Tell King County Council to commit the vital resources to help animals in need

As a member of the King County Animal Care and Control Citizen's Advisory Committee, PAWS recently assisted in formulating recommendations to King County Council to improve the safety and well-being of pets in its shelters. PAWS commends the council for recognizing that the care of homeless, stray and abused animals in King County must be improved. However, implementing these recommendations will require a long-term commitment of resources by the county's leaders. There is still time for King County residents to be a voice for animals in the county's care by attending public hearings for the county budget on October 30 and November 1. (See location of public hearings.) Tell King County Council members that you want more dollars spent on animal care so that all homeless pets receive adequate care and a second chance at life.

For more information on animal care in King County please read:

• The Seattle Times article on King County's need for shelter improvements
• A two-page summary of the King County Executive's 2008 Budget Priorities
• King County Animal Care and Control Citizen's Advisory Committee Recommendations

Go Humane on Halloween this year!

Fall brings chillier weather, turning leaves, and the ghoulish fun of Halloween. As you carve your pumpkins and stock up on candy for the spook-filled holiday, consider how you can take action for animals this Halloween.

Black is the New Black

Oakley invites you to visit him at PAWS Cat City in Seattle.

Black-hued creatures are sometimes considered symbols of "bad luck," and yet black is also a naturally predominant color of animal fur. More than 30% of the cats and dogs available for adoption at PAWS have black fur, but the only bad luck they may have is that they often remain in our shelter longer than others. Sadly, because we have a larger number of black-coated adoptable animals, they are often overlooked. If your family is thinking of adopting a new best friend this fall, be sure to visit our cats and dogs with handsome black coats. Whether they are sleek and shiny or wild and woolly, these ebony-coated beauties would welcome a chance to find their new forever home with you. If you have family or friends thinking of adopting, pass this message on.

Buy animal-friendly trick-or-treat candy

Giving out animal-friendly candy has never been easier. From Blow-Pops to Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, you can choose candy that is free from animal products this year. Surprised that there can be animal products in candy? Learn more on PETA's animal-friendly candy list.

Create a spook-free Halloween for your pets

With all the hustle and bustle of Halloween—such as doorbell-ringing, trick-or-treaters and parties—your family pet can easily become anxious and scared. Here are some tips to help you ensure your companion animals have a stress-free Halloween:

1. Should your cat or dog be outside on Halloween? Taking your dog trick-or-treating may be okay if your dog is not easily spooked by strangers, is patient around children, and is kept on leash at all times. But be aware that more incidences of animal cruelty are reported during Halloween. Cats allowed to roam outdoors, especially black or black and orange cats, are at especially high risk for becoming victims of cruelty. Keeping all your pets indoors during Halloween is the very best way to keep them safe.
2. Keep companion animals in a secure room so they can't slip out when a ghost or goblin comes to the door. Leaving your cat or dog in his or her favorite room with comfortable bedding, the radio playing, and the door closed, helps reduce anxiety caused by noisy trick-or-treaters.
3. Keep candy away from your pets. Some types of candy can make your pets sick, and chocolate can even cause death if enough is eaten. Treat your dogs and cats to their favorite pet-friendly treats and toys instead.

For more pet-friendly Halloween tips, read ASPCA's top 10 Halloween pet safety tips.

Thank you for helping the animals and have a happy, humane Halloween!

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Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

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