Edmonson Shelter Must Be Closed

No reason to try to rehabilitate or reuse terrible facility

 The situation at the Edmonson County Animal Shelter should have never been allowed to happen.

Animals were discovered very malnourished, without water, covered in their own urine and feces, with urine burns on some of the animals’ feet, and some of them had obvious wounds.

 Last week, the shelter’s director, Kim Carroll, of Bee Spring, was cited and charged with second-degree animal cruelty following the discovery of dozens of cats and dogs – including dead ones – in what police called an “extremely poor environment.”

It’s very unfortunate that a year after a Daily News investigative team visited the shelter numerous times and reported conditions that appeared to fall short of guidelines for shelters offered by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians that the same conditions still exist. In that investigation, it was revealed that animals were in cages too small, some were underweight and some were without water.

It’s quite obvious the newspaper’s story had no impact on those running the shelter as the conditions remained the same.

After the animals were discovered last week, several of them had to be euthanized due to the cruel conditions of this shelter.That’s a shame and a good indication that Caroll and her husband, Greg, have no business running an animal shelter. The conditions these animals were found in is a clear evidence of that.

It’s truly reprehensible that someone would let animals live in these types of conditions. There is some good news out of this and that is that the shelters doors have been shuttered for now and 47 dogs and 17 cats were removed from the property. Other county agencies as far away as Owensboro also took animals from the property to their shelters.

The question now is, where does Edmonson County go from here in regards to the future of this shelter? Edmonson County Judge-Executive Wil Cannon says the county doesn’t condone wrongdoing and that the county government doesn’t own or operate the shelter in Bee Spring. He is correct. It is a for-profit business owned by the Carrolls.

Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society Director Lorri Hare has been invaluable in getting some animals out of their shelter and getting them here. Hare has called for this shelter to be closed and has been invited to speak by Cannon before the Edmonson County Fiscal Court next week.

Hare expects the county will ask the Bowling Green shelter to take in Edmonson County animals with a contract agreement. Hare said there will only be a chance for that if the Carrolls are no longer involved at all in animal control in Edmonson County.We agree with Hare that it’s time for the Carrolls to move on to a new profession because this one certainly isn’t for them.

Cannon seems to be on the same page as Hare, which is good. Edmonson County government will have to hire, equip and properly train someone to take the animals to Warren County if something is worked out with the Warren County shelter. Barring some legal reason, Cannon plans to ask fiscal court to dissolve the county’s contract with the Carrolls.

 Cannon is being proactive and taking the right approach. He should be commended for doing so. Cannon made a very good point when he said the Carrolls were given a chance last year to right whatever wrongs that may have been occurring at the shelter and they didn’t.The Carrolls simply dropped the ball and in doing so put animals at risk which in some cases resulted in animals being euthanized.

In the final analysis, this should’ve never happened. We’re glad to see that the county and Hare are working on correcting this bad situation and providing a better home for these animals. Our view is that this shelter needs to be closed permanently and we sincerely hope that is the final decision.

News Link:–http://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/our_opinion/edmonson-shelter-must-be-closed/article_d0c68420-8ae7-5178-ae75-a6d60b691a15.html

Kauai Man Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

“PIG…I bet he didn’t go without any food! I just can’t understand the mentality of people who can’t be arsed with their pets, so let them starve to death; instead of taking them to a shelter!”

Friday, December 13th, 2013

WAILUA – A Kapa‘a man has been arrested on animal cruelty charges following the discovery of malnourished dogs at his home.

Russell Soares

On Tuesday, December 10, humane officers from the Kaua‘i Humane Society (KHS) responded to a complaint of animal mistreatment at the home of Russell Soares, 35, on Waipouli Road in Kapa‘a.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered five adult dogs and three puppies in various cages on the property.  One of the dogs was dead and at least one other appeared to be emaciated.

The Kaua‘i Police Department was called to assist.  Mr. Soares claimed ownership of the dogs and was arrested and transported to police cellblock for booking on two misdemeanor charges of Cruelty to Animals, Second Degree.  He has since been released pending a January court date.

The dogs were transported to the Kaua‘i Humane Society for treatment, and a necropsy was conducted on the deceased dog.  According to Penny Cistaro, Executive Director of KHS, the necropsy revealed that the dog died of starvation.

Cistaro says their investigation into the treatment and condition of the animals is continuing to determine if additional charges are warranted.

