Nestle makes animal welfare pledge

Nestle has announced sweeping reforms to improve the welfare of farm animals in its supply chain after dropping a supplier found to be abusing dairy cows, according to reports.

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The company has signed a partnership agreement with World Animal Protection, which means that all of Nestle's suppliers of animal-derived products must now comply with the organization's animal welfare standards. According to World Animal Protection, Nestle's new policy is the most significant animal welfare policy ever adopted by a major food distributor.
Nestle has commissioned an independent auditor, SGS, to ensure the new standards of animal welfare are met by its suppliers. Some checks will also be made by World Animal Protection. Nestle said it won’t work with suppliers who aren’t willing to meet the new standards. 

Japanese company stops sales of pet treats made from endangered whales

A Japanese company has stopped selling petfood made from endangered Icelandic fin whales after a campaign by conservation groups.
Michinoku Farm was previously advertising jerky-like treats for dogs made from the endangered whales imported from Iceland. However, the company removed the product from its website after protests from four groups, including UK-based Environmental Investigation Agency and US-based Animal Welfare Institute. 
Michinoku Farm president, Takuma Konno, said the company pulled the treats, despite being legal to sell in Japan. "Dogs are like family members for many people in Japan. We just wanted to sell a wide variety of food for dogs," he said. "Campaigners look at whales as important animals, but we consider dogs to be just as important. Maybe I was ignorant of the debate over whaling, but it's not worth selling the product if it risks angering some people."
Susan Milward, executive director of the Animal Welfare Institute, said, "We are extremely pleased to see Michinoku Farm respond in such a progressive, compassionate and prompt manner, and we would strongly urge all other businesses to follow suit and end such sales."

Jill Rappaport of ‘Today’ show awarded for pet industry contributions

The American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association named “Today" show correspondent and animal advocate, Jill Rappaport, as the 2012 recipient of Global Pet Expo’s annual “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award.”
Rappaport will personally accept the award on Thursday, March 1, at Global Pet Expo, in Orlando, Florida, USA, during a reception sponsored by Nestle Purina. The award recognizes individuals in the media who have the power to influence millions of people and use this to positively promote the joys and benefits of responsible pet ownership. Rappaport has been on “Today” for 20 years. She served as the entertainment correspondent for the first 17 years, but when her dog Jack got bone cancer, she began chronicling Jack's illness on the show, and she says she realized that animal welfare issues were her calling. In her "Bow To Wow" series, shelter dogs get a makeover and a second chance at life, and she also informs “Today” viewers informed about the latest health trends for pets. “We truly believe that this award was crafted especially for someone just like Ms. Rappaport and that her promotion of responsible pet ownership is directly inline with APPA’s mission,” said Bob Vetere, president of APPA. “Her dedication to improving the lives of pets and helping resolve animal welfare issues is evident and we could not be more thrilled to honor her with this year’s award.” 

Halo Pet Foundation donates $70,000 to southern US animal welfare organizations

Ellen DeGeneres’ Halo holistic petfood Pet Foundation donated US$70,000 in disaster relief grants to eight animal welfare groups, in response to tornados and flooding in the southern US.
Grant recipients include Noah’s Wish, a nationwide group; Save our Pets Food Bank and SOS Club in Georgia; Arkansans for Animals in Arkansas; Blount County Animal Shelter and Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Alabama; Paws, Claws ‘N More Rescue in Kentucky; and McKamey Animal Center in Tennessee. Funds for the disaster relief grants were raised at the 3rd Annual PETCO Foundation Gala.
“We’re thrilled to support these community leaders providing for the animals and people still in need after these disasters,” said Steve Marton, Halo chief executive and Halo Pet Foundation board member. “We’re very thankful for the support of our friends at the Petco Foundation, their many donors and our own Ellen DeGeneres, who is tireless in lending her voice and support to animals in need.”
In addition, Halo's nonprofit partner, Freekibble.com, donated hundreds of thousands of meals of Halo Spot's Stew to shelters, rescues and food banks in the southern US.
"It is so amazing to be able to help the people and pets in the South that have been struggling after the storms," said Freekibble founder, Mimi Ausland. "It makes me very happy to know that the Halo Pet Foundation is now sending money to these awesome groups … they do incredible work and need all the help they can get!”

