Farming Information

Bear farming is one of the worst types of animal cruelty. It causes repeated agony, pain and suffering to bears. The bear farmers will say that it was all for the good: bear farms offer an abundant and renewable supply of bile for medicinal use and at the same time reduces pressure on wild bear populations. They argue that extracting bile from bears in captivity obviates the need to trap and kill wild bears, and thus contributes to their conservation. However, many people are becoming concerned. Does it really contribute to the bear’s overall welfare? I’m afraid not.

Researches show how bear farming endangers the survival of bears in the wild. It is thought that by creating additional demand for bear bile products, the practice eggs on farmers to go out and capture more and more bears, and thus increases pressure on wild populations.

Bear Farming in Asia - In South East Asia, black bears are being captured and sold to bear farms, and the forceful marketing of bear bile products all over the world has put a price on the head of every living bear. In fact, many bears rescued from bear farms have missing limbs, apparently, lost in snares and traps. This just shows that the bears were captured from the wild and not bred on the farm. So does farming really reduce the number of bears poached from the wild? The answer is no.

What happens in bear farms? As of now, there are officially 247 bear farms across China, which houses about 7,002 bears. The bears are housed in steel cages that are only just 0.8m x 1.3m x 2m in size. It is hardly large enough to contain the bear. Thus, the bear can almost not move, sit up, or even just turn around. The floors of these cages are made of iron bars, and thus the bears cannot even stand or lie on firm ground. As a result, the bears suffer from injuries to the head, paws, and back, because of the friction caused by containment.

No Veterinary Training - More often that not, bile extraction is done by people without veterinary training. There is no form of sanitation to the procedure. During the process, the bears are in extreme pain and distress. They moan, bang their heads against the cages and even chew their own paws. Many die during or soon after the process. For every 2 successful fistula implantations, another 2 or 3 bears die due to infections and complications.

Why should we stop it if it’s for medical purposes? All this confinement and repeated torture is unnecessary. Putting 7,000 bears through all the torture to get a substance that is obsolete is preposterous. There are about 75 herbal alternatives that can replace the use of bile in medicine and 54 of these are proven to work. They are more affordable and convenient, and they work without ever having to brutally kill poor bears.

You can help stop bear farming. You do not have to be an animal activist or advocate. Become a member of organizations that stops animal cruelty. Your support, generosity and donation will surely help stop this horrible practice and at the same time will also help treat other stray and maltreated working animals.

Online Support - You can also campaign online by making petitions to influence policy in China. You can find the names and addresses of Chinese ambassadors on these petition sites. We need your help in putting a stop to this merciless practice.

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You should definitely consider using holistic cat food for your cat. Holistic cat food is food that has no artificial ingredients in it.

One of the biggest problems that are cats face today is the consumption of commercial cat food.

The natural life span of cats is actually twenty five to thirty years but the average cat only lives to be seven to ten years old. The nutritional value of most commercial food for felines is equivalent to Twinkies.

You better believe that if you ate nothing but Twinkies for the next ten years you would not be doing much better then most of the cats.

When you have food that is free of everything that is not found naturally then you have holistic food. The problem with cat food being holistic is that you never know what is actually in it. The cat food company’s only have to claim the ingredients that are put into the food after it reaches their plant.

Basically, the law states that if the meat gets preservatives put into it at a processing plant before it reaches the cat food manufacturers then they can turn around and claim that it is preservative free.

Another thing to think about is what kind of meat goes into your feline’s food. Any thing that is not consumable by humans can be put into wet or dry food, from cancerous cow lungs to poisoned pound animals.

When an animal is euthanized at the pound they use poison. Unfortunately for your cat the poison does not cook out when they process the meat. You might unknowingly be poisoning your cat when you feed him.

So what should you do?

One of the things you could do is to start making your cat homemade cat food. While this might sound like a time consuming option it really isn’t. When your cat starts getting the proper nutrition he will eat less food so you will only need to feed your cat once a day.

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When riding horses, it can be quite difficult to judge how the horse or pony will react to the traffic on the road. Unless you are fairly experienced with that particular horse and are aware of all his reactions, there are a few little ways you can adopt to get him used to traffic when riding out.

Your main objective is to move your horses attention away from the vehicles and fully onto yourself. Distracting him from his concentration on vehicles approaching from the front or behind will help him adjust his viewpoints and place more of his trust in you as the rider.

Some horses and ponies will fully focus on their surroundings rather than to the riders and their commands. This usually results in the horse possibly tripping over himself and spooking himself purely from lack of concentration on what he is supposed to be doing.

