The Underground Rainbow

🌟 September is Animal Pain Awareness Month! 🌟

This month, we raise awareness about the silent suffering of our furry friends. Animals can experience pain just like humans, but they often hide it well.

🐱 Some signs to watch for in cats:
- Frequent or ongoing meowing or howling
- Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox
- Tail flicking
- Won't eat or reduced appetite
- Limping
- Avoiding being handled, picked up or petted
- Poor grooming, scruffy looking, patchy fur
- Reduced energy, lethargy or lack of interest in play or going outside
- Excessive grooming
- Panting
- Hiding, no interest in spending time with you or other family members
- Behavioral changes such as refusing to jump onto a bed or furniture
- Irritable mood, short-tempered with people or other pets including
- Uncharacteristic hissing, growling or spitting
- Unusual vocalizations (meowing more than usual, crying, yowling)

🐶Some signs to watch for in dogs:
- Limping
- Vocalization, whimpering, yelp, whining, or howl.
- Excessive licking
- Panting
- Restless
- Won't eat or reduced appetite
- Aggression, grumpiness
- Reduced energy, lethargy or lack of interest in play or going outside
- Antisocial behavior, hiding
- Sensitivity to touch:
-Quietness, depression, lethargy
- Behavioral changes such as refusing to jump onto a bed or furniture
- Breathing changes
- Increased heart rate

💖 Let's advocate for better pain management and ensure our pets receive the care they deserve. Consult your vet if you notice any signs of pain in your animal. Together, we can make a difference!

**ATTENTION**
We have received data from July's euthanasia list, and we regret to inform you that it represents the longest EU list to date.

Here are the numbers:

**Feline:**
- Total: 30
- Cats: 22
- Kittens: 8

**Canine:**
- Total: 23
- Irremediable Prognosis/Aggressive Towards People: 15
- Terminal Illness/Injury (Dog): 1
- Terminal Illness/Injury (Puppy): 1
- Deemed Dangerous: 5
- Potentially Dangerous: 1

**Bird:**
- Total: 1

It is important to note that we do not have complete records for each animal, so we cannot verify the reasons provided on the euthanasia list.

The graphic we shared includes 14 of the 23 dogs euthanized in July, listed from left to right, top to bottom: Burban, Jack, Hagrid, Tristan, 67778, 66910, 67932, 67844, Ariel, 68246, Porter, Medusa, 68006, and Kaiser. We were unable to find names for the 6 remaining ID numbers, but we identified them through various sources aimed at reuniting lost animals with their owners.

From January 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024, SCRAPS ”euthanized” a total of 119 dogs.

Let us reiterate: if the current rate persists, we will have “euthanized” more dogs than when SCRAPS operated as a full kill shelter. In 2017, the last full year that SCRAPS was a kill shelter, 178 dogs were euthanized.

How many months do you think it will take for us to surpass that number?

This is not in line with the No Kill philosophy.

It is also worth noting that while the number of feline euthanasias has not increased to the same extent as when SCRAPS was a kill shelter, the historically low number of cat euthanasias has been noticeable in recent months. We can’t help but speculate on the reasons, especially during kitten season and with the pause of crucial programs like TNR.

To view the complete list obtained through public records, please visit the file section of our private Facebook group, where you will find the full euthanasia list for June and previous months.

