Horrors Unveiled as Federal Agents Raid Dogfighting Ring in Landmark Case
In a significant crackdown on animal cruelty, John Murphy, a 50-year-old resident of Hanson, Massachusetts, faces federal charges for his alleged involvement in dogfighting activities. Murphy was indicted on nine counts related to possessing animals for the purpose of engaging in an animal fighting venture. This indictment came after a meticulous investigation led to a raid on his Hanson home, unveiling a grim scene of animal abuse and evidence of dogfighting operations. This case marks a precedent in Massachusetts, being the first instance...
Barred Owls Could Pay the Price to Save Their Endangered Cousins
In a move that blurs the lines between conservation and controversy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has unveiled a plan that is as drastic as it is debated: to cull over 400,000 barred owls in a bid to rescue the teetering population of the endangered spotted owl. This drastic measure stems from the barred owl’s invasive spread from the East Coast, which has led to significant declines in spotted owl numbers due to competition for habitat and food, reports USA Today. At the heart of this contentious strategy lies a stark...
Ukraine Shelter Desperately Needs Food To Feed Over 3,000 Pets In Their Care
Sirius Shelter, located an hour outside of previously occupied Kyiv, is the largest shelter in Ukraine and is currently caring for over 3,000 animals. Photo: Greater Good Charities The shelter is struggling to feed all the hungry dogs and cats and have started to cook whatever expired food that local supermarkets will donate to them. The staff and volunteers are doing the best they can with the minimal resources available to care for all the pets. Photo: Greater Good Charities Photo: Greater Good Charities Greater Good Charities’ (GGC)...
Unprecedented Livestock Alert as Bird Flu Hits Heartland Dairy Farms
In a startling development, dairy cows in Texas and Kansas have tested positive for bird flu, marking the first time this virus has been identified in U.S. dairy cattle. This news has sparked concerns and prompted immediate action from federal and state health officials. Photo: PexelsBird flu was detected in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas. Understanding the Outbreak The presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in milk and nasal swabs from cattle showing symptoms such as decreased lactation and discolored milk,...
How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Endangered Species Breathe Sigh of Relief as Critical ESA Protections are Restored
In a significant shift from previous policies, the Biden administration has taken decisive steps to restore protections for threatened and endangered species, reversing the deregulatory trend set by the Trump administration. This move reestablishes vital safeguards under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a cornerstone of environmental legislation in the United States since its inception in 1973 by President Richard Nixon. Photo: PexelsThe Biden administration has reinstated critical protections for threatened and endangered species. Restoring...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog field trip benefits, webcasts galore and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. How one shelter is using a field trip program to rally their community“One of the best things we could have done for our shelter was create our Paws Around the Pee Dee program,” says Wendy Ransome, a foster coordinator, data manager and volunteer from Darlington County Humane Society in Darlington, South Carolina. (Pee Dee is a region in the northeast corner of South Carolina, which lies along… Learn More These upcoming webcasts will put a spring...
Why Acupressure Is an Effective Way to Help a Fearful Dog
Left unresolved, excessive fear in dogs causes emotional suffering and can even become dangerous. Here’s how acupressure, combined with help from your vet and a canine behaviorist, can help a fearful dog feel safer and calmer. Fear is a necessary defense mechanism — a healthy reaction to any real or perceived threat to your dog’s survival. A timid dog might become frozen with fear or run and hide, while a more aggressive canine could lash out to ward off the frightening trigger. These “fight or flight” responses...
They Have Bird Sidekicks, And Other Fascinating Facts About the Rhino
Rhinos, the stocky tanks of the animal kingdom, were once prevalent across North America, Asia, and Africa, but their numbers – and range – have fallen sharply in more recent history. Hunting, poaching, and habitat loss are the main contributors to their population decline. In fact, of the five rhino species, three – the Javan, Sumatran, and black rhino – are classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The other two, the white rhino and the greater one-horned rhino, are near threatened and vulnerable,...
Man Sentenced for Heartless Animal Cruelty—Shooting Kitten and Displaying Dead Animals
In a harrowing case that shocked the Everett community, Blayne M. Perez, a 35-year-old resident, has been sentenced to three years of community custody following a series of cruel acts against wildlife and pets. This case sheds light on the dark underbelly of animal cruelty and the legal system’s response to such heinous acts. Photo: PexelsA man shot a kitten, causing severe injuries including the loss of an eye. A Pattern of Cruelty The unsettling journey began in January 2022, when local residents reported Perez for shooting birds and...
