Wayside Waifs Unveils New Expansion! Monday, January 7, 2013, Wayside Waifs held a special donor reception and tour to show off our newly renovated shelter including a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic. Once the $5.7 million capital campaign is complete, the improvements will be viewed as benchmarks in animal shelter care for other shelters and animal organizations around the nation. Wayside's historic transformation includes: * A state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic * A new Animal Admissions area that creates a dignified and private space for those who are surrendering an animal to Wayside Waifs * Animal holding and isolations areas that will allow for better disease prevention and control including a new Parvo treatment room * A beautiful, welcoming reception area for potential adopters that displays a one-of-a-kind suspended, kinetic mobile representing the animals adopted into their forever homes If you are interested in learning more about Wayside's capital campaign, contact Anne Dykes, Director of Marketing and Development at 816-986-4401 or adykes@waysidewaifs.org Kylee's Amazing Comeback We have a happy update about Kylee, the Yorkie mix who came to Wayside Waifs in November 2012 with matted fur, a severe skin condition and nails so overgrown she was unable to walk. Dr. Alison Liu reports Kylee is doing great! Her internal medical issues related to neglect she suffered before coming to Wayside are improving. After receiving dental work, a loving foster family took Kylee home to help her with the next phase of her recovery until she is ready to find a forever home. Donate today to help homeless and hurting animals like Kylee. Your generous donation will provide tender care and comfort for pets at Wayside Waifs unitl they find their forever homes. Check Out These Paw-some Events! Shop For Wayside! Did you make a New Year's resolution to get fit, give back or just have more fun? Wayside Waifs wants to help you get 2013 started off on the right paw. Mark your calendars for the below events this month that benefit the animals at Wayside Waifs! Shop to Save Lives at Kate Spade Join us this Sunday, January 20, from 5-7 p.m., for a special night of sips, snacks and of course, shopping at Kate Spade on the Country Club Plaza. 20% of all the proceeds will be donated to Wayside Waifs! We will also be raffling a fabulous Kate Spade bag! To RSVP, contact Megan Harding, Development Associate/Special Events at 816-986-4419 or mharding@waysidewaifs.org http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=pXuHVCq-LsrpBsKmjiDHaA Hambingo at Hamburger Mary's Back by popular demand; join us Thursday, January 24 at 8 p.m. for a barking good time for Hambingo at Hamburger Mary's. Cut loose for an evening filled with fun and fabulous prizes while supporting the Waifs. Fitness for Fido at Title Boxing Be a champ to all homeless animals at Wayside Waifs and sign up for this fun fitness class today. For $25 you will receive a Title Boxing t-shirt, hand wraps, discounted membership opportunities and one Title Boxing Class. All of the proceeds will go directly to Wayside Waifs. To sign up, please call 913-385-2582. http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=G0Eu9oipo3eVeMRqT-4Tpw For more information about these events, or to see more upcoming events, visit our website www.waysidewaifs.org and click on Upcoming Events. http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=8MEE4KkbwgUzloU-zf-1mg Ready. Set. Run! Here's a grrr-eat way to get a free weekend workout AND help the dogs at Wayside Waifs at the same time. Jeff Graves from KC Dog Runners and Wayside are bringing back the dog running program. We're looking for volunteers 16 years or older to come out to Wayside and take a shelter dog for a 45 minute run a couple of Saturday's a month. If you're 14 years old, you can still run with a dog as long as you are with an adult. Here's what makes this program grr-eat! * You can get a Saturday morning run in and be volunteering at the same time. Plus, its way more fun to run with a dog than without one. * The dogs love it! It's a real treat for animals that spend their days in a kennel. * The only thing you need to do is show up, dressed for weather. We provide leashes, clean up bags, the running route, and other instructions/guidelines to make sure everything goes smoothly. We're hoping to kick off the new program the beginning of February. For more information, contact Jeff Graves with KC Dog Runners at jgraves@kcdogrunners.com January 2013 Shadow is a sweetheart! Meet Shadow! http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=3tXs0MCmdU9aD-V3OdMCPA Tessy is looking for her purr-fect match! http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=IsXA3W6AbJPpFFPMzmJamQ January 20 Kate Spade Shopping