Crunch Time: Show Your Support for the Florida Animal Rescue Act (FARA)

For those who haven’t already heard, the Florida Animal Rescue Act (FARA)was recently introduced in the Florida legislature, and is currently sitting in the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee. On January 23rd, a hearing is scheduled to address the bill. It’s CRUCIAL that this bill make it out of the committee and come to a vote. This is the time that animal lovers across the state must stand up and make their voices heard. 

Basically, this act will insure that shelters cannot kill any animal that a (legitimate) rescue group is willing to save. While it seems like common sense, shockingly, 63% of non-profit rescue groups in Florida have said that at least one shelter has killed animals they were willing to save. Whether due to incompetence or willful cruelty, either way, it’s almost unimaginable that these animals died so needlessly. FARA can end these tragedies in Florida.

FARA will make shelters legally bound to turn over animals to legitimate, approved rescue groups. It’s a win-win for the taxpayers, and the animals. Every animal turned over to a rescue group is one less that shelters need to pay to feed, house and treat … or more likely, kill.

Sadly, those who favor the status quo of killing have been fighting to undermine this legislation, so it’s absolutely essential that Floridians come together to support this bill. Please visit www.floridarescueact.org, and scroll to the action alerts at the bottom. It takes just a couple minutes of your time. The time is now, ACT!

Miami-Dade Animal Services Faces Yet Another Distemper Crisis

Many of you will remember last year’s distemper crisis at Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS). Then Director Sara Pizano, decided to shut down the shelter, and was ready to kill all animals inside, until the community stepped up of their own accord and saved the lives of all at-risk pets.

Tragically, the same situation has presented itself, yet again. The shelter has been closed for adoptions since last Saturday, and 18 dogs have been killed thus far based on testing positive for the disease.

In addition, several dogs have reportedly been released into the community with this illness. One was already brought back to MDAS to be killed, according to reports.

For those concerned about dogs they’ve adopted or rescued who are showing symptoms,  ”Animal Services is offering free distemper testing through Saturday for dogs adopted from the shelter between Dec. 24, 2011 and Jan. 6, 2012. Testing is available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the shelter, 7401 NW 74th St., no appointment necessary.” (according to the Herald). However, please be cautious. Distemper is airborne, so it’s risky bringing your pets back to the shelter where they could be exposed, if they haven’t been already. 

Let’s pray that more dogs don’t have to die due to this horrific disease, especially when it’s completely preventable. All dogs that enter MDAS are supposed to be vaccinated for distemper upon intake. Granted, if they have already contracted the disease before intake, the vaccine will not be effective, but any dogs showing signs of illness should be immediately quarantined at the shelter, regardless. This is crucial to stopping the spread of disease.

ACTION ALERT: Help Repeal the Breed Ban in Miami-Dade County

Since 1989, an antiquated breed ban has been in effect in Miami-Dade County, prohibiting residents from owning “pit bull” dogs (a vague and discriminatory classification). This nonsense legislation has not led to any reduction in dog bites or fatalities, and has effectively led to a death sentence for any lost or homeless “pit bulls” in the region. (Not to mention, the county can’t even identify what a “pit bull” is.)

The irony is, current Florida state law actually prohibits municipalities from implementing new breed bans, but unfortunately allows those to stand that have been in place since before October 1, 1990.

Finally, after years of animal lovers struggling to strike down this ridiculous law, there are two bills in the Florida legislature looking to do just that. The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) is asking for Florida residents to show their support for these bills: SB1322 and HB997. They would serve to remove the grandfather clause that allows Miami’s ban to stand. 

HB997 has been assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, although no hearing date has yet been scheduled.  Please email the following committee members, and urge them to pass this important bill:

Steve.Crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov; Rachel.Burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; Michelle.Rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov; jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov; jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov; dwight.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov; matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov; luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov; richard.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov; steve.perman@myfloridahouse.gov; ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov; elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov; franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov; jimmie.smith@myfloridahouse.gov

In addition, please contact your Florida state representatives and show your support for this lifesaving legislation.

