pileofcrapola

SEATTLE (AP) — In a story Aug. 10 about a federal judge upholding a decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to classify certain ammunition as armor-piercing, The Associated Press reported erroneously they type of rifle that the ammo was originally designed for. It was for the AK-74, not the AK-47 assault rifle.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Judge upholds ATF’s decision banning ammo designed for AK-74

A federal judge in Seattle has upheld a decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to ban ammunition originally designed for AK-74 assault rifles

By GENE JOHNSON

Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday upheld a decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to ban ammunition originally designed for AK-74 assault rifles.

The decision by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour in Seattle came in a lawsuit brought by a Redmond-based arms importer, P.W. Arms Inc., which obtained ATF permits to import more than 100 million rounds of the Russian-made ammunition, known as 7N6.

The company said in its lawsuit that in mid-2013 it successfully imported nearly 38 million rounds for civilian resale, but that in early 2014, the ATF halted further shipments as they arrived in Norfolk, Virginia. The agency tested the bullets to confirm they were armor-piercing and barred their importation for resale, a decision the company said cost it $3 million.

“The administrative record contains no evidence that 7N6 was ever used to kill or injure a police officer,” the company’s lawsuit said. “In fact, before ATF banned 7N6, this ammunition was used lawfully by sportsmen as rifle ammunition for target shooting.”

The company challenged the ATF’s decision as arbitrary, saying officials misinterpreted the definition of armor-piercing bullets under federal law.

Coughenour disagreed. The bullets contain a steel core and can be fired from a handgun, and thus classify as armor-piercing — even if the handguns that can fire them are uncommon, Coughenour said.

“As defendants aptly point out, plaintiff never argues that the 7N6 bullets do not have the capacity to pierce body armor, highlighting the disingenuous nature of plaintiff’s claim,” the judge wrote.

In its applications to import the bullets, P.W. Arms failed to disclose that the bullets were armor-piercing, the ATF said.

Internal agency emails provided during litigation also noted that this wasn’t the first time P.W. Arms had come to its attention. In 2003, federal agents seized nearly 8,000 machine-gun kits that P.W. Arms had imported from Chile; the disassembled weapons, which the company was selling with a 20-round magazine and bayonet for $250 apiece, were fully automatic, according to a search warrant filed at the time.

P.W. Arms President Stacy Prineas did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment Wednesday, nor did the company’s lawyers at the Seattle firm of McKay Chadwell.

The post Correction: Armor-Piercing Bullets-Lawsuit story appeared first on WTOP.

YAPHANK, N.Y. (AP) — A suburban New York police department has named a new K-9 in honor of the five law enforcers killed in Texas last month.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy Sini (SEE’-nee) says the 15-month-old German shepherd is named Dallas V (five).

Sini says Dallas V “is a visual reminder of the sacrifice, of the bravery of those five officers.”

The name was chosen by Dallas V’s human partner, Officer Kenneth Michaels.

A video by New York’s Newsday (http://nwsdy.li/2bkgG3x ) shows the high-spirited young dog in training.

___

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The National Institutes of Health says its last chimpanzees should be moved from Texas and New Mexico to a sanctuary in Louisiana by fall 2026.

The moves could be completed in 2023 if Chimp Haven can expand fast enough, according to a retirement plan announced Thursday for about 360 chimps still in federal custody.

“I do think we can get it done,” said Cathy Willis Spraetz, president and CEO of the sanctuary located about 10 miles from Shreveport in northwest Louisiana. She said she’s working on a plan to raise money for the expansion.

The sanctuary now holds 204 chimps — 190 of them federally owned — and has room for 75 more, including quarantine space for up to 25, she said.

“That quarantine area includes some very spacious outdoor areas,” so chimps could stay there while waiting for new living areas to be built, she said.

The number brought in may be less than 25 at a time because chimpanzees develop close social groups, which are kept together in their new home, Spraetz said.

NIH officials announced in 2013 they were ending research on humanity’s closest living relatives but would keep 50 in reserve. In November, the agency said those 50 would go to sanctuary, too.

The decision came two years after the Institute of Medicine, part of NIH, declared that nearly all use of chimps for invasive medical research could no longer be justified. Much of the rest of the world already had ended such research. Chimps’ similarity to people “demands special consideration and respect,” NIH director Francis Collins said in 2011.

Spraetz said those to be moved to Louisiana include about 140 in the Alamagordo Primate Facility in New Mexico, 138 in Bastrop, Texas, at M.D. Anderson’s Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, and 81 at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio.

NIH said Alamagordo officials will begin transferring chimpanzees as soon as possible, with the last animals expected to be in Chimp Haven in fall 2021. Federally owned animals at Keeling will be moved next, followed by federally supported chimps at Texas Biomed. The last of that facility’s federally owned animals were moved this spring, the statement said.

The earlier 2023 date depends on Chimp Haven building space for 100 more chimpanzees by fiscal 2021, which will start in October 2020.

Death is likely to open up spaces, since many of the animals are aging, the NIH statement said.

Spraetz said 35-year-old chimps are considered geriatric, and the average age at Chimp Haven is 30 — even including 10 youngsters aged 4 to 9.

Every female is on birth control to ensure there aren’t any new babies, she said.

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MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia man has been sentenced to four years in prison for setting his family’s dog house on fire in suburban Atlanta while the dog was inside.

WSB-TV reports (http://2wsb.tv/2bces6U) a Cobb County jury convicted 23-year-old Caleb Lanier of felony animal cruelty and another charge for intentionally burning the female pit dog. He was sentenced Thursday.

Prosecutors said Lanier used a torch to attack his brother’s dog before sealing it in a dog house and setting it on fire in May 2015. Veterinarian Regan Burford, who first treated the animal, testified in court about the abuse and torture the dog endured.

Burford eventually adopted the dog and nursed it to recovery.

