He Ran, But He Couldn’t Hide

Here’s a good lesson for anyone who thinks a “hit and run” is not a crime when the victim is an animal. Our Humane Law Enforcement department arrested a man in Staten Island for striking a dog with his car, then fleeing the scene. The five-month-old dog had been on a walk with his owner.

Sad to say, the puppy died soon after the accident at a nearby animal hospital. To read more about the case, visit our pressroom.

What’s it Like to Cuff an Animal Abuser?

Wanna know? Ask ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, we’ll be hosting a live chat with one of your favorite animal cops on the ASPCA Online Community.

You know Officer Sandano from Animal Precinct—she’s the agent who sports the high ponytail! Don’t miss this opportunity to chat up a real champion for animals. The discussion will take place from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST.

Please visit our anti-cruelty pages to check out previous discussions with HLE officers, including Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. For the latest news on what the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement team is up to, read our Police Blotter.

Join Us Today for Live Chat With ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Expert

Are instances of animal cruelty becoming more prominent in the courtroom and in police investigations?

Why would someone harm a helpless animal?

How can we educate communities on the horrors of dog fighting?

News of animal abuse is warranting more of the public's attention than ever, with increasing interest in discovering what's behind the cruelty. Here to discuss how we can fight animal cruelty by better understanding what drives humans toward it is the ASPCA's Dr. Randall Lockwood, Sr. VP, Anti-Cruelty Field Services. His expertise draws from 25 years of partnership with humane societies and law enforcement agencies.

Join Today's Chat!
Chat time: Noon to 2:00 PM, EST.
Chat place: ASPCA Online Community

This Sunday, Get The Real Truth About The Michael Vick Case

“I want to apologize.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“Those things just didn’t have to happen.”

—Michael Vick, former football star sentenced to 23 months in federal prison on charges in connection with a dog fighting operation on his property in Virginia

The sentence may have been handed down, but the concern and questions still remain. What happened to the dogs seized in the case? How did Vick get involved in this underworld?

Many of these questions will be answered this Sunday night during “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case," the premiere episode of Animal Planet’s new series on animal forensics. The one-hour show offers an in-depth look at Vick and exposes the hidden world of dog fighting—and for the first time on national television, lead investigator Bill Brinkman talks about the inner workings of the case.

The episode will also feature interviews with Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, and Officer Annemarie Lucas, Supervisory Special Investigator, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. As reported in ASPCA News Alert, the ASPCA worked closely with federal authorities at every step of the case, first assisting in forensic examinations and later leading behavior evaluations of the seized dogs.

“Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case" airs at 10:00 P.M. EST this Sunday, August 24; please note, the episode does feature footage from underground dog fighting videos—viewer discretion is advised.

ASPCA to Speak at Conference on Michael Vick Case

The 2007 dog fighting scandal and resulting federal case against former football star Michael Vick and his codefendants dominated the press for months and generated overwhelming public concern. On Friday, September 19, the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Canine Research Council will host “Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers and Caring for the Victims—the Michael Vick Case and Its Impact on Cruelty Cases” at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL. The purpose of the event is to learn from the proceedings of the federal case and discuss its impact on future cruelty cases.

The program will feature the ASPCA’s own Dr. Melinda Merck, the lead forensic veterinarian on the Vick case, who will present “Forensic Veterinary Medicine at Work: Case Histories.” Additionally, Dr. Pamela J. Reid, Vice President, ASPCA Animal Behavior Center, will be a featured panelist in a discussion called “Evaluating and Caring for the Victims: Where They Are Now.” Ledy VanKavage, ASPCA Senior Director of Legal Training & Legislation, is the conference’s program chair.

“This was an extremely important case that warrants some ‘post-game’ review,” says VanKavage. “As horrific as it was, the Vick case taught society to reexamine how we investigate, prosecute and care for the victims of animal fighting.”

For more information, please visit the ABA online.

Dying Puppy Abandoned—Owner Busted!

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement has caught a 32-year-old man who tried to shirk responsibility by abandoning his sick dog in another borough.

On July 25, ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas arrested Bronx resident Russell Hobbs for animal cruelty. He has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Hobbs allegedly abandoned his sick eight-month-old pit bull puppy, Lucy, on July 3, leaving her tethered outside an apartment building on 91st Street in Manhattan. A concerned passerby brought the dog to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians discovered that she was critically ill with parvovirus. Despite attempts to save her, Lucy died four days later.

Under New York State law, abandoning an animal is a misdemeanor crime punishable by a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Teen Arrested for Cruelty to Kitten

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents have concluded an investigation into the severe injuries of a six-month-old kitten with the arrest of a 15-year-old girl, a neighbor of the kitten’s owner.

ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Koch responded to an anonymous complaint about a cat in an apartment building in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn on February 11, 2008, and found the kitten, named Tiger, on the premises. Koch rushed Tiger to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH), where veterinarians treated her for a collapsed lung and a broken rib—wounds reportedly sustained from being thrown down a flight of stairs by the teen.

Tiger was relinquished to the ASPCA and completed her recovery in the ASPCA Adoption Center, where she was renamed Kitty and adopted on May 11. The 15-year-old arrestee—whose name cannot be released due to her juvenile status—faces unspecified charges.

“Abuse of animals by children or adolescents can be an indicator of family violence issues in the home,” says Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA Senior Vice President, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives and Legislative Services. “It’s also a warning of a person’s potential for additional serious acts of violence when they get older. It is important to respond to these situations to ensure that these children and their families have a better chance of getting the services they need to prevent future violence.”

Have you witnessed cruelty to animals? Please report it to the proper authorities. In New York City, contact the ASPCA's anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. To learn how to report cruelty elsewhere, visit our Report Cruelty section.

Read Our Rescue Diary: Pine Bluff Puppy Mill Raid

Late last month, the ASPCA assisted in Tennessee's largest-ever puppy mill raid. We were proud to assist with our special cruelty investigation team that included ASPCA Forensic Veterinary Assistant Felicia Earley, who shares her experiences here.

