Majority favors mandatory pit-bull spay/neuter ordinance



Boulder is a true pit-bull ambassador,
exemplifying the best qualities of the
breed. He is 3 years old and is intelligent
and friendly with a strong desire to please.
He is available for adoption today at YHS.

Last week I asked for feedback on an important and controversial issue - should a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for pit-bulls be considered as a strategy for ensuring our community remains among the safest in the nation for companion animals.
YHS defines pit-bull as the American pit-bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier and any crosses of these three breeds.

The question was prompted by both my love for pit-bulls and these facts: pit-bulls account for 51 percent of all dogs rescued and 47 percent of all dogs euthanized at YHS. Nation-wide, pit-bulls represent 60 percent of all dogs euthanized; 22 percent of all dogs abused or neglected; 46 percent of all dogs that injure humans; 51 percent of all dogs that attack other animals; and virtually all dogs impounded in dog-fighting cases.

These facts are all the more startling when you consider pit-bulls and all pit-bull mixes combined represent only about 4 percent of the total dog population. [Data Source: ANIMAL PEOPLE]

Here are the results YHS received to the ordinance question. There were 82 responses to the query; and 82 percent (67) favored a mandatory pit-bull spay/neuter ordinance in our community.

Twenty-one percent (17) felt mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats should be required. Four people favored banning pit-bulls altogether, while two people feared mandatory spay/neuter would lead to pit-bull extinction. While this is not a likely outcome, it could easily be addressed with a sunset clause.

One person seriously felt mandatory spay/neuter is an attempt by YHS to corner a lucrative pit-bull market. Two people felt mandatory spay/neuter ordinances infringed on their American freedoms, even though courts across the U.S. have consistently upheld a community's right to regulate the breeding of animals considered problematic.

Four people felt mandatory spay/neuter is discriminatory, but they were equally divided - two stating an ordinance should include all dogs and cats, while the other two opposed any spay/neuter ordinance at all. All four perhaps overlooked the prejudice currently practiced against pit-bulls and the fact that a targeted spay/neuter ordinance could help alleviate that suffering.

Three people felt education is a better approach than legislation. However, humane organizations have been promoting the virtues of pit-bulls for nearly 30 years with no metric pertaining to pit-bulls improving in all that time.

Four people felt spay/neuter ordinances are ineffective. They failed to notice the success in San Francisco where in just 8 years there was a 49 percent decline in the number of pit-bulls impounded, a 23 percent decline in the number of pit-bulls euthanized and an 81 percent decline in the number of pit-bulls involved in fatal and disfiguring attacks.

Several thoughtful responses suggested an ordinance should include adequate enforcement provisions and stiff penalties, funding to help subsidize low-cost spay/neuter and humane education and breeding permits for responsible breeders.

Two responders did not understand that all YHS animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, meaning YHS does not contribute to or profit from this problem. In fact, YHS invests more than $400 into every animal adopted and never fully recoups those costs. YHS also performs a behavioral assessment on every pit-bull prior to placing them up for adoption.

In addition, per state law, owners of unaltered pets are issued a spay/neuter voucher when claiming a pet from the YHS Lost & Found Center. Sadly, only 50 percent of those vouchers are redeemed, further evidence, perhaps, that a mandatory ordinance is indeed needed.

YHS will submit this data to local officials asking that a committee be formed to help draft an ordinance that reflects our community's exemplary humane standards for animal welfare. Thank you all who participated in this survey.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Is mandatory spay/neuter of pit bulls a humane solution for this breed?

There are more pit bulls dying in US
shelters than any other dog breed.

I am proud to say that over the course of my career I may have been responsible for placing more pit bulls into loving homes than any other person in the United States. I am appalled by the fact that no dog breed in history encounters more misunderstanding and vilification than the pit bull; a breed I define as the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier, and any crosses of these three. I admire these animals for their tenacious athletic ability, loyalty, intelligence, and high-energy.

Having said that, I have to ask, is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Consider these facts: The increase in dogs killed in U.S. shelters in 2011 was entirely attributable to an increase of 120,000 pit bull terriers killed. The total number of pit bulls killed rose to 930,300; the highest number in three years and representing 60 percent of all dogs killed in U.S. shelters.

Although pit bulls account for only 3.3 percent of the U.S. dog population, according to a 2011 Animal People survey, they represent 29 percent of all dogs surrendered nationally to shelters or impounded by animal control. This is a 23 percent increase since 2003.

However, pit bulls account for a whopping 51 percent (1,324) of all dogs (2,595) rescued by the Yavapai Humane Society in 2012, and 47 percent (51) of all the homeless dogs (107) euthanized that year.

During their lives, pit bulls are more often displaced than any other breed. Pit bulls are typically surrendered to shelters by their primary caretaker, but on average, each surrendered pit bull had three primary caretakers in just the preceding 18 months. Pit bulls also account for 22 percent of all dogs impounded for abuse and neglect; 46 percent of all dogs impounded for injuring humans; 51 percent of all dogs impounded for attacking other animals; and virtually all dogs impounded in dog fighting cases.

Pit bulls are adopted in greater numbers across the U.S. than any other breed. Still the volume arriving at shelters is so high that despite intensive national promotions by organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, the ASPCA, the American Humane Association, and the Maddie's Fund, the rate at which pit bulls are killed in shelters only fell from 93 percent ten years ago to 89.5 percent today. Even Los Angeles Animal Services, which adopts more pit bulls than any agency in the U.S., kills about 40 percent of all the pit bulls they rescue, and has reported increases in pit bull intakes every year since 2008.

Is there a way to end this disproportionate killing? Three U.S. communities have tried two different solutions. San Francisco, Denver and Miami each enacted breed-specific legislation. San Francisco requires pit bulls to be sterilized; Denver and Miami prohibit pit bulls within city limits. The latter seems onerous, if not unconstitutional; the former, however, may be a humane solution worthy of consideration.

Cumulatively, San Francisco, Denver and Miami kill about 40 percent fewer dogs of any breed than the U.S. national average. A comparison of San Francisco and Ontario, Canada is especially interesting. Ontario banned all pit bulls at the same time San Francisco mandated sterilization. Seven years later, the reduction in pit bulls is almost identical.

As a humane strategy for ensuring our community remains one of the safest in the nation for companion animals, should we consider mandatory sterilization of pit bulls, a breed whose offspring are at the greatest risk for being abused, killed or shuffled from home to home before being abandoned at a shelter? Please, let me know what you think at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or call 445-2666, ext. 21.

All national data obtained from ANIMAL PEOPLE.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society.

