Our ACSPCA Humane Officer, Brandi Luther.

                    

Victim of 'at-home' neutering


Oakley, an innocent victim.

Dog victim of 'at-home' neutering
By ERIN JAMES
Evening Sun Reporter
Article Launched: 08/19/2008 10:40:12 AM EDT

A local humane officer is investigating the case of a border collie that arrived as a stray at the Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently with a bright green rubberband tied around its testicles.

Officer Brandi Luther said the apparent at-home neuter attempt caused a severe infection and "excruciating pain." "It's completely inhumane," Luther said of the banding practice. The 4-year-old dog, called "Oakley," is recovering at the facility after two emergency surgeries were performed to treat the infection. "Banding" is a common neutering practice for young livestock, but Luther said she doesn't recommend it for even those animals. And the practice is extremely painful on dogs - particularly older ones - because of their different anatomy, she said. Luther said she is investigating who placed the rubberband on the dog. The dog's tags traced back to an owner who is in jail, but Luther said she expects someone else was supposed to be caring for it. Because of the infection, whoever tied the rubberband can be charged with failure to seek proper medical treatment for an animal in their care, she said.

Luther said this is the first time she's investigated this type of case, but she said the SPCA takes in animals "all the time" that have been treated inhumanely. She said she wants people to know that at-home neuter practices are unacceptable for dogs. In some cases, at-home medical care for pets is OK. But if there is infection or the problem worsens, pet owners are responsible for seeking professional veterinary care for their animals, Luther said. "A lot of times owners don't realize when it gets out of hand," she said. Some owners skirt that responsibility by abandoning the animal, Luther said. "Instead of taking on their duty ... They dump it or abandon it to us," she said. Oakley's surgeries cost about $800, and the SPCA is asking for donations to help cover costs.
End of Story

Oakley is recovering quickly and he will be placed up for adoption soon. Even after being treated so inhumanely, Oakley still loves people. He is a real sweet, loving guy and will make an absolute wonderful family companion.

                    

Americans love to take their pets for car rides on a beautiful day and everywhere they go. During the summer months, however, the combination can be deadly. When it's only 80 degrees outside, a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. In that kind of heat, a dog could easily die. It is recommended that dog owners never leave their dog alone in a car during warm weather. Even a mild day can be dangerous. Every summer, there are animals that die that could have been prevented.

Common sense tells most people that leaving their pet inside a parked vehicle on a hot, summer day could be dangerous. But most people don't realize that the temperature can skyrocket after just a few minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does little to alleviate this pressure cooker.

 DOG IN A HOT CAR flyer
Whenever you see a parked car with animals inside, place this "Please Do not Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car!!!" flyer under their windshield wiper. When the dog's guardian returns to the car, he or she will find the educational flyer and will think twice about leaving his or her companion in a hot car. Flyers have been proven to be a painless reminder that alerts someone of the dangers of leaving animals in the car while he or she is shopping.

If you see a pet or a child in a parked car during a summer day, go to the nearest store and have the owner paged. Enlist the help of a local police officer or security guard or call the local police department.

                    

It is estimated that 100,000 dogs are killed each year from sudden starts, stops, or turns that toss your pet onto the highway where the dog can be hit by oncoming traffic. Don't leash your dog inside the truck bed - many dogs have been strangled from being left helplessly dangling after hitting a bump.

Truck beds that are open give no protection from the weather. Hot sun beating down on a truck bed can cause the floor to burn a pet's pads. If left inside the truck with no shade or water in the broiling sun, a dog may suffer a heat stroke.

Most dogs love to stick their heads out of an open window while riding in a car. This often irritates mucous membranes and can allow a small stone or other flying object to blow into the dog's eye. Insects can lodge in nasal passages and get sucked into the windpipe. Attention from a veterinarian could be needed to remove foreign material from the eye. Permanent damage is also possible.

If you can't allow your dog to ride inside the truck cab, then leave him at home. If the dog must ride in the bed of your truck, put him inside a crate giving him some protection from the weather. Be sure to tie the crate securely so it can't slide around or get tossed out of the truck.