WAGGIN' TAIL - MAY - 2026

WAGGIN TAILS                  MAY 2026

BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK – 5/3/26 TO

5/9/26

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

MEMORIAL DAY

Dear Friends and Members:

May – a beautiful time of year.  Kitten season babies are growing up.  Please be on the lookout, and help where you can.  Unfortunately, if an animal is not spayed or neutered, it is kitten season all the time.

          This is the 1^st year anniversary of the passing of        Chris Arsanault, Founder of Happy Cat Sanctuary.  The fire that took his life, and over 200 cats, was a horrific accident. So many more animals would have been helped.  We will never forget the work he did, and the many animals that he helped over the years.

          We have made many changes on our website, and we are still working on it.  It is a slow process.  We rely on volunteers, so we keep cost to a minimum.

 out.  Please forgive the delay.  The days are, at times, too short to get everything done.

          Enjoy the warmer weather.  I am sure that the strays are.

                                       LEGISLATION                                               [REPRINTED]

New survey reveals: 9 out of 10 Mexicans support strong penalties against animal cruelty

MEXICO CITY—Humane World for Animals Mexico is pressing legislators to urgently pass a strong General Animal Welfare Law— to ban animal cruelty and strengthen animal protection nationwide. Revisions to Mexico’s constitution in 2024 required the government to create a new animal protection law within 180 days, a deadline which has long since expired. Humane World for Animals Mexico is urging policy makers to bring forward the legislation before the current legislative session concludes later this month. To demonstrate the strong  mandate for such a law, the organization commissioned a national in-home survey which shows that the public overwhelmingly supports stronger animal protection: 91% support banning all forms of animal cruelty and establishing severe penalties for offenders, while 8 out of 10 of those surveyed (79%) consider it very important to legally recognize animals as sentient beings.

Antón Aguilar, executive director at Humane World for Animals Mexico, states: “A General Animal Welfare Law is not only legally required under the constitution but is also an ethical imperative for a society that seeks to respect life in all its forms. We respectfully urge legislators to pass a strong and progressive bill during this session. The public supports a bill that acknowledges animals as sentient beings, includes strong penalties for animal cruelty and takes animals into account in disaster preparedness and response planning. Let us not waste this historic opportunity. A weak law would fall short of the aspirations of a constitutional reform that cost so much to achieve. A strong law, on the other hand, can mark the beginning of a new era for animals in Mexico.”

In November 2024, Mexico approved a constitutional reform on animal welfare, recognizing animal welfare as a fundamental principle within the Constitution. This reform enables Congress to legislate in support of animal protection, mandates humane education in schools nationwide and ensures that animal protection will be safeguarded against future legislative changes. Various draft proposals are under discussion, both in the Senate and in the Chamber of Deputies. Yet, Humane World for Animals insists that many of these proposals need to be enhanced through deliberations by the relevant congressional committees— before being subject to plenary vote.

Humane World for Animals Mexico calls on the Chairs of the Environment Committees of the Senate, Sen. Maki Ortiz, and the Chamber of Deputies, Congresswoman Gabriela Benavides, to include ambitious provisions in the draft General Animal Welfare Bill and expedite the plenary vote on this important bill.

The numbers speak for themselves

The national survey commissioned by Humane World for Animals Mexico also reveals high support for other animal protection issues and provides policy makers with a significant public mandate for an ambitious and far-reaching bill. 

·         94% agree with compassionate measures such as spay/neuter programs and community engagement for the ethical management of stray dog and cat populations.

• 92% agree with banning the consumption of dog and cat meat for human food.

• 86% believe animals should be included in disaster preparedness and response planning.

• 75% believe animal testing should be restricted to last-resort situations where no alternative methods are available.

