DEAR DR. FOX: I am sure you have read about the Wyoming wolf incident that took place in April. What is your opinion about it? -- P.S., San Francisco

DEAR P.S.: This event confirms that psychopaths are being ignored by our legal system and in the communities and states in which they live.

For readers who are unfamiliar with the incident, here is a summary from Project Coyote (projectcoyote.org):

"Images and videos were published that showed a helpless and clearly injured yearling wolf lying on the floor of a bar in Daniel, Wyoming, with her mouth taped shut, patrons laughing in the background, as Cody Roberts (the man responsible for the incident) jokes about the cruelty. Earlier that day, Roberts ran this wolf over with a snowmobile -- a practice referred to as wolf 'whacking,' which remains perfectly legal in the state of Wyoming. ... The only crime (Roberts) was charged with was a $250 fine for possession of a live wolf."

This confirms what I term the "empathy deficit disorder," which civil society needs to address. (See: drfoxonehealth.com/post/animal-insensitivity-syndrome-recognition-prevention.) This man should have been prosecuted for felony animal cruelty, but he is in one of several states where wolf killing is condoned and officially licensed.

Animal cruelty, in-family violence and sexual violence are connected. A study published in January analyzed 27 previous studies on domestic abuse, as well as 15 papers on sex offenders, and identified four dominant themes: "1. animal abuse as an indicator of domestic abuse; 2. childhood animal abuse as a signal of other problems within a household; 3. animal abuse as an indicator of more severe domestic abuse; and 4. the inclusion of pet abuse as a unique form of domestic abuse."

The authors wrote that these literature compilations "highlighted gaps in risk assessment, risk management, and the lack of identification and training in this neglected area of the service system prevention and response." (See the full study: "Exploring the linkages between animal abuse, domestic abuse, and sexual offending: A scoping review" by Kristin Diemer et al., published in Health & Social Care in the Community, January 2024.)

I call on all municipalities and those concerned about animal, child and elder abuse and neglect, as well as sexual violence, to visit the nationallinkcoalition.org -- and donate! The National Resource Center on the Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary, collaborative initiative to increase awareness and address public policy, programs and research. It seeks to stop the cycle of violence that often affects multiple family members, and which can spill over to violence in schools.

As reported in a previous column, Minnesota is poised to create an Office of Animal Protection under its Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the Department of Public Safety, which will provide oversight, training and resources in this area (see MNOAP.org). Similarly, in Vermont, a Division of Animal Welfare has been proposed, which would fall under the Department of Public Safety.

Ann Olson with Minnesota-based Animal Folks is working on legislation to address the connections between animal cruelty and neglect and family violence. She tells me that the group has been researching other states to see who is doing what for the enforcement of animal cruelty laws.

In terms of state participation, the oversight, funding and duties of the enforcement of animal cruelty laws vary considerably across the nation. Some animal cruelty offices or programs are led by state agencies; some efforts are strictly local; some programs are directed or assisted by nonprofit organizations; some entities focus on welfare (regulatory) issues as well as criminal law; some states have prioritized prosecution and veterinary forensics as well as human welfare and victim services. Some larger cities and counties are addressing animal cruelty through enhanced training and other resources, such as New York City working with the ASPCA.

Existing state structures include:

-- Colorado: Bureau of Animal Protection under the Department of Agriculture

-- Connecticut: Animal Control Unit under the Department of Agriculture

-- Delaware: Office of Animal Welfare under the Department of Health and Human Services

-- Florida: Animal Abuse Unit under the Office of the State Attorney

-- Maine: Animal Welfare Program under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

-- Virginia: Animal Law Unit under the Attorney General’s Office

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: The news that insurance companies will not cover the cost of Ozempic for people using the drug to lose weight is a major concern, since obesity can lead to serious health issues -- including diabetes, for which Ozempic is primarily intended. The FDA has approved Ozempic only for those who have diabetes.

According to the CDC, 41.9% of U.S. adults had obesity from 2017 to March 2020, which was an increase from 30.5% in 2000. We clearly have an obesity epidemic in the U.S., as do many countries, in humans as well as in cats and dogs. Diabetes, too, is worryingly common in dogs and cats, especially those fed cheap, high-carbohydrate kibble. (For details, see my book, co-authored with two other veterinarians, “Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat and Dog Food.”)

What we have learned from our animal companions on this issue is not to consume highly processed convenience foods, many of which are obesogenic and diabetogenic, but rather whole foods, ideally USDA Organically Certified. People should also avoid beverages high in sugar and “empty” calories.

Establishing a health-promoting gut microbiome with whole foods, prebiotics and probiotics will improve the bacterial population in our digestive systems and those of our animal companions. Our microbiomes play essential roles in digestion and overall health and well-being. Plant-based diets for humans and dogs are showing greater health benefits than conventional, meat-based diets, probably because of improved microbiome diversity. Some beneficial bacteria break down dietary fiber into nutritious short-chain fatty acids, while others produce serotonin, the deficiency of which is linked to depression.

In sum, there would be no need for highly advertised and profitable drugs like Ozempic if consumers were better educated, especially in childhood at school, about good nutrition and food sourcing/preparation -- which would also benefit the animals they keep and feed.

