Find out more at the web site International League for the Protection of Horses - Michigan.
Showing posts with label Farm Animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farm Animals. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Michigan Horse Rescue
Today's Detroit Free Press runs an interesting story about a horse rescue group in Dansville, Michigan: Dansville farm readies abused horses for caring homes. This group is "the only U.S. affiliate of the British International League for the Protection of Horses," according to the Freep.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Chicago Embarrases Itself; Overturns Ban on Foie Gras
The Chicago City Council has chosen to embarrass itself, ironically by saying that it was an embarrassment to have a two-year city-wide ban on pate de foie gras (fatty - diseased - duck liver). Looks like I made a mistake by thinking that Chicago was a progressive-minded city and on the forefront of a fight against animal cruelty.
Want to see how the foie gras gets to your plate? Click on this link to YouTube - it's one of the easier to watch videos. (Heavy metal pipes are shoved down the throat of a goose, as it is force fed directly to the stomach. This happens several times daily the last 2 - 3 weeks of a goose's life. It's akin to rape.)
You can also purchase a copy of the ABC Night Line program, from March 2007, at their online store. Or, check out the web site No Foie Gras.
Read the Diners Jourrnal blog post Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban at The New York Times.
Shame on Chicago, and shame on the Chicago City Council. They're in The Dog House for preferring to condone animal cruelty rather than risk embarrassment by foie gras consumers.
Want to see how the foie gras gets to your plate? Click on this link to YouTube - it's one of the easier to watch videos. (Heavy metal pipes are shoved down the throat of a goose, as it is force fed directly to the stomach. This happens several times daily the last 2 - 3 weeks of a goose's life. It's akin to rape.)
You can also purchase a copy of the ABC Night Line program, from March 2007, at their online store. Or, check out the web site No Foie Gras.
Read the Diners Jourrnal blog post Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban at The New York Times.
Shame on Chicago, and shame on the Chicago City Council. They're in The Dog House for preferring to condone animal cruelty rather than risk embarrassment by foie gras consumers.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Purina Recalls Horse Feed
Purina has just recalled horse feed; this is major. Read blogger pal Victoria's post Do you know about the feed recall? at her blog Teachings of the Horse.
Information can also be found at the Purina web site.
Information can also be found at the Purina web site.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Dog & Pet Rescue and Adoption: Detroit and Michigan Shelters & Rescue Groups
Looking to adopt a dog, cat, or any furry friend?
Then click one of these links, or one of the many more listed in Bastet's Pet Adoption Links in this blog's sidebar. While you're there, check out Bastet's Greyhound Adoption Links.
Links are updated frequently. See detroit dog's post of April 27, 2008, for a links listing of over 20 Michigan animal adoption/rescue groups at the 2008 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event. Or, click on the Adoption label in this blog's sidebar.
Then click one of these links, or one of the many more listed in Bastet's Pet Adoption Links in this blog's sidebar. While you're there, check out Bastet's Greyhound Adoption Links.
- Petfinder.com (type in your zip code anywhere in the U.S. and find animals in your area - cats, dogs, horses, rabbits - you name it
- Michigan Pet Shelters and Rescue Groups at Petfinder.com
- City of Detroit Animal Shelter
- Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society
- Michigan Humane Society (centers in Detroit, Westland, and Rochester; animals include hamsters, ducks, and the like)
- A True Blue Rescue (wonderful "foster to adopt" program: foster the dog for a short time to make sure that you are right for each other, if so, then adopt!)
Links are updated frequently. See detroit dog's post of April 27, 2008, for a links listing of over 20 Michigan animal adoption/rescue groups at the 2008 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event. Or, click on the Adoption label in this blog's sidebar.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Hallmark Meats: Abuse Video, Update, Recall, Contacts....
Note: For additional info and news links, see my January 30 post.
Lots of "Breaking News" this past weekend resulting from the Hallmark/Westland Meat expose, generated by a Humane Society video documenting routine unlawful practices including gratuitous animal abuse.
As you might have heard by now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn federal inspectors from Hallmark Meat Packing Company, provoking a company recall of over 140 million pounds of beef. The size of this recall is historic due both to the amount of beef and time frame for recall - going back 2 years. (Ugly to think that meat from 2 years ago is still around.)
