Update, 9/2/09: Please see the newest update here.

————————

Update, 8/31/09: Please see Kinship Circle’s most recent update here.

———————–

I know it’s late, so I’ll make this quick: several animal rescue organizations, specifically Animal Acres (as described below by Kinship Circle) and possibly Gentle Barn (below KC’s alert) and others, need help evacuating from the California wildfires. If you’re in or near the area and able to help, keep reading. Otherwise, please spread the word to those who can provide assistance. Please and thank you.

Also, you can keep up to date on what’s happening on Twitter; try the hashtags #fire, #wildfires, #la, #evacuation and the like. At the time of this writing, none are trending topics, though hopefully that will change as people start to mobilize.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Sun, Aug 30, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Subject: Animal Acres Evacuates In Path Of Calif. Fires

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

8/30/09: Animal Acres Evacuates In The Path Of Calif. Fires

1. California Wildfires Move NW, Toward Animal Acres
2. Be On Emergency Standby With Animal Acres
3. Supplies/Equipment/Volunteers Needed For Animal Acres

Pets get help as flames approach: Rose Mary Berman of Palos Verdes Estates feeds a carrot to Norman one of 15 horses evacuated to Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates. Donna Littlejohn/Daily Breeze,

www.dailybreeze.com/latestnews/ci_13226056

============================

1. California Wildfires Move NW, Toward Animal Acres

8/29/09 – 8/30/09, PRESENT SITUATION / NOTES:

Fire moves toward Acton as officials hope for lower temperatures:

The strongest part of the Station fire burning in Angeles National Forest and La Canada Flintridge area is moving northwest of the park toward Acton, California, said Jennifer Sanchez of the U.S. Forest Service. [ANIMAL ACRES IS LOCATED IN ACTON]. Evacuations for some Acton residents are in place…

Since it began 8/26/09, the Station fire has burned 35,200 acres and prompted mandatory evacuations of 10,000 homes, according to Forest Service.

www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-08/48663340.jpg

AUTHORIZED BY FRANK ALLEN, ANIMAL ACRES
Susie V Kaufman, Animal Acres Evacuation Coordinator
susie [at] jarrettlennon.com

8/30/09 — There is a mandatory evacuation in order on the northeast side of Acton. Animal Acres has begun the evacuation process. Currently, horses and donkeys are in the initial process of being moved from Animal Acres to Evacuation Site #2. The following is still only POSSIBLE: The next to be moved will be cows, followed by sheep, goats, and pigs, then birds. They will be moved to Evacuation Site #1. I know nothing about the emus.

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Guarded *happydance*.

Thanks to all who contacted LAAS to demand clemency for Stu! Thus far, it seems to have worked; Stu’s upcoming date of execution was stayed, and though he’s not out of the woods yet, it looks like the red tape’s being cleared for his eventual release. The next LAAS meeting is scheduled for 7/27, so keep an eye out for further updates.

(Vegan) cookies for everyone!

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Subject: Update – A Chance for Stu!

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

7/13/09- UPDATE: A Chance For Stu!

FULL STORY: Board of Animal Services moves to amend L.A. Code to free Stu!

Dear Kinship Circle Supporters:

We’ve followed Stu’s saga since 2005. Today, the fate of this wrongfully impounded, non-dangerous dog hinged upon the Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commissioners (7/13/09) meeting.

If Stu hadn’t made it on today’s agenda, his euthanasia date would have remained 7/23/09 — as circulated in our last alert: 7/5/09: Stu Dies July 23. Stop Them. Single-custody dog cases are not ordinarily the type issues covered in KC alerts. Stu is different. His case is so glaringly unjust.

On 6/18/09 we asked you to flood Los Angeles offices with pleas for Stu’s Life. You did. On 7/5/09 we urged you flood ‘em again in order to repeal Stu’s 7/23/09 execution date — despite testimony from acclaimed animal experts that Stu poses no threat to humans. You did.

Bottom line: As of today, there is no euthanasia date for Stu. Politics run thick so we can’t claim victory yet. But, things look good for Stu!

“We Win! I Think… Much mention was made of full email boxes and messages from people all over the world!” Jeff de la Rosa

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Since Kinship Circle last wrote about Stu – the dog unjustly imprisoned and sentenced to death by L.A. Animal Services nearly four years ago – there’s been a development in the case.