Humane World for Animals has actively participated in multiple public forums held in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, contributing scientific evidence and the voices of thousands of people committed to animal protection to improve the content of the various General Animal Welfare draft bills. For over a decade, the organization has worked in Mexico to reduce animal suffering and improve the lives of companion animals, as well as animals on farms and in laboratories.  The organization has also played a key role in advancing and achieving federal bans on dogfighting and cosmetics animal testing, the recognition of animals as sentient beings in the Mexico City Constitution, and, more recently, the adoption of an animal protection bill in Oaxaca, the last state lacking such legislation. 

FYI                                                                                     [REPRINTED]

ASPCA

Can Human Allergy Medication Be Harmful for Pets? Our Experts Explain!

While changes in seasons are often welcomed, they can also bring on the all too familiar ‘allergy symptoms’ for some people. There are many kinds of medications, both over the counter and prescription, that can be used for allergy treatment, but it is important to exercise caution as there can be toxicity concerns for pets associated with common allergy medications. When purchasing over the counter medications, pay close attention to the formulations, as there can be additional active and inactive ingredients of concern for pets that are easy to overlook. To help you out, our experts at ASPCA Poison Control take a look at some of the most common allergy treatments.

Antihistamines: When pets ingest a large dose of single-ingredient antihistamines (examples: cetirizine, diphenhydramine), the most common symptoms seen are lethargy, gastrointestinal upset and unsteadiness when walking. Antihistamines can also come in combination products that include decongestants and pet parents will often unknowingly purchase these combo antihistamines without realizing (example: pseudoephedrine). Pet exposures to some decongestants can be serious causing agitation, restless behavior, elevated heart rate and sometimes even tremors/seizures. Sometimes over the counter (OTC) antihistamines are recommended by veterinarians but always be sure to administer medications to your pet only under the direct supervision of a veterinary professional.

Cough Drops: Generally, pet exposures to cough drops tend not to be as serious as exposures to other OTC medications, however, there are a few ingredients to be aware of. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is sometimes used in cough drops. When dogs ingest xylitol, they can be at risk for gastrointestinal upset, low blood sugar and liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Also be mindful of cough drops that have anesthetic or ‘numbing’ properties from added medications (example: benzocaine), as these can affect the cardiac and respiratory systems when ingested by pets.

Decongestant Nasal Sprays/Redness Relief Eye Drops: Some nasal sprays and eye drops contain medications such as oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, tetrahydrozoline and naphazoline. These are often marketed to help treat ‘stuffy nose’ and ‘red eyes’ as they function to constrict local blood vessels, decreasing congestion and redness. When ingested by pets, these ingredients are rapidly absorbed and can cause vomiting, weakness, panting, agitation, low heart rate and low blood pressure, even in very small quantities.

Cold/Flu Medications: Cold/flu medications are commonly used by people to treat allergy symptoms. The formulations and available options for cold/flu medications are variable and numerous, but can often include mixtures of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine and doxylamine. The risks vary based on the product but can include vomiting and stomach ulcers, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, kidney or liver injury and potentially neurologic signs.

Be sure to keep these items out of paw’s reach, and if administering allergy medications to your pet, always be sure to do so only under the direct supervision of your veterinarian.

LINDA’S LINE

          Hi.

          It’s the month of May.  This is the month when the beauty of nature unfolds, as all the trees and flowers of spring begin to bloom.  This time of year, we also celebrate Mother’s Day to honor all the two-legged, and four-legged mothers of the world.  So, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the mothers out there (both human, and animal) a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.

          This Month we also celebrate Memorial Day.  This is the time that we honor all of the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces, both here and abroad.  To them we say, “we appreciate you, and thank you for all that you do for us.”  Please remember to keep them, and their families in your prayers.  We also remember all the brave service members, who gave their lives for our country.  Let us also remember the soldiers, and people of the Ukraine, and Israel and keep them in our prayers as well.  Also, people in all areas of the world that are not at peace.