Prosecutors wanted Lanier jailed for eight years, but the judge cut that in half, sending him to prison for four years.

___

Information from: WSB-TV, http://www.wsbtv.com/index.html

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NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities in New York City say they’ve rescued 22 dogs that were living with their owner in filthy conditions inside a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

New York Police Department officers alerted by a concerned citizen earlier this week found the 54-year-old woman and the dogs living inside the vehicle in the Bronx.

Authorities say a 4-year-old German shepherd named Bruno and 21 puppies were living in filth and needed medical attention when officers found them. Investigators say they believe the dogs lived their entire lives inside the SUV.

Two rescue groups are caring for the dogs. It’s unclear when they will be available for adoption.

The dogs’ owner was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

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If coworkers have been stealing your food out of the office fridge, or you just want to keep a couple drinks cold at the beach, this flexible lunch box is basically made out of ice packs. Just freeze it overnight, and it’ll keep your food and drinks chilled for up to 10 hours.

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You buy some fish at the store, toss it in the fridge, and forget about it for a few days—until a very distinct smell reminds you that it’s there. Don’t toss it out just yet. It’s still edible and there’s a few ways to make it smell and taste more appealing.

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The presidential race is just one of dozens on the ballot this November. The House and Senate are up for grabs, and there are local elections for everything from school boards to judges. Your vote is likely to make a difference at these levels, and the results are more likely to affect your life directly. Don’t wait until election day to sort it all out.

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — To no one’s surprise, the very first question asked of Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo at media day involved replacing quarterback Keenan Reynolds.

Reynolds was a rare four-year starter who set a slew of school and NCAA records running Navy’s triple-option offense. A sixth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, Reynolds is currently trying to make it in the NFL as a slot receiver and returner.

Senior Tago Smith has the unenviable task of replacing one of the best football players in the storied history of the Naval Academy. Perhaps only John Cartwright, who succeeded Hall of Famer Roger Staubach as Navy’s starting quarterback in 1965, would understand what Smith is going through.

“Obviously, Keenan was a really good football player, a big part of our program. But we’re excited about Tago,” Niumatalolo said. “This is his time and he’s paid the price.”

Smith, a product of Fayetteville, Georgia, has played in 18 games with two starts during his career. In 2014, when Reynolds could not go against Texas State due to a knee injury, Smith rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns and threw for a pair of TDs. Smith started again later that season versus Virginia Military Institute and accounted for 106 yards and two touchdowns in a convincing victory.

Reynolds was healthy throughout the 2015 season, so Smith mostly saw time toward the end of games that had already been decided. The exception came against Notre Dame, when Smith was thrust into action after Reynolds left the game to get x-rays on his knee.

Smith promptly led Navy on two touchdown drives to close the first half, showing superb command of the option attack.

“What makes me feel good is that Tago is 2-0 as a starter,” Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper said. “I always go back to the fact we two-platoon in practice. The starter and the backup get the same amount of reps. To me, Tago’s played a lot of football and seen a lot of looks. He’s going to be able to get us into the right play and get the ball to the right person.”

KEY GAMES

As always, Air Force and Army are the most important games. Navy must sweep its service academy rivals in order to capture the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the 11th time since 2003.

The matchup with the Falcons, which always comes in early October, has often been a barometer for the Midshipmen. This year’s contest will be held in Colorado Springs, where Navy fell in 2010 and 2014. Navy is seeking a 15th straight victory over archrival Army.

October matchups two weeks apart against Houston and Memphis figure to determine whether Navy wins the West Division and earns a berth in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

PREDICTION

Navy has posted winning records in 12 of the last 13 seasons and figures to do so again in 2016. The game against Notre Dame is set for Jacksonville, Florida, on Nov. 5. It would be a surprise if Navy did not continue its service academy dominance and reclaim the CIC Trophy for the second straight season. An 8-4 regular season record seems about right for the Mids. The Midshipmen are contractually obligated to appear in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, if eligible.

SEASON OPENER

Championship Subdivision member Fordham visits Annapolis on Sept. 3. Fordham finished second in the Patriot League in 2015. The Rams boast a dynamic running back in Chase Edmonds, who rushed for 1,648 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago.

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WASHINGTON — The search is on for the person who left a puppy in a crate in the middle of a street in Germantown, Maryland. Someone found the white and black puppy, a pit bull mix named “Rascal,” in the overnight hours on Staten Court on August 4.

The 6-month-old dog was significantly underweight, covered in lacerations and his own feces and urine, according to Katherine Zenzano with Montgomery County Animal Services.

“It’s absolutely just very disheartening and saddening that there are people in the public that would do something like this to an animal,” Zenzano said.

Animal Services is caring for the animal as investigators search for its owner. The hope is pictures of the dog may lead to the owner who faces a list animal cruelty charges, they said. Those charges could result in fines and jail time for the owner.

Zenzano said the puppy, now called “Rascal,” is recovering. The puppy will be put up for adoption after the investigation.

“He’s a sweetheart and going to be a beautiful dog for somebody,” Zenzano said.

Anyone able to help investigators find the dog’s owner is asked to call Animal Services investigator Angel Ricketts at 240-773-5922.

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Diners across the country will have one fewer salad bar to peruse with their lunch or dinner, as Ruby Tuesday announced it will close nearly 100 restaurants by the end of the year. 

Tennessee-based Ruby Tuesday revealed in its fourth quarter report on Thursday that it will close 95 underperforming locations by the end of the year as part of a “Fresh Start Initiative.”

While the company hasn’t identified which of its 724 restaurants will be closed, it said the decision was made after a comprehensive review of its corporate-owned restaurant portfolio.

Performance at the targeted locations was not meeting exceptions, the company said.

In all, the company said Thursday that its revenue declined 5.9% during the 2016 fiscal year, with same-store sales declining 3.7% over the previous year.

