February
2006February
2006If you'd like to receive future NEFHS e-newsletters, click this link (or go to the NEFHS web site) to subscribe. If you'd like to be removed from our mailing list, click the link at the bottom of this newsletter.
In This Issue:
Welcome to the first online edition of the NEFHS newsletter. In order to direct more of our resources toward our Annual Conference, and to be more responsive and timely in sharing news and information, we will be using this new format to replace our print newsletter. Please help us spread the word about this new resource by forwarding it to other animal welfare advocates you think may be interested in signing up. We hope you enjoy it!
By
Lisa LaFontaine, CEO & Executive Director, Monadnock Humane Society, Keene,
NH
In the terrible days after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Region, all of us in the animal protection world were watching the news, worrying about the people and animals affected by the hurricane, and wondering how we could help. Early on, it was clear that the scope of the disaster was unlike anything we had ever seen before.
People wanted to do something, but with so much chaos and uncertainty, it was unclear how to help in a meaningful way. During those first few days, I heard from scores of animal lovers and federation members throughout the region who were frustrated by their own sense of helplessness.
I contacted both the HSUS and the ASPCA, who had been on the ground since day one, to let them know that the animal professionals in the New England Federation of Humane Societies were ready, willing and able to help as soon as we were needed.
On Thursday, September 8, I received a call from Bert Troughton, a former NEFHS President who now works in the National Shelter Outreach division of the ASPCA. She asked me if I thought we could mobilize teams of people from New England to travel to the disaster zone to help with the animal rescue and care operations.
At that early stage, there were already many hundreds of animals who needed physical and emotional care; pets were still in their homes and neighborhoods, confused and starving; and people were beginning to come to the temporary animal shelters looking for their companions.
Bert said that she was calling us because the NEFHS has a national reputation for excellence - we are known as one of the strongest sheltering communities in the country, and could be counted on to mobilize quickly.
We were asked to identify teams with rescue, handling, medical, administrative and customer service skills-seasoned, resilient, competent and caring professionals who could provide much needed relief to those who had been there since the very beginning.
I sent out an email that day, asking for volunteers to leave their homes and travel somewhere - Hattiesburg, Gonzales or wherever they were needed. They would need tents, supplies, food, water and every ounce of energy, experience and optimism they could bring.
By Friday afternoon, I had 40 outstanding volunteers ready to go.
The first team, from the New Hampshire SPCA, left early Sunday morning. And that was just the beginning. Over the course of the next six weeks, twelve tremendous teams of people traveled by truck, plane and automobile to the Gulf Coast. They lived in tents or tent cities, and provided much needed help with animal care, people care, and rescue.
Perhaps even more significant were the many hundreds of colleagues who filled in behind the relief workers, who often performed the job of two people and made the volunteering possible. They are the unsung heroes of the disaster.
The final NEFHS team left for St. Bernard’s Parish, outside of New Orleans, on October 16. All of our representatives helped to secure the reputation of New England animal control professionals as a unique, skilled and compassionate group.
On behalf of the NEFHS, I want to thank those of you who left the comforts of home, on a moment's notice, to help out. Our deepest thanks go to those of you who stayed behind to make sure that our own animals and customers received outstanding care. And finally, a very special thank you is extended to the World Society for the Protection of Animals for their $32,000 grant, which covered all of our travel expenses.
With the perspective of a few months, I can say that I felt very confident that day in volunteering the services of the Fed, but the professionalism, flexibility, generosity and resilience of our membership surpassed my wildest expectations. We can all feel very, very proud to be a part of this fantastic Federation.
Connecticut's
"it" in 2006, and New Haven's Omni Hotel at Yale is the place to be
for NEFHS's 61st annual training
conference, which will be held April 24-26. Go to www.newenglandfed.org
for registration information.