YHS to be featured in national magazine

Animal Sheltering magazine is considered the gold standard for reliable information for people who care about the animals in their community - from humane society directors and city animal control managers to kennel staff, volunteers, and private individuals working as activists, breed rescuers, wildlife rehabbers, veterinarians, and more.

One of the purposes of Animal Sheltering magazine is to feature innovative animal shelters that are new, renovated, updated, or expanded, focusing specifically on aspects of the design and engineering that makes life better for the animals - as well as more pleasant for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

James Baker, a reporter with Animal Sheltering, is responsible for a feature called The Build-Out in each publication. Having heard about many YHS shelter enhancements over the past several years, he contacted us saying YHS "sounds like the perfect story for The Build-Out feature in Sept/Aug issue."

YHS has central HVAC

While YHS appreciates the national attention we receive for our innovative, life-saving programs, we are especially grateful to our local community for your support in making these improvements possible. Here is just a small list of accomplishments made possible by YHS supporters that may be featured in the upcoming Animal Sheltering magazine:

• The YHS Pet Adoption Center is now climate-controlled, thanks to a newly installed central HVAC system.

• All YHS animals have their own beds, private kennels or cages (cats have condos), piped-in music, and daily enrichment exercises.

• An outdoor Enrichment Kennel facility that helps housetrain dogs and provides training and holding space for animals.

Enrichment Facility

• Commercial laundry equipment ensures YHS is able to provide the cleanest blankets and towels to our animals every day.

• Solar power helped reduce utility costs by 50 percent, providing more money for direct animal needs.

• A new digital X-ray machine allows YHS Medical Team to diagnose and rehabilitate greater numbers of sick and injured animals.

• Water-retention barrels are being installed to help beautify YHS landscaping.

• The YHS Cat Facility to care for sick and injured homeless cats, and momma cats and their kittens.

All of these amenities are the result of gifts, donations and grants that demonstrate our community's unflappable commitment to making YHS the best it can be; a truly happy place for man and beast.

One of the premier amenities at YHS is the Buffy Pence Dog Park; named in memory of the beloved pet of Don and Shirl Pence - the benefactors who made the YHS dog park a reality. The park was recently reconfigured and enlarged with a net result that YHS now has two large dog parks where there used to be just one.

The fabulous YHS volunteer dog walkers use the dog park to ensure all our dogs have ample exercise and enrichment activities every day. The park provides a great place for dogs wanting to play fetch, catch Frisbees or just run around exploring. The park also serves as a friendly space where potential adopters get acquainted with prospective pets before actually adopting. The YHS dog behaviorist also uses this space for training dogs and teaching dog walkers to do likewise.

The only deficit this wonderful area has is a lack of shade; and with summer warming up this is a real concern. YHS would like to install artistic canopies that provide sun shade and UV protection for our animals, guests and volunteers. Shade will maximize the usefulness of the parks during the dog days of summer; making them more enjoyable.

YHS is gathering estimates for this enhancement now; if you would like to help, please send your donation to YHS at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott AZ 86301.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Foxtails are serious threat to your pets



Foxtails are a deadly threat to our pets

Your pet has a deadly enemy that comes in the form of several species of grassy weeds found throughout the western United States. These weeds grow rapidly during the winter/spring rains, and then dry out in the summer months. As the grasses mature, a seed forms at the top of the stalk resembling a foxtail. As foxtail grasses dry out, the seeds detach easily and stick readily to clothing and fur.

Foxtails can enter a dog's body in a variety of ways and once in they work like an animated fishhook: the seed moves steadily inward, and because of tiny barbs, it cannot back out. It's most common for a foxtail to enter a dog's body through the skin, nose, ears, paws, genitals, and eyes. One veterinarian reported a foxtail found in a dog's lung had initially entered through the dog's paw. Foxtails are tenacious and deadly.

Foxtails are relatively small, so detecting them after they enter a dog's body can be difficult. Veterinarians usually rely on telltale symptoms such as head-shaking, paw licking, swellings on the body, or sudden and continuous sneezing. Foxtails in the ears, nose and eyes are serious and can ultimately be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

When a foxtail is inhaled and lodged in the nasal cavity, a dog will sneeze repeatedly and violently, sometimes even banging his nose on the floor with each sneeze in a futile attempt to dislodge the seed. It is often possible for a veterinarian to sedate the animal, locate the seed with an otoscope and remove it using special forceps - provided the animal is brought in when symptoms first appear.

When a foxtail is lodged in the paw or under the coat, a lump will usually form that is painful to touch. Depending on how deep the foxtail has traveled it can usually be removed surgically.

When a foxtail gets into a dog's eye, the dog will usually paw the eye, which will water. When you see a foxtail under the eyelid, don't try to remove it yourself. There's a good chance you may not get it all. Keep your dog from pawing the eye and get him to a veterinarian immediately, preferably a veterinary opthomologist.

When your dog gets a foxtail in an ear, he will usually shake his head violently. Again, whenever you suspect a foxtail, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. The best way to handle foxtail problems is to prevent them or treat them early.

Whenever possible avoid foxtail infested areas - especially during the dry season. After a romp through tall, mature grass follow these steps:

• Thoroughly brush and inspect your dog's coat. Run your hands over his coat looking for foxtails. Dogs with long hair are particularly susceptible to foxtails.

• Look into your dog's ears. If your dog has floppy ears, lift each ear and inspect.

• Examine your dog's paws (in-between toes and paw pads), neck (under the collar), tail/anus, and under "armpit" areas. Remove any foxtails sitting on the fur.

• If you believe your dog has a foxtail lodged somewhere in his body get him to a veterinarian immediately. The longer you wait, the deeper the foxtail will travel and the more damage it will do, and the more difficult and costly it will be to treat.

If you are new to Arizona and you're not sure what a foxtail looks like, ask fellow dog people or your veterinarian to show you. Learn to recognize foxtails and avoid them! Foxtail danger in our parks and neighborhoods can be greatly reduced by simply mowing the grass regularly, especially in the late spring. Mowing cuts off the foxtail grass before the deadly seed forms.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society.  He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Sustaining the no-kill vision

The Yavapai Humane Society has achieved
the no-kill dream.  Can it be sustained? 
Only in a community willing to help!

In July 2010, the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) embraced a no-kill ethic. We defined that ethic as applying the same criteria when deciding a homeless animal's fate that a loving owner or conscientious veterinarian would apply to a beloved pet. That is, healthy and treatable animals would not be killed simply because we lack the room or resources to care for them.

