These days, you can’t turn on the TV or look at a magazine without being “greened.” We’re guided to the best green car, the most savory green restaurant, or the most efficient green energy system. Emissions are examined, and thermostats are tightened-and our belts are not far behind. We compost, compact, and conserve, lest our carbon footprint inch a size larger, all …

Recently, I read a comment by a leading spokesperson for the “no-kill” animal shelter movement regarding sales of puppies and kittens. This guy (who shall remain nameless, as his point is repeated widely and I do not want to contribute to his publicity) argued that the existence of for-profit breeders …

Muffet / CC

This post resulted in a lively discussion when it was originally published in September 2008. Be sure to tell us what you think!

A few weeks ago, my cousin left me a voicemail asking me to call her …

Unfortunately, violence-be it child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, elder abuse, abuse of the mentally disabled, hate crimes, school bullying, or vandalism-is becoming an ever-increasing part of every society. Cruelty to animals may not be talked about as much as other forms of violence, but it is nevertheless …

Jennifer Pickens / CC

I’ve managed and volunteered at several open-admission animal shelters over the years, and I can tell you that the care of dogs and cats in these shelters has always been far superior to the “care” that animals receive in …