Day 1
June 23, Lyles, TN

I stayed in our Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit for most of the hectic first day of the puppy mill raid. Almost every dog from Pine Bluff Kennels was rail thin, matted and dirty, with horrid teeth and very long nails. They all smelled strongly of urine and feces. A few were in need of immediate emergency medical attention. We had a dachshund who had difficulty breathing and had to be put on oxygen. I found out later that she has severe tissue damage in her lungs. I shudder to think of what her life must have been like in the southern heat with breathing issues. We also saw a basset hound who had been lying in the sun and dirt, in labor, for an unknown length of time. The emergency vet said her puppies were stuck, and we all know what fate she might have met if left unassisted…

To read the rest of Earley’s journal from the Pine Bluff Kennels raid, please visit our Fight Cruelty section on ASPCA.org.

Major Dog Fighting Bust—ASPCA to the Rescue!

Late last week, the ASPCA joined the Humane Society of the United States and Madison County Animal Control in the morning raid of Shake Down Kennels, an alleged dog fighting operation in Danielsville, GA. Kennel owner Johnny Stewart Johnson, Jr. was charged with eight counts of felony dog fighting—one count for each of the seven pit bulls seized by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and an additional count of possessing dog fighting paraphernalia.

The ASPCA’s Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, Dr. Melinda Merck, was on the ground in Georgia with our Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit in order to examine and care for the dogs as well as gather and immediately process forensic evidence. “It was a privilege to be a part of this organized and thorough investigation,” says Merck, herself a Georgia resident. “Dog fighting cases are very complex, and it sometimes takes multiple resources in order to effectively bring them down."

The raid of Shake Down Kennels is Georgia’s first dog fighting bust since the May passage of legislation that strengthened the state’s dog fighting law, making it a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell a dog for the purpose of fighting. Under the new law, Johnson, 28, could be fined $5,000 and face one to five years in prison on each of the eight felony counts against him.

For complete details, please read our latest press release. To learn more about dog fighting, visit ASPCA.org/dogfighting.

Two NYC Dog Owners Arrested For Animal Cruelty

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents recently arrested two New York City men for unrelated incidents of animal neglect. Each man is charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

On June 19, ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Vais arrested Brooklyn resident Constantin Golie, 60. An anonymous tip led Agent Vais and another ASPCA officer to Golie’s basement, where they found Baba, a 12-year-old chow chow. Baba had no food or water, and she was suffering from severe matting and an ear infection. Baba was rushed to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH).

And on Monday, June 23, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Koch arrested Bronx resident John Monserrate, 30. Monserrate brought his 10-week-old male pit bull, Trux, to BMAH in late April, and veterinarians saw that the pup was dehydrated and starving, and had multiple untreated wounds. He was taken into ASPCA custody and received lifesaving medical care.

“When Trux came in, he weighed 5.9 pounds,” says Dr. Robert Reisman, Medical Coordinator of Animal Cruelty Cases at BMAH. “After one month in our care, his weight increased to 16 pounds. That’s a 171-percent increase—more than double the typical 50- to 75-percent growth rate for a healthy puppy his age. This proves that Trux had been underfed, and I have no doubt that he was critically ill when he came to us.”

Both men voluntarily relinquished ownership of their dogs to the ASPCA, and shelter staffers anticipate that Baba and Trux will be made available for adoption in the near future.

ASPCA Dispatches Forensics Team to Assist in Record-Breaking Puppy Mill Raid

Fighting Cruelty Update: The ASPCA is presently assisting in Tennessee’s largest-ever puppy mill raid, lending our special forensic cruelty investigation team and Mobile Animal CSI Unit to assist in the collection of evidence.

The 747 animals discovered in the raid, which began last Wednesday, were housed in various enclosures among the property’s 92 acres of hilly and rocky terrain known as Pine Bluff Kennels in Lyles, TN. The farm’s owners could face criminal charges.

“This is by far one of the worst situations I have ever seen,” says the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian and animal CSI. “Animals are in extreme cases of neglect and illness, and some are dead. The overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, flea and parasite infestation, as well as the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses, are severe.”

Animals in critical condition were examined immediately on the ASPCA’s CSI unit. To learn more about the raid, please read our complete press release. And stay tuned to ASPCA News Alert, for continuing coverage of the situation.

Update: USMC Disciplines Two Marines in Connection with Animal Cruelty Video

In early March, we reported the ASPCA’s official response to a video clip in which a member of the United States Military can be seen apparently committing a heinous act of animal cruelty.

We urged the United States Marine Corps to release the findings of its investigation involving the clip, and late last week it was announced that two Marines have been disciplined for their participation in the cruel killing of a puppy while stationed in Iraq. Lance Corporal David Motari and Sergeant Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion received Non-Judicial Punishments, the details of which are protected under the Privacy Act. Based in Hawaii with the 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, Lance Cpl. Motari will be discharged from the Corps for his role in the incident.

The Marine Corps Base Hawaii issued a statement last week denouncing the incident, claiming “the actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated.”

“The ASPCA has the highest respect for the brave and difficult task charged to the men and women stationed in Iraq,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “But as a just and humane country, we must protect the rights of all those who are defenseless, including animals. We appreciate the Marine Corps' thorough investigation of this repugnant act."

Please join us in our mission to help all animals live happy and healthy lives by signing our pledge to fight animal cruelty.

Oprah's Puppy Mill Episode Is Airing Again!

When we last posted about The Oprah Winfrey Show puppy mill episode, we got a strong response from you guys. Happily, the show succeeded in reaching the masses. But if you didn't see it, you've got a second shot! This important episode will be shown again tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, 4:00 P.M. EST. Thanks to investigator Lisa Ling, who went undercover into a handful of Pennsylvania puppy mills, the April 4 episode revealed to millions of viewers the horrific abuses that go on in these large-scale breeding facilities.

Raising awareness is one of the most important ways to effect change, so please don’t miss your chance to see the realities of this cruel industry. For more information on what you can do, please read our Top Ten Ways to Help Fight Puppy Mills.

Awarded for Justice, Our Role in Vick Case Honored

A few of our staff members were bummed about missing our NYC festivities on April 10, ASPCA Day, but they had a good reason--they were busy in Virgina, receiving awards!

At the ceremony for the U.S. Attorney's Office 2008 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards, four of our key staff members were recognized for their invaluable assistance in the federal investigation of ex-NFL star Michael Vick. The investigation—remarkable for the way it captured the public’s attention and for the wealth of resources invested by the federal government—called upon our experts to provide essential aid in veterinary forensics and to play a key role in the rescue of 49 dogs found on Vick’s Surry County, VA, property.

At the private award ceremony on April 10, presided over by Chuck Rosenberg, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia, ASPCA staff members represented the only animal welfare organization in a room full of FBI agents and other law enforcement heroes. Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director, Veterinary Forensics; Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, CAAB, Executive Vice President, National Programs; Dr. Randall Lockwood, CAAB, Senior Vice President, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives and Legislative Services, and Dr. Pamela Reid, CAAB, Vice President, Animal Behavior Center, each received an award for providing invaluable assistance in one of the most significant cases in the history of animal cruelty prosecution.

"It was very special to receive this award with my colleagues on the ASPCA's anniversary,” says Zawistowski. “The dedication and effort extended by the federal prosecutor and investigators, along with the public support for the effort, clearly confirmed that the mission we have followed for the past 142 years is alive and well."

For more information on the ASPCA’s groundbreaking anti-cruelty initiatives, please visit ASPCA.org.

Time to Talk Puppy Mills

This is a great time for an interactive discussion on puppy mills. Not only is April Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month, but Oprah's recent episode on puppy mills gave them much needed exposure. This is a topic on everyone's minds, and it couldn't be more important.

Join us Friday, April 18, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, to talk puppy mills with Bob Baker, ASPCA Investigator, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives. He is a key player in our ongoing efforts to combat the cruelties of puppy mills and large-scale commercial breeding operations. The chat will take place on the ASPCA Online Community.

Here, arm yourself with some great puppy mill information in preparation for the chat.

Action Against the So-Called "Greatest Show"

We have urged Turner Network Television (TNT) to immediately cancel Greatest Show on Earth, its upcoming series that touts a “behind-the-scenes” look at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Unfortunately, the real behind-the-scenes story is one of unrelenting cruelty to animals: the abuse of Ringling Bros. circus elephants has been exhaustively documented by animal welfare organizations, state humane agencies and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. The ASPCA—currently involved in a lawsuit against the circus for violations of the federal Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act—urges all those who care about animals to speak out against TNT’s new show.

In a March 19 letter to Turner Network’s president Steve Koonin, ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres wrote, “To entertain the unsuspecting public at the expense of the welfare of these noble animals goes against all tenets of humanity and our responsibility to protect the animals with whom we share the earth. TNT’s viewers should certainly not be subjected to such hypocritical and unethical programming.”

You can help us speak out against Greatest Show on Earth by emailing its producers, Mark Wolper and Al Hassas, at kathleen.doise@wbtvprod.com and al@thecollective-la.com, respectively. TNT president Steve Koonin can be contacted at anne.smith@turner.com. Letters may be sent to: Steve Koonin, President, Turner Network Television, 1010 Techwood Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

You can further fight animal exploitation and abuse by taking the ASPCA’s Pledge to Fight Animal Cruelty. Just a click will help you learn how to identify and report abuse, stay up-to-date on the latest animal cruelty news and learn how to write letters to your legislators in the name of animals.

To learn more about circus cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/circus.

Catch Oprah's Puppy Mill Show Today

As an animal advocate, you are well aware of the horrors of puppy mills, and may know that there are thousands of these large-scale breeding facilities all over the United States—but many Americans don’t.

Thanks to The Oprah Winfrey Show today, millions of viewers will learn about the realities of this cruel industry. Oprah’s investigator, Lisa Ling, went undercover into a handful of Pennsylvania’s puppy mills to bring national attention to the abuses that take place there. Raising awareness is one of the most important ways to effect change for puppy mill dogs—and we are so grateful to Oprah for tackling this important issue. Please take a moment and thank The Oprah Winfrey Show—and encourage her to do a follow-up!

For more information about today’s show, and about puppy mills, please click here.

Our Response to Infamous Marine-Puppy Video Clip

Thanks to everyone who contacted us about the video clip recently seen all over the Web, where a member of the United States Military can be seen apparently committing a heinous act of animal cruelty, flinging a puppy off a cliff.

We understand your outrage. Please click here to view our response. We invite and encourage you to share this link with your friends who are concerned about the upsetting incident.

Live Chat With ASPCA Lawyer-Lobby Expert!

I always hear the term “Breed Specific Legislation,” or BSL. What does that mean?

How can I help pass humane legislation in my state?

What’s the best way to get my legislator’s attention about a humane issue?

The number-one question we get here at the ASPCA is: How can I help? (This also happens to be our favorite question!) Lobbying for laws that protect animals is a great way to get involved. Wanna find out more about humane laws and how the legislative process works? Just ask the ASPCA’s Ledy VanKavage, Esq., Senior Director of Legislation and Legal Training.

VanKavage will be on hand to answer your questions live Friday, March 7 from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST in our ASPCA Online Community. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the humane movement! For more information, please visit the Lobby For Animals section on our website.

Live Chat with Animal Precinct Cop

She’s got sass and she’s got spunk. You might recall our September chat with Special Investigator Diane DiGiacomo, where she dished the dirt about what life is like on the force. This time she’s back to spill behind-the-scenes-secrets from the filming of Animal Precinct, Animal Planet’s hit reality showfeaturing the ASPCA’s animal cops on the job.

To talk to DiGiacomo live, please join the discussion on the ASPCA Online Community TODAY Feb. 22, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST.

Poor Poodle; Amazing Arrest

Last Tuesday, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan arrested Diana Elias, 52, at her home on East 122nd Street, New York City, on misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty. Following up on an anonymous complaint, Agent Ryan discovered Elias’s six-year-old miniature poodle, Miss Bea, in a closet, encased in a solid cocoon of matted hair laden with urine, feces and filth. Long-term lack of grooming and exercise had rendered Miss Bea unable to stand or walk; she was also suffering from an ear infection and nails so overgrown that they curled around and pierced the skin on her paw pads. Vets at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) removed three pounds of knotted hair—one-third of the dog’s total body weight.

“This was an extreme case of neglect, one that didn’t happen overnight,” says Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA Medical Coordinator of Animal Abuse Cases. “The muscles in Miss Bea's front legs had atrophied due to non-use, and her carpal joints—the equivalent of wrists in humans—became extended to compensate for her immobility. It took at least four months for her to reach this state.”