With a 95 percent live release rate in 2012 and a 97 percent live release rate YTD for 2013, it could be argued that YHS has achieved its no-kill goal. The challenge now is sustaining it. Google dictionary defines "sustaining" as strengthening or supporting.

It is important to understand the life affirming momentum occurring at YHS. In nearly every community in every state in the Union, killing is the primary method employed to control pet overpopulation. In just three short years our community has become a national model for a better way, a way of compassion through strategic planning.

Last week I shared the news concerning the success of the recent Walk for the Animals. It is remarkable how our community came together, for one of the most fun family events of the year, and raised over $41,000 to help sustain YHS' many life saving no-kill programs.

This week YHS moved into a newly completed facility dedicated to sustaining quality medical care for our community's sick and injured homeless cats. The facility was made possible thanks to the generosity of the MCS Charitable Foundation, the PETCO Foundation, Pat and Nancy O'Brien, Yavapai County, the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley, Max Fogleman and Kathy Coleman, and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.

Also, this week, we are installing a climate controlled HVAC system throughout our Pet Adoption Center. This amazing enhancement was made possible thanks to the compassionate generosity of the Harold James Family Trust.

Next on the YHS drawing board is a canine hospital to care for our community's lost and homeless sick and injured dogs. We are in the design phase and should have a budget for this project within 30 days. It is my hope that there is the same public support for our canine friends as there is for our felines, so we have no delay in building this much-needed facility. Naming rights are available to anyone willing to fund a substantial portion of the construction cost.

These new facilities are designed to help ensure our community never returns to the barbaric practice of killing homeless animals simply because we lack the room or resources to care for them. Achieving no-kill is not an Olympic moment; it is an arduous marathon. We've proven it can be achieved, the question now is can it be sustained?

Imagine if everyone reading this article donated $1 a day or $30 a month to YHS. YHS could then sustain its many no-kill programs, each designed to save animals' lives, fight cruelty and rescue homeless animals.

It's easy to become a YHS sustaining partner when you join the PAWS (Planned Automatic Withdrawal Service) program. An automatic monthly donation of your choice comes to YHS and our secure system automatically processes it for you. You choose a tax deductible amount that is comfortable, and you can change or cancel your participation at any time.

Simply go to www.yavapaihumane.org/paws to designate your gift; check the box that says, "Repeat this donation every month" and enter how many months you want to repeat your tax deductible gift. If you have questions give us a call at 445-2666 ext. 21. Together we can sustain both our no-kill ethic and our place among the safest communities in the nation for our pets.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS Walk for the Animals will save many lives

Ed Boks thanking the 455 walkers
who helped raise over $41,000!

The 2nd annual Yavapai Humane Society Walk for the Animals was a huge success. The event this past Saturday at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University was attended by over 450 registered walkers; many of whom brought their dogs, family, friends and neighbors. That's 133 more registered walkers than last year.

I want to thank all the walkers and their respective supporters, and our many sponsors for helping the Yavapai Humane Society exceed this year's $40,000 goal. Together we raised $41,550; which is a 53 percent increase over last year's $27,000. This money will help fund the many life saving programs of the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS).

In many ways, the YHS Walk for the Animals is a celebration of our community's love for our companion animals. In recent years the quad-city region has been recognized as one of the three safest communities in the United States for pets; and this is evidenced by the generous community support YHS receives.

In addition to our wonderful walkers, this year's Walk was also supported by our sponsors, for whom we are very thankful. Together we made this amazing community celebration not only possible, but a colossal hit.

When looking for products or services please consider YHS sponsors and join us in thanking them for helping our community's neediest animals.

We anticipate this annual celebration to grow in both scope and participation each year. This year the Walk expanded to include an elevated stage with a powerful sound system enabling everyone to hear the sweet tones and tunes of Robin Mills and the Bittersweet Band as they serenaded the walkers into the homestretch. (Robin is the lead veterinary technician at the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic.)

A massage booth was available for walkers needing to loosen up before or after the Walk; and walkers received a continental breakfast with coffee, homemade muffins,  fresh fruit, smoothies, and bottled water provided by our many sponsors.  The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness veterinarian, Dr. Jenni Redmon, and her staff provided microchips and spay/neuter advice.

YHS is the largest animal rescue organization in northern Arizona, saving nearly 4,000 lost and homeless pets every year. Thanks to the support of our community we are maintaining an impressive 97 percent Live Release Rate.

If you intended to make a donation in this year's Walk for the Animals but neglected to do so, you can still join the celebration by making your donation today at www.yavapaihumane.org/walk.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

'Walk for the Animals' is a great way to give back



Sign up to support YHS at this link.

There's only 3 weeks left until Yavapai Humane Society's second annual Walk for the Animals and I'm sure you've been anxiously awaiting an update. As of yesterday, more than 285 people have registered to walk and these folks have raised more than $19,000! This year our goal is 500 walkers and $40,000, so we are well within reach, especially with three weeks to go.
The Walk for the Animals will take place on Saturday, April 20, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There will be two courses, a 5k and a 1k, to accommodate all ages, leg heights and energy levels. You can run, walk or jog at your own pace. The road is completely paved so child strollers, dog strollers and wheelchairs can roll easily. The walk is not timed so you can even enjoy a leisurely stroll.

To register, simply visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk, where you can register online as a Walker, Youth Walker (11-17), or, for the folks who love animals but not exercise, a Lazy Dog. Registration is only $25 ($20 for Youth Walkers). Children 10 and under are welcome to walk free with a registered walker. Registrants receive a free T-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies, including a half-day of doggy day care from Hassayampa Canine Resort and Spa.

Every walker gets a personal fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos and text and then email to their contacts. Many walkers have been surprised by the outpouring of support from their friends and families.

Jinger Cutting, a local realtor with Windermere Real Estate, is currently the top fundraising walker. "I was invited by someone in the office to contribute but the email also said we could walk. I sent it out on Facebook and email and was overwhelmed by the response," Cutter said.

This year's Walk also has the addition of Fundraising Prizes. There are smaller prizes like a water bottle or dog bandana all the way up to the ThousHOUND Club, for walkers who raise more than $1,000. The most popular prize by far is the opportunity to name a YHS dog or cat and many people have made raising $100 their goal for this very reason!

Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners. Dogs must be currently licensed, vaccinated, and on a leash no more than 6 feet in length in keeping with Prescott's leash law. Walk officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so the event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

All proceeds from the event will go to helping the animals at the Yavapai Humane Society. YHS is the largest animal shelter in Northern Arizona, rescuing more than 3,700 lost, homeless, abused and neglected pets every year. YHS provides many life saving services and programs which have resulted in YHS ranking as the safest animal shelter in Arizona by the nation's leading animal shelter watchdog and the third-safest community in the nation!

