Dogs Deserve Better, an anti-tethering group, is in need of photos for its 2010 calendar. If you’re a guardian, foster parent or rescuer of a formerly chained or penned dog(s), read on:

Calling for Calendar Photos

DDB is once again calling for photo entries for the 2010 Dogs Deserve Better Calendar!!

Please send (happy) after photos of rescued formerly chained or penned dogs along with before photos (if possible) in high resolution.

Send your entries to dogs [at] dogsdeservebetter.org

All entries are needed by September 10, 2009

I apologize for the late notice – it’s been a busy few weeks.

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The anti-chaining group Dog Deserve Better has been holding an an annual Chain-Off, on or around July 4th, since 2004. This year, the Chain-Off will take place June 27 through July 12.

Just what is a “Chain-Off,” you ask?

Chain Off has been held annually around the 4th of July since 2003, highlighting the reality that while Americans are celebrating their own freedom, there are tens of thousands of Man’s Best Friends in every state who are still not free: America’s chained and penned dogs. These dogs are found in backyards stretching from Delaware to Alaska, from Maine to Hawaii, throughout the provinces of Canada, and in countries around the world.

Chain Off has evolved from one woman chaining herself to a doghouse in 2003 for 33 hours, to 85 people chaining themselves in 23 states during last year’s 2008 Chain Off to raise awareness for chained dogs.

This year help us blow last year’s 85 total out of the water by chaining yourself in your own backyard, your neighborhood, a local park, or with us in South Carolina! Join up ‘in packs’ to make a local event of it, or take it low-key in a one-woman or one-man show in your own backyard. However it works for you, it’s ok by us! We’ve got more excitement than ever, with a large event in S. Carolina where activists will be chained, and new ways to fundraise in groups or on your own. We’d like to see over 100 people, and at least one from EVERY SINGLE STATE, living chained to doghouses sometime during the week from June 27th through July 7th. We can do it! You can do it!

In addition to being our biggest awareness campaign of the year, this is also our biggest fundraising event of the year, last year raising over $33,000 for our work with chained and penned dogs. $33,000? Let’s blow that out of the water this year too, with a goal of $60,000 raised during Chain Off! Be part of it! You can fundraise even if you’re not going to live chained to the doghouse…join an online fundraising ‘team’ in your state, start your own fundraising page, and make it happen.

We intended to do Chain Off in Denver, Colorado this year, but were asked by Denver Kills Dogs to stand in solidarity with them in a boycott of Denver. While we had been planning to use the opportunity to protest their pit bill ban, we decided it would be right for us to pull out of Denver. Hence a time crunch to find another location!

Given that we had so little time and needed on the ground help, we approached friend and founder of local anti-chaining organization Pawsitive Effects Mikael Hardy, and are chaining off in her neck of the woods so we can collaborate. Mikael was one of the 11 participantes in our 2006 Chain Off who spent days chained to doghouses hoping to win a new car, and took her passion for the cause to new levels!

We’d like to invite all the up and coming local Anti-Chaining organizations to Chain Off with us; this show of coordination and solidarity will take our cause even further!

Whether you are part of an organization or an individual animal advocate, we’d love for you to travel there to be chained with us, or set yourself up in your neighborhood, town, or your own backyard! We accommodate all participants, in whatever way works for you.

Make sure to visit our Chain Off Home Page and fill out the registration form to get you started. Special thanks to Susan Hartland, DDB Seattle Rep, for her diligent work in obtaining not only one but two Chain Off locations this year!

Chain Off Attire, with this gorgeous logo donated by DaftGeneration.com, will make the perfect 4th of July shirt this year! Gets yours at our cafepress store.

If the idea of chaining yourself to a dog house in the heat of July doesn’t appeal to you (and here, I should stop to note that it isn’t exactly a party for dogs similarly chained, either), you can make a donation to DDB, or sign on as a Team Sponsor for $100. And, naturally, there’s all that cool Chain-Off 2009 gear to be had!

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…and I’m trying to clean out my inbox asap, so I can go spend the rest of the day playing with my furkids (who are stuck in the house on what is a gorgeous Midwestern day, as I plug away on my laptop out on the patio, because they cornered a rather large snake in the backyard, showing NO FEAR – even though the lil’est dog weighs in at a mere 13 pounds…but I digress).

Anyhow, I’ve been holding on to an old DDB newsletter for forever now, waiting for the perfect opportunity to blog their tips for “Having Fun With Your Dog!” (You might remember that I posted something similar on Valentine’s Day.) Well, the “perfect opportunity” has to to arrive, so eff it. Excuses, who needs ’em?

