Arizona Update from The Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society of the United States - Arizona Update

June 2010

Updates from Arizona and beyond!  If you prefer not to receive these updates, please just reply to this message with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.  Thank you!

 

Are you on Facebook?  Join The HSUS Arizona Facebook group here!

 

In this update:

1. Gulf Coast Response
2. Attention:  Arizona Equine Advocates - Public Meeting Announcement
3. New Materials for Puppy Mill Activists
4. HSUS Asks FTC to Block Egg Producer’s Claims About “Humane” Treatment of “Happy” Animals
5. Drive the Message Home – Spay/Neuter Saves Lives!
6. Still time to register for the Taking Action for Animals conference!

 

 

1.   Gulf Coast Response

 

Many thousands of anguished Americans, including our animal rescue and rehabilitation experts at The Humane Society of the United States, stand ready to help birds and other animals as might be needed.  The images of animal suffering are heart wrenching to us all, and conditions appear certain to worsen.  Currently, wildlife recovery at the scene is being led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while care and rehabilitation is the responsibility of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research (Tri-State).  Officials at the site require – and enforce – a policy that all efforts must be under the direction of these two agencies.  Specific safety and training requirements must be met.   A team of experts assembled by The HSUS spent six days visiting the Gulf Coast to assess the impacts of the largest oil spill in U.S. history on wildlife and wildlands.   For more information and updates, visit:  http://bit.ly/aUBsQX

 

In the meantime, The Humane Society of the United States arranged a delivery of 12 tons of dog and cat food to provide relief for beleaguered pet owners living along the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

 

 

2.  Attention:  Arizona Equine Advocates - Public Meeting Announcement

 

 Join us for the inaugural public meeting of the statewide Arizona Coalition for Equines!  You are invited to attend the first public meeting for a new coalition to help horses and their caregivers.  Arizona Coalition for Equines (ACE) is forming to bring together horse advocates throughout the state who share a common goal of enhancing the care and treatment of all equines, and to prevent abuse, neglect, and abandonment.  ACE is focused on positive ideas and solutions, and will work to provide the necessary tools for successful equine care. (Future meetings will be held in other areas of the state.)

 

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control has graciously offered their meeting room for this event.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

11:00 AM-1:00 PM

 

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC)

2500 S 27th Ave.

Phoenix, AZ  85009-6803

 

 

Goals of ACE:

1. Educate owners, law enforcement and the public regarding the appropriate care and treatment of equines
2. Educate owners, law enforcement and the public regarding the problems of equine overpopulation, abuse, abandonment and neglect
3. Identify available resources to assist owners and law enforcement in need of assistance or in times of crisis
1. Implement a statewide hay bank to provide temporary hay and feed assistance in accordance with ACE protocol
2. Develop and disseminate resources to law enforcement agencies and others for use in response to complaints, natural disasters and emergencies.
3. Create a fund to assist with vet care, dental services, farrier services, and euthanasia.

 

Please join and help us address the issues that equines are facing in the state of Arizona!  RSVP to:  Kari Nienstedt at knienstedt@humanesociety.org or 480-381-4410

 

 

3.  New Materials for Puppy Mill Activists

 

You can help stop puppy mills!  Materials can be downloaded for free in PDF format at this link:  http://bit.ly/bqgsI8 .  (Scroll down to find “new design as of June 2010”)

 

Also, we have the new “An Advocates Guide to Stopping Puppy Mills”  (Included in the advocate guide is information about the Puppy Friendly Pet Stores program, which is a positive, feel-good way to volunteer).

 

And lastly, if you hear from anyone who has purchased a sick puppy or wants to report a puppy mill, please direct them to call 1-877-MILL-TIP or fill out one of our Complaint Forms:  http://www.humanesociety.org/forms/tell_us_your_puppy_mill_story.html .

 

 

 

4.   HSUS Asks FTC to Block Egg Producer’s Claims About “Humane” Treatment of “Happy” Animals

 

 The Humane Society of the United States filed a complaint asking the Federal Trade Commission to stop Rose Acre Farms, the country's second largest egg producer, from making false and misleading animal welfare claims.  The complaint details statements issued through Rose Acre's websites, media spokespersons, and product posters that falsely claim that Rose Acre provides a "humane and friendly environment" for its caged hens, that hens in these cages have plenty of space to move around and socialize, that only chickens who are treated well and who are "happy" will lay eggs, and other grossly misleading characterizations of the company's battery cage confinement egg operations.

 

As The HSUS' complaint details, however, Rose Acre's standard practices fall far below the level of care a reasonable consumer would expect of the "humane" and "friendly" treatment Rose Acre claims to provide. A February 2010 HSUS investigation at three of Rose Acre's Iowa factory farms (which collectively confine nearly four million egg-laying hens) found conditions starkly at odds with the cheerful claims made by the company.  The petition filed today asks the FTC to take prompt action to stop Rose Acre from deceiving consumers with false claims of humane care, "happy" hens, spacious housing and the like, all of which are violations of federal law.

 

To learn more about the investigation, visit:  http://bit.ly/8XHwOH

 

 

5.  Drive the Message Home – Spay/Neuter Saves Lives!

 

Get your Arizona pet-friendly license plate today!  

“It shows others how much you love animals – and it pays for spay and neuter services statewide to help end pet overpopulation!  This gorgeous, four-color specialty license plate features original work by renowned artist Ron Burns and a tag line that reads, “Pets Enrich Our Lives.” It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to make the world a better place for animals in our state.  Best of all, this specialty plate is just $25 – and $17 from the sale of each pet-friendly license plate is deposited into a fund that pays for spay and neuter services for dogs and cats across Arizona!”

 

Go to http://www.azpetplates.org/ for more info!

 

 

6.  Still time to register for the Taking Action for Animals conference

 

In its sixth year TAFA continues to be the premier conference of the animal advocacy movement.  This year we’re in the heart of Washington, D.C.  This is a fantastic networking and educational opportunity.  Join me in representing Arizona at this great event!

 

July 23 – 26, 2010

Washington, DC

 

For more info, visit http://www.humanesociety.org/about/events/tafa/

 

 

 

Thanks for all that you do to help protect animals!

 

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization—backed by 11 million Americans, or one in every 28.   Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. We are America's mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond.  Local humane societies and SPCAs are independent entities and are not run by The HSUS or any other national entity.  Find out how The HSUS serves local animal shelters and provides direct animal care coast to coast.

 

 

 

Kari Nienstedt
Arizona State Director
knienstedt@humanesociety.org
c 480.381.4410     f 202.351.0499

The Humane Society of the United States
P.O. Box 4936  Scottsdale, AZ  85261
humanesociety.org

 

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