Keep your pets safe on the Fourth

Keep your pet safe this Fourth. This content below was originally published by the Humane Society of the United States and has been reprinted with permission per their republishing policy. Preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning ahead and taking some basic precautions. "With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," said Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society if the United States. To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions: Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects-even death-in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death. Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Dogs, Volunteers get shade to play under

Thanks to Troy and Claire Eckard of Eckard Construction, our dogs and the volunteers who play with them will have shade this summer to keep them cool. Thanks to some engineering mastery, this canopy can withstand near-gale force winds! Also, a special thanks to Troy and his crew for replacing the door (which involved rebuilding the door frame) on an old, rickety trailer behind the shelter that three of us call our office. It was literally hanging from a single hinge.

Last rabies clinic before March 31st deadline

Happy dogs wait for their vaccinations at Albertson's earlier in the year. On Saturday, March 27th, the Humane Society of Yuma will hold a rabies clinic at the Fry's Shopping Center in the Foothills. It will be the final rabies clinic before the March 31st deadline. Vaccinations start at 10am and the line will close at 1pm sharp. Services offered include rabies, bordatella, and Da2PPcvk vaccinations, microchipping, and pet tags. Why spend time in line? If your dog already has his/her rabies vaccination you don't need to stand in line. You can license online. Just scan or fax your rabies certificate. Please note that HSOY will continue to hold rabies clinics beyond the March 31st deadline but the late fee will apply.

Somerton man pleads guilty to animal cruelty

(Somerton, AZ) Jonathon Borjon plead guilty to animal cruelty in Somerton Municipal Court on Tuesday. On January 25th, The Humane Society of Yuma seized two dogs and four puppies from Borjon's property that were suffering severe neglect. A nine month old canine had a chain wrapped around it's neck so tight that it was becoming embedded into it's neck. The second dog, nursing four puppies, was found so severely emaciated that she weighed nearly half of a normal dog her size. Borjon was charged with failure to provide medical attention, Arizona Revised Statute 13-2910.

Borjon originally claimed to have found the first dog a few days earlier with a cut on its neck. He admitted to having owned the emaciated female but stated that he spent a lot of time outside the area and had entrusted its care to a friend.
Borjon was ordered to pay full restitution to the Humane Society of Yuma and to serve twelve months probation . In addition, he was given a suspended sentence of a $1,000 fine and thirty days in jail.

Sadly, the emaciated female had to be euthanized but her four puppies were all adopted. The first dog has also been adopted, having fully recovered from it's neck wound.

The Humane Society of Yuma applauds the City of Somerton for not allowing animal cruelty to go unpunished.

State reports Fox tests positive for rabies in Yuma County

Yuma, Ariz. – A gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) that attacked a dog in Roll on February 22nd has tested positive for rabies by the Bureau of State Laboratory Services, 250 N. 17th Avenue, Phoenix, 85007.  Without testing there is no way to know if the dog, whose rabies vaccine record was not updated, contracted the rabies virus from the fox. The dog had to be impounded and later euthanized by the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) as part of the protocol in place when rabies is suspected. Test results on the dog have yet to be confirmed by the State Health Laboratory. 

“Our very last resort is to euthanize any animal,” explains Shawn Smith, HSOY Director. “One of the greatest lessons we can learn from the painful decision this family had to make is keep your pets shot records current.”

Arizona state law requires unvaccinated dogs that have been exposed to rabies be either quarantined at the shelter for 180 days or euthanized. Vaccinated dogs, however, are only required to be in quarantine for 45 days. In addition, vaccinated dogs can remain at home during quarantine with the consent of the animal control officer. The quarantine requirements for dogs exposed to rabies should not be confused with the requirements for bite dogs. Unvaccinated bite dogs must be quarantined for ten days at the shelter, whereas vaccinated dogs are allowed to be quarantined at home with the animal control officer's consent.   

In this case, the owner decided that six months of solitary confinement would take too great of toll on the dog's quality of life.

“This appears to be an isolated case of rabies, but we will not know for sure until the State reports its findings on the dog, and the Health District completes its’ investigation,” explained Becky Brooks, Yuma County Health District director. “It is a good time to remind our community of the precautions they should be taking to avoid exposure.”

Anyone concerned about an animal suspected of having rabies should call the HSOY at (928) 782-1621. For more information about the rabies virus contact the Yuma County Health District at (928) 317-4040.

HSOY will hold vaccination and licensing clinics on Saturday, March 6 at Dateland School 10am - 12pm and Wellton's Butterfield Park from 2 - 4pm.

IMPORTANT RABIES INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

Any wild mammal, like a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat, can have rabies and transmit it to people. The animal need not be foaming at the mouth or be exhibiting rabies symptoms. Changes in the animal's normal behavior, difficulty with walking, or just an overall appearance of illness can be early signs of rabies. For example, skunks, which normally are nocturnal and avoid contact with people, may appear friendly or ill and may approach humans during daylight hours.

As for bats, a bat that is active by day; is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, such as in your home or on the lawn; or is unable to fly is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached, but should not be handled.

Use the following tips to prevent rabies:

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn.
• Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Have all dead, sick or easily captured bats tested for rabies if contact with people or pets may have occurred.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they might contact people and pets.
• Be a responsible pet owner by keeping vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets, keeping your cats and ferrets inside and your dogs under direct supervision and calling animal control to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. Consider having your pets spayed or neutered.
• When camping, hunting and/or hiking in isolated areas be aware of your surroundings, and remember that there are wild animals that inhabit the desert.

Construction halts shelter access from Avenue C until mid-April

Construction at the intersection of First Street and Avenue C has cut off access to our shelter from Avenue C.  In order to access our shelter from Avenue C,  take Eighth Street east, turn left on Avenue B and another left on First Street.

According to the construction light board, Avenue C will be reopened on April 15th.  

Humane Society of Yuma to Break Ground on New Shelter

On February 26, 2010 the Humane Society of Yuma, Inc. will have a ground breaking ceremony shortly after noon at the location of its new shelter at the Southwest corner of 40 th Street and County 4 ½ E. The Humane Society of Yuma’s department managers, its board of directors, benefactors and several elected officials have been invited. Although funds are still needed to construct the new shelter, work at the location is commencing to install a siphon and sewer pipes. Donations to help support the construction can be made Friday 11:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. at PetSmart and the Pioneer Shopping Center in the Foothills.  Donations can also be made online at hsoyuma.com.

THREE-LEGGED CHIHUAHUA ADOPTED FROM HSOY ALERTS FAMILY TO FIRE

On Wednesday, Kristene and John Quintero came to the shelter to tell us the story of how Tripod, their three-legged Chihuahua, saved them from a house fire in the early hours of Monday. With his house filling up with smoke and a smoke alarm that wasn’t going off, Tripod realized it was up to him to alert his family to the imminent danger.
The Quinteros adopted Tripod from HSOY in January 30, 2005. Tripod came to HSOY as a stray, hobbling around the streets of Yuma with his three legs. According to Kristene, the vet told her that Tripod’s leg had been surgically amputated no more than two months prior.
The Quinteros are convinced that if it were not for Tripod, they wouldn’t have woken
up in time. They said they felt compelled to share their story of how an adopted shelter dog
saved them and his “oblivious” purebred Italian Greyhound brother. “Anything to get
the word out that there are such good dogs here [at the shelter] that need homes,”
said John Quinteros.

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.

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.