'High rise syndrome' sees cats and dogs at risk from falls

We know to keep dogs on the leash near busy roads, and to ensure gardens are safely fenced in to protect them from straying and traffic accidents. But what about 'high rise syndrome'?

The ASPCA has been warning that, come summer time, pets kept in flats can meander close to open windows and end up taking a painful tumble, leading to serious injury or even death. Although cats are the main victims, some smaller dogs that people keep in apartment complexes are also prone to falling from fire escapes and balconies.

It's not exclusive to flats, either. My friend's Rottweiler, having lived safely in a large house for eleven years, suddenly got overly curious about an open window just as her owner turned her back for a second. In the blink of an eye, Sasha sailed out of the window, which overlooked the yard a full storey below. Thankfully she only suffered a short-lived sprain, but needless to say she was kept out of the room whenever it had open windows after that.

There's no need to swelter inside in order to keep your pets safe. Insect screens will keep bugs out and pets in, and common sense dictates that neither dogs nor cats should be left on a balcony or fire escape unattended.

Designed mainly for cat-owners but useful for anyone keeping a pet in a high level flat, the ASPCA's high rise survival tips are a valuable resource.

Puppy mill raid update: how the rescue happened

You might remember that I wrote about a massive puppy mill raid that took place in Tennessee a few weeks ago with the help of the ASPCA. Many people asked about how the rescue took place and what's happening to the animals.

One of the ASPCA's rescue workers kept a diary of the first crucial days of the operation, and this is online for all to read. I think you'll find it very touching, quite sad reading, as the condition the dogs were found in was quite horrifying. Thankfully, for many of them a happy ending is in sight.

I look forward towards a day when rescue missions like this one are no longer necessary, but as long as they are I'm glad there are organisations across the world that will step in to help. It is with the backing of donors and supporters like the people reading this blog that it's even possible and for that we all thank you.

ASPCA assists Tennessee's largest ever puppy farm raid

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has lent its expertise and resources to Tennessee's largest-ever puppy farm raid, showing that the problem is just as widespread as suspected.

The cruelty investigation team, including two forensic vets, discovered 747 animals in enclosures dotted around the 92 acre Pine Bluff Kennels estate. The vast majority were dogs, but horses, burros, miniature horses, chickens, goats, parrots and pedigree cats were also found on the site.

Seven hundred dogs - over 200 of which are pups - were found lacking basic care in faeces-encrusted pens lacking ventilation and sufficient food and water. Most require treatment for matting, sores, broken limbs, hernias or abscesses. Various different breeds were discovered, including Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, GSDs and Great Danes.

Dr Melinda Merck, working on behalf of the ASPCA, commented:

“This is one of the worst situations I have ever seen. Animals are in extreme states of neglect and illness. Some are dead. The overcrowding, the unsanitary conditions, the flea and parasite infestation, as well as the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses, are all severe.”

Puppy farms, also known as "puppy mills" in the USA, are an international problem, and despite laws that prohibit some of the practices of puppy farms in the UK, they are still prevalent over here. The industry is often driven by innocent-looking Internet ads, and inexperienced future dog owners are duped into buying a puppy raised in conditions they would have been horrified by.

For more information on helping to destroy this cruel trade and tips on identifying a genuine breeder, please read the Dogs Trust information leaflet.