Should chimpanzees have legal rights? - Ideas - The Boston Globe

This article explores the ongoing question of whether animals should be granted "personhood" for the purpose of legal rights. 

Should chimpanzees have legal rights? - Ideas - The Boston Globe

No Grapes or Raisins for Dogs! | petMD

Here is some good advice on how to avoid a potentially deadly and tragic accident.  Be especially vigilant if you expose your dogs to small children who are eating grapes or raisins as a snack.  

No Grapes or Raisins for Dogs! | petMD

Natura Again Recalls Innova, EVO, California Natural and Others

Another recall from a well known manufacturer.  Check your brands.  

Natura Again Recalls Innova, EVO, California Natural and Others

The Wild Horses’ Troubled Rescue - NYTimes.com

The problem is not going away, only getting worse.  Good interview to learn more about the plight of the wild horse.  There are not enough adopters.  Too many of these horses end up in abusive environments or worse, at slaughter. We are destroying our American heritage.    

The Wild Horses’ Troubled Rescue - NYTimes.com

Estate Planning For Your Dog /Modern Dog magazine

It seems everyone is talking about the importance of planning for our pets.  There's no excuse for not having a plan for your family, and your pets are part of your family.  If you don't have a plan, your state of residence has one for you.  It is more important to have a plan by design than one by default.  We can assist in the preparation of an estate plan that addresses not only the human members of your family, but your pets as well!

Modern Dog magazine | the best dog magazine ever

How much is your pet worth to you?

To us, our pets are priceless.  There is no amount of money that could begin to touch the pain of their loss.  Yet, state laws still view pets as property, valued at only what they might cost to replace.  If it's a shelter or rescue pet, the value is less than if the pet is a purebred or show animal.

Laws will change when enough people demand change.  See our recent post regarding a Texas case where the courts upheld the pets as property theory.

If you want to help, contact your legislators - get them to change the law.  Then, the courts have to follow.  

How much is your pet worth to you?

The Effect of State Good Samaritan Laws on Vet Malpractice Claims: Equine Legal Solutions, Documents & Contracts

The Effect of State Good Samaritan Laws on Vet Malpractice Claims: Equine Legal Solutions, Documents & Contracts

When Veterinary Malpractice Seems So Obvious That No Expert is Needed

Veterinary malpractice seems to be on the rise.  Is that because there's more malpractice or because people are taking errors more seriously?  Or, is it because we are always looking for someone else to take the blame?

The reality is, there are lots of steps you an take to resolve issues with your veterinarian short of filing a malpractice suit.  Many times the financial and emotional expense of a lawsuit doesn't address the real issue - the loss of a beloved pet.  

When Veterinary Malpractice Seems So Obvious That No Expert is Needed

Preventing Dog Bites | petMD

Preventing dog bites is the first step in keeping our dogs safe.  My dogs got into a fight one day.  I got bitten in the process and felt like I could not seek medical attention because of the possible ramifications for my dogs.  This is not the way the law should be written.  Rufus in Orlando is a perfect example.  

Preventing Dog Bites | petMD

Updates on U.S. Animal Laws | petMD

Here are some legal updates - one concerns horse slaughter in New Mexico, the other concerns the status of pets as property.

There is currently a U.S. ban on horse slaughter.  That is both good news and bad news.  The good news is we don't slaughter horses in the U.S.  The bad news is they still do in Mexico and horses are being transported to Mexico.  Obviously they do not have the same regulations that may require slaughter to be "humane."

The other is a Texas Supreme Court case that addresses the concept of pets as property and whether the loss of a pet has compensable value.  Here's what the Court said:

"We acknowledge the grief of those whose companions are negligently killed. Relational attachment is unquestionable. But it is also uncompensable. We reaffirm our long-settled rule, which tracks the overwhelming weight of authority nationally, plus the bulk of amicus curiae briefs from several pet-welfare organizations (who understand the deep emotional bonds between people and their animals): Pets are property in the eyes of the law, and we decline to permit non-economic damages rooted solely in an owner’s subjective feelings. True, a beloved companion dog is not a fungible, inanimate object like, say, a toaster. The term “property” is not a pejorative but a legal descriptor, and its use should not be misconstrued as discounting the emotional attachment that pet owners undeniably feel. Nevertheless, under established legal doctrine, recovery in pet-death cases is, barring legislative reclassification, limited to loss of value, not loss of relationship. We reverse the court of appeals’ judgment and render judgment in favor of the Petitioner."

Bottom line, pets are still property in the eyes of the law.  You can get compensated for the loss of their value, not the loss of the relationship

Updates on U.S. Animal Laws | petMD

Staten Island Man Convicted of Throwing Cat to His Death | ASPCA Blog

Always pleased to see the justice system working in favor of protecting animals.  

Staten Island Man Convicted of Throwing Cat to His Death | ASPCA Blog

Drugs and Law Breaking Veterinary Doctors | petMD

Check out this article on what vets do to keep their pet patients taken care of. 