MCABSL is also asking that we write to the bill sponsors and thank them for filing this measure:

HB 997 was filed by Rep Carlos Trujillo: carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov.
SB 1322 was filed by Senator Jim Norman: norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Together, we can help drag Miami-Dade out of the distant past and save the lives of thousands of deserving dogs.

Save Just One Life in 2012

As the new year begins, it’s time to think about what we all want to accomplish in 2012. 2011 brought a lot of successes for the No Kill movement. More than 27 communities have achieved 90%+ save rates, lifesaving legislation was introduced in multiple states, new heroes emerged within the movement and thousands of animal lovers across the US were introduced to the wonderful possibilities of the No Kill philosophy.

For 2012, an endeavor called “Just One Day” has been scheduled for June 12. The goal of this project is to get all shelters to stop killing, even if just for one day. Can you imagine all the lives we could save? All of us should encourage our local shelters and rescue groups to make the pledge, and participate in this groundbreaking day.

And for those of you not currently involved in shelter work or rescue, I still challenge you, this year – save one life. Many people believe there’s nothing they can do, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each of us has the power to save a life this year. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, help transport. If you can’t transport, post homeless pets online. If you can’t post online, collect food & blankets for shelters. Get creative. There are COUNTLESS ways to save lives. And this year, if each of us works our hardest to save just one life – we’ll make an enormous difference for the lost and homeless pets in this country.

Not to mention the fact, that saving a pet’s life is just about the greatest feeling in the whole wide world. For both you, and the animal.

So make a promise to yourself. Add a resolution to your list. ‘Cuz saving a life is a pretty great goal for a pretty big year.

 

Santa Barbara Shelter Kills Pet Pit Bull

Kill first, ask questions later. Such is the policy of many a high-kill animal shelter.

Recently, Brandon Martinez left his dog, Rocco, in the care of roommates, due to his mother being hospitalized. Through a series of events, Rocco ended up at the Santa Barbara County Animal Services, with strict instructions that he had an owner who would return for him.

But did the shelter listen? No. They killed Rocco. The day before Thanksgiving. Reportedly, despite protestations from staff and offers to pay to keep him alive.

According to the Santa Barbara News-Press: 

“He said both times he called the shelter, he had to correct them because they were referring to Rocco as ‘Luke.’

Mr. Martinez is adamant that shelter administration was aware Rocco had an owner and was aware that his mother’s illness was keeping him from coming for his dog.”

The shelter claims the dog demonstrated aggression towards cats. Due to that, and the simple fact that he was a pit bull, they killed him. And apologetic, they ain’t. Animal Services Director Jan Glick said the following:

“I looked at his behavior evaluation,” she said. “It looked like his reaction with cats was definitely in question. We don’t want to put another dog out in the public arena where they may injure another animal or person.”

So he was killed because his behavior with cats was “in question?” Ludicrous. It almost sounds like they went out of their way to kill this dog – despite protestations from staff and an owner awaiting him. Volunteers claim that dogs don’t usually get killed that quickly, unless they’ve demonstrated really bad behavior.

“Shelter volunteers verified that Rocco was a well-behaved animal and expressed frustration that the dog was euthanized.

‘Volunteer Mark Bandurraga said that while he was unaware that Rocco had an owner, there were sure-fire signs that he was considered a good dog and should not have been put down.

‘He was selected to be put in one of the outdoor pens that we have,’ he said. ‘A better dog is usually put there because it’s a place where other dogs go by. So based on that alone he’s considered to be a fairly good dog.’”

Another facility that has disgraced the word “shelter”. Until we reform our nation’s shelters, these types of stories will happen again and again. Kill first, ask questions later. Is that how we want our tax dollars used?

If you’d like to express your outrage about this story to Santa Barbara County Animal Services, their contact information is as follows. As always, please keep your comments respectful.

