August Cat Special at BCHS

Looking to add a pet to your family? BCHS has many adult spayed and neutered cats that would perfect to sit on your lap and watch tv with. During the month of August, any cat that is already spayed or neutered will cost only $25 to adopt. These cats are up to date on their shots, tested negative for feline leukemia and are looking for their forever home.

One of the cats available for adoption is Jinxie. He is an affectionate and playful adult neutered male cat. He likes to talk and has a funny meow that sometimes sounds like a bird. Jinxie is very sweet and loves attention. He especially likes cuddling on a shoulder. Jinxie gets along with other cats so he would be okay in a multi-cat household.

Stop into the shelter on Route 220 in Ulster and pick out your new best friend!

Humane Officer Hired for Bradford and Sullivan Counties

The Bradford County Humane Society now has a Humane Police Officer capable of investigating and citing animal cruelty cases. Officer Hugh Smith was sworn into both Bradford and Sullivan County Courthouses and is a member of the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania.

The Humane Officer not only investigates possible signs of animal cruelty, but also stresses the importance of humane education. He will be conducting presentations at local elementary and high schools as well as educating the public on proper ways to care for animals.

Unfortunately, animal abuse does happen in our area. Each year around 300-400 calls are made to the animal cruelty line. The worst times of the year for abuse are in the hot summer months and the cold winter months. It is important to know that an outside dog must have proper shelter to protect against the hot sun. The dog must have access to fresh water. Do NOT leave your dog in the car! Even if you think you will be in a store for only five minutes, during that time the temperature inside a car can rise very fast. Leave your dog at home - it is safer.

If you see signs of possible animal abuse, call the Animal Cruelty Line at the Bradford County Humane Society at 570-888-4763.

Photo: Officer Smith and Judge Beirne, Bradford County

Hot Weather Means Proper Shelter Needed for Outside Dogs and Livestock

Summer season is in full force and pet owners need to know the danger of hot weather and dogs that live outside. Dogs that are outside need to have proper shelter to protect them from the heat, rain, and inclement weather.

You can purchase dog houses at various home improvement stores or pet supply stores, or you can even build your own using wood

The Bradford County Humane Society Humane Officer would like to remind you of the following:

The law of Pennsylvania Requires That You:

1. Supply FRESH food, water and necessary Veterinary care for all animals in your care or on your property.

2. Supply ALL animals access to clean shelter sufficient to keep it dry, protect it from bad weather and be adequate to preserve its own body heat and shade to protect from the hot sun.

Not following the laws above could mean:

1. Penalties

2. Fines

3. Forfeiture

4. And/or JAIL time

Questions The Humane Police Officer Has Received In Regards To The Above Law:

1. Do livestock such as horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, goats and pigs need shelter?

Reply: YES, they must at least have a three sided shelter that is clean and stays dry. A TREE LINE IS NOT CONSIDERED ADEQUATE SHELTER.

2. If a dog can get under a porch or under a vehicle is that considered to be adequate?

Reply: NO, They must have a coop or nice dog house that stays dry and is not in the mud. BEDDING MUST BE STRAW OR WOOD SHAVINGS ONLY, NO RAGS OR BLANKETS.

If you are a student and have built your own dog house, call BCHS and we can take a photo and send to local papers commending you for your hard work and dedication to the care of your pet!

If you have questions about the proper shelter for dogs, please call the Humane Officer Line at 570-888-4763.

American Legion Riders Hold Bike Ride to Support BCHS

On June 15th, the American Legion Motorcycle Club from Troy, PA held a bike ride through the beautiful mountains of Bradford County to raise funds for the Bradford County Humane Society.

The Club has several benefit rides throughout the year and this one they wanted specifically to support the homeless animals at BCHS. The team donated over $300 to the shelter.

Over 20 riders were in attendance when the bike ride ended at Tanner's Bar & Grill in Athens where a BBQ was held. Tanner's is a long time supporter of the shelter.

"We are so thankful to the American Legion Riders for their support for our shelter," stated Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

Photo - L-R (Marty Spencer, Anne Shaffer, BCHS Asst. Shelter Manager, Pete, a dog available for adoption, Patty Spencer, Bill Sheffield, Julie Casella)

Protect your Pets from Excessive Heat This Summer

BCHS urges pet owners to protect your pets and livestock from excessive heat this summer. The Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team (www.pasart.us) provided the following information to help:

Heat Precautions for Your Pet - What you Need to Know

It is important to know what precautions to take with your pet during hot summer months.

Keep these tips in mind and remember to look for signs that your dog or cat has had enough sun for the day. Also, get to know your breed. Certain dogs/cats cannot be in the heat for any period of time.

It is best to keep your pets inside summer days, or at the very least during the hottest parts of the day.

If your pet is outside during the day: Provide protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.

Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially opened windows will not protect your pet from heatstroke.

Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool. Paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to the pad and hairs. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day.

Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal.

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with those that are elderly, overweight, or have heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

Know the warning signs of overheating in pets. Symptoms include:

• Seizures Bloody diarrhea and vomit
• Elevated body temperature of over 104
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling, weakness, stupor or collapse

Heat Stroke: If your pet is suffering from any of the above symptoms transport him/her to your vet or emergency clinic immediately. Effects from heat stroke can be long lasting and deadly.