Canine Joint Disease
The disruption of normal joint mechanics may lead to or result from injury to the various components of a joint. Frequently, this injury results in osteoarthritis (OA),1 which often leads to physical incapacity, pain and reduced quality of life for the affected pet. OA is the most common form of arthritis and is recognized in humans and in all veterinary species. It is often a slowly progressive condition characterized by two main pathologic processes: degeneration of articular cartilage with a loss of both proteoglycan and collagen, and proliferation of new bone. In addition, there is a variable, low-grade inflammatory response within the synovial membrane.
In North America, OA prevalence is reported to range from 20% in dogs older than 1 year up to 80% in dogs over age 8.3 The objectives of OA treatment are multifaceted: reduce pain and discomfort, decrease clinical signs, slow disease progression, promote repair of damaged tissue and improve quality of life.
It is well recognized that obesity is epidemic in companion animals. In 2018, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimated that 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.5 In addition, a long-term study has documented that the prevalence of OA is greater in overweight/obese dogs compared with ideal weight dogs (83% vs. 50%).4,6 Given these data, it is reasonable to assume that a significant portion of arthritic dogs will be overweight/obese and vice versa. Managing these comorbid conditions presents a variety of challenges.
As disease entities, OA and obesity present diagnostic challenges for very different reasons. Clinical signs of OA may not be obvious on examination, particularly early in the disease process. Although signs of pets being overweight or obese are readily apparent, these signs are often overlooked or dismissed as inconsequential. Diagnosis of OA generally requires a combination of history, physical examination findings and radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease. Although this seems straightforward, historical clues, which are vital to creating an index of suspicion, may be elusive and clinical signs are often subtle and not evident on routine veterinary examination. Owners may attribute many signs of OA to normal aging and therefore fail to report them unless prompted (see Stages of osteoarthritis). Owners of dogs at risk for obesity and OA should be educated on the importance of lifelong weight management. The incidence and severity of OA secondary to canine hip dysplasia can be influenced significantly by environmental factors such as nutrition and lifestyle.
Clinical signs of OA include difficulty rising from rest, stiffness and lameness. A thorough disease-specific history may reveal evidence of subtle changes early in the course of OA, such as reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump or play. Signs may be as inconspicuous as lagging behind on walks. Veterinary teams must listen to owners when they are describing that their dog is reluctant to walk on tile or hardwood floors, or that their pet no longer wants to go for car rides—something that was once a favorite activity.
Owners are often unaware of the correlation between behavior changes and OA. Yelping or whimpering, and even personality changes such as withdrawal or aggressive behavior may be indicative of the chronic pain of OA. Additionally, the veterinary team may uncover subtle signs caused by OA pain that the owner did not notice, such as longer nails (indicating that the dog is not walking and so nails are not being worn down by hard surfaces) or abnormal fur patterns over joints (indicating the dog has been licking the area). Consistent use of an owner questionnaire may facilitate early detection of OA. Dietary factors can potentially modify some of the underlying processes involved in OA, including modulation of the inflammatory response, provision of nutrients for cartilage repair and protection against oxidative damage. Where effective, dietary management may help reduce or eliminate the need for conventional drugs, some of which are associated with adverse effects.
As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids play a role in the makeup of tissues and organs throughout the body. Methionine is a unique amino acid that produces several molecules that are essential for proper cell function. Methionine, which contains sulfur, can produce other sulfur-containing molecules in the joint and is involved in protein production. Manganese is an essential nutrient involved in many chemical processes in the body, including bone formation. Manganese plays a role in the health and maintenance of bone and cartilage in joints. In addition, manganese supports collagen formation for joint strength. Methionine and manganese are building blocks for cartilage in joints.
Carnitine is an amino acid that enables the body to turn fat into energy. Carnitine aids in muscle maintenance and transports long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives into the mitochondria of cells. By strengthening skeletal muscle and turning fat into energy, the severity of OA may be lessened.
