 WAGGIN TAILS SEPTEMBER 2022
LABOR DAY HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH YOM KIPPUR Dear Friends, and Members: Summer has passed so quickly. The Fall season is here, which is nice, not too hot, not too cold – just right. Once we pass a hopefully, warm Autumn, the winter cold will be upon us, and the strays. It is never too early to start preparing shelters. We have helped many stray animals each month, but it is never ending. We have independent Rescuers that we work with, and they are working very hard to care for the strays in Coney Island, Brighten Beach, Florida and South Carolina. They have found homes for many strays. They have found injured cats that we have made well again, with the veterinary program. We are very proud of what we have been able to do. Now to the point. As I mentioned in previous newsletters, we have received a small Trust that has given us the resources to help hundreds of strays, medically. The Trust helps hundreds of strays a year. In order to continue to do so, we need YOUR help. We need funds for administrative needs. We are like any other non-profit or local business. You have to pay Lawyers, CPA, phone, clerical, office supplies, Insurance etc. If you don’t have the funds for this, it doesn’t matter how much money you have in the Rescue Fund to pay for veterinarians. Our donations have fallen off more, and more each month. I know that inflation has hit many of us hard, and we are all suffering. We have many people in the Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray programs, but only a handful have been sending in their pledges. To these wonderful people, we say thank you for helping us to continue to help the strays. We need the rest of you to please pitch in, in any way you can. We need your pledges monthly. Please send whatever you can. It is sincerely appreciated. This newsletter is being sent to everyone on our mailing list. Please, if you can make a donation, please do so. Please join our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray programs. WAGGIN TAILS - SEPTEMBER 2022 (CONT.) I know you are saying, “well, you are still here working. Where is the money coming from?” We are working down a bequest that was left to us. When that is gone, so are we, unless we get your help. I am looking to buy a mailing list, to try to generate funds. If you are or were in business, can you recommend where we could buy hopefully, a good list? I have tried this before. Sometimes it works, and if you get a bad list, it doesn’t. Any help that you can give us is appreciated. We are sending out this pre-holiday newsletter because we don’t want to get lost in your donation list, when the holidays come, and everyone else sends theirs out. I am also taking stock of who truly wants to stay on our mailing list. We are sending out this mailing with a stamped, self-addressed contribution envelope. There are two boxes on the flap of the donation envelopes. One says, “Keep me on,” and the other says, “Take me off.” Please, if you do nothing else, please check off one of the boxes, so that we can save money by not sending you the newsletters. That is why we are sending you the stamped donation envelope. If you are saying goodbye, by marking off the “Take Me Off” box, please think about sending in a donation, no matter how small. All donations are appreciated. It will only take a minute of your time. We will then take you off the mailing list, If we don’t hear from you by December, we will be forced to take you off the mailing list, for financial reasons. If you change your mind, or circumstances change, you have our address, and we welcome any donations. We do want to say thank you for the years that you have donated. We understand what is happening in the world, and we hope that things will turn around for all of us. We are trying to stay here as long as we can. So far, we are here 54 years. We finally have funds to help the strays without a problem. Please don’t let us have to close down, because our administrative funds are very low. I estimate that we have funds for at least 16 months, for Administrative. We need funds to know that we can stay here beyond 16 months. (We are trying to stretch the dollar as far as we can, but even a rubber band has its breaking point.) There are so many strays out there that need our help. Please don’t let them down. As you know, a year passes very quickly. Please understand why we are being so blunt. We are fighting for the strays. Whether you stay on the mailing list or leave for the time being, please know that you have helped thousands, and thousands of strays and you are so very much appreciated. Be well, and Stay well. Our thoughts, and prayers are with you. You have been our “family” for 54 years, let’s keep it going. With love, and caring, The Board of Directors Volunteers & Staff Of Save Our Strays LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Breaking: Big Cat Public Safety Act passes the U.S. House of Representatives on International Tiger Day WASHINGTON—The U.S. House of Representatives just passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R. 263) by a vote of 278 to 134. The bill would prohibit keeping tigers, lions and other big cat species as pets, and ban direct public contact like cub petting. Sponsored and championed by Rep. Michael Quigley, D-Ill., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa, the bill now moves to the Senate. Big cat ownership is an epidemic in the U.S. Untold numbers of captive big cats live in shoddy roadside zoos or as pets living in homes. More often than not, these large, dangerous, wide-roaming apex predators are kept in small, barren cages where they can barely turn around. They are improperly fed, are not provided with