Southern California dog club donates petfood to Japanese animals

Brandi and Stephen Terry of Desperate Paws Dog Club in Newport Beach, California, USA, donated 40,000 tons of petfood to pets affected by the March 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
In total, the Terrys collected the more than 7 tons of petfood and supplies donated by businesses and organizations in Southern California, USA. All items will be distributed to Japanese rescue groups that partner with World Vets International.
The Terrys decided to launch their pet food drive after watching video footage of animals affected by the deadly earthquake and tsunami.
"It has been a difficult process but World Vets has been on top of it all the way, and we are extremely grateful to their efforts as well as H2O Logistics," said Stephen Terry, co-founder of Desperate Paws. "The latest estimates from World Vets say that more than 20,000 animals in Japan are hurt or sick. Much of the problem now is the radiation and the difficulty of help groups to get to the animals."

Nestle, Japanese welfare groups support animals in Japan

Animal welfare groups in Japan have begun rescue operations to find lost and injured animals affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, supported by petfood donations from Nestle Purina USA.
Nestle Purina USA announced that the company will deliver petfood and money to Japanese shelters and rescue groups.
Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support includes three animal welfare groups coordinating to aid animals affected in Japan: Animal Friends Niigata, Japan Cat Network and HEART-Tokushima. JEARS  says it has been difficult to find pets alive as well as to find accommodations for the ones that are found still living. JEARS said that growing concerns over spreading nuclear radiations have driven many pet owners out of the country, abandoning their pets. David Wybenga of Japan Cat Network said his group is working to find lost pets and reunite them with their families.
JEARS  said that they will continue to help rescue animals in Japan despite all the hardships that they will face.

Pet Valu signs US Humane Society's Puppy Friendly Pet Store pledge

Pet Valu, a mid-Atlantic US petfood and supply chain, signed The Humane Society of the United States' Puppy Friendly Pet Store pledge.
This pledge means that the company commits to not sell puppies from puppy mills, but instead to support local pet adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a puppy from a reputable source. Store owners who sign The HSUS’ pledge receive a placard proclaiming, “We love puppies; that’s why we don’t sell them,” to display in the store, as well as free materials for their customers about how to adopt a puppy or find a responsible breeder.
“Pet Valu is proud to be a part of the Puppy Friendly Pet Stores Program, which reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with quality pet supplies while looking out for the best interest of animals,” said Connie Lowney of Pet Valu. “We believe that this will be a successful business model in our 63 locations, and are hopeful that our commitment will inspire others to support responsible pet acquisition.”
A list of participating "Puppy Friendly" pet stores is available from www.humanesociety.org/puppystores.

Animal advocate pledges to eat dog food until Nitro's Law is reintroduced in Ohio House

Animal advocate, dog trainer and author Nikki Moustaki has promised to eat dog food for one meal every day in an effort to gain awareness for and the passage of an anti-animal cruelty bill called Nitro's Law.
The Ohio-based law, formerly known as House Bill 70, would increase the penalty to a fifth degree felony for egregious acts of animal cruelty by the animal's caretaker, punishable by a year in jail per count. The bill is named after Nitro, a Rottweiler who was left in the care of High Caliber K-9 boarding kennel in October 2008. His human family came back to find seven dead and 12 starving dogs at the facility. The facility owner, Steve Croley, was sentenced to four months in jail and a fine after four misdemeanor charges were pursued. He also had his American Kennel Club privileges revoked for 10 years, and the AKC fined him $2,000.
"This isn't just a local issue, it's a national issue," said Moustaki. "This didn't happen in my home state, but as someone who speaks up for animals, I consider them all in my backyard. Animals don't vote, but their owners do. If this can happen in Ohio, it can happen anywhere, and it's important for people to be aware of the laws in their state."
Moustaki said she hopes to get pet lovers from all 50 states involved in her campaign, which includes eating on-camera and posting the videos on YouTube. "Ideally, other dog owners will join in on this with me," said Moustaki. "If we can create a movement, no matter how 'doggone crazy' eating dog food might seem, we might be able to make a positive change."

