Inside This Issue:
- Will the CARE Act Improve Animal Care? You Already Know the Answer.
- Federal Judge Rejects State's Motion to Dismiss Manatee Sewage Lawsuit
- Massive Botulism Outbreak Leaves Nearly 80,000 Birds Dead
- Veterinary Professional Organizations Roundly Oppose Colorado Proposition 129
- Rescue Owners and Operator Plead Guilty to Animal Cruelty
- New York City's "War on Rats" Reaches a New, Yet Oddly Familiar Stage
Will the CARE Act Improve Animal Care? You Already Know the Answer.
HSUS thinks you consider me "disposable."
Earlier this month, congresswoman Betty McCollum introduced the Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition (CARE) Act. The legislation would expand the definition of "animal" under the Animal Welfare Act, bringing more species under its protections. This change would allow the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to regulate facilities exhibiting, breeding, or using cold-blooded animals like octopuses, sharks, alligators, and salamanders.
The introduction of the CARE Act comes amid scrutiny of SeaQuest, a chain of shopping mall aquariums with a location in Roseville, Minnesota. SeaQuest has had numerous problems over the last few years, and has practically gift-wrapped campaign materials for animal rights fundraising groups like PeTA and HSUS. Amid this scrutiny, congresswoman McCollum's office has received complaints from dozens of Minnesotans regarding the conditions at such interactive facilities.
Animals that are kept by humans should receive proper care for their general welfare. There will always be quibbles over the definition of “proper care,” but on a basic level, this is something that everybody can agree upon. However, the name of a bill does not necessarily indicate what the bill will accomplish, and a one-size fits all regulatory approach does not work for the thousands of species of fish, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate species that would be “cared” for under this bill.
Source: CARE Act Will Not Improve Care for Animals
Federal Judge Rejects State's Motion to Dismiss Manatee Sewage Lawsuit
In 2021, a record 1,100 manatee deaths were recorded in Florida.
A federal judge has rejected the state of Florida's motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that sewage discharges into the Indian River Lagoon contributed to the deaths of manatees, an endangered species. The lawsuit, filed by the environmental group Bear Warriors United, contends that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection failed to adequately regulate sewage-treatment plants and septic systems, leading to the destruction of seagrass, a primary food source for manatees.
The judge's ruling does not resolve the underlying issues in the case. Both sides have filed motions for summary judgment, which could preclude the need for a trial if granted. Bear Warriors United argues that the state has knowingly allowed the release of nitrogen from septic tanks and wastewater plants, leading to algae blooms that destroy seagrass and violate the Endangered Species Act. The state counters that it has taken steps to reduce discharges and that its actions are not the direct cause of harm to manatees.
The status of the West Indian Manatee was changed from endangered to threatened in 2017, though its status is already under review again due to recent declines. Florida experienced a record 1,100 manatee deaths in 2021, with the largest number occurring in Brevard County, the focus of the lawsuit. After 800 deaths in 2022 and 555 in 2023, the state has seen 451 manatee deaths this year, with 76 in Brevard County.
Source: Judge won't dismiss suit alleging sewage discharges helped lead to manatee deaths
Massive Botulism Outbreak Leaves Nearly 80,000 Birds Dead
Greater white-fronted goose near the Oregon/California border.
In more news about wildlife deaths, a severe outbreak of botulism has killed an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 birds at Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located near the Oregon-California border. This marks the worst outbreak in the refuge's history, and the infections are ongoing. Botulism is caused by toxins created by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Its toxins attack the nervous system and are potentially deadly. Infected birds often display dramatic symptoms and may become so weakened they can't even hold up their heads. So even if an infection doesn't kill them, they may be left in an incredibly vulnerable predicament. Birds contract botulism through contaminated water (typically shallow and stagnant), soil, decaying vegetable matter, or dead animals. Once infected, birds can spread the disease to other birds through their feces, creating a cycle of infection in crowded wetland areas.
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a stopover point for millions of migratory birds each year, making it a vitally important part of the Pacific Flyway. The refuge's wetlands host an essential habitat that a variety of bird species use to rest, feed, and nest. However, the loss of over 90% of the Klamath Basin's wetlands has put pressure on remaining areas like Tule Lake, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. The current botulism outbreak highlights the need for wetland conservation and restoration efforts.
The Bird Alliance of Oregon, a nonprofit environmental organization, is working to treat infected birds and advocating for the protection of these ecosystems. Another group, Bird Ally X, a team of wildlife care providers, has treated 835 waterbirds over the last few weeks, with 288 migratory waterbirds successfully released back into the wild. As work is done to address the root causes of such outbreaks, the resilience of these bird populations and the dedication of conservationists offer a glimmer of hope for the future of Tule Lake and its feathered inhabitants.
Source: Nearly 80,000 birds have died from serious illness at wildlife refuge, officials say
Veterinary Professional Organizations Roundly Oppose Colorado Proposition 129
Veterinarians love pets. They don't love Proposition 129.
This week in Colorado, the Gazette editorial board pulled a lovely bait and switch on its readers. “You love your pets and want them to receive the best possible care, right? Of course you do – that’s why you need to oppose the Veterinary Professional Associate Initiative (Proposition 129) (link) on this year’s ballot!”
