HOME PAGE (THIS SITE)
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SEE ALSO:
<<< THE ALABAMA ANIMAL WELFARE blog >>>
which should promote better communication, help create more animal welfare websites, and eventually replace this site.
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RECENT:
Maroon Print indicates item was added here in the last week or so
-- Article: "Gassing to stop at Cullman Animal Shelter" by Benjamin Bullard of The Cullman Times >>>
-- Mindy Gilbert (HSUS Alabama State Director) request on 4/17/11 that you call or email your state senator and ask her/him to support HB 194 to strengthen the dogfighting law and reduce the financial burden on local agencies that house evidence animals >>>
-- 4/15/11 article by George Altman of the Washington Bureau, "Cockfighting lobby likely to derail bill that would stiffen penalties for crime" >>>
-- 4/14/12 letter by Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, "Senate Passes Bill to End Use of Gas Cambers in Animal Shelters" >>>
-- 4/10/11 email from Mindy Gilbert about HB 374 on mandatory reporting of torture and abuse >>>
-- 4/5/11 to 4/9/11: Notes from Mindy Gilbert on Cockfighting Bill >>>
-- 4/2/11 "No Kill Blount" newsletter >>>
-- 4/5/11 urgent note from Mindy Gilbert about Cockfighting Bill >>>
-- 3/26/11 email from Mindy Gilbert on progress of three bills in state legislature and Animal Welfare Rally in Montgomery >>> ; comments on AVRAL's Facebook site >>> ; comments and links to rally photos on Mindy Gilbert's Facebook site >>>
-- Birmingham News article about Alabama bills to protect animals from gassing, abuse, dog-fighting >>> plus numerous comments
-- Sheriff's investigators arrest and charge Dale County man on two counts of animal cruelty ["dogs looked like skeletons"] >>>
-- FREE spay / neuter for free-roaming cats and kittens in Montgomery-area Zip codes 36108, 36109, 36110, 36111, 36116, and 36117. >>> (purrfect announcement by Mindy Gilbert on 3/11/11); >>> (below)
-- Reported case involving animal neglect (dogs, cats) in eastern Houston County, Alabama. 140 to 200 animals. >>>
-- FREE spay / neuter for dogs or cats or ferals in zip codes 35206, 35207, 35208, 35211, 35218, 35224, 35234. >>>
-- Letter from Jo Chamblee about free spay / neuter and No-Kill in Blount County >>>
-- Free spaying for your female cat or dog if you live in Blount County >>>
-- Criminal animal cruelty charges against Terra Cotromano (TEARS founder) dismissed [completely] after the criminal "case" was heard. >>> (here); >>> (Alabama's 13); >>> (FOX 6) plus comments; >>> (Birmingham News) plus comments. Text of Judge's dismissal of criminal charges against TEARS founder Terra Cotromano. >>> (here); >>> (pdf)
-- Crossing Paths animal rescue/adoption, Blount County >>>
-- Dissatisfaction with BJC Animal Control (BJCAC), a private company. No vote by Birmingham City Council to continue further funding for BJCAC. >>> (FOX 6 News); >>> and >>> (CBS 42 News); >>> (ABC 3340)
-- HSUS Shelter Services revamped: much information now free, affordable onsite visit, also available to rescue organizations. >>> (and Animal Sheltering section below >>>)
-- Response by HSUS state director to the matter reported by Sandra Nathan, referenced and linked to just below. >>>
-- Article: "HSUS send Alabama dogs to NC gassing facility, Lincoln County Animal Services" by Sandra Nathan in Examiner.com plus numerous comments >>>
-- Alabama Spay/Neuter Web site >>>; on Facebook >>>; AL Spay Today blog >>>
-- NRDC article about how the FDA is not protecting many gulf coast residents from possible seafood hazards. >>>
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ALABAMA STATE DIRECTOR, HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (HSUS):
MINDY GILBERT
mgilbert@humanesociety.org
205-471-5541
more here >>> ; Facebook >>> ; national HSUS site >>>
ALABAMA HUMANE FEDERATION (AHF):
INTERIM PRESIDENT: MINDY GILBERT
mgilbert@humanesociety.org
WEB SITE: >>>
EVENTS: Regular
For example: monthly organizational meetings
GREATER BIRMINGHAM AREA CAT COALITION (GBACC)
GBACC meets the third Sunday of the month, from 2:30 to 4:30 at the Hoover Public Library. Discussions generally include the following:
• Sharing Resources (food, medicine, traps, etc)
• Ways to obtain funding for TNR, food, etc.