appropriate veterinary care, and have no means to express their complex emotional and behavioral needs. Cubs are ripped away from their mothers to be offered to paying customers for feeding and petting sessions and for photo ops. Keeping big cats in these settings is not only inhumane but is also a serious public safety issue. Since 1992, there have been at least 100 dangerous and cruel incidents involving big cats kept as pets or in private menageries. Among them, a juvenile tiger wandered in a Houston neighborhood in 2021 and an escaped pet cougar was found lounging in a driveway in Parkland, Florida, in 2019. In 2013, a 400-pound pet lion escaped in Fairfield Beach, Ohio. In 2009, a 330-pound tiger was discovered in a backyard in Ingram, Texas. In 2008, a leopard approached a woman in her yard in Neosho, Missouri. In 2005, a tiger roamed loose for days before being shot and killed in Simi Valley, California. This crisis is chiefly the result of public contact activities in substandard facilities, such as those featured in the series “Tiger King” and also shown in the Humane Society of the United States’ undercover investigations focusing on Joseph Maldonado-Passage, or “Joe Exotic” and others. Earlier this month, Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue spoke to hundreds of advocates at a conference hosted by the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, urging them to contact their members of Congress to support the Big Cat Public Safety Act. As one of the keynote speakers, she expressed to animal advocates that she had a sincere hope this year would be the year that we would get this bill done. Over 100 of those advocates joined the Humane Society Legislative Fund to lobby their own members of Congress the following week, urging them to support passing this bill. Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said: “The big cat breeding and cub petting industry creates a cycle of never-ending misery for the animals involved. In an effort to control the true wild nature of these poor captive animals, breeders and exhibitors mistreat the cubs from the day they are born. One paying customer after another handles the cubs, day in and day out, until they grow too big and dangerous. Then they have nowhere to go. Sometimes they are sold to roadside zoos, where they pace the confines of their cages, or they end up in basements or backyards as ‘pets.’ Others simply disappear. ‘Tiger King’ showed just a glimpse of why we need a swift end to the big cat breeding and cub petting industry in the U.S. There are countless Joe Exotics out there. As long as cub petting remains legal, nothing will prevent the next generation of profiteering con artists from casting vulnerable big cats to an uncertain fate.” Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said: “House passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, H.R. 263, is a giant step toward addressing a problem that has been festering for years—America’s surplus of captive tigers and other big cats. It’s the product of people like those in the series ‘Tiger King,’ who breed big cats to make money, not to provide any conservation value. Although most of the scofflaw breeders in LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Breaking: Big Cat Public Safety Act passes the U.S. House of Representatives on International Tiger Day (CONT.) ‘Tiger King’ have been held to account, as long as cub petting remains legal, nothing will prevent Joe Exotic wannabes from relentlessly exploiting, mistreating and dumping big cat cubs. With well over half of the House cosponsoring this bill, Congress should pass it without delay.” Bexar County Sherriff Javier Salazar, who worked with the HSUS to bring Elsa the cub in San Antonio to the HSUS sanctuary Black Beauty Ranch, said: “As we learned from experience in Bexar County, privately owned big cats pose a serious and significant threat to our communities. Enforcement officers are not provided the training or resources to respond to these extremely high-risk, preventable incidents when owners inevitably fail to control their dangerous animals. The Big Cat Public Safety Act will provide a critical tool for solving this problem and we urge legislators to vote yes.” Noelle Almrud, senior director of Black Beauty Ranch, said: “Three of the tigers living at our sanctuary Black Beauty Ranch--Loki, Elsa and India—were rescued from the cruel and dangerous exotic pet trade and will never have to be pulled on a leash or confined in a cage or someone’s living room ever again. To be clear, tigers never make acceptable pets under any circumstances. They are wild animals and can inflict serious, if not deadly, injury to people who attempt to ‘tame’ them. It is critical that the Big Cat Public Safety Act is passed so that so that the overbreeding and horrific treatment of captive exotic cats in the United States is finally over.” Sheriff Matt Lutz of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office, where dozens of exotic animals were shot and killed after their owner freed them from enclosures in Zanesville, Ohio, in 2011, said: “The tragedy in Zanesville highlighted the serious threat posed to our communities when private individuals are allowed to keep big cats in their backyards. Law enforcement does not receive training about how to handle these dangerous incidents, yet are the ones called to respond when disaster strikes. The Big Cat Public Safety Act will help solve this national crisis, and we urge Congress to pass this bill to help protect law enforcement and the citizens we serve.” “Ultimately, this legislation is about public safety. Any American can imagine the danger that exotic cats can pose. These are predators, not pets. Law enforcement has long advocated for legislation that will keep dangerous wild animals out of their communities and reduce the risk to first responders and the animals themselves,” said Rep. Michael Quigley, D-Ill. “I have been proud to work alongside law enforcement groups and animal organizations to ensure this bill will make both neighborhoods and animals safer. For too long, lax laws have allowed private citizens to own big cats. The animals subject to these grotesque conditions deserve better. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will swiftly take up this legislation so we can make a difference for communities across the country and save these animals from a life of confinement and restriction.” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., said: "As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am committed to ensuring our government is doing its part to promote animal welfare. For too long, big cats have been mistreated, exploited, and abused in private roadside zoos. Our Big Cat Public Safety Act will prohibit the unlicensed, private possession of big cats and restrict their direct contact with the public, and I am proud to again join Congressman Quigley in championing this bipartisan bill." FYI [REPRINTED] Dogs rescued from alleged cruelty situation in Newton County, Texas Some dogs had no access to water, others only had rainwater in Texas heat CALL, Texas—The Humane Society of the United States and Operation Kindness are assisting the Newton County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of about 10 dogs from an alleged cruelty situation in Newton County, Texas. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential property on July 6. The dogs appeared emaciated and had sores on their bodies. Some dogs had no access to water, others had inadequate water—likely only there from rainfall. The HSUS helped the Newton County Sheriff Department with logistical support. This included arranging for members of the community and staff members from Jasper Animal Hospital to assist in removing the animals from the property and getting them the care they desperately needed. Rachel Ide, animal crimes case manager for the HSUS, said: “It’s heartbreaking to imagine the conditions these animals were living in. We are grateful to Deputy Henry and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office for taking action to get these dogs the care they so deserve.” Sheriff Robert Burby of Newton County said: “Animal ownership is a huge responsibility, and one that no one should ever take lightly. It is our responsibility as animal owners to properly feed, provide shelters, and care for our animals in a safe and humane fashion. Animals depend on us for their health and well-being. They are innocent and never deserves be mistreated or neglected under no circumstances. It pains us deeply when this happens. We want to extend our thanks to the Humane Society of the United States for assisting us in this case. Deputy Henry has a unique and keen sense for investigating animal incidents, and is highly appreciated and valued by this Office.” Ed Jamison, CEO of Operation Kindness, said: "As soon as the Humane Society of the United States reached out, the team at Operation Kindness jumped into action to assist. The dogs will be arriving in our care on Friday, July 15, and we hope to place them immediately into foster homes. Thank you to the HSUS and the Newton County Sheriff's Office for assisting these dogs. We're looking forward to getting them on the road to recovery with all the veterinary care they need." The dogs will be arriving at Operation Kindness where they will later be placed with fosters to receive much-needed care. They will eventually be available for adoption via Operation Kindness. FYI [REPRINTED] Reward offered in New Jersey for information on kitten thrown out of moving vehicle MONTCLAIR, N.J.—The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for throwing a kitten out of the window of a moving vehicle. The case: On June 24, 2022, between noon and 12:15 p.m., a motorist witnessed a gray kitten being thrown out of the passenger window of a moving vehicle near the intersection of Glenridge Avenue and Cloverhill Place in Montclair, traveling toward Grove Street. Witnesses at the scene described the vehicle as a brown or bronze Nissan Rogue with New Jersey license plates. The motorist who witnessed the incident pulled over to protect the kitten from oncoming traffic and immediately called 911. Montclair Township Animal Control was dispatched and Officer Jarrett Kennedy arrived at the scene. Officer Kennedy transported the kitten to the local veterinary hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. “No animal deserves to be tossed out the window and discarded like trash,” says Elissa Frank, New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are hopeful that offering this reward will lead to justice for this sweet kitten whose life was cut too short.” Animal cruelty: The serious attention and engagement of law enforcement, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of animal cruelty is an essential component of protecting the whole community. The connection between animal cruelty and violence toward people is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. The investigators: Montclair Township Animal Control and the Montclair Township Police Department are investigating this case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to call Detective Shawn DePoe at 973-509-4732 or Animal Control Supervisor Michele Shiber at 973-487-0524. Resources: The Humane Society of the United States raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. We offer rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. LINDA’S