Some animal shelters are dealing with an unusual situation: empty kennels.
There’s been a push for pet fostering as a way to stave off loneliness (and help animals) in a time of social distancing. And that’s led to a growing number of shelters like Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, which recently showed off a vacant kennel.
Similar cases have been reported all over the U.S., including in Santa Rosa County, FL; Colorado Springs, CO; Ionia County, MI; Brazos County, TX; and Riverside, CA.
Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control recently posted a video celebrating in Kennel 2, the shelter’s stray housing kennel and adoption overflow kennel.
The kennel features 48 dog runs, each of which often holds two dogs, CNN reports.
Elizabeth Harfmann, community outreach manager for the shelter, told the news outlet: “It’s definitely been a combined effort from the community. The animals went to foster homes, adopters and to our partner rescue organizations.”
There have also been fewer incoming pets, Harfmann said.
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Scientists at The Florida Aquarium have again made history, this time becoming the first in the world to reproduce ridged cactus coral in human care. The breakthrough happened over several nights earlier this month at The Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation which is located at the Florida Conservation Technology Center in Apollo Beach. The work is part of a collaboration effort to save the Florida Reef Tract from extinction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service.
Until this month, the larvae of the ridged cactus coral had never been photographed or measured and the larval release time had never been recorded.
Last year on August 20th, The Florida Aquarium announced a massive breakthrough when it revealed its scientists were the first in the world to be able to get Atlantic Ocean coral to spawn in a controlled laboratory environment.
“The Florida Aquarium is committed to caring for Threatened species of coral and leading critical initiatives that facilitate our ability to restore the Florida Reef Tract” says the Aquarium’s Senior Vice President of Conservation, Dr. Debborah Luke. ‘Our Coral Conservation Program uses a science-based, impact-driven approach to increase the genetic diversity of coral offspring, maximize coral reproduction rates and advance coral health.”
Ridged cactus corals are often brightly colored with ridges that don’t connect in the center. They are a brooding coral, which means their sperm is released into the water, but their eggs are not, and fertilization and larval development occurs inside the parent coral. The corals release a fully developed larvae that swims immediately after release. Brooding corals release fewer and larger larvae, that already carry the symbiotic algae from their parents that is critical for survival. Florida Aquarium coral biologists noted that the larvae of the ridged cactus coral were the largest that they have ever seen and are working to document the entire process.
No one knows how long the corals will continue to release the larvae or how many will be produced, as no one has documented this process before in this species. Research activities occurred within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and under permit.
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After over a month of staying at home to help slow the spread of coronavirus, most people are feeling a little bit stir crazy and are ready to get out of their house. Their dogs though, are absolutely thrilled to have had their owners around so much more than usual. In fact, many people used the stay-at-home mandates as a reason to add a pup to their family. However, one pet expert is warning that there could be a serious problem once residents are able to leave their house freely again.
Animal psychologist Dr. Roger Mugford, who is a consultant to Britain's Royal Family, is warning dog owners that their furry friends are at risk of severe separation anxiety once everyone starts heading back to work and school.
"With such an overload of quality time with their families, dogs are building up a huge reservoir of over-dependency which could see them suffer when mums and dads suddenly return to work and the children go back to school. The lockdown is such a massive change in routine. When it’s lifted it’s going to be a huge shock for dogs."
So how will you know if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety? Mugford said you'll see signs of distress like howling, pacing and urinating and defecating inside. Believe it or not, some dogs might even harm themselves.
There is a way to help prevent the issue from occurring though. The doctor suggests taking short breaks from your pooch so he or she gets used to you not being around. Go in a different room for 30 minutes a few times each day and you might be able to ward off the problem.
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U.S. health officials on Wednesday announced that they’d confirmed the coronavirus in two cats in New York state, the first pets in the U.S. to test positive for the infection. Both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery, according to a press release from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The animals were from separate parts of the state.
Infections with the virus have been reported in “very few” animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19. At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended, according to the release.
A veterinarian tested the first cat after it showed mild respiratory signs, the CDC stated. No one in the household was confirmed to be ill with COVID-19. The virus may have been transmitted to this cat by mildly ill or asymptomatic household members or through contact with an infected person outside its home. Samples from the second cat were taken after it showed signs of respiratory illness. The owner of the cat tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the cat showing signs. Another cat in the household has shown no signs of illness.
Both cats tested presumptive positive for the virus at a private veterinary laboratory, which then reported the results to state and federal officials. The confirmatory testing was conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories and included collection of additional samples.
The CDC stated: “Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.” For now, CDC recommends the following:
- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
- Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
- Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
- When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
- Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
- If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them. -------------------
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From Sir Barton in 1919 to Justify in 2018 there have been just 13 winners of North America's Triple Crown, which is made up of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
And all 13 will take to the gate at Churchill Downs on May 2 in a computer-simulated 'Run for the Roses' to decide which was the greatest thoroughbred race horse.
Horse racing is going online as the coronavirus crisis forces the cancellation or postponement of meetings, including this month's Grand National in Britain, which was also turned into a virtual race instead.
The Grand National organizers also ran a Race of Champions featuring 40 of the best Aintree winners over the years, which was won by Red Rum.
"The anticipation of which Triple Crown winner will emerge as the ultimate champion is thrilling," Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said on Thursday.
