The DogChannel Newswire (02-28-08)

Pet Sterilization Becomes Law in Los Angeles
Pet owners who live in Los Angeles must have their dogs and cats sterilized by the time the animals are 4 months old according to a new law, signed Tuesday by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. It takes effect Oct. 1 and is aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the thousands of animals that are euthanized in the city's animal shelters every year, the Associated Press reports.
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Brothers Indicted on Animal Cruelty, Dogfighting Charges
A Dona Ana County, N.M., grand jury has indicted twin brothers Daron and Duryea Scott on dozens of charges that include animal cruelty and dogfighting. The brothers were arrested in October following a months-long investigation that began when dozens of dogs were found on properties controlled by the Scotts and at their homes in El Paso, Texas, the Associated Press reports.
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Tips for Travel With Pets
More than 29 million Americans say they've traveled with their pets in the last three years, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. In response, airlines, hotels, and even car insurance companies are upgrading their pet accommodations, The (San Jose, Calif.) Mercury News reports.
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Pet Pampering Seen at High 2008 Despite Econ Fears
Spending on pets is forecast to hit a new high despite fears of a recession and a crimp on consumer spending. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association released figures on Tuesday showing pet owners spent an estimated $41 billion on their animal friends last year which was almost double the $21 billion spent in 1996, Reuters reports.
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Robot Dogs in Nursing Homes? Sony a Matter of Time
Researchers at St. Louis University have concluded that robotic dogs are just as good as real dogs in alleviating loneliness among elderly folks in nursing homes. The researchers compared how residents of nursing homes interacted with Sparky, a living, medium-sized mutt, and Aibo, a robot dog manufactured by Sony, The Baltimore Sun reports.
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