February 2010

Dear Friends,

New England is rich in history, culture and ingenuity, and the men and woman who make up our animal welfare community are no different. We are a diverse group that fills all types of roles, yet we understand the power of collaboration: that by sharing our ideas, experiences, and resources we can make a bigger difference in the lives of animals in our community.

What better forum to meet your neighbors, learn, get inspired, and recharge than at the April 2010 NEFHS conference in Worcester, MA? We've got a great conference program, and I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Dave Betournay
NEFHS President

When: April 25-27, 2010
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Worcester, MA
Cost: $225 (3 days); $185 (2 Days); $145 (1 day)
Early-Bird Discount: Sign up before March 25 and deduct $25 from registration fee. »more

When: Wednesday, March 24, 8:30am-4:00pm
Where: Black Bear Inn, Orono, Maine

You’re invited to join us at the feral cat workshop sponsored by The New England Federation of Humane Societies and in conjunction with the Maine Federation of Humane Societies Annual Training Day.

This training will feature information on a successful Trap/Neuter/Return Program in Massachusetts and will provide you with the nuts and bolts that you need to consider in order to improve an existing feral cat program, or to start one in your area.

Fee: $35.00 per person. Includes lunch and networking opportunities with the Maine Federation Training attendees!

For more information, contact Katie Lisnik at 207-756-2570.

or, you can register today using PayPal:

CONNECTICUT. Connecticut State Animal Response Team (CT SART) seeks volunteers. CT SART is a group of volunteers managed by veterinarians and includes individuals from public and private industry working to ensure the safety of animals in times of disaster. In the event of a situation which requires evacuation and/or sheltering of people we are making sure plans are in place for animals, too. We hold regular structured CT SART meetings and training events so our volunteers are properly educated and prepared to respond. Training topics typically include animal handling and behavior, animal first aid, personal protective equipment, intro to hazmat, and search and rescue. Visit www.ctsart.org for more information.

MAINE. The State of Maine has the ability to transport and set up a full functioning emergency shelter anywhere in Northern New England when there is a declared man-made or natural disaster. For more information, contact Norma Worley, Director Animal Welfare Program: www.maine.gov/agriculture/aw

MASSACHUSETTS. Lawrence Animal Control joins forces with the MSPCA at Nevins Farm and The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society to offer affordable spay-neuter surgeries and vaccines to the cats and dogs of Lawrence, MA families in need of financial assistance.

Low Cost Spay-Neuter for Dogs
Lawrence Animal Control, in conjunction with the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, offers affordable spay-neuter surgeries to dogs from Lawrence families in need of financial assistance. The total cost of each package is $150, and includes the spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination, and microchip (a form of permanent identification). Thanks to a new grant through the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC), which subsidizes half of this cost, the MSPCA is now able to offer the package for just $75. To learn more about this program, to find out if you qualify, or to schedule an appointment, please call the MSPCA at (978) 687-7453 x 6101.

Low Cost Spay-Neuter for Cats
The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) offers a subsidized spay/neuter program in the form of a mobile clinic designed specifically for cats. Their Catmobile package includes spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination, flea treatment, deworming, and a physical exam. The Catmobile is staffed by a veterinarian and two technicians, who can perform surgeries and exams on 40 cats a day. The Catmobile covers the North Shore, Merrimack River Valley and Boston areas. The cost for the package is $75 for male cats and $100 for female cats. To book an appointment call 1-888-495-7729 between 10am-4pm Monday-Friday or email spaymass@mrfrs.org.

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society seeks a part-time licensed veterinarian to oversee the health of all sheltered animals. Will perform exams, oversee treatment, develop and implement protocols. Oversees two full time veterinary technicians and works with experienced shelter staff. Some surgery as needed. DPVHS is in year one of a three year plan to achieve an end to euthanasia of adoptable animals in our region. Position is based in Springfield, MA and will also oversee animal health in our Leverett, MA facility. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to DPVHS Vet Search, 171 Union St. Springfield, MA 01105 or searchvet@dpvhs.org

VERMONT. $50K Grant for TNR in VT. The Vermont Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Catalyst Project has recently received a grant of $50,000 for the spay/neuter and vaccination of free-roaming cats. CATalyst is a new feral cat TNR funding program, administered by Spay ASAP, Inc., to provide TNR funding for feral cat colonies in Vermont, by Vermont Humane Federation members. The Vermont TNR Catalyst Project aims to help local shelters and humane organizations throughout the state to establish TNR programs in their areas by providing full subsidies for sterilization and rabies vaccination of participating cats.  Their goal is to allow our state’s humane organizations to become fast and efficient responders when free roaming cat colonies come to their attention.  
For more information regarding vet and shelter participation and sign up, contact Sara White DVM at sheltervet@mac.com.

Green Mountain Animal Defenders spearheaded the introduction of a bill to protect small animals used as prizes at carnivals and fairs here in Vermont. »more

Other News

HSUS ranking of all 50 states’ animal laws- Maine, Mass. and Colorado tied for third place! »more

Missouri puppy mill ballot initiative moving forward »more

The Shelter Pet Project has formally launched and their public service announcements are available for you to use in your community. To learn more, go to www.theshelterpetproject.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALDF's Future of Animal Law conference, held April 9-11 at Harvard Law School »more

CMDART Annual Meeting. Public welcome! March 2, Sterling, MA p.m.»more

MAC Presents: The Petfinder Whole Cat Workshop, a focus on feline medicine. March 14, Tufts Univ. »more

American Humane’s Basic Animal Emergency Services training, April 16-17, Boston »more

The Maine Federation of Humane Societies annual training meeting, March 24th, ME »more

AWFCT's Next Meeting March 14, Middletown, CT »more

»Events by month

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