A Crocodile's empathy

News and headlines for January 22 - January 27, 2023

After a family lost their son in a drowning accident, a crocodile reportedly pulled his body to the surface and carried it to an awaiting rescue crew, a mile away from where the boy was believed to have drowned. The crocodile did not harm the child's body and left no injuries. This event has sparked a discussion about the cognitive abilities of animals, specifically the capacity for empathy. Comparative neurobiology demonstrates that if an animal has a cortex, as crocodiles do, they are capable of empathy. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness.

These are some of the stories making headlines in animal protection:

The Knoxville, TN, City Council has approved a ban on perpetually chaining dogs under a new ordinance prohibiting tethering unless a person is present with the dog.

Perpetually chaining dogs can lead to a variety of physical and psychological problems, including:

• Lack of exercise and stimulation: Chained dogs often cannot move around freely, leading to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and other health problems. They also may not have access to toys or other forms of stimulation, leading to boredom and behavioral issues.

• Social isolation: Dogs are social animals and thrive on interaction with other dogs and humans. Chaining a dog can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be detrimental to their mental well-being.

• Increased risk of injury: Chained dogs are at an increased risk of becoming entangled in their chain, which can lead to injury or death. They also may be more vulnerable to attacks by people or other animals.

• Increased risk of behavioral issues: Chaining a dog can lead to aggressive or fearful behavior, as they may feel trapped and defensive.

Dogs offer undying loyalty and unconditional love. In return, they ask for nothing more than a sense of belonging. Banishing dogs permanently to a chain is a betrayal of this loving pact. And that is no way to treat our best friends.

If you live in a city or state that does not ban chaining, The No Kill Advocacy Center has model legislation, a guide to getting it introduced, and their attorneys stand ready to help.

---

Abba is available for adoption and waiting for you at the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter in Marquette, MI. 

As more people turn to rescue and adoption and more shelters embrace progressive policies, the number of communities placing over 95% and as high as 100% of the animals is increasing.

• Lake County, FL, reported a 98% placement rate for dogs, 93% for cats, and 98% for rabbits and other small animals.

• Marquette, MI, reported a placement rate of 99% for dogs, 94% for cats, and 94% for rabbits, hamsters, and other small animals.

• Northumberland County, VA, reported a 96% placement rate for dogs and 94% for cats.

While there is room for improvement in these communities, their achievements and the national data prove that animals are not dying in pounds because there are too many, too few homes, or people don’t want the animals. They are dying because people in those pounds are killing them. Replace those people, implement the No Kill Equation, and we can be a No Kill nation today.

Marquette is one of the communities highlighted in Redemption, my documentary film about the No Kill revolution in America.

---

As reported earlier, Utah lawmakers are considering banning the gas chamber. Utah is one of three states that still use gas to kill animals. Now, Missouri lawmakers are also considering a bill to do the same.