Hyaluronic acid is a principal component of synovial fluid and works in the joint to maintain joint viscosity, aid in joint lubrication and help with shock absorption. Additionally, vitamins C and E are antioxidants that neutralizefree radicals to maximize mobility. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine “shortcuts” the glycosaminoglycan pathway to maintain healthy joint structure and function.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to aid in canine OA management. Studies show that foods with high levels of total omega-3 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can improve the clinical signs of canine OA.4,7-10
In normal canine cartilage, there is a balance between synthesis and degradation of cartilage matrix. In arthritic joints, damage to chondrocytes incites a viscous cycle that culminates in cartilage destruction, inflammation and pain. The mechanisms responsible for the demonstrated clinical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include controlling inflammation and reducing the expression and activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes.
Cartilage degradation starts with loss of cartilage aggrecan followed by loss of cartilage collagens, resulting in the inability to resist compressive forces during joint movement. EPA significantly decreases the loss of aggrecan in canine cartilage by inhibiting the upregulation of aggrecanases by blocking the signal at the level of messenger RNA.4
Omega-3 fatty acids result in a decrease in membrane arachidonic acid (AA) levels because omega-3 fatty acids replace AA in the substrate pool. This produces an accompanying decrease in the capacity to synthesize inflammatory eicosanoids from AA. Studies have documented that inflammatory eicosanoids produced from AA are depressed when dogs consume foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to its role in modulating the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, omega-3 fatty acids have a direct role in the resolution of inflammation.
Shellfish supplements have been used to manage arthritis in humans and, in recent years, interest has focused on the potential benefits of a nutritional supplement prepared from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (GLM), Perna canaliculus.11 GLM is known to contain anti-inflammatory components and other nutrients that benefit joint health. Heat processing of GLM has been shown to destroy its activity. Therefore, the processing of whole GLM and incorporation of the GLM product into food products requires special care and processing techniques to avoid destroying any efficacy of the final product.
GLM has been shown to contain a unique omega-3 fatty acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, which appears to act as a dual inhibitor of arachidonic acid oxygenation by both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.12 GLM is a rich source of nutrients, including glycosaminoglycans (e.g. chondroitin sulfates), vitamins, minerals and omega-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Nutrition, and specific nutrients, provide an effective and safe way to manage OA in dogs. Foods with high levels of omage-3 fatty acids have the dual benefit of controlling inflammation and pain while slowing disease progression by decreasing cartilage degradation.
Successful treatment and prevention of obesity and OA require a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures and a multimodal treatment program. Documenting the presence of comorbid conditions is critical.
Clinical signs of OA are often not obvious on examination, particularly early in the disease process. Early diagnosis of OA facilitates early intervention, which will likely improve long-term outcome. Nutritional management should be part of the multimodal approach in dogs with joint disease. Mobility is powerful and allows humans and dogs to live healthily and happily in body and mind. Joint health is fundamental to moving in comfort and should be addressed with every dog that comes into the hospital.
K9 Duke
Officer Duke, Vermont’s first police-run therapy dog, is a part of the Williston Police Department. Duke and his handler, Officer Matthew Cohen, have been working hard the past couple weeks with Duke’s training.
Duke started agility training on May 28th. Agility work is great for building a dog’s confidence and obedience. It is also a lot of fun for the trainer.
K9 Duke is also looking for the public’s assistance in creating a logo. The logo will be used on t-shirts business cards, challenge coins, patches, and other K9 products. If your design is chosen you will win a $100 Shaw’s gift card.
All ages are encouraged to participate and you should submit your design in a digital format. To enter, you can send your design to Matthew Cohen (matthew.cohen@vermont.gov). Designs can be submitted anytime up until July 3rd at 3:00 p.m.
Dogs For Veterans
A Mount Joy organization that trains service dogs for veterans with disabilities has gone to court to get back a German Shepherd its president says a former volunteer is wrongfully keeping.
David Laughman, president of the Veteran Service Canines Inc., said the organization didn’t want to have to go to court, but had little choice.
“It’s pretty sad when a person takes a dog from a vet,” Laughlin, a former Marine, said Tuesday. “We’re concerned about the safety of our canine.”
Laughman said Sabina Mattern, of East Donegal Township, was a dog evaluator and trainer with Harrisburg Off-Leash K9 Training. Through them, she volunteered with Veteran Service Canines and that’s how she had possession of Willow, the German Shepherd, which she was training for a veteran.