Drugs and Law Breaking Veterinary Doctors | petMD

Adopt a Senior Pet

Right now in Central Florida news is the plight of Rufus, a young Beagle that bit the four year old son  of its owner.  Rufus' fate is in the hands of a bureaucracy that may not consider what is the best overall solution for both the family and the dog.  The family has forgiven the dog, but not the State of Florida - the system wants him euthanized.

Young dogs and young children sometimes don't mix.  Neither understand the rules of the game - and, inevitably someone can get hurt. 

I recently adopted a senior dog.  Her human mother had died and she found herself at age 11 at Sunshine Corgi Rescue.  Fortunately for me (and for her) we were destined to meet.  She has been a dream - already housebroken and obedience trained.  She knows her name, comes when she's called and asks to go outside when it's necessary.  She's sweet and loving.

Next time you are in the position to add a new fur face to our family, consider an older dog or an older cat.  They have so much to give and deserve the opportunity to have a loving family.

Enjoy this article about the benefits of adopting senior pets:   
Enjoy Kid-Friendly Pets

Sassy, the Senior Corgi

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hoyt---Bryan-Presents--All-My-Children-Wear-Fur-Coats-Workshop.html?soid=1103577314459&aid=IvMCP1L39lE

If you love animals, please join us!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hoyt---Bryan-Presents--All-My-Children-Wear-Fur-Coats-Workshop.html?soid=1103577314459&aid=IvMCP1L39lE
 Click the link above to register

Hoyt & Bryan Presents: All My Children Wear Fur Coats    When: Monday, May 6, 2013  Time: 6:00 p.m. Author Peggy Hoyt presents - Animal companions... your pets... "Your children." Our pets come in all shapes and sizes - from horses to hamsters, from ferrets to felines - they inhabit our hearts with their own unique personalities. They share day-to-day struggles, adventures, and special moments with us. We share our homes, our beds and our hearts with our pets. They leave us with a legacy of happy memories after they're gone. Our pets love us unconditionally, help reduce stress and even enhance longevity. For all these reasons and so many more, you should explore all the alternatives for pet planning for your pet including pet trusts, bequests by will, perpetual care alternative, and animal care panels. Location: The Learning Center at  The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan 254 Plaza Drive Oviedo, FL 32765

 

If I Die Unexpectedly, What Happens to My Dogs? | Dogster

Planning for your pets is one of the most loving and important things you can do.  For more information, read the article below and visit LegacyForYourPet.com.  

If I Die Unexpectedly, What Happens to My Dogs? | Dogster

Time is Running Out to Prevent Cruelty

	Time is Running Out to Prevent Cruelty
	Ask Your Legislators to Lend Their Support
	Dear Florida Advocates: The Florida State Legislature is considering critical legislation that will crack down on animal cruelty—but time is running out to pass these key measures. We need your help! • H.B. 851/S.B. 504 specifies that a person who commits multiple acts of animal cruelty may be charged with separate offenses for each cruel act, making it easier to fairly punish animal abusers. • H.B. 851/S.B. 504 makes animal fighting offenses punishable under Florida’s anti-racketeering law, which helps law enforcement crack down on this brutal blood sport. • H.B. 851/S.B. 650 bans the artificial coloring of rabbits and chicks and prohibits the sale of these baby animals. Selling animals when they are artificially colored or very young encourages people to make impulsive purchases, especially around Easter. Animals are not disposable toys—we must prevent their suffering. Florida’s legislative session is wrapping up soon. Help us pass this humane legislation before it’s too late!
	What You Can Do Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to call and email your legislators in Tallahassee to support this critical bill. Thank you for speaking up for animals, Florida! Take Action Now »

What Kinds of Rights Are We Seeking for Nonhuman Animals? : The Nonhuman Rights Project

The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only organization working toward actual LEGAL rights for members of species other than our own. Our mission is to change the common law status of at least some nonhuman animals from mere “things,” which lack the capacity to possess any legal right, to “persons,” who possess such fundamental rights as bodily integrity and bodily liberty, and those other legal rights to which evolving standards of morality, scientific discovery, and human experience entitle them. Our first cases are being prepared for filing in 2013. Your support of this work is deeply appreciated. 

What Kinds of Rights Are We Seeking for Nonhuman Animals? : The Nonhuman Rights Project

Natura Pet Widens Recall of California Natural, Innova, EVO and More

If you feed these popular brands, please read and check your labels. 

Natura Pet Widens Recall of California Natural, Innova, EVO and More

Man sentenced in kitten animal cruelty case - April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month!

April 16 -- Rodney Blanchard, the man who put these kittens in ziploc bags inside his freezer, has been convicted of four counts of felony animal cruelty. He was sentenced to one year in jail and three years of probation.
 

Kittens found in freezer share bizarre connection with double shooting love triangle

The three surviving kittens went home with happy adopters at the end of December 2012. 

If you suspect animal abuse, report it to local authorities immediately.

Virbac Recalls Six Lots of Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables

If you give a monthly heartworm  pill, this one is very popular.  My pets use it.  Check for your recall lot.  

Virbac Recalls Six Lots of Iverhart Plus Flavored Chewables