Good morning, y’all! Long time no see. In the wake of veganmofo, I’ve been so completely and utterly exhausted that the mere though of blogging is enough to send me, diving with no small amount of frenzy, back beneath my unintentionally festive, red-and-white striped bedsheets. (Burnt out, that’s me.) Luckily, I have several guest posts lined up which, along with a few fluffy, holiday-themed pieces, should carry us through the rest of the year! (Emerging from behind the clouds, Mr. Golden Sun shines in approval! Yes, I’m in a weird mood today; a week’s worth of criFSMas chores will do that to a person.) Let’s get to it, shall we?

Zoe Weil is the founder of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), a group dedicated to training humane educators “big” (read: professional) and “small” (i.e., the rest of us). The IHE offers a number of online courses and in-person workshops to help spread the principles of humane education to teachers and students alike (not that the two groups are mutually exclusive, mind you!), including its Humane Education Certificate Program (HECP) and “MOGO” (most good) workshops.

Coming this January is the 30-day online course A Better World, A Meaningful Life. (In attendance will be Deb, one of my co-bloggers at Animal Rights & AntiOppression; keep an eye out for a possible post or two from her!) Based on Ms. Weil’s most recent book, Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life, the course explores how we as individuals can align our actions with our values. If you’re like to learn more, keep reading for an excerpt from Most Good, Least Harm, or check out the 8-minute video I’ve embedded above. (You may remember that I also interviewed Zoe for AR&AO back in August.)

Excerpted from Zoe Weil’s Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life (2009)

During my sophomore year in college I embarked upon a quest for inner peace. I yearned for relief from a persistent lack of purpose and meaning in my life. I began to study various philosophies and religions, hoping I would discover within them that elusive inner peace I sought. One evening, I was talking with a rabbi about my struggle to understand and experience faith. He told me not to worry about faith, that it didn’t matter what I believed. “What matters,” he said, “is how you live and what you do.” These words eventually led me toward my life’s work and to a realization of what inner peace is all about.

I stopped questing for inner peace, but not because I “found” it. Rather, I realized that inner peace is not a thing to find; it follows inevitably from what we do. When we act peacefully, living with compassion and respect for everyone—people, animals, and the earth—we experience greater inner peace. Moreover, we help bring peace to our world.

My book, Most Good, Least Harm, is based on a very simple premise: when we do the most good and the least harm through our daily choices, our acts of citizenship, our communities, our work, our volunteerism, and our interactions, we create inner and outer peace. I call this way of living “MOGO,” short for “most good,” and it has become the guiding principle of my life.

The MOGO principle is simple in theory, but it asks much of us. It requires a willingness to learn new information and a commitment to conscious and deliberate choice-making that demands our integrity, courage, wisdom, perseverance, and compassion. While at first glance such demands might seem challenging, embracing the MOGO principle puts us on a lifelong journey that helps us realize peace within ourselves as well as create a peaceful world.

I realize that it can be very hard to imagine a peaceful world given the state of things—the horror of war, poverty, genocide, and human oppressions; the escalating degradation of ecosystems on which all life depends; the unimaginable cruelty that is perpetrated institutionally on animals, and the attachment to materialism that consumes us as we consume the products of our desires and the resources of our planet.

Yet, we humans have faced seemingly insurmountable problems in the past, and we’ve triumphed many times. Apartheid in South Africa is over; Mahatma Gandhi has shown us that non-violent resistance can topple an empire; and women have gained the right to vote in democracies across the globe. While few of these successes have been fully realized, many people could not have imagined the end to these injustices prior to their demise. And, although humanity’s cruelties and failures persist, our positive achievements are enormous and unstoppable. These positive achievements have happened because individuals like you have chosen to make a difference.

Some may be pessimistic that MOGO living can truly change intractable problems and create a peaceful, humane, and healthy world. Yet the MOGO principle is not just for the optimistic. Walking the MOGO path is joyful and meaningful in and of itself and inevitably restores our hope as we, and others who share our vision, persevere and create healthier lives and a healthier world. As former Czech Republic president, Vaclav Havel, has written: “I feel a responsibility to work toward the things I consider good and right. I don’t know whether I’ll be able to change certain things for the better, or not at all. Both outcomes are possible. There is only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive in a good cause.”

If you’d like to gain strategies and support for pursuing a joyful, examined life and helping create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all, then I invite you to sign up for our 30-day online course, A Better World, A Meaningful Life (the next session runs January 3-28, 2011). It’s a great opportunity to do more good for yourself, other people, animals, and the earth. Many of our participants have found the course life-changing and transformative. We think you will, too.

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The above video depicts an “oil spill cemetery” erected by Grand Isle, LA resident Patrick Shay in his front yard. The art installation/protest includes dozens of white crosses, each standing waist high and bearing the name of something (or someone) – an animal species, activity, item or foodstuff – that’s been impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil “spill.” The “deceased” include: the beach, sand, a walk on the beach, seagulls, diving, sharks, birdwatching, star gazing, shrimp, shrimp scampi, shrimp omelette, shrimp cocktail, shrimping, oyster boats, oyster Rocherfeller, summer fun, sandcastles, family time, frogs croaking, marsh, brown pelican, sea turtles, dolphins, redfish, crabbing, boiled crabs, stuffed crabs, fish fry, seafood gumbo, and our soul. Shots of individual crosses in the cemetery are interspersed with footage of the local beaches as they look now.

More than any news coverage I’ve witnessed since (the cemetery was erected and reported on in early June), this graveyard embodies the disconnect between humans’ expressed empathy for the nonhuman victims of the oil spill – and our actions toward them, before, during and (no doubt) after the Gulf disaster. For example, the inclusion of “food” animals in the cemetery is rather ironic; had they not perished or become otherwise “polluted” in the oil spill, “crabbers” and “fishermen” would have slaughtered these same shrimps, redfishes and crabs (etc.) by the millions. Absent the oil spill, these animals would have died anyway; Shay’s (et al.’s) tears are not for these animals themselves, but for the many products borne of their exploitation: seafood gumbo, oyster Rocherfeller and stuffed crabs. As someone who considers all animals equally worthy of consideration, I simply cannot join Mr. Shay in mourning a “way of life” that’s predicated upon taking the actual lives of others. Whether stolen by megacorp BP or by working-class fishermen, these mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons will never get their lives back.

Although I continue to follow the Deepwater disaster with a mix of horror, anger and grief, my empathy rests with the disaster’s (and the kyriarchy’s) perpetual victims – in this case, the millions of nonhuman animals to whom the Gulf Coast is home. The rest of us? We’re all complicit in this tragedy – and the billions of smaller, mostly-invisible tragedies that take place every single day – to varying degrees.

While many of vegans no doubt share similar feelings, our perspective is virtually nonexistent in mainstream coverage of the oil spill and its fallout. And so I was terribly excited to see the following call for papers posted on the NILAS mailing list. Crude Behavior: Animal Rights in the Wake of Deepwater Horizon will examine the oil spill, its short- and long-term effects, and public discourse surrounding these from an animal welfare/rights perspective. (I’m inclined to scream “Finally!,” but – doesn’t it seem a bit soon to be dissecting a disaster that’s still ongoing? Wev, I’ll scoop up a copy regardless of when it’s released.) Abstracts are due August 1st.

For more on the Deepwater Horizon disaster, please see BP Oil “Spill”: Animal Rescue, Disaster Relief, Action Alerts & Vegan Views, also at easyvegan.info.

———- Forwarded message ———-
Date: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 at 2:32 PM
Subject: Fwd: [humananimalstudies] Call for Papers
To: H-NILAS [at] h-net.msu.edu

Hello All:

I am just writing to solicit proposals for a volume on animal rights and the Gulf oil spill. Information is below. If you are interested in proposing a paper, please send a 500 word abstract and a short bio/c.v. to skelly [at] fgcu.edu.

Thanks,
Sean Kelly
Associate Professor of Phil. & Lit.
Florida Gulf Coast Univ.

—————

Call for Proposals: Crude Behavior: Animal Rights in the Wake of Deepwater Horizon

The U.S. popular media had constructed the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as an environmental, ecological, economic, and even political disaster. While all of these are undeniably fair readings of the catastrophe, these same outlets have not expended much of an effort considering the effect that this event can and should have on how we perceive our duties and responsibilities toward the individual animals impacted by it.

While there are discussions about how many animals may be dying in the Gulf; how many tarred birds have been appearing on beaches; and how many fish are dying in the near-shore, oxygen-depleted environments to which they have fled, these discussions have been careful to avoid holding BP or others ethically responsible to those individual animals.

There is no question that the general public is concerned with these animals. For most of us, we have a vague feeling that we are responsible, or that at least someone is, to them. However, the public debate is doing little to help us understand this feeling. Because the disaster has been framed almost entirely within conservationist terms, terms that privilege ecosystems above individuals in those systems, the media has decidedly framed our emotional understanding in ways that absolve us from considering our duties to animals who are suffering right now in the Gulf. One of the major philosophical implications of our public failing to consider these individual animals is that we risk widening the rift between conservation and animal-rights positions to the point where a conservationist understanding totally eclipses rights based one. The danger there is that this denies us access to what a rights approach brings to the table in helping us to better understand our emotional, ethical, and public feelings regarding this unthinkable tragedy.

