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Animal welfare

Pets Endangered: 100 Tacks Found Scattered in Hudson Valley Dog-Walking Area Pets Endangered: 100 Tacks Found Scattered in Hudson Valley Dog-Walking Area
Pets Endangered: 100 Tacks Found Scattered in Hudson Valley Dog-Walking Area A troubling discovery in the Hudson Valley has sparked an investigation after nearly 100 metal thumbtacks were found scattered in a grassy area commonly used for dog walking, authorities said.  The incident occurred at Twin Brook Manor in the Putnam County town of Southeast, according to the Putnam County SPCA, which received a report from a resident on Tuesday, Dec. 3.  The resident, who frequently walks their dog in the area behind the 200 block of houses, noticed dozens of metal tacks scattered across the grass and notified the SPCA. Upon further investigation, SPCA officials …
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits Retail pet stores in New York will soon be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits under a new state law aimed at ending the abusive practices of puppy mills.  Starting Sunday, Dec. 15, pet stores across the state must cease all sales, leases, or transfers of dogs, cats, and rabbits, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday, Nov. 22. James emphasized that the law, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is designed to disrupt large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills, which have long been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health …
Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Hudson Valley Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Hudson Valley
Juvenile Alligator Rescued From Cool Waters Of Creek In Hudson Valley Yep, an alligator rescued from the cool waters of a Hudson Valley creek is recovering and getting warmed up. The small male gator was found in Rockland County at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in the Minisceongo Creek near Bridge Street in Garnerville. According to the Haverstraw Police Department, officers responded to a call about an alligator in the water. They assisted in removing the gator from the water with help from the Hudson Valley Humane Society of Pomona. Late Thursday, the Humane Society said a herpetology expert from the Bronx Zoo "was kind enough to come by tonight and t…
New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley
New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Hudson Valley Authorities and animal advocates are increasing the reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot an owned cat in the Hudson Valley with a pellet gun.  The New York State Humane Association and Putnam County SPCA are now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot Kiwi, a 3-year-old neutered orange tabby cat, in the town of Patterson around Tuesday, Aug. 20.  This reward is on top of Kiwi's owner's offered reward of $500 and $250 offered by a concerned citizen, officials said, adding that the total reward is now…
Suspect At Large After Shooting Cat In Hudson Valley Suspect At Large After Shooting Cat In Hudson Valley
Suspect At Large After Shooting Cat In Hudson Valley Authorities in the Hudson Valley are offering a $500 reward for any information that could help lead to the arrest of a suspect who shot an owned cat with a metal projectile.  New, updated report - New Update: Reward Increased For Suspect Who Shot Cat In Patterson The incident happened in Putnam County around the time of Tuesday, Aug. 20, when a 3-year-old neutered male orange tabby cat named Kiwi was shot with what is believed to be an airgun pellet, the Putnam County SPCA announced on Thursday, Sept. 5.  The cat, owned by a resident of Bullet Hole Road in Patterson, was th…
RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To Westchester, Daughter Reveals RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To Westchester, Daughter Reveals
RFK Jr. Drove Decapitated Dead Whale's Head To Westchester, Daughter Reveals Even though Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dropped out of the presidential race, that hasn't stopped him from stirring yet another odd animal-related controversy thanks to a resurfaced interview with his daughter. In the 2012 interview with Town & Country Magazine, Kennedy's daughter, Kick, revealed that her father, the former independent presidential candidate who is now 70 years old, rushed to Squaw Island in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in 1994 when she was just 6 years old.  This was after he heard that a dead whale had washed up on the shore. After an hours-long trip, Kennedy…
3 Arrests Made For Dogs Left In Hot Cars, Animal Abandonment In Hudson Valley 3 Arrests Made For Dogs Left In Hot Cars, Animal Abandonment In Hudson Valley
