WAGGIN TAILS                        JULY 2022
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
 
Dear Friends and Members:
 
          Fourth of July, please watch out for pets and strays.  My grand dog Reilly runs into a corner when the firecrackers go off.  It is frightening to animals.
 
          We are repeating an article from last year’s newsletter.  We here at Save Our Strays think that it is very important, and worth the repeat.
 
Be a responsible pet owner. Know about, and fulfill the needs of you pet.  Don’t just concern youself with basic needs – give your pet positive experiences that really enhance its well-being.
 
Be an example of kindness to other pets.  Foster a pet that has suffered abandonment, if you can.  Sadly, many pets are relinquished to shelters for various reasons.  Foster homes help these animals to recover, and prepare them to move on to a new permanent loving home.  
Intervene if you witness animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.  Do what you can to stop someone from mistreating an animal.  However, be sensible, and If necessary, call the police.  
Report animal cruelty, abuse or neglect.  If you witness any form of animal cruelty, report it to the police or other authorities.  Act immediately to prevent further cruelty.  
Teach your children to have respect for animals.  Set a good example by being respectful towards animals.  Help them to grow up to become the next generation of advocates for animals, we really need new people. You see: there are many ways each of us can contribute to a kinder world for animals.  Everyone can change the life of an animal for the better.
You have the chance to be a hero for animals.  Will you take it?
 
There are many more ways that we can help animals.  Just treat them as you would treat yourself.
 
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.
 
LEGISLATION                                                                                                          [REPRINTED]

New York State Senate passes bill to shut down the puppy mill pipeline
Animal welfare groups commend NYS Senate for approving bill to end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores
NEW YORK—Today, the New York State Senate approved S.1130, to shut down the puppy mill pipeline and end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across the state. Sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, the bill is supported by leading animal welfare groups including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®, the Humane Society of the United States, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Voters For Animal Rights, Companion Animal Protection Society, Animal Legal Defense Fund and the NYC Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee.
A companion bill (A.4283) was introduced in the Assembly by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. The Assembly version of the bill was approved by the Assembly Agriculture Committee last year, and it’s currently awaiting a vote in the Assembly Codes Committee.
“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” said Gianaris. “I thank my colleagues for joining me in passing this important legislation and look forward to working with Assemblymember Rosenthal to get this bill over the finish line.”
“We can seize this moment to save countless animals from suffering by cutting off the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline once and for all,” said Rosenthal, chair of the Social Services Committee. “Preventing the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores won’t just protect animals, it will also save customers the great heartache and expense that comes with falling in love with an animal that is destined by its breeding to become irreparably sick. My colleagues in the New York State Assembly have a long and proud record of standing up for defenseless animals. I, along with the hundreds of thousands of animal lovers in this State, are waiting to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline by passing bill A.4283.”
Animal welfare groups commend NYS Senate for approving bill to end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores
NEW YORK—Today, the New York State Senate approved S.1130, to shut down the puppy mill pipeline and end the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across the state. Sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, the bill is supported by leading animal welfare groups including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®, the Humane Society of the United States, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Voters For Animal Rights, Companion Animal Protection Society, Animal Legal Defense Fund and the NYC Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee.
“Having one of the country’s highest concentrations of pet stores that sell puppies, New York State needs to end the sale of cruelly bred puppy mill dogs in pet shops by finally passing the New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA resident and CEO. “Shutting down the puppy mill pipeline will help stop retail sellers and commercial breeders alike from engaging in—and profiting from—unconscionable brutality. We are thrilled to see the Senate pass this bill, and we look forward to working with Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Rosenthal to advance the bill through the full Legislature to make it law, signaling New York’s determination to reject animal cruelty statewide.”
“New York’s remaining pet stores are joined at the hip with puppy mills. This long-overdue legislation seeks to protect our state’s consumers and companion animals from the scourge of puppy mill cruelty,” said Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We applaud Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal for championing this game-changing bill and for their tireless work aimed at shutting down the horrible puppy mill-to-New York pipeline.”
LEGISLATION                                                                                                          [REPRINTED]

