february - 2024

SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
PRESIDENT’S DAY

Dear Friends and Members:
 
          First, let me wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day all year through.  I know that it is cold in many areas that this newsletter goes to, but keep warm thoughts in your mind.
 
          There is one good law that I just heard about, in South Korea.  They are putting a ban on the sale of “Dog meat.”  To the extent of how they implement the law, many dogs will be spared the horror of the slaughter market.  Let’s hope that more countries will follow this example.  In our country there are stories of cultures that eat Dog, and Cat meat.  It is a crime here, but what we don’t know, we can’t fix.  If you know something, say something in a “quiet way.”
 
          If you have any nice, true stories that you would like to share with us about people, and animals, please do so.
 
          We have had an unfortunate incident.  Our mail is forwarded weekly to the main office.  The mail of      November 27th to December 6th was lost somewhere in the Post Office.  Please check to see if any check written during that week was not cashed.  Please reach out to us, and I will confirm whether or not we received it.  I am sorry for this inconvenience, but our Post Office, as with all things now, are not as 100% as they should be.
 
          Be well, and stay safe.  You are loved by the strays that you help.  They feel your kindness at each, and every meal that they eat.  They eat because of you.  When they are sick, they are helped because of you.  You are so very sincerely appreciated.
 
          Let’s change this up a bit.   Let’s help at least one stray at a time, and let’s help one person at a time and multiply that by as many as you can.
 
                                               Till next time.  Love to all.                                                  

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.
           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.  Please 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 ttry 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, including 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, and the world, 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 snowstorm, 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
 
                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