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2/15/07: Kinship Circle Offline & In NOLA + Parting ShotsParting Shots: 1) Plaquemines Parish Needs Foster Homes For Kittens Kinship Circle will be offline from: Special thanks to The Cat Network and Stray Rescue St. Louis for caring enough about Katrina’s animal victims to donate food. And double thanks to Felines Forever for giving 8 to 10 (or more!) Katrina kitties we bring back with us forever homes. Felines Forever also raised funds for Kinship Circle’s trip. We are very grateful to these nonprofit groups! The Cat Network: www.catnetwork.com/main.asp Look for a full report regarding what we observe about the current situation for animals, after we return. |
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1. Plaquemines Parish Needs Foster Homes For Kittens 2/4/07, from ramonabillot@yahoo.com — Help! If you can help foster kittens or know anyone else willing to, please let me know as soon as possible. KITTENS ARE EVERYWHERE and I need someone to help foster them for a few days to maybe a few weeks at a time, and help to socialize them until space opens up at PAWS, our only no-kill shelter in Plaquemines. PAWS is full. I have kittens who desperately need a safe place until they can go for adoption at PAWS. If you can foster even one kitten, you would be saving a precious life! When PAWS is full, kittens who go to the Plaquemines Pound are put to sleep... TO FOSTER KITTENS, CONTACT: RAMONA BILLOT, ramonabillot@yahoo.com 2. ARNO On Inside Edition LOCAL LISTINGS / INSIDE EDITION: www.insideedition.com/wheretowatch/
PHOTOS - Left: Dogs, separated from their owners after Hurricane Katrina, roam the streets now as strays. After the Storm, Dogs Left to Fend For Themselves • ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 2/14/2007 Even 18 months after Katrina, many pets who were separated from their owners by the storm, are now living wild. Pet-lover Robin Beaulieu runs an organization called Animal Rescue New Orleans. She spends her days and often her nights too, touring the city in her converted school bus, rounding up strays, sometimes using humane traps to catch them. Often the dogs are mangy and scared. "I would say several thousand former pets are on the streets still today," Robin told INSIDE EDITION. Robin worries over the fate of pets that have had to live wild in the 18 months since Katrina. "It's very difficult for a domesticated animal to fend for itself," Robin said. One reason former pets have a hard time is because where there are no people, there's no thrown-away food to scavenge. As a substitute, the packs of now-wild dogs often attack and eat rats, and even cats. The former pets are often purebred dogs, and stick out amongst the strays. Tina Bernard is animal control officer for one New Orleans parish and says owners are still coming in to her shelter trying to find the pets they lost during the chaos of Katrina. She can only describe the situation as "heartbreaking." Volunteers like Pam Leavy place food wherever there's a sighting of strays, but their efforts are often in vein. "I've seen as time goes on, there are less and less dogs out, and it's not because we're getting them, it's because they just weren't making it," Pam said. For more information, contact: 3. A Katrina Dog Reunion Near Baton Rouge 2/13/07, from tundraleap@msn.com — In case y'all haven't seen the article in today's (2/13) paper, there was a reunion yesterday of a Katrina dog with his owners in Prairieville. I was involved with this reunion and contacted the Advocate to cover the story. This is not a case where the dog was ripped from a family who'd grown to love him. I greatly oppose those reunions. In this case, the dog, Junior, was still living at a vet clinic in Virginia. Lucy drove 2 dogs down from Virginia — the other reunion was in New Orleans. CAAWS & ARNO are mentioned on the 2nd page. Advocate story: www.2theadvocate.com/news/storms/5787966.html 
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St. Bernard Deputies Plead Not Guilty In Dog Shootings After Katrina 2/14/07, New Orleans Times Picayune / CHALMETTE, La. (AP) — A current St. Bernard Parish sheriff's deputy and a former Michael Minton, Michael Minton, who has since left the Sheriff's Office, and Clifford "Chip" Englande, a sergeant who has since been assigned to administrative duties, did not appear in state District Court. Their attorneys entered their pleas before Judge Wayne Cresap. The two men are accused of shooting dogs in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina. Trial has been set for May 8. Animals rights activists gathered outside the courthouse, some holding signs with slogans such as "Jail time for animal cruelty." Other animal rights activists sat in on the proceeding. A state grand jury indicted Minton and Englande last December. The state Attorney General's office investigated and will prosecute the case. ***Jeremy Lee, Minton's attorney, said his client only shot dogs that were dangerous. Lee said Minton and Englande were good deputies trying to protect the welfare of citizens. Pat Fanning, Englande's attorney, declined to comment. Minton and Englande are currently free each on $10,000 personal surety bonds. ***FROM KINSHIP CIRCLE: Everyone who recalls our letter campaigns, along with the infamous video footage of Minton as he shot dogs and spoke freely about it... certainly remembers Minton “justifying” the killings as “more humane.” He claimed to have slaughtered dogs at point blank range to end their suffering (starvation, abandonment) in the aftermath of Katrina — NOT because they were “dangerous.” In early September Dallas Morning News photojournalist David Leeson videotaped Sgt. Mike Minton of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s office randomly shooting displaced pets. When asked how many dogs he shot, Sgt. Minton replied, “Enough.” RELATED KINSHIP CIRCLE LINKS: 5.