Iams Home 4 the Holidays 2010 finds homes for over 1 million pets

More than 1.1 million pets were placed in new homes between October 1, 2010 and January 4, 2011 during the Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption campaign.
More than 3,500 animal organizations around the world participated in the campaign, resulting in the adoptions of 593,146 dogs, 509,470 cats and 23,051 other animals, including rabbits, reptiles, horses and birds. “With all the hard work that animal organization do every day, we’re thrilled to be able to support those efforts and shine an even brighter light on the issues and importance of pet adoption each year with this program,” said Mike Arms, founder of Iams Home 4 the Holidays and president of Rancho Santa Fe, California-based Helen Woodward Animal Center. “We’re all very proud of the success we’ve had over the years and will continue to work together in the hopes that one day every homeless pet will be in a loving home for all their holidays.”
The 2011 Home 4 the Holidays campaign is slated to begin in October.

HSUS spends 50% of funds on fundraising, overhead costs, says watchdog

According to a 2010 "Watchdog Report on Animal Charities" from Animal People News, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) spends roughly 50% of its raised funds on continued fundraising and additional overhead costs, including paying lobbyists and HSUS's pension plan.
This number, which Animal People News said it calculated based on HSUS's 2009 federal tax return, is in opposition with the 29% HSUS said it spends on overhead. According to the Center for Consumer Freedom, this information, along with the "D" rating HSUS received from the American Institute of Philanthropy and the one star out of four it received for efficiency from Charity Navigator, paints a picture of factory-fundraising practices and incompetent nonprofit management. “Animal lovers need to know the difference between HSUS and real humane societies," said CCF Director of Research David Martosko. "The only way to be sure your donations will help homeless dogs and cats is to give to organizations in your own community.”

San Diego Humane Society named 'Top Pet Tale' by Purina, Ralphs

Purina and Ralphs awarded the San Diego Humane Society with “Top Pet Tale” in the third-annual “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign.
The San Diego Humane Society received a US$53,000 donation during a presentation hosted by campaign spokesperson, Trista Sutter, from ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” Another 17 animal welfare organizations from across the US also received donations as part of the campaign, which gave away a total of US$150,000. 
To participate in the campaign, each animal welfare organization submitted a written tale and then turned it into a video. The finalists were chosen by Sutter and  production company, Blind Squirrels, based on creative content, storytelling and the pet tale’s direct connection to the "Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart" mission. The videos can be viewed on the "Tales for the Pet Lover's Heart" website.

AVMA convention attendees give back to the community

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)'s annual convention expected an attendance of over 9,000 veterinary professionals looking to expand their knowledge and help local animals, at the event held July 31 through Aug. 3 in Atlanta.
The convention offered sessions on topics like animal welfare, food safety, trends in pet ownership and advances in veterinary medicine. Convention attendees also had access to over 250 companies and organizations in the exhibit hall, showcasing high-tech surgical instruments, the latest equipment for pets, petfood and educational materials, among other industry-related products.
AVMA convention also gave veterinarians and attendees a chance to give back by volunteering their time to the "Our Oath in Action" event, which helps to refurbish local animal facilities. Additionally, a "Trails for Tails" 5K run/walk event was held by AVMA to raise funds for animal welfare programs and the PAWS animal shelter in Atlanta.
“Making a difference in the lives of people and animals is the reason we chose the veterinary profession,” said Ron DeHaven, DVM, chief executive of AVMA. “Whether it is in practice, at home or even during a continuing education conference, improving animal and public health and welfare is essential to us. Knowing that Atlanta shares our passion for animals, we have expanded what used to be ‘AVMA’ 5K run into a community event.”

