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

Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but in America, many of us don’t treat dogs or cats very well. Most people think that pets who enter the nearly 5000 independently operated community animal shelters in America usually find new homes.  According to the ASPCA, a less happy fate awaits them. Nearly, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats who enter shelters are euthanized. That’s 3 million domestic animals per year crying out for someone to speak for them yet they are left to face death alone in what was intended to be a place of refuge. Additionally, the violence perpetrated on animals has been proven to have a direct correlation to community violence.

Civic leaders in a handful of cities around the U.S., including Austin, Texas, are doing something to change this intolerable situation. They have successfully implemented a NO-KILL policy in their animal shelters proving it is possible to reverse this gruesome reality. To expand the NO-KILL model nationwide, a high-profile figure backed by sufficient resources must take the lead. 

Bo—The White House dog—is perfectly positioned to speak on behalf of these beleaguered animals who want nothing more than a loving home. Help us gather 3 million signatures, one voice for each of the 3 million innocent pets who find themselves through no fault of their own on “Death Row” in animal shelters each year. Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets! 

Sign the petition at:
http://signon.org/sign/ask-bo-to-speak-up-for

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

Ohio Dog Auctions Act - 2012 Ballot Initiative

From BanOhioDogAuctions.com:

“While there are no plans to re-open the auction…it is not prudent for the Ohio Professional Dog Breeders Association to say they will never re-open the Ohio Dog Auction."

Polly Britton, Lobbyist for Ohio Association of Animal Owners (OAAO), in a January 5, 2012 Media Release

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A. 118,115 CERTIFIED SIGNATURES – WE DID IT!

On behalf of the Committee for the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions (CBODA), I want to extend a HUGE THANKS to the over 1,000 volunteer petition circulators who helped raise awareness of our citizens-initiated statute - Ohio Dog Auctions Act - by helping to collect 160,494 signatures from across all 88 Ohio counties!

On January 27, 2012, the Secretary of State, John Husted, certified 118,115 signatures (74% of all signatures collected; a total of 115,570 was needed), permitting CBODA to move forward with our 2012 ballot campaign.

We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of these dedicated animal advocates, many of whom work full-time jobs, are raising families as single parents and/or contribute time and energy to various humane organizations and causes across the state!


B. THE PLAN FOR 2012 – NEXT STEPS!

The Ohio General Assembly has until April 2 to pass the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

If the Ohio General Assembly fails to pass the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, CBODA will move forward with plans to present our initiated statute to voters during the November General Election!

More details concerning our “Go Forward” strategy by which we will present the Ohio Dog Auctions Act to Ohio Voters in 2012 will be mailed under separate cover the week of March 5.


C. GET INVOLVED – HELP PASS THE OHIO DOG AUCTIONS ACT!

Donate! The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions (CBODA) is an Ohio citizen-driven, community-based, bipartisan coalition that has come together to address Ohio dog auctions through the 2012 ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act).

What has contributed to our incredible success is the fact that our Coalition is 100% volunteer driven with funding to sustain our campaign provided through the generosity of many Ohio citizens and their immediate and extended families.

Click here to contribute $10 towards helping to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Raise Awareness! Businesses and groups from all over Central Ohio have been showing their support by writing letters, organizing and making their views known. But we need to turn up the volume. Our elected officials need to know without a doubt that this issue matters.

1. Write (or fax) a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper asking them to support a ban on Ohio dog auctions. Emphasize that you will not be spending any dollars in counties that support dog auctions and puppy mills!

Click here for a Media Directory of Ohio's Major News Sources.

2. Ask the same from all your friends, family, co-workers and state elected officials (download attached Endorsement Letter)!

Click here to locate your state legislators.


D. REACHING THIS INCREDIBLE MILESTONE – OUR VOLUNTEERS ROCK!

Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of over 1,000 volunteer petitioners (and counting!), we are receiving widespread media coverage on reaching this critical step in our 2012 ballot campaign.

Click here to read all media releases on our 2012 ballot initiative.


E. STAYING STRONG AND FOCUSED – THE ANIMALS NEED US!

In addition to our 2012 ballot initiative, seven bills relating to the welfare of companion animals are still pending in the 129th Ohio General Assembly. Click here to view the status of all Ohio companion animal bills pending in the 129th Ohio General Assembly.

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions remains steadfast in their commitment to send a strong message to state legislators that dog auctions serve as a major distribution channel for buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have long standing repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty.

As Ohio voters and taxpayers, we are committed to supporting a 2012 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

Thanks everyone for your continued passion and dedication to raising awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act! This incredible accomplishment couldn’t have happened without you!


P.S. We invite you to join the over 1,160 voices who have become members of our Face Book group, Ohio Voters against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!

Membership is FREE, and our portal serves as a great vehicle in which to receive timely updates on issues and campaigns addressing Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills and the entities that support and keep them in business.

ACTION NEEDED! For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.


Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs

http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://www.boccibeefs.blogspot.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

Pit bulls may be freed of ‘vicious’ label

UPDATE 2/21/12!!
Kasich signs dangerous dog bill into law, ends 'vicious' pit bull label


The Columbus Dispatch
February 1, 2012

Pit bulls no longer would be classified as “vicious” animals under a bill that soon should be headed to the governor’s desk, and the Ohio Senate is expected to vote today on a separate measure designed to crack down on abusive puppy mills.

