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WAGGIN TAILS JULY 2025
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY Dear Friends and Members: Happy summer. It is amazing how time flies. It’s July 4th, the birth of our country. We have to hold on to it, and appreciate all that it is. Please watch out for pets, and strays. The firecrackers are very frightening to them. Pets are on a leash (or should be), but strays can run into traffic. Once a year, we take an important issue and repeat an article that we think is important to repeat.
There are so many strays in this world that suffer so much. Let’s not forget what they do in the Asian countries with dogs, and cats. It is a nightmare. Please, if you see a petition to stop horrific torture, please sign it. Have a wonderful, safe summer. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] ASPCA Farmers Join the ASPCA on Capitol Hill for Briefing Urging Congress to Invest in a More Humane, Healthy Food System WASHINGTON, DC – Today on Capitol Hill, the ASPCA® moderated a briefing featuring farmers and ranchers from across the country who shared their experiences both raising animals in the industrial agriculture system and operating in a healthier, more humane and sustainable manner. Congressional staff in attendance heard directly from farmers who advocated for policy solutions, highlighting the need for greater investment in America’s independent farms, and encouraged Congress to prioritize support for higher-welfare, more resilient, pasture-based farming systems as discussions continue around federal funding and the next Farm Bill. The briefing directly follows a June 16th tour of two higher-welfare farms in Virginia – Whiffletree Tree Farm and Kinloch Farm – where congressional staff joined the ASPCA, farmers, and other food system experts to visit these operations in-person and hear directly from the farmers making them successful. Hosted in cooperation with Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.), the panel featured a robust discussion with farmers from Georgia, North Carolina, Minnesota and Virgina, who spoke about the benefits for animals, farmers and consumers of more humane, pasture-based farming, how their practices differ from industrial agriculture, the markets they’re currently able to access, as well as the barriers to growth and financial stability that they face using non-industrial practices. The farmers also explained how federal policies impede their ability to adopt better practices or continue farming this way, highlighting the critical need to invest in America’s independent farms and the supply chains they rely upon to support the growth of a more humane, healthy food system. “At the ASPCA we celebrate the farmers and ranchers across the country who choose – despite the many challenges of working in a system that was not designed for them – to raise animals with the highest welfare standards,” said Daisy Freund, vice president of Farm Animal Welfare for the ASPCA. “After hearing from these farmers and seeing first-hand the difference that high welfare, pasture-based farming can make, we hope that lawmakers will understand that we cannot double down on the industrial status quo and join us in building a more humane and healthy farming system.” “Conventional farming practices often work against the nature of land and animals: pastures are overgrazed, animals are stressed, our food lacks nutrition, and toxic feed and chemicals are used to save money and band-aid the systemic problems,” Jesse Straight, farmer and founder of Whiffletree Farm in Virginia. “U.S. land, animals, food, and farmers will benefit from farm policy that encourages farming that collaborates with nature’s systems.” “Farmers want out of industrial agriculture. They want to raise animals or grow crops in healthier ways that don’t leave them desperately buried under debt, but there is no off ramp,” said Craig Watts, former poultry contract grower & director of the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project’s Contract Grower Transition Program. “We need federal policies like the Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act to save farmers from exploitative contracts and help them farm with dignity and security.” “Investing in pasture-based, humane agriculture offers huge economic, ecological and food security returns,” said Andrew L. Smith Sr., co-owner of Smith Brothers’ Ranch in Georgia. “This way of farming and ranching isn’t a quaint folly, its already nourishing communities, regenerating our soil and revitalizing rural America, but we need policies in place to scale and replicate these benefits that will enable all producers to grow together.” “Higher-welfare farmers in the Midwest and across the country need public investment in coordinated value chains, accessible support services, and community-owned infrastructure to build resilient regional food systems,” said Diane Christofore, executive director of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance. “If we want nourishing food, regenerative, humane agriculture at scale, and money back in the hands of the people growing our food, then farmers and rural communities need to be in the driver’s seat of farm policy.” Over 10 billion animals are raised for food on U.S. factory farms every year, and surveys show that the vast majority (89%) of Americans are concerned about industrial animal agriculture, citing animal welfare, worker safety, or public health risks as a concern. Today’s panel of farmers demonstrated that there are more humane alternatives to factory farming, highlighting the urgent need to align the food system with the values of