Disallow Michael Vick from the Cortland Campus

Please consider signing the following petition on Change.org

Michael Vick has recently become a member of the New York Jets football team, which practices on the SUNY Cortland campus.  Vick has served a short sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy, but animal cruelty charges were dropped in return for his guilty plea.  This does not mean, however, that his crimes should be forgotten-  He tortured more than fifty dogs, attaching them to car batteries via jumper cables and throwing them into water to watch them drown, beating and hanging them, slamming their heads and spines into the ground until they died, setting them against each other in brutal fights, rendering them defenseless and using them as bait for training, and more.  He is a monster and a disgrace, and has never once apologized.  He has even admitted that he would continue to fight dogs if given the chance.

I love SUNY Cortland, and cannot abide welcoming this sociopath onto our campus with open arms.  We need to stand by what is right as a university by barring him from the grounds.  I don't want him anywhere near my beloved college or community.  We MUST send the message that we won't be party to the torture of animals by conveniently forgetting what he has done.  If we welcome Vick onto our campus, we are complicit in his crimes.

If you agree and think that Michael Vick should not be allowed on SUNY Cortland property, please sign this petition and share it with your friends.

Demand Justice for Bryan

CARE2.COM PETITION

When Janice Galloway of Hohenwald, Tennessee, left her daughter at home sick with the family dog, Bryan, a few days ago, she never expected to receive a call saying that Bryan was dead. Tragically, that's exactly what happened -- the Galloways' neighbor had shot Bryan to death in front of his 13-year-old owner, Peggy.

According to Peggy, Bryan was out in the front yard when she heard the sound of a gun going off. Terrified, she ran to see what was happening. That's when she saw her neighbor, an off-duty postal worker, shooting her dog at point-blank range. Though Peggy screamed "Please stop shooting my dog!" her neighbor wouldn't stop. He shot Bryan a total of three times, leaving the family dog dead on the ground.

According to the neighbor, Bryan "approached him" in his front yard. After he tapped the dog in the face "to get it moving along," he went in, retrieved a semi-automatic rifle, and started shooting.

On what planet is this an appropriate reaction to a dog being in your front yard? Bryan lived very nearby. He had never attacked anyone. He may have recognized the neighbor and wanted to make friends. And instead, he suffered a painful, agonizing death in front of his teenage owner.

Bryan and the Galloways deserve a full investigation into this matter. Sign the petition to demand justice for Bryan!

Demand an END to Selling Pets on Craigslist

Selling pets on Craigslist is actually against Craigslist's Terms of Service, but the company is failing to enforce their own rules, leaving hundreds of helpless animals open to abuse. Most people offer to give away their pets for FREE. They have no idea the environment their pet is going into. It is unfair and not right in any sense.

Craigslist also needs to stop "Free to Good Home" ads. The animals are even more in danger from these ads. Here are several ways animals given away on Craigslist could be in danger:

• These helpless animals may be used as bait animals for dog fighting. 
• People who torture and kill animals like to search the listings for new victims. 
• Other people that source animals for research facilities all use these ads to find pets. 
• A newer phenomena is pet flipping – searching free adds for pets to sell for a profit elsewhere (they often end up in one of the above categories).

(source http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/08/rehoming-pets-on-craigslist/)

Take a stand against animal abuse and help put an end to selling animals for a small fee and giving away for free ALL ANIMALS on Craigslist. 

SIGN THE CARE2 PETITION TODAY!!

GREAT RESOURCES:  http://www.craigslist.org/about/prohibited

USDA: Please Stop Random Source Dog Dealers

Petition - The Humane Society of the United States

Our undercover investigation revealed that Georgia Regents University buys dogs from a random source Class B dealer, Kenneth Schroeder, who obtained multiple dogs from unauthorized sources and has serious animal housing problems, among other violations. Class B dealers obtain dogs and cats from "random sources," such as auctions, flea markets, or questionable means, and sell them to laboratories. Pets can get caught up in this pipeline.

We are pleased that USDA is bringing federal enforcement action against Schroeder, but we must urge the agency to crack down on the remaining handful of random source Class B dealers that have ongoing animal welfare violations.

TAKE ACTION
Watch our undercover investigation video here featuring actress and advocate Kim Basinger, then fill in and submit the form below to send a message to the USDA.

 CLICK TO HERE TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE!

Petition against animals on Craigslist

UPDATE April 2, 2014:  During the six months since I started this petition asking Craigslist to change their policies on pet ads, many positive things have happened, including media coverage, attorneys, and multiple communications sent directly to Craigslist.

The latest news is that on February 3rd 2014, my attorneys, David Feldman and Norm Sherman from ForeverCare Pet Mediation sent a second communication to Craigslist's CEO, Jim Buckmaster. This letter was confirmed received by his office, as it was signed directly by a Craigslist employee. Since he has not responded, I wanted to share the content of that letter with all 380,000 of you.

I created my own website to keep everyone updated so please visit http://puppydoekiya.com/ to sign up to receive updates. You can also read the entire letter to Craigslist and view a complete timeline of the story.

Thanks again for all of your signatures and support!

Justice for Puppy Doe: Tell Craigslist to Help Stop Violence Against Pets

SIGN THE PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG

Petition by Joyel E.
Braintree, MA

On August 31st 2013, a young, small, female dog named ‘Puppy Doe’ was found brutally tortured in a Quincy, Massachusetts park, and we were all left wondering who could let this happen to any animal. The dog’s injuries were so violent and severe that the only humane thing to do was to euthanize her. She had been starved, burned, stabbed, and limbs pulled from her joints in what’s been described as a “medieval’ style torture.

It was later determined that the original owner of the dog had to give her up for undermined reasons. According to media reports, the owner decided to put the dog, named Kiya, up for adoption on Craigslist. Craigslist is often a go-to source for animal abusers looking for victims because it is anonymous and there is no accountability or screening process like regular shelters and rescue groups provide. I'm asking Craigslist to change their policies on these re-homing ads, and only allow registered shelters and rescues to post adoptable pets so it is never again a part of tragedies like what happened to Puppy Doe.

The before and after pictures of "Puppy Doe" speak for themselves. How many more times does this have to happen before Craigslist stops allowing people to give their pets away to strangers without any background checks or accountability? They already prohibit the sale of these animals, so I want them to update their policy to not allow the re-homing of pets by anyone not working for a registered shelter or rescue group that is able to conduct background checks to make sure animals are placed in loving homes.

I'm passionate about this cause because no animal should have to suffer anything close to what 'Puppy Doe' endured.  I'm a passionate animal lover who grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts and remember playing at the playground where Puppy Doe was found.  I’ve tested the Craigslist platform since this horrendous incident and there are no warnings whatsoever on the ‘Pets’ section about the dangers of posting these re-homing ads. These are breathing, feeling, loving animals we’re talking about, not old sofas or televisions -- we need to challenge Craigslist to do better by adopting a new policy that protects these vulnerable animals.

It's beyond words that this sweet, innocent dog, that once knew love had to suffer this violent, evil fate. If actions were taken to change the "free to a good home" style ads, there would be some justice in Puppy Doe's name knowing that another pet will never suffer such violence as a result of being dumped on Craigslist.

I have been gutted since the moment I heard about Puppy Doe, and recalled hearing about the "dog serial killer" who tortured dogs he collected off of Craigslist last year, along with other countless horror stories. Also, we must not forget the story of the notorious Boston 'Craigslist Killer' murders which led Craigslist to ban the "erotic services" section on their site.

I believe strongly that this petition is an effective way to make a difference. I will take it as far as it can possibly go to make sure Craigslist updates its policy to not allow any re-homing of animals through its site unless done by proper shelters and rescue groups.

To Puppy Doe: Rest in Peace sweet angel girl, and know that there are thousands of people who love you and are seeking justice.

SIGN THE PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG

Sign Petition Against Ohio Kitten Shooting

From Alley Cat Allies:

A "humane" officer in North Ridgeville, Ohio, shot and killed five kittens in a resident's yard on Monday, June 10. This is a clear act of cruelty in violation of state law—but this officer will have no charges brought against him.

Please sign our petition urging North Ridgeville Mayor David Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies immediately to discuss more humane measures for feral cats, including community-supported Trap-Neuter-Return.

Calling this brutal killing “euthanasia” and claiming it was a public safety issue is absurd. Officers should be educating residents about how to treat animals humanely and coexist peacefully, not shooting kittens in front of children.

We can’t stand by while more cats are needlessly killed. Urge Mayor Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies—and to issue an immediate order halting the “euthanasia” of healthy cats.

Alley Cat Allies will be on the ground in North Ridgeville on Monday, June 17, for a rally protesting this cruel kitten killing—and we will present your signatures at the City Council meeting that evening. We need as many signatures as possible by Monday, so please ask your friends and family to sign!

Thank you so much for taking action.

Sincerely,

Becky Robinson

UPDATE 6/19/13:  Alley Cat Allies Meets with North Ridgeville Police Chief about a Humane Approach

We Must Make Laws Tougher in 2013

From Amy Beichler, Director
PAWS Ohio (Public Animal Welfare Society)

Dear volunteers, friends, family, fellow animal welfare advocates,

I am requesting strongly that those of you who have a Facebook Page, please post the flyer image (below) by our volunteer Tricia Ringholtz concerning Forrest, the beautiful Mastiff that was chained to a tree in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and shot 2 times and left to die.

Forrest was shot on Sunday afternoon of November 25, 2012, Forrest lay bleeding all night long.  Forrest was discovered by a dog walker the following morning and rescued. Please know, unfortunately HB 108, otherwise known as Nitro’s Law, WOULD NOT protect a situation like Forrest, and make it a felony to shot him. The individual that has been arrested in conjunction with the Forrest shooting has been charged with a second degree misdemeanor.   Herbie, the dog in Lorain Ohio, neglected and tossed aside, unfortunately HB 108 WOULD NOT make it a felony for the neglect and abuse this helpless dog suffered. We need HB108, but we also  need more.  Someone shot a dog, left him to die, and under Ohio law could only be charged with a second degree misdemeanor.  Please see below the focus of HB 108:

http://www.nitrofoundation.com/nitros-law.html

Two Democratic lawmakers say they will reintroduce legislation allowing increased criminal penalties against kennel owners who abuse or neglect pets.

State Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry, from Austintown, and Rep. Bob Hagan, from Youngstown, offered comparable legislation last session after an incident at a Youngstown kennel.

“If you are the owner of a kennel and you mistreat an animal, the county prosecutor or the city prosecutor should have the right to charge you with a felony,” Gerberry said. “[I’m] not saying they have to but saying they should have that option.”

The proposed legislation would have enabled prosecutors to seek felony charges against kennel owners who abuse animals in their care. About 45 other states already rank some animal- cruelty charges as felonies.

“The abuse of someone’s pet is deplorable and disgusting,” Gerberry said in a released statement.

Hagan added in the statement: “Every time you pick up the paper or turn on the news you hear about another case of animal abuse. This bill will give local prosecutors the necessary tools to punish those inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on pets.”

The two lawmakers offered the legislation in response to an October 2008 incident in which humane agents found 15 dogs dead or dying at the High Caliber K-9 on Coitsville-Hubbard Road near Youngstown.

The kennel operator initially faced 19 counts of cruelty to animals, but those charges were later reduced to four with misdemeanor penalties.

The bill is being called Nitro’s Law, after one of the dogs that died at the Kennel. Comparable legislation cleared the Ohio House last session on a split vote but died in the Ohio Senate.

As a community that values our companion animals we need to work together to support not only HB 108, but also the other 6 below:

ACTION ALERT!  It's important for Ohioans to recognize that SEVEN companion animal bills languished in the 129th General Assembly! All of these bills dealt with companion animal cruelty - three of which recommended prosecution of criminal offenses as a felony of the fifth degree - in one form or another:

1. Ohio Dog Auctions Act (would have banned Ohio ‘puppy mill’ dog auctions)

2. HB 25 (would have included companion animals in domestic violence/stalking protection orders)

3. HB 108 - Nitro’s Law (would have provided discretion in prosecuting kennel owners, managers and employees who knowingly committed an act of animal cruelty as a felony of the fifth degree)

4. HB 138 (would have required a person to file proof of successful completion of training with the county recorder prior to being appointed as a humane society agent)

5. HB 289 (would have made bestiality a felony of the fifth degree)

6. HB 290 (would have made an assault against a dog warden, deputy dog warden, humane agent, or animal control officer a felony of the fifth degree)

7. HB 300 (would have provided protections for search and rescue dogs)

Cruelty to animals and violence towards people share common characteristics. Until recently, however, violence towards children and the elderly, and other domestic violence had been considered to be unrelated to violence towards animals. A correlation has now been established between animal abuse, family violence, and other forms of community violence. A growing body of research indicates that people who commit acts of cruelty towards animals rarely stop there. People who abuse animals are not only dangerous to their animal victims but may also be dangerous to people.

2013 must be a year of new beginnings – for every aspect of companion animal cruelty in Ohio. It is my firm belief that until our legislators reorder their concerns, those atop the food chain will continue to be the victim of violent crimes as long as Ohio continues to have some of the weakest animal protection laws in the nation.

TAKE ACTION!

1. Write to info@OhioCompanionAnimalLobbyDay.com to learn more about plans for a 2013 Ohio Companion Animal Legislative Summit!

2. Read the Animal League Defense Fund (ALDF), 2012 U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings™ - Ohio ranks 34th!

Thank you for supporting and advocating for animals,

Amy Beichler, Executive Director
Public Animal Welfare Society of Ohio (PAWS Ohio)
A Nonprofit Humane Society Serving the Animals & People of Greater Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Since 1976
www.pawsohio.org
Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/PAWSOhio
Twitter: @PAWSOhio

Dog who wouldn't die

January 8, 2013

A dog found shot in the head and face with a pellet gun, stuffed in a garbage bag and left to die is recovering from his injuries at an animal clinic in Texas. And it's thanks, in part, to a Facebook campaign launched to help pay for his veterinary bills.

The bag containing the 3-year-old male mixed breed was discovered tied to a fence in Conroe, Texas, earlier this month. When local residents opened the bag, the dog emerged, took a few steps and collapsed, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter.

The dog was covered in blood, said neighbor Tami Augustyn, leading her to believe he was a "bait dog"—or a dog used by fight dogs for practice.

Augustyn rushed the dog to an emergency animal clinic, where he was treated for multiple bird-shot pellets to the face, eyes, mouth, neck and shoulders, and hypothermia from being left outside overnight.

Read the full story on Yahoo! News.