Relocation of community cats is an absolute last resort and should only be considered if a cat is in imminent danger.
If you know community cats, you know how attached they are to their outdoor homes and to the other cats in their colonies. They take comfort in knowing which paths are safe to walk, the coziest places to sleep, and where they can fill their bellies. Relocation rips cats from these homes and places them somewhere unfamiliar. Naturally, the process is extremely stressful and disorienting for them.
If someone is concerned about cats on their property, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and proper colony care are the only humane and effective approaches.
Relocation is not a solution or population control method, and is almost never in a cat’s best interest.
IMPORTANT: Even if done with proper protocol, relocation can be ineffective and even dangerous for cats. Community cats bond to their outdoor homes and, if relocated, may try to find their way back. In some cases, cats have died in the process. Keep this firmly in mind before deciding that a cat’s life will be better somewhere else.
Unless community cats’ environment is irreversibly or imminently dangerous for them, work to keep them right where they are. On the rare occasions in which relocation may be necessary, a careful procedure must be followed. Otherwise, cats may wander off and become lost trying to return to their original outdoor homes. This renders relocation pointless and puts the cats’ lives in danger.
Since community cats live and thrive in their outdoor homes, it is in their best interest to work to keep them there. If the community has concerns, partner with individuals and groups who will help humanely and effectively address them. The answer is almost always Trap-Neuter-Return and following best practices for community cat care.

**Overview of SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service) Roles and Responsibilities**

Let’s begin by clarifying what it means to be a Regional Animal Protection Service or Agency.

A quick search online reveals various methods for structuring shelters and animal control. For instance, some regions contract animal control through their police departments, while others may divide responsibilities between two entities: one handling animal control and the other, typically a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing shelter services.

A Regional Animal Protection Service/Agency focuses on consolidating animal control services. This allows communities to collaborate with neighboring local governments to establish a regional agency, resulting in enhanced resources and broader coverage. Although a regional agency can deliver more consistent and improved services, it is crucial to have a plan in place to manage potential conflicts.

The term "Regional Animal Protection Service or Agency" is not defined by Washington state statute (as far as we could find). However, online searches reveal varying definitions depending on the organization. We have combined the most common elements from various organizations, municipalities, and our county municipal code to simplify the definition and outline the responsibilities.

In Spokane County, most cities and towns have contracted SCRAPS for Animal Control and Protection, formalized through Interlocal Agreements that outline responsibilities, services, and financial obligations.

What do these contracts have in common? While there are not many similarities, a few key points stand out:

-Enforcement of the city/town's Animal Control Ordinance, including laws related to dogs and prevention of cruelty to animals.

-Definitions of high-priority and low-priority calls/services.

-Detailed descriptions of enforcement, SHELTER services, educational outreach, and complaint processes.

This sounds promising, right? However, challenges exist.

-Each city or town's contract features varying language, leading to different service expectations. For example, the City of Spokane's contract states in Attachment 1 (Section 2) restrict euthanasia to only those cases in which the animal in the care of the facility is found to be in the process of dying or determined by a licensed veterinarian or animal behavioral specialist to suffer from an irremediable prognosis, a stipulation unique to Spokane.

-The lack of cohesive language across contracts with SCRAPS results in significant variations in emphasis on various elements. There is often inconsistency in defining service expectations, even though all contracts include a section on these services.

-Additionally, discrepancies exist between the Spokane County Code, the City of Spokane Municipal Code, and other municipal codes enforced by SCRAPS.

What does this mean for the animals and the community of Spokane County? What does this mean for the duties and roles SCRAPS plays in our community?

The inconsistencies in policies contribute to public distrust and confusion, particularly regarding critical issues like euthanasia practices and animal welfare standards. Taxpayers, who fund these agreements, deserve clarity on the services provided and accountability, as the lack of consistency ultimately jeopardizes the welfare of community animals.

Go get your merch to show your support for The Underground Rainbow. Wear your new gear to the protest on 9/22!

www.underground-rainbow.printify.me

We would like to share the data from June's euthanasia list.

Here are the numbers:

**Feline:**
- Total: 22
- Cats: 16
- Kittens: 6

**Canine:**
- Total: 14
- Irremediable Prognosis: 7
- Terminal Illness/Injury: 4
- Deemed Dangerous: 3

Among these dogs, Moose, Flora, and Darla were available for adoption before their status was abruptly changed, leading to their deaths shortly thereafter. To the best of our knowledge, there were no incidents that justified this sudden change in status and outcome.

