Animal and Pets News Headlines - Yahoo! News

Scherzer improves to 10-0, Tigers top Orioles 5-1

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:54:37 -0400

DETROIT (AP) — Max Scherzer has shrugged off the significance of his undefeated start, saying records are fluky statistics for pitchers and that he's simply playing for a good team.

Mexican politicians: going to the dogs, er, cats?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:26:34 -0400

By Luc Cohen MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Fed up with politicians they call "rats," a group of friends in the eastern Mexican city of Xalapa have put forward their ideal candidate for mayor: a cat named Morris. Xalapa resident Sergio Chamorro, who adopted the cat in August, said the plan began as a joke between friends borne out of their frustration with the Veracruz state government over freedom of speech. "Fed up of voting for rats? Vote for a cat," reads one campaign poster featuring the black and white cat, using the Spanish "ratas" for rats and "gato" for Morris. ...

'Watch Dogs' video game a sign of the times

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:12:20 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Across the dizzying, colorful show floor at last week's Electronic Entertainment Expo, there were games on display where players could become all manner of things, like a throat-slashing 18th century pirate, zombie killer, a guardian of the last city on earth, music-making sorcerer, ruthless Roman general, shape-shifting creature, goblin slayer and Batman.

Wildlife agency to list all chimps as endangered

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:58:16 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Fish and Wildlife Service Tuesday called for protection of all chimpanzees as endangered, an action that could affect use of the apes in medical research.

Will Canine Distemper Wipe Out Rare Tigers?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:58:29 -0400

Tiger populations around the world are under siege from habitat destruction and poaching, but a deadly new threat now has conservationists worried: canine distemper virus, or CDV.

Cleanup at Prague zoo underway after flooding

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:58:36 -0400

PRAGUE (AP) — More than a decade after many of its animals drowned, the Prague Zoo is counting the cost of yet another devastating flood. In 2002, more than 100 animals died — among them, Kadir, a male elephant that became stranded up to his ears in floodwaters and had to be euthanized — when the zoo was inundated by the worst flooding in centuries. In June, nature has again taken its toll, with major flooding that has ravaged parts of Central Europe, again submerging the entire lower parts of the park again. This time, only a handful of animals were swept away and an army of volunteers are making sure the hundreds that have been evacuated return home as soon as possible. Meanwhile, plans are underway on how to minimize the impact of future floods.

Phone apps help track pets' activity, nutrition

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:35:53 -0400

By Natasha Baker TORONTO (Reuters) - Dog and cat lovers have a new way to make sure their pets get plenty of exercise and nourishment: phone apps that track how much an animal plays, runs, sleeps and eats. Whistle, an iPhone app and monitor worn on a dog's collar that was launched last week, measures an animal's activity throughout the day. The app can track changes over time and can compare exercise levels with other dogs of the same breed. ...

Could Humans and Dolphins Ever Talk to Each Other?

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 08:39:27 -0400

If humans ever hope to talk to animals, dolphins might represent our best bet. They're highly intelligent, and they have a sophisticated form of communication amongst themselves. But despite decades of research, scientists have not been able to find a cetacean Rosetta Stone.

APNewsBreak: Plan would lift wolf protections

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:20:53 -0400

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Obama administration is proposing to lift most remaining federal protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48 states almost four decades after they were added to the endangered species list.

Vet recommends medical marijuana for pets in pain

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:38:04 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Until she introduced "magic cheese" to her sick and aging bulldog, Laura Bugni-Daniel watched him suffer for two years. He'd spend his days lying down or throwing up.

China bear bile company quits IPO bid after outcry

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:04:37 -0400

BEIJING (AP) — Animal-rights activists in China are claiming a rare victory after a company that raises bears to extract bile from their gall bladders withdrew its application for a public listing, although the company hasn't said why it pulled back.

Tigers chase Moore early in 10-1 win over Rays

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:21:00 -0400

DETROIT (AP) — Torii Hunter noticed early on that something was amiss with Tampa Bay left-hander Matt Moore.

Wildlife Conservation Pioneers Honored For Sacrifices

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:42:00 -0400

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two pioneers of wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania have had their names added to a Washington, D.C. memorial that recognizes the sacrifice of law-enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.Dr. Joseph H. Kalbfus and Elias W. "Woody" Kelly, who died together in a vehicle crash in 1919, were among 321 officers who officially had their names added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at a May 13 ceremony. ...