While Elias, charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, faces up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine, Miss Bea is getting her second chance at life and love. After completing medical treatment at BMAH, including spay surgery and a thorough grooming, she was made available for adoption. On February 14, her new parents, Gabrielle and Giovanna Sorci, came all the way from Pennsylvania to adopt the little white dog and give her the love and nurturing she deserves—a true Valentine’s Day success story!

If you know of an animal whose health is being compromised by neglect, please report it. In New York City, contact the ASPCA's anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. To learn how to report cruelty elsewhere, visit our Report Cruelty section.

Did You Catch CSI Last Night?

Created in close consultation with two ASPCA experts—Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives, and Dr. Melinda Merck, the country’s premiere “animal CSI,” last night’s episode focused on the brutal and illegal world of dog fighting. A special thanks to CSI for helping us raise public awareness of this abominable form of animal cruelty.

If you missed it and would like to learn more about what you can do to stop dog fighting, please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center.

Jason Taylor Has a New Defensive Strategy

Don’t sit on the sidelines, animal lovers—come join Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor on the ASPCA team! In a brand-new public service announcement (PSA) created by the ASPCA in partnership with the National Football League, Jason introduces us to his good buddy of 11 years, Bear the Akita. “Nothing compares to the love and loyalty of a pet,” says the defensive end. “This little guy’s a big part of my team….and today, we need you to get in this game.”

Jason is not only a football star, animal hero, and in the opinion of some female ASPCA staffers, dreamy—he was recently selected to play on the AFC Pro Bowl squad! Whoo-hoo!

**Got a blog or profile?
Help us spread the message by adding this video!

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The Sentence is In for Michael Vick

The ASPCA applauds the sentence received on Monday, December 10, by NFL quarterback Michael Vick. Vick, who pleaded guilty in August to federal charges in connection with a dogfighting operation on his property in Virginia, appeared before Judge Henry Hudson in Richmond, VA, and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, effective immediately. This is at the higher end of the federal sentencing guidelines of 18 to 24 months and is to be followed by a three-year probation period, during which time Vick is forbidden to own or have any contact with dogs other than supporting humane organizations.

“This is a significant moment in the history of animal cruelty prosecution,” says Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO. “It sends a clear message to criminals everywhere—this kind of barbaric cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”

Vick will serve 23 months minus the time he has already served since surrendering himself early. Two of his codefendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, were sentenced to 18 and 21 months respectively, on November 30.

The ASPCA is proud to have assisted federal investigators in many aspects of the case, such as participating in the excavation of graves and examination of remains, leading a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s Virginia property and making recommendations to the United States Department of Agriculture and U.S. Attorney’s office regarding the disposition of the dogs. “This case was investigated and prosecuted in a remarkably swift, thorough and collaborative fashion, and we have been honored to assist,” says Sayres. “It gives us some comfort that the animals who suffered did not do so in vain.”

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing criminal process, further details cannot be made available at this time. However, to keep abreast of ongoing developments in the Michael Vick case, please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center.

Watch CSI Tonight...Trust Us!

MUST-SEE TV: CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, "LYING DOWN WITH DOGS"
Don't miss this very special episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Focusing on the brutal and illegal world of dog fighting, the episode was created in close consultation with two ASPCA experts considered leaders in their field—Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives, and Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian and the country’s only “animal CSI.” The pair has assisted in the prosecution of several high-profile dog fighting and animal cruelty cases, including the recent Michael Vick case.

The episode will air tonight, December 13, from 9:00 P.M. to 10:00 PM, EST/PST on CBS. For more information on dog fighting, please visit ASPCA.org.

Footage of the ASPCA on NBC's Today show

Click here to watch!

Watch ASPCA President Ed Sayres and our very own Forensics Veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck unveil the news that made history today!

Forensics First

Good news! We’re ready to tell you what we were so hush-hush about yesterday. On NBC’s “Today” show this morning we unveiled to the nation the first-ever “Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit.”

In other words, the ASPCA now has its own CSI truck! This is a specially designed vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools as well as medical equipment tailored to animal patients and the victims of crimes. This is a big step for man, and an even bigger step for animal-kind!

The truck will operate under the leadership of the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian, the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, who, as you may know, is the nation’s only “animal CSI,” and who most recently assisted Federal authorities in the Michael Vick investigation. The mobile unit, which will be available to assist at crime scenes nationally, will allow Dr. Merck to examine and care for animals found at suspected crime scenes, and includes a surgical suite for animals in need of urgent care.
Talk about taking the prosecution of animal cruelty into the new millennium!

**Click here to take the pledge to fight animal cruelty.

Shhh! We’ve Got a Secret!

Wanna know what it is? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to the Today Show on NBC tomorrow, December 11, when we’ll be revealing a groundbreaking initiative that will take the fight against animal cruelty to the next level. Please watch and support us tomorrow as we announce this major first for the ASPCA—and for animals everywhere.

Our segment will air at approximately 8:30 AM, but to be safe, it’s best to start watching a bit earlier!

Vick Codefendants--Sentenced

The ASPCA applauds the strong sentences received on Friday, November 30, by two codefendants of NFL quarterback Michael Vick in the federal investigation against them. Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips—who pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges, including conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture—received sentences of 18 and 21 months respectively, which fall on the higher end of the federal sentencing guidelines. The two men will also be on probation for an additional three years, during which time they cannot have any contact with dogs.

“Judge Henry Hudson’s sentencing is extremely significant in the history of the prosecution of animal cruelty,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO. “His decision clearly reflects the outrage felt over the cruelty inflicted upon these animals. We are deeply grateful that justice is being served.”

Vick, who voluntarily surrendered himself on November 19 to begin serving his prison term early, will face sentencing next Monday, December 10, in Richmond, VA.

The ASPCA has been assisting federal authorities in this case from the beginning of the investigation—most recently, having led a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s Virginia property. “We are incredibly proud to have played such an instrumental role in this landmark case which, I believe, will change the way America regards the cruel treatment of animals,” comments Sayres.

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing criminal process, further details cannot be made available at this time. To keep abreast of ongoing developments in the Michael Vick case, please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center.

Live Chat with Animal Precinct Rehabilitator--TODAY!!

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Victoria Wells a miracle worker. As the ASPCA’s Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training, Wells works daily to rehabilitate animals rescued from abuse by our Humane Law Enforcement officers. If you watch Animal Precinct, you’ve probably seen her in action.