Kate Woodviolet, writing at the examiner.com, explains:

Despite a case filled with discrepancies, missing reports, and irregular behavior on the part of L.A. Animal Services and City personnel, the California Court of Appeals today ruled that the City’s sentence of death against Stu, a ten year-old dog with a record of one biting incident four years ago, when Stu had himself just been injured, could stand. This clears the way for L.A. Animal Services to euthanize a dog who many, including Animal Services Commissioners, feel was denied his legal due process, and who most agree presents no danger to the public.

This despite assurances from Deputy City Attorney Dov Lesel at this Monday’s meeting of the Board of Animal Services Commissioners that it was unnecessary for the Board to take any action to save Stu, as a ruling by the Appeals Court could be weeks in coming.

(You might recall that Ms. Woodviolet’s last piece about Stu, “Playing political games with a dog’s life,” featured prominently in Kinship Circle’s previous alert. For additional information on the case, these articles are an excellent place to start.)

In light of this ruling, Stu’s execution has been scheduled for July 23, 2009.

Even if you took action previously, please take a moment to look through this newest alert from Kinship Circle and follow through on one or more of the actions listed below. Though there’s much red tape to cut through, Stu can still be granted a pardon. Let’s help make that happen.

Stu’s already served four years of an indeterminate sentence; now he deserves to go home and live out his senior years in peace, with his family.

The LA Board of Animal Services must hold a special meeting by July 13, so please act now.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Sun, Jul 5, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Subject: Update: Stu Dies 7/23/09 [Act before 7/13]

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST
7/5/09: UPDATE – Stu Dies July 23. Stop Them. Act Before 7/13/09.

Kinship Circle’s 6/18 Stu alert asked you to flood Los Angeles offices with pleas for the dog’s life. Now, a 6/23/09 court decision leaves Stu with a July 23 execution date — despite testimony from acclaimed animal experts that Stu poses no threat to humans.

To save Stu, his person wants you to know:

(It’s tangled. Kinship Circle didn’t write the politics! We just want to save Stu.)

1. LOS ANGELES BOARD OF ANIMAL SERVICES must hold a special meeting BEFORE July 13, 2009 (which is their next regular meeting). The Board president or three Commissioners are empowered to schedule this special meeting — but NO ONE HAS CALLED FOR IT. It’s purpose would be to discuss a Board recommendation, in writing, to spare Stu and send him home. The Board’s letter would then go to the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor.

2. By the Board’s 7/13 meeting, Commissioners must vote to send the Stu recommendation to L.A. CITY COUNCIL. Then, either full Council or a Public Safety Committee will address Stu’s fate. Next, the CITY ATTORNEY would advise City Council on its legal powers to save Stu and send him home. Wait, there’s even more red tape: The Board of Animal Services must also vote on a 60-day suspension of the order to kill Stu.

3. The MAYOR decides Stu’s fate, if City Council votes to make a Stu recommendation to the mayor.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Subject: Part 1/ UPDATES: APR – JUN 2009

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

VICTORIES * SETBACKS * PROGRESS

PART 1: APRIL – JUNE 2009 / KINSHIP CIRCLE UPDATES

1. Pig Abusers At Hormel Supplier Get 1-2 Year Probation
2. Bureaucrats Reach No Decision On Whaling
3. Lax Officials Knew Travis The Chimp Might Attack
4. Kitten Killer’s Accomplice Is Now Charged Too
5. Pet Food Poisoners Plead Guilty And Face Jail Time
6. Foie Gras Producer On Trial For Cruelty
7. Atlanta Falcons Bid Michael Vick A Permanent Farewell
8. “Change” Doesn’t Look Much Different Under Obama
9. California Spay/Neuter Law Passes Senate, Moves To Assembly
10. Groups Sue Salazar In Effort To Save Delisted Wolves
11. Way To Go SAEN! Research Industry Meltdown
12. Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo Bans Video Instead Of Abuse
13. California Bullfight Busts Continue; Humane Officer Assaulted
14. Repression Of Austrian Animal Activists Worsens

PART 2: KC UPDATES / APRIL – JUNE 2009
RESEND PART #2 TO ME: info [at] kinshipcircle.org

