HSOY RESCUES PIT BULL, ENDS DIFFICULT YEAR FOR CRUELTY

The Humane Society of Yuma hopes that its latest cruelty investigation will be the last in what has been a long, difficult year for animal cruelty in Yuma County.

On December 12, an emaciated pit bull was rescued from a debris-filled shed on the 100 block of North 12th Avenue. The dog was discovered when a humane officer came to the residence in search of the owners of puppies that had been running loose in traffic.

In addition to being emaciated, the evaluating veterinarian reported that the dog had a skin condition down its back, a swollen, infected right eye and hind leg that had been dislocated for at least a week. Due to the dog’s severely deteriorated condition, the decision was made to euthanize her.

The case is just one in a long list of cruelty cases the Humane Society of Yuma’s animal control division has had to deal with this year.

It’s not only the number of cruelty cases that frustrates HSOY Director of Operations Annette Lagunas, but the lack of resolution to so many of the cases. “It’s a team effort. We’re at the mercy of the presiding jurisdiction in regards to how far a cruelty investigation goes,” Lagunas said. “We can’t make arrests, we certainly can’t prosecute.”

Humane officers are trained to recognize cruelty when they come across it in the field,” said HSOY Patrol Sargent Aaron Acton. “If my guys suspect cruelty, they’ll document and collect evidence,” said HSOY Patrol Sargent Aaron Action. “We only forward cases to the presiding authority we feel are substantiated and warrant criminal prosecution.”

The Humane Society of Yuma has worked hard over the last few years to increase cooperation between local agencies in fighting cruelty. The Yuma County Anti-Cruelty Task Force was created in 2007. Both Lagunas and Acton agree that progress has been made in the level of cooperation between agencies, however, a lot of work remains to be done.”

“We realize that local authorities have limited resources and that they have cases that are priority over animal cruelty cases,” Lagunas said. “But the connection between human violence and animal cruelty has been too well-documented to ignore.”


Summary of selected 2009 cruelty cases
Cases pending criminal prosection or dismissed.

• January 9 Two pit bulls killed after being run down and repeatedly ran over with a vehicle. The killings were allegedly in response to reports that the two dogs had attacked a smaller dog. This case still lies with the County Attorney.
• March 28 A pit bull was found extremely emaciated and with severe pneumonia. “Destiny” was rescued by HSOY and was subsequently the subject of extensive media attention. In last report, the County reported that they denied felony charges and was forwarding the case to Somerton for potential charges in that jurisdiction.
• March 30 Owners of an emaciated Doberman with an untreated enzyme deficiency were cited for failure to provide veterinary care by YCSO. Owners took dog to veterinarian where they were provided dietary supplement. Dog died two months later. The county attorney dismissed this case on May 18, 2009.
• April 7 While en route to another call, an officer observed a chained and severely emaciated German Shepherd. YCSO was contacted and an officer responded. The dog was removed by the humane officer and the decision was made to immediately euthanize the animal. To date, no charges have been made against the owners.

Cases with resolution or resolution pending

• February 25 A bull mastiff suffering multiple skin abrasions, weeping infections from open wounds on both ears and a visible hole in his right ear was brought into the HSOY by its owner who stated the dog had been fighting with his other dogs. HSOY forwarded the case to the YPD. HSOY was notified on April 16 that the owner pleaded no contest to neglect, abandonment and cruelty.
• September 24 A humane officer responding to an animal welfare check discovered 13 dogs chained outside the residence. Many of these animals were severely malnourished and had no access to food or water, despite the extreme heat. Following the discovery, the Yuma Police Department arrived to assist with the investigation, which revealed an additional 16 animals inside the residence. HSOY is actively working with the City of Yuma Prosecutor and the Yuma Police Department to seek charges in this case.

Open cases

• June 29 An HSOY Animal Control Officer responded to a call from Border Patrol regarding a deceased dog at County 7 ¾ and Levee Road. Upon arrival the ACO noticed the dog had been shot at least one time in the side of the head.
• July 24 HSOY received a report of a dead dog on the grounds of a local area school. The responding officer observed what appeared to be a laceration around the dog’s mouth. The officer collected evidence before leaving the scene. A local veterinarian examined the dog and confirmed that the dog had been stabbed. The examining veterinarian believed that the dog’s death was caused by the injury.

Pictured:: Destiny, right, arrived at our shelter on March 28 severely emaciated and suffering from pneumonia. 

Thanks to the generous support of the community, we had enough money to cover Destiny's emergency veterinary care. Destiny, pictured here three weeks after her rescue, soon recovered and is now living the pampered and happy life that every dog deserves.  

Bite dog at large on 2200 block of 19th ST

The Humane Society of Yuma would like to alert the public to a bite dog at large.
The dog, described as a medium-sized tan terrier mix, was last seen at the intersection 22nd Avenue and 19th Street.

A woman was bitten in her attempt to break up an altercation between the dog in question and her own dog that she was walking.

"It is important that we impound this animal in order to verify it's rabies vaccination status since it has already bitten someone," said HSOY Director of Operations Annette Lagunas.

Anyone encountering this dog should contact the Humane Society of Yuma's Patrol Division at (928) 782-1621, ext. 106.

Local Church raises funds for our Shelter

On December 10, 2009, the Fellowship Committee of Gloria De Cristo’s Lutheran Church presented the Humane Society of Yuma with a check of $477.32.

The Fellowship Committee and many other wonderful volunteers led by Gladys Magstadt and Jerry Stapleton spent four days of the Thanksgiving weekend at the 72^nd & 73^rd annual Desert Southwest Cluster Dog.  The Fellowship Committee ran the Fund Raiser Food Booth, which proved to be one of their greatest outreach projects into the community. The Humane Society of Yuma is extremely grateful for the fundraising efforts of the Fellowship Committee. It is because, of organizations such as the Gloria De Cristo Lutheran Church, that we are able to thrive and provide the necessary care for our many animals, says Erin Sitera, Director of Development.  Our four-legged friends thank them from the tips of the their noses to the tips of their wagging tails!

BITE DOG AT LARGE ON 400 BLOCK OF N FIGUEROA

The Humane Society of Yuma would like to alert the public to a bite dog at large. The dog, described as a four year old male rust-colored shepherd mix, was last seen at the trailer park on the 400 block of North Figueroa Avenue. He has no collar but answers to the name "Oso." Please report any siting of the canine to our Patrol Division at 782-1621. ext. 106.

"It is important that we impound this animal in order to verify it's rabies vaccination status since it has already bitten someone," said HSOY Director of Operations Annette Lagunas.

Brownie Troop #233 raises money for HSOY collecting change.

The pets at the Humane Society of Yuma send puppy-dog kisses and kitty-cat purrs to Brownie Troop #233. The girls recruited their classmates at Desert Mesa Elementary to help them raise money for our homeless pets.
They went around toevery third grade classroom to tell them about their project. Each classroom made their own doggy change boxes and competed with each other to see which class collected the most change in four weeks.
At the end of four weeks, Troop #233 visited the shelter to see our pets and to donate the $101.32 in change that they had raised.
You're the best, Brownie Troop #233!

HSOY observes National Feral Cat Day with clinic

The Humane Society of Yuma and Planned Pethood are recognizing October 16th as National Feral Cat day. The observance was started by Alley Cat Allies, a national cat-advocacy organization, in 2001 to increase the awareness of the plight faced by stray and feral cats.

HSOY and Planned Pethood are observing National Feral Cat Day with a one day clinic on October 16th to alter 50 to 75 ferals. Arizona West Veterinary Clinic has donated the use of their clinic for the one day event. Veterinarians and staff from Arizona West Veterinary Clinic and Rio Colorado Equine are volunteering their time to assist in this event.

Planned Pethood, a local non-profit, has dedicated itself to the implementation of T.N.R. in Yuma. The Humane Society of Yuma assists and helps facilitate the spaying and neutering of cats within the Planned Pethood program.