a majority of Americans. As Congress considers which farmers and practices to support with the hundreds of billions of dollars allocated to agriculture through the Farm Bill and other vehicles, they must increase support for the many farms that are protecting animals, consumers and our environment, rather than using tax dollars to reinforce the harm done by factory farming. ASPCA ASPCA Announces New Round of Grant Funding to Support Cutting-Edge Research to Benefit Animals NEW YORK – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has announced $460,000 in grant funding available to U.S. and Canadian organizations to support research that either directly or systemically benefits animals, with a focus on projects that examine cruelty, access to veterinary care, applied behavior, psychological trauma, shelter research, and farm animal welfare. As the nation’s leading voice for animals for more than 150 years, the ASPCA is deeply committed to improving the lives of at-risk dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals, and research is a key element to addressing animal welfare. “Research is critical to understanding the full scope of an issue and determining how we can most quickly and effectively take action, however most animal welfare issues are unsolved and underrepresented in both research and practice,” said Dr. Maya Gupta, vice president of research at the ASPCA. “By fostering high-quality research on some of the biggest issues facing animals in our society, we can help inform innovative strategies on how the animal welfare community and its partners can enhance access to veterinary care, adoption and behavioral rehabilitation programs, partnerships with law enforcement and shelter professionals, and increase public awareness to improve the lives of both companion and farm animals.” Billions of animals across the U.S. face challenges to their wellbeing each year, from cruelty to homelessness and lack of access to veterinary care, as well as those suffering on cruel factory farms. To address some of the most urgent issues facing the animal welfare community, the ASPCA is seeking proposals for Research Grants in the following categories:
For years, the ASPCA research grants have awarded funding to organizations nationwide to support groundbreaking and thought-provoking research. Some of last year’s grant recipients include:
“The ASPCA Research Grant has been instrumental in advancing our collaborative study with the Virginia State Police, examining how animal cruelty cases are reported in Virginia through the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS),” said Dr. Holly Hargreaves-Cormany, Associate Professor of Forensic and Legal Psychology, Marymount University . “Thanks to the ASPCA’s support, our findings will help raise awareness of the challenges involved in enforcing animal cruelty laws, highlight current trends in the animal control field, and inform best practices for training animal service agencies to use the NIBRS database effectively. Ultimately, with the insights of this research, the Virginia State Police training program could serve as a national model for other state law enforcement agencies." LINDA’S LINE Hi. July is here again, and I can’t believe that we are in the seventh month of the year. It is unbelievable how quickly time passes. I hope that this summer won’t be a scorcher. The weather was pretty good this past month, despite a few thunderstorms here and there, but we have already had some warm weather both here, and around the country. So far, the strays are doing as well as can be expected, but please try to remember to carry pet food, and water with you. It is difficult for them to find these necessities for themselves, and they will be very grateful for any kindness that we can show them. Remember that we are their guardians. First, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends, and members a Happy, and Safe Fourth of July. Once again, a reminder to please be careful with firecrackers, and remember that they can be dangerous to us, our pets, and the strays. Their ears are so much more sensitive than ours, both strays, and pets are very much afraid of the noise that fireworks create. This is very stressful for the animals. So please be aware, and try to keep them calm, and out of harm’s way. If you have an animal that has any kind of health problems, be extra careful to give them as much attention, and comfort as possible during this time, because the stress caused by the noise of fireworks can be especially harmful to them. Please remember to be aware of the strays in your area as well, because if a firecracker goes off near them, they may be tempted to run out into traffic to get away from the noise. If a stray is hurt, please bring it to your veterinarian or the SPCA that is nearest to you. Please, at the very least, call the appropriate agency to come and pick up the animal if possible. In New York, there are Animal Care Centers in all boroughs that are intended to help strays. Please check with them, if you find an injured animal. For information on where these centers are, please call 311 (the Mayor’s Office). If you can be responsible for the stray, if it is friendly, to find it a home or adopt it, we can help with medical bills if you take it to your veterinarian. You will have to contact us first, as we only pay directly to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, we do not have foster or holding homes. We rely on the public for “hands on.” We can help with medical only. MOST IMPORTANT: We have seen too many reports on the news of children, and animals, who died as a result of being left in a hot car. So, PLEASE remember NEVER to leave a child or a pet in a parked car in the heat. This is extremely dangerous and could result in a tragic loss. Please continue to write or call your politicians asking to change laws for better humane care for the strays. Let them know that you want changes in the law, to stamp out cruelty to animals, and more support placed on helping sick and injured animals. Your voice, and your neighbor’s voice, need to be heard. We have to join with each other – there is strength in numbers. Have a wonderful summer. Be safe. Be happy, and be a guardian to a stray – don’t pass him/her by. CLOSING THOUGHT Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members, thank you for all that you do. Please update your mailing address – we don’t want to lose you. Let us know your summer/winter address. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our programs to help the strays, please give them our literature. It is very important to have more people join. Please visit our website. We are always updating the pictures of animals that we have helped. The website address is saveourstraysbrooklyn.com. Please let people know that we have a PayPal page, and a Go Fund Me page. It is now easier to donate to Save Our Strays. The funds are greatly needed, and very appreciated. We have helped thousands of strays over our 57 years. Our starting date was May/June 1968, so it is now 57 years. The funds that come in enable us to stay, and help the strays. We need you to spread the word to keep funds coming in. Please put our newsletter on a work bulletin board or give it to people who might be interested. Remember, we are a 501(c)(3) Tax deductible organization. Thank you, in advance, for your help. Please do not leave a pet in a car, even with the window open. The temperature rises very quickly, and the pet can be DEAD by the time you return from the store or wherever you went, for the proverbial minute. Think about what our “food” animals go through. Please write your government leaders, and ask for more Humane Laws. They are thinking, feeling animals. They suffer, and they have no recourse. Their only hope is more humane legislation. They need us to fight for them. Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” Have a Happy, and Healthy Summer. Till next time. Waggin’ Off
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WAGGIN TAILS JUNE 2025 FLAG DAY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH To All our Friends and Members: June, a happy time. Nice weather, summer vacation. Let’s not forget that there is no vacation for the strays. They are still looking for food, shelter and water every day. There is one stray in particular, that I keep watch on. He walks, and walks all night. He seems to have several places that he goes to, to find food, but he works very hard for it walking all over the area. Sometimes, when it rains it is hard to find food. He is one of thousands that need help. We do what we can, but without you, we are nothing. Many of these stray cats do not have colonies that have “Feeders.” They are the sad ones with little hope. Please, if you have cats or know of anyone that has cats, please have them spayed and/or neutered. We don’t need new 4-pawed mothers, and fathers. A Happy Father’s Days for cats is not to be a father. Thank you all, for what you continue to do to care for the strays. Enjoy your Father’s Day – Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers and in-laws! We appreciate all of you.   LEGISLATION [REPRINTED]
As Maryland’s 2025 legislative session concludes, advocates celebrate landmark animal welfare reforms Legislators approve measures to strengthen anti-cruelty penalties, ensure transparency in pet rental policies, expand access to veterinary care, and establish collaboration on mitigation of wildlife deaths through car strike and habitat fragmentation. ANNAPOLIS—As the 2025 legislative session ends, the Maryland legislature has proven that even during one of the most challenging political environments in recent years, support for animal welfare remains a top priority among lawmakers. The session included a historic first in humane law as a prohibition on the breeding of roosters (SB375/HB513) passed with bipartisan support. The session also saw the passage of SB152/HB89, which closed a loophole in the state code, thus ensuring that separate charges can be brought for each animal in cases where an individual is accused of cruelty to multiple animals. SB896/HB1152, a first-of-its-kind law approved by the legislature, requires landlords with five or more rental properties to make their pet policy accessible on their websites, via rental search engines, and through hard-copy rental applications, providing greater transparency for renters with pets. “This year’s session opened with an air of trepidation as the state faced so many issues, including a budget crisis, funding imperative agencies and the elimination of some federal agencies with potential implications for the state,” said Stacey Volodin, Maryland state director for Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States. “However, our leaders have shown that they are able to work through serious issues including humane legislation that helps animals and the many Marylanders who care about their welfare.” Lawmakers also passed additional animal protection measures, including, Sb318/HB643, a bill that allows veterinarians to participate in Maryland’s public service loan forgiveness program, thus expanding access to veterinary care in the state; HB731/HB635, which established the Maryland Connectivity Coalition, bringing together state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other