Forever Ellen & Leo - Farewell Angels

Ellen:  Michael Vick Dog Fighting Survivor Euthanized

One of the rescued pit bulls, otherwise known as the Vicktory dogs, saved from the dog fighting ring bankrolled by Michael Vick in 2007 was euthanized after coming down with an unknown illness.

11-year-old Ellen was living at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Sadly, she began rapidly, and inexplicably, losing weight and muscle leaving her caregivers with humane euthanasia as the only choice after exhausting all other options.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/michael-vick-dog-fighting-survivor-euthanized.html#ixzz20RzBXA31


Leo, Former Michael Vick Dog Dies

Leo, one of the dogs brutalized in Michael Vick’s Bad Newz kennel, died last week of a seizure disorder. Gaining fame as a therapy dog, Leo was a shining example of how animals can heal if given the chance.

In 2007 Leo became one of fifty Pit bulls rescued from the dog fighting kennel owned by Vick. He went to live with Marthina McClay, founder of Our Pack Pit Bull Rescue and under her guidance earned his mark as a superstar therapy dog. Together the duo worked in hospitals to bring comfort to cancer patients.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/leo-former-michael-vick-dog-dies-slides.html#ixzz20S0cck1C.

Innocent Cat Shot and Killed by Lebanon, OH Police

Haze

On August 20, 2011, a local house cat, Haze, wandered a few blocks from his home in Lebanon. After a bystander called the police to report Haze as a stray, Officer Covey of the Lebanon Police Department arrived on the scene. After arriving on the scene, Officer Covey discharged his firearm in a residential area and ended Haze's life. Officer Covey left the scene and the bystander then placed Haze in the garbage can. Officer Covey did not contact the homeowner on whose property Haze was killed either before or after the incident even though she was at home at the time of the shooting. From the time the officer was dispatched, arrived on the scene, shot Haze and left, the police log shows the call was less than 5 minutes.

After more than a day of searching for Haze and calling all the local authorities, the Stone's finally pieced together what happened to Haze and found him in a garbage bag concealed in a trash can in the backyard where he was shot. Haze had no other external injuries besides the bullet wound to his head.

Haze was a beloved member of the Stone family. His loss has caused tremendous sadness for his owners. This tragic and unnecessary end to Haze's life was permitted under the Lebanon Police Operations Manual which allows officers to use deadly force on domestic, non-threatening animals. The provision of the Lebanon Police Operations Manual which permitted this unnecessary act of violence to occur is in direct conflict with the Ohio Revised Code and the City of Lebanon Ordinance which prohibits the malicious killing of animals.

The purpose of this petition is to persuade the Lebanon City Council, City Manager and Police Chief to require all Lebanon, Ohio Police officers to take an animal rescue training course, which the Ohio Humane Society has offered to provide. This petition also seeks to revise the Lebanon Police Operations Manual to prohibit officers from using deadly force on any non-threatening animal and to formally reprimand Officer Covey and his supervisor for using unnecessary deadly force on Haze in a residential area.

Let's help prevent this from happening to another innocent animal again!  Please sign Haze's petition at the following link:
https://www.change.org/petitions/why-did-the-police-shoot-me

Dog warden charged with animal cruelty

From Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
Published January 5, 2012

WAVERLY -- The Pike County dog warden is facing animal cruelty charges after live puppies were found in a bag at the pound Tuesday.

Randy Mustard is set to be arraigned on 11 counts of animal cruelty, all first-degree misdemeanors, at 9 a.m. Monday in Pike County Court. Mustard confirmed Wednesday he has been suspended, effective today, from his dog warden job pending the outcome of the case. He's been employed as a warden for nearly a decade.

The charges stem from a complaint made Tuesday to the Pike County Sheriff's Office. Maj. Jeremy Masters said a man and woman had been at the pound, located off Alma Omega Road, looking for a dog when they heard whimpering coming from a trash bag.

Masters responded to the scene and said they found an adult female dog dead inside the bag, one dead puppy and 10 live puppies who were young enough their eyes hadn't opened yet.

During his investigation, Masters said he spoke with an employee who had been placed through Job and Family Services to work at the shelter and had no formal training. The man allegedly told Masters the mother dog had died and Mustard told him to "bag them up" and throw them out, including the puppies. He alleged Mustard never administered a lethal injection to euthanize the puppies, Masters said.

Mustard told the sheriff's office and CentralOhio.com on Wednesday that he had administered the lethal injection to the puppies and told the employee not to discard them until they had died.

Mustard provided CentralOhio.com with a copy of a kennel card he said was made when the dog and her 11 puppies were dropped at the pound Monday. According to the card, a Beaver man had dropped off the dogs and indicated they were strays.

Mustard said he was off that day but was called when the mother dog died. He said she was extremely skinny and was not in good condition. He said he gave orders for the dog to be placed in a bag and put outside until it could be disposed of at the landfill, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's approved disposal method.

On Tuesday, Mustard said he looked at the puppies and determined he did not think they would survive and administered the lethal injection.

"I told one of the workers, I said don't put them in the bag until they pass away," Mustard said.

