To the rescue: cats and dogs : Link between violent acts against animals and people

To the rescue: cats and dogs

Carol Hawn-Miller and Cindy Liggett are local animal advocates who work to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs. In 2001 they founded Kitty and K-9 Connection, a non-profit rescue/foster/adoption program. In this blog, they will discuss the issues around the numerous homeless cats and dogs in Anchorage, and the process of placement, including animal and human behaviors that lead to success or failure. They are pictured here with Gladys on Carol's knee, Cherri in the middle, and Ambrosia the cat on Cindy's lap.

Contributors

Cindy Liggett

Because she's a "cat person," Cindy concentrates on cat rescues, fosters and adoptions. She faces daily attitudes towards cats as "throw-away pets" and deals with issues regarding "unwanted" cats due to over-population. She has advocated on their behalf for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and insights so cats can enjoy their nine lives in the manner they truly deserveas an important member of the family.

Carol Hawn-Miller

Carol loves being the "dog mom" to all kinds and varieties -- small to large; mutts or purebreds. At home she deals with an ever transitional pack as she rescues, fosters and adopts dogs that would not otherwise have a "new leash on life." She has been doing pet rescue for more than 14 years. While loaded with a lap full of dogs, covered in dog hair or accepting K-9 kisses, Carol advocates for permanent, lifetime homes and responsible ownership so rescue will no longer be a necessity.

Sue Wirth

Sue is the other cat mom who takes in fosters and gets them ready for adoption. She has been doing cat rescue since 1998. To help control reproduction of unwanted pets, Sue advocates with a local veterinarian to spay/neuter cats as young as 8 weeks old before they go to their forever homes. She would like to see an end to full Animal Shelters, euthanasia and a home for every pet.

Emily Brand

Emily joins us as a guest blogger from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to raise awareness about issues affecting companion animals in Anchorage and the surrounding area. She shares the ASPCA�s mission to prevent animal cruelty and provide positive outcomes for at-risk animals across the country. Emily hopes to encourage people to be a voice for animals by doing something to help people understand the importance of treating animals with the love and respect they deserve.

Multimedia

VIDEO

First Aid for pets

Robin Newby of the American Red Cross of Alaska teaches pet first aid. In this video of a recent class, she describes the focus and some of the techniques. Find schedules of ongoing classes at "The Red Cross"

Resources

ALASKA LOCAL

Alaska Dog News

Link between violent acts against animals and people

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: August 12, 2009 - 1:22 pm

I recently read a disturbing case regarding an Anchorage man that was sentenced to eight years in prison for killing his grandfather's dog as a punishment to his family. It was reported that prosecutors said the man told relatives he shot the dog to punish them for caring more about the animal than they did about him.

This concerns me because Dr. Randall Lockwood, ASPCA expert in the anti-cruelty group, said there is documentation linking animal abuse and violence against people. The ASPCA acknowledges that intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes, including drug offenses, gang activity, weapons violations, sexual assault and domestic violence.

Unfortunately, the dog became a silent victim who suffered a painful death. I’m grateful that the Anchorage Superior Court system did not take this case lightly and sentenced the man to four years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, three years for vandalism and evidence tampering and one year for animal cruelty.

Be sure to report any sign of animal abuse to the appropriate agency so that they can investigate animal cruelty. Animals cannot speak for themselves…stand up for them and be their voice.

Emily Brand/ASPCA