New England Federation Of Humane Societies

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Innovative Programs, Policies & Ideas in Animal Sheltering & Rescue

Pit Friendly Programs
	by David Betournay If you were to survey animal shelters from around New England about the consistent challenges that they face, finding ways to help pit bulls consistently ranks near the top. From combating damaging stereotypes to curbing their over-representation in our kennels to satisfying their unique enrichment requirements, many organizations are developing programs aimed to help pit bulls.
Here are a few pit-friendly programs around from around New England: 'Fix-a-Pit' Project Aims at Pit Bull Population Manchester, VT. Manchester Animal Shelter is hosting the city's first free spay-neuter program for pit bulls to counter a population surge in the popular breed. A third of all dogs abandoned or surrendered at the shelter are pit bulls, who are euthanized more than any other breed, Shelter Manager Shelley Greenglass said. "Since I've been here, it's always been the pits, the pits, the pits," she said. "It's not a problem just here, it's a problem everywhere." The Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter is sponsoring "Fix-a-Pit" for pit bull owners living in Manchester. It's part of a campaign to encourage responsible dog ownership and curb the increasing rate of homeless pit bulls. The program provides pit bull owners with more than $200 worth of services, including the spay and neuter, free rabies vaccination and microchip. "At this point, they seem to be a dog of choice in Manchester," said Dennis Walsh, one of two animal control officers for the city of Manchester. Walsh said his unit is responding to more animal abandonment, some of which is due to the economy. The shelter is operated by the Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter, a non-profit organization comprised mostly of volunteers. Contact them at 603-628-3544 or www.manchesteranimalshelter.org. This article is adapted from an article written by Dan Tuohy, published in the New Hampshire Union Leader. SOME PIT in Southern Maine SOME PIT is a small group of dedicated pit bull advocates working to improve the lives of pit bulls in Southern Maine. Through education, adoption assistance, training, and events, SOME PIT is working within our local community to aid in responsible bully breed ownership. Learn more at www.somepit.org. Pit Bull Spay/Neuter in Western Massachusetts Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society is nipping their region’s pit bull overpopulation where it counts. This western Massachusetts organization’s new high volume, low cost spay/neuter clinic will sterilize any pit bull or identifiable mix for only $50.To learn more, visit www.dpvhs.org/snap/. Pit Bull Spay/Neuter in Connecticut HOPE Spay/Neuter Clinic will spay/neuter pit bulls over 2lbs for $50. Rabies vaccine costs $5 and distemper $10. No income verification involved. Resources outside of New England: Out of the Pits Animal Farm Foundation Bad Rap National Pit Bull Awareness Day Does your organization have a great program that you would like to share? Send your information to us at info@newenglandfed.org back to top

Connecticut SafePet Project Launched The Connecticut SafePet Project, the first Link coalition in the Nutmeg State, was launched this spring by Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary to provide 60 days of veterinary and respite care for battered women's pets.Annie Chittenden, founder of the Human-Animal Welfare Connection in Madison, Conn., reports that last summer's National Link Coalition Town Hall Meeting in Portland, Maine provided the high energy and impetus for the project. Details, along with Client Screening and Safety Plan Guidelines for Referring Agents, are available in the summer 2009 issue of the Latham Foundation's Latham Letter or from Chittenden at safepet@ourcompanions.org. back to top

Potter League: Going Green
	by David Betournay In my roles as President of the NEFHS and Community Initiatives Manager for the ASPCA in much of New England, I have the enviable task of traveling New England and meeting with Shelter Staff, Volunteers and Animal Control Officers from shelters large and small to learn how they are making a difference for animals in their communities.
I am continually impressed not only by the innovative programs I’m learning about and the talented people driving them, but also by the way more and more shelters are responding to the need to become more environmentally responsible. One of the first animal shelters in the country to build green is not surprisingly right here in New England: the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Rhode Island. I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of their new 19,500 square foot facility in June, and I am pleased to be able to share the experience. The new facility built around the old one before its dismantling is able to house 120 cats, 50 dogs and multiple small animals.One the key features is the vastly improved animal housing areas. Adoption rooms have home-like housing and incorporate the best animal welfare practices. These include a state-of-the-art HVAC system, radiant heat, natural light and sound proofing. Animal housing is designed to reduce the stress and promote adoptable animals by showcasing them at their best.

Above: Sniff hole, which allows animals to safely see and smell human visitors. Photo courtesy of Muddy Paw Studio
A well-designed Intake Wing allows staff to efficiently process animals into the facility while maintaining the animals’ health. Advanced sanitation systems allow for maximum disease control. A medical wing on the second floor has space for isolating ill animals and a surgical suite. The building has been opened since November of 2008 and the staff has observed very few cases of upper respiratory in cats, even as we enter our busy season. The Humane Education Center has capacity to hold 80 people for lectures, workshops, seminars and meetings. Our ability to present quality education programs to adults and children is greatly enhances with this center. The 2000 square-foot, indoor Behavior and Training Center has ample space to present a wide variety of classes for the general public. It also provides much needed space to evaluate, exercise and train our shelter dogs. The Potter League is especially proud of the green design and is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council as a L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) project. The Potter League is among the first animal shelters in the country to build green. Their project is currently under evaluation and they anticipate receiving the Gold Status. The Potter League has an 8 page brochure on Building Green which details the many green features in the new animal care and education center. Request a copy by contacting Pat Heller, Director of Development & Community Outreach, at 401 846-0592 or path@potterleague.org


Above top: The "green roof" gathers water into a cistern that they then use in their shelter. Training Center for exercise and playtime for the animals. Photos courtesy of Muddy Paw Studio back to top

Connecticut SafePet Project Launched The Connecticut SafePet Project, the first Link coalition in the Nutmeg State, was launched this spring by Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary to provide 60 days of veterinary and respite care for battered women's pets.Annie Chittenden, founder of the Human-Animal Welfare Connection in Madison, Conn., reports that last summer's National Link Coalition Town Hall Meeting in Portland, Maine provided the high energy and impetus for the project. Details, along with Client Screening and Safety Plan Guidelines for Referring Agents, are available in the summer 2009 issue of the Latham Foundation's Latham Letter or from Chittenden at safepet@ourcompanions.org. back to top

Features:

Pit Friendly Programs, 12/09

Potter League: Going Green, 8/09

Connecticut SafePet Project, 8/09

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