"Just because we do not receive any government funding to handle cats, as the leading animal welfare organization we cannot wash our hands of the issue," said HSOY Director of Operations Annette Laganus.

As part of the TNR (trap-neuter-return) program, volunteers trap feral cats to have them spayed or neutered. Prior to being altered, the cats are tested for feline leukemia and F.I.V. After the surgery, each cat's ear is notched in order to easily identify feral cats that have not yet been sterilized.

The project is funded by Planned Pethood and the Humane Society of Yuma Thrift Store. All proceeds from the thrift store, located on the northeast corner of 4th Avenue and 24th Street behind Audio Einstein?s, goes towards low cost and feral cat spay and neuter programs.

Those interested in learning more or taking part in Planned Pethood's TNR program, contact 928-344-1518.

HSOY removes neglected dogs

The Humane Society of Yuma, assisted by the Yuma Police Department, removed 29 dogs from a local residence Thursday afternoon.

The Humane Society of Yuma received an anonymous tip regarding a dog without water, food or shelter in the back yard of a First Avenue residence. An animal control officer arrived on the scene at approximately one in the afternoon. Once on scene, he observed three dogs who were chained to a single tree in the front yard of the residence. A fourth dog was chained to the side of the house while nine more dogs were chained in the back yard. Nearly all of the dogs in the back yard were suffering from malnutrition and were severely emaciated. At that time, the responding officer alerted the Yuma Police Department.

The Yuma Police Department and animal control officers entered the house and found 16 small dogs. The dogs had no access to food or water and the interior of the home was in deplorable conditions. The owner signed the dogs over and all 29 were taken to HSOY for evaluation.

HSOY will evaluate each animal in the coming weeks and decide whether or not these animals will be available for adoption.

"Such cruel mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated by our community," said Annette Lagunas, Director of Operations with the Humane Society of Yuma. "We will be working diligently with the Yuma Police Department to insure that this case properly litigated."

Bite dogs impounded by HSOY

Animal control officers from the Humane Society of Yuma impounded two dogs on Thursday morning that had attacked a Foothills woman on Tuesday. 

The attack occurred at the intersection of Norma Avenue and 25th Place.  The owner of the two dogs were questioned in regards to the rabies vaccination history on both dogs.  Both dogs were current on their rabies vaccination and their Yuma County license. 

"Our patrol officers' top priority is public safety," Said Director of Operations Annette Lagunas.  "I am extremely proud of them for their rapid response and successful handling of this case."

Bite dog still at large

Bite dogs still at large: We are seeking two large dark-colored dogs, possibly mastffs, who bit a woman in the Foothills (Nora Ave. & 24th Place) late afternoon Tuesday. Call 782-1621. The Yuma Sun posted the following write up a couple of hours ago.

HSOY looking for dogs that attacked woman

Mary Ann Scrimgeour

Mary Ann  Scrimgeour purchased a $100 memorial brick in memory of her son, Thomas Scott.  Along with the $100 was $9,900 for the new shelter.  Mrs. Scrimgeour’s kind and generous gift put the “wind in the sails” of what had been a very still sea for the new animal shelter brick project.  When she was contacted and given the new shelter naming opportunities, Mary Ann said to use the funds in anyway for construction of the shelter.   A tremendous heartfelt thank you to Mary Ann for her support and renewing our spirits of hope.

Thank you to Fatima and CJ Ajad

CJ and Fatimah Ajad stood outside Sam’s Club selling their “famous Italian ices” to passers by for one dollar each.  At the end of the weekend, they had made $880 for the Humane Society of Yuma. Great work!

Sam’s Club has been very generous to the Humane Society of Yuma.  In addition to allowing us to set up various fund raisers outside their doors, they have just recently donated two pallets of dog food for our foster parents.

Fur Ball III sold out

Cristyn Weil, Chairperson of the Humane Society of Yuma New Shelter Project, announced that all tickets to the Third Annual Fur Ball have been reserved.