Join The New Orleans Community On Best Friends Network 2/10/07, from Jane Brewster, janeb@bestfriends.org — I am proud to report that the New Orleans Community on the Best Friends Network is now up and running. If you are not a member of the Best Friends Network, I'd like to invite you to join the new Best Friends network. Check it out at: http://network.bestfriends.org/ To go directly to the New Orleans Community: www.network.bestfriends.org/neworleans/news/ Joining the Network is free and takes less than a minute of your time. Most of the stories on the New Orleans site will be written by me. I am open to suggestions, comments and/or stories you might want to share. Please forward this email to anyone and everyone you think might be interested. If you live somewhere other than New Orleans, check out your local community on the Network. There's one for Texas, Georgia, California and Colorado, to name a few. Just do a search for your area to learn more. You can join as many communities as you wish. Try it... it's fun! Jane B. Brewster, Rapid Response Assistant / Dogtown. Best Friends Animal Society
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Sheets for your advocacy materials 6.
New Additions At Overcrowded Louisiana Shelter SHELTER CONTACT:
2/9/07, from lfasm@rtconline.com — Coco is a Shih Tzu supposedly 5 years old with cataracts. Owner give up available immediately.
6-year-old Libby is another owner give up. Son had a baby and demanded that the mother living with them give up the cat before it "smothered" the baby. The cat is supposedly spayed and is available for immediate adoption.
The Water Plant cat was dumped by the shelter a week ago and we finally coaxed it to us. Scared, but friendly. Not sexed yet, but I think it is a boy. It does not appear old. Himalayan? Available immediately.
The Elm street dog was picked up at closing time yesterday, Young about a year old male with a new collar, but no tags or microchip. Available next Tuesday.
Terrier was found last Sunday by a lady and turned in Wednesday. No tags, collar or microchip. Male severe underbite. Available immediately. (We are counting from Sunday as being here, no calls for such a lost dog.) View more animals: www.va.petfinder.com 7.