Natura donates petfood to SPCALA

Natura Pet Products donated over 4,000 cases of dog and cat food to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA), USA. The donation will go toward helping SPCALA feed homeless and needy pets in southern California.
“We are proud to have been able to share more than 4,000 cases of our healthful Innova dog and cat food cans with the SPCALA. This exceptional animal welfare organization has shown unsurpassed dedication to the care of thousands of animals and its mission provides an extension of Natura’s philosophy for animal health and wellbeing,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.

Natura donates petfood to No More Homeless Pets KC

Natura Pet Products teamed up with animal welfare organization, No More Homeless Pets KC, to help feed homeless and in-need pets around the Kansas City, Missouri, USA, metro area.
“We are proud to be able to share more than 4,000 cases of our ... Innova dog and cat food cans with No More Homeless Pets KC,” said Don Scott, president of Natura.
Through donations like this, the animal welfare organization provides food, adoption awareness programs and other services for local animals.
The Innova dog and cat food will be distributed to other petfood pantries in the Kansas City area, as well as rescue groups and people caring for feral and free roaming dogs and cats. In addition, the donated petfood will be used to assist low income pet owners.

Hartz seeks input on shelter donations

The Hartz Mountain Corp., a US company offering pet supplies and treats, has agreed to donate US$3 million worth of its pet products to animal shelters in the US and Canada.
The company has already donated US$2 million but is asking customers to nominate additional shelters that will benefit from the other US$1 million worth of pet supplies by e-mailing the company at hartzshelterheroes@hartz.com.

iPhone app benefits animal rescue organizations

A new iPhone application called the Rescue Cleaner is only one of more than 100,000 apps that benefits animal rescue organizations.
It features videos of rescued animals, including six dogs, two cats and a ferret, that are put to work inside the mobile device, cleaning the screen with their tongues.

Hilary Swank to help pets find homes

Iams' Home 4 the Holidays program recently announced actress Hilary Swank will serve as the drive's 2009 ambassador.
Swank will share her personal experience with adoption and rescue in an effort to help educate others about how they can make a positive impact on the lives of homeless pets. Along with founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center and nearly 3,500 participating animal organizations from around the world, the program has set a goal to help 1.5 million pets find homes from October 1, 2009, through January 4, 2010.
Swank has adopted many pets throughout her life, including her two dogs Karoo and Rumi. She rescued Karoo from the side of a road while filming in South Africa a few years ago and adopted Rumi last fall from a participating IH4TH shelter in Los Angeles.

Halo sponsors iPhone app for petfood donations

Halo Purely for Pets, a producer of holistic pet care products, announced its official sponsorship of Freekibble.com’s first iPhone application.
On Dec. 1, Freekibble.com will launch “Kibble Katch,” a game that results in Halo donating 1,000 pieces of kibble per purchased application (about four meals), to Freekibble.com to donate to shelters dogs.
“We are proud to be working with Freekibble to help feed animals that deserve a decent meal,” said David Yaskulka, vice president of marketing and communications at Halo. “People who love animals can make small but significant donations with huge pay-offs.”

H1N1 virus reported in Chinese dogs

China’s Agriculture Ministry announced on November 28 that two dogs tested positive for H1N1 virus, as reported by Beijing’s Jinghua Times. The two dogs were among 52 sick dogs tested for the virus.
The H1N1 flu found in the above cases is suspected to have been transferred from humans to their pets, and the disease can be transferred among dogs, according to the report.
This is the first time H1N1 virus has been found Chinese dogs, the report said, though four cases of H1N1 were found in a hog slaughterhouse in North China last month.

Vick tackles yield petfood donations

Main Line Animal Rescue of Washington, DC, USA, placed an ad in the Washington Post, promising to donate 5 bags of dog food to a local animal shelter each time football player Michael Vick is tackled during the Philadelphia Eagles' match with the Washington Redskins, October 26.
"I think we just need to raise public awareness, and this is a good way to do that. It may be funny. It may be clever. It may not," Bill Smith, founder and CEO of the shelter, told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The ad also encourages shelter volunteerism.
Go Redskins!!!!!