Harold J. Niebergall

Harold J. Niebergall (July 1, 1937- January 1st, 2009), of Aniak, Alaska, bequeathed $5,000 to the Humane Society of Yuma. We are honored to be recipients of Harold’s generosity.

First Christian Church's towel and blanket drive

1st Christian Church had a fund raiser to collect much needed towels and blankets for use at the Humane Society. On August 31st they delivered a truck load of contributions to the Humane Society of Yuma. Many thanks to the members of 1st Christian Church.

DOG FOUND STABBED - PRESS RELEASE

(Yuma, AZ) The Humane Society of Yuma and local law enforcement are seeking information regarding a dog found dead with a stab wound. Certain details of the case are being withheld due to an ongoing investigation.

On the morning of July 24th, HSOY received a report of a dead dog on the grounds of a local area school. The responding officer observed what appeared to be a laceration around the
dog’s mouth. The officer collected evidence before leaving the scene.

A local veterinarian examined the dog and confirmed that the dog had been stabbed. The examining veterinarian believed that the dog’s death was caused by the injury.

“This type of heinous cruelty should be of special concern to the community,” said HSOY Director of Operations, Annette Lagunas. “The connection between animal cruelty and human
violence has been well-documented.”

Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Humane Society of Yuma at 928-782-1621, ext 106.

HSOY seeks candidates for volunteer coordinator position.

HSOY is seeking a well-organized, energetic person to fill our volunteer coordinator position. Person must be highly motivated, detailed oriented and able to work with minimal supervision.

Send resume to cwagter@hsoyuma.com

HSOY officers impound stray eight foot python

An 8-10 foot python that appears well-fed and cared for, was apprehended by HSOY officers at the 900 block of 8th AVE on July 4th, 2009.

The Yuma Fire Department originally responded to a call from an alarmed resident who found the snake curled up beneath her front porch. YFD then called HSOY animal control for assistance.

HSOY is seeking to re-unite the boa constrictor with its owner. For further information, please call Shanen Aranmor at 782-1621.

HSOY News

DOG SHOT IN HEAD: UNKNOWN SUSPECT

(Yuma, AZ)  The Humane Society of Yuma is currently investigating an animal cruelty case.  The suspect(s) are unknown.  Details of the incident are as follows: 

On June 24, 2009, an HSOY Animal Control Officer responded to a call from Border Patrol regarding a deceased dog at County 7 ¾ and Levee Road. Upon arrival the ACO noticed the dog had been shot at least one time in the side of the head. The dog is described as a tan Chow-type mix. 

HSOY took the dog to a local veterinary clinic where the dog was x-rayed.  It was discovered that the bullet had fragmented inside the canine's skull.  HSOY currently has the deceased animal and is seeking information. 

Anyone with knowledge of this incident is encouraged to call Animal Control at (928) 782-1621, ext. 106.   

For more information on this case, please call Shanen Aranmór at (928) 550-1867.

A big thanks to local radio stations

We want to send a great big thanks to Jennifer Blackwell, Station Manager of both Z93 and KJOK 1400 for being so gracious to us and our pets. Each week, Executive Director Shawn Smith goes down to their station to record a pertinent PSA which is then replayed throughout the week. She also keeps a "Featured Pet" on their website. So listen to Z93 and KJOK 1400 and listen to what Shawn has to say.

We'd also like to thank KTTI 95.1 and Star 100.9 for their featured Pet of the Week at 9am and 9:15 on Thursdays.

City of Yuma hosts feral cat discussion

Want to do something about feral cat overpopulation in Yuma?

The number of feral cats in Yuma continues to grow, leading to more unwanted cats and a greater financial burden on the community.  The City of Yuma would like to invite you to discuss the feral cat issue in Yuma,  Attend to discuss long-term solutions and identify what you can do to help.

5-7pm  June 23, 2009
Martin Luther King, Jr. Neighborhood Center
300 S. 13th Ave.