Veteran Service Canines’ lawsuit, filed Monday in Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, said a dispute arose between the organization and Mattern and she was asked to end contact with the group.
Mattern declined comment Tuesday when a reporter visited her home near Maytown.
The suit said Mattern violated its agreement by harassing Veteran Service Canines and appearing at one of its events.
Laughman, 35, who said he has a service-related disability and has used a service dog, created Veteran Service Canines in 2016 as a way to give back to veterans. It’s provided about four dozen dogs, free, to veterans with issues including combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, mobility and traumatic brain injury, according to Laughman and the organization’s website.
Pet Food Company
Burns Pet Nutrition, a natural pet food company that already helps over 40 animal welfare organisations every year, has donated tens of thousands of pounds worth of pet supplies to over 20 rescue centres, charities and community groups across the UK during the outbreak.
The family firm, which specialises in producing high quality dog food made up of all-natural ingredients, has supplied thousands of bags of pet food and treats equating to more than £30,000.
Across the country, not-for profit animal organisations have been hit hard by the lockdown, having seen their main sources of income come to a dramatic halt with the closure of charity shops, cancellation of fundraising events and pausing of all fostering and adoption activity.
Wanting to support those struggling with the financial fall-out from the current Covid-19 crisis, Burns has chosen to make food donations to organisations, ensuring the animals in their care are well fed while helping to reduce the financial strain they are under.
The company has donated food to a range of local rescue centres including Pembrokeshire’s Greenacres Animal Rescue, Llanelli-based Hope Rescue, Cardiff Dogs Home, Powys Animal Welfare, Greyhound Rescue Wales and Powys-based Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary, which has dogs in its care. Further afield, it has provided donations to London-based Mayhew Animal Rescue, Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption (MADRA) in Northern Ireland, West Cork Animal Welfare Group and Alley Cats Burnley and Pendle.
Burns has also provided donations to various therapy and service dog schemes including Hampshire Search & Rescue Dogs, B.W.Y Canine Ltd – a specialist supplier of detection dogs – and Support Dogs UK, a national charity which provides assistance dogs for individuals with medical conditions including disabilities, autism and epilepsy.
As well as supporting animal organisations, Burns has committed to helping communities in Wales who may be struggling to feed their pets following impacts to their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic. It has helped to support a number of community groups including the Swansea Council’s Food Bank initiative and Tenby United RFC’s support scheme.
To date, Burns has provided over 300 bags of pet food and treats to the Scarlets Community Foundation, an initiative which sees the Scarlets Rugby club team up with local grassroots clubs to deliver care packages to vulnerable people in the region.
The company also provided over £9,000 worth of food to ‘Street Paws’ – a registered charity made of up of veterinary volunteers who provide free vet care and food for dogs living with people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or in extreme poverty. Burns’ food packs have since been distributed to vulnerable individuals in 24 towns and cities across the UK including Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and York.
John Burns, Founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “The last few months have been a very difficult period for animal organisations and vulnerable people across the country. The impact of coronavirus has been unprecedented, and the result is that many charities and vital community initiatives have been struggling to cope with the financial obstacles that the outbreak has brought.
“It’s imperative these people and companies receive support to help them through this challenging time. The work of animal rescues and animal support services is truly commendable and it’s imperative to us that we do something to help them survive. We want to do whatever we can to help those struggling during this terrible time and so giving away our food to those in need goes without question”
Michelle Southern, Founder of Street Paws said: “Street Paws Charity supports the most vulnerable in our society and their dogs. Since the lockdown, rough sleepers have not had the public support or donations of food that they rely on every day. Our teams have continued to support them delivering dog food and other essential medications. To have this support from Burns is incredible and means that we have enough food for everyone who needs it.”
New Dog-Control
Sussex County has been out of the dog-control business for nearly five years, but county officials will still pay $768,000 a year to the state to provide services.
At its June 2 teleconference meeting, Sussex County Council approved a new memorandum of understanding with the state Office of Animal Welfare for animal, dangerous dog and rabies control, and animal cruelty investigations.