“God Help Us All!”: Protest art situated outside of a tattoo parlour in Larose, Louisiana. A sculpture (mannequin?) of an oil-soaked man wearing a gas mask and holding a dead fish stands nearly two stories high. To the man’s side stands a small child, hood pulled tight over his head; in the foreground, he holds a large sign reading, “God help us all!” Off in the background, there’s a one-dimensional cutout, shaped and painted to resemble a water tower. The tower’s lettering reads, “Louisiana water tower,” with the word “water” crossed out and “oil” scribbled beneath. Again, that poor fish need’s God’s intervention more than any Gulf Coast residents – oil spill or not. CC image via kk+ on Flickr.
——————————

This volume seeks to call attention to the ethical issues that a moral individualist approach raises in the aftermath of the BP disaster. Papers from all disciplinary and methodological viewpoints are encouraged. Sample topics might include:

conservationist v. moral individualist approaches to the disaster

treatment of the Deepwater Horizon disaster from positions in traditional and non-traditional animal rights/welfare philosophy

the larger issue of ethical responsibility to non-human animals in light of the oil spill

insightful cultural studies’ approaches to the media’s responses

theoretical musings about the implications that this event will have for future animal rights debates

human v. animal rights in the public discourse

Please send 500 word abstracts along with a brief bio to Sean Kelly at skelly [at] fgcu.edu. Deadline for abstracts is August 1, 2010.

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Stephanie (of the Animal Rights blog at Change.org) also wrote about That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, and the importance of children’s books in fostering compassion in the next generation. Check it out – as a former nanny, her thoughts on this are quite relevant. (Me, I don’t even have so much as a niece or nephew, and haven’t really been around a young’un for twenty years or so!)

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A few days ago – possibly while browsing Vegan Dad’s archives in search of yummy vegan recipes – I stumbled upon a link to That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals: A Site About Vegans, Vegetarians, and all Living Things. Populated by whimsical drawings of chickens, pigs, cows, dolphins and bugs, and aimed at the naturally animal-loving training wheels set, TWWDEA, is so ridiculously cute that it kind of makes me want to be a kid again.

Better yet, the website’s actually a supplement to an upcoming children’s book by author/artist/teacher Ruby Roth (who herself is a bundle of vegan cuteness) called That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals: A Site About Vegans, Vegetarians, and all Living Things.

That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals takes a candid, compassionate look at the plight of animals on factory farms, using gorgeous artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers.

An endearing cast of animals is shown both in their natural state—rooting around, bonding, nuzzling, cuddling, grooming one another, and charming each other with their family instincts and rituals—and in the sad conditions of the factory farm. The book also addresses the effect eating animals has on our environment, rainforests, and endangered species. At the end, a section entitled “What Else Can We Do?” suggests ways children can learn more about the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.

The boldest step yet in children’s literature, this heartfelt, informative book offers a key resource to inspire parents and children to talk about a timely, increasingly important subject.

Ms. Roth explains the genesis and gist of the book in this video, also available on the site:

The book is geared towards kids aged 4 to 10, and has received endorsements from an impressive and lengthy list of advocates and activists, including Jane Goodall (herself quite the children’s writer/educator), Alicia Silverstone, John Robbins, Ed Begley, Jr., Ingrid Newkirk and Rory Freedman.

You can view more of Ms. Roth’s artwork on her Flickr stream, where she shares some super-sweet bumper sticker style drawings. They’re all adorable, but I especially love this one:

Probably due in no small part to my recent thoughts on animal agriculture and its effects on the parent/child bond, which is as strong (if not more so) in many non-human animal species as it is in homo sapiens.

In any case, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, god-mother and fathers, friends of the family – any vegan, vegetarian or animal activist with a young’un in their life – should consider pre-ordering a copy of That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals. (And all else, implore your local library to do so.) In compiling a children’s reading list, I found a number of books which address certain animal issues – usually related to animal companions, i.e., dogs and cats – but thus far, Ruby Roth’s is the only kid’s book to tackle factory farming and veganism. (Not just vegetarianism, but veganism! The mega-enviro orgs won’t even touch veganism with a ten-foot spork, yo!)

(Of course, I could be wrong, in which case I’d love to know. Parents and guardians, help me build up this reading list!)

If you’d like to learn more, check out the book’s: Flickr stream; Facebook page; MySpace page; You Tube channel; and, of course, the website.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare book kid’s book children’s book ruby roth vegan veganism vegetarian vegetarianism factory farming factory farm animal agriculture teaching parenting cartoons drawings art That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals compassion humane education

Photo via Farm Sanctuary & Connie Pugh; Farm Sanctuary supporter Rosebud makes peace with Calvin Pig at the 2008 CA Country Hoe Down.

If you find yourself in or around Orland, California this weekend, consider yourself one lucky activist! Farm Sanctuary is holding its annual Country Hoe Down this Saturday and Sunday. Writers, journalists and bloggers in particular should plan to be there, as there appear to be plenty of opportunities for interviews and networking!

Just be sure to have enough fun for the both of us; the animal advocacy community rarely holds its events in Kansas City, even though the city is technically located smack dab in the middle of the country. Sniff, sniff.

(You can view photos of previous Farm Sanctuary events here, btw.)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Meredith Turner
Date: Thu, May 14, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Subject: You’re Invited! Farm Sanctuary’s Country Hoe Down THIS WEEKEND!

Have plans for the weekend? Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, would like to invite you to attend/cover our annual Country Hoe Down at our Orland, CA Shelter this Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. If you’ve never visited our farm, this whimsical two-day event is the perfect time to come out, meet the hundreds of rescued animals who call it home and enjoy a rejuvenating taste of the country life!

Please let me know if you would like to join us for a day of hayrides, farm tours, fascinating speaker presentations, delicious food, drinks, live music and an evening barn dance you won’t soon forget! For more information, please see the press release below. Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary’s president and co-founder, will be available for interviews. We look forward to seeing you there!

All the best,

Meredith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Meredith Turner
mturner [at] farmsanctuary.org
646-369-6212

Farm Sanctuary’s Country Hoe Down Coming to Orland, California Shelter

Annual Celebration Will Feature Best-Selling Authors, Live Music, Barn Dancing, Farm Tours, and More!

ORLAND, CA – May 11, 2009 – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is getting set to throw their yearly rustic soiree to celebrate and educate people about the friendly farm animals living at their bicoastal shelters. The non-profit’s annual California Country Hoe Down at its Shelter in Orland on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 promises to be a whimsical two-day event filled with fun, learning and inspirational lectures by fascinating guest presenters. This year’s speaker lineup includes an eclectic mix of best-selling authors, acclaimed animal activists and a charitable marathon bicyclist

- Best-Selling Author and noted psychiatrist Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson has published numerous popular and critically-acclaimed books about animals. His latest volume, The Face On Your Plate: The Truth About Food, was released by W.W. Norton in March 2009.

- Vegan entrepreneur and publisher Josh Hooten has already raised more than $11,500 for Farm Sanctuary by biking from his home in Portland, Oregon to his final destination – the Orland shelter. Hooten plans to complete his 600-mile trek by arriving at Farm Sanctuary on the day of the Country Hoe Down, where he will favor attendees with a talk on “Spinning Your Wheels for Farm Animals.”

- University of Colorado ethologist Marc Bekoff, author (with Jessica Pierce) of Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals and many other books about animals, will speak about how non-human species experience and express empathy and emotions.

- Vegan Outreach Co-Founder and Executive Director Matt Ball, an inductee into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame, will present a lecture entitled “A Meaningful Life” advising activists on how to maximize their effectiveness and long-term fulfillment while working to help animals.

- Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur, author of the best-selling Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food, published by Touchstone (a division of Simon & Schuster) in March 2008, will speak about the history of Farm Sanctuary and current advocacy efforts underway to protect farm animals.

Other daytime activities planned for the Country Hoe Down include hayrides and hourly guided tours of the 300-acre shelter (during which attendees will be able to meet some of the hundreds of rescued farm animals living at Farm Sanctuary), vegan cooking demonstrations with chef Jason Wyrick, and a guided yoga session. On Saturday night, however, the party turns to contra dancing with the traditional Irish sound of the Pub Scouts in the People Barn until midnight. Guests are offered the option of complimentary camping under the stars on the sanctuary grounds, as well as information about booking accommodations at the area’s many hotels.

*Media is comped – Tickets for the Country Hoe Down are $45 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under, and include a catered dinner, a continental breakfast, the barn dance, and all other activities. Those wishing to learn more about or register for this special event should log on to farmsanctuary.org.

Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.