Ohio is the only state that classifies a specific breed of animal as vicious, but a bill that passed the Senate 27-5 yesterday should change that.

Sen. Mark Wagoner, R-Toledo, said Ohio law discriminates against a specific breed. “In doing so, it discourages responsible dog owners from complying with licensing requirements. Canine profiling is expensive, ineffective and infringes on property rights.”

Classifying pit bulls as “vicious” has led to, among other things, the need for liability insurance.

Instead of Ohio’s 25-year-old law labeling pit bulls vicious, the bill, which still needs final House approval of Senate changes, wouldn’t classify dogs that way in advance. Should behavior problems arise, dogs could be classified in one of three categories: “nuisance,” “dangerous” or “ vicious.”

The latter classification would be for a dog that, without provocation, seriously injures or kills a person. Those animals often would be seized and euthanized.

Owners of a dog placed in one of the three classification would face penalties ranging from fines to felony charges.

Read the full story on Dispatch.com.

Additional Resources:

Watch the Ohio Senate vote on Sub. H.B. 14 on The Ohio Channel website (at the 46-minute mark):
http://www.OhioChannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=134307

Read Sub. H.B. 14:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_14

Miracle Dog Daniel Survives Alabama Gas Chamber

Click here for another great video story about Daniel the Miracle Dog.

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

Montcalm Shelter in Michigan - R&R Contract Needs to End NOW!

This is an update to previous posts on the animal shelter in Montcalm County, Michigan:

Action Alert - Montcalm Shelter in Michigan - R&R Contract Needs to End NOW!
We Need ACTION!

The Blue Ribbon Committee recommended that the Montcalm County Animal Shelter Contract with R&R be ended on April 30th. The board of commissioners will consider the recommendation at their meeting on April 27th.

Thanks to Committee members Steve Crouse, Dr. Carpenter, Fran Schuleit, and Rhonda Waldorf, who put the rhetoric aside, took a hard look at the facts, did the research and came up with the UNDISPUTABLE reasons to END IT NOW!

We are in need of your POLITE letters and faxes to the commissioners before their meeting on April 27th to vote on the contract (contact info below). Remember to thank the committee for all their hard work and emphasis on to the commissioners that the committee recommendation was on an analysis of the facts and hard research - not just a knee jerk reaction - and that this was the very reason to appoint the committee - to evaluate the situation and come up with a recommendation that had the best interests of the county and its citizens in mind.

Some points to mention in your letters and faxes:

Animal shelter recommendations

Recommendations for the Montcalm County Animal Shelter that the County Board of Commissioners will consider on April 27:

Citizens advisory board

• The board would help with fundraising, goal planning, updating the policy and procedure manual, establish a responsible pet ownership education program, work with rescue groups and community leaders, assist with adoption protocols and advertising animals up for adoption. Initial members would be Animal Control Director Patty Lentz, Fran Schuleit of Greenville, Dr. Randy Carpenter of Greenville, Rhonda Waldorf of Sheridan, District 1 County Commissioner Ron Blanding, a member of the veterinary advisory board and a county resident at large.

Veterinary advisory board

• Local veterinarians would consult with shelter staff on health and safety issues for animals and pet sterilization. Initial members would be three veterinarians from the county, a citizens advisory board member and Lentz.

Action plan for policies and procedures

• Implement a new software program already purchased to track animals in the shelter by April 30.
• Begin using a new microchip scanner that was donated.
• Get new signs.
• Purchase a secured safe to hold euthanization drugs.
• Provide more office space.
• Build kennel partitions.
• Install eye wash stations.
• Provide a new medical room to be set up by the veterinary advisory board.
• Complete staff training on officer safety, animal bites, cleaning, adoptions procedure, transportation, when to involve police, emergencies, dog fighting, when to involve the DNR, use of restraints, temperament testing and nutrition.
• Allow the citizens advisory board to review the county's recently amended animal control ordinance again.
• Install water bowls in each kennel and do away with the existing spigot system.
• Follow up to make sure people who adopt a pet get it spayed or neutered.
• Improve community outreach by working on education materials, launching a Web site and educating the community about pet ownership.
• Encourage philanthropy by launching endowment through a local community foundation.
  

Disposal of animals

• Have animal carcasses cremated at Sleepy Hollow Pet Cemetery in Byron Center or in a crematorium that can be donated instead of giving them to R&R Research to sell.

Disposition of animals

• Work better with other animal shelters and rescue groups to ensure more animals are adopted. People could take their animals back from the shelter and bring them to a research institution if they choose.

We need letters mailed or faxed to the Commissioners (an e-mail is too easy to delete). PLEASE write, fax or call today. PLEASE KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL!!! Fax # for the commissioners - 989-831-7375!

