Pet Health
The following letter was sent to Charleston's (former)Mayor Goldman in response to his proposal to
ban certain breeds of dogs in Charleston.
In regard to recent incidents in Charleston where Pit Bulls were shot and killed by Charleston Police Officers and Mayor Goldman's proposed ban on Pit Bulls, Rottweiler and Dobermans, the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association would like to make our position known.
We have a few ideas we would like to pass along to you. First,Charleston needs to rigidly enforce our current leash law so dogs are not allowed to roam at large (Sec. 10-161 of the Charleston City Code). Second, we should enforce our law against people who knowingly harbor a vicious animal. This cannot be tolerated! Third, we need to devise a public informationcampaign to inform the public of our laws and the consequences of breeding for the purpose of raising vicious animals, or knowingly harboring these animals and enlist the public to help. Neighbors of drug dealers and those engaged inillegal activities are probably reluctant to report knowledge of vicious animals for fear of repercussion. We need to make it possible for them to remain anonymous.
Also, the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association will be happy to work with the City with instruction and training of humane restraint/capture with the "Rabies Pole or Bite Pole." This device cuts down on the endangerment of those working with the dogs and the necessity of having to shoot and kill the animal.
The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association also strongly opposes any banning of specific breeds of dogs! We feel this breed discrimination is unjust because it is more an "owner" problem than a breed problem. Banning these dogs discriminates against responsible owners of these breeds. We feel if we work together, we will have a better chance of success in reducing this problem and protecting our citizens. By reducing the number of people harboring and breeding these animals, we will also improve the lives of future dogs that wouldbe doomed to this life of mistreatment and their ultimate demise.
Sincerely,
Donna Clark, Executive Director
KCHA Board Members: Kim Hutton, President; Roger Wolfe, Vice President; Tammy Harper, Secretary; Sylvia Shafer, Secretary; Harry Carpenter, Mary Jo Hansen, Jack Kane, Kay Michael, Robin O'Brien, Biran Richardson, Neil Ring, Chris Ross, Dr. Miranda Rossi, Connie Simpson and Nicky Walters
Have your pet spayed or neutered. It benefits your pet's health and helps control the pet over-population problem.
Make sure outdoor pets have water especially during summer months. A common problem we find during Humane Investigations is empty water bowls that have been tipped over or are unstable. A good idea is to attach a bucket (not a shallow bowl or pan) to the dog's doghouse with a wood screw so the dog can not tip the bucket over. With a screw the bucket can be tipped by the owner to add more or fresh water. A bucket is recommended because it is deep so that the water does not heat up as fast in the sun, and can catch rain water during rainy days. Bucket size should vary to fit the size of the animal. Also, the bucket should be checked often and the water replaced as needed.
Make sure outdoor pets have shelter. The occasional rain or thunderstorm can sometimes "pop up" suddenly and catch pets out in bad weather. A dog house for dogs is required by State Law at all times for dogs kept outside for any amount of time. If the owner is home and can bring the dog in during bad weather, that is fine. When dogs are left out all day or while the owner is away at work or shopping, a doghouse is required.
Never leave a dog in a vehicle unattended for any amount of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 160 degrees in a matter of minutes-even with the car windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. Also, be alert for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet becomes overheated, you need to lower the animals body temperature immediately. Also, a vet should be consulted as soon as possible.
During winter months, special risks to pets should be watched out for:
Keep indoor pets in a dry, warm area free of drafts. Elevate your pets bed off the floor.
Provide outdoor pets with a dry insulated pet house that is out of the wind.
Staying warm demands extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when temperatures drop. Bring your pet indoors if the wind chill or other weather conditions be come severe.
Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet's paw3s and coat at once. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has frostbite. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white, or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.
Cats and kittens often seek warmth on warm car engines. Knock on the hood of your car before starting your vehicle or honk the horn; then wait a few minutes before starting the car.
Pets like the smell and taste of Anti-freeze, but even a small amount can kill them. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Tightly close containers and store them where pets can not get to them.
Holiday paraphernalia can hurt pets. Cover or tack down electrical cords. Keep tinsel and glass ornaments out of reach. Read warnings on items like spray on snow. Never put ribbon around a pet's neck or allow it to play with plastic or foil wrappings or six pack beverage holders.
Keep your pet on its regular diet. Holiday treats, such as chocolate and bones, can be harmful or toxic.
Many plants-including Christmas rose, holly, mistletoe, philodendron and dieffenbachia-are toxic to pets. Keep them out of your pet's reach.
Always have fresh, clean water available.
