/PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association urges Congress to act immediately to protect animals from abuse, in light of Monday's U.S. Supreme Court decision to invalidate federal law that prohibited videos, photographs and other depictions of acts of cruelty to animals for commercial gain. The law, the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act, was intended to prevent the creation and sale of dogfighting, other animal fighting, and "crush" videos that show real and intentional harm to animals for "entertainment" purposes.
"Congress must take immediate action to pass legislation that protects animals from the type of horrific cruelty this law was meant to prevent," said American Humane's interim president and CEO, George C. Casey. "Deliberately killing animals for entertainment has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Americans are within their right to keep blatant animal torture and killing out of the marketplace, and the Supreme Court should have made that the priority over the supposed protections of those who take sick pleasure in this material."
"We are extremely disappointed that the Court felt it necessary to throw out a law that so obviously was intended to stop criminals from using the First Amendment to defend their horrendous and illegal behavior," Casey said. "Now we call on Congress to act quickly to remedy this unacceptable situation."
American Humane's deep concern about this ruling directly relates to the organization's mission to protect both children and animals. The connection between violence to people and violence to animals is undeniable, and many studies indicate that animal maltreatment is part of a complex constellation of family violence. While not all children who harm animals go on to become violent adults, and not all adult animal abusers necessarily harm their partners or children, there is compelling evidence to view animal abuse as a signal for potentially more, and even more violent, antisocial behaviors.
American Humane urges Americans to learn about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals at www.americanhumane.org/link and to demand that Congress pass new legislation making it unlawful to produce, sell or own videos and other entertainment materials showing illegal acts of animal cruelty.
The case addressed by the Supreme Court's ruling is the United States of America v. Robert J. Stevens. Stevens was convicted of selling videos of dogs fighting each other and attacking other animals. The section of the law in question states: "Whoever knowingly creates, sells, or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty with the intention of placing that depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years or both." The exceptions are "any depiction that has serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value."
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Showing posts with label cruelty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruelty. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
ASPCA Rescues 25 Dogs from Horrific Conditions in Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), under the authority of the Washington County, Ga. Sheriff's Office, today removed 25 alleged fighting and breeding dogs from a 25-acre property near Sandersville, Ga.
Working in conjunction with teams from United Animal Nations and Sumter DART (Disaster Animal Response Team), the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team removed 25 dogs from the property at 1750 Ohoopee Church Rd., approximately 130 miles southeast of Atlanta. At least 25 emaciated dogs were discovered, chained to tire axles and posts that dotted the property, and another 27 were found dead and in various stages of decomposition.
"It's bad enough that these dogs were treated cruelly and raised in horrible conditions," said Tim Rickey, the ASPCA's Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. "But to leave them like this to starve is incomprehensible and speaks exactly to the kinds of heinous crimes the ASPCA fights day in and day out."
Washington County authorities intend to arrest the caretaker of the animals, who claims that the original owner of the dogs did not provide them with adequate food and other necessities. Other arrests and animal cruelty charges are anticipated.
"This has been going on for much too long," said Washington County Sheriff Thomas Smith. "We are committed to fighting animal cruelty in all its forms."
"We are grateful to be able to respond to this situation, and for the agencies assisting us," said Deputy Lynn Schlup of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, who contacted the ASPCA approximately three weeks ago for assistance. She said none of the dogs were current on vaccinations.
The dogs were transferred to an emergency shelter at an undisclosed location in Washington County provided by Vanguard Associates. They will be triaged by ASPCA veterinarians Dr. Melinda Merck and Dr. Robert Reisman, along ASPCA veterinary technicians, and assisted by Dr. Jason Byrd, Associate Director of the Center for Forensic Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville. The dogs will be cared for at the temporary shelter by volunteers of United Animal Nations until a forfeiture hearing.
All of the dogs are emaciated and undernourished; some are suffering from untreated injures, respiratory problems and open wounds. Tethered by log chains, the dogs were discovered without food, water or adequate shelter, shivering in the freezing temperatures.
Authorities believe that the dogs rescued were used for fighting. "They bear the battle scars consistent with those of fighting dogs," Rickey said. ""Being on log chains 24/7 is no way to live," he added. "These dogs have lived a miserable life, and are just as starved for human contact."
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Working in conjunction with teams from United Animal Nations and Sumter DART (Disaster Animal Response Team), the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team removed 25 dogs from the property at 1750 Ohoopee Church Rd., approximately 130 miles southeast of Atlanta. At least 25 emaciated dogs were discovered, chained to tire axles and posts that dotted the property, and another 27 were found dead and in various stages of decomposition.
"It's bad enough that these dogs were treated cruelly and raised in horrible conditions," said Tim Rickey, the ASPCA's Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. "But to leave them like this to starve is incomprehensible and speaks exactly to the kinds of heinous crimes the ASPCA fights day in and day out."
Washington County authorities intend to arrest the caretaker of the animals, who claims that the original owner of the dogs did not provide them with adequate food and other necessities. Other arrests and animal cruelty charges are anticipated.
"This has been going on for much too long," said Washington County Sheriff Thomas Smith. "We are committed to fighting animal cruelty in all its forms."
"We are grateful to be able to respond to this situation, and for the agencies assisting us," said Deputy Lynn Schlup of the Washington County Sheriff's Office, who contacted the ASPCA approximately three weeks ago for assistance. She said none of the dogs were current on vaccinations.
The dogs were transferred to an emergency shelter at an undisclosed location in Washington County provided by Vanguard Associates. They will be triaged by ASPCA veterinarians Dr. Melinda Merck and Dr. Robert Reisman, along ASPCA veterinary technicians, and assisted by Dr. Jason Byrd, Associate Director of the Center for Forensic Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville. The dogs will be cared for at the temporary shelter by volunteers of United Animal Nations until a forfeiture hearing.
All of the dogs are emaciated and undernourished; some are suffering from untreated injures, respiratory problems and open wounds. Tethered by log chains, the dogs were discovered without food, water or adequate shelter, shivering in the freezing temperatures.
Authorities believe that the dogs rescued were used for fighting. "They bear the battle scars consistent with those of fighting dogs," Rickey said. ""Being on log chains 24/7 is no way to live," he added. "These dogs have lived a miserable life, and are just as starved for human contact."
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Monday, November 9, 2009
The HSUS Offers Reward in Georgia Halloween Cat Mutilation Case
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for inflicting burns across the body of a small kitten in Stockbridge, Ga., on Halloween night.
The Case: News reports give the following account: An 8-week-old kitten was found wandering around the Waterford Place Apartments in Stockbridge on Halloween night, covered with burns. The kitten, now named Sweetie, was taken to the Alpharetta Animal Hospital for evaluation. The veterinarian believes the scars were likely caused by an acid burn, and that her fur will likely never grow back. