SYDNEY, Australia: An outbreak of equine influenza has plunged the country's multi-billion dollar horse racing industry into turmoil. A nationwide cancellation of all horse meets, events, and transfers of thoroughbreds and pet horses has been declared in an effort to stop the virus from spreading.

LOS ANGELES, California: A man's body was found by police in the Brentwood home of Hollywood actor Ving Rhames, showing signs of being mauled to death by dogs, according to officers who were first on the scene.

CHICAGO, Illinois: No words can ever explain the pain and the sorrow the death of a loved pet brings. It is an overwhelming grief which is beyond sadness, beyond despair. Yet while some people see it as a constant pain tugging their hearts, some people regard such a passing as a glimpse of what life should and can be.

GIG HARBOR, Washington: A dog groomer has allegedly tried to weasel her way out of a sticky situation - cutting off a dog's ear - by using a common household remedy - superglue.

BELLATERA, Spain: An experimental artificial dog skin developed by scientists may eventually end the need for live canine drug and chemical testing forever.

COLUMBIA, Missouri: It's a lovely spring morning in a quiet country town. While the weather is a bit nippy, it's otherwise just right to let the horses out of the barn for some much-needed exercise.

The ranch-hands take bits and bridles and start saddling up the horses. However they can't help but notice that the cinches are a lot tighter this time around. Why? Well, to be blunt, our horses are getting fatter.

MISSOURI: Authorities have warned horse owners to be on the lookout for supplies of bad hay after equines across the country were found to be suffering from malnutrition, or even poisoned.

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota: A recent string of cat deaths in a quiet little neighborhood is making police and residents nervous.

In just ten days, five cats have been found dead at the Cactus Hills Mobile Home Park in Sioux Falls, according to news website KeloLand.com.

TULALIP, Washington: For ten years, Dr. Vel Moore has run a horse rescue and retirement service. Now her not-for-profit operation is reportedly facing eviction.

Dr. Moore's Equine Rescue Association (ERA), based in Snohomish County, Washington, is dedicated to caring for aging horses which have nowhere else to go.