As we are on the threshold of another New Year, people will be commemorating this holiday with festivites all around the world, each in their unique way. (Please keep your pets home while watching fireworks.) While many are celebrating the commencement of a brand new year, I think back quietly and contemplate what has transpired over the last 12 months. Are we making significant changes in the lives of animals? As I sit here and contemplate my answer to my own question, I reminisce as I take a stroll down memory lane, 2012.
One of the major and most imperative changes in Pennsylvania, the state in which I reside, was the passing of the National Euthanasia Method Act (HB 2630) this past fall. No animal in any PA shelter can be euthanized by way of a gas chamber beginning in 2013. Animal advocates across the nation were imparting a resounding joyful noise when PA legislators decisively recognized the need to stop these antiquated and barbaric death traps that were still used in Pennsylvania animal shelters to euthanize homeless animals. I became deeply involved with this issue when Senator Andy Dinniman (D, Chester County), embraced this cause after becoming aware of a dog in Alabama who survived a gas chamber. The dog, Daniel, became the symbol for this bill. Senator Dinniman held a rally I attended in Malvern, PA during the fall of 2011.
This is where my life intersected with Senator Dinniman, his staff, Rep. John Maher and his staff, and Daniel and his “dad”, Joe Dwyer. Because of the respectful working relationships I formed with those involved with this bill, I became involved on a deeper level than I anticipated. I am thankful for their trust in me but I have to admit my tattered faith in politicians has been renewed as shown by their compassion and dedication to this bill’s passage. Even as Senator Dinniman allowed Rep. Maher to be the main sponsor of HB 2630, I came to learn the true character of Sen. Dinniman. His only concern was for the passage of this bill. Sen. Dinniman, I applaud you. I’ve been told personally Dinniman will be working on future PA animal legislation.
While PA saw the passage of this bill, I was working on a project of my own – BJ, a dog who was so savagely thrown out of a moving car in December 2011. Although he survived, BJ’s injuries were so severe, he died. He was taken care of by a friend of mine. The driver of the Gold Saturn, from which he was thrown, was never found. I was asked to see if I could do something about his brutal death. I spoke with Crime Alert Berks County who offers rewards for unsolved crimes. After voicing the outrage of animal advocates, including myself, and convincing them of this injustice, the organization finally agreed to put up a reward of up to $5,000 for any tips that lead to a conviction in this somber case. Sadly, no information has come forth. BJ died a horrific death but he has not been forgotten by those who knew him briefly or even by those who only heard of him through the news.
While working on this project, I was asked to become involved in another case associated with TNR (trap, neuter, return, release) in Berks County, PA. A local woman had feral cats and the township filed nuisance charges against her. I was asked to speak at her hearing. Despite not being the expert, I came in contact with Becky Robinson, President of Alley Cat Allies, famously known for helping feral cats. It also put me back in touch with a familiar face and her staff of No Nonsense Neutering, (NNN) This case became the kick-off for TNR in Berks County.
NNN has a center in the Lehigh Valley and now has a center in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County and Quakertown for low-cost spaying and neutering. In 2012, NNN spayed/neutered 9,518 animals in PA. Nearly 10,000 animals will no longer be able to breed and contribute to the pet overpopulation crisis that exists (although some advocates will debate you on this hot topic). In Berks County, the total is 4,711. In the Lehigh Valley, the total is 4,597 and in Quakertown, the total is 210. The number is lower because they just opened their doors to the public. NNN also is involved in a program called, “Fix a Pit” in which people were able to get their Pit Bulls spayed/neutered for $25. That program fills quickly. Berks County has an abundance of Pit Bulls. NNN isn’t geared solely to cats as some may think. They have done a phenomenol job and I give credit where credit is due. The staggering number totals could not have been fulfilled without the dedicated volunteers who devote their time and energy for a cause in which they care very deeply.
While NNN is helping the animals in PA, I am skeptical if the Dog Law Advisory Board is committed to improving conditions for dogs in puppy mills. It took this board 15 months to hold its first meeting since Governor Tom Corbett took office. I attended that meeting in Harrisburg. I listened but more importantly I observed the board members as they spoke. Despite saying at the start of the meeting that they do, in fact, care about animals in PA, it was their attitudes and demeanors that struck me quite sharply. I found only one board member who showed true compassion. I understand a board meeting must be a professional and respectful setting. We also have a responsibility to be conscious of the fact that we are talking about living, breathing animals with emotions and feelings. Yes, PA, has a new dog law that was enacted in 2008 but that law has been watered down and is sounding too familiar to the old law. What is happening or should I say, what isn’t happening to help our dogs in puppy mills? They live in squalor conditions despite our new law. I personally know people who enter these mills after forming trusting relationships with the puppy mill farmers so they can help save the dogs’ lives. I’ve been told many, many mills have gone underground and the dogs are forced to live in pathetic conditions 24/7 for the sole purpose of breeding, so pet shop consumers can buy puppies. Can you imagine how many dogs were bred for this past Christmas season? It’s a vicious cyle and I don’t see an end to it. This is where I begin to lose faith again.