District 1- Ron Blanding
403 W High Street
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 225-7972

District 2- Tom Lindeman
8060 S. Backus Road
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 754-4918
tblindeman [at] sbcglobal.net

District 3- Ron Retzloff
786 S. Senator Rd.
Crystal, MI 48818
(989) 235-6827
comish [at] casair.net

District 4- John Johansen
3503 S. Monroe Rd.
Greenville, MI 48838
(616) 754-5375
johm [at] pathwaynet.com

District 5- Carl Paepke
18419 Stanton Rd. NW
Pierson, MI 49339
(616) 636-5692

District 6- Ron Baker
PO Box 91
Howard City, MI 49329
(231) 937-5465
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

District 7- Pat Carr
10397 Almy Rd.
Lakeview, MI 48850
(989) 352-8129

District 8- Roger Caris
8984 E. Deaner Rd.
Vestaburg, MI 48891
(989) 268-5875
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

District 9-Steven Crouse
8701 Session Rd
Carson City, MI 48811
(989) 235-4696
rbaker68amx [at] hotmail.com

County Officials Refuse Public Access to Bite Records

S.P.A. PRESS RELEASE

October 10, 2009

Sandusky County Health Department Refuses Access of Public Bite Records to Dog Safety Experts

These reports are public record, meaning that they legally should be available to whomever requests copies. We all want Fremont to remain a safe community. We all want our children to be safe around dogs.

Animal experts can not effectively assist city/county officials in addressing dog bite safety concerns until Sandusky County Department of Health releases these public bite records to Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates (OCDA) and Citizens Opposing BSL.
________________________________________

"Banning particular breeds is ineffective because it does nothing to address the real issues of responsible ownership," said Barbara McGrady, member of Citizens Opposing BSL. "Banning certain breeds does not address the serious nature of the problem surrounding dog attacks. That is namely people who abuse animals and those who are irresponsible. Both of these activities place the community as a whole at risk."
________________________________________

Jean Keating of OCDA said experts in this field are eager to assist Fremont and Sandusky County Officials in drafting dog legislation that has been proven effective in making communities safer places in which to live but can not do so until the Health Department releases their public bite records.

Citizens Opposing BSL have arranged a meeting to be held this Sunday (October 11th), 2 pm at 521 White Road in Fremont, Ohio. Guest Speaker, Jean Keating, will offer information and answer questions advocating a more effective, breed neutral ordinance.

________________________________________

CONTACT:

Citizens Opposing BSL
Barbara McGrady - 419-463-8474

Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates
Jean Keating - 419-708-8946

Fremont Ohio Group Opposes Breed Specific Laws

October 12,2009
From The News-Messenger.com...

FREMONT -- A group of citizens gathered Sunday afternoon to learn more about why breed-specific laws for dogs don't work.

Locals gathered at 521 White Road to voice their concerns about the possibility of pit bulls being regulated by the city.

Jean Keating, of Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates, Inc., out of Avon Lake said, "We basically try to promote responsible dog ownership in the state, and we're working with legislators on removing the term 'pit bull' from Ohio's definition of a vicious dog." According to the coalition, the laws don't work because they do nothing to address the proven factors that contribute to a dog's likelihood of displaying dangerous behavior such as owner responsibility, abuse and neglect, being inhumanely chained, not being spayed or neutered and dogs roaming at large.

However, Barbara McGrady, of Citizens Opposing Breed Specific Legislation, told those at the meeting that this is what people need to think about, "Banning certain breeds does not address the serious nature of the problem surrounding dog attacks; people who abuse animals and those who are irresponsible. Both of these activities place the community as a whole at risk."

Brent Soper, of Fremont, brought in his pit bull, Roxy, who he has had for nine years.

"(She's) the best dog I've ever owned, she's never left my yard in nine years," he said. When he brought Roxy in, she wagged her tail and made her way to each person as they petted her. The rest of the time she laid calmly by Soper's side. He feels the breed isn't at fault, and that's the owners are at fault for a dog's behavior.

Nichole and Jason Wolf, of Fremont, also brought in their two pit bulls, which also were friendly to those at the meeting.

While Nichole agrees that there are good and bad dogs in every breed, she says if pit bulls are regulated in some way, "it will only hurt the responsible (dog) owners."

But Jane Pollak, of Fremont, feels differently about the breed. Pollak, who was not at the meeting was contacted by telephone Sunday afternoon. She, too agrees that owners are responsible for how a dog behaves.

Last May, two pit bulls had gotten loose from a nearby home and made their way into her garage, where her 15-year-old cocker-mix, Abby, was attacked by the dogs. Abby died four days later from the injuries. Pollak said her main garage door had been closed, but she also has two side doors, and one of them was left open, which is how the two dogs came in.

"I do feel sorry for the dogs because they were put down, because it's not their fault, it's the owners," Pollak said. "I would never trust a pit bull, even though I know they can be nice family dogs."

There is a laws, rules and ordinance meeting of the Fremont City Council at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall to discuss the issue regarding what to do about pit bulls in the city. There will be four guest speakers. At an August council meeting, City Law Director Bob Hart said the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of regulating pit bulls. Hart had also encouraged council members to talk to residents about the issue.

Judy and Bill McKinney, of Fremont, witnessed an attack by a pit bull last month from their home. The McKinneys were also contact by telephone Sunday afternoon.

