ARL Humane Action Network

10/31/2024

NEW EPISODE: The latest episode of For Love of Animals is available!

In this week's episode, Carol and Dan are joined by ARL CEO Tom Colvin! They start off by sharing facts about black cats and rats, including how Tom earned the nickname "Rat Boy" from a DJ in California. Next, Tom tells all about the ARL's capital campaign to transform the future of animal rescue and how YOU can help! Dan shares a newly discovered species, then they wrap up by discussing ARL events.

In this week's episode, Carol and Dan are joined by ARL CEO Tom Colvin! They start off by sharing facts about black cats and rats, including how Tom earned the nickname "Rat Boy" from a DJ in California. Next, Tom tells all about the ARL's capital campaign to transform the future of animal rescue an...

10/29/2024

IN THE NEWS: GA - DeKalb County Commission approves ordinance regulating animal sales

"The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, at its Oct. 8 meeting, approved an ordinance banning the transient and outdoor sales of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in unincorporated DeKalb County."

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, at its Oct. 8 meeting, approved an ordinance banning the transient and outdoor sales of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in unincorporated DeKalb County.

10/29/2024

IN THE NEWS: IL - Evanston Animal Welfare Board weighs in on landlord pet restrictions

"The Animal Welfare Board covered plenty of ground during its virtual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, but spent much of its time discussing proposed changes that would prohibit restricting tenants based on the breed of their pets."

10/28/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Fort Dodge man charged in Linn County with killing cat

"A Fort Dodge man was arrested Wednesday in Linn County and charged with violently killing a cat.

Jacob Mills, 38, is charged with animal abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor."

A Fort Dodge man was arrested in Linn County Wednesday and charged with violently killing a cat.

10/28/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Sioux City woman charged with starving dogs, cats

"Zunilda Reyes Vega, 32, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Woodbury County Jail on seven counts of animal neglect, an aggravated misdemeanor, and two counts of animal neglect charged as a simple misdemeanor. Bond was set at $3,000.

Reyes Vega owned or had control over six dogs and four cats at her home in the 800 block of South Martha Street from August through Sept. 9, when animal control officers responded to complaints about dogs appearing thin and uncared for."

SIOUX CITY — A Sioux City woman has been arrested and charged with keeping starving, worm-infested animals at her Morningside home.

10/15/2024

IN THE NES: TX - Texas advocates want lawmakers to tackle stray pet crisis

"Animal shelters across Texas are — and have been — overcrowded, say advocates, who are urging the public to help by fostering or adopting these animals.

The more pressing challenge is convincing pet owners to spay and neuter their pets, animal welfare advocates said."

Animal welfare advocates plan to ask Texas lawmakers to make changes they hope will slow the growing number of stray animals across the state.

10/15/2024

IN THE NEWS: MA - Governor Healey Signs Ollie’s Law to Improve Safety for Pets Staying at Kennels

"The law was inspired by the story of Ollie and his mom Amy Baxter. In 2020, Amy received the horrifying news that her beloved seven-month-old Labradoodle, Ollie, had been injured in a dog fight while staying at a doggy daycare. He was seriously wounded, required around-the-clock care and surgery and had to remain in the hospital. Tragically, Ollie succumbed to his injuries and passed away two months later."

A lock icon ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the official website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

10/14/2024

IN THE NEWS: NE - Nebraska Humane Society working to become ‘no kill’ shelter

"Data from the national animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society, showed nearly 1,700 cats and dogs were euthanized in Nebraska shelters last year, with more than 1,100 of those at Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha.

“It really is a tough topic to talk about, but they are decisions that have to be made occasionally,” said Steven Elonich, the Nebraska Humane Society’s VP of PR, Marketing and Internal Communication."

"No kill" is defined as saving 90 percent of animals a year.

10/14/2024

IN THE NEWS: PA - A tax exclusion bill to promote adoptions from animal shelters to be introduced

"Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Bridgeville, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for a sales tax exemption on animals adopted from a reputable animal shelter."

Legislation soon to be introduced in the state Legislature aims to boost adoptions from animal shelters. Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Bridgeville, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for a sales tax exemption on animals adopted from a reputable animal shelter. “Beyond the cost savings of adoption ...

10/13/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Authorities investigating cats suspected of being abandoned by Sunny's Legacy cat rescue

"Last week, numerous individuals began sharing photos on social media of cats roaming around Melrose Court in Burlington near the home of Rebecca Rosales, the owner and operator of Sunny’s Legacy, who had previously housed the rescue cats at her home at 105 Melrose Court."

Local authorities are investigating cats suspected of being abandoned by the now-defunct Burlington cat rescue organization Sunny’s Legacy.

10/13/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Former owner of PHill the water buffalo pleads guilty, fined $105

"The former owner of the water buffalo that roamed loose in Pleasant Hill for five days in August pleaded guilty on Thursday and has been fined for the widely publicized incident.

Prem Nepal, the owner of the water buffalo lovingly nicknamed "PHill" by Pleasant Hill residents, pleaded guilty for having an animal at large and was fined $105 plus court costs, according to court documents."

The former owner of the water buffalo that roamed loose in Pleasant Hill for five days in August pleaded guilty and was fined $105.

10/12/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Urbandale pet leash ordinance passes first reading

"The new rule would mandate that animals not on their owner's property be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet.

There would be exceptions in places like dog parks."

A proposed pet leash law in Urbandale passed its first test this week.

10/12/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Cedar Falls City Council to move ahead with new animal control task force proposal

The City Council approved the proposal on Monday night.

10/03/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Former owner of PHill the water buffalo charged with misdemeanor for his escape

"The former owner of the water buffalo that roamed loose in Pleasant Hill for five days in August has been charged with a misdemeanor.