——————-

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare farm sanctuary ca california country hoe down events conference flickr photos sanctuary

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

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

Animals and Their Jewish Guardians

www.tikkun.org/article.php/Nathan

A prestigious publication, Tikkun Magazine, has just published Sandra Nathan’s piece: “Animals and Their Jewish Guardians.” It is a master work detailing the contributions of animal rights luminaries, such as: Lewis Gompertz, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Charles Patterson, Henry Spira, Peter Singer, Richard H. Schwartz, PETA’s Matt Prescott, Roberta Kalechofsky, Frederick Wiseman, Jenny Stein, Dr. Elliot Katz…

Amid these famous philosophers, filmmakers, authors and professors…are several excerpts about Kinship Circle and the group’s founder, Brenda Shoss. We are very honored to be included among such noteworthy names. READ THE ARTICLE HERE: www.tikkun.org/article.php/Nathan

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

1) Recent Kinship Circle Alerts Are A Click Away
ALERT WRITER: Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle, info [at] kinshipcircle.org

NEW WAY TO SEND COMMENTS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library

Recent sample-letter alerts in Kinship Circle’s Letter Library now contain an “EMAIL THIS LETTER” feature. Just click and a ready-to-send email opens in the email software on your computer. This feature (along with other means for sending comments) always follows the sample letter.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

4/12/09: War Hero’s Dog Brutally Killed

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1819&seriesfirst=true

Kinship Circle supporter — Sylva (sylvasylva59 [at] embarqmail.com) — would also like you to join her petition on the murder of a war hero’s dog:

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/four-murder-heros-therapy-dog-in-texas

4/6/09: Abusers On Maine Egg Farm Ought To Rot In Jail

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1818&seriesfirst=true

3/29/09: Demand Whale Conservation Over Killing

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1817&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: Stop Horse Slaughter Blitz At State/Federal Levels

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1816&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: End Live Labs At New Jersey Med School

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1814&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: Get Great Apes Out Of Laboratories

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1815&seriesfirst=true

3/13/09: Unchain Tina, Jewel And Queenie From Circus Slavery

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1813&seriesfirst=true

3/7/09: Canada Seal Bill Dropped, No Debate. Demand The Killing End.

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1811&seriesfirst=true

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

2) Pound Seizure & Humane Euthanasia
ALERT WRITER: Forwarded by Linda J Mander, linda.j.mander.gigb [at] statefarm.com

BACKGROUND:

From linda.j.mander.gigb [at] statefarm.com — Pease help with the Michigan pound seizure (animals sold to research) and gas chamber issues.

TAKE ACTION:

MICHIGAN POUND SEIZURE:

www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/649021463

HUMANE EUTHANASIA:

www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769

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

3) Save Stu – Wrongfully Impounded Since 9/15/05
ALERT WRITER: Jeff de la Rosa, Stu’s Dad, stu.911 [at] gmail.com

QUESTIONS ABOUT STU’S CASE? CONTACT: stu.911 [at] gmail.com

BRIEF BACKGROUND — IN STU’S WORDS:

A Los Angeles Animal Services Hearing Examiner found me to be NOT DANGEROUS. Guerdon Stuckey, then General Manager of the dept., overturned that recommendation, declared me “Dangerous,” and sentenced me to die. Stuckey was fired by the Mayor of Los Angeles within days of condemning me.

I was evaluated by Dr. Richard Polksy, PhD. of dogexpert.com and found to be NOT DANGEROUS. My owner appealed to the Board of Commissioners but they would not overturn the GM. My owner went to Superior Court to get the dept. to re-open the case. The judge denied my petition. I have been impounded since September 15, 2005…

STU TODAY:

Oct. 2007: Stu was transferred to New Leash on Life (Bobby Dorafshar), where he’ll remain until a Court of Appeals decision. A hearing, not yet set, will likely occur in June, followed by 90 days for a decision. I’m appealing the Superior Court denial of my petition to overturn the GM’s decision.

Dec. 2008: After City had refused dental care for Stu’s rotting teeth (since Sept. 2006) they gave a superficial cleaning. He’s lost teeth and has advanced periodontal disease. I forced them to let Dr. Tsugawa, a board certified dental vet, examine Stu. City wouldn’t pay $1000+ for x-rays and initial treatment. My fear is that his jaw is crumbling and he’s in pain.

3/23/09: Bobby Dorafshar (excellent trainer and founder of New Leash on Life Rescue and K9s Only Day Care), who is contracted to care for Stu in the interim, told the Board of Commissioners/Appeal Board that after 18 months with Stu, “This dog is not dangerous. Any aggression present now is due to confinement and non-socialization.” City forbids Stu to be walked outdoors or to play with other dogs. Ed Boks and the City Attorney are blocking all attempts to place Stu’s case on the Board of Commission’s Agenda.

TAKE ACTION:

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: stu.911 [at] gmail.com

PLEASE ASK CONTACTS BELOW TO:

1. Ensure daylight off-premises exercise for Stu.

2. Allow Stu’s re-socialization training with humans and dogs under Bobby Dorafshar (Stu’s caretaker during legal proceedings).

3. Initiate Stu’s complete dental exam and treatment by Dr. Tsugawa.

4. [Ask the Mayor and City Attorney] Allow the Board of Commissioners to agree to tell the Court of Appeals that missing evidence was excluded in error and that it should be considered by the Court of Appeals.

5. [Ask Ed Boks and Linda Barth] Stop trying to kill an innocent dog.

6. Drop opposition to Stu’s appeal and either give him a fair hearing by the department or close this case and return Stu home to Jeff.

Department of Animal Services, City Of Los Angeles
221 N Figueroa St., 5th FL; Los Angeles CA 90012; ph: 213-485-9607
Board of Commissioners: tariqkhero [at] gmail.com, ninekitties [at] aol.com, ireneponce [at] earthlink.net, ajq1trq2 [at] aol.com, secundar [at] unitedtalent.com, Ani.Commission [at] lacity.org, ross.pool [at] lacity.org
Management: Ed.Boks [at] lacity.org, Linda.Barth [at] .lacity.org

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Hall
200 North Spring Street, RM 303; Los Angeles, CA 90012
ph: 213-978-0600; fax: 213-978-0750
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: mayor [at] lacity.org
Jim Bickhart, Mayor’s Office: Jim.Bickhart [at] lacity.org

City Attorneys: Dov.Lesel [at] lacity.org, Laurie.Rittenberg [at] lacity.org, Todd.Leung [at] lacity.org

Los Angeles City Council: garcetti [at] council.lacity.org, councilmember.reyes [at] lacity.org, ed.reyes [at] lacity.org, zine [at] council.lacity.org, Dennis.Zine [at] lacity.org, cardenas [at] lacity.org, weiss [at] .lacity.org, alarcon [at] lacity.org, richard.alarcon [at] lacity.org

SIGN PETITION FOR STU:

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-this-dog-stu-gag-ed-boks-from-continuing-to-lie

DONATE TO FUND A NEW ATTORNEY:

myspace.com/save_stu

READ MORE:

laanimalservices.com/PDF/commission/2007/070907stuupdate.pdf

laanimalservices.com/info_rumors.htm

Kelly’s note: For additional background, please see the following alerts:

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) – #4, “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!

09/07/06 – Kinship Circle: LETTER / End Stu’s Nightmare Inside LAAS

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4) New England Animal Rights Workshop 6/13/09
ALERT WRITER: Jamie Kordack, Jamie.R.Kordack [at] usace.army.mil

NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL RIGHTS WORKSHOP

An Educational Forum for Sharing Knowledge and Networking
Open-Discussion Sessions & Special Guest Speakers
Networking and Socializing / Exhibits and Cruelty-FREE Shopping
Free Literature / Con-current Educational Videos / Vegan Lunch

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009, (10:00 am registration)

WHERE: WORKSHOP – West Brookfield, MA Town Hall, 2nd floor Grand Ballroom

DIRECTIONS: From West or East: Take MA T-pike/I-90 to exit 9. Take Rt. 20 East, turn Left and go North on Rt. 49 to end/to Rt. 9. Turn Left/West on Rt. 9 to center of West Brookfield. Town Hall is at the light. Parking on common/Cottage Street/West Main Street (in front of Library).

AFTER-HOURS WINE AND UN-CHEESE TASTING – Charles Hubbard House, a beautiful 1836 Colonial, 3 doors down from the town hall, 15 West Main St. Wine, bear, soda, vegan munchies…

TIMES & COST: Workshop 10:30am to 5:00pm / $15
After-Hours Wine & Un-Cheese Tasting 5:30 to ? / $10

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO RSVP: Jamie Kordack, 978-318-8399;
cell: 978-265-9503 * jamie.r.kordack [at] usace.army.mil * www.nearw.org

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

5) Party To End Puppy Mills On 4/19/09
ALERT WRITER: Diana Magor, dianamagor [at] gmail.com

PARTY TO PUT AN END TO PUPPY MILLS – APRIL 19, 2009

This event is happening all over the USA on 4/19/09. Many are hosting a fundraising “party” to help end this cruel practice. I am hosting one at my
house in Santa Cruz, CA and would like to invite anyone interested in attending to join me from 3:30 to 6:30 pm PT. Economist and dog activist Ben Stein, Congressman Sam Farr, and others will be on a conference call on this issue at 4:30PT (7:30 ET; 6:30 CT).

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO FIND EVENT IN YOUR AREA, SEE:

www.partylaunch.com/partyanimals/findparty/index.cfm

www.hslf.com

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

6) Urge Portugal City To Become Anti-Bullfighting
ALERT WRITER: Miguel Moutinho | ANIMAL, miguel.moutinho [at] animal.org.pt

BACKGROUND:

Every summer in the city of Tavira, in the Algarve (coastal region of the South of Portugal), a bullfight is staged in a mobile bullring — mostly for foreign tourists, who are deceitfully attracted by promoters claiming bullfights are “bloodless” expressions of local culture. In fact, bullfights are shockingly bloody and violent, and certainly not part of the culture of the Algarve. Every time a bullfight occurs, at least six bulls are viciously tortured, just to profit from animal cruelty.

