For years, it's been said that maintaining a pet-free home would lower a child's risk of developing allergies. However, a recent study challenges that advice.

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia found that children raised in a house with two or more cats or dogs during the first year of life were 77 percent less likely to develop allergic diseases at ages 6 and 7 than were children with no pets. These findings indicate that having a pet around when a child is very young may have a positive effect on the development of the child's immune system.

For more information, see www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/petallergyrsk.htm

Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have laws that make intentional animal cruelty a felony charge. "Education and activism are the keys to solving this battle, therefore we are urging all Americans to spend some time this month to educate themselves and others about existing animal cruelty laws in their state and support pending legislation," said former ASPCA President Dr. Larry Hawk.

The ASPCA issued these guidelines to combating cruelty:

• If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, report it to your local humane organization or call your local police
• Learn about animal-friendly legislation pending in your state from The ASPCA's Government Affairs & Public Policy department.
• Make sure schools in your town include humane education as part of their curriculum.
• Learn how your local shelter can take steps to prevent animal cruelty.