Speaking of losing faith, PA is home to live pigeon shoots. Live pigeon shoots are synonymous with PA since we are the only state in the nation to openly hold them. Other states engage in this uncivilized and cruel “sport” where live pigeons are sprung from boxes or towers while men see how many they can kill, maim or injure. I have become much more personally involved with this issue. They are held at Winge Pointe, Berks County and the Philadelphia Gun Club, Bucks County. It basically revolves around money. Shooters gamble to see how many pigeons they can shoot. Isn’t it great when you can bet on how many innocent birds someone can kill?
I’m so outraged that these shooters not only kill birds who have no chance of escaping as in a real hunt but a number of these so-called men can hit a person with a vehicle and leave the scene of a crime, openly threaten someone with a gun, place spikes in an area where they know animal advocates park and more and not one man is prosecuted for his crimes. The man who hit the President of SHARK, Steven Hindi, and fled the scene received a slap on the wrist and a pittance of a fine. Why hasn’t anything been done when someone in attendance at a pigeon shoot last month shot a drone owned by SHARK? It caused extensive damage. Why are there no charges filed? You explain that one to me.
I attended a hearing at City Hall in Reading where Johnna Seeton, PA Humane Police Officer, filed charges against Winge Pointe for animal cruelty. Video documentation clearly showed birds were stomped on, kicked and abused. Judge Timothy Rowley stated that Judge Lash’s order from 2002 needs to be upheld which clearly states anyone caught doing the above acts has committed an act of animal cruelty punishable by law. Berks County DA, John Adams, told a reporter he would uphold that order. When I called Adam’s office to inquire if he would indeed uphold this order for an upcoming shoot, he was not available and I never have received a return phone call. So, the pigeon shoots continue. Once again, it’s a vicious cycle. There is a law but it is not being enforced.
This brings me to my final thoughts. Despite the negativity and what isn’t being done to help animals, I look forward to 2013. What I’ve written are only a few cases of which I’m involved. I host a TV show that involves itself with many animal issues with their leaders and supporters. I obviously write on many animal issues on this site as well. These were only a few stories/cases that stuck out in my mind over the past year.
During the course of this past year, I had to say goodbye to a beloved bird of mine. It was a difficult loss. I also had to take my special buddy, Jazz, my most, handsome best friend for radiation to fight his oral melanoma. We see the oncologist on a regular basis. I also had to deal with Jazz’s serious case of lyme disease which caused his body to crash and led him to have a grand mal seizure. Jazz is doing well and I’m forever grateful to those who have helped Jazz and me get through this exhausting time in our lives.
What stands out for me through the entire year of 2012 were the people that I’ve met. There have been those special people who have made a very strong impression in my life. They have made a difference with me personally and in my work to help animals. Their steadfastness and perseverance have only heightened my cause to help animals. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting countless numbers of people.
I am in contact with those as they take on their individual causes. I am friends with those who work on an international level. Whether small or large, it all boils down to people.
I also want to thank you, the reader. I have come to know some of you on a more personal level. Your unwavering passion for animals is music to my ears. Thank you for all that you do. I thank you for correcting me when I’ve been wrong. I thank you for sharing more information on a topic. Your support is greatly appreciated.
To all animal advocates: We don’t give up because we can’t give up. I admire you so much. I don’t know if you realize the work that so many do and don’t get recognition. That is one of the reasons I do what I do. I want you, the reader, to know about these people and what they do for animals. Their voices may not be heard but if I can be of assistance, I want you to read, hear and see these people.
Lastly, I want to thank them personally for all that they have done for me. Whether it be a short note to see how I am or sending me emails or calling me involving a big case, this is about them. Without them, animals would not be helped. Without them, there would be no difference in animals’ lives. With them and together, we are always working on making a difference. I thank you, all of you who have entered my life or have remained in my life during this past year. This is what I look forward to in 2013. We will continue our fight to help those who have no voice.
i never knew we could search for something like that it’s interesting.