TAKE ACTION:

Write to the Mayor of Tavira, in the Algarve, asking to officially declare Tavira an Anti-Bullfighting City.
Copy (Cc): campanhas [at] animal.org.pt presidente [at] cm-tavira.pt; ecordeiro [at] cm-tavira.pt; fviegas [at] cm-tavira.pt; cbaracho [at] cm-tavira.pt; lnunes [at] cm-tavira.pt; asimoes [at] cm-tavira.pt; jguerreiro [at] cm-tavira.pt; fbeato [at] cm-tavira.pt; camara [at] cm-tavira.pt; gci [at] cm-tavira.pt

Please send a written letter to the President of the Municipality of Tavira:
Mr. José Macário Correia, Presidente da Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Praça da República
8800-951 Tavira, PORTUGAL

SAMPLE LETTER:

Honorable Officials of Tavira:

I write to urge you and the Municipality of Tavira to free your beautiful city from bullfighting. Tavira does not have a permanent bullring and there is no bullfighting tradition in Tavira or anywhere in the Algarve. On the contrary, the fact that a bullfight takes place in Tavira every year only hurts your city’s good name and reputation. It is even more harmful for the animals tortured in these bullfights.

To date, 65 Spanish towns and three French towns have declared themselves anti-bullfighting. In Portugal, Viana do Castelo has already officially taken that step. The Mayors of Braga and Cascais announced that they will no longer authorise bullfighting spectacles in their cities as well.

I call upon you to proclaim Tavira an anti-bullfighting city, through the implementation of a policy of non-authorisation of bullfighting spectacles in your city — at least as far as municipal licenses and authorisations are required for these to take place.

Such a step would hugely benefit Tavira and make your constituents happy with that measure, which would certainly have positive effects in the next
elections. I’m also certain that tourism in Tavira would grow.

I look forward to a response from you and I thank you in advance for your attention.

Yours, very respectfully,

[Name], [City, Country] [Email address]

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

7) We Are Their Hope: World Lab Animal Liberation

ALERT WRITER: Michael Budkie, Executive Director, SAEN, saen [at] saenonline.org
www.saenonline.org, www.wlalw.org

WORLD LABORATORY ANIMAL LIBERATION WEEK, APRIL 18-26, 2009

As you read this email, untold millions of animals suffer and die in laboratories across the U.S. Most — including rats, mice, birds, amphibians, and all animals used in agricultural research — receive no protection under current laws. Federally owned laboratories (such as those owned by the Department of Defense, the NIH, the USDA, EPA, etc.) receive no independent inspections… The USDA does not adequately enforce the very limited requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)…

RESOURCES / SAEN WEBSITES:

Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! www.saenonline.org
Fact sheets about product testing, primate experimentation, general animal experimentation, as well as materials focusing on specific labs…

RESOURCES / WLALW WEBSITE:

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week: www.wlalw.org/
Contains sign-up form for this year’s event and listings from prior years.
To increase media exposure…please sign up with the details of your events.

RESOURCES / KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION FACT SHEETS:

Download and print our photo- and fact-filled literature to use for tabling, leafleting, at demos, presentations, etc.

ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/VivisectiLessonFutilityPH.pdf

Animal Testing: You Paid For It

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/YouPaidForIt.pdf

Sacrificing One Won’t Save The Other

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/MODSacrificOneWontSaveOther.pdf

Iams Doublespeak: Experiments On Cats And Dogs

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/DyingForKibble.pdf

Who Is Huntingdon Life Sciences?

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/WhoIsHuntingdonLifeScienc.pdf

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

8) Vegans Take On The “3 Peaks” Challenge
ALERT WRITER: Andrew Knight, Founder, Extreme Vegan Sporting Association, info [at] extremevegansports.org * www.extremevegansports.org

BACKGROUND:

During a single 24-hour period from May 2-3, the first known all-vegan team will attempt to successively scale the three highest mountains within Wales, England and Scotland — the famous “3 Peaks” Challenge.

We aim to publicly demonstrate that vegans can achieve impressive feats of fitness…thereby overcoming misperceptions about the vegan lifestyle. Given that animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to global warming — as well as cruel to animals and bad for human health — we feel it’s
important to show how incorrect such misperceptions are.

We also aim to raise money for the electoral campaign of Animals Count, during the June 4th European Parliamentary elections. Animals Count (www.animalscount.org/) is a UK political party for people and animals, and will contest these elections with the goal to increase consideration given to animal issues, by all political parties… READ MORE ABOUT THE ALL-VEGAN “3-PEAKS” TEAM: www.vegan3peaks.info

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

ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

————————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle dog canine pet companion animal animal companion stu Jeff de la Rosa LAAS Los Angeles Animal Services Ed Boks events education hsus puppy mills Tavira Portugal bullfighting bllod sports animal fighting World Lab Animal Liberation animal testing animal research animal experimentation vivisection flickr photos

Know of a resource I overlooked? Drop it in the comments!

Additional Resources

Scorecards & Endorsements

AFL-CIO – Working Families VOte 2008

www.aflcio.org/issues/politics/

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – ACLU Congressional Scorecard

action.aclu.org/site/VoteCenter?page=voteList

Darfur Scorecard

www.darfurscores.org/

Environmental Defense Fund – Green Energy Voter Guide, 2008

www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=28228

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – Congressional Scorecard

www.hrc.org/11424.htm

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) – 2008 Humane Scorecard: The 110th Congress in Review

www.fund.org/pdfs/2008_humane_scorecard.pdf

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) – 2008 Voter Guide

www.fund.org/voter_guide/

League of Conservation Voters (LCV) – 2008 National Environmental Scorecard

www.lcv.org/scorecard/

League of Conservation Voters (LCV) – Candid Answers ’08: Voter Guide for the Environment

lcv.candidanswers.org/

NARAL – Elections 2008 / Pro-Choice Voter Guides

www.prochoiceamerica.org/elections/elections2008/

National Organization of Women – NOW PAC

www.nowpacs.org/

Planned Parenthood Action Center

www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/

RH Reality Check – 2008 Election and Reproductive Health

www.rhrealitycheck.org/election-2008

Secular Coalition for America – U.S. Congressional Scorecards

www.secular.org/scorecard/

The Sierra Club – Election 2008

www.sierraclub.org/politics/

Wikipedia – List of Barack Obama presidential campaign endorsements, 2008

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Barack_Obama_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2008

Wikipedia – List of John McCain presidential campaign endorsements, 2008

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_John_McCain_presidential_campaign_endorsements,_2008

Election Protection

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Voting Rights (main)

www.aclu.org/votingrights/index.html

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Know Your Voting Rights, State by State

www.aclu.org/votingrights/gen/36695res20080909.html

CNN Election Center 2008

www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/voter.hotline/

Election Protection

www.866ourvote.org/

Go Vote

www.govote.org/

Just Vote ’08

www.justvote08.org/

Our Vote Live

www.ourvotelive.org/

People for the American Way (PFAW) – The Right to Vote

site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issues_vote_landing

———————–

Tagged: kansas missouri ks mo kcmo kcks election vote 2008 elections ballot democrat republican clinton county proposition resources endorsements scorecards congress president green party link roundup

InterNICHE announces the 2008 Humane Education Award to support ethical and effective life science education and training.

The Award is a grant program to enhance biological science, medical and veterinary medical education and training. Supported by Proefdiervrij, the Award offers 20,000 Euro (US$ 25,000) to be split between successful applicants.

Proposals are invited from all countries for initiatives to replace animal experiments and the dissection of purposely killed animals. Applicants may be teachers, students, campaigners or any other individuals committed to best practice education and training.

Examples of projects that may be funded through the Award include:

* Development of a new freeware CD-ROM, film, model or mannekin to achieve replacement

* Purchase of existing alternative products to achieve replacement

* Establishment of a student-based self-experimentation program to replace animals in physiology practical classes

* Establishment of a body donation program for securing ethically-sourced animal cadavers to replace animals killed for anatomy or surgery training

* Establishment of clinical learning opportunities to replace the use of laboratory animals in clinical skills, surgery or other practical classes

* Establishment of non-invasive field studies to replace the use of laboratory animals in ethology or other practical classes

All applications will be considered equally and judged on their merits. They will be assessed by a panel of experts according to the following criteria:

* Potential to replace harmful animal use, based on number of animals and/or severity of procedures

* Potential pedagogic effectiveness, including assessment of student learning performance

* Innovation, resourcefulness, and overall ethical design

* Student / trainee involvement at all stages, and carefully considered strategies for implementation and evaluation

* Broader impact of the project

* Availability of existing alternative tools, and availability of existing government funds for the development of alternatives

50% of the Award is available in Part A, and 50% in Part B:

Deadline for Part A: 15 July 2008
Deadline for Part B: 15 November 2008

Applications must be submitted through the on-line form at www.interniche.org/award/2008award.htm and also sent as an e-mail with attachment to coordinator@interniche.org. All applications will be acknowledged, and shortlisted applicants may be asked for further details. Questions about the Award may be sent to InterNICHE at coordinator [at] interniche.org. Further information on InterNICHE, alternatives and humane education can be found at: www.interniche.org

************************

Nick Jukes
InterNICHE Co-ordinator

42 South Knighton Road
Leicester LE2 3LP
England

tel: +44 116 210 9652
e-mail: coordinator [at] interniche.org
web: www.interniche.org

————————-

Tagged: humane education contest awards InterNICHE

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Networking resources for animal disaster victims + companion animal campaigns