Event! http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=MT0FosRMK4179v61QPqJ9A January 24 Hambingo at Hamburger Mary's http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=R-JI0Dr2DAjKIiYfj525tQ January 26 Fitness for Fido at Title Boxing http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=v5D6VQ3D4OqQc9NM0Q3t_g Help the homeless animals with a tax-deductible gift. Your gift creates more happy endings! http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=KSU8lDE6uLu5PziTrzkovA ? Click the link below to view this message as HTML in your browser: http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=sYLsfopdDcaeAbskpbkgyQ Click the link below to forward this message: http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/R?i=uqgQrPr8BZG7X-lKOnwgUA Click the link below to change your email preferences: http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/CO?i=fLUMXUOvB5GwHBODIuAE4xhJd-hSIDuB&
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Jakarta unites against corporate control of water
April 2, 2013
The
Coalition of Jakarta Residents Opposing Water Privatization is an
inspiration for activists around the world. Jakarta’s story exemplifies
the threat of privatized water as well as the courage and ability of
communities to draw the line in favor of human rights over corporate
profits.
Last week, Jakarta’s governor announced his intention to cancel the Indonesian city’s private water contracts. Returning Jakarta’s water to public control will require vigilance and commitment from the community and its representatives. But the persistent and creative organizing that has brought the city to this point gives great cause for optimism.
Reclaiming Jakarta’s water will be a victory with global impacts. For millions of residents the stakes are no less than their most precious common resource. Victory here will also be a major setback for water privateers and institutions like the World Bank promoting this failed model.
In Jakarta, people’s rights have been systematically violated. Water users have faced challenges typical of private water: limited access, intermittent quality and service and the third highest prices in Asia. To ensure universal access to water, operators must maintain and invest in infrastructure. But under private control, Jakarta’s water revenues have been diverted to support corporate profits.
That’s why Jakarta’s residents have taken action, petitioning lawmakers and the courts for justice. They have also taken to the streets in direct protest of water profiteering. A citizen lawsuit challenging the legality of the water privatization is currently underway; Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution mandates public control of water in the common interest.
And the tide began to turn for Jakarta in October 2012. Suez Environnement announced it would sell its controlling share of the west zone corporation. Public and regulatory pressure and resistance to further rate hikes had pushed the corporation to withdraw from Jakarta at last.
Reflecting the public sentiment, the director of the public water authority called on the governor to repurchase the water utility and manage the system for the public interest.
This illegitimate transfer from Suez to MWC deprives Jakarta officials of a critical opportunity. The current contract runs until 2022; terminating early can be difficult and costly. A repurchase could allow a smoother return to public control.
Not only that, an MWC takeover in Jakarta would make the World Bank part owner of that utility as well. Equity ownership gives the World Bank a financial stake in ensuring that the system is run for a profit. As the largest external source of funding for water in developing countries, the World Bank has an obligation to avoid such a glaring conflict of interest. Development assistance for water must be governed by public authorities with the mandate and expertise to make locally appropriate choices for public and planetary health and well-being.
This is why Corporate Accountability International’s campaign to Challenge Corporate Control of Water stands with the activists in Jakarta, and also poses a direct challenge to the World Bank. This powerful institution must stop driving the global corporate-water grab, divest its investments in private water and ensure that its funds support water access for all.
The World Bank has supported water giants like Suez to expand. It has also created and nurtured a new generation of water privateers into transnational status in their own right.
But the people’s commitment to management of water for the public interest is undeterred. The creative and hard work of Jakarta activists stands as a lesson and inspiration to us all. The governor’s recent announcement is a not only a victory for Jakarta but an affirmation of the axiom attributed to Gandhi: “When the people lead, the leaders will follow.”