Having Fun With Your Dog!

There is nothing that brings us pleasure like watching our dogs enjoy themselves. Have fun with your pooch and remember, a happy guardian has a happy dog…so don’t forget to pamper yourself like you would your best friend!

Play with your Pooch!

* Bark! Ok, your dog probably won’t be fooled by your sorry attempt to imitate, but he may be intrigued.

* Hide the Treat Game. Hide a treat in a clever spot and see how long it takes for your dog to find it.

* Mail Dog- Attach a note to your dog and have him deliver to a family member…”Go find Daddy!”

* Read with your dog. Nothing is more relaxing than cuddling with your best friend and a good book. Curl up with a dog book, like Puddles on the Floor, or Every Rescue Dog Has A Tale. Stroke your dog as you read for a great stress reliever for both of you. *These are great books and your purchase helps dogs needing rescue.

Now go show your non-human animal friends some love, and give ’em extra smooches from Aunt Kelly.

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Update, 5/11/09:

Sadly, Texas SB 634 – reported on below – failed. In a email from 4/28/09, DDB reports:

Everything’s Bigger in Texas…Including Disappointment

Tamira Ci Thayne journeyed to Texas to testify for Senate Bill (SB) 634, a bill in the Texas legislature to strengthen the state’s current anti-chaining law. The bill would have prohibited a person from leaving a dog alone on a chain or tether. It would also require a minimum of 150 square feet of space for a dog being kept in an outdoor enclosure. However, the bill was thrown out in committee. Approximately 15 people who wanted to continue chaining their dogs showed up to speak, stating things like: “I have champion pit bulls, who LOVE it on the end of the chain. Yes, they are happy.”

And “We don’t allow our four year old to go within the circle made by our dog’s chain, because we know what could happen (wait, isn’t that proving OUR point?)”

And “Chaining is actually a very appropriate way to keep your dog, and the safest way…”

Now, if you think this all is a load of crap, then you HAVE to start showing up for your state and local legislation efforts! Right now the opposition, who doesn’t really have a leg to stand on, is winning because we aren’t showing up.

Therefore, the state passed last session remains in force, and this line is what allows people to continue chaining despite seeming time limits:

UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG. (a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement:

Huh? Who’s to say what unreasonably limits the movements?

Texas Dogs Deserve Better Representatives are shaking off the upset and are ready to work with Texas communities using the state law, which is only a base guideline, to strengthen individual city ordinances against 24/7 chaining of backyard dogs. Tamira Ci Thayne then went to Asheville, North Carolina to testify against tethering there.

In this case, animal advocates were amazingly present due to Chain Free Asheville’s efforts, and city council has now given Chain Free Asheville and the Chief of Police 60 days to hammer out a revised ordinance. The citizen support made the difference for the chained dogs of Asheville.

Visit for more information and link to http://www.chainfreeasheville.org.

SHOWING UP MATTERS!

“Nope, there ain’t no chains on us. Nothin’ is going to hold us back from our fight against this accepted form of backyard cruelty!” You can Help

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Dogs Deserve Better (DDB) has featured three anti-chaining / breed-specific legislation (BSL) action alerts in their most recent newsletters, which I’ve excerpted below. If you live in Nevada, Hawaii or Texas, please read on and call or write your state representatives!

DDB E-News 04/16/09 Shhh…Silence Loves You:
CALL TO ACTION! Committee Passes Nevada’s Anti-Tethering Bill!

The Senate Natural Resources Committee has passed the anti-tethering bill, S.B. 132!! It’s on to the full Senate!

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW: Quickly! ACT NOW! Don’t let this bill fail!

Call or write your Nevada state senator, and urge him or her to vote YES on S.B. 132. Tell the senator that you are a constituent. If you are not sure whom your Nevada state senator is Go Here for help. If you don’t live in Nevada please urge friends and relatives in the area to take action! Remember, Senators want your vote, being a constituent holds the most power! Explain to Senators how the passing of the law would encourage your vacation and travel plans or even relocation to the Nevada area. Go Here to find Nevada state senator’s contact information. (USE the LCB phone numbers because they are all in Carson City now.) If you want to send formal letters use this mailing address for all the senators: 401 S. Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701

The bill was amended; GO HERE for a copy to download. The amended bill, S.B. 132, reflects a limit of 14 hours per day for tethering and also restricts the use of choke, chain and prong collars in tethering or chaining dogs. The amendments clarify that a tether, tie, chain or other restraint must be at least 12 feet long. Dogs tied to a stationary object must have a restraint that allows the dog to move at least 12 feet. Dogs tied on trolleys or pulleys must be able to move a total of at least 12 feet. Also, the amended version does not specify pen sizes for dogs but does state enclosures should be appropriate for the size and breed of the dog.

