january - 2024

                                                       WAGGIN TAILS          JANUARY 2024
 
                                                                      HAPPY NEW YEAR
 
Dear Friends & Members:
 
          We have made it through another year.  We are now here 55 years.  Easy for me to count, as I was “with child” when I started Save Our Strays.  Felicia is now 55.
 
          We have done a great deal for a small organization, in 55 years.  We have cared for stray animals both with food, and medical care.  I am proud of what we have done.  When I say we, I mean you as our means (financially) and us, as hands on.  We are a great team.  I just hope we can keep this going.
 
          Our stories have sad endings, but so many Happy endings also.  We keep the stray colonies that we care for well fed, and medically cared for.  Some are in a area where we can set up shelters, and some cats have learned how to “shelter.”  One thing that they all know is that their inner clocks always tell them when the feeder is there.  If some of the cats do not show up, the feeder looks for them.  I wish that all the strays could have the benefit of eyes on them.
 
           Our needs for the New Year are simple.  We need funds to keep our phone lines open to the veterinarians, and the public.  We need funds to feed the colonies of cats.  We help dogs when they come our way.  We have funds, through the Trust that was left to us, for medical care.  So, we must keep asking for funds for food, and administrative needs.  No Director receives compensation.  Administrative is for the clerical people that we need.  The Accountant, and Attorney.  This is necessary.  So, please introduce us to friends, family and co-workers.  If they could join our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray programs, that would be a star in the Book of Life for them, and our strays.
 
          You are very important, to family, friends and especially to us.  Be well, Stay well and have a wonderful, Healthy and Happy New Year!
 
          Remember to help one stray at a time.  It adds up.

LEGISLATION                                                                                                                 [REPRINTED]

Buying and selling tigers, jaguars and more is now against the law
One year after its passage, here’s how the Big Cat Public Safety Act gets enforced.  The first time Tim Harrison rescued privately owned big cats was back in 1982. A public safety officer at the time, Harrison and other responders found a male lion pacing around a small enclosure, a lion cub who appeared severely ill, bears, snakes and other animals on an Ohio property.  It was rare to see privately owned big cats in the ’80s, says Harrison, who is now director of Outreach for Animals in Ohio. But in the following decade, the number of incidents increased, and Harrison began working with the Humane Society of the United States to pass legislation addressing the issue. But even as cities and states began banning big cat ownership, the fight for federal action was arduous.
In 2012, legislation banning the private possession of big cats was first introduced in Congress. Tracie Letterman, vice president of federal affairs at Humane Society Legislative Fund, notes that this initial iteration of the bill would have only prohibited private possession and breeding of big cats. In the years that followed, our legislative and wildlife teams built a coalition of partners to support legislative language that prohibited keeping tigers, lions and other big cat as pets and, crucially, banned public contact with them.
This inclusion was important, Letterman says, because the problem was larger than private ownership. Cub petting attractions bred big cats and used them for profit, charging patrons who wanted to hold and take pictures with cubs. Once the cubs grew too large, they were often dumped at roadside zoos or sold as pets, further fueling the breeding problem.
Public awareness increased over the years as animal welfare organizations, law enforcement groups and citizens advocated for the bill, arguing that it would protect humans and animals alike. In December 2022, the Big Cat Public Safety Act was finally signed into law.
When Harrison heard the news, he was stunned. Then he was filled with emotion. “I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime,” he says. Months later, he still chokes up when talking about it. But emotions soon gave way to planning. “I was ecstatic. And then I knew the work was just beginning.”
Once a bill becomes law, the federal agency in charge of implementing the law drafts regulations. Legislation “gives us the core of what we’re prohibiting,” says Brianna DelDuca, a regulatory specialist at HSLF. “But the regulations are essential to actually say how this is going to happen.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued an interim final rule that allowed enforcement to begin. The HSUS and HSLF provided input on what they’d like to see, such as the swift confiscation of cats and placement in sanctuaries. There is work to be done, but DelDuca says the interim regulations are strong.
The law is already having an impact: In September 2023, a Texas couple was arrested after allegedly attempting to sell a jaguar cub. Ashley Mauceri, HSUS director of law enforcement outreach and engagement, is thrilled that officers are using the law. Her team at the HSUS Law Enforcement Training Center, which trains thousands of officers each year, plans to develop trainings on the Big Cat Public Safety Act. They’ve already heard from officers interested in the topic. Some even shared that they’re aware of big cats being kept in their jurisdictions.
On the legislative side, Sara Amundson, president of HSLF, celebrated the passage of the bill and the regulations. They “put an end to a warped industry with no socially redeeming purpose,” she says, “an industry that perpetuated great harm to animals while putting Americans at risk.”
Kate Dylewsky, assistant director of government affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute, worked with the HSUS and HSLF to pass the Act. The win shows that animal welfare legislation “is something that can get through Congress. And this is something the American people care about,” Dylewsky says. It also offers momentum for other legislation. “Let’s do it again,” she says. “Let’s pass some more animal bills.”
HSLF is now advocating for the Better Collaboration, Accountability and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act. The bill would strengthen the U.S. Department of Justice’s ability to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and “help all animals in captivity—research facilities, commercial pet breeding operations and those on exhibition at zoos and aquariums—from being harmed,” says Jennifer Eskra, HSLF director of legislative affairs.
In recent years, the fight for animals has accelerated. “Times are changing, changing fast, and we should be riding that wave right now,” says Harrison.  The Big Cat Public Safety Act joined a growing list of achievements. As advocates continue the fight, the list will only keep growing.

