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133 comments:

  1. October 18, 2012
    St. Clair County was the proud owner of the 1975 Dog Ordinance until June 16, 2010, when the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners adopted the completely new St. Clair County Animal Control and Protection Ordinance, Resolution 10-19, containing Section 5.9, which stated: “A penalty equal to twice the applicable license fee shall be charged to any person who fails to apply for an initial license or a renewal license within the times specified.” A necessary amendment was not made to the April 21, 2010, Fee Schedule, Resolution 10-11, changing the $40 across-the-board fee for all Delinquent Dog Licenses to read $24 (2x$12) for a spayed/neutered dog and $44 (2x$22) for an intact dog.

    On December 14, 2011, after eighteen (18) months of the St. Clair County Treasurer and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Animal Control Shelter Office, overcharging some residence by $16 and undercharging others $4, the BOC amended the Ordinance with Resolution 11-52, which reads: “A penalty equal the delinquent license fee provided by resolution of the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners shall be charged to any person who fails to apply for an initial license or a renewal license within the times specified.” And, the new December 14, 2011, Resolution 11-51, Fee Schedule, reads $40 for all Delinquent Dog Licenses. It looks like the Ordinance and the Fee Schedule are in agreement, and that’s a good thing

    I have a copy of an August 3, 2011, Animal Control “Daily Cash Report” that shows that 22 residence were over charged $16 each; and, remember on 12/28/11, the Times Herald published that 451 residence were cited and sent thru the court system on Delinquent Dog Licenses. I feel very strongly that each and every St. Clair County resident who purchased a Delinquent Dog License and was overcharged $16 should receive a refund. Since I’m not an accountant, I’ll leave it up to the Administrator/Controller to figure out how the County will recoup the $4 undercharges.

    According to the State of Michigan Dog Law of 1919, as amended, the County Treasurer, with his/her authorized agents, is in charge of Dog & Kennel Licensing; the County Board of Commissioners write and officially adopt the County Ordinances; the County Sheriff’s Department enforces the Federal, State and County Laws and Ordinances.

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    Replies
    1. And, on top of all of the above - theCounty Treasurer is supposed to make up the list of Delinquent Dogs (not the Sheriff); that list is supposed to go to the MDACRD (which it doesn't), and the County Prosecuting Attorney (which it does not) and he is supposed to carry out the punishment (which he does not). Problem in St. Clair County is the Sheriff doesn't know he has the authority to enforce the laws (only) - not make the laws.

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  2. THE RODEO allows the cowboy and cowgirl the opportunity to show off their skill in an arena where they compete against each other and the clock for the prize money. When the roper is ready in the arena, a calf is released – with the help of a nudge - from a chute. The cowboy/girl quickly ropes the calf – dismounts, sprints over to the calf and tosses it to the ground - on its side – the roper then ties any three of the calf’s legs securely. Roper gets back on his horse – while the calf, damaged from having been slammed to the ground, struggles for freedom. As the calf remains tied, the roper throws up his arms – he wins a prize and cheers from the spectators. A successful outcome for the cowboy/girl is possible because of a captive, helpless calf and a highly trained roper and horse that work together in this “great sporting” event . Shame on 4-H for continuing to participate and train for animal abuse.

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  3. TEETH & GUM PROBLEMS - DOGS & CATS

    Many pooches and cats, too, show signs of gum disease by the time they're four years old because they aren't provided with proper mouth care—and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem.
    • Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.
    • Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
    • Halitosis—or bad breath—can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution.
    • Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.
    • To The Vet – Any of the above and it’s time to visit the Vet.

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  4. DOG BITE PREVENTION

    When approaching a dog:
    • Ask first. Before petting someone's dog, ask the owner if it's okay. Let the dog sniff you first, then pet the dog's sides or back gently.

    • Never sneak up on or pet a dog that is eating or sleeping. Animals may bite when they're startled or frightened.

    • Never pet a dog that is playing with a toy. Dogs are often protective of toys, and may think you are trying to take it.

    • Never approach a dog that is behind a fence. Most dogs naturally protect their property and home.

    If a dog attacks suddenly:
    • Don't scream and run. Stand very still, try to be calm, and avoid eye contact.

    • Distract the dog. Feed the dog your jacket, your purse, or anything that may distract the dog and give the animal something to bite besides you.

    • Curl into a ball. If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your arms and hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.

    • Never turn your back or run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until it is out of sight.

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  5. 7 STEPS TO A HAPPIER PET

    Make sure your pet wears an identification tag to enable him to be returned to you if lost.

    To prevent animal behavior problems, including how to prevent your dog from biting, make sure you enroll your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.

    Animal behavior problems can be health-related. Make sure our pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least once a year.

    Prepare for disasters. Make sure you have a plan for your pet in the event of a tornado, fire or flood.

    Plan for your pet’s future in case something happens to you.

    And, have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.

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  6. THE BACKYARD DOG Is the dog tied day after day to a back porch or fence, lying lonely on a pad of bare, packed dirt.

    Abandoned, but chained up, backyard dogs cannot move to comfort, shelter, or companionship. Most often their water and food bowls are empty.

    Dogs are instinctually pack animals. Forcing a dog to live away from its human goes against the dog's most basic instinct.

    If you doubt this, think of all the whining, barking, clawing dogs you have seen tied alone outside.

    Dogs can offer people the gifts of steadfast devotion, abiding love, and joyful companionship.

    Unless people accept these offerings and take the time to return them in kind, it is best to not to get a dog. A sad, lonely, bewildered dog tied out back only suffers, and what sort of person wants to maintain suffering.

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  7. RESCUE ORGANIZATION
    From the MDARD: “Organizations which operate solely via foster home rescues are exempt and do not need an Animal Shelter License.” They don’t say how many can be fostered per residence, nor the conditions under which they are to be fostered. Rescues have been around for a good six years, but our legislators are too busy to sponsor a bill that would provide some oversite – so it a FREE FOR ALL.

    A rescued dog or cat has been recognized as – but not always - an animal that has been given up – free of charge – except for the Spay/neuter refundable deposit contract with the Animal Control Shelter. A shelter is supposed - but not necessarily, because there is no overview - to be an organization that operates solely via foster homes. These Rescues are required - in order to obtain animals from Animal Control Shelters – to be certified as 501c3 non profit organizations – that’s all which enables them to solicit for tax free donations.

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  8. LOVING MEMORIES

    You no longer greet me, as I walk through the door. You’re not there to make me smile, to make me laugh as before.

    Life seems quiet without you. You were far more than a pet; you were a family member, a friend; a loving soul I’ll never forget.

    You were such a great companion, constant, loyal and true. My life has been much richer, because I had a friend like you.

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  9. DOGS VS.CATS

    Dogs are quintessential pack animals. The mere act of being in the pack satisfies a real survival craving. That’s why it’s normal for your dog to follow you (the alpha of the pack) around, to be desperate to go on a walk with you, or to sleep with you, or to listen and respond to your commands. No other animal has been so bred to hang on to our every change in tone or facial expression.

    Cats have no intrinsic desire to please us. Some people resent this autonomy; others prize it. As the joke goes, a dog looks at all the things we provide for it and thinks, You must be God. A cat looks at all the things we provide for it and thinks, I must be God. Dogs have masters; cats have staff.

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  10. DON'T SHARE YOUR DINNER WITH YOUR DOG & CAT
    Chocolate can trigger heart problems, and process dairy (cheese) and fruit can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.

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  11. A “FLIGHT” TO FREEDOM FOR 3000 HENS



    The Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in New York, was invited, by a 50,000 battery-cage egg farm, in California, to take and give freedom to as many two-year old “Spent” as egg laying hens they wanted – hens that were no longer useful and would have been gassed and dumped in the landfill.



    3,000 hens were rescued from their tiny cages – stacked, one on top of the other – located in a warehouse, breathing the ammonia fumes from their own waste, and if in the lower cage, getting showered with feces from above – for the entire two years of their useful lives.



    When the hens arrived at the sanctuary each, with the usual sliced off beak, to prevent pecking among cage-mates, was examined for health problems, which included over-grown nails and an abundance of lice. Then, within a couple of days, how heartening it was for those involved to see these rescued hens become acclimated to walking on the ground; then, running and dust bathing, to lying in the sun, to stretching out their wings, and to peck at the dirt for the first time in their lives.

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  12. I TRIED - I SHAMED THEM– I WROTE THEM CERTIFIED LETTERS – & I SENT MUCH E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE, trying to convince them that they must admit, to the public, their 18 month mistake, relative to the $16.00 each overcharge on hundreds of Delinquent Dog License – all, to no avail. 
 

A refund was not forthcoming, nor was just an apology from our chief law enforcement officer, in charge of Animal Control, County, Sheriff Tim Donnellon, nor the Board of Commissioners: Jeff Bohm, Steve Simasko, Howad Heidemann, Bill Gratopp, Dave Rushing, Carol Tomion, and Tom Reilly. 
And the truly sad part is: they think they are above the law and above and better than the rest of us – the untouchables, they think of themselves.


This has been real eye opening experience for me. Our local elected officials – our local government and our chief Law Enforcement Officer, our County Sheriff, committed FRAUD – they did, because they finally amended the local ordinance as a cover-up – lack of character, is the name of the game - and nobody cares.

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  13. BRINGING HOME A NEW PET: 

If you have other pets in your home, keep in mind that you will need to carefully plan an introduction 
For Dogs, it is best to let them meet on leash, in neutral territory. If possible, have one person for each dog; and if you have more than one dog, introduce the new dog to only one dog at a time. You'll want to separate the dogs during feeding time; and remove highly desirable toys, treats, and beds during the transition period. Also, do not leave the dogs together unsupervised; use a crate or a transition room to keep the dogs separate.


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  14. LEAVE A LEGACY
Your legacy is important - it represents the values that you stood for in your lifetime. It is a statement to the world about who you were and your belief in a better world for all living things.
Legacies are vital to the work of your local Animal Shelters, who rely almost entirely on the generosity of the public. They provide for a very large portion of funding required each year to fulfill the Shelters’ mission to provide for the care and protection of the animals in need.
When, in your legacy, you choose your favorite Animal Shelter, you will be helping to provide love, care and compassion for future generations of animals in your community.

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  15. MORE COMMUNITIES ARE OPTING FOR DOG CHAINING LAWS
- BUT NOT ST. CLAIR COUNTY


When it comes to recognizing the dangers posed by persistent dog chaining some people get it, and some don’t.



Picture this: the back yard of a single family home. On a wooden deck, off the home’s second story, is a dog tethered by a cable to the railing. The deck is littered with dog poop, and the dog’s water has algae in it. And, the dog could slip off the deck and wind up hanging by her neck.