FYI: The USDA will not approve for slaughter 'downed' cows, as it's indicative of the severe health problems of the cow, and the increased possibilities that the cow's meat will infect our food supplies with dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria, as well as a life-threatening brain encephalopathy.
Slaughterhouse Hallmark Meat Packing is the second largest supplier of beef to the National School Lunch Program, which also feed the needy and the elderly. [The company's Operations Manager is also President of Westland Meat Company, which is a buyer/distributor of meats from Hallmark.]
Programs affected: National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Here is contact information for the Michigan National School Lunch Program (as listed on the USDA "Food Distribution Programs" web page):
NSLP, State Processing Contact:
Cheryl A. Schubel, Acting Supervisor
Fiscal Management and Food Distribution Grants
Coordination and School Support
Michigan Department of Education
PO Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48909
Tel: (517) 241-2597
Fax: (517) 373-4022
Email: SchubelCA@michigan.gov
According to WDIV TV news, some of the Hallmark/Westland beef was distributed by public schools in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Portage, Michigan.
Check out the NBC Today Show story and see the Humane Society undercover video, which documents attempts to force sick and injured cattle to stand up - as required by law for inspection and approval for slaughter.
This is what I saw on the video:
NOT.
Slaughterhouse staff are required to notify the on-site USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for re-evaluation of a downed animal. The USDA is saying that Hallmark did not "consistently" contact their staff. My question is: if these Inspectors are on-site all day everyday, how could they possibly be ignorant of such appalling practices? Nice way for the USDA to let Hallmark be the fall-guy for their own inability to police.
Two Hallmark staffers seen on tape abusing the animals have been fired from their jobs and have been charged with felony and misdemeanor animal abuse.
How could Hallmark be unaware of their employees' behaviors for at least six weeks (during which the actions were videotaped)? Nice way for a business to shirk responsibility and let their employees be the fall-guy. Really, do you want to do business with a company that says it doesn't know what its employees are doing day in and day out? How can you not see cows being dragged behind vehicles or lifted with forklifts. Does someone yell Hey, the boss is coming! and suddenly everything seems normal?
Hallmark management staff is either incredibly stupid or incredibly malicious with their "save management, sacrifice the blue-collar worker" attitude. The senior staff should be charged with felonies - perhaps fraud and animal abuse.
detroit dog's thoughts: Hallmark's routine abuse is more than likely not the industry exception. Hallmark management should be held accountable for the actions of their employees. The good that's come of these terrible acts: millions are now aware of how their foods are processed, and how animals are treated prior to slaughter; people are rethinking the eating of meat (I know one person that's just become a vegetarian; detroit dog has been vegetarian since you were a pup); people are taking a closer look at government due diligence.
Contact info for Hallmark-Westland Meats:
Westland Meat Company, 13677 Yorba Ave., Chino, CA 91710
909-590-3340
Email is: info@westlandmeat.com
Website: www.westlandmeat.com
The following is lifted from Release No. 0048.08 at the USDA web site, where you can find other releases and information regarding the recall, including a statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, transcripts and audio of technical briefings, and a listing of all news releases and statements (titled USDA Actions).
Q. Why didn't FSIS personnel witness non-ambulatory animals being presented for slaughter?
Check the USDA FSIS web site for a listing of food "Open Federal Cases"; information is downloadable via PDF. Or, check out the Los Angeles Times list of recalled Hallmark /Westland beef products.
To read more about this historic recall and the human health perspective, read today's Washington Post article USDA Orders Largest Meat Recall in U.S. History.
Lots of "Breaking News" this past weekend resulting from the Hallmark/Westland Meat expose, generated by a Humane Society video documenting routine unlawful practices including gratuitous animal abuse.
As you might have heard by now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has withdrawn federal inspectors from Hallmark Meat Packing Company, provoking a company recall of over 140 million pounds of beef. The size of this recall is historic due both to the amount of beef and time frame for recall - going back 2 years. (Ugly to think that meat from 2 years ago is still around.)
FYI: The USDA will not approve for slaughter 'downed' cows, as it's indicative of the severe health problems of the cow, and the increased possibilities that the cow's meat will infect our food supplies with dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria, as well as a life-threatening brain encephalopathy.