Please support the work of KRuHA (the people’s coalition for the right to water) by sending messages of solidarity to the officials whose contact information follows. Call on them to exercise their due authority by blocking the sale to Manila Water and instead returning Jakarta’s water to public control.
Send your messages to:
Ir. Joko Widodo, Governor of Jakarta
Email: dki@jakarta.go.id
Twitter: @jokowi_do2
Ir. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, MM, Vice Governor
Email: btp@ahok.org
Twitter: @basuki_btp
Suharto, Sh. Mhum, head of Central Jakarta District Court
Re: Citizen Lawsuit, Case No. 527/pdt.G.2012/PN.JKT.PST
Email: info@pn-jakartapusat.go.id
Shayda Edwards Naficy is the director of the campaign to Challenge Corporate Control of Water.
Last week, Jakarta’s governor announced his intention to cancel the Indonesian city’s private water contracts. Returning Jakarta’s water to public control will require vigilance and commitment from the community and its representatives. But the persistent and creative organizing that has brought the city to this point gives great cause for optimism.
Reclaiming Jakarta’s water will be a victory with global impacts. For millions of residents the stakes are no less than their most precious common resource. Victory here will also be a major setback for water privateers and institutions like the World Bank promoting this failed model.
Fifteen years too long: a water privatization nightmare
In 1997 and 1998, water systems in Jakarta and in Manila, Philippines were similarly privatized under pressure from creditors led by the World Bank. Both Southeast Asian cities were divided into east and west zones, with separate corporate contracts for each. Together, Manila and Jakarta brought over 14 million new “customers” to private water. Like Jakarta, the consequences in Manila have been devastating, especially for the poor and vulnerable.In Jakarta, people’s rights have been systematically violated. Water users have faced challenges typical of private water: limited access, intermittent quality and service and the third highest prices in Asia. To ensure universal access to water, operators must maintain and invest in infrastructure. But under private control, Jakarta’s water revenues have been diverted to support corporate profits.
That’s why Jakarta’s residents have taken action, petitioning lawmakers and the courts for justice. They have also taken to the streets in direct protest of water profiteering. A citizen lawsuit challenging the legality of the water privatization is currently underway; Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution mandates public control of water in the common interest.
And the tide began to turn for Jakarta in October 2012. Suez Environnement announced it would sell its controlling share of the west zone corporation. Public and regulatory pressure and resistance to further rate hikes had pushed the corporation to withdraw from Jakarta at last.
Reflecting the public sentiment, the director of the public water authority called on the governor to repurchase the water utility and manage the system for the public interest.
Corporate cronyism
But Suez executed the sale almost immediately -- without even waiting for legally required approvals -- to Manila Water Corporation (MWC): the very corporation that manages half of Manila’s water. MWC was created and backed by the World Bank, which retains an ownership stake through its private investment banking arm. The World Bank has used its clout as creditor and advisor to the Philippine government and architect of the privatization to nurture its investment. The resulting plan has created artificial profits for MWC to the detriment of public health, equity and the human right to water in Manila.This illegitimate transfer from Suez to MWC deprives Jakarta officials of a critical opportunity. The current contract runs until 2022; terminating early can be difficult and costly. A repurchase could allow a smoother return to public control.
Not only that, an MWC takeover in Jakarta would make the World Bank part owner of that utility as well. Equity ownership gives the World Bank a financial stake in ensuring that the system is run for a profit. As the largest external source of funding for water in developing countries, the World Bank has an obligation to avoid such a glaring conflict of interest. Development assistance for water must be governed by public authorities with the mandate and expertise to make locally appropriate choices for public and planetary health and well-being.
This is why Corporate Accountability International’s campaign to Challenge Corporate Control of Water stands with the activists in Jakarta, and also poses a direct challenge to the World Bank. This powerful institution must stop driving the global corporate-water grab, divest its investments in private water and ensure that its funds support water access for all.