News Link:-http://www.hawaiireporter.com/kauai-man-arrested-on-animal-cruelty-charges/123

City Man Charged For Abandoning Chihuahua

“Would it have been so hard for this pathetic excuse of a human to hand the dog in to a shelter, if he no longer wanted it? I’m so glad someone found her in time! I have a Chihuahua & would run anyone over in my bloody wheelchair if they tried to hurt him; Chihuahuas are so tiny & fragile. I hope little one soon finds a forever home full of love!”

December 14, 2013 By A.J. Rao

LAKEWOOD – The man responsible for abandoning a female Chihuahua inside a thermal bag was charged Friday for animal cruelty.

According to the Chautauqua County Humane Society Cruelty Investigations Unit, Jose Carmona Gomez of Jamestown was determined the individual responsible for placing the Chihuahua-named Tinkerbell-inside a Coors Light thermal bag on Monday, and leaving it for dead along Southwestern Drive in Lakewood.

Gomez is scheduled to appear in Busti Court at a later date.

Ray Muniz Jr., cruelty investigator with the Humane Society, said he thanks all the individuals who have wished Tinkerbell well and that he looks forward to placing her in a good home when the time comes.

News Link:–http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/632601/City-Man-Charged-For-Abandoning–Chihuahua.html?nav=5192

Graphic Image: Twelve Year Old Facing Jail Time For Dog Abuse

“If this sick little shit isn’t severely punished now, then you can expect to be reading more stories of animal abuse; committed by him! A hard time in Jail, is what’s needed, nothing less will do!!”

A 12-year-old Louisiana boy is facing jail after admitting to pouring scalding water on a stray dog.

The Sabine Parish Humane Society was informed that a stray dog may have been injured at the Timbers Apartment Complex in Many, LA.

Joe Dewil of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office says a boy admitted to burning the dog with boiling water because she kept getting into their trash.

she suffered first and second-degree burns on much of her back, ear and left hind leg

“How somebody could do it. Like, why? Why would you want to do it?” asked Hunter Tarpley, who works summers at SPHS.

The six-month-old stray black Lab puppy is being called Amazing Grace, given the fact that she was so friendly and playful with her rescuers just hours after receiving such a horrific injury.

“Just horrible, but she was still wagging her tail, running and jumping,” Tarpley said. “A dog that can survive that, pretty amazing.”

Though she suffered first and second-degree burns on much of her back, ear and left hind leg, she seems to be recovering quite well.

“She is getting bathed once a day and we put ointment application on twice a day,” said Jack Ross of SPHS. “I was kind of surprised to see the extent of it, but I was more amazed at the fact that she was still very friendly, and likes humans and hasn’t been soured on the human race yet.”

The boy will soon be in court to determine his punishment for simple cruelty to animals, which for a child his age could carry a six-month jail sentence or a fine up to $1,000.

“It’s a serious crime because you’re intentionally inflicting harm on an animal,” Dewil said.

Once Amazing Grace’s injuries have healed, she will be up for adoption. Several people have already expressed an interest in her, but nothing has been decided yet. If you would like more information or to adopt, please visit the Sabine Parish Humane Society.

“That’s the amazing thing about a dog, you know,” said SPHS Manager Lisa Butler. “No matter what you do to them or how they’re treated, they’ll always turn around and love again. They don’t hold grudges.”

Video & News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/07/twelve-year-old-facing-jail-time-for-dog-abuse/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

Wanted Wednesday – July 3: Nine Cats Poisoned In Ottawa County

Every Wednesday the Nitro Foundation posts links to the unsolved tragedies and cold caseson their Facebook page, which are shared and highlighted here.

Please share this article to help spread the word! Together we can and will make a difference.

Wolf’s two favorite cats were poisoned on Memorial Day. Credits: P.Wolf

Danbury, Ottawa County

Phil Wolf and his wife care for cats in the quiet Lakeside community, east of Port Clinton. Some of the cats are feral, and others are friendly.

In recent months, someone in the community has been poisoning the cats, and others have gone missing. Wolf had necropsies performed on two of his favourite cats, who were found dead on his property Memorial Day weekend and verified that they’d been poisoned.

At least nine cats have fallen victim to the anonymous killer.

The Ottawa county Humane Society is investigating, because poisoning animals is a crime. The administrators of Lakeside have stated they will not tolerate the poisoning of any animals and will prosecute the killer if found.