The locations are expected to cease operations by September. Full-time and part-time employees impacted by closures will be offered positions in nearby restaurants where possible, the company said.

“The decision to close restaurants is a difficult but necessary step as we take aggressive actions to strengthen our organization,” JJ Buettgen, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of the chain, said in a statement.

The company believes that its Fresh Start plan will ultimately create long-term value for shareholders.

Under the plan, the company says it will attract more women and young families, as well as increasing visits from our current Ruby Tuesday guests.

“We believe we can return to positive same-restaurant sales, expand restaurant level margins, and increase operating profit,” Buettgen said.

[via The Indianapolis Star]

WASHINGTON — Testing of water this summer from drinking fountains and other water sources at Manassas City Public Schools turned up lead in three different samples, including one that was above acceptable federal standards, the city said in a statement Wednesday.

All told, the city tested 98 water samples taken from water coolers, drinking fountains and faucets that may have been used for drinking. The three devices where lead was detected have been taken out of service and will be replaced before the school year begins Aug. 29, according to the statement.

The city said the testing at the school, which took place in June, was voluntary and conducted “as an additional safety measures for the students of the school system.” The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action, such as replacing pipes, when lead levels in water reach 15 parts per billion or more.

The city utilities department last tested municipal drinking water in 2015.

Earlier this year, lead detected at a dozen D.C. public schools was not reported immediately to parents or school principals. That prompted outrage from District officials and led to the adoption of more stringent testing standards that would require action when lead levels of one part per billion are detected.

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WASHINGTON — What’s bad for the goose may be good for the hungry.

The National Park Service and the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment have donated about 100 pounds of breast meat from captured and euthanized geese to a D.C. nonprofit that makes meals for homeless shelters and after-school programs, the two agencies announced Wednesday.

If you live near Anacostia Park, you may be familiar with the haunting honking of the Canada geese that once used the park as a migrating stop, but now stay in the District year round. In July, NPS started trying to restore the wetlands at the park, which are among the last remaining tidal wetlands in the D.C. area. But an “an overabundant resident goose population” that fed on wetland plants was hindering those efforts, the agencies said in a news release.

The two agencies moved to reduce the number of geese by what it calls “lethal control,” which includes capturing and euthanizing geese.

The breast meat from 365 geese was donated Wednesday to the D.C. Central Kitchen, which prepares meals for homeless shelters, rehabilitation clinics and after-school programs.

Maybe the chefs there will sear the goose breast meat, and serve it with poached pears as author Hank Shaw suggested in a 2010 recipe. Shaw also noted that the neck of a big Canada goose can be stuffed with ground goose meat and spices, and roasted so that it can be made into sausages. Allrecipies.com also lists many tasty-sounding suggestions, ranging from Canada goose in sweet chili sauce to wild goose breasts with orange glaze.

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Patch.com

Marco's Pizza Apparently Coming to Manassas Patch.com MANASSAS, VA — A nationwide pizza chain apparently has plans to open a restaurant in the city. Marco's Pizza, a delivery and carryout pizza chain, says on its website that an establishment is "coming soon" to 10470 Dumfries Road. Meanwhile, the ...

Tests showed detectable lead levels in 3 Manassas City Public Schools WTOP WASHINGTON — Testing of water this summer from drinking fountains and other water sources at Manassas City Public Schools turned up lead in three different samples, including one that was initially above acceptable federal standards, the city said in ... and more »

Patch.com

Uptown Alley Brings New Food and Games to Refurbished Manassas Mall Patch.com Massive entertainment venue offers bowling, high-quality dining, laser tag and much more; opening set for Aug. 23. By Skip Wood (Patch Staff) - August 10, 2016 2:23 pm ET. Uptown Alley Brings New Food and Games to Refurbished Manassas Mall. and more »

Sorel is one of your favorite winter boot brands, and the Tofino was the one to beat. If you’re dying to get out of this summer heat and are already thinking about the winter, grab one of these boots for under $100 at Nordstrom Rack. Not into the Tofino? There’s 90 different styles to choose from.

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If you like the outdoors, a road trip between several national parks is perfect for a long weekend or vacation. This map plots the best route between nearby national parks so you spend less time planning and more time exploring.

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Do pets care about music? My dog was indifferent toward it even back when she could hear, but big-box pet store Petsmart is putting in a new music system meant to soothe pets (in the boarding area) and energize their owners (in the shopping area). Will it work? Maybe as long as people think it does, and people control the wallets, that’s good enough.

PetSmart actually put out a press release about the new system, which is set up to have separate shopping music and music for the chain’s PetsHotel boarding facilities. Or, as the company calls it, “customized music designed to appeal to pet parent shoppers and also their four-legged furry friends.”

In the store, to encourage “pet parents” to shop, the music will feature an “upbeat playlist to create a fun, in-store retail experience” for shoppers, employees, and or pets. Over in the boarding area, the playlist will be curated for canine and feline chillaxing, or “modern mellow tunes to create a calm atmosphere to help pets relax and enjoy their stay.”

Mood Music, the company behind the system, also creates scent systems for businesses: perhaps pets would prefer that Petsmart invest in soothing smellscapes.

WASHINGTON — Two elderly people were bitten by foxes near their homes in separate incidents hours apart in Fairfax County.

The first case happened after 10 a.m. on the 8600 block of Kenilworth Drive in Springfield. The Fairfax County police say an 81-year-old woman was in her front yard when she was bitten by a fox. She went to a hospital for treatment afterward.

The second case happened a half-mile down the road on the 5600 block of Ventnor Lane a bit before 2 p.m. In that case, police say, a man was mowing his yard when he encountered, and was bitten by, a fox. He also went to a hospital for treatment.