A call to action
Jakarta residents have been clear and consistent in demanding termination of the private contract. A sale to Manila Water will not solve the problem of profiteering and neglect. The photo above depicts a World Water Day (March 22) protest at City Hall, with posters calling for an end to private water, a halt to the sale to MWC and a reminder that “Women Should be at the Center of Water Governance.”The World Bank has supported water giants like Suez to expand. It has also created and nurtured a new generation of water privateers into transnational status in their own right.
But the people’s commitment to management of water for the public interest is undeterred. The creative and hard work of Jakarta activists stands as a lesson and inspiration to us all. The governor’s recent announcement is a not only a victory for Jakarta but an affirmation of the axiom attributed to Gandhi: “When the people lead, the leaders will follow.”
Please support the work of KRuHA (the people’s coalition for the right to water) by sending messages of solidarity to the officials whose contact information follows. Call on them to exercise their due authority by blocking the sale to Manila Water and instead returning Jakarta’s water to public control.
Send your messages to:
Ir. Joko Widodo, Governor of Jakarta
Email: dki@jakarta.go.id
Twitter: @jokowi_do2
Ir. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, MM, Vice Governor
Email: btp@ahok.org
Twitter: @basuki_btp
Suharto, Sh. Mhum, head of Central Jakarta District Court
Re: Citizen Lawsuit, Case No. 527/pdt.G.2012/PN.JKT.PST
Email: info@pn-jakartapusat.go.id
Shayda Edwards Naficy is the director of the campaign to Challenge Corporate Control of Water.
Here’s What Pit Bulls are Really Bred to Do
“Pit bull terriers are a severely misunderstood breed. The SPCA Serving Erie County’s goal is to educate and bring awareness to this issue in our community. The Bred To Love program’s main purpose is to put an end to the myths surrounding this amazing and loving breed. Pit bull terriers are loyal happy go lucky dogs that just adore people and will make a wonderful addition to a family looking for their new pal,” said Lindsay Guiher, a volunteer at the shelter.
According to Guiher, most of the dogs coming into the shelter are pit bulls who take longer to adopt than other breeds, which they suspect has to do with common myths surrounding the breed.
Some of these myths include the beliefs that pit bulls have locking jaws and are more likely to bite than other breeds. To clear that first one up once and for all, pit bulls do not have any anatomical mechanism that would cause or allow their jaws to lock. No dog does. And while pit bulls still get a lot of bad press, they’re no more likely to bite someone than any other breed.
The American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), an organization that promotes uniform temperament testing, has found that the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier all had a higher than average passing score, which is 83 percent, and did better than many other breeds, including Golden Retrievers, when it comes to stability, aggression and friendliness, among other traits.
Even the AVMA has stated that despite the stigma, when it comes to pit bull type dogs “controlled studies have not identified this breed group as disproportionately dangerous.”
In fact, pit bulls used to be referred to as the perfect “nanny dogs” for children because of their fantastic temperaments and were used to represent America on WWI posters because of their loyalty, bravery and determination. Even Helen Keller had one.
“As any responsible owner knows, it’s not these sweet and loyal animals that are the problem, but rather a handful of self-serving and unethical breeders. Raised in the right environment, pit bull terriers are naturally inclined to be wonderful pets, sure to steal your heart!” according to the shelter.
Along with urging people to consider adding one to the family, the SPCA Serving Erie County wants everyone who loves pit bulls to join the campaign by submitting a photo showing the world what their dogs were born to do. So far, they’ve got people showing off pit bulls who were bred to give kisses, be loved, be best friends, protect, be loyal, brighten lives and be family, along with a few who were born to cuddle.
If you want to join the campaign and help spread the truth about pit bulls, visit their website, download and print a sign and fill in the blank: Bred to _____, and take some pictures. You can then submit your images via their website, which will be shared in an album on their Facebook page.