There is a reward of $3,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

You can contact the Ottawa County Humane Society at hsocpets@yahoo.com or by calling 419-734-4353 or the Danbury Police Department at (419) 732 -2549 or e-mail policeinvestigaitons@danburypolice.com.

The Nitro Foundation realized their mission make animal abuse a first offense felony in Ohio, when Nitro’s Law HB90 was signed into law by Governor John Kasich on July 1. The Nitro Foundation sees this as just the beginning, and plans to build onto Nitro’s Law to further strengthen animal welfare laws in Ohio.

You can find out more about Nitro’s Law on the Foundation’s website.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/wanted-wednesday-july-3-nine-cats-poisoned-ottawa-county?cid=rss

Dept. of Agriculture Approves Horse Slaughterhouse Amid Lawsuit Threat

“PLEASE NOTE – GRAPHIC IMAGES OF HORSE TRAILER ACCIDENTS – AT THE END OF THIS POST. Do not scroll down the post if you do not want to see them! They are just one of many reasons why these companion animals should not be slaughtered for human consumption; would you think it ok to send your family pet dog to slaughter? Horses were not put on Gods green earth for humans to eat, they are our pets; just as much as cats & dogs are!”

“It is pure greed, FFS we slaughter enough animals to satisfy the human hunger for meat. Nobody is going to starve, horses are not part of a normal persons diet. I am totally sickened & disgusted that this heinous act, the killing of Gods noble most beautiful creatures; is once more going to be in action!! I can only hope & pray that those who want to eat any part of a horse, after all the health scares etc. suffer a miserable & painful existence!! PLEASE sign the petitions”

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A New Mexico meat plant received federal approval on Friday to slaughter horses for meat, a move that drew immediate opposition from animal rights group and will likely be opposed by the White House.

The U.S. Agriculture Department said it was required by law to issue a “grant of inspection” to Valley Meat Co, Roswell, New Mexico, because it had met all federal requirements. Now, the USDA is obliged to assign meat inspectors to the plant.

The USDA also said it may soon issue similar grants for plants in Missouri and Iowa.

NO HORSE SHOULD END UP ON THE END OF A BUTCHERS HOOK!!

Horse meat cannot be sold as food in the United States, but it can be exported. Attempts to reach Valley Meat Co via a number listed on-line were unsuccessful.

Valley Meat would be the first meat plant to be allowed to slaughter horses since Congress banned it in 2006.

It is not known when the plant will start production, but two bills in Congress want to ban horse slaughter and President Obama has asked Congress to ban it.

The Humane Society of the United States and Front Range Equine Rescue threatened on Friday to sue the USDA, saying horses are raised as pets and as working animals. Because they are not intended as food animals, horses are given medications banned from other livestock, the groups said, questioning if the meat would be safe.

The USDA says it can test for residues of 130 pesticide and veterinary drugs. It also has safeguards to keep horse meat out of the food supply.

Congress effectively banned horse slaughter in 2006 by saying the USDA could not spend any money to inspect horse plants. Without USDA inspection, meat plants cannot operate.

The ban was part of the annual USDA funding bill and was renewed a year at a time through 2011. The prohibition expired in October 2011.

Lawmakers could vote on reinstating the ban in coming weeks when the USDA appropriations bills are debated in the House and Senate. But no date has been set to consider the bills and it could be months before work is completed.

The USDA said it was required by law to issue the grant of inspection because Valley Meat met all federal requirements. At one point, the company sued the USDA for an overly long review of its application. Once it issues a grant of inspection, the USDA is obliged to assign meat inspectors to a meat plant.

“Until Congress acts, the department must comply with current law,” said a USDA spokeswoman.

Valley Meat retrofitted its plant for horses after drought weakened its cattle slaughter business.

Horse meat is sold for human consumption in China, Russia, Mexico and other foreign nations and is sometimes used as feed for zoo animals.

But in the United States, horses enjoy a higher stature, more akin to house pets, than to hogs, cattle and chickens.

An estimated 130,000 U.S. horses are shipped annually to slaughter in Canada and Mexico. Groups have quarreled for a decade whether a ban on slaughter will save horses from a cruel death or lead to abandonment by owners of animals they cannot afford to feed or treat for illness.

Early this year, regulators discovered that horse meat was being sold as beef in Ireland. The mislabelled meat was found in meatballs sold by Swedish retailer IKEA in much of Europe and in other outlets.

