A n i m
a l W r i t e s © sm
The official ANIMAL
RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Editor
~ JJswans@aol.com
Issue # 06/08/03
Publisher ~ Susan
Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Journalists ~ Greg Lawson - ParkStRanger@aol.com
~ Michelle Rivera
- MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ Dr. Steve
Best - sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ The Active Activist by Michelle Rivera
2 ~ Freedom of Advocacy
3 ~ No More Homeless Pets Workshop
4 ~ Donate Your Old Vehicles
5 ~ ACT Radio - Animal Concerns of Texas
6 ~ A Rescuer's Prayer by Jim Willis
7 ~ Memorable Quote
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~1~
The Active Activist
"Castles
for Canines" Remedy Plight of Outdoor Dogs
By Michelle Rivera - MichelleRivera1@aol.com
"Dog people" fall into a number of
different categories. There are those who become dependent upon their dogs for
love, companionship and affection; speaking about them as if they were
children, carrying photos in their wallets and inviting, no insisting, that
they sleep in the bed with them.
There is another category of dog people who admire dogs for their great beauty,
their intelligence, their "conformation" to the ideals of specific
breeds. They are the ones who take their dogs to dog shows and get points and
trophies, always chasing the dream of the perfect specimen of Rottweiler,
German Shepherd Dog or Poodle. They love their dogs very much but in a
different way and for different reasons. (I am not excusing or condoning this
behavior, just stating a fact.)
The third category is those who take in stray dogs and care little for their
aesthetics, colors, coat or pedigree. As long as the dog is friendly,
needy and fits in well with the family, their attitude is "What the heck?
What's one more dog!" These people are frequently the ones with the
three-legged mongrel that came limping into their lives one day. They are
also saints and heroes!
As animal activists, most of us fall into the first and third category.
But there is another category, a very disturbing one, that those who all of the
people in the above categories combined will never, ever understand no matter
how often they hear the arguments, the rationalization and the excuses.
These are the people who acquire a dog for a variety of reasons, most of them
centering around home security, and force them to live outside without the
benefit of human interaction and friendship. Those in the first three
categories cannot understand how someone who has a dog would not want to be in
his or her delightful company twenty-four hours a day, but for some reason,
having a dog means having a dog in the yard.
And if we thought long and hard, we could never think of a harsher punishment
to mete out to dogs than to banish them to the out of doors, to be chained,
fenced or caged in full exposure to the elements but not the human touch. Dogs
are pack animals and the modern-day family is their substitute pack.
People send their dogs outside for a variety of reasons. Some people get
puppies at shelters or (God forbid) pet stores and then fail to teach them
basic manners and obedience. Then, the dogs grow up without any knowledge
of how to act around people and are banished to the outdoors, or worse, given
up to shelters where nobody wants a frenetic adult dog and they are usually put
to sleep. Others make their dogs live outside under a false sense of
providing security for their homes. These folks fail to understand that even
the most mild mannered of canine will give his or her life to defend his home,
his pack, his "den" if threatened. But making a dog live
outside does not make them feel like part of the pack and they are more likely
to run away in the face of danger than stand and fight.
Forcing a dog to live outside in the hot summer sun, subjected to insects,
cruel children who throw things at them and possible theft is an unkind way to
treat an animal, but if the dog must live outside, there are some guidelines to
make his or her life just a little easier.
So what can the Active Activist do about this?
Well, visiting www.DogsDeserveBetter.com is a great way to get started. You can
ask for fliers that can then be distributed to those who you find chaining dogs
outside. You can also learn about how to initiate a process to create
legislation in your hometown to put a stop to the barbaric practice of
banishing dogs to the outdoors.
Or you can do what one Florida animal-welfare group has done, initiate a
terrific new program to provide dog houses for people who have dogs living
outdoors. Along with a few volunteers to assemble and deliver the dog
houses, you can initiate a "Castles for Canines" project in your own
community. This is a terrific way to enhance the lives of the dogs who
are living outside and unable to get out of the elements. With donated
supplies (check Home Depot or ask your local paper if they will run a free ad)
you may actually be able to provide these dog houses free of charge to anyone
who asks for them for their sterilized dog. (Hook up with a vet or rescue
group so you can be ready to provide the sterilization to anyone who expresses
a willingness to participate.) The dog houses are two-story luxury models, with
a ramp and sun deck and a roomy inside place to hide from the sun and
rain.
Or check out the latest copy of Animal People for an ad for dog houses
constructed simply of bales of hay and plywood. Simple, cheap and transportable.
Counsel those with outdoor dogs to at least provide a companion for him or
her. Dogs are pack animals and need company and socialization to be well
adjusted. Encourage them to get their dog a friend from the shelter.
