Successes This Week, Sheep Race Canceled, Animal Abuse now Illegal in Lebanon, Hunting on National Trust land, Animal Welfare, New York Shelters, Ingrid E. Newkirk, Kapporos Investigations, Animal Cruelty, Oregon Animal Abuse Registry, Mayor Gil Garcetti, Our fight for Tony The Tiger depends on you, Animal Crimes...much more to report this week!
Animal Abuse Is Finally Illegal in Lebanon
After eight years of hard work, Animals Lebanon, an animal welfare and protection organization, has helped accomplish one of their largest goals. In honor of all of their hard work, Animals Lebanon was even invited and welcomed to the Presidential Palace to be there for the signing.
Now, Lebanon has a strong and comprehensive law to give animals the legal protection they need and to punish those who abuse them. This is a very special moment for Lebanon as a country, whose leader has shown great compassion through this action. But even more so, it’s special for the animals all over the country.
The push for this law started back in 2010 when Animals Lebanon tried to stop a cruel, animal-abusing circus but were told that despite the moral, ethical, and religious correctness of their opposition to the circus, there was no legal basis.
They spent days, on weeks, on months, on years doing all the hard working that has led to this point and now there will be a legal basis when they and others challenge animal cruelty.
Among a long list, the law has general requirements for the handling and keeping of all animals, actual rules for zoos, pet shops, farms, and slaughterhouses, and stricter punishments for criminals with fines up to 100 million Lira and up to four years in prison.
None of this would have been possible without Animals Lebanon and all of their volunteers and supporters. They are proof that if we keep working hard we can make a difference.
Another Cruel Sheep Race is Canceled Thanks to a Petition. We love when public opinion is powerful enough to make serious changes for the better, for all. Petitions are an excellent way to increase public awareness of serious issues and garner support for them.
The woman who set up the petition, Samantha Francis, said, “Using animals for entertainment sends us back to the dark ages and is inexcusable … Sheep are not playthings here for our amusement at their expense.”
An Animal Concern Advice Line spokesperson, John Robins, said, “I am very pleased this race has been canceled …The natural habitat and behavior of sheep does not include being chased down a main street while being cheered on by a crowd of 5,000 people … Sheep racing clearly breaches animal welfare laws and is by no means the comical entertainment you might first think it is. The animals used would be terrified.”
If you are as thrilled as we are that another sheep race has been canceled, please share this good news with your friends and family! Image Source: Pixabay/pexels.com
Will you support our work to free Tony?
Tony’s captor, Michael Sandlin, is determined to keep profiting from displaying Tony as a “roadside attraction” and has told media outlets that he has spent $700,000 to keep Tony at the truck stop. Thankfully we are able to utilize the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s pro bono attorney network for support, but the costs of litigation are still great. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has been fighting in court for Tony since 2011, and now time is running out and we need your help to stay in this fight.
With your support, we can keep up the long battle to free Tony and let him live out the rest of his life at a sanctuary where he has access to the environment and veterinary care he deserves.
New York: Require all dogs and cats sold in pet stores to come from shelters
The ramifications of this are incredible! These cities have struck a huge blow against the puppy mill and animal trafficking trade. They have given stray dogs and cats a chance to have a real life and to find a forever family.
Please sign this petition to urge Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to follow the lead of these animal-loving cities and institute a statewide law requiring that any cat or dog sold in a pet shop come from a shelter or rescue. Just imagine how many animals we would be able to save if we had a requirement like this. And perhaps it would encourage other states to pass similar laws, or even pave the way for a federal law.
Animal abuser registries, which are modeled on registries kept for convicted sex offenders, have gained popularity across the country. Legislation in some states makes the information on the registries available only to law enforcement and animal control and shelter facilities’ personnel. Other state bills allow access for members of the public as well. Access to this information is crucial in keeping companion animals out of the hands of people with a record of abuse,cruelty or neglect.
While many states have proposed the adoption of an animal abuser registry — including New York State —
it remains a struggle to convince lawmakers and law enforcement officials that it is worth the time and money to implement a database of statewide offenders. A national database has also been considered by animal advocacy groups, but this undertaking would rely on the voluntary compliance of thousands of individual police and sheriffs’ departments from around the country.
Please sign and show support for Oregon to follow the lead of Tennessee and implement an animal abuse registry.
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And animal abuse is not something to take lightly, by any means. Animal abuse typically signifies other types of abuse. For instance, one study found that animal abuse occurred in 88 percent of homes where child abuse had been discovered. Another study found that up to 83 percent of women entering domestic violence shelters report that their abusers also abuse the family pet. In fact, animal abusers are five times more likely to abuse people.
If you do witness animal abuse, what exactly are the steps to take? Who should you call? Seeing an animal be abused is traumatic, but being prepared helps. Here is a handy breakdown of what to do. Remember it’s important to always speak up but please be prepared so you don’t put yourself (or others) in dangers!
First, Call Your Local Animal Control Agency
Always contact a professional first. If you are unfamiliar with local organizations, dial 911. Animal control agencies are required to investigate if a report of alleged animal cruelty is made,according to the Humane Society of the United States. One Green Planet also offers the largest database of local hotlines to help rescue abandoned, injured, stranded, sick, and lost animals in need. It’s important to contact a professional first before you potentially endanger yourself. While it’s hard to see animal abuse, don’t try to steal the animal because then you could be charged with trespassing.
Document the Abuse
Documenting the abuse in as much detail is crucial. Take note of dates, times, any specific details. Any photos or videos can also be helpful when agencies conduct an investigation. But please don’t put yourself in danger. Don’t enter someone else’s property and use caution when approaching an animal who may be frightened or in pain, according to the ASPCA.
Follow Up
Be persistent! If you’re not getting answers from law-enforcement officers, ask for their supervisor’s contact information. According to PETA, if you have personally witnessed an act of animal cruelty, you can go directly to your local magistrate or police commissioner and ask for a warrant to summon the abuser to court. The animal rights organization also notes that expert witnesses can be helpful, such as a veterinarian signing a statement that in his or her “expert opinion”.
And what exactly is animal cruelty?
The ASPCA also offers a comprehensive list of physical signs, as well as environmental signs of cruelty to be on the look out for. Be sure to review the below lists so you know animal abuse when you see it!
Physical Signs of Cruelty
- Tight collar that has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
- Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
- Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
- Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
- Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
- Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
- Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails, and dirty coat
- Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
- Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
- An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
- Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
- Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
- Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
- Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements
Animal Cruelty Seen on the Internet
The Internet can be a wonderful place for helping dogs find homes, get cat care tips and more but unfortunately, the Internet also always for many dangers for our furry friends.
First, you’ll have to find the background information for the particular website. You can visit WhoIs and perform a search of the site. Then, contact the website’s ISP (Internet service provider) to report the animal abuse. If you believe the animal is an immediate danger, contact the offender’s local FBI branch, based on the WhoIs search.
You Are Their Voice
Just the thought of animal abuse is enough to bring any animal lover to tears. Tragic stories involving humans abusing animals seem to make headlines on a daily basis. Reading these stories can be difficult and make you feel as if no progress is being made to save and protect all the animals humans interact with or take responsibility for. Without voices to speak up for themselves or proper laws (and enforcement of the laws that do exist) to shield them from neglect or physical abuse, it is up to us to step in and do all we can to end the violence. This involves speaking out and raising awareness for animals who are the victims of abuse and also even working help get laws changed or improved on a state or national level.
Please share this article within your network so others can also learn what to do if they see animal abuse! It’s important to always speak up for those we cannot. Lead image source: behumann34/Pixabay
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