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WAGGIN TAILS MAY 2024
BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK – 5/5/24 TO 5/11/24 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MEMORIAL DAY Dear Friends and Members: Happy Mother’s Day to one, and all. Including our four-pawed friends. On a positive note, the weather is improving after a cold winter. 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. 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, and the horrible conditions for both humans, and animals in Gaza is unconscionable. The people are suffering, but so are the animals. These conflicts have to stop. 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, with 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. We have to start to see animals as living, breathing, feeling beings. Then, maybe the world will be a better place. Help one animal at a time. It will be a start. Enjoy the good, caring things in this world, such as Mother’s Day. Have a Good One. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Victory: U.S. restricts the import of live African elephants and trophies WASHINGTON (March 29, 2024) — Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a final rule governing import permits for live African elephants and elephant hunting trophies. This action effectively bans elephant hunting trophy imports from certain countries that serve as major destinations for trophy hunters—a win for the conservation of the species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. “Today’s announcement serves as a victory for the animal welfare and conservation movement, as this is precisely what the Endangered Species Act was designed to accomplish. The U.S. government should not be in the business of promoting the decline of a species, especially one classified as threatened under its own law,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “Elephants are complex, family-centered animals, important within their ecosystems and cherished by people all over the world. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s move is a meaningful step toward saving African elephants from extinction.” Since the Fish and Wildlife Service classified African elephants as threatened in 1978, their global population has decreased by at least 60% due to poaching, habitat loss and other compounding threats. Trophy hunting and the capture of live wild elephants for exhibition in U.S. zoos contribute to this decline through direct removals of individuals and ripple effects negatively impacting the overall health and survival of family groups. “For decades the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been allowing African elephant imports without current population data, transparency or effective oversight,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund. “With African elephants’ rapid global population decline and the abrupt reversals in federal protections between administrations, this new revision to the regulation will help the agency make decisions that enhance the survival of the species in the wild, instead of incentivizing its decline. Considering how the U.S. is one of the world’s worst offenders in the elephant hunting trophy trade, we thank U.S. Secretary of the Interior Secretary Haaland and the Fish and Wildlife Service for taking these steps to protect endangered and threatened species.” The new revision clarifies guidelines for granting import permits. It also strengthens the agency’s oversight capacity and the transparency of the permit application process. The U.S. imports more hunting trophies than any other country in the world, accounting for 75% of global hunting trophy imports and almost 25% of global elephant hunting trophy imports between 2014 and 2018. The revised rule heightens the criteria required for the Fish and Wildlife Service to authorize imports, including from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia—the top exporters of elephant hunting trophies to the U.S.—making it harder for trophy hunters to import their hunting spoils and for captive wildlife facilities such as zoos bring animals taken from the wild into the U.S. for exhibition. “The agency’s new rule is a strong step in the right direction to finally gain transparency and oversight on this highly politicized and harmful trade in African elephants killed for fun and gruesome souvenirs,” said Jeff Flocken, president of Humane Society International. “We will continue to fight for a full ban on the trade in African elephant hunting trophies, and we hope this sets a precedent that can be applied to other countries and to other imperiled species, like lions, giraffes and leopards.” Under the Obama administration in 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Service issued rules suspending the importation of elephant trophies from Tanzania and Zimbabwe into the U.S. In 2018, the Fish and Wildlife Service under the Trump administration withdrew that rule and began to allow the import of elephant trophies on a case-by-case basis, although former President Donald Trump tweeted about the trophy hunting aspect of the rule, saying he was “very hard pressed to change [his] mind that