Slaughterhouse Hallmark Meat Packing is the second largest supplier of beef to the National School Lunch Program, which also feed the needy and the elderly. [The company's Operations Manager is also President of Westland Meat Company, which is a buyer/distributor of meats from Hallmark.]
Programs affected: National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Here is contact information for the Michigan National School Lunch Program (as listed on the USDA "Food Distribution Programs" web page):
NSLP, State Processing Contact:
Cheryl A. Schubel, Acting Supervisor
Fiscal Management and Food Distribution Grants
Coordination and School Support
Michigan Department of Education
PO Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48909
Tel: (517) 241-2597
Fax: (517) 373-4022
Email: SchubelCA@michigan.gov
According to WDIV TV news, some of the Hallmark/Westland beef was distributed by public schools in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Portage, Michigan.
Check out the NBC Today Show story and see the Humane Society undercover video, which documents attempts to force sick and injured cattle to stand up - as required by law for inspection and approval for slaughter.
This is what I saw on the video:
- electric shocks to immobile cattle's rectums, heads, necks, and backs
- pushing/raising cows with forklift prongs
- rolling cows with the forklift's wheels
- slamming cows into the killbox with forklifts
- cows being kicked in the head, and hit in the head with the ends of poles
- high intensity water sprays shot up cows' nostrils ("veterinary water-boarding")
- cows dragged across the ground by their necks and legs with chains attached to vehicles
NOT.
Slaughterhouse staff are required to notify the on-site USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for re-evaluation of a downed animal. The USDA is saying that Hallmark did not "consistently" contact their staff. My question is: if these Inspectors are on-site all day everyday, how could they possibly be ignorant of such appalling practices? Nice way for the USDA to let Hallmark be the fall-guy for their own inability to police.
Two Hallmark staffers seen on tape abusing the animals have been fired from their jobs and have been charged with felony and misdemeanor animal abuse.
How could Hallmark be unaware of their employees' behaviors for at least six weeks (during which the actions were videotaped)? Nice way for a business to shirk responsibility and let their employees be the fall-guy. Really, do you want to do business with a company that says it doesn't know what its employees are doing day in and day out? How can you not see cows being dragged behind vehicles or lifted with forklifts. Does someone yell Hey, the boss is coming! and suddenly everything seems normal?
Hallmark management staff is either incredibly stupid or incredibly malicious with their "save management, sacrifice the blue-collar worker" attitude. The senior staff should be charged with felonies - perhaps fraud and animal abuse.
detroit dog's thoughts: Hallmark's routine abuse is more than likely not the industry exception. Hallmark management should be held accountable for the actions of their employees. The good that's come of these terrible acts: millions are now aware of how their foods are processed, and how animals are treated prior to slaughter; people are rethinking the eating of meat (I know one person that's just become a vegetarian; detroit dog has been vegetarian since you were a pup); people are taking a closer look at government due diligence.
Contact info for Hallmark-Westland Meats:
Westland Meat Company, 13677 Yorba Ave., Chino, CA 91710
909-590-3340
Email is: info@westlandmeat.com
Website: www.westlandmeat.com
The following is lifted from Release No. 0048.08 at the USDA web site, where you can find other releases and information regarding the recall, including a statement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, transcripts and audio of technical briefings, and a listing of all news releases and statements (titled USDA Actions).
Q. Why didn't FSIS personnel witness non-ambulatory animals being presented for slaughter?
A. FSIS inspection program personnel conduct ante-mortem inspection on all cattle on the same day of slaughter. If an animal becomes non-ambulatory before or at the time of being presented for slaughter, plant personnel are required to summon an FSIS Public Health Veterinarian to re-evaluate the animal.
If an animal becomes non-ambulatory after passing ante-mortem inspection, the Public Health Veterinarian may make a determination, on a case by case basis, that the animal was unable to walk due to an acute injury, such as due to a broken leg, and would therefore be eligible to move on to slaughter as a "U.S. Suspect."
FSIS inspection program personnel maintain a continuous presence at all slaughter establishments while they are operating.
FSIS inspection program personnel are stationed at various points throughout the slaughter and processing operation.