parties interested in protecting endangered wildlife from habitat fragmentation and car strikes via wildlife crossings and other means for creating safe pathways for animals, preventing collisions and saving lives. This session was also notable for the introduction of two measures that will resurface as legislative priorities in the future. One sought to end the cruel confinement of egg-laying hens in cages so small they cannot spread their wings, while the other sought to prohibit the use of animal testing where it is not required and ensure stronger welfare standards so long as such testing continues. FYI [REPRINTED] RIU Hotels Group commits to a 100% cage free egg supply chain globally MEXICO CITY, Mexico—RIU Hotels Group, with 100 locations in over 20 countries, announced its commitment to implement a fully cage-free procurement policy for all types of eggs utilized by its hotels around the globe by the end of 2025. The hotel group has been working with Humane Society International/Mexico since 2021 to begin this supply chain transition, supporting egg producers who have made the change to higher animal welfare systems and cage-free living for thousands of hens. The cage-free systems provide the laying hens with space to walk and develop their natural behavior. In caged systems, the laying hens do have not enough space to walk, nest or perform other fundamental behaviors. RIU Hotels has been committed to sustainability and animal welfare initiatives throughout its global operations. This commitment represents an important step in fulfilling its path as a socially responsible company. “Within the framework of our Animal Welfare Policy, we commit that 100% of the eggs consumed in all our hotels and in all our products come from cage-free birds by the end of 2025. We will not accept breeding systems combined. This transition will be gradual, and we will work hand in hand with expert organizations in the field, as well as local suppliers and producers to achieve it. We will publicly report our progress toward full compliance with this commitment on our website or other means annually, said RIU Hotels Group.” “HSI congratulates RIU Hotels for its commitment to farm animal welfare and for taking steps to implement better conditions for hundreds of thousands of laying hens worldwide. We commend RIU for taking action to ensure that this important commitment will be met and are excited to collaborate further in Mexico and beyond,” says Arianna Torres, corporate relations, and public policy manager at HSI/Mexico. Reference in this article to any specific commercial product or service, or the use of any brand, trade, firm or corporation name is for the information of the public only, and does not constitute or imply endorsement by HSI/Mexico or any of its affiliates of the product or service, or its producer or provider, and should not be construed or relied upon, under any circumstances, by implication or otherwise, as investment advice. Links and access by hypertext to other websites is provided as a convenience only and does not indicate or imply any endorsement with respect to any of the content on such website nor any of the views expressed thereon. LINDA’S LINE Hi. June is here again, and hopefully, we are free of all the rain, enjoying much better and warmer weather and making plans for the arrival of summer. This is a welcome break for all of us, especially for the strays. This month we also honor all the Fathers of this world. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the two-legged, and four-legged fathers out there a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY. I am hoping that the amount of 4-legged fathers will decrease, so we will have less strays in the world. On another note, whether you are at home or on vacation, please remember to carry pet food, and water with you in your travels, in case you come across any strays that need a helping hand. It’s a rough world out there, and as their guardians, it is up to us to do what we can, whenever we can to help them. If you see an injured animal, please don’t pass them by, and do nothing. Please call Animal Care & Control (dial 311- the Mayor’s Office) to report it, to have them pick up the animal. If you live outside of New York or are on vacation, please call the local Animal Care & Control Center. It is important to remember that the strays too, are G-d’s children, and as such, they deserve to be given the same respect, and treatment that we would give to a human being that is hurt. A reminder that this month is also Adopt A Shelter Cat Month. So, if you are thinking of taking in a cat or dog, please consider looking into adopting one, or even two, from a shelter, rather than buying them from a pet store. There are so many wonderful and deserving animals in shelters such as ASPCA, and Animal Care & Control, where you could be saving an animal’s life. You can look within your local rescue groups. If you have a computer, you can check the internet, under Google.com for rescue groups in whatever area you are in, to find them. The animals desperately need, and want a good, loving home. If you don’t see what you are looking for at these shelters, please feel free to call Save Our Strays, and we will be happy to offer you some other options to consider. Our phones are opened Monday to Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All phone calls, and messages are always returned and answered in a timely fashion. Also, please remember whether you’re on vacation or here at home, to carry cool bottled water for your pets. It is very important to keep them well hydrated, and as comfortable as possible in