Judy said she was sitting in her home and had heard a woman screaming "Stop!" "Stop!" When she looked outside, a neighbor's pit bull was attacking a small dog that a family was taking for a walk on a leash.

"I'd never seen an attack before and I never want to see one again," Judy McKinney said, noting she fears for a person or another dog being attacked.

"No one should have to worry when walking their dogs on a leash," she said, noting the owner of the pit bull had gotten rid of the dog after the attack.

Pollak said she appreciates what Hart has asked council to consider.

"I don't want to make dog owners mad, but something needs to be done," she said.

At the meeting, Keating said she is in the process of having the Sandusky County Dog Warden's office gather dog bite records for review.

"We're the only state that has breed specific legislation state-wide," she said.

Vote NO on Ohio's Issue 2

Do you care how farm animals are treated?

If you do then...

VOTE NO!
on
ISSUE 2

Why is The Humane Society of the United States opposing Issue 2?

It's designed to favor large factory farms, not family farmers.

While designed to give the appearance of helping farm animals, Issue 2 is little more than a power grab by Ohio’s agribusiness lobby. The industry-dominated “animal care” council proposed by Issue 2 is really intended to thwart meaningful improvements in how the millions of farm animals in Ohio are treated on large factory farms.

Don't be fooled by those who don't want humane organizations telling them, for instance,
that chickens need to be able to stretch their wings.

http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/ballot_initiatives/ohio_issue_2.html?log-event=sp2f-view-item&nid=50741062

________________________________________


On November 3, 2009, Say NO to Big Agribusiness’ Power Grab

If you oppose animal abuse, vote NO on Issue 2 this November.

Why is The Humane Society of the United States opposing Issue 2? While designed to give the appearance of helping farm animals, Issue 2 is little more than a power grab by Ohio’s agribusiness lobby. The industry-dominated “animal care” council proposed by Issue 2 is really intended to thwart meaningful improvements in how the millions of farm animals in Ohio are treated on large factory farms.

Because it’s designed to favor large factory farms, not family farmers, Issue 2 is opposed by the Ohio Farmers Union, the Ohio Environmental Stewardship Alliance, League of Women Voters of Ohio, the Ohio League of Humane Voters, and the Ohio Sierra Club.

The editorial boards of Ohio’s major newspapers—including the Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal, and Dayton Daily News—all oppose this effort to enshrine the agribusiness lobby’s favored oversight system in the state’s constitution.

Issue 2 is a classic example of bad public policy-making and should be rejected by voters.

Ohio is one of the top veal production states in the nation, with many calves chained by their necks inside crates so small they can’t even turn around for months on end. As well, the state has 170,000 breeding pigs, many of whom are confined in two-foot-wide crates barely larger than their bodies for almost their entire lives. And 28 million egg-laying hens in Ohio are confined in barren, wire battery cages so restrictive the birds can't even spread their wings. This type of extreme confinement is cruel and inhumane, environmentally damaging, and poses severe public health threats. These problems have prompted six U.S. states—and the entire European Union—to criminalize certain kinds of extreme confinement of farm animals.

In the wake of California’s overwhelming passage of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act—which banned veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages in California—The Humane Society of the United States sought to engage in cooperative dialogue with the agribusiness community in Ohio. We hoped to be able to continue that dialogue and work cooperatively with the state’s farming leaders—both large and small—to collaboratively advance animal welfare statewide. But rather than discussing potential solutions to these problems, the Ohio Farm Bureau is now trying to hastily grab more power than it already has. The lobby group persuaded the legislature to refer a measure to the November 2009 ballot that would enshrine in the state’s constitution an industry-dominated council to “oversee” the treatment of farm animals. Unfortunately, this council is likely to do little to advance farm animal welfare. It is little more than a handout to Big Agribusiness interests in the state, seeking to codify the abusive practices currently being used in the state constitution.

Don’t let Big Ag get away with this power grab: Vote NO on Issue 2.

Barbara McGrady
S.P.A.
www.spaohio.org
P.O. Box 1047
Fremont, Ohio 43420

Fight for Tax Break for Pet Care Costs

From A.S.P.C.A.

Dear Animal Advocates,

Introduced by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, H.R. 3501—known as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act—is a federal bill that would reward responsible pet parents by allowing them to keep more money in their pockets come tax time.

We all want to give our animal companions the best care we possibly can, but it seems that pet care costs are always on the rise—and these days, it’s harder than ever to stretch the family budget. That’s why the ASPCA supports H.R. 3501, which would amend U.S. tax code to allow qualifying pet care expenses, including veterinary care, to be tax-deductible. This means that when you prepare your income taxes, money you spent on pet care that year would count as non-taxable income—and you can deduct up to $3,500 per year! Please help us support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

What You Can Do
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to send an email to your U.S. representative and urge him or her to support and cosponsor the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

Thank you for supporting this bill and being part of our team!

Fremont Council Members Eager for Input

A follow-up to Town Hall Meeting on Pit Bull Ban in Fremont, OH...

The City of Fremont has either blocked all incoming email or there is a problem with their server. PLEASE RESEND YOUR THOUGHTS TO COUNCIL MEMBERS' PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESSES BELOW. City Council Members are eager to hear from you regarding the possibility of banning pit bulls in Fremont.

