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.