Pet Health News Roundup, May 1, 2025

by Jon Scaccia May 1, 2025

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30 cats and kittens abandoned in woods in South Farmingdale need ‘happy homes’

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly has initiated a criminal investigation into Thomas McDermott, the owner of 30 cats found abandoned in poor conditions in a wooded area in Farmingdale. The cats have been rescued and transported to a local animal shelter for evaluation and adoption, highlighting the importance of responsible pet care and the provision of permanent homes for animals.

Angie Harmon Introduces New Dog Who Helped Her Through ‘Dark Time’ 1 Year After Delivery Driver Killed Her Pet (Exclusive)

Angie Harmon, previously devastated by the tragic shooting of her dog Oliver by an Instacart delivery driver, has found new solace in her life with a dog named Lucy, who was a Mother’s Day gift from her daughters and has helped her emotionally recover. While Harmon is navigating legal actions against Instacart and the driver, she describes Lucy as an emotional anchor who has brought her comfort and joy during a challenging period.

Bird flu isn’t as silent as we think — experts caution the pandemic threat is still growing

The article highlights the growing concern among scientists about the potential for the H5N1 bird flu virus to become a widespread pandemic due to its increasing presence in wildlife, livestock, and even some human cases. Pet owners should be vigilant as this virus can infect animals, including cats, through various means, such as infected birds, raw pet food, or even contact with contaminated environments, posing a threat to pet health and potentially human health through mutation and evolution of the virus. Maintaining distance from infected wildlife and ensuring pets do not consume raw poultry or come into contact with potentially infected animals are essential preventive measures for pet owners.

The Humane Rescue Alliance has issued a warning to D.C. area pet owners about a scam where individuals impersonate rescue organization employees, claiming to have found lost pets and demanding money for their return. Pet owners should avoid sending money and instead verify any claims by contacting the Humane Rescue Alliance directly or consulting a legitimate animal welfare group.

L.A. mayor says animal shelters won’t close. Rescue groups are still on edge

Amid concerns over proposed budget cuts, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has clarified that despite an initial $4.8 million cut to the Animal Services department, an additional $5 million has been set aside in the budget to keep all city animal shelters open and prevent increased euthanasia. However, the City Council must now vote to transfer these funds to the department to ensure the continued operation of the shelters and maintain essential programs, underscoring the critical need for transparency and proper communication in budget planning to avoid unnecessary panic and public outcry.

Long Island’s newest endangered species include northern long-eared bat, the Atlantic sturgeon and the rufa red knot

New York state has updated its list of endangered and threatened species for the first time since 1999, protecting several at-risk animals found around Long Island, including a migratory shorebird, a bat, and a prehistoric fish, while highlighting concerns of habitat destruction as a primary threat to biodiversity. As the state enhances protections against hunting and habitat interference, proposed federal changes may undermine these efforts by easing restrictions on critical habitats, potentially exacerbating threats to vulnerable species.

Longest-living dog breeds

The article highlights the increasing pet ownership in the U.S., with 74% of households owning a pet by 2025. It delves into the factors influencing dog breed choices and discusses a study identifying 35 longest-living dog breeds, emphasizing the importance of understanding breed-specific traits and lifelong health care to ensure a happy, enduring companionship.

Road traffic accidents leading cause of pet cat deaths in UK, study finds

A recent UK-wide study found that road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for pet cats up to 8 years old, accounting for 45.6% of fatalities, with kittens under 1 year particularly at risk (61.2%). As age increases, the likelihood of deaths from kidney and heart diseases also rises, emphasizing the need for pet owners to understand risks associated with outdoor access and prioritize health screenings for common organ-specific issues to potentially extend their cats’ lifespan.

WHISKAS Brand Reveals Canadian Cities with The Happiest Cats

The WHISKAS® Brand, in collaboration with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, has developed the Cat Happiness Scale to help pet owners understand key behaviors associated with feline happiness. The initiative not only highlights Canada’s top cities for happy cats but also supports animal shelters through donations, encouraging people to contribute to feline welfare by providing essentials and fostering a better understanding of their pets’ needs.