It is believed that one fox may be responsible in both cases and traps have been put out to catch it. It is unknown whether the animal or animals had rabies, but animal control officers fear it may be because of how aggressive each victim said the fox they encountered was.

Ron Wexler from the Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center in Calvert County, Maryland, said most foxes come out at night, and are timid and shy. So if one is coming close to people, it may be sick or injured.

Mammals with the rabies virus may appear to be suffering from paralysis and can also act more aggressive, or friendlier, than normal. Wildlife experts are most concerned about rabies in foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats.

If you see a sickly-looking animal, stay away from it and call animal control for a professional to help it, Wexler said.

Wexler also said homeowners can discourage animals from coming close to their homes by closing trash cans and by not feeding pets outside. Pet food dishes can act as a lure for area wildlife.

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Car travel can be very traumatic for cats. Unlike dogs, who often go along for drives to the park, a cat is usually in the car when it's going to the veterinarian. This means that just the sight of your car could cause your cat to panic. Longer car trips will require even more preparation if you want a safe and comfortable journey. Adjusting your cat to car travel and providing him or her with safe, comfortable travel accommodations will help ensure a smooth ride for both you and your feline friend.

EditSteps

EditKeeping Your Cat Secure in the Carrier

1. Choose a reliable carrier. The first step to ensuring your cat has a safe trip in the car, no matter how long the drive may be, is to buy a sturdy and well-ventilated cat carrier. Your cat cannot safely roam the car, as it could easily get underneath the brake pedal, burrow into the underside of a seat, or even hop out the window. You'll need a carrier that will stand up to travel wear and tear but will also allow your pet to have a constant flow of air to prevent overheating.^[1]
   
   • A good carrier should be strong, somewhat lightweight, and secure.
   • Avoid cardboard carriers, as these are practically useless. If your cat has an accident inside, the carrier will rapidly deteriorate.
   • You'll want to make sure your cat can comfortably sit or lie down in the crate, but you don't want it so big that your cat will tumble around inside.
   • An ideal carrier opens from the top. This will make it easier to get your cat into the carrier and reach in to feed or pet your cat without allowing for an easy escape.
   • Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated so that your cat does not overheat on the trip.^[2]
2. Make the carrier as comfortable as possible. The hard plastic or wire mesh of a cat carrier isn't particularly comfortable for your cat to spend extended amounts of time on. If you're going on a longer road trip, making the carrier comfortable is even more important to ensure that your cat doesn't get sore or injured. Padding the carrier will also help lock in any accidents your cat might have, ensuring that your car doesn't end up smelling or getting stained.^[3]
   
   • Put down a layer of newspapers on the floor of the carrier. Then put down a soft towel so your cat will have something comfortable to sit or lie on.
   • The newspaper and towel will help absorb any accidents your cat might have on the trip while also giving your cat some extra padding against the carrier.
   • If you want, you can also put down a plastic liner to help contain accidents.
   • Make sure nothing blocks the flow of air into and out of your cat's carrier.
   • Check the lock on the carrier gate. Make sure your cat will not be able to escape from the carrier unless you open it yourself.
3. Put the carrier in the back seat of your car.
   • Add some toys in the carrier to make your cat feel less stressed. The best place to situate your cat is in the back seat of your car. If you have some boxes or suitcases you can arrange on either side to stabilize the carrier, that might help give your pet an even sturdier ride. If you don't have anything to put on the sides, you might want to put the carrier on the floor - just make sure that your cat will still get a steady stream of cool air (or warm air, depending on the climate and time of year).^[4]
     
   • Make sure the carrier is in a secure spot in the back seat. That way if you have to stop suddenly, you'll know that your cat will remain safe.^[5]
   • Depending on the size and shape of the carrier, you could even try using a seatbelt in the back seat to strap the carrier securely in place.
   • Once your cat is in the carrier and the carrier placed in the car, do not let your cat out for any reason while you're on the road. A cat roaming freely in your car could easily get stuck under the seat, jump out a window, or cause an accident.^[6]
4. Try to make the ride as comfortable as possible. Once your cat's carrier is settled in, you'll be ready to hit the road. However, even if the carrier is padded, your cat may still have a frightening ride. You can help make the ride as comfortable as possible by watching the road, paying attention to traffic, and avoiding unpleasant bumps and swerves.^[7]
   
   • Try to avoid sudden stops/starts, as this can jostle your cat inside the carrier.
   • Avoid potholes and big bumps as best you can.
   • Keep the radio on at a low volume to block out some of the traffic sounds on the road. This can help calm your cat during the drive.
   • Talk to your cat while you drive. If he or she is meowing or yelling, use a soothing tone to reassure your cat that everything is okay.

EditProtecting Your Cat Against the Weather

1. Keep the temperature comfortable inside your car. One of the biggest safety hazards to having cats (or any pets) in the car is the risk of extreme weather. It doesn't take much for a car to get hot enough in the summer that an animal could overheat. Even a moderately warm day in the 80 degree Fahrenheit range (26 degrees Celsius) could quickly heat a parked car to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Having the windows open may not be enough. Because of this, you'll need to take precautions to ensure that your cat does not get exposed to extreme or uncomfortable temperatures.^[8]
   
   • Always keep the air conditioner running in the summer and the heater going in the winter.
   • Never leave your cat unattended in a parked car. If you're traveling with someone, leave the car running with the air conditioning on and take turns going into rest stops so that someone is always with the cat.
   • Remember that high humidity levels can also overheat your pet. Keep an eye on the outside temperature and the humidity level, both where you are and where you'll be traveling to.
2. Try to maintain some shade in the car. If your cat's carrier is in direct sunlight, even with the air conditioner going, it can still become dangerously hot for your pet. Try to keep the carrier in the shade if at all possible, but remember to make sure that the carrier's gate is not blocked so that air can still circulate through the carrier.^[9]
   
   • If you do stop anywhere, try to park in the shade. This should be done in addition to having someone stay in the car with the air conditioner on.
3. Consider purchasing a cooling body mat. If you plan on traveling through extremely hot areas, like a desert, or through extremely humid regions, you may need to take extra precautions. Having the air conditioner on will certainly help, but having a cooling body mat can help give your pet some added protection against the heat and humidity.^[10]
   
   • Cooling mats may rely on a refrigerated component that is inserted into the mat, or they be water-activated.
   • Some cooling body mats stay cool for up to three days while also remaining dry. This can be important when cooling off a cat.
   • You can purchase a cooling body mat at many pet stores, or though an online retailer.