That approach is probably the best way to get people’s attention. Colorado’s Proposition 129 is yet another one of those animal proposals that sounds helpful at first glance. And with only a single glance, nearly everyone would probably support it. A new kind of “semi-veterinarian” professional that would make veterinary services more readily available, and perhaps even lower the cost? What pet owner wouldn’t like that idea?
But the devil is in the details. For example, the new position requires a master’s degree, but there are no accredited programs in the country for anyone to earn said degree, nor is there a way to test or certify people for the position. This raises a lot of questions in and of itself. Far worse, however, is the frightening lack of required training outlined in the proposal – do you really want someone whose education consisted primarily of online curriculum performing diagnoses or even performing surgery on your pet? Online learning has its place, but when it comes to caring for unique, living beings, there is no replacement for hands-on experience, lab work, and in-person internships.
Veterinary professional associations have strongly – and rightly – come out against Proposition 129. NAIA board member and President of the Independent Veterinary Practioners Association summed up his organization’s opposition nicely:
Veterinarians are trained to diagnose disease in complex and ambiguous situations and, with the assistance of our highly trained veterinary technicians, treat those ailments in an evidence-based manner. The de novo creation of another ‘class’ of caregiver with knowledge and ability well below that of a veterinarian, will serve only to degrade care, damage our profession, and sideline the professional veterinary technician.
Source: EDITORIAL: NO on Proposition 129 — for the sake of Colorado’s animals
Rescue Owners and Operator Plead Guilty to Animal Cruelty
Is this an image of a rescue or an ASPCA fundraiser?
The owners and one operator of a Virginia rescue have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after the 2023 seizure of 102 animals – 70 of them dogs – from their homes. Sentencing, which could include jail time, will take place next month.
Animals living in awful conditions were noted by law enforcement during an unrelated call. Humane officers followed up with an investigation and discovered floors covered in urine and feces, animals stuffed inside cramped cages, and cages stacked on top of one another. Many of the animals required veterinary care. If this “animals rescued from their rescue” scene sounds distressingly familiar, that’s because it is.
The conditions the animals were kept in were inexcusable, but it goes well beyond that: the investigation showed that the rescue knowingly deceived the public. Many of its animals were shipped in from out of state without proper documentation, including cats suffering from communicable diseases and dogs that had attacked or killed other dogs. These animals were then passed off as local strays. It is unknown how many of these animals were actually adopted out and how much (if any) forewarning was given to potential adopters regarding the animals’ illnesses or behavioral issues. Regardless, it was a horrible situation all around. It also serves as a reminder of why we are so strongly opposed to the unfettered mass-transit of animals and support reasonable regulations on rescue operations. Bad operators exist in all animal endeavors, but the lack of oversight on rescues – as well as the veneer of “We’re rescuing these animals” provides far too much cover for people who can’t – or won’t – work in a safe and humane manner.
Source: 3 Plead Guilty in Animal Cruelty Case
New York City's "War on Rats" Reaches a New, Yet Oddly Familiar Stage
Greetings from Central Park
Rat infestations have been a major complaint in New York City for decades. The city's pesky rodents are so endemic – iconic, really – they enjoy their own Wikipedia entry. Even the city's mayor, whose hatred of rats is well-known, has been ticketed for several rodent violations. But with the appointment of a “rat czar” last year, things may be changing. A pilot program in West Harlem has people putting their trash in large, heavy bins, rather than just leaving it out in easily-chewable bags, and wouldn't you know it? – rat complaints in that neighborhood have gone down a whopping 66%! The rest of the city is moving toward containerizing its trash, as well.
You may be smirking now, as this “new” program in New York is similar to what pretty much every other large city in the world has been doing for years. And honestly, we don't blame you if you are – removing access to easy food sources as a key component of pest control isn't exactly rocket science. But give credit where it is due, and it is worth noting that New York City's relationship with trash and trash bins – and rats – has been, how shall we say… unique?
Source: New York City has a rat problem. Officials have a plan to kick it from the curb
Also in the News...
★ Rare disease discovered in blind deer by WSU pathologists: ‘Do not touch sick animals’ (Ocular Plague; Deer Have It Rough)
★ ‘He just had the greatest time’: California zoo animals returned home after wildfire evacuation (Zoos; Wildfires; Animal Evacuations & Returns)
★ (Opinion) Whales, even alligators can make great support animals (Emotional Support Animals Are Not Service Animals)
★ At 123 Years Old, Henry Is The World's Oldest Known Crocodile – And He's An Absolute Unit (Extreme Longevity; Microbiomes; Speaking of Gators)
★ Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Month with Vale Park Animal Hospital (Have You Thanked a Veterinary Assistant Today?)
★ Fourth graders to learn animal education through 4-H program (4-H; Hands-on Education; Smart Kids)
★ Scientists Figure Out How Yellowstone Animals Find Enough To Eat (Wildlife Biology; Same Foods, Different Sizes, Body Types, and Preferences)
★ 32 of the world's smartest animals (Fun & Goofy Lists; Check out the Big Brain on Bonobo!)
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