The original memorandum was signed in 2015 when animal control, which had been a county function, was taken over by the state. The county pays the state $64,030.36 at the start of each month. Since the state took over animal control, service calls have increased 26 percent.
Delaware Animal Services is the enforcement unit of the Office of Animal Welfare, with certified animal welfare officers on duty weekdays and weekends and on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers respond to calls regarding stray or aggressive dogs, dogs at large, and dog housing and welfare concerns.
The primary role of the officers is dog control. However, they also respond to calls for severely injured or endangered stray cats and investigate reports of animal cruelty.
Brandywine Valley SPCA is under contract with the state to provide the services outlined in the contract as the designated shelter provider for Sussex County. The SPCA operates out of two locations in Sussex. It took over the former Georgetown SPCA building on Route 113, and renovated and modernized the facility. Brandywine also purchased the former Safe Haven shelter on Shingle Point Road near Georgetown.
Brandywine receives all strays, dangerous, injured, abused and quarantined animals that are picked up by state officers. Brandywine is charged with providing housing, care and medical attention, as well as pet-owner reunification and adoption programs. Brandywine was the first no-kill shelter in the nation.
But as Brandywine’s Director of Administration Walter Fenstermacher explained, the SPCA goes beyond its contract to provide other programs including veterinarian services, spay-neuter clinics, pet food distributions and a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program for feral cats. He said in 2019, throughout the state, 2,600 feral cats were treated and released.
He said a private fund has been established to assist pet owners with veterinarian care.
Fenstermacher said SPCA staff works with pet owners who are struggling financially who can’t afford food or medical service. “Our goal is keeping pets in their homes outside of the shelter,” he said.
The former Safe Haven shelter has become a national facility to accept pets that are victims of natural disasters, he said, with more than 2,000 pets rescued so far.
Coronavirus Sniffing
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but a North Florida dog trainer wants his trained dogs to be the coronavirus’ worst enemy.
50 dogs at Top Tier K9’s training facility are in line to be among the first in the country to be trained to sniff out the coronavirus.
Jeff Minder is a former survival instructor for the Air Force. He has a patented 50-point dog training system and saw a need.
He says the virus-sniffing dogs could prove useful in areas where people congregate in large groups.
“Immediately is churches, and then the airports where people feel safer traveling,” said Minder.
Uzi, a Belgian Malinois, is his personal dog and has compiled a record more accurate than testing.
“Their success rate at finding that virus is, actually, for the last two weeks, has been 100 percent. But it’s 95, 96 percent based on all the work I’ve done,” said Minder.
Nobody was exposed to the virus for the videotaped training session, and Minder wouldn’t say how he got the virus samples, only that they were expensive.
“I don’t fear the virus, I don’t fear men, I don’t fear governments. I do what put me on this earth to do without fear,” said Minder.
Depending on the breed, it will take anywhere from eight months to two years to train the dogs.
Once trained, adding the virus to a dog’s portfolio can take up to an additional eight weeks.
“There are independent individual odors within that virus that these dogs are finding. We think we know exactly what part of the virus they are finding, but that’s very hard to prove,” said Minder.
Working with scientists and public health officials, Minder believes his dogs can help prevent future pandemics.
“The first day the virus hits there. Now we’re searching the mail rooms, and we’re searching the airports, and we’re keeping people funneled in and we’re testing them now for these viruses,” said Minder.
Minder said about half of the dogs in training already have a potential owner.
If the virus mutates, Minder said the mutation will be on how it affects people, not on how it smells to a dog.
Protecting USPS Workers
Local mail carriers are asking you to keep an eye on your dog.
It’s a part of the 2020 U.S. Postal Service National Dog Bite Awareness Week which runs from June 14-20.
The theme for this year is “Be Alert: Prevent the Bite.”
According to USPS data, there were fewer attacks nationwide – down by more than 200 incidents from 2018 to 5,803 incidents in 2019.
Handheld scanners used by carriers to confirm deliveries include a feature to designate if there’s a dog present at a specific address.
The Postal Service offers the following safety tips:
When a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate glass windows to attack visitors.
Parents should remind children and other family members not to take mail directly from letter carriers in the presence of the family pet. The dog may view the letter carrier handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.