EditPreparing Your Cat for Car Travel

1. Have your cat wear a collar with an ID tag. Even if your cat is an indoor pet, it's a good idea to have your cat wear a collar with an ID tag for the entire trip. That way, on the off chance that your cat manages to escape, it's more likely that someone will find and return your cat if it's clear that the cat has a home.^[11]
   
   • The ID tag on your cat's collar should have your name and cell phone number. Remember that a landline phone number won't help you if you're on the road.
   • Consider getting your cat microchipped. This can help a veterinarian or animal control worker identify your cat and access your contact information, in case your cat manages to slip off the collar somehow.
2. Get your cat acclimated to car travel before long trips. Traveling in a car can be scary for cats. They often associate being in a car with going to the veterinarian, which is usually an unpleasant trip for cats. Because of this, you'll want to get your cat adjusted to safe, pleasant car rides before taking him or her on a longer road trip.^[12]
   
   • Go for a series of short drives with your cat. Try to go a few times each week, and start preparing your cat a few weeks in advance.
   • Remember that even the sound of a car engine starting could frighten your cat. Be patient and try to get your cat acclimated well before you plan on making your longer trip.^[13]
   • Try to lengthen the duration of your drive a little longer each time. Aim to add about 15 to 30 minutes every trip.
3. Pack a kitty travel kit. Even if you're not going very far, it's generally a good idea to be prepared in case a short trip gets extended. Driving in winter can easily force you to spend the night somewhere, for example, and it's best to make sure your cat has everything he or she would need.^[14] Some basics to pack include:
   
   • any medication your cat might need
   • cat food
   • several bottles of water
   • a food dish
   • a water bowl
   • a litter box and litter
   • a waste scoop
4. Give your cat a light meal before a long trip. Because riding in a car can be traumatic for cats and may cause them to lose their appetite, it's best to make sure your cat eats before traveling on a long car trip. That way your cat will have enough time to digest the food and use the litter box.^[15]
   
   • Feed your cat three to four hours before you plan on leaving.
   • Make sure you only give your cat a light meal. Aim for about half of what you would normally feed your cat for breakfast or dinner (depending on when you'll be traveling).
5. Try to hide the fact that you'll be traveling. If your cat isn't used to car trips, or if your cat has had a traumatic car trip in the past, the sight of your car could set off a panic in your pet. The best way to avoid this problem is by hiding the fact that you'll be traveling from your cat.^[16]
   • Choose a breathable cloth (like mesh) and drape the cloth over your cat's carrier before you carry it out to the car.
   • Once you're inside the car, rearrange the cloth (if possible) so that it allows your cat to see you straight ahead, but surrounds the perimeter of the carrier's gate to block out the sky and the ground.

EditVideo

EditTips

• Treat your pet as though it were a young child. You would not allow your baby to ride without a car safety seat or in the front seat, so don't let your cat ride unsafely either.
• If you have children, allow them to sit in the back to comfort the cat.
• Give your cat treats like Catnip. Also, if the cat sees water, calm it by patting it's head.

EditWarnings

• Never ever leave a child or a pet in the vehicle without adult supervision. Pets (and children) can quickly overheat or get hypothermia in extreme weather, and pet thieves have been known to steal animals from unattended vehicles.
• Do not let your cat roam the car freely. Cats can easily cause an accident and have also been known to sneak out a window that's been cracked open.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Ship a Cat
• Give a Cat a Pill
• Pet a High Strung Cat
• Bathe a Cat
• Bring a Second Cat Into the Family and Not Make Your Old Cat Upset
• Teach Your Cat to Give a Handshake
• Approach a Stray Dog
• Travel Train Your Cat
• Be Safe While Being Away from Home
• Take Your Cat for a Ride
• Approach a Cat Without Any Treats

EditSources and Citations

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It’s not like store-bought pickles are expensive, but it’s kind of fun to pickle your own produce . It’s also pretty easy, especially if you have some leftover pickle juice on hand from an empty jar.

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WASHINGTON — Yogi is a dog with the power to calm and soothe a troubled soul.

He is part of a growing trend in medicine where more hospitals, treatment centers and nursing homes are bringing in resident therapy dogs to help patients.

Yogi lives and works with Gregory Jones, a psychologist in D.C. who shares his home and office with the 4-month-old corgi.

As a small puppy, Yogi was the official “greeter” at Jones’ practice, Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness. But as he grew and progressed through obedience training, he spent more time in sessions with patients.

“Oftentimes, he is very grounding for people that need to talk about things that are traumatic, difficult, anxiety provoking,” Jones said.

In a way, Yogi is Jones’ warm-up act, taking away some of the initial anxiety surrounding psychotherapy, and enabling clients to lower their defenses and become more open.

“He’ll sit in the chair next to me and lay down, and he will look at the clients and the clients will just make eye contact with him,” Jones said.

He added: “I can literally see them just get calmer and relax and smile.”

Once used primarily as highly-trained service animals for those with physical disabilities, dogs now fill a variety of roles in the mental health sphere.

Therapy dogs like Yogi are chosen primarily for their demeanor and their ability to bring cheer.

Emotional support and service dogs, however, are highly trained and need certification in order to get complete access to public places, including airports and planes.