Founded in 1640 as a colonial village, New Haven still holds that quaint New England quality, offering a town green, village shops and cobblestone walkways that will wind you around the historic Ivy League campus of Yale University. Nestled in the heart of downtown, you are sure to find yourself surrounded by a cultural hub offering rich arrays of arts and entertainment galore. The Omni offers many amenities, including a concierge to attend to your every query, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full business center, and a 19th floor restaurant and bar with breathtaking views. Our conference dining pleasures will offer a custom selection of vegetarian and vegan meals prepared by a knowledgeable team of chefs.
Our three-day conference of learning is brought to you this year thanks to the generosity of our "Top Dog" sponsor, the Connecticut Humane Society, as well as our "Cat's Meow" sponsors: PetSmart Charities, PETCO Foundation with PetFinder.com, the ASPCA and the HSUS. We are also thrilled to have the support of new Federation sponsors Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue at the "Tail Wagger" level and Newman's Own Organics as a "Cat-alyst" sponsor. Our sponsors will be on hand to share important information about their programs, joined by our ever-popular vendors with an assortment of professional products and services.
As always, the New England Federation conference boasts nationally known speakers, cutting edge learning topics, and an opportunity to network in an intimate environment of friends, co-workers, and fellow animal care and control professionals from throughout the region and beyond. Our scholarship raffle and brown bag auction will both be back by popular demand.
Our annual board meeting will kick off the conference, followed by an opening program featuring philosopher Bernie Rollins, who will focus on the ethical dilemmas that face animal welfare agents and organizations every day. Breakout sessions will range from statistics to cat enrichment programs to verbal aikido. New this year is a "New England Sampler," which will feature ground-breaking programs happening in each state. An "Orphan Options" workshop will investigate different needs of caring for orphaned kittens and puppies, and a "Critical Stress/Compassion Fatigue" workshop will round out the day's information-packed sessions.
Tuesday includes workshops on fundraising, law enforcement, and public policy. You'll also learn how to maintain a quiet kennel, about "post-new building" issues, shelter medicine and how to troubleshoot wildlife problems over the phone. Also featured is well-known activist and Farm Sanctuary founder, Gene Bauston, who will immerse us in issues affecting farm animals.
Wednesday boasts two different day-long tracks: "Supervision for Supervisors" and "Hands-On" for front-line staff. Plus, "Internet Marketing" will guide us through the maze of possibilities for computer campaigns, and "From Adoption Center to Education Center" will show attendees how to use adult learning theory to develop and maintain relationships with your community members.
Our closing program will feature HSUS President and Yale alumni Wayne Pacelle, who will lead a discussion centering on the overall conference theme, "Speaking for All Animals." Pacelle will address the importance of advocacy in advancing the major goals of the humane movement, and will identify major areas for reform. As we say good-bye to our 2006 Federation Conference, Pacelle's words will no doubt offer an evaluation of thought that should keep us fueled for the ride home and rejuvenated for our return to the "real world."
Connecticut is it in 2006 . . . BE THERE!
The New England Federation of Humane Societies (NEFHS) will again offer full
and partial conference scholarships to employees or volunteers from nonprofit
organizations or government agencies, or to individuals who are sponsored by
those groups.
Applicants from the New England states will be given preference, but residents from other areas are also welcome to apply. Past recipients may reapply, but because scholarships are limited, preference will be given to new applicants.
Full scholarship recipients will be expected to share a hotel room with other recipients. All recipients will be required to assist the NEFHS Board before and/or during the conference with activities such as assembling conference packets and goodie bags, selling t-shirts, distributing/collecting workshop evaluation forms, etc.
Go to www.newenglandfed.org to download a scholarship application. For more information, contact Linda Huebner at the HSUS's New England regional office at 802-368-2790, fax 802-368-2756, or email lhuebner@hsus.org. The deadline for receipt of scholarship applications at HSUS is March 17, 2006.
PRINT & VIDEO
State
Law Cards Available for NH & VT. The ASPCA's State Law Cards are an
invaluable resource for law enforcement officers, humane investigators and
animal shelter workers. Each laminated card lists the State's cruelty law and
penalties and folds in thirds to a handy wallet size. Law cards for NH and VT
are currently available at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_lawcards.
