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FEATURES
Out of Control, Into Compassion
The tension between municipal animal control agencies and private humane groups persists to this day—but it shouldn’t. The days of the dogcatcher are over; leaving archaic methods behind, progressive agencies are changing the way animal control does business, reconciling the need to protect the public with the goal of saving animals’ lives.
Saving Lives in the Gulf Coast
Pet overpopulation and high euthanasia rates remain a depressing reality in the Deep South, despite stepped-up efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But a groundbreaking spay/neuter initiative, launched in three pilot cities in the region, has started to show encouraging results—which could spell hope for homeless animals nationwide.
DEPARTMENTS
Letterbox
Scoop
Coffee Break
In your space, you told us about the most unusual or interesting donation you’ve ever received.
Creature Feature
Wildlife conservationists and cat advocates have been staring each other down for decades, and the November 2006 shooting of a feral tabby in Galveston, Texas, by a local birding guide didn’t help matters. But now, former opponents are trying to find common ground, in the best interest of all the animals.
The “101” Department
Savvy ACOs have a plethora of new technologies to help them with their work. But some experts worry about a “boys and their toys” mentality that could drive an increasing reliance on fancy gear that looks cool hanging from an officer’s belt but could actually detract from successful, humane animal handling.
Shelter Medicine
Upper respiratory infections in cats are an ongoing challenge for shelter staff seeking to keep their kitties healthy and adoptable. Brenda Griffin, D.V.M., lays the groundwork for an approach to keep cats wheeze-free.
Behavior Department
Most shelters weren’t built with the needs of little dogs in mind, but there are steps that staff and volunteers can take that will make the environment much better for them. One shelter director created a special area just for the little guys—Smallville—that resulted in remarkable behavior improvements.
Off Leash
Taking after the incredibly popular PostSecret.com, Nikki Moustaki has created a website where pets (and their owners) can spill their juiciest secrets.
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