Can Attack Dogs Be Rehabilitated?

By David Von Drehle

With scars from bite wounds on her face and forelegs, Layla probably survived several prolonged fights.

There's something especially loathsome about torturing helpless creatures for fun and profit. And evidence of torture is what investigators found on July 8, when federal and local authorities working in teams across eight states staged the largest raid in history against the underground dogfighting racket. Twenty-six people were arrested (five of whom are scheduled to be sentenced to as much as five years in prison on Dec. 8 in St. Louis, Mo.), and more than 500 dogs were rescued, most of them pit bull terriers.


The cruelty visited on the canines is harrowing. Some had been pulled behind cars to build up their stamina, their necks scarred by heavy collars and logging chains. Many had lost eyes, lips and limbs in battle. But it is hard to say whether they, generally the victors, secured the better fate or whether the vanquished were in fact the lucky ones: fighting dogs who lose are routinely hanged, drowned or electrocuted.

The raid revealed a brutal paradox. Large-scale crackdowns like this one are rare precisely because the dogfighting business mistreats so many dogs. Busting a breeder means taking custody of the dogs, yet no police department or sheriff's office has the resources to kennel, treat and attempt to rehabilitate dozens, let alone hundreds, of abused animals. Indeed, this raid could not have happened without the extraordinary cooperation of the Humane Society of Missouri. Supported by animal-protection agencies and volunteers from across the country, the society equipped an empty warehouse with hundreds of wire pens to hold the victims, recruited veterinarians and secured tons of food.

When the rescued dogs arrived, the warehouse became a riot of barking, growling, whimpering — and the first loving human tones the animals had ever experienced. The population soon swelled as pregnant females delivered more than 100 puppies. The exact location of this St. Louis — area haven remained a well-guarded secret, however, because some of those puppies and dogs can be worth more than $5,000 each on the black market.

If this sounds like a dog lover's more-the-merrier fantasy — 101 Dalmatians times five — think again. The rehabilitation of even one fighting dog is a long and uncertain project. First comes the medical care. Beyond their obvious wounds and infections, some of the dogs arrive with broken ribs and internal injuries — from being kicked. After the physical exams comes a psychological evaluation. Experienced animal handlers gauge the dog's mental condition: How aggressive is it? How traumatized? How far gone? This screening is a final life-or-death ordeal for a dog, because a fighter that cannot be tamed must be euthanized.

Those receiving a positive prognosis, however, may be placed in a sort of halfway house for old fighters — a place like Tiffany McBee's Broken Hearts, Mended Souls Rescue in Fulton, Mo. Programs like McBee's will try to prepare the abused dogs for adoption, which doesn't happen overnight. "They need time to decompress" from the stress of their violent upbringing and the cacophony of the warehouse, McBee explains. An animal that was raised in secret, hidden in remote woods, tethered by heavy chain to a buried axle, suddenly finds itself chilling in suburbia. "They have to learn: What is a couch? What is the TV? Are they going to be able to adjust in an appropriate way?" says McBee. "We have to teach them manners." (Read more..)


source: Time.com

Pandas win Aussies’ hearts

A festive parade welcomes the newest attractions to the Adelaide Zoo.

TANALEE SMITH Associated Press Writer

ADELAIDE, Australia — Two giant pandas from China were welcomed to Australia on Saturday with gifts of bamboo and a city party before settling into their new home, a 25-acre (10-hectare) natural enclosure at the Adelaide Zoo.

Four-year-old male Wang Wang and 3-year-old female Fu Ni are on loan to the zoo for 10 years as part of a joint research program, and their arrival comes amid slightly strained relations between China and Australia.

“It’s a dream come true,” said zoo CEO Chris West. “It’s a journey ended and a journey started.”

Twelve life-size panda figures lined the runway at the Adelaide airport, where the animals’ flight was met by state Premier Mike Rann and other state and zoo officials holding a “Welcome” sign and branches of bamboo.

An 18-vehicle convoy of floats then left the airport for downtown Adelaide, where a parade through the streets was followed by a public party lasting all afternoon.

The pandas were given a police escort to the zoo, which built an 8 million Australian dollar ($7.25 million) enclosure that includes bamboo plants and refrigerated rocks to keep them comfortable in Adelaide’s hot summers. Two Chinese handlers traveled with the pandas and will stay in Adelaide for a few months to help with their adjustment.

“They’re in the quarantine area and they’re very happy and relaxed,” zoo spokeswoman Emily Rice said as they animals settled in to their new quarters, stretching their legs and munching on fruit.

The pandas will be in quarantine at the zoo for 30 days, but will be visible to the public behind glass when their exhibit opens Dec. 14.

West said the pandas are expected to generate more than AU$600 million for the South Australia state economy during their time here, with an anticipated 262,000 overseas visitors and 1.3 million Australians visiting Adelaide to see the animals.

China often sends gifts of its unofficial national mascot to foreign nations as a sign of friendship. Chinese President Hu Jintao offered the pandas as a goodwill gesture during a 2007 visit to Australia.

However, relations have recently become strained between the countries, with Beijing upset over alleged Australian government restrictions on Chinese investment in mining, and the arrest of an Australian mining executive in China.

