FEBRUARY 07, 2022

                                                      WAGGIN TAILS          FEBRUARY 2022  
 
                                                       SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH
                                                                 LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY
                                                             HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
                                                           WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
 
Dear Friends and Members:
 
          VALENTINE’S DAY is coming soon.  The month of love, and caring for one and all.  The weather in certain states, is not good – cold, rain, snow.  The animals suffer.  Climate change is happening – we all have to do better.
 
          We have been able to help many strays these past two years because of a gift that was left us.  If you find a stray, and can hold it, we can help you with the veterinary bills until you adopt it out to a forever home, or better yet keep it.  Please let us know.
 
Please call the ASPCA in your area if you can’t keep it.  Just don’t pass it by.
 
          We really need new people, younger people to get into the Rescue “business.”  Please encourage all that you know to help strays.  We are getting older.  Helping animals has been a rewarding experience.  To know that we are helping an animal out of pain, and misery is a wonderful feeling.  To get the stray into a forever home, is the best feeling ever.  No one should be alone, people or animals.
 
Let this month of love bring love,
and caring to all mankind.
 
 
                                         
LEGISLATION                                                                                                          [REPRINTED]

Lawsuit challenges Idaho wolf trapping laws that endanger grizzlies and lynx
Idaho’s expanded wolf trapping likely to kill 90% of state’s gray wolf population
BOISE, Idaho--Ten conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging Idaho’s extreme wolf-trapping rules, which facilitate the slaughter of up to 90% of Idaho’s gray wolf population.
The lawsuit contends that continued and expanded wolf trapping and snaring will injure and kill non-target grizzly bears and Canada lynx, which are federally protected species. The groups will also be asking the court to halt all wolf trapping in grizzly bear and lynx habitat until the merits of the case can be decided.
Earthjustice represents the Center for Biological Diversity, Footloose Montana, Friends of the Clearwater, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Global Indigenous Council, the Humane Society of the United States, International Wildlife Coexistence Network, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Sierra Club, Trap Free Montana, Western Watersheds Project, Wilderness Watch and Wolves of the Rockies in the lawsuit.
Idaho’s new laws establish a permanent wolf-trapping season on private property across the state, eliminate limits on the number of wolves one person can kill, permit the continued use of poison bait that attracts non-target animals at high rates, and introduce state-sponsored, private-contractor killing of wolves.
“It’s sickening that Idaho has approved what amounts to unregulated hunting and trapping in an effort to wipe out its wolf population,” said Andrea Zaccardi, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Other animals, like federally protected grizzly bears and lynx, will be injured or die in these cruel traps and snares. The state’s disregard for all of their lives is outrageous and unacceptable.” 
“Even before Idaho expanded its efforts to kill more gray wolves, grizzly bears and lynx have been getting caught in the crossfire,” said Benjamin Scrimshaw, associate attorney for Earthjustice’s Northern Rockies office. “Traps and snares are indiscriminate and the dangers to non-target species are well known. The failure to take any effort to protect threatened grizzly bears and lynx while pushing the slaughter of wolves violates the Endangered Species Act.”
“Litigation is essential to fight the cancer that is our Montana legislature in their war on wildlife, we stand with protecting lynx and grizzly bears from our medieval ways of killing, these are their lands and they share them with Montana's magnificent wolves,” said Stephen Capra, executive director of Footloose Montana.
“Since wolf reintroduction of 1995, it is generally agreed wolves have had an overall positive behavioral effect on elk and on other primary and secondary impacts within the ecological niche of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” said Clint Nagel, president of Gallatin Wildlife Association. “The fact that the states of Idaho and Montana have seen fit to complicate the natural processes by allowing the incidental take of other predators is a compounding, and negative effect on our overall wildlands."
“Idaho’s senseless and extreme wolf-killing regime permits an unlimited number of steel-jawed leghold traps and snares to litter habitat across the state year-round. These cruel devices will indiscriminately kill and maim wolves, grizzly bears and Canada lynx,” said Nicholas Arrivo, attorney for the Humane

