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WAGGIN TAILS OCTOBER 2024 ADOPT A SHELTER MONTH HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH YOM KIPPUR COLUMBUS DAY HAPPY HALLOWEEN Dear Friends and Members: Once again, we are in the Holiday Season. This is our Holiday newsletter. I like to send it out before everyone else. I hope it makes us stand out. This newsletter goes out to everyone on our mailing list. Our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray contributors receive a newsletter every month. So, to the contributors who respond yearly to our Holiday Letter, we wish to say welcome once again, with the hope that you will join our monthly contributors. We have enclosed a member form for your convenience. It would be appreciated if you would update your mailing address, and mark on the back of the contribution envelope, whether or not you are staying with us or wish to be removed. Having said all this, I hope that you will read the rest of our newsletter. We have true stories from New York, Florida and South Carolina. We also have helped people in other states, i.e.: New Jersey. As many of you know, we received a bequest from Mrs. Janet Salz. The bequest covers veterinary costs, so we have been able to help many animals over the years. Unfortunately, the food for the strays, and the Administrative costs, such as accountants, attorney and clerical help are not covered by the bequest. Money has been “tight” for many of us, and funds are coming in at a minimum. It doesn’t cover our basic needs. We have a small amount of funds that we draw from to cover the cost each month. When that is gone, unfortunately, so are we. It will be sad because we receive a large sum that covers all veterinary expenses, and that does not stop, unless we are forced to close. No Director receives any compensation. We started as a grass roots organization 56 years ago, and we are still a grass roots organization. What does this mean? It means that we are still helping Rescuers that spent all their own funds to help the strays. We supplement them. They watch the colonies, and bring the sick, and hurt ones to veterinarians, the cost of which we cover. They couldn’t afford to take care of the strays to the extent that they do without YOU our contributors, and us being here. We are a team, and in order for us to stay here we need YOU. Please read some of the rescues that are in this newsletter, and multiply them by 50 percent more. Our veterinary bills each month range from a minimum of $15,000, and on some months, go as high as $23,000 a month. All funded by the Salz Trust. We NEED funds for food, and for Administrative costs. Please put our newsletter on bulletin boards, etc. Please mention us in work newsletters, and in places wherever you might worship. We need to get our name out there to generate donations. We have a website: saveourstraysbrooklyn.com. We post our newsletter, and pictures of some of the animals that we have helped. We are a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization, and very, very worthy of your support, and to you, who have supported us over the years. You are very appreciated, and you are the reason we have been able to help the strays, and why we are still able to be here let us continue to work together.. We are a team. Please let’s try to get more people on the team. Let’s save one stray at a time. It adds up. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED]
New Law Review Article Condemns USDA’s Animal Welfare Act Failures PETA Foundation Vice President Holds Agency Accountable for Relying on Meaningless Warnings to ‘Enforce’ Federal Law Washington – The Ohio State Law Journal, a top-50 law review, has just published an article by animal-law scholar and PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders that condemns the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) use of warnings as its primary means of “enforcing” the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). In the first half of the 2018 fiscal year, more than 80 percent of the USDA’s AWA enforcement actions were simply warnings—and Winders’ analysis in “Administrative Law Enforcement, Warnings, and Transparency” finds that such warnings frequently fail to prevent further violations of the AWA. Facilities such as roadside zoos, laboratories, and puppy mills that ignored warnings and continued violating the AWA most often faced no further consequences—except, in some cases, a second (or even third) meaningless warning. “Over and over, we’ve seen that warnings from the USDA don’t stop laboratories, roadside zoos, and other animal exploiters from denying animals veterinary care or confining them to tiny, filthy cages,” says Winders. “PETA is calling on the USDA to levy significant fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and issue criminal penalties in order to stop abuse.” Winders’ article comes on the heels of a sudden decline in overall AWA enforcement actions—just 47 in the first three quarters of the 2018 fiscal year, compared with 207 actions in 2017 and 252 in 2016—combined with the USDA’s refusal to disclose enforcement records, which previously were routinely posted online, publicly. The agency’s recent lack of transparency is the subject of lawsuits filed by PETA-led coalitions in which Winders is also a plaintiff. In addition to her work with PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—Winders taught animal law at Vermont Law School this summer, was recently a visiting scholar at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and was Harvard’s first Animal Law & Policy fellow. Her other recent and forthcoming law review articles address the USDA’s assault on transparency and its policy of automatically renewing AWA licenses even when licensees have repeatedly violated the law. More than 100 rabbits rescued from overwhelmed caregiver’s home in Chattanooga, Tennessee The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the McKamey Animal