this horror show in any way helps conservation of elephants or any other animal.” Now, the Biden administration has heightened the criteria for what imports are allowed into the U.S. In January, Belgium’s parliament voted unanimously to prohibit the import of hunting trophies from many endangered species into the country. This comes after the Netherlands instituted a ban on the import of hunting trophies for more than 200 species and France implemented a ban on the import of lion hunting trophies in 2015. FYI [REPRINTED] Over 120 dogs rescued from suspected dogfighting operation This week the Humane Society of the United States assisted law enforcement with the rescue of over 120 dogs from an alleged dogfighting operation throughout multiple properties in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Humane Rescue Alliance and licensed veterinarians also assisted on-scene. Law enforcement officials served search and seizure warrants on multiple properties early in the morning on April 3. Dogs and puppies were found living in barren pens and cages throughout multiple buildings, while others were found shivering in the cold rain in outdoor pens or on heavy chains with little protection from the elements. Responders observed dogs with significant scarring, as well as untreated wounds. One dog was missing a leg and his remaining front paw was mangled. Several dogs were emaciated, including pregnant and nursing mothers. Many dogs eagerly greeted responders with wagging tails and kisses, while others hunched over and peered reluctantly at the responders. The team worked late into the evening through cold and rainy conditions to conduct field exams of each animal and remove them from the properties. “What’s striking is the level of suffering involved in dogfighting contrasted with how sweet and eager for affection these dogs are,” said Janette Reever, animal crimes investigations program manager for the Humane Society of the United States. ”Though they were shivering in the cold rain, these dogs still left their meager shelters to greet us. We are grateful to New Jersey authorities for their hard work and dedication to put a stop to this cycle of suffering.” Fighting dogs or possessing, training, selling, buying, delivering, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting is a felony offense. “Situations like this underscore why we continue to advocate for humane laws—this rescue operation wouldn’t be possible without legislation in place to protect animals from cruelty,” said David Grant, New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “Thanks to the agencies involved in this rescue, these dogs now have a chance to get the happy lives they deserve.” Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering. The dogs used in professional dogfighting operations are specifically bred and conditioned for fighting, which is only the beginning of a lifecycle of abuse and mistreatment. Across the country, the Humane Society of the United States has seen that these spectacles of cruelty have often been found to co-occur with other crimes related to weapons, violence, gambling and illegal drugs. Typical dogfighting injuries include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion or shock hours or even days after the fight. The Humane Society of the United States transported the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment. 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. Now that spring is here, and the warmer weather is upon us, please be sure to remember to protect your pets from fleas, and ticks. We have had plenty of rain this year. 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. There are many good flea, and tick products on the market, but please be sure to ask your veterinarian, which of these 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. I know that 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. Have a wonderful spring, and G-d Bless you all. 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. If you see a four-legged mother-to-be or know that she had kittens, please try to help. Kitten, and puppy season is here. We have rescued many mothers-to-be, and mothers with new kittens. Please help us to continue our work, in your name. Thank you to all our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members for all your constant support. Receipts for your monthly support go out at the end of the year, unless you request an option that is different from what we usually do. This month is Memorial Day, so our prayers for our troops, and the Ukrainian troops, mean even more. 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. Till next time. Waggin’ Off
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 WAGGIN TAILS APRIL 2024
HAPPY EASTER HAPPY PASSOVER PREVENTION OF ANIMAL CRUELTY MONTH Dear Friends and Members: This is a time for renewal. The Holidays of Easter, and Passover are new beginnings. We should relook at our lives. Have we achieved what we want? How do we make this happen? Bucket lists are a way to go. My Bucket list items:
Unfortunately, this part of my bucket list is far off. Fortunately, there are items that were on my bucket list that I achieved.
