Motion to dismiss filed in alleged Madison cockfighting case

The jury trial of Jorge Iglesias (charged with illegal cockfighting in Madison) originally scheduled for November 2, 2009 was cancelled. The defense motioned the court to dismiss the case due to “selective and discriminatory prosecution.”

A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for January 20, 2010. It appears that Jorge Iglesias will also be obtaining new counsel before that time.

For a full report of the accusations against Jorge Iglesias, please see:
*Jury Trial scheduled in Madison cockfighting case
*Hearing Scheduled for tomorrow in alleged case of Madison cockfighting

Tell Your Representatives to Pass the HAPPY Act for Pet Care Tax Deductions Now

From Change.org:

Targeting: The U.S. House
Started by: Stephanie Feldstein

To some people, a tax deduction for pet care may not seem very important compared to many of the other issues our federal government is dealing with these days. But for 71.4 million American households that own pets, and for the 3-4 million animals euthanized in shelters each year, it's a question of life and death.

Our struggling economy has seen a spike in animals being relinquished to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Veterinary offices, like most other businesses, have also seen a drop in client visits, which means that many animals may not be getting the care they need. If people knew the money they spent on their pets could be coming back to them at the end of the year, it might help them keep their four-legged family members, and to keep up with their care. A pet care tax deduction could save pets' lives and reduce the societal costs of sheltering homeless animals.

Don't let the HAPPY Act (Humanity and Pets Partnership through the Years) fall off Congress' agenda - write your representative today!

Photo credit: eva101

CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR REPS TO VOTE "YES" ON THE HAPPY ACT!

Season of Suppers Campaign running until 12/31

From the Dane County Humane Society:

It’s time to help our Kibble on Wheels friends!

During these challenging economic times, Independent Living, Inc. wants to assist as many low-income, frail, older and disabled adults and their companion animals as possible. We’ve learned the items listed below are what they most need and want. Our Kibble on Wheels program was begun to reduce food sharing between older adults and their companion animals. Season of Suppers, sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospitals, has allowed us to expand the program and with your help, we can provide a variety of items and supplies to make life happier for older adults and their animal friends.

Our clients have expressed the need for the following items:

*Canned Dog and Cat food
*Cat Litter
*Toys
*Treats
*Rabbit and Gerbil food
*Bird food
 
Items can be dropped off at:

*Either Banfield Pet Hospital (located inside PetSmart) at 2216 E. Springs Drive, Madison WI or 8210
  Plaza Dr, Madison WI
*Independent Living at 815 Forward Drive, Madison WI M-F 8:00am to 4:30pm
 
This is a great activity to get friends, family and other pet lovers together and hold a collection drive. For more details, contact us at (608) 274-7900 or volunteer@indepenliving.com.

Kibble on Wheels is made possible by Independent Living’s partnerships with Mounds Pet Food Warehouse, Dane County Humane Society and Banfield Pet Hospitals.

Independent Living Inc. is a non-profit, multi-service agency that assists people with disabilities and older adults, enabling them to live with dignity and independence while maintaining health and well-being.

Submissions needed for Pet of the Week!

Mad About Pets is happy to announce a new feature: Pet of the Week! Every week I will be selecting and featuring a different pet photo and story submitted by readers. If you would like your pet featured, please email me the following information at pets@mad-about-pets.com :

*A high-quality photo of your pet
*Your name and location (city/state)
*Your pet's name and age
*Your pet's species and primary breed (if known)
*A short blurb about your pet (where you got him/her, any unique tricks or skills, why your pet is special to you, etc.)

On a regular basis, I will be randomly selecting a featured pet from Pet of the Week and their owner will receive a fun gift from the Mad About Pets shop!

So start sending in those pictures ASAP :)

Yummy Recipe for Cockatiel Treats!

Cockatiel Treats

*1/4 cup each:

     - Crushed dried peas

     - Apricots

     - Nuts

     - Crushed bananas (Dried or fresh)

*3 Tbs Seed

*3 Tbs Pellets

*1 egg and shell (best if shell is dried and not damp)

*1/4 cup + 1 Tbs Applesauce ( I use 100% natural)

*3 Tbs crunchy Peanut butter

 

Mix dry ingredients in order. You can add anything else that your bird loves. It should mix very easy. I crushed everything, but you can according to your bird size. Fold in the applesause and peanut butter. It should end up like a paste.

 
Cook in a square pan, (easier to cut later than a circle pan), at 350 F for 30 min. It smells bad when cooking, but the birds love it.
 
Thanks to Debra at BirdsnWays for this recipe!

How to set up a freshwater aquarium

If you're looking to set up a fishbowl for your new goldfish or just need a refresher on aquarium care, here is a great how-to video from Dr.'s Foster and Smith. It includes lots of useful info on cleaning and general care for freshwater fish. Enjoy!




CLICK HERE for all the latest fish and aquarium products at Drs. Foster & Smith

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Cheryl from Bronston, KY for winning the Pet Organizer!

Many thanks to all the entrants, and I hope you'll continue to visit Mad About Pets.

Enter to win a Pet Organizer!

Just in time for the holidays, Mad About Pets is holding a giveaway! Up for grabs is a super-cool Pet Organizer, courtesy of Knock Knock Gifts. This organizer (a $26 value)is literally everything you need to keep all your pet's important info at your fingertips. It includes emergency contact info, vital pet stats, tracks vet visits, and so much more! You'll never need to worry about giving enough directions when you leave your pet for vacation, or about forgetting important details during emergency vet visits.

So how do you win? There are two simple ways to enter:

**Become a fan of Mad About Pets on Facebook and post this message to the wall: "I want to win the Pet Organizer!"

**Retweet this message on Twitter @MadAboutPets. Just use the tweet icon above this post and make sure you include @MadAboutPets in your retweet (that way I can count your entry!)

Enter one or both ways!! Contest deadline is Sunday, December 13, 2009. I will randomly select a winner from all wall posts and retweets received.

Make sure you check out Knock Knock Gifts for more info on the Pet Organizer and other great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. They have tons of creative, funny and functional gifts for friends, family, and even co-workers (my personal favorite is the "All out of..." pad, currently adorning my fridge!)