“They can be trained to sense your mood changes, when to bark to tell you to take your medication, when to notice that you are about to have seizure so you can lay down on the ground and be ready for it,” Jones explained.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the power of these incredible animals to help people with mental health concerns, ranging from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder to anxiety.

Information on where to find the right dog and how to obtain the proper certification is available through various sources, although Jones favors the United States Dog Registry.

Jones is now advising others who want a therapy dog like Yogi, and those who feel they would benefit from an emotional support or service dog with specific skills. Jones says he is sold on their value, adding “they are phenomenal creatures.”

The post Dogs find jobs in the health care arena appeared first on WTOP.

STERLING, Va. (AP) — A Loudoun County woman has been found guilty of animal cruelty after she sacrificed roosters as a Santeria religious practice.

Media outlets report that 43-year-old Mercy Carrion, a Santeria priestess, said in court Wednesday that the charges against her violated her First Amendment right to freedom of religion.

Prosecutor Alexandra Hazel argued that Carrion could sacrifice the birds, but said she broke the law by failing to care for them beforehand and then slaughtering them in an inhumane way.

A judge ultimately convicted Carrion of three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Loudoun County animal control officers testified that they found no evidence of food for the roosters in Carrion’s home during an April search. They also said Carrion had told them the roosters died over three to five minutes.

The post Santeria priestess found guilty of animal cruelty appeared first on WTOP.

Guinea pigs are often prized as excellent pets. They typically have an agreeable personality and tend to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets.^[1] But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment in order to thrive.

EditSteps

EditMaking Your Guinea Pig Comfortable

1. Restrain your guinea pig. Do this by gently placing one hand around its chest, keeping your thumb beneath the guinea pig's jaw. Use your other hand to support the guinea pig's hindquarters, holding it upright between your two hands.^[2]
   
   • It's important to handle your guinea pig firmly enough that it won't fall, but not so firmly as to injure its body. Be aware that if your guinea pig is prone to nervousness or skittishness, it may try to squirm out of your hands and jump, which can lead to serious injury.^[3]
2. Take your guinea pig out of its cage. Once your guinea pig is properly restrained, move it into a safe, enclosed space from which it can't escape. Make sure somebody is around watching your guinea pig, and that there are no loud noises around that may scare it. Someone can hold your guinea pig, if you want.
   
3. Groom your guinea pig, as necessary. Long-haired guinea pigs need to be brushed daily.^[4] If you need to groom or bathe your guinea pig, it may be easiest to do so while your pet is out of its cage.
   
   • Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year.^[5]
4. Give your guinea pig someplace to hide. Your pet should be used to having a designated hiding place in its permanent cage. When you remove your guinea pig from its home, it may become frightened. If you can't fit its permanent hiding place into the temporary enclosed space, make a small temporary space by cutting the bottom out of a cardboard box.^[6]
   

EditCleaning Your Guinea Pig's Cage on a Daily Basis

1. Spot-clean the cage. Remove excess food and waste, spot-clean the cage as needed with a wet paper towel, and make sure the bedding is completely dry.
   
2. Refill food and water. This should be done every single day. If your guinea pig spills water into the food dish, remove that food and replenish the dish with fresh, dry food.
   
3. Wash food and water dishes in hot, soapy water. Doing this every day will help prevent bacteria from growing in the food and water receptacles.^[7]
   

EditConducting Weekly Cleanings

1. Plan to conduct thorough cage cleanings about once every week. Though daily maintenance and spot-cleaning are necessary, you will also need to thoroughly clean out your guinea pig's cage once every week. This will ensure that your guinea pig is healthy and happy, and its environment is odor-free.
   
2. Remove everything from your guinea pig's cage. When you're doing a thorough cage cleaning, remove all of your pet's toys, as well as its food bowl, water bottle, and hiding place.
   
3. Wash the water bottle and food bowl. A guinea pig will often get pieces of bedding and/or droppings into its food bowl, so it's important to clean food and water bowls regularly.^[8]
   
   • Empty out any leftover food and water. Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. Leave them in the sink to dry while you clean out the cage.
   • If your pet's hiding place can be washed, it's a good idea to rinse it off as well.
4. Take your cage to where you plan to clean it and get a large garbage bag. Carefully brush everything into the bag, removing all substrate material from the enclosure.^[9]
   
   • For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Do not use the same one as your cat, dog or other pet.
5. Spray the inside of the cage down. You can use a mild detergent, or mix three-parts warm water and one-part distilled white vinegar.^[10]
   
   • For deeper stains and messes, use undiluted vinegar, but make sure to clean off well afterwards!
6. Rinse the cage out. Be sure to rinse off every surface of the cage, especially after using a spray-cleaner.
   
7. Dry the cage with paper towels. If you have the time, you can let it air dry. It's important to be sure your guinea pig's cage is completely dry before laying down the newspaper and bedding, as dampness can quickly cause a mold problem that can lead to illness for your pet.^[11]
   

EditSetting Up Your Pet's Home

1. Line the cage with fresh and clean new newspaper, then fill with bedding. You should make the bedding about 1-3 inches deep, or 2.5-7.6 centimeters.
   
   • You should never use cedar or pine shavings. Though these wood chips are often sold for use in cages, they actually contain chemicals which can be harmful to your guinea pig.^[12]
   • Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. But damp hay can harbor fungal growth, and dry, dusty hay could cause respiratory problems.^[13]
2. Be sure the cage is completely dry before you put down newspaper and bedding. Putting down new bedding and newspaper on a damp surface can quickly lead to mold and fungus growth in the cage.
   
3. Put the cage back together (if you took it apart) and put the toys and things back in their places. Hide your pet's favorite treats in paper towel rolls or hang them up by a piece of string. (But make sure your piggy can reach it!)
   
