by Margaret A. Cleek, Ph.D More than 25 years ago I was off-put by the claims of positive non-reproductive outcomes for neutering dogs. The recent ANIMALS 24-7 article Does castration really alter male dog behavior? reminded me of my concerns. Proponents of surgical neutering, the sooner the better, were and remain largely concerned with pet overpopulation. Animal […]
Oklahoma law to curb bogus “service dog” claims likely to flunk first test
Where the hot air comes sweeping up the plain OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma–– A new Oklahoma state law takes a new approach to trying to curb widespread misuse of “service dog” claims and paraphernalia, but will probably fail the first time a conviction is appealed to a federal court. Oklahoma HB 3282 addresses people who use bogus “service […]
Why pit bulls will break your heart
by Beth Clifton There is a strong argument to be made that pit bulls are the most abused and exploited dogs ever, the only breed used extensively in dogfighting and baiting bulls and wildlife, far more likely than any other breed to be neglected and––even if not used in fighting or baiting––five times more likely […]
“Second chance” pit bull mauls pit advocate groomer at PetSmart
“Perfect storm” of misjudgements BARNSTABLE, Massachusetts–– A questionable pit bull adoption from an as yet unidentified animal shelter believed to be in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a much questioned decision by Sandwich police chief Peter Wack to give the pit bull Bubba another chance after he mauled 62-year-old Elizabeth Hiatt in September 2017, a purported […]
Leaving The Wild: The Unnatural History of Dogs, Cats, Cows & Horses
by Gavin Ehringer Pegasus Books, distributed by W.W. Norton & Co. 364 pages. $27.95 hardcover. In stores December 5, 2017. Reviewed by Merritt Clifton Remember the most gripping and informative few books you ever read about dogs, cats, cows, and/or horses, by authors as thorough as the multi-time best sellers Desmond Morris, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, […]
From pit bulls to street dogs, irresponsible advocacy inflames “dog menace”
Dismissing dangerous dog behavior––or blaming the victims––disregards public trust SPRINGFIELD, Missouri; PHUKET, Thailand––Superficially, the dog-versus-human conflicts raging in Springfield, Missouri, where breed-specific legislation is at issue, and in Phuket, Thailand, where few dogs have any evident breed-specific traits, could scarcely look more different. Pit bull attacks are the problem in Springfield: 38 in three […]
Panhandlers & street corner animal exhibitors: who is who?
Animals dancing for pennies are regulated. Panhandlers’ animals are not. NEW YORK, N.Y.––Is Joseph Ramos, 70, also known as Joseph Noal and Joseph Noah, a street corner animal exhibitor, or just one of the longest active and most controversial panhandlers using animals as an adjunct to begging in downtown Manhattan? Joseph Ramos a.k.a. Noal/Noah […]
Rottweilers
Why Rottweilers are as deadly as pit bulls The Rottweilers in my life, by Beth Clifton
The Rottweilers in my life
by Beth Clifton I have had four family Rottweilers in my life, from my teens until well into adulthood, and while raising my children. The dogs’ names were Albert, Duke, Sam and Max. Three of the four were meticulously sought from reputable breeders as weaned puppies, and were cute as “all get out,” resembling furry […]
How the Americans with Disabilities Act has become the “Pit Bull Pushers Act”
“Service dog” attack aboard airliner spotlights crisis ATLANTA––A June 4, 2017 attack by a purported “chocolate lab/pointer mix” who appears to have actually been a pit bull or pit mix has renewed attention to widespread abuse of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Air Carrier Access Act to force dogs, especially pit bulls, into […]