Dr Max on leashes and collars

Hi there,
Dr. Max here, your local docologist.  If you want information about me then please scroll to the bottom of the page.

I thought we needed to take a look at harnesses, collars, and leashes.  We will focus on harnesses today so let's take a look at what would be the best for your dog and what should never be used.

Please bear in mind that there is no promotion payment for these suggestions.  The information is based on my research and experience.  You may have heard that I have some behavioral issues but that just adds to my experience.

Harnesses:

A Soft Harness



Pro is that it is comfortable; the con is that it stretches.  If you use this on a big dog please be careful if the dog pulls because it will be harder for you to control the dog and this harness will stretch out in no time.  This would do well with seniors but not a vibrant one like me.





No Pull Dog Harness, Reflective Vest Harness with 2 Leash Attachments and Easy Control Handle for Small and Medium Large Dogs

Pro is that this gives super control and because of the handle, you can pick up your dog very easily.  I see many humans who cannot control their dogs and should consider this.  Con is it does not look that comfortable and might be too hot in the summer.  There is no way in hell I would wear this but I see that it can be useful.







Pet Training, Soft, Adjustable, Reflective Vest Padded/Puppy Harness

Pro is that this is a good way to get your puppy started in that this is a comfortable harness that is reflective and designed for the smaller dog as well as a puppy.  Please train your puppy early because the price is doable.  PetSmart and Petco have affordable trainers and you would be doing this in a group that is more cost-effective.  Also, this is a step-in harness and I prefer that myself.  Con is that it is still a bit much for some dogs who prefer less restraint like myself.


 

Halti Dog Harness
 
Pro is that there is very little harness so the dog does not feel constrained and it is great for summer.  The lead goes on the front to prevent your pooch from pulling.  The dog can't turn left or right.  Con and this is a big one if the dog is light like me when he stands and pulls he can spin around on his side on the sidewalk and get hurt.  Mama made me wear this for a long time and I did not appreciate it.  Lesson learned.





Front Clip, Training Running, Walking, Hiking, All-Day Wear

This is for the more outdoor dog and I will put myself in that category.

Pro is that this is very padded and comfortable.  I think I would wear this because when you are out in the woods it is important that your Mama has control. There are 2 leash attachments, 4 points of adjustment, and easy to see in the day or night.  Con is that I have not tried this yet myself but it looks pretty cool.





Tactical Service Dog Vest Harness
For the working dog, it is important that humans are aware that the dog is there to help you and not to be petted or bothered in any way,  Pro is that this is clearly a working dog vest that denotes a seriousness that is necessary.  The vest is water-resistant and pouches can be attached for supplies  Con is that it does not look that comfortable but that is probably because I am so delicate.


 



No Pull Dog Harness Basic Nylen Step In Puppy Vest for Outdoor Walking

Well, this is the one that I have and I tolerate it very well.  There are times that I don't want to wear it but then Mama promises me a chicken treat and I will do anything for that.  Pro is that this is the least amount harness you can get.  The leash attaches to the top through 2 hooks so easy to put on.  It is step-in with a plastic clip closure on top that is easy to use because you have to be fast on and off with me.  I have no tolerance for screwing around.  This is high-quality nylon and does not stretch.  Con is when I resist while walking and Mama pulls then the harness can come off.  Mama tries to remain calm but I know she is upset.  I don't run away but I might if I see a squirrel or that stupid Doberman in 5800.


Dog Life Harness, Full Body Support and Sling, Pet Rehabilitation Lift Vest for Senior, Disabled Dogs, Joint Injuries, Arthritis, Paralysis Dogs Walk

This is important because there comes a time when your pooch needs your help.  Pro is that this harness helps with going up and down stairs or in and out of cars.  Mama just picks me up and throws me in.  Literally throws.  There is full-body support here.
The Con is that this is needed at all.



