Great news! LD 850, "An Act To Improve the Protection of Animals," has been passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor. This bill includes better protection for animals in distress that have been left in enclosed vehicles  - especially important this time of year.

Now, in addition to animal control officers, police officers and humane agents, other "peace officers" such as first responders, fire fighters and licensed security guards, will also be able to remove a distressed animal from a motor vehicle. This is an important step forward as often animal control officers cover more than one town or only work part time, resulting in a delayed response time that can be deadly for a dog (or any animal) locked in a hot vehicle. A study by the Animal Protection Institute showed that even moderately warm temperatures outside can quickly lead to deadly temperatures inside a closed vehicle.     

The passage of LD 850 provides more options to help an animal that may be in a life/death situation on a hot summer day. Make a copy of the new law and keep it in your glovebox to show a first responder or animal owner when needed.

The Animal Welfare Society is once again the proud recipient of a donation of more than $9,000 to support our work!

Every year Kennebunk Savings asks their customers to vote among area non-profits to receive funding from their Community Promise Customer Ballot!

Thank you for voting AWS as your favorite area non-profit! And, thank you to Kennebunk Savings for your incredible community commitment.

 

Top Row (L to R): Cathy, Karen, Kathy, Camille, Steve Morris (Kennebunk Savings Insurance), Bill, Megan, Brad Paige (Kennebunk Savings CEO), Steve

 

Bottom Row (L to R): Bobbi, Sharon, Jess, Hilary, Melissa

 

 

Heartworms, fleas and ticks are very common parasites that can affect your dog, jeopardizing his health by making him sick, or in some cases, causing parasite-born diseases.  

 

There are chemical and natural ways to prevent dogs from getting heartworms, fleas or ticks that everyone should practice.  

 

Please check with your Veterinarian about all of the options BEFORE your pet becomes affected. It is always cheaper and less stressful to take the steps in preventing worms, fleas or ticks than it is to treat an illness stemming from a parasite.

 

What are they?

 

~ Heartworms are long, thin worms that attack the heart, causing blocked blood vessels, breathing problems and other heart conditions. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes. 

 

 

 

 

~ Fleas are external parasites that are wingless insects with mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Fleas tend to be most active during the months of April to August and cause extreme itching, hair loss and infection.

 

 

 

 

~ Ticks are small, blood-sucking mites that wait in tall grass and trees for a possible 'host' to walk by. Once it attaches itself it will insert a probe into the skin and begin sucking blood. Ocassionally, the tick carries a bacteria that causes painful Lyme disease.