Information sought regarding deceased German Shepherd

The Humane Society of Yuma is seeking the public's assistance in regards to a potential cruelty case.  An adult male German Shepherd was found deceased in a trash dumpster on the 600 block of  Madison Avenue at 5pm on Tuesday.

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is encouraged to call HSOY's Patrol Division at (928) 782-1621 ext. 106.

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.