Editorial: Antibiotic overuse in animals must end

The headlines about staph infections are spreading awareness that overuse of antibiotics has made some bacteria resistant to drugs. The trend poses a threat to everyone, as dangerous infections become increasingly prevalent and challenging to treat. But most people don't know that 70 percent of antibiotic use today is in feed additives given to farm animals. It is a huge factor in making the drugs less effective for people - and most of it is unnecessary, to boot. It's got to stop. California should support a bipartisan bill in Congress that would phase out this use of antibiotics in two years. The European Union has already taken action without a major impact on meat prices. A study by the National Academy of Sciences indicates that a ban would increase the average American's meat bill by $5 to $10 a year. Read more...

Humane Society sees more animals

NOBLESVILLE -- A year after moving, the Humane Society for Hamilton County is seeing more traffic in its more visible location on Pleasant Street in Noblesville.Executive Director Rebecca Stevens said that the number of animals dropped off at the shelter has increased by 8 percent since the facility moved to 1721 Pleasant St. at the end of October 2006. As of Nov. 16, the shelter had taken in 2,903 animals this year compared to the 2,683 during the same period last year, said Stevens. "Even with the increase of animals we're keeping our placement rate up," said Stevens. "Year to date, it's right up at 90 percent, so we're steady with an excellent rate." According to a fundraising letter, the shelter anticipates caring for 3,500 animals this year and 3,800 next year. The Humane Society hosted its second Tinsel & Tails Holiday Dinner Petacular recently, raising $15,000 that will go toward medical and general care of animals, said event and marketing manager Suzanne Yoder. The county helps fund a week's worth of care and shelter for each of the animals at a flat rate of $133.84 per day. "At that point we can put them up for adoption and on Day 8 all the costs associated is assumed by the Humane Society," said Stevens. "It does become costly when we strive to not place time constraints on how much time we hold them (the animals). Read more...