So what can you do to distract your horse or pony from oncoming vehicles or break his focus on his surroundings? One way is to occasionally tweak the reigns and squeeze with your legs to gently move him into a fast walk and a soft trot to pull his attention back onto his paces. If your horse keeps watching others in nearby fields, gently tapping his muzzle with your crop will help him focus forward.

When taught correctly, horses and ponies can be very fast learners. It is important not to get angry or frustrated when teaching him and mainly not to be scared, as he will be able to read your emotions. Talking in a nice but firm voice will show your horse that you are in control when dealing with the vehicles on the road, which will drive him to listen to you.

Keep his attention on you when you are riding by not allowing him to choose his own steps on the route. If you want him to walk over a certain spot in the road that he usually tries to avoid, ride with authority and precision to ensure that he does what you want, where you want and when you want. Listening to you rather than focusing on the vehicles or the neighbouring horses will help him respond to your commands more.

When teaching your horse or pony to become more familiar with traffic, it is recommended to also take him on short walks on the roads by leading him and not riding him. However, when you do this, always ensure that you use a bridle instead of a head collar, which will give you more control over him if he gets scared or bolts as a result of the oncoming traffic.

Whenever you view any horses for sale, you must insist that you see him walked and ridden in traffic by the current owner numerous times prior to buying. You will be able to see the horses reaction and behaviour when around vehicles and on the road in general. It will also give you the opportunity to see if he requires further training, which you may or may not be able to provide. Matching the horse to your experience is key.

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One of the best things about owning a dog is its companionship and its loyalty; however, because of circumstances beyond your control, your dog might either be locked up in a house all day or left outside. It’s a fact that you have to go to work and can’t always be around to let your dog in and out of the house, but what you may be able to do for them is install a dog door that will give them access to and from the home at their convenience. This means that even if you are not home, the dog can go outside to go to the bathroom or play in the yard, and this can be a tremendous comfort to all dog owners.

One downside to the traditional dog doors has been the fact that they do not discriminate about which animal they let in and out of the house. For years pet owners have complained about stray dogs, cats, and even the occasional raccoon gaining entry into their home through these dog doors. Also, many people are concerned about any indoor animals they might have (usually cats) getting out through this door or even people coming into their homes through these openings. One way that you can prevent this problem is by using a magnetic dog door or a locking dog door to only allow selective entry into the house. This can work to alleviate any problems or concerns that you may have about using a dog door and will still allow your animal to have unlimited access to the yard and the house. These dog doors work by means of a magnet that is attached to your dog’s collar and which opens the door only when that collar is in a certain proximity to the door.

Some people worry about the look that a dog door will give to their home, but there are some decorated dog doors that have a wooden appearance so they will not stand out too much in your home. Plus, many of the locking and magnetic dog doors are thicker than the traditional plastic flaps and this look is not as much of a distraction. One thing that you might also consider when you are going through the pros and cons of having a dog door is how the contraption will help keep your animals from having bathroom accidents in the house. Also, if a dog can get outside to play, it is also less likely to tear up items in the home.

You cannot discount the tremendous relief that having a dog door installed in your home can provide to both you and your beloved dog. You will not have to worry that they aren’t getting the exercise they need or keep them locked in the yard because you’re concerned they can’t get out to go to the bathroom if they’re left in the house. The peace of mind that the dog door can provide to you is something that should not be discounted. Besides, if your dog truly gets used to the door, you won’t have to worry about letting them out to go to the bathroom even when you are home.

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Today, animal cruelty is a very common practice even in those places where it is prohibited. In most cases, the laws are not implemented. Thus every year, there are several animals, including pets like cats and dogs, and wild animals, that are maltreated.

Animal cruelty can come in various forms. You could have observed someone physically hurting an animal. Animal cruelty can also be in the form of malnutrition when animal owners don’t feed their pets properly. Generally, what causes injury and suffering to an animal can be considered animal cruelty.

The easiest way is to help fight animal cruelty is to report it once spotted. Here are some things you can do to prevent animal cruelty.

Be Aware

Keep your eyes and ears open. Your local humane society or animal shelter wouldn’t know several instances of animal abuse without those concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhood through phone calls. So, do your part and be on the look out for animals in your own neighborhood. This could be a possible indicator of neglect or abuse.