Woof! Meow! Humane Society Louisiana’s Mardi Paw Auction Open The Humane Society of Louisiana's Mardi Paw Auction Is Now Officially Open! We urgently need your help to reach abused, neglected and homeless animals in need. So what are you waiting for?...PLACE A BID TODAY! MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Whether you're looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life, you're sure to find something in our auction catalog. Every bid helps our post-Katrina rebuilding and recovery efforts, so why not splurge on something special? This is one guilt-free way to indulge yourself this carnival season! AUCTION CATALOG: TELL YOUR FRIENDS. The success of this online auction depends on spreading the word to as many people as possible. We need your help. Please Refer a Friend and encourage them to participate, so they don't miss a single moment of the fun and excitement. CHECK BACK REGULARLY FOR EXCITING NEW ITEMS! Works of art, unique collectibles and all kinds of fabulous fare will regularly be added to our catalogue! You can support our efforts, by reaching out to friends and family members willing to donate. Coming Soon! Paintings Inspired by the Animals of Katrina! Humane Society of Louisiana
1/30/07, from p.a.wood@juno.com — This is a plea on behalf of elderly Ms. Vogel who, with her Pomeranian, Cuddles, was displaced from her Lakeview apartment by the Hurricane Katrina flood and who has since discovered that her niece has caused her financial catastrophe. The niece used Ms. Vogel as a co-signer on a loan to purchase a house (pre-Katrina) in LaPlace Louisiana (near New Orleans) that the niece (not Ms. Vogel) used for a time and then abandoned in a trashed condition. She also maxed out two credit cards that belonged to Ms. Vogel. This is a criminal matter, and the police have been contacted. Please read the following account by New Orleans veterinarian Dr. Amy Grayson. Dr. Grayson, an exceptional and charitable veterinarian, has taken Ms. Vogel under her wing, and is doing what she can to help her. The Humane HEART has a tax-deductible fund for Ms. Vogel. Anyone desiring to avail themselves of this means of donating may make a check payable to the Humane HEART, memo it for Ms. Vogel's assistance, and send to: Dr. Grayson may be contacted via email: Dylanandthegimp@aol.com or via her cell phone at: 504-450-5059. She is a member of the Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission. Pinckney A. Wood, President, Humane HEART (Health, Education, and Abuse Resolution Taskforce) New Orleans veterinarian Dr. Amy Grayson writes: Poor Ms. Vogel, and her little Pomeranian, Cuddles, have been the victim of identity theft. The thief was her own niece who in addition to maxing out two credit cards, also purchased a home in LaPlace. The home was purchased 20 days before the hurricane and listed Ms. Vogel as a co-signer. The home was undamaged in the hurricane but the niece 'supposedly' lost her job after the hurricane and stopped paying the mortgage note. From the pictures below, you can also see that she TRASHED the house.,, Ms. Vogel contacted the mortgage company, and they have put a hold on the mortgage payments for 3 month. At that time, Ms. Vogel must come up with the entire balance due!
Ms. Vogel, a retired school teacher, truly did lose everything to Katrina. She rented an apartment on Milne St. (in Lakeview) and lost clothes, furniture, family heirlooms, etc. She and Cuddles have rented an apartment uptown that doesn't even have heat! It's all she can afford right now. She even stopped wearing her hearing aids because she left them at Milne St. and they were destroyed in the flood. She had no renters/flood insurance and can't afford new hearing aids. All she has left of value is little Cuddles. Ms. Vogel is very embarrassed by the situation. The police are involved. She is ashamed of her niece. Ms. Vogel worries that she is the mother of two small children. PLEASE pass the word to ANYONE you know that may be able to contribute money, if not time. We can't let a sweet old lady like Ms. Vogel be victimized like this. Thanks, Amy 9. NOLA Animal Abuser Can’t Own Animals Length Of Sentence Press Release / NEW ORLEANS (2/6/07) — Today Jamerson Jones, 1826 Touro Street, New Orleans, was convicted today on one count of animal cruelty charges following an August 5, 2005 arrest after Louisiana SPCA humane officers saw Johnson walking a severely emaciated pit bull. As part of his sentence, Jones has been ordered not to own, care for or control any animal, including fowl, during his sentence period. The pit bull, unable even to stand after being rescued by humane officers, also had puncture type wounds on its body and had to be euthanized later that day due to his weakened, emaciated condition. In August 2005, following his arrest, Jones was charged with three counts of animal cruelty. Today's conviction was on one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty against the pit bull, pictured below. Jones' sentence also includes 40 hours of community service, 90 days suspended jail time, one-year inactive probation, and a $150 fine plus court costs. Kathryn Destreza, Director of Humane Law Enforcement for the LA/SPCA, applauded the ruling and the recognition by those in the legal system that animal cruelty is a serious crime. "Animal cruelty convictions are hard won battles and acts of cruelty, especially intentional cruelty such as what we saw in the Jones case, are deplorable. That our criminal justice sentence recognizes this is a win for animals and a step in the right direction to improving the lives of companion animals," said Destreza. To report animal cruelty, contact the LA/SPCA at 504-368-5191, ext. 100. The public can also report suspected cruelty or request an investigation on the LA/SPCA's website at: www.la-spca.org/forms/investigation_request.htm
Laura Maloney, Chief Executive Officer, Louisiana SPCA The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion. 10.