The bill would not apply to dogs (1) kept by veterinarians or in a boarding facility or shelter or temporarily at a campsite or as part of a rescue operation, (2) being trained for hunting or used for hunting during hunting season, (3) entered in an exhibition, show, contest or the like; (4) living on land that is directly related to an active agricultural operation if the restraint is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the dog; (5) whose owners are engaged in a temporary task up to one hour. “[A]gricultural operation” means “any activity necessary for the commercial growing and harvesting of crops or the raising of livestock and poultry.”

In making their decision, the Senate Natural Resources Committee heard from supporters and opponents of S.B. 132. One of the witnesses was Dr. Frank McMillian, a long practicing board certified veterinarian, clinical professor of veterinary medicine, and noted author of dozens of journal articles and book chapters as well as the textbook, Mental Health and Well-being in Animals.

Dr. McMillian told the committee, “The term ’emotional pain’ has been around a long time, but only recently has research in neuroscience shown that this is not just flowery language – that the brain circuitry of animals is wired to induce emotional feelings that hurt. In fact, the neurological systems controlling the emotions of loneliness are located in the brain right next to the circuits that give physical pain its hurtful sensation. The evidence now suggests that the feelings of loneliness evolved from the more primitive feelings of physical pain.”

“And while physical suffering gets all the attention, the fact is that emotional suffering in animals can be even more distressing than physical pain. In the lab, researchers have compared an animal’s response when forced to choose between physical and emotional pain. Consider one simple experiment that is particular relevant to the issue of dogs being left alone on a chain: Researchers separated dogs from their human companions and put an electrified metal grid between them. The dog had a choice: endure the emotional pain of loneliness, or endure the physical pain of electric shocks to rejoin their human companion. What do they choose? It isn’t even close. They overwhelmingly choose to cross the grid-being shocked the whole way. They choose to suffer the physical pain in order to spare themselves the emotional pain.”

“[T]he next time you see a dog that is living his life on a chain, …know that the suffering is there – inside – and that that dog is shackled to his own personal pain – until someone unchains him from it.”

Nevada breeders, however, have decided to oppose this bill that would eliminate cruel chaining of dogs. The Nevada Veterinary Medical Association has also announced opposition to the bill, S.B. 132.

So, don’t wait, call or write Nevada state senators now in support of this bill! Neglected and abused dogs in Nevada are counting on YOU as their ONLY HOPE!

Talking points – Why Nevada legislators should vote yes on this bill

1) CDC-Chained dogs are 5x more likely to bite children, 3x more likely to bite adults.
2) American Vet Medical Assoc.-many fatal attacks and dog bites involve animals that have been restrained.
3) Nat’l Canine Research Council-Almost 30% of all Fatal attacks are from chained or penned dogs.
4) ASPCA-81% of fatal attacks were by dogs that were isolated.
5) Cornell Univ. College of Vet Med-both chained and penned dogs suffer from similar behavior problems.
6) HSUS-Dogs kept continuously outdoors, chained or penned, will suffer from the same boredom, loneliness & isolation leading to aggressive behavior.
7) Nicholas Dodman, Ph.D. in vet med/Tufts Univ-“chaining dogs makes them more aggressive. They are natural social animals & it induces “isolation-induced aggression” & creates a “junkyard” dog effect. They basically go mad.”

Go HERE to find ATTACHMENTS of 5 sample letters to be downloaded!

(Acknowledgment and full credit for this article and information is credited to http://www.animallawcoalition.com)

Special thanks from Dogs Deserve Better extended to Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition, Karen Goodman and Beth Coen.

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The following action alert is excerpted from the latest edition of Dogs Deserve Better’s (DDB) eNewsletter:

Be A Voice for Fulton County, Georgia Chained Dogs

These dogs are among an estimated 1000+ living permanently “chained-out-in-the-back-yard” in Fulton County…. isolated and neglected. Please be their voice by asking the Fulton County Commissioners to outlaw chaining. Gwinnett, Dekalb, Cobb, Cherokee and Douglas counties are the metro-Atlanta counties among the 15+ in Georgia who’ve already outlawed chaining. It’s shameful that Fulton County, the State Capital, is lagging behind. See more Fulton County Chained Dogs. Warning: photos may be disturbing to some.