Public Health Veterinarians or other inspectors visit the holding pens to conduct ante-mortem inspection on an entire lot. They also randomly return to the area to observe specific humane handling activities at other times throughout each production shift.
Check the USDA FSIS web site for a listing of food "Open Federal Cases"; information is downloadable via PDF. Or, check out the Los Angeles Times list of recalled Hallmark /Westland beef products.
To read more about this historic recall and the human health perspective, read today's Washington Post article USDA Orders Largest Meat Recall in U.S. History.
U.S. Reps DeLauro, Miller, and McCarthy, and Sen. Dick Durbin, have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate and explain processes for the protection of students and schools. Read the Reuters story Lawmakers Call For Review of School Lunch Program.
What to do? Send a message to Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer; visit the Humane Society web site and "Take Action."Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Hallmark Meat Packing Company: Meat/Cattle Industry Animal Abuse Prior to Slaughter
Note: For updated information and commentary, please see post dated February 18.
The Washington Post runs a story in today's online site exposing unlawful animal abuse at a slaughterhouse/meat packing company in California, and includes video, that is also available for view, from a six-week undercover investigative operation by The Humane Society of the United States.
The article Video Reveals Violations of Laws, Abuse of Cows at Slaughterhouse, by staff writer Rick Weiss, details routine illegal and abusive business practices by senior management staff at Chino, California, slaughterhouse Hallmark Meat Packing. Hallmark is the second largest supplier of beef to the National School Lunch Program, which also feed the needy and the elderly. [The company's Operations Manager is also President of Westland Meat Company, which is a buyer/distributor of meats from Hallmark.]
The abuses were carried out immediately prior to daily USDA inspections, and were done in attempts to force sick and injured cattle to stand up - as required by law for inspection and approval for slaughter.
The USDA will not approve for slaughter 'downed' cows, as it's indicative of the severe health problems of the cow, and the increased possibilities that the cow's meat will infect our food supplies with dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria, as well as a life-threatening brain encephalopathy.
The illegal acts that Hallmark Meat Packing inflicted as documented on video; I watched the video and this is what I saw:
detroit dog's thoughts: Hallmark's routine and unlawful abusive actions sadly are likely not the industry exception. Thanks to their lack of concern for human health on a national scale, these activities are doubly despicable for their abuse towards animals and people. Businesses that participate in such abusive activities should not be fined - they should be shut down. In the U.S. alone, literally billions of animals are bred and slaughtered each year for food; think of the abuse to animals and - in the long run - to people. (To read a New York Times article about how this affects global warming, read the New York Times article Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler.)
detroit dog's advice for 'humane' eating:
For a short piece about USDA follow-up on this particular case, read The New York Times article USDA to Review California Slaughterhouse.
Post update 2/1/2008:
Here's a link to a story about the video at the CNN web site. It appears that some politicians have become involved in the case, but only regarding the possible health dangers to the public. The following are the final two paragraphs from the CNN story:
Post update 2/1/2008; info courtesy 'Anonymous' comment:
Westland Meat Company
13677 Yorba Ave.
Chino, CA 91710
909-590-3340
Email is: info@westlandmeat.com
Their website is:
http://westlandmeat.com/westland%20contact.htm
The Home button is an apology letter.
Check out the lone award plaque of "Supplier of the year 2004-2005"
The Washington Post runs a story in today's online site exposing unlawful animal abuse at a slaughterhouse/meat packing company in California, and includes video, that is also available for view, from a six-week undercover investigative operation by The Humane Society of the United States.
The article Video Reveals Violations of Laws, Abuse of Cows at Slaughterhouse, by staff writer Rick Weiss, details routine illegal and abusive business practices by senior management staff at Chino, California, slaughterhouse Hallmark Meat Packing. Hallmark is the second largest supplier of beef to the National School Lunch Program, which also feed the needy and the elderly. [The company's Operations Manager is also President of Westland Meat Company, which is a buyer/distributor of meats from Hallmark.]
The abuses were carried out immediately prior to daily USDA inspections, and were done in attempts to force sick and injured cattle to stand up - as required by law for inspection and approval for slaughter.
The USDA will not approve for slaughter 'downed' cows, as it's indicative of the severe health problems of the cow, and the increased possibilities that the cow's meat will infect our food supplies with dangerous E. coli and salmonella bacteria, as well as a life-threatening brain encephalopathy.