• Assistance with trapping & managing colonies
• Assistance with fostering & adopting cats/kittens
• Legislation
GBACC (on Facebook) >>>
MOMAKAT RESCUE (Birmingham area) >>>
Got an upcoming animal welfare event you think should be listed here? Consider letting us know about it by emailing us.
★ SPAY/NEUTER ★
LOW-COST OR FREE:
A list of LOW-COST OPTIONS for spay/neuter programs and facilities in Alabama can be found on the site "Spay Alabama." >>>
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FREE spay / neuter are available for ALL free-roaming cats and kittens in these MONTGOMERY COUNTY Zip codes: 36108, 36109, 36110, 36111, 36116, 36117.
For more information, telephone Alabama Spay / Neuter at 334-239-7387.
Web site >>>
Please do your reasonable best to make sure all in these Zip codes are aware of this program, and that all possible animals are treated.
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FREE spay/neuter are available in these JEFFERSON COUNTY Zip codes: 35206, 35207, 35208, 35211, 35218, 35224, 35234
If you know anyone who lives in any of the just above zip codes please let them know that free s/n are available. Call ASN and talk to PEGGY at (205) 956-0012. If you can't get through call BECKY at (205) 590-0039. This is a very important program, and the people in these zip codes probably need the help. Please pass this along to anyone in these areas.
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FREE spay/neuter program — feral and outdoor cats in MONTEVALLO and ALABASTER!!
"Clinic employees then transport the cats to the Birmingham clinic to be spayed or neutered, receive their rabies vaccinations, receive free flea and worm treatments, get microchipped and have their ears tipped for free." ...
-- from the 8/4/10 article in the Alabaster Reporter, "Alabaster helps clinic smash spay and neuter record" by Neal Wagner >>>
Also: >>>
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FREE: Get your female dog or cat spayed free if you live in BLOUNT COUNTY!!
"Spring is almost here and that means that it will soon be puppy and kitten season at the shelter. Get your female dog or cat fixed now to avoid unwanted litters. “Fix Your Mama!” will fix your female dog or cat at no charge if you live in Blount County. Provide proof of residency and make a donation if you can. Call 967-8016 to volunteer or for more information. Call 956-0012 to schedule an appointment."
(from an 2/20/11 Jo Chamblee email forwarded to SS [ed.])
LEGAL
LOBBY 101 SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS
"Please sign up and bring a friend. My sincere hope is that there will be standing room only. If some of you are getting this email and are too far away to come to this one, please contact Mindy Gilbert and she will gladly host a seminar in your area." ...
-- from an email sent out by Jacque Meyer, Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Humane Society
>>>
Contact information for Mindy Gilbert, Alabama State Director, HSUS:
205-471-5541
mgilbert@humanesociety.org
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From Mindy Gilbert, Alabama State Director of the HSUS:
"Hello, Action Alert Team Members! Your state legislatures are adjourned for the summer, but there are a lot of animal welfare issues brewing in our nation’s capitol that I wanted to update you on! ..."
... "Mark your calendars for next year, when the conference will take place at the same location July 15-18, 2011. Hope to see you there!"
MORE >>>
10/6/10:
BARC, AVRAL and AHF work to have carbon monoxide "euthanasia" outlawed at Alabama animal shelters.
>>>
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PAC for Alabama animals:
AVRAL (Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation) — A Political Action Committee to help bring about animal-positive legislation in Alabama.
AVRAL site (online as of 7/19/10) >>>
(Discussion on Facebook >>>)
National Institute for Animal Advocacy (NIFAA) Web site:
"Training animal advocates to win local and state laws that benefit animals — and ensure vigorous enforcement of those laws — through political action."
>>>
OIL SPILL —
ANIMAL MATTERS:
... "Pets should not be allowed on the beach in any areas where they could come into direct contact with the oil." ...
-- Gina Solomon, MD, MPH — Senior Scientist at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) for twelve years. (Work focused on protecting people from toxic chemicals).
>>>
MORE: OIL SPILL — ANIMAL MATTERS
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OIL SPILL — HUMAN HEALTH MATTERS
Interview of Dr. Riki Ott about oil spill six months later. >>>
"'If anyone wants to eat the shrimp here then that's their decision,' says Kindra Arnesen, wife of a fisherman in Venice and a representative of the Louisiana Coastal Heritage Society. 'But I'm not feeding it to my kids until I know it's safe. And I don't have much faith the government knows what's safe and what isn't.'"
...
-- from the 10/20/10 Huffiington Post report "Six Months Later, an Oil Disaster Spreads Across the Gulf" by Rocky Kistner, Media Associate, NRDC
>>>
10/17/10:
"... it's not over."
...
"It's ironic. The Alabama Chamber of Commerce just celebrated their "Annual National Shrimp Festival", so the uninformed observer might think everything's back to normal." ...
