dear Board Members, Members and dog lovers:

   
       The Miami Herald recently ran an article about “pit bulls” used as service dogs in Miami Dade County despite the ban on dogs that animal control officers believe look like “pit bulls”.  We would like to clarify some statements made in the article and correct others. 

     
Miami Dade County’s ban on these dogs was grandfathered in when Florida made it illegal to discriminate based on a dog’s breed.  Dogs that look like pit bulls are protected elsewhere in Florida from discrimination based on breed. 

Larry Steinhauser is quoted as saying the pit bulls he has seen are “aggressive”. Of course, we don’t know whether he has seen one or two or any “pit bulls”. People cannot look at most dogs and accurately determine their breed. Recently, in Denver Dr. Victoria Voith did a little test on animal shelter directors, dog trainers and others who work with dogs.  They were asked to view 20 dogs on a videotape and identify each one by breed including whether the dog was a purebred or a mix. The professionals were surprised by how few dogs they identified correctly by breed. Voith believes as many as 75% of the pit bull identifications made by shelter workers, animal control or law enforcement are wrong. She is the author of Shelter Medicine: A Comparison of Visual and DNA Identifications of BREEDS of Dogs.  As DNA testing becomes more reliable, it is proving that many of the dogs identified as pit bull are actually a mix of dozens of breeds with little or none of the DNA of pit bull type dogs.

That means a lot of dogs condemned by BSL are not even "pit bull" breeds.   

In the last two legislative sessions pit bull bans like those proposed by Mr. Steinhauser were defeated. That is because legislators understand breed bans don’t work to make communities safe. Study after study has proven this. Dogs don't bite because of breed or appearance; they bite out of fear that could have been the result of poor socialization, neglect, abuse, tethering or confinement or isolation.  In other words, it is the owner's negligent or criminal actions that are responsible, not the dog's breed or appearance.

Breed bans penalize responsible owners and mean the death of dogs that are not in any way dangerous.  Breed discrimination is also very costly for communities. Think of it. It means taxpayers are paying animal control officers to run around and hunt down and kill dogs they think are pit bulls when we know even trained professionals cannot identify the breed of most dogs.

We would have like to see Mr. Steinhauser come to our Annual MCABSL BBQ Pit Event or Ernie Sims Pitbulls on Parade Event  (in Tally). He would have the chance to meet dozens of Pit Bulls, Staffies and mixes and experience the true temperament and standard of these incredible dogs. We think if he had attended this event, he would have realized you can’t predict whether a dog may bite based on appearance or breed or what you think the breed may be. He also would have had a great time with some wonderful dogs! 

   
     The other person quoted in the article is Ms. Janet Severt, from New Horizons Service Dogs in Orlando, Florida, She is quoted as stating that although she disagrees with the ban she would never train a Pit Bull as a Service Dog. But remember the Center for Disease Control states: “There is no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill.” In some “Bite Lists“ the top biters are Labs and Golden Retrievers which Ms. Severt recommends and trains as Service Dogs!

Again, it is not possible to predict whether a dog may bite based on appearance or some belief about breed.

   
There have been a number of Pits, Staffies and mixes who have been service dogs.  There is Ruby who visited Hialeah Hospital and Ice Pop who constantly visits hospitals and has raised more than $10,000.00 dollars for charities by offering $1.00 per kiss…They were both rescued from inhumane conditions as pups. The list goes on...Pits, Staffies and their mixes make wonderful service dogs! Miami-Dade County’s recognition that pit bulls can be service dogs proves how illogical and irrational the breed ban is. And how tragic for the dogs and the people who love them. 


Respectfully,



Dahlia Canes~Edel Miedes-Directors
The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation.
(305) 323~3960

for more information please contact the dept. ADA info line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 ada.gov