IF YOU SCROLL FURTHER – GRAPHIC IMAGES ARE BELOW – VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED 

USDA conducts tests on domestic and imported products to identify the species that yielded the meat. The tests can distinguish beef, sheep, swine, poultry, deer and horse.

As well, USDA stepped up its species testing in April because of the meat adulteration scandal in Europe.

(Reporting By Charles Abbott; Editing by Bernard Orr)

News Link:-http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/29/dept-of-agriculture-approves-horse-slaughterhouse-amid-lawsuit-threat/

This link explains in a little more detail, worth reading:-http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130628-909609.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

HORRIFIC INJURIES OBTAINED WHILST TRAVELLING TO SLAUGHTER HOUSE 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Graphic Video: Pet Groomer Caught On Tape Abusing Dogs Get The Boot

“Okay…what’s the name of this POS This abuser needs more than getting the boot, I hope many complain so an investigation can be started & she be found guilty & have to pay for her crime. If I found out my dog groomer was abusing any of my dogs, God help him…Wheelchair or not I would kick his butt to hell! then run over him!!”

On June 13, 2013, a pet stylist from Fur Kids Daycare in Calgary, Canada, was fired after she was caught on tape abusing dogs.

The video shows the abuser using a brush to hit a pet client while the innocent animal cowers to protect himself from the blows. On a separate clip, the abuser is also seen using a vacuum cleaner pole to drag a dog out of its kennel.

A Global News report says the tape was secretly recorded by former employee Trina Riel.

“It’s absolutely disgusting,” said Riel. “There were days when I would end up tearing up in the grooming room. I’d have to go outside and say I was going on a break, and I would just hide my face.”

Dean Miles, owner of Fur Kids Daycare, spoke with the Calgary Herald and said this was the first time any allegations of abuse have been brought against his employees.

“The safety of our dogs is the most important thing because that’s our business,” said Miles.

The Calgary Humane Society has opened an investigation against the pet groomer and is asking the public to come forward if they believe and have evidence of their animals being abused by the same person.

“The number of calls we’ve received has been overwhelming,” said Christy Thompson, general manager of community relations for the Calgary Humane Society. “Calgary and the public have been completely outraged by the video.

Anybody who believes that their animal has been in contact with this particular groomer, please give us a call. The more evidence we have the better.”

To contact Calgary Humane Society call 403-205-4455.]

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/06/pet-groomer-caught-on-tape-abusing-dogs-gets-the-boot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

“I found this video you tube …As always viewer discretion advised, it’s quite upsetting to see a dog being hit, for doing nothing wrong!! Sick bitch, shouldn’t be allowed to own or work with animals ever again. Sorry I still can’t find her name??!”

Dog Groomer Abuses Animals At Calgary Grooming Salon

Published on 14 Jun 2013

A groomer at a downtown dog daycare and grooming facility was fired Thursday evening after allegations of animal abuse surfaced late last week, the daycare’s owner confirmed.Dean Miles, who owns Fur Kids Daycare, said he was shown videos last Friday that showed the groomer apparently striking a dog and trying to force another out of a kennel using a vacuum cleaner.The videos were allegedly taken last Tuesday by a former employee, who was also the groomer’s apprentice, Miles said.

“The safety of our dogs is the most important thing because that’s our business,” Miles said. “When things like this happen, you’ve got to react to it.”This is the first time there have been any allegations of animal abuse at the daycare, said Miles.

The Calgary Humane Society is currently investigating and has seen “several” videos, said Brad Nichols, head of the Calgary Humane Society’s protection and investigations department.”We’re lookingat the video, we’re gathering statements, and once we have everything compiled, we’ll send it to the Crown prosecutor’s office for an opinion on appropriate enforcement action, if any,” Nichols said.The Humane Society receives a “handful” of abuse allegations against groomers and boarders each year, he said.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/gro…

Donation Ordered To Humane Society In Cennitra Fowler Dog Abuse Case

“Personally, I think this cold hearted bitch; deserved a far more severe sentence for letting a dog die! She got off bloody lightly & shouldn’t be allowed to own other animals period. What’s the point in ordering someone to a attend an animal care class; when they clearly don’t give a shit about animals!!”

ST. LOUIS • A St. Louis woman has admitted to one of the city’s worst known cases of animal neglect, in which she starved her two dogs to near death, then threw one of them away in the trash bin behind her house.