After the sheriff's office arrived and the puppies were discovered, Mustard said they placed them back into cages until they died. Mustard said he sent the employee home because "I don't want him here if he's going to do that."

"I'm the boss. I'm in charge, so someone has to take the blame," Mustard said.

Click here to read the full story.

Jo Ann's comments...

This article is a constant reminder of the mentality of the majority of Dog Wardens throughout our entire country.

Now, yes... there are a few really great people who occupy these positions and some are even right here in Ohio. Unfortunately, Randy Mustard does not seem to be one of them.

For the most part, any animal unfortunate enough to find themselves in a pound during a holiday (and especially those that involve long weekends) are basically doomed. The Warden and staff simply do not want to be bothered with coming back to the shelter to care for the animals left there. So, unless rescues can be found, the Wardens will do a mass euthanization which insures a nice long, relaxing holiday weekend.

Even though most of these pounds have volunteers who would gladly go in to care and feed, they are usually locked out and not allowed back in the building until the next open day for business.

It's sad enough that these Dog Wardens continue the practice of mass euthanization during holidays, but Mr. Mustard has definitely crossed over the line with the inhumane treatment 10 puppies.

Can you even begin to imagine the terror these little babies went through by being shoved in a bag with their dead mother and another dead puppy, and then thrown in a dumpster outside in freezing weather?

They were so young that their little eyes weren't even open yet.

Although Mr. Mustard is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, it is still his responsibility to see that proper methods of euthanization are followed. It is also his responsibility to hire qualified people to work in a pound environment and make sure all procedures are followed correctly.

Sometimes, I honestly believe that the only qualifications for being hired as a Dog Warden or pound worker is to be just plain stupid, and totally void of common sense and compassion, and apparently a mean streak seems to be an added plus.

It's bad enough to do mass euthanizations but to not do it properly is inexcusable and certainly not humane.

Now, as I said before, we do have some GOOD Dog Wardens. Unfortunately, we just don't have enough of them.

Regardless if Mr. Mustard is found guilty or innocent, he should not be allowed to resume his position as Dog Warden in Pike County. It's apparent that he was more concerned with his Christmas holiday than doing his job and making sure these animals were humanely euthanized before being stuffed in a bag and thrown in a dumpster. After all, he was the one in charge and, as the old saying goes.... "the buck stops here".

Update on Licking County Animal Shelter

Letter to the Editor of The Buckeye Lake Beacon
From "Watchdog" Bonnie Mansfield
April 2, 2011 Edition

See related posts on MyPetRescueBlog.com

An update on the Licking County Animal Shelter

Editor:

I want the public to be aware of what is going on at the pound under the reign of the current dog warden, John Silva. While I am THRILLED the gas chamber is gone, our battle is not quite over.

John Silva is from Cuyahoga County where his retirement wasn’t official until a few days after he came to work at Licking County Animal Shelter (the dog pound) as the Office Manager. The County Commissioners put Silva in this position (at the request of a former employee in March, 2009) and gave him about $10,000 more than the former Office Manager was making.

Silva has limited the intake at the pound to almost only stray dogs...no owner surrendered dogs...no cats...no other animals. He is basically doing the bare-bones minimum BUT made sure the dog license fees went up by a whopping 50% as well as increases in other fees (adoption costs, impound fees, etc.)! They no longer do humane calls which made up probably close to half of their prior calls. I believe the increase in dogs being hit by a car is substantial and possibly due to being turned loose (such as when someone loses their home) thinking they have no other option!

By March 23, in 2009, there were 457 dogs taken in; by March 23, 2010 intake was 336 dogs; and by March 23 of this year the pound has only taken in 277 dogs since Silva is running the pound and only taking in strays.

I received a call at about 10 o’clock one morning, a couple of weeks ago, regarding a dog hit by a car still lying in the road alive. The caller stated that he had tried to call the pound but they were not answering the phone. I reached them about 20 minutes later and was told they don’t answer the phone until 9:30. I informed the employee that the caller had only called 20 minutes ago. I told the employee the condition of the dog and that I already had someone on the scene. I asked her if they would have it seen by a vet. She said they would but didn’t have anyone to respond. I stated that I would transport the dog to their vet and she told me that the dog had to come to the pound first! We ended the conversation and I was frustrated knowing this dog was in serious condition and also knowing there would probably be a huge vet bill that I could not afford to bear. The employee called me back and said she was coming to get the dog. However, another employee (who was already in the area) showed up at the scene and the dog was taken out of our vehicle and placed in the pound’s van! As infuriating as this mess was, it wasn’t nearly as maddening as when I found out that some of the pound employees were at work on Facebook (PERSONAL PAGES) early in the morning when they WEREN’T ANSWERING THE PHONES!!

For the past year, several volunteers have been coming to the pound to help the animals. They clean cages, walk dogs, scoop cat litter, mop floors, bathe dogs, groom dogs, take pictures, update websites...whatever needs to be done. Not only is this helping the animals, it also helps Silva’s image. When a kind-hearted volunteer greets the public, it makes them want to come back and spend money!