Today, you’ll have a chance to pick Wells’ brain in our ASPCA Online Community, where she’ll host a live chat. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the animals after the police work is done, don’t miss this opportunity to find out! The discussion will take place today, Friday, November 30, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST.

For inspiration on what to ask, check out the transcript of our recent chat with HLE Special Investigator Diane DiGiacomo.

Animal Precinct Finale Airs Tonight!

Tonight. 10:00 P.M. EST. Be there.

Turn on the tube and tune in to the year’s final episode of the show that takes viewers on patrol with New York City's ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents. The grand finale captures NYC’s finest on film as they unearth an animal cruelty case in Brooklyn involving 21 dogs—including seven starving pups—while, across town, agents check out a severely matted dog named Cloudy.

(What do you mean it’s Friday night and you had better plans? Cancel them!)

Stay tuned for new episodes in 2008 and, in the meantime, catch up on all the past episodes you missed!

Join ASPCA Forensic Vet for a LIVE CHAT -- TODAY!!

How does a forensic vet gather evidence in an animal cruelty case?

What is it like to testify at an animal cruelty hearing?

What tools do you use to do your job?

Because of TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, real-life jurors expect forensic science to back up all the evidence presented to them—and animal cruelty cases are no exception. These days, jurors don’t just want any old evidence—they want forensic evidence.

“It’s because of ‘the CSI effect,’” says ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, who literally wrote the book on using science in investigating animal cruelty. Merck, who often testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases around the country—including animal hoarding, dog fighting and animal torture—has also recently authored the textbook Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations.

She'll join us for a live online chat in our brand-new ASPCA Online Community today, Friday, October 26, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, to answer your toughest questions on veterinary forensics.

Good News for Majority of Seized Vick Dogs

A team of certified applied animal behaviorists, led by the ASPCA, evaluated the 49 pit bulls seized in the Michael Vick case and determined that 48 had the potential to be rehabilitated. Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a motion that reflected the evaluation team’s report. Only one of the 49 dogs was deemed unfit for rehabilitation and recommended for euthanasia, which was ordered by Judge Henry E. Hudson.

So what will happen to those 48 dogs? Recommended placement options include
possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes for further observation/evaluation, rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs or placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet U.S.D.A. facility standards). A federal judge will determine where the dogs end up.

Click here to read the full press release and learn more about the team involved in these evaluations.

Animal CSI

These days, jurors don’t just want any old evidence. They want to see forensic evidence, like they do on TV. It’s because of “the CSI effect,” said ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck. Because of TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, real-life jurors expect forensic science to be presented to them. And animal cruelty cases are no exception.

Delaware Online spoke to Dr. Merck and reported:

DNA also can aid fight investigations by determining dog ownership, Dr. Merck said. "Many used in dog-fighting are stolen," but can be traced.

Animal forensic investigators also can get DNA from urine—rare for humans—because dogs and cats shed more cells into the discharge than people, she said. But bruises are hard to find in cats and dogs. "They don't have a lot of blood supply, so they don't bruise as easily," she said, so deeper tissue must be examined.

Fur can hide damage found by tests, she said, showing an X-ray of a
cat's broken bones with a bullet still lodged and shadows of bone-regrowth, indicating an old injury.

By documenting fine details, including pet remains' temperature, air and flesh temperature, weather conditions, recent rain, time and temperature in transport and later refrigeration, Merck said she has been able to fix cruelty victims' time of death to as little as two hours.

Fascinating, huh? We over here in the lowly editorial department marvel at these fascinating scientific discoveries that rescue animals in so many ways. (But hey, someone’s gotta write about them—or how would the world know?—so we’re still cool.)

P.S. You’ll have a chance to participate in a live online chat with Dr. Merck on October 26 and ask her all about her amazing career in animal forensics. Stay tuned to http://www.aspca.org/ for details.

Chat With ASPCA Animal Cop -- TODAY!

Some of our Humane Law Enforcement cops have achieved celebrity status thanks to their appearance on Animal Precinct. Special Agent Diane DiGiacomo is one of them, and she'll be available today, from noon to 2 P.M., to chat with you one-on-one.

So, what to ask, what to ask? For starters, you can hit her up for behind-the-scenes info on the taping of Animal Precinct. Or log on to tell her how cool she is! I don't know about you, but I want to know what it's like to flash that badge to unsuspecting, animal-abusing bad guys on the street, right before she slaps on the cuffs. Most of these brainiacs don't even realize they're committing a crime when they harm little creatures.

DiGiacomo has been at it for ten years now, and you can bet she's seen it all. A dog abandoned in an apartment, a starving kitten, a puppy abused on the street—"I am very dedicated to protecting the animals we all cherish so much," says Officer DiGiacomo, "and I’m looking forward to chatting with a great number of animal lovers like myself."

Join Officer DiGiacomo in the ASPCA Online Community today from noon to 2:00 P.M EST, when she’ll be on hand to share her experiences with you. Please note, you'll need to log in to post your questions, so click here to sign up if you're not already a member of the ASPCA Community.

Pit Bull Evaluation

With overwhelming public concern in the fate of the dogs seized from Michael Vick’s Surry County, Va., property, we want you to have information on the upcoming evaluations of the dogs, as well as the nature of assistance we are providing to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, CAAB, executive vice president, National Programs, and science advisor for the ASPCA, will be leading a team of several other certified applied animal behaviorists (trained animal behavior experts who have been certified by the Animal Behavior Society) in conducting behavior evaluations of the pit bulls seized during the course of the investigation.

As part of this process, BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), a San Francisco-based non profit organization that is an educational resource for pit bull owners and the shelters that house them, will be working with the ASPCA-led team to help identify dogs whocan be absorbed into experienced foster programs for further observation and possible re-homing into appropriate homes—one of several possible outcomes for these dogs.

“We greatly appreciate the trust placed in us by the USDA to ensure that these dogs are given every opportunity to have a second chance, and take this phase of the investigation very seriously,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “Fighting dogs obviously face a lot of challenges when considered for rehabilitation or placement but we will make sure they get the professional, thorough and detailed evaluations that they deserve.”

