PUBLIC EDUCATION

The fundamental "problem" is neither dumping nor de-sexing - the "problem" is not animals, the "problem" is an un-educated public who consider animals as disposable objects, like toys.

When some people tire of an animal they dump it in the streets for someone else to find and care for. Other, responsible, people surrender animals for very genuine reasons - they move somewhere the animal is not welcome, become too old/sick to care for the animal, or no longer have the funds to care for an animal. The animal might also be unsuitable for various reasons or have a personality problem.

Another facet of "the problem" is desexing. Recent surveys have shown men do not like to desex male animals as they associate desexing with castration of themselves.

Educating the public is a primary focus!

Stop Animal Abuse

In the past years, many people have gotten away with animal abuse and neglect of their pets. The Public for Animal Welfare Society has made it as our mission to put a stop to animal abuse. According to penal code section 42.11, cruelty to animal is defined as:

          (a)

             1.Torturing or seriously overworking an animal
             2.Failing to provide necessary food, care or shelter for an animal in his custody
             3.Abandoning without a cause an animal in his custody
             4.Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner
             5.Killing, injuring, or administering poison to an animal
             6.Causing one animal to fight with another

          (b) For purpose of this section, "animal" means a domesticated living creature and wild living creature previously captured. "Animal" does not include an uncaptured wild creature or a wild creature whose capture was accomplished by conduct at issue under this section.

     We are determined to put a stop to animal mistreatment, abandonment and abuse.

Together we can make a difference!

President Signs Bill to End Cruel "Crush" Videos

 By an overwhelming bipartisan vote (372-42) the US House of Representatives passed HR 1887 on October 19th. The bill, introduced by Congressman Elton Gallegly (R, CA), bans the creation, sale and possession with intent to sell, of animal crushing or stomping films.

 Arizona Senator Jon Kyl and New Hampshire Senator Robert Smith succeeded in passing the bill unanimously in the Senate on November 19th.  On December 9, President Clinton signed the bill into law.

 These animal crushing videos, which sell worldwide for as much as $100 each, inexplicably appeal to some foot fetishists who want to see animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, or monkeys, tortured and then stomped to death by women in high-heeled shoes.

What to look for

   Citizens who suspect animal cruelty should observe characteristics of the animal and her environment. Does the animal have access to food, water and shelter? Is her area clean? Does the animal have apparent injuries that have not been treated? Does the animal appear to be overly aggressive or timid?

   A person witnessing first-degree animal cruelty – the intentional infliction of substantial pain or injury to an animal, or the killing of an animal by means causing undue suffering – should immediately notify police. Documenting the incident with photographs and videotape can be very helpful in prosecution. If such cruelty is not witnessed directly but is suspected, animal control authorities should be notified.

 Reports of animal cruelty should be as detailed as possible. Dates, times and circumstances should be noted and related to animal control authorities, who should also be made aware of any physical evidence (photos, video, etc.). A person reporting animal cruelty should ask for the name of the animal control officer and ask what action is planned. Follow up, and report any change observed in the animal's condition and situation.

   Abandoning an animal constitutes second-degree animal cruelty in Washington. A witness to animal abandonment should try to obtain a description of the abandoning person and their vehicle, and a license plate number if possible. If the witness feels safe in doing so, the animal should be transported to a safe location, or animal control authorities should be notified.

   A person reporting animal cruelty need not be concerned with confidentiality. An investigating officer is not likely to identify the source of the complaint. Should the keeper of the animal be prosecuted, witnesses may be called to testify, but the immediate condition of the animal should outweigh concerns about having to testify months from now.

   An animal that wanders off her property is legally defined as a stray. A neighbor may know where the animal lives but is under no legal obligation to return the animal. The neighbor has a right to transport a stray animal to the animal shelter for that jurisdiction, or to notify animal control. At PAWS, fewer than half the stray dogs, and only three percent of stray cats, are reunited with their previous owners. An owner reclaiming an animal ordinarily pays legally mandated fees that add up quickly. The search for their animal and the financial impact of reclaiming the animal may prompt the owners to take better care of the animal or, in some cases, to give up on animal ownership altogether.

Help! I've Lost my Pet!

Don't wait

   If you find an animal, get involved. It may be tempting to hope a wandering dog or cat will find its way home, but leaving an animal to fend for himself is just too risky. By intervening, you may be able to save his life. Dogs, cats, and other companion animals rely on people for care and protection - and that's especially true when they're lost.

   If you lose an animal, act quickly

   Thousands of animals brought to area shelters as "strays" are put to death because their owners don't come looking for them during the standard 72-hour stray holding period, and are bypassed by adopters looking for for new pets. Don't assume your missing companion will be back in a day or two, has been stolen, or has "gone off to die." It's far more likely that he is waiting for you to find him. Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing.

   How to search

   Shelters and Animal Control

   The services offered by these agencies vary, but all can offer advice. Start by calling animal control and the shelter for the area where the animal was lost or found. Ask to file a report. Inquire about the agencies that cover your neighborhood, and ask for suggestions on how to proceed with your search.

   If you have found an animal, it is best to take him to the local shelter. That's where his owners are most likely to look for him. You can still post signs, and file reports with other agencies, and continue to search for his family.

   But don't keep an animal in your home unless you are prepared to be very aggressive in your search for his family.

   If you have lost an animal, there is an extra, crucial step. Visit the shelters - and do it often. Looking in person is the only way to ensure that your pet does not become another tragic shelter statistic. Ask about records of animals found injured or dead.

