciated-dog-left-to-fend-for-himself-extreme-cold?cid=PROD-redesign-right-next

Randy and Donna hit the streets like they do every day and, with the temperatures turning bitter cold, their typical sense of urgency was even greater. Responding to another call, they turned down an alley. As they drove, Donna shouted to stop the car. They simultaneously saw the frigid, defeated body of a Shepard Mix, and Randy jumped out of the car – knowing right away that this dog needed to get warm… immediately. Randy named him Franics, as in Franics of Assisi, patron saint of animals. This sweet old dog needs all the help he can get.

Rushing back to the Stray Rescue Trauma Centre, Randy called ahead to alert the vet staff about what he was bringing back.Watch the video below to see an intimate look at Francis arriving at the shelter and our amazing vet team jumping into action.

Francis Rescue

Published on 10 Dec 2013

Rescuing Francis from frigid winter temperatures. See the entire story at:-www.strayrescue.org/RescuingFrancis

Please keep thinking positive thoughts for Francis, and we will post updates as they become available. You can make a difference right now by contributing to his medical care, and the medical care of future rescues as we fight to save as many as possible this winter. During this critical time, the need is greater than ever.

Thankfully, because of the generosity of the Stray Rescue family, hope is never far away during this season of giving. Please click the link below to donate to The Stracks Fund, our emergency medical fund.

Web site:– http://strayrescue.org/RescuingFrancis

Facebook page:–https://www.facebook.com/StrayRescue

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/

Dog Rescued From Trash Heap Makes Amazing Transformation: But They Need Help to Carry On!

December 13, 2013 Posted by ADMIN in Available for Adoption

“I have long admired Eldad Hagar at www.hopeforpaws.org/; their rescue videos are just so inspiring. Their tenacity for rescuing dogs that others have just thrown out, is without doubt very admirable indeed! Below is another rescue video that brought me to tears; that turned into happy ones for a change!  Please help Hope For Paws in anyway you can!!”

Eldad Hagar’s heart broke when he saw Miley, a dog living in a pile of trash outside of LA. She was so ill and weak that she didn’t even try to run away. But because of a friendship she made with another rescued dog, she is doing worlds better today.

“When I got there, I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Hope For Paws the founder. “It’s almost as if this place was struck by a tsunami.”

The dog, called Miley, had been abandoned and left to die in the garbage. A local resident called Hope for Paws to tell them the dog had been living in the heap for a few months. Eldad knew what to expect, but was still surprised to see how bad off she was. He said her physical deterioration was “definitely one of the worst cases” he’d ever seen.

She was hungry, sick and in pain. Her body was left so weakened that she “didn’t even have the energy” to try to get away from Eldad when he approached her.

The abandoned dogs Hope for Paws volunteers find are usually difficult to rescue. They have been abused and on their own for a long time, and have become wary of humans. But with patience and compassion, even the most petrified dogs can learn to trust.

Eldad spent an hour sitting with Miley, gaining her trust by offering bits of food. He put his lucky leash on her, but she was scared and didn’t want to leave the only place that was now home to her. Eventually, she relented, and got into his vehicle.

Veterinarians determined Miley was suffering from malnutrition, mange, parasites and bacterial infections. She was given medicated baths and had her wounds treated. She needed time to rest and heal.

By day three, she was ready to give her hero a kiss. A couple weeks later she met Frankie, a dog rescued from a drain pipe. He was scared of everything. But Miley and Frankie became the best of friends, and helped each other heal from their trauma.

Miley and Frankie, currently in Los Angeles, are now ready to find homes. To adopt Miley, please visit The Fuzzy Pet Foundation. To adopt Frankie, please visit The Forgotten Dog Foundation. But these two are so sweet as a pair, it would be a real shame to not adopt them together!

News Link:–http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/12/dog-rescued-from-trash-heap-makes-amazing-transformation/

A homeless dog living in a trash pile gets rescued;Please share!

Published on 12 Dec 2013

Please make a small donation to Hope For Paws and help them start 2014 strong with many more rescues. “So many dogs are thrown out by their unsympathetic owners; they would surely be dead by now; if it were not for Eldad, please help him & his team cause:-

A $5 donation from many people would make all the difference to so many animals: HopeForPaws.org
Hope For Paws took care of Miley’s vet care, but she is now fostered by our friends from The Fuzzy Pet Foundation. Please visit their website to fill an application to adopt her: fuzzyrescue.org
Little guest star – Frankie was also rescued by Hope For Paws (with help from Lisa Chiarelli), and is now being fostered by our friends from The Forgotten Dog Foundation. If you would like to adopt him, please fill an application here: theforgottendog.org
Thanks 🙂
Eldad

Hope for Paws is a 501 C-3 non-profit animal rescue organization (E.I.N: 26-2869386). We rescue dogs and all other animals who are suffering on the streets and in the shelters. Our goal is to educate people on the importance of companion animals in our society:-

“Please, find it in your hearts to spare a couple dollars a month, so Eldad can carry on; saving those, others, throw out!”http://www.hopeforpaws.org/

Animal Control Officer Tails And Rescues Dog Strapped To Back Of Vehicle

“WTF….if the owners don’t allow their dog to be in the boot of the car in it’s crate; I pity how the poor thing lives at home!! If that’s how they feel then they shouldn’t have pets at all; bloody heartless morons!!”

A South Carolina animal control officer went above and beyond her call of duty when she spent two hours following an SUV that had a dog strapped outside of it.

Nicole Hubbard and her boyfriend were driving along the I-95 in Georgia when they noticed an airline crate attached to the cargo holder of a Dodge Durango.

“We were riding back from a family vacation,” Hubbard said. “We thought, ‘Surely, they don’t have a dog in the back of it.’ But when we got up next to it, there the dog was.”

A beagle mix was inside the crate, which was positioned directly behind the tailpipe, sending exhaust right through the carrier. Hubbard noticed there was no water container for the pup (which probably would have sloshed around anyway).

How Utterly Stupid & Ignorant

With it being 94 degrees out, she was concerned that the dog could become very ill from the heat and exhaust, not to mention the anxiety of being in a crate on the outside of a vehicle.

Though it appeared securely rigged with bungee cords, a bad bump could have knocked the carrier off and into the path of another vehicle.

She immediately informed highway patrol, who told her an officer would be dispatched to pull the vehicle over.

“We stayed behind them, and no officer ever came,” she said. She called again, but this time was told police couldn’t respond.

“They said they just don’t have an officer to send,” Hubbard said.

The couple continued to follow the SUV for about two hours, until they crossed the South Carolina border. She called the SC highway patrol, who showed greater concern for the situation.

“They were wonderful,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard with her own dogs.

An operator kept her on the line until a trooper could be sent to the area. Finally, the SUV was pulled over.

Hubbard does not know if the driver was issued a summons. It is unlikely that what was done would legally be considered animal cruelty, but it certainly falls under the definition of stupidity.

Hubbard said keeping a dog in a crate by an exhaust pipe with no water on such a hot day was unacceptable.

There wasn’t even enough room for the dog to turn around inside.

“I was just amazed that somebody could be that uneducated of the dangers with that dog being there,” she said. “Hopefully, they learned something from it.”

News Link:http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/08/animal-control-officer-tails-rescues-dog-strapped-to-back-of-vehicle/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29