By Neena Strichart
This week we are featuring a special section for animal lovers called “Pamper Your Furry, Scaly, Feathery, Slithery Friends.” Within the section, we are spotlighting ads and articles chock full of information regarding local pet-related businesses, interesting pet facts and upcoming pet events.
Over the last 20 years or so, Steve and I have been pet parents to fish, dogs, cats, bearded dragons, various other lizards, frogs, turtles, tortoises, snakes, tarantulas, and a pigeon, as well as a host of other furry or scaly creatures. No matter what animal we were caring for, we always did our homework as to the proper care and feeding of that particular living being.
Currently our house is shared with three greyhounds. What loving dogs. We rescued them through Greyhound Pets of America and a group called Grey Save. When we brought the dogs home, we made sure they were spayed, up to date on their shots and microchipped.
Lately we have had to keep an eye out for unwanted backyard pests like squirrels, raccoons, opossums and skunks. Having our girls bitten by vermin or sprayed by skunks could be not only scary— but deadly as well. To further add to my concern— and validly so— I recently received the following information in an email from Long Beach Animal Care Services— please read and heed:
On a Friday night last week, at approximately 7:45pm, a small household dog in a neighboring city ran outside through a backyard doggy door and was nearly killed by a coyote. If the animal owner had not heard the dog scream and run outside, the coyote would have jumped the backyard fence— with dog in mouth— and disappeared into the night.
Each spring, new litters of wildlife begin to emerge in search of food. In Long Beach and surrounding areas, common wildlife includes coyote, raccoon, opossum and skunk, among other wild animals, and can pose potential health and safety risks to people and their animals, particularly small dogs and cats.
“Recent rains have made food, water and shelter more available than in past years, resulting in larger litters of wild animals,” says John Keisler, manager of Animal Care Services. “This is the season— beginning April each year— for residents to take preventative measures to reduce attractants.”
Preventative measures have been proven to reduce the presence of urban wildlife. Residents must:
• Remove attractants (e.g. food, shelter and water) and keep pet food and water bowls indoors
• Never allow pets to roam and never leave small children unattended
• Create an inhospitable environment for wildlife
• Keep trashcans covered and secured at all times
• Clear brush, repair screens, cover holes, and pick up fallen fruit from around the house
Any incidents involving aggressive, sick, or injured wildlife should be reported immediately to Animal Care Services at (562) 570-PETS (7387). For all other wildlife-related inquiries, or strategies for protecting your property and pets, contact Animal Care Services by email at animalcare@longbeach.gov or visit online at longbeach.gov/acs/urban_wildlife/default.asp
Animal Care Services is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, from 10am to 5:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The Village is closed on Monday, Tuesday and all holidays. A full listing of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers is posted online. For further information regarding Animal Care Services or to receive tips on responsible pet ownership, please call 570-PETS (7387) or visit longbeach.gov/acs.