1. Sit at the door when guests enter (no jumping up!)
2. Sit to have leash and collar put on before going out.
3. Sit when front door opens for walk until released to move forward.
4. Sit in the kitchen to avoid counter surfing.
5. Sit while food is being served at the dinner table.
6. Sit while bowls are being put on the ground to prevent rushing and spilling the bowl.
7. Sit before getting in the car so you can load it first.
8. Sit when you open the car door so your dog doesn’t jump out into traffic.
9. Sit at sidewalk curbs to wait until it's safe to cross the street.
10. Sit and look at you instead of barking at other dogs on a walk.
11. Sit to prevent your dog from running off.
12. Sit while you get your keys out at the front door.
13. Sit to clip nails on front paws.
14. Sit at the top/bottom of a staircase so you don’t trip over your dog.
15. Sit before owner throws favorite toy. Repeat for each toss.
16. Sit before taking down the baby gate or other management barrier, or before coming out of the crate.
17. Sit calmly to have front feet dried off in rain/muddy weather.
18. Sit patiently while owner pets or treats other dogs in the household.
19. Sit stay while owner pays for items at the pet supply store.
20. Sit stay while others pass by when you're on an off-leash hike.
21. Sit stay to keep dog from getting over-stimulated by any exciting situation.
22. Sit to give a “high 5” trick.
23. Sit to do the “say your prayers” trick.
24. Sit to do the “sit up and beg” trick.
25. Sit stay on a walk when you stop to pick-up after your dog

What items could possibly put my pet’s health in danger?

1. Some food items that people consider tasty treats may be considered dangerous for their pets. As tempting as it might be to share food with your four-legged friend, please resist! Some of the more hazardous food items include:

   Photo courtesy of Robert Inouye

   • Alcohol products (beer and wine)
   • Avocado
   • Coffee
   • Chocolate
   • Fruit/Seed pits (including corn cobs)
   • Garlic
   • Macadamia nuts
   • Onions
   • Xylitol (a sweetener and an ingredient found in chewing gum)
   • Yeast products (like raw bread dough)
2. You should also be aware that other, non-edible household items may be unsafe for your pet.  Examples of these are:
   • Antifreeze
   • Fabric softener sheets
   • Ice melting products
   • Insecticides
   • Liquid potpourri
   • Rat and mouse bait
   • Various household cleaners (including bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)
   • Swimming pool chemicals
3. Threats to your pet’s health can also come from outside the home. For example, some plants and flowers can be harmful to your pet.  The list below describes a few of the more common plants/flowers to be aware of.

What should I do if I think my pet has recently ingested any of the items listed above?

Please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.

Thanks to the generosity of Dade Community Foundation, Florida Animal Friend, Park Foundation, and PetSmart Charities, the Humane Society of Greater Miami is offering $5 spay/neuter surgeries for free roaming cats in Miami-Dade County.

“Free roaming cats are a community wide issue, and the population of owned pets and free roaming strays are intertwined. Some kittens that are born outside are rescued and become pets; and sadly many pets are abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the streets,” said Cindy Hewitt, Free Roaming Cat Program Coordinator for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. “The economic environment has made the problem even worse; the number of animals abandoned when their human family is evicted or foreclosed upon has increased dramatically.”

With Trap-Neuter-Return, outdoor cats are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Cats that have undergone the procedure are eartipped – a small portion of the left ear is removed for identification.

“As an organization that is dedicated to ending pet overpopulation, unless we sterilize the animals that live freely in the community we will not be able to make a dent in the cat overpopulation that is prominent in Miami-Dade County,” said Emily Marquez-Dulin, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

Residents can call 305-696-0800 to make appointments to have cats spayed or neutered, vaccinated and eartipped at the North Miami Beach location, 16101 West Dixie Highway or the Cutler Bay clinic located at 10700 SW 211th. In addition, surgeries are also performed at Bravo Animal Health Center at 10901 SW 186 Street, Cutler Bay, on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, excluding holidays and vacations. Call 305-234-9422 to verify they are doing surgeries before taking cats, but no appointment is necessary.

To borrow traps and learn more about trapping, please call Cat Network at 305-255-3482.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL PET BUSINESS HIRES ON A SITTER AND EXPANDS INTO SUNNY ISLES

Sunny Isles, Fla. – Mar. 5, 2010 -- Paws and Dogs, LLC (www.pawsanddogs.com) has announced their expansion into Sunny Isles by adding a team member to the area.  It allows pet owners to have piece of mind while on vacation or working late. A healthy pet’s lifestyle depends on daily walks for exercise and socialization.

According to Cesar Millan, a famous dog trainer and Leon F Whitney, D.V.M most dog issues or signs of instability can be modified with daily exercise. Some of the signs of instability are: jumping up on people, running away, obsessive barking, aggressiveness or antisocial behavior towards humans or other dogs. Most times these behaviors come about from boredom and lack of activity. These bad habits develop slowly and can be broken, but not in a short time.

Visits start at $15 for a half hour walk and feed.  To help celebrate their expansion company owner, Ana Bertran, is offering one free walk per household in the area of Sunny Isles.