3 Arrests Made For Dogs Left In Hot Cars, Animal Abandonment In Hudson Valley Authorities in the Hudson Valley were kept busy over several days with holding suspects accountable for leaving their pets in hot cars and animal abandonment, officials announced. The incidents all happened in Putnam County between Thursday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 10, the Putnam County SPCA announced on Sunday, Aug. 11. The first arrest was made on Thursday, Aug. 1 when SPCA detectives found a dog inside a vehicle with cracked windows while patrolling the Kobacker's Market parking lot in Brewster.  The inside of the car was reaching extreme temperatures amid 94-degree weather, off…
3 Dogs Found Abandoned Near Hudson Valley Road: Information Needed 3 Dogs Found Abandoned Near Hudson Valley Road: Information Needed
3 Dogs Found Abandoned Near Hudson Valley Road: Information Needed Authorities are asking for help from the public in finding whoever abandoned three dogs near a Hudson Valley road. New, updated report - Update: Man Charged After Abandoning 3 Flea-Covered Dogs In Putnam Valley, Officials Say The three dogs were found in Putnam County during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 13 in the area of Sunken Mine Road in Putnam Valley, the Putnam County SPCA announced on Monday, July 15.  The dogs appear to all be around 1-and-a-half years old and are female collie mixes.  So far, the SPCA has received one tip regarding the dogs' past owner …
Authorities Looking For Woman Wearing Scrubs Who Abandoned Dog On Westchester Road Authorities Looking For Woman Wearing Scrubs Who Abandoned Dog On Westchester Road
Authorities Looking For Woman Wearing Scrubs Who Abandoned Dog On Westchester Road Authorities are asking for help from the public in identifying a woman who abandoned a dog on a Westchester road.  New, updated report - New Update: Woman Nabbed After Abandoning Dog On New Rochelle Road, Officials Say The woman was seen leaving the dog on Lotus Road in New Rochelle on Tuesday, June 11 at noon, the Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle announced on Monday, June 24.  The dog, a Lab, is now safe with the person who found it, according to the Humane Society.  Following the abandonment, the Westchester SPCA is now searching for the woman, who was s…
Guardian Dogs Escape Westchester Farm, Kill Poodle, Attack Owner: Report Guardian Dogs Escape Westchester Farm, Kill Poodle, Attack Owner: Report
Tarrytown's Stone Barns Center Dogs Attack Woman: Report Two guardian dogs from a nonprofit farm in Westchester may be euthanized after escaping the property and attacking a woman and her leashed poodle on a trail, according to a New York Times report.  The attack happened on Tuesday, February 6, when two guardian dogs escaped the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Tarrytown at 630 Bedford Rd. and ran into a woman and her 10-pound miniature poodle on a public trail. They then attacked the woman and killed the poodle, according to a new report by The New York Times. The two dogs, a Great Pyrenees named Luna and an Akbash na…
2 Ferrets Found Abandoned In Crate In Hudson Valley Parking Lot: Suspect At Large 2 Ferrets Found Abandoned In Crate In Hudson Valley Parking Lot: Suspect At Large
2 Ferrets Found Abandoned In Crate In Hudson Valley Parking Lot: Suspect At Large Authorities are searching for whoever was responsible for abandoning two ferrets found inside a crate at a Hudson Valley Park and Ride parking lot, police said.  The two ferrets were discovered inside a plastic crate in Putnam County on Wednesday morning, March 13 at the Park and Ride parking lot on Route 311 in Patterson, according to the Putnam County SPCA.  The ferrets were found by a good samaritan who called New York State Police after coming across the crate in the grassy area of the parking lot.  The two animals were later taken to a local small animal expert who will…
$1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed In Westchester $1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed In Westchester
$1 Million Project: Animal Shelter To Be Reconstructed In Westchester After years of neglect, an animal shelter in Westchester that closed earlier in 2023 is getting $1 million toward restoring and enhancing its services, city officials announced.  The Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, which closed earlier in 2023, will receive a million dollars in funding that will go toward "essential resources" needed to restore its operation, city officials said.  The funding was announced on Friday, May 3 by Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and New York State Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, who represents parts of Yonkers and Mount Vernon.  In addi…