the hot weather. Yes, they feel the heat, and can be affected by it the same way as humans are. Also, please remember to wipe the bottom of your dog’s paws with a cool cloth or pet wipe, as well as the top of his or her head, before walking them as this will help to keep their bodies cool, and keep their paws from being irritated by the hot sidewalks. It is a good idea to wipe their paws, and the nose and mouth area after a walk as well, because we do not know what germs they may pick up while they are out on the streets. Never leave a pet dog or cat or a child in a locked car, even with the windows opened a little bit. The summer heat, along with a metal roof of a car, will make the temperature rise very fast. Have a wonderful summer! Stay safe! That’s all for now, but I’ll be back again next month. Till next time. CLOSING THOUGHT I am happy to say that the people reading this newsletter are enlightened people, who have learned in their years, kindness and giving. We need new men, and women who can give their time, energy and their hard-earned money to feed, and care for the strays. I know our Rescuers go out early in the morning, and late in the evening to care for colonies of strays. During kitten season, they help mommy cats with food to nourish their “babies.” If they find a kitten that has wandered from its mommy, they try to find the litter, if they can. If not, they take the kitten home. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the caring people, who share what they have to help these small creatures that live among us. Our hearts continue to go out to the Rescuers around the world that helped to rescue animals where there is need. There is still so much need in the Ukraine for the animals that became homeless during this horrific war, and unfortunately, most still are. There is also a need in Gaza, and around the world. Animals are not given the respect that they should have. Now, as we have just learned on television, pigs will become organ donators to humans with their hearts and their kidneys, and we still don’t give them the respect they deserve. The Fourth of July is coming soon, and firecrackers go off starting in June. Please be aware of the strays in your area. They can become frightened by the noise, and run out in front of a car. Pets can pull out of their leash, and collar. This day is NOT a celebration for them. If you are a snowbird, please update your address with us. Thank you to all our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. Please pass our newsletter around. We need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. We rely on the funds from these donations. They are really very important. These funds help keep us here. Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” To one, and all have a wonderful summer, and let’s try to help one stray at a time. There are many stray animals out there that won’t have a wonderful summer. That’s why we must continue to spay, and neuter and hopefully, reduce the stray population. And yes, More Humane Laws for all animals – cats, dogs, horses, farm animals etc. We have to become a better world. Till next time. Waggin’ Off WAGGIN TAILS MAY 2025
BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK – 5/4/25 TO 5/10/25 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MEMORIAL DAY Dear Friends and Members: I start this newsletter with tears in my eyes, and pain in my heart. You may have heard, especially if you are on Facebook, about the devastating fire on Long Island at Happy Cat Sanctuary. Over 200 cats perished in this fire, along with its founder, Chris Arsanault. He was a wonderful man, who ran a beautiful Sanctuary. They were in preparation to move Upstate to a large area, where the cats would have an even better life than they had in Long Island. The fire was said to be accidental. Chris, we were told by all the reports, kept running in and out of the burning structure to get more, and more of the cats out, until he himself was overcome by the smoke and fire, and perished with his beloved cats. Lisa Jaegel, and Strong Animal Rescue along with many other rescuers, searched the ruins and found hundreds of injured cats, which were sent to veterinary hospitals. Some did not make it, but others did. As far as we know, Lisa Jaegel and others will try to fulfill Chris’ dream, and get the remaining cats up to the new sanctuary. They have a Go Fund Me page set up. You can find it on Facebook through Happy Cat Sanctuary. The animals lost a great man, and a great warrior, in his quest to help the animals. Please say a prayer for all that went over the Rainbow Bridge. Chris’ name will be put in our Memorial Book to honor him, and his work. CHRIS ARSANAULT 1960-2025 LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] As Maryland’s 2025 legislative session concludes, advocates celebrate landmark animal welfare reforms Legislators approve measures to strengthen anti-cruelty penalties, ensure transparency in pet rental policies, expand access to veterinary care, and establish collaboration on mitigation of wildlife deaths through car strike and habitat fragmentation. ANNAPOLIS—As the 2025 legislative session ends, the Maryland legislature has proven that even during one of the most challenging political environments in recent years, support for animal welfare remains a top priority among lawmakers. The session included a historic first in humane law as a prohibition on the breeding of roosters (SB375/HB513) passed with bipartisan support. The session also saw the passage of SB152/HB89, which closed a loophole in the state code, thus ensuring that separate charges can be brought for each animal in cases