Scientists say anti-aging dog drug could also extend human life
Would you give your dog a pill if it promised to make them live longer? What if that same drug could make you live longer? Scientists at San Francisco startup Loyal created a beef-flavored daily pill called LOY-002 that they say can give senior dogs at least one extra year of life, reducing frailty by curbing aging-related increases in insulin.
The founder of Loyal, Celine Halioua, now believes the company’s discovery will benefit humans too.
“Finding out how to prevent canine age-related decline is a really strong proxy for doing the same with humans because dogs get similar age-related diseases, and share our environments and habits in ways laboratory mice do not,” Halioua told the Guardian.
The drug is currently being tested in a nationwide study to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in real-world veterinary settings with pets.
It’s not clear if human testing will happen anytime soon, but Loyal plans to launch the pill for dogs early next year.
Meanwhile, a similar goal is being looked into at the University of Washington but with a human drug that could also help dogs.
Cat food recalled after testing positive for H5N1 and feline dies
Oregon health officials are warning cat owners to throw out a brand of frozen pet food. This comes after the food tested positive for bird flu and a house cat died after eating the product.
Health officials say the deceased cat “strictly” stayed inside and wasn’t exposed to the virus in any other setting, noting that the virus detected in the pet food and the cat “were exact matches.”
Veterinarians say H5N1 is particularly deadly for cats, especially big cats.
Earlier this week, it was reported that at least 20 exotic cats died from bird flu at a Washington state animal sanctuary, including tigers, bobcats and mountain lions.
The cause of the outbreak at the sanctuary is still unknown.
However, wildlife officials at the sanctuary say that the virus can infect large cats who eat birds with the virus or other contaminated products. Furthermore, they say that cats’ symptoms can start off subtle but progress rapidly, which may lead to “death within 24 hours due to pneumonia-like conditions.”
The Golden State has also declared a state of emergency over the spread of H5N1 with reportedly the highest number of infected cattle herds and human cases nationwide.
Still, U.S. health officials say the risk to humans remains low but urge individuals working with farm animals to wear protective equipment.
Former NFL superstar Michael Vick has come full circle. The quarterback who took the league by storm in the early 2000s is set to become the next head coach at Virginia’s Norfolk State University.
Vick grew up about 20 miles from NSU’s campus in Newport News, Virginia.
Vick led Virginia Tech to an undefeated regular season and the National Championship game in 1999 as a freshman with his running ability and electric playing style. He was the first Black quarterback taken No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.
As a member of the Atlanta Falcons, he instantly rose to stardom and revolutionized the way NFL quarterbacks played the game. But his career was interrupted during its prime years.
In 2007, Vick was convicted for financing a dog fighting ring in his home state. He was sentenced to 23 months, ultimately spending 21 months in prison.
Upon his release and return to the NFL in 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Two years later, Vick won the comeback player of the year award.
He played 13 seasons in the league for four different teams and went to the Pro Bowl four times.
Since his playing days, he’s worked tirelessly to mend his image in conjunction with animal rights advocates. Vick also works as a television football analyst for Fox Sports. He has never been a coach.
He takes over a Norfolk State program that posted a 15–30 record the last four seasons under former head coach Dawson Odums.
The Spartans play at the Football Championship Subdivision level in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The conference has seen its numbers dwindle to just six programs over the last couple of seasons.
He appeared to confirm the hire in a Facebook post Tuesday, Dec. 17 saying, “It’s an honor to announce that I’ll be the new head coach of Norfolk State University… looking forward to coming back home.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Straight Arrow News contacted the university’s athletic department to confirm the hire. However, university officials told SAN they planned to release a statement on the coaching search soon.
The pet business is projected to reach over $150 billion in sales this year and one big player in the industry is Lamb Chop. The beloved sock puppet from a children’s television show has become the hottest chew toy for dogs.
In 2008, the pet product company Multipet got the license to Lamb Chop and soon began making toys for dogs. Nowadays, Multipet sells several million of them each year.
Dog owners on social media have been chronicling how much their canines love their Lamb Chop toys.
Comedian and “Simpsons” writer Broti Gupta posted on X in February her dog Niko is “obsessed” with the toy, writing, “He puts it in front of the door on our way out so it can be the first thing he sees when we get back.”
question: my dog is OBSESSED with his lamb chop toy. he literally puts it in front of the door on our way out so it can be the first thing he sees when we get back. He hugs it constantly. He won't go anywhere in the house without it. Does he think it's his child? His mom? ?? pic.twitter.com/obg9wiVMOA
And just a few days ago, Gupta posted another image with her dog holding the toy in his mouth –– telling her followers that Niko and Lamb Chop want them to watch the latest “Simpsons” episode.
