ASPCA Blog

Boy Raises Funds for the ASPCA in Lieu of Birthday Gifts

Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 3:15pm
young boy playing on the floor with puppy

At just 10 years old, Ayden P. of Las Vegas, Nevada, has already made a huge impact for animals. For his birthday this year, Ayden decided to use his birthday party as a fundraiser for the ASPCA, and asked that his friends and family members donate to our organization in lieu of gifts. This special young philanthropist raised $600 for animals during his birthday fundraiser!

We couldn’t be more honored that Ayden chose to support our life-saving mission for animals in need. This was Ayden’s fourth birthday party fundraiser: Since 2010, he has raised funds for the Red Cross, the Shade Tree, a local shelter for women and children, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ayden also shows his commitment to animals by visiting a local pet rescue shelter, Little Friends, with his Aunt Pauline. He has previously volunteered with PetSmart’s PAWS program, an adoption program for cats. Ayden also has a plump yellow Lab named Fudge.

Ever thought of asking for donations to a great cause instead of gifts? Consider creating an ASPCA Tribute page to celebrate your special event by helping animals in need.

Pet Scams, International Edition: Ferrets Sold as Poodles

Monday, April 8, 2013 - 4:45pm
white ferret

We really thought we’d heard it all when it comes to pet scams, but nothing prepared us for this story out of Argentina. Allegedly, white ferrets are being beefed up, dolled up and sold to clueless customers…as bargain-priced toy poodles!

It’s terrible if ferrets really are being given steroids and sold to people who ultimately don’t want them, but we’ve got to admit, that ferret’s blowout is pretty amazing.

All joking aside, we really can’t stress this enough: Regardless of where you live or where you’re shopping, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. When looking for your next pet, please remember to adopt instead of shop. An animal shelter will never lie to you about which species you’re taking home!

Tags: 
Adoption
Animal Cruelty

This Week in Animals

Friday, April 5, 2013 - 3:00pm
Cat wearing sombrero

This week, the animal news was filled with nice people doing great stuff for animals. We’re feeling great about humanity right now, and here’s why:

Tourists in Times Square were a little weirded out to see a zombie running after a cat, sure, but there was a good reason. A haunted house promoter in full zombie makeup rescued a cat on the loose…and the lucky kitty was reunited with his family thanks to a microchip! (New York Daily News)

Meanwhile on the other side of the country, as stranded, hungry sea lion pups appear in unprecedented numbers, many people have stepped up to the plate for these little guys. That includes a guy whose car was hijacked by a sea lion pup in distress. (NBC San Diego)

Even across the pond, British Prime Minister David Cameron revealed he’d waded into a swamp to rescue a sheep, who has now been given the imaginative name “Swampy.” (Huffington Post)

So what have you done for animals lately?

ASPCA Arrests Brooklyn Man over Beaten Shih Tzu

Friday, April 5, 2013 - 2:45pm
Abused shih tzu

On April 3, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Alex Dykes, 49, for allegedly beating a one-year-old male Shih Tzu mix, Bentley. In September, our agents visited a Brooklyn home to investigate a complaint that a dog had been beaten and needed immediate help.

At the residence, Agents found poor Bentley in pain, and they knew something was wrong. They transported him to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. Our vets treated Bentley with oxygen immediately, ultimately concluding he had a brain hemorrhage and a fractured skull and jaw due to blunt force trauma. He is now recuperating in a foster home.

Dykes was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.

Looking at Bentley’s sweet face, we have to wonder: Who could do this to an animal?

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement
NYC
We Were There

ASPCA Arrests Brooklyn Woman over Starved Chihuahua

Friday, April 5, 2013 - 2:45pm
before and after of starved chihuahua

We’ve wanted to tell you about Vampiro for some time, and you won’t believe what he’s been through. In January, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents responded to a call from NYC Animal Care & Control about a six-year-old Chihuahua who had been abandoned in a pet store.

The dog, Vampiro, was just skin and bones. At ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, veterinarians found Vampiro to be emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from an untreated skin ailment, all caused by prolonged inadequate nutrition. He was also found to be blind. Our vets gave Vampiro IV fluids, medication, water and a balanced diet right away.

Meanwhile, AC&C told us that Vampiro had been adopted in 2006 by Brooklyn resident Venus Laventure, 50. On February 25, the ASPCA arrested Laventure. She was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. She is due in court on May 13.

After a few months at the ASPCA, Vampiro is doing much better. In fact, he’ll soon be made available for adoption—and his future family is in for a treat! Vampiro is a sweetheart who loves to give doggie kisses.

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement
NYC
We Were There

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