          Spring has arrived, and thank goodness we are seeing some warmer weather.  This is a welcome break for us, and the strays.  Let’s hope it continues.  However, a reminder to all pet owners to please remember that it is still important to protect your pets from fleas, and ticks.  I

am sure that there will be plenty of these little critters, and we don’t want our pets to be uncomfortable.  Please be sure to ask your veterinarian, which type of protection is best, and safest for your pet.

Also, when walking your pet, please remember to keep them away from the fertilizers, and other white powders that homeowners use on lawns this time of year, as these things are dangerous to small animals, and can be dangerous to small pets as well.  It is normal for an animal to be curious and want to smell around when we are walking them, but they don’t always understand the danger – especially young dogs – so it is up to us, as their guardians, to protect them.

          Please try to remember to carry a can of pet food, and some bottled water with you, in case you come across a stray that needs help, especially one that is pregnant.  If this does happen, offer it to them – please don’t pass them by.  Remember that this is kitten, and puppy season and animals that are pregnant need our help even more, so that they can give

nourishment to their “babies.”  If you can pick them up, and bring them to a no-kill shelter, that would be perfect.

          We all love to grow things, especially flowers this time of year, but when you have pets, please be careful what type of plants that you buy, as there are many that can be toxic to animals.  If you wish to find out which plants are safe for pets, and which are not, you can contact the ASPCA to get a book from them, which contains a list of safe plants, as well as a list of those that are dangerous.  You will find it very helpful, and informative.

Till next time.

CLOSING THOUGHT

            HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to one, and all – mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends.  Mothers are the backbone of families (Dads can be also).  Enjoy your day.

On a not so positive note, it is kitten and puppy season again, for all unspayed and unneutered dogs, and cats.  Unfortunately, this goes against 0 stray population.

          If you see a four-legged mother-to-be or know that she had kittens, please try to help.  We have rescued many mothers-to-be, and mothers with new kittens.  Please help us to continue our work, in your name.  There are so many more out there.  We need all the hands we can get to help these poor animals.  We really have to encourage everyone that we know to spay, and neuter.

          We do as much as we can with the cats in our colonies.  We spay, and neuter as many as we can.  At the very least, they won’t suffer having to bring kittens into the world to die a young, and horrible death.  It is an endless cycle.  Please spay and neuter, that is the key.

Dogs have died in the Iditarod Dog Sled races, again.  Petitions have to be sent to stop this cruel race.  The dogs don’t want to race.  It is these people, who seem to think that if their sled comes in first, they are a Big Important Person.   Well they are not!  If you run a race, on your own two feet and win, you are a winner.  If you win at the expense of the death, of innocent animals you are nothing, but a cruel uncaring person.  My opinion.  This goes on year after year.

          We have to start to see animals as living, breathing, feeling beings.  Then, maybe the world will be a better place.

          Thank you to all our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members for all your constant support, and to our friends, for their constant support.  You are very important, and appreciated.

          This month is Memorial Day, so our prayers for our troops, and the Ukrainian troops, mean even more.

          In all the war zones around the world, the animals suffer most.  Last year we had Ukraine, and still have it this year.  Gaza seems to have been resolved, but the animals still suffer.  We now have Iran to add to the list.  There are other countries in the area of Iran that were caught in the middle.  The animals need help there.  I don’t know how many of these countries have enough Humane organizations to help with food, and medical care.  People need it, but so do the animals. 

CLOSING THOUGHT (CONT.)

Please Remember Our Troops

 “We salute you for all you have done.

Your courage has kept us safe.

Your sacrifice has kept us free.

All of America owes you more than we can repay.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We are behind you all the way –

From the battlefield. . .to recovery!”

A MOTHER’S DAY POEM

You are a mother,

You are strong,

You are the guardian of our

lives.

We look to you for comfort

and care

You are always there.

We will follow your strength,

and become stronger in turn

We will help children

and animals

and all that need care

This Dear Mother, is

our thanks to you.

Please help one animal at time,

and we will get the job done.

Till next time.

Waggin’ Off