STATE ROUNDUP

Alabama

A miniature donkey born with a severe congenital hind limb deformity underwent amputation and was fitted with a prosthetic leg by a team from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Hanger Clinic. Hanger is most notable known for making the prosthetic tail for "Winter" the dolphin made famous in the 2011 movie "Dolphin Tail." Equine surgeon Fred Caldwell, DVM, performed the surgery, and Billy Fletcher of the Hanger Clinic, created the prosthetic limb. The donkey, Emma, is continuing to do well and getting stronger each day.

The office of the state veterinarian held more than a dozen workshops to take input on new proposed minimum animal care standards in Alaska. The standards would establish minimum levels for care and give the state better tools to deal with neglect and abuse. The regulations will be out for a 60-day public comment period by the end of August.

Arizona

Arizona could be the next state in accordance with the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to create a sanctuary for wild horses. The sanctuaries are part of a new management strategy to assist with population control and adoptions of wild horses and burros. The state's terrain and dry conditions may not make the site ideal, but Arizona BLM spokesman Roger Oyler is hopeful.

California

The waning California condor population may trigger emergency conservation measures. A new study by the National Academy of Sciences states that despite three decades of conservation efforts, the endangered bird remains near extinction. The study claims that lead poisoning from leftover ammunition is preventing the recovery of the condor population.

Colorado

The Colorado State University Equine Reproduction Laboratory is being overhauled and rebuilt after a fire destroyed its main building July 26, 2011. The new $5 million facility will consist of a 12,200-square-foot laboratory complex is expected to be completed by March 2013. Insurance will cover some of the construction costs, but fund raising projects are underway. Construction is scheduled to begin next spring.

Florida

Authorities in Bay County, Fla., said employees at Parkway Animal Hospital saw a pit bull violent shaking the arm of fellow employee Laura Miller. The staffers kicked and hit the dog until it released its grip. After the July attack, a hospital spokeswoman said Miller, 43, was in guarded condition in the intensive care unit. Doctors later amputated Miller's arm at the shoulder. No criminal charges were filed.

In Miami-Dade County, the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association Inc. (SFMVA) is urging citizens to put an end to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) by voting to repeal the county's breed ban targeting pit bulls. The SFMVA cites an April 2012 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association which concludes that BSL is not shown to increase community safety.

Indiana

The School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University plans to build a $12 million veterinary care facility near the Indiana Downs racetrack aimed at providing advanced treatment for horses and training for students. The plans call for a 23,000-square-foot facility on 20 acres. Fund-raising is still ongoing.