LINE Hi. It’s the month of September, and I hope that you all had a wonderful summer. This time of year also marks the beginning of the new school season. Here in New York the schools will be re-opening again, as usual this month. However, we are still not out of the woods. So, please continue to keep your children safe by making sure that they wear masks. This month also marks the beginning of the fall season, with all the beautiful colors of autumn. This also means that winter, and the cold weather, is not far behind, and that means more hardships for the strays. So please remember that now is the time to start to prepare your shelters for the strays, and stock them with plenty of food and water. As 0we always say, we are the guardians of the strays and it is up to us to look after them. For all pet owners, a reminder that even though the summer months are now behind us, it is still important to protect your pets from fleas, and ticks. Please be sure to protect your pets all year round. This is most important in order for them to have a happy, healthy life. If you are not sure which is the best brand of flea, and tick protection to use, please ask your veterinarian which one is best for your pet. I know that this has been said before in past newsletters, but I feel that it is important enough to repeat again. Especially, with the current health crisis that is going on in our country, and the world. None of us likes to think about the possibility of our pets outliving us, but the fact is that it can happen and it is very important to make arrangements so that they will be well taken care of. If you are not sure how to do this, look on the internet, and you will find that animal organizations such as Humane Society of the United States, and ASPCA list options for doing this on their websites or you can just go into google, and type “Estate Planning for Pets into the Search Bar. You will then see a list of all of your options. Please remember that if you see an animal that needs help, don’t pass it by, try to do whatever you can to help. Also, a reminder that the fall holidays will soon be upon us so let’s try to keep a look out for the strays, and our pets to protect them from pranksters that could cause them harm. That’s all for now, but I’ll be back next month. Take care, and stay safe. Wear a mask – social distance. It’s patriotic. THE LAST DAY (This is the reason why we are here. Spay & Neuter, so that they don’t grow up only to be abandoned. This is why we need your help.) THE LAST DAY... I don't have a name. I had nothing but my life. I was once given, but in this country I was never loved. One day I was captured and my journey ended in this cold and dark place. Which scares me, many had these fears and many died. I knew instinctively .. I just didn't know when it would happen .. I certainly had the hope that I would finally get out of this place and I dreamed that I would be loved as I am.. A dog on the street ... In the morning I was brought food and drinking water. I kindly thanked him for I had not eaten anything for a long time. I lie in my corner all day, watching the clouds at the window. How beautiful they are and so I can go on thinking, far from here. In the evening came this man who always looked so bad, had cold eyes and took me. The last time I looked around and looked into other eyes, their pain and cried, for the last time. I've never done anything wrong and I don't understand why I have to die. Maybe from here the rainbow will be just as beautiful, and then I can be happy ... Take care and think of me .. WITHOUT A NAME he died in one of the "shelters" of death. Because we (humans) rise above Animals. Because, we condemn, and take away their RIGHTS .. CLOSING THOUGHT We appreciate the time that you have taken to get to this page. We hope that you enjoy the Rescue stories from all the states that we are working in. Snowbirds, please let us know when to update your winter address. The Holiday Season is starting. If you look in the stores, Halloween and Thanksgiving items are already being displayed. Some stores have Christmas items already. So, in this spirit, let me wish “you all,” as they say in the south, HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH, an easy YOM KIPPUR, a respectful VETERAN’S DAY, HAPPY HANUKKAH and a wonderful CHRISTMAS, and KWANZAA. May the rest of your year be filled with happy thoughts, and good things to look forward to. Please do not pass up an animal in distress. Try to call a local shelter or Rescue Group. You can google “Local Rescue Groups in your area.” Whatever area you are in, if you put it into google using these words, usually it will give you the local groups in your area. Be safe, and get your vaccinations, and booster shots. There are new strains of the virus out there. 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!” Please remember, if you buy on Amazon.com, our information is printed below. Please use it as the funds are very needed. To help you, our supporters, who shop on Amazon to support Save Our Strays through the Amazon Smile program, please visit www.smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7282525. This will bring you to the Amazon Smile home page for Save Our Strays. If you look under the white search bar, with the word “All” in it, you will see “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 occasions i.e.: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, chistenings, bar mitzvas 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. 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 worth 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.
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.
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