This week, one of our rescuers went into a Mom & Pop store to purchase an item. She heard meowing. She asked the owner what that sound was, and he said that his cat had recently given birth to 5 kittens, and they are now 2 weeks old. He said that he did not feed the mother because she is a mice catcher. The babies were crying because they were hungry. The cruelty of people! Not even a can of food to produce milk for the kittens. Needless to say, she stood her ground, and convinced the man to allow her to take the mother, and kittens. I guess he needed a little proding to find humanity. So, if you would put on your bucket list, to go out of your way to help an animal, and if everyone did this maybe my bucket list item 1, and 2 will come true. We have the greatest people, who read this newsletter who help us help the strays. This would be a perfect Easter, and Passover. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Washington becomes the 12th state to address cosmetics cruelty Today, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed H.B. 1097 into law. The legislation will prohibit the sale of cosmetics in Washington that have been newly tested on animals. Passage of this law will prevent the cruel and unnecessary use of rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats to test cosmetic products if they are sold in the state of Washington. Animals who are experimented on for cosmetics suffer horribly through painful testing. Terrified rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats have substances forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes or smeared onto their skin. Widely condemned "lethal dose" tests are still performed, in which rats are forced to swallow large amounts of chemicals to determine the dose that causes death. At the end of these tests, the animals are killed, normally by asphyxiation, neck-breaking or decapitation. Pain relief is not provided. “Washington has become the latest state to take a stand against the use of painful animal tests for cosmetic products like shampoo, aftershave and mascara by passing legislation to end the sale of cosmetics that have been subject to new animal testing,” said Dan Paul, Washington state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “With an ever-increasing number of non-animal methods available, there is no excuse to continue to rely on cruel and outdated animal tests. We thank Rep. Amy Walen for her leadership on this issue and Gov. Inslee for signing the bill into law. Now we must ensure that Congress moves quickly to pass the federal Humane Cosmetics Act to provide a consistent standard for ensuring an end to cosmetics animal testing nationwide.” Washington has now become the 12th state in the country to pass a law to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics following California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Virginia. The state laws closely mirror the provisions of the federal Humane Cosmetics Act, and we urge U.S. House Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to move the federal bill now that her home state has passed the law. Testing cosmetics on animals is both cruel and unnecessary because companies can already create innovative products using thousands of ingredients that have a history of safe use and do not require any additional testing. Plus, modern testing methods (such as human cell-based tests and sophisticated computer models) can replace outdated animal tests. These non-animal technologies are often faster, less expensive and more reliable predictors of human safety. There is strong corporate support for ending cosmetics animal testing. Several companies selling cosmetics in Washington provided testimony in support of this legislation, including Lush Cosmetics, rue Santé, and Thrive Causemetics. The Humane Cosmetics Act has the endorsement of the Personal Care Products Council, the trade association representing 90% of the US cosmetics industry, in addition to more than 400 companies that have individually signed on to support this legislation. FYI [REPRINTED] Approximately 250 dogs and puppies rescued from alleged cruelty at two puppy mills in Milburn, Oklahoma The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of approximately 250 dogs and puppies as part of an alleged cruelty case at two large-scale puppy breeding operations in Milburn, Oklahoma. Oklahoma Humane Society is also assisting on-scene. Local authorities served search and seizure warrants on two residential properties at approximately 8 a.m. Dogs and puppies were found living in poor and unsanitary conditions throughout the properties, many contained in outdoor pens with little protection from the elements. Veterinarians noted dogs with skin infections, eye issues and nasal discharge. One puppy was found to be in respiratory distress and was removed from the property immediately for emergency veterinary care. “It’s a bleak existence for these dogs—no one would want to live like this,” said Cynthia Armstrong, Oklahoma state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for intervening on behalf of these animals and getting them the care they need.” “The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is happy to partner with the Humane Society of the United States and appreciates their assistance in rescuing these animals in need,” said Sheriff Gary Dodd. “This is not in keeping with the Western way of life that we strive to protect every day. A culture in which both man and animal work together in a strong agricultural society where we protect and care for the animals that we also rely on. When presented with probable cause of alleged animal cruelty, we will not hesitate to act.” One of the breeders has puppies listed for sale on the American Kennel Club’s website. The breeders each advertise that they sell their dogs at the notorious Dog Alley flea market in Canton, Texas, which has been the subject of multiple