Only about 1,600 of the animals live in the wild, while another 120 are in Chinese breeding facilities and zoos.


source: timesleader.com

Welcome Wang Wang and Fu Ni

In this photo released by Adelaide Zoo, four-year-old male giant panda Wang Wang is seen in the quarantine section of a 25-acre (10-hectare) natural enclosure at the Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide, Australia, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. Wang Wang and 3-year-old female Fu Ni are on loan to the zoo for 10 years as part of a joint research program, and their arrival comes amid slightly strained relations between China and Australia. (clip: Wang Wang and Fu Ni)









ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 28: Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Funi arrive in a crate at Adelaide Airport on November 28, 2009 in Adelaide, Australia. The pandas have travelled from their home in China after the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008 destroyed the research centre where they resided. Today the duo begin a ten year stay at Adelaide Zoo, with their exhibit being officially opened on December 13. They will be the only Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere and the first to live permanently in Australia.









ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 28: Adelaide Zoo chief executive officer, Chris West talks to media after arrive of giant Pandas Wang Wang and Funi arrive in a crate at Adelaide Airport on November 28, 2009 in Adelaide, Australia. The pandas have travelled from their home in China after the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008 destroyed the research centre where they resided. Today the duo begin a ten year stay at Adelaide Zoo, with their exhibit being officially opened on December 13. They will be the only Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere and the first to live permanently in Australia.






ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 28: Giant Pandas Wang Wang and Funi make themselves at home as they arrive from China on November 28, 2009 in Adelaide, Australia. The pandas have travelled from their home in China after the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008 destroyed the research centre where they resided. Today the duo begin a ten year stay at Adelaide Zoo, with their exhibit being officially opened on December 13. They will be the only Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere and the first to live permanently in Australia.



In this photo released by Adelaide Zoo Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, three-year-old female giant panda Funi is seen in the quarantine section of a 25-acre (10-hectare) natural enclosure at the Adelaide Zoo in Adelaide, Australia. Four-year-old male Wang Wang and 3-year-old female Fu Ni are on loan to the zoo for 10 years as part of a joint research program, and their arrival comes amid slightly strained relations between China and Australia.

creditp photo: AP

Monkey looks through a stolen pair of glasses

A long tail macaque monkey looks through a stolen pair of glasses at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, came about as businessmen searched for a way of showing appreciation for the animals and the tourism they attract.




Long Tail macaque monkeys taste sweets and others foods at Wat Phra Prang Sam Yod at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, began by businessmen as a way of showing appreciation for the long tail macaque monkeys and the tourism they attract.




Thai and Western tourist look on at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, began by businessmen as a way of showing appreciation for the long tailed mackak monkeys and the tourism they attract.



Long-tailed macaque monkeys look on at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, began by businessmen as a way of showing appreciation for the animals and the tourism they attract.



Long-tailed macaque monkeys look on at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, began by businessmen as a way of showing appreciation for the animals and the tourism they attract.



A Thai family is amused by the activities of several long tail macaque monkeys at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, came about as businessmen searched for a way of showing appreciation for monkeys and the tourism they attract.



Western tourists and others gathers to photograph Long Tailed Macaque Monkies at the Lopburi, Thailand, Monkey Festival Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The annual festival, in its 21st year, began by businessmen as a way of showing appreciation for the long tailed mackak monkeys and the tourism they attract.


credit photo: AP

Chinese giant pandas given star welcome in Australia

Two giant pandas from China have received a VIP welcome in Australia at the start of a 10-year stay.

Wang Wang, four, and his female companion Funi, three, arrived at Adelaide airport to be met by state and zoo officials.

An 18-vehicle refrigerated convoy then travelled to central Adelaide for a parade and public party.

It is hoped that the two pandas will become the first breeding pair in the southern hemisphere.

The pair went straight into quarantine at Adelaide Zoo, munching on specially delivered bamboo from their home in Sichuan Province.

Successful breeding

"They're doing really well. They've been off-loaded and are just sitting now," said zoo spokeswoman Emily Rice.

"They're in the quarantine area and are very happy and relaxed."

Their purpose-built enclosure includes refrigerated rocks to keep them cool during what is expected to be a summer of record-breaking temperatures.

The zoo has a successful record of breeding endangered animals.

Wang Wang and Funi's first public appearance is scheduled for 14 December.

Officials estimate the pair could generate more than Aus $600m ($544m; £330m) for the South Australian economy during their decade-long stay.

China uses payments from zoos that host loaned giant pandas to help fund its own research programmes.

Chinese President Hu Jintao offered the pandas as a goodwill gesture during a 2007 visit to Australia.


source: http://news.bbc.co.uk

The annual 'Pet-a-Porter' pet fashion show at Harrods

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: A model walks down the catwalk with a dog during the annual 'Pet-a-Porter' pet fashion show at Harrods on November 26, 2009 in London, England.























LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: A model walks down the catwalk with a dog wearing an outfit from the movie 'The Wizard of Oz' during the annual 'Pet-a-Porter' pet fashion show at Harrods on November 26, 2009 in London, England.


credit photo: Gettyimages

A Volunteers dressed as a cavewoman

A volunteer dressed as a cavewoman looks from inside a cage at Warsaw Zoo November 26, 2009. According to Zoo officials, volunteers have agreed to dress like Neanderthals and spend hours locked up in cages in an effort to educate the public that apes are our close relatives and should be treated with respect.








source: Reuters

Nine month old Russian bear

Nine month old Russian bear Mischa plays with an animal keeper after he ventured outside for the first time in the outdoor facility in the Daellhoelzli Zoo in Bern November 27, 2009. Two young bears where brought as a present during an official visit of Russian President's wife Svetlana Medvedeva in Bern earlier this year.










credit photo: Reuters