New emotional support dog anti-fraud law signed

"Emotional support dog stare down" by mirsasha
 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

This is not the first time that I have talked with you about calling every dog an emotional support dog so that they are given access everywhere and identifying all sorts of animals as service animals, peacocks, squirrels etc., so that they can accompany people on airplanes, restaurants and the like.  This practice has resulted in elimination of many animals from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibitions of pets on public transportation, housing and other places. 

Personally, I think every pet, be it dog or tarantula, provides emotional support to the humans that love him or her, but, legally, that is not the case. 

Now, a new emotional support dog anti-fraud law, Assembly Bill 468, was signed into law this fall. This law will, among other things require that written notice be provided to a buyer that specifically distinguishes an emotional support dog from guide, signal, and service dogs. A person selling ID, vests and other accessories will also be required to provide such written notice. Finally, for those purchasing doctor notes to assert that their dog is an emotional support dog, the law prohibits health care practitioners from doing so, among other things, unless

 "the health care practitioner complies with specified requirements, including holding a valid license, establishing a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days prior to providing the documentation, and completing a clinical evaluation of the individual regarding the need for an emotional support dog." 

Penalties for violating this law can be both civil and criminal.

So please, let's keep the field clear and the airline seats available
for those with legitimate needs who need the protection of state and federal laws, and don't insist that loving your dog is a disability.

Ivermectin is for ANIMALS - and not the human kind

I know that we always remind you that some people foods and medicines should not be shared with your pets as they can be toxic or cause harm to their health and well-being. 

Today I have to tell you to not take your pet's heartworm pills to self-treat for COVID-19 or any other human illness. Ivermectin, the ingredient found in assorted animal deworming medication is toxic to humans and can be fatal. 

The American Medical Association (AMA), American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) strongly oppose the ordering, prescribing, or dispensing of Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial, usually one involving parasites. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has issued similar warnings.

Please, if you feel ill please see your medical doctor, not your veterinarian, your cattle store clerk or your Facebook feed.

We need you to be well and to thrive.

The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act is now law!

 

Photo courtesy of spcaLA

It has long been known that veterans can benefit from a bona fide service dog to assist them to cope with injuries, PTSD, suicidal impulses and an array of emotional and psychological needs. Additionally, they, as well as the rest of the population can be helped by the unconditional love of a family pet. Unfortunately, recognizing this need and sometimes the idea of any pet on a military base has been dismissed and resisted by those in charge.

For many years now spcaLA has worked with assorted veteran's groups to speak out, to offer pets, and to do what we can to provide solace and comfort to our veterans with our dogs. 

FINALLY, on August 25th, 2021, President Biden has signed  H.R. 1448 and H.R. 3642 the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act into law. This law will allow veterans to train and work with potential service dogs to address their particular issues and then to adopt the dogs! 

Thanking veterans for their service is a nice gesture, addressing their needs upon return for service is a must do.

New requirements if importing dogs for resale from ASF regions - getting the message?

"Best Friends" by HKmPUA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

A new federal order, issued August 6, 2021, will apply additional stringent requirements regarding the importation of dogs for resale into the United States from countries where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is believed to exist. Among other things, importers will have to attest in writing that certain protocols regarding the bedding, crating, iso-chipping, and others have been complied with. 

The USDA website states: 

    "ASF is found in countries around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. More recently, it has spread through China, Mongolia and Vietnam, as well as within parts of the European Union. It has never been found in the United States – and we want to keep it that way."

The disease is deadly, highly contagious to domestic and feral swine, not to humans, and it is not a food safety issue. There is no treatment for or vaccine against this disease - only mass euthanasia of an infected population. The danger is that the imported dogs for resale into the United States could introduce this disease into our population, to our pet pigs, and farms.

The list of regions in the world affected by ASF can be found here. I think it is important to point out that there is a lot of overlap between the puppy mill locations exporting designer dogs and trendy pure breeds into the U.S., and the locations where ASF exists, as well as an overlap to the unchecked rabies regions from which dog importations have recently been banned by the CDC as well! 

