Thousands of Animals Need Help - Arlington, TX

More than 26,000 seized creatures have been rescued from U.S. Global Exotics (USGE), a major player in the pet trade, according to one organization. (Source: Ingrid Newkirk).

"The extent of the cruelty and neglect that our investigator documented in this massive and filthy animal warehouse was mind-boggling," states a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) press release. "Scared hamsters were crammed by the thousands into litter pans, unable to move for fear of being attacked by other distressed hamsters."

Delicate green tree frogs were kept inside plastic soda bottles and a young hedgehog who was one of hundreds of little "pocket pets" at the Arlington, Texas facility was denied basic medical attention after his front leg was nearly severed, according to research.

"More than 12,000 baby turtles languished in cardboard boxes for weeks in the facility's warehouse and were deprived of food, water, space, humidity, heat, and ventilation," the email said. "This is only a glimpse of what PETA's investigator witnessed during his months inside this hellish animal warehouse."

Shortly before the new year, local authorities, accompanied by animal protection organizations and experts brought in by PETA, served a civil seizure warrant to take into protective custody the more than 26,000 animals housed by USGE at that time.

"This was the largest cruelty-related seizure of animals ever conducted," said Ingrid Newkirk, PETA president. "We continue to work to ensure that those responsible for the suffering of these animals are held accountable."

The work that still needs to be done to give the rescued animals the basic care is extensive and costly.

To make a donation, access https://secure.peta.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2840&2840.donation=form1&set.custom.Campaign_Code=C10AEEBLBBG&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=pugky73wd1.app332a online.

In unrelated pet news, the MSPCA Angell-Boston Animal Medical Center in Massachusetts utilizes stem cells to combat canine arthritis. The non-profit veterinary hospital continues to lead the pack in innovative treatments, according to literature.

The technology used at the facility was developed by Vet Stem, Inc., a California-based vet company focusing on regenerative technology.

Pet owners wishing to discuss stem cell treatment for canine arthritis are urged to contact the center at 617-522-7282.

MSPCA-Angell also has a vehicle donation program and you can fill out the donation form online at http://support.mspca.org/site/Survey?SURVEY_ID=1188&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS.

They accept most vehicles and vessels including, but not limited to cars, trucks, trailers, boats, and RVs and are able to take most whether they are running or not except for older ones whose value would not offset the cost of towing. You must supply the title but if you don't have it, call anyway because other arrangements may be made.

For more information, call 800-237-5714.