Center in the rescue of over 100 rabbits from a residence in Chattanooga after an overwhelmed caregiver asked for help. The Humane Society of the United States and the McKamey Animal Center arrived at the property around 8 a.m. on Aug. 20 to find the caregiver and more than 100 rabbits living in extremely unsanitary conditions. The rabbits appeared to suffer from a variety of ailments including flea infestations, hair loss and injuries typical of overcrowding. Multiple nursing litters and rabbits of various ages were found burrowing in furniture throughout the residence. Veterinarians noted several rabbits may be pregnant. According to the owner, he has cared for pet rabbits for more than 30 years, but after enduring a health crisis, the population of rabbits grew out of control and beyond his capacity to provide the animals with adequate care. He eventually reached out to the McKamey Animal Center, which requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States. “As with many of the rescue operations we take on, these conditions aren’t suitable for animals or humans to live in. This one stands out because it was brought about by a caregiver recognizing he was beyond his capacity—he loves his pets enough to let them go so they can find homes where they can thrive,” said Jessica Johnson, senior director of the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team. “We are grateful to the McKamey Animal Center for inviting us to assist in giving the caregiver and each of his rabbits a new beginning.” “We are so thankful for the response and efforts of the HSUS,” said Executive Director for the MAC, Inga Fricke. “The house is sadly in deplorable condition and is not suited for animals to reside in at this time.” The Humane Society of the United States is transporting the rabbits to a temporary emergency shelter, where veterinarians will conduct in-depth exams and provide necessary medical treatment. Once they are healthy enough, the HSUS will arrange placement with shelter and rescue partners so the rabbits can seek adoptive homes. LINDA’S LINE Can you believe how quickly the year has passed? It’s October already, and autumn is in full swing with the trees all showing their beautiful colors of red, orange and gold. I would like to start out by wishing all of our Jewish friends a HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH, and an easy fast. I would also like to wish our members a HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY. We also celebrate Halloween this month, and a reminder to please keep an eye out for pranksters, as there are a lot of sick people out there, who would cause harm to the strays, and possibly our pets. Most children will probably be Trick or Treating this Halloween, so please keep your pets away from the candy that they bring home. Candy is very dangerous to animals, especially chocolate. A reminder that the cold winter months will soon be upon us, so let’s all try to make sure that we have our shelters ready, so that the strays will have a warm place to go with plenty of food, and water. Please remember that, even though the COVID-19 situation has improved greatly in our country, we are still not out of the woods, and we are still dealing with variants that can be dangerous to those who have not yet been vaccinated. So please continue to be vigilant. In many places, wearing a mask is no longer required. I realize that this is of great concern to many people in this country, especially senior citizens. So, if it makes you feel more comfortable to continue to wear a mask, then by all means, do so for your protection, and that of others around you. It is patriotic, and we are all Americans. If you still have not been vaccinated, PLEASE do not hesitate to do so, as these vaccinations WILL help to keep you, and those around you, safe. The cold weather is coming, and top doctors are telling us that we still need to be very careful. So please do not let your guard down. Continue to protect yourself and stay safe. Remember to get your flu shots also. We don’t want to lose you, the strays need all the friends they can get. You are important. We are still in Hurricane season. A reminder to pet owners – if you are in an area that is affected by a hurricane, and you are forced to leave your home due to flooding etc., PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU. Do NOT leave them behind. Remember that they are used to being cared for by you, they are family and they could not survive without you. This month is also Adopt A Shelter Pet Month. So, if you are thinking of adopting a pet, please consider adopting from a shelter, rather than buying one from a pet store. There are so many wonderful pets in the shelters that are waiting to be adopted, and deserve a good, loving forever home. Many of them are pets that have been displaced from their owners, due to storms etc. Please consider giving one of these poor creatures a loving home as well. That’s all for now, but I’ll be back next month. G-d Bless you all, be safe and enjoy the holidays. CLOSING THOUGHT Happy Columbus Day to our Italian friends, and to everyone else,. Columbus discovered America, and that’s for all of us. Enjoy the good parts of Halloween. To our Jewish friends, have a Happy New Year and an easy fast. Please adopt from a shelter or rescue group. These are wonderful animals who will make great pets, and family members. They are waiting for their forever home. As always, we need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. Please get the word out about Save Our Strays. Please keep us here. We always have many strays being treated at various veterinarians each day in various state. Every day, through our rescuers, many strays are saved. This work has only been able to be accomplished, through the bequest that we received from the Janet Salz Trust. Strays have been given a new, and better quality of life. The Rescuers find homes for the friendly ones. The others go back into their colonies, and the Rescuers have “eyes” on them every day, and provide food and water. Let’s not let them down. Mrs. Salz left a Restricted legacy, only to be used for medical care and adoption. We need funds for Food, traps etc., and Administrative costs. I would like to say to everyone who is receiving this newsletter, we truly thank you for all that you have done over the years. We love you for helping the strays, and appreciate all that you have done and hope that you will continue the journey with us. Have a wonderful Holiday Season, and may all your good hopes and dreams come true, and may ours also. Please remember – see a stray, help a stray. 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’ Of