There are many more harnesses but you get the drift.  Please do your research and don't just assume that your dog is a good fit with any old harness.  You are better than that and so is your dog.

Stay tuned for leashes and collars.

Vote Blue in November if you love your dog.

Dr Max, dogcologist


Animal Alliance of NYC
http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/initiatives/crisis/index.htm

Humane Society
https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/SPageS  

ASPCA
https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-p2?ms

About Me:  
Profile:  Dr. Max is a 12-year-old Shih Tzu living in Riverdale, NYC.  He lives with his Mama Ita Dowler.

Qualifications:

Ph.Do., PUNY (Pooch University of NY)
MA in Psychology, Mutger's University, NJ
BS, Poundstone College, NJ.





 

Dr Max on Climate Change

Hi there Dr. Max here,

 It has been a Long time since I wrote this blog. I need Mama to help me hit the keys cause my paws are too big and she has been neglecting my work.  That’s right she just blew me off and I know you can relate. This difference between species does become problematic when your human thinks they have to do other things rather than pay attention to your needs.  
I am writing this blog in order to address a crisis that needs our absolute attention because we animals are dependent on humans. 

Climate Change (global warming)
This has been a disaster for any animal that has to be outside and it has impacted indoor ones as well but for different reasons.
In the summer, I cannot breathe in hot weather because of my short snout and this summer was brutal plus all that dang rain. I hate the rain because it gets my beautiful coat all wet and my feet get muddy. In the hot weather, the ground becomes too hot and I get very lethargic because of the poor air quality.  I spend most of my time bored in air conditioning and I am one of the lucky ones.
Because of hurricanes, many animals were displaced so the Humane Society and other shelters were overrun with animals. Please donate money to them because they need to increase their staff and supplies. Due to fires in California, there were many animals that were injured and were also displaced. Again, the Humane Society and local shelters stepped in to rescue the horses, deer, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles and whatever creatures were stranded.
Blizzards have hit hard and animals have been stranded and also left outdoors by uncaring humans. We do depend on humans and that is very sad because you can be so cruel and so dense when it comes to caring for the planet that we all share.  You have overbuilt with your shopping malls and houses so that deer, bears, and coyotes have no place to go so they end up encroaching on human land and then get shot.  Guess what?  That land was theirs first. 
My buddies and I are asking you to please stop destroying the planet. We are helpless to do anything but watch you selfishly utilize products that harm all of us. I was just reading that planes and trucks contribute to most of the air pollution so that has to be addressed.  Please be diligent in changing your bad habits and help us all to live a quality life.



Dr Max, dogcologist

Animal Alliance of NYC
http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/initiatives/crisis/index.htm
Humane Society 
https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/SPageS
ASPCA
https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-p2?ms

About Me:
Profile:  Dr. Max is an 11-year-old Shih Tzu living in Riverdale, NYC.

Qualifications:
Ph.Do., PUNY (Pooch University of NY)
MA in Psychology, Mutger's University, NJ
BS, Poundstone College, NJ.







Dr. Max says there is Good Human Food for Dogs

Hi, Dr. Max here.  I want to let you know about all the good human food you can give to your dog.

You can let your dog enjoy these options knowing that they are good for them as well.   Mama feeds me some of these and she says she is delighted to see more choices for me.

Let's remember that moderation is essential and that humans have to consider sugar and fiber when feeding human food to your canine family.  It is a good idea to check with your vet on what your pooch can eat.