2 Found Dead In Westchester Home 2 Found Dead In Westchester Home
2 Found Dead In Westchester Home New Details: 150 Starving Cats Seized After Man, Woman Found Dead In Hudson Valley Home A man and a woman were found dead in a Northern Westchester home along with more than 100 cats when officers responded for a welfare check. The incident occurred in Yorktown around 9:50 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 at 149 Cordial Road when Yorktown PD officers were requested to respond to the home by a family member for a welfare check. Officers were able to force entry into the residence and located the bodies of a man and a woman, who were deceased, Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble said. "The …
Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says
Scandal Escalates: Navy Vet’s Sick Dog Died After Santos Stole Charity Money, Report Says This story has been updated to include a response from Rep. Santos.  The unraveling saga of embattled New York Rep. George Santos appears to have escalated beyond mere resume “embellishments” and possible campaign finance violations to the alleged cruel and heartless betrayal of a disabled military veteran. Richard Osthoff, a US Navy veteran from Howell, New Jersey, told Patch that he was put in touch with Santos in May 2016 to help raise money for his 10-year-old service pit bull, Sapphire, who had developed a life-threatening stomach tumor the year before. Earlier Report: Embattled NY …
'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales 'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales
'Standing Up For The Voiceless': Officials Hail New NY Law Limiting Pet Sales New Yorkers will soon have fewer options when it comes to finding their next furry friend under a new state law. Earlier report: Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores Legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 15, bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores. It will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions. Hochul’s office said the goal is to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline, where animals often suffer poor veterinary care, malnutrition, and a lack of socialization at the hands of ab…
Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores
Sale Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits In Stores Banned In NY Pet Stores In an effort to end the "puppy mill pipeline," New York has banned pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits.  The legislation, which was signed into law on Thursday, Dec. 15, will prohibit the sale of these animals in pet stores across the state and instead encourage them to make space available to show pets up for adoption, according to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, a Democrat who represents District 67 in Manhattan.  The ban comes as many pet stores across the nation have stopped selling live animals and have instead turned to selling items that pet owners need …
Westchester Animal Shelter Seeks Answers After Dog Chained To Front Door, Abandoned Westchester Animal Shelter Seeks Answers After Dog Chained To Front Door, Abandoned
Westchester Animal Shelter Seeks Answers After Dog Chained To Front Door, Abandoned An animal shelter in Northern Westchester has asked the community for information after a dog was found chained to the shelter's front door. Adopt-a-Dog in Armonk said in an announcement on Monday, Nov. 7, that the dog was abandoned at the shelter in the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 5. "We are hoping by some miracle that she was found or stolen and then dumped and that there is someone looking for her or a rescue who recognizes her," the shelter said. According to the announcement, the dog seems to be about 7 to 9 years old and is well-behaved. "She is miserable in her kennel and is cryi…
Severed Deer Head Found In Driveway Of Home Of Town Official In Fairfield County Severed Deer Head Found In Driveway Of Home Of Town Official In Fairfield County
Severed Deer Head Found In Driveway Of Home Of Town Official In Fairfield County Police in Fairfield County are investigating after a severed deer head was left in a town official’s driveway. New Canaan Police confirmed that the head was found just before 3 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 27, but have released few other details, including the town official's identity.  “At this time, we are investigating this incident,” New Canaan Police Lt. Jason Ferraro said. “No further information will be released at this time.” This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY
Horse Dies On Set Of HBO Series Being Filmed In NY Following the death of a horse during the filming of an HBO series on Long Island, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is requesting the network investigate. The horse died in Nassau County on Tuesday, June 28, during the filming of the highly popular series "The Gilded Age." According to PETA, three whistleblowers said the 23-year-old horse sustained head trauma and was seen frothing at the mouth. “If it weren’t for these whistleblowers, the apparent death of this vulnerable horse would likely have been swept under the rug,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo.…
Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet
Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet What is a plant-based diet? A plant-based diet focuses on whole, minimally processed plant-based foods. It involves limiting animal products and making fruits, vegetables, and plant proteins the star of your plate. It emphasizes nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans and limits foods like meat, dairy, and eggs. Why eat a plant-based diet? Eating a plant-based diet is associated with many health benefits. Plant-based foods are rich in fiber and antioxidants, free of cholesterol, and low in calories and saturated fat. Eating a variety of these foods provides the essential nutrie…
Owner of Westchester Rescue Shelter Admits To Stealing Cash Meant For Dogs Owner of Westchester Rescue Shelter Admits To Stealing Cash Meant For Dogs
Owner of Westchester Rescue Shelter Admits To Stealing Cash Meant For Dogs The owner of a not-for-profit dog rescue shelter in Northern Westchester admitted to stealing thousands of dollars earmarked for animals over the course of a year, authorities announced. Yorktown resident Lisa Marie Birdsall, age 56, the owner of Birdsall’s Recycled Paws Rescue on Main Street in Mohegan Lake in Cortlandt pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $18,000 from the not-for-profit organization.  Specifically, Birdsall pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of petit larceny. As part of her plea agreement, Birdsall also agreed to pay full re…
NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions
NY Man Accused Of Keeping Exotic Animals In Unsafe Conditions A man has been accused of keeping a sloth and a wallaby in unsafe and unsatisfactory conditions in his New York home. The United States Department of Agriculture cited Long Island resident Larry Wallach after searching his East Rockaway home and allegedly found a sloth living in an enclosure in his garage during the June 2021 inspection. "Hanging from the ceiling in the interior of the sloth enclosure, is a light fixture and on the floor of the interior is a portable electric humidifier with the cord exposed," the USDA complaint said. "The sloth has access to the exposed ligh…
Pet Shop In Westchester Permanently Shut Down After SPCA Investigation Pet Shop In Westchester Permanently Shut Down After SPCA Investigation
Pet Shop In Westchester Permanently Shut Down After SPCA Investigation A pet store in Westchester has been shut down permanently following an investigation by the SPCA into the conditions they kept their animals. Pet World on South Broadway in Yonkers was forced to close this week with its operating licenses revoked, the SPCA of Westchester announced. A joint investigation by the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, Yonkers Police, and Yonkers Building departments into “heartbreaking conditions” led to the revocation of their licenses. According to the pet shop's social media pages, the store sold a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, turtles, trop…
Photo Of Dog On Back Of Trailer On I-84 Leads To Social Media Outcry Photo Of Dog On Back Of Trailer On I-84 Leads To Social Media Outcry
Photo Of Dog On Back Of Trailer On I-84 Leads To Social Media Outcry A simple picture of a dog in a crate on the back of a trailer has sent area dog lover in a tailspin on social media. The outrage began on Friday, Nov. 1, when a driver happened to see the large dog in some kind of pen in the back of a trailer on busy I-84 eastbound near the Newburgh/Beacon bridge and snapped the photo.  He then posted it to Facebook and dog lovers across the region were up in arms in seconds. The dog doesn't look like he's in distress, but people sure are. With cries of "he should be locked up," and "did you get his license plate?" to "Call the police!" filled the man…
Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal
Video: Woman Climbs Into Lion's Den At Bronx Zoo, Appears To Taunt Animal A trespasser at the Bronx Zoo was able to escape unharmed after she leaped into the African lion exhibit and appeared to taunt one of the animals in a video that went viral on social media over the weekend. The woman, donning a gray T-shirt and black pants, hopped over the barrier at the zoo on Saturday, Sept. 28, and could be seen dancing in front of a lion who gave her a death stare. The video was later posted on Instagram and went viral. Officials said the woman was able to exit the exhibit before the lion reacted to her unexpected visit. Her name has not been released, and no injuries w…