The Ban on Dog Chaining in Fulton County has been introduced and NOW IS THE TIME to have your voice heard for all these dogs. There are 3 chances to be heard:

1. Wed Jan 14 2pm –
Meeting with Com. Nancy Boxhill District 6.
Her district is Grant Park, Capital view, Candler Park, Cabbagetown, Castleberry Hill, Inman Park, Midtown, Vine city, VA Highlands – If you are a resident she cares more about you.

2. Tues Jan 20 9:30am –
Meeting with Com. Rob Pitts – At Large
At large means he covers all Fulton County.

3. Wed Jan 21 10am –
Commission meeting open to Public/ Need people for 2 minute public comment. I have photos, facts, scripts ready to make it easy. Tell your story, why you want this law passed. This is your chance to be heard in front of everybody. I need LOTS OF PEOPLE to show up for this!!!! Contact Denise if you can speak.

If you can’t attend a meeting, please at least send an email to the Commissioners expressing your support of the proposed ban on long-term tethering (aka “chaining”).

Commissioners addresses are:

john.eaves [at] fultoncountyga.gov, robb.pitts [at] fultoncountyga.gov, lynne.riley [at] fultoncountyga.gov, Tom.Lowe [at] fultoncountyga.gov, Emma.Darnell [at] fultoncountyga.gov, district6 [at] fultoncountyga.gov, William.Edwards [at] fultoncountyga.gov

Contact local news stations and ask for reports on the horrors of dog chaining in Fulton County at http://myfoxatlanta.com or email Randy Travis (randy.travis [at] myfoxatlanta.com), Reporter for Fox 5 Atlanta News with a blog about Fulton County, http://community.myfoxatlanta.com/blogs/RandyTravis

If you don’t live in the area, DDB suggests that you send an email in support of the anti-tethering ordinance. For information and talking points, check out the group’s Get Laws! page. You may find the HSUS’s factsheet “The Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs” particularly helpful.

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In the latest Dogs Deserve Better newsletter, PR Liason Dawn Ashby offers this special Halloween fundraising tip:

Trick or Treat for DDB!

If you and your children will be out “trick or treating” this year, have the kids create a donation box or bucket for Dogs Deserve Better. When knocking on doors ask the homeowner if he/she would like to donate to help dogs as you hold up the bucket and hand them a brochure.

Whoever raises the most money and sends it in will be the lucky recipient of a “Puddles Pak” for their own “Puddle’s Party”! Whether you knock on doors, have a party at school, visit relatives, have an alternative to trick or treating party at church, it’s a fun way to raise money and get brochures into the hands of people. Or just create your own donation bucket and ask the local gas station or convenience store if you can place it on the counter through the month of October.

If you are interested, please email kim [at] dogsdeservebetter.org and tell her how many brochures you will need along with your address. When donations are raised, send them to

DDB,
PO Box 23,
Tipton, PA 16684

with the amount raised and a picture/letter.

Now my mind is reeling with ideas I can put a costume on my dogs and take them “trick or treating” for donations! Be inventive and help raise money for the dogs.

Of course, this is also a great strategy to raise money for your favorite animal advocacy organization: dress up your dog or cat in her evening best (important note: only if she is amenable, and only if) to solicit donations for a local animal shelter or rescue group, or go full Halloween and dress her up as “farmed animal” in order to raise money for a farm animal sanctuary such as Farm Sanctuary or Woodstock FAS. Get creative – who can resist a cute mutt, hmmmm?

If you’ll be the one handing out candy this Hallow’s Eve, here’s another idea: order some vegetarian starter kits or recipe booklets to hand out to trick-or-treaters with your (vegan) Halloween candy. That way, the little ones are happy, and you get to distribute some free swag – from the comfort of your own home, even. Win/win!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts Dogs Deserve Better ddb halloween trick or treat vegan veganism vegetarian vegetarianism starter kit everyday activism

The following action alert was featured in the 8/14/08 edition of the Dogs Deserve Better (DDB) eNewsletter:

North Carolina – Animal Abuse Punished Thanks to DDB Rep Shari Strader

Dog abuser gets caught thanks to DDB RepThanks to DDB Rep Shari Strader, Jack McCall Jr. in High Point, NC was caught on tape kicking, throwing, and choking chained dogs. He was charged with 3 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty but was eluding police. He was finally arrested and had his preliminary hearing on Tuesday, August 12th. His court date is yet to be announced.