FRUIT

I like the following:
Blueberries - filled with antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals.
Strawberries - good Vitamin C and fiber but have a lot of sugar.
Apples - Vitamins A and C plus fiber.  Never give a dog a full
     apple because the seeds are toxic.
Pears - Copper, Vitamins C, K, and fiber.  No core for your pooch
     because of the toxic seeds.
Pineapples - Had this for the first time today and it is delish. It
     was still a little frozen.  Yum.  This has vitamins, minerals,
     and fiber as well as bromelain.
Watermelon - I love this.  This contains Vitamins A, B6, and C as
     well as potassium.  Please make sure there are no seeds.
I have never had the following:
Peaches - Vitamin A and fiber.  The pit contains cyanide so be
     careful.
Raspberries - Vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants and low in sugar.
     These do contain small amounts of xylitol, and that is toxic
      to dogs so limit to a cup for small dogs.
Mangos - Vitamins A, B6, C and E, potassium, beta-carotene, and
     alpha-carotene.  Watch the seeds and pits, so your dog does
     not eat them.
I don't like the following:
Bananas - potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper.  I do
     like bananas in doggy frozen yogurt with peanut butter.

VEGETABLES

I like the following.
Carrots - High in fiber and beta-carotene and raw they help to
     clean the dog's teeth.  I only eat these cooked.
Broccoli - In moderation to prevent gas.  High in fiber and
     Vitamin C.
I don't like the following:
Celery - Vitamins A, B, and C support cancer prevention.  Make
     sure to cut into small pieces.
Potatoes - cooked and plain with no milk, butter, spices or salt.
Extra iron.
Sweet potatoes - Fiber, beta-carotene, and Vitamins B6 and C.
     Also cooked plain.
Green beans - Bite-sized, cooked or frozen make great treats.
     Vitamins K, C, and manganese.
Pumpkin - Canned or fresh.  (not canned pumpkin pie filling)
     Beta-carotene and fiber.
Spinach - Mama hates cooked spinach.  Iron and nutrients
     that support heart health and fend off cancer.  Stick to small
     portions because of high iron content.  Steamed is easier on
    the tummy.
Brussel Sprouts - Mama hates these too.  Vitamins A, B1, B6, K
     and C,  manganese, folate, fiber, and potassium.  Steamed
     only.
Cucumbers -Vitamins K, C, and B1, and potassium, copper,
     magnesium, and biotin.  Good for weight management.

Max Dowler, Ph.Do, Dogcologist
Ph.Do from PUNY, NY
 MA in Psychology, Mutger's University, NJ
 BS, Poundston College, NJ.

Follow me:

Twitter  @DrMaxDowler

www.riverdaletherapist.org

Twitter @ItaDowler
Instagram:  itadow

Telehealth:  https://vsee.com/s/59caf1879ed4a

https://www.facebook.com/ItaDowlerLCSWPsy.D 

itadow@gmail.com

©  Dr Max/Ita Dowler all rights reserved 7/8/2012

 

HOLIDAY HORRORS THAT IMPACT YOUR PET'S HEALTH.

 

 

 9 THINGS DOGS CANNOT EAT; 

 

3 PLANTS DOGS CANNOT TOLERATE;

 7 DECORATIONS TO BE MINDFUL OF.

DR. MAX SAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOUR PETS.  PLEASE BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WITH YOUR PETS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.  REMEMBER WE LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.

 

 

 

 

 

9 Foods that can be dangerous for your dog:

 (picture from Pinterest)

Turkey breast - high fat foods can lead to pancreatitis.

Sage - contains oils dangerous for your dog and can cause indigestion.

Nuts - Can a have a reaction within 12 hours=vomiting, inability to stand and tremors. Symptoms can either go away or lead to deadly shock.

Cooked bones - These can splinter inside your dog's digestive tract and cause major problems.

Nutmeg Using nutmeg in sweet potatoes and pumpkin can cause seizures if your dog consumes it alone or in these sides. It can lead to death in extreme cases.

Alcohol - Small amounts especially beer can cause life threatening toxicity. Hops in beer can cause elevated body temperature, racing heart, vomiting and sometimes death.

Chocolate, Dough and Batter - Small amounts of chocolate can harm them and dough can rise inside their bellies, which causes pain for your dog.Spare batter contains uncooked eggs, which are always a risk for Salmonella.