Said Donna Reynolds, BAD RAP executive director, “We’ve seen time and time again that by pooling resources, we can get more accomplished for animals. We’re honored to be a part of the ASPCA’s team effort and look forward to giving our best to the dogs. After all they’ve been through, they certainly deserve a fair trial.”

The ASPCA-led evaluation team will conduct several tests on these dogs, including their response to humans and other dogs, as well as their general reactivity and comfort with being handled. No further details on the specifics of these tests can be released at this time.

Once the evaluations are completed, the ASPCA will provide a final report to the USDA, which will contain the team’s collective recommendations to the USDA on the disposition of the dogs. Other than possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes, recommendation options may include rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs, placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet USDA facility standards), or euthanasia. However, euthanasia is not the only recommendation or option that will be considered, as has been reported in some media accounts—the results of the evaluations will determine what those recommendations are. No dogs will be placed in private homes at this time. All placements will be made with, and through, experienced rescue, foster and sanctuary groups.

The USDA will review the report, and then pass on its recommendations to a federal court. However, much like the sentencing of a defendant, the final disposition of the dogs will be decided by a federal judge. At no time will the ASPCA take possession of the dogs; they will remain property of the federal government until their disposition has been determined by the government.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

UPDATE: August 29 - The New York Times reports on our role in the investigation.

Letter From our President, Ed Sayres

Update: 10/23/07
The letter is closed. Thank you for your involvement.

We've created a thank you letter that's super simple for you to send--thank NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, for strong and decisive action against Michael Vick.

Click here to send your thank you letter.

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Read on to see what our President, Ed Sayres, has to say:

Dear ASPCA Members and Supporters:

With Michael Vick today appearing in federal court to file his plea in the federal dog fighting case that has been pending since July, I wanted to let you know directly that today we revealed our role in the federal investigation: ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, participated in the excavation of the graves, and examination of the remains.

It has been an honor for the ASPCA to assist federal authorities in this case. We are also extremely proud to be working with the National Football League to raise public awareness of the humane treatment of animals. The NFL took strong, swift and decisive action against Michael Vick on Friday by suspending him indefinitely without pay.

Please join the ASPCA in sending a message of support to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, letting them know that their efforts are not going unnoticed.

We continue to assist this case by leading a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s property earlier this year. Please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty often for updates.

Thank you very much for your support of the ASPCA—it is that which enables us to pursue our 141-year old mission, which is as crucial today as when we were founded all those years ago—to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Every day, we come one step closer to being a humane community. We could not do it without you.

Sincerely,

Ed Sayres
ASPCA, President

ASPCA Applauds Strong and Swift NFL Response to Michael Vick’s Guilty Plea

ASPCA Press Release

NEW YORK—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today applauded NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s strong and decisive action in suspending Michael Vick without pay, effective immediately, from the League. Vick will be appearing in a federal court in Richmond, Va., on Monday to file his plea agreement in the federal dog fighting case against him.

Said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “Right from the outset, we knew the Commissioner was taking this case extremely seriously—and respected the fact that he was proceeding appropriately by commissioning an independent investigation into the case.”

In a strongly worded letter to Vick, the Commissioner today called his admitted conduct “not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible.”

“The Commissioner’s extremely strong and swift response today to Michael Vick’s guilty plea is no less than what we expected, and reinforces how seriously he takes not just the integrity of the League, but his expectations of how animals should be treated in a humane society. The ASPCA is proud to be associated with the National Football League as its animal welfare partner, and we will continue to raise public awareness on the humane treatment of animals together.”

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

Possible Poisonings at Chelsea Waterside Dog Park

Dog moms and dads in NYC, we thought we’d share this info with you. Here’s a snippet of a letter written by Robert Marino of NYCdog.org:

Animal owners in Chelsea are worried after some dogs got sick in a nearby popular park. According to a doctor, symptoms seem to suggest the dogs were drugged. Hazel Sanchez reports: CBS VIDEO REPORT.

This incident at Chelsea Waterside Dog Park (11th avenue and W 22nd st.) should serve as a warning to all of our groups to be watchful at your local park. If you spot suspicious activity report it, use your cell phone camera to take a photo, get the attention of other dog owners nearby, and, most of all, be mindful of your dog. Watch for items left on the ground. If strangers appear to be feeding dogs, intervene. Do not challenge anyone, but do not sit back silently.

Sitting in a dog park reading, talking on your cell or just chatting with others while ignoring your dog is dangerous–and irresponsible to boot.

Robert A. Marino (Bob)
president
NYCdog.org

ASPCA Responds to Vick Plea

Responding to breaking news that NFL quarterback Michael Vick has accepted a plea agreement in his federal dog fighting case, the ASPCA today applauded the thorough and speedy federal investigation into this case by the U. S. Attorney’s office and the USDA.

“Though dog fighting has been prevalent in this country for more than a century, it was only towards the end of the 20^th century that it started to be regarded as a crime in the eyes of the law,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “which makes the strong federal investigation of this case all the more remarkable.

“As an organization that supports law enforcement efforts against animal cruelty in several ways—from having our own Humane Law Enforcement department in New York, to contributing to the education and training of law enforcement and judicial officers around the country in prosecuting animal cruelty—we salute the U. S. Attorney’s office and the USDA in their dedication to pursuing this case. It sends a clear message to those engaged in animal cruelty—that these acts are barbaric and unacceptable in a humane community.”

A little more than one month after Michael Vick and three other co-defendants pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities (“Travel Act”), and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture, in violation of federal law, they have all reversed their pleas, with Vick being the last to follow suit—a stunning reversal of events.

The ASPCA has been assisting in the federal investigation of this case; at this time it still cannot offer any additional details in order to protect the integrity of this investigation and the ongoing criminal process.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

ASPCA IN THE NEWS: WHY DOES THE MICHAEL VICK CASE HURT HIP-HOP?

MTV News
Genre's glamorization of dogfights and pit bulls has led critics to associate it with blood sport.

The Michael Vick dogfighting case has created many victims. First, you have the alleged victims: the dogs. There are also the Atlanta Falcons, who are out a quarterback. And there's hip-hop. Yes, hip-hop.

Vick's indictment on federal charges related to a dogfighting ring allegedly run on his Virginia property has brought the brutal blood sport into the public consciousness — and hip-hop is one of the only outlets in America where you'll find references to it. Dogfighting's presence in videos and lyrics led to critical newspaper editorials and columns, along with on-air berating from Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly.