Cennitra Fowler

The dog who was tossed in the trash later died. He was named “Our Little Boy” by Stray Rescue, the animal rescue group that tried to save him. The other dog, “Our Little Girl,” was so emaciated she could not stand, but ultimately recovered and was adopted.

Stray Rescue founder Randy Grim called it one of the worst cases of animal neglect he’s experienced, and when the cityannounced the formation of an Animal Abuse Task Force in September, it was one of the first to be prosecuted.

Cennitra Fowler, 22, the owner of the two dogs, pleaded guilty on Friday to two misdemeanor counts of animal abuse. In exchange for her plea, prosecutors recommended and a judge ordered she serve one year of unsupervised probation in which she will have to perform 24 hours of community service, take an animal care class with Stray Rescue and donate $75 to the Humane Society of Missouri. She is also not allowed to have or care for any pets during that time.

The range of punishment for an animal abuse charge is up to one year in jail.

On Tuesday, Grim said he thought Fowler “got off quite easy” given the trauma the dogs went through, but that he also understands sentencing options were limited for the misdemeanor charges that were issued.

“If she doesn’t want to go to jail she has to do everything right and take responsibility for her actions,” he noted. “One dog died because of her. Could (the sentence) be tougher? Sure. But I’m just glad there’s an educational component.”

Grim said the class at Stray Rescue is not an easy one, and he will not hesitate to report to the judge if Fowler does not participate wholeheartedly.

“This is her chance to show she can be responsible,” he said.

Fowler called the city about her two dogs in October 2011; it’s not clear why. Stray Rescue volunteers who responded said they found the female dog with bones protruding.

“I threw the other dog away,” Fowler told them of the male dog.

Prosecutors said the formation of the task force a year later enabled them to charge Fowler. Before the task force, there was no coordinated approach between the city health department, police and Stray Rescue.

Cases like Fowler’s had also previously been handled as ordinance violations in municipal court.

News Link:-http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-woman-admits-to-throwing-dog-in-trash-bin/article_596d8a0e-a1c6-5d47-a23b-7ccef2a22b04.html

Video: Bad To Chase Bunnies At The Rodeo?

One bunny had a broken jaw and was missing its tail. Three more wound up at the home of a Cottage Grove employee after a co-worker said her kids couldn’t keep them. “Video at end of this post”!

Heather Crippen of Red Barn Rabbit Rescue says that those were a few of the results of a previous “animal scramble” at the Cottage Grove Rodeo.

Bunny at recent animal scramble. Photo Scott Becstead/HSUS

Crippen started Red Barn with her daughter and runs the small rescue out of her farm in Creswell. She says with 50 rabbits already and a waiting list of 20 more, she wants to avoid more hurt and homeless bunnies. She has been asking the rodeo, which will take place July 12-13, to sponsor a different event for children.

Rabbits are fragile and the event stresses, sickens and even kills them, she says. In the animal scramble last year, and at a recent one at Myrtle Creek in Douglas County, rabbits were tossed out of trailers or pickup trucks and into an arena where hordes of children were unleashed to chase and catch them.

Red Barn’s video of the 2012 scramble shows bunnies getting stepped on and, Crippen says, paralyzed with fear. If the kids catch a rabbit at the event, they keep it. An attendee at the Myrtle Creek scramble was reported to have said to his child, “You going to catch us a rabbit? Going to help dad butcher it?”

Crippen has offered to donate money to the Cottage Grove Riding Club (CGRC) for a different, animal-friendly event, such as one that hides money and prizes inside plastic eggs. The rodeo and scramble are a fundraiser for the riding club. At press time, the rescue’s offer has not been accepted.

CGRC president Kelli Fisher says the event benefits the community and it gives children “the opportunity to experience raising their own animal.”

Red Barn has discovered that the scramble is subject to USDA regulations. “They have to get licensed and inspected,” Crippen says. “Many of the regulations are for the protection and safety of the rabbits.” And she says she was told the rodeo only recently applied for the license, so she’s not sure how they will get approved in time.

Crippen emailed the club in May, asking that this year’s event be removed, saying she has heard from PETA and other groups that want to protest the scramble. Crippen wrote that Red Barn has tried to discourage protest and “we prefer a professional approach to this disagreement.”