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

5/10/08: Afraid On The Streets, Since Katrina

IN MAY GULF COAST NEWSLETTER:

1 – Where Are Turtle & Blue, Katrina’s Lost? (But Seen!)
2 – Highlights & Updates
3 – Stranded Cats Of Lakeview Still Need Homes
4 – Donations Aid Anti-Dogfighting Effort In Louisiana
5 – Help Neglected Dogs in Rural Mississippi
6 – Join MuttShack At Disaster Response Summit
7 – NOLA: Katrina Animal Memorial 2008 (Be There!)
8 – $1 Million In Grants For Post-Katrina Animal Care
9 – LA/SPCA Expands Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services

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

1. Where Are Turtle & Blue, Katrina’s Lost? (But Seen!)

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

TURTLE: LOST KATRINA CAT
MID-CITY – STILL SEARCHING – SIGHTED IN 2007
CONTACT: 205-585-7822, cat.seeker [at] hotmail.com

disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/search.cgi?id=PF51996&idWildcards=all

TURTLE: Spayed female, age now 12 years
* Black and orange Tortoiseshell/Calico, white markings on chest and feet
* LOST FROM: S. Murat & Banks, seen since Katrina, within 2-1/2 blocks
* LOST SINCE: Katrina, last sightings – 2007

SIGHTINGS: 541 S. Murat St. (and across street)
300 block of S. Alexander (at Palmyra)
Baudin St., Palmyra St. – owner certain of sighting a year ago, about 9 pm.
Feeder in area may have seen Turtle last year in early am at feeding station.
POSSIBLE LOCATIONS TO CHECK, general area bounded by: Canal St., N.
Carrollton Ave., City Park Ave., and Pontchartrain Expressway (or Tulane Ave.)

Owner seeking information on who sighted a cat matching the description at 541 S. Murat St. location noted on the feeding station logs posted on ARNO website in 1/06. Owner has checked old feeding stations in area from late 2005 to early 2006. Also checked list of feeding stations maintained since Katrina by “Holly” … CONTACT: 205-585-7822, cat.seeker [at] hotmail.com

BLUE: LOST CAT – MID-CITY – SEEKING NEIGHBORHOOD CAT
MISSING SINCE FALL 2006
CONTACT: 205-585-7822, cat.seeker [at] hotmail.com

I was at a temporary facility in New Orleans, LA 70119, after Katrina…

disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/rescue/reportDetail.cgi?id=61427

BLUE: Spayed female, small gray cat
* Friendly feral, was part of neighbor’s feral colony
* LOST FROM: Banks and S. Murat St.
* MISSING SINCE: Fall 2006, still seeking

Blue hung around house where Turtle lived (three houses from her former home) and was fed by Turtle’s owner after the storm. Neighbor moved after Katrina and couldn’t take her. Turtle’s owner was about to take her inside when Blue disappeared in Fall 2006… CONTACT: 205-585-7822, cat.seeker [at] hotmail.com

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

2. Highlights & Updates

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

RE: 4/17/08 – NEW ORLEANS COP FIRES 8 BULLETS INTO BELOVED DOG

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1735

KINSHIP CIRCLE received the “thank you” below from Dr. Patrick Coleman, the Lakeview, New Orleans resident whose dog Jax was needlessly slaughtered by police in his fenced backyard.

From: Patrick Coleman, wpcoleman [at] gmail.com
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 / Subject: Thank you Re: Jax

Thank you so much for the information posted regarding Jax, my 4 year old Doberman, who was shot and killed by a police officer responding to a false burglary alarm at my home on April 14, 2008. With so many people writing letters, blogging, posting… I only hope that his death brings about change as his life did for myself and everyone who met him.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart in memory of Jax, Patrick

W. Patrick Coleman IV, M.D. / 4425 Conlin Street; Metairie, LA 70006
Office: 504-455-3180; Fax: 504-885-2512

ON A LIGHTER NOTE: SOME NOLA COPS HELP ANIMALS…

Lakewood (New Orleans) Police Officer Dustin Carrell stopped traffic on westbound SR-512 near I-5 to help a mother duck and her ducklings safely cross the road: www.liveleak.com/view?i=c1c_1209428470&p=1

HELP NEEDED AT MID-CITY (NOLA) FEEDING STATIONS

1. Anyone feeding cats at Bienville and Rocheblave? Starving cats located behind abandoned home, seen (week of Apr. 14) by Lynn Chiche of SpayMart. Lynn takes care of 300 cats at the SpayMart shelter in Mississippi and cannot come to feed there. Email her for location details, or if you know anyone feeding cats there: Lynn Chiche, SpayMart: spaymart [at] hughes.net

2. Paul Cory took over feeding/watering cat colonies on Bienville, North White, and North Gayoso Streets. Cats were fed daily by a lady who stopped due to family illness. Paul can only feed once a week and needs help. He’ll show where to feed and provide food. Paul’s been feeding cats in other areas of Mid-City. He’s in NOLA only once a week to feed the cats, but lives in Mississippi: Paul Cory: 504-512-2090, user171181 [at] aol.com

VOTE FOR PAWS SHELTER, IN STRUGGLING PLAQUEMINES PARISH

REPLY TO: RAMONA BILLOT, ramonabillot [at] yahoo.com

Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a rescue/shelter in one of Katrina’s hardest hit areas, Plaquemines Parish. You can vote every day forthe chance for PAWS to win $5000! Each month $5000 is being given to your favorite shelter. Please vote everyday for PAWS at this link: www.petfinder.com/contests/petrescue/index.cgi

ANGEL’S GATE WAS FEATURED ON ORPAH, 4/28/08

REPLY TO: Susan Marino, angelsgate_susan [at] yahoo.com

www.angelsgate.org — Jill Rappaport of NBC’s Today Show filmed a segment with Angel’s Gate for The Oprah Winfrey Show which aired April 28, 2007… Susan Marino, of Angel’s Gate, made multiple trips to New Orleans to aid animal victims of Katrina. Her first trip was in September 2005, just after the storm hit. She remained there for five weeks… www.angelsgate.org/katrina_revisited.htm

VIDEO: KATRINA SHAME IN 2008
REPLY TO: capron [at] pets911.org
VIDEO: Who’s Rebuilding New Orleans? By Zach Pentel and Brendan Polmer
We’ll give you a hint: It’s not the government.

campusprogress.org/opinions/2838/who-rebuilding-new-orleans

ANIMAL RESCUE CERTIFICATION & TRAINING
REPLY TO: Amanda St John, amanda [at] muttshack.org
In the event of future disasters, preparedness/training play a vital role!

www.muttshack.org/Animal_Rescue_Certification_and_Training.htm

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

3. Stranded Cats Of Lakeview Still Need Homes

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Jeanette Althans, JAlthans [at] chnola.org * www.lakeviewcats.org

www.lakeviewcats.org/fosteradopt

FOSTER OR ADOPT A LAKEVIEW KITTY:

Kitten litters need to be taken off the streets, along with unaltered adults who need TNR. We desperately need fosters and kitten adopters. Also, there are several friendly “Katrina” cats left in Lakeview who deserve forever homes. They’ve been on the street for 2+ years and crave human attention:

* Friendly adult cats who survived Katrina, but are left on the streets (fosters needed while we search for owners)

* Adult cats who survived Katrina and remain very scared. These cats need a little extra attention until they adjust.

* Various age kittens (2 months to 8 months); some need extra handling until they adjust.

CONTACT: Jeanette Althans, jalthans [at] cox.net
Kathy Sweeney, kathybsweeney [at] yahoo.com

LAKEVIEW (NEW ORLEANS) STILL LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS:

Kathy Sweeney and Jeanette Althans need volunteers to help TRAP, FOSTER and ADOPT Lakeview’s left-behind and their offspring. Volunteer feeders are welcome too. PLEASE SEE: www.lakeviewcats.org

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

4. Donations Aid Anti-Dogfighting Effort In Louisiana

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Jeff Dorson: 901-268-4432, stopcruelty11 [at] gmail.com

GPS SYSTEMS TO AID IN ANTI-DOGFIGHTING OPERATIONS:

(Metairie, LA) A Humane Society of Louisiana patron’s recent gift of GPS systems to Louisiana State Police intends to help troopers combat dogfighting. Mr. Bill Johnson, a long-time supporter/member of Humane Society of Louisiana, and Mr. Jeff Dorson, HSL Executive Director, delivered 24 systems to Captain Josephy Lentini, head of the force’s Gaming Enforcement Division. Twenty-four state police vehicles will be outfitted with GPS systems, which will let them better track suspects and coordinate surveillance operations — often in rural areas of the state…

During the past several years, the Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division, has arrested over 150 individuals suspected of engaging in dogfighting activities. Officers have seized over $25,000 in cash, contraband, narcotics, and illegal weapons.

Humane Society of Louisiana (HSL) has worked tirelessly on educating the public, law enforcement agencies, and lawmakers on the prevalence of dogfighting and need to increase penalties. HSL, based out of New Orleans, operates a statewide animal abuse hotline (1-888-6-humane) and routinely investigates animal cruelty complaints. HSL also recently created Rapid Response Animal Abuse Team, comprised of more than 200 individuals around the state and region who help solve animal abuse crimes and advocate stronger laws to safeguard the humane treatment of animals… For more information: www.humanela.org/

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

5. Help Neglected Dogs in Rural Mississippi

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
SHARON MOORE: 601-513-5424 or 601-626-8697
Diane Michell, DianeCMichell [at] netscape.net

RAVEN’S RESPITE FROM MISERY. CAN YOU HELP?

MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI — FROM SHARON MOORE: This 6 year old kind and precious dog was found chained in a bad neighborhood. Her brother’s bones and fur lay on the ground where he’d died still chained to his house. They were reported a year ago to animal control with pictures. They refused to go out. I befriended the owners, and took Raven and the three puppies to the vet. They were treated for mange, given revolution, antibiotics, and wormed.

Raven has no milk, and her two puppies (black ones) are only 8-weeks- old and emaciated. She is heartworm positive and I want to spay her. The owners have agreed, but will not give her up. She is no longer chained… On May 8, the three puppies and Raven returned to the vet for another dip, revolution, shots, re-worming, and I purchased dip and revolution for their other dog, Wild Thing… I cannot afford frontline, collars, crates, and vet charges even though I have a very kind group that will take the three puppies…

HOW TO HELP RAVEN, WILD THING, AND PUPPIES:

Please help Sharon Moore give these neglected dogs a better life. Sharon has been rescuing dogs like Raven since moving to MS soon after Katrina. Could you please help Sharon with medical costs for the dogs?

DONATIONS TO THE VET:
Dr. Diane Donaldson, Till Newell Animal Hospital
2200 Hwy 45 N.; Meridian, MS 39301
ph: 601-485-8049; fax is 601-485-6435

DONATIONS TO EAST MISSISSIPPI ANIMAL RESCUE:
PayPal account: www.eastmsanimalrescue.com/
Specify donation for: Sharon Moore’s costs for Raven, Wild Thing, puppies.
Contact Paula Joyner, President of EMAR: prjoyner [at] comcast.net

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT SHARON MOORE: 601-513-5424 or 601-626-8697

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

6. Join MuttShack At Disaster Response Summit

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Amanda St. John, founder, MuttShack Animal Resuce
amanda [at] muttshack.org * www.muttshack.org
15981 Yarnell St. #188, Sylmar CA 91342
730 Orleans Ave, 2nd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70116

MuttShack Washington is forming a coordinating group to work with the cities, counties and state for animal disaster response. Sign up at MuttShack: www.muttshack.org/MuttShack_Registration_Form.htm

EMERGENCY ANIMAL RESPONSE, RESCUE AND SHELTERING SUMMIT:

Saturday, May 17, 2008 / 8:00 a.m. to noon
Pierce County Emergency Operations Center
2501 S 35th St Suite E; Tacoma, Wa 98409

General Session: Pierce County Animal Disaster Response Team Members and other community leaders.
Workshop Sessions: Emergency pet shelter planning, general animal handling, shelter operations in a disaster, related pet services, and logistics.

All animal related service organizations, vets, vet techs, animal care persons, shelter operators, animal behaviorists, pet/feed store operators, etc. and the general animal loving public should attend. According to facility rules, only service animals may attend.

DUE TO LIMITED SEATING, RSVP TO:
Daucie Willson, Shelter Coordinator, Pierce County DEM, 253-798-2751 or
dwillso [at] co.pierce.wa.us

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

7. NOLA: Katrina Animal Memorial 2008 (Be There!)

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Jeff Dorson, Humane Society of Louisiana, stopcruelty11 [at] gmail.com

COME COMMEMORATE THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE KATRINA:

During the 2005 storm season, tens of thousands of people helped our city in its darkest hour — when failed levees and floods stranded thousands of residents and over 50,000 companion animals. The loss of human and animal life was incalculable…but we are forever indebted to those who came to our aid. To show our gratitude, I hope you’ll accept my personal invitation to return to the City of New Orleans to commemorate the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. We’ve planned a day-long memorial service…

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2008 — 10:00 A.M.

Join us to unveil the nation’s first memorial statue honoring animals lost during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In the chambers of the New Orleans City Council, Councilwoman Stacy Head will accept the statue on behalf of the city. We’ve commissioned respected artist, Mr. Richard Chashoudian… An invocation will be read along with a special reading by Ed Kostro, poet and author. Authors Allen and Linda Anderson will read from their award-winning book, Rescued: Saving Animals From Disaster. Honorary awards will go to individuals/groups for their work in the 2005 storm season and beyond.

ATTEND LUNCHEON AT ASTOR CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL:

After this historic event, the audience is invited to attend a special vegetarian luncheon with guest speakers, at the Astor Crowne Plaza hotel:
– 739 Canal Street, near the French Quarter.
– $25 per person, including tax and gratuity
– Order prepaid luncheon tickets by emailing: info [at] humanela.org
Provide: name, address, phone, email, credit card number, expiration date, and number of tickets you are purchasing.

LODGING: DISCOUNT RATE FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

Astor Crowne Plaza: $89, for singles or doubles
– Ask for Humane Society of Louisiana special price to qualify for discount.
– To reserve room, call: call 1-866-750-4202 before July 29, 2008.

CAN’T JOIN US? SPONSOR THE KATRINA PET MEMORIAL STATUE:

Names of donors that give over a certain level will be engraved on a plaque alongside the statue, on permanent display. To inquire about the levels of sponsorship, contact: Jeff Dorson, stopcruelty11 [at] gmail.com

DONATE TO ONGOING CARE OF ANIMALS HOMELESS BY KATRINA:

HSL still cares for more than 100 animals made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. To help these wonderful animals, please send donations to:
Humane Society of Louisiana, P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70174
Or donate via our PayPal account at: wwwHumanela.org

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

8. $1 Million In Grants For Post-Katrina Animal Care

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Anna Arceneaux, anna [at] gnof.org

$1 Million in Grants Available For Post-Katrina Animal Rescue, Care
4/21/08 – Contact: Richard Martinez, 504-598-4663, richard [at] gnof.org

NEW ORLEANS — July 1 is the deadline to apply for Noah’s Wish Grants through the Greater New Orleans Foundation. About $1 million is available for the grants. The awards will be announced on Aug. 15.

Grants will reimburse organizations in the United States for direct costs associated with rescue and care of animals affected by Hurricane Katrina (from Aug. 29, 2005, to the present or to an agreed-upon time in the future). Each grant amount will not exceed $50,000. Grantees must be public charities or governmental entities. Applicants are required to provide copies of eligible bills paid for animal emergency relief or recovery…

Noah’s Wish was a nonprofit organization that participated in animal rescue operations immediately after Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005. After news reports showed its efforts caring for animals in the storm-battered area, contributions poured in from generous donors. But some of those funds were improperly used for other purposes, so the California Attorney General’s office stepped in. The result was a court settlement with Noah’s Wish that restricted the use of the funds. The funds may only be used for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The funds can’t be used for other disasters or future disaster preparedness.

More information and an application, at GNOF’s website: gnof.org

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

9. LA/SPCA Expands Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Mary Morris, LA/SPCA, Spay/Neuter Program Coordinator: 504-368-5191 ext. 141
Gloria Dauphin, Gloria [at] la-spca.org * www.la-spca.org/prevention/vouchers.htm

The Dorothy Dorsett Brown Mobile Center

LA/SPCA EXPANDS LOW-COST SPAY NEUTER SERVICES:

NEW ORLEANS (5/2/08) — Effective June 1, 2008 the LA/SPCA’s low-cost spay/neuter services will be available to ALL individuals, families, rescue organizations, and other humane welfare groups, to step up the LA/SPCA’s efforts to end pet overpopulation throughout the region.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$25 feral cat/kitten (includes ear-tipping and rabies vaccination)
$40 owned male cat/kitten
$50 owned female cat/kitten
$50 male dog/puppy (under 20 lbs.)
$75 male dog/puppy (21-50 lbs.)
$75 female dog/puppy (under 20 lbs.)
$100 per female dog/puppy (21-50 lbs.)

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call Louisiana SPCA’s spay/neuter appointment desk: 504-368-5191, ext. 141

WHERE ARE THE SURGERIES?
The Louisiana SPCA’s mobile spay/neuter center; parked at The Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., corner of L.B. Landry, in Algiers.
MORE INFO: www.la-spca.org/prevention/vouchers.htm

***************************

Want To Help Companion…And Other Animals…
Trapped In An Unjust System?
Please join KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY: Our main list with direct-action
campaigns (ONLY) for animal cruelty issues around the U.S. and world:

subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
SUBJECT LINE: Kinship Circle Primary
TELL US: I am already subscribed to KC ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

Kinship Circle is a struggling 501c3 nonprofit. Please make a tax-deductible
donation to our advocacy/educational work for animals:

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

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SUBSCRIBE:
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Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Relief: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss hurricane katrina hurricane katrina natural disaster nola new orleans louisiana gulf coast animal rescue animal adoption pet companion animal dog canine cat feline feral cats feral dogs spay neuter donate volunteer Mississippi Mississippi Animal Rescue Raven puppies animal abuse animal neglect animal cruelty cruelty to animals chaining tethering Muttshack Jax Patrick Coleman news in the news update PAWS Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society oprah angels’ gate Lakeview Lakeview Cats Roaming animal fighting dogfighting blood sports education training conference workshop disaster response disaster preparedness memorial Humane Society of Louisiana HSL Noah’s Wish grants LASPCA spay neuter flickr photos

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST
The following information is brought to you courtesy of Kinship Circle.
Please DO NOT hit reply! Respond directly to: lucrezia2010 [at] yahoo.com or gil [at] exploreveg.org

