Author: Shae

Neighborhood from Toxic Cement Manufacturing

Contact: Craig Cook
Cell: 801-891-1873                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            Sept. 6, 2023

News Release

The Humane Society of Utah Issues Urgent Appeal to Community: Protect Our Neighborhood from Toxic Cement Manufacturing

Murray — Utah, Sept. 6, 2023 — The Humane Society of Utah, a dedicated advocate for the well-being of animals and our community, urgently calls upon our fellow neighbors and Murray residents to take a stand against the potential establishment of a cement block and stone manufacturing plant in our neighborhood. Legacy Materials, a company seeking approval from the Murray City Planning and Zoning Commission, aims to operate a manufacturing facility at 4300 South 300 West. In the lot immediately south of the Humane Society of Utah facility.

The Murray Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, 10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah. We implore all community members to attend this hearing and voice your opposition to the proposed cement manufacturing plant. Your presence at this event will help protect our Murray City and its residents, both human and animal alike.

“The Environmental Working Group reports that silica particles can cause poor air quality conditions in a 750m radius around a site, which is almost 0.5 miles. The HSU campus is directly north of the proposed site, well within the danger zone,” said Timna Fischbein, DVM, Medical Director at the Humane Society of Utah. “The potential health complications outlined in the medical literature combined with the lack of a dust mitigation plan makes this location highly unsuitable for a concrete block manufacturing and storage facility.”

The Danger of Toxic Cement Dust

• Legacy Materials proposed manufacturing process involves creating, forming, and cutting cement products, which generate highly toxic cement dust. This hazardous dust is expected to disperse over the neighborhood, including businesses and homes. The composition of this cement dust includes harmful substances such as Calcium oxide, Silicone dioxide, Aluminum dioxide, Ferric oxide, and Sulfur oxide.
• Exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health problems in people and animals. Potential risks include chronic respiratory illnesses like COPD, emphysema, lung carcinoma, pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and the possibility of other cancers and kidney damage.
• The fine nature of the cement dust makes it nearly impossible to filter using standard HVAC equipment.

Craig S. Cook, Board President, stated: “The Humane Society of Utah firmly believes that a manufacturing facility of this nature should never be allowed in such proximity to our residents and businesses. We urge you to join us in taking action to prevent this potential threat to the community.”

If you cannot attend the hearing in person, we encourage you to email your concerns to [email protected].

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the state’s largest private animal resource center, the  Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

Contact: Guinn Shuster 

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 801-638-4685

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 2023

Media Alert

Salt Lake City Fire Department Joins Forces with Humane Society of Utah to Protect Pets in Hot Cars

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 15, 2023 — Salt Lake City Fire Department and the Humane Society of Utah will be discussing the critical issue of leaving pets in vehicles. Heatstroke among pets is a real danger and can happen quickly. The summer months are here, and every year Salt Lake City Fire Dept. responds to numerous calls about pets overheating and being trapped in hot vehicles. Join us Thursday to get more information on preventing animal heatstroke and tips to keep your pets safe. 

What: Heat-Related Pet Safety During the Summer Months

When: 1 p.m. (13:00 hrs), Thursday, Jun 15, 2023

Where: Public Safety Building, 475 S. 300 E., Salt Lake City (outside main entrance)

Who: SLC Fire – Capt. Shaun Mumedy, Engine 2, Fire Service K9’s 

Humane Society of Utah – Guinnevere Shuster, animals available for adoption

Suggested Tweet: 🔥🐾  @slcfire and @utahhumane unite to save lives! Together, they’re tackling the critical issue of pets in hot cars, ensuring our furry friends stay safe and cool. (insert your story link here) #PetSafety #CommunityHeroes

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Humane Society of Utah has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest private nonprofit animal resource center in the state, the Humane Society of Utah welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

News Release

Halloween Safety Tips For Pets 

Murray – Utah, Oct. 21, 2022 – “As spooky season approaches, it is easy to get carried away with all the tricks and treats, but pet owners should remember that Halloween can be a stressful time for their furry friends. ” Says Guinnevere Shuster, director of marketing and communications at Humane Society of Utah. The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) offers these safety tips to keep your familiars, hellhounds, and riffraff secure and delighted during this festive time of year.

Holiday safety tips for pets:

• Know which holiday treats are safe for your pet and which are not: Keep pets away from anything containing chocolate or xylitol (sometimes called “birch sugar”), which is a popular ingredient in sugar-free candy 
• Don’t allow children to store their Halloween candy stash in their room, as pets have very strong noses and can likely find even the most carefully hidden treats. Keep candy up high and stored securely out of paws reach
• Loud noises and spooky animatronics can be scary for pets: Don’t put up decorations that put your pets at unease in locations where they will routinely come across them. Also, avoid taking pets to areas where these types of decorations are present, such as local Halloween displays
• Don’t leave pets outdoors and unattended on Halloween night: With all the hustle and bustle that is typical on Halloween night, it is dangerous to leave pets out in the yard without supervision. 
• Make sure pets have microchips and ID tags: Should your pet be startled, they may react by running away from whatever startled them. In case of an escape, make sure all your animals have microchips and ID tags with up-to-date and accurate information
• Keep pets away from jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and glow sticks: Pets can potentially burn themselves on candles used to light jack-o-lanterns and other decorations, or they could tip them over and cause a fire. Glow sticks, though typically non-toxic, have a bitter taste which may cause a negative reaction by any pets who decide to chew on them
• Know your pet before deciding to put them into a costume: While some pets don’t mind dressing up for Halloween, for many, it can be an experience that causes undue stress and even injury. “Pets should never be in a situation where they are uncomfortable or fearful as that can create a situation where the pet has to protect themselves by growling or biting,” said Anjela Sullenger, HSU’s behavior and training manager. 

Photos for media use can be downloaded here.

Suggested Tweet: Tips from @utahhumane to keep your pets safe during spooky season. (insert your link) 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 8, 2022

Media Alert 

The Humane Society of Utah and Salt Lake County Animal Services Team Up To Raise Awareness About Dogs in Hot Cars

Murray — Utah, Aug. 9, 2022 — The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) and Salt Lake County Animal Services are hosting the Beat the Heat event on Aug 9, 2022, at 4242 South 300 West in Murray from 12-2 pm. Bill Allred from The Radio From Hell Show on X96 will be sitting in a car and sharing his experience as the temperatures start to rise. Icy Mountain Food Truck will be on-site for the event. HSU will be handing out free windshield sunshades while supplies last and coupons for 50% off adoptions at HSU for the month of Aug. Salt Lake County Animal Services is currently doing Pick Your Price adoptions on all cats, kittens, guinea pigs, and rabbits until the end of August. Salt Lake County Animal Services will have an officer on-site to answer questions. 

Enforcement agencies are legally able to gain access to animals in distress in vehicles, but this is not currently a legal option for regular citizens. The Humane Society of Utah seeks to expand who has that right to rescue to include any citizen. HSU hopes to work with Salt Lake County Animal Services on the best path forward on this issue. 

Thirty-one states have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle. Unfortunately, Utah is not one of those states. 

Recognize the symptoms of overheating in pets:

• excessive panting or difficulty breathing 
• increased heart and respiratory rate, excessive drooling 
• mild weakness, stupor, collapse, or even seizures 
• bloody diarrhea and vomit
• elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees

Animals with flat faces, like Bulldogs of any variety, Boxers, Pugs, and Persian cats, are more susceptible to overheating. Due to their shorter noses, they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with seniors and those who are overweight or suffer from heart or lung diseases, should be kept in cooler areas as much as possible.

Suggested Tweet: Join @UtahHumane and @SLCoAnimals as they team up for the Beat the Heat event to raise awareness about the dangers of pets in hot cars. (insert your link) 

Post-event photos and videos for media use will be uploaded here.

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Utah Humane Society has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest open-admission private animal resource center in the state, the Utah Humane Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane 

About Salt Lake County Animal Services

Salt Lake County Animal Services adopted a No-Kill philosophy in 2010. Our mission is to provide comprehensive service and care to the animals and citizens we serve in the Salt Lake County Municipal Services District and the cities of Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, and Salt Lake.

511 West 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 / 385-GOT-PETS / adoptutapets.org / @saltlakecountyanimalservices