Read the rest of the article and watch a video featuring the ASPCA.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE

Got a blog or MySpace profile? Now you can add our new “Fight Animal Cruelty” banner. Help us spread the message; simply copy and paste this code into your profile, and your friends will know that you support the safety and happiness of animals.

Copy and paste: <a href="http://www.aspca.org/cruelty"><img alt="ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center" src="http://www.aspca.org/images/content/pagebuilder/636211.jpg" border="0" /></a>

This is the banner that will be displayed:



To see more of our available banners, check out our MySpace page.

Good News, New Mexico--Cockfighting Banned at Last!

The cockfighting bill passed the floor vote of the House and was quickly signed by New Mexico's Governor Richardson on Monday! New Mexico now joins 48 other states in outlawing this cruel “blood sport” (Louisiana is the sole remaining holdout). New Mexico residents, please take a moment to thank Governor Richardson for signing this important bill.

Click here to thank Governor Richardson for signing SB10 into law!

The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine: Harley the Dog Plush

Cuddle up to this oh-so-cute pup and show your support for the ASPCA's efforts to end animal cruelty!

Harley the Dog is an honorary Special Investigator with the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) department. He sports a black turtleneck with the ASPCA logo on the collar and the HLE badge on the front. This is the same badge worn by ASPCA humane law enforcement agents on the job.

With every Harley you order, we'll give you two free ASPCA wristbands! Order Harley Today!

ASPCA in the News: Queens Man Held for Dog Neglect

Newsday
January 14, 2007

In New York City's first animal cruelty arrest of the year, a Queens man was charged Saturday with neglecting his three-year-old Chow Chow so badly that the dog was being strangled by a collar that had grown into her neck, officials said.

Oswald Joudan, 51, of 131-07 135th Ave., was arrested yesterday morning by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty . If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Special agents of the animal advocacy group acted on a neighbor's tip Dec. 29 to find the tan Chow Chow chained and emaciated in Joudan's backyard, said ASPCA spokesman Joseph Pentangelo.

Read the rest of the story...

New on ASPCA.org: The Truth About Premarin®

The truth behind one of today’s most widely prescribed drugs will shock you. Get the facts and get involved.

What Is Premarin^®?
Premarin^®, a drug derived from pregnant mares’ urine (PMU), is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of menopause and to prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The estrogen-rich urine used in its production is collected from mares confined in barns on PMU ranches in Canada and the United States.

How Do Horses Suffer in the Production of Premarin^®?
The Premarin industry is self-regulated through manufacturer Wyeth Ayerst’s Code of Practice, but there are hundreds of farms and no outside scrutiny. Mares used in the production of conjugated estrogens are at risk for abrasions, leg swelling, excessive boredom, stress, and an early death, due to the conditions under which they are kept.

Learn more about Premarin^®

Press Release: ASPCA Announces Key New Hires to Battle Cruelty to Animals

NEW YORK, January 4, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced the appointments of Elizabeth Dribben, Dr. Melinda Merck, and Robert Baker, to key positions in its Anti-Cruelty Initiatives & Legislative Services departments. Effective immediately, they will be joining as follows: Elizabeth Dribben as Senior Managing Director of Legislative Services, Dr. Merck as Forensic Veterinarian and Mr. Baker as Investigator.

“I am extremely pleased that we are continuing to attract such qualified and high-profile professionals to our team,” said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA. “This speaks volumes to the quality of work the ASPCA is doing in the anti-cruelty field which is, after all, the clearest manifestation of our mission: to provide effective means of prevention of cruelty to animals.”

Read the rest of this press release...

ASPCA in the News: With Public's Help, ASPCA Better Tackles Crime

New York Sun
By Bradley Hope

A growing public perception of animal cruelty and new resources have led the law enforcement arm of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to Prevent Cruelty to Animals to a more than 400% surge in arrests since 1999, the agency reported.

In the past seven years, the private agency purchased a live dispatch system and built a high-tech headquarters in Long Island City. It increased the number of special agents in 2006 to 19 from about eight.

Last year, the agency arrested 103 people in separate cases, including several on felony charges. In 1999, the agency arrested 20 people, statistics show. ASPCA agents have been empowered to carry weapons, make arrests, and execute warrants since New York aristocrat Henry Bergh founded it in 1866.

Read the rest of the article...

New at ASPCA Online Store: HLE Sweatshirts!

Give it up for New York City’s finest! Our cozy and comfy sweatshirts feature the badge worn by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers.


Visit the store now...

ASPCA in the News: Dog Saved as Owner is Busted

New York Post
By LARRY CELONA and HEIDI SINGER

December 10, 2006 -- A Queens woman was busted for animal cruelty yesterday, after horrified city officials found her emaciated dog tied to a doorknob - and suffering for the past month from a slit throat.

Marisol Zayas, 26, of 27th Avenue in Long Island City, faces up to a year in jail for leaving her 2-year-old husky, Trinity, to suffer without medical care after investigators found a 10-inch slit in the dog's throat, said ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Pentangelo.

"You could see the dog's windpipe," he said of the wound , which took 25 stitches to close.

Read the rest of the news article...

Queens Man Sentenced in Animal Cruelty Case

NEW YORK, November 29, 2006—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), in conjunction with Queens district attorney Richard Brown, announced the sentencing of Keidel Guy, 20, of Queens for Felony Animal Cruelty. Guy was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

In October 2005, ASPCA Special Agents Joseph Lemos and Omar Negrillo seized a mother dog and her emaciated pup from Guy’s house after finding another puppy dead from starvation.

Read the rest of this press release...

Press Release: ASPCA HLE Officers Seize 700 Chickens

(NEW YORK, NY) October 3, 2006 -- Humane Law Enforcement agents with the ASPCA are investigating a possible case of animal cruelty in which hundreds of chickens were discovered in a garage at 18th Avenue and 52nd Street in Brooklyn.

On Monday, ASPCA investigators removed more than 700 chickens, housed in shallow crates, and took them to the ASPCA’s 92nd Street headquarters, where they will be evaluated by veterinary staff at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Read the rest of this press release...