Dying Caiman and a Lot of Pot Found in California Home
Also found was 34 pounds of marijuana which, according to Sgt. J.D. Nelson, the caiman was reportedly “guarding.” Mayer told police that the caiman’s name was “Mr. Teeth” and that he had bought him to commemorate rapper Tupac Shakur’s 1996 death.
Very sadly, Mr. Teeth died the day after he was seized by Alameda County animal control officers. They had taken him to the Oakland Zoo, which said that the caiman was “very sick” when he arrived. As a zoo spokesman said, he had arrived “with a poor prognosis and was unresponsive when he arrived here.”
As Nelson commented, “We get guard dogs all the time when we search for grow houses and people stashing away all types of dope. But alligators? You just don’t see that every day” — a good thing, considering that the caiman must have been living in extreme discomfort and was not properly cared for.
Caimans are close relatives of alligators and are native to Central and South America. Most grow to be only a few feet; one species, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, grows to be only about 3 feet long while others including the black caiman can grow to be 13 feet or more. Certainly, a plexigrass tank in suburban California is not a place for one to live.
Sadly, reports of alligators in suburban and urban areas in the U.S. are not as unusual as might be thought. Last year, there were at least five reports of alligators and crocodiles found in New Jersey; one was found in a north Jersey park. On Long Island, at least five alligators were found abandoned in under two weeks.
The discovery of Mr. Teeth has gotten a good share of media attention due, very likely, to the additional finding of all that marijuana. But the bigger crime here is Mayer keeping a non-native, exotic animal who was close to death: How was he able to procure the caiman? How long had Mayer kept him?
Mayer is being charged on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale. In addition, he also faces violations from the California Fish and Game Commission, for (among other charges) possession of an exotic animal without a permit. California’s Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act requires that livestock not be confined in a way that does not allow them to turn around, stand up, freely use their limbs and more. Shouldn’t such policies mandating humane and ethical treatment also be considered for animals in residences?
Sunday, April 7, 2013
How Yelling Cancels Listening
We all know that modeling is a big part of parenting. As mom-of-two Vanessa D. asks, "I don't know how to tell my daughter that she cannot yell at me when I get mad at her for something she shouldn't do. I need help. Does anyone have any other way to teach her not to yell back?"
Keep reading
Vanessa's situation is very common. Her child is acting exactly the way she perceives her mom to be acting toward her. Vanessa's daughter yells at her mom to try to get her mom to stop yelling at her. The reasoning behind this behavior is very childlike.
The following tips may help this Circle of Moms member unlock her yelling, which would allow her to say to her child, "I stopped yelling at you, and I would like you to stop yelling at me."
Yelling happens in most families at one time or another. Most parents rationalize it by saying, I'm simply expressing that, "I say what I mean, and mean what I say!"
There are two big problems with yelling. The first one is there's a really good chance your child doesn't hear a word you say when you're yelling. The second problem is that yelling can cause a great deal of emotional damage to a child's self-esteem if the parent is screaming, being mean, or attacking a child's character.
Most parents think the louder they get, the firmer they appear to their child. Actually, the opposite is true. The more yelling you do, the less your child hears you. Why?
Children tend to withdraw just a little bit in order to withstand the intensity of your yelling. Watch your child the next time you yell and you'll see her shift her attention from your words to retreating inside herself for a minute or so to protect herself from the onslaught. What she does after you stop yelling — like crying, yelling at you, or creating more misbehavior — is another topic all together.
Your child can't fully listen to your words and emotionally protect herself from your yelling at the same time. Something has to give. So she ignores what you're saying in favor of her emotional safety.
So the next time you say to your child, "Listen to me right now, I'm talking to you," notice whether or not you're yelling. You'll have a better chance of her really hearing you if you're calmer.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Are Doggy Seat Belts Really Safe for Your Pet?
Would you transport your child
in your car without a car seat or seat belt? If you answered “no,”
then why would you transport your pet in your automobile without proper
safety restraints?