And fight for legislation to prohibit the chaining of a dog to a tree or post.
Dogs should have free run of a fenced-in yard. Dogs who are chained up
run the risk of becoming aggressive, fearful and psychologically unsound.
They can't run away from danger.
Also, educate dog owners about the dangers of heartworms. Heartworms are
a debilitating, fatal disease that is easily prevented by giving a once-a-month
preventative such as Heartquard. (Heartworms come from a mosquito
bite.) Dogs must have heartworm protection, flea protection and a tag
and/or microchip so that if s/he gets under or over the fence and out of your
control s/he can find his or her way home. Fleas and ticks cause
horrendous itching, rash and even paralysis.
And finally, counsel those with dogs of a long-haired or long-ear variety to
please keep them clipped and groomed. Ear infections are excruciatingly
painful but prevalent in long-eared dogs, especially those subjected to
moisture and heat, as outdoor dogs are.
Check your local statutes to see if there are laws being broken by those who
don't comply with rules for keeping animals healthy. I was able to bring
charges against a dog owner whose cocker spaniel developed such matting and ear
infections that he had to be put down due to the parasites that had inhabited
his skin and ears. The "owner" was charged with a felony for failure
to render veterinary care.
The best solution is to find a reasonable obedience trainer who is willing to
help indigent people for a reduced fee so that dogs can be brought inside where
they belong. Dogs and people both deserve the friendship a family dog can
provide.
Assemble these points and ideas into an article for your local paper.
Your local newspaper may have a special "Pets Section" as does mine,
that solicits articles about animals, see if your paper has such a section and
get to know the editor. Chances are, they are looking for someone
knowledgeable and dependable to write a few articles throughout the year.
If we don't speak up for chained dogs, who will?
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~2~
Freedom of Advocacy
By Dantonio482@aol.com & Demnymets@aol.com
Terrorism is a subject I don't take
lightly. As a resident of New York City, I had a close look at the horror
of September 11th, and I continue to live in the outcome of this attack,
including the fear that terrorism still looms over the
safety of my family. I welcome measures
that minimize risk, but when lawmakers use this fear to promote their own
agenda, the results don't deter terrorism, they interfere with democracy.
One such measure is the legislative initiative in New York which seeks to
re-classify animal advocacy as a terrorist activity. Originally created
by the U.S. Sportmans Alliance, S2996 discriminates against activists who
photograph or in other ways document the condition of animals in any animal
enterprise. It also labels as terrorists, advocates who support
organizations which rely on this investigation on behalf of animals. For an
online summary, check S02996
<http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S02996
Supporters of this bill point to a handful of incidents against research
labs to claim it is warranted to label all animal activists as domestic
terrorists. They also claim it will not effect conscientious whistle
blowers, nor the citizen's right of dissent. However the language of the
bill is so loosely worded, it leaves room to squelch conscientious awareness
and in turn, dissent. Meanwhile, supporters conveniently ignore that
undercover disclosure is essential to protect vulnerable
populations.
Some of us may remember Willoughbrook, an institution which neglected and
abused mentally challenged children. These young victims were unable to
speak for themselves and yet the supervisory oversight was completely inept in
monitoring and correcting the facility. Unlike animals, however, the
children had relatives who quietly disclosed the conditions. Eventually,
their plight reached the media, which was a turning point in the quality of
care. It's up to us to be the "relatives" and to bring the
plight of animals to concerned advocates, for unless we do, they will remain
victims of animal enterprise.
A similar initiative was presented in Texas (HB433) but it died on May 29th in
the House Committee on Defense Affairs and State-Federal Relations with no
action taken prior to adjournment. I would have expected the same in New
York but I'm concerned the fear of terrorism here will prompt further
consideration. Unfortunately, the bill has passed the Consumer Protection
Committee and its sponsors have "Starred" it on the legislative
calendar while they may be readying for debate.
No action can be taken until the sponsors remove the "Star".
This allows us the chance to contact Senator Joseph L. Bruno, Senate Majority
Leader, to voice opposition (see email address below).
I very strongly object to labeling my concern for animals as terrorism; to any
limitation of my civil rights; and to discrimination against the group I
support in conscience. Equating us with terrorism also trivializes the
real horror of September 11th.
For the sake of animals and our own right to advocate for them, I urge you to
send your opposition to S2996 in an email to the Honorable Senator Joseph L.
Bruno. bruno@senate.state.ny.us
<><><><><>
For more information, please refer to these other
websites who are actively opposing the above measure, which seems to be
"planned" for other states as well:
http://www.sort.org/action_alerts.php?alert_id=217
Welcome to SORT.org
- Saving Our Resources Today!
