Blacklisted dog breeds at center of homeowners insurance dilemma

Thursday, November 07, 2013

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Chuck Goudie

By: Chuck Goudie and Christine Tressel

 

November 7, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- The ABC 7 I-Team unleashes findings on an insurance trend that has dog owners howling mad. They're presented an ultimatum: choose between a beloved pet dog or insuring their home. 

Typically, the liability part of your home or renters insurance covers the actions of your pet, but dog bite claims are up and insurance companies are making changes. If you own a dog, you may be facing higher rates, or worse-- your insurer may dump you all together. Owners say it's breed discrimination and unfair, while insurance companies insist they're merely managing risk.

These huskies have no history of biting, but some insurance companies see nothing but teeth. While shopping around for a better homeowners rate, Melissa Ashley of Winfield, Ind., was shocked to learn her dogs had been red-flagged.

"I was mad. I was like, 'Is this a joke?' I said, 'Are you kidding me?' and he said, 'No, I'm sorry ma'am, but we can't cover you,'" said Melissa Ashley, dog owner.

Some companies have been excluding breeds for years. Ashley says her pets were never an issue before. She tells the I-Team two companies refused coverage; several others would give her a policy, but it would cost nearly double what she was now paying. Turns out her huskies are on an insurance "blacklist" of dog breeds considered aggressive and dangerous.

"It is upsetting to me to think that we could possibly be at risk to lose insurance," said Ashley.
She is not alone. Some families are being told to either lose the dog or lose insurance. Others are
having trouble getting coverage at all. Dog owners are learning it's not just the so-called "bully breeds" showing up on these lists.

An I-Team check of insurance companies finds blacklisted pets can include: chows, huskies, malamutes, akitas and great Danes. How the blacklists are compiled varies from company to company.

"It's kinda like insuring a burning building, you are not going to insure a burning building," said Loretta Worters, VP, Insurance Information Institute.

The industry claims dog bites cost insurance businesses an arm and a leg. Recently released data from the Insurance Information Institute, which represents more than 300 companies, reveals dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowner liability claims paid out in 2012-- costing insurance companies nearly $490 million last year.

"This is all concrete information we are getting, numbers that show the losses and you can't dispute the numbers, it is what it is," said Worters. "Each company is different on how they are going to treat this."
Animal advocates insist it's the "bite" not the breed to fear, meaning a dog's own temperament is what's important.

The I-Team contacted ten well-known insurance companies doing business in the Midwest. Two companies admit declining homeowners coverage if the family pet is among the blacklisted breeds. The others told us they don't exclude dogs based on breed.

For example, American Family Insurance does not insure homes with certain dog breeds, saying its policy helps keeps rates affordable for all of its customers. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on breed. Instead, the company looks at the bite history of the actual dog to determine risk.
Animal shelters are now warning would-be adopters to beware.

"I've started bringing up insurance to because it's a little more out there. . .We don't want people surprised and go home and be like, 'Wait a minute, I can't have this dog because of insurance?'" said Chris Stirn, director of operations, A.D.O.P.T.

The Ashleys decided to stick with State Farm for coverage.

So you don't get caught off guard, shop around. Policies vary widely by company, state and city. Read the fine print: see if a policy excludes or limits bite claims. If so, a separate umbrella policy can provide the liability coverage lacking in your homeowners insurance. Other concerns or complaints can be directed at your state's department of insurance.

Additional information:
Insurance Information Institute

Illinois Department of Insurance
To File a complaint: http://insurance.illinois.gov/Home/ComplaintLinks.asp Illinois Insurance Association Hot Line at 800-444-3338 to see if the proper number of days notice was given for cancellation, or to find an insurance company who will insure them.

Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI): www.in.gov/idoi
To File a complaint: http://www.in.gov/idoi/2552.htm
State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance: www.oci.wi.gov
To File a complaint: https://ociaccess.oci.wi.gov/complaints-public/
American Veterinary Medicine Association: https://www.avma.org
https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Why-Breed-Specific-Legislation-is-not-the-Answer.aspx
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Backgrounders/Pages/The-Role-of-Breed-in-Dog-Bite-Risk-and-Prevention.aspx
https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx

(Copyright ©2013 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

I was sent this news item....too good not to share.

