Animal

Petaluma City Council Raises Alarm Over Troubling Grand Jury Findings on North Bay Animal Services Amid Calls for Contract Review

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Petaluma, California — City leaders voiced significant concerns this week regarding the city’s relationship with North Bay Animal Services, following a critical civil grand jury report alleging the nonprofit is failing to meet essential industry standards for animal care and public safety. The Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury’s report highlighted issues such as inadequate staffing and funding, which has left the organization struggling to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. The panel’s findings were corroborated by firsthand observations made during three separate inspections of the Petaluma shelter last fall and earlier this year, revealing unsanitary conditions. During … Read more

Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Launched Against City of Laredo by Former Animal Care Director and Police Deputy Chief

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LAREDO, Texas — A legal battle is unfolding as a former city department director, along with a senior police officer, has initiated a joint lawsuit against the City of Laredo, alleging gender discrimination. This case features significant claims of retaliation and discrimination tied to the plaintiffs’ professional experiences and actions within the city government. The lawsuit stems from the dismissal of Karina Elizondo, who served as the Director of Laredo Animal Care Services until her termination approximately 18 months ago. Edward Pina, her attorney, contends that Elizondo’s firing was linked to her gender and pregnancy. … Read more

Triad of Indictments: Local Residents Charged with Child Abuse, Wanton Endangerment, and Animal Cruelty in Disturbing Cases

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Hopkinsville, Kentucky — A Christian County Grand Jury has issued several indictments related to child abuse, wanton endangerment, and animal cruelty. The indictments, announced Friday, underscore concerns over the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals and pets. Among those indicted is 44-year-old Charles Greathouse, who was taken into custody on June 15 after a young child was found wandering outside, knocking on doors in the neighborhood. Authorities reported that the child was in Greathouse’s care, prompting a search of his home, where investigators discovered conditions that posed significant risks to two children living there. Greathouse … Read more

From Courtrooms to Coffee Shops: The Unique Love Story of Animal Lawyer Peter Brandt and His Activist Wife in Ireland

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WEXFORD, Ireland — Peter Brandt, a dedicated advocate for animal rights, has a passion for a unique area of law focused on farm animals. Brandt, who hails from a legal family in the Seattle area, speaks with a sense of bemusement about the historical oddities of animal prosecution, such as courts in France summoning mice for their alleged crimes of crop destruction. His legal pursuits have guided him toward significant cases against large farming operations that violate environmental standards, as well as initiatives aimed at improving laws related to animal welfare. While navigating these complexities, … Read more