Although our tax dollars were spent to build a pound and equip it to house at least 64 cats in the 2 cat rooms, Silva rarely takes cats. He wouldn’t allow cats from a hoarding situation to remain at the pound for more than 12 hours.

Some of the cages in one of the cat rooms were removed and put out in back of the pound for awhile (I’m not sure where they are now). Doors were taken off some of the cages that remained inside. The room was called the “Vet Room.” I have received several complaints from people who have adopted animals from the pound MONTHS AGO who are still waiting for the spay/neuter surgery to be performed. Remember... they have already paid for this service in the cost of the adoption ($100 per dog/$55 per cat).

I told Silva that I have at least one veterinarian that will come to the pound and spay/neuter animals for the fee that the public pays when they adopt an animal. It wouldn’t take much to set up the “vet room” to do these surgeries.

Silva responded to my idea with a lot of condescending babble claiming that they have a “potential secondary source for altering cats” and “the shelter is able to provide adoption customers with more definitive S/N appointment information and avoid confusion” and “our written communication regarding surgery also factors in periodic surges of adoption activity” and other statements that are just cover-up and a way of saying ‘thanks... but no thanks!’ Silva’s last line was “It’s all about teamwork!”

TEAMWORK? An upcoming adoption event had been planned to help adopt the few cats at the pound. Had the adoption event coming up not been canceled, I have been told that Silva would have made these VOLUNTEERS (that have been working for him and the pound) pay $55 IN ADVANCE for cats they took to the adopt-a-thon for the pound! Where’s the teamwork there, Silva?

Bonnie Mansfield
Buckeye Lake

Animal Rights Group Threatens to Sue 2 Ohio Dog Pounds

Below is a link to an article concerning two Ohio county pounds (Harrison and Fayette).

Animal Rights Group Threatens to Sue 2 Dog Pounds (Published 9/29/10)

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/onnnews/stories/2010/09/29/story-dog-pounds-sued.html?sid=102

This is unacceptable by any pound or shelter that is responsible for the welfare of the animals in their care.

Ohio has full licensing for "humane" euthanasia by means of lethal injection. To continue with a "homemade gas box" or injecting air into an animal's stomach is inexcusable.

The people of Fayette county should hang their heads in shame for allowing such barbaric practices to continue. This also applies to any other county in Ohio that continues to use unacceptable means of euthanasia for stray and homeless animals.

I hope that you are as outraged as I am and will make your voices heard.


Jo Ann & "gang"

Breeder Gases 93 Dogs in Makeshift Gas Chamber

URGENT PLEA FOR SIGNATURES!!!

David Yoder must be prosecuted for this horrific act of animal abuse. Just to lose his kennel license is NOT enough.

Please take time to read, sign, and pass on to others.

Thank you.
Jo Ann

David and Barbara Yoder of Black Diamond Acres kennel in Seneca County, New York, decided to "depopulate" their kennel. David Yoder created a makeshift gas chamber out of a wooden whelping box (a wooden box usually used as a safe place for birthing dogs) retrofitted with a metal door and a three-horsepower engine. Filling the box with five or six dogs at a time, he pumped in carbon monoxide, walked away so he wouldn't get a headache, then came back a few minutes later to see if the dogs were dead. He repeated this cruel process over and over again, killing a total of 78 dogs and 15 puppies.

Following the massacre, the USDA told the Yoders that euthanasia needs to be performed by a vet, and the kennel's license was cancelled. It's too little, too late. The Yoders need to be prosecuted for animal cruelty.

Tell the Seneca County District Attorney to prosecute the Yoders to full extent of the law.

Photo credit: In Defense of Animals

To sign the petition, please visit:
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/prosecute_commercial_breeder_for_gassing_93_dogs

Read more at:
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1442

Ohio Decision Makers' Deal with the Devil

From Barbara McGrady of S.P.A.

I Resound a Loud, "DITTO"... to Vivian Stevenson's response (below) concerning HSUS and Governor Strickland's "DEAL"...

Dr. Albert Schweitzer best describes the world I envision for future generations:

"There slowly grew in me an unshakable conviction that we have no right to inflict suffering and death on another living creature unless there is some unavoidable necessity for it, and that we ought all of us to feel what a horrible thing it is to cause suffering and death out of mere thoughtlessness. And this conviction has influenced me only more and more strongly with time. I have grown more and more certain that at the bottom of our heart we all think this,, and that we fail to acknowledge it because we are afraid of being laughed at by other people as sentimentalists, though partly also because we allow our best feelings to get blunted. But I vowed that I would never let my feelings get blunted, and that I would never be afraid of the reproach of sentimentalism."

~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer (Nobel Peace Prize Winner)

We Need to THINK before we VOTE!

Please Support McKenzie's Law!