Another scenario: also, the back yard of a country home. There’s a doghouse with a large dog chained to the house. The weather has been rainy and there are puddles right outside the doghouse door. The dog has nowhere to go, not even a few feet outside of the doghouse; he is wet and muddy and his water bowl tipped over, laying in the mud.



In 1997 the Federal Animal Welfare Act decided that to chain/tie a dog to a stationary object is inhumane. Our St. Clair County Animal Control & Protection Ordinance allows chaining. 


Let your District Representative know how you feel about chaining a dog.


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  16. SOME STATES BAN UNNECESSARY DEVOCALIZATION SURGERIES BUT NOT MICHIGAN NOR ST. CLAIR COUNTY WHO LICENSES KENNELS WITH DEVOLCULIZED BREEDING DOGS

Devocalization is the practice of cutting vocal cords just to stifle a dog or cat’s voice. It is an outrageous act of animal cruelty – no matter who performs it or how??

Debarking destroys an animal’s central means of communication merely for the owner’s convenience.

Devocalization serves no medical benefit and is, largely, done by commercial breeders for their very own convenience.

Scarring, as a result of devocalization surgery, can block airways, causing dogs and cats to struggle to breath, cause them to cough, gag, and even choke-to-death.

Nowhere, not in any, State of Michigan Dog Laws, is devocalization of dogs and cats prohibited; nor is it prohibited in the St. Clair County Animal Control and Protection Ordinance. Our county-licensed-kennel operators and our BOC condone and practice of devocalizing dogs.


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  17. LOST KITTY:
 One thing that most often foils the reunion of a stray cat and his family is the absence of a simple – and appropriate – collar on which is written, with an indelible marker, the owners name and telephone number. If every cat in St. Clair County had such a collar the number of cats euthanized at the County Shelter would drop, dramatically. The reluctance of cat owners to provide an identification collar is often based on the notion that the cat will become entangled. That possibility will be resolved by choosing a breakaway or elastic collar.

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  18. PEOPLE AND DOG PLAYTIME - It is not a good idea to let your dog play by biting or mouthing your arm or hands, no matter how gently. Dogs who play by biting at hands and arms are too likely to bite too hard when play gets overly arousing. Sometimes the bits are truly accidental and sometimes they are the result of a dog who has lost her temper and bitten out of anger or frustration. Keep it safe, and play with balls, flying discs, and other toys and keep your hands and body out of the game.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF OVER-AROUSAL: No matter how you play, you might have the type of dog who tends to get overly aroused when she gets excited. Just like some children, some dogs come hardwired to spiral into a state of emotional overload in seemingly low-key situations. 

SAFE PLAY IS A GOOD THING: It is central to healthy and happy relationships between dogs and the people who love them. The more the two-legged adopters learn about play, the better their relationships with their new four-legged family member will be.

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  19. NEGLECT NEXTDOOR: 
It can be heartbreaking to see a neighbor's animal suffering in a situation of neglect. Depending on the situation, there are various ways you can help the animal or animals involved.


*For emergency situations in which an animal's life or safety is in immediate danger, contact your local law enforcement, or the SCC Sheriff's Animal Control Shelter 810-984-3155, or call 911 immediately.


*If the guardian of the animal is not approachable, or if you suspect the animal is suffering from abuse as well as neglect, alert your local law enforcement, or the SCC Sheriff's Animal Control Shelter 810-984-3155.

*It will be helpful to document what you have witnessed, including noting dates, locations and specific incidents and problems in a detailed journal.
*Photographs, video, and other evidence of the abusive conditions are helpful and persuasive.


*If the overseeing agency is non-responsive, consider circulating a petition that you can then present to the agency demanding that the abusive conditions be immediately corrected.
*A number of laws may apply: usually these would be State and/or Local Laws, but there may be Federal Laws as well. LINKS listed to your right may be helpful.

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  20. THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND is fundamental, and thousands of years old. Of all animals, none have a history that tracks our own as closely as dogs, who have evolved along with us, creeping up to our campfire, ingratiating themselves into our circle, accompanying us on hunts - becoming, over the course of centuries, our protectors and silent confidants and family members. They have adapted to us, making the long evolutionary journey from howling in the forests outside our caves to dozing at the foot of our beds.

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  21. MEDICAL SERVICE DOGS:

    When people think of medical service dogs, they usually think of seeing-eye dogs for the blind, or perhaps they think of the therapy dog (please note that a therapy dog is not the same as a service dog). While a visual assistance dog is a service dog, there are many other amazing jobs that these incredible canines can be trained to do.

    These very special dogs help to give people back their self-confidence and independence. We are so often told how vulnerable a disabled person feels in a crowd or maneuvering a large public area such as an airport. With their loyal and highly trained service dog at their side, disabled people often forget about the challenges they faced prior to having this wonderful support system. Alerting for help Alerting prior to a seizure (diabetic, epilepsy and other types of seizures.) Alerting to a change in insulin levels. Open/close doors, drawers and refrigerators. Pick up dropped items. Assist with mobility issues. Mitigate the challenges of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Assist the hearing impaired, those with autism and so much more

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  22. LEADER DOG for the BLIND PROGRAM:

    This past summer 2013, the Chippewa Correctional facility - the first prison in Michigan offering the Leader Dog for the Blind Program, began a pilot program with the Leader Dogs for the Blind based in Rochester, Michigan. The facility has been selected to raise four seven-week-old puppies to be housed and trained for approximately one year in social and obedience skills - in one of the facility's housing units.

    The Leader dogs for the Blind has deemed that the prisoner-raised puppies are more likely to succeed in providing a decade of enhanced mobility, independence, and quality of life for the visually impaired clients. According the Leader Dog representatives, puppies raised in homes experience a 40% success rate in being placed with a client while puppies raised in a prison experience 65% success rate when being placed with a client.

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  23. HELFUL HINTS FOR MAKING HAPPY KITTY:
    Make time for "Playtime" and provide balls and mice toys. Keep lots of fresh water in a bowl near the food. During physical-contact-time, gently stroking your cat has health benefits for the animal and helps relieve stress and lowers blood pressure in humans. Provide a Window-Resting-Place for your cat so that it can sit, sleep, soak up the warmth of the sun and watch the birds and squirrels. You might even teach your cat to accept a harness/leash so that you both can go for an outside walk. And, be sure you take your cat for an annual visit to the veterinarian, in order to keep up on the necessary vaccinations.

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  24. IS DOG RACING REALLY A NECESSARY FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT??

    Of the 21 active dog tracks in the U.S., more than half (12) are in Florida. Florida law requires dog tracks to report all racing-related deaths, and an analysis of these death notifications from 2013 reveals that on average, a Greyhound died from racing-related injuries every three days in Florida last year.

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  25. FLEA COLLAR WARNING:
    NRDC Sues EPA to Ban Two Toxic Pesticides in Pet Flea Collars
    WASHINGTON (February 6, 2014) –The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) today filed a lawsuit in federal court against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking EPA to respond to NRDC’s petitions to ban two hazardous pesticides used in popular pet flea treatment products. Due to concerns that the products can harm children’s brains and nervous systems, the agency has severely restricted household use of other known neurotoxic pesticides. But it continues to allow neurotoxic propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) to be used in flea treatments for dogs and cats. NRDC’s suit seeks to force EPA to respond to NRDC’s petitions to cancel all pet uses and manufacturer registrations of these two chemicals.

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  26. DISGUSTING ENTERTAINMENT
    Animals will be harmed during the 3/1/2014 IDITAROD, this is a fact. Teams of dogs will be forced to pull a sled over a thousand miles across the Alaska wilderness, often running at a grueling pace of up to one hundred miles per day for seven to ten straight days.
    Injured or "dropped" dogs may not receive shelter, unless for medical treatment, and must be put back outside once treatment is completed. Furthermore, dropped dogs are left alone at checkpoints on a chain with four pounds of dog food. Dropped dogs -- and all participating dogs -- remain tethered at all times. Dogs receive one mandatory 24 hour resting period and additional shorter periods for rest -- but the event relies upon the honor system, and it's up to the musher to rest for the entire period.
    A few of the sponsors: ExonMobil, Wells Fargo, CocaCola, Jack Daniel’s

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  27. DOG FIGHTING

    Dog fighting is an insidious underground organized crime that, although completely outlawed, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The dogs, usually pit bulls, literally bite and rip the flesh off of one another while the onlookers cheer, scream, and place bets on which dog will win the match. After the fight, both dogs are critically wounded, often with massive bleeding, ruptured lungs, broken bones, and other life threatening injuries.

    The new legislation is the toughest in the United States and was signed into law in December 2012 by Gov. Rick Snyder. Dogfighting in Michigan will carry much heavier sentences. Dogfighting can be prosecuted and carry sentences of up to 20 years in jail and fines of $100,000.

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  28. CAT ON A LEASH - It’s the latest trend - walking cats on a leash.
Why walk a feline on a leash, you ask? Cats are curious creatures and any opportunity they have to explore the big wide world can enrich their lives.


    
Step 1. Buy a harness and leash - made especially for a cat.


    
Step 2. You’ll want to get your cat accustomed to the harness. Leave the harness in your cat's sleeping area for a few days so she can inspect it. Then, try putting the harness on the cat, distracting her with treats. If the cat gets too anxious, take the harness off and try again the next day.



    Step 3. Once the cat is comfortable in the harness, clip on the leash and walk her around indoors - using treats and a soothing voice.

    Step 4. If the cat seems relaxed with the indoor walks on lead - try a walk outside in a safe and relatively quiet area.



    You’ll soon realize the difference in walking a cat on lead versus a dog is that the cat walks you. Let the cat go where she wants to go, but keep her well away from streets and traffic.

    Never ever pull on the leash.

Until your cat is comfortable with being outside and is used to the sounds and sights, it is recommended that you carry a towel to protect yourself should the cat become distressed and need to be picked up and carried back inside.

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  29. DO NOT ADVERTISE PET FOR FREE
    Animals given away for free can meet gruesome fates. They can end up in the hands of animal abusers. People known as "bunchers," who obtain animals illegally from random sources to sell to research facilities for profit, often acquire animals by answering ‘free-to-good-home’ ads. They sometimes are by those who intend to use them as bait in training other animals to fight. Gerbils, hamsters and kittens may be acquired to be used as snake food.

    THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A FAMILY PET
    Millions of mice, rats, rabbits, primates, cats, dogs, and other animals are locked inside cold, barren cages in laboratories across these United States. They languish in pain, ache with loneliness, and long to roam free and use their minds. Instead, all they can do is sit and wait in fear of the next terrifying and painful procedure that will be performed on them - for the benefit of mankind.

