I have a problem. There is a stray male cat that frequents my yard and harasses our cat. He chases her, steals her food and is a general nuisance to her. As well, there is a dog (not stray) from a close house that comes into our yard and leaves gifts and chases our cat. One of our inside cats was outside and was attacked by this dog. I love animals but these animals are below my own on the ladder of pets. As far as the dog, the owners are responsible but they are uncaring and think they own the neighborhood. I don’t want to call the pound as we all know what happens to animals that are picked up, so does anyone have any ideas?

I just read an article at CNN.com this morning reporting how a person with a hidden camera entered a slaughterhouse in California (Hallmark Meat Packing Co., based in Chino, California) and taped workers abusing downed cows. They were taped prodding, kicking, poking, and spraying water up the cow’s noses in a effort to get them to get up and walk to the place where their heads will be bashed in and their throats ripped open while swinging upside down. While I obviously hate to read about these situations I do like seeing them brought to light, but this article didn’t quite make me happy. Quote from Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois:

“The treatment of animals in this video is appalling, but more than that, it raises significant concerns about the safety of the food being served to our nation’s children,” Durbin said. “The apparent slaughter of sick and weak animals not only appears to violate USDA regulations, but could be a danger to our nation’s food supply.”

While the supply of beef from this plant is reported to be used in the nation’s school lunch supply nowhere in the article does anyone address the animal’s treatment more than the first nine words of Durbin’s statement.

The treatment of the animals is just as heinous as any idea of diseased meat entering the food supply. Let me state that I do hold the welfare of children and what they consume in schools and anywhere else in the highest regard. The thought of diseased anything entering the nation’s food supply is a horrible thought. I don’t wish for that and am glad attention is being brought to that point but I think more and as much attention should be given to the animal’s situation. The more attention that is given to the treatment of animals in this situation the more people will realize what it is they are really munching on at dinner.

I’m sure your kids would love to go to McDonald’s tonight.

Be sure to watch the video at the top of this article. Must see viewing.

The Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town through the weekend at the Sommet Center. Usually when this circus shows up it is greeted by protesting from various groups, one I know of is PETA, there’s also a handful of other animal ethics groups. I have never attended a circus, have no intentions of ever attending and am fully aware of the horrors that the animals endure in the training. Of course, the circus execs always talk of how good the animals are treated, but never mention the electric prods and whips the animals face daily. Do you think the animals just naturally act this way? If you do plan on attending be sure to pay attention the demeanor of the animals, do they look happy? Are they acting with affection? Do they look threatened? Let me know what you witness.