Lawsuit challenges Idaho wolf trapping laws that endanger grizzlies and lynx (CONT.)
Society of the United States. “Idaho’s callous willingness to let other imperiled wildlife become collateral damage in its bloody war on wolves violates the Endangered Species Act and must be stopped.”
“Unfortunately, we’ve already seen grizzly bears caught and killed in wolf snares in Idaho. Expansion of wolf baiting, trapping and snaring in grizzly bear habitat will not only decimate the states’ wolf population but will result in more dead grizzly bears,” said Bonnie Rice, Northern Rockies senior campaign representative for the Sierra Club. “Idaho’s grizzly bear population remains small and vulnerable, and policies that threaten its full recovery cannot be allowed to stand.”
“Idaho's liberalized, aggressive, and incentivized wolf trapping is certain to trap, snare, injure, and kill far more than wolves,” said KC York, president and founder of Trap Free Montana. “Trapping is inherently indiscriminate. Idaho's trap check for wolves of 72 hours, is 3 times the scientific findings recommendation of 24 hours to reduce injury and death. What happens across our state line to threatened species, grizzly and lynx, affects us all.”
“Idaho politicians have made no secret of their deep hatred for wolves, enacting a policy of eradication based in fear, not science,” said Patrick Kelly, Idaho director with Western Watersheds Project. “In their zeal to reverse decades of effective, science-based conservation, Idaho politicians have not only endangered the long-term viability of Idaho's wolves, they have recklessly promoted snaring and trapping that kill and maim both lynx and grizzly bears. This indiscriminate and senseless killing is not only cruel and immoral, it also violates Endangered Species Act protections for lynx and grizzlies, and must be stopped.”
“Idaho’s persecution of wolves has reached an astounding new low,” said Dana Johnson, staff attorney for Wilderness Watch’s Idaho office. “The collateral killing and harassment of already struggling lynx and grizzly bears is both unacceptable and illegal. It has to stop.”
“As a member of the Idaho wolf reintroduction team in the 1990s, I’m appalled by the state of Idaho’s betrayal of its agreement to manage wolves exactly like we manage black bears and mountain lions,” said Suzanne Asha Stone, director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network. “Idaho does not allow trapping, snaring, or killing black bears and mountain lion cubs in their dens as they now do to wolves. Idaho is exterminating wolves not managing them and they don’t care that other species such as lynx and grizzly are also being impacted because of their obsession to persecute wolves.”
“There is a war raging against our wolves and wildlife in the Rocky Mountains,” said Marc Cooke, president of Wolves of the Rockies. “Join us in the struggle by being a voice for the voiceless.”
Background
Grizzly bears and lynx are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. The loss of even a few of these ecologically important predators could significantly hamper their recovery in Idaho. Wolves were also protected under the Endangered Species Act until a 2011 congressional carve-out removed Idaho’s wolves from the endangered species list. Now the state is permitting the slaughter of more than 1,200 of its estimated 1,500 wolves—and has taken no steps to protect other animals that can be injured and killed in indiscriminate traps.

The Humane Society of the United States pledges $20 million for Project Chimps
Funds will support expansion of outdoor habitat and bring more chimpanzees to sanctuary
The Humane Society of the United States, which was a leader in the successful fight to end the use of chimpanzees in research, has for years been the biggest supporter and donor to Project Chimps, a Georgia sanctuary that cares for chimpanzees retired from New Iberia Research Center.
The sanctuary has always planned to expand living spaces for its animals and increase the size of its top-notch outdoor habitat. After more than five years of providing significant yearly financial and administrative support, in 2022, the HSUS will amplify its commitment to Project Chimps, pledging an additional $20 million. This pledge includes an initial grant of $5 million that will serve as a major kickstart toward the total funds needed for the sanctuary’s second large outdoor habitat and housing construction, and up to an additional $15 million over the next 10 years, to support the sanctuary’s operational needs and help it move toward becoming fully independent.
Project Chimps will require further support from donors to achieve its full expansion plan, but the HSUS anticipates that this considerable influx of funds will enable Project Chimps to begin moving forward with their plans to construct expanded outdoor habitat.
The pledge will also help support Project Chimps in its long-term vision to bring in more of the chimpanzees who are currently still awaiting transport out of New Iberia Research Center, providing these animals with the enriched and caring environment they deserve and allowing them to reform cohesive and supportive social groups.
“The HSUS and other animal advocates worked for years to get chimpanzees out of medical research, and we were elated when that came to pass in 2015,” says Kitty Block, president and CEO of the HSUS. “It’s been inspiring to see these chimpanzees, who have endured so much, live out their lives in the enriched environment they now have thanks to the Project Chimps team. We’re excited to be able to support the sanctuary in expanding its capacity for care, providing more outdoor time for its current population and welcoming more chimpanzees to a peaceful retirement.”
“From its inception, Project Chimps has maintained the highest standards of professional excellence and provided exemplary care to all of its resident chimpanzees,” says Ali Crumpacker, executive director of Project Chimps. “We are grateful to have the continued support of the HSUS as we move forward into our final phases of construction so that we can welcome every chimpanzee from New Iberia to their new forever home. We will be relying on our fantastic donors, staff and volunteers to continue the journey.”
In addition to the funds, the HSUS will be continuing to provide ongoing staff support focused on helping the sanctuary raise the money to meet its full construction needs by the end of 2023.
 
