News Briefs for the Week of December 16, 2002
By Marcella Durand for Cat Facts
- Black Persian Named Top Cat
Grand Champion Catsafrats Shine On of Agonistes, a Black Persian male owned by John Ramirez, Ken White, and Donna and Bruce Isenberg of Culver City, California, was named Best in Show from a field of more than 1,000 pedigreed felines showcased at the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) International Cat Show held just before Thanksgiving in Houston, Texas.
The CFA International Cat Show is the largest international pedigreed cat show in the Western Hemisphere, showcasing the world's finest pedigreed felines. It is held annually, and brings together the best cats from the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and South America to compete for prestigious titles. The show is a three-day event with 12 judging rings and a distinguished international panel of judges.
- Cat Killer Captured, Thanks to HSUS Reward
Thanks to a reward posted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), one cat killer won't get away with his horrible crime.
Timothy Lee McDonald, a resident of Alabama, was captured in Iowa after the police received information from an anonymous tipster who had seen the announcement of the $2,000 reward in a newspaper. McDonald had been indicted in August on felony animal cruelty charges for beating a cat to death. Under the felony law, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $5,000. The HSUS is urging Alabama prosecutors to press for the maximum penalty, especially because there is increasing evidence that people who commit violent crimes against animals move on to commit violent crimes against humans.
"We are thankful to the person who came forward with information that led to McDonald's arrest," says Ann Chynoweth, the HSUS's counsel for Investigative Services. "It is because of the public's help that many criminals are brought to justice." The HSUS is also sending a letter of thanks to the officials who worked so hard in bringing McDonald to justice.
- Survey Says Animals Are Great Winter Medicine
When you're sick as a dog with the winter flu, does your cat give you nonstop therapeutic purring? You're not alone. According to the latest American Animal Hospital Association Pet Owner Survey, 85 percent of pet owners say their pet shows concern when they are ill, and 92 percent say they believe their pet has provided them with personal health benefits. And the owners evidently return the favor, with 97 percent saying they can tell when their pet is in pain and 93 percent making sure their pet has regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations.
But, according to the survey owning a pet isn't just good for your body. It's good for your soul, too. Ninety-four percent of pet owners say their pet makes them smile more than once a day, while 84 percent say their pet eases their stress level. Eighty-six percent include their pet in holiday celebrations, with 80 percent giving special treats and 75 percent hanging a Christmas stocking. Luckily for Fido and Kitty, only 30 percent dress their pet in a holiday costume (obviously, this was a group of especially thoughtful owners).
Thirty-seven percent say they plan most of their free time around their pet, and 51 percent plan some of their free time. And 58 percent say their pet is included in holiday portraits. Of course!
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