New York State Senate passes bill to shut down the puppy mill pipeline (CONT.)
“If consumers knew where the puppies, kittens and rabbits sold at pet stores came from they would be appalled. The conditions and treatment these animals endure is inexcusable,” said Libby Post, executive director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation. “This bill stops pet stores and unwitting consumers from bolstering an inhumane industry. We are so thankful for the leadership of Senator Michael Gianaris, the bill’s sponsor, and Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee for their steadfast leadership. The Federation represents shelters across New York that are happy to hold adoption events at local pet stores to help them rebrand as humane businesses that care about companion animals and the people who love them. Senate passage will help us build the momentum we need to pass this bill in the Assembly where thanks go to bill sponsor Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo for getting the bill out of committee and to its next stop in the legislative process.”
"During the pandemic, the puppy mill industry has demonstrated their unscrupulous and greedy practices by preying on the emotions of consumers during this very challenging time. While animal shelters worked in partnership with local communities to find homes for thousands of homeless animals, the puppy mill industry ramped up breeding and sales operations to sell as many dogs and kittens as possible for the highest prices possible. They have proven, once again, that they have no interest in protecting animals or consumers,” said Allie Feldman Taylor, president of Voters For Animal Rights. “Voters For Animal Rights applauds Senator Michael Gianaris for championing this transformative legislation—a win for all New Yorkers, especially consumers and homeless animals seeking a second chance at life.”
“Companion Animal Protection Society has conducted over 100 undercover investigations of every New York pet store and many of the puppy and kitten mills that sell to them since we started in 2013,” said Deborah Howard, president of Companion Animal Protection Society. “Our findings demonstrate the critical need for a law that shuts down the puppy mill pipeline into NYS ending the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits.”
“Shutting down the puppy mill to pet store pipeline cuts off a critical revenue source for puppy mill operators,” says Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “We are grateful to Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Rosenthal for championing a bill that will protect companion animals and New Yorkers.”
“New York has a long and proud tradition of protecting animals through its laws. This bill is no exception. It targets the cruel commercial breeding of dogs, cats, and rabbits, promotes animal adoption, and protects consumers and the environment,” said Christopher Wlach, chair for the New York City Bar Association Animal Law Committee. “The New York City Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee applauds the Senate for moving the bill one step closer to passage.”
Right now, out-of-state puppy mills ship their puppies to New York pet stores, where they are marketed as healthy puppies from responsible breeders, which is far from the truth. Puppies sold in pet stores typically come from commercial breeding operations known as “puppy mills” that are designed to prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. Dogs in these facilities are often kept in wire crates without adequate shelter, veterinary care, food or socialization. As a result, many of them suffer severe health and behavioral issues—and families are often unprepared for the financial loss and heartbreak that come with buying a sick puppy.
A new report detailing where pet stores in New York really get their puppies shows that almost half of the puppies shipped to New York pet stores arrive by truck from Missouri—home to the highest concentration of puppy mills in the U.S. This cruel and broken system is made possible because, in New York State, it’s still legal to sell cruelly bred dogs in pet stores. The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill will strike a major blow to the cruel and deceptive puppy mill industry by ending the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores.
With passage in the Senate, the bill must now be approved by the Assembly. If the bill is approved in that house, New York will join other states and hundreds of localities in taking a strong stand against puppy mill cruelty.  
 
FYI                                                                      [REPRINTED]

Equine industry and animal welfare organizations announce collaborative effort to ban horse slaughter
In the midst of Triple Crown season, coalition issues a joint letter to congressional leaders, calling for passage of the SAFE Act to end the slaughter of American horses.
WASHINGTON—Today, a diverse group of equine industry and animal welfare organizations announced the Final Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter—a collaborative effort to permanently ban the slaughter of American horses. In an open letter to congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,  and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the alliance urged federal lawmakers to pass the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R.3355/S.2732) to permanently ban horse slaughter in the U.S. and end the export of American horses for slaughter in other countries.
The supporting members of the Final Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter coalition include: The Jockey Club,  the U.S. Trotting Association, the Stronach Group, the Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, The Jockey’s Guild, the New York Racing Association, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Maryland Horse Council, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation, and many other industry voices.
Despite congressional efforts that have effectively blocked the operation of horse slaughterhouses on U.S. soil since 2007, tens of thousands of American horses continue to be shipped to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses that supply other countries with horsemeat. With the Triple Crown horse racing season underway and public attention on equine sports, equine industry and welfare groups are calling on federal lawmakers to take action during this critical moment by passing the SAFE Act to end this sad chapter in American history.
In the open letter, the groups highlight a recent poll indicating that an overwhelming majority of Americans (83%) oppose horse slaughter. The letter explains how, despite robust, innovative partnerships between equine industry and welfare groups to support horses transitioning between careers, the looming threat of the horse slaughter pipeline continues to significantly harm industry, enthusiasts, and adoption organizations:
“Racing industry groups have demonstrated real leadership in committing resources for aftercare and career transition programs, instituting and enforcing track policies against sale to slaughter, and spearheading state and federal policies prohibiting horse slaughter. These programs are critical, but until the law shuts down the slaughter pipeline itself, no horse, no matter how beloved or decorated, will be truly safe.”
The SAFE Act would close this legal loophole to stop the funneling of American horses to slaughter for human consumption abroad. Introduced by a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers, the SAFE Act is currently sponsored by nearly half of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read the open letter issued by the Final Stretch Alliance to End Horse Slaughter coalition
Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States: “We’re pleased to have so many horse racing leaders and organizations join with us to end the slaughter of American horses by pressing Congress to pass the SAFE Act. We’ve never been closer to our goal of ending this repugnant industry. These influential horse racing industry voices, joined with ours, will have a major impact. The sooner we can get this bill across the finish line the better. No person of good conscience can support horse slaughter.”
Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund: “Only 10 years ago, 166,000 American horses were exported abroad to be slaughter for human consumption. As a direct result of our collective efforts, those numbers have dropped to 23,431 in 2021, but one horse lost to the slaughter pipeline is still too many. Horse slaughter is a predatory industry that takes advantage of horse owners and enthusiasts, and brings nothing but misery and suffering to horses. Public disapproval of its cruelties has never been higher, and we’re pleased to join with our racing industry partners to call on Congress to take decisive action to end it forever.”
FYI                                                                    [REPRINTED]