Jack McCall has a history of animal abuse and dog fighting. Among multiple other charges, has been caught dog fighting and was convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty in 2001. He obviously does not intend to stop.

Shari asks that we call the Guilford County and High Point District Attorneys and tell them that Jack McCall should be charged with FELONY animal cruelty if you agree. Tell them that McCall has established a pattern of abuse and will not stop until he is held accountable. Remind them of the link between animal abuse and child/spousal abuse.

Doug Henderson
Guilford County District Attorney,
TEL: (336) 574-4313,
FAX (336) 334-3174

High Point District Attorney
TEL: (336) 801-5300

McCall must be stopped before more innocent victims fall prey to his abuse.

View raw footage caught on tape

Alleged dog abuser arrested in Highpoint

Additional news coverage available via Google.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ddb dogs deserve better animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals dog canine pet companion animal chained dog Jack McCall Jack McCall Jr. High Point North Carolina

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Subject: Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour: 12 Days, 12 States, 120 Dogs

The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour: 12 Days, 12 States, 120 Dogs

March 27, Altoona, PA – What if someone wanted to prove that they could drive to any state and in the space of a few hours easily find, photograph, and videotape a minimum of 10 dogs spending their lives at the end of a chain? And what if they decided to test this theory by going on the road on a whirlwind 12 state tour, spending only 1 day per state, including finding the dogs, driving to the next state, securing lodging, possibly speaking, meeting media, and creating videos? And what if at the end of each day they uploaded pictures and videos of their findings in that state on that day for the nation to share in the truth of what is going on in our country’s backyards?

And what if one day two women decided to make all these ‘what ifs’ a reality? The result is The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour.

The brainchild of DDB founder Tammy Grimes, the road tour idea has been festering for over a year; now she and DDB public liaison director Dawn Ashby have decided to put the plan into action under the tour name of The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour!

April 5th Grimes will fly to St. Louis, Missouri, where she will meet up with Ashby. There they will pick up a car, drive into Missouri to a likely location, and commence the 12 state tour bright and early the morning of the 6th.

The intention of the tour and the subsequent pictorial and video footage is to show how prevalent chaining and penning are in the U.S., educate the nation that it is common in all states, and put forth the idea that it is indeed something that must be stopped; that it is not humane and not an acceptable way to house and train Man’s Best Friend. They will be speaking to caretakers of chained and penned dogs, passing out treats, collars and leashes, educational materials and fencing applications, and seeking local help for situations that appear to be illegal, as well as engaging the public through speaking and media alerts.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Jan 22, 2008 2:05 PM
Subject: 10,000 Addresses? No Sweat…That’s Only 2 Each!

10,000 Addresses? No Sweat…That’s Only 2 Each!

Meet my newest foster, Delilah (who rumor has it is considering me for her new mommy…she talks in her sleep when she’s snuggled up to me at night, and I swear I heard her say it!) She, like Riley who so many of you generously sponsored this Holiday Season, had been living on a chain without even the ability to see to relieve the daily boredom, loneliness, and yearly sojourn into Pennsylvania’s winter cold. For she’s blind.

Can you imagine even for a moment living your life on the end of a chain not able to see? How terrifying, and so helpless to even defend yourself against intruders.

Thanks to a network of Pennsylvania volunteers, Delilah is now free and loving her inside home and family here with me, even sharing in the Christmas joys with her siblings.

(More below the fold…)

Please also see this action alert from the Animal Law Coalition: Tammy Grimes Found Guilty: Call on Governor Rendell to Pardon Her and Help Pass PA H.B. 1065.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Dec 17, 2007 11:34 AM
Subject: Open Letter from Tammy Grimes December 17, 2007

On September 11, 2006, I rescued a dog that was dying at the end of a chain in a muddy yard in a small Pennsylvania town. I was subsequently arrested. A little over a year later, on December 15, 2007, I was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property.

The last year has been the most traumatic and the most inspirational of my life. I have been labeled a “terrorist” a “vigilante”, a “publicity hound” and an “anarchist.” I have been called a hero. I have been humbled by encouragement and well wishes from people all over the world. I have been attacked in person and in print in my small town, where the prevailing view is that it is fine and dandy to tie a dog to a tree or a dog house and leave it to pace back and forth for year after agonizing year, in skull-cracking cold or 100-degree weather, with nothing but parasites for company.

I don’t regret what I did. Not for one second. And when it comes to rescuing dogs and changing minds and laws, I’m just getting started. Here’s why.