The illegal acts that Hallmark Meat Packing inflicted as documented on video; I watched the video and this is what I saw:
- electric shocks to otherwise immobile cattle's rectums, heads, necks, and spines
- pushing/raising cows with forklift prongs
- rolling cows with the forklift's wheels
- slamming cows into the killbox with forklifts
- cows being kicked in the head, and hit in the head with the ends of poles
- high intensity sprays shot up cows' nostrils ("veterinary water-boarding")
- cows dragged across the ground by their necks and legs by chains attached to vehicles
detroit dog's thoughts: Hallmark's routine and unlawful abusive actions sadly are likely not the industry exception. Thanks to their lack of concern for human health on a national scale, these activities are doubly despicable for their abuse towards animals and people. Businesses that participate in such abusive activities should not be fined - they should be shut down. In the U.S. alone, literally billions of animals are bred and slaughtered each year for food; think of the abuse to animals and - in the long run - to people. (To read a New York Times article about how this affects global warming, read the New York Times article Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler.)
detroit dog's advice for 'humane' eating:
- Buy organic foods (meats and poultries included)
- Buy cage-free and range-free animal food products (not great, but it's a start)
- Purchase products that do not participate in animal testing
- Become a vegetarian or - better yet - a vegan
- Do not eat foods from animals which are treated inhumanely on an industry-wide basis (such as goose and duck pate; even famous chef Wolfgang Puck refuses to cook it and serve it!)
For a short piece about USDA follow-up on this particular case, read The New York Times article USDA to Review California Slaughterhouse.
Post update 2/1/2008:
Here's a link to a story about the video at the CNN web site. It appears that some politicians have become involved in the case, but only regarding the possible health dangers to the public. The following are the final two paragraphs from the CNN story:
The USDA, in its news release, said it was "unfortunate" the Humane Society "did not present this information to use when these alleged violations occurred in the fall of 2007."
The Humane Society, in its statement, said it had turned the information over to "California law enforcement officials" at that time, and "local authorities asked for extra time before public release of the information."Post update 2/1/2008; info courtesy 'Anonymous' comment:
Westland Meat Company
13677 Yorba Ave.
Chino, CA 91710
909-590-3340
Email is: info@westlandmeat.com
Their website is:
http://westlandmeat.com
The Home button is an apology letter.
Check out the lone award plaque of "Supplier of the year 2004-2005"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Hay for Horses: Horses Suffer from Hay Shortage
Another post motivated by the words of blogger-pal Victoria at Teachings of the Horse.
Recently, Victoria has voiced concerns about the high costs of hay and the difficulty in getting it in her part of the country (northeast USA); in today's post The Hay Fund, she informs us about the recent drought's effect on hay production and its consequential effects on equine care and life. For details, please read Victoria's important post, or read more (and make a tax-deductible donation) at Fairfield Equine Associates.
Suffice to say that in great part due to recent hay shortages and resulting skyrocketing costs throughout the U.S., many horses are starving, and/or being abandoned or sold for slaughter. (Hay costs have increased 8 - 10x over the past year.)
To learn more about the horse-meat/slaughter industry, read Horses Spared in U.S. Face Death Across the Border in Jan. 11 issue of The New York Times.
Recently, Victoria has voiced concerns about the high costs of hay and the difficulty in getting it in her part of the country (northeast USA); in today's post The Hay Fund, she informs us about the recent drought's effect on hay production and its consequential effects on equine care and life. For details, please read Victoria's important post, or read more (and make a tax-deductible donation) at Fairfield Equine Associates.
Suffice to say that in great part due to recent hay shortages and resulting skyrocketing costs throughout the U.S., many horses are starving, and/or being abandoned or sold for slaughter. (Hay costs have increased 8 - 10x over the past year.)
To learn more about the horse-meat/slaughter industry, read Horses Spared in U.S. Face Death Across the Border in Jan. 11 issue of The New York Times.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Horseplay - Toys for Horses
Recently, I've been checking in on Teachings of the Horse, a wonderful blog written by Victoria, who learns about herself and life from her horses Silk and Siete. She invites us to discover our "inner horse" as she does same.