This should be a wake up alarm to those ordering French Bulldogs from Ukraine (both lists), and others, that we global residents of the world must be mindful of
the fact that the simple act of clicking on the internet to import a dog into this country, can create the real hardship of fighting off stowaway viruses and organisms that can cause death and sorrow for us all.

How about we don't convert dog shipping crates into Pandora's boxes and adopt from an spca or humane society here at home.

CDC stops the importation of dogs from 100 + countries with high risk of rabies

Conrad at spcaLA

Kudos to CDC! Commencing on July 14th, CDC is suspending the importation of dogs from countries with high risk of rabies until further notice, whether or not the reason is for-profit, "rescue" or a personal pet. See the details and list of countries here.

It is not a new story. Planes full of French Bulldog puppies from Ukraine landed in LAX and Toronto, a plane of French Bulldog puppies from Jordan landed in Chicago, and just last week - Yorkie puppies from Ukraine landed at LAX. Again, spcaLA responds to assist these babies.

 What is always true is that these puppies will not be healthy nor will their age, breed and medical record match their entry paper work. What is also true is whether the motive for this is profit, or a misguided attempt by those proclaiming themselves as "rescuers", the puppies will suffer, and will often spread diseases, (e.g. rabies, canine influenza, heartworm) to local dogs and in the case of rabies - to people as well. 

The bottom line is that whether or not intentions are good or bad, the dogs always lose.

Look at Conrad, a Yorkie who landed at LAX on June 8th and ultimately turned over to spcaLA by CDC. He presented with several maladies including neurological symptoms. He is estimated to be between 5-6 weeks old and under 2 pounds. (NOT the 20 weeks listed on his paperwork and absolutely NOT vaccinated against rabies,) He further spent a week in the hospital and is now under our care. Conrad is still fighting for his life.

Would you send a sick 6 week old puppy, unvaccinated, unweaned, seizing and unable to eat halfway around the world in a crate/carrier? This is the part people don't see when they click on a site and order such a designer dog. 

spcaLA participates in a multi-agency task force to deal with these issues. But no amount of enforcement can stop this global puppy enterprise. So for now, CDC is taking action. Effective July 14th the importation of dogs from 100+ countries with high risk of rabies will go into effect until further notice.

Please stop creating a demand for these dogs and adopt dogs already here. 

Enough! Please!

P.S. Strong leadership, collaboration, and swift action on the parts of the CDC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and spcaLA afforded Conrad a second chance at life, rather than his having to be sent back to Ukraine or euthanized. However, the little pup has a long road to go. He is currently under medical supervision, and it could be at least two months before Conrad is available for adoption. To donate to his care and that of other spcaLA shelter pets, visit spcaLA.com.

So you think you had a bad day!

Imagine coming home to discover 15 to 20 condors having a rave at your house! This is exactly what a woman in Tehachapi came upon when returning home from a weekend away. They were all over her porch, roof and lawn. 

The condors, trashed her deck, kicked over lawn items, chewed up screens and, of course, pooped everywhere. When the party was over they retreated to her trees - but remained at the house.

These huge beautiful endangered birds have suffered the consequences of losing their habitat to commercial development and have slowly been released back into the wild. Why they decided to congregate in such a large group at one house is a mystery, and one which may never be solved. 

Was this a warning that they want their land back? A prom? A search for food as restaurants have been closed? 

Maybe Tippi Hedren knows!!

"Vermilion Cliffs National Monument - Condor Viewing Site" by BLMArizona is marked with CC PDM 1.0  (photo credit)

Not to be Morbid - but What if our Pets Outlive Us?

 Not to be morbid - but what if we outlive our pets?