15. HSUS And Michael Vick Team Up To Fight Dogfighting?
16. Armed To Kill In National Parks: Guns Allowed
17. Maine Is 6th State To Ban Cruel Confinement Crates
18. NC Pro-Gas Chamber Bill Gets A “No” Vote
19. USDA Cites New Iberia Primate Lab For Violations
20. U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Against Canada Sealing
21. Canadian Sealers Lose Biggest Customer — EUROPE!
22. EU Votes To Let Most Primate Research Continue
23. Karley’s Sociopath Killer Ordered To Stand Trial
24. Horse Slaughterhouses Now Legal In Montana
25. Michigan Pound Gives R&R Research The Boot
26. Big Surprise: Swine Flu, Born On U.S. Factory Farms
27. Los Angeles DA Drops Charges Against Dog Dragger
28. Obama Accepts Breeder Dog As Gift For Daughters

(more…)

Update, 7/8/09:

Reader Perry alerted me to criticism of CA SB 250 (item #1 below) coming not from animal exploiters, but from the animal rights community. I’ll quote the No Kill Advocacy Center’s Nathan Winograd, who Perry specifically signals out.

In May, Winograd wrote:

Meanwhile, some Los Angeles activists don’t appear to care that they helped cause this killing and are intent on passing related state legislation. SB 250 is a reworded mandatory sterilization law under the guise of differential licensing. This comes after they failed last year to pass the original version. Sadly, this year—as occurred last year—they continue to refuse to add common-sense protections for animals. These would include, at a minimum,

* A “no-impound/no-kill” provision, meaning an animal can never be impounded based on a violation of this law and if an animal is surrendered because a person received or was threatened with a citation, that animal cannot be killed;

* An exemption for feral and free roaming strays, as they have no “owners”; and,

* A provision for “free spay/neuter” in lieu of a citation based on a legislative approved income schedule. In other words, if someone falls below a threshold on income (e.g., is on any type of local, state, or federal welfare benefit or subsidy), they can demand free sterilization instead of a citation; or the citation cannot be written or the law enforced against them.

I’ve long argued that giving animal control the power to impound and kill more animals is no way to reduce shelter killing. Even the bean counters in the Senate seem to agree. SB 250 has been sent to the suspense file after a committee analysis found that,

costs could increase to the extent that irresponsible pet owners would surrender their animals to a shelter rather than pay for a surgical sterilization procedure, which would somewhat increase shelter populations and related costs.

As much as proponents try to paint all opposition as that of greedy breeders (I’ve never bred an animal in my life), this is the analysis of the Senate Appropriations Committee whose staff actually don’t seem very sympathetic to animals. They call people “irresponsible” without concern about the deaths of animals or how spay/neuter is out of reach financially for those in the bottom rungs of the economic latter. They conveniently ignore that roughly seven out of ten low income pet owners would sterilize their animals if it was free. And they ignore that the communities with the highest rates of lifesaving don’t have these kinds of laws. In fact, they ignore that shelters in communities which take in higher per capita rates of animals than Los Angeles are still saving nine out of ten because shelter leadership embraced the programs of ACR 74. Senate Appropriations staff seem concerned only about costs. But their concern is not speculative.

Since the City of Los Angeles passed its version of the mandatory spay/neuter law one year ago, impounds and deaths—and therefore associated costs—have skyrocketed. The law has led to the only increase in cat and dog impounds and killing at Los Angeles Animal Services in nearly a decade, and the reversal of a decade long trend of declines in both. While the Mayor claims he wants Los Angeles to be the most humane city in America, it appears he is seeking “number one” status of a different sort. The direction Los Angeles is going, he actually seems intent on catching up to Lake County, CA which has the dubious honor of being the pet killing capitol of California. In 2007, Lake County veterinarian Jeff Smith and the President of the California Veterinary Medical Association encouraged Los Angeles to pass its mandatory sterilization law saying he supported such legislation. “It’s worked in our county,” he said. Working? Lake County has the highest per capita rate of killing in California.

The death champions in L.A. conveniently ignore this. In fact, they perpetuate it. It is truly time for change.

Let’s hope the California Legislature agrees by killing SB 250 and passing ACR 74. And then while they’re at it, how about passing the Companion Animal Protection Act?

