Sylvester, alleged animal-abuse victim
When Steven Ullery walked into the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (spcaLA) with two deceased cats, including the one pictured above, shelter staff paid particular attention.
According to an spcaLA press release, Ullery, 23, claimed that the two cats, Sylvester and Oliver, were “defective.” Humane officers were notified, and on Jan. 23, Ullery was arrested with the help of the Long Beach Police Department for alleged abuse.
Ullery was charged with four felony counts of animal cruelty pursuant to California Penal Code Section 597(a), stemming from charges that he may have killed his pets. He was taken into custody, with bail posted at $60,000, and released the next day.
Officials at spcaLA said that more information will be made available as the investigation continues.
The following are signs of animal cruelty taken from ACS’s website. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, please call ACS at (562) 570-7387. If you feel that an animal’s life is in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
- Intentional injury or harm to an animal
- Willfully depriving an animal of food, water or necessary medical care
- Wounds or patches of missing hair on the animal
- Extremely thin or severely hungry animal
- Limping or visible untreated injury
- An owner striking or physically abusing an animal
- Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food or water and who are often chained
- Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owner
- Animals who are kept outside, without shelter, in extreme weather conditions
- Animals showing signs of injury or illness and have not been taken to a veterinarian
When reporting suspected animal cruelty, residents should provide their own name, address and phone number. Be prepared to give us a description of the animal (color, size, distinguishing features, collar color, etc.) and the person initiating the abuse as well as the address, date and time of the incident. Documenting the incident with photographs and video can be very helpful in prosecution. Please only take pictures or video if you feel you are safe. Investigating officers will not identify the source of the complaint.
“The animals—little dog or cat, big horse or cow, the wild things, they are creatures of God, and if we do wrong to them, we do wrong to God.”
~ Giorgio, in Spring of Violence by Del Shannon.
Virtually Pets
Both the pets featured below are available for adoption at our shelter, 7700 E. Spring St. Make sure you enter on the shelter side (see above).
Marshmallow is a neutered male gray-and-white domestic longhair, about 4 years old. If you give him a hug, you’ll understand his name—he’s like an entire bag of them. And just as sweet. too. Ask for ID#A512946.
Chevy is a female black-and-white pit bull terrier, about 2 years old. Check her out, drive her home, and keep her parked in your heart forever. Ask for ID#A439475.
Pet Projects
Fix Long Beach Free Spay/Neuter Clinic, sponsored by Hope for Paws’ Eldad Hagar, Saturday, Feb. 1, MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St. in Long Beach, 7AM–approximately 4PM
Spayed or neutered: 600-plus cats and dog! Accomplished: Fewer unwanted animals born, shelter overpopulation further exponentially reversed, and residents of all ages educated! (Check out the Facebook page for photos and donation information.) Fix Long Beach, a community grassroots organization dedicated to help end shelter overpopulation, invites you to visit our free mobile spay/neuter mobile clinic on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event, sponsored by Hope for Paws’ founder Eldad Hagar, takes place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. approximately at MacArthur Park, 1321 Anaheim St. in Long Beach. Free spay/neuter procedures have already been booked in advance, but visitors are encouraged to come in person to make appointments for future clinics. If you arrive at 7 for the waiting list, make sure that your cat or dog hasn’t had food or water after midnight. Microchipping, deworming and flea-control products as well as nail trimming are offered at discounted prices, and appointments are not necessary to get required shots for dogs and cats. If you live in Long Beach and are of low-income status and want to get your pet fixed, or know someone who is and does, please join us and make an appointment to help provide every pet with a healthier, happy life and to help reduce shelter overpopulation!
Southern California Pet Expo, Saturday, Feb. 1, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 10AM–6PM
Shop toys, treats and accessories. Learn about pet care and health, volunteerism, grooming, pet behavior and training, and traveling with your pet. Play with your pet at the activities just for them. And adopt from dozens of rescue groups in a mega-adoption event! The Southern California Pet Expo is the place to be, whether you’re a volunteer, a pet rescuer or live with a companion animal—or want to! There will be prize giveaways for people and their pets, live entertainment, book signings, agility demos, and discounted vaccinations, nail trimming, pet meds and microchips. Your pet is welcome but must be on a fixed lead or in a carrier, with proof of age-appropriate vaccinations. Free admission, $10 parking fee. Visit the website for more information.
spcaLA Friends for Life Spring Camp Registration, Beginning Monday, Feb. 3, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village and Education Center, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, Beginning 10AM
Paws down, this is the best camp in town. Kids will learn the basics of pet care and responsibility, respect for all animals, and basic dog training. And the friends they’ll make!
Schedule:
Session 1: April 7–11
Session 2: April 14–16
Session 3: April 21–25
Haute Dogs Fifth Annual Student Valentine’s Day Contest for Shelter Pets, to Sunday, Feb. 9
Enter Haute Dogs’ Valentine’s Day Contest for Shelter Pets and win a pizza party! Long Beach Animal Care Services, Haute Dogs, Justin Rudd, and Westerly School are sponsoring the fifth-annual handmade Valentine’s card contest for Long Beach-area K–12 students to create lovable Valentine cards for the 120-plus dogs and 50-plus cats housed at the Long Beach Animal Care Services shelter. Hundreds of cards were submitted last year! Cards from adults are encouraged, too, but will not be eligible for the contest. The public is invited to view the cards on Sunday, Feb. 9 at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring Street. Kids, be sure your cards are in by Feb. 9 at ACS before noon (hand delivery on Sunday!). Click here and scroll down for complete info.
Beautiful Bulldog Contest and Haute Dog Pageant, Sunday, Feb. 16, Marine Stadium, 5525 Paoli Way, 10AM–approximately 3PM
Only a face a mother could love? There will be bulldogs everywhere you look—it’s hysterical—along with their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters (human) at the 10th annual iteration of this snorfly, slobbery event sponsored by Haute Dogs! There will also be contests for French bulldogs, mutts, senior dogs—everyone who wags its tail, barks and scarfs up the last of your sandwich when you’re not looking is welcome! There will be a talent contest as well! Please click this link for the entry form and all the details. Spectators are welcome—you can rent a seat in advance. All proceeds benefit Haute Dogs charities.
Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals Class, Monday, Feb. 24 and Tuesday, Feb. 25, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., 7AM–4PM
Are you prepared for the next disaster, and are you including the pets? Join spcaLA for a two-day interactive workshop by Diane Robinson of Disaster Animal Shelter Education and Response. The community will look toward animal care and control officers, vets, humane officers and other responders for safe, secure shelter. Be ready. $175 for both days.