 $16,500 Reward offered for info on wolf killed illegally in Oregon’s Wallowa County
Conservation groups announced today a $16,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the illegal shooting death of a two-year-old collared female wolf in Wallowa County in early Jan. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Turn in Poachers division also offers a potential $300 reward for information regarding illegal wolf killings.
The Oregon State Police reported the incident on Jan. 11, after a concerned citizen alerted them. The slain wolf, designated as OR-106 by state wildlife biologists, was found on Parsnip Creek Road, about six miles southwest of the town of Wallowa in the Sled Springs game management unit. She dispersed from the Chesnimnus Pack, whose territory is in northern Wallowa County.
“Illegally killing Oregon’s few wolves out of hatred or spite must stop,” said Kelly Peterson, Oregon senior state director at the Humane Society of the United States. “The death of OR-106 at the hands of a poacher is heartbreaking and infuriating, especially after eight of Oregon’s wolves were illegally poisoned and killed just last year. While this reward cannot bring back these iconic animals, we hope it brings these cruel actors to justice and helps to put an end to the illegal slaughter of our wolves once and for all.”
This new illegal shooting follows the gruesome illegal poisoning deaths of multiple wolves last year in northeast Oregon. Eight wolves from four different packs, including all members of the Catherine Pack, were poisoned in neighboring Union County, in incidents between February and July of 2021.
“We want justice for this young wolf, who was simply seeking a mate and territory of her own before her life was cut tragically short by a bullet,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “We call on the state to show its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable by having its Department of Justice launch an independent, thorough investigation into this most recent killing, and past unsolved illegal killings of Oregon’s wolves.”
“The senseless killing of the young female wolf OR-106 is a crime against this animal and all who care about Oregon’s wildlife,” said Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense, an Oregon-based national wildlife advocacy nonprofit. “It is absolutely critical that the perpetrator of this crime be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“Oregonians are feeling frustrated that there doesn't seem to be enough of a deterrent to preclude these ongoing wolf killings,” said Adam Bronstein, Oregon/Nevada director of Western Watersheds Project. “Gov. Brown and other government officials need to take immediate action and start investigating these heinous crimes with vigor and resolve.” 
“We call on state government and law enforcement to take seriously this devastating trend of illegal wolf killings and allocate all necessary resources to hold the criminals accountable,” said Bethany Cotton, conservation director for Cascadia Wildlands. “We ask community members to come forward with information they may have to solve these crimes and keep Oregon's rare wildlife safe.”
“When poachers get away with breaking the law it only leads to more poaching and lawlessness,” said Danielle Moser of Oregon Wild. “This is a result of wolves losing their endangered species protections coupled with a culture of poaching permissiveness. For far too long, poachers have been emboldened by those who excuse and celebrate their criminal acts without fear of consequences.”
“We are saddened to hear the tragic news of the cowardly killing of wolf OR-106, but unfortunately, we are not surprised,” said Stephanie Taylor, president of Speak for Wolves. “With 32 poached wolves in Oregon since their return and nearly zero accountability for any of the incidents, it’s clear Oregon's wildlife managers must do far more to educate the public on co-existence with native wildlife, and massively increase their efforts to hold poachers accountable. Otherwise, this ‘shoot, shovel, shut up’ culture will continue to thrive leading to even more poaching.”
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Oregon State Police Sgt. Isaac Cyr through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP via mobile. Tips can also be submitted via email to [email protected] (monitored Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

​ 
      
LINDA’S LINE
 
          Hi.
 
          February, the month of love.  Let’s try to spread that love to the strays out in the cold, by showing them that we love them also.  Try to provide them with shelters to keep them warm.  It is best to use dry food (wet food freezes in the cold weather), and of course, water would be good.  Remember that they are G-d’s creatures too, and that we are their guardians.
 
Please don’t forget those less fortunate than we are.  If you come across any kind souls, who are homeless and have pets in your travels, please try to offer them food, and even a warm coat or blanket, if you have one, for themselves and their pets.  We must always remember that they too, are children of G-d, and they and their pets will be most grateful for your kindness.
 
          If we try to carry the symbolism of the “month of love,” not only through the month of February, but throughout the rest of the year as well, we can make a real difference.  Give the gift of love wherever, and whenever you can.  It will help to make
this world a better place, and I know that I have said this before, but remember that every good deed that we do is a guaranteed gold star in the “Book of life.”  So, let’s try
to be kind to each other, and let someone that you care about, whether it be a family member (i.e.: child, husband, wife etc.) or a very dear friend, even your pets, know that you love them and appreciate them.  It will give them a wonderful warm feeling.  After all, as they say, “a little kindness goes a long way.”  It is especially important right now, with all the turmoil that is going on in our country, for us to try to pull together, and spread the message of “the month of love.”
 