I voiced concerns some time ago about Pfizer’s weight loss drug for dogs, Slentrol (dirlotapide). It blocks the absorption of dietary fat (which may not be the primary cause of obesity in dogs in the first place -- rather, it is likely a high consumption of carbohydrates and a lack of exercise), and could therefore prevent the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients, with detrimental health consequences. Risks to humans taking this drug to lose weight are discussed in the study “Dirlotapide, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved first-in-class obesity drug for dogs -- Will humans be next?” by David Klonoff, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, May 2007.

DEAR DR. FOX: What is your opinion of this article, headlined "Top Study: Carbon Emissions CANNOT Cause 'Global Warming'"? (source: slaynews.com) -- R.E., Washington, D.C.

DEAR R.E.: In my opinion, it is partially right. I say “partially” because the authors say nothing about the acidification of rainwater by the carbon dioxide-saturated atmosphere and its harmful consequences, nor do they make mention of methane and nitrous oxide, which trap heat. Given those omissions, this limited article descends to the level of disinformation.

The warming of the oceans is feeding more intense storms and tornadoes. The jet stream and Atlantic deep current are becoming erratic, and when combined with a high-moisture-content lower atmosphere, there are more intense rains in some areas and droughts in others. Catastrophic flooding is becoming more frequent in many parts of the world, while unrelenting droughts occur in others. Both kill many people and animals, and lead to famine for millions.

Without the collective will of nations to address pollution and the climate crisis, the ultimate biological corrective of massive human depopulation -- compounded by war -- will be inevitable.

ANOTHER STATE BANS DECLAWING OF CATS

A Virginia law prohibiting veterinarians from declawing cats (with some exceptions) is set to take effect in July. Instances in which the procedure would be allowed include recurring infections or injuries of claws, nail beds or toe bones that put the animal’s health at risk. (Full story: WGHP-TV, High Point, North Carolina; April 17)

The routine declawing of cats should be prohibited in all states, and veterinarians need to step up and educate cat owners. Cats need their claws! They use them for purposes of self-grooming, stretching and scent-marking. It is up to cat owners to accommodate their scratching needs in their homes. For more details, see my article here: drfoxonehealth.com/post/declawing-cats.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: Please see the following release from Project Coyote (the organization founded by my daughter, Camilla Fox).

"Project Coyote is thrilled to announce the full public release of our documentary 'Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs,' directed and produced by Project Coyote Founder and Executive Director Camilla Fox. The film made waves across the country in recent years, winning numerous awards, reaching thousands of people at film festivals and public screenings, and helping to galvanize grassroots support for ending the barbaric practice of wildlife killing contests in targeted states.

"This groundbreaking expose examines the egregious events known as wildlife killing contests that massacre some of North America’s most iconic wild animals on any given weekend for prizes and 'recreation.' Wildlife killing contests award prizes (belt buckles, cash and assault weapons) to contestants who kill the largest or the most of a targeted species -- typically coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and even prairie dogs and crows. 'Killing Games' brings together a wide diversity of voices from conservationists, ranchers, public officials and Native Americans to shed light on these shadowy contests and speak out against this hidden war on wildlife. ...

"The film is now publicly available on Project Coyote’s YouTube channel (the full documentary and a 10-minute version) to continue raising public awareness about wildlife killing contests and the reform desperately needed to protect wild lives from this ethically indefensible bloodsport. We encourage compassionate wildlife advocates to share this film widely and consider hosting a film screening event -- especially in states with active campaigns to ban killing contests (Illinois, Nevada and New Jersey)."

DEAR DR. FOX: One day last September, my cat came down to the bottom landing of my stairs and meowed, telling me she had a problem and wasn’t going to eat. Sure enough, she didn’t eat, and she hid most of the day. She did eat some frozen raw food two days later, but that’s it.

I figured she had a serious physical problem. I took her to the vet and she had “good numbers,” which surprised me, but she also had fleas. I think her behavior was because she was scared of the fleas! I was given Nexgard, but I only used it for two months (I think you don’t like it and would advise a flea comb instead).

The day after the vet visit, she went down in the basement and stayed there, even though she doesn’t like being in the basement. She would not come up to eat, so I fed her there. The vet told me to wait it out, but after a few days, I encouraged her to come up to the landing, then the top of the stairs, and later to the edge of the kitchen. This went on until mid-November, when she would stay in the kitchen, confident that she wouldn’t get fleas.

Finally, in late November, she came out to the living room and jumped up on the CRT TV -- her favorite place. Her fear of fleas seemed to be over at last.

Have you heard of this? If so, how common is it? -- D.L., Maryland Heights, Missouri

DEAR D.L.: I have never heard of flea-phobia in cats before. But I can imagine the feeling: no escape from the jumping, sucking biters, which often trigger an allergic skin reaction with their saliva.

It is well known that cats with some ailment, such as a urinary tract blockage, will squat right at their owners’ feet and try to pee, obviously communicating their plight. Others just stop eating, and without food, cats can develop fatty liver disease -- a crisis calling for an immediate visit to the vet. Very often, the issue is tooth pain.

I always advise feeding cats on a strict schedule, so you know when their appetite is off, which could be an early warning of many problems.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)