Pets are part of the family, and, can be addressed in an estate plan.  California recognizes the unusual status of pets, as beyond their legal designation as property, by permitting them to be beneficiaries of a trust and cared for should the owner die or become incapacitated.  An estate planning attorney will be able to analyze your needs and advise you accordingly. I ask only that you think this through so that your pets are protected and that you have peace of mind.

spcaLA has a pet re-homing program into which you can enroll in advance and leave your pets to us through your will or trust. There are similar programs around the country. If you are leaving your pets to a sanctuary, where your pet will live out his or her life, please investigate first to ensure that your pet will have a good quality of life at that location. If you are choosing to set up a pet trust, provide as much detail as possible as to the care, feeding, stimulation, needs and habits of your pet including euthanasia issues and disposal of remains. These instructions will make the task easier for the caretaker and trustee as well as ensuring continuity for your pet who will be grieving and dealing with change. They are also essential even if you are leaving your pet with a relative or friend through a traditional will. Please note that when dealing with exotic pets like birds, tortoises, coy etc. you must plan for their life spans which can be much longer than that of humans!  A huge estate or great personal wealth is not required to provide for your pets - just thought and attention to the details.

Finally, an emergency plan is essential to cover the event of an accident or gap between death and when it is discovered that there are pets in need. Details of this plan must be shared to all relevant parties and attached to your estate planning documents and important papers so your pets will be immediately retrieved. 

Planning in advance will make you less dependent on the kindness of strangers, will truly fulfill your pledge to care for your pet for the pets' life and will provide you with the peace of mind of a job well done.

As long as you are in a planning mode - please also consider pet prenups in case of divorce or separation. California Law considers the "best interest of the pet" when the issue is litigated. But - why wait until then and rely on a judge to decide.

Take care, stay well and be prepared.

Sick Puppy Peddler Pleads In Superior Court Today

The world is full of people who prey on others for money. In this case, it was at the expense of the suffering of helpless puppies and heartbroken families left with nothing but veterinary bills and tears. Today justice was served, but this was just one person exploiting vulnerable puppies and those who would offer them homes and love. Please, let us not create a demand for these "sick puppy peddlers" by buying these dogs from the internet and social media.

If we don't create the demand - there will be no profits for the suppliers.

Following a 2 year investigation, Gustavo Gonzales (DOB 4/1/93),  who was charged with 73 felony and misdemeanor criminal counts, including, burglary, fraud, theft and animal cruelty, for selling sick puppies, pleaded no contest  to one count of Penal Code § 597.4 in Superior Court today (Case# BA478369). He was arrested on June 6, 2019, and has since been in custody.

Gonzalez advertised on social media and met potential buyers at public locations or at his home. To conceal his identity, Gonzalez used 15 different fictitious names and 40 different telephone numbers via apps and burner phones.

spcaLA investigators identified 93 families victimized by Gonzalez. Of the 99 puppies sold to unwitting customers, 57 died shortly after purchase. In total, 93 families paid Gonzalez $68,070 for puppies and spent $176,803 in veterinary bills to save the puppies, most to no avail.

In addition he to serving 623 days in custody, Gonzalez is sentenced to one year probation; one year of counseling for animal cruelty under Penal Code § 597(h); and is prohibited from owning or being around any animals for the next 10 years under Penal Code § 597.9. Gonzalez is subject to search and seizure conditions by Animal Control Officers or spcaLA Investigators, and is prohibited from engaging in any employment or business without proper licensing. He is also required to pay restitution to 63 of his victims as well as spcaLA for a total of $203,000. 

He is further ordered to stay away from all victims and witnesses in this case.

“The pets that we bring into our homes become a beloved part of our family. Trying to sell sick puppies to unsuspecting people is just plain wrong,” District Attorney Gascón said. “That’s why it’s so important to use established animal shelters or pet adoption agencies so that we avoid becoming victims and also help end the market for unscrupulous illegal dog breeders.”

Thank you to, Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the Downey Police Department.

We must all collaborate to stop these cases from occurring. That means you too!

Adopt from a shelter!