Precautions – Guardians Of Life

Winter Weather and Animals

We have winter weather this year that has been causing degrees to drop in the lows of 6. That alone should be common sense enough to bring your animals inside.

However, common sense in this Era seems to be a rarity. People are being stupid and leaving their companions outside all night.

This leads to severe consequences. Hyperthermia, and death. You NEED TO BRING THEM INSIDE OR have an environmentally controlled habitat for them. Meaning a structure with heat and A.C for the summer time.

Bring them inside don’t let them die of hostile exposure.

We also must be vigilant when starting our cars. Stray animals find your car warm and will huddle up inside a tire well or engine. Before turning on your car, check your car.

Bang or open the hood, tap or check your tire wells, if you should find an animal and they refuse to come out. Call Animal Control. Do not attempt to remove the animal without proper equipment.

Which consists of gloves (work tough gloves) blankets and or towels, And a crate. Along with wet food and water. (And animal formula on hand.

always check your cars. Even if it’s not that cold or hot, check your car.

WHO urges halt to sale of live wild animals in markets, citing disease risk – CBS News

Geneva — The United Nations’ health agency on Tuesday urged countries to suspend the sale of live animals captured from the wild in food markets. The World Health Organization recommended it as an emergency measure, saying wild animals are a leading source of emerging infectious diseases like the coronavirus.

The WHO, backed by key partners, issued new guidance saying that animals – particularly wild animals – “are the source of more than 70 percent of all emerging infectious diseases in humans, many of which are caused by novel viruses.”
— Read on www.cbsnews.com/news/wet-markets-world-health-organization-coronavirus-live-wild-animals-sale-disease/

Stop Pandemics at the Source – Ban Live Animal Markets and Factory Farms

By: Animal Place

COVID-19 has forever changed our world. In one year, 115 million global cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed. And sadly, 2.5 million people around the world have died. In the United States, over 28.7 million cases have been confirmed and over half a million people have died.

Most infectious diseases can be traced back to animals, including COVID-19. Large live animal markets provide a perfect breeding ground for a pandemic. So do the livestock auctions and live animal markets of the United States.

But how different is a live animal market abroad or in the U.S. compared to an industrial chicken farm in the United States? The similarities are frightening. 99% of animals raised in the US come from large-scale operations where stressed and terrified animals are crammed into small spaces often living in their own feces and other bodily fluids.

That’s why calling for an end to wild animal markets is not enough. It is time to make a change. To prevent pandemics like coronavirus we must end the demand for animal flesh and go vegan.

Stop pandemics where they start. Sign our petition today and demand an end to live animal markets and industrial factory farms.

Petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/867/502/137/

President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to ban new oil and gas leasing

President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to ban new oil and gas leasing on America’s federal public lands and waters on Day One of his administration.

Nearly a quarter of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from public lands due to coal mining and oil and gas drilling. We can’t keep leasing public lands to the fossil fuel industry and have any chance of reducing emissions or seriously confronting the climate crisis.

And due to Trump’s executive orders of undermining the Environmental Protection Act, along with the Water Protection Act. Big companies such as BP and Keystone, are free to muddy our waters with chemicals. Whilst also spewing poisonous gases into our ozone layer.

Just because Biden pledged to halt and undo Trump’s actions doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll DO. Let’s make him keep his words. By using our voices and signature.

Sign the petition and share.

Urge President-elect Biden to keep dirty fossil fuels in the ground

A Melting Antarctica Could Raise the Sea Level More Than Expected

Rounding Error

As rising global temperatures continue to melt the ice in Antarctica, scientists predict that we’ll face serious problems in the coming decades — from rising sea levels to devastating storms to temperatures rising even faster because there’s less ice to reflect heat.

Now, it turns out all those problems could be even worse than scientists predicted, according to research published in the journal Climate Dynamics. Existing models tended to predict ice melt based on average conditions over time, but accounting for fluctuating extremes paints a far more dire picture.

Accelerated Timeline

Climate models need to represent how chaotic weather patterns can be, study author and Penn State climate researcher Chris Forest argued in a press release. Accounting for those fluctuations, Forest’s work shows that the Antarctic ice sheet could retreat 20 years sooner than expected.

Factoring that in, the melting ice could raise the sea level by an additional 2.7 to 4.3 inches on top of the 10.6 to 14.9 inches that simpler models predict by the year 2100.

“We know ice sheets are melting as global temperatures increase, but uncertainties remain about how much and how fast that will happen,” Forest said in the release.

FDA Cautions Pet Owners Not to Feed Performance Dog Raw Pet Food Due to Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes

Fast Facts

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners not to feed their pets any Performance Dog frozen raw pet food after a sample tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono).
Two samples of different finished products collected during an inspection of Bravo Packing, Inc., the manufacturer of Performance Dog raw pet food, tested positive for Salmonella and/or L. mono. One of the products sampled had not yet been distributed.
The product that entered the marketplace is Performance Dog raw pet food, lot code 072219, sold to customers frozen in two-pound pouches. However, the FDA is cautioning about all Performance Dog frozen raw pet food produced on or after July 22, 2019 because the products do not have lot codes printed on retail packaging. If you have any Performance Dog product that you purchased after July 22, 2019, throw it away.
FDA is issuing this alert because Performance Dog raw pet food represents a serious threat to human and animal health. Because these products are sold and stored frozen, FDA is concerned that people may still have them in their possession.
Salmonella and L. mono can affect both human and animal health. People with symptoms of Salmonella or L. monoinfection should consult their health care providers. Consult a veterinarian if your pet has symptoms of Salmonella or L. monoinfection.