Press Release: ASPCA Agents Arrest Woman for Felony Animal Cruelty

(New York, NY) September 13, 2006 -- ASPCA Special Agents arrested Rosalda Faraci, 30, of Queens for one count of aggravated animal cruelty, one count of animal cruelty, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon for wrapping a dog’s testicles with a rubber band.

On August 15, 2006, the ASPCA responded to a complaint of a 10-month-old Cairn terrier named Lucio being beaten in the backyard of the defendant's home. The dog’s testicles were tightly wrapped with a rubber band, and a foul odor emanated from the injured area. Lucio was taken to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. According to veterinarians there, the injured site was severely infected and caused the puppy great pain. Lucio was also significantly underweight. After surgery to correct his condition, Lucio is doing well and the ASPCA is hopeful for a complete recovery.

If convicted, Ms. Faraci faces up to four years in prison.

Press Release: ASPCA Arrests Bronx Resident For Attacking Pomeranian with a Mop Handle

(New York, NY) September 12, 2006 -- Special agents of the ASPCA arrested Edwin Roman, 44, on September 10 outside his Bronx residence at 1221 Brook Avenue for assaulting and seriously injuring his family’s pet dog, Lucky.

Following the assault, which occurred on July 18, 2006, the 10-lb. male Pomeranian was taken to NYC Animal Care and Control (AC&C) in Brooklyn by a relative of the suspect. Employees at AC&C alerted the ASPCA; Lucky was removed and taken to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal hospital. At the ASPCA, veterinarians performed extensive surgery to correct Lucky’s jaw, which was shattered when the suspect attacked him with a mop handle.

The ASPCA carried out an investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect. Mr. Roman is being charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

Lucky’s prognosis is good and he is recovering.

ASPCA Hails Passage Of Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

The ASPCA today hailed the passage of H. R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, as a significant move towards permanently banning the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption abroad. The U. S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill by a vote of 263 to 146.

“Americans have long had a love affair with horses, both domesticated and wild,” said ASPCA President Ed Sayres. “The recent public and media interest in the recovery of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is a clear indication of the fascination, awe, and empathy we feel for these magnificent animals. The history of our nation is indelibly linked to these great creatures and, with the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to treating horses as we should—as valued members of our humane community.”

Read the rest of the Press Release...

ASPCA in the News: Cute and Furry, Some Say. A Beaten Dog, a Court Finds.

New York Times - Orders of protection are not unusual in New York courts, but one issued yesterday by a Queens judge to protect a 5-year-old is believed to be the first of its kind, according to an animal society special agent.

The 5-year-old is a dog, Bebe, a bichon frisé from Lindenwood.

The order, signed by Judge Alex J. Zigman of Queens Civil Court, says that Frederick Fontanez, 20, a friend of Bebe’s owner, Derek Lopez, must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from both the dog and Mr. Lopez.

Read the rest of this article in New York Times...

ASPCA Statement on China Province Dog Culling

The ASPCA has learned through media accounts and letters from concerned animal welfare advocates that officials in a Chinese province ordered the slaughter of 50,000 dogs in a crackdown after three people died of rabies. According to Chinese state media accounts, the five-day slaughter in Mouding county in Yunnan province in southwestern China ended Sunday, and spared only military guard dogs and police canine units.

Ed Sayres, ASPCA President and CEO, sits on the board of the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA). As such, we address international issues through support of WSPA both financially and philosophically. As a member organization, we are included in WSPA's position on this issue.

Click here to read WSPA’s statement on the dog culling issue.

Action Needed: Help Stop Bill That's Bad for Birds!

Every year, millions of day-old baby chicks are mailed via the U.S. Postal Service by commercial hatcheries and cockfighting breeders. The chicks are literally packed in boxes and sent through the mail, without food or water, and with no concern for temperature extremes. This inhumane practice results in the deaths of countless baby birds every year.

After receiving complaints from various animal protection groups, the U.S. Postal Service adopted policy changes to help protect birds shipped in the mail. The new regulations require that the shipment of all live animals be coordinated through central offices to ensure their arrival and limit the length of time the animals can be in transit via ground transportation.

In response to the new regulations adopted by the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Charles Grassley has introduced S. 2395, which would remove the Postal Service’s authority to implement the new regulations and force it to accommodate the baby bird and cockfighting industries. S. 2395 would provide that the Postal Service require certain airlines to transport birds, require those airlines to transport the birds through connecting cities, not necessarily direct flights, and require those airlines to transport birds in any temperature conditions between 0 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If passed, this bill will undoubtedly lead to unnecessary suffering for millions of baby birds. Contact your Senators now and urge them to oppose S. 2395! Take action now!

New York State Residents: Help Pass Humane Laws!

S.6913-A/A.9292-A, Pet Evacuation Bill, Passes Both Houses
The New York Legislature has passed a bill that will require the government to utilize and coordinate “programs to assist individuals with household pets and service animals following a disaster, with particular attention to means of evacuation, shelter and transportation options.” Click here to contact Governor Pataki and urge him to sign S.6913-A/A.9292-A into law.

Legislature Passes S.7213-A/A.9576-A to Close Loophole in Pet Dealer Licensing Law
S.7213-A/A.9576-A will close a loophole in existing law to help the state do a better job at enforcing the pet dealer licensing law. Because it is especially difficult to determine whether a breeder has sold the requisite number of puppies per year, this bill would change the definition of “pet dealer” to include those businesses that “offer for sale” the statutory set number of dogs or cats. This change will enable the Department of Agriculture and Markets to identify, license and inspect many more pet dealers, thereby better protecting consumers who purchase pets-- and providing the oversight of this industry contemplated by the pet dealer law when it first passed in 2000.
Click here to contact Governor Pataki and ask him to sign this important animal welfare and consumer protection measure into law.

A.10767-A/S.7691-A Passes Both Houses and Authorizes Orders of Protection in Favor of Family Pets
The Legislature has passed a measure that would expressly authorize family and criminal court judges to issue orders of protection to safeguard family pets from abuse in a variety of family and criminal court proceedings, including juvenile delinquency, child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect, paternity, family offense and PINS cases. This law will give the court an additional tool to ensure protection of all family members, including the companion animals in the home. In addition to bringing animal cruelty charges when a pet is unlawfully injured or killed, violation of an order of protection carries with it separate penalties, including a possible six-month jail term.
Click here to ask Governor Pataki to sign S.7691-A/A.10767-A into law.