    For help, contact your local Humane Society/Rescue Group - for St. Clair County: Blue Water Area Humane Society, (810) 987-4357, or the Humane Society of St. Clair County, (810) 329-7627.”

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  30. THERAPY DOGS
    A Therapy Dog's job is to provide comfort and companionship through contact with animals. Animal assisted therapy is accepted as therapeutic intervention, which promotes positive and beneficial health effects. A therapy dog can often work wonders in bringing happiness or comfort where other therapies have failed.

    Any animal can be an Emotional Support Animal - a Therapy Animal. Federal law does not require these animals - dogs, cats, birds, horses, pigs, etc. - to have any specific training. One does not have to be disabled to have an Emotional Support Animal. The animal should have good social skills if taken in public places.

    Many people register their dogs as Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals so they can accompany them into stores, restaurants, motels, or on airline flights. Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals quality for housing where pets aren't allowed.

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  31. A DOG'S PRAYER
    Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

    Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

    Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

    When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

    Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

    And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
    --Beth Norman Harris

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  32. TALK TO YOUR DOG
    Dogs have an uncanny ability to understand what people are feeling. They don't hold grudges. They love us and are there for us, day after day, despite our flaws. Our relationships with our dogs can outlast jobs, friendships, and even marriages. So, it's hardly surprising that although we don't speak a lick of Labrador, direct communication is going on, between us and our dogs, all the time. Dogs sense our moods and allow us to be completely ourselves. Dogs really are our best friends.

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  33. HEY, THINGS LOOK INTERESTING OVER THERE.
    Some dogs tune out their owners occasionally because there's too much else going on. Distractions, and maybe a bit of daydreaming, can result in some commands going unchecked.

    I CAN'T HEAR YOU.
    Dogs who have suddenly quit responding to commands or only respond to them occasionally may be going a little bit deaf. To see if your dog is hard of hearing, stand a few feet behind her and clap your hands. I she doesn't react, you'll need to take her for a visit to a vet.

    I DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOU.
    Dogs are very status conscious. They want to know who is the leader and who isn't. If they don't know, they'll assume that they are and will pay less attention to their owners.

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  34. DECLAWING YOUR PRECIOUS CAT
    Declawing your precious cat is not merely a clipping of the toenails - it is the removal of the last bone of your cat's claw - it is the amputation of the last joint of your cat's toes. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery for your cat as it attempts to use the litter box, not to mention that during recover your cat must walk and jump. With such surgery you alter the conformation of you cat's feet, it's primary means of defense, and the cat's perfectly designed body which provides for its grace, agility and grace unique to felines.

    SOLUTION: To your concern about keeping household furnishing intact, try various types and styles of scratching posts, strategically placed, i.e., in a quiet, private area; for indoor cats, only, lightweight vinyl nail caps and nail trimming - ALL, should be tried before declawing.


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  35. A "NO KILL" vs. NOT A "NO KILL" ANIMAL SHELTER

    ANIMAL PROTECTION SHELTER - is a Private Shelter, operated by a Humane Society or a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). An Animal RESCUE ORGANIZATION - is a Private Organization that operates, solely, via foster-home rescue and care; and, is exempt from a MDARD Animal Shelter License. These organizations have the option of choosing which animals and how many animals they will accept. Their mission is to find homes for the animals they shelter and, when necessary, to humanely euthanize only terminal or danger-to-society animals. These two types of shelters ARE considered "NO KILL" Animal Shelters.

    MUNICIPAL ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER (MACS) - is defined by state law as a facility operated by a municipality for the impoundment and care of animals that are found in the streets or at large; and, by their choice, may accept animals that are surrendered by owners. The MACS is licensed by the MDARD; its staff cares for the animals and attempts to find owners when identification is available. Terminal, badly injured and suffering animals will be humanely euthanized. After the required holding periods, animals will be advertised for new homes thru adoption, or will be made available to Rescue Organizations. Because of limited space, uncontrolled breeding practices, and, irresponsible animal ownership, it is often necessary for this facility to "Humanely-Kill" healthy adoptable animals, in order to make room for more strays and abandoned animals. A Municipal Animal Control Shelter IS NOT, therefore, considered a "No Kill" Shelter.



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  36. ANIMAL ABUSE - DOMESTIC ABUSE - SERIOUS CRIMES

    A study of U.S. cities revealed that a history of pet abuse is one of the four most significant indicators of who is at greatest risk of becoming a domestic batterer. Women who do seek safety at shelters are nearly 11 times more likely to report that their partner has hurt or killed their animals than women who have not experienced domestic abuse. Children who are exposed to domestic violence were three times more likely to be cruel to animals.

    Intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault and domestic violence—and can be one of the most visible parts of an entire history of aggressive or antisocial behavior. These cycles of violence often start with animal abuse—and they must be stopped.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I ONLY WANTED YOU
    They say memories are golden, well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, 
I only wanted you. 

A million times I needed you, 
a million times I cried.
 If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.

 In life I loved you dearly, 
in death I love you still. 
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill. 

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

 Our family chain is broken, 
and nothing seems the same. 
But as God calls us one by one,
 the chain will link again.

 Vicky Holder (by permission)

    ReplyDelete
  38. CALL FOR HELP

    No one enjoys finding spots on the carpet or puddles in the kitchen, but occasional "'accidents" are a normal part of owning a dog. What isn't normal is when a dog who has always had control is suddenly having consistent accidents.

    
Frequently, house soiling is the first sign of physical problems. Dogs with urinary tract infections, for example, may have to urinate more often - possibly several times a day or an hour. If you are not available to let them out, they will simply do what they have to do.

Other conditions that can cause a loss of control include diabetes, bladder stones, or an intestinal problem.
    A few accidents are unlikely to be signs of serious problems, but you must make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog isn't back to normal within a few days.

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  39. DID YOU KNOW?

    Dog Poop is the #3 cause of Water Pollution.

    72.8 million dogs currently live in the United States.

    40% of Americans don't pick up after their dogs.

    44% wouldn't pickup if asked.

    1 gram of dog feces contains 23 million fecal bacteria.

    Toxic bacteria seeps into the soil.

    Wastewater treatment systems are NOT designed to filter dog waste.

    Feces, then, seeps into beaches, lakes, streams, Drinking Water.

    ALWAYS - PICKUP DOG/CAT POOP - BAG IT & TRASH IT
    Even when no one is watching

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  40. LOST CAT
    The search for your feline friend tends to be tougher going than if you had lost a dog, experts say. Good Samaritans often come to the rescue of dog owners, picking up pooches and making a call to the owner or taking them to a shelter. But there is no cavalry for cats, and domestic ones are not easily caught — you can’t just open a car door and coax it to hop in. But you can protect against the loss of your cat by micro-chipping it and strapping on an ID collar.

    ReplyDelete

  41. BEWARE OF DOG SIGNS
    PROTECTING YOU, YOUR DOG, AND YOUR VISITORS

    Having a dog is fantastic. It can improve your social interaction, blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and overall health. Dogs make great companions, they’re great with kids, and they’re not terribly expensive to have as pets.

    In addition to being man’s best friend, it turns out a dog can also be extremely beneficial when it comes to safety and protection. Having a dog or two can help deter thieves and unwanted trespassers. It is said that 95 percent of thieves and burglars are deterred by dogs.

    But your dogs can also be a huge liability. If your dog ends up biting another animal or a human, you could be sued for any damages and oftentimes more. Sometimes his desire to protect you can even cost your dog his life

    In Michigan, you are absolutely liable for any injury your dog may cause, unless the person was trespassing on your property. Your liability will be much less if you have a “no trespassing” sign on your property.

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  42. TAKE CARE WITH A STARE:
    Dogs certainly don't mind looking into their owners' eyes, but a direct stare, especially from a stranger, is considered very offensive as well as aggressive. It's okay to look at a strange dog's eyes to see how he reacts, but don't hold your gaze for more than a second. (If a dog is growling or otherwise acting aggressively, avoid eye contact entirely.) It's better to avert your gaze and look just past him when you met for the fist time. Or you can lower your eyes when he tries to make eye contact, which is a way of saying "I'm not a threat, so you can relax."

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  43. MAKING THE INTRODUCTION
    Dogs are territorial, so they get nervous when others nvade their turf. That's why trainers reommend introucing dogs away from home, when they don't have territory to defend.

    Always introduce two dogs on neutral ground, such as in a park. You don't want to put your dog in a position of having to defend his territory. Once the dogs have been properly introduced, it's fine to take them both home, but you'll still need to respect the resident dog's status. That means letting the "main" dog through the door first when you arrive home. He'll probably turn around and look at the newcomer. Then, in some subtle way, he'll let him know that it's okay to follow. And once they're friends, you won't have to worry about conflicts later on.

    ReplyDelete
  44. . WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER IN PETS - TRIP TO VETERINARIAN VERY SOON

    Abnormal swelling that persists or continue to grow - lumps, bumps or swelling anywhere on the body - Sores that do not heal - Weight loss - Loss of appetite - Bleeding or discharge from any body opening - Vomiting and diarrhea - Offensive odor (mouth, nose or anus) - Difficulty eating or swallowing - Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina - Difficulty breathing

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  45. IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO YOU - WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME??

    "Orphaned" pets do not adjust well to the experience in a shelter - they refuse to eat, they are despondent, and they are often labeled "unadoptable." Sadly, many healthy adoptable pets are euthanized simply because their pet owners did not plan for their continuous care.

    Pet owners should identify committed caregivers who can care for their pets,; they should maintain written care instructions; and, they should set up a finance plan or set aside funds to cover the expenses for the continued care of their pets.

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  46. KEEPING YOUR CAT HAPPY

    Provide quality food & fresh water.
    Keep litter boxes clean.
    Play with your cat - try different types of toys.
    Try offering catnip & cat grass to chomp on.
    Provide cat furniture for climbing & romping.
    Provide a scratching post in a quiet area.
    Build a cattery or add cat fencing for outdoor fun.
    Train your cat to be comfortable in a crate - helps for trip to the vet.
    Buy a cat harness for outdoor walks.
    Provide lap-time and lots of affection.

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  47. LEARNING HOW TO LOVE

    Look at your relationships with other people. In many ways most of us are not as dependable as animals.

    Unless he's sick, your faithful dog welcomes you every time with that same gusto. Unless she perceives a threat, your cat always has that pacific, soothing effect. Unless he's busy eating a peanut, your bird is always good for a laugh.

