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We begin with hot animal news including gorillas have tested positive for coronavirus at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, aflatoxin tainted pet food outbreak sickens and kills many pets, a nearly intact extinct woolly rhino carcass has been unearthed, and more.
Lori goes on to update us on the problem of seriously overweight and obese dogs and cats. Recent data from Association for Pet Obesity Prevention said 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were overweight or obese. Guardians have a number of tools and methods to trim down their pets, but it takes persistence! Some of these include
prescription foods, increasing exercise and social stimulation, using food puzzles for meals, watching portion sizes carefully, minimizing treats, etc.
Lori continues with a special feature about the history and recovery of the majestic American Bison.
Next is news about the Department of Transportation’s decision to ban emotional support animals from airliners. Also new is that for registered service animals, only dogs will be permitted to fly. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities such as visual impairment, mobility limitations or a propensity to have seizures. Emotional support animals provide companionship, alleviate anxiety, etc., but do not have special training to assist their owners with specific disabilities.
Many passengers and industry officials have voiced opposition to the growing numbers of emotional service animals of various species that have been permitted to fly, which can impinge upon the rights of other passengers. Biting incidents and untimely elimination requiring clean-ups happen too often. And false claims of pets as emotional service animals seem to be common.
Lori also raises concerns about a likely consequence of this change, increased numbers of people having their animals fly with cargo, and she gives examples to show how this is very risky to the health and well-being of the animals. Also, in 2018, Delta banned pit bull type dogs from their flights, even if registered service animals, and gives no indication of changing this policy. Lori explains the many problems with breed discrimination.
Lori concludes with “tails” of famous Hollywood dogs including Rin Tin Tin, Toto from The Wizard of Oz (real name, Terry) and Lassie, (real name, Pal), Petey from Our Gang (real name, Pal the Wonder Dog) and more!
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