If a letter carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at a Post Office location or another facility until the letter carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If the dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner’s neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the area’s Post Office location.
K9s Training
Fifty dogs at a north Florida canine training facility are in line to be among the first in the country to be trained to sniff out the coronavirus.
Jeff Minder is a former survival instructor for the Air Force. He has a patented 50 point dog training system and saw a need.
Q: “So, where do you think this virus sniffing dog will be valuable?”
Minder: “Immediately is churches, and then the airports where people feel safer traveling.”
Uzi is his personal dog and has compiled a record more accurate than testing.
Sot: Jeff Minder
Top Tier K9’s
“Their success rate at finding that virus is, actually, for the last two weeks, has been 100 percent. But it’s 95, 96 percent based on all the work I’ve done,” Minder said.
We weren’t exposed to the virus for this training session, and Minder won’t say how he got the virus samples, only that they were expensive.
“I don’t fear the virus, I don’t fear men, I don’t fear governments. I do what God put me on this earth to do without fear,” Minder said.
Depending on the breed, it will take anywhere from eight months to two years to train these dogs.
Once trained, adding the virus to a dog’s portfolio can take up to an addition eight weeks.
“There are independent individual odors within that virus that these dogs are finding. We think we know exactly what part of the virus they are finding, but that’s very hard to prove,” Minder said.
Working with scientists and public health officials, Minder believes his dogs can help prevent future pandemics.
“The first day the virus hits there,” Minder said. “Now we’re searching the mail rooms, and we’re searching the airports, and we’re keeping people funneled in and we’re testing them now for these viruses.”
Minder says about half of the dogs in training already have a potential owner.
If the virus mutates, Minder tells us that the mutation will be on how it affects people, not on how it smells to a dog.
Animal Lives Matter
President Donald Trump signed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act into law on November 25, 2019 making animal cruelty a federal crime. It enlarges the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010, signed by President Barack Obama that banned creation and distribution of videos or images of animal torture.
The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or PACT Act, bans abusive behavior including crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling and other bodily injury toward any non-human mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians. Violating this act can lead to criminal penalties, a prison term of up to 7 years, or both. Several counties across America are now part of the Animal Abuser Registry.
Animal abusers’ name, photo, and address will be published on the county’s website. The registries are part of widening efforts in the United States to punish and track animal abusers. The FBI has added animal cruelty to its list of Class A felonies, and have begun collecting data for such crimes the way it does for other serious offenses, including homicide. Animal abuse and acts of cruelty are unacceptable in a civilized society. Animals are no longer just animals; they are family members. For centuries animals have played an important role in this country.
Animals have been companions for servicemen and women struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues. The bond people have with their emotional support dogs and other animals can be very important in helping to ease symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleepless nights, PTSD etc. These animals bring comfort and security to people. It’s a fact that humans with animals as companions live longer lives. Studies show that talking to and petting your dog can lower blood pressure. Dogs improve overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Humans with dogs recover more quickly from illnesses. Dogs can detect the smell of cancer in human bodies. Dogs are also great for children. Children with dogs in the home miss less school and the love and security of a dog can increase their self-esteem. With all the enjoyment and satisfaction animals bring to human lives, animal rights activists; support and is grateful for “The PACT Act”.
Thank you, President Trump for holding those who abuse animals responsible and ensuring their horrible acts of animal cruelty are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Emotional Support Animals
Like most BYU students, 20-year-old English major Katherine Tew didn’t anticipate having an animal for a roommate. Tew would come home to the sound of restless barking from behind her roommate’s locked door. The roommate would keep her registered emotional support dog in her bedroom daily while she attended classes and work.
“The dog ate the batteries of a remote and jumped out of the third floor window at my apartment complex. Luckily, it didn’t get seriously hurt. The dog was restless,” Tew said. She was surprised and uncomfortable with the dog in her apartment and the lack of care for the animal.
This wasn’t the last time Tew was faced with such a dilemma.
“Another girl I lived with had an emotional support cat and left on a trip, leaving the cat with no water and food,” Tew said. “I heard the cat meowing super loud, so I bought the cat food before leaving for the semester.”