Just do Niko this one favor. Watch the Simpsons on Hulu tomorrow. It’s such a fun episode written by @jessicajconrad so you KNOW you’re in for a good time. Niko and lamb chop really want this for you pic.twitter.com/zisGZ4gZJr
Other dog owners have turned to Reddit to make sure they are not alone when it comes to their dog’s fascination with Lamb Chop.
It’s been a long road for the sock puppet to become man’s best friend’s best friend.
It all started when Peabody Award-winning ventriloquist, puppeteer and entertainer Shari Lewis introduced Lamb Chop on “The Captain Kangaroo Show” in the 1950s.
Lewis took Lamb Chop with her when she started her own show, “The Shari Lewis Show,” in the early 1960s.
Then, three decades later, Lamb Chop met a new generation of kids when Lewis began “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along” series on PBS. They both also ventured onto another PBS series, “Sesame Street.” Her show won five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Series.
Millennials who watched the show as a kid are now pet owners. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 32% of dog owners are millennials, which means a dog toy based on Lamb Chop not only checks the box for a fun chew toy for Fido –– but also a whimsical, nostalgic purchase for Fido’s owner, too.
Since Lewis’ passing in 1998, her daughter Mallory Lewis has taken over the mantle of being the voice of lamb chop.
Her TikTok account — @yourfavlambchop — where she posts videos with her puppet companion has over 250,000 followers. Mallory Lewis recently recorded a video reacting to dog owners giving their pets the chew toys.
“Well, it’s complicated because on the one hand, or one mitten, I am thrilled that people love me and want to share their love of me with their fur babies,” the puppet said. “On the other hand, I don’t like seeing pictures of people’s doggies chewing my head off.”
According to the software company Pet Exec, millennials and Gen Z spend around $100 on their pets for the holidays.
The APPA said 52% of dog owners are planning to purchase holiday gifts this year for their furry friends. And it’s a safe bet many of those pet parents will be purchasing one of these Lamb Chop chew toys — if they don’t have a few already lying around at home.
Pet owner who left dog tied to fence before hurricane faces charges
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, a video of a dog tied up near a highway sparked outrage on social media, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., to warn pet owners against such actions. DeSantis responded to the video of the dog rescue on social media, thanking the state trooper for saving the dog and saying that “FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, DeSantis announced the state was delivering on that promise, saying, “I’m proud to announce that the authorities have identified the dog’s former owner and State Attorney Suzy Lopez is now pursuing animal cruelty charges against the individuals.”
Now, the dog’s former owner, who authorities say admitted to tying his pet to the fence while evacuating, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty. 23-year-old Giovanny Aldama Garcia could face up to five years in prison if convicted of the crime.
The dog, now named “Trooper,” was rescued by a state trooper near Tampa, Florida, and officials afterward said he was taken to the vet where he “received a clean bill of health.”
Trooper is currently with a foster family in Tallahassee and will not be returned to Garcia.
Animal rights groups warn of abandoned pets as Cubans flee in record numbers
Cubans are fleeing their homes in record numbers, fueled by fears of shifting U.S. immigration policy and poverty caused by mass inflation, as reported on Saturday, Oct. 12. More than 1 million Cubans have reportedly left the nation since 2020, which is around a tenth of the island’s population.
Additionally, many Cubans are resorting to a dangerous journey, sailing the open sea on makeshift rafts toward the U.S. and other destinations. Hundreds of people have reportedly drowned or gone missing in search of a new home.
Cuba’s government claims the problem will only get worse, blaming the United States sanctions for tanking its economy and forcing the high migration numbers.
The mass exodus of Cubans also means more pets are being abandoned in the nation. Animal rights groups say they have rescued hundreds of dogs and cats and warn that the situation is getting worse.
Most Cubans reportedly cannot afford to bring their pets with them to another country. Trips to the U.S. and elsewhere cost thousands of dollars, and many Cubans only make about $21 a month. It has forced many migrants to abandon pets and seek the cheapest yet most dangerous option of getting on a raft or poorly constructed boat at sea.
A coastal resident of Cuba who survived a shipwreck told Reuters that he believes another wave of immigration is inevitable, and he’d been offered a seat on a boat, which he declined. He said, “It’s going to kick off again at any moment.”
DeSantis vows to punish those who neglected pets as hurricane approached
As Hurricane Milton was nearing landfall, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., took aim at bad dog owners. DeSantis vowed to punish those pet owners who left their canines tied up as the storm made its way to the coastline.
DeSantis responded to a video posted on social media on Wednesday, Oct. 9, by the Florida State Patrol showing troopers rescuing a dog tied up next to the highway in the Tampa Bay area.