I called council members at their homes and have obtained the following personal email addresses of the council members who said that they are certainly open to your input. Please send an email voicing your opinon regarding pit bulls and whether or not they should be singled out. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE POLITE and FACTUAL. A special thanks to the following council members for their willingness to hear all sides on this issue. Objectivity is imperitive when making a decision that could force many households in Fremont to give up loving pets that are considered members of their families.

ALSO: Read Pit Bull Expert and Attorney's Response Below

Email addresses in spam-bot protection form. Please replace [at] with @ and remove extra spaces.

LARRY JACKSON (Democrat)
littlegiantspa [at] yahoo.com

JIM MELLE (Democrat)
Councilman-at-Large
jimmelle [at] hotmail.com

DON NALLEY (Democrat)
1st Ward Councilman
nalley1stward [at] aol.com

RICK ROOT (Republican)
Unable to Contact

KAREN WAGNER (Democrat)
2nd Ward Councilwoman
pwags43 [at] yahoo.com

JIM WEAVER (Democrat)
Unable to Contact

MIKE KOEBEL (Republican)
No email address available
SNAIL MAIL:
830 Morrison St.
Fremont, OH 43420

Mayor Overmyer has referred all calls to Law Director, Bob Hart

Call Bob Hart's Office:
Fremont, Ohio Law Director/ Prosecutor
419-334-2908

City Prosecutor/Law Director Bob Hart
Attacks the Pit Bull Issue...

Fremont Law Director Hart said: "...if we can just focus on pit bulls now and decide how far the city wants to go in regulating them, anywhere from a total ban to requiring how they are kenneled and locked up. So I think that's kind of where we're at."

Attorney Terry Lodge requested that this response follow Hart's above statement:

The question must be asked, why has a possible ban of pit bulls become of a sudden, burning issue in Fremont? There've been no sensational dog attack or dog bite cases for a very long time in Fremont or Sandusky County; the supposed threat from pit bulls has not dominated local conversations in the media; indeed, the General Assembly has long ago put into place requirements for securing pit bulls on and off the owner's premises - provisions on the books which can be enforced with fines or even jailing when charges are brought by the County Dog Warden or any police officer. There is, however, an economic recession which has affected the City and Northwestern Ohio, and a local ordinance modeled after the state law will increase the City's income from fines, Attorney Lodge states.

The Fremont City Law Director misunderstands Ohio law when he suggests that pit bulls can be completely banned. That is not what the Ohio Supreme Court said in the Toledo v. Tellings case. The Supreme Court said that the General Assembly can require pit bulls to be contained inside fences on their owners' property and that they must wear a muzzle when out in public. There is no pit bull "crisis" in Fremont and no legally-based reason for an out-and-out ban of pit bulls. I predict that a complete ban on pit bulls in Fremont will lose in the courts and in effect makes a revenue issue out of a loving pet.

The Supreme Court decision only interprets the statute, incidentally. The STATE law already requires muzzling, special insurance, fencing. The local ordinance - if it doesn't try to ban pits but only duplicates the interpretation and statute - is redundant.

Towns often pass duplicate local ordinances so they can bring charges under the local law and so collect 100% of the fine instead of having to split it with the state government.

Since the general assembly has set the outer limit for regulation of pits, I predict the courts will strike down an out and out ban. It'll cost a lot of money to the City so why are they posturing? I think the answer is obvious.

Lodge continues, "Is the pit bull issue a "red herring" way of increasing the City's revenue stream? Is increasing the cruel and unnecessary extermination of a specific breed of dog truly a required must for more money in public coffers?"

Town Hall Meeting on Pit Bull Ban in Fremont, OH

An URGENT appeal from Barbara McGrady of S.P.A....

Please email / call the following politicians to help prevent a Pit Bull ban in Fremont, Ohio. Politely express your opinon.

Fremont Law Director Hart said: "...if we can just focus on Pit Bulls now and decide how far the city wants to go in regulating them, anywhere from a total ban to requiring how they are kenneled and locked up. So I think that's kind of where we're at."

Town Meeting will be held
October 15th at City Hall, 6:30 pm

PLEASE MAKE THE EFFORT TO ATTEND
IF YOU LIVE NEAR FREMONT, OH!

Mayor Overmyer has referred all calls to Law Director, Bob Hart...

Call Bob Hart's Office:
Fremont, Ohio Law Director/ Prosecutor
419-334-2908

City Council Members want to know how you feel...

Mike Koebel
419-334-4231 home, 419-332-5300 work

Email addresses in spam-bot protection form. Please replace [at] with @ and remove extra spaces.

Jim Melle
jmelle [at] fremontohio.org

Larry Jackson
ljackson [at] fremontohio.org

O. Duane Simmons
odsimmons [at] fremontohio.org

Rick Root
rroot [at] fremontohio.org

Jim Weaver
jweaver [at] fremontohio.org

Karen Wagner
pwags43 [at] yahoo.com

Don Nalley
nalley1stward [at] aol.com

Quotes by Bob Hart, County Law Director: "...When I get the cases in when a dog has bitten somebody and you want to throw up because of the damage because of the mutilation, yeah, pit bulls. Other dogs may bite but they don't rip and tear and kill like pit bulls do."