Shelter phone number: (805) 681-5285
Director’s email: Jan.glick@sbcphd.org

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors: SupervisorCarbajal@sbcbos1.org, jwolf@sbcbos2.org, dfarr@countyofsb.org, jgray@co.santa-barbara.ca.us, steve.lavagnino@countyofsb.org.
 

Boycott Ringling Brothers, Animal Abusers

As a child, my father took me to see Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. At the time, I thought it was magical. Always having loved animals, I was thrilled to see the menagerie in all its glory.

Little did I know, this circus is a hotbed for animal abuse. It’s horrific. Undercover videos have caught employees beating elephants to force them to perform, tying up baby elephants, forcing animals to perform when injured or lame, allowing animals to be crippled and many other unspeakable acts.  At least 26 elephants have died since 1992, including four babies. These majestic creatures should not be caged, beaten and killed.

Photo courtesy of RinglingBeatsAnimals.com

Recently, the USDA levied on Ringling Brothers the largest fine for animal abuse in the history of the circus industry. They were found with multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), dating back to 2007. But somehow, the circus is still allowed to operate. They’re coming to West Palm Beach, Florida, on December 27th, and a protest is being organized to stand up against their track record of abuse.

Visit this website to learn more about the actions of Ringling Brothers. Be warned – the images are very disturbing. I cried while watching them.

To me, a situation like this demonstrates the banality of evil. Who would have thought a show designed for children – appearing all merriment and fun – would turn out to be a perpetrator of misery and abuse? It’s crucial that we all look beneath the surface, especially when animals are involved.

I hope you’ll join me in boycotting and speaking out against this horrible organization. Urge the families you know not to take their children to this show, and spread the word far and wide.

Cumberland County Rejects Proposed Breed Ban; Plans to Implement Restrictions for Adopters

Last night, animal advocates in Cumberland County came out in droves to oppose the proposed adoption restrictions for so-called “aggressive” breeds.

Dr. John Lauby, Director of Animal Control, claims his job is to protect the people from these “vicious” dogs. He claims there have been 89 attacks by pit bulls in his region in the past three to five months. I was unable to find another source for those numbers, and frankly, they’re highly questionable.

As Director, his primary job should be to save lives. Public safety is certainly an element of his position, but the risk posed by stray dogs has been highly exaggerated. His old-school mentality about animal control is one that we need to reject outright as our society moves forward into the new paradigm.

Instead of a ban, Cumberland County is now discussing placing more onerous restrictions on potential adopters for these breeds. This is certainly not an ideal solution. Limiting who can adopt these breeds would still lead to higher kill rates for these particular animals. Fewer homes = more killings.

Adoption screening is extremely important, undoubtedly, but common sense should rule these types of policies. Some attendees at the Cumberland County meeting were even proposing background checks for potential adopters – not a wise idea. Making it impossible for people to adopt will not help save the lives of these animals.

Instead, the county should be focused on dealing with the individuals who are irresponsible, abusive owners. They are the real problem. Not the breeds. Not the potential adopters. Place the accountability where it truly belongs, and focus on a lifesaving mission.

Thousands of dogs are counting on you, Cumberland County. Don’t let them down.

For readers who want to encourage the county to do the right thing when it comes to adoptions and irresponsible owners, you can email city officials at the addresses below:

mayor@ci.fay.nc.us, jlauby@co.cumberland.nc.us, kedge@co.cumberland.nc.us, wmfaircloth@co.cumberland.nc.us, jcouncil@co.cumberland.nc.us, cevans@co.cumberland.nc.us, jkeefe@co.cumberland.nc.us, bking@co.cumberland.nc.us, emelvin@co.cumberland.nc.us

Cumberland County, North Carolina, Considering Breed Ban

UPDATE: Cumberland County Rejects Proposed Breed Ban; Plans to Implement Restrictions for Adopters

While most cities around the country are realizing the ineffectiveness and injustice of breed bans (and repealing them), some are still operating based on antiquated assumptions. Cumberland County, North Carolina, is considering banning the adoption of the following breeds: Rottweilers, American Staffordshire terriers, pit bulls, chow-chows, Presa Canarios or any mix of the above.