YHS's "Live Release Rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation at 97 percent.

Sign up today at yavapaihumane.org/walk.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Yavapai Humane Society offering low-cost pet wellness treatments for a limited time



Vaccinate your dog against
rattlesnake bites any Friday
at the YHS Wellness Clinic 
for just $16. No appointment
necessary. Call 771-0547 for
more information.

The Yavapai Humane Society announces three pet wellness campaigns: a cat FeLV/FIV test special, a pediatric spay/neuter special, and rattlesnake vaccinations.  
Cat Special: Among all causes of lethal feline disease, none are taken more seriously by the Yavapai Humane Society than feline leukemia (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Undetected, either virus is capable of causing your cat's premature death. It is estimated that up to 4 percent of the 83 million cats in the United States harbor one or both of these viruses. 

To help reduce these diseases, the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is offering a special promotion through the month of June. Your cat(s) can be tested for both diseases and vaccinated against FeLV on any Friday. The combo test is only $25 and the FeLV vaccination is just $25. 

If your cat tests positive for one of these viruses, it is not necessarily a death sentence. In fact, you should have your cat retested in three months, because the original test sometimes yields a false positive. Once you know your cat is not infected, the best remedy against FeLV is preventative. Please get your cat vaccinated. There is no vaccine against FIV, but knowing if your cat is infected will assist in how you care for him.

Pediatric Spay/Neuter Special: The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is also offering $5 off every pediatric spay or neuter surgery scheduled through the end of June for pets five months old or younger.

Pediatric spay/neuter has been a subject of ongoing debate among some veterinarians - a debate fraught with misinformation, misconceptions and high emotions. Although millions of pediatric surgeries have been successfully performed over decades, some veterinarians still believe conclusive evidence for the practice is wanting.

However, many studies have been conducted that confirm that pediatric spay/neuter is safe and effective in both the short and long term.

In fact, as early as 1993, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) published surgical and anesthetic protocols for safely spaying or neutering animals as young as 6 weeks of age.

Some of the many advantages of pediatric spay/neuter: It is less physiologically stressful; requires only 2-4 hours fasting to prevent hypoglycemia; animals awake and are ambulatory usually within an hour; fewer perioperative complications; pyometra is easily prevented; prevents accidental pregnancies and the development of mammary gland tumors later in life.

Pediatric spay/neuter is an essential component of a comprehensive community strategy to end the killing of homeless animals. Make your appointment today!

Rattlesnake vaccinations: Due to popular demand, YHS is adding rattlesnake vaccinations to our core vaccine arsenal to help protect dogs exposed to rattlesnakes. This is especially important for active dog owners who love to hike or camp with their companion pets. The $16 vaccine can help dogs survive and recover more quickly from rattlesnake bites. Keep in mind, veterinary treatment for unvaccinated dogs suffering from a rattlesnake bite can quickly exceed $1,500.

You can get your dog(s) all their wellness vaccinations any Friday at the YHS Wellness Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for just $16 each. No appointment necessary on Fridays.

The Yavapai Humane Society Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is located at 2989 Centerpointe East in Prescott. Call 771-0547 or visit www.yavapaihumane.org/clinic for more information or to schedule a spay/neuter appointment for your pet.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS program helps feral cats, provides safe rodent control

YHS Barn Cat Program
is designed to reduce shelter
killing, feral cat populations,
and rat infestations.

Two years ago the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) launched an innovative program designed to help solve three societal problems: shelter killing, feral cats and rodent infestation.

In a perfect world, all cats would have a loving home. Unfortunately, unaltered cats permitted to roam freely either become feral or produce feral offspring. Feral cats are wild and cannot be turned into house pets. When feral cats end up in shelters, they have little hope of coming out alive. Rather than kill feral cats, YHS promotes reducing their population through a process called TNR (trap/neuter/return).

For feral cats who find their way into the Yavapai Humane Society we've created the Barn Cat program to help save their lives - and we do that by putting them to work.

Through the Barn Cat program, feral cats are spayed and neutered and released into areas where they can do what they do best: prevent an overpopulation of rodents. Their reputation as stealthy and successful exterminators is well known and many homeowners and businesses rely on cats as a "green" rat abatement program.

Sadly, YHS recently rescued two dogs exposed to rat poison; one we were able to save, the other succumbed despite our best efforts. One benefit of the Barn Cat program is that it keeps rodents in check without toxic pest control chemicals that are dangerous to pets, wildlife and children.

The program also helps improve public health. Rodents carry many diseases including plague, leptospirosis, hantavirus, murine typhus, rat bite fever, salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium, and eosinophilic meningitis.

The beauty of barn cats is that rodents flee the area when these cats make their presence known. These sleek legends of grace and beauty give off an odor through their paws as they prowl. Once rodents get a whiff of feline, they vacate the premises.

Less grisly and more effective than glue traps, cats go about their "work" naturally. They prowl, they eat and they sit in the sun; although they prefer to spend much of their time hiding.

YHS barn cats are spayed or neutered so they don't contribute to the feral cat population. They are vaccinated so they help mitigate cat diseases in our community. They are microchipped so they can be returned to their owner should they end up in a shelter, and they are ear-tipped (under anesthesia while the cats are being altered; veterinarians notch an ear, which is the widely recognized sign that a feral cat is altered). All this for just $30 per cat.

When YHS Barn Cats are "employed," they are transported in large wire cages where they are housed for about a month at their new location. This process is called recolonizing. It takes about 30 days for a barn cat to be comfortable enough to consider their new environs home. YHS will help you colonize your barn cat and teach you how to care for them. YHS provides the cage for a refundable deposit.

Barn cats can be put in any safe area - businesses, hotels, industrial parks, residences, and of course, barns. If you are interested in participating in this cost-effective, humane rat abatement program, call YHS to be added to the barn cat list. You will be contacted when your barn cat is ready for you.

If you don't have a rodent problem but love cats and would like to help fund this non-lethal, humane program, please make a donation to YHS and specify "Barn Cat program."

For more information on feral cats visit www.yavapaihumane.org/felix. For more information on the YHS barn cat program or to place an order for your barn cat, call 928-515-2379.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

YHS to hold 'pit'y-party

Helen Keller said of her
pit bull, Sir Thomas, he
“seems to understand my
limitations, and is always
 close beside me when I
am alone. I love his
affectionate ways and the
eloquent wag of his tail.”

The Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) is throwing a Pity Party this week at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road in Prescott - and you're invited!  Join YHS behaviorist Ellen Paquin this Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a free educational seminar on the American pit bull, a breed blessed with tenacious athletic ability, loyalty, intelligence, and high energy.