This bill that was introduced in the New York State Assembly that could
penalize animal rights advocates by labeling us as terrorists has now
been introduced in the State Senate. Please take a moment to contact your
Senator as well as the Senate leadership to urge them not to support S2996.
<><><><><>
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/alerts/NY.htm
Friends of Animals Press
Releases
Although such construing of this legislation would be clearly unconstitutional,
Friends of Animals opposes the proposed law because of its potential chilling
effect on perfectly legal contributions to national politics. Friends of
Animals notes that criminal and civil laws already exist which address the acts
of concern to the sponsors of this bill.
<><><><><>
From: The Humane Society of the United
States
http://www.hsus.org/ace/18533
NY
A. 4884 & S. 2996 Equating Animal Protection with Terrorism
Criminalizes legitimate political and social protests, demonstrations, and
debate by animal or environmental advocates.
Prohibits anyone from donating money to an animal or environmental organization
engaging in these activities.
Criminalizes the investigative practice of photographing and videotaping an
animal or environmental facility.
Creates a state-run website on which people advocating against animal and
environmental exploitation would be identified, photographed, and stigmatized
as terrorists, much as states do with sex offenders and child molesters.
<><><><><>
Then we have these thought provoking essays:
"Have you ever signed a petition in support of an environmental or
animal-rights issue? Do you belong to the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources
Defense Council, or Greenpeace? Have you publicly protested some environmental
or animal rights outrage? If legislation crafted and promoted by the
ultra-conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) becomes law,
these fundamental rights of American citizenship could become illegal."
From the article titled: Environmentalists=Terrorists, The New Math
at:
http://www.tompaine.com/feature.cfm/ID/7748
TOMPAINE.com -
Environmentalists = Terrorists
<><><><><>
"If you've ever given money to an
environmental organization, if you support the movement's agenda, then you're
probably part of a grand conspiracy that's degrading life in America. Worse
yet, you might even be a terrorist, or at least an accomplice. At least that's
what Nick Nichols seems to think."
From the article titled: The Fringe: You Too Might Be A Terrorist
at:
http://www.tompaine.com/feature.cfm/ID/5246
TOMPAINE.com - The Fringe:
You Too Might Be A Terrorist!
<><><><><>
"In the eyes of the government and some
conservative watchdog groups--Mommy is potential terrorist material. Please
don’t tell my family. They’ll be very upset. Yet even under oath, I’m sure they
would profess: “Yes, she can mouth-off. No, she is not a threat to homeland
security.”
From the article titled: "Mommy's a What?"
at:
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/columns_articles/0037.html
Kinship Circle
| Columns & Articles
<><><><><>
New
York is the second state to introduce a bill that will help prosecute animal
rights terrorists. The proposal is based on a model bill created by the
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
You can find out more about this organization and
their "alert" at:
http://www.ussportsmen.org/interactive/features/Read.cfm?ID=1018
U.S.
Sportsmen's Alliance - (Formerly WLFA)
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~3~
No More Homeless Pets
Life
Saving Programs workshop opportunity!
We'd like to invite you to join us for Lifesaving
Programs: How you can make No More Homeless Pets a reality in your community.
Lifesaving Programs is an intensive seminar hosted by Best Friends in
conjunction with the No More Homeless Pets in Utah program.
The seminar will be held on July 9-13, 2003, at the Hampton Inn in Salt Lake
City, Utah. The program will help you:
* Assess your community and develop programs that will meet the needs of your
local area.
* Develop collaborative programs with other organizations for greater impact.
* Create adoption programs and events that really get animals out of the
shelters and into good homes.
* Plan effective spay/neuter programs that will get the biggest bang for your
buck.
* Learn about a variety of promotional strategies to make your campaign and
events truly successful.
* Recruit skilled volunteers, and utilize their talents.
* Work effectively with veterinarians and others in your community.
The session will include:
* Practical, in-depth how-to presentations by the people who have created and
run the successful No More Homeless Pets in Utah programs.
* Tours of the Furburbia mall adoption center and the Big Fix mobile
spay/neuter clinic.
* Working sessions to develop a plan for your community with personalized
guidance from the speakers.
This intensive seminar is designed specifically for people and organizations
that are actively developing a community-wide program aimed at reducing the number
of homeless pets in your entire community. If you're not sure if this workshop
is right for you, please get in touch with us before sending in your
registration form.
The workshop cost is $390.00 per person, which includes 3 full days of
intensive training sessions, personalized attention from speakers/staff as you
develop a plan for your community during the session, three lunches and three
dinners (vegetarian), detailed conference handouts, and one hour of
post-seminar consulting time with NMHP staff.