Any pet parent who drives their dog to their veterinarian for a health check up knows how distracting it is to be driving with Fido fumbling to get on your lap or licking your ear. Distractions aside, what happens when — God forbid – you get into a collision with another vehicle? Fido just became a projectile potentially causing harm to him and the human occupants.
Lindsey A. Wolko, Founder, Center for Pet Safety, had a similar experience in 2004. She was driving with her English cocker spaniel, Maggie — secured in her harness attached to a seatbelt in the back seat — when she suddenly needed to break and swerve in order to avoid a collision. The accident was avoided but Maggie sustained injuries to her spine and hip. The harness, in essence, hog-tied the dog from the force of suddenly applying the brakes.
Center for Pet Safety is Born
Wolko had long worked in the pet product industry and the experience with Maggie made her want to evaluate the efficacy of pet “safety” products. She researched the products and found there are no regulations mandating safety testing for pet restraints.
The experience with Maggie and her subsequent inquiries into pet safety restraints led Wolko to form the Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit 501(c) 3 advocacy organization aimed at scientifically studying companion animal safety products.
Testing Results Thus Far
In 2011, the Center for Pet Safety tested four harnesses via an independent testing laboratory. The same motor vehicle safety standards were applied as are used in testing child safety car seats. A 55 pound test dog — NO live animals are used in testing — was developed because the average size dog in the U.S. is 55 pounds and up. The results were devastating.
Simulating a 30 mile per hour collision, all four harnesses failed! The first one provided too much slack and the test dog was sent crashing into the back of the front seat. The next two harnesses broke and turned the test dog into a projectile. But the fourth was the most surprising. The harness slid up to the test dog’s neck upon impact. “I don’t think that there’s any doubt that those dogs would have been severely injured, if not fatally injured” said Wolko in a Today Show video.
Laws Addressing Pet Safety in Automobiles
There was a large hullaballoo last year in New Jersey over the proposed Dog Seat Belt Law calling for fines of $250 up to $1,000 and a charge of animal cruelty. Legislators proposed it because they felt it makes the canine safer while driving in a car. Governor Chris Christie said “It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of in my life” and vowed to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk for signature.
Other states have laws addressing pet safety in vehicles. In Hawaii, a driver is forbidden to hold a pet on their lap while driving. The distracted driving law can be used for people driving with animals on their laps in Arizona, Maine and Connecticut.
California, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island require dogs to be caged or tethered in a vehicle. New Hampshire requires it for dogs but ironically people are not required by law to use seat belts.
The thing to understand here is currently pet safety restraints are not required by law to be scientifically tested. Doggy seat belts do prevent driver distraction, so manufacturers who make and sell them are not actually lying about their product. It is safer not to experience distraction while driving. But, it gives pet parents a false sense of security about their dog if a collision does occur.
What to Do?
In a phone interview with Wolko, she advises anyone with a pet who drives him or her in their car to carefully research the pet safety restraint before purchasing it. Yes, a few manufacturers spend the time and money on scientific research but the vast majority do not. When asked about laws mandating doggy seat belts, “I question the appropriateness to mandate the use of a product that has no proven track record,” she said.
Wolko said the Center for Pet Safety will continue to do independently funded crash testing of companion animal safety devises. The information learned will be shared with manufacturers and legislators in an attempt to improve pet safety products to consumers. “We want to help manufacturers make better products,” said Wolko.
She also told me that the manufacturers she has been in contact with are open to discussing and learning about test results so they can design a better engineered product for the market. No doubt this testing carried out by the Center for Pet Safety will take a long time to make an impact on future pet safety restraint products and laws. Nothing changes quickly in the legislative realm.
So what should responsible pet parents do until all this testing is completed and actually results in changes to manufacturing of pet safety devices? That’s a question that can only be answered by each individual using some good, old-fashioned common sense.
