Mascot owl killed on soccer field

Soccer team's mascot owl lands on field.

Owl hit by kicked ball.

Opposing team member kicks owl.

Owl dies.

Kicker says, “I was not trying to hurt the owl. I did it to see if it would fly.”

Of course, no one believed that, so Colombia's soccer officials announced they will suspend Luis Moreno for two games and fine him $560.

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Video: Squirrel delay!

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Pets and the Olympics

Just in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Petside has compiled a pet-themed look at the Olympics.

Meet the Olympians and their pets - Their animals provide comfort, lift the athletes’ spirits, and in some cases even help their owners train for the biggest athletic competition in the world.

Dog Sports vs. Olympic Sports - Find out how some of the favorite Olympic events compare to popular dog sports.

Dogs of China - Learn more about the native dog breeds of China.

Cats of Asia - Discover the history behind the cats of Asia.

Thanks, Laura!

Golfer charged in hawk killing

PGA golfer Tripp Isenhour was charged with cruelty to animals for allegedly killing a protected migratory hawk on purpose - with a deadly accurate drive.

Isenhour allegedly teed off at the bird as it shrieked while circling over an Orlando course just as the golfer was trying to tape a segment for a television program.

Isenhour was charged in Orlando on Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird, misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Ready. Aim. Fish!

Remember those deadly flying fish? They're the Asian silver carp, an invasive species remarkable for jumping into the air when disturbed by rumbling boat motors. The big fish -- they can weigh up to 60 pounds -- jump as high as 10 feet, and they'll smack you if you don't see them coming. Or even if you do.

Now fishermen in Peoria, Illinois have found a use for these pesky creatures - "extreme aerial bowfishing," one of the Illinois River's newest pastimes in which boaters use bows and arrows to shoot leaping fish.

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Incredible Surfing dog

On a foggy morning in Morro Bay, a 3-year-old golden retriever named Saint is so stoked he can hardly stand it.

It's not just because there are birds he can chase -- though Saint certainly likes to chase birds. It's more because his owner is prepping his board and the conditions today are glassy.

In addition to surfing, Saint likes soccer, moving the ball with his nose. He's also into hiking and climbing, and he's a certified therapy dog, trained to provide affection and comfort as a volunteer at French Hospital and a women's shelter.

A well-traveled pet, he's hit the surf in places such as Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County, Black's Beach in San Diego and Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

Whenever he's in a car near the beach, Yeung says, Saint quickly jumps toward the windshield, seemingly scoping out the swell.

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Many Jump At Chance To Enter Frog Contest

Despite a rift between organizers, thousands of frog wranglers turned out Sunday for Calaveras County's famous frog-jumping contest that was inspired by Mark Twain's tall tale.

About 4,000 contestants entered the Calaveras County Fair's annual Jumping Frog Jubilee this year, twice as many as last year, according to the event's organizers.

The annual event is inspired by "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," Mark Twain's tale of a frog-jumping contest that is weighted in one gambler's favor when he secretly fills his opponent's frog with buckshot.

Winning owners get a $750 prize or $5,000 if their frog breaks the 1986 record of 21 feet, 5¾ inches set by Rosie the Ribeter.

Doggie derby

They sniffed out the competition, ears perking and eyes popping with dogged determination.

Tequila shot out the gate, her tutu a plume of pink.

Oscar bounded for the finish line.

But it was Tiffany Diamond who sparkled in the end, after a 3.25-second dash from start to finish, a snout in front of her competitors.

"She's been champing at the bit. She wanted to run," said Susan Faiola. And so, Tiffany ran like the wind on a breezy day.

"I knew she was a shoo-in for the prize -- actually a paw-in," added Rick Faiola, her husband.

Tiffany, a 3.5 pound Chihuahua, stayed cool under pressure despite the ferocious competition: nearly 120 other Chihuahuas with eyes on the prize -- a trip this fall to San Diego to compete in Petco's third annual Chihuahua Races against top dogs from 14 other regional races.

Iditarod musher disqualified for whipping his dogs

A three member panel disqualified Ramy Brooks from the 2007 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for abusing his dogs along the race trail.

Witnesses in Golovin provided information to race officials detailing abusive actions by Brooks to his dog team. Brooks acknowledged "spanking" the dogs in his team with trail marking lathe. The judges voted unanimously to disqualify Brooks from the 2007 Iditarod.

Dancing doggies

Canine freestyle: where humans and dogs do-si-do for fame and glory and wear cool costumes.

In the growing sport, human and dog become a dancing duo, dress in over-the-top costumes and show off their fancy footwork using all six of their legs to songs of all genres, from country to disco to classical masterpieces.

The sport has invaded canine culture in America, including doggie daycares, kennels and boarding facilities.

Dog owners and their pets don't cut the carpet just for exercise. Many try to perfect their routines to win competitions around the nation and worldwide. Colorado will be the site for two competitions this year being held by the World Canine Freestyle Organization, including the group's international titling contests that will take place in July.