   Signs

   Signs are a very effective tool for finding lost animals - or owners. Make them bold, with key words in large type. A photo or drawing of the animal is a big help. Distribute them door-to-door in the neighborhood where the animal was lost or found and post them at major intersections and along main streets in the area.

   Ads

   Immediately place an ad in the major daily newspaper for your area. Continue to monitor the ads even if you have placed one yourself.

   Rewards

   Offering a reward on your posters and in ads may offer an incentive for people to become involved. Be cautious before giving money to anyone claiming to know the whereabouts of your animal.

   Cover the neighborhood and beyond

   Talk to passers-by and stop in at businesses in your area. Post signs and call for your animal as you go. Check alleys, playgrounds, parks, and roadside ditches. Cats are likely to become stranded in trees or shut in garages, storage sheds, or on rooftops. Don't forget to call local and emergency veterinary clinics and to enlist the help of letter carriers and delivery persons.

   It is not uncommon for animals to be found miles from where they were lost. Through ads, flyers, and visits to shelters, extend your search over the greatest possible territory.

   Be thorough

   By using all available approaches, you can increase the odds of a happy reunion. Many animals are found weeks after they were lost. Don't give up.

   Don't let it happen again

   An ID tag can mean the difference between life and death for a dog or cat. Even "indoor-only" pets need tags.

Scams to Watch Out For

You always want to assume the best about people and their intentions, but when it comes to animals who are vulnerable and cannot speak out to protect themselves, it is very important to take precautions. Whether you are looking for a lost pet, trying to find the rightful owner for a stray animal you found, or seeking a new adopter for an animal in your care -it is always in the animal's best interest if you are thoughtful and cautious about the steps you take.

Here are some common scams to be aware of:

I. Class B Dealers

Class B dealers are USDA licensed dog and cat dealers who acquire and resell "random sourced" animals to medical laboratories for experimental research. Some of the animals they acquire are purchased from licensed breeding facilities, but a percentage of these animals are often stolen by people called "bunchers." "Bunchers" collect animals for Class B dealers who then sell the animals (often at a very large profit) to medical laboratories across the nation. "Bunchers" look for cheap deals and often comb neighborhoods, newspapers, and classified ads in their search for stray and free animals. While "bunching" is against the law, it is still commonly practiced in the United States.

II. Misrepresentation

People with ulterior motives have also been known to pose as adopters, pet finders, and even somebody who has lost an animal. They misrepresent themselves as responsible adopters or owners, pretending they want to adopt an animal or reclaim a stray animal that isn't truly theirs. In reality, these people sometimes subject the animals they acquire to abuse or turn around and sell the animals to medical laboratories or animal dealers to make a profit.

A notorious scam in the Chicago area involved an individual who responded to "lost flyers", claiming he had found stray animals. He would describe the animal over the phone and then demand a reward, but never actually had stray animals in his possession. His tactics duped a number of people.

How to Best Protect Your Animals from Scams

Animals depend on us to make good decisions on their behalf. Here are some tips to help protect animals from scams:

NEVER leave your animal alone unsupervised where he can be seen or taken.
 
              Spay or neuter your animal. Medical laboratoriesoften will not accept animals that have been altered. Altering also prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduced behavior & health problems, and helps combat the companion animal overpopulation problem. Most metropolitan areas have low-cost spay/neuter clinics. Check with your local shelter for a list of clinics in your area.
 
             Make sure your animal has proper identification on at all times. Tattoos and microchips are highly recommended, because they are a permanent form of identification. Medical research labs sometimes will not accept animals with tattoos or microchips!
 
           Don't adopt an animal out unless you are willing to thoroughly screen adoption applicants.
 
           Never give animals away for free. Even if you charge a minimal adoption fee of $25, you'll be more likely to deter those who are trying to scam  you.
 
           When returning a stray animal to his rightful owner, request proof of ownership, including photos of the animal, vet records, and licensing papers.
 
           If somebody claims they have found your "lost animal", ask specific questions to ensure the animal is yours--particularly if you are offering a reward.
 
          Posting that your animal needs medical attention on the "lost animal" flyer can solicit a more diligent response from neighbors who may encounter your animal. It can also deter somebody who may be inclined to keep your animal.
 
          Keep a close eye on what is happening in your community. If you suspect an animal scam is taking place, inform your neighbors immediately.

          If you suspect your animal has been stolen by a "buncher" or Class B dealer, consider the following action items:

          Talk to people in your community and find out if other pets in the same area or nearby areas are missing. Inform them of your suspicions.
 
          Check the newspapers and classified sections to see if animals in your area or nearby areas are missing
 
          Find out if there are USDA licensed dealers in your area by calling your regional USDA office. Ask for their free "list of animal welfare licensed dealers" and "list of animal welfare licensed research facilities," which list dealers and their addresses by state.

                            By region, these numbers are:
                            Northeast: (301) 962-7462
                            Southeast: (813) 225-7690
                            South-Central: (817) 885-6923
                            North-Central: (612) 370-2255
                            West: (916) 551-1561

                           USDA Hotline for Fraud Waste and Abuse: (800) 424-9121

                           If the USDA does not adequately address your concerns, call your congressperson, senator and the Secretary of Agriculture directly. Members of the House of Representatives can be reached at (202) 225-2121; Members of the Senate can be reached at (202) 224-2121; the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture at  (202)720-3631.

                           For more information on lost or stolen pets, contact:

                           In Defense of Animals
                           (800) STOLEN PETS
                           email: ida@idausa.org
                           www.idausa.org

                           Last Chance for Animals
                           (310) 271-6096
                           email: info@LCAnimal.org
                           www.LCanimal.org

                           USDA Missing Pets Network
                           www.missingpet.net/anlost.html