All YHS dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped; this is over a $400 value - but this week every bully breed is available for just $25.

Pit bulls are not lap dogs nor are they for the sedentary person. They are not fashion accessories or macho symbols. They are a breed apart from every other canine on earth.

The U.S. military recognized this in the early 1900s when they chose the pit bull to represent the USA on WWI and WWII recruitment posters. Sergeant Stubby, a pit bull WWI war hero served in 17 battles, was injured twice in battle, saved his entire platoon by warning them of a poison gas attack, and captured a German spy. Stubby earned many medals for heroism. Stubby's New York Times obituary may be viewed at the Connecticut State Military Department's website.

Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, George Patton, Jack Dempsy, Helen Keller, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Anne Bancroft, Thomas Edison and Mark Twain all owned pit bulls. Celebrity pit bull owners include Jon Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Michael J. Fox, Bernadette Peters, Brad Pitt, Madonna and Rachael Ray.

Pit bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs at senior care facilities and to help people recover from emotional trauma. Pit bulls are also used in search and rescue missions and as narcotic- and bomb-sniffing dogs. One pit bull, Popsicle (rescued from an abandoned freezer), is responsible for the largest recorded drug bust in Texas history.

While certain purebreds are prone to many health problems, pit bulls are healthy and hardy. They are strong and long-lived. They are low-maintenance because their short coats are easy to care for; you'll have no grooming bills.

Most pit bulls are great with kids, too; consider Petey, the beloved dog featured in "The Little Rascals." Pit bulls were called "nanny dogs" in the early 20th century because of their gentle and loving disposition with kids.

Pits have great personality; even as they age, most remain playful. They are affectionate, appreciating their owner's attention and approval more than anything else.

According to The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS), an organization promoting uniform temperament evaluations for purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs, the pit bull scores an 86.2 percent rate. That's better than the Australian shepherd (80.7 percent), beagle (80.3 percent), border collie (79.6 percent), boxer (84 percent), chihuahua (71.1 percent), cocker spaniel (81.9 percent), collie (79.2 percent), German shorthair (76 percent), golden retriever (83.8 percent), lhasa apso (70.4 percent), miniature poodle (77.9 percent) and sheltie (67.3 percent). ATTS also found bit bulls are generally less aggressive when faced with confrontational situations that produced negative reactions in many stereotypically "friendly" dogs, such as beagles and poodles.

In our community, pit bulls are so popular they represent the largest percentage of dogs rescued and adopted. If you want a super-dog, consider a YHS pit bull. YHS adoption counselors are always ready to help you select the perfect dog for you and your family.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Worldwide medication shortage threatens YHS's no-kill efforts

Horrific incinerator
removed from YHS
campus after no-kill
acchieved!

Behind the Yavapai Humane Society's Pet Adoption Center at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road in Prescott was a large incinerator. Abandoned for several years, the incinerator had become emblematic of a bygone era when homeless pets in our community were euthanized and discarded like so much garbage. The removal of this nightmarish relic on Feb. 27 is symbolic of a new day for pets in Yavapai County.

According to data provided by Animal People, the leading independent newspaper providing investigative coverage of animal protection, central and western Yavapai County is now tied with New York City as the second-safest community in the nation for pets.

This ranking is determined by the number of shelter animals killed per 1,000 residents. In the 12 months ending in February, the YHS kill rate fell to an all-time low tied with NYC at 1.0.

Whidbey Island, WA is ranked the safest community at .8 pets killed per 1,000 humans.

In contrast, Mohave County weighs in at 33. The most dangerous community in the U.S. for shelter animals is Amarillo, Texas, at 54.5 pets killed for every 1,000 residents.

In 2009, the YHS kill rate was 10.5, but this rate started declining in July 2010 when the YHS Board of Directors and management team embraced a "no-kill" ethic. This ethic is defined as applying the same criteria to homeless animals that a compassionate veterinarian or loving pet owner would apply to a pet when deciding if or when that pet should be euthanized, meaning only irremediably suffering and dangerously aggressive animals would ever be euthanized.

Today, YHS is a national model for having eliminated killing as a method of pet overpopulation control.

YHS is building new cat hospital
consistent with no-kill ethic.

Reinforcing the symbolic gesture of dismantling the incinerator, YHS is also building an infirmary to care for homeless sick pets. The facility is scheduled to open in May and was made possible thanks to municipal and private funding.

This life-saving transformation in our community is the result of YHS supporters, volunteers and donors and could not have been achieved without you.

Sadly, all this good news comes in the face of YHS's most significant challenge to maintaining its hard earned "no-kill" status.

There is a worldwide doxycycline shortage - with no end in sight. Doxycycline is the most cost effective medication for treating upper respiratory disease in shelter animals. Although these illnesses are easily treated outside a shelter, they are often a death sentence for pets in most animal shelters.

During this crisis, YHS is closely adhering to UC-Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine's recommendations for shelter animals. It is anticipated that a 300 percent increase in medical costs will be incurred just to provide the same level of care provided last year. For example, to treat a 50-pound dog with a doxycyline alternative will cost $3.50 per day compared to 20 cents per day for doxycycline in 2012. This translates into $2,500 more a month just to ensure our community's homeless pets get the care they need.

If we can't provide this medicine, the number of animals euthanized could increase. You can help alleviate this crisis by sending a donation to the YHS STAR (Special Treatment And Recovery) program. Your life-saving donation can be submitted at www.yavapaihumane.org/star or by mail to YHS, 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott AZ 86301. Together we can continue to make our community one of the safest for pets in the United States!

Ed Boks can be reached at 445-2666, ext. 21.

You're invited to 2nd annual YHS Walk for the Animals

Last year's Walk for the Animals
was a huge success; and this year
will be even better!  Sign up Now!

Prescott hosts many wonderful events each year; many are steeped in history and tradition. Imagine what it would have been like to have participated in the first rodeo, the first Christmas lighting, the first 4th of July parade. Cicero tells us that "history is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity."

Last year more than 300 people and their dogs participated in the Yavapai Humane Society's first annual Walk for the Animals and over $27,000 was raised to help fund YHS' many life-saving programs. This year we hope to double the number of participants and raise $40,000. I want to especially invite you, your friends, neighbors, kids, co-workers, and anyone else who loves a howlin' good time to participate in our second annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, April 20, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

There will be two courses, a 5k and a 1k, to accommodate all ages, leg heights and energy levels. You can run, walk or jog at your own pace. The walk is not timed so you can even enjoy a leisurely stroll.