Blind Dog, Loyal Brother Adopted

By Kelly Ward

|  Friday, Nov 22, 2013  |  Updated 3:34 PM CST

Ray Little, Operation Ava

These two puppies exemplify brotherly love.

The eight-month old puppies that have been melting hearts since a picture of them embracing (see below) was posted on the web a week ago are being adopted, just in time for the holidays.

Jeffrey, who is blind, and his brother Jermaine will head to their new home together on Monday, according to Operation Ava, a no-kill rescue organization in Philadelphia.

 

"The unconditional love and devotion these two dogs show is positively inspirational," wrote an SPCA spokesperson on the group's Facebook page. 

What's even more inspirational is the fact that Jermaine has dedicated his life to being his brother's seeing eye dog.

"I think this is a little bit extraordinary in my experience because they're so careful with one another and play together so well," said Ray Little, Director of Life Saving at Operation Ava. "Jeffrey really does try to maintain contact with Jermaine, especially when he's in an unfamiliar environment. As soon as he gets familiar with a new place, then he becomes a little bit more independent. But it's amazing how they try to maintain contact with each other."

The pups, believed to be lab-pit mixes, were found on a Philadelphia street in October and were taken in by Operation Ava.

The rescue organization received more than 10,000 inquires and multiple applications after the photo of Jeffrey and Jermaine hugging while sleeping was posted by the Chester County SPCA on Friday, Nov. 15. They were able to place the dog brothers in the same home.

Jeffrey and Jermaine reached celebrity status when the photo, and a video produced by Drexel Hill native Tom Hickey caught the attention of Ryan Seacrest who posted the heartwarming story on his website.

For more information on the adoption requirements or to make a donation, visit the Operation Ava website.

Source: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Blind-Dog-Loyal-Brother-Adopted--233013151.html#ixzz2labdZi00

Dr. Sakas on National Catholic Radio Friday, November 22nd.

Dr. Sakas will be on the nationally broadcast radio show, "On Call" hosted by Wendy Wiese, on Relevant Radio, Friday, November 22nd from 1-2 PM CST. This was just scheduled today (11/21/13) as the host needed to fill the guest slot on short notice.

The broadcast can be heard on 950 AM, 930 AM, 1270 AM or accessed through your computer at www.relevantradio.com and listened to online. It is a call in show and Dr. Sakas has been a regular guest on the show. Their phone number for call ins is 1-877-766-3777.

Future dates for next year are being set up....all between 1-2 CST.  We will keep providing updates as the dates are set.

If you cannot listen to it live, go to the "On Call" portion of the Relevant Radio website at www.relevantradio.com, where you can hear this and past shows (7/9/13,  9/21/13, 10/7/13) in the archived shows section (where they are kept for a few months).

Link on Our Website Home Page for Up to the Minute Info on Pet Food/Treat Recalls

As a service to pet owners everywhere we have added a link (actually a widget) on our hospital website home page (www.nilesanimalhospital.com) in the lower left corner. Click on the link and it has an up to the minute listing of all the pet food recalls. (Pet Food/Treat Recalls See Latest Recalls).

This information about the recalls is provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

FDA warns about feeding your pet a raw-food diet

In a new study, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, the FDA said.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning pet owners about feeding their animals raw diets, warning that those who do may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

In a new study, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria, the agency said.

The new warning was issued after a two-year study, in which the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) screened more than 1,000 samples of pet food for bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.
In the study, CVM sampled 196 commercially available raw dog and cat food. The center bought a variety of raw pet food online from different manufacturers and had the products shipped directly to six laboratories for analysis, according to the FDA. The raw pet-food products were usually frozen in tubelike packages and made from ground meat or sausage.

Of the samples analyzed, 15 were positive for salmonella and 32 were positive for listeria.

The study “identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product,” said Dr. Renate Reimschuessel, a researcher at CVM’s Office of Research and one of the study’s principal investigators.