    There us something about the ongoing consistency of these traits that is so much more present in the animals than in our own species. We have mood swings, preoccupations and distractions that interfere with a desirable reliability in our behavior.

    Can we learn love and constancy from the animals? Certainly we can. The trick is not simply to be the recipient of all these admirable qualities, but to return the love our animals generate; and to find ways in which we can extend those same qualities to the human companions we love.

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  48. YOUR DOGS FEET REQUIRE ATTENTION
    Keeping your dog’s feet trimmed up nice and neat is beneficial, not only because it looks nice, but because it will help reduce the amount of tar, stickers, rocks, iceballs, salt, etc. that will get caught in the feet, all of which can be uncomfortable for your dog.

    How to get started? 
Use a scissors to trim over the top of your dog’s foot and even with the pads on the bottom of the foot. Do not try to trim in between the toes or the pads of the foot.

    Since dog’s nails grow in a curve, allowing them to get too long will cause the “fingers” and “toes” to splay or twist when the dog walks. This can be very uncomfortable and can ultimately lead to broken fingers and toes. Regular nail clipping can prevent this, as well as reduce the risk of torn nails. It can also save on wear and tear of your floors and carpeting.

    If your puppy has white nails, you can see the pink vein through the nail. Clip off the tip of the nail, but not so much as to clip the vein. If your puppy has black nails, you will need to clip off a little at a time, looking at the nail tip straight on after each clip. When you start seeing a pale oval in the tip, it means you are near the vein and should stop clipping. If you keep the nails clipped on a regular basis, you will notice a hook at the end of a thicker part of the nail. The hook portion is what can be clipped off. Don’t forget to clip the dew claws if your dog has them!

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  49. THUNDER STORMS - FIRE CRACKERS - FRIGHTENED DOGS

    The way that people react to their dogs' nervousness has a lot to do with how well the dogs cope with storms says Betty Fisher, an animal behaviorist and trainer. Frightened dogs look to people for reassurance. When the people seem upset - not because of the storm, but because their dogs are obviously terrified - the dogs think something like, "WOW, they're scared too! I guess this really is a problem."

    The best way to handle storms is to pay as little attention to your dog as possible until it's over. Let him stay near you, but don't baby him. When dogs hear worried tones in our voices - especially the tone that says, "It's okay, mommy's here"- they become convinced that there's really something to be afraid of.

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  50. FIREWORKS SAFETY

    The Michigan Sheriffs' Association offers the following guidelines to minimize injuries when putting on at-home fireworks displays:

    * Obey the local laws and USE COMMON SENSE.

    Michigan law allows local units of government with 50,000 or more residents to prohibit fireworks from 12:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. on the day before, day of and day after a national holiday.

    Smaller communities may prohibit use between 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
    * Read the fireworks instructions and follow them. If an item looks damaged,
    do not attempt to use it.

    * Purchase fireworks only from reputable established dealers. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. Never attempt to build your own fireworks.

    * A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks usage. Children should
    watch, but not handle fireworks.

    * Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time. Do not attempt to combine or mix fireworks at the same time. Fuses have different burn rates. Actions like this invite accidents.

    * Use fireworks outdoors away from structures, vehicles and trees.

    * Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at anyone. Make sure people and animals maintain a safe distance from the fireworks which are being set off. Use them only outdoors, and away from houses and vehicles.

    * Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

    * Caution is important. Use protective eye wear and keep a water hose nearby. Don't try to re-light a dud, but soak it in water for 15 minutes and dispose of properly.

    * Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.

    * After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding.

    * Keep pets inside. July 4th is the day with the most reports of lost pets each year.

    Let's make this Fourth of July a safe holiday!
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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  51. WHEN THE DOGS ATTACK - IT'S TOO LATE and it's a clear indication that the LEASH LAW is not being enforced - it could very easily happen right here in St. Clair County.

    Such a death sentence - being attacked and mauled by dog(s) - could happen anywhere - particularly in the rural area where too many folks think, because their home sits on a few acres of land, they can open the door - letting out, for a run , a couple of dogs - while they prepare diner or watch TV.

    Until, our law enforcement officers take Animal Control seriously, by enforcing the law - which everybody knows - you are putting your life, your children's lives and your pets lives, in danger of an attack such as took the life of a 46-yer old man - out for a run along the shoulder of a road in Metamora Township.

    Check out the entire Detroit Free Press, July 27, 2014, article: http://www.freep.com/article/20140725/NEWS06/307250132/mauling-metamora-cane-corso-sytsma-jogging Come to your own conclusion as to who and how many - other than the dogs - should be punished for this tragedy to have taken place.

    ReplyDelete
  52. LOST PET

    I've lost my pet; what do I do?
    After searching your own neighborhood, stop by your local animal shelter to view all the strays at the shelter and check through found reports. Visit frequently - try and stop in every day, if possible, to make sure the animal has not been brought in. Descriptions of the same animal can vary from one person to the next, so don't rely on a phone call to identify your pet. Remember, the more effort you make, the greater the chance of finding your pet.

    The most important thing to do is to prevent your pet from becoming lost. Keep your cats indoors at all times with safety collar and ID tags, and keep dogs on a leash or a fenced in yard, when not inside the home, also properly identified. Tattooing and microchips are also available to help ensure your pets safe return home.

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  53. How do I deal with FLEAS?
    Spray the yard, spray and flea-bomb the house, flea bathe the cat or dog and then use either powders/sprays or one of the new spot-on products (Advantage or Frontline). The powders/sprays need daily application, while the spot-on products are applied monthly. It may take a few months to see good results.

    What is LYME DISEASE and what do I do about it?
    Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and causes inflamed joints, fever and systemic illness. It can be costly and difficult to treat. There is a vaccination for dogs that will prevent this disease and we recommend any pet owner who takes their pet out of the county ask their vet about the vaccination. Using flea powders/sprays or the spot-on Frontline will help kill the ticks.

    What is HEARTWORM and what do I do about it?
    Heartworm is a parasitic disease of dogs and cats that causes heart failure. The mature worm lives in the chambers of the heart and the larvae are in the blood. Mosquitoes transmit the disease. There is a blood test that your veterinarian can do to see if your pet has heartworm and medicine that the vet can prescribe to prevent your pet from getting heartworm. If your pet travels outside the country, it is a good idea to see your vet and get on preventative medication. Treatment for heartworm disease is costly and can be harmful to the pet, so prevention is a better alternative.

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  54. A DOG PILLOW IS A REQUIREMENT

    EVERY dog - large or small - needs a "Dog Pillow." A carpeted spot on the living room floor is not sufficient - that is not all your dog needs for comfort and relaxation.

    Every dog needs a "Pillow Bed" to prevent terrible middle-age arthritis from lying, only, on the bare or carpeted hard floor.

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  55. WHY DOGS BARK

    DOGS BARK - it is one type of communication that dogs use, and it can mean different things depending on the situation:
    * TERRITORIAL/PROTECTION: When a person or an animal comes into an area your dog considers his territory, which can trigger excessive barking.
    * ALARM/FEAR: Some dogs bark at any noise or object that catches their attention.
    * BORDOM/LONELINESS: Dogs are by nature pack animals. Dogs left alone, in the house or yard, for long periods of time, may become bored, sad, unhappy and will began barking.
    * GREETING/PLAY: Dogs often have a happy bark and a wagging tail when greeting people or other dogs.
    * ATTENTION SEEKING: Dogs will often bark when they want some attention - such as going outside, playing, or getting a treat.
    * SEPARATION ANXIETY/COMPULSIVE BARKING: Dogs with separation anxiety will often bark excessively when left alone - inside the home or in the year.

    TRAIN YOUR DOG TO STOP BARKING - Getting your dog to bark less will take time, work, practice and consistency. It won't happen overnight.
    * Shouting stimulates your dog to bark more. Speak calmly and firmly, but don't yell.
    * Most dogs won't understand when you yell "shut up." Train your dog to understand the word "Quiet."
    * When your dog is barking, say "Quiet" in a calm, firm voice. Wait until he stops barking, then praise him and give him a treat.

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  56. DANGEROUS TINY HIGH POWERED MAGNETS

    Tiny high-powered magnets like those found in toys, are of grave danger
    if swallowed or inhaled by your dogs and cats, or children. The magnets can bond together, cutting off blood supply and/or can tear holes in the stomach or intestines

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  57. FIREFIGHTERS SAVE HAMSTERS - October 1, 2014

    Lacey, Wash.-Firefighters from the Lacey Fire District 3 in Washington, rushed to extinguish a fire that broke out at a mobile home community near Olympia on Friday.

    No one was inside the mobile home at the time of the fire; however, firefighters spotted a furry family of five that needed assistance inside. The firefighters were ready to treat the tiny pets because they received special training from a local emergency vet and carry a first aid kit designed for animals. The firefighters treated the hamsters with tiny oxygen masks once they were outside the mobile home. A photo was tweeted out, which is making the rounds around the Internet.

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  58. IS THE DOG ON LEASH, A DOG UNDER CONTROL??

    A dog leash is a good way to remind a well-behaved dog of what he is supposed to do, but it is an extremely poor means of restraining an out-of-control dog determined to follow his own agenda. A powerfully built dog, or most any dog that takes you by surprise, can break loose or work up enough slack on the leash to get in range to bite someone walking nearby, attack another dog, or get into other mischief.

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  59. JUST DOGS!!
    Someone stopped loving him. No one ever loved her. He got too big. She started chewing on sprinklers. He bit a child. Her owner is out of town, and the house sitter noticed the dog got out but didn't bother to call the shelter. Whatever happened, it doesn't matter now. Their time is up.

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  60. I FOUND HIM:
    As I approached the pen, I could see that he was curled up in his chewed-up plastic doghouse, as he must surely have spent most of every day for 10 years, surrounded with piles of feces. There was not a scrap of bedding, even though the temperature was forecast to drop below zero. He had his back to me, but when I whistled he emerged from his box and slowly came to the gate. He moved stiffly, sniffing his way, treading carefully - probably has arthritis. His coat was dull and dirty. His ears bore sores from this past summer, when he hadn't been able to escape the biting flies drawn to his feces. I put some food near him, and he stopped, sniffed and bent his head to the ground, taking a while to find it. I realized then that he had been navigating by smell and familiarity. He was blind. His eyes oozed pus from an untreated infection. He once had been a puppy, played with, fussed over. But there had to come a day, not far into his young life, when he became too big, and too much trouble. That's when he was put in his pen.

