Quality of Life Scale for Aging and Ailing Pets
We all want to do well by our furry companions. We want to have as much time as possible with them, but also want to make sure that they do not suffer when they are...
Please see the below articles about Companion Animals from past editions of the AWI Quarterly.
Puppy-Mill-Placating Measure Nixed in Michigan
Before leaving office, former governor Rick Snyder vetoed a pair of bills that were pitched as efforts to strengthen oversight of pet stores but which in fact would have allowed the continued sale of animals...
John Thompson: The Game Changer
On March 7, AWI presented the Schweitzer Medal to John Thompson in recognition of his extraordinary efforts to improve law enforcement’s recognition of animal cruelty as a crime of violence and its response to those...
From Shelter to Savior: Rescues Shine as Working Dogs
Ann Hastings, director of violence prevention at 360 Communities, a community service organization in Minnesota, knew that something was missing from her department—a therapy dog. Finally, upon identifying the right handler, Hastings went online and...
Massachusetts Adds to Animal Cruelty Statute
When Massachusetts strengthened its animal cruelty statute in 2014, it also set up a task force to make additional recommendations. A new law resulted—signed in August—that raises certain penalties and makes three other significant changes...
The Inner Life of Cats
Thomas McNamee provides a window into what makes cats tick in The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions. Anecdotes centering on his own cats, especially beloved Augusta, are...
Birds of a Feather
The cover of Birds of a Feather: A True Story of Hope and the Healing Power of Animals, features a photo of a veteran embracing a parrot, who rests her head on his shoulder. The...
Military Dogs Not Getting Their Due
Since 2000, Congress has acted to improve the treatment of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) by facilitating their adoption at the end of their careers and authorizing the creation of a program of post-retirement veterinary care...
Pratt Fall: USDA Fails Again at AWA Enforcement
In a November 15, 2014, Des Moines Register article, Debra Pratt was called “a poster child” for the “kind of animal neglect that coins the phrase ‘puppy mill.’” After years of damning US Department of...
Florida Strengthens Animal Cruelty Law
On March 23, National Puppy Day, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed “Ponce’s Law” to increase penalties for animal abusers. Named after a Labrador puppy found beaten to death, the new law raises animal cruelty from...