Pets

Washington Ag leaders ask live poultry sales to end because of bird flu

Rayos Syndication User,

With bird flu hitting nine flocks scattered across seven counties, the Washington state Department of Agriculture is requesting that live market poultry sales cease for the next 30 days. The closure is not mandatory, the agency said Thursday. Confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 have shown up in nine small backyard flocks in Thurston, Pierce, Pacific, Clallam, Spokane, Whatcom and Okanogan counties since May 5. Dr. Amber Itle, the Washington state veterinarian, says bird flu has been reported in 35 states this year and Washington is one of the last states to get hit. The agency says no commercial flocks have been infected and commercial poultry products remain safe to consume.

Spokane Firefighters Rescue 9 Ducklings, Distraught Momma From Window Well

Spokane firefighters rescue 9 ducklings, distraught momma from window well

Rayos Syndication User,

Credit: Spokane FireSPOKANE, Wash. – Firefighters were quick to help a distraught mother of nine.  Crews helped a frantic momma duck whose nine babies fell in a deep window well near 27th and Southeast Boulevard.  All of the ducklings are doing great and a report from the fire department says “momma appeared exceptionally thankful for SFD’s care and intervention.”  READ:…

Cat Damon 3 - BMHS

Washington justices: Animal abuse can be domestic violence

Rayos Syndication User,

The Washington Supreme Court has unanimously confirmed that animal abuse can constitute domestic violence. The court issued its ruling Thursday in the case of Charmarke Abdi-Issa, who was convicted of animal abuse with a domestic violence designation for savagely beating his girlfriend's dog to death in a Seattle parking lot in 2018. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison — 12 for animal abuse and six more because the attack traumatized a woman who witnessed it. The justices unanimously held that the purpose of the domestic violence designation is to enforce existing criminal statutes in a way that ensures victims are protected.