While I’ve nothing against offering incentives for (or perhaps even mandating) spaying and neutering (and microchipping), clearly laws that mandate spaying and neutering “pets” without giving low-income “pet owners” the means with which to do so have the potential to do more harm than good. (Particularly if the punishment for breaking these laws is a fine, and the failure to pay results in the “confiscation” – and, ultimately, murder – of the “owner’s” dogs and cats.)

They’re also classist and racist, disproportionately punishing low-income “pet owners” for their poverty by slapping them with fees and stealing their companions if they fail to comply – no matter their ability and means.

If any readers have additional information to share re: SB 250, I’d love to hear it. My lil’ sis lives in California, so she may be voting on this bill shortly.

———————

Because I’m just a wee bit late in posting this Friends of Kinship Circle action alert, item #1 is no longer active. The good news is, California SB 250 (The Pet Responsibility Act) was voted outed of committed 6-3, so now it’s on to the state legislature. Or so I assume; who knows how many committees and sub-committees must be navigated before the issue comes up for a general vote? Either way, you can sign up to receive future action alerts at www.yesonsb250.com; please do so.

Item #2 – which involves reducing the mandatory hold time from six to three days in California shelters – is still in play, so check it out, take action (if you haven’t already – or, hells bells, even if you have), and spread the word.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Subject: Act Now For Spay-Neuter Bill * Oppose 3-Day Shelter Hold [Friends Of KC]

FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITER. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Vote For Historic Spay/Neuter Bill Is 6/30. Act Now.
2. Don’t Let Calif. Kill Shelter Animals After Just 3 Days

(more…)

Though I’ve started linking to Kinship Circle’s alerts (as opposed to re-formatting and crossposting) whenever possible, I decided to publish this alert in in entirety anyhow (and even though I did indeed link to it in last week’s weekend link roundup). It’s just one of those stories that boggles the mind; even more so since it’s been dragging on for nearly four years now.

If you’ve been reading easyVegan for any length of time, you’ve probably already seen at least one alert dealing with the plight of Stu and Jeff de la Rosa. In August of 2005, Stu and another of Jeff de la Rosa’s furkids got into a scuffle, in which Stu was hurt. The “pet” sitter/assistant attempted to slip a harness over Stu’s head so that she could take him to the vet. Injured and cornered, Stu bit the assistant. Initially, there wasn’t an issue, as the bite was superficial. A month later, however, the sitter decided to sue, and Stu was confiscated without his father’s knowledge. Stu has been languishing in the “care” of LAAS (L.A. Animal Services) ever since. While experts have determined that Stu is not a danger, on death row he sits.

Thus far, Stu has spent four of his nine years imprisoned, the victim of injured pride, ego and bureaucracy (all of them human). Stu, now a senior, has not shown aggression towards any of his handlers since the August 2005 incident, and yet the city remains dead set on killing him. They continue to fight for his death, in fact. Four years of food, housing, medical care and legal bills – you’d think the city of Los Angeles could find a better use of its money, no?

The whole sad, sorry affair seems even more egregious in light of the “small victories” we celebrate daily – victories such as Gramby’s adoption after 2 1/2 years spent in a kenneled rescue facility. Gramby’s story, while unfortunate and commonplace, is also somewhat understandable – after all, he had no home to return to. His prison sentence was one of both necessity and compassion. But Stu – Stu has a life and family waiting for him. Stu remains imprisoned not out of human kindness, but rather human ugliness. There are no excuses for the injustices committed against Stu. The electric chair for a misdemeanor, indeed.

Please take a moment to read the Examiner article referenced below, and contact the LA City Attorney, the LA Public Safety Committee, LA City Officials and the LAAS. Kinship Circle has helpfully provided contact info and a sample letter (see below), but personalize the letter if possible. By all means, be indignant, stern and outraged – but also polite and respectful.

And also, spread the word – feel free to crosspost the Kinship Circle alert as written!

Previous alerts:

04/13/09 – Kinship Circle: Friends of Kinship Circle Alerts – #3. Save Stu – Wrongfully Impounded Since 9/15/05

12/25/07 – Kinship Circle: UPDATES: Year-End Victories & Setbacks, SEPT – DEC 2007 (Parts 1 & 2) – #17. Stu Is Spared, But NOT Free Or Exonerated

09/17/07 – Kinship Circle: September Kinship Circle Digest (Parts 1 and 2) – #44. Unhappy Anniversary For Stu! Will He Ever Be Freed?

