(ANIMAL SHELTERS) Contrary to its claim to be a no-kill shelter, the Cattaraugus County SPCA in Olean, New York, is considered to be a perversion of no-kill by a number of former volunteers, board members, and concerned citizens. In fact, many are claiming the shelter is one of the more dangerous places for an animal to reside. Kelly Chaffee, former CCSPCA President and Board Member, has been quick to say that “the facility has been no-kill since 1985.” But many maintain that just because the animals are not euthanized at the shelter, does not mean that they are not emotionally and physically suffering. There is substantial proof regarding the neglect that these innocent animals suffer every single day. Animals at this facility are said to be confined in kennels for years, without socialization, veterinary care, or opportunities for placement into loving homes. Read on for more on this investigation and sign the petitions requesting reform. — Global Animal

(SHELTER ANIMALS) "Breeding Ignorance," a powerful and gut-wrenching collection of photographs shot by Mary Shannon Johnstone, features an intimate look into the harrowing realities of animal shelters forced to deal with overpopulation. Johnstone, an Associate Professor of Art and a photographer, is an advocate for spay/neuter laws and has shed light on these issues resulting from the major lack of these laws. Her work has been part of the Top 50 Critical Mass for 2009 and 2010, and was exhibited as part of the 2010 Lens Culture Awards Exposure awards. Animal overpopulation, from lack of spaying and neutering, is a major cause for high euthanasia rates in shelters. A declaration on Johnstone's website reads, "In the time it takes for you to read this statement, 15 pets will have entered into life in an animal shelter somewhere in the United States. Ninety percent of these animals are not spayed or neutered. Approximately half will be euthanized." Many states are trying to pass more no-kill shelter laws, but it's a slow and difficult process, and there are no easy answers. Check out our interview with the photographer and visit her site for the more graphic photos. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL ABUSE) Cole Brothers, a well-known traveling circus, has been repeatedly cited and fined for failing to meet “minimum standards of care and treatment” for their animals used in exhibition, as established by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Numerous citations were issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for failure to give veterinary care to animals and for failure to provide sufficient space for the animals. Read more to learn about Cole Bros. Circus' history of animal abuse and how the public is taking action. — Global Animal

(ANIMAL ACTIVISM) Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips are co-founders of Animal Defenders International, an organization that uses undercover evidence to inform the public of animal exploitation and encourage change. Together the pair secured a prohibition of animal experimentation throughout all 26 countries in Europe. The ban on animal experimenting "is saving 30,000 animals every year in Europe." Among their efforts, ADI has also helped ban circuses in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom and Bolivia. Continue reading to learn about ADI's accomplishments and current campaigns. — Global Animal 

(ANIMAL ACTIVISM) NEW YORK — For years, the Bureau of Land Management has been using helicopters to corral and subsequently contain wild mustangs in order to claim their natural environment for industrial purposes. To raise awareness about the issue and promote adoption, the Mustang Heritage has been hosting a competition called the "Extreme Mustang Makeover" in which contestants take care of and train a mustang rescued from the government enforced pens. Summer Brennan is this year's winner and her story tells of the extraordinary bond she formed with a "completely wild mustang." Continue reading to learn about the amazing help she provides to mistreated and misplaced equestrians. — Global Animal 

(DOLPHINS) Last month, after an eight-year-old was accidentally bitten by a dolphin at the Dolphin Cove exhibit at SeaWorld Orlando, the girl expressed how dolphins still remain her favorite animal and how she was actually more concerned about the dolphin's health and safety after swallowing a small paper plate she had been holding. However, Sujatha Ramakrishna, author of Raising Kids Who Love Animals, explains how captive dolphins undergo far more serious physical and emotional distress, while urging parents to consider the lifetime of suffering these animals endure for a few minutes of family entertainment. Excerpts used with author's permission. — Global Animal

(ACTIVISM) LOS ANGELES — "It is very rewarding to see the hard work of so many people who love animals pay off," said Jennifer Peterson in an interview. After two years of her personal campaign and many protests of five or less dedicated persons, Jennifer has managed to lead the closure of one of BarkWorks' biggest facilities. In business since 1972, the alleged puppy mill storefront chain has shut its doors in the Westside Pavilion. Continue reading to learn how compassionate people managed to shut down this corporate animal welfare violator. — Global Animal 

(ANIMAL NEWS) Global Animal is happy to announce that we have teamed up with the Animal History Museum and joined their ever-growing online library! The Animal History Museum is the first museum dedicated to understanding and celebrating the relationship between both humans and animals. Its purpose is to serve and educate the public through the creation of a museum in Los Angeles County, California, for the collection, preservation and exploration of the history, culture, science and law relating to the relationship between human and non-human animals; by presenting exhibitions, lectures and other activities that are consistent with, and supportive of, the museum’s educational goals and purpose. Read on to learn more about the educational online library. — Global Animal