RSVP encouraged but not required.
Greg Stopka
(928) 373-5185
Greg.stopka@yumaaz.gov

YPD investigates cat cruelty case: unidentified suspect

(Yuma, AZ)  The Humane Society of Yuma and the Yuma Police Department are currently investigating a cruelty case.  The suspect(s) are unidentified.  Details of the incident are as follows: 

On June 13, 2009 an unknown subject was witnessed dumping an injured animal at West Wetlands Park.   The witness, a city employee, noticed a white four-door Toyota Tacoma with Arizona license plate #690-GJE dumping something from a trash can in the west end of the park.   The employee approached a white male wearing a white t-shirt and a black hat turned backwards and asked what the man was doing. The man stated he was letting a cat go that had been attacked by his two dogs in his yard. When the employee asked why the he did not simply call the Humane Society to collect the feline, the suspect responded, "What does it matter? The cat is going to crawl away and die anyway." The person then drove away in the vehicle.  The cat was found by an Animal Control Officer who was called to the scene.  The cat is described as a black domestic short-haired male.  The feline was drooling and had other visible injuries; status is pending.  The Yuma Police Department was contacted and responded for an investigation of cruelty abandonment 13-2910 A1.  The YPD officer tracked the license plate of the vehicle to an elderly female from a different city and the investigation continues in an effort to identify the driver. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or Animal Control at (928) 782-1621, ext. 106.   

For more information on this case, please call Shanen Aranmór at (928) 550-1867.

HSUS offers reward in Somerton dog shooting

Yuma Sun reports...

 

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a dog to death in Somerton in April.

   

"We would like to close this case," said Yuma County Sheriff's spokesman Capt. Eben Bratcher. "We hope the award will bring the suspect to justice. If there are witnesses, we would love for them to come forward."

 

more

 

Pictures of Harley, latest cruelty case.

Read today's front page article on Harley at yumasun.com

Harley is a two year old male terrier/spaniel mix who was found on Figueroa Ave as a stray on 5/19/09. His hair was so severely matted that lumps of hair covering his body felt like stones. It was not until 5/27/09 that a groomer at The Dog Spa noticed a knife blade stuck into Harley's neck. Judging by the depth of the wound, it is highly unlikely this was an accidental injury. Instead, it appears to be very deliberate as the knife blade was broken off in Harley's neck. Fortunately, the blade missed all of the major veins, arteries and even trachea and esophagus. Harley is being treated with antibiotics and is up for adoption. This incident is being treated as a cruelty case; unfortunately, HSOY has no details since Harley was a stray. Anyone with information about Harley or the stabbing should call Animal Control at (928)782-1621, ext. 106.

June is Adopt a Cat Month!

Every year, the Humane Society of Yuma joins the ASPCA, American Humane, and shelters across the country in recognizing the month of

June as "Adopt-A-Cat Month."

Why June? It's right in the middle of kitten season. As cute as that may sound, it's a terribly sad time of year for those of us at the shelter. Kitten season is pet-overpopulation at its ugliest.

In recognition of June being Adopt-A Cat Month, you can adopt two cats for the price of one

HSOY SEEKS BITE DOG WITH UNKNOWN OWNER

(Yuma, AZ)  The Humane Society of Yuma is seeking information about a bite dog with unidentified owners.  Anyone with information about this dog should contact the Humane Society at (928) 782-1621. 

A woman was bitten on the hand while trying to protect her own dog in the area of 27th Street and 45th Avenue. The bite dog is described as a rottweiler.

Information is needed as soon as possible  to determine if victim needs a series of rabies shots starting Friday. 

No legal action will be taken against the dog's owners.  Proof of rabies vaccination is required to alleviate the need for the victim to receive the painful rabies shot series. 

For more information call Patrol at (928) 782-1621 x106. 

Cruelty update: Destiny

Destiny was rescued by HSOY on Saturday March 28. She was found starved with severe pneumonia. The staff questioned whether she would survive. She was sent to a foster home where she was put on a high dosage of antibiotics, breathing treatments, percussion therapy and fed every two hours. She has been a giant success and gets stronger everyday. She is as sweet as can be. She loves children and other dogs. She loves to play and give kisses. She is good in the car and on a leash. She has also made a good friend in her foster home named Chopper, a wiener dog. He immediately took to Destiny and cared for her when she was down. He would lay with her when she was too weak to walk and play with her now that she is strong.