FYI                                                                                                                                              [REPRINTED]

 Indianapolis Councillors honored for commitment to stopping puppy mills
The Humane Society of the United States presents Indianapolis City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson and Councillor John Barth with the Humane Council Award for their efforts to help animals in Indianapolis by authoring a humane pet store ordinance to end the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. The ordinance will protect animals and consumers, cut off the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline and require five puppy-selling pet stores to transition to a more humane business model by 2025.
"Indianapolis residents should be proud that their elected officials are leading efforts to help protect puppies and members of the public," said Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States. "We are pleased to honor Councillors Adamson and Barth with this award and thank them for their leadership in standing up to protect the dogs and cats languishing in puppy and kitten mills."
"Our community thrives when we extend compassion to all its members, including our four-legged friends. This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our residents, local organizations and city officials who have worked tirelessly to create a safer and more nurturing environment for our beloved animals," stated Indianapolis City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson.
Adamson adds, "Let this be a reminder that as stewards of our city, we have a responsibility to champion the well-being of every living being within our borders. Together, we will continue to build a city where compassion knows no bounds."
Indiana has the second largest concentration of puppy mills in the country and is home to over 20 puppy-selling pet stores scattered throughout the state. With this humane ordinance, Indianapolis joins 17 other Indiana communities and 480 localities across the nation.
The HSUS recommends that those looking to add a new pet to their family adopt from a shelter or rescue, or seek out a responsible breeder who you meet in person and who never sells puppies through pet stores or online.

LINDA’S LINE 
Hi.
           January,2024 and once again we are starting a new year.  It’s hard to believe how quickly the years go by.  I would like to start off by wishing all of you, and your loved ones a HAPPY, and HEALTHY NEW YEAR.  Let’s hope that this year will bring about better things for us, and for our four-legged friends,  including getting more people to get vaccinated so that the COVID-19 virus, which has plagued us for the past three years, will finally be irradicated.  As we all know, there are still variants of this virus out there, and even though the symptoms of these variants are easier to handle, thanks to the vaccines and boosters, it isn’t over yet.  So please, if you have not done so, get yourself vaccinated with the latest booster shot.  It will help family, friends and the strays – they need you.
 
          Please try to remember to reach out, and help those who are less fortunate than we are.  If you see a homeless person, whether you are in your own home- town or traveling for the holidays, try to lend a hand where you can by giving them
food, and warm clothing, and if they have pets, please give food and a blanket for their pets as well.  They will be most grateful for the help.
 
          The cold weather is upon us, so I hope that you all have your shelters up, and ready for the strays, with plenty of dry food and water.  Remember that “we are their guardians.”
 
          Please remember, when walking your dog in temperatures that are below 50 degrees, to make sure that your pet is protected from the elements with a sweater or coat.  Contrary to what some people may think, an animal’s fur is not enough to keep them warm, and they can catch cold, and also pneumonia, the same as humans do.  A reminder that our phones are open from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday.  I am always here to guide you through any situation that comes your way, and messages are always picked up, and returned in a timely fashion, and on weekends also.
 
Remember, if you see an animal that needs help, please try to see what you can do to help – don’t ignore it, and walk away.  The strays have a difficult time of
it out there, especially when it comes to finding food, and any help that we can give
will be appreciated.  Remember, any good deed that we do here, is a gold star in the “Book of Life.”
 
          Again, a HAPPY, and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to all our friends, and members.

CLOSING THOUGHT
 
                Our thanks go out to all the rescuers that help strays here, and around the world.
 
          Linda will start to prepare the tax receipt letters for the Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members.  Our members receive their receipts at the end of the year.  Linda keeps good records.  If there is a problem let me know, and we will look into it.  So far, we have an excellent record.
 
          Receipts are sent when we receive a donation from a non-Adam, Eve or Sponsor-A-Stray member, at the time of the donation.
 
          A Special “SHOUT OUT” goes to the many organizations that go into areas that are in a war zone, floods, earthquakes etc.  A special Blessing to them.
 
          More Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members are needed.  Please keep that thought in mind.
 
          We start another year.  Let’s hope, as always, that it is a better year than the year before.  Laws have to change for the better to help the animals here, and around the world.
 
          Our wish for one, and all, people and animals here and around the world, is Peace, Respect, Health and Happiness for forever and a day.
 
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!”
 
                                                                                    Till next time.
 
                                                                                                Waggin’ Off