The graphic we shared includes 7 of the 14 dogs killed in June: 65876 (first picture), Moose (second picture), Flora (third picture), Duke (fourth picture), Darla (fifth picture), 67043 (sixth picture), and Venus Marie (seventh picture). We could not find names for the 2 ID numbers, but we identified them through various sources aimed at reuniting lost animals with their owners.

From January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, SCRAPS has euthanized a total of 96 dogs.

Let us reiterate: if the current rate continues, we will have “euthanized” more dogs than when SCRAPS operated as a full kill shelter. In 2017, SCRAPS euthanized 178 dogs. Even if SCRAPS only doubles the current number, we would reach 192 dogs, exceeding the numbers from 2017.

Are you listening?

This is not in line with No Kill philosophy.

It is also worth noting that the number of feline euthanasias has not increased to the same extent as when SCRAPS was a kill shelter. In April and May of 2017, feline euthanasia exceeded 100 per month. However, we are interested in seeing the intake numbers for felines and the data for TNR throughout 2024.

To view the complete list we obtained through public records, please visit the file section of our private Facebook group. There, you will find the full euthanasia list for June and previous months.

Volunteer With The Underground Rainbow and be a voice for the voiceless!

Go to undergroundrainbow.org/volunteer to learn about the volunteer opportunities within our organization!

THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDDOS AS WELL!

No experience necessary for many of the volunteer opportunities! We are willing to train!

The Underground Rainbow WE WILL NOT BE SILENT

Help us ! 🐾

This Saturday, September 7th, Spokane Humane Society is participating in the NBCUniversal's nationwide campaign, Clear the Shelters. Starting at 11am, all of our animals at our Northpointe PetSmart location, main shelter, and Bark, a Rescue Pub that are over 7 months old will have $0 adoption fees. Additionally, all animals under 7 months will be 25% off. That means that you could take sweet Rieslin here home for free on Saturday!

We'll be at Northpointe PetSmart to celebrate with our van, adorable animals, giveaways, and more. Stop by, join in the fun, and meet your new companion animal!

Our goal is to have record adoptions on Saturday. Let's clear our shelter! 🧡

www.underground-rainbow.printify.me

Go get your merch to show your support for The Underground Rainbow.

underground-rainbow.printify.me

Join us for the One Year Remembrance Protest to honor the memory of the many innocent lives lost. Since the killing of Amelia on 1/30/23 and then the mass killing on 9/20/23 taking the lives of 13 more and 1 additional being killed 9/21/23 numerous lives have been unjustly taken.

Go RSVP on the event page!
https://www.facebook.com/share/9YiisrPmgL7u4W2a/

**ATTENTION**

It has been a while since we last updated the community on the monthly euthanasia list, and this delay was mainly due to the extended period it took for us to receive the public records.

We will be sharing the data for both April and May together, and we will update with the June numbers as soon as possible.

Here are the numbers:
April:
- Dogs: 12, out of which 4 were deemed dangerous by law
- Cats and Kittens: 25

May:
- Dogs: 20, out of which 5 were deemed dangerous by law
- Cats and Kittens: 28
- Reptiles: 2

In 2023, a moratorium was in place, which helped keep dogs safe. From January 1st to August 31st, 2023, there were 47 dog euthanasias. Once the moratorium ended, the number of dog euthanasias increased significantly.

From September 1st, 2023, to May 31st, 2024, SCRAPS has killed 134 dogs, with 82 of them being killed from January to May 2024.

If the numbers continue at the current rate, we will have killed as many dogs as when SCRAPS was a full kill shelter. In 2017, SCRAPS killed 178 dogs. So even if SCRAPS only doubles the current number, we would reach 164 dogs.

Let that sink in.

This is not in line with the No Kill philosophy.

However, it is worth noting that the number of feline euthanasias has not increased to the same extent as when SCRAPS was a kill shelter. In April and May of 2017, the euthanasia of felines exceeded 100 per month. We are interested to see the intake numbers for felines throughout 2024.