HSOY and her foster parents are so proud of Destiny. Out of her story, the shelter has been able to highlight and address animal cruelty in our community. HSOY, as always, is proud to give a voice to the voiceless and is pressing charges on Destiny's behalf. Thank you to everyone including Desert Veterinary Clinic, Rebecca Curtis and the fantastic staff at HSOY who has helped her. Destiny will soon be available for adoption and will bring much happiness to someone's home. She is a true success story.  

March 28 weighed under 30 pounds

April 17 weighed 43 pounds

P.S. The last two undated photos were taken when Kyla brought Destiny down to the shelter last week to have her shots! Everyone at the shelter was ecstatic to see her.  

New summer hours take effect June 2

(Yuma, AZ)  The Humane Society of Yuma is changing our kennel viewing hours for the warmer months.  Effective June 2, 2009, the HSOY kennel hours will be 10 am – 4:30 pm.  The HSOY office will be open from 9 am – 5 pm.  HSOY continues to be open Tuesday through Saturday. 

www.hsoyuma.com or call Shanen Aranmór at (928)782-1621 x104.

Thank you, Panda Express!

On Saturday, April 28th, Panda Express' Yuma Palms location donated 20% of purchases with a special flier to the Humane Society of Yuma. Thank you to Panda Express and all those who participated.

Upcoming events: Pints for Paws, La Raza Car Show

Raise your glass to Yuma's homeless pets on Saturday, April 25th at The Pub (179 E 1 ST) for Pints for Paws. From 3pm t0 7pm, HSOY volunteers and employees will be tending bar and waiting on patrons. All tips will go to help our shelter guests. So join us for Happy Hour!

On Sunday, April 19th, the La Raza de South AZ is holding "Crusing to the Valley of the Sun XI" The Low Riders will start rolling into Joe Henry Park at 6am with the Show starting at 11am. Our cool cats and hot dogs will be on the receiving end of part of the events proceeds.

EAT AT PANDA EXPRESS THIS SATURDAY...

Our pets need you to take your friends and family to the Yuma Palms' PANDA EXPRESS tomorrow (Saturday, March 28, 2009).

Print attached flier and take it to the Yuma Palms' Panda Express tomorrow from 5PM- 9PM and 20% OF YOUR PURCHASE will be donated to the Humane Society of Yuma.

Yes, this is short notice but that's why they call it fast food.

Remember:

DATE: Saturday, March 28

TIME: 5PM - 9PM

LOCATION: Yuma Palms Panda Express

Let's review the important details once again.

1) You must bring ONE COPY of attached flier per order.

2) This promotion applies ONLY to the YUMA PALMS location.

Learn more about Panda Express and their menu at pandaexpress.com

Get ready to eat out tomorrow!

WANTED: Reliable truck for thrift store

We are looking for a generous donation of a reliable pick up to be used to pick up items that have been donated to sell at Second Paw thrift stores. Our thrift stores have become a great revenue generator for us, with all the money going directly to our low-cost spay/neuter fund. So keep us in mind if you have a truck just gathering dust and we promise to make great use of it!

Total Care Automotive Detail donates car washing services

On Saturday, February 14, Total Care Automotive Detail will be holding a car wash in the PetSmart parking lot from 10am to 4pm with all proceeds going to the Humane Society of Yuma.

According to their business card, Total Care Automotive Detail is licensed and insured and service autos, RVs, Motorcylces, boats and aircraft. They're mobile and do headlight restoration. Call them at (928) 304-3306.

2009 Humane Society of Yuma Annual Members Meeting

The Humane Society of Yuma will be holding its Annual Members Meeting on January 22, 2009 from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the Graceway Fellowship Ministries (7875 E 24th ST).

Topics include Humane Society of Yuma business and board member elections.

For more information, call (928) 782-1612.

Join the Humane Society of Yuma.