Such complaints with emotional support animals are a growing issue in student housing on and off campus. Provo apartment managers are often responsible in navigating the issues between disabled students who have the right to keep such animals and the concerned students who are allergic to them. Some roommates may also end up as involuntary caregivers to animals neglected by their owners.
At the same time, a Provo lawmaker is proposing a resolution to help better define the categories of therapy animals, support animals and service animals. In addition, the resolution would standardize training to use them.
According to BYU’s housing guidelines and policies, “Pets and animals of any kind are not allowed in the residence halls. The only exceptions are special assistance animals for tenants with disabilities, or fish for certain biology classes.” As a result, a person with an assistance animal can legally request to live at a property where a housing provider has a no-pets policy.
Many BYU students say that apartment complex managers aren’t informing tenants ahead of time of animal roommates.
“I would have never signed a contract knowing that I was going to have an animal in my apartment,” said Kate Pingree, an exercise science major. “About a week or less before I moved into this apartment, my apartment complex texted me and said I’m going to have an emotional support animal living with me. They told me if I had allergies, to let them know.”
Pingree said she was upset to find out after she signed the contract that there would be an animal in the apartment. She was concerned about friends with bad allergies not being able to visit because of shedded fur and smells.
These students aren’t alone in this newfound responsibility. Despite not attending BYU, Ashley Hales, a graduate student studying education, chose to live in BYU-contracted housing. Hales lived with a cat that was regularly locked in a small bedroom. “The cat cried nonstop with this awful smell. I ended up having to go in there to clean it all up because it was so disgusting,” she said.
Hales said that she felt bad for the cat since the owner did not take care of it. When a roommate is gone all day, the responsibility to take care of the animal might shift to others.
“I know people who have diagnosed anxiety and depression who rely on their dogs, but it’s clear some people are not good pet owners. It just puts the burden on roommates,” Hales said.
According to the BYU Animals on Campus Policy website, BYU strives for balance between helping those with disabilities and mental health struggles and helping those with other safety concerns within the BYU community.
Aspen Ridge Management manages many BYU-contracted residences throughout Provo. Debbie Morris, administrative assistant at Aspen Ridge Management, said the company makes reasonable accommodations for residents who have emotional support animals as well as service animals.
“We require that the resident submits paperwork prior to bringing the animal into the apartment,” Morris said. “We make sure to inquire if any of the current residents have any mental or emotional issues that would be negatively impacted by having an animal in the apartment.”
According to Jennifer Sappenfield from The Branbury, “Apartment complexes, such as The Branbury, don’t notify other residents before they move in because emotional support animals are accommodations for those with a disability.”
The most common case made for keeping an emotional support animal out of an apartment is allergies.
“(At The Branbury) if one of the roommates has proof of an allergy before the person with the assistance animal was coming to move in, there would be a standing accommodation for that apartment,” Sappenfield said. “No one else that moves into that apartment can get an assistance animal.”
If this information is provided prior to an animal moving in, Sappenfield said that person with the allergy has the priority. However, if the documentation of the allergy is provided after a service animal has already moved in, then managers could offer to move or transfer the person with allergies.
Rep. Marsha Judkins, R-Provo, is sponsoring HJR6, a proposed resolution at the Utah Legislature that would provide an alternative way for students to receive animal services. The resolution would point out the distinction between therapy animals, support animals and service animals.
“Service animals differ from emotional support animals because their services are offered for free,” Judkins said. “Unlike support and service animals, therapy animals have no rights under the law. They can not go anywhere that they are not invited.”
One example of therapy animals being properly used is when airports invite a therapy animal to calm anxious passengers before a flight. The dog is with them in the airport, but the animal will not accompany them on the plane.
Judkins is attempting to pass HJR6 to encourage standardized screening and training for animals that will be used as therapy animals and to show support for their use.
“We have so many mental and emotional health issues among all populations in Utah,” Judkins said. “Studies have shown that these animals really do have a positive effect.”
Encouraging students to take advantage of therapy animals could help minimize potential roommate tension. This could be an alternative for students who are unable to dedicate the time and effort to taking care of an animal in their own apartment.