To register, simply visit www.yavapaihumane.org/walk, where you can register online as a Walker, Youth Walker (11-17), or, for the folks who love animals but not exercise, a Lazy Dog. Registration is only $20 ($15 for Youth Walkers) before April 1. Children 10 and under are welcome to walk free with a registered walker. Registrants receive a free t-shirt and a "doggie bag" full of goodies. If you register after April 1, you pay $25. So why wait?

Every walker gets a personal fundraising page that they can personalize with photos, videos and text and then email to their contacts. Many of our walkers have been pleasantly surprised at how positive the response has been from their friends and family all over the country.

Charity walks are always more fun with a group so we're encouraging people to create or join a Dog Pack with friends, family, or co-workers. The employees of Yavapai Humane Society created a Pack and are challenging the YHS volunteers in a challenge to see who can raise the most cash for YHS and have bragging rights for 2013. We can't wait to see if any of the teams dress in a theme on the day of the Walk!

Dogs are welcome to walk with their owners. Dogs must be currently licensed, vaccinated, and on a leash no more than six feet in length in keeping with Prescott's leash law. Walk officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so the event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

All proceeds from the event will go to helping the animals at the Yavapai Humane Society. YHS is the largest animal shelter in Northern Arizona, rescuing over 3,700 lost, homeless, abused and neglected pets every year. YHS provides many life saving services and programs which have resulted in YHS ranking as the safest animal shelter in Arizona by the nation's leading animal shelter watchdog and the third safest community in the nation! YHS's "live release rate" is the highest in Arizona and among the highest in the nation at 97 percent.

Sign up today at yavapaihumane.org/walk.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

New research reveals dogs' intelligence, ability to understand humans

See Brad's Bio Below

Although many of us think our dog is clever enough to understand us, this confidence has never been tested by science - until now.

A new UK study found that dogs are more likely to steal food when they think you're not looking, suggesting they understand our viewpoint.

Dr. Juliane Kaminski of the University of Portsmouth's department of psychology found that when a human forbids a dog from taking food, the dog is four times more likely to disobey in a dark room than a lit room, signifying dogs may take into account what humans can or cannot see.

The results have scientists questioning whether dogs have a cognizant understanding of other species' minds, an ability assumed limited only to humans.

The research published in the journal Animal Cognition and funded by the Max Planck Society involved a series of experiments. In each test, a dog was forbidden by a human from taking food. When the room was dark, the dogs took more food and took it more quickly than when the room was lit.

The tests were complex involving many variables to rule out the possibility that dogs were basing their decisions on simple associative rules, for example, that dark means food.

In total, 42 female and 42 male domestic dogs aged one year or older took part in the tests. They were chosen only if they were comfortable without their owners in the room, even in complete darkness, and if they were interested in food.

"The findings suggest that dogs are deciding that it's safer to steal the food when the room is dark because they understand something of the human's perspective," Kaminski said.

She added that more research is needed to understand what is influencing the dogs' behavior because it was thought that a dog's understanding is limited to the "here and now."

Another study on dog smarts conducted by Dr. Dominique Autier-Derian from the National Veterinary School in Lyon, France, found that dogs recognize their own species among other species on a computer screen. Dogs picked faces of other dogs, irrespective of breed, among human and other domestic and wild animal faces and even grouped them into categories.

Autier-Derian studied this phenomenon among domestic dogs, which have the largest morphological variety among all animal species, with more than 400 registered dog breeds.

The study explored whether this large morphological diversity presented a cognitive challenge to dogs trying to recognize their own species while confronted with other species using visual cues alone.

On a computer screen, the researcher showed nine pet dogs pictures of faces from various dog breeds and cross-breeds and, simultaneously, faces of other animal species, including human faces.

The results found dogs can form a visual category of dog faces and group pictures of very different dogs into a single category, despite the diversity in dog breeds. In fact, all nine dogs were able to group all the images of dogs within the same category.

Here is the news flash: The research concluded that dogs learned to recognize their own species despite the diversity of breeds to insure mating between different breeds is always possible.

This is hardly news to the Yavapai Humane Society where on any given day over 175 wonderful pure- and mixed-breed dogs are looking for that certain human face - yours - to take them home. This research also reminds us why we need to have our non-discriminating pets spayed or neutered. February is National Spay/Neuter Month and you get a free Papa Murphy's Pizza when you have your pet altered at the YHS Spay/Neuter Clinic in February. Call 771-0547 for an appointment.

The dog in the picture above is Brad, a handsome 2-year-old pit bull terrier mix who would be the ideal dog for a family with polite children and other dogs, but no cats. Brad is well-behaved and housebroken, but is a bit shy until he gets to know you. He will need someone able to spend quality time with him and, in return, he will be a devoted companion.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Coping with the loss of a pet

"God's finder touched him,
and he sletpt."
Lord Tennyson

I recently lost my beloved pet cat, Bo Bentley. While attempting to cope with the intense pain that accompanies the loss of a friend, I found some comfort in the words of Dr. Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed., author of the award-winning book "Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet."

Dr. Allen explains that grief over the loss of a pet is normal and you shouldn't be surprised if you feel devastated by your loss. Some people won't understand your pain. Don't let others dictate your feelings because your feelings are valid. Remember, you are not alone; thousands of pet owners have gone through these same feelings. Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides sorrow, you may also experience guilt, denial, anger and depression.

Guilt comes from the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless to burden yourself with guilt because it only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.

Denial results from the inability to adjust to the fact your pet really is gone. It's hard to imagine he won't greet you when you come home, or nudge you for his evening meal. Some pet owners find it hard to adopt a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the deceased pet.

Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save his life. It is important that you don't let anger distract you from the important task of resolving your grief.

Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but it can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell only upon your sorrow.

It is important that you are honest with your feelings. Don't deny your pain, or your anger and guilt. Only by examining and coming to terms with your feelings are you able to work through them.

You have a right to feel pain and grief. Someone you loved has died, and you feel alone and bereaved. You have a right to feel anger and guilt, as well. Acknowledge your feelings, but then ask yourself whether the circumstances actually justify them.

Locking away grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor and talk it out. Do what helps you the most. Don't try to avoid grief by not thinking about your pet; instead, reminisce about the good times. This will help you understand what your pet's loss actually means to you.

Some find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in poems, stories or letters to the pet. Other strategies include rearranging your schedule to fill the times you would have spent with your pet; preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to others about your loss.