Learn to Distinguish Animal Cruelty

Read the Signs - There are signs and symptoms observed in most abused animals. Watch out for wounds on the body, patches of missing hair, extremely thin and starving animals, limping and tick or flea infestations. An owner who is physically abusing an animal is abusive. Dogs left chained in the yard and without access to food and water is a neglectful act. Animals hit by a car and not taken to a veterinarian is also a neglectful act. These are all forms of animal cruelty.

Report Animal Cruelty

It’s important to know who to call when you report animal cruelty. There are some states that have Humane Law Enforcement officers who can investigate and arrest perpetrators of animal cruelty. In some towns, you may have to call the police department or local animal control. Know who to call. Also, when reporting an incident, make sure that you provide as much information possible. The details will mean a lot to the investigating officer. Try writing down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident, and where it happened.

Do Some Proactive Steps to Fight Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty is a crime. Write or call your local law enforcement departments and tell them that investigating animal cruelty should be a main concern. Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state or local levels. Have signature petitions. Write letters to legislators. Stronger laws mean tougher penalties, and punishment for animal cruelty should be harsher! Support your local animal rescue organization or local shelter. Volunteer at animal shelters and rescue groups in your area.

Lastly, set a good example for others. You can prevent animal cruelty and it starts within you. If you are a pet owner, make sure that you always show your pets the love and care that they ought to have. Always provide food, fresh water, shelter and medical treatment if your pet is sick. Have your animals spayed or neutered. Be a responsible pet owner. And to top it off, a lot of hugs and kisses won’t hurt!

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For starters when you use natural cat food you improve your cats health so dramatically that he will live on average ten to fifteen years longer. Most commercial cat food does not have much nutrition if any.

Basically, your cat is nutrition deprived even though you feed him daily. Feeding your cat natural cat food gives him the health he needs to live a long, fit life.

The best way to prevent vet bills is to make sure your cat gets the proper nutrition. A well fed cat gets fewer preventable illnesses then cats suffering from malnutrition. That means you get to spend way less on vet bills!

Giving your feline natural cat food will allow him to have a strong thriving immune system so he will be stronger and healthier then other cats.

Another thing to consider is that when your cat is getting the nutrition he needs he will eat less food. Cats, unlike people, do not eat for the gratification of eating. When their nutritional needs are met they stop eating because they are full. The average cat will only eat once a day when they get the proper nutrition.

Another thing to consider when feeding your cat natural cat food is that you don’t have to wonder if it is safe for your cat. Making your own natural cat food is a great way to know exactly what your cat is eating. One important thing to note is that cats need a lot of taurine in their diet to live. Taurine is one of the most important things in a cats diet because it effects everything from their nerve function to their eyesight. Taurine can be found in unprocessed meat.

Some of the commercial pet food companies get their meat from dead, dying, or diseased animals. Examples are road kill, dogs and cats that are put down at the pound (the poison does not cook out so it is present in your cat’s food), and diseased cows. So not only does your cat get no nutrition from most commercial food but it also causes them harm. Take note that while some do use these for meat sources, not all do.

So whats the best way to help your cat achieve a long, healthy life? Feeding him food that is nutritionally sound like natural cat food.

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1: RELIABILITY IS KEY.

If your state requires a contractor’s license, make sure he has one. Additionally, he should have been in business for 5 years or more, carry workmen’s compensation and general liability insurance (get copies of the policies). Finally, make sure he doesn’t need your check to pay this month’s bills.

2: WORKMANSHIP.

Referrals are the best way to choose. If that isn’t a possibility, ask for references. The only way to judge the quality of his work is through on-site inspection. If you can see first hand some of his previous jobs that would be great. If not, most contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work.

3: TEAMWORK AND TRUST.

The best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every single decision, then find one that doesn’t mind close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, find a contractor whose decisions you will trust.

4: BIDDING THE JOB.

Get bids. Three would be best. To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a designer to create project specifications. You will save money and aggravation in the long run.

5: CHECK PRICES.

Double check the prices of the contractors, requesting a cost breakdown sheet. This should include expenses (including building permits and subcontractor bids), materials, fixtures, and labor. Do not forget to get a timetable

6: DON’T GIVE UP.

Even the best contractor needs to be watched. The most successful projects are the ones in which you keep a watchful eye and not walk away. Write the check to a company. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Only make final payments when the work is completed to your satisfaction.

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You probably think that since your cat’s food has not been recalled that it is safe for your cat to eat. This is not necessarily true. Many store bought cat foods are so bad for your cat that they are actually hurting him.

Most of the cat foods that we feed our cats have no nutritional value at all. What is wore is that you might unknowingly be posioning your cat. Posioned cats and dogs from the pound is one of the many cat food ingredients you might find in your felines food.