The cost is $10 for 50 cards. Other states will become available over time. Call
212-876-7700 x 4400 or email education@aspca.org for more information. (Source:
ASPCA website)
Animal
Hoarding: A Community Task Force Solution is a new 7-minute video
available from the HSUS to help local animal control agencies and shelters reach
beyond their organizations' walls to gain communitywide support in addressing
this problem. The video represents various views on hoarding, including those of
animal control officers, a mental health agency employee, and a fire department
official. A companion brochure provides a comprehensive description and profile
of the typical animal hoarder; it also contains more specific information on the
associated safety risks, legal considerations, benefits of team efforts among
agencies, and a list of other resources. The video, along with the brochure is
available for $6.00. Call 202-452-1100 or order online at www.animalsheltering.org. (Source: Animal Sheltering Magazine website)
Fund-Raising
for Animal Care Organizations offers detailed, real-world advice for
nonprofit humane societies, animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers,
and other animal care organizations seeking to expand their universe of
supporters. The book is available from the HSUS for $44.95 (plus $3 shipping and
handling). For bulk ordering information and prices (10+ copies), please e-mail
Betsy McFarland at bmcfarland@hsus.org.
(Source: Animal Sheltering Magazine website)
Volunteer
Management for Animal Care Organizations is the first book in the new
Shelter Management Series from The HSUS. This book covers everything from
recruiting and screening to training and supervising volunteers. Advice from
experts in both the volunteering and sheltering fields makes this a
one-of-a-kind book that's tailor-made for animal protection organizations. The
book also includes model forms, guidelines, and checklists from agencies around
the country. The book costs $15.95 (plus $3 shipping and handling). For bulk
ordering information and prices (10+ copies), please e-mail Betsy McFarland at bmcfarland@hsus.org.
(Source: Animal Sheltering Magazine website)
The NACA News is a bi-monthly magazine published by the National Animal Control Association. It contains articles addressing issues of interest to its members and others concerned with the ongoing animal/human relationship problem. Since product advertising is encouraged, the NACA News has become a resource of information for service and product reviews. The NACA News has a circulation of over 4,800 per issue, and is distributed in eight countries. Go to http://www.nacanet.org/nacanews.htm for ordering information. (Source: NACA website)
Neighborhood
Cats TNR Kit. Learn how to run a successful Trap-Neuter-Return program
with this comprehensive kit from Neighborhood Cats. The kit includes the Neighborhood
Cats TNR Handbook: A Guide to Trap-Neuter-Return for Feral Cat Caretakers
and the instructional video, How to Perform a Mass Trapping. This
practical handbook covers all aspects of practicing TNR and working with feral
cats. The instructional video takes the viewer step-by-step through the process
of trapping and neutering an entire feral cat colony. The kit costs $24.95, and
is available at www.aspca.org.
(Source: ASPCA website)
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Disaster Response Classes. ASPCA New York State Disaster Response
Services is offering several disaster response classes in 2006; classes include
swift water and rope rescue, large animal rescue, and the Incident Command
System. Calendar of classes and registration brochures are available on the NY
State Disaster Response page at www.aspca.org.
(Source: ASPCA)
Evaluating Your Shelter: Are You Ready to Implement a Behavior Program? This 2 to 5-hour, self-paced online course is FREE and will assist you in evaluating your organization's readiness to implement a behavior program. Course topics include basic work processes, mission and strategic planning concepts, staffing, and facility use. Once you have read through the text and completed the learning activities, you will be able to assess if you and your organization are ready to complete the remaining three courses in the Pets for Life 4-course series. (Source: Animal Sheltering Magazine website)
National Certification for Animal Welfare Professionals. The international Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) has created a new accreditation program, which will provide top-level managers working in nonprofit and municipal agencies the opportunity to gain recognition for their knowledge, experience and expertise. A 100-question exam will test knowledge and skills in administration and management, personnel supervision and leadership, public relations and fundraising, and reasoning. The next exam will be offered at the SAWA conference in Nashville, TN in November 2006. To apply online, go to www.cps.ca.gov/tlc/sawa/about.asp. For more information, contact Gary Tiscornia at 877-477-2262 x 220 or go online to http://www.sawanetwork.org/certification.htm (Source: Paws to Think, Autumn 2004; SAWA website)
The HSUS's Animal Care EXPO will take place from March 8-11 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. Go to http://www.animalsheltering.org/expo/ for a program guide and registration information.
Learning from Katrina: A Commitment to the Future will be the theme of The HSUS's fourth biennial National Conference on Animals in Disaster (NCAD) which will be held May 31 - June 3 in Arlington, VA. It will be open to everyone and dedicated to the lessons of Katrina and Rita, as well as those of other recent events. We will roll up our sleeves to secure the improvements made in the disaster planning and response process, and to recreate and reinvigorate approaches currently in process that will help in future preparedness and response efforts. Visit www.hsus.org/NCAD06 for registration information.
Trap-Neuter-Return: How to Manage a Feral Cat Community is a new online course offered by Humane Society University. This course will teach you the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) approach to managing feral cat colonies. The course will describe each step in the TNR process in detail, including working with neighbors and the community at large, feeding, setting up adequate shelter, arranging for spay/neuter, trapping (including preparations, equipment and techniques), caring for the cats while they're confined, and other feral cat issues like rabies, wildlife and relocation. Registration is $50. For more information, go to http://www.humanesocietyu.org/workshops_and_classes/tnr.html (Source: Humane Society University website)
The American Humane Association's Annual Conference will be held September 28-30 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Go to http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_shelter_services for more information.
The National Animal Control Association's Level 1 Academy will be held in Hartford, CT, from June 5-9. The curriculum includes (but is not limited to) animal behavior, first aid, capture techniques, laws and legal proceedings, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony. Registration for the week-long, 40-hour course is $495. Go to www.nacanet.org for more information.
Taking Action for Animals 2006, a leading event for the animal protection movement, will be held on September 1-4 in Washington DC. Designed to motivate, skill and inspire activists nationwide, this year's event will feature renowned speakers from the animal protection movement and beyond who will share their knowledge and a vision for the future of the movement. Keynote sessions will be complemented by training sessions designed to ensure the development of practical skills for seasoned activists and those new to the animal protection movement. A Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, exhibitions, social events and opportunities for networking will complete this essential weekend. Save the date and visit www.TakingActionForAnimals.com for updates on program and registration.
WEBSITES
Spay/USA launched its new, expanded web site at www.spayusa.org,
thanks to a generous grant from the PETCO Foundation. This site gives
information about the various inquiries most often received by the Spay/USA
staff, including definitions of new terms and the difference between a program
and a clinic. They expect this easily accessible information will help to
empower groups to expand their existing programs, start clinics where there are
none, gather data to help prevent the births of unwanted litters, and begin
local feral cat programs. (Source: Paws to Think, Spring 2005)
Imagine Humane is part of the ASPCA's National Shelter Outreach Division. The organization focuses on three critical areas for our field: fundraising, leadership (especially board development) and knowledge transfer. The website, www.imaginehumane.org, includes several useful sections, including an "innovation bank," with six profiles in the area of spay/neuter, ID programs and feral cats, a "library" with documents and tools, and a "community section" which highlights projects that can be passed on from shelter to shelter. (Source: ASPCA)
NEWS
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act) is
a Federal bill that requires State and local authorities to include pets and
service animals in their disaster evacuation plans. You could help save
thousands of people and pets from anguish-even loss of life-during the next
major disaster, just by asking your U.S. Representative and Senators to support
this bill. Go to https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_pets_act_house2
for more information. (Source: HSUS website)
CONNECTICUT
Does Connecticut care for cats? Based on the turnout at the November Connecticut
Cares for Cats Conference, which was coordinated by the newly formed Animal
Welfare Federation of Connecticut (AWFCT), the answer is a resounding yes! It
was "standing room only" as over 200 animal welfare professionals
gathered to hear some of the nation's leading experts discuss humane solutions
for reducing cat overpopulation in the state. Attendees at this landmark event
represented over 70 shelters and rescue organizations, as well as veterinarians,
animal control professionals, individual rescuers and concerned citizens. For
more information on the AWFCT or the cat conference, go to www.awfct.org or
email info@awfct.org.
MAINE
In June 2005, the Maine Supreme Court upheld the state's aggravated animal
cruelty law, which was enacted in 2001. The decision was handed down in State of
Maine vs. John Witham. Witham was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty after
running over his girlfriend's pregnant cat with his car during a dispute in
February 2004. In his appeal, Witham argued that the law is unconstitutionally
void for vagueness, claiming that the phrase "manifesting a depraved
indifference to animal life or suffering" does not provide a clear standard
to guide individual conduct.
The court rejected this argument and reached the following conclusion: "[Witham's] actions created a very high degree of risk of causing the cat to suffer and its subsequent death. It is also conduct that, when viewed objectively, could be found by a reasonable jury to demonstrate an almost total lack of concern or feeling for the value of animal life." This decision sets an important precedent that should provide a strong foundation for the growing number of states that have passed aggravated animal cruelty laws. For a copy of the decision, contact the HSUS New England Regional Office at 802-368-2790.
MASSACHUSETTS
Thanks to valiant efforts by many activists, Massachusetts dogs will (once
again) have their day-Election Day, 2006. Signature gatherers collected nearly
twice the number of required signatures to put a question on the 2006 ballot. If
passed, the proposed legislation will phase out greyhound racing by 2008,
strengthen the laws against dog fighting (to cover breeding dogs and fighting
paraphernalia), and protect law enforcement and service dogs from cruelty (by
increasing penalties for injuring these dogs while committing a felony).
This broad legislation, called The Dog Protection Act, is supported by The HSUS, The Animal Rescue League of Boston, GREY2K USA, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). These and other organizations have come together to form the Committee to Protect Dogs. For more information, see www.protectdogs.org.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The New Hampshire Governor's
Task Force on the Humane Treatment of Animals was formed with the purpose of
"evaluating the extent and causes of animal abuse in New Hampshire."
Commission members represent a wide variety of public and private agencies
throughout the state. Representatives from the veterinary, law enforcement,
agriculture, animal control and animal welfare communities, along with private
individuals and legislators, meet on a regular basis to discuss short- and
long-term goals.
Some of the initiatives the group has worked on include introducing legislation to make improvements to the animal cruelty statute, as well as conducting a state-wide survey of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and animal welfare professionals to determine what the greatest needs and concerns are with regard to animal cruelty in the state. Training that can be delivered in person as well as "virtually" through online courses is currently being developed. For more information on the Task Force, contact HSUS regional director Joanne Bourbeau at 802-368-2790 or jbourbeau@hsus.org.
RHODE
ISLAND
Animal advocates in Rhode Island have long sought a permanent ban on the use of
carbon monoxide chambers in animal shelters. Although this method of euthanasia
has been discontinued at most facilities in the state, several municipalities
were still using CO chambers. Last spring, the Rhode Island General Assembly
passed a bill establishing lethal injection as the only acceptable form of
euthanasia for shelter animals, with an exception for emergency gunshot
euthanasia in the field. However, Rhode Island animal care & control
professionals continue to face an uphill battle in pursuing direct purchasing of
sodium pentobarbital and the establishment of certified euthanasia technicians.
Since most Rhode Island shelters do not have a veterinarian on staff, these
tools would make euthanasia by injection a more affordable option.
VERMONT
Members of the Vermont Humane Federation (VHF) and the Rutland Area Disaster
Animal Response Team (RADART) welcomed 19 Katrina "animal refugees" in
early January. The VHF selected and arranged for transportation of these dogs
from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary's temporary shelter in the New Orleans
area. Upon their arrival in Vermont, the dogs romped in snow for the first time
as they met their new foster families. This was a unique opportunity for members
of RADART to practice their community disaster plan. Volunteers provided most of
the equipment and manpower needed to ready the arrivals for their new homes. For
some, this move will end in adoption, while others will be reunited with their
original families in the Gulf Coast.