4. Control the environment. Remember that guinea pigs need a constant temperature, and your pet's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.^[14] It's best to keep the room temperature from dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius) or getting above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius).^[15]
   

EditTips

• Give your guinea pig something to chew on in its cage. Untreated wood is best, as plastic can be swallowed and cause harm to your pet.^[16]
• Use either a sponge or a small, fresh rag and a diluted solution of distilled white vinegar to wipe/spray down your piggies home. Don't use Windex or any other cleaning spray as it can be harmful to your cavy.
• To help you clean your cage, put a layer of newspaper underneath the bedding. That way you can roll it up when its time to refresh the cage.
• There are many pet safe cage cleaning sprays/wipes available at pet stores, if you don't feel comfortable using what you have at home.
• Most animal experts recommend giving your guinea pig a hiding place inside its cage.
• If you have more than one guinea pig clean it two times a week.
• Leave a rough surface in a small area of the Guinea pig cage so they can keep their nails a sensible size!

EditWarnings

• Cleaning your pig's cage at least on a weekly basis is very important in maintaining your pet's health.
• Do not use wood chips or sawdust as they cause serious harm to your pet. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available.
• Always have someone supervising your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble.
• Guinea pigs need a constant temperature. Your guinea pig's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.^[17]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Care for Guinea Pigs
• Feed a Guinea Pig
• Entertain Your Guinea Pig
• Hold a Guinea Pig
• Make Your Guinea Pig Comfortable in Its Cage
• Clean a Hamster Food Water Bottle
• Clean a Pet Cage with a Fleece Bottom

EditSources and Citations

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Manassas woman, 33, dies after being ejected from car in crash Washington Post A 33-year-old woman was ejected and killed when the SUV she was riding in was involved in a crash early Friday in Prince William County. The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. on the southbound side of Sudley Road at Coverstone Drive. A 2012 Toyota ... and more »

It’s a time-honored back-to-school tradition: some states use the season as an excuse to offer tax holidays. That’s when they suspend the sales tax on certain items, like new clothing and school supplies, to decrease the financial burden on parents and encourage everyone to shop a little more. While shoppers love it, this doesn’t really work as an economic stimulus, since shoppers just shift planned purchases from other times to the tax holiday.

That’s why some states are doing away with tax holidays and finding that residents aren’t really outraged. In Massachusetts, the tax holiday led to an ironic shift in funding: the estimated $25.5 million that would have been collected in taxes last year meant that the state didn’t put its customary amount of money away in a fund used for…public school construction. Georgia estimates that it misses out on $70 million in tax revenue during its tax holidays every year.

Other problems with tax holidays, according to the non-partisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, include that they favor wealthy people who can easily delay purchases, and that they benefit anyone who happens to be shopping in a state, not just its own residents.

Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping Over as States Cancel Reprieves [Bloomberg]
Sales Tax Holidays: An Ineffective Alternative to Real Sales Tax Reform [ITEP]

When the original intellectual property auction for the remaining assets of the former sewing and craft chain Hancock Fabrics concluded, the winning bidder was a company called ADMACO, Inc. Who? That turned out to be an alias for Michaels, the nationwide craft supplies chain, which will take over the Hancock Fabrics trademarks, and the 10 million names on its mailing list.

The serious crafters in the audience are probably asking themselves, “Wait, what would Michaels want with a serious sewing and fabric store like Hancock? They barely even sell sewing supplies!”

That’s true, though Michaels does have a wide selection of fabrics and sewing machines available to buy online. Maybe they think that Hancock’s customers are interested in scrapbooking supplies, beads, and Rainbow Loom, too.

The good news, according to the report of the privacy ombudsman [PDF] in this bankruptcy, is that Michaels will allow people on the Hancock Fabrics list to opt in, and has agreed to abide by the privacy policy of Hancock Fabrics. There will be opportunities by e-mail and on the Hancock Fabrics and Michaels websites to opt out if you don’t want Michaels to contact you.

Here are some of the brands that Michaels is getting, if it does decide to expand its offerings in fabric, notions, and sewing machines:

The sale also includes a long list of domain names, which include the baffling SnuggieOutlet.com, which isn’t an active site right now.

(Via Chain Store Age)

As the proud pop of a pup, of course I want him to live as long and happy a life as possible. At the same time, I’d hope that any product claiming to be able to extend my dog’s years has the evidence to back up this boast.

This morning, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had reached a settlement with Mars Petcare over accusations of false advertising for the company’s Eukanuba brand of dog food.

In May 2015, Eukanaba began a marketing and ad campaign, showing off several labrador retrievers that appeared to be living happy lives well past the typical 12-year lifespan for the breed, like Georgia, who was 17 at the time the campaign ran:

It would be one thing if the ad just showed a bunch of adorable, happy old dogs. Where Eukanuba crossed the line, says the FTC, was in implying that other dogs would also live longer if they ate this particular food.

The ads reference a 10-year “long life study” with “astonishing” results.

However, that study didn’t actually prove anything, according to the FTC’s complaint [PDF].

“Among other things, the evidence relied on by [Mars] for its representations concerning the Eukanuba brand dog food consisted primarily of results from a single study, the results of which showed no significant difference in the median age at death of the dogs in the study relative to the typical age at death of dogs of the same breed,” reads the complaint. “Therefore, the representations… were, and are, false or misleading.”

The proposed settlement [PDF] between Mars and the FTC does not penalize the pet food company financially, but does bar Mars from making any misleading or unsubstantiated life-extending claims about Eukanuba or any other pet food.

If Mars intends to make this sort of claim, it must have competent and reliable scientific evidence to substantiate its marketing.

“Two-thirds of all Americans have pets at home, and they spend billions of dollars to ensure that their pets are healthy and well-fed,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Pet owners count on ads to be truthful and not to misrepresent health-related benefits. In this case, Mars Petcare simply did not have the evidence to back up the life-extending claims it made about its Eukanuba dog food.”