To view the records, please visit the file section of the private Facebook group. We will upload the complete euthanasia list for April and May.

https://rangemedia.co/scraps-dogs-ferrari-spokane/

Who gets to fire SCRAPS director Jesse Ferrari? – RANGE Media The dead dogs want to know: whose job is it to prevent unnecessary euthanasia at SCRAPS and hold leadership accountable?

The Underground Rainbow is officially incorporated and is recognized as a a 501(c)3 non-profit organization solely funded by donations.

This status allows us to further our missions and serve our community effectively.

🐕🚫The Dangers of Dogs Riding in the Back of Trucks 🚫🐕

While it may seem like a fun adventure for your furry friend, allowing dogs to ride in the back of trucks poses serious risks. Here are some key dangers to consider:

1. Injury from Sudden Stops: In the event of a sudden stop or crash, dogs can be thrown from the truck, leading to severe injuries or even death.

2. Jumping Out: Dogs may get excited and jump out, putting themselves in harm's way. Even the most well-behaved dog can be startled by sudden movements or noises. They can ride safely 99 times and not on the 100th.

3. Heat Exhaustion: The back of a truck can heat up quickly, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially on hot days. Dogs can’t cool themselves down the same way humans do.

4. Road Debris: Dogs are exposed to flying debris and dust, which can cause injuries to their eyes or skin.

5. Distraction to Drivers: A dog moving around in the back can distract the driver, increasing the risk of accidents.

*Safety Tips*:
- Use a secured crate or a doggy seat belt designed for cars.
- Keep your dog in the cabin of the truck for safer travel.
- Always ensure your dog is comfortable and secure during rides.

Let’s keep our furry friends safe and enjoy our adventures together!

Celebrating National Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we honor our furry friends who bring so much joy and companionship into our lives. National Dog Day is not just a celebration of the dogs we love, but also a reminder to adopt, rescue, and support dogs in need.

Here are a few ways to celebrate:

1. Adopt a Dog: If you’ve been considering adding a furry family member, now’s the perfect time! Visit your local shelter and find your new best friend.

2. Pamper Your Pup: Treat your dog to a special day with their favorite toys, treats, or a fun outing to the park.

3. Spread Awareness: Share information about dog adoption and rescue organizations. Every dog deserves a loving home!

4. Volunteer: Spend some time at a local shelter, helping to care for dogs waiting for forever homes.

5. Capture the Moment: Take some adorable photos of your pup and share them on social media with the hashtag .

Let’s celebrate the unconditional love and joy that dogs bring into our lives!

We want to extend the biggest thank you to everyone who showed up to the Volunteer with The Underground Rainbow event 🌟

To anyone interested in our volunteer opportunities that was not able to attend in person, please visit out website to view the opportunities available and fill out a Volunteer Application. 🗣️

undergroundrainbow.org

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

Volunteer With The Underground Rainbow!!!

Join us for a special opportunity to get to learn about the volunteer opportunities within our organization!

THERE WILL BE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDDOS AS WELL!
So bring the whole family!

We will quickly recap a bit about our organization and then jump right in to the opportunities to be a voice for the voiceless!
No experience necessary for many volunteer opportunities! We are willing to train!

Date: August 24th, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Location: The Hive
2904 E Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99202

At this event, you'll have the chance to connect with our team and explore a variety of volunteer opportunities to help make a difference in animal welfare. We want to ensure a great match for each individual and/or family with the perfect volunteer opportunity.

🐾🌟 National Blind Dog Day 🌟🐾

Today, we celebrate the incredible spirit and resilience of our furry friends who may not see the world with their eyes but navigate it with their hearts full of love and trust. National Blind Dog Day honors the special bond between humans and visually impaired dogs, highlighting their courage, adaptability, and the endless joy they bring into our lives.

Let us take a moment to appreciate the dedication of those who care for blind dogs, providing them with the love, support, and guidance they need to thrive. These remarkable animals remind us of the power of resilience and the beauty of unconditional love.