The FDA said the best way to prevent infection is to not feed your pet a raw diet; however, the agency is aware that some people prefer this type of food and offers some tips to prevent salmonella and listeria:
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) after handling raw pet food, and after touching surfaces or objects that have come in contact with the raw food. Potential contaminated surfaces include countertops and the inside of refrigerators and microwaves. Potential contaminated objects include kitchen utensils, feeding bowls and cutting boards.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects that come in contact with raw pet food. You can also run items through the dishwasher after each use to clean and disinfect them.
• Freeze raw meat and poultry products until you are ready to use them, and thaw them in your refrigerator or microwave, not on your countertop or in your sink.
• Carefully handle raw and frozen meat and poultry products. Don’t rinse raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood. Bacteria in the raw juices can splash and spread to other food and surfaces.
• Keep raw food separate from other food.
• Immediately cover and refrigerate what your pet doesn’t eat or throw the leftovers out safely.
• If you’re using raw ingredients to make your own cooked pet food, be sure to cook all food to a proper internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer. Thorough cooking kills harmful foodborne bacteria.
• Don’t kiss your pet around its mouth, and don’t let your pet lick your face. This is especially important after your pet has just finished eating raw food.
• Thoroughly wash your hands after touching or being licked by your pet. If your pet gives you a “kiss,” be sure to also wash your face.

For more information about raw pet food from the FDA, please read here.

Why Teenagers Are Like Cats

From an internet posting....worth sharing.

Why Teenagers Are Like Cats

For all of you with teenagers or who have had teenagers, or are a teenager, you may want to know why they really have a lot in common with cats: Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them by name. No matter what you do for them, it is not enough. Indeed, all humane efforts are barely adequate to compensate for the privilege of waiting on them hand and foot. You rarely see a cat walking outside of the house with an adult human being, and it can be safely said that no teenager in his or her right mind wants to be seen in public with his or her parents. Even if you tell jokes as well as Jay Leno, neither your cat nor your teen will ever crack a smile. - No cat or teenager shares you taste in music. Cats and teenagers can lie on the living-room sofa for hours on end without moving, barely breathing. Cats have nine lives. Teenagers carry on as if they did. Cats and teenagers yawn in exactly the same manner, communicating that ultimate human ecstasy - a sense of complete and utter boredom. Cats and teenagers do not improve anyones furniture. Cats that are free to roam outside sometimes have been known to return in the middle of the night to deposit a dead animal in your bedroom. Teenagers are not above that sort of behavior. Thus, if you must raise teenagers, the best sources of advice are not other parents, but veterinarians. It is also a good idea to keep a guidebook on cats at hand at all times. And remember, above all else, put out the food and do not make any sudden moves in their direction. When they make up their minds, they will finally come to you for some affection and comfort, and it will be a triumphant moment for all concerned.

Concerns About Pet Jerky Treats

Concerns About Jerky Pet Treats

By NICHOLAS BAKALAR

Patricia Cassidy’s dog, Doodles, died, in one of the cases associated with eating jerky. There have been more than 3,600 reports of illnesses associated with the pet treats and more than 580 deaths.

 

Seven years ago, Jordan Smith offered her two dogs a Christmas treat: pieces of chicken jerky. Within hours, Eugene, a 14-year-old wire-haired pointing griffon, and Choppy White, a poodle of uncertain age, had diarrhea and were vomiting. A week later, Choppy White died of liver failure.

Eugene hung on for a few more weeks but died in January 2007. The two dogs were among the first cases of pets apparently poisoned by chicken jerky dog treats.

“They immediately both got very ill, seriously ill,” said Ms. Smith, 41, a reporter at The Austin Chronicle in Austin, Tex. “I narrowed it down to this jerky because it was the only thing they had in common and it was within hours after they ate it.”

Ms. Smith eventually settled with the manufacturer of the pet treats under an agreement prohibiting her from revealing the company’s name. But she said she recently saw the product she believes poisoned her dogs still on sale.

Eugene and Choppy White are far from the only pets to suffer problems after eating jerky treats. The Food and Drug Administration has been investigating cases of suspected poisonings since 2007, with scant success. The agency updated the numbers last month: there have been more than 3,600 reports of illnesses associated with the treats and more than 580 deaths, almost all among dogs.

Dr. Richard E. Goldstein, the chief medical officer at the Animal Medical Center in New York, first noticed the problem in late 2006 or early 2007. “We’re still seeing patients now, and a lot of vets don’t know about it.”

