Animals

by Rebecca Palsha Friday, February 12, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- It's a question that could have a huge impact on the local economy, and the survival of an endangered species: Should more than 3,000 square miles of Cook Inlet be designated as critical habitat for beluga whales? The issue has businesses and environmentalists on edge, with all sides coming out Friday evening at the Loussac Library during the final night of public testimony. Tonight was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's final night for public testimony about the issue, on which a decision won't be reached until next year.

Rep. Bob Lynn (R-Anchorage) was recently selected as one of the Humane Society’s 2010 State Legislators of the Year. The House State Affairs Committee Chair is one of only 31 recipients in the nation and the only award winner from Alaska. He was chosen for his work on the so-called “bestiality bill” which outlaws sexual acts with animals. But Lynn says his primary goal was to protect children from pet abusers, who often target vulnerable humans as well. Q: Congratulations on the award.

An Iditarod musher is fighting to save the life of one of his sled dogs, after it attacked and seriously injured a 2-year-old girl Friday. The incident happened at Apex Kennels, the Big Lake dog yard belonging to musher Jake Berkowitz. According to Alaska State Troopers, the dog attacked the toddler, Elin Shuck, until the girl's mother was able to pull it away. Shuck was taken to Providence Hospital for treatment of injuries to her neck and jugular vein. On Thursday, the Shuck family's attorney declined to comment on the incident.

by Rebecca Palsha Wednesday, February 03, 2010 HOUSTON, Alaska -- Public outcry over the shooting of animals in Houston might lead to a change in policy on how to deal with an overcrowding shelter. A Houston city police officer shot and killed eight animals at the local animal shelter Tuesday. Officials say the animals were shot instead of euthanized because of a lack of money. Sgt. Charlie Seidl is a police officer whose duties go beyond protecting the streets of Houston.

An Anchorage animal shelter is asking for donated supplies from the public after taking in more than 100 new cats, dogs and parakeets over the weekend from two animal-cruelty cases Saturday. Brooke Taylor with the Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center says an Eagle River case produced 39 dogs including many Chihuahuas and more than 40 parakeets, all of which the center is providing care for. Lester Mendez, 46, and Daniel Hoffman, 50, were each arrested on two counts of animal cruelty after police found dog feces throughout their home, which city officials have forbidden anyone to live in. In the second case, APD spokesperson Anita Shell says a Salana-area man was cited for animal cruelty when 22 cats were discovered without food, water or bedding in four crates inside a broken car on the 6300 block of Nielson Way. Shell says 58-year-old James Hershberger, who was living in a nearby Conex-style building with a dog and a space heater, told officers he would start up the car in the evening and let it warm up, then shut it down overnight.  He also used a space heater at times, and put a down sleeping bag in the vehicle.    "I have to take the heater out at night because if they run around with the heater in there, they will knock it over and burn up the car or they could get electrocuted," Hershberger said during a phone interview.

A woman charged with mistreating dozens of animals has been convicted on 32 counts. Police say 54-year-old Deborah Allen was charged with a total of 33 counts of animal cruelty in October of last year after finding 23 cats, eight dogs and a bird at Allen's home. Thirty-two counts were for each animal found at her home and another count was for the animals still at her Chateau Pampered Purr Shelter. Officials say the living situation for all the animals was unhealthy.

Anchorage Animal Care and Control plans to remove dozens of animals from an Anchorage woman's home and animal shelter this weekend. A judge ordered Deborah Allen to turn over all of her animals after she was found guilty of animal cruelty. At least 50 cats are waiting to be removed from Allen's home -- more than Animal Control can usually take on at once. Several shelters have stepped forward to help adopt out the animals, but even with the extra help, 50 cats and a handful of dogs is a lot to handle.

by Rhonda McBride Monday, February 15, 2010 Editor's Note: This story contains explicit content and is not appropriate for children.    ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Some lawmakers say Alaska has a problem that needs to be addressed, not just to protect animals from sexual violence, but to protect people as well.  Rachel Dzuiba has worked as a veterinarian in Alaska for eight years.  She says the sexual abuse of animals is rare, but the Gastineau Humane Society in Juneau does occasionally see some cases because it also provides animal control services, which most shelters do not.   But Dzuiba has seen the problem elsewhere, and will never forget a female dog taken to a colleague in Fairbanks, bleeding from severe internal injuries.

Animals lovers, including state legislators and Anchorage municipality assembly members, gathered Sunday, January 6, 2013, to discuss animal advocacy. The three-hour meeting was organized by the Anchorage Animal Control Advisory Board to review upcoming and past laws regarding animals. Organizers said it was also a way for people who care about animals to connect. Attendance at the workshop included local pet sitters, pet owners, and people interested in volunteering with animal groups.

by Ashton Goodell Friday, July 30, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Alaska Zoo is a halfway house for many injured and orphaned animals that will move to new dens and habitats across the country. But before they get there they have to get better, which is why the zoo is opening a new animal clinic next month. Drawing out a wild animal is no easy task, but it seems some simple things learned in childhood work better than expected. An orphaned deer strangely mimics visitors Karla Nash and Marlene Myers' deer call.