-- from a 10/17/10 article by Dr. Gina Solomon of NRDC. [gulf seafood safety] Excerpts: oil spill - human heath section below. More on this site >>>. Full article >>> ★★★★
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NOTE (from site editor Spangler, former Air Force Senior Health Physics Officer and medical school physiology teacher):
THE PRESENCE OF CLEAR, CLEAN-LOOKING GULF WATER DOES NOT MEAN IT IS SAFE: there may well be highly toxic, life-long health-effecting poisons in it. For the sake of your family, do not allow them (or yourself) to swim or even wade in it. Wear some sort of shoes even when walking on the beach.
MORE: OIL SPILL — HUMAN HEALTH MATTERS
>>>
NOTE: The potential human health effects associated with an oil spill is "must" knowledge for everyone living anywhere near the Gulf coast. Also, for all Gulf coast visitors. -- SS (ed.)
TEARS:
ALL CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST TEARS FOUNDER TERRA COTROMANO DISMISSED
by judge, Jan 25, 2011
ALL of the criminal animal cruelty charges against Terra Cotromano (TEARS founder) were dismissed after the criminal "case" was heard by the judge in the case. >>> (Alabama's 13); >>> (FOX 6) plus comments; >>> (Birmingham News) plus comments. Text of Judge Eric Fancher, Sr.'s order of dismissal of criminal charges against TEARS founder Terra Cotromano. >>> (here); >>> (pdf)
NOTE: Defense has relayed that the following should be mentioned:
1) On July 30 , 2010, the facility had been closed and denied maintenance for seven months.
2) The state was allowed to present its entire case, including all witnesses and evidence, before the judge's decision was made. (See item 4 of the judge's order.)
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RAID ON TEARS:
In a joint action involving the Jefferson County government and others, TEARS rescue was functionally shut down in late December. 2009. Legal actions are involved.
WHAT HAVE THOSE WHO SHUT DOWN TEARS DONE TO REPLACE THE SUFFERING-ALLEVIATING RESCUE FUNCTIONS TEARS PROVIDED?
HOW MANY ANIMALS HAVE BEEN LEFT TO EXPERIENCE GREAT SUFFERING (SAY, AFTER HAVING BEEN HIT BY A CAR OR TRUCK), BUT WOULD HAVE BEEN HELPED BY TEARS?
WERE ANIMALS EUTHANIZED AT ANY OTHER FACILITIES TO MAKE ROOM FOR ANIMALS (ABOUT 200) TAKEN FROM TEARS?
MORE -- Questions About the Raid on Tears >>>
Addendum: Text of 10/25/10 email from Robyn Bennitt of FRIENDS (of Terra Cotromano): >>> . Brief excerpts: >>> (top of page)
ANIMAL SHELTERING
HSUS revamp of shelter services program
From a Jan 13, 2011 email from AHF president Rea Cord:
Forwarding for HSUS as this is a great program for shelters who would like assistance to improve their operations:
link >>>
I am so happy to announce that HSUS Shelter Services has revamped their program. Previously the Shelter Consultation was a team response and a very in depth, total organization consultation that was somewhat cost prohibitive. Now, much of the information needed will be provided at no cost and an onsite visit will be very affordable. Please see the link above for details. This is available to rescue orgs also, so please feel free to pass the info along!!
Regards,
Mindy Gilbert
Alabama State Director
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“Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.” recently developed and published by The Association of Shelter Veterinarians. >>> (press release: >>> )
-- Animal Sheltering magazine and Animal Sheltering website (HSUS). >>>
Excerpt from the site:
"This award-winning bimonthly magazine provides guidance, insightful analysis, and the latest news and trends in the world of community animal care and control. It’s a must read for shelter directors and managers, staff, board members, and others who work with local humane organizations and animal control agencies" ....
[Back issues are electronically available from the site.]
CONCERNS:
ABOUT HOW ANIMALS ARE TREATED AT SOME ALABAMA SHELTERS
BESSEMER, Alabama:
Article: "Bessemer shelter had no food for dogs"
-- from: The Western Tribune (9/2/09) >>>
Web site: "About animal control in Bessemer, Alabama" >>>
BIRMINGHAM and parts of JEFFERSON COUNTY, Alabama
-- Article: "Birmingham City Council turns to non-profits for animal control" >>>
-- Dissatisfaction with BJC Animal Control (BJCAC), a private company. No vote by Birmingham City Council to continue further funding for BJCAC. >>> (FOX 6 News); >>> and >>> (CBS 42 News); >>> (ABC 3340)
-- On Web site "They Need You," page titled "BJC ANIMAL CONTROL OR ANIMAL CRUELTLY"? >>> (contains link to letter written by veterinarian who had once worked at BJCAC)
MORE -- Birmingham and Parts of Jefferson County >>>
PRICHARD, Alabama:
"The Mobile branch of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals says it has claims from a shelter volunteer that days would pass before suffering animals were euthanized. ..."