KEEPING PETS SAFE It is probably a good idea to keep them separated and stress free in a spare room or behind a gate. Cats, of course, can jump over a gate so do the best you can.  Do remember to pay some attention to them. They can have feelings of being overwhelmed or abandoned. 

3  Plants coming into your home that will have to be eliminated.

Mistletoe - especially berries

Holly - especially berries

Poinsettia - leaves, stem, leaves http://m.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/poisonous_plants.pdf

There are many things that lie around and can be dangerous for your pet. Please be vigilant in keeping these things away from them.

Christmas trees - keep your pet supervised around them.  

7 decorations to be mindful of:

Imitation snow - hazardous if ingested.

Preservatives on your tree - they can leach into the water in the bowl and your pet will drink that.

Edible ornaments - Too much sugar can cause a rush, glue used could be toxic, materials can be poisonous or hazardous.

Lit candles - Enough said.

Christmas lights - Keep the strands away from the bottom where a cat or dog can easily chew on the electric cords. Make sure the end of the extension cord is tucked away so your pet cannot get to it.

Angel Hair - Finely spun fiberglass used in vintage decorations but has since been taken off the market.  Don't use old decorations made from angel hair. Newer versions made from PVC can also cause health concerns.

Tinsel - The most dangerous holiday decoration for your pets. Just ingesting a few strands of tinsel by your pet is highly likely to make your pet ill and even create deadly effects of an intestinal obstruction.

 In memory of Molly's kitties.

Profile:  Dr. Max is an 10-year-old Shih Tzu living in Riverdale, NY.

Qualifications:  Ph.Do., PUNY (Pooch University of NY), MA in Psychology, Mutger's University, NJ; BS, Poundston College, NJ.

Follow me:

Twitter  @DrMaxDowler

www.riverdaletherapist.org

Twitter @ItaDowler

Telehealth:  https://vsee.com/s/59caf1879ed4a

Instagram:  itadow

https://www.facebook.com/ItaDowlerLCSWPsy.D

itadow@gmail.com

©  Dr Max/Ita Dowler all rights reserved 7/8/2012

 

 

 

8 SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET.

Dr. Max

I hope you are all enjoying your summer.  I am sure many of you have already traveled with your pet this summer, but I still wanted to give you some travel tips.

1.  Traveling by car with your pet:

It is better to have your cat in a safe carry case, and your dog harnessed and utilizing their pet-friendly seatbelt.  The harness attaches to a belt that should fit into the seat belt catch.  Truthfully, I don't use this because I am claustrophobic.
I can tolerate the harness and leash but draw the line at being locked into place. Since Mama got a new car, I like to ride shotgun. Each state requires their specific documentation for traveling with animals that may not be enforced, but make sure that you travel with up to date medical documentation.  A reminder that it may be against the law to drive with your pet in your lap.  Please do not let your dog hang out of the window because there are problems that can arise, e.g. dog gets something in his eye, etc.

2.  You can find pet-friendly hotels by googling "pet-friendly hotels."

Examples of the search are:

www.officialpethotels.com/Pets‎

http://hotels.petswelcome.com

I am not endorsing these but giving you some examples.

3.  When making a reservation, notify the hotel you are bringing your pet.
Also call ahead to remind the hotel that you are traveling with your pet.  Hotels can make a mistake in booking and you don't want to get stuck.  Hotels keep certain rooms for pets so keeping them informed is essential.  You will pay a pet fee, but you will usually get a kit that contains a bowl, treats, etc.  

4.  Separate travel insurance  This is a plan that covers me if I get separated from the car in an accident so I should have an emergency phone number attached to my collar.  If Mama becomes injured, the insurance covers travel expenses for me to be delivered to a contact person.   Mama called, and the insurance is still in effect, but she will have to make up her own notification with information on it. Good luck with that.  

5.  Grooming your dog.  The summer can be hard on all dogs and especially with climate change, there are more storms and consistently high temperatures.