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  61. TIPS TO AVOID DEER COLLISION

    TIPS TO AVOID DEER COLLISIONS AND INJURY
    • Slow down when you see a deer.
    There likely are more nearby.
    • Do not swerve. Apply your brakes instead.
    • Be alert at dawn and dusk.
    • Wear a seat belt and stay awake and sober

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  62. CALL OF THE WILD
    Wolf howls are like human voices - each is unique, so pack members can tell them apart. The animals howl to introduce themselves, announce their territory, communicate with their group and express emotions that range from joy to grief. The calls also serve as an alarm clock, with alphas first using the sound to rouse fellow wolves from sleep and then continuing it to energize them for the day ahead. Researchers and biologists believe the howling behavior bonds the group and allows its members to cooperate more effectively. And to avoid the "hunters."

    ReplyDelete
  63. READY, SET, PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY
    1. Prepare an emergency plan that includes taking your pets. Map out evacuation routes and identify pet-friendly hotels, motels, boarding kennels, vet clincs and homes of friends and family along those routes.
    2. Maybe not home when a disaster strikes - place stickers on a prominent window or door to alert emergency workers to your pets' presence - hoping that your pets will be taken in by a neighbor, if possible, or taken to the local Municipal Animal Shelter.
    3. Prepare an emergency kit with pet food and water for at least five days, leashes and collars, litter boxes, medications and other basics. Include copies of your pets' medications records and any other medical and/or behavior issues - store in a waterproof bag.
    4. If you know you may be forced to evacuate, put collars and other forms of identification on each and put your pets in one location, so that you can quickly crate them and load them into your car.

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  64. CONTAMINATION RISKS
    One day, when the Sheriff's deputies move in to close down one of St. Clair County's licensed Dog Breeding kennels, it won't be because of dogs with rotting teeth or matted fur, it will be because of a water quality test of a nearby stream or a neighbor's well provided drinking water. According to the DEQ/DNR dog waste is considered a Solid Waste - and must be picked, bagged and sent to the county sanitary land fill. Our St. Clair County BOC do not make picking up/bagging dog feces a requirement of the 30+ dog kennels - containing as many as 60 breeding dogs each - they license nor does our County Health Department Director, Dr. Annette Mercatante, concerned.

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dog waste can contribute to diseases animals pass to humans, called zoonoses. When dog waste is deposited on the ground it could contain ringworms, tapeworms, cryptosporidiumm giardia, salmonells, which even after pick-up leaves the coil infected. Just imagine the contamination when a breeding kennel - rather than pick-up - simply washing this coliform bacteria into the ground. And, how about when a breeder/boarder does pickup the feces/waste and spreads in his/her field, using it as a form of fertilizer - which it is not - and sells the produce at the local Farmers Market.

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  65. DO HORSES SLEEP STANDING UP??
    Contrary to popular belief, horses do not sleep standing up. They snooze standing up Horses, like humans and, in fact, all land mammals, require deep sleep for proper mental and physical functioning. When a horse is standing at rest, he is able to lock his kneecap with ligaments an tendons keeping the joints in alignment. With these soft tissues locking the bones together, no extra exertion from muscle use is required. This allows the horse to actually rest while standing. Horses will only lie down to sleep if they feel safe in their environment, because obviously this action is very risky if you're a prey animal in a potentially threatening situation.

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  66. IS IT A STRAY OR A FERAL CAT?

    STRAY;
    A stray cat is a cat who has been socialized to people at some point in her life, but has left or lost her domestic home, as well as most human contact and dependence. Over time, a stray cat can become feral as her contact with humans dwindles. Under the right circumstances, however, a stray cat can also become a pet cat once again. Stray cats that are re-introduced to a home after living outdoors may require a period of time to re-acclimate; they may be frightened and wary after spending time outside away from people.

    FERAL:
    A feral cat is a cat who has either never had any contact with humans or her contact with humans has diminished over time. She is fearful of people and survives on her own outdoors. A feral cat is not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors.

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  67. PROTECT OUR BEAUTIFUL WOLVES
    Thank You, Jill Fritz, director of Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, (jfritz@humanesociety.org),for your 3/18/15, Times Herald, "Point Of View" article: "State continues to follow reckless path on wolves." Sorry to say, but our State and Local policy makers, on a regular basis, create their very own paths when it comes of decision making - rather than following the will of the people - the Michigan Voters. Our Federal Government - Congress - must continue to protect our beautiful wolves.

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  68. SENIOR PETS
    According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats and dogs are considered seniors at the age of 7. Older pets are more likely to develop diseases like heart, kidney and liver disease, cancer, or arthritis. Look out for behavior changes in your pet. Decreased activity, worsening sight or hearing, and apparent senility or poor cognitive function can all be signs that something is wrong. Excess weight can also increase your pet's chances of disease. Be sure to have your elderly pet examined by a veterinarian often to keep him happy and healthy.

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  69. PUPPY MILLS
    Q. If Puppy Mills are so bad, why can't they be shut down?
    A. Despite the inhumane conditions in these facilities - the Puppy Mill industry is legal.

    Q. How is it possible that Puppy Mills are legal?
    A. Because they are regulated by th United States Department of Agriculture and/or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and are treated like livestock, rather than what they are - companion animals.

    Q. What can the average person do about eliminating/stopping Puppy Mills:
    A. The most important thing anyone can do is adopt from shelters when looking to bring a pet into the family; educate your friends and family about the cruelty in Puppy Mills; and, by all means, voice your opinion about your disgust that companion animals are under the jurisdiction of the Agricultural Dept. rather than a Companion Animal department of its own.

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  70. WATCH OUT FOR TARGET SHOOTING PRACTICE
    Before You Buy That New House
Did You Know - I Didn't Know
Before you fall in love with the new house-for-sale, check the Zoning District regulations and if the community has a Board appointed Zoning Enforcement Officer. Then, find out if the community has a "Firearms" ordinance. Most cities have restrictions on the use of firearms - most townships don't bother. Which means that a neighbor - friends and relatives - may, on a regular basis, choose to target practice on his/her private shooting range .


    www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10363-71467--,00.htm

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  71. "WHAT TO KNOW before you go house hunting": WARNING - is SATISFACTORY ZONING being enforced by a respected ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER? Cities and villages are pretty much under control - RURAL areas are always questionable. You can purchase your dream home, move in, unpack your bags, retire from shear exhaustion, and wake up the next morning to a disaster of which you never dreamed - Target Practice. Because the Township Board has never encouraged Planning; doesn't want to address Planning; believes one can do whatever one wants to do with one's land; and the National Rifle Association is in control, you may have awakened to the fact that next door is an out of control Shooting Range. This could be a FACT - be careful.

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  72. SAFETY ZONES
    "School buildings step up security" the Times Herald reports - that's great, anything for the protection of our children - while in the buildings; but, how about in the play ground - on the way to school. Has your township provided protection with "Safety Zones" from Hunting and Target Practice?? I know St. Clair Township has made no such provisions for the protection of school children attending the two schools located in its township - nor the Little League facility on Fred Moore Hwy. With little or no supervision in townships, primarily, private Target Ranges are popping up and presenting a real danger.

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  73. A CAT'S PRAYER
    Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray this cushy life to keep.
    
I pray for toys that look like mice.
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks.
    
And someone nice to scratch my back.
    
For windowsills all warm and bright.

    For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule--

    To NEVER tell a human that 
The world is really ruled by Cats!
    Author: Unknown

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  74. WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO ABANDONED, UNWANTED, UNCLAIMED DOGS & CATS

    More than two years ago, I attempted to persuade the St. Clair County BOC to amend thre County Animal Control & Protection Ordinance to eliminate: Article 4, sec. 5 (5); Animals may be disposed of in accordance with Animal Shelter policies." What Policies? And, State of Michigan, MCL 287.389 (sec.9) says "Any county, city, village or township operating a dog pound or animal shelter may sell for an amount not to exceed $10.00 per animal or otherwise dispose of unclaimed or unwanted dogs and cats to a Michigan research facility."

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  75. YOUR DOG'S TWILIGHT YEARS

    With a healthy older dog, it's fine to keep everything you've been doing together - whether it's walking, swimming or playing ball - but do it all in moderation. There's nothing wrong with giving your senior dog some extra attention and pampering.

    During your many years together, you and your dog have developed a strong bond. As a caring owner, if you are alert and responsive to your canine companion's changing health needs, you'll continue to enjoy this special relationship long into your dog's golden years.

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  76. SOCIALIZING KITTENS

    Kittens younger than 8 weeks can usually be socialized without much difficulty, while older kittens who have had no positive interaction with humans can take much longer

    If the kittens are healthy, using the litter box, and will eat in front of you, you can safely begin delaying meals just enough to give you the advantage of hunger.

    Food is the most important tool to facilitate the socialization process. Growing kittens have an insatiable appetite – and that fact works in your favor because it spurs them to approach and be touched. So don't put food down and walk away – make kittens interact with you to get that reward.

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  77. DOGS CAN GET ULCERS, TOO
    If your dog stops eating, appears to have stomach pain and looks depressed, take him/her to the veterinarian for tests to determine if he/she has a disease that could cause ulcers and is anemic from blood loss.

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  78. Customary Animal Husbandry- Penal Code Allows - MCL750.50b (10)

    For a young bull, the torment usually begins long before he reaches the slaughterhouse.

    While still a calf, he will bellow in pain as his horn buds are gouged out of his head or burned out with a hot iron or caustic chemicals. He'll feel the agony of having his testicles ripped out of his body and the third-degree burns when branded with sizzling-hot irons—all typically done without painkillers.

    No animal should be forced to endure this torment—this mutilation. Yet this is the sort of nightmare that many sweet, gentle, curious bulls and cows endure each year before dying, violently and terrified, in a slaughterhouse. These animals don't deserve such abuse.

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  79. PIG FARMING
    Customary Animal Husbandry-Penal Code Allows - MCL750.50b (10)

    Around 1.3 billion pigs are slaughtered annually for meat worldwide.
    While some pigs are kept free-range and in back yards in many developing countries, at least half of the world’s pig meat is produced from intensive systems.
In intensive systems, pregnant sows are often confined in narrow crates, unable to move freely.
    The piglets reared for meat are often mutilated, without anaesthetic, and kept in concrete sheds without bedding. Shortly after birth many male piglets are surgically castrated, often without anaesthetic or pain relief, causing extreme pain and distress. Soon after they are born, the teeth of piglets are often clipped to reduce injuries caused to each other and to their mother as piglets nurse.
    Also, most piglets have their tails docked to discourage tail biting. This is painful and may cause long-term pain. Growing pigs are often kept in barren, crowded conditions on slatted concrete floors without straw for bedding or rooting. These pigs have no access to outdoors and will never experience fresh air or daylight. They are unable to behave naturally and are likely to be bored and frustrated. They tend to fight and to bite each other, sometimes causing severe injury.

