Cleaning Your Pet's Toys

Did you know that it's very important to clean your pet's toys, just like you'd clean your child's toys? Your pet's toys are carried primarily in their mouth, so it's important to clean and sanitize them periodically. We recommend disinfecting your NON-POROUS pet toys with a properly diluted bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing and airing out to remove any residue, would not be expected to cause harm to your pet. However, if you prefer to use an alternative without the potential for harsh fumes, you can try using hot water along with a mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn or Palmolive, to clean your pet's toys. Just remember, keep the toy AWAY from your pet until it's been properly rinsed and dried.

$1000 Fine for Pets Without Seat Belts

As part of New Jersey’s Click It or or Ticket campaign, drivers are getting a reminder about the potentially hefty fines they’ll face if they’re caught driving with an unrestrained pet.

Under New Jersey Statute 4:22-18, having an unrestrained pet in a vehicle is considered animal cruelty, and drivers who don’t have them restrained will be subject to fines that range from $250 to $1,000 and as much as six months in jail.

“That’s for each offense,” said Col. Frank Rizzo, police superintendent for the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “So, if you have more than one animal loose in your car, just do the math…”

The rationale behind the fines is safety, since officials believe that unrestrained animals can become a dangerous distraction and potentially cause an accident injuring drivers and themselves.

“What people come to realize only too late is that animals act like flying missiles in an impact and can not only hurt themselves but hurt their human family members, too,” said Rizzo.

While some states have laws to stop people from driving with pets in their laps or in the back of pickup trucks, New Jersey is the first to require restraints under an animal cruelty law. However, the statute in question is vague and doesn’t specifically say, or even imply, anything about restraints, only stating that animals should not be carried in a vehicle in a “cruel or inhumane manner.”

Incidentally, a ticket for a person not wearing a seat belt is only $46. In regards to distracted driving, the fine for texting while driving is only $100, although lawmakers are trying to double it.

Is just another intrusive money-making scheme for the state, or will it actually help keep pets safe? Do you drive with your pets restrained?

 

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/1000-fine-for-pets-without-seat-belts.html#ixzz1zZgTtYsJ

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

Did you know that lawn fertilizer can be toxic to your pet if consumed? If your dog likes to roll in the grass, dig holes, or lick their feet after coming inside, you should use caution when choosing your lawn fertilizer. Always read all packages carefully before purchasing, as most manufacturers have specific recommendations about how long your pets should remain off the grass after application. When possible, use products specifically labeled as "pet-safe", to lessen the danger.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Pets & Easter Lilies

Lilies are a popular Easter flower, but did you know that they can actually be toxic to your pet? Like the Christmas poinsettias, lilies can attract the attention of your pet, especially cats, and then have a toxic effect when ingested. Keep those Easter lilies far from your pet's reach this season, or look into artificial options. The art of artificial flowers have gotten so advanced that your guests won't be able to tell the difference...and your pet will be safe.

Pet of the Month for February 2012 is... Fatty!