When getting a short cut on your dog,  please make sure not to have the cut too close to the skin.  Dogs do get sunburned.  If this happens then you can use baby suntan lotion because the doggy lotion is too expensive.  

6.  Brachycephalic dogs are shorter-nosed, flat-faced dogs like me.  They have more of a difficult time breathing.  These dogs can be more susceptible to heat stroke, heart attacks, and dehydration.  A reminder that flying with this breed of dog can be problematic.  Please make sure to keep your dogs hydrated and this includes all breeds.  

7.  Flying with your pet:

Brachycephalic dogs are not allowed on many airlines because there have been deaths due to problems breathing.  

Check with the airlines before you fly with Rover, Kitty or Thumper.  You may find having your dog, cat or rabbit traveling in cargo is just not worth it.  Animals can get lost or mistreated creating casualties. 

Cats can usually fit into a carrier under the seat in front of you.  The cat may get a bit buggy so you may want to sedate it before take-off.

I have determined that only small dogs can fit into that space under the seat in front of you.  Another airline rule is that the dog should be able to stand in the case and turn around.  Prior to attaining knowledge of breathing problems with my breed, Mama measured my case, and it did not fit.   Also, you will have to pay a fee for your pet.

8.  Boating with your pet
It is a good idea to put a life jacket on your dog when boating.  Your pooch may choose an inconvenient time to jump or fall of your boat.  Do remember to keep the dog in the shade and if needed put the baby suntan lotion on and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

I have not traveled too much lately but did enjoy my road trips to Florida,  North Carolina, and Massachusetts.   I look forward to more road trips and will pass on any new tips that come up.  Please get back to me about anything I may have missed here.

Profile:  
Dr. Max is a 10-year-old Shih Tzu.  He lives in Riverdale, NY. He was born in Bayone, NJ and adopted at age 2 1/2.

Education:  Ph.Do. in Dogcology,  PUNY, (Pooch University of NY).  MA in Psychology,  Mutger's University, Bayone, NJ.  BS in Animal Behavior from Poundston College, NJ. 

Mission Statement:  To educate and bring to light issues that effect all animals but in particular, dogs.   

Don't forget to check out Mama's website:  www.psychotherapybyita.com or
www.riverdaletherapist.org.  She is also on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

4 MYTHS ABOUT DOG BEHAVIORS.
I wanted to use this platform to inform humans about dog behaviors and the myths associated with them.    #shihtzu #victoriastillwell #ceasorsway #guidingeyesfortheblind #aspca #furbaby #iHeartShihTzus #lifewithShihTzus #boy

A) Tail wagging.  

When I am pissed off, or as Mama says, hyperaroused, my tail will be wagging.  Humans will continue to let their dopey dogs near me and I will be ready to attack while my tail is wagging. Yes, humans, I will attack while my tail is wagging.  It happened one time with a vet. She was shocked, but later Mama said the vet was somewhat stupid.

Dogs communicate in many ways which include their tails. Since we come in all kinds of breeds, you will have to make a judgment based on that particular breed regarding the dog's intentions. Speed, height, and placement will give you the intended message. Since I have a gorgeous tail that looks fantastic when it is up I tend to keep it there when I strut my stuff.  Mark my words that when I am going to attack that tail is vibrating.

 

The following are doggy behavioral intentions related to their tail wag:

 

"Hello there."  I have a slight wag with a slow breadth.

"I am not challenging or threatening you, or I am pleased."  If I have a full wag and, especially if the hips sway with it, then this is friendly.

"You bitch."  If I display tiny, high-speed movements of my tail that look like the tail is vibrating; this is aggressive. If I had my tail unusually high while vibrating, then I mean business. If my tail is lower, it could mean "I'm gonna run."

"You are going to give me chicken sausages."  The tail wags more to the right side of my butt because I am really pleased.

"Don't you look at me like that." The tail wags more to the left of my butt because I am feeling aggressive.