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  80. INTENSIVE POULTRY FARMING

    Customary Animal Husbandry-Penal Code Allows - MCL750.50b (10)



    The poultry industry is a major cause of environmental degradation in the United States. It kills fish and other wildlife and it makes people sick. In nature chickens and turkeys range in small flocks over wide areas contributing to the health and beauty of the land. In poultry factory farming, thousands of birds are crammed unnaturally into extremely small areas. Filth, ugliness and disease are the result of this unwholesome and unnatural confinement of living creatures.



    U.S. slaughterhouses now kill more than 30 million birds every day, 10 billion birds a year (NASS). This carnage pollutes land, air, and water with diseased carcasses, feces, heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, parasites, pathogen cysts, and viruses. phosphorous, and 48.2 million pounds of nitrogen. A typical slaughter plant kills over a quarter of a million chickens and uses 2 million gallons of water per day 



    Each year, millions of chickens, turkeys, and ducks die of heat suffocation, drug reactions, crowding, stress, and disease before going to slaughter. An operation with 100,000 broiler chickens produces 1,000 lbs of dead birds--250 birds--a day. The bloated, decomposing bodies and skeletal remains of these birds are stuffed in trash cans inside, and piled outside, the poultry sheds. Eventually the carcasses are buried, burned, dropped down feed shoots, and dumped in unlined pits "which become cesspools of bacteria, leaching into groundwater" and local streams 


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  81. The People of the State of Michigan enact:
    MCL 287.277 EFFECTIVE DATE: March 11, 2014
    Sec. 17. The county treasurer may, based on records of the dogs actually licensed in each city or township of the county and any report under section 16, identify and locate all unlicensed dogs. A dog required to be licensed under this act that is unlicensed is a public nuisance. The county treasurer shall immediately list all unlicensed dogs identified under this section and shall deliver copies of the list to the prosecuting attorney of the county. Upon receipt of the name of an owner of an unlicensed dog from the county treasurer, the prosecuting attorney shall commence proceedings against the owner of the dog as required by this act.
    NOTE: The way I read it, both the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Wendling and the St. Clair County Treasurer, Kelly Roberts-Burnett should be serving time at the County Jail, 1170 Michigan Avenue, under the supervision of Sheriff Timothy Donnellon, because both of these two elected officials - County Servants - are violating the Law, by ignoring their responsibilities relative to Act 339, of 1919.

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  82. UNBELIEVABLE
    One of the world’s largest populations of tigers exists not in the wild—but in captivity in the United States. With an estimated 5,000 tigers, the U.S. captive tiger population exceeds the approximately 3,200 tigers in the wild.
    FOR SALE (U.S.A.): Our baby tiger cubs are the most gorgeous white tiger cubs that you can ever find, they are just so wonderful and they get along with kinds and other house pets. They are all vet examined and they are fully registered and they are hand raised. We work hand in globe with our vets to raise our cubs healthily, they will come along with all their health registration papers and a one year health guarantee. We shipped quality animals that meet international transport association rules and regulations. We also have Cheetah cubs and White Lion cubs for sale..

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    Replies
    1. PERMITS TO HOLD WILDLIFE IN CAPITIVITY - Including CUBS

      Authorized by the Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Act - Act 451, PA of 1994, Part 427

      Permits to hold wildlife in Captivity authorizes the possession of animals reared in captivity only. They do not authorize the possession of animals taken from the wild.

      Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators can possess injured or orphaned animals from the wild.

      A permit to Hold Wildlife in Captivity does not provide any authorization to circumvent any Federal, Stae, local zoning, or any other laws and ordinances.

      Delete
  83. FACTS ABOUT FELINE DECLAWING

    Declawing is amputation; it is not merely the removal of the claws. To declaw a cat, the veterinarian cuts off the last knuckles of a cat's paw – cutting through bone, tendons, skin and nerves. In a person, it is equivalent to amputating each finger or toe at the last joint.

    Declaw surgery can be an extremely painful procedure with associated health risks and complications such as infection.

    Declaw surgery can produce permanent lameness, pain or arthritis.


    Declawing is the same mutilating procedure for house cats or big cats.


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  84. The bottom line is: the owner must have his/her dog - no matter the breed - under control at all times - whether it's a high fence, on a leash or in the house. Then, it's up to whoever has the authority to enforce that reasonable regulation?? The BOC is the only one authorized by the Michigan Dog Law of 1919, Act 339, to develop an Animal Control & Protection Ordinance - which they did in 2010. They adopted an ordinance and then made no effort to educate the public and enforce the ordinance.
    The same Dog Law 287.290 states that "A city, village or township by action of its governing body may adopt an animal control ordinance to regulate the licensing, payment of claims and providing for the enforcement thereof." There is not a city, village or township in St. Clair County that has adopted its own Animal Control
    Ordinance accordingly.

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  85. STOP BASHING PETA
    Summer Wind Farm Sanctuary (SWFS) operates under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as an EXHIBITOR - a business with warm-blooded, domestic and exotic animals, that are on display, for the public, or used for educational presentations.
    SWFS is inspected by USDA's Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), for compliance with basic Federal animal care standards, which cover humane handling, housing, space, feeding and watering, sanitation, ventilation, shelter from extremes of weather, adequate veterinary care, and separation of incompatible animals.
    The PETA (Ethical Treatment of Animals) organization did not conduct the inspections; they are concerned with the fact that SWFS's violations are being ignored by SWFS, APHIS and the USDA- there is no enforcement of violations affecting the health, welfare and wellbeing of the animals being contained.


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  86. A SANCTUARY
    A Sanctuary is where animals are brought to live out their natural lives in safety & freedom - to provide a safe haven where animals are not bought, sold or traded. A Sanctuary is not open to the public like a zoo. A Wildlife Sanctuary tries not to allow any activity that would place the animals in an unnecessary stressful situation.

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  87. PRE-SCHOOL CHILD ABUSE
    Pre-school child abuse is very sad. A few months ago The Voice published an article that placed St. Clair County very high on the list for Child Abuse. Many county residents show a great deal of concern for school children - by providing back-packs for school supplies, then food for week-ends - without evidence of a need, which would, if need were a requirement, raise a flag and concern for the possibility of neglected pre-school children. We - family, friends, neighbors - here in St. Clair County, must also be concerned about the well being of the pre-school children - perhaps the phone number of a responsible organization where one might be able to make an anonymous call..

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  88. BRUSHING DOG & CAT TEETH
    If possible, get your dog or cat accustomed to having his teeth cleaned at home on a regular basis when he’s still a puppy or kitten. You’ll want to buy toothpaste created especially for your dog or your cat — toothpaste made for humans can cause stomach upset when pets swallow rather than spit out the preparation — as well as some sterile gauze strips for the actual cleaning. You could also use a child’s soft toothbrush with your dog, or a soft rubber cat toothbrush with your cat.

    To start, dip the toothbrush or a strip of gauze wrapped around your index finger into the toothpaste. Then gently rub your finger or the toothbrush in a circular motion on a tooth. Start with one or two teeth for the first session and increase the number of teeth cleaned per session as your pet gets used to the routine. A daily — or at least twice-weekly — cleaning at home can help your dog or cat avoid painful dental diseases.

    Cats may not love having their teeth inspected, but it’s worth trying, and the gradual approach often works. If your cat refuses to allow you to clean his teeth, it’s okay to leave it to the professionals. Talk over a specific cleaning schedule with your veterinarian — and expect to take your cat in for at least an annual cleaning.

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  89. WELL, WELL "IT" is over - what a relief, for some, that our Oakland County Medical Examiner declared Rebecca Hardy's death - from Pit Bull mauling - Suicide. It was her choosing - especially after the powers that be found a nearby resident willing to say that he saw poor little Rebecca - in her bare feet - climbing over a bent-over, dilapidated fence. Rebecca Hardy, no matter her physical and/or mental condition, never should have be able - under her own volition or otherwise - to wind up in the back yard at 1721 - 10th Street, Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan.

    A deal has no doubt been made that will take care of Molly, her 18-month old daughter. Jessica Johnson and Andrew Miller - owners of the two dogs - have each paid their $100 Municipal-Civil-Infraction fine for "no dog license. On 2/29/16, Jessica has to appear before Magistrate, Susan M. Borovich - probably for past outstanding fines owed to the State of Michigan - and, that's where the Times Herald headlines, announcing "Misdemeanor, 90-days jail time, public service and $500 fine," comes into play.

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  90. ELIMINATE COMMUNITY DOG POOP PROBLEMS

    A high-end apartment community near Grand Rapids, Michigan, will use DNA technology as a way to sniff out dog owners who fail to pick up their pets' feces. They will be asking dog owners to swab their pet's mouth so it can build a DNA database that will allow them to identify residents who ignore their strict clean up policy. They have contracted with PooPrints to collect DNA samples of each dog in the community. If feces are found on the grounds, a sample will be sent to PooPrints, where it will be matched to the offending dog and owner. Violators will face a $350 fine.

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  91. DETECT "NEGLECT" BEFORE YOU HAVE ABUSE

    1. Stop feeding every child - whatever the grade - who attends public school;
    2. Feed those children who come to school hungry;
    3. Have enough staff to investigate, and find out why the child is being sent to school hungry;
    4. Provide the necessary help and assistance relative to "why" the school age child and, very possibly, the pre-school siblings, also, are being neglected by being deprived of suitable nutritious food;
    5. By number five, as the result of a proper investigation and needed problem solving, you have very possibly prevented a neglected child/children from being the recipients of continued neglect and possibly abuse.

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  92. The Dogs' Sense Of Smell:
    Dogs "see" the world through their heightened sense of small, which far exceeds ours, with estimates wildly varying from 100,000 to 1 million times greater. Their skill at scent has served us well. Dogs use it to hunt, unearth missing people in avalanches and the rubble of collapsed buildings. They search out drugs, explosives and banned food. They detect impending seizures, a female dog in heat, the strange dog we disloyally petted and our stress, excreted in the chemicals in our sweat. Alas, like humans, dogs' ability to regenerate the "smell" cells diminishes as they age, and they lose their powerful sense of smell.

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  93. God gave us Dogs:
    Dogs are from the human side of Heaven, where God in His wisdom saw that man and woman weren't going to make it alone and would probably have a heck of a time making it together with all the Mars-Venus communication stuff getting in the way, so He sent the Dog to be their partner and to - hopefully - give them some common ground on which to understand each other.