If your family or friends love pets, they'll understand what you're going through. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong. Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much your pet meant to you and how much you miss him - someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

If you don't have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Study tries to debunk Trap-Neuter-Return

Nature Communications, a journal dedicated to publishing research in the biological, physical and chemical sciences released a report on January 29th, on the findings of a combined Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and Fish and Wildlife Service study. The results quickly became fodder for an uncritical media willing to accept its questionable claims.

It is important to understand that this report does not rely on new research but a re-interpretation of previously published research. Although the authors claim their publication is a “systematic review,” the paper does not meet the standards for meta-analysis or systematic review. For example, the authors do not score the quality of the previous research they assessed or define the number of animals extrapolated in each paper. There is no correction factor to correlate the environments studied (urban vs. rural) with the actual land mass distribution of the US. Some of the papers cited simply restate or exaggerate data from other papers, so they are not even analyzing original data as meta-analysis/systematic review standards require.

Sadly, there won't be much opportunity for critical analysis because the authors elected to place their “results” in the mainstream media rather than submitting them for peer review. Clearly, this report was not written for scientists; it was written to misinform policy makers and the media.

The study claims domestic cats in the United States kill a median of 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals a year, most of them native mammals like shrews, chipmunks and voles rather than introduced pests like the Norway rat.

This estimate is two to four times higher than mortality figures previously bandied about, making the domestic cat the single greatest human-linked threat to wildlife in the nation – greater than automobiles, pesticides and poisons, collisions with skyscrapers and windmills and other so-called anthropogenic causes.

The results admittedly come with wide ranges and uncertainties but seem purposely designed to fuel the sometimes vitriolic debate between environmentalists who see free-roaming domestic cats as an invasive species and animal welfare advocates who are appalled by the millions of cats (and dogs) euthanized in animal shelters each year.

Both sides do agree on two points; pet cats should not be allowed to prowl the neighborhood at will, any more than a dog, horse or potbellied pig, and cat owners who insist that their felines "deserve" a bit of freedom are both irresponsible and are not cat friendly.

Recent projects like Kitty Cams at the University of Georgia, in which cameras are attached to the collars of indoor-outdoor pet cats to track their activities filmed cats not only preying on cardinals, frogs and field mice but also lapping up antifreeze and sewer sludge, dodging moving cars and sparring violently with large dogs.

These are some of the reasons animal advocates claim that it is inhumane to let pet cats roam freely outdoors.

The study takes lethal aim at feral cats, however, calling into question the efficacy of the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) methodology for controlling and decreasing feral cat populations. TNR is the practice of trapping, spaying and returning un-owned cats to a managed outdoor colony in the area from which they came. What the authors of the report failed to understand is that TNR is the only possible means for reducing the number of wildlife killed by feral cats.

Although some communities try to employ eradication as a remedy, decades of such efforts across the United States has irrefutably demonstrated eradication does not work.

Feral cats have a strong biological survival drive; attempts to catch cats for extermination triggers two biological imperatives causing the surviving cats to both over-breed and over-produce. That is, instead of having one litter of two to three kittens per year, a stressed female will have two or three litters of six to nine kittens annually.

Even if a community could catch and remove all their feral cats, a phenomenon called "the vacuum effect" quickly results in the neighboring cats entering the newly open territory bringing with them all the associated annoying behaviors, including an increase in wildlife killing.

As we’ve seen time after time in location after location all over the country, the end result of "catch and kill" methodologies only exasperates the problem. That is, the vacated neighborhood swiftly finds itself overrun again with feral cats fighting and caterwauling for mates, over breeding, and spraying to mark their new territory.

The only way to save our wildlife is to reduce the number of feral cats. The only known way to do that effectively is through well managed Trap/Neuter/Return programs.

February is national Spay/Neuter Month

Dr. Jennifer Redmon
invites you to call the
Yavapai Humane Society
Spay/Neuter & Wellness
Clinic at 771-0547
to schedule an appointment
to neuter your pet in 
National Spay/Neuter Month

For several decades local and national animal protection organizations have worked diligently and successfully to reduce the killing of homeless pets. In the mid-1970s, there were as many as 20 million cats and dogs euthanized every year in the United States. In 2012, those numbers dropped to less than 3 million.

This progress coincides with the increased access to low-cost spay/neuter services across the United States. For many families, basic veterinary care, such as spay/neuter and vaccinations, are simply out of reach both geographically and financially.

According to a national study, 53 percent of owners of unaltered pets surveyed said they had never seen a veterinarian before. Nonprofit spay/neuter programs, like the Yavapai Humane Society's Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, have helped remove the barriers to veterinary care and increase general pet wellness. These programs introduce many pet owners to the importance of veterinary medicine.

American Veterinary Medical Association statistics, published in the AVMA U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, shows that beginning in 1987 and coinciding with the rapid expansion of low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination programs nationwide, the percentage of U.S. dog owners who seek regular veterinary care is up 13 percent, to more than 85 percent overall, and the percentage of U.S. cat owners who seek regular veterinary care is up 17 percent, to nearly 70 percent overall.

Additionally, a recent American Pet Products Association survey shows that in spite of the recession pet ownership is at its highest level in two decades; because more veterinary products and services are available than ever before, it is becoming increasingly easier to add another pet to your household.

The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is often the first experience many people in our community have with a veterinarian. By providing spay/neuter and vaccination services to our community's pet owners they are better educated on the importance of having a long-term relationship with a local veterinarian.

The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is able to provide the limited wellness services we do because of the generosity of our supporters and foundation grants. However, YHS does not provide lifetime care for pets. It is important that after your pet has been to the Wellness Clinic you follow-up with a visit with a local veterinarian. If you don't have a local veterinarian, please contact YHS for a referral.

Adding pets to households is the mission of the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS). Our motto is "We create happiness by bringing pets and people together." We understand that a pet owner with a relationship with a veterinarian is less likely to give up or abandon a pet than a pet owner without that relationship. YHS partners with 13 local veterinary hospitals and clinics in the quad-city area who graciously provide a complementary wellness exam to any animal adopted from YHS. All adopters are encouraged to immediately seek a local veterinarian for their pet(s).

Local veterinarians absorb the cost for this wellness exam because they are committed to helping ensure you and your new pet get off to a good start; so please thank your veterinarian for this kindness. The wellness examination does not cover injuries or illnesses that present after the adoption.

The YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic is located at 2989 Centerpointe East in Prescott. Call 771-0547 today for a spay/neuter surgery appointment or information. Every Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m., the Clinic offers low-cost vaccinations and microchips; and no appointment is necessary; first come, first serve.