What products are involved?

Bravo Packing, Inc. Performance Dog products are sold frozen in two-pound plastic pouches. Lot codes are printed on the outside of the boxes used to distribute the product, but the lot codes are not printed on the individual sealed plastic pouches, also known as chubs. Therefore, there are no unique identification numbers on the individual chubs that would allow customers to verify whether their product belongs to the affected lot.

If you have Performance Dog raw pet food that you purchased after July 22, 2019, or you are uncertain of the date of purchase, and you cannot determine the lot code, FDA recommends that you exercise caution and throw the product away.

More information and Source: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-cautions-pet-owners-not-feed-performance-dog-raw-pet-food-due-salmonella-listeria-monocytogenes

Blue-Green Algae That Can Kill Dogs Has Just Been Found in New York City Parks

BY JOSIAH BATES

AUGUST 26, 2019

A toxic blue-green algae that is potentially lethal to dogs has been found in three New York City park ponds––the latest place it’s cropped up after leaving a trail of sick and dead pets across North Carolina, Texas and Georgia.

According to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the blue-green algae was found in two Central Park ponds and another pond in Prospect Park.

Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, is a microorganism that is caused by high nutrients, stagnant water, high temperatures and low oxygen, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Algae is a natural occurrence that blooms heavily in warm weather and sunlight. Most urban ponds have water high in nutrients like phosphorus, which encourage algae growth,” a statement said. “Most algae are harmless and are important parts of aquatic ecosystems, but blooms that produce blue-green algae (BGA) can be toxic.”

Common Sense Gun Laws

Guns are dangerous in the wrong hands, no matter how much some would like to think otherwise. The fact remains we do need more common-sense gun laws and control.

We need to ban assault rifles, for civilian use. Ak47(WASR-10), Remington, M4, and M16 just to name a few, should not be accessible for civilians. Especially, those who are mentally unstable. Who are not only a danger to themselves, yet to others as well.

Those with a criminal background should be disallowed from purchasing and owning, those who are unstable should be denied. Thorough background checks need to be done.

Weapons Dealers (private sellers) sorry to say should have a license to sell and carry and be registered. As well as take classes to notice the signs of instability. I say this because of the constant mass shootings happening over the past few years. Everyone who owns or plans to purchase needs to register themselves.

This will cut crimes in half and make police work more efficient. By way of finding the owners faster during a shootout investigation.

These are consequences for horrid actions. I know I can’t be the only one tired of these travesties. Human life is precious, just like all life is.

Quite frankly, I don’t care for the NRA since they really have not been doing their true job. Which is supposed to mainly be for gun safety education. Yet lately it has been for lobbying on gun rights and ownership. instead of trying to place common-sense laws.

Truthfully I doubt they care about public safety anymore since they have been a big buyer for anti-law bills.

In order to fight for common-sense laws, people need to attend town meetings with facts and a calm demeanor.

Let me make this perfectly clear I’m not saying take guns away. I’m saying ban assault rifles that have been the biggest part of mass shootings. Assault rifles have been banned before during the Clinton administration and the massacres/gun violence WAS at an all-time low. We need to implement that law again for the populace’s safety.

We will work on a plan, statement for our area to present. When done we will share it here for others to use as a foothold for public safety.

Dangerous Foods To Avoid

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Avocado

Avocado is primarily a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and ruminants including sheep and goats. The biggest concern is for cardiovascular damage and death in birds. Horses, donkeys and ruminants frequently get swollen, edematous head and neck.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Citrus

The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.

Coconut and Coconut Oil

When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea. Because of this, we encourage you to use caution when offering your pets these foods. Coconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.

Grapes and Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Milk and Dairy

Because dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Nuts

Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a life threatening emergency. The yeast produces ethanol as a by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk.

Sources: American Veterinarians Association, HSUS, ASPCA, WebMD- pets.

Leash Laws: Are For Everyones Safety

The care of companion animals starts with obeying laws put in place. Not only do these laws protect other people yet they also protect your companions. They protect them from running off, protect them from attacking or being attacked.

When laws of this magnitude are broken it can wind up deadly for all companions. For instance, some states are a one bite law. If found guilty that companion is euthanized. No matter who instigated the situation.

On top of the companion being euthanized, some municipalities/government consider taking it a step further by writing up a ban on whichever animals they see as likely to be vicious.

This is why it is important to follow and understand laws as well as understanding the consequences behind the neglect to follow laws. It only takes one person to make it problematic for everyone else.

As it is many are dealing with restrictions and or bans on Pit Bull type dogs, because a select few of people were irresponsible. Those few didn’t train, didn’t follow rules and or didn’t socialize their companion. Others have used them for entertainment and greed in underground dog fights.

This caused a mass massacre in CO. Which people are still seeking justice and an emendation to the current laws. In order to make changes for any animal to have a chance at life, there needs to be a compromise between community and government.

To us, Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a bad idea. It punishes everyone and not just those who are at fault. This is where the law needs to change. It should only restrict those responsible for any damage that may have been done from owning any animal.

More to the point those people should also pay for damages since they were responsible for the well being of the community and animals.

As we said leash laws are very important to follow to keep everyone safe from drastic consequences.

Some leash laws that we know of include muzzles, a short leash of 5ft and a tag of colors, alerting others whether they are easily startled, aggressive and or in training.

In order to check your laws, talk with police or check your local government website.

In our next post, we will be going over dangerous foods since that is the next problematic area.