“We’re looking at a list of animals used as attack animals,” County Commissioner Charles Evans said. “It has been suggested that something needs to be done about those.”

Evans needs some education. Breeds aren’t the problem – the owners are the problem. And these animals aren’t “attack” dogs. Breed bans are notoriously ineffective and don’t reduce dog bite incidents whatsoever. 

According to the National Canine Research Council:

“Spain, Italy, Great Britain and the Netherlands have all reported that their breed specific regulations have not produced a reduction in dog bites. The Toronto Humane Society surveyed health departments throughout the province of Ontario, and reported that the breed ban enacted in 2005 had not produced a reduction in dog bites. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, after the city banned one type of dog, dog bites actually rose, just involving other types of dogs. Reports from Denver, Colorado, Miami-Dade County, Florida, Prince George’s County, Maryland and Omaha, Nebraska all tell the same story.” You can read more about the ineffectiveness of breed bans here.

In addition, such a regulation would lead to a death sentence for these breeds. While the Director of Animal Services claims they’re looking at other options for these dogs, we all know the reality of the situation. They simply won’t be able to transfer or relocate enough dogs without local adoptions, and the rest will have to be killed. After 72 hours – dead.

Injustice at its best.

Luckily, there’s been an outcry from animal advocates about the possibility of this ban. Please add your voice to the chorus, and let Cumberland County know that this is not an acceptable solution. Their individual contact information for the applicable officials is below. Or, you can  copy and paste all their email addresses here:

mayor@ci.fay.nc.us, jlauby@co.cumberland.nc.us, kedge@co.cumberland.nc.us, wmfaircloth@co.cumberland.nc.us, jcouncil@co.cumberland.nc.us, cevans@co.cumberland.nc.us, jkeefe@co.cumberland.nc.us, bking@co.cumberland.nc.us, emelvin@co.cumberland.nc.us

Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne
433 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301
910-433-1992, 910-433-3401
Fax 433-1948
mayor@ci.fay.nc.us

Dr. John Lauby
Director of Animal Services
Cumberland County Animal Control
4704 Corporation Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Animal Control Phone: 910-321-6845, 910-321-6844, 910-321-6826, 910-321-6827,910-321-6945, 910-321-6965, 910-321-6852
Fax: 910-223-3357
jlauby@co.cumberland.nc.us

Kenneth S. Edge
Chairman
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office:910-678-7771
Home:910-425-0918
kedge@co.cumberland.nc.us

Marshall Faircloth
Vice Chairman
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-323-1040
wmfaircloth@co.cumberland.nc.us

Dr. Jeannette M. Council
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office:910-678-7771
Home:910-488-0691
jcouncil@co.cumberland.nc.us

Charles Evans
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office:910-678-7771
Home:910-978-6643
cevans@co.cumberland.nc.us

Jimmy Keefe
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-323-1791
jkeefe@co.cumberland.nc.us

Billy R. King
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-822-6676
bking@co.cumberland.nc.us

Edward Melvin
Mailing Address: PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Cell: 910-391-4028
emelvin@co.cumberland.nc.us

Deputy Shoots, Kills Jack Russell in Citrus County, Florida

Last week in Citrus County, Florida, a police deputy shot and killed a Jack Russell terrier.

According to a news article about the situation, the officer said the dog was “running after him and showing its teeth.” From a small dog, that’s hardly a deadly threat to a grown man, trained as a police officer. And this dog wasn’t actually attacking or biting – she was barking.

The dog, Princess, belonged to a family. She was shot and killed on her own property.

“Blackwell said the deputy could have kicked the dog, used his baton on it, sprayed Mace on it or even stunned it with a Taser, ‘but he didn’t have to kill her.’”

Sadly, these stories are far too common. Deadly force should only be a reaction in extreme situations. Not only is it unnecessary to kill an animal who’s doing little other than barking, but it’s horrible PR for any police department. These stories are not easily forgotten by the public, and particularly the families of these animals.