06/20/07 – Kinship Circle: JUNE KC DIGEST: Saving Stu, Dolphin Captures, Oasis In Trouble + MORE – #1. Saving Stu – Legally They Can Kill Him Any Day Now

06/20/07 – Kinship Circle: Saving Stu: Legally They Can Kill Him Any Day Now

01/10/07 – Kinship Circle: Stu In Grave Danger. Again. [KC MEMBER ALERT]

09/08/06 – Kinship Circle: UPDATE: Stu Is Safe!

09/06/06 – Kinship Circle: LETTER / End Stu’s Nightmare Inside LAAS

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – KinshipCircleInfo [at] accessus.net
Date: Sun, Jun 7, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Subject: Pig Massacre, Cat Labs, Black Market Asia Film…[Friends Of Kinship Circle]
To: “3) KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY” accessus.net>

FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE, 6/7/09

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Egypt: Mass Pig Slaughter During Swine Flu Panic
2. Stop Texas Tech’s Senseless Torture Of Cats
3. Support New Film On Illegal Trade In Wild Animals
4. Shield Polar Bears From Deadly Global Warming
5. End “Jumps Racing” Carnage For Good
6. Shocking Elephant Abuse Video From Greek Circus
7. Brookfield Zoo Elephant Deserves Safe Haven
8. Check Out Karen Dawn’s Blog
9. 50+ Years In A Lab – Save Elder Chimps From Hell

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship CIrcle – KinshipCircleDisasterAid [at] accessus.net
Date: Sun, May 10, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Subject: Calif. Fires ­ Send Supplies/Donations For Animals

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
ONLINE VOLUNTEER FORM: Tell us what you can do! Be on file in our Disaster
Aid Network: www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/volunteer/default.html

**A special thanks to Kinship Circle member Ann McMullen, who lives in the wildfires area and alerted us to local needs for animal victims in California.

5/10/09: Calif. Fires – Send Supplies/Donations For Animals

1. California Fire Status + Resources For Animal Victims
2. Help Fire Victims: Santa Barbara Humane Society
3. Help Fire Victims: Cats In Santa Barbara Fires
4. Help Fire Victims: Santa Maria Valley Humane Society
5. PetSmart Charities Drives Supply-Stocked Trailer To Calif.
6. UAN/EARS Response In Santa Barbara Fire

LT: Volunteers with UAN’s Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) are caring for hundreds of animals who, with their owners, were forced from their homes by a massive wildfire. www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=579

RT: Ranch hands work together to evacuate a herd of goats. Photo: Mark Boster, Los Angeles Times. FIRE UPDATES: jesusitafire.org
Many evacuation orders have been lifted today.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – KinshipCirclePrimary [at] accessus.net
Date: Mon, Apr 13, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Subject: We Are Their Hope [Friends Of Kinship Circle, 4/13/09]

4/13/09: We Are Their Hope

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Recent Kinship Circle Alerts Are A Click Away
2. Pound Seizure & Humane Euthanasia
3. Save Stu – Wrongfully Impounded Since 9/15/05
4. New England Animal Rights Workshop 6/13/09
5. Party To End Puppy Mills On 4/19/09
6. Urge Portugal City To Become Anti-Bullfighting
7. We Are Their Hope: World Lab Animal Liberation Week
8. Vegans Take On The “3 Peaks” Challenge

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – KinshipCirclePrimary [at] accessus.net
Date: Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Subject: Historic Spay/Neuter Bill Needs Your Voice

FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

=========================

California: Spay/Neuter Bill Needs Your Voice Now

ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Judie Mancuso, President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)

20 A 501(c)(4) non-profit – reducing pet overpopulation through legislation
stc34 [at] aol.com * www.SocialCompassionInLegislation.org

**ATTACHED ALERT CONTAINS DIRECT LINKS TO SAMPLE LETTER + CONTACT INFO**

BACKGROUND:

Together, can make California a humane model for the nation. Our first SB 250 hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2009 in the Senate Local Government Committee. We need your letters and support calls as soon as possible. Please consider printing out letters for others to sign, then faxing all the letters to Senator Florez. Thank you so much for your dedication to pets in California and for your desire to help decrease euthanasia in our state. DETAILED INFO ON SB 250: www.YESonSB250.com

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