Check out Dane County Humane Society in the news!

Legislature Weighs Puppy Mill Bill

The issue of unregulated puppy mills became very real to Jan Viney when she took in Skylar, a two-year-old Shih Tzu rescued from a breeding operation in Richland County. Skylar, one of 322 dogs rescued, was malnourished and had hair so matted her circulation was impaired. She’s healthy now, though very shy and skittish. The owner of the breeding operation is facing trial on animal cruelty charges.  Read the full story, click here.

Rescue Relief for Neglected Animals

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 the Richland County Sheriff's department executed a search warrant at Thyme and Sage Ranch, Inc.  The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) were on scene for this investigation of animal neglect.  DCHS is the local lead agency in providing the outdoor location for emergency shelter tents for the animals involved in this investigation.  Read more here.

• DCHS Press Releases
  • Condition of Rescued Animals from Thyme & Sage Ranch Continues to Improve - Community Help Still Needed (05/27/2009)
  • DCHS Local Lead Agency In Animal Abuse Case (05/19/2009)
• Related Online Postings
  • Video - Wisconsin Animal Sanctuary Raid:  ASPCA Rescues Over 300 Animals! (ASPCA 05/22/2009)
  • Video - 300 Animals Rescued (HSUS 05/19/2009)
  • 340 Dogs for suffering in makeshift kennels (Love of Dogs 05/26/2009)
  • Concerns lead to raid at Wisconsin shelter (Oh Mi Dog! 05/23/2009)
  • The Humane Society of the United States Applauds Prosecutors for Filing Animal Cruelty Charges Against Owner of Thyme and Sage Ranch (HSUS 05/22/2009)
  • Thyme & Sage Ranch returned to owner (HSUS 05/22/2009)
  • Cazenovia, WI:  300+ Animals Rescued from "Trusted Sanctuary" (lizardmarsh 05/22/2009)
  • Thyme & Sage Ranch returned to owner (WKOWTV 05/22/2009)
  • Rescue Abuse (The Daily Bailey 05/22/2009)
  • Update on the ASPCA Raid in Wisconsin (ASPCA 05/21/2009)
  • Dane County Humane Society Caring For Hundreds Of Seized Animals (Channel3000 05/21/09)
  • PetSmart Charities, The Humane Society of the United States, and United Animal
  • Wis. shelter owner charged with animal cruelty (Chicago Tribue 05/21/2009)
  • Nations Team Up to Rescue 350 Animals (Doggy Blurb 05/21/2009)
  • Hundreds of Dogs Seized from Animal Shelter (For the Love of the Dog Blog 05/21/2009)
  • Dane County Humane Society treating 200 dogs from Cazenovia shelter (WXOW 05/20/2009)
  • Humane Society asking for food donations for volunteers (WKOWTV 05/20/2009)
  • Dane County Humane Society treating 200 dogs from Cazenovia shelter (WKOWTV 05/20/2009)
  • Hundreds of Animals Removed From Cazenovia Facility (Channel3000 05/20/2009)
  • Animals Seized in Abuse Investigation (NBC15 05/20/2009)
  • Hundreds of animals removed from Wisc. facility (HSUS 05/20/2009)
  • Sheriff issues release on Richland rescue (JSOnline 05/20/2009)
  • Thyme and Sage Ranch owner charged after hundreds of dogs seized (Wisconsin State Journal 05/20/2009)
  • Humane Society fighting for every last dog at Cazenovia shelter (WKOWTV 05/20/2009)
  • PetSmart Charities Sends Emergency Relief to Scene of Alleged Animal Neglect (marketwire 05/20/2009)
  • When a Rescue Shelter Goes Bad - Wisconsin Animal Seizure (Maxxamillion's Dog House 05/20/2009)
  • Court hearing today for Richland animal abuse case (JSOnline 05/20/2009)
  • Dane County Humane Society Providing Support In Animal Abuse Case (Democratic Underground 05/20/2009)
  • More than 300 dogs seized from Richland County shelter (Wisconsin State Journal 05/20/2009)
  • Scores of Animals Seized From Wisconsin Sanctuary (Pet Peoples Place 05/20/2009)
  • ASPCA on the Scene at Wisconsin Animal Seizure (ASPCA 05/20/2009)
  • Nearly 200 dogs seized from Richland County animal rescue (WKOWTV 05/19/2009)
  • Hundreds of dogs seized from Wisconsin shelter (TwinCities 05/19/2009)
  • More than 300 Animals Rescued from Appalling Conditions in Cazenovia Cruelty Case (HSUS 05/19/2009)
  • Hundreds of dogs rescued for shelter in Richland Co. (WKBT 05/19/2009)
  • Animal abuse investigated at Richland County shelter (JSOnline 05/19/2009)
  • American Humane Association Assists in Wisconsin Animal Seizure (AjaxWorld Magazine 05/19/2009)
  • American Humane Association Assists in Wisconsin Animal Seizure (PR Newswire 05/19/2009)
  • More Than 190 Animals Rescued from Appalling Conditions in Wisconsin Cruelty Case (UAN 05/19/2009)
  • Action Alert:  About 200 Neglected Animals Seized from Thyme and Sage Ranch (Wisconisin Puppy Mill Project)

When a Kid Wants a Pet

The Isthmus did a story on what Dane County Humane Society does for families to prepare them for a pet.  For the full story, click here.