In one of Victoria's recent posts, she mentioned that her five-year-old mare Siete was acting out some boredom. This got me to thinking about toys for horses, and if they exist. I remember some years back seeing one of those "funny pet" programs on TV and there was a horse kicking a ball around a corral, seemingly having lots of fun. Big dogs have toys, why not horses?
So, not knowing much about horses and play, I did an internet search and came upon a wonderful site - Horseplay Products (HP). Horseplay Products "designs, manufactures and sells equine products for horses at play and leisure." Perfect! Their products appear to be good for larger dogs, too. Along with toys, they also sell stall plaques and memorial markers, treats, and mounted feeders.
A "Jolly Ball" is offered at the Drs. Foster and Smith pet supplies site; it is nontoxic and fairly indestructible, about 10-inches diameter, and has a handle on it - so your horse can pick it up and carry it, as well as kick it and roll it. It's a good buy for only $17.99, and comes in unscented, and apple and bubblegum scents.
The good Doctors also offer a Wiggly Giggly ball on a rope, treats and treat dispensers, and other toys, including a "horse soccer starter kit," a 50-inch inflatable ball with "soccer rules" and instructional DVD.
And, finally, Drs. Foster and Smith have a wonderful article about "stable and stall vices," which discusses what constitutes a vice, lists the "vices," and addresses how to treat them and prevent them.
Toys are fun diversions for relieving boredom, anxiety, fear, or frustration. (Seems rather the same with people, yes?)
detroit dog says give the dog a bone! Or the horse a ball! Or something like that....
In one of Victoria's recent posts, she mentioned that her five-year-old mare Siete was acting out some boredom. This got me to thinking about toys for horses, and if they exist. I remember some years back seeing one of those "funny pet" programs on TV and there was a horse kicking a ball around a corral, seemingly having lots of fun. Big dogs have toys, why not horses?
So, not knowing much about horses and play, I did an internet search and came upon a wonderful site - Horseplay Products (HP). Horseplay Products "designs, manufactures and sells equine products for horses at play and leisure." Perfect! Their products appear to be good for larger dogs, too. Along with toys, they also sell stall plaques and memorial markers, treats, and mounted feeders.
A "Jolly Ball" is offered at the Drs. Foster and Smith pet supplies site; it is nontoxic and fairly indestructible, about 10-inches diameter, and has a handle on it - so your horse can pick it up and carry it, as well as kick it and roll it. It's a good buy for only $17.99, and comes in unscented, and apple and bubblegum scents.
The good Doctors also offer a Wiggly Giggly ball on a rope, treats and treat dispensers, and other toys, including a "horse soccer starter kit," a 50-inch inflatable ball with "soccer rules" and instructional DVD.
And, finally, Drs. Foster and Smith have a wonderful article about "stable and stall vices," which discusses what constitutes a vice, lists the "vices," and addresses how to treat them and prevent them.
Toys are fun diversions for relieving boredom, anxiety, fear, or frustration. (Seems rather the same with people, yes?)
detroit dog says give the dog a bone! Or the horse a ball! Or something like that....
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Farm Animals as Pets
Another post, written as a result of things that people Google that bring them to this site.
The Dog House stats show that someone recently did an internet search for Farm Animals as Pets in [insert name of city here].
Answer: Please check your City ordinances.
Many cities have these posted on their web sites, under a subheading of "Ordinances and Enforcement" or "Code of Ordinances". The ordinances will tell you about laws/regulations in your city regarding everything from amusements to trash pickup, nuisances to trees and shrubs, and elections to "animals and fowl".
Good luck!
The Dog House stats show that someone recently did an internet search for Farm Animals as Pets in [insert name of city here].
Answer: Please check your City ordinances.
Many cities have these posted on their web sites, under a subheading of "Ordinances and Enforcement" or "Code of Ordinances". The ordinances will tell you about laws/regulations in your city regarding everything from amusements to trash pickup, nuisances to trees and shrubs, and elections to "animals and fowl".
Good luck!
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Buzz About Bees....
Or: Everything you always wanted to know about bees but didn't care to ask.
Hey! I've just come across some great resources for people interested in bees and/or beekeeping (thanks to an article in today's New York Times). If you'd like to read the story Backyard Beekeepers as Warriors Against a Plague, click on this link.