"I am scared" or "ok you are the boss.". My tail is tucked between the legs. 

 "Mama I don't feel good." My tail is downward near towards the legs can mean I don't feel good or I am depressed. Yes, we get depressed.

"Look out humans and dogs I am strutting my stuff." My tail is carried up and slightly curved over my back displaying confidence.

"Ok,  I"m chill."  When my tail is carried lower in the horizontal position but not near the legs it means I am relaxed.

"Give me that.". My mama is eating, and I sit next to her.  I then use my paw to push her arm closer to my mouth while wagging my tail in a medium wave. Since I am sitting, I am never sure what the height of my tail is.

B) Staring.

Dogs staring at you is another way we are communicating with you. When I stare at Mama it can mean I love you, feed me, I am confused, or what's up? I will stare when I want attention. Sometimes we are trying to figure out what you want from us. When I am confused in training,  I will stare while waiting for the next command.  If I stare combined with a stiff body, then that stare likely means I am going to attack.  Sometimes, we just can't figure out what the hell you are doing.

 C) Yawning.

Mama came home from a conference stating that "when dogs yawn they are always aggressive" so she stared at me for months. She finally said, "nope sometimes you are just tired."

D) Chewing.

For years Mama has criticized my eating habits. When I would swallow whole, she would say "this is not holy communion you have to chew."  Now she understands that a dog's digestive system is different than a human one and we can digest whole items without chewing them. Of course,  the item has to be able to be swallowed without the dog choking.

A dog's esophagus can increase and expand five times its size to swallow food as well as letting large pieces pass through without any trouble. We don't need to chew food plus our strong stomach acid can handle it.

Sometimes I throw up when I have eaten too fast, and Mama never criticizes me. She just cleans it up and says it is okay.

I think that is enough for now. Please check back in for more myths about doggie behavior.

Since I will be running for president in 2020,  I am beginning to think of whom I should have in my cabinet?  If you have any ideas please leave them in the comments below.

This is how you manage your human on a walk.  Resist until you get a treat.

Profile:  Dr. Max is a 9-year-old Shih Tzu.  He lives in Riverdale, NY. 

Education:  Ph.Do. in Dogcology,  PUNY, (Pooch University of NY).  MA in Psychology,  Mutger's University, Bayone, NJ.  BS in Animal Behavior from Poundston College, NJ.  

Mission Statement:  To educate and bring to light issues that affect all animals but in particular, dogs.   

Don't forget to check out Mama's website:  psychotherapybyita.com or
riverdaletherapist.org.  She is also on twitter, pinterest and instagram.

 

Profile:  Dr. Max is a 9-year-old Shih Tzu living in Riverdale, NY.

Qualifications:  Ph.Do., PUNY (Pooch University of NY), MA in Psychology, Mutger's University, NJ; BS, Poundston College, NJ.

Mission statement:  To educate and bring to light issues that affect all animals but in                                                           particular dogs.  

Hi everyone.  Dr. Max here.  I wanted to talk to you about my future plans and bring you up to date on legisalation affecting animals.  I have changed my tone here in that this blog is very serious but the topic cannot be light.  

With the political climate that we find ourselves in, I am concerned about the rights of animals in the United States of America.  Therefore, I am considering running for president in 2020 but will wait to see how things go regarding the rights of animals.  

It is important that the law recognizes legal rights of animals.  After all, animals are put down if they attack humans so isn’t fair that humans be held responsible for cruelty to animals?

I think it is time, that we look to Canada and their legislation to protect animals.  

Quebec welcomed pets into the circle of “sentient” beings by granting them many of the same rights as children in the eyes of the law. The legislation, hailed as the “Animals are Not Things Manifesto“ lifts the legal status of particular animals from small property, i.e. inanimate objects like toaster ovens and iPhones that can be manipulated any which way, to sensitive, emotional beings that require nurturing and respect.