Know Your Madisonian:  Don Johnson

Don Johnson, Dane County Humane Society's volunteer Canine Companion, was recently interviewed by Matt Daniels of the Wisconsin State Journal.  To get to know your Madisonian, click here!

Puppy Mill Bill Unveiled

The Wisconsin Radio Network recently did a story on the new puppy mill bill.  "For a state which critics often decry as one of the most over regulated in the nation, Wisconsin has long had a laissez-faire attitude towards dog breeders. A bipartisan group of lawmakers, hoping to change that, on Thursday announced a bill to regulate commercial dog breeders in the state."  To read the full story, click here.

Lawmakers Plan New Bill to Regulate Dog Breeding in Wisconsin

The Isthmus recently did an article on the new puppy mill bill.  "For the past decade, attempts have been made to impose standards to govern dog breeding in Wisconsin, one of the few states without any laws in this area, other than federal regulations. At the state Capital today, lawmakers announced plans to introduce a new bill to license commercial dog breeders in Wisconsin."  To read the full article, click here.

Pet, Horse Owners Urged to Avoid Animal Abandonment

The WVMA, as well as the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Animal Health, University of Wisconsin Extension, Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies and Dane County Humane Society, have worked together to piece a message together as a call for awareness of the animal abandonment issue in Wisconsin.  To read the press release, click here.

Extreme Weather Conditions Harmful for Pets

Dane County Humane Society reminds everyone to keep an eye on their pets during these extreme weather conditions.  NBC15 recently interviewed Gayle Viney to obtain tips for pet owners in the winter.  To read the article, click here.  You can also read our original press release here.

Hansel's Happy Road to Recovery!

An 8-month-old Labrador Retriever received major medical treatment from Dane County Humane Society with the help of Emergency Clinic for Animals.  DCHS reached out to the community to help raise money to cover the surgery and follow-up care - adding up to over $1,000.  To read the press release, click here.

Humane Society Lays Off 40% of Part-time Staff

Hard times in 2008 led to January layoffs at Dane County Humane Society.  It was a difficult decision to layoff 8 part-time positions.  These job changes reflect a restructuring of the organization with a greater emphasis on volunteer assistance.  To read the full story, click here.

Know Your Madisonian:  Karrie Frantz

Karrie Frantz, Dane County Humane Society's volunteer Foster Coordinator, was recently interviewed by Chris Martell of the Wisconsin State Journal.  To get to know your Madisonian, click here!

Dane County Humane Society Announces Its "Home for the Holidays" Promotion

DCHS announces its "Home for the Holidays" promotion!  We're working to find homes for 150 cats and dogs by the end of the year, and we need your help to make it a happy holiday for animals in need.  To read the press release regarding this promotion, click here.

Dane County Pet Shelter Running Short on Donations

DCHS has plenty of pooches and kittens to care for, but less cash as the recession is drying up donations.  Officials at the Madison shelter say it has raised only half of the $300,000 in donations it hoped to bring in this year.  Associated Press wrote an article on this financial pressure.  Read the full article here.

Humane Society's Donation Shortfall Persists

The shelter needs to quickly raise nearly $150,000 just to meet projected budget deficit of $210,000.  Adding more financial pressure, the rate of animals surrendered at DCHS is up a bit over last year, according to the latest available figures.  The Capital Times recently wrote an article detailing the problems facing DCHS.  You can read the full article here.

Five Questions with Joan Byrne

Melanie Conklin of the Wisconsin State Journal recently interview Joan Byrne, the canine behavior coordinator for DCHS.  Check out the interview here.

"Pay it Forward" Contest Winners Announced

Over the past month, the UW Athletic Department and Becker Law Office have asked Badger fans to submit ideas of how they would "Pay it Forward."    One of the recipients of $500 is Brooke Temme, a student in Mrs. Vena Levesque's sixth grade class at Spring Harbor Middle School.  She plans to use the $500 to assist DCHS in purchasing food, beds, leashes, treats, and other supplies the humane society might need.  Read more here.

