Animal rescuers lend aid to pets affected by storms in southern, Midwest US

Animal rescuers from all over the U.S. are lending their efforts to help pets affected by the recent storms in the South and Midwest, according to reports.
Volunteers and organizations are providing supplies, transportation and shelter to dislocated, lost and injured animals. The ASPCA, PetSmart Charities, the Humane Society of the United States, Code 3 and Wayside Waifs have been erecting temporary shelters, distributing supplies and helping to transport animals out of shelters in affected areas. "Our goal is to get displaced animals back to their owners and house those animals until their owners can get on their feet," said Tim Rickey, senior director of the ASPCA's field investigations and response team.
Donations to the efforts can be made through the Humane Society of West Alabama, the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control or the ASPCA.

HSUS endorses stores that don’t sell puppies

The Humane Society of the United States has endorsed 45 Chicago, Illinois, USA, pet stores that have pledged not to carry puppies in hopes of funneling more customers to those retailers, rewarding them for steering clear of “puppy mills,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.

Durbin: Humane Senator of the Year

Illinois Democrat Sen. Richard J. Durbin's efforts to crack down on puppy mills and improve petfood safety earned him the title of 2008 Humane Senator of the Year, according to an article by The Washington Times.
The Humane Society of the United States announced March 25 the recognition of Durbin as part of its annual Humane Legislator Awards.