For example, a Facebook campaign continues in memory of a dog named Parrot, shot and killed in public by a Washington, DC, police officer last year after he was already subdued.

And Justice for Bella, an animal control reform organization, was founded in honor of Bella, a North Carolina pit bull shot and killed by an animal control officer last year.

I wrote another blog about a pit bull mother who was shot and killed by an animal control officer in Kentucky back in July.

And there are dozens of other stories of officers shooting and killing dogs without due cause.

What is it that leads police officers (and animal control officers) to shoot dogs rather than use a non-lethal form of controlling these animals? And why are any animal control officers carrying regular guns to begin with? A tranquilizer gun would be a far more appropriate tool.

As I’ve stated before, I believe these tragedies are the fault of a system that promotes violence over compassion. Police officers are trained in aggressive techniques and behaviors. Most are not trained to deal with animals, and are generally given carte blanche to “protect themselves” against “aggressive” animals. This was corroborated by the Citrus County officer’s superior, and is a common assertion by departments in these situations:

“Commander Wayne Burns said while the department doesn’t have specific rules of engagement regarding smaller animals, there are rules for the use of lethal force.

‘I was not there, but it’s within the rights of the officer to defend themselves when they encounter aggressive dogs,’ Burns said.”

The only way to stop this kind of behavior by law enforcement is for the public to stand up and DEMAND it. Police officers (and animal control officers, of course) need to be trained in dealing with animals – aggressive and otherwise. They should not be killing people’s pets, unless the situation absolutely calls for it and all other alternatives have been exhausted. We pay the salaries of these officers with our tax dollars, so it’s up to us to determine what’s acceptable. Killing family pets is NOT acceptable.

Those interested in voicing their opinions about the Citrus County officer who shot Princess should contact the police department. Their contact information can be found here. Please keep your comments respectful.

Wake County Shelter Kills Dog Hours After TV Appearance as ‘Pet of the Week’

Yesterday, a dog was killed.

She was eight months old. Sweet, healthy, playful. Her name was Sassy.

While this happens thousands of times per day in shelters across the country, this situation was particularly egregious.

You see, just hours before her death, Sassy was featured on a local television news program as the Pet of the Day. As anyone in animal rescue (or television news) knows, pets featured on these segments are almost always adopted immediately. Generally, hundreds of calls and emails come in about these animals, a testament to the kindness and compassion of the general public.

Sassy, RIP.

Sassy would have been no exception. She was young, beautiful and healthy. She was even spayed in anticipation of her upcoming adoption.

But a few hours after her TV appearance, the shelter killed her, reportedly because she showed “signs of illness” (coughing). (Funny, she looks pretty damn healthy in her video.)

This horrific “error” on the part of the shelter is inexcusable, and sadly, far too common.

Ironically, in recent months Wake County Animal Center was showing some interest in moving towards No Kill, as they’ve been bearing the brunt of the public’s backlash against their rising kill rates. They also have support for a No Kill initiative from the Wake County SPCA, a No Kill facility.

The Wake County Animal Center’s new director, Dennis McMichael,  started on Monday. Sassy was killed Tuesday. So far the only public peep from McMichael was to tell the press he’s “looking into it.” Fabulous.

Great start McMichael.

The shelter’s Facebook page is being bombarded with comments from irate animal lovers. Their admin has deleted some of the comments, while letting others stand, but they haven’t answered a single person’s question as to why they killed Sassy. I urge you to jump on their page and demand answers.

This facility is no stranger to bad publicity. And given the obvious lack of accountability, I suppose they’re less than worried about a public outcry. But they should be worried. The No Kill movement grows in strength and power every day, and the public won’t quit until this shelter (and so many others) stop the needless killing.

McMichael better start thinking about immediate, drastic changes if he wants any public support whatsoever. Were he to make a commitment to go No Kill, we’d all be here to stand beside him.

Until then … the pets of Wake County will continue to live in peril.

RIP Sassy. You could have been in a new home with a warm bed and lots of cuddles today. Instead, you’re dead. Thanks Wake County.