"My personal feeling is that pit bulls don't belong in municipalities around kids and other companion animals. That's my personal opinion. But I'd like council to start getting a feel for where they'd like to be with that," FREMONT CITY PROSECUTOR BOB HART SAID.

A laws, rules and ordinance committee meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at city hall to discuss issues with pit bulls. At an August council meeting, City Law Director Bob Hart said the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of regulating pit bulls. Hart had also encouraged council members to talk to residents about the issue.

Transcript of September 3 Council Meeting:
Fremont City Law Director Bob Hart said: "The Supreme Court has ruled favorably for a city's ability to regulate pit bulls. Despite what our Court of Appeals had ruled - the Supreme Court has issued a decision that pretty much supports a city's ability to regulate bit bulls.

Toledo had an ordinance that actually only allowed one household to own one pit bull and they regulated the number of pit bulls and the Supreme Court has upheld that saying that there is a rational relationship and a legitimate interest for the city to do that for safety reasons.

The other issue that we talked about when we talked was about dangerous and vicious dogs and the city's ability to regulate the animals that have a propensity or that have a history of causing harm or acting in a menacing fashion. That issue right now in my mind is still awful murky. The Supreme Court just issued another decision late last month that I read and quite honestly it makes the issue muddier. So what I suggest to council is to start thinking amongst yourselves, start talking to some people to find out how far the city wants to go in regulating pit bulls.

And I think maybe this fall if the city can just focus on the pit bull issue and get that issue resolved maybe next spring or something the other areas might have a little more clarity where I think that I can give council a little bit more, a little better advice on what we can and can not do as far as other vicious dogs.

But if we can just focus on pit bulls now and decide how far the city wants to go in regulating them anywhere from a total ban to requiring how they are kenneled and locked up. So I think that's kind of where we're at.

The way the state stature was it said the definition of a vicious dog included a dog that either caused harm to a person or serious harm to another animal or was a pit bull, okay? Just because of the breed... Breed specific. If it was a pit bull and if the dog warden determined it was a pit bull it was considered a vicious dog.

Our Sixth District Court of Appeals said, No, wait a minute, you can't do that, you can't say that just because it's a pit bull means it's vicious." Even though the Toledo Municipal Court had expert after expert after expert testify that they (pit bulls) were vicious and the defendant in that case brought in his own expert saying that they weren't vicious the Toledo Municipal Court ruled that they were vicious.

Jean Keating of the Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates asked that I insert the following regarding Hart's quote above. Ms. Keating states, "The experts Toledo called in did not testify that pit bulls are vicious. I have the transcripts from the hearing. They testified that pits are used to guard drugs in inner city areas and thus police encounter them more frequently. Even Karla Hamlin, Lucas County Pound Manager, stated that pit bulls are no different than other dogs when treated properly."

Hart's council presentation continues, "Our Court of Appeals ruled that they weren't vicious. Our Supreme Court now went back to yes Toledo, you can do it. Okay? So what I'd like council to do is we want to address the whole situation but right now the only thing I think we can do with sufficient clarity is attack the pit bull issue. So I'd like council to think about where we'd like to start with that."

My personal feeling is that pit bulls don't belong in municipalities around kids and other companion animals. That's my personal opinion. But I'd like council to start getting a feel for where they'd like to be with that.

Councilman Nalley asked Hart, "Mr. Hart, when you get calls or complaints regarding dogs is it very often that you're getting those complaints for breeds other than the pit bull... are you getting a variety or mostly pit bulls?

Hart responded, "That would be a better question for the dog warden Gina Habeisen to be asked. (Fred Harris is actually the dog warden, Gina is Deputy Dog Warden)."

"Maybe we can get her to shed some light on her experience with pit bulls but as far as when I get the cases in when a dog has bitten somebody and you want to throw up because of the damage because of the mutilation yeah, pit bulls. Other dogs may bite but they don't rip and tear and kill like pit bulls do."

Barbara McGrady, founder and president of S.P.A., thinks it is important to remove raw emotion and look at treatment of Fremont's pit bulls in a factual, logical, rational way. How many people have been attacked in the city of Fremont by pit bulls? How many have been attacked by all other breeds? How may people in the city of Fremont have been killed by pit bulls? How many have been killed by other dog attacks?

If Fremont's pit bulls are not causing more problems than any of the other breeds, why would it be necessary to discuss banning this breed, which is obviously just being said as a scare tactic to set up acceptance of the alternative measures of more secure enforcement which would generate income from fines.

It is more logical and would probably be more lucrative to the city if the dog warden and prosecutor announced a no-exceptions policy of fining owners the maximum when there are citations for a dog running loose, instead of intruding on the decision of what breed of dog a person chooses as a pet.

The Council may also be considering setting up a panel for dog bite reviews to decide whether a dog is "vicious" according to law. While there is some merit to such an idea, the details must be fully disclosed to the public so it can be further analyzed and discussed, McGrady said.

HB 39 - Stop the Amish from Hurting Dogs for Profit

From S.P.A. Action Alert...