On this day, let us raise awareness about the challenges faced by blind dogs and promote adoption, training, and resources to ensure they live happy, fulfilling lives. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these extraordinary companions and advocate for a world where every dog, regardless of ability, is valued and cherished.

Share your stories, spread the word, and show your support for National Blind Dog Day. Let us celebrate the strength and spirit of these amazing animals who inspire us every day with their resilience and unwavering love. 🐾❤️

THIS SATURDAY!!!!!

Volunteer With The Underground Rainbow!!!

Join us for a special opportunity to get to learn about the volunteer opportunities within our organization!

THERE WILL BE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDDOS AS WELL!
So bring the whole family!

We will quickly recap a bit about our organization and then jump right in to the opportunities to be a voice for the voiceless!
No experience necessary for many of the volunteer opportunities! We are willing to train!

Date: August 24th, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Location: The Hive
2904 E Sprague Ave
Spokane, WA 99202

At this event, you'll have the chance to connect with our team and explore a variety of volunteer opportunities to help make a difference in animal welfare. We want to ensure a great match for each individual and/or family with the perfect volunteer opportunity.

‼️Help us give away $1,000‼️

Last Saturday was National Day and we want to recognize the amazing work our local nonprofits do. 💙

Wendle is donating $500 to two nonprofits in the community. Help us decide where the funds should go by commenting with your favorite organizations. Tag them if you can, and please like and share this post to spread the word! 🙌

The two non-profits will be selected 8/26.

Go get your merch to show your support for The Underground Rainbow.

underground-rainbow.printify.me

National Check the Chip Day

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create Check the Chip Day, to remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date.

Microchips greatly increase the chances that pets will be reunited with their families if they are lost or stolen…but a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate.

The key to reuniting you with your lost pet is making sure your pet's microchip is registered immediately after it is implanted, and that your contact information remains up-to-date in the pet recovery database.

After your pet is implanted with a microchip, you should check with the microchip registry to make sure the microchip is registered and your contact information is correct.

Outdated phone numbers, email addresses and street addresses are useless to an animal shelter or the finder of your pet.

You can update your contact details by contacting the pet microchip registry your pet is enrolled with. Visit the company’s website for information on updating your pet’s record online, or to get the telephone number to call.

If you do not know your microchip company's information, you can get it by simply taking your pet in for a Chip Check!

So Check the Chip today and ensure all of your contact information is up to date!

Here are some tips and fun enrichment activities to keep your furry friends happy and cool during the hot weather.

Hydration: Make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. Consider placing multiple water bowls around the house and yard.

Avoid Peak Heat: Try to keep your pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10am and 6pm. If they need to be outside, ensure they have access to shaded areas.

Shortened Walks: Opt for shorter, more frequent walks during cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening. Sometimes even no walk depending on the temperature. Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so test the ground with your hand before heading out. Heatstroke can happen very quickly, it's not worth the risk.

Never Leave Pets in Cars: Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke. f outdoor temperatures are higher than 70 degrees (and it’s almost always above 70 in August), it’s too hot to leave your pet in the car. Heatstroke and even death can occur in a matter of minutes depending on the conditions.

Watch for Signs of Overheating: Keep an eye out for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you notice these signs, move your pet to a cooler area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Crushed Ice: put it in your pet’s water bowl. Ice cubes may also do the trick, but be careful that your dog doesn’t chip a tooth trying to chew one of these.

Special Needs: Keep elderly, sick, overweight, disabled, and snub-nosed pets in air-conditioned temperatures at all times.

Enrichment Activities

Enrichment is essential for your pet’s mental and physical health. Here are some stimulating activities to keep your pets entertained and cool:

Scatter Feeding: Take your dog’s regular meal and scatter it across a room or yard. This encourages their natural scavenger behavior and provides mental stimulation as they sniff out their food.