MS: Buddy’s Law Dies In Committees - No Felony Bill 2/12/07, Buddy's law dies / By CHERIE WARD, Mississippi Press / JACKSON — The fight to change the animal cruelty penalties in Mississippi is over. Rep. John Reed said nine versions of a bill making extreme acts animal cruelty a felony died before the House and the Senate. Animal cruelty became a strong focus in Mississippi last July when Buddy, a 16-week-old Labrador was found in Gautier tortured with PVC pipe glue and left for dead. The puppy was later euthanized by a local veterinarian. Mississippi has one of the weakest animal cruelty laws in the country, and is one of only eight states with no felony provision for extreme acts of cruelty. "I would have really like to have seen a change," Reed said. A campaign to change the animal cruelty law was launched as animal lovers and animal rights activist across the country spoke out in support of a revision to the Mississippi law that has been in place since 1972. House Bill 1538 would have enforced a misdemeanor for acts of simple animal cruelty, such as neglect and abandonment, and a felony for malicious abuse and torture towards animals. Three conviction of simple animal cruelty would execute a felony as well. Senate Bill 2097 also made similar distinctions between misdemeanor and felony charges for animal cruelty. Both bills, as well as the seven others, died before the Agriculture and Judiciary B committees on Jan. 30. Five were House bills and four were Senate. Mississippi House Judiciary B Committee Chairman Jeff Smith, who presented House Bill 1538, and Rep. Erik Fleming heard testimony on Jan. 25 from local and national animal cruelty experts at a hearing in Jackson concerning increased penalties. While bills to correct the issue have been introduced in years past, none have made it to the point of a hearing, which encouraged several organizations supporting the change. Wanda Henry Jacobs, publisher of The Mississippi Press, told committee members that the paper received more than three dozen letters to the editor in response to an article about Buddy last year. The paper collected more than $3,000 in reward money from local readers, as well as more than 12,000 signatures on a petition demanding stronger laws. The Humane Society of South Mississippi's Joe Elmore asked that committee members to champion the effort. "The HSUS believes strongly in the need for felony level penalties for extreme acts of animal cruelty," Elmore said. Dr. Mary Lou Randour, a psychologist and animal cruelty expert with The Humane Society of the United States, said animal abuse can lead to malignant treatment towards people. "There's a clearly documented link between animal cruelty and human violence. Often, people who abuse animals become violent criminals who are a threat to society. Felony level penalties are critical to preventing future acts of violence," Randour said. DOWNLOAD FREE LITERATURE. Supplement
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for your advocacy materials 11. Hurricane Survivor Crowned Queen Of Barkus 2/2/07, from rescuerealtor@cox.net — Luna Biscuit was rescued by Meredith Maclanahan and adopted by Chris Rose. Luna is typical of the ever present dogs on death row in shelters throughout the South.....a medium-large retriever mix with lots of energy. Luna made it out just in time after being held over a couple of times. She never received as much as a passing glance from any of the folks who came into the shelter... Chris will be the king of Krewe du Vieux. Chris is a columnist for the Times Picayune, and the author of 1 Dead in the Attic. We are very proud of both Biscuit and Chris! Here is Luna Biscuit's mug shot: http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5527314 Chris writes: I consider it a bigger point of pride that my dog, Biscuit, has been selected as the Queen of Barkus, the esteemed canine Carnival organization that is holding its 15th annual parade on Feb. 11. I love that even our pets are caught up in this city's bizarre preoccupation with faux-royalty, one of the many, many cultural quirks that make life here so unlike anywhere else. The requirements to be royalty for Barkus are pretty straightforward; you have to be a rescue dog. Biscuit was abandoned out in Acadiana after Hurricane Rita and was pulled at the 11th hour from the euthanasia line at the Roicy Duhon Animal Control Center in Lafayette. She's lucky to be alive, let alone a queen. "She has a look we like in our queen," I was told by Charlotte Bass Lilly, a Barkus vice president. The "look" is that of a decidedly mixed-breed yellow mutt, enhanced by a case of heterochromia — one brown eye and one blue — that makes her look like a spirit dog. "You should be very proud," Lilly told me. 12. HURRICANE DIRECTORY: Missing/Found Animals, Rescue & Reunion
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