Prem Nepal, the owner of the water buffalo lovingly nicknamed "PHill" by Pleasant Hill residents, has been charged with animal at large, a simple misdemeanor in Iowa, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday."

Prem Nepal, the former owner of PHill, has been charged with animal at large for its five-day escape in August.

10/03/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - 3 Ottumwa Dogs saved from being euthanized due to Ottumwa's Pit Bull Ban

"Here in Washington Iowa, the PAWS and More Animal Shelter welcomed three dogs from Ottumwa - saving them from possibly being euthanized.

The city of Ottumwa seized the animals because their owners violated the ban on pit bulls."

The ban on Pit Bulls in Ottumwa has been debated since it has been put in place over 20 years ago. KYOU's Randall Gimm visited two pit bulls that were relocated to Washington, Iowa to avoid being euthanized and to hear from those against breed bans.

10/02/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Rise in animal hoarding cases overwhelms local shelters in Muscatine

"A recent animal hoarding case in Muscatine has left the local humane society overwhelmed as they care for 20 dogs rescued from deplorable conditions. The incident, prompted by an anonymous tip, has highlighted the growing number of similar rescues that local shelters are struggling to manage."

A recent animal hoarding case in Muscatine has left the local humane society overwhelmed as they care for 20 dogs rescued from deplorable conditions. The incident, prompted by an anonymous tip, has highlighted the growing number of similar rescues that local shelters are struggling to manage.

10/02/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - 20 dogs rescued from Muscatine home

"Twenty dogs were rescued from a Muscatine home Thursday, according to Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel. The animals were taken to the Muscatine Humane Society where they were cleaned up and received a health examination from a veterinarian, according to a news release."

Twenty dogs were rescued from a Muscatine home Thursday, according to Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel. The animals were taken to the Muscatine Humane Society where they were cleaned…

10/01/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Cedar Bend animal shelter at full capacity; suspends owner surrenders

"Cedar Bend Humane Society has temporarily suspended owner surrenders at the shelter, including all dogs and cats over 30 pounds.

With nearly 500 cats and dogs, the shelter is at full capacity."

Cedar Bend Humane Society is facing a crisis with nearly 500 cats and dogs, reaching full capacity and suspending owner surrenders for pets over 30 pounds.

10/01/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Urbandale considering new leash requirements for all dogs

"Restrictions would include keeping dogs on a leash at all times when off your property, and requiring leashes are no longer than six feet long."

Restrictions would include keeping dogs on a leash at all times when off your property, and requiring leashes are no longer than six feet long.

09/30/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Cedar Valley Humane Society struggling with over-capacity after rescuing 22 pets

"Despite adopting out over a hundred animals in August, Viner says the shelter has been at capacity for 9 months, largely due to a high number of owner surrenders.

But after taking in 22 animals from a hoarding case on Monday, the need for adopters is even higher."

Executive Director Lonnie Viner says more pets are going in than coming out, largely due to rising pet costs and an increase in owner surrenders.

09/30/2024

IN THE NEWS:: CA - California’s underground puppy trade ‘raises serious alarms’ and demands for state action

"Lawmakers and animal welfare advocates say California must address “disturbing” findings in a Los Angeles Times investigation into the state’s lucrative underground puppy resale market, and called on state officials to end the practice of destroying crucial pet import records."

A Times investigation of California's underground puppy resale market "raises serious alarms about the inhumane treatment of pets," Gov. Newsom's office said.

09/29/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - ‘Unsanitary’ and ‘inhumane’: Police seize 3 dogs, 8 cats from home in Clinton Co.

"According to the Clinton Police Department, officers executed a search warrant on Thursday in the 600 block of 1st Avenue in reference to an animal neglect investigation.

Clinton police said they were able to locate three dogs and one cat inside the home, as well as an additional seven cats outside in a chicken coop."

Clinton police seized several pets from a home they described as “unsanitary and inhumane”.

09/29/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - Most puppies in California’s underground market come from the Midwest — some from puppy mills

"Investigative reporters Melody Gutierrez and Alene Tchekmedyian spent more than a year digging into records tracing pure bred puppies imported to California. They found an unregulated puppy pipeline involving loopholes, consumer fraud and mass breeding facilities with owners citied for horrific living conditions. Excited new puppy owners were told their expensive pup was locally bred, but sometimes ended up with a sick or even dead puppy."

A recent Los Angeles Times investigation found, since 2019, more than 70% of dogs going into California came from the Midwest — Iowa being one of the top states exporting puppies.

09/27/2024

IN THE NEWS: DC - Congress considers bill helping with costs of veterinary care, pet insurance

"The People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act (H.R. 9508) amends Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to allow pet owners to use their HSA or FSA accounts to cover up to $1,000 for veterinary care or a pet health insurance plan. These funds would be available for those with service animals as well within current HSA and FSA contribution limits."

New bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress would help Americans manage the costs of veterinary care and pet insurance by authorizing tax-advantaged health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts for pets and service animals.

09/27/2024

IN THE NEWS: IA - USDA sued for licensing Iowa puppy mill with a history of violations

"The lawsuit alleges that the USDA has violated the federal Animal Welfare Act by repeatedly renewing the license of Steve Kruse, an Iowa-based breeder who operates a large-scale kennel in West Point and has a long history of animal welfare violations.

The ASPCA claims the USDA routinely licenses dog breeders and dealers such as Kruse despite the agency’s direct knowledge of practices that fall far below the standards required by the Animal Welfare Act."

The animal-welfare organization is suing the federal government over its alleged lax oversight of a major Iowa puppy-mill operator.