The Underground Rainbow

04/12/2026

🐾 National Dog Bite Prevention Week 🐾

Keeping children and adults safe around dogs starts with education, boundaries, and supervision. Every dog—no matter how friendly—deserves respect, and every person deserves to feel safe and confident when interacting with animals.

Here’s how we can work together to prevent dog bites:

👧👨 Teach safe interactions for all ages
Children and adults alike should know how to calmly approach dogs, ask permission before petting, and avoid disturbing dogs while they’re eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.

🚧 Set and respect boundaries
Parents and caregivers must help children understand that dogs are not toys, while adults should also recognize and respect a dog’s space. Learn to notice warning signs like growling, backing away, or stiff body language.

👀 Supervise and stay aware
Young children should always be actively supervised around dogs. Adults should remain attentive and never assume a dog will “just tolerate” uncomfortable situations.

❤️ Respect goes both ways
When people of all ages respect dogs, we create safer, more positive relationships and prevent unnecessary incidents.

Let’s work together to protect our communities—both human and canine. 🐕

04/11/2026

🐾 National Pet Day – April 11 🐾

Today, we celebrate the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy that pets bring into our lives. From wagging tails to gentle purrs, our animals are more than companions—they are family.

❤️ But National Pet Day is more than celebration—it’s a call to action.
While many pets are cherished in loving homes, countless others are still waiting in shelters for their chance to be seen, chosen, and loved.

🐶🐱 How you can make a difference today:

Adopt and give a homeless pet a second chance
Foster to help animals transition into homes
Donate to support lifesaving care
Volunteer your time at a local shelter
Advocate for responsible pet ownership

📣 If you already have a pet, give them some extra love today—and remember, the best way to honor them is by helping others like them.

Every pet deserves a safe, loving home. Let’s make that a reality.

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

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As reported previously, “A new Florida law took effect on January 1 that requires the state to maintain a public database of people convicted of aggravated animal cruelty charges. “Dexter’s Law” was named for a dog adopted from a shelter and killed just days later.”

Unfortunately, there are no birthdays, photographs, or the names of the counties where the crime occurred or where the people live, to provide more identifying information. That is about to change.

The House and Senate unanimously voted to correct that defect.

If signed by the Governor, as expected, it will require the registry to include information, “including aliases, date of birth, race, counties of conviction, charges, case numbers, dispositions, descriptions of any identifying marks and tattoos and a photograph of a person.”

By knowing the right lies to tell and which truths to omit, convicted animal abusers can potentially acquire animals from shelters, rescuers, and others who lack access to valuable information to help them make better, more informed choices. An “Animal Abuser Registry,” modeled on laws now protecting children, strips abusers of this advantage by requiring those abusers to register with the state.

The No Kill Advocacy Center has model legislation for individuals seeking to enact a similar law in their city, county, or state: nokilladvocacycenter.org/the-toolkit/the-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-act.

04/04/2026

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The Massachusetts Senate has passed legislation that:

- Requires public housing projects that have received state funds to allow pets; prohibits breed discrimination; and prohibits declawing as a condition for having a cat;
- Bans the retail sale of commercially-bred dogs and cats in pet stores, allowing those stores to partner with shelters and rescue groups to offer adoptions as an alternative;
- Prohibits homeowner and renter insurance companies from discriminating based on a dog’s breed, including on whether to issue a policy, charging more, refusing to renew, or cancelling a policy;
- Prohibits animal testing on consumer products when non-animal alternatives exist; and,
- Expands neglect and cruelty laws.

It also funds a study on whether and how pet restrictions and pet deposits/rent impact relinquishment of animals. The bill is now before the House.

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04/03/2026

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SB 201, a bill to make it illegal for Utah pounds to kill animals that rescue groups are willing to save, has passed the Utah House and Senate and was just signed into law by the Governor.

The bill, modeled after The No Kill Advocacy Center’s Animal Rescue Act, requires “shelters” to notify qualified groups two days before killing animals and allow their rescue. It will save lives, save money, spare rescuer suffering, and bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue.

In California, for example, a similar law has been on the books since 1998. It has increased the number of animals transferred to rescue groups rather than killed from 12,526 a year to 99,783 — a nearly 700% increase, all at no cost to taxpayers. ​In fact, it resulted in a potential cost savings of over $4,000,000 statewide for killing and destruction of remains. Over 2,000,000 animals have been saved since the law’s inception.

SB 201, the Utah Animal Rescue Act, goes into effect on May 6.

The No Kill Advocacy Center’s model legislation for individuals seeking to enact a similar law in their city, county, or state: https://nokilladvocacycenter.org/the-toolkit/the-animal-rescue-act.

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Get news from The No Kill Advocacy Center delivered straight to your inbox: news.nokilladvocacycenter.org.

04/03/2026

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04/01/2026

🛑🐾 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month – April 2026 🐾🛑

No—this isn’t an April Fools’ joke. Animal cruelty is real, and it happens every day. That’s exactly why April is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action.

💔 Animal cruelty is real—and preventable.
From lack of proper shelter and food to intentional harm, these acts are not only heartbreaking—they are illegal and must be addressed.

❤️ Be part of the solution:

Report suspected abuse or neglect in your community
Educate others about responsible pet ownership
Support local shelters and rescue organizations
Advocate for stronger animal protection laws
Adopt, don’t shop, to reduce demand for unethical breeding

🐶🐱 Every action matters. When we speak up, step in, and stand together, we create a safer world for animals.

📣 If you see something, say something. Your voice could save a life.

03/30/2026

🌸 Spring Bloom Alert: Keep Your Furry Friends Safe! 🐾

Spring is finally here, and while we love seeing the garden come to life, some of those beautiful blooms are hidden hazards for our pets. Before you bring that bouquet inside or start planting your flower beds, take a look at these common spring plants that are toxic to cats and dogs.

⚠️ The Danger List

🌺Lilies (Easter, Tiger, Daylilies) ALL PARTS OF THE PLANT INCLUDING POLLEN CAN BE FATAL FOR CATS!!!!!
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, severe kidney failure.
(Dogs: mild upset).

🌷Tulips (Bulbs are most toxic)
Symptoms: Stomach upset, depression, intestinal obstruction.

🌾Daffodils
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, low blood pressure.

💐Azaleas & Rhododendrons
Symptoms: Drooling, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms.

🪷Hyacinths (Bulbs are most toxic)
Symptoms: Intense vomiting, diarrhea, tremors.

🪻Hydrangeas
Symptoms: Vomiting, depression, diarrhea.

🌸Peonies
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased energy.

🌿Eucalyptus
Symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, weakness.

️ Better Safe Than Sorry

Not every toxic plant is on this list!

Our golden rule for pet parents: If you aren't 100% sure, look it up.

Pro-Tip: Any plant your pet is exposed to—whether it's a gift bouquet, a houseplant, or a shrub in the park—should be checked for safety before they get a chance to nibble. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of these plants, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Minutes matter!

Help us spread the word! Share this post to keep the neighborhood pets safe this spring. 🌷🐶🐱