SUPPORT H.B. 39!

It takes an Amish farmer less than 5 minutes to "debark" one of his breeding dogs by hammering a steel rod down her throat - and breaking her jaw and shattering her back teeth. It takes 5 minutes for that same farmer/commercial breeder to cut off one of his dog's tail - in a filthy, dark barn without anesthesia. And it takes about the same amount of time for his thirteen year old son to tie the dog down and cut the puppies from her belly. Five minutes more to crop her ears using a pair of rusted hedge shears - the dog squirming and crying out in unbelievable pain.

So why is it taking Senator Stewart Greenleaf more than a week to decide that this is wrong?

When we called his office last week to ask why his Committee is sitting on H.B. 39, we were told by his aide that Senator Greenleaf is "reviewing" the bill. What's to review? Everyone on Capital Hill knows about this bill. It is the companion bill to H.B. 2525 that passed into law last fall. When ask, repeatedly, if Senator Greenleaf would support H.B. 39, his aide would would commit. This is surprising to us considering Senator Greenleaf not only toured Pennsylvania' s puppy mills with a reporter from the Inquirer in 1995, seeing firsthand the conditions these animals face, but he also coined the expression "Puppy Mill Capital of the East Coast" and expressed an urgent need for change. Well, Senator Greenleaf, here's your chance to bring about change and help these dogs!

H.B. 39 would make it illegal for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to perform these procedures, or if it is already illegal for anyone but a licensed vet to perform the procedure, it will toughen the penalties.

Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to vote the bill out of their committee so it can finally go to the floor of the Senate for a vote. The bill passed the House unanimously, and passed the Senate Agricultural Committee unanimously two weeks ago (thank you members of the Ag Committee!). This bill is a crucial step toward protecting the dogs of Pennsylvania. Please email (or call) the below legislators and ask them to to support H.B. 39 and move it to the Senate floor. Important to note, Senator Greenleaf represents Montgomery County. MLAR covers Montgomery County and many of us live in Montgomery County (I know I do) so let your voices be heard!

Bill Smith
Main Line Animal Rescue

All email addresses below end in (@pasen.gov)

Stewart Greenleaf sgreenleaf@pasen.gov
717-787-6599 or call 215-657-7700

Mary Jo White mwhite@pasen.gov

Joseph Scarnati jscarnati@pasen.gov

Patrick Browne pbrowne@pasen.gov

Jane Earl jearl@pasen.gov

John Gordner jgordner@pasen.gov

Jane Clare Orie jorie@pasen.gov

Jeffrey Piccola jpiccola@pasen.gov

John Rafferty jrafferty@pasen.gov
(represents parts of Chester, Montgomery, Berks Counties)

All email addresses below end with @pasenate.com

Lisa Boscola boscola@pasenate.com

Jay Costa costa@pasenate.com

Wayne Fontana fontana@pasenate.com

Michael Stack stack@pasenate.com

Breed Ban Lifted in the Netherlands

From the Toronto Humane Society website. Article dated 8/8/08:

Ban against pit bulls found not to work!

In a major blow to proponents of BSL policies, Holland has lifted its ban on pit bulls!

On Monday, June 9, the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Gerda Verburg, announced to the parliament that the rule banning pit bulls in the Netherlands would be lifted. After fifteen years, it has been found that the ban has been ineffective.

This represents a major victory for European animal advocates who have been opposing this breed specific legislation!

Read the entire story at:
http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/newsandevents/stories/2008/08-08g.asp

URGENT PETITION: Help Save Sasha

From owner Kimberly Wilson of Windsor, Ontario:

My dog Sasha has been deemed as a prohibited breed here in the City of Windsor. Sasha is Not a Pitt bull and I have a rabies certificate signed by the doctor at Lauzon Vet hospital here in Windsor with her breed as American Bulldog.

I have been served to go to court and prove she is not a Pitt bull.

The Veterinarians association does not allow Vets to determine the breed of an animal. The Vet himself told me that he is not qualified to identify a specific breed. This leads me to wonder what makes the City Officials qualified to make that judgement. Sasha has never harmed anyone nor has she ever caused trouble.

Please sign the petition and help me save her life and try to put an end to the endless number of INNOCENT animals being put to sleep.

Read the full story and SIGN THIS URGENT PETITION:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/19/Please-Save-Sasha

Jo Ann's comments:

First, it is not only unfair but terribly unjust to seize or kill a dog because of it's breed. Until an animal becomes a menace to the community, then and ONLY then should euthanasia be considered.

Second, without DNA testing, it is impossible to determine breeds, especially a mixed breed.

It seems that law enforcement and animal control officers see "Pit Bull" in just about every dog they encounter, anymore, and city officials go along with it.

How sad that a licensed Veterinarians testimony would not be allowed over that of an unqualified, clueless law enforcement or animal control officer with little to no qualifications for determining breeds.

Although I don't live in Canada, I can honestly tell you that in the United States, most of these people couldn't tell a full-blooded Pit Bull from a Beagle/Lab mix.