The posion that is used at the pound to put down the cats and dogs may still be present in your cat food. Even at high temperatures the posion does not cook out.

As if using poisioned animals was not enough, any thing connected to the animals is also used. This can range from hair and teeth to metal id tags to flea collars. Road kill is another meat source that is used in cat food.

Another form of meat used in cat food is parts of a cow that are diseased. Any part of the cow that is inedible for human consumption such as a cyst in a leg, cancerious lungs, or any part that is pussy can also be used in cat food.

Basically tha gives us diseased, dying, or dead animals as the meat source for cat food and the meat by products are not any better. That might be a very good reason why most cats die well before they should.

The more information I found out about cat food, the harder it became to feed it to my cats. Just the thought of touching my cat’s food was appalling.

All cat foods are not created equal. To insure that your cat is getting the nutrition he needs to live a long and healthy life it is suggested that cats should eat a combination of safe commercial cat food and a healthy homemade food.

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1: STYLING

The rule is to match the exterior hardware to other metallic features such as house numbers or lights. There are a wide variety of styles and finishes to complement you home from classic to contemporary. It is best to think of your door hardware as a fine piece of jewelry on a solid color door.

2: SAFETY AND SOUND

When buying exterior door hardware, look for the toughest materials and the most advanced technology. Heavier duty locks stand up to picking, kick-ins and blunt object attacks. Ask if the new lock can re-keyed to match other locks in your home. Does the lock have lifetime warranty?

3: MAINTAINING YOUR EXTERIOR DOOR HARDWARE

Ask yourself how much maintenance you want to do on your door hardware. In an outside environment, particularly where the door is exposed to rain, wind or sea air, the finish will tarnish at a faster rate than if it were indoors. The important factor to consider is the finish of the door handle or knob. Indoors of course, maintenance is rarely a problem.

4: HEAVY METAL

On an interior door, your choice of metals should all work fine. On an exterior door, Chrome or anodized bronze will fare better than brass. However, if you are going for the polished brass look, go for a high quality, slightly more expensive handle as the lacquer will last significantly better.

5: EXTERIOR DOORS

How many outside doors do you have? Are you going to replace them all or just a couple? Don’t forget doors entering garage doors as well.

6: PRICE CHECK

Double check the price against other exterior door hardware you have looked at. Quality locks and door hardware are available in all price levels. Generally, the choice of finish and heaviness of material such as brass or steel determine the price.

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To bark at a stranger is a lovely service to a dog’s owner. To bark at a falling leaf or the setting of the sun is a nuisance. Usually this incessant, barking is because the dog is bored plus is being ignored. It is not trained plus has been allowed to become a problem.

Some cities have rules against barking dogs. It is bad to allow any animal to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. If you are the owner of a barking dog, there are ways you can amke your neighborhood peaceful.

If you are the dogs owner, it’s easier to train in a good habit than it is to train out a bad habit. So training your dog early on. If the dog barks, while playing or to protest being confined, command him very firm to be quiet. Tell him “no” and lightly but firmly hold his muzzle shut to show him what you want.

If this doesn’t work and the dog continues his bad habits, squirt him in the face with a fine stream of water from your garden hose. Use a gentle stream so you don’t injure the dog. If he is startled enough, he will give up the barking.

The longer a dog gets away with exercising a bad habit, the harder it is to correct him. So try to give your dog some training time each day. Never leave your dog tied all the time.

Your dog may not like being tied up, and will bark as soon as you leave home. If this happens, tie him up where you want to keep him. You may have to leave your home and drive around the block or park up the street and walk home. If you find the dog barking, startle him with a big noise and command no!

A dog barking while confined in the house can also be a nuisance. If the dog barks in the house, set up a situation to make him think you have left. When he begins to bark, go back end tell him no. You might need to bang on the door or startle him.

After you have tried this approach, take the dog outside or untie him and play with him for a while. Then bring him back and repeat the procedure. If you keep your dog in a kennel, and he barks, you may startle him by hitting the top of the doghouse. Remember to give the command no immediately after scaring him.

It does not matter what kind of dog you own. All dogs can bark if they get bored. Your dog’s dreadful habits can be changed. A dog will not keep doing something if he is uncomfortable.

The most vital thing to keep in mind is to try to keep your pet from starting bad habits in the first place. Try and pay attention to him. Your dog is your responsibility to care for, and you must avert him from being a problem to your neighbors.

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