As part of the settlement, Mars neither admits nor denies any wrongdoing.

Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or simply “budgies,” are a type of parrot native to Australia. Budgies are common pets around the world, and can be taught to do things like play with toys, sit on shoulders, and even mimic human speech. First, however, you need to build your budgie’s trust in you. Bonding with your budgie will take time and patience, but can also be lots of fun.

EditSteps

EditGetting Your Budgie Used to its Surroundings

1. Consider whether you want to clip your budgie’s wings. This can be a difficult decision to make once you get your bird. If you have questions about clipping the bird’s wings, talk to your veterinarian.^[1]
   
   • Trimming your bird’s wings does not cause it any pain, when done properly by a professional. With its wings trimmed, your budgie will not be able to fly for a few months, until its feathers grow back. That way, you can leave its cage door open, and the budgie can explore more with less chance of it escaping. This can make it easier to train.
   • On the other hand, not everyone likes the idea of altering a bird. There are also concerns that the inability to fly can be distressing to a bird.^[2]
2. Keep your budgie comfortable. Make sure that your budgie has an appropriate cage and easy access to food and water. All the necessary supplies can be found at pet supply stores. Keep the cage in a room that is moderate in temperature. If the temperature feels good to you, then your bird should be comfortable as well.^[3]
   
3. Don’t try to tame your bird right away. When you first get a budgie, give it a few weeks to get used to its surroundings. Then you can start to tame and train it.^[4]
   
   • If possible, keep your budgie’s cage in a room where you spend a lot of time. This will help it get used to the sight of you.^[5][6]
   • Play music around your bird. This will get your budgie used to the volume level of your home, and it may enjoy hearing the music.
   • Talk softly to your budgie when you give it water and food, so that it will create positive associations with you. You can also make a point to leave treats on or just inside its cage.^[7]

EditBeginning to Build Your Budgie’s Trust

1. Start by opening the cage door. Open the door of your budgie’s cage and carefully insert your hand. Talk softly to the budgie. Try to coax it into eating a treat, like a sunflower seed or millet, from the palm of your hand.^[8] This may take several tries, so be patient.
   
   • Do not try to grab your budgie at this early stage. Let it come to your hand instead. If your budgie moves around in the cage when you insert your hand, leave it there until the bird calms down.^[9]
   • Each training session should last about 10 minutes.^[10][11]
2. Train your budgie to hop onto a stick. After your budgie trusts you enough to eat treats from your hand, you can try getting it to hop onto a perch or stick. Open its cage door and carefully insert the perch. Very gently press the perch against your bird. With some time, it will learn to move onto the perch.^[12]
   
   • For now, just let your budgie stay on the perch in its cage. Don’t try to move it out of the cage yet. Your budgie needs more time to develop trust in you.
3. Train your budgie to hop onto your finger. Once your budgie is used to hopping onto a perch or stick, you can place your finger next to the bird to see if it will hop onto it. When your budgie is on the perch or stick, you can also try placing your finger next to the perch to if the bird will hop onto it.^[13]
   
   • If your budgie is not startled by the presence of your hand, you can try rubbing your finger on its belly while saying “up.” When you set it back on its perch or the cage, say “down.”^[14]
4. Move your budgie while it is perched on your finger. If your budgie has gotten used to hopping on your finger, and can perch on it securely, then you can try to move it on your finger out of its cage.
   
   • Move your budgie very slowly and carefully as you are taking it out of its cage, especially for the first time. You do not want to startle the bird.^[15]
   • Do not try to move your budgie around very much when you are trying to get it used to coming out of the cage. Keep the training sessions short.^[16]

EditTraining and Bonding with Your Budgie

1. Let your budgie spend time outside of its cage. Once tamed and trained, your budgie will need at least an hour per day outside of its cage for exercise and play. Make sure all windows and doors are closed for safety. It is also a good idea to cover windows and mirrors so your budgie does not accidentally fly into them.^[17]
   
2. Let your budgie sit on your shoulder. Once your budgie is comfortable being moved around outside of your cage, you can try to set it gently on your shoulder. Many budgies can be trained to perch there.^[18]
   
3. Keep your budgie healthy and happy with toys. Budgies will enjoy having a number of toys to choose from. You can use these toys as an opportunity to bond with your budgie. Try rotating toys regularly (at least every month) to keep it happy.^[19] Good budgie-appropriate toys should be available at pet supply stores and include:^[20]
   
   • Ladders
   • Swings
   • Mirrors
   • Bells
   • Wooden chew toys (these are good for keeping your budgie’s beak trimmed)
   • Non-poisonous house plants. Your budgie can fly from its cage to the plant and back.^[21]
4. Continue to talk to your bird. You want your budgie to be used to the sound of your voice, so continue to talk to it as it bonds with you.
   
   • Many budgies can be taught to mimic words and noises.^[22]

EditTips

• Always hold your budgie correctly. Place your palm on its back and wrap your fingers around the bird. Gently place your thumb on one side of its head, and your forefinger on the other. ^[23] This position will keep your bird securely held and make it feel safe.
• Budgies can use their beaks to bite, but this is rarely painful or dangerous. If your budgie does bite you, don’t startle it by overly reacting.
• Some people suggest trying to tame your budgie by holding it for periods of time (such as 30 minutes at a time, five times a day). However, not all budgies respond well to this method, and it may be hard to build trust. If you choose this method, remember to hold your budgie gently and carefully, as always. If you grasp the bird too tightly, it can suffocate.^[24]

EditThings You'll Need

• Some treats such as millet or sunflower seeds
• A birdcage with food and water
• Toys for your budgie

EditRelated wikiHows

• Teach Your Parakeet to Love You
• Teach Parakeets to Talk
• Hand Train a Parakeet

EditSources and Citations

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