animal welfare investigations and complaints over the years. This market allows unlicensed, uninspected breeders to sell animals directly to the public in dismal conditions. Investigations have revealed breeders selling puppies from filthy, overcrowded, tiny wire cages in close quarters with farmed and exotic animals. “Puppy mills sell puppies to unsuspecting consumers who, misled by the AKC stamp of approval, assume the puppies are healthy and from a reputable, caring source. This situation underscores why families who choose to buy from a breeder cannot rely on AKC registrations or other endorsements—they must insist on visiting the facility in person to see the reality of the living conditions,” said John Goodwin, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign. “Whether selling puppies through a pet store, online or at a notorious flea market, operations which place profits over the well-being of dogs will continue to perpetuate unthinkable suffering.” The Humane Society of the United States is transporting the animals to a safe, undisclosed location where they will receive in-depth veterinary exams and much-needed care. RedRover responders are assisting with the daily care of the animals. LINDA’S LINE Hi. I would like to begin by wishing all of our friends, and members a Happy Passover, and a Happy Easter. By the time you read this newsletter, spring will be in full swing (we hope). Thank G-d for April. Fortunately, even though we did have some snow, the winter wasn’t bad this year, which made it easier for the strays, and for all of us. The warmer weather will soon be upon us, and this is a welcome break for all of us. We are all looking forward to it. A reminder, that this month is also Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which should be celebrated all year long. So please be alert, and if you see an incidence of abuse toward an animal, or any indication that an animal needs help, please don’t ignore it. Remember that we are the guardians of the strays, and it is up to us to try to prevent animal abuse wherever, and whenever we can. They cannot do it alone. Also, please remember that puppy, and kitten season is also in full swing. So, whether it be here at home or if you are traveling, let’s try to remember to carry pet food, and bottled water with us in case we come across any strays that need our help. If in your travels, you happen to come across a stray that is pregnant, please help them with food, and water as the food will help the expectant mother to manufacture the milk that is needed to feed her offspring. If at all possible, call a local Humane Rescue organization, public or private, to pick up the stray, if you cannot bring it to a shelter. THOUGHT, before you leave home, why not check out the phone numbers, and addresses of the rescue services in the area that you are traveling in. It would save time, and may save a life. Also, as I have said before, please try to avoid giving gifts of bunnies for Easter, as too often these poor animals wind up being abandoned in someone’s front yard or in a park (I have had calls like this). This is not a good life for the animal. If you are given a gift like this and you don’t want the animal, please bring it to a shelter, or a petting zoo in your area, i.e.: Central Park. If you don’t know where the shelters are, please feel free to call me (718-332-3956), and I will help you to find one. Easter is also the time that children are given baskets containing different kinds of candy, including chocolate. Please remember never to give any of these treats to a pet, especially chocolate, as it can be very dangerous to them. Once again, a reminder that I am on the phones Monday to Friday from 11;30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I will be happy to try to help with any animal related questions or concerns that you may have. All messages left on our answering machine, will be returned within 24 hours. That’s all for now, but I’ll be back next month. G-d bless you all, and have a beautiful and joyous spring.6 CLOSING THOUGHT HAPPY EASTER and PASSOVER to all who celebrate these holidays. This also starts the kitten season, which is not what we look forward to. It’s a long way to 0 stray population, but if we all try to spay and neuter a pet, we will get there. If you find a kitten that is lost, please bring it to a shelter. Don’t leave it on the street. Kittens sometimes wander from the mommy cat, and they can’t take care of themselves. It’s a baby walking away when mommy turns her head. We need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. These programs keep us going. They are very important. Please share our newsletter with friends, neighbors, family and co-workers. We need these funds to keep us afloat. We are trying different ways to raise funds. We purchased an email mailing list, not much luck yet, but we can use it over and over. Maybe one day it will see a positive response. This is the time of year to show friendship, and compassion to both humans, and animals, whether pet or stray. Actually, all year is a time for friendship, and compassion. Please, if you see a homeless person, especially with pets, food is always accepted. We are the people who care about animals. We have to just get 10 others on board, and 10 will get 100 on board. We can change the world. Let’s start with 1 person to help 1 animal, and if you can, help a homeless person who has made a family, by helping a stray animal. This is a blessing, and at this time of year and all year, we need blessings. People are using the PayPal on our website. It is convenient. Thank you all for your help. Please pass our newsletter around. We REALLY need new donors. Funds are going down, and not much is coming in. Have a wonderful Holiday, and enjoy the warmer weather. Be happy, be safe. Enjoy life, and an extra donation would be wonderful. Help Save Our Strays Inc. to stay here. Till next time. Waggin’ Off |