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  94. POOR PONIES - somebody cut off their tails - their God given weapon against flies and excessive heat. And, after the Trenton Police, and St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon, find the culprit/culprits; and a prosecuting attorney makes his/her presentation; what will be the results after the Court Judge checks the Michigan Penal Code For Animals, Act 328 of 1931, seriously lacking required definitions, MCL 750.50b; only to find that one may, with "Just Cause," knowingly kill, mutilate, maim, disfigure, and even TORTURE an animal, because our legislators - our public servants - are busy trying to get a bill passed that would easily convict a person guilty of removing the collar from another person's dog. Believe me - I'm not kidding - this is the honest truth.

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  95. PEEPERS
    A man disliked his wife's cat, Peepers, so one day he drove Peepers to the park and left him. When the man got home, Peepers was walking up the driveway. The next day he drove Peepers to another town and left him. When the man arrived home Peepers was asleep in his chair. Two days later, the man drove 20 miles away, turned right, then left, over a mountain, down into a valley, through a river, then into a thick forest, and dumped the #$%^ cat. Hours later, he called home to his wife: "Jen is Peepers there?" "Yes," said his wife. "Why?" "I'm lost, and I need him to give me directions home."

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  96. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 11, states: "Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.".

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  97. NATIONAL PARK ADMISSION
    Do you have a fourth grader in your family?? You're in luck: At everykidinapark.gov fourth graders can sign up for an annual pass that grants them and a carload of passengers free access to all national parks.

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  98. SIMPLE SOLUTION: when a COP approaches you, you respect his authority - you don't resist, fight or run - you answer his/her questioning, and if you are not wanted for a criminal offense - he/she will bid you Good Bye - and you'll be on your way - no matter the color of your skin nor the color of the cop's skin. I'm a month short of 87 and that's what I was taught many years ago.

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  99. MY COMMENT ON MY 7/21/16 TIMES HERALD COMMENT
    "The Dog Law of 1919 is not being enforced: the supervisor and assessor do not do gentle inquiry in order to locate unlicensed (with no rabies vaccination) dogs. The county treasurer does not pass a list of unlicensed dogs on to the county prosecuting attorney for his action. None of these public servants are enforcing the Dog Law. They should be fined - maybe even serve time in jail - and certainly be relieved of their elected positions. Instead, it is more important to prosecute the Cottrelliville Twp. couple who broke no dog limit law by living with 100 dogs - did not abandon their dogs - there is no proof that a kennel licenses was required. And there is no proof of animal cruelty, which is not even mentioned - not defined - in the inadequate Michigan Penal Code for animals."

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  100. NO MATTER HOW MUCH CATS FIGHT, THERE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE PLENTY OF KITTENS.

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  101. JUDGE HULEWICZ - according to the Times Herald - you say that what you heard in your court room on the morning of Sept. 19, 2016 - relative to the death, on August 24, 2016, of Mr. Christopher Sawa's dear Promeranian, named Viad - leaves you with no choice but to have a dog named Jeb - alleged to have killed Viad - declared a dangerous dog and euthanized, in accordance with the "Michigan Law" (Act.426 of 1988).

    Judge Hulewicz, I would like to explain to you, exactly what should have transpired when officer Jewells received Mr. Sawa's complaint-call, saying that while he went out into his yard to check on his wounded, 14 lb. Viad, he saw Mr. Kenneth job's, 80 lb. dog, Jeb standing nearby.

    Upon receiving such a report, officer Jewells, should have warned Mr. Sawa that in order to prove that Mr. Job's dog, Jeb - because he was standing in the yard - was responsible for Viad's condition, it was imperative that DNA testing is conducted. He should have warned Mr. Sawa to take Viad - dead or alive - directly to a veterinarian where both dogs would be tested.

    Whether or not a dog - at home, in the house, with its owner - is to be considered dangerous enough to require Officer Jewells to ask that the dog be surrendered,
    without producing a warrant, is extremely questionable. And, hopefully, considering the serious circumstances, had Officer Jewells requested a warrant to obtain jeb, the court official would have reminded Officer Jewels, if he needed reminding, that without a witness to corroborate Mr. Sawa's assumption the DNA testing on both dogs is imperative.

    If the two dogs had been made available for DNA testing - there would be no question - no guessing as to whether or not Jeb killed Viad. Was Jeb, without a word of doubt, guilty killing Viad, just because he happened to be in the yard? Judge Hulewicz, are you willing to accuse a dog of being dangerous because he was standing in that yard; and, are you willing to "kill" Jeb - (suffering and sick dogs are "euthanized" to put them out of their misery - healthy dogs are "killed" when they've lost their usefulness and are abandoned).

    Judge Hulewicz, when you have no proof that Jeb was anything more than a bystander, and the only witness you may have to the crime - the killing of a wonderful little dog named Viad - can you condemn Jeb to be killed because he has no voice - no way of defending himself - no way of telling you and all those interested in his well being, why he was in that yard and who or what he observed.

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  102. In reply the Oct. 8, 2016 Times Herald Article

    Do you - all of you - really want to get past the companion animal abuse we're reading about on a daily basis? Get Dogs and Cats out from under rules and regulations developed by the MDARD. The Dog Law of 1919, was written to protect farm animals from Dogs. Dogs and Cats are not farm animals and consideration for their welfare and wellbeing must be the responsibility of their own committee/department void of farm animal issues. And, for starters - if you want a dog or cat, you pass a written test - after you have been educated - in a classroom - on the responsibility of dog and cat ownership. Dogs and cats must no longer suffer because of the stupidity of you and our legislators.

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  103. SCC Resolution 11.52, Article 1: "Animal Control Manager or Manager means the person, under the general supervision of the St. Clair County Sheriff, who oversees the daily operation of the Animal Shelter," IN VIOLATION OF:

    "Under the Michigan Constitution, the sheriff essentially serves as the county's chief law enforcement officer, but does not hold supervisory authority over individual departments in their jurisdiction. By state constitution and statute, keeping public order is the sheriff's major responsibility."

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  104. NO REPLY FROM SHERIFF DONNALLON
    From: dorothea knight
    Date: October 11, 2014 10:21:37 AM EDT
    To: Tim Donnellon
    Subject: Help

    Sheriff Timothy Donnellon,

    Sheriff Donnellon - with your interest and help, WE could do this.  Peta has the pattern for a DogHouse.  Last year Com. Simasko said he had somebody in mind who would build the houses and that he had ways of getting whatever (straw, I'm thinking) is needed to keep the outside dogs warm during the winter months.  But, he didn't have the manpower to see that those in need would get the houses.  Sheriff Donnellon,  you have that manpower.  Your officers drive the county and can very well observe the need.  And,I would start off the program by a $10,000 donation - that you could use as a Matching Fundraiser.  Certainly, you could find volunteers that would deliver the houses and the straw bedding.  Come on Sheriff Donnellon- for the benefit of the outside dogs - lets work together.  I'll buy that first cup of coffee - at The Freighters.

    Dorothea J. Knight

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  105. MCL 287.277 - STATE MANDATED LAW THAT IS NEVER ENFORCED
    Sec. 17.
    The county treasurer may, based on records of the dogs actually licensed in each city or township of the county and any report under section 16, identify and locate all unlicensed dogs. If a dog is required to be licensed under this act but is unlicensed, the dog is a public nuisance. The county treasurer shall immediately list all unlicensed dogs identified by this section and shall deliver copies of the list to the prosecuting attorney of the county and to the director of the department of agriculture. On receiving from the county treasurer the name of any owner of an unlicensed dog, the prosecuting attorney shall at once commence the necessary proceedings against the owner of the dog, as required by this act. The sheriff shall locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs. Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.

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  106. In reply to the City of Port Huron's Dog Control Dilemma:
    As a dog owner, you must, at all times, have complete control of your dog. Your dog, no matter the breed and/or the size, must not be allowed to run at large - that means when outdoors your dog must be on a leash or in a fenced yard under the watchful eye of the owner. Fencing for that yard must be appropriate for containment of your dog - whether a 5-pounder, a 15-pounder. 30-or-70 pound dog. The fencing - with a locked gate - must be strong and in top notch condition, preventing the dog from exiting and a human - any human - from entering.

    Currently, Port Huron has a dog ordinance, and they have a Police Department available to enforce their dog laws. Port Huron does not rely on the Sheriff's Department to enforce their dog ordinance. Port Huron does not have an animal shelter nor does it have a holding facility; therefore, they must utilize the St. Clair County Animal Shelter for impounding their dogs.

    Port Huron could do as many communities have done - they could do their own dog licensing. Which should give them much insight as to their dog population. Port Huron could sell the dog licenses, for whatever fee they choose - a fee that will provide for enforcement. They could retain that dog license revenue and they could contract with the County Animal Shelter for services needed.

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  107. There was more to my - Dorothea J. Knight - comment than the Times Herald printed. Jeb was in his home, with Kenneth Job when Officer Jewell confiscated Jeb, without a warrant. Now Prosecutor Wendling is adding the DNA results to the "other evidence" - other evidence of what wrong doing by Jeb, other than running-at-large? Certainly, Wendling isn't going to use Judge Hulewicz's -- big mistake - "Dangerous Dog" quote published in the 9/28 Times Herald. I fear that my S.C.C. Public Servants are up to no-good - lilke, maybe the usual coverup.

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  108. LOGAN'S LAW
    The time and taxpayer money spent on developing and promoting this bill - Logan's Law - is a shame with which our legislators must live. Any person who is inclined to abuse an animal has more brains than our public servants - they know very well there are all kinds of way to obtain an animal - no questions asked - free-of-charge. The tax dollars spent on this bill could have gone toward amending the Michigan Penal Code for Animals, MCL750.50b, which allows one to, with Just Cause, Torture an animal. Ask yourself, how come our legislators are not concerned about the torture of an animal, but will go all out - spend all kinds of time and taxpayer money - to promote the development and adoption of Michigan's useless list of smarter-than-thou animal abusers.

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  109. Port Huron, Michigan - Vacant ArtVan Building
    •Dorothea Knight: “Paul from Marysville, Dorothea Knight is saying that because the public servants you elected do not choose to obey the law by enforcing and regulating dog and cat ownership, breeding, licensing, etc., all the do-gooders, the humane societies, rescues and the St. Clair County Animal Shelter are left to care and hopefully find homes for the dogs and cats that irresponsible owners no longer want — rather than just simply killing every dog and cat that winds up ‘homeless.’ Do you have a suggestion better than turning the Art Van building into a first-rate animal shelter?”