Attendance is limited to two per organization and the total attendance is
limited to 15 on a first-come basis. Register early to be assured a space.
Lodging: The Hampton Inn is offering a special room rate of $79 for
participants. This rate includes a continental breakfast.
We hope you will be able to join us for the first ever Lifesaving Programs
seminar!
For more information on the No More Homeless Pets in Utah program, visit
the web site at http://www.utahpets.org.
For more information on the national No More Homeless Pets program, visit our
web site at http://www.bestfriends.org/nmhp/nmhp-home.htm
You can reach us at nmhp@bestfriends.org or 435-644-2001
ext.243.
Best wishes,
Karen Green and Aimee St.Arnaud
No More Homeless Pets
Community Programs Managers
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~4~
Donate Your Old Vehicles
The
Fund for Animals is now able to accept donated vehicles, which are towed and
sold at no cost to you.
If you'd like to enjoy a tax-deductible contribution for your old vehicle, just
visit the link below to donate your old car, truck, or other automobile to The
Fund for Animals. We'll take care of all the paperwork and hassle, and best of
all, The Fund will benefit from the sale of your vehicle at auction.
For more information, email sclifton@fund.org, or visit:
http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=136218740
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~5~
ACT Radio - Animal Concerns of
Texas
By Greg Lawson - ParkStRanger@aol.com
Be sure to listen to ACT Radio tonight at 9:30pm
EST (7:30pm, mountain time) with cohosts and Animal Rights Online journalists
Greg Lawson and Steve Best, and biologist Dr. Elizabeth Walsh. KTEP can be
heard over the web with Real Radio, which is a free download.
Tonight, we feature a conversation with Pat Palafox, an El Paso attorney and
animal activist. We discuss the plight of the chimps of the Alamagordo,
New Mexico, Coulston Research center which was shut down last September.
The chimps will eventually be retired to a Florida sanctuary but for now are
still living in small cages. Pat and other volunteers are trying to make
their lives more comfortable.
If you enjoy the show, please contact KTEP and tell them you support ACT Radio
and are pleased to hear this kind of programming.
General Feedback: http://www.ktep.org/index.ssd
A note about getting Real Radio if you don't already have it...
On the KTEP website you will see an icon on the left that says Listen to KTEP
Online, click it. The next page will say "In order to listen to KTEP
on-line you will need the Real Player, which is available for free on the Real
website. Click here to visit their download area." Go there.
On that page look in the top right hand corner, there is a link that says
"Free RealOne Player." Go there.
Now on this page, on the bottom right, you will see a link that says
"Download the Free RealOne Player Only." This is what you want.
The download takes a little time, so be sure to do this early so you won't miss
today's installment of ACT Radio.
El Paso NPR - KTEP 88.5 :
National Public Radio for the Southwest
http://www.ktep.org/program_detail.ssd?id=103
Listen to past programs which are archived on the web here...
Animal Concerns of
Texas
http://www.philosophy.utep.edu/act/act.asp?act=2
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~6~
A Rescuer's Prayer
Dedicated to all those who make a difference for animals. Do not become
disheartened, you are the wind of change.
~ Thank you! Jim and The Animals
Copyright Jim Willis 2003
jwillis@bellatlantic.net
I am the tie that binds,
the hands which heal,
the soul of compassion,
the heart which feels.
I am the wind of change,
the waters of truth,
and the Saved Innocents,
shall remain my proofs.
In the face of doubt,
mine are the eyes which wept,
over that which I saw,
over the promises kept.
Oh, the tears I've shed,
over the cries, the yelps,
bless generosity shown,
by those who helped.
In a world gone blind,
in a time of woe,
we live and die,
by the love we show.
True, they lack a voice,
and are spared our mind,
but all the more reason
to be more kind.
I had the best intentions,
though I sometimes failed,
in the presence of cruelty,
it was I who paled.
Yes, I grew disheartened,
I was sometimes perplexed,
I announced often, "I quit!"
and then asked, "Who's next?"
Yet I always believed
in precious truths from above,
and I never discounted
the Power of Love.
And the years they passed,
with each more I learned,
and I gave them shelter,
who'd been callously spurned.
I restored their hope,
and I calmed their fears,
I granted them a future,
amidst my own tears.
I ask for nothing
that'd be considered "reward,"
I shared their joy,
thankful to have kept my word.
But if I should be granted
one gift for my care,
when I finally cross over,
Lord, may some greet me there!
[To download "How Could You?" and for a special
fundraising offer, see
http://www.crean.com/jimwillis ]
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~7~
Memorable Quote
"It is good to love as many things as one can, for therein lies true
strength, and those who love much, do much and accomplish much, and whatever is
done with love is done well." ~~ Vincent van Gogh
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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