Man chokes puppy rsulting in death.

SAN DIEGO — A man who said he choked his 10-week-old Labrador retriever as punishment for biting is headed to court on a felony animal cruelty charge because the dog has died.

Officials with the San Diego Department of Animal Services say Coco went into cardiac arrest early Friday and could not be revived.

David Hale Warner took the dog to a veterinary clinic early Wednesday, saying he pinned the dog down for 20 seconds to teach it a lesson after the puppy bit his girlfriend on the nose.

Officials say the dog couldn't walk, was breathing poorly had reddish saliva and blue gums when it was brought to the clinic.

After Warner was arrested, authorities learned he was wanted on a warrant charging him with spousal abuse. If convicted of animal cruelty, Warner faces prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Chief Barker: Is it me, or is violence against domesticated animals seem like its on the rise in recent months. This just saddens me beyond all belief. The puppy was most likely playing and just learning to socialize.

Spay Day tomorrow

The last Tuesday in February marks the annual recognition of Spay Day brought to you by The Human Society of the Untied States and Humane Society International. This will be it's 16th year.

It's purpose is to inspire people and save animal lives by spaying and neutering pets and feral cats.

Just in the United States alone there is an estimated 6-8 homeless animals that enter shelters every year. Slightly less than half are actually adopted leaving the rest to be euthanized. That equates to upwards of 4 millions animals just in the U.S. alone! Spaying and nuetring is the only 100% effective way control birth among stray dogs and cats.

As you know with the state of the economy as it is, more and more people are giving up their animals and services at both the state and county levels are recieving even less money towards animals services. The number of euthanization may even go up from current numbers.

Please, please...if you own or know someone who has a pet that has yet to be spayed or neutered please provide inforamtion or look into it yourself. Many shelters even have programs that will either pay 100% or subsidize the procedures.

There are many Spay Day 2010 events taking place all over the country. Check this link here to see if there is an event near you!

Alert: Nature's Variety issues recall.

Nature’s Variety has recalled their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10. No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.
The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

* 3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
* 6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10
* 2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the “Best If Used By” date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Puppy Bowl Return to AP Feb 7, 2010

If you're not a sports fan, tune in to Animal Planet on Sunday for some adorable puppy action! On February 7, Puppy Bowl will be back for its sixth year, showing from 3-5PM and then repeating throughout the night.

An all-star, all-adorable cast will mix it up on the gridiron, and this year, the network is bringing the cuteness to a new level with bunny cheerleaders and a kitten half-time show!

All of the precious puppies come from shelters, including the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (Maryland), Pennsylvania SPCA, All Star Pet Rescue (New Jersey), Waveland Animal Shelter (Mississippi) and All Paws Rescue (Missouri).

If you're interested in adopting your own rescue pup, you can visit Petfinder.com.

To vote for this year's MVP (Most Valuable Puppy),visit AnimalPlanet.com. But before you vote, click through to get a glimpse of this year's starting lineup!