The race, which will be carried on NBC, will be the highlight of a virtual Kentucky Derby with Churchill Downs hoping to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief.
"We are proud to use this platform as a force for good by raising money for these worthy COVID-19 emergency initiatives," Carstanjen said.
Data algorithms, including historical handicapping information about each of the 13 horses, will help to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions.
With the Kentucky Derby forced from its traditional first Saturday in May by the coronavirus outbreak, the first jewel of horse racing's real Triple Crown was postponed until Sept. 5.
But there will still be action at a virtual Churchill Downs, with horses like Secretariat and War Admiral going head-to-head.
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On April 30, international superstar and multiple Grammy Award winner Rob Thomas; singer, songwriter Chris Daughtry; and singer, songwriter Gavin DeGraw will present “Rock the House for Animals!” a livestream event featuring musical performances, interviews and appearances by special friends of Rob and Marisol Thomas. The event – with a pre-show at 7:00 p.m. ET and the live concert from the musicians’ homes at 8:00 p.m. ET – will help the Humane Society of the United States, working together with Sidewalk Angels Foundation, to support critical work for all animals, including help for pets and their people who are impacted by COVID-19. The livestream will run on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch.
In making the announcement, Thomas said, “Animals are everything to our family. We have two rescue dogs who are our life, and through our charity Sidewalk Angels Foundation we provide support to over 20 no-kill animal shelters and rescues across the U.S. This pandemic will not stop us from helping those who need us now more than ever. Marisol and I have partnered with the Humane Society of the United States for years and it’s always an honor to collaborate with them, especially now. My talented friends Gavin and Chris – also animal lovers - were thrilled to join this great event.”
Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said, “What an incredibly generous and talented trio. We are beyond grateful to Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry and Gavin DeGraw for stepping up for animals and the Humane Society of the United States, now and always. When the world is turned upside down by tragedy and fear, music and animals have the power to bring us all together.”
Daughtry added, “I am excited to work with Rob and Gavin and to support the Humane Society of the United States and Sidewalk Angels Foundation. It is deeply important for us to do what we can during this critical time and help support keeping animals with their families.”
DeGraw said, “My dog Buddy is everything to me. It is an honor to be invited to this party with Rob and Chris and for us to Rock the House for Animals together. Our pets love us unconditionally and deserve everything we can provide for them.”
COVID-19 is putting our nation’s pets at risk as people lose the ability to pay for needed medical care and supplies for their animals. As we have seen during other times of economic distress, pet owners can be forced to surrender their beloved companions when the cost of caring for them exceeds their ability to pay.
The Humane Society of the United States works year-round to support local shelters and rescues and to help keep people and their pets together through initiatives like its Rural Area Veterinary Services and Pets for Life programs. During this unprecedented crisis, the HSUS is continuing these crucial efforts by providing support for animals and their people who are impacted by COVID-19. The organization’s relief efforts include clients of the RAVS and Pets for Life programs and hundreds of shelter and rescue organizations, representing communities across the country. By offsetting veterinary costs, providing food and supplies and assisting highly impacted shelters and rescue groups, the HSUS addresses these urgent, immediate needs, as well as furthers its mission to end cruelty against all animals.
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A Colorado hiker discovered an elk trapped in an old mine shaft and contacted authorities who were able to tranquilize and rescue the large animal.
Chere Waters of Creede said she was out for a walk Saturday in the Rio Grande Valley when she spotted the 250-pound cow elk trapped in a disused mine shaft.
Waters contacted the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, which alerted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to the plight of the elk.
Wildlife Officers Brent Woodward and Jeremy Gallegos responded to the scene with sheriff's office officials.
"When I got the call I was told that a deer was stuck in a hole," Woodward said. "But they thought the shaft was only about 10 feet deep. When I got there I could see it was an elk and it was probably 30 feet down."
Woodward tranquilized the elk with a dart and a truck was brought in with a winch and some straps to lift the elk to safety.
Rescuers estimated the animal may have been trapped for two or three days, but its injuries did not appear to be severe.
"When she stood up, she moved a few yards, turned and looked at us for a few seconds and then turned and trotted away. It was great that we could get her out alive," Woodward said.
Officials said they are trying to determine the ownership of the property so the mine shaft opening can be covered.
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Seizing on a rare cancellation of Spain’s world-famous bull-running festival in Pamplona due to the coronavirus, animal rights group PETA offered 250,000 euros ($269,700) on Thursday for the city to make the ban permanent.
The incentive offered can only be seen as symbolic since the eight-day San Fermin fiesta represents a far bigger annual boost of 74 million euros to Pamplona, according to an association of fighting bull breeders.
“The Running of the Bulls and bullfights ... are a vestige of a far less enlightened time when people didn’t understand that animals feel pain and thought nothing of risking fellow humans’ safety,” PETA wrote in a letter, seen by Reuters, making the offer to Pamplona mayor Enrique Maya.
City hall officials, who have called off this year’s edition of the festival in July for the first time in four decades, were not immediately available to comment.
Made famous by Ernest Hemingway in his 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises”, the festival, during which fighting bulls run through the narrow streets of Pamplona each morning, draws hundreds of thousands of participants from across the globe.
PETA and other animal rights groups usually perform visually striking protests on the eve of San Fermin, but local authorities have been dismissive of such actions, defending the event as part of local culture.