The cause of the poisonings, if that is what they are, remains a mystery. About 60 percent of the cases nationwide involve gastrointestinal illness; 30 percent, kidney ailments; and the rest, convulsions, tremors and skin irritations. Often the animals suffer from Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disease that is otherwise very rare in dogs. The breed or size does not appear to matter — Dalmatians and dachshunds, pugs and German shepherds, mutts and purebreds have all been affected.

Chicken is the most common ingredient in the products, but some also contain duck, sweet potatoes, yams and dried fruits. Many are manufactured in China, and in April 2012 F.D.A. officials inspected several factories there, gathering information on manufacturing processes, equipment, sanitation and product testing. They found nothing in any of the factories that would explain the poisonings.

They did find that one factory had falsified papers about glycerin, a common ingredient in the foods and not considered harmful in small quantities. Chinese authorities seized the firm’s products and suspended exports to the United States.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has been investigating, as well. Officials found low levels of antibiotic residues in some of these products and in January asked for a voluntary recall of several brands, including Waggin’ Train and Canyon Creek Ranch chicken jerky treats, both distributed by Nestlé.

Nestlé removed the products from stores in New York, but issued a statement asserting that the antibiotic residue does not pose a safety risk. A sharp decline in the number of complaints followed, but the F.D.A. agreed with Nestlé that antibiotics do not explain the problem and said that the reduced number of complaints probably reflected the smaller number of products available after the recall.

Still, the agency is continuing to test for possible contaminants. F.D.A. technicians ran 240 tests on samples collected from 2007 to 2011, and since then have collected about 250 samples connected to consumer complaints, plus 200 more bought at retail stores. The agency has performed more than 1,000 tests on these new samples.

Testing these products is not easy, according to Dr. Martine Hartogensis, deputy director of surveillance and compliance at the agency. “They’re very hard and dry, not soluble, more challenging than a raw or fresh product,” she said. “It’s harder to establish methods for testing them.”

Nevertheless, F.D.A. technicians have searched for a variety of germs, toxins, drugs and other contaminants. They have screened samples for Salmonella, mold, yeast and fungus. They have tested for additives and preservatives like nitrites and sulfites, and for 19 food dyes. They have run screens for lead, zinc, titanium and almost two dozen other metals. They have used a gas chromatography mass spectrometer to search for toxic chemicals.

They found Penicillium species in one sample, and some other antibiotics in some samples, none in quantities large enough to cause disease or death. They found glycerin in some products that were mislabeled as containing none.

But after all this, the F.D.A. has found nothing that could explain the apparent poisonings.

“We have a staff in our office of research working on jerky pet treats exclusively,” Dr. Hartogensis said. “And through our veterinary lab network, we have numerous labs throughout the country working on it.
On Oct. 22, the agency appealed to veterinarians, asking them to report illnesses associated with jerky treats and to collect urine and blood samples. The F.D.A. has since received more than 1,000 reports, including many from veterinarians.

“We’ve put out a lot of consumer alerts,” said Dr. Hartogensis, “but this is the first time we’ve talked to vets, our eyes and ears out there. We’re trying to get samples from active cases where the animal is currently sick.
“We really need more tissue, urine and blood samples,” she said. “That’s where toxins are concentrated.”

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Dr. Sakas Appearing on National Catholic Radio 11/11/13 (rescheduled date)

Dr. Sakas Appearing on National Catholic Radio 11/11/13

Dr. Sakas will be on the nationally broadcast radio show, "On Call" hosted by Wendy Wiese, on Relevant Radio, Monday, November 11th from 1-2 PM CST. This is a rescheduling of the previous announced November 26th date. The broadcast can be heard on 950 AM, 930 AM, 1270 AM or accessed through your computer at www.relevantradio.com and listened to online. It is a call in show and Dr. Sakas has been a regular guest on the show. Their phone number for call ins is 1-877-766-3777.

Future dates for next year are being set up....all between 1-2 CST.  We will keep providing updates as the dates are set.

If you cannot listen to it live, go to the "On Call" portion of the Relevant Radio website at www.relevantradio.com, where you can hear this and past shows (7/9/13,  9/21/13, 10/7/13) in the archived shows section (where they are kept for a few months).