In celebration of National Spay/Neuter Month, Papa Murphy's Pizza in Prescott is offering a free pizza to anyone who has their pet altered by YHS in February. Contact the YHS Spay/Neuter Clinic for details.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

Cruelty to animals a sign the abuser is disturbed, dangerous

Butch is a 4-year-old male boxer mix
who is in an extremely emaciated
condition due to malnutrition.
Butch is receiving medical care
while a cruelty investigation is
conducted. He is recovering well
and is a sweet boy. If you want
 to help cruelty victims like
Butch, please send a donation to
the YHS STAR program.

Many of us are still attempting to cope with one of the most senseless crimes in our lifetime, perhaps in our nation's history - the cold-blooded murder of 20 children and six teachers. In the aftermath of this heinous crime, law enforcement, educators and mental health professionals are again asking themselves if there are ways we can predict and perhaps prevent such tragedies.

In a Dec. 22 USA Today article, "Predicting violent behavior isn't easy," experts described five characteristics that mass killers exhibit that lead to accurate predictions of who is most likely to kill. Those five characteristics are previous violent or aggressive behavior; being a victim of physical or sexual abuse; guns in the home; use of drugs or alcohol; and brain damage from a head injury.

I was surprised to find that one of the most recognized risk factors for future violence was not even mentioned: animal abuse.

Both the American Psychological Association and the FBI recognize animal abuse or torture as an important indicator of future violent behavior toward humans. So serious is animal abuse that it is a felony in every state except North and South Dakota. In Tennessee, even hunting for the "pleasure" of killing the animal without the purpose of hunting for food consumption is considered aberrant behavior.

Research has found that most animal abusers suffer from low self-esteem, lack of emotional maturity, feelings of resentment toward others or society, displaced aggression (the helpless animal is blamed for the killer's unhappiness), loneliness, and an inability to establish constructive social relationships. Abusers often suffered from childhood neglect and/or physical abuse themselves. Animal abusers almost always suffer from mental illness and require professional treatment.

Arizona law stipulates that cruelty to animals is a Class 6 felony which, if convicted, could result in a year of jail time and as much as $150,000 in fines. According to Arizona State Statute § 13-2910 a person commits animal cruelty when the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly subjects an animal to cruel neglect or abandonment; fails to provide medical attention necessary to prevent protracted suffering; inflicts unnecessary physical injury; or subjects an animal to cruel mistreatment.

So the big question is, can we predict (and hopefully prevent) who might commit heinous crimes, including mass murder? Some studies suggest that we can. Many researchers are confident that animal abuse is an early indicator of future violence towards humans. One study of 314 inmates published in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect (1997) conducted by University of Iowa professors Karla Miller and John Knutson found that a high percentage of the subjects charged with violent crimes, including murder, initially engaged in various types of animal cruelty.

There are more than 55 national organizations, including several in Arizona, whose mission it is to prevent, stop and help prosecute individuals who engage in animal cruelty. Reporting abusers not only protects our community, but may prevent the individual from committing serious crimes against humans, including mass murders and other highly aggressive and destructive behaviors in the future.

Any parent who sees this type of behavior in their children should immediately seek out professional help for the child. Treating animals cruelly are not isolated incidents; almost every serial killer has a history of animal abuse. This is a fact, not a coincidence.

If you want to help animal victims of cruelty in our community, please send a donation to the Yavapai Humane Society STAR (Special Treatment and Recovery) program. This program provides special treatment to animals suffering from abuse. Donations can be sent to YHS at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott AZ 86301 or at www.yavapaihumane.org/star.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.

2012 paradigm shift in animal welfare

Acknowledgement that animals
feel in much the same way as
humans represents a huge
paradigm shift in animal welfare.

The current issue of Animal People contains a noteworthy article, entitled "The most overlooked victory for animals of 2012."  The article, written by Kim Bartlett, president of Animal People, reported on a potentially earth shaking paradigm shift that sadly went largely unnoticed.

On July 7, 2012, a prominent international group of neuroscientists, biologists and physicists (including the eminent Stephen Hawking) gathered at the Francis Crick Memorial Conference on Consciousness in Human and non-Human Animals and signed the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness; which states:

"We declare the following: the absence of a neocortex does not appear to preclude an organism from experiencing affective states. Convergent evidence indicates that non-human animals have the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of conscious states along with the capacity to exhibit intentional behaviours. Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. Nonhuman animals, including all mammals and birds, and many other creatures, including octopuses, also possess substrates."

This declaration repudiates the 17th Century, "father of modern philosophy," Rene Descartes' ideas that animals are not conscious and have no interests or sense of well-being that humans need to be concerned with.

For more than 350 years, animals were believed to be incapable of thinking, and therefore incapable of "being." Descartes labeled animals "automata" which means they lacked minds and emotions and were incapable of feeling sensations. Descartes considered compassion for animals worthy of ridicule.

Descartes, and generations of his followers, contended that when animals act as if they are suffering, it is no different than a malfunctioning machine. This philosophy gave carte blanche to the practice of vivisection, which takes living and fully conscious animals apart as if they were pocket watches. Vivisectors were encouraged to laugh as animals screamed and to make fun of the "sentimental" and "ignorant" people who protested their barbaric practices.

Descartes formulated a philosophy of mind/body dualism, similar to Greek and Asian thinkers before him. However, unlike earlier intellectuals, Descartes only granted minds to humans, designating animals as mere machines. "I think, therefore I am," declared Descartes. However, in his system, animals were incapable of thought and therefore incapable of "being" in any meaningful way people ought to respect.

One prominent protester of Descartes' rationale for animal cruelty was the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire, who famously demanded, "You discover in the animal all the same organs of feeling that are in yourself. Answer me, mechanist, has nature arranged all the means of feeling in this animal so that it may not feel?"

Descartes' ideological reign of terror over Western science began to crumble over the past several decades as scientists became uncomfortable with animal cruelty in laboratories and started to question "automata." A new wave of academic philosophers, such as Tom Regan and Peter Singer, began poking holes in the Descartes doctrine in the 1970s in tandem with the birth of the modern animal rights movement. During this same time, studies of animals in their natural habitats led to an understanding that animals have more in common with humans than ever recognized before. This has all led to the culmination of a new paradigm embodied within the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness, which thoroughly denounces Descartes and his philosophy.

As 2013 begins, I want to invite you to celebrate this new humane consciousness with the Yavapai Humane Society as we embark on our 41st year of promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of animals in our community. For just $35 a year, you can become a member of the Society. Visit www.yavapaihumane.org/donate for more information or call 213-792-4800 ext. 12.

Ed Boks is the executive director of the Yavapai Humane Society. He can be reached at eboks@yavapaihumane.org or by calling 445-2666, ext. 21.