Humane Society

Pennsylvania shares with the states of Florida and North Carolina the most inhumane living conditions for animals kept in roadside zoos. These traveling zoos have disgraceful facilities, which not only cause constant misery for the animals but also result in their premature death. The Humane Society of the United States has a detailed report of conditions in the zoos. Because Pennsylvania is a leader in this dreadful treatment of animals and because of the recent story on conditions at a Montgomery County farm, the importance of humane living conditions for animals is finally getting the press it deserves.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is expected to appear before Congress today to support a bill that would make it a crime to attend a dogfighting or cockfighting event, according to reports. The Wall Street Journal and the Morning Call of Allentown, reported that Vick, who was convicted of dogfighting charges in 2007, will join Wayne Pacelle, head of the Humane Society of the United States, to endorse the bill. According to the Morning Call, the bill, titled H.R. 2492, was introduced by U.S. Reps.

LANCASTER, Pa. - Animal-welfare advocates are celebrating a state Senate committee vote on a measure that would outlaw pigeon shoots and other target shoots with live animals. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-3 in favor of the measure, which prohibits "use of live animals or fowl for targets at trap shoot or block shoot" gatherings. The bill heads to the full Senate. "I'm elated," said Heidi Prescott, senior vice president of campaigns for the Humane Society of the United States.

HARRISBURG - In 2008, undercover videotapes made by The Oprah Winfrey Show exposing inhumane treatment of dogs in Pennsylvania's so-called puppy mills helped drive the passage of the nation's toughest kennel law. Similar videos depicting conditions in large-scale agriculture operations across the nation have led to animal-cruelty charges and changes in laws. In recent years, forces in the industry have pushed back, promoting legislation to criminalize undercover videotaping or photographing of farm operations.

Officials say a growing number of pit bull owners and breeders are exploiting the canine's fierce instincts and ferocious bite to make big bucks on the underground circuit of dog fighting. The arrest of former Temple football star and pro running back Todd McNair for allegedly raising pit bulls for fighting is only the most public incident to focus attention on the thriving illegal sport. "Dog-fighting in the inner cities and rural areas is on the increase," said Nina Austenberg, regional director of the Humane Society.

The first impulse of an animal lover who witnesses the abuse of an animal is to protect the imperiled creature. For the animal lover's own safety, this is not a good idea. A person who is cruel to animals may be as physically abusive with humans. The concerned observer should instead notify the local animal-control officer or the humane society. Similarly, if you believe a pet in the neighorhood is being neglected, do not confront the offender in person. Try writing a reasonable letter pointing out what you think is wrong and suggesting how the creature's needs should be met. If this approach is unsuccessful, contact the local humane society about the problem.

It's an idea that has spread like wildfire among those horrified as sharpshooters authorized by the Fairmount Park Commission thin the deer herds in Pennypack Park and the Wissahickon. There is a more humane answer, they argue. Don't shoot the deer with bullets. Shoot them with contraceptive darts. The deer will not conceive, the herd will diminish. Except, researchers said, it's not nearly that simple. The vaccine is experimental and being used only in tests by the Humane Society of the United States.

Michael Vick has a unique opportunity. It's an opportunity that does not involve running or throwing a football for the Eagles, although his abilities with each should only boost his influence. Vick has an opportunity to affect change for the species he once exploited: dogs. In urban areas, Vick's words and presence can help change the inner-city culture of dogfighting, and it might just be that Philadelphia, which has been targeted by the Humane Society as having a higher incidence of the crime, could benefit most.

New Leash on Life USA - The sixth session ends May 13, and the program has expanded. In April, inmates at Graterford Prison started training dogs.   Inmates James Barkley - After he was approved for work-release, he started an internship at the Women's Humane Society in Bensalem. Last week, he was hired full time at the shelter, where they say, "He is fitting right in as a member of our team. "     Emerson Chase, aka "Dominic Hayes" - Working full time at the Hunting Park animal shelter and continues to do well.

HORSES AROUND the country can neigh a sigh of relief. The owners of Atlantic City's Steel Pier, facing pressure from animal-rights groups, have scrapped a plan to bring back the diving-horse act that made the boardwalk venue famous for decades. "Instead of trying to rekindle the past, we're going to preserve history and nostalgia in a new way," said Anthony Catanoso, Steel Pier's president. Diving horses began plunging off Steel Pier platforms into pools in the 1920s.