The dog at the center of all this, a dog we would eventually name Doogie, had been lying in the mud and rain for three days, chained to the dog house he had been attached to for years. He was unable to stand and was pawing the air in desperation. His owners chose to go four-wheeling and to work on Monday instead of getting him the vet help he needed and deserved, but most importantly was entitled to by law. A distraught neighbor had called animal control repeatedly over the course of the three days. But as so often happens, no “humane” officer called back. No one ever showed up. (Surprised? Trust me, it happens all the time, and not just in my town.) The frantic neighbor eventually reached out to me and to Dogs Deserve Better.

What I did next set in motion a chain of events that would eventually garner national attention, the wrath of some, the support of others, and an agonizing trial during which I had to listen to lies and mischaracterizations for three days: I removed that dog’s chain and I took him to the veterinarian. It was all very clear to me as I lifted the emaciated, wet dog into my van. I had been in animal rescue long enough to know that I would probably be labeled the villain while the dog’s caretakers wouldn’t even be questioned for leaving a suffering dog on the ground for three days, not to mention all the years they tied him to a shabby box in the yard; letting his toenails to grow so long they were curling back toward his pads, denying him vet care when he most needed it.

But I also knew that what I was doing was morally correct. It was the compassionate thing to do. It was the only thing I could do. Time was of the essence. A dog was suffering. I felt he was dying.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 15, 2007 5:47 PM
Subject: Grimes Verdict: GUILTY For Saving A Life

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

12/15/07 UPDATE
Verdict: GUILTY For Saving A Life – Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:
tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org * http://animallawcoalition.com/

CONTACT INFORMATION TO PROTEST:
Ask Pennsylvania’s Governor Edward G. Rendell to PARDON Tammy Grimes for the “crimes” or theft and receiving stolen “property” in her action to save a dying, chained dog called Doogie.

Governor Edward G. Rendell
225 Main Capitol Building * Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
ph: 717-787-2500
web email: http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html

BACKGROUND:

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, was arrested September 11, 2006 for helping a dying chained dog named Doogie who could not stand in East Freedom, Pennsylvania. Read about the case with photo and video documentation: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/doogie.html

12/14/07: A Blair County, Pennsylvania jury has found Tammy Grimes guilty of theft and receiving stolen property. Sentencing is set for February 23, 2008.

FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE: After speaking to Tammy today (12/15), I understand her misdemeanor “crimes” could merit 1-2 years jail time. Although, she is more apt to incur a fine and probation at her sentencing in February. During the trial, Tammy and her lawyer were NOT permitted to show video footage of Doogie (called “Jake” by his negligent caretakers)…on the ground unable to move or stand for at least three days.

Tammy wrote: “When we arrived, we took photos and video of Doogie. We initially thought he was dead, as he was not moving and his back was to us. We found out the people were not home to talk to about him, so I made the decision that I would not leave him lying there on the cold wet ground for one moment longer, and I would accept all consequences of my decision.”

TAMMY’S HEROIC EFFORTS IN PHOTOS & WORDS:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/doogie.html

(More below the fold…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Oct 24, 2007 9:32 PM
Subject: Grimes in Court Monday, October 29th for Motion Hearing on DA Quest to Bar Evidence

PA Dog Rescue Case Goes to Motion Hearing October 29th
Blair County D.A. seeks to bar defense evidence from the courtroom

Please come to the hearing on Monday if at all possible, we need your support!

October 24, 2007, Altoona, PA-Dogs Deserve Better founder Tammy Grimes will be back in court October 29th at 9:00 a.m. for a motion hearing to defend against the Blair County DA’s attempt to bar her most-compelling evidence–video, photos, and vet testimony of the dog’s condition–from the courtroom. Grimes was arrested September 11, 2006 after taking a dog–unable to stand for three days–for veterinary care; then protecting him from returning to the abusive situation.

Grimes maintains that there were clearly Pennsylvania cruelty laws being broken for at least three days by the time she arrived on the scene, and charges should instead be filed against the Arnolds for abuse and neglect.

She states, “We need to take a serious look at a justice system that favors animal abusers, and I would ask what kind of example this is setting for our children. We have ample proof of abuse in this case: neighbor testimony, vet testimony, video and photo evidence. If we as humans see an animal or human dying and in need of immediate help, it is our moral duty to help that being and protect him/her from further harm. A system that instead requires an abused child or animal to be returned to the situation in which the abuse is occurring is corrupt, and must be questioned and examined if we are to evolve as a society.”

