Tails in the News

Katrina: lending a helping hand

At press time, thousands of trapped and stranded animals have been safely removed from the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to the efforts of nationwide shelters, volunteer veterinary teams, activists, citizens, and others who pitched in, many guardians and their pets experienced joyful reunions. There are still, however, reports of dangerous conditions for animals awaiting rescue while animals currently being treated are suffering from severe malnourishment, dehydration, dermatitis, cuts, abrasions, and possibly other diseases.

Some of the news to date:

• Noah’s Wish, an organization that works exclusively with animals in disaster situations has set up a temporary facility in Louisiana and is still in need of donations. Since August 31, they have sheltered nearly 1,000 animals. Visit them at www.NoahsWish.org.

• VMAT (Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams) has rescue teams based in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Great Lakes and the South. All teams were deployed to Hurricane Katrina. They are currently accepting donations through the AVMF (American Veterinary Medical Foundation). The AVMF will match your Hurricane Katrina donations dollar for dollar. Visit them at www.avmf.org and select “animal disaster relief and response” on the registration form.

• The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) has confirmed the rescue of over 5,000 animals to date including over 3,000 cats and dogs, over 100 horses and over 2,000 other animals. More than 200 pets have already been reunited with their people. Visit them at www.hsus.org to get the most up-to-date report.

• With the help of cooperating groups the Louisiana SPCA has rescued over 3,000 companion animals. However, they are still in desperate need of monetary donations to accomplish the overwhelming task of caring for the thousands of animals who are now in their care. They can be reached at (225) 647-0712. Contributions can also be mailed to: Louisiana SPCA, 9093 St. Landry Rd, Gonzales, LA 70737

• The AKC (American Kennel Club) has sent teams into Louisiana and Mississippi to meet with lead coordinators and volunteer relief workers. They have sent crates, bowls, leashes, collars, fencing, and dog food to the affected states. They have raised more than $250,000 in donations so far. For current information visit;  www.akc.org .

• Don’t forget to support all the Chicagoland shelters that have generously donated their time and efforts for hurricane relief. Many of these organizations have taken in animal evacuees and are in great need of foster homes, monetary donations and volunteer help. See our list of shelters on page 31.
 

Governor Blagojevich
signs important bill

In an effort to protect the public and decrease the number of dangerous stray dogs and feral cats, Illinois Governor Blagojevich recently signed the Anna Cieslewicz Act also known as the Illinois Public Health & Safety Animal Population Control Act (HB 315) into law. Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Burke and Senator Don Harmon, the law, which plans to institute progressive spaying and neutering programs, is the first in the nation to provide feral cat caretakers with funds to spay, neuter, and vaccinate felines companions. In 2002, a pack of stray dogs killed Anna Cieslewicz who was jogging in the Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dogs that have not been spayed or neutered make up 70 percent of bite cases. “Governor Blagojevich’s action today will reduce the number of feral cats and stray dogs in our community by providing funding for proactive spaying and neutering,” says Ledy VanKavage, Sr. Director of Legislation, ASPCA. “It is a huge step forward to establish Illinois as the premier humane state. Other states should follow Illinois’ lead.”

HB 315 includes sections that will:

• Require County Boards to enforce an individual dog and cat registration fee and a differential of at least $10 for non-sterilized dogs and cats.

• Impose a $25 public safety fee on guardians of reclaimed unaltered animals. This fee will be waived within 14 days if the animal is spayed or neutered.

• Force guardians of “dangerous” dogs to pay a $50 public safety fine, those of “vicious” canines to pay $100, and of biting animals to pay $25.

• Allow animal control to impound a dangerous dog if the guardian doesn’t meet the terms of the microchipping, sterilization, or public safety fine requirements.

• Call for more monetary sources for the Pet Population Control Fund. These will come from a voluntary tax check-off, donations, public safety fines, forfeited spay/neuter deposits, and a licensing differential for intact animals.

• Allow underprivileged feral cat caretakers to pay only $15 for sterilization and vaccinations.