Ian Dunbar's Bite Assessment Scale

Level 1- Dog growls, lunges, snarls-no teeth touch skin. Mostly intimidation behaviour.

Level 2- Teeth touch skin but no puncture. May have red mark/minor bruise from dog’s head or snout, may have minor scratches from paws/nails. Minor surface abrasions acceptable.

Level 3- Punctures ½ the length of a canine tooth, one to four holes, single bite. No tearing or slashes. Victim not shaken side to side. Bruising.

Level 4- One to four holes from a single bite, one hole deeper than ½ the length of a canine tooth, typically contact/punctures from more than canines only. Black bruising, tears and/or slashing wounds. Dog clamped down and shook or slashed victim.

Level 5- Multiple bites at Level 4 or above. A concerted, repeated attack.

Level 6- Any bite resulting in death of a human

Microchip Clinic coming!

TAGS will be holding our first Microchip Clinic of the year on February 5 and 6th at the Pet Valu

1445 Harmony Road North, plaza with Superstore.

Please call 905 2638247 or e-mail tagsinfo@yahoo.ca to book your appointment.

Wonderful News

Europe Grants Animals Legal Status of Sentient Beings

December 2, 2009

December 1st was a big day for animals in the European Union: for the first time, fish and farmed animals alike have gained the legal status of “sentient beings.” This victory promises to shape all future legal measures in Europe related to raising, transporting, and slaughtering animals.
It’s been a long time coming. Back in 1991, a campaign initiated by Compassion in World Farming got sentient being status mentioned in a non-binding treaty declaration. In 1997, sentience was bumped up to a treaty protocol, which carried some legal force. Now, this status has been granted in the main text of the Lisbon Treaty, which carries far more legal power.
I know that the previous paragraph is tediously written—as Bismarck noted, crafting laws is like making sausage, it’s best not to see it happen—but the gains won this year set vital precedent. Here’s how Philip Lymberry, who runs Compassion In World Farming, sums up the victory:

I remember how our late founder dreamed of changing the EU’s underpinning Treaty to better address the status of animals. I remember how that goal was seen as impossible, impractical, by some, even laughable. Now that dream has come true. Now to make that other dream come true; an end to factory farming itself and its terrible travelling companion, the long distance transport of animals.

I say it all the time: the most important thing to understand about animal rights victories is that they’re all about precedent. This win not only advances the possibilities for animal protection in Europe, it will also give American activists a big push in seeking similar gains in the United States. (Danke, Mahi.) Link.

Sweet Pea will die in a shelter gas chamber tomorrow if we can't find foster home!

Beagle Mix: An adoptable dog
Small • Senior • Female


...Beagle Senior Very nice, good with other dogs, good with cats,
good with children... All she wants is to curl up next to someone who
will love her and give her a pat. She is scheduled
to be put down tomorrow, please please help by offering a foster home for her,
this face is breaking our hearts

Dog needs help asap

This stray was just brought in by  dog wardens.  She was found injured (possibly hit by car) and has severe damage to her front right leg.  She has no identification on her and will be held for the next 72 hours to see if anyone claims her.  She is currently on IV pain medication.   A vet that has offered to amputate her leg for free after the 72 hour stray hold if she is not claimed by her owner.  Our foster homes are full and we will not be able to house her after the surgery.  We need a rescue to commit to taking her after her surgery and providing her with the after care that she will need.  Please let Tara know if you wouldl be able to take her...............