where an individual is accused of cruelty to multiple animals. SB896/HB1152, a first-of-its-kind law approved by the legislature, requires landlords with five or more rental properties to make their pet policy accessible on their websites, via rental search engines, and through hard-copy rental applications, providing greater transparency for renters with pets. “This year’s session opened with an air of trepidation as the state faced so many issues, including a budget crisis, funding imperative agencies and the elimination of some federal agencies with potential implications for the state,” said Stacey Volodin, Maryland state director for Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States. “However, our leaders have shown that they are able to work through serious issues including humane legislation that helps animals and the many Marylanders who care about their welfare.” Lawmakers also passed additional animal protection measures, including, Sb318/HB643, a bill that allows veterinarians to participate in Maryland’s public service loan forgiveness program, thus expanding access to veterinary care in the state; HB731/HB635, which established the Maryland Connectivity Coalition, bringing together state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other parties interested in protecting endangered wildlife from habitat fragmentation and car strikes via wildlife crossings and other means for creating safe pathways for animals, preventing collisions and saving lives. This session was also notable for the introduction of two measures that will resurface as legislative priorities in the future. One sought to end the cruel confinement of egg-laying hens in cages so small they cannot spread their wings, while the other sought to prohibit the use of animal testing where it is not required and ensure stronger welfare standards so long as such testing continues. FYI [REPRINTED] Breaking news: EPA moves to end animal testing In a landmark announcement, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced plans to end all animal testing on dogs, mice, rabbits and other mammals for chemicals and pesticides in coming years. Instead, the agency will focus on investing in nonanimal alternative technologies that are more reliable and do not cause animal suffering. The EPA plans to substantially reduce animal tests, including those it commissions in-house as well as those that it requires businesses to conduct, by 2025, and to end them altogether by 2035. The agency will also devote $4.25 million to the development of non-animal technologies (also known as new approach methodologies, or NAMs) at five universities. These approaches could include organ-on-a-chip technologies, cell cultures, computer modeling and other methods that are faster, cheaper and more predictive than time-consuming animal tests. The agency’s decision to stop using results from mammal studies for approval of new chemicals will further spare even more animal lives. Companies seeking approval for a new chemical will be required to seek the consent of the EPA in order to carry out animal tests. Today’s announcement follows the 2016 revision by Congress of the Toxic Substances Control Act – a law that regulates chemical safety in the United States. At that time, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund successfully advocated for key provisions, which mandated that animal testing should be minimized and non-animal methods and strategies developed and prioritized. The likely outcome will be to spare hundreds of thousands of animals from having chemicals rubbed onto their skin, dropped in their eyes or forced down their throats. We have also lobbied the U.S. Congress to support increased appropriations for the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and its Computational Toxicology Program, to explore the use of mathematical and computer models to help assess chemical hazards and risks to human health and the environment. In a bipartisan approach, members of Congress have consistently prioritized key funding for these non-animal technologies. In recent years, the EPA has taken decisive steps to reduce the use of animal testing for both chemicals and pesticides, and we are grateful to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler for his continued commitment in this regard. In 2016, the agency released a guidance document allowing pesticide manufacturers to waive the need for skin toxicity tests by accepting information already obtained through other tests, and published a letter to stakeholders expressing its goal of significantly reducing the use of animals in acute toxicity tests for pesticides. In 2018, the EPA released a policy encouraging the use of non-animal test methods for determining whether pesticides and chemicals cause skin allergies. As part of the updated TSCA, the EPA, in 2018, published a strategic plan to promote the development and implementation of alternative test methods. The overall effect has been one of steady, sweeping progress toward a long-cherished goal for animal protection advocates – the end of experiments that cause pain and misery to animals. We are excited to see the EPA reinforce its commitment with today’s pathbreaking announcement, which heralds a new era for animals in laboratories. We urge other government agencies, industries and stakeholders to join with the agency to end animal testing by investing in development and implementation of non-animal methods. The results will be improved human safety, more accurate and timely results, a better environment, and an end to animal suffering. LINDA’S LINE Hi. May - the month when the beauty of nature unfolds, as all