IFAW helps care for wildlife victims in Oklahoma following Moore tornado

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:34:00 -0400

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rescuers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) have mobilized another team to Oklahoma. Their mission: to help care for wildlife affected by the devastating Moore tornado. Resident raptors, mammals and songbirds were injured and displaced by high winds and habitat destruction.IFAW's team is working with The WildCare Foundation located just 18 miles south of Moore in Noble, Oklahoma. The facility has received an additional 60 animals as a result of the disaster and reached out to IFAW for help. ...

African warlord Kony poaching elephants to survive

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:45:11 -0400

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Members of a militia run by fugitive African warlord Joseph Kony are killing elephants across Central Africa to support Kony's struggling group, according to a report by watchdog organizations that are urging the expansion of programs to encourage defections from the Lord's Resistance Army.

Dickerson homer gives Orioles 7-5 win over Tigers

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:23:27 -0400

BALTIMORE (AP) — There seems to be no end to the list of players capable of carrying the Baltimore Orioles to victory this season.

New sea lanes off Calif. meant to protect whales

Fri, 31 May 2013 22:00:45 -0400

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Large vessels traveling to ports on the California coast will begin using new traffic lanes on Saturday that were developed to protect endangered whales from ship collisions.

Some Wash. police dogs not smelling pot anymore

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:05:10 -0400

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) — When Dusty, a 19-month-old black Labrador, walked past a pipe full of marijuana during a recent police search of a house, he was doing exactly what his handler hoped.

Justin Bieber's abandoned monkey moves to German wildlife park

Fri, 31 May 2013 12:59:17 -0400

BERLIN (Reuters) - A pet monkey that had belonged to Justin Bieber has moved into a German wildlife park after the teenage popstar failed to provide the necessary paperwork to release it from customs. "Mally", a 23-week-old capuchin monkey, was confiscated by authorities at Munich airport in March while the Canadian singer was on tour. The pet has since become German national property because Bieber did not provide health and species protection certificates. ...

Are Shelter Dogs the Cure for Bullying?

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:33:00 -0400

LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) in cooperation with The Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, is re-instilling empathy into teens with a revolutionary approach to curing violence – the Teaching Love and Compassion Program for Juvenile Offenders (jTLC)™. ...

Science Saving Elephants - International Partnership Helps Preserve Amboseli Elephants

Tue, 28 May 2013 10:45:00 -0400

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Science is taking the lead to secure habitat for elephants and other wildlife in Kenya's Amboseli National Park.In the next five years, a partnership between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW – www.ifaw.org), The School for Field Studies (SFS – www.fieldstudies.org) and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), will see scientists, researchers, and veterinarians tracking elephant populations around the park to determine their needs for space and resources, and ultimately help prevent human-elephant conflict. ...

Cinema's colorful wildlife on view at Cannes

Mon, 27 May 2013 03:38:51 -0400

CANNES, France (AP) — "Look at these people, this wildlife."

Kosovo moves against restaurants holding wild bears

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:25:31 -0400

By Fatos Bytyci PRIZREN, Kosovo (Reuters) - Kosovo has launched a campaign to seize wild bears held in restaurants and private zoos, responding to concerns over dwindling numbers in the Balkan country's mountainous border areas. Authorities have so far traced at least 15 caged bears held in restaurants to help lure customers, to the outrage of animal rights activists. Ministry of Environment officials say the number of bears in the wild in Kosovo has fallen below 100 due to the destruction of their natural habitat and illegal hunting. ...

Cleveland Women Can Decide If They Want Alleged Captor's Dogs

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:05:27 -0400

Ariel Castro's Three Dogs Are in Foster Care Until the Women Make a Decision

Dogs Bring Swarm of Bacteria Into Your Home

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:28:39 -0400

Your loyal pooch may be bringing a whole world of bacteria into your home — but don't panic. Research suggests that exposure to a wide variety of microbes may be good for us.

Elusive Pandas Caught on Camera in China Habitat

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:03:48 -0400

New hidden camera footage from the giant panda's home offers a peek into the secret lives of China's wild creatures.