Here are the bee sites/links to check out:
Hey! I've just come across some great resources for people interested in bees and/or beekeeping (thanks to an article in today's New York Times). If you'd like to read the story Backyard Beekeepers as Warriors Against a Plague, click on this link.
Here are the bee sites/links to check out:
- beeculture.com (associations, news blog, forums)
- beehoo.com (directory)
- dadant.com (American Bee Journal)
- University of Minnesota Bee Lab
- michiganbees.org (clubs, supplies, events, newsletter, photos, disease info, etc.)
- cyberbee.net (everything bee: "Bees 4 Kids", research, photos, calendars, biology, types of products, bee stats, international conferences, really all kinds of resources, etc.)
- beekeeping.com and apiculture.com and apicultura.com and imkerei.com
- beesource.com (hives designs, forums, supplies)
Friday, September 7, 2007
The Secret Death of Bees, or Colony Collapse Disorder
Don't know that you've been paying attention to news reports about the dwindling numbers of honeybees, for a few years now; I've been hearing news of this for a few months.
Seems there's a crisis among American beekeepers and the production of honey. For a few years, there has been noticeably fewer honeybees, as reported by beekeepers and the honey industry. So, you say, what's the big deal? A rise in honey prices? Less food for bears? No more stings? No pollination of crops and eventual world starvation? Well, yes.
After the importation of honeybees into the U.S. about four or five years ago (first importations allowed in 80 years), honeybee colonies suffered extreme losses in population. Rumors and theories abound that the honeybee death crisis might be due to global warming, malnutrition (caused by pesticides and/or drought), and work-related stress. (Yes, bees are, in fact, migrant workers: 'industrial' beehives are shipped back-and-forth across the U.S. following seasons and crops. Even bees must live the American work ethic. ugh.)
The death of honeybees may in fact be related to all above named suspected causes. Now scientists are investigating another lethal suspect: a virus, brought in by Australian 'immigrant' bees.
Perhaps this explains my poor tomato garden this year. :-/
detroit dog's advice: Let's bee-friendly now, or we'll be hungry later. (eep. Thanks for putting up with my so-called sense of humor.)
To read the NY Times article, click on this link.
Or check out the bee story at EurekaAlert! (the paragraph below defines them, and is lifted from their web site):
EurekAlert! is an online, global news service operated by AAAS, the science society. EurekAlert! provides a central place through which universities, medical centers, journals, government agencies, corporations and other organizations engaged in research can bring their news to the media. EurekAlert! also offers its news and resources to the public. EurekAlert! features news and resources focused on all areas of science, medicine and technology.
Seems there's a crisis among American beekeepers and the production of honey. For a few years, there has been noticeably fewer honeybees, as reported by beekeepers and the honey industry. So, you say, what's the big deal? A rise in honey prices? Less food for bears? No more stings? No pollination of crops and eventual world starvation? Well, yes.
After the importation of honeybees into the U.S. about four or five years ago (first importations allowed in 80 years), honeybee colonies suffered extreme losses in population. Rumors and theories abound that the honeybee death crisis might be due to global warming, malnutrition (caused by pesticides and/or drought), and work-related stress. (Yes, bees are, in fact, migrant workers: 'industrial' beehives are shipped back-and-forth across the U.S. following seasons and crops. Even bees must live the American work ethic. ugh.)
The death of honeybees may in fact be related to all above named suspected causes. Now scientists are investigating another lethal suspect: a virus, brought in by Australian 'immigrant' bees.
Perhaps this explains my poor tomato garden this year. :-/
detroit dog's advice: Let's bee-friendly now, or we'll be hungry later. (eep. Thanks for putting up with my so-called sense of humor.)
To read the NY Times article, click on this link.
Or check out the bee story at EurekaAlert! (the paragraph below defines them, and is lifted from their web site):
EurekAlert! is an online, global news service operated by AAAS, the science society. EurekAlert! provides a central place through which universities, medical centers, journals, government agencies, corporations and other organizations engaged in research can bring their news to the media. EurekAlert! also offers its news and resources to the public. EurekAlert! features news and resources focused on all areas of science, medicine and technology.
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