the trees and flowers of spring begin to bloom. This time of year, we also celebrate Mother’s Day to honor all the two-legged, and four-legged mothers of the world. So, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the mothers out there (both human, and animal) a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY. This Month we also celebrate Memorial Day. This is the time that we honor all of the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces, both here and abroad. To them we say, “we appreciate you, and thank you for all that you do for us.” Please remember to keep them, and their families in your prayers. We also remember all the brave service members, who gave their lives for our country. Let us also remember the soldiers, and people of the Ukraine, and Israel and keep them in our prayers as well. Also, people in all areas of the world that are not at peace. As I write this, I find it difficult to believe that spring has arrived. With the crazy weather we have been having, it certainly doesn’t seem that way. I hope that the weather will improve very soon. However, a reminder to all pet owners to please remember that it is still important to remember to protect your pets from fleas, and ticks. We finally got some much-needed rain over the last couple of months. As a result, I am sure that there will be plenty of these little critters, and we don’t want our pets to be uncomfortable. Please be sure to ask your veterinarian, which type of protection is best, and safest for your pet. Also, when walking your pet, please remember to keep them away from the fertilizers, and other white powders that homeowners use on lawns this time of year, as these things are dangerous to small animals, and can be dangerous to small pets as well. It is normal for an animal to be curious and want to smell around when we are walking them, but they don’t always understand the danger – especially young dogs – so it is up to us, as their guardians, to protect them. Please try to remember to carry a can of pet food, and some bottled water with you, in case you come across a stray that needs help, especially one that is pregnant. If this does happen, offer it to them – please don’t pass them by. Remember that this is kitten, and puppy season and animals that are pregnant need our help even more, so that they can give nourishment to their “babies.” If you can pick them up, and bring them to a no-kill shelter, that would be perfect. We all love to grow things, especially flowers this time of year, but when you have pets, please be careful what type of plants that you buy, as there are many that can be toxic to animals. If you wish to find out which plants are safe for pets, and which are not, you can contact the ASPCA to get a book from them, which contains a list of safe plants, as well as a list of those that are dangerous. You will find it very helpful, and informative. According to the authorities, days of COVID are over, and we are thankful that we now have vaccines available to help keep us safe, but please continue to be sure to have your Flu shots, and stay safe. I know that some people are still skeptical, so if it makes you better to wear a mask, then feel free to do so. Till next time. CLOSING THOUGHT HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to one, and all – mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends. Mothers are the backbone of families (Dads can be also). Enjoy your day. On a not so positive note, it is kitten and puppy season again, for all unspayed and unneutered dogs, and cats. Unfortunately, this goes against 0 stray population. If you see a four-legged mother-to-be or know that she had kittens, please try to help. We have rescued many mothers-to-be, and mothers with new kittens. Please help us to continue our work, in your name. There are so many more out there. We need all the hands we can get to help these poor animals. We really have to encourage everyone that we know to spay, and neuter. We do as much as we can with the cats in our colonies. We spay, and neuter as many as we can. At the very least, they won’t suffer having to bring kittens into the world to die a young, and horrible death. We see the suffering of animals around the world, and it is not getting better. Ukraine needs food donations for the animals, and so does Gaza. The animals there are suffering more than we will ever know. Dogs have died in the Iditarod Dog Sled races. Petitions have to be sent to stop this cruel race. The dogs don’t want to race. It is these people, who seem to think that if their sled comes in first, they are a Big Important Person. Well they are not! If you run a race, on your own feet and win, you are a winner. If you win at the expense of the death, of innocent animals you are nothing, but a cruel uncaring person. My opinion. This goes on year after year. We have to start to see animals as living, breathing, feeling beings. Then, maybe the world will be a better place. Thank you to all our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members for all your constant support.. This month is Memorial Day, so our prayers for our troops, and the Ukrainian troops, mean even more. CLOSING THOUGHT (CONT.) Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” A MOTHER’S DAY POEM You are a mother, You are strong, You are the guardian of our lives. We look to you for comfort and care You are always there. We will follow your strength, and become stronger in turn We will help children and animals and all that need care This Dear Mother, is our thanks to you. Please help one animal at time, and we will get the job done. Till next time. Waggin’ Off WAGGIN TAILS APRIL 2025 |