ALERT FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE SUPPORTER:
5/9/08: Their Lives, Our Voices / June 6-8 Midwest Conference

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Kathryn Quam, lucrezia2010 [at] yahoo.com
Gil Schwartz, gil [at] exploreveg.org

THE MIDWEST’S PREMIERE ANIMAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE!
Join hundreds of others this summer at the animal advocacy conference, “Their Lives, Our Voices.”
* WHEN: June 6-8, 2008
* HOSTED BY: Compassionate Action for Animals
* WHERE: Minneapolis, Hubert H. Humphrey Conference Center

www.tlov.org/tlov2008/location.html

REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE MONEY!
Special half-price early registration open only until May 16, 2008:
* $50 for the general public
* $20 for students
* This includes four full vegan meals!
* Visit our website now to learn more about the event and register at this special price! www.tlov.org

SPEAKER LINE-UP, SO FAR:
Carol Adams (author); Gene Baur (Farm Sanctuary); Paul Shapiro (Humane Society of the United States); Collen Patrick-Goudreau (Compassionate Cooks); Freeman Wicklund and Nathan Runkle (Mercy for Animals); Erica Meier (Compassion Over Killing); Matt Ball (Vegan Outreach); pattrice jones (author), Hillary Rettig (author), Karen Davis (United Poultry Concerns), Karen Dawn (DawnWatch) and many more!

www.tlov.org/tlov2008/speakers.html

Their Lives, Our Voices’ focus is on farmed animal advocacy efforts and practical ways to help animals in your community. We want to enable as much attendee participation and networking as possible, so we’re hoping you can come and make this a great event.

Register today! www.tlov.org

Gilbert Schwartz, Campaign Coordinator, Compassionate Action for Animals
300 Washington Ave SE, Rm. 126; Minneapolis, MN 55455

www.ExploreVeg.org

Office: 612-626-5785; Cell: 612-296-9020; gil [at] exploreveg.org

**********************

KC MEMBER ALERTS:
We occasionally post alerts from our supporters. These alerts are NOT researched/written by Kinship Circle itself, however must meet certain criterion to circulate on our list:

A valid SOURCE OF INFORMATION
ACTION to take + Complete CONTACT INFORMATION
BRIEF BACKGROUND
SAMPLE LETTER (preferred, but not mandatory)

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY DOES NOT CROSSPOST:

Petition alerts
A series of forwarded messages or otherwise “unclean” alerts
Any message without an associated action to take Rescue/Adoption/Foster alerts

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DOWNLOAD FREE FACT SHEETS / 60 DIFFERENT TOPICS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutThePorkIndust.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutDairyVealIndustr.pdf

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
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* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
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SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Relief: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

———————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss events education conference june animal advocacy animal activism activism Their Lives, Our Voices

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST
Networking resources for animal disaster victims + companion animal campaigns

GULF COAST
3/21/08: Your Last Hard Day Was Yesterday

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

IN MARCH GULF COAST NEWSLETTER:

1. Tour For Life 2008: April 9, At SAF In New Orleans!
2. March 29-30: SpayMart Super Adoptathon In NOLA
3. Feedback: Missouri Floodwaters Rising
4. Highlights & Updates
5. Dear Sabrina, Your Last Hard Day Was Yesterday
6. A Second Chance For St. Bernard Parish Animals
7. A Nursing Mom’s Tragedy & The Power To Act
8. Certification As A First Responder For Animals

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

1. Tour For Life 2008: April 9, At SAF In New Orleans!

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Deanna Theis, Southern Animal Foundation,
animallover [at] southernanimalfoundation.org

NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE WITH SOUTHERN ANIMAL FOUNDATION PRESENT:
The world’s largest co-op pet adoption even — Tour For Life 2008

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 9, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

WHERE:
Southern Animal Foundation
1823 Magazine Street, New Orleans • 504-671-8235

JOIN US FOR:
Adoptions, Open House, Door Prizes, Coupons For Adopters, Kid Station, Ask The Vet. Deanna Theis writes — Northshore Animal League has asked us to partner in their national adoption event. We’ll have a mixture of adoptable pets. We really want to get the word out…

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

2. March 29-30: SpayMart Super Adoptathon In NOLA

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
sandra [at] spaymart.org * Lynn Chiche, spaymart [at] hughes.net

MARCH 29-30: SUPER ADOPTATHON:

SpayMart is hosting its first Super Adoptathon:
March 29 & 30

Jefferson Feed and Garden Supplies, 4421 Jefferson Highway

Many cats of every breed, age, color and size will be available. This event also features music, entertainment, food, door prizes, and much more. To successfully execute an affair of this magnitude, volunteers are needed. Please find time in your busy schedule to make this a successful adoptathon by participating in finding homes for the many deserving rescues in our care. Some have been Katrina victims and others involved in a cruelty case.

AS OF 3/5/08, THESE VOLUNTEER SHIFTS WERE NEEDED:
Friday: Shift 1 – 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm / Shift 2 – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday: Shift 1 – 8 am to 12:00 pm / Shift 2 – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Sunday: Shift 1 – 8 am to 12:00 pm / Shift 2 – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

TO VOLUNTEER:
Call 504-838-9167 or email spaymart [at] hughes.net

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

3. Feedback/Updates: Missouri Floodwaters Rising

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

FEEDBACK ABOUT: 3/19/08, Underwater Missouri Town Needs Animal Aid

Kinship Circle THANKS everyone who took initiative to help animal victims in response to our 3/18 and 3/19 alerts about flash floods in Piedmont, Missouri (that wiped out the town’s only animal shelter). Terri Archer, our contact who coordinated resources from her home in Cuba, MO, writes on 3/20/08: “Thank you so much for everything you have done. We’ve received many responses with offers to help and supplies being sent. As soon as we can get them to her [Cibele Hasenbeck, ACO in Piedmont]. They are expecting rivers to crest again on Sunday. Yikes.” www.terriscatrescue.com

We’ve been informed surviving animals from Piedmont’s shelter have gone to rescue groups in Missouri. At least 11 lucky kitties have a second chance with Felines Forever, the same foster group that took 14 cats Kinship Circle brought back from New Orleans last February…

FLOODS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI/ILLINOIS CONTINUE TO RISE:

Outlying communities along swollen rivers (Eureka, Valley Park, Fenton, Pacific, Delta, Whitewater, Gray Summit, High Ridge…) have partially evacuated. Humane Society of Missouri has set up a temporary shelter in Cape Girardeau, MO. If Kinship Circle learns of more specific regions needing outside aid, supplies, etc. for their animals, we will keep you updated.

Chrissy Ellis hold one of her two remaining dogs Thursday morning as she stands on Twin Rivers Road after her horse trailer became stuck in the rising waters at the confluence of the Meramec and Big Rivers. Ellis was trying to move her animals and belongings to higher ground. Three dogs, three cats, five chickens, one dove, and one parrot drowned. J.B. Forbes, St. Louis Post Dispatch

Eureka firefighter Corey Marler tries to pull a reluctant dog to his boat in the Meramec River near Highway 109. Passersby spotted two Dogs clinging to driftwood in the middle of the river. Sgt. Bryan Parrott of the Missouri Water Patrol (right) comforts the first dog rescued. Both dogs were taken to the Eureka Fire Station. J.B. Forbes, St. Louis Post Dispatch

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

4. Highlights & Updates

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

LAND AVAILABLE FOR ANIMAL SANCTUARY:

REPLY DIRECTLY TO: JOANNS151 [at] aol.com

3/19/08: A very nice woman has come forward offering a good piece of land with house and barn set up for anyone wanting to use this for helping animals. It is 50 miles I believe from Lexington, KY a private area but beautiful. Can be used for farmed animals or any rescues. WOMAN IS VERY EASY TO GET ALONG WITH BUT NOW SHE LIVES IN FLORIDA so anyone interested that’s responsible to use or to develop a small animal sanctuary please advise. REPLY TO: JOANNS151 [at] aol.com

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL CAUSE:

REPLY TO: Louise, Alley Cat Rescue, laholton [at] aol.com

Please go to www.Vote4Cause.com and vote for your favorite cause. This time around we are voting for Animals Asia Foundation, to stop the cruelty towards the Asian Black Bears (Moon Bears).

ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE / ST. BERNARD PARISH SHOOTINGS:

REPLY TO: Susan Bongiorno, bongiornosusan [at] aol.com

FOOTAGE: youtube.com/watch?v=KtU2AFCbJlY
Warning: Extremely Graphic Content Contained Within

Web Letter To: U.S. District Court – Eastern Division of Louisiana:

www.pasadosafehaven.org/KATRINA/DOGSHOOTING/LetterForm.htm

Sample-Letter Alert: Demand Justice In St. Bernard Parish Shootings:

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1715&seriesfirst=true

UPDATE: ASSISTANCE TO ANIMAL GUARDIANS AFFECTED BY FORECLOSURE CRISIS:

www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/foreclosure_crisis.html

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

5. Dear Sabrina, Your Last Hard Day Was Yesterday

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
NOLA Cats, nolacats [at] gmail.com

PHOTOS courtesy of SARA HOPKINS

SABRINA’S ORDEAL:

Sabrina had diesel fuel poured on her in an attempt to cure her of the mange. Unfortunately, diesel is toxic. Initial Diagnoses: Demodex mange; covered in fleas; mild heartworm positive; malnourished; bloody, scabby, scaly, inflamed skin; missing approx. 70% of her hair; tapeworms…

Kim Johnson, an original-ARNO coordinator who now rescues animals in New Orleans full time, is already on to her next case: Trapping a dog with an embedded collar, seen running New Orleans streets for at least 2 months, with blood oozing down the front of her chest. Shadow, as she’s been named by Pam Leavy, will need surgery and weeks of follow-up medical care to heal the deep open wound, plus the expected heartworm treatment, spay surgery, vaccines, de-worming, and any other medical issues she may have.