Dane County Humane Society Hosts Last "Feral Fix" Day of the Season

DCHS works hard to impact cat overpopulation.  Thirty feral/free-roaming cats are scheduled to be spayed or neutered on Thursday, October 30 at DCHS.  The surgeries will be performed in our training room through Shelter Outreach Services (SOS), our mobile spay/neuter program.  Due to extreme weather, DCHS stop offering feral cat surgeries from December 1 through March 1.  For more information, read the full press release here.

"Kick My Dog - Kick Me."  Pets Are Victims of Abuse, Too:  Spread the Word

While still in law-school, Megan Senatori became aware of the relationship between domestic violence and pet abuse; she didn't just file away the the statistics - she acted and became co-founder of SAAV. Her article puts cruelty to humans in a different perspective. When the victim of domestic abuse is already helpless, think how the cruelty is magnified when the pet also becomes victim.  Read the whole Connections for Woman article here.

Dane County Humane Society Takes In 19 Dogs From Southeast Texas

Pineywoods Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Southeast Texas was recently overrun with dogs that had lost their homes due to Hurrican Ike.  They reached out to DCHS for assistance and we agreed to accept a large transport of needy, homeless dogs.  Now we are appealing to you - please make a financial donation to DCHS to help care for these dogs and the many other dogs, cats, horses, and critters in our shelter.  Click here to read the full press release.

Maddie's Fund Awards $252,000 to Dane County, Wisconsin Coalition

Maddie's Fund the Pet Rescue Foundation (www.maddiesfund.org) has awarded a $252,000 grant to support the first year of Maddie's Pet Rescue Project and Maddie's Spay/Neuter project in Dane County, WI.  As goal are achieved, Maddie's Fund will provide animal welfare groups and veterinarians over $1 million to end the killing of Dane County's healthy and treatable shelter cats.  Read the press release here.

Dane County Humane Society Launches Maddie's and Celebrates with our 2nd Annual Catapalooza

Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is proud to announce the Maddie's^® Pet Rescue Project in Dane County which partners DCHS with two area rescue groups, Dane County Friends of Ferals and Shelter from the Storm. Working together towards one common goal, DCHS will be the lead agency in paving the way to a brighter future for all homeless animals in Dane County.  Read the press release here.

Dane County Humane Society Takes in Dogs From Flood-Ravished Iowa

Channel 3 WISC-TV recently wrote an article about Dane County Humane Society helping out four homeless dogs in need from flood-ravaged Iowa shelters.  Additional dogs could be available in the coming weeks and DCHS is serving as a drop-off and pick-up location for other shelters around the state that can help.  For the full article click here.  You can also watch a video here.

Dane County Humane Society Takes in 4 Iowa Flood Dogs

Dane County Humane Society recently took four dogs from flood-ravaged Iowa shelters to place them up for adoption in our shelter.  Homeless dogs in Iowa had been cared for in crates and kennels in makeshift tent shelters after having their shelters completely devasted and rendered inoperable by the floods.  For more information, read the press release here. 

Dane County Humane Society Appeals For Homes For Horses

Channel 3 WISC-TV recently did a story on how Dane County Humane Society is struggling to find homes for some recently rescued horses.  After a three-month custody battle, 12 horses were taken from an abusive home in March 2008; most were malnourished and had upper respiratory infections.  Five of the horses have found new homes, but seven still need to be adopted.  Read the full article here.  You can also watch a video here.

Neglected Horses Available for Adoption

In March 2008, DCHS took in several horses from a neglect case.  These horses came to us in extremely poor medical condition and their food, medical care, and daily upkeep has cost DCHS thousands of dollars.  DCHS is calling out to the community to help these horses - either by adopting or making a financial donation to help continue care for these horses and alleviate the financial strain on the shelter.  For more information, read the press release here.

Four Lakes Wildlife Center gets Buzzed into Madison

Emmy Fink of Madison's CW interviewed Kristen Anchor, DCHS County Animal Resource Coordinator.  Kristen talked about Dane County Humane Society's Four Lakes Wildlife Center.  Watch the interview on video here.

Back to nature:  Wildlife center aids abandoned, sick animals

Anieta Weier of Capital Times wrote an article about Dane County Humane Society's very own Four Lakes Wildlife Center.  The article goes into detail about our wildlife program and has some great pictures!  For the full article click here.

Crowd control: Spay Day helps reduce unwanted cat population

Charlotte Huntley of the Walworth County News wrote an article on controlling the cat overpopulation problem. The article featured information regarding what DCHS is doing to help. For the full article click here.

Pets fixed for fixed budgets

Amy Knapp of the Wisconsin State Journal wrote an article about Shelter Outreach Services, our low-cost mobile veterinary program.  The article featured details about the program.  For the full article click here.

Mobile clinic provides low-cost veterinary services for furry friends

Annysa Johnson of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote an article on our Shelter Outreach Services (SOS) mobile clinic.  The article includes information about the program and quotes from clients.  For the full article click here.