THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The state’s first-ever day of amnesty to allow owners of exotic animals to turn in their illegally owned pets netted boa constrictors, pythons, alligators and an anaconda Saturday.
State officials at the Bridgeport Zoo asked about the animals’ diets, medical history and temperament, but owners weren’t asked their names. In Connecticut, it’s illegal to own large, potentially dangerous wild animals. (more…)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SPRING HILL, Fla. — Officials on the west coast of Florida are crafting new safeguards after mistakenly euthanizing a woman’s cat.
Maria Velez’s cat “Buddy” had been quarentined for four days at a Hernando County Animmal Services shelter after biting a pet sitter. But when she and her 11-year-old son went to pick up the orange, tiger-stripe cat they found it had been mistakenly euthanized. An animal services worker who thought she was calling Buddy’s owner called the wrong person. That person, who had also brought a cat to the shelter, said they did not want the cat and gave permission to have it euthanized. Buddy was euthanized instead. (more…)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI— A South Florida teenager accused of a string of cat killings and mutilations is set to appear court.
A bond hearing for 18-year-old Tyler Hayes Weinman is scheduled Monday afternoon. He was charged Sunday with 19 counts each of animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body. (more…)
McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In Southwest Ranches, Fla., a 100-pound Siberian lynx named Sasha roams Steve and Barbara Burk’s house like the alpha-male predator he is.
At times the powerful cat paws playfully at a llama, a goat or another critter in the menagerie of animals the Burks invite in to wander the house. At other times Sasha grows bored with the barnyard hoi polloi and retires to his bedroom, furnished with a double bed and a television. (more…)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A golden retriever who was 400 miles from his Atlanta home booked a trip back by simply looking pathetic outside of a Florida travel agency.
Nine months ago, Pepper ran away from Atlanta while his family was on vacation. He somehow made it down to St. Petersburg. It’s unknown if he got a ride or wandered on his own. (more…)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
KEY WEST, Fla. — The famed six-toed cats at Ernest Hemingway’s island home aren’t going anywhere.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum announced Thursday that it reached an agreement with the federal government that lets the 50 or so cats continue roaming the grounds. The agreement ends a five-year battle that could have resulted in the cats being removed or caged. (more…)
KRISHA WILLIAMS TURBEVILLE
RESCUE IN THE ROCK
The Humane Society of the United States is preparing staff and equipment as Hurricane Gustav approaches the Gulf Coast, according to a news release.
“Our entire animal rescue team has been put on standby to deploy at a moment’s notice if our assistance is needed,” said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of emergency services at for the society. “The Humane Society of the United States has deployed a core team of responders today to begin transporting our specially equipped disaster-response vehicles and rescue boat to the Gulf Coast.” (more…)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LONDON — The finish line is looming for the greyhounds of Walthamstow Stadium, a London landmark frequented by everyone from Winston Churchill to Brad Pitt and where David Beckham worked as a teenager.
Saturday sees the end for the 75-year-old temple to the archetypal British sport of greyhound racing. Famed for its heady atmosphere and pink-and-green neon sign, the track is closing after the owners agreed to sell the site to developers. (more…)
Rescue in the Rock focuses on pets and champions animal rescue in central Arkansas. It's also a resource for owners and rescuers, linking organizations around the state and country. Please feel free to email me
suggestions or news tips. Krisha Williams Turbeville is news editor for ArkansasOnline.
KRISHA WILLIAMS-TURBEVILLE
Longer, hotter Arkansas days can take their tole on our four-legged friends, even those who sedentary.
The Humane Society of the United States offers the K-9 Keep Cool Mat made of nontoxic crystal beads that absorb water.
Soak the mat in cool water for 15-20 minutes, and The Humane Society guarantees the mat will keep your dog cool for as long as two days.
The handwashable mat ranges from $34 to $65, depending upon size. It's available from The Humane Society's online shop, Humane Domain.
KRISHA WILLIAMS TURBEVILLE
The Feline Funhouse seems like a great alternative to leaving your scaredy cat inside exclusively.
I haven't tried this product, but I think our cat, Simon, would love it. He is afraid of the outdoors, but cries pitifully when we spend time on the deck or in the yard.
He also moans when our other cat, Annabel, who's much more adventurous, takes her nightly constitutionals.
This pop-up enclosure can be used outside or in (for those times when feline drama compels Cat A to temporarily hate Cat B).
Made of weather-resistant nylon, the Funhouse boasts durable netting, but I'd have to see my 20-pound cat have his way with it to believe it would be long-lasting.
It comes with a carrying case, but the nylon floor pad is sold separately for $15, on top of $75 for the Funhouse itself.
For more information, please visit The Humane Society of the United States at Humane Domain.
