June 9, 2009
Contact: Paulette Dean (799-5306)

Summer is a very dangerous time for animals, and last week the high temperature claimed their first known victims in Danville.

On June 2, the Danville Area Humane Society received a call about six newborn puppies that had been placed outside in the direct sunlight. Paulette Dean, director and court-appointed humane investigator, and April Hogan, shelter manager, left immediately to go to the address on Laurel Avenue. Upon arrival, they found three puppies that had already died from the exposure to the sun, and other puppy was near death. Two others had been placed in a more-shaded area, probably by the mother dog, a schnauzer, which was frantically licking the dead puppies. All six puppies and the mother were seized and were taken to a local veterinary clinic. However, another puppy died on the way to the clinic.

The two surviving puppies and the mother are currently at the shelter and charges are being filed against the owner.

We remind everyone that dogs and cats that are kept outside must be given a shaded area where they can go to get out of direct sunlight. Having a doghouse is not enough, as the temperatures in the doghouse quickly soar to dangerous levels. All animals must have a constant source of drinkable water.

We also urge anyone to call the Humane Society at 799-5306 if they know of an animal that is in danger of falling victim to heat stroke or exhaustion.




June 9, 2009
Contact: Paulette Dean (799-5306)

The Danville Area Humane Society is seeking information about the person or persons responsible for placing five kittens in a box and abandoning them near a shelter at Dan Daniel Park. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible.

A note was found in the box, indicating that the kittens were born on April 26, and that most of them could eat on their own. When they were brought to the shelter, they were dehydrated and needed immediate care.

Humane Society employees are especially alarmed by the statement on the note that said a sixth kitten could not be found at the time the kittens were placed in the box. The writer indicated that the sixth kitten, when found, would be taken there.

We urge anyone with information about the abandonment of these kittens to call the Humane Society at 799-5306. Calls will be kept confidential.

We also remind everyone that abandonment of animals is illegal, cruel, and unacceptable in this area. If people have unwanted animals, we urge them to bring them to the shelter. Drop-off cages are provided for those people wishing to remain anonymous.