(More below the fold…)

Copied below is a press release from the animal welfare organization Dogs Deserve Better warning against leaving your dogs – and other companion animals – outside during Halloween.

For more on keeping your companion animals safe this Halloween, see also…

* ASPCA Offers Halloween Safety Tips For Pets at aspca.org

* NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS at aspca.org

* Guard Against Ghoulish Goodies: Keep Your Pets Safe From Halloween Hazards at aspca.org

* Halloween Safety at dogs.about.com

* A Safe and Sound Halloween for Dogs at Bella Online

I must note, however, that there’s no warning against dressing your mutt up like some kind of asshole.

Well, OK, so maybe there is. Just don’t tell Peedee that.

(More below the fold…)

For more on keeping your companion animals safe this Halloween, see also…

* ASPCA Offers Halloween Safety Tips For Pets at aspca.org

* NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS at aspca.org

* Guard Against Ghoulish Goodies: Keep Your Pets Safe From Halloween Hazards at aspca.org

* Halloween Safety at dogs.about.com

* A Safe and Sound Halloween for Dogs at Bella Online

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes, Dogs Deserve Better – tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Oct 17, 2007 7:57 PM
Subject: Non-profit warns of Halloween dangers to chained dogs: Plus, Holiday Cards

Non-profit Warns of Halloween Dangers to Chained Dogs

Asks caretakers to keep dogs inside every night-especially on Halloween

Tipton, PA, October 12, 2007 — For dogs that are kept perpetually chained, a dark, autumn night is just another night to be cold, lonely and longing for affection. On Halloween, a chained dog may also have to fear for his life.

Halloween is a particularly dangerous time for dogs that are kept chained outside, warns Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit dedicated to ending the suffering endured by dogs that are kept perpetually chained or caged. At Halloween, the group frequently sees an increase in the number of dogs that are helpless victims of attack. Fireworks or rocks are sometimes thrown at them and more horrific crimes, such as dogs being set on fire, have occurred in recent years. In addition, chained dogs can easily become agitated by strangers in or near their yards. Dogs Deserve Better representatives have encountered incidents of dogs breaking free from their chains and attacking trick-or-treaters.

Dogs Deserve Better works on numerous fronts year round to change minds and laws, educating about the dangers 24/7 chaining pose, both to dogs and to people, who can become the victims of chained dogs that grow angry, frustrated, or aggressive from their constant confinement and exposure to the elements.

(More below the fold…)

Action Alerts

European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE): Help Us Stop Primate Experiments. For Good.
We currently have a real opportunity to get a ban on all primate experiments across Europe – but we need your help.

The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights (FTCR) / OilWatchdog: Stick It to Big Oil
Send a free fax to your U.S. Senator by clicking here, and ask him or her to support McCaskill’s “Fair Fuel” bill, S. 1997!

Four Paws: Join us in a protest against the ruthless dog mafia in Europe
FOUR PAWS wants to thwart the unscrupulous trade in puppies. Take part! Support our protest and sign our online petition.

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Get Tina and Jewel Out of the Circus
Urge USDA to send suffering elephants to a sanctuary now

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Ask Prosecutor to seek maximum sentencing for animal hoarders
Over 100 Animals Removed from Animal Hoarders’ Home; Supplies needed to care for 68 surviving dogs and cats

(More below the fold…)

(Crossposted from the Dogs Deserve Better listserv.)

Donate your VICK jerseys – you’ll never wear them again!
Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:15 pm (PST)

Do you have a Michael Vick jersey and you’re so disgusted by him that you’ll never wear it again?

Donate your Vick jersey to our grassroots animal advocacy group. We’ll be doing something creative with all of the collected jerseys. We’ll donate some to a shelter to clean dirty cages! How about making dog toys with them? Maybe a bonfire? We’re open to more ideas too!

Send your disgraceful Vick jersey to ROAR, P.O. Box 338, Westville, NJ 08093. For more info or ideas about what to do with the jerseys, email
justroar [at] comcast.net.

PLEASE CROSSPOST!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts Michael Vick dog canine pet companion animal animal fighting dogfighting blood sports Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons NFL national football league animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals jerseys roar

(Crossposted from the Dogs Deserve Better listserv.)

Alert Contained Herein
Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:37 pm (PST)
Please forward and cross-post.

Thanks,
Joe P.

Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare

Alert 8/29/07 MICHAEL VICK: NOW THE HYPOCRISY BEGINS

CROSS POST WIDELY

On Monday, 8/27/07, Michael Vick appeared before Judge Hudson who questioned Mr. Vick to ensure he understood the plea bargain being submitted to the Court.

Now the hypocrisy begins.

First, Michael Vick uses his considerable resources to buy the best legal finagling money can buy. Shortly thereafter we see an orchestrated program including expressions of support from other black athletes and the NAACP and SCLC, a confession that isn’t, and remarks by Falcon team owner Arthur Blank describing Vick’s heinous behavior over the last six years (and longer if Vick’s father is to be believed) as “the incident”, and last we are told by Vick that he has found the Lord.

What does this mean?

It means the brutalization and killing of trusting creatures is trumped by the mores of money and big sports business.

It means that illegal gambling is somehow being ignored.

It means that the people behind Michael Vick are relying on a mindless fan base to put aside any thoughts of making an example of Vick’s immorality, returning the focus instead to the entertainment value of professional sports and the simultaneous but less forthright effort to salvage some value from Vick.

Did you listen to what Michael Vick said? To whom did he apologize first? His family? No, it was to his team – to the deep pockets.

Did you hear what Mr. Blank said? He thought it might make everyone feel good to suspend or release Vick, but it wouldn’t be good for the “franchise”.

Was that money talking? What about the dogs? What about the mores? What about the awful behavior and its examplar value?

Michael Vick is sorry. You bet he’s sorry. He’s sorry he got caught. After years of dogfighting, and after only four (4!) months since he last killed a dog in the most horrible way for not measuring up, he’s now sorry Yes, sorry he got caught.

If we are content to allow this to happen and do nothing, then there will be other lowbrow “culture” imports, and more dogfighting and gambling, and nothing will have changed – except that dogs will have been officially denigrated and professional athletes taught that thumbing their noses at the world is perfectly acceptable.

This is what counts: Vick killed in the most evil and deliberate way. He tortured. And he lied to his employer and the world.

And the calm after the storm suggests this is now over. Contrition rules. We await sentencing for Michael Vick, but it is time now to doze off.

If you have a sense of moral outrage at this as we do, do something about it.

(More below the fold…)

(Crossposted from the Dogs Deserve Better listserv.)

Call for Pet Store Puppy Death Stories
Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:22 pm (PST)
Did your pet store puppy DIE?

Did you purchase a puppy from a pet store only to be left with heartache when your new puppy was so sick that nothing could save the little baby? Help your puppy’s memory live on.

We would like to include your puppy’s story in an educational demonstration about pet store puppies that will be held in October. This demonstration will help save other families from the despair of buying and then losing a pet store puppy.

If you would like your puppy’s picture and story to be included in our demonstration, please send the following information to justroar [at] comcast.net or ROAR, P.O. Box 338, Westville, NJ 08093:

a. 5×7 photo of the puppy
b. Birth date and death date of the puppy
c. The puppy’s story, including the puppy’s name and any other information
that you want others to know.

PLEASE CROSSPOST! WE NEED A LOT OF STORIES FROM THE PA/NJ AREA!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts pet companion animal dog canine puppy puppy mill pet store ROAR

Action Alerts

Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Ohio Man To Get Abused Dog Back! Tell Prosecutors To Appeal Decision!
Otis Clark does not deserve to have China back – please help stop this injustice!!

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Veterinarian Charged With Cruelty to Animals
Urge State’s Attorney to Prosecute Woman to the Fullest Extent for Starving Dogs

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Federal Judge Bars Navy Sonar Blasting
Thank Judge Cooper for protecting endangered marine mammals

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Guess? To Stop Selling Fur in 2008
Tell Clothing Retailer You Won’t Buy While Animals Still Die

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Protect Yellowstone and the Greater Rockies
Tell the Bush administration to reject the proposed Desert Rock power plant.

(More below the fold…)

Action Alerts

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge Congress to End the Trade in Bear Parts
The Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3029 would protect bears by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate commerce of bear gallbladders and bile

Greenpeace: Project Hot Seat: August 27-31: Week of Local Action
We need to deliver Project Hot Seat lobby packets in local offices across the country during the last week of August. And we need YOUR help to make it happen.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Animal Protection Measures included in House Farm Bill
Please call your U.S. Senators today in support of keeping animal protection provisions in the final version of the bill!

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your Representative and Senators to stand up to White House fear mongering and abuse of power!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Hold the Antibiotics!
Sign our petition to the nation’s top fast-food companies urging them to help end this dangerous practice.

(More below the fold…)