Take just a minute or two to READ THIS LINK:
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1106


New Deal Sells Ohio and its animals short

On July 1st, 2010, Vivian Stevenson (not verified) says:

HSUS, Pacelle, Governor Strickland and the Farm Bureau have all thumbed their noses at the citizens of Ohio and have left its animals in jeopardy. Every voter who signed those petitions should feel like they've been slapped in the face and should remember that during the elections in November. HSUS needs to tuck its tail and go back wherever it came from taking Pacelle with it because they have failed the citizens of Ohio and the animals they were suppose to be protected. As usual in politics, they got the mine while the citizens, in particularly the animals, got the shaft. Governor Strickland, I will remember this at the polls in November that you have no concern for what the citizens of Ohio want and no concern for the welfare of the animals of Ohio. Despite the fact that I campaigned for you in the elections, I sure won't this time and actually will push for another person for Governor.

READ THIS!

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/farm-animals/article/1380


Wide Range of Animal Welfare Issues

Posted Jun 30, 2010 by Laura Allen



They should be treated humanely before they're slaughtered to eat.

"The question is not, "Can they reason?"
nor, "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?"
~Jeremy Bentham

In a press conference held today, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced a deal has been reached with the Humane Society of the United States on a number of animal welfare issues.

As a result of the agreement, HSUS will not pursue its ballot initiative pursued through a ballot committee called Ohioans for Humane Farms to end certain factory farming practices such as (1) use of battery cages for egg laying hens, gestation crates for pregnant pigs, crates for veal calves or other confinement that prevents animals from lying down, standing up, fully extending his or her limbs, or turning around freely; (2) strangulation and other inhumane methods of killing cows and pigs and (3) transport, sale or receipt of non-ambulatory animals.

Signatures necessary to put the imitative on the ballot were due today.

Gov. Strickland said the deal would "enhance animal welfare and animal care standards" and is "good for Ohio agriculture and good for animal welfare in our state." He said the deal had the support of the Ohio Farm Bureau and agriculture industry organizations in Ohio.

What the deal means for Ohio's farm animals

Under the deal veal crates must be discontinued as of 2017, the same date as specified in the ballot initiative and when the industry has said use of the crates would be phased out anyway. Gestation crates may continue to be used until 2026 though no new permits for facilities using the crates can be issued after Dec. 31, 2010. Battery cages used for egg laying hens will not be required to be phased out, but there can be no new permits issued for facilities using battery cages for confinement.

It is not clear if the Livestock Care Standards Board will agree to implement these measures. Under Ohio law, the LCSB determines standards of care and treatment for farm animals. The LCSB could also presumably lift these restrictions at some point.

The deal does include a ban on strangulation of farm animals and mandatory humane euthanasia methods for sick or injured animals. There will also be a ban on the transport of downer cows for slaughter. The language of these measures is not yet available. It is not clear what enforcement measures and penalties will be included. Again, the LCSB must implement these restrictions if they are to have the force of law.

In addressing why HSUS decided to abandon the ballot initiative, Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, who was present at the news conference said that a ballot initiative is an "uncertain circumstance for both sides" and it is a "better outcome for both sides if we can advance ...reforms".

HSUS, the Governor and Ag Industry agreed on a number of other animal welfare issues

Indeed, the deal is far-reaching, affecting other animal welfare issues. It was agreed that the governor would issue an order barring importation of exotic, dangerous animals as pets. It was agreed legislation would be enacted to raise penalties for cockfighting and improve commercial dog breeding standards. But the legislature must first pass the legislation.

There is already a bill pending to raise penalties for cockfighting. There is a battle between two puppy mill bills, S.B. 95, that would actually encourage puppy mills, and McKenzie's Law, soon to be introduced by Ohio state Rep. Cheryl Grossman and which is supported by a grassroots movement. There is also a ballot initiative underway that would ban dog auctions. McKenzie's Law would also ban dog auctions while S.B. 95 would allow them to continue.

Pacelle said HSUS would support S.B. 95

It is more important than ever that you let your Ohio legislators know that you support McKenzie's Law as the best way to end puppy mills and the cruelty to dogs. And, you can still help gather signatures for the ban on dog auctions. Take this as an opportunity to get involved and help pass meaningful legislation that will truly save dogs from the puppy mills in Ohio.

"We ought all of us to feel what a horrible thing it is to cause suffering and death out of mere thoughtlessness..."

Barbara McGrady

The Butcher of Licking County Strikes Again

This is a note I received from a fellow rescuer:

Dear All,

Jon Luzio, aptly named the Butcher of Licking County, for happily dragging puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that whimpered for their lives to a gas chamber, resigned effective on September 2010. (Let's just say that Mr. Luzio considered his options limited, given his reputation for killing animals that were slated for rescue and adoption and the public outrage that followed.)

Out of pure spite and sadism, Luzio has evidently gone on a killing spree, until he leaves in September of 2010.

My suggestion: lets all email the Licking County Commissioners and demand his resignation effective TODAY. Luzio is incompetent, period. There is no further need for his employment.

Worse, there were dogs that had been adopted that Luzio killed, in his own words, "because he can".