Any pet parent who drives their dog to their veterinarian for a health check up knows how distracting it is to be driving with Fido fumbling to get on your lap or licking your ear. Distractions aside, what happens when — God forbid – you get into a collision with another vehicle? Fido just became a projectile potentially causing harm to him and the human occupants.
Lindsey A. Wolko, Founder, Center for Pet Safety, had a similar experience in 2004. She was driving with her English cocker spaniel, Maggie — secured in her harness attached to a seatbelt in the back seat — when she suddenly needed to break and swerve in order to avoid a collision. The accident was avoided but Maggie sustained injuries to her spine and hip. The harness, in essence, hog-tied the dog from the force of suddenly applying the brakes.
Center for Pet Safety is Born
Wolko had long worked in the pet product industry and the experience with Maggie made her want to evaluate the efficacy of pet “safety” products. She researched the products and found there are no regulations mandating safety testing for pet restraints.
The experience with Maggie and her subsequent inquiries into pet safety restraints led Wolko to form the Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit 501(c) 3 advocacy organization aimed at scientifically studying companion animal safety products.
Testing Results Thus Far
In 2011, the Center for Pet Safety tested four harnesses via an independent testing laboratory. The same motor vehicle safety standards were applied as are used in testing child safety car seats. A 55 pound test dog — NO live animals are used in testing — was developed because the average size dog in the U.S. is 55 pounds and up. The results were devastating.
Simulating a 30 mile per hour collision, all four harnesses failed! The first one provided too much slack and the test dog was sent crashing into the back of the front seat. The next two harnesses broke and turned the test dog into a projectile. But the fourth was the most surprising. The harness slid up to the test dog’s neck upon impact. “I don’t think that there’s any doubt that those dogs would have been severely injured, if not fatally injured” said Wolko in a Today Show video.
Laws Addressing Pet Safety in Automobiles
There was a large hullaballoo last year in New Jersey over the proposed Dog Seat Belt Law calling for fines of $250 up to $1,000 and a charge of animal cruelty. Legislators proposed it because they felt it makes the canine safer while driving in a car. Governor Chris Christie said “It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of in my life” and vowed to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk for signature.
Other states have laws addressing pet safety in vehicles. In Hawaii, a driver is forbidden to hold a pet on their lap while driving. The distracted driving law can be used for people driving with animals on their laps in Arizona, Maine and Connecticut.
California, Massachusetts, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island require dogs to be caged or tethered in a vehicle. New Hampshire requires it for dogs but ironically people are not required by law to use seat belts.
The thing to understand here is currently pet safety restraints are not required by law to be scientifically tested. Doggy seat belts do prevent driver distraction, so manufacturers who make and sell them are not actually lying about their product. It is safer not to experience distraction while driving. But, it gives pet parents a false sense of security about their dog if a collision does occur.
What to Do?
In a phone interview with Wolko, she advises anyone with a pet who drives him or her in their car to carefully research the pet safety restraint before purchasing it. Yes, a few manufacturers spend the time and money on scientific research but the vast majority do not. When asked about laws mandating doggy seat belts, “I question the appropriateness to mandate the use of a product that has no proven track record,” she said.
Wolko said the Center for Pet Safety will continue to do independently funded crash testing of companion animal safety devises. The information learned will be shared with manufacturers and legislators in an attempt to improve pet safety products to consumers. “We want to help manufacturers make better products,” said Wolko.
She also told me that the manufacturers she has been in contact with are open to discussing and learning about test results so they can design a better engineered product for the market. No doubt this testing carried out by the Center for Pet Safety will take a long time to make an impact on future pet safety restraint products and laws. Nothing changes quickly in the legislative realm.
So what should responsible pet parents do until all this testing is completed and actually results in changes to manufacturing of pet safety devices? That’s a question that can only be answered by each individual using some good, old-fashioned common sense.
Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/are-doggy-seat-belts-really-safe-for-your-pet.html#ixzz2OsO6Rksy
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