Giraffes one step closer to US endangered species protections
Government agrees to deadline for decision
WASHINGTON—In response to a lawsuit by conservation and animal protection groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed today to a deadline of November 2024 for deciding if giraffes warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States filed a petition requesting giraffe protections in April 2017. But the agency missed its legal deadline for a decision, resulting in the litigation.
“This is a crucial step for giraffes, whose populations are dwindling while products made from their skins and bones flood into the United States,” said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This agreement was desperately needed to help give everyone’s favorite long-necked mammal a shot at federal protections. But during an extinction crisis, it shouldn’t take litigation to get action under the Endangered Species Act. We should be racing to save every species we can.”
With fewer than 69,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild, giraffe populations have declined nearly 40% in the past three decades because of habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching and human-caused habitat changes. The international trade in giraffe parts—bone carvings, skins and trophies—puts additional pressure on these iconic animals.
Adam Peyman, wildlife programs director for Humane Society International, speaking on behalf of Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States, said: “This was a long, overdue step to protecting giraffes. The United States is a top importer and seller of giraffe parts—including heads, legs and feet, tails and skins—and a leading contributor to the threat of extinction of the species. The demand for these items is deplorable and an Endangered Species Act listing will strengthen the ability to combat this horrific domestic market.”
Protection under the Endangered Species Act would help curb U.S. imports and sale of giraffe bones, skins and other parts and increase funding for conservation efforts for the species. During a recent 10-year period, the United States imported more than one giraffe hunting trophy a day on average and more than 21,400 giraffe bone carvings. Many imported giraffe parts are turned into frivolous decorative items such as pillows, boots, Bible covers and jackets, as revealed by a 2018 undercover investigation by Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States.    
The International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed giraffes as “vulnerable” to extinction in 2016 and classified two giraffe subspecies as “critically endangered” in 2018 and two more as “endangered” in 2018 and 2019.
Parties to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) decided in 2019 to regulate international trade in giraffes by requiring export permits. Because these protections do not foreclose the giraffe trade and because of the species’ decline, conservation safeguards are crucial in countries like the United States that have a thriving market for giraffe body parts.
Today’s agreement setting a November 2024 deadline provides a much-needed step toward reversing the role of the U.S. market in the decline of this iconic and irreplaceable species.
 

LINDA’S LINE
 
          Hi.
 
I can’t believe it’s July already.  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 very 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 in case you come across any strays that need a helping hand.  The summer heat makes it 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.
 
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.  Because 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.
 
Please also be aware of the strays in your area as, 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.  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.  The General number for information on these centers is (212) 510-7107.  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.
 
There are many petitions out there asking politicians to change laws for better humane care for the strays.  So please continue to write to the people that you vote for, and 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.
 
NOTE:-  If you have not been vaccinated, please consider doing so –
       it is important in order to protect yourself, and others.
 

CLOSING THOUGHT
 
          Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members, please update your mailing address – we don’t want to lose you.  Let us know your summer/winter schedule.
 
                   Don’t forget to check out our website, we are always updating pictures of the animals that we have helped.
 
          The website address is saveourstraysbrookyn.com.  We are on Facebook also.  Please let people know, we have a PayPal page, and a Go Fund Me page set up.  It is now easier to donate to Save Our Strays.
 
          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 – at least that.  Have a wonderful summer.
 
            Please support us through Amazon Smile.  The information needed is below.
 
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 and other 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.)
 
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!”
 ​

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.
 
Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app, and tap into “Settings.”
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.