Quebec’s new regulations addressed the psychological care of dogs, cats, horses and certain wild animals, requiring that each animal is given constant stimulation, socialization, and environmental enrichments. Any actions or activities that expose an animal to extreme anxiety or suffering are subject to legal consequences.

Animals have biological needs, said Agriculture Minister Pierre Paradis, whose legislation includes fines of up to $250,000 for those who are cruel to animals as well as jail time for repeat offenders.  http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-bill-calls-animals-sentient-beings-and-includes-jail-time-for-cruelty-1.3102399   6/5/2015

Before passing this law, Quebec had a bad reputation regarding animal abuse, but they stepped up.

Canada is showing itself to be a progressive country both ethically and empatheticly.  I told Mama we should consider moving there.  

In 2014, France changed the definition of pets from “movable goods” to “living beings capable of feelings”.  In France, dogs are allowed into restaurants.  I have been to outdoor restaurants in America, and I have been very well behaved.  

Now is the time for America to rewrite its own legislation regarding animal welfare. Collectively you can lift dogs into the realm of beloved family members where they ultimately belong.  The mandatory sentence for the felony charge of animal abuse is 2 years in the USA.

If humans have bonded with dogs and they have become so intertwined in our lives then how can we be considered property?  We guard human property as well as our people.  We will give our lives to protect our humans. We are not property - we are family.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that animal abuse will be prosecuted as a crime against society and under the new categorization they will begin tracking and collecting information about incidents of animal cruelty and the perpetrators.

Read more at http://dogtime.com/reference/dog-laws/21735-fbi-makes-animal-abuse-a-crime-against-society#RC4hdlLmLMq7Rvid.99     

According to the FBI, the official definition of animal cruelty will be:

Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly taking an action that mistreats or kills any animal without just cause, such as torturing, tormenting, mutilation, maiming, poisoning, or abandonment. Included are instances of duty to provide care, e.g., shelter, food, water, care if sick or injured, transporting or confining an animal in a manner likely to cause injury or death.  Also, causing an animal to fight with another; inflicting excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering, e.g., uses objects to beat or injure an animal. This definition does not include proper maintenance of animals for show or sport; use of animals for food, lawful hunting, fishing or trapping.

This new FBI categorization is intended to improve the way crimes against animals are tracked nationwide and could help bolster state animal cruelty laws across the United States. All 50 states now have felony animal cruelty provisions. On March 14, 2014, South Dakota became the final state to enact a felony provision for animal cruelty. The new FBI categorization is significant because it affirms that at the highest level of our government animal cruelty is recognized as a violent crime. As a civilized society, our opposition to all forms of animal cruelty must be unwavering.

There’s a national consensus that animal abuse should indeed be treated as a serious crime. Now animal cruelty will be a Group A felony. The new classification will make it easier to get harsher sentences and to identify young offenders. Because cases of animal cruelty, including animal neglect, will now be included in the FBI Uniform Crime Report law enforcement agencies have more incentive to pay attention to any incidents, and statistics on these types of crime will be more accurate and detailed. It will take some time to update FBI and law enforcement databases nationwide, so no data will be collected until January 2016, and then it’s projected to be several more months before there are numbers to analyze. (This was written in 2015).

Read more at http://dogtime.com/reference/dog-laws/21735-fbi-makes-animal-abuse-a-crime-against-society#RC4hdlLmLMq7Rvid.99

Vicki Clinebell  

**At this time I have no information regarding the FBI database for humans abusing animals.

Let’s not forget that sociopaths start their training by hurting/killing animals.  Early intervention and recognition of these perpetrators can help to identify potential criminals.  

This sounds very "Minority Reports"  but I believe it is still helpful.

Don't forget to check out Mama's website because she has blogs on there that you may find interesting.  She doesn't write about treats or chicken sausages so I don't find them too compelling.  www.psychotherapybyita.com