This Cute Pet: 3/23/08

Things to know about naming pets in wills

Some States have updated their laws concerning pets.

Some states allow people to name a pet as a direct beneficiary of a trust. These laws also allow people to name someone who will enforce their wishes regarding their pet. The 2001 law is an expansion of the common law of trusts, which is still in effect and allows people to leave money to a trustee for the benefit of an individual person whose expenses of caring for the pet are reimbursed by the trustee. A pet trust may be included in a will, or in a separate living trust. Check with your attorney to see what is legal in your state.

Few people leave money for their pet's care

When leaving money, think about certain situations. Name someone who will enforce your wishes regarding pet care. This includes food, exercise, grooming, socialization and medical care is expected.

Also remember compensation for the caregiver, liability insurance and vet visits.

Specify what is to happen with the money that may be left over when the pet dies.

List one or two alternate caregivers in case the first person you designate is not able to carry out your wishes.

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How about a new puppy this spring?

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ASPCA AIDS IN ANTI-CRUELTY RAID OF RECORD PROPORTIONS

In one of the largest anti-cruelty raids on recent record, 516 ailing cats were removed from the property known as the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary in Tarentum, PA, 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) obtained a warrant to search the property after a former Butler County humane officer who volunteered for Tiger Ranch used a hidden camera to videotape the horrific conditions that existed inside.

On the evening of March 13, a team of 120 ASPCA and PSPCA animal welfare experts found multiple buildings filled with hundreds of sick, malnourished cats living in squalor. Deceased cats were also discovered throughout the property, 110 of them removed from freezers and graves.

“This is by far the worst case we’ve ever encountered,” said Howard Nelson, PSPCA CEO. “Our primary concern is to get these animals the care and treatment they so desperately need.”

Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director, Veterinary Forensics, comments, “The overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, the flea and parasite infestation, along with the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses, have resulted in severe conditions.” She adds, however, that the majority of the cats seem friendly and well-socialized. “Many of them came running up to us when we arrived, and every effort is being made to treat those whom we think can be saved.”

The cats have been transferred to the Clarion County Humane Society where they’re being treated by veterinarians with the goal of being made available for future adoption. They will remain in quarantine for at least 30 days.

The sanctuary’s owner, Linn Marie, age 45—also known as Linda Bruno—has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

For more detailed information, please visit ASPCA.org.

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Forclosures Furry Victims

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The Anti-Cruelty Society Lends a Hand

The Anti-Cruelty Society Lends a Hand
to Pets and People in Crisis
Short-term Accommodations for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.)

It is finally being recognized how emotionally attached people are to their pets, and how pets serve a very important therapeutic role in helping individuals and families in crisis. Whether it’s a house fire, a natural disaster, or domestic violence, many victims often find themselves temporarily displaced and have difficulty finding shelter that will allow them to bring their beloved pets along. Recognizing that there is a dire need for emergency sheltering of pets, ACS has established The S.A.F.E. Program in an effort to protect victims and their pets.
How It Works:

* The Anti-Cruelty Society has begun accepting referrals from partnering agencies, such as Domestic Violence agencies, The Red Cross, Social Service Agencies etc…

* Clients are served on a first-come, first-serve basis from throughout the Chicagoland area.

* The client will go through a thorough intake process, where all pet-placement options, short-term and long-term, will be explored, and a contract will be signed. The contract states, among other things, that the animal will be housed by ACS for up to 30 days with the possibility for extensions.

* Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Only the referring agent and the ACS program coordinators will have any client identifying information.

* ACS will work with other agencies to assist in housing any pets that may come in after hours, so that The S.A.F.E. Program is available at all times.

* Each pet will receive an examination by an ACS veterinarian at intake. If not already done, ACS will provide the required spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and microchipping free of charge.

* Dogs will be housed in the Shelter, while cats will be housed in specialized volunteer foster homes for up to 30 days. All pets, whether in the shelter or in foster, will be exercised and examined daily by S.A.F.E. program staff or volunteers.

* ACS and the referring agency or client will communicate weekly, so that both sides are being kept abreast of the status of the client and his/her pet.

* The client will be able to have visits with any pets being housed in the shelter, but not with any pets in foster care, to maintain confidentiality and secure everyone’s safety.

* All clients will be provided with resource materials when they reclaim their pet and all S.A.F.E. program services will be provided free of charge.

Anti Cruelty Society