Please see below and rain emails on the Licking County Commissioners demanding Luzio's termination of employment as of June 14th, 2010. Please email them as soon as you receive this communication.

The fact that Luzio is killing animals that had already been adopted is just insane!

Licking County Commissioners

Tim Bubb - tbubb@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Doug Smith - dsmith@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Brad Feightner - bfeightner@lcounty.com (at lcounty.com)

Thank you.


Previous post:
http://mypetrescueblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/licking-county-dog-pound.html

Stop Animal Abuse at Conklin Dairy Farms Ohio

Graphic video secretly taped by Mercy for Animals shows workers at the federally-subsidized farm holding down newborn calves and stomping on their heads. It shows one worker wiring a cow's nose to a metal bar near the ground and repeatedly beating it with another bar while it bleeds.

Please sign the following petition to stop the animal abuse at Conklin Dairy Farms:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/250/Stop-Animal-Abuse-at-Conklin-Dairy-Farms-Ohio

STOP THE HOWLOCAUST - Licking County Dog Pound Rally

STOP THE HOWLOCAUST

SATURDAY, APRIL 10th from 10AM to 2PM
at Licking County DOG POUND
544 Dog Leg Road Heath, OH 43056

Where: Heath, Ohio 36 miles east of Columbus (Central location to be announced soon!!)

Out of Town Supporters:
Please RSVP if you’d like us to supply you with a sign getridofthegaschamber@gmail.com

Questions? Send to getridofthegaschamber@gmail.com

Media Inquiries: SLMYERS1080@gmail.com or 740-973-3060

More Info?: www.lickingcountypac.com & FaceBook Page
Get-Rid-of-the-Gas-Chamber-at-the-Licking-County-Animal-Shelter

Community Meeting: Wednesday, April 14th starting at 6:30 pm in the Heath High School Cafeteria.

Licking County Dog Pound

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO!

I find it somewhat hard to write a comment on this video as I usually try to post the brighter side of companion animals and what an important role they play in our lives. They are truly one of God's amazing creations. They entertain us, they protect us, but most importantly... they love us unconditionally, and stay steadfast and true till the very end. Now, just how many of you can say that about a friend or even a spouse?

With that being said, let me try to address the importance of this graphic video.

First of all, I couldn't even watch it all the way through as I felt myself getting sick. Being a rescuer for many years, I fully understand that this horrible means of euthanasia still exists in many areas of our country. Some pounds still use heart stick, which is nothing more than jamming a needle, hooked up to electricity, into the animal's heart and turning on the "juice". These animals have no form of sedation and are basically tortured to death. Gas chambers aren't any better. Tragically, there are still some states within our country that do not have licensing for "humane euthanasia" by injection, which I find unbelievable in the year "2010". However, OHIO does, indeed, have this licensing but, unfortunately, we still have county pounds here that refuse to move into the 21st century by continuing this barbaric means for disposal of the pet overpopulation problem. Even sadder is the fact that these "good 'ole boys" seem to enjoy the horrific death they inflict upon these poor discarded animals.

Hooray for Bonnie Mansfield (see article links below) and her efforts to bring this problem in Licking County to light. However, it just isn't Licking County. There are many other counties, within Ohio, that refuse to evolve out of the "Dark Ages" as well.

Now, yes, I do understand that "euthanasia" is still needed because people just can't seem to grasp the concept of "SPAY OR NEUTER" your pets, along with the "back yard breeders" and puppy mills... and until they do, we will continue to have this overwhelming problem of too many animals with nowhere to go.

However, if these animals need to die, there is absolutely no reason why they should have to suffer the cruelty of gas chambers (or heart stick) at the hands of people like Jon Luzio.

Shame on the residents of Licking County for giving this "good 'ole boy" a salary of over $47,000 a year to continue gassing poor animals when lethal injection is available. Perhaps if the good citizens of this county voted for a "decrease" in his salary, Licking County could afford the Sodium Pentobarbital needed for a more humane practice of euthanasia.

Please remember that "YOU" are part of the problem unless "YOU" take action. If your state or county still uses unacceptable forms of euthanasia, STAND UP AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD. This is the 21st Century. If we can put men into space... then there is no reason any animal should have to suffer the tortures of being gassed or electrocuted.

I think this quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. says it all:

"Never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."


Writer challenges 'Watchdog'
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
January 30, 2010

Watchdog responds to critic
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
February 6, 2010

Watchdog says director, gas chamber need to go
Letter to the Editor - Buckeye Lake Beacon
February 20, 2010

Fox Fur Business

Most people don't realize how bad the fur trading business has become. Most of the conditions fur-bearing animals face in fur farms is not just inhumane, but downright evil. Disregard for life does not begin to describe the conditions these animals are faced with.

Often, these animals live in a small wire cage their entire lives, malnourished and driven insane by their living conditions, until they are finally beaten and skinned alive for what the industry is now calling "fun fur".

How can you help? Simply DO NOT BUY FUR!

Check out the Fox Fur Business News website today for more information about this cruel and inhumane industry, and to find retailers that are fur-free!