About Paws And Dogs LLC

Paws And Dogs has been in business for three years, servicing Aventura through Midtown and the Beaches. P&D provides dog walking and pet sitting services, along with supply pick up and drop off at competitive and affordable pricing.  They are members of Pet Sitters International, a Professional Pet Sitters association, are insured and have references in the area.

For more information on the services provided by Paws and Dogs visit http://www.pawsanddogs.com or call 305-496-3709.

Ana Bertran

Paws And Dogs LLC

305.496.3709

info@pawsanddogs.net

# # #

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.

Each year, the group sends Valentine's Day cards and dog treat coupons to chained canines across the country during its Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. The group includes a brochure for the dog's caretakers, explaining why the practice of continuously chaining dogs is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home or to find better homes for the animals. This year, the group hopes to reach 15,000 dogs.

Here are a few suggestions on how to make doggy valentines, mail coupons to dogs, submit addresses of chained dogs, and more. Also, visit the Dogs Deserve Better website to see what others have done to help.

Making valentines for chained dogs is a great project for kids! Visit DogsDeserveBetter.org to see what volunteers have created in the past. Hurry—the deadline for submitting valentines is Feb. 5.

Know a penned or chained dog who could use a valentine? Find out their address and call 877-636-1408, e-mail addresses to info@dogsdeservebetter.org or fill out the form at Dogs Deserve Better's website by Feb. 5. Don't worry—your information will remain anonymous.

In addition to a valentine, each dog will receive a coupon for free or discounted dog treats or food. Make sure your coupons go to good use—mail them by Feb. 5 to Dogs Deserve Better, P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.

The cost of this campaign is quite high due to material and mailing fees, but it is well worth it! You may either sponsor valentines for addresses you provide, or sponsor valentines for others who provide addresses. Sponsor your valentines at Dogs Deserve Better's website »

Download the free kit "The Guide to a Dog's Life: Chaining and Your Community," a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to pass an anti-chaining ordinance in your area—and start helping dogs now »

As social animals, dogs need to have regular interactions with their family. Dogs who are left chained up in the yard experience boredom, loneliness, and isolation, which eventually lead to territorial and aggressive behaviors. Read more »

Dogs Deserve Better can be reached at 877-636-1408 (toll-free); email info@dogsdeservebetter.org  or visit www.DogsDeserveBetter.org.

From; HSUS

At the end of October, a USDA laboratory confirmed a Nebraska ferret died of H1N1 infection. Around the same time, three ferrets living in one Oregon household were also diagnosed with H1N1 infections.

Earlier this month, both the Iowa State Veterinarian and the Department of Public Health confirmed H1N1 flu in a domestic cat. This Iowa feline and the Oregon ferrets are reportedly recovering from their illnesses. 

It appears that all pets so far stricken with H1N1 flu were infected by human household members who had recently been ill with the virus. Animals who have contracted H1N1 influenza have shown the typical signs of respiratory illness such as lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, coughing and changes in breathing patterns including difficult or labored breathing.  

To date there are no reports of companion animals infecting humans with H1N1. There have also been no reports of canine H1N1 cases.

The canine influenza virus, H3N8, can be transmitted from dog to dog, and a canine H3N8 influenza vaccine is available. However, the H3N8 vaccine will not prevent H1N1 infection.

The worst time to look for a new veterinarian is when your pet is sick. Here's how to plan ahead and choose wisely »

Neither the H1N1 vaccine, nor any other human influenza vaccine, is appropriate for non-human species and it should not be given to pets for any reason. The same caution holds true for human anti-viral formulations; they are generally not appropriate companion animal medications.

Our animal companions live in very close proximity to us. The best way to keep pets safe from contracting influenza is to routinely use common sense preventive health measures within your household. These include practicing good hygiene by washing your hands often and certainly before and after contact with sick individuals and with your pets. Minimize your own and your pets’ exposures to flu sufferers and if you yourself are ill, limit contact with your pets to all but absolutely necessary interactions.

During this flu season, strive to keep your pets in overall good health with regular preventive health care and consult your veterinarian promptly if your pets show any signs of illness.

(Humane Society of the United States)

Most cancer symptoms in dogs and cats are identified through a variety of different behaviors. These are typically not recognized as cancer warnings by the pet owner. The American Veterinary Medical Association has organized a Top Ten list to help pet owners identify cancer symptoms in dogs and cats:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

(Veterinary Cancer Society)