Wisconsin Animal Rights Blog

Charlotte arrived at the Dunn County Humane Society in October 2007 with her family of kittens. Her babies have been adopted and Charlotte is ready for a new home. Charlotte is a pretty black and white girl that loves to be petted. Can you give this mommy a home for Mother’s Day?

A mystery illness is killing dogs at HAWS in Waukesha. The illness brings on high fever and a quick death. Dog adoptions are on hold until the illness is stopped.

An outbreak of calicivirus at the Washington County Humane Society killed many cats last year. It’s so sad to see these animals dying before they could find a loving home.

Thankfully calicivirus has a vaccine. All of my cats have been vaccinated. Ask your vet about the calici vaccine; I think it was around $70 for the two shots needed. A $70 vaccine or losing my cats… that was a no-brainer.

Breed banning is moving along in several Wisconsin cities. Arpin and Neillsville have banned pit bulls. Some cities like Wausau have acted more sensibly, banning vicious dogs of any breed.  Dangerous dog bans versus brred bans make sense to me; even a poodle can cause a nasty bite.

Having grown up with rottweilers, I hate to see these gentle giants get a bad rap.  It’s bad owners, not bad dogs, causing the problems.

Sunnie is an adorable, snuggly orange and white cat. Sunnie’s front paws are curved in, probably from a birth defect. She has no problems getting around and would prefer lying down and being petted anyway! Meet Sunnie at the Saving Paws Animal Rescue in Appleton.

Every week I come across online ads selling pets that originally came from a shelter or rescue. The ads often read like this:

Puppy for sale. Adopted from XYZ Shelter but doesn’t get along with our dog. Would you please adopt him so we don’t have to take him back to the shelter? He will be killed!

If you are adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue, please read the adoption application thoroughly. Many shelters and reputable breeders ask that if you cannot care for the animal, you must return it to the shelter or breeder it came from. If you cannot care for the animal and subsequently sell it, you are violating a contract!

Returning a pet to a shelter doesn’t automatically put it on death row. Our cat Finner was a returned several times to a shelter because he vomits. Finner went to a wonderful foster home and we finally adopted him. We knew what we were getting into with Finner, and it’s nothing a little carpet cleaner won’t take care of.

If you see these ads online and the specific shelter, rescue or breeder is mentioned, please take the time to report it to place of origin. It could save a pet from being adopted without proper screening, and catch someone who promised to care for a pet in violation of their contract.

Spring is here, and that means many unwanted litters of puppies and kittens will make their way to local animal shelters. If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, please make sure it is spayed or neutered.

Dexter is a senior hound mix that unfortunately lost his owners when they went into senior housing. Dexter has plenty of time left and love to give. Can you give this mature fellow a forever home to retire in? See Dexter at the Saint Francis Society.

Duke is a well-behaved, older American Staffordshire Terrier. Duke is looking for a warm, cozy home with owners that love to cuddle. Can you bring this distinguished gentleman home? Meet Duke at the Sheboygan County Humane Society.

Sambo is an adorable black cat that is front declawed. He’s missing an eye but he doesn’t seem to notice. He likes petting and is very friendly. Can you give him a home? Visit Sambo at the Washington County Humane Society.

Be sure to watch Oprah on Friday, April 4. Oprah investigates puppy mills with reporter Lisa Ling.