animal rescuers - resources - support

[violaine]

hi

tuesday's meeting with the commissioners was not the greatest. chief animal control officer was there, and avoided questions - she just wanted to "tell stories", and is prone to breaking into tears. this woman, a Chief ACO for this county over the last 25 years, still has no clue how much it costs to euth. an animal.

the commissioners were not warm to the idea of the impressive board of people who are experts in their field on AC sheltering issues - including SOP's [standard operating procedures]. they "need more time", and so that's where tuesday's meeting stopped.

today, i received a note from the CEO of the welfare group [we want her to work with the county commissioners, and she had not heard a peep from any commissioner after writing her letter] - until today ! she received word from one commissioner who wanted more information about the board members, and the welfare organisation

whatever is said at a meeting w/commissioners goes on record - and you never know who in the room hears the issues brought to them, and who they discuss with, et c. we already know the commissioners feel The Squeeze from us due to the local newspaper reporer, FB page, & animal control page- with our questions/comments [nothing is unprofessional or inappropriate/crossing lines].

cross your fingers-

[violaine]

commissioners are now meeting with us at the end of next week to hear problems w/animal control. they are also expressing interest to the animal control welfare group [this group should be contacted to investigate sheltering issues of this nature, but they also help good shelters operate better, and do cover the entire state of indiana].

[Kimbo]

Originally Posted by violaine

commissioners are now meeting with us at the end of next week to hear problems w/animal control. they are also expressing interest to the animal control welfare group [this group should be contacted to investigate sheltering issues of this nature, but they also help good shelters operate better, and do cover the entire state of indiana].

That is fantastic!

[violaine]

two words: The Media.

we tried every avenue reasonable first:

1. talk with Chief ACO about issues.
2. meet with her superiors, the commissioners about complaints.
3. contact HSUS & the welfare organisation for our state - who suggested the media if all else failed.
4. repeat 1 & 2 [to no avail the first and second attempts]
5. letter to editor, news - tv, radio, local newspaper

#5 worked.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Belle,

You are a heroine for all of our animals. God bless you!

Love,
Andrew

[Soft*Silver]

over 150 dogs, chickens, horses and geese were removed from a farm that had been running as a "sanctuary". What had once started as good intentions, ended up in a hoarding situation. The woman's 97 year old mother was removed from the home that was saturated with ammonia and feces smells. She is in the hospital under guardianship.

While many of the dogs looked healthy, and had food, water and a dog house and pen, the mass of animals lent diseases to spread, such as mange, worms and fleas. The horses were skin and bones. Not all of the canines will survive, due to the degree of disease they had endured.

I cannot wait to get into my new home. I cannot have more than one dog at the trailer park. When i am in my own home, I will begin to foster. I wish i were there now so I could help out and lend a fostering hand to those who are working to save as many of the animals as possible...

[violaine]

HSUS Indiana Update

February 2010

Here’s what the Humane Society of the United States is up to in Indiana recently.

In this update:

1. Indiana Humane Lobby Day on February 23rd - RSVP Now!

2. Alleged Dogfighting Operations Raided in Indiana / Rescued Puppies Ask Legislators to Help Less Fortunate Dogs

3. House Bill 1258 Clears House, Moves to Senate

4. HSUS Pursues Petition to Outlaw Cruel Coyote Penning in Indiana

Indiana Humane Lobby Day – RSVP Now!



Think only professional lobbyists can lobby? Think again! Come to our free Indiana Humane Lobby Day in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 to make a tremendous difference for animals.

This is an exciting opportunity to meet directly with your elected officials or their staff about legislation that will significantly impact animals. There will be a briefing with tips for lobbying and an overview of pending animal legislation that will prepare you to meet your elected officials and advocate for animals. Any way you can help spread the word about this event is much appreciated! Please note that you must RSVP in order to attend, we will not be accepting day-of registrations this year.
RSVP here if you plan on attending!

Alleged Dogfighting Operations Raided in Indiana

In August 2009, the Humane Society of the United States assisted law enforcement with the largest dogfighting raid in Indiana’s history. Over 100 dogs were seized from deplorable conditions.

Rescued Puppies Ask Legislators to Help Less Fortunate Dogs

As ambassadors for Indiana’s fighting dogs, three of the puppies rescued from the raid went to the Indiana Statehouse to meet with legislators about strengthening Indiana’s animal fighting laws.


House Bill 1258 Clears House, Moves to Senate


House Bill 1258, the animal fighting and pet store bill, cleared the House of Representatives the week of February 1st with a strong bipartisan vote of 71-26.

Introduced by Rep. Linda Lawson, the bill would make it a felony to be a spectator at an animal fight, would add animal fighting to the list of crimes in the state RICO statute, would require pet stores to provide consumers with information on the origin of their puppies prior to purchase, and would require people who own horses to provide them with shelter that is free of standing water.

If your legislator was one of the 26 who voted against this common-sense bill that would protect dogs in Indiana, please contact them and let them know that you were unhappy with their ‘no’ vote on HB 1258. The number for the Indiana House of Representatives is 317-232-9600.


HSUS Pursues Petition to Outlaw Cruel Coyote Penning in Indiana


In the summer, the HSUS submitted a petition to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission to prohibit cruel coyote penning in Indiana.

The Commission is expected to vote during their March meeting on whether or not to prohibit the pens that do exist in Indiana.

Please contact the Natural Resources Commission here and urge them to outlaw coyote pens in Indiana.


Indiana State Director