Musician, Teacher And — Most Of All — Beloved Friend, Nino Getts Of Ossining Dies At 74 Musician, Teacher And — Most Of All — Beloved Friend, Nino Getts Of Ossining Dies At 74
Musician, Teacher And — Most Of All — Beloved Friend, Nino Getts Of Ossining Dies At 74 On the morning of June 28, Nino V. Getts, 74, died quietly in his sleep.  Nino was born on Nov. 12, 1944 to William and Mary Riccardi Getts. He grew up in the Battle Hill area and was a nostalgic fan of the old White Plains, where he often sat on the steps of the old courthouse with friends  and walked Main St. Nino graduated from White Plains High School in 1962 and/or 1963. He liked people in both classes, so went to all the reunions. He studied song writing and music production at State University of New York. Nino had his own professional studio in his home and produced a…
Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats
Me-Ouch! New York Becomes First State In Nation To Ban Declawing Cats New York has officially become the first state in the nation to ban the declawing of cats. Earlier this year, the New York Senate and Assembly voted to approve legislation that would eliminate the declawing of cats, following similar laws in Denver and various towns in California. On Monday, July 22, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed that bill into law, making the Empire State the first to ban the “cruel and painful procedure” that many an owner has forced on their felines. “Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, an…
Dead Animal Mystery Sparks Concerns In This Westchester Village Dead Animal Mystery Sparks Concerns In This Westchester Village
Dead Animal Mystery Sparks Concerns In This Westchester Village A quaint village in Westchester has been put on notice following a spate of dead animals that have been cropping up. Residents in Bronxville have reportedly been finding small dead animals - namely birds and squirrels - in village streets and yards in recent weeks. It is unclear what is killing the animals, officials said, and there is nothing police or the Westchester County Department of Health can do to help, noting that rabies isn’t a concern in such small animals. “Dead Animals stink and the odor is usually the sign there is possible a dead animal on your Bronxville premises,” accordi…
Dangerous Discovery: 157 Snakes, Many Poisonous, Found At Area Home Dangerous Discovery: 157 Snakes, Many Poisonous, Found At Area Home
Dangerous Discovery: 157 Snakes, Many Poisonous, Found At Area Home Law enforcement officials found 157 snakes in a city of Newburgh home after the owner was treated for a poisonous snake bite at an area hospital. The snakes were found Tuesday, June 4, when the Department of Environmental Conservation along with DEC police and members of the Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the city of Newburgh after being alerted by Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx that a man had been bitten by a poisonous snake, said Maureen Wren, with the DEC. The unidentified man was treated at the hospital Sunday, June…
New York Could Become First State To Ban Declawing Cats Statewide New York Could Become First State To Ban Declawing Cats Statewide
New York Could Become First State To Ban Declawing Cats Statewide Me-ouch! New York is getting closer to becoming the first state to ban the declawing of cats, passing legislation in the Senate and Assembly on Tuesday, June 4 that has been gaining steam for weeks. The Senate and Assembly voted to approve the legislation on Tuesday, June 3, following the similar passage of declawing laws in Denver and various towns in California. Tuesday’s vote came after debates between lawmakers and animal welfare advocates who spoke about concerns on both sides of the issue. "Declawing a cat is not like getting a mani/pedi, it's a brutal surgical procedure that invo…
Bill To Ban Declawing Cats Gains Steam in NY Bill To Ban Declawing Cats Gains Steam in NY
Bill To Ban Declawing Cats Gains Steam in NY New York is taking measures to become the first state to ban the declawing of cats. The state Senate passed several bills this week, including one bill that is popular among animal welfare advocates that would ban inhumane declawing of felines. Denver and several cities in California have already passed similar measures. The bill will now have to pass through a second committee before it moves forward to the Assembly. Advocates have argued that declawing cats is inhumane because it involves the amputation of the animal’s toes back to the first knuckle. However, some veterinary associations…