Muffin Tin Game: Use a muffin tin, tennis balls, and some smelly treats. Place the treats in the tin and cover them with the tennis balls. Your dog will have to figure out how to move the balls to get to the treats. If they prefer playing with the balls, that’s perfectly fine too!

Kitty Cat Cardboard City: Cats love boxes! Use multiple boxes, tape, and scissors to create a cardboard city for your cat. Build a castle, a racetrack, or a condo—your imagination is the limit, and your cat will have a blast.

Frozen Treats: Mix your pet’s meal with some chicken or beef broth and freeze it. Once frozen, your pet will enjoy licking and working to get to their tasty treat, helping them stay cool and occupied.

Pool Time: Fill a plastic kiddie pool with water and leave it in a shady place in your backyard. Be sure to avoid the inflatable types that are easy to chew through and do not fill it too high if you have small dogs.

By following these tips and incorporating fun enrichment activities, you can ensure your furry friends have a safe and enjoyable summer. Stay cool!

Housing Inequity and Pet Friendliness - to read the NY Times article please click the link below

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/05/realestate/housing-inequity-pet-friendliness-laws.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShar

There are many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge behind feline declawing. If you, or someone you know, is considering declawing a cat, please read this handout to learn about why you should say NO to declawing, and the human alternatives that are available.

WHAT IS DECLAWING?
Your cat’s claws are not equivalent to your toenails. By declawing them, you are not simply having their “nail” trimmed back, or even having just their “nail” removed. In fact, cats’ claws are closely adhered to a bone.

A declawing procedure is a serious surgery that requires anesthesia and hospitalization, and in this surgery, declawing involves amputating the entire last part of the 10 front toes. A comparison in humans would be cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint. The procedure and recovery are extremely painful, even with pain medication on board. With the true description of declawing, it is clear why it’s viewed as inhumane, and why it is banned in several cities in the United States and in 42+ countries.

A cat who is declawed may be more likely to bite, because their primary defense mechanism has been taken away, in turn making them potentially more aggressive. Declawing can also alter the conforms of a cat’s foot, leading to back pain similar to what we experience when wearing improper shoes. Removing a cat’s claws makes them feel defenseless and can result in a hateful, withdrawn, scared cat. In turn, the constant state of stress can make them more prone to disease.

5 reasons to not declaw your cat from the Humane Society of the United States:
Declawing involves amputating the entire last part of the 10 front toes. A comparison in humans would be cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint.
General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has a certain degree of risk associated with it.
Declawing, whether performed using a scalpel or laser, provides no medical benefits to cats and is a painful procedure.
Nerves, tendons and muscles are severed along with the joints, making recovery from declawing painful and lengthy.
Declawing robs a cat of an integral means of balance, movement and defense.

Alternative Options to Declawing:
Sticky Paws or Double sided tape: Adhesive products applied to furniture or specific surfaces to prevent your cat from inappropriately scratching them.
Soft Paws/Nail Caps: Plastic covers that are applied to a cat’s claws so as to prevent them from inappropriately scratching furniture or certain surfaces. Nail caps are available commercially to cover the claws. A nontoxic adhesive is used to attach a plastic cap over each claw.
Scratching Posts: Provide a specific spot for your cats to appropriately scratch, as it is in their nature. Scratching posts offer an alternative to scratching on furniture. Cats can be trained to use these fairly easily, especially if sprayed with attractive scents, such as catnip.
Feliway: A synthetic feel good pheromone that can be sprayed onto objects or surfaces that you don’t want your cat to inappropriately scratch.
Nail Trims: Regularly trimming your cat’s nails keeps them shorter, and less sharp. This in turn can help prevent damage to furniture or other areas your cat is inappropriately scratching. If the claws are clipped as needed, cats will have less desire to remove the husks of dead claws through scratching
Deterrents: Discourage your cat from clawing furniture by using a deterrent scent or spray on furniture, which cats generally do not like.

As always, Speak with your veterinarian about cat declawing and the alternatives.