World News Roundup: October 14, 2017

Italian Dog Owner Wins Sick Pay for Looking After Pet (Erie News Now)

When an Italian dog owner requested two days off from work to care for her pet who needed constant medical supervision before surgery, her employer, a university, refused. The woman appealed the decision, “demanding her right to paid leave as a public servant.” Italy’s penal code prohibits the abandonment of pets, and the university reconsidered her case—ultimately ruling in the woman’s favor and granting her the requested leave.

New Law Regulates Veterinary Profession in the UAE (Gulf News)

“Veterinary medicine professionals in the [United Arab Emirates] must get a license from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to avoid hefty fines and prison time, according to a new federal law.” This new regulation aims to enhance the efficiency of the veterinary profession and safeguard the health of livestock and other animals. The new law states that “a fine ranging between Dh10,000 [$2722] and Dh200,000 [$54,453] will be imposed on all those who practice” without a license.

The Social Effort to Save Baghdad Strays (AFP)

Some pet owners in Iraq are looking to social media to find loving owners for the stray and homeless animals roaming the streets of Baghdad. Three months ago, 2 students created an adoption Facebook page “after growing upset over the fate of Baghdad's stray animals.” So far, they have managed to find homes for more than 25 animals after simply posting their photos online.

Indian Zoo Ramps Up Safety Measures for Visitors, Staff (Times of India)

“Following the recent death of a gatekeeper after he was mauled by two tigers at the Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru,” employees from nearby Mysuru Zoo are guiding their counterparts in safety precautions regarding carnivorous animals. Mysuru Zoo officials will keep an eye on the situation at Bannerghatta Park and give directions to employees who are in charge of the zoo animals.

Dog Travels 8000 Miles for Heart Surgery (Daily Illini)

“This July, Nana traveled more than 8000 miles from Thailand to Illinois for the chance at a longer, healthier life.” The 3-year-old Chihuahua was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus—typically a death sentence if not treated. Because there are no board-certified veterinary cardiologists in Thailand, Nana was brought to Urbana to repair her heart.

Pet Cafés Gain Popularity in Malaysia (The Star)

Animal activists are concerned about the welfare of the animals “working” in popular Malaysian pet cafés—where customers can mingle with pets while enjoying their java. “There is no specialized license for an animal café,” said one dog café owner in Malaysia. But café owners and staff members say they regard the welfare of the animals as their top concern. “We will not leave the dogs unguarded even after business hours,” said one dog café employee.

Exotic Animal Zoos in England Face New Regulations (BBC)

The estimated 200 mobile zoos that use exotic animals for entertainment at children’s parties “will require licenses to operate in England, the government has said.” Under these new changes to the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, anyone in a business that offers animals for exhibit would need a license from their local authority. The government and animal welfare groups have been concerned about the use of meerkats, raccoons, raccoon dogs, and other wild animals at children’s parties.