The riding club responded with a letter from attorney Milton E. Gifford, who alleges that Crippen’s email “threatened that there would be protests and picketing.” He tells her that she does “not have the right to videotape any portion of the rodeo” and calls her email “veiled threats” and says she will “be held personally liable for intentional interference with business relations.” Fisher says, “I and our board consider Red Barn and its members to be cruel, hurtful and a threat to our families.”

Scott Beckstead, Oregon director for the Humane Society of the United States, has been supporting Crippen’s efforts to end the scramble. He says…

“It is our position that this event is inherently cruel to the rabbits, and promotes unhealthy attitudes about pet ownership by awarding live animals as ‘prizes.’ Rabbits are delicate, sensitive little creatures, and turning them loose in a rodeo arena to be chased by a throng of children subjects them to an unreasonable risk of terror, shock and injury.”

Beckstead says that rabbits are the third most common animal at shelters and humane societies, and events such as the scramble strain those resources. Crippen and Beckstead have met with Faye Stewart, the Lane County commissioner from Cottage Grove, and Crippen spoke to the County Commission on June 4 about her concerns over the animal scramble. Fisher says CGRC is working with the local Humane Society chapter to improve the event.

Rabbit Scramble Event – South Douglas Rodeo

Published on 9 Jun 2013

**Filmed by a volunteer

South Douglas Rodeo’s “traditional” rabbit scramble is a youth event for children under the age of six years old. The children as lined up on the fence while rabbits are dumped into the arena from the bed of a truck. On go, the children sprint and chase down their prey, a living “prize” that will come with a small baggy of food and a sticker with care instructions.

Share your thoughts about the “Rabbit Scramble” and send your opinion to the South Douglas Rodeo.

Send letters to:
South Douglas Rodeo 
1170 North Myrtle Road
Myrtle Creek, OR 97457

Please consider supporting Red Barn Rabbit Rescue and making a donation.
www.redbarnrabbitrescue.org

News Link:-http://www.eugeneweekly.com/20130613/news-briefs/bad-chase-bunnies-rodeo

Cruelty Tipster Program In T.O. Canada

Organization grows to the big smoke. Winnipeg‘s Paw Tipsters has gone national.

The non-profit organization, which started in July 2012 to combat animal abuse in partnership with Winnipeg Crime Stoppers, announced today its expansion to Toronto.

Paw Tipsters operates with the same anonymity as Crime Stoppers, where people call the hotline to report information of animal abuse. Tips are investigated and if evidence of abuse is uncovered, there is a cash reward.

“Since we started it, I always thought it would be something that would be good to have right across Canada because animal cruelty doesn’t just take place here,” said Winnipeg Paw Tipsters president Yvonne Russell. “I thought Toronto would be a great starting point and we already have a working relationship here with Crime Stoppers so it was easy for Toronto Crime Stoppers to jump on board.”

Russell is in Toronto today for the official announcement.

“I’m excited to see us grown in this way, Toronto is a huge city. I’m just really proud of what Paw Tipsters is doing

Paw Tipsters’ Yvonne Russell at home with her pooches Mike (left) and Garry.

and what we are becoming. Hopefully it’s going to spread like wildfire out there and people are going to be phoning in animal-cruelty tips in Toronto as well.”

She said further expansion is planned as Paw Tipsters prepares to approach another large city.

To report incidents of animal cruelty, people are asked to call the Crime Stoppers line at 204-786-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

Paw Tipsters also forwards any information it receives directly to Crime Stoppers, which links with local law enforcement organizations to handle the investigation and, if necessary, the Winnipeg Humane Society or provincial veterinarian office. It will work the same way in Toronto.

Russell said each tip is investigated and serious tips can pay $2,000 to the tipster.

“We will pay more for the larger-scale tips,” she said. “We would like to get to the bottom of puppy mills and dog-fighting so tips like that would pay in the neighborhood of $2,000.”

“We’re starting to make a bigger difference, the more people know about us,” Russell said. “I always thought that if we saved even one animal, it was worth it to me. The big thing is just saving them from the situation that they are in. Calls come in all the time and several animals have been removed from very bad situations due to the tips through Paw Tipsters so to me, it’s already so worthwhile.”

Paw Tipsters is a registered charity that relies on donations to pay for tips so anyone wanting to help is asked to email pawtipsters@hotmail.ca.

Call Winnipeg Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a tip online at www.winnipegcrimestoppers.org. Callers never have to reveal their identity. If your tip is helpful, you could receive up to $2,000.

News Link:-http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/cruelty-tipster-program-in-to-211782491.html