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  110. CHILD ABUSE
    I sympathize with your (Annettte Mercatante, S.C.C.Health Dept. Director) concern about abused children, which, according to published statistics is very high here in St. Clair County. And, I never will understand the mentality of those responsible for the "feed all the school children" - -without a very strict program on finding out why that child is being sent to school hungry, and fixing that problem. How can anyone feel good about feeding the hungry school-age child - even sending that child home with a backpack full of food for the weekend - when there might be hungry preschool age siblings at home - even a starved to death brother or sister? I think we should be feeding only the "hungry" school children; and, then find out why they are being sent to school hungry. We should catch neglect before it amounts to abuse. And maybe we should start building well run orphanages.


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  111. SHERIFF DONNELLON OFFICE is not a department
    MCL 287.289a (Sec. 29a). (1) "The board of county commissioners by ordinance may establish an animal control agency which shall employ at least 1 animal control officer." (2) "The board of county commissioners may assign the animal control agency to any existing county department.”

    (1 & 2) Res. 10-19 (6/16/10) - Article 1, St. Clair County Animal Control & Protection Ordinance established an Animal control agency under the supervision of the county administrator/controller.

    (2) Res. 11-52 (12/14/11) Amendment to Res. 10-19: Article 1, the general supervision of the Animal Shelter is changed from "under the supervision of the county administrator/controller" to "the St. Clair County Sheriff, who oversees the daily operation of the Animal Shelter."

    COUN TY SHERIFF IS A SHERIFF'S OFFICE NOT A DEPARTMENT
    The BOC VIOLATED MICHIGAN LAW & THEIR OWN ORDINGNCD



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  112. WHO DECIDED WHERE TO PURCHASE 2017 DOG LICENSES
    As you have become aware - the purchase of your dog's license can no longer be made at your local city, township or village office. A few Public Servants - not legislators, not your BOC got together one afternoon, bought some new equipment and decided that dog licenses would be available as they so designate. It is called Pay-To-Play - five townships who contract with the Sheriff's Office, for special security service, are permitted, by these few Public Servants, to sell dog licenses.

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  113. RABIES VACCINATIONS
    Rabies is a fatal disease for people or any animal (including dogs and cats) unlucky enough to be exposed - through a bite or scratch - to the saliva of a rabid animal - yet precautions are being overlooked/ignored, by our county health department, relative to the possible danger of our community cats becoming rabies infected: Article 10, of the St. Clair County Animal Control & Protection Ordinance, Res. 11-52 requires dogs to - not only be under the control of their owners, but must be rabies vaccinated and licensed, as a means of rabies control; however, same article of the same ordinance allows unlicensed county cats to run-at-large - not rabies vaccinated - possibly making contact with various rabies infected wild animals.

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  114. Ed Allen - Council Bluffs, Iowa
    Comment on Port Huron Times Herald article published 1/20&22/17
    "Experts: Enforce dog laws, don't ban specific breeds"

    ‪For over 1000 years the current pit bull type dog was brought into being through careful selective genetic breeding to create the most violent murderous fighting dog possible‬‬‬

    ‪Simply put, border collies do not herd sheep because they are raised on sheep farms; rather, they are raised on sheep farms because they herd.‬‬‬

    ‪In addition pointers point, retrievers retrieve, and mastiffs guard, all because those traits are part of their breed expectations, meaning strong and continuous selection in the underlying breeding program "‬‬‬

    ‪Pit bulls do not attack because they are raised with dog fighters and drug dealers, dog fighters and drug dealers use pit bulls because they attack!‬‬‬
    ‪It is their nature, their genetic truth and reality.!!‬‬‬
    ‪It is not how you raise them rather it is simply what they are.!!‬‬‬
    ‪Just like sled dogs run and pull, it is just their nature.!‬‬‬

    ‪A pit bull type dog is what it is and does what it is.You can no more alter it genetic makeup then you can a collies to herd, a hounds to track, a retriever's to retrieve, a labs to swim, a pointers to point, a sled dog to run and pull.‬‬‬ They do what they are and a pit bull type dog is a mauling violent killer that has been bred to be a land shark, nothing you do can change that, even if you have them from birth.‬‬‬

    ‪No matter if you love them, or how you nurture, train, rehabilitate, raise them optimally as normal dogs from birth, you can not change their Genetic reality to Kill, Maul, Maim, Disfigure, Dismember, cause Life Flights or trips to the Intensive Care Unit.‬‬‬

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  115. The STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAQUE
    The plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" - an invitation written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 and dedicated in October 28, 1886 - long before 1935 when a national welfare system was established for the first time in American history


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  116. WELCOME TO ALL:

    
ANGOLA - ANTIGUE & BATBUDA - ARGENTINA - ARMENIA - ARGENTINA - ARMENIA - AUSTRALIA - AUSTRIA - AZERBAIJAN - BANGLADESH - BELARUS - BELGUM - BOLIVIA - BONZNIE & HERZEGOVINA - BRAZIL - CANADA - CZECHIA - CHINA - CHILE - COLUMBIA - COSTA RICA - CYPRUS - CZECK REPUBLIC - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - ECUADOR - FINALAND - FRANCE - GEORGIA -GERMANY - GREECE - HONDURAS -- INDIA - INDONESIA - IRAN - IRELAND - ISRAEL - ITALY - KAZAKHATAN - LATVIA -LITHUANIA - LUXEMBOURG - MACAU - MACEDONIA (FYROM) - MALAYAISA - MAURITIUE - MEXICO - MOLDOVA - MONGOLIA - NETHERLANDS - NEW ZEALAND - NICARAGUA - PAKISTAN - PAPUA NEW GUINEA - PHILIPPINES - PERU - POLAND - PORTUGAL - PUERTO RICO - ROMANIA - RUSSIA - SERBIA - SINGAPORE - SOUTH KOREA - SPAIN - SWEDEN - SYRIA - TAIWAN - THAILAND - TURKEY - UKRAINE - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - UNITED KINGDOM - UNITED STATES - VIETNAM

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  117. 3/4/2017 Times Herald
    In reply to concerned citizen regarding the thin dog with a heavy chain, chained outside all the time. Too Bad - State Dog Law written in 1919 to protect farm animals from dogs and our BOC adopted S.C.C Animal Control & Protection Ordinance 11-52, say what's being done is okay as long as the dog is getting adequate food and water. It's about time St. Clair County residence take notice of how poorly the care of our Companion Animals - our Dogs & Cats - is being considered. All our local & state governing bodies are interested in is the money derived from your purchase of Dog Licenses, when the owner of a lost dog can be found by simply putting a phone number on a collar. Wake up to what's going on!!

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  118. Thank you for being pro-active Ms. Knight. My friend Sue and I are trying to make changes at AC, but the politics is weighing heavy. We would like to have input from you if you have time. We have sent friend request on facebook. Again, thank you for loving the animals.

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  119. LOOKING FOR A HEALTHCARE PROGRAM
    Last nite - March 20th - a late nite radio personality, Bill Cunningham, the "Uncommon Voice of the Common Man," spoke with a guest regarding a healthcare program in which you might be interested: LibertyHealthShare.com

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  120. FERAL CATS are the offsprings of lost or abandoned pet cats or other feral cats that are the result of pet owners' abandoned cats which were not spayed or neutered - allowing those pet cats to breed freely and uncontrolled. The feral cat is the "wild" offspring of the domestic pet cat or another feral cat.

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  121. W A R N I N G
    Our St. Clair County Treasurer, who is state mandated in charge of Kennel Licensing and our County Health Department Director refuse to protect the health and welfare of county residence, by insisting - before licensing - that the kennel operators and, for that matter, all county produce providers, DO NOT use dog/cat feces as a means of fertilizer.

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  122. T/N/R
    Is the Cat - not you, not the community, not anybody else - better off, after having been Trapped, Neutered, rabies vaccinated, ear-tipped and Returned to its original location, than before he/she was trapped, neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned??

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  123. Studies have proven nonhuman animals have deep emotions,, understand each others' minds, live in complicated societies, transmit culture, use sophisticated communication, solve difficult problems, and even mourn the loss of their loved ones - just like humans do..

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  124. 5/19/2017 Times Herld "TalkBack"
    TO: Henrietta from who knows where? Until "every" city, village, and township government takes an interest in the dog and cat problems affecting their own residents, those residents will continue to suffer, because they are relying on the Sheriff's St. Clair County Animal Control to fix everything - they can't. Fixing everything, concerning dog and cat problems, is not their responsibility, even though many city, village and township governments think otherwise. It's up to every city, village and township resident to also take a serious interest in the dog and cat problems - attend your local government meetings and make your concerns known - "Organize"

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  125. I just came upon the St. Clair County Sheriff' s Animal Shelter - the shelter continnually accused of "High Kill" - Rescue Worksheet dated 6/12/17. Five 4-month old kittens weresurrendered together; two 8-month old "stray" cats brought in together; and a 1-year old and 5-year old stray. And, the S.C.C.S.A.S. is being accused of high kill, when the BOC adopted an ordinance, Article 10 that allows cats - all cats - to roam freely making more babies. This is a stupid ordinance, catering to likewise stupid and irresponsible St. Clair County residents, who must be served - like it or not - by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Animal Shelter

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  126. THE MYSTERIOUS SCIENCE BEHIND LIFESAVING DOGS:

    WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LOOK INTO YOUR DOG’S EYES.

    WAYS WE CONNECT WITH DOGS.

    WHEN DOGS ATTACK.

    DO DOGS EXHIBIT ‘MORAL BEHAVIOR.

    /Users/dorotheaknight/Desktop/Mysterious DOG 2.docx


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  127. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  128. PIT BULL CHARGES OFFICER
    Every dog - a three-pounder or a seventy-pounder -
    runing at-large - without supervision - can be a danger,
    Capture and impound that dog, then- no questions asked -
    then arrest its irresponsible owner.

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  129. STUPID & IRRESPONSIBLE PROGRAM:
    Since the St. Clair County BOC turned the S. C. C. Animal Control operation - including the Shelter - over to Sheriff Donnellon's Office, what does he say about giving away "free of charge" sterilized and not sterilized dogs and cats.

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  130. Jackie Smith, you wrote, for the Times Herald, 3/2/18, one heck of a good artticle "Area officials dealt with 2,000 FOIA requests in 2nd part of 2017." Congratulations - you covered the jubject - no doubt opened the eyes of many uninformed St. Clair County residentss. Teriffice job well done.

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  131. Pet parents know that healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat are telltale signs of whole body health. VitaLife Natural Diets TM dog food recipes are crafted to keep your dog healthy from the inside and out. Buy Vitalife Dog Food

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