Hamilton lets sleeping dogs lie - and snore

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:04:28 -0400

By Alan Baldwin MONACO (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton made his point and Roscoe, his pampered pet bulldog, promptly proved him right at the Monaco Grand Prix on Wednesday. Positioning, the 2008 Formula One world champion told British reporters gathered round him in the Mercedes harbourside motorhome, is everything in Monaco. The Briton was referring to the special skills required to win the most glamorous and glittering race on the calendar but Roscoe demonstrated that positioning was important in other ways as well. ...

Motor racing-Hamilton lets sleeping dogs lie - and snore

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:50:53 -0400

By Alan Baldwin MONACO, May 22 (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton made his point and Roscoe, his pampered pet bulldog, promptly proved him right at the Monaco Grand Prix on Wednesday. Positioning, the 2008 Formula One world champion told British reporters gathered round him in the Mercedes harbourside motorhome, is everything in Monaco. The Briton was referring to the special skills required to win the most glamorous and glittering race on the calendar but Roscoe demonstrated that positioning was important in other ways as well. ...

Life's a beach for lucky dogs free to run on sand

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:48:52 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Craig Haverstick approaches the beach with his dog in tow, Stanley instinctively knows he's in for a treat. His ears perk up and he starts sniffing the salty air.

In the Hamptons, catering to the rich (and their dogs) is good business

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:51:35 -0400

By Beth Pinsker EAST HAMPTON, New York (Reuters) - Judging by early demand for everything from doggie daycare to Ferrari rentals and fine art, rich Americans are going to make this a strong summer in one of their favorite playgrounds - the beach towns on the eastern end of Long Island collectively known as the Hamptons. With stock prices surging, home prices recovering, and borrowing costs low, there is a renewed sense of confidence among the wealthy and the merely well off. ...

On the Job: How Rescue Dogs Hunt for Tornado Survivors

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:04:20 -0400

In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that hit Moore, Okla., yesterday (May 20), search-and-rescue dogs are on the ground hunting for survivors amidst the rubble.

Dogs Show IQ Tests Aren't So Smart (Op-Ed)

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:46:39 -0400

Wildlife Bandits: How Criminology Can Fight Poaching

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:11:52 -0400

Newark, N.J. — With no shortage of human-on-human misdeeds, criminologists haven't typically concerned themselves with crimes against wildlife and the environment. But with poaching raging out of control in several areas of the world, that may be changing.

Idaho man sentenced to seven years for killing zoo monkey

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:40:40 -0400

By Laura Zuckerman (Reuters) - An Idaho man who admitted to breaking into a Boise zoo last year and killing a monkey was sentenced to seven years in prison on Thursday, court records show. Michael Watkins, 22, of Weiser, Idaho, in March pleaded guilty to attempted grand theft, a felony, and misdemeanor animal cruelty stemming from the break-in and beating death of the monkey at Zoo Boise in November. The primate was one of the zoo's two Patas monkeys, ground-dwelling animals from Africa that stand more than 2 feet tall and weigh about 35 pounds. ...

May 17: Endangered Species Day, Pack Rat Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Bike to Work Day

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:03:00 -0400

Endangered Species Day

Martha Stewart Dishes On Online Dating: Must Love Dogs, Kids & 'Maybe Monogamy'

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:01:37 -0400

Martha Stewart has some very important criteria in potential suitors, now that the lifestyle guru has jumped into the deep end of online dating.

Dogs give comfort _ and controversy _ in court

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:40:43 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The twins were 7, shy and scared. Talking was tough and describing what happened nearly impossible.

Dogs and Humans Evolved Together, Study Suggests

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:03:53 -0400

Dogs are more than man's best friend: They may be partners in humans' evolutionary journey, according to a new study.

DiCaprio's wildlife charity auction brings in $38.8 million

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:39:54 -0400

By Patricia Reaney NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Christie's auction house raised $38.8 million through a charity art auction and donations, Christie's said on Tuesday, with proceeds to benefit environmental and conservation causes. The 33 works in The 11th Hour Auction organized by the star of the new film "The Great Gatsby" sold for $31.74 million on Monday evening and set 13 records for artists including Carol Bove, Joe Bradley, Mark Grotjahn, Raymond Pettibon and Mark Ryden among others. ...

Naval Exercises Take Deadly Toll on Dolphins: Op-Ed

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:11:05 -0400

NRDC .