          This month is also Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.  So, please remember, if you have not had your pet spayed or neutered, or if you are considering adopting a pet, please be sure to have this done.  It is healthier for the animal in the long run, and will help to ensure that he/she is able to live a longer, happier and healthier life.
 
Also, please remember, when walking your pets after a snow storm, to be aware of the rock salt that homeowners place on the sidewalk to melt snow, and ice.  Try to avoid your pet walking on the salt, as it can cause a permanent irritation on their paws,
and pain as well.  Please remember to clean your pet’s paws when you come in from a walk, no matter what the weather, to get rid of any harmful germs that they might pick
up.   For homeowners out there, if you must put something down to melt the snow, please try to use brands that are safe for animals.
 
          HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
 
                                                                             Till next time.
 
 CLOSING THOUGHT
 
            We are here 54 years – that is a lifetime.  With your support, we have help so many animals.  So, we would like to thank you on behalf of all the strays that, without you, would not have received medical care, food and for many, forever homes.
 
            We started in New York, and are now in Florida and North and South Carolina as well.  We help in all the states, including all the states you are in, and we know that you are helping strays in your area.
 
            Remember, we need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members.
 
            We took a month to think about New Year’s Resolutions, and we came up with our usual.

1. We hope to be here to guide you through whatever issue you may have with your pets or strays.
2. We will continue to help strays through our feeding program, and with medical treatment.
3. We will continue to reach out a helping hand to other organizations that help animals hands-on, when we can.
4. We will help the strays in every way we possibly can, within our means.

 
Our country is moving forward in helping animals with new laws.  It is a slow
process, but better slow than never.  We have to sign petitions to improve the lives of all animals, whether dog, cat, pig, horse etc.  Petitions can be found on the internet, so please do all that you can.
 
            We appreciate all you do to help strays, and help us to continue to help strays, and all that come our way.
 
            If the strays could speak, they would say thank you for all that you do, and give you “wet kisses and paw hugs.”  If we think of them as children that are helpless, we can relate better to all species of animals.
 
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 help our supporters, who shop on Amazon, to support Save Our Strays through the Amazon Smile program, please go to Google and type in AmazonSmile.com.  You will then be directed to a home screen that says AmazonSmile in the upper left-hand corner.  Log in with your Amazon account (email/phone number and password).  If you are already logged in, just go to the search bar, and type in “SAVE OUR STRAYS INC.”  Then select the second option, “Brooklyn, NY.”  Click on the Amazon Smile LOGO in the top left corner of your Amazon page.  Once you have done this, Under the word ALL in the search bar you should see a line that says “SUPPORTING: SAVE OUR STRAYS.”  Now you are ready to shop.  Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to Save Our Strays Inc.  Amazon has a large variety of gifts that are perfect for all holidays (remember that Easter, and Passover are coming) and occasions i.e.: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, christenings, bar mitzvahs and lovely gifts for all occasions.  Items that they have are: electronics, jewelry, clothing and more.  You may have to set up an Amazon account to use Smile.  Please try.  It is important.  (See instructions on the next page.)
 
                                                          Till next time -
Waggin’ Off
 
AMAZON SET-UP PAGE
 
GOOD NEWS
 
          Supporters of Save Our Strays can now use the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones!  Simply follow these instructions to turn on Amazon Smile, and start generating donations.  Please pass this on to anyone who uses Amazon, and doesn’t necessarily have a charity that they support.  Now is the chance to support Save Our Strays.  The funds go for food, and medical treatment.  We are certainly a worthy cause.  A dollar spent this way feeds an animal in need.
Amazon Smile is now in the Amazon Shopping app
          You can now support Save Our Strays on iPhone, and Android phones.
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, please update your app.
 
How to turn on Amazon Smile in the mobile app – instructions below.
 
1  Join Amazon Smile
If you are already an Amazon Smile member, sign up on your web browser.
Simply select Save Our Strays to start generating donations, at no cost to you.
 
2  Get the app
Download or update the latest version of the Amazon Smile Shopping app on your phone.  You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
 
3  Turn on Amazon Smile
Open the app, and find “Settings” in the main menu.  Tap on “Amazon Smile,” and
follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Amazon Smile on your phone.

1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device.
2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app, and tap into

“Settings.”

1. Tap “Amazon Smile,” and follow the on-screen instructions to

complete the process.
 
Amazon Smile benefits
Same products, same prices, no cost to you.
Amazon Smile has the exact same low prices, Vast selection, and convenient shopping
as the Amazon you know.