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Animal Advocacy - Welfare - Activism

Animal advocacy comes in many forms, from the Animal Rights groups to the more middle of the road Animal Welfare advocates. The methods of these groups and individuals within the groups may differ, but the common thread is love of animals as well as acting and speaking out for their welfare.
I Buy Strays dot com
When a friend sent me a link to the I Buy Strays site (which you won't see on my site), my initial reaction was (as intended) horror, disgust, and sorrow that irresponsible readers might willingly sell their unwanted cats to this villain. The entire site appears to be a sleazy appeal to all those tendencies I personally loathe in irresponsible pet owners: the willingness to dump their cats and dogs like used furniture at the first sign of disillusionment with their "cuteness.
Top Cat Stories of 2007
The year 2007 has inarguably been an important one for cats. News involving cats has ranged from devastating (the 2007 tainted pet food deaths) to heartwarming (long-distance adoption of a shelter cat), to scientifically exciting. These are my selections of the most important news involving cats. Please feel free to share your own choices in the comments section.
Cat Collectors
Cat collectors often do a disservice to the very cats they profess to love when their good intentions get out of hand. Even legitimate animal rescuers are sometimes at risk, when illness or financial hard times enters the picture.
Reasons to Adopt an Older Cat
During kitten season, the ongoing cat overpopulation problems become increasingly severe. Hundreds of thousands of kittens end up in shelters, which are already overcrowded. Many of the kittens find homes, at the expense of older cats who have been waiting in vain. Read these reasons why to consider adopting an older cat in this illustrated article, and why to spay and neuter your cats.
Pets are Property?
While cats and dogs are considered beloved family members in homes all over the world, the law takes a different view by generally regarding pets as property.
Bill Would Outlaw Sale of Cloned or Genetically Altered Cats in CA
An Associated Press article disclosed that a bill has been introduced into the California Legislature by Democrat Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, of Van Nuys, which would outlaw the sale of cats cloned or otherwise developed by "genetic tapering." This bill will undoubtedly be watched with interest as animal advocate groups gear up to support it.
First Commercially Cloned Cat Sold
Since the development in 2002 by Genetic Savings and Clone, Inc., of the first cloned cat, Copy Cat, the issue of cloning cats has become a topic for ethical debate. Now that the first commercially cloned kitten has been sold, the debate is heating up. Learn more about the history of cat cloning, and where it might go from here.
Home 4 the Holidays - Press Release
Press release of Home 4 the Holidays, an annual adoption program started by Helen Woodward Animal Center and sponsored by Iams, PetFinder.org and Petco.
ARF - Animal Rescue Foundation: Photo Tour
Join me for a photo tour of Tony LaRussa's ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), a state-of-the-art no-kill shelter for cats and dogs, located in Walnut Creek California.
Profile: Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary
Founded on a dream, managed with sound principles, by selfless volunteers, and a dedicated board of trustees, Tabby's Place is truly the epitome of a cat sanctuary. One of my biggest pleasures is the monthly update on the special needs cats I sponsor. I highly recommend the experience.
Cats - The Costs of Responsible Ownership
Being a responsible owner of a cat comes with certain financial obligations. If you are not prepared to meet these costs, it is better to not adopt a cat at all. Irresponsibility carries its own costs, in terms of sacrifices to a cat's health and well-being, along with the potential heartbreak of the loss of the cat.
Community Corner - Guest Writers Forum - Pieces by Jim Willis
Jim Willis is a prolific writer and animal advocate, whose essays have been a source of inspiration to thousands of rescue workers, including the selfless souls who work in "kill shelters." He has generously shared writings from his recent book, " Pieces of my Heart - Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature," and it is only fitting that he have his own index on this site.
Help Stop the Inhumane Killing!
This writer is sickened by the various inhumane methods used across the U.S. in many "shelters," and is advocating for a national law, which he is promoting in the Killing with Kindness campaign, which he jointly founded.
What's Wrong with Owning Pet Cats?
"Owner" or "Guardian?" "Pet" or "Companion Animal?" In an effort to be politically correct, for several years now I have struggled with using these terms, but I am here today to say, "Enough is enough!"
Robert Goulet Sings The Praises Of His Feline Court
Famed singer Robert Goulet is so crazy about his cats that he takes them with him on tours.
Save the Jaguar - Jaguar Conservation
Follow the Wildlife Conservation Association's efforts to save the Jaguar, by tracking and protecting its habitat in Mexico and Central America.
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