Third, banning a specific breed is ludicrous. All dogs respond to what they're taught and how they're treated... it doesn't matter if it's a Pit Bull or a Chihuahua. Of course, it's become apparent that it must be easier for our city officials and law enforcement to confiscate the dog and kill it rather than prosecute the owner who is really to blame for a vicious animal.

SASHA HAS COMMITTED NO CRIME other than the fact that some unqualified person or persons have deemed her to be a banned breed. She has a clean record as a good canine citizen in her community.

It is my recommendation that the good people of Canada, as well as the people in this country, enlighten themselves to the real problem at hand. It is not a particular breed of dog that causes the problem.... it is an irresponsible, criminal-minded owner.

To kill innocent dogs is nothing more than canine genocide.

DID WE LEARN NOTHING FROM THE HITLER REGIME? Lots of innocent people died... and now lots of innocent dogs are dying.

I respectfully ask the city officials of Windsor to reconsider your ban on specific breeds and also to allow Sasha to live.

Even if she is a Pit Bull or a Pit mix, she has done nothing to warrant being killed.

Montcalm: Still a Skunk in the Woodpile

Another update on Montcalm from Nancy Jean Rose:

I just learned that at the Montcalm meeting it was stated that Montcalm will still sell animals to MSU for experimentation.

All that has been done is that the county has eliminated the middle man (R&R Research) and taken on the role of animal pimp in its place.

I was wondering what would happen when the "founding fathers" of the county realized that they could begin making up to $400 per dog and who knows how much per cat by pimping the animals themselves. Now we see the heart of the matter--greed. Those Montcalm "founding fathers" are awful people.

You might want to circulate this information.

For previous posts regarding the Montcalm County, MI issue, please see the Animal Testing category.

WE WON! Montcalm Ends Animal Research Contract

WE WON! WE WON!! WE WON!!!

Thanks to all of you who supported the effort, and was a part of the movement, R&R Research will no longer have a contract with Montcalm MI to harvest former family pets for free and sell them for "research" at gains of $300 - $400 per dog and who knows how much for cats.

The betrayal of public trust and innocent victim animal trust in this situation was extreme and repugnant. But thanks to you all, the contract is cancelled as of August 1. (Now we just have to get those poor, innocent souls through August 1.) Please scroll down and read the final report.

Congratulations for a job well done.

Nancy Jean Rose


UPDATE: Montcalm votes to end animal research contract
April 27, 2009

MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. (WZZM) - Montcalm County leaders will end their contract with a research company that uses animals from the county's shelter.

The county board of commissioners voted this afternoon to end the agreement with R&R Research effective August 1.

The deal with R&R has been the source of heated debate for months in Montcalm County. Montcalm is one of only three counties in Michigan that takes what are supposed to be "unwanted" shelter animals and sells them to research facilities.

R&R Research disposes of the remains of euthanized animals from the Montcalm County Animal Shelter. In return, the company uses unwanted dogs and cats from the facility.

The deal has been highly controversial. Last month, a committee formed to look at the issue, recommended ending the county's contract with R&R.

The owner of R&R Research had a chance to make a final pitch to the Board of Commissions this afternoon, but the board decided to end the controversial contract.

Sandy Carlton with the Concerned Citizens Coalition says she is relieved, but citizens now have to do their part to help the animal shelter succeed. "It's succeeded in other counties, but we still have work to do. We're glad this happened. Very happy. It's a big step."

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=108607&catid=2

Hard-Hitting Wolf Ads Greet Palin in Indiana

Update from Defenders of Wildlife...

APRIL 15, 2009

WASHINGTON – When Gov. Sarah Palin arrives in Evansville, Ind. tomorrow, she will be greeted by the latest installment of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund’s Eye on Palin campaign. TV and print ads will run all day on April 16, 2009 to ensure that Evansville residents are aware that she promotes the shooting of wolves from airplanes, as well as gassing wolf pups in their dens.

“Since Governor Palin is making the rounds pushing her own agenda, we wanted to give residents of Evansville the full picture and highlight the more extreme portions of her agenda,” commented Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen. “Whatever she may say on her trips across the Lower 48, Governor Palin’s aggressive pursuit of increasingly extreme wildlife policies, such as the shooting of wolves from airplanes and gassing wolf pups in their dens, places her values well outside those held by most Americans.”

Launched in January 2009, http://www.eyeonpalin.org/ was set up to track Governor Palin’s extreme anti-conservation agenda. In less than three months since the website launched, Palin’s administration and the Board of Game have approved, among many things, the use of helicopters by private hunters to shoot wolves and the use of poison gas to kill wolves and their pups in their dens. They have even butted heads with the National Park Service over their decision to shoot wolves that largely reside in a National Preserve, some of which were part of a years-long scientific study.

“Governor Palin is pursuing her anti-science, anti-conservation policies in Alaska at breakneck speed. So while they’re shaking hands with the Governor, we hope the residents of Evansville will also ask her about her extreme agenda,” continued Schlickeisen. “She hasn’t listened to the nearly 200 scientists and wildlife experts who wrote to her and asked her to stop her unjustified aerial killing program. Maybe she’ll listen to the good people of Indiana.”

Watch the TV Ad

###

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (http://www.defendersactionfund.org/) provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.