The governor thanked the troopers, and wrote on the social media platform X, “It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle an oncoming storm. FL. will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.”
In Florida, abandoning a pet is a misdemeanor but repeat animal cruelty offenders can receive jail time.
Nearly 6 million people are reportedly under mandatory evacuation orders in Florida. President Joe Biden urged residents to heed the warnings from local officials and said it could be the worst storm to hit the Sunshine State in more than 100 years.
South Korea to ban dog meat by 2027, offering $450 per animal surrendered
Big changes are coming to South Korea as the country prepares to put an end to the centuries-old practice of serving and eating dog meat. The government is announcing new measure to rehome hundreds of thousands of dogs, and support farmers ahead of the ban taking effect.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, South Korea’s Agriculture Ministry shared details on plans to relocate nearly half a million dogs, including financial incentives of around $450 per dog surrendered. The government plans to spend about $75 million to assist businesses in shutting down and transitioning out of the dog meat trade before the ban is fully enforced in 2027.
However, many involved have expressed frustration, saying the compensation programs fall short of their expectations.
Supporters of the ban have called this a significant milestone for animal welfare in South Korea, but there are concerns that tying compensation to the number of dogs might inadvertently encourage more breeding in the short term.
Park Beom-su, vice agriculture minister, addressed concerns that the dogs might be euthanized or processed for consumption before the ban takes effect, but he emphasized that is not part of the plan.
In January, Parliament passed a bill officially banning the consumption and sale of dog meat, reflecting growing support for animal rights and a declining interest in the dog meat trade generally. Violations include penalties of up to three years in prison.
Petco stops sale of rabbits after backlash from animal rights group
If a person wants to buy a wiggly-nosed, cotton-tailed, friend at Petco, they’ll have to think again. The pet retailer announced on Tuesday, Sept. 24, that it is no longer selling pet rabbits after backlash from animal welfare advocates.
Petco’s announcement is on the heels of a call out earlier this month from Rabbit.org, which said, the company failed to deliver on its promises in 1994 and 2008 to stop all rabbit sales.
“The selling of rabbits often leads to impulse buys by customers unaware of the extensive care and significant veterinary costs involved,” Rabbit.org said.
The group also said that rabbit purchases often lead to what the organization dubs “summer dumping season,” in which, many pet rabbits are “abandoned outdoors” and become easy prey or roadkill.
Petco said that its decision to eliminate the sale of rabbits is based on feedback it received “from animal rescue and welfare organizations nationwide.”
In order to encourage people into “responsible rabbit adoptions” Petco is now offering a 20% discount for bunny parents who adopt from an established rescue or adoption organization through the month of October. The pet retailer also said that it is putting all remaining miniature rabbits up for adoption as part of a pilot program in select locations.
The president of Petco Love’s said that the move is in line with the company’s mission to “improve lives for pets and the people who love them.”
Bunnies are reportedly the third most popular pet in the United States.
Autonomous robot dogs assist with fusion energy facility maintenance
Autonomous robots dogs have been used to help maintain one of the world’s largest fusion energy research facilities, located in the U.K. These robotic canine helpers, deployed during a 35-day trial at the facility, can be both safer and more cost-effective, according to a spokesperson from the Atomic Energy Authority.
“This is the first time an autonomous robot has been deployed in fusion facilities for a long period of time,” Robert Skilton, head of robotics research and technology at the Atomic Energy Authority, said. “It established the reliability of robotic technology and how autonomous robots can be deployed safely inside fusion facilities.”
The robots are not affected by the challenging conditions that fusion energy facilities present, making them an ideal solution for improving efficiency while reducing risks to human operators. They have been tasked with carrying out regular maintenance inspections among the high radiation, vacuum-level pressures and extreme temperatures found at these sites.
“This work was about developing and demonstrating technology to help solve some of the fundamental challenges of maintaining future fusion power plants,” Skilton said. “It was about showing what’s possible today and building trust and confidence in the use of autonomous robotics for inspecting fusion facilities.”
Fusion energy, the same process used by the sun, is generated by smashing two atoms together to create a single, larger atom, releasing tremendous energy. While fusion holds the promise of abundant and clean energy, the technology is not yet commercially viable. Currently, fusion reactors consume more energy than they produce, which has been a key challenge for researchers.
However, advancements like the use of autonomous robots are helping reduce costs and improve operational safety. Experts believe these robotic systems could play a crucial role in making fusion energy more practical, potentially accelerating the timeline for its widespread adoption. Though fusion energy is projected to become a major part of the energy sector by 2050, further innovations are needed before it becomes a reliable and profitable energy source.