Every year thousands of animals, including companion animals and endangered species, are accidentally and intentionally poisoned from ingesting antifreeze. The sweet taste of antifreeze attracts them, but less than a teaspoonful can be fatal.

Just this past May, Donna Clark of Spanaway, Washington was arrested for poisoning 3 cats using a bowl filled with antifreeze and chicken. All 3 cats had to be euthanized. Clark's trial is scheduled for August.

The Antifreeze Bittering Act (H.R. 2567/S. 1110) is a federal bill that would require the addition of denatonium benzoate to engine coolant/antifreeze to render it unpalatable. Denatonium benzoate is the world's bitterest known substance. This legislation will help save countless animal lives and reduce the number of childhood emergencies.

In addition to the thousands of accidental poisonings each year, antifreeze is the most common poison used in cases where a neighborhood dispute turns deadly and neighbors take matters into their own hands to retaliate against nuisance animals.

The Doris Day Animal Animal League is asking for your support in support of this legislation, which will help prevent future tragedies.

To learn more about antifreeze poisoning, visit the Columbia Animal Hospital's website.

To learn more about this bill, and what you can do to support it, visit the DDAL website.

In our last Action Alert e-mail, we told you about three Presque Isle teenagers who were accused of cutting, beating and stabbing a dog to death. This case garnered national attention because of the brutality of the crime, and the fact that due to a mistake while revamping the statutes, felony animal cruelty was left off the books so that the prosecutor was limited to filing misdemeanor charges.

Two of the boys pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of animal cruelty and theft by unauthorized taking.

Benjamin Benedict, 16, was sentenced in 2nd District Court immediately for his role in the crime, a misdemeanor.

The sentencing of Joshua Dunn, 17, was delayed until Aug. 4, pending a diagnostic evaluation.

Another 17-year-old, also allegedly involved in the incident, was not a part of Thursday's hearing. His name has not been released. Benedict will remain in the custody of the state Department of Corrections for an indeterminate amount of time until he is 21. He will never again be allowed to own, possess or be on any premises with animals.

Before the incident, he had been on juvenile probation stemming from an assault and theft charge last year. His probation was revoked Thursday.

Phoenix, AZ - Dog beaten and hanged: July 7, 2005
The Arizona Humane Society and Silent Witness are offering a reward of up to $5,000 ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4976/

Madera, CA - Dog neglect - one found dead: July 5, 2005
A Madera couple faces charges of animal cruelty after deputies discovered one dog dead and ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4957/

Dungog, NSW - Lamb and sheep beaten to death: July 4, 2005
The RSPCA has joined police calls for anyone with information on the bashing death of ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4999/

Richmond, VA - Alligator beaten to death: July 4, 2005
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating the death of the Falling Creek alligator. If ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4965/

Dayton, OH - Dog hanged from second story window: July 3, 2005
On July 3, people spotted a dog hanging by a rope from a second-story window. ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4991/

Aurora, IL - Two dogs shot to death: July 3, 2005
An Aurora man has been charged with killing three of his neighbors' dogs, blasting them ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4962/

San Dimas, CA - Dog killed with pick-axe: July 2, 2005
A Claremont man pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty in a Pomona courtroom on ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4966/

McBee, SC - Cockfighting - approx. 100 seized: July 2, 2005
Most of the chickens seized during a cockfighting raid in Chesterfield County have been returned ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4963/

Albuquerque, NM - Pit-bull stabbed and hanged to death: July 1, 2005
A pit bull was found stabbed and hung in a tree outside a community center ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4961/

Metcalf, KY - Three dogs, eight puppies abandoned in filth: June 30, 2005
Three adult dogs and eight puppies were seized from an abandoned house with no water. ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4992/

Tallmadge, OH - Dog shot with pellet gun, resulting in death: June 30, 2005
Russell Ilg said the family vet has attributed his 15- month-old German Rottweiler's untimely death to ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/5001/

Hooksett, NH - Horse neglect - two seized: June 29, 2005
Authorities seized two emaciated horses from a Hooksett woman. The New Hampshire Society for the ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4997/

Milwaukee, WI - Three kittens thrown from SUV: June 29, 2005
Three kittens were thrown out the window of a moving sport utility vehicle on the ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4996/

Natick, MA - Dogs neglected, six seized: June 29, 2005
Three Saint Bernard puppies seized from a Natick home on July 1 will likely be ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4967/

James City, VA - Pit-bulls found skinned alive: June 29, 2005
James City County officials are investigating after two female dogs were found with cut wounds ...
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4952/

Thank you for your ongoing support - without you, the work we do would not be possible. As always, please feel free to crosspost this newsletter and forward it on to other animal advocates that may be interested.