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 WAGGIN TAILS SEPTEMBER 2024
LABOR DAY Dear Friends, and Members: We are now entering the Fall season. It is still good at this time of year – not too hot, and not too cold. I look at weather in terms of how it will affect the strays. We can leave wet food a little longer, and dry food is good all year. The problem comes when the water bowls freeze. Food, for the strays without a colony, is hard to find. I always carry food, and water in my car. You know, animals are very smart and they have sixth sense. I live in a community of over 700 homes. We have about 3 or 4 strays that were either left behind, when people moved or somehow found their way in here. I would see a red, and a black cat. They would cut through my porch or backyard in their travels, looking for food. So, I found a spot, and started leaving food. I couldn’t believe how they found it, and sent the word out. They evidently have several places here, where people put food out, and they have their “stops.” So, please, if you can, put some dry food and water near where cats hang out. They will find the food, and it will be appreciated. Let’s help strays, one at a time. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Massachusetts becomes the 11th state to end the use of elephants, tigers and other wild animals in circuses BOSTON—A landmark bill ending the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows in Massachusetts (H.4915) was signed into law today by Gov. Maura Healey. This legislation protects wild animals from being used as props in entertainment, enduring abusive training methods, and being forced into prolonged confinement and hauled from city to city. Training methods include the use of bullhooks, whips and electric prods. With Gov. Healey’s signature on this legislation, Massachusetts became the 11th state to enact restrictions on the use of wild animals in traveling exhibits and shows. Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said: "After more than two decades of tireless advocacy to end the cruel exploitation of wild animals in circuses, our state has taken a monumental step forward to protect animals and the public. This historic legislation marks the end of an era where tigers, elephants and other wild animals are forced to perform under deplorable conditions including being whipped and forced into small cages to travel from show to show across the Commonwealth. The compassion of bill sponsors, Chairwoman Carole Fiola and Leader Brad Jones, and Senators Adam Gomez and Bruce Tarr, along with the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Chairman Michael Rodrigues, Chairwoman Mindy Domb and Chairman Paul Mark, has been instrumental in achieving this victory. Wild animals will no longer be subjected to a life of suffering for entertainment in our state." Since 1990, the U.S. has witnessed nearly 160 dangerous incidents involving big cats, bears, elephants and primates used in these shows, tragically resulting in 10 adult deaths, 136 adult injuries and 73 injuries to children. In 2017, a capuchin monkey at a petting zoo in the Brockton Fair in Massachusetts bit an 18-year-old girl. In 2019, Beulah, an Asian elephant who was used by Commerford & Sons for over 40 years to give rides to circus and fairgoers in Massachusetts and other states, died from an infection that plagued her for years while she was forced to work. Another exhibitor, Carson & Barnes, which provided elephants to numerous Massachusetts traveling shows, was caught on camera abusing elephants with bullhooks and electric prods and was also responsible for elephant escapes. In April 2024, an elephant named Viola bolted from handlers for the third time, while performing in Montana. “Having witnessed the overwhelming evidence and strong public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts, I am proud to see this crucial legislation enacted," said Representative Fiola. "As a sponsor of this bill, it has been a profound responsibility and privilege to champion significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, it's clear that our constituents demanded an end to animal exploitation for entertainment. This legislation not only reflects that collective desire but also reinforces our state's commitment to the humane treatment of all animals." Sen. Gomez emphasized the significance of this legislative victory, stating: “In 2019, we witnessed a tragic event in our district during the Big E Fair, when an elephant named Beulah, owned by R.W. Commerford & Sons, collapsed and died. She had been taken from her mother in the wild at a young age and spent her life in conditions that ultimately led to her premature death. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency of this legislation. With the passage of these bills, Massachusetts has taken a firm stand against such mistreatment and neglect, ensuring a more humane future for these animals.” "The passage of this bill continues our state's leadership on animal welfare issues, and will protect these elephants, big cats, giraffes and others from the hardships and adversity involved in traveling from place to place for shows. Thanks to the many stakeholders and legislators who have collaborated on the long legislative journey, this bill has traveled to become law,” said Senate Minority Leader Tarr. House Minority Leader Jones underscored the importance of this legislation, stating: "Federal laws are outdated and fail to protect wild animals from cruel practices. By passing this bill, Massachusetts is taking a bold stand against the inhumane treatment of animals in circuses and traveling shows." “With this important legislation, Massachusetts is embracing a future where circuses rely on the incredible talents of human performers and align with the public’s values and expectations around caring for animals,” said Rep. Domb, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “With 15 municipalities in Massachusetts already banning the use of wild animals in traveling shows, the statewide passage of this bill marks a significant milestone," said Sen. Mark, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "This collective effort demonstrates our dedication to animal welfare and sets a powerful example for other states to follow." FYI [REPRINTED] Court upholds Massachusetts farm animal protection law Ruling aligns with voters’ demand to eliminate products of the cruelest forms of confinement in the state’s marketplace BOSTON—Animal protection groups celebrated today’s decision once again affirming the constitutionality of the state’s landmark 2016 ballot measure, Question 3, a measure that prevents breeding pigs, egg-laying hens and calves raised for veal from being kept in cages so small that they are unable to turn around or extend their limbs, and prohibits the in-state sale of products from these cruelly confined animals. “Today’s outcome is a major victory for democracy and the 78% of Massachusetts voters who said loudly and clearly at the ballot box that they want safer and more humane products on their store shelves,” said Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are pleased that the court has determined that the ballot measure is not preempted by federal law and can continue to be enforced, as is the will of Massachusetts voters. The pork industry has run out of tactics to try to delay and overturn this humane measure,” said Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “The Animal Rescue League of Boston applauds today’s ruling affirming the rights of Massachusetts voters to enact animal protections in their state. We will continue to advocate to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in animal welfare,” said Allison Blanck, director of advocacy at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. In addition to the animal protection groups represented above, other groups that joined the joint amicus briefs supporting the state of Massachusetts included Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Outlook, The Humane League, Farm Sanctuary, Animal Equality and Compassion in World Farming. The amici organizations were major proponents and supporters of the 2016 Question 3 ballot measure, and they are immensely grateful to the Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts for its continued strong defense of Question 3. Question 3 requires that veal calves, mother pigs and egg-laying hens in the state have enough room to stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. It also requires that covered pork, eggs and veal sold in the state come from animals with the ability to engage in these behaviors. This case, Triumph Foods v. Campbell, was filed last year and heard by Judge William G. Young, who previously dismissed nearly all of the claims filed by several pork producers and processors who sought to overturn Question 3. The ruling upholding Question 3 is just the latest among many failed efforts by some big pork corporations to overturn popular state laws restricting sale of products from cruelly confined farm animals. Similar laws have passed in 15 states, including Arizona, Ohio and Florida. Last year, the Supreme Court of the United States rejected the industry’s challenge to California’s farm animal law and just last month the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a decision upholding the same law against a challenge by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Many producers have already converted to less intensive confinement systems for animal housing. Animal advocates question why a segment of the pork industry continues to try to overturn laws like Question 3 through courts and legislatures instead of working to increase their animal welfare standards in response to popular and regulatory demand. Timeline:
We have helped many stray animals each month, and 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, but unless we increase our donations, we will not last. I hope to send out a Holiday Letter to all on our limited mailing list. Hopefully, it will generate some funds. I will do this sometime in October or November. We need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. Please give our newsletter to friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. We really need your help. 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. Hurricane season is here, and so many animals will die during this season with flooding in certain areas. Please be aware of the strays during this harsh weather. Florida just had their first one in August. Please do not pass 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. We need your pledges monthly. Please send whatever you can. It is sincerely appreciated. Please if you can make a donation, please do so. Please check out our website, it has been updated. The website address is: saveourstraysbrooklyn.com. You will see our rescues. Be safe, and get your vaccinations, and booster shots. There are new strains of the virus out there. We don’t want to lose you. 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 that we need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. Please pass this newsletter on to family, friends and at your workplace, if possible. Till next time. Waggin’ Off |
