Desert Messenger

April 17, 2013

Desert Messenger is your local connection for news, events, and entertainment!

Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/122430

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 7 of 23

8 www.DesertMessenger.com April 17, 2013 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month • Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes • Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat • Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally • Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them. • I must add my own personal concern here, someone out on the desert, abandoning or leaving their pet(s) behind as they pack up and head north to avoid our sweltering summer months. Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care. HOWEVER, as we all know, Quartzsite does NOT have an animal control officer, shelter, or care facility for abused or abandon animals. Your only recourse at this time is to call La Paz County Animal Control in Parker, and perhaps someone will come down and investigate in a day or so. So, you want to help animals here in our own community, but just aren't sure where to begin? Well, the good news is there are many ways an animal lover can make a difference. First off, petition the city to set funds By Beth Praast April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to support their efforts and "Go Orange" for animals in honor of the signing of the ASPCA's charter in 1866. Per the ASPCA website, here are some signs and symptoms that you might see and may need to be investigated: • Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal's death. • Extremely thin, starving animals. • An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal. • Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard. • Dogs who have been hit by cars-or are showing any of the signs listed above-and have not been taken to a veterinarian. • Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions (with summer fast approaching this is a big concern). • Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners. • Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet's neck NOW with Arizona Licensed Massage Therapist Jeff Munoz 928-575-6733 Quartzsite Chiropractic ES GIFT CERTIFICAT available Dr. Michael Cole, D.C. Providing Chiropractic Care to Quartzsite! 25 $ Adjustments NEW LOCATION at Quartzsite Medical Center Just west of Carl's Jr. on W. Main St. Hours: FRI. 9am-1pm & 2:30pm-5pm • SAT. 9-11am For more information call Dr. Michael Cole, D.C. 928-533-4588 aside in the upcoming budget to help support an animal control officer, and start building an animal shelter right here in Quartzsite. Also, assisting in the care and placement of shelter animals to educating the public on animal welfare issues to fighting for stronger animal legislation in the state of Arizona are all ways you personally can make a difference in an abused animal's life! One of the best things you can do to help animals here in Quartzsite is to keep a list of people, including the county Animal Shelter, a teacher or your veterinarian, who can help you report animal cruelty. Other ideas: Neighborhood watch program. Get to know the animals in your neighborhood and invite your friends and neighbors to do the same. Together you can keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviors. PLEASE, let us not be a police state and go to extremes on reporting or watching our neighbors for animal cruelty. Volunteer at your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Volunteering at any shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of many animals. From walking dogs to fostering abused or frightened animals, shelters across the state of Arizona are in desperate need of volunteers. Help your neighbors help their animals. Companion animals play significant roles in the lives of the people who love them—but sometimes the elderly or ill have trouble providing es- sential pet care. If you see a neighbor in need, offer to assist—walk his dog, help with feeding, clean litter boxes, groom animals, pick up pet food and other supplies, drive him to the veterinarian, etc. Start a pet food bank. There is no such thing here in Quartzsite, but never too late to start one. Volunteer your time to help distribute the muchneeded pet food, supplies, kitty litter and many more items. Host pet food drives, similar to canned food drives. Spaying and neutering. Ok, yes I know I do badger you readers on this subject a great deal, but this point is so very important. Millions of adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. By spaying and neutering your animals, you'll make sure you are not contributing to the problem. Build and support a pet park. No, Quartzsite doesn't have one yet, but with support from the community, we could have one in the near future. [Editor's note: A Doge Park is being worked on just east of Dance Slab] A safe haven for your pet to run loose, play, chase a Frisbee, socialize with other dogs, a well fenced in, well maintained dog park would be a great asset here. Green grass is a dog's dream come true. A pet park where your pet can exercise is one super great way to support healthy longevity in your dog! A healthy dog is a happy one. Help those, who cannot speak up or help themselves, report animal abuse! Palo Verde Valley Transit meeting April 25 Blythe, Calif. - The Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency (PVVTA) will be hosting an Ehrenberg community meeting on Wednesday April 25, 2013 7:00pm at the Ehrenberg Community Room (old fire station). Residents of Ehrenberg are invited to join PVVTA to discuss transit services in the Ehrenberg, La Paz County and Blythe area. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided. Free transportation will be available to and from the meeting, please call 760922-1140 to set up a ride. For more information on this meeting or transit services in the Blythe/Ehrenberg area please call 760-922-4900 or online at pvvta.com

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Desert Messenger - April 17, 2013