DONATE TO MEDICAL COSTS FOR FORGOTTEN NOLA ANIMALS LIKE SABRINA:

It cost over $1300 to treat Sabrina for the mange, intestinal worms, heartworm, vaccines, spay surgery, etc. Thanks to generous donors, most of Sabrina’s veterinary bills have been covered.

To contribute to the fund for Shadow’s care — as well as future forgotten ones in New Orleans, DONATE BY CHECK TO: Feral Cat Consortium (a 501c3 accepting payment for Kim Johnson’s veterinary expenses for NOLA animals.)
ATN: Wendy Guidry
4 Summer Haven Court; Madisonville, LA 70447
For the care of: NOLA rescues under Kim Johnson

ADOPT SABRINA:

Sabrina is about 1 year old, weighs about 30 pounds, and was living on the streets of New Orleans. Sabrina is in foster care while she recovers from mange, but she will need a forever home. Please consider opening your heart and your home to this special little girl. If you are interested in adopting Sabrina, please email Kim Johnson: nolacats [at] gmail.com

ADOPT THIS PRECIOUS SHIH TZU:

This love pillow was found wandering New Orleans streets, when he should be dominating someone’s lap! He was found with a collar, but no replies to posters about him. He is crate trained, leash trained…a nice little dog who misses his person. If you are interested in adopting this Shih Tzu, please email Kim Johnson: nolacats [at] gmail.com

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

6. A Second Chance For St. Bernard Parish Animals

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Susan Bongiorno, St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter Transport & Out of State
Adoption Coordinator, bongiornosusan [at] aol.com

VIEW & SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH POTENTIAL ADOPTERS:

GIVE ANIMALS IN RAVAGED ST. BERNARD PARISH A SECOND CHANCE:

The animals in this video are in desperate need of loving homes. They are located at the shelter in the Katrina devastated region of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. These animals are simply gorgeous, with personalities to match. Sadly, many have been owner-surrendered due to the hardship their owners have endured by Hurricane Katrina. Others have been found wandering the region and sadly no one has claimed them. Please consider adopting from the shelter, providing these animals with a second chance. In addition to encouraging locals adoptions, we are able to transport anywhere in the United States and Canada.

ADOPTIONS:

LOCAL ADOPTIONS:
Visit St. Bernard Parish Animal Shelter: 115 Agriculture Road; Chalmette, LA
Call ahead for hours of operation: 504-228-1093

OUT-OF-STATE ADOPTIONS:
Call Susan for more information about how you can adopt: 860-685-1966

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

7. A Nursing Mom’s Tragedy & The Power To Act

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
Jeff Dorson, Humane Society of Louisiana, stopcruelty11 [at] gmail.com

A NURSING MOM’S TRAGEDY – HONORING THE EDGARD 5:

EDITED FOR LENGTH

From Jeff Dorson — All of us care about the suffering of animals and…sometimes feel powerless to act against abuse. As the only full-time investigator for The Humane Society of Louisiana, I receive reports of abuse and neglect sometimes on an hourly basis from all over Louisiana… The recent case of a nursing mother dog shot on a side road in Edgard, in rural Louisiana, gave me a new perspective. The mother dog’s carcass was found by a neighbor, who also discovered 4 now orphaned puppies. The local animal control department answered the call for assistance and the puppies were taken to a veterinarian’s office, where they are thriving.

Typically, these types calls are filed away and left to collect dust. No one witnessed the shooting, and the community, like many in Louisiana, simply wasn’t going to do much else about this problem. Our humane society received the report a few days after the shooting, and we decided we’d use this tragedy to create something positive and, hopefully, lasting…

UPDATE ON THE EDGARD 5:

To give an identity to the victims of this senseless crime, we call the mother dog and her wonderful puppies The Edgard 5… A team of 7 volunteers traveled to Edgard, Louisiana and canvassed the neighborhood. We spoke to about 2 dozen residents, handed out flyers, told household members what happened and explained that a reward fund had been established. We even visited the site where the mother dog was found, and we placed flowers on the ground in her memory… We accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Imagine, however, what 20 volunteers could have accomplished. Imagine if we had a reward of several thousands of dollars, instead of $500… Finally, imagine if someone came forward with incriminating evidence and an individual was arrested and charged for committing this crime…

ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TODAY:

1. Register as a Rapid Response Animal Abuse Team member.
Send name, address, phone numbers, email address to: stopcruelty11 [at] gmail.com
Or register online: humanela.org

2. Send a donation to our Reward Fund or Cruelty Investigations Fund to purchase surveillance equipment and new supplies.
Humane Society of Louisiana, P.O. Box 740321, New Orleans, LA 70714
901-268-4432

3. Send gift cards for Home Depot, Sears, or Wal-Mart. We use them to purchase supplies for our animal housing facility in Tylertown, Mississippi. Send all mail to the address listed above.

4. Purchase an Edgard 5 tee shirt to wear in solidarity with our team members.
Send $20 to: HSL, Edgard; P.O. Box 740321; New Orleans, LA 70714

5. Donate through our Paypal account or purchase a Fleur de lis “Paws for a Moment” pendant: Humanela.org

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

8. Certification As A First Responder For Animals

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

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
MuttShack Animal Rescue, www.muttshack.org

Photo By Nanette Martin, as viewed in MuttShack website
Nanette Martin 303-929-5655, nanette [at] nanettemartin.com

CHANGING STATE/FEDERAL PET EVACUATION LAWS:

To respond more effectively in a disaster, many states demand a minimum standard of preparedness and training. Animal rescuers have taken up the challenge long before passage of new state/federal animal evacuation laws.

MUTTSHACK ONLINE TRAINING:

MuttShack Animal Rescue combines FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) classes, online White Papers and lectures as coursework for our First Responder Certificate. MuttShack certified students stand toe to toe with other first responders such as firemen, Red Cross and military — but with a focus on animals, from household pets to large animals and wildlife.

While certain FEMA classes are already mandatory for animal rescue, MuttShack’s First Responder Certification is more comprehensive, literally a mini-university degree in response training. EMI Courses and & Lectures: www.muttshack.org/Animal_Rescue_Certification_Prospectus.htm

FREE ONLINE COURSES:

Certification classes are offered free and online. Course materials can be downloaded in PDF or Word doc formats or online from FEMA’s website. The first tutorial “How to Do a Course Online” is straightforward enough so anyone can learn how to study online. Thereafter students may study courses such as Animals in Disaster, Incident Command and others.
FEMA, ISP Courses: training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp
National Emergency Training Center’s (NETC) Virtual Campus: training.fema.gov/VCNew/firstVC.asp

Once the course materials have been perused, there is an online exam. Success comes in a small white and blue envelope bearing a Certificate of Completion. Students collect their certificates and aggregate them into various Certificates of Completion, such as the Professional Development Series, and ultimately the MuttShack Animal Rescue First Responder Course.

YAHOO STUDENT GROUP:

A Yahoo Student Group chats daily about strategies to complete courses, troubleshoot computer issues, and general camaraderie. Expert student weather watchers give updates and warnings of impending deployment. Valuable information is shared such as vaccination requirements, deployment logistics…as well as where to get the best hands-on training in aggressive animal behavior, Red Cross First Aid and CPR. Yahoo Workshop Group: groups.yahoo.com/group/Animal_Rescue_Certification/

TO JOIN MUTTSHACK’S ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM:

Complete the MuttShack Registration Form.
MuttShack Animal Rescue Training Program: www.muttshack.org/Animal_Rescue_Certification.htm
MuttShack Registration Form: www.muttshack.org/Animal_Rescue_Disaster_Certification_Registration.htm

*****************************

Want To Help Companion…And Other Animals…
Trapped In An Unjust System?
Please join KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY: Our main list with direct-action
campaigns (ONLY) for animal cruelty issues around the U.S. and world:

subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
SUBJECT LINE: Kinship Circle Primary
TELL US: I am already subscribed to KC ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF

Action Campaigns I Literature I Animal Disaster Aid Networking
info [at] kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

Kinship Circle is a struggling 501c3 nonprofit.
Please make a tax-deductible donation, if you can:

www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

*****************************

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

*****************************

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Relief: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*****************************

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

———————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss hurricane katrina hurricane katrina natural disaster nola new orleans louisiana gulf coast animal rescue animal adoption pet companion animal dog canine cat feline feral cats feral dogs spay neuter donate volunteer floods flooding mo missouri illinois rain raining Tour For Life 2008 events education Southern Animal Foundation north shore animal league SpayMart Piedmont Felines Forever st. bernard parish animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals Sabrina Humane Society of Louisiana edgard 5 MuttShack Animal Rescue MuttShack disaster preparedness first responder Federal Emergency Management Agency fema First Responder Certification flickr photos news in the news update