"... The family says it ... even saw a dead dog carcass at the shelter. ..."
-- from the 8/1/10 NBC Local 15 report "Prichard Animal Shelter faces more neglect allegations."
>>>
SYLACAUGA, Alabama:
"Shelter director Tina Limbaugh reported 66 animals died at the shelter in the month of June, 55 dogs and 11 cats. She compared that to the month of January, when only three dogs died."
-- from the 8/11/10 report "ARF faces issues with animal health, finances" by Matt Quillen of "The Daily Home"
>>>
" 'As for me, after euthanizing 20,000 to 25,000 animals, many of which were perfectly healthy, there were just no homes for them, I can’t do it anymore. You cannot understand what it is like to study for years to save animals’ lives and then turn around and have to euthanize healthy animals,' Baxley said." ...
-- from the 8/16/10 Western Star article by Denise Sinclair "Vet speaks out about animal shelter"
>>>
"Meyer (Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Humane Society) sent a letter to [Sylacauga] Mayor Sam Wright, ... "
-- from the 6/21/10 article "City, ARF officials told 'something is very wrong'" by Matt Quillen of "The Daily Home"
>>>
NEW GROUPS, SITES
7/19/10: North Alabama Spay Neuter Assistance Association Inc is open (Huntsville).
>>>
3/11/10: New 501c3 group: "Have a Heart Animal Rescue and Adoption"
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3/8/10: Web site: "A Healthy Planet, Animals and People"
>>>
MORE -- New Web Sites, Groups: >>>
EXCERPTS
(various sources)
"Having known Terra for 30 plus years and having worked with her in varied situations, it is my strong belief that she would always put the interests of the animals in her care above the interests of herself, her health or her own well-being."
-- from a 2/8/10 letter from Dr. Jerome Williams, owner of the Red Mountain Animal Clinic
>>>
... "Every day now, former workers, Gulf coast residents, and visitors share similar stories with me of respiratory problems, central nervous system problems, chemical sensitivities, or bad skin rashes after exposure to air or water in the Gulf ..."
... "Also this past weekend on a beach near Dauphin Island, Alabama, a family was alarmed to find themselves covered in thick gooey oil after swimming in what looked to be clear water." ...
... "The [Coalition of Commercial Fishing Families] has asked NOAA to close all Gulf fisheries until updated protocol and standards are available to test seafood product." ...
-- from the 8/24/10 article "[Dr.] Riki Ott: Seafood safety and politics don't mix" in "Offshore Oil Drilling" ★★★★
>>>
..."The days of the ‘dog catcher’ and ‘pound’ are long behind us as the public expects us to be the animal experts and also rightfully expects ..."
-- Rea Cord, President of the Alabama Humane Federation.
>>>
"Alexander said a woman driving along Old Tuscaloosa Highway near the Marine Reserve Center in Bessemer saw the dog, tied to a trailer hitch, being dragged behind the truck.
"She made a U-turn and flashed her headlights until he pulled over, Alexander said." ...
-- from the 8/18/10 report "Dog dragged behind truck is recovering" by Jeremy Gray of The Birmingham News
>>>
Comment: A REALLY big salute to the lady who had the character, including the courage, to immediately conduct this rescue. (eds.)
"... 'Scrappy Doo had puppies last year—and this is part of the problem—she had a big litter, and most of them died.' ..."
-- from the 7/8/10 article by Ed Reynolds "Graveyard Dogs" in Black & White.
>>>
"Last spring, Parker founded the Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation organization which cost nothing to join, but could make a big impact when it comes to influencing legislators when they vote."
-- from the 7/31/10 article "Samford professor on crusade for animals" by Yvonne T. Betowt of the The Hunstville Times.
>>>
"... along comes a phone call that leaves me shaking. An animal control officer phoned the other day ..."
-- from the 6/5/10 column "Hot summer 'bunns' " in "Mindy's Corner."
>>>
"For people who care about animals, the issues we should be concerned about are overwhelming. How can we stop all the egregious things that humans cause animals to endure? ..."
-- from the 5/21/10 column "Spencer" in "Mindy's Corner."
>>>
"Greyhound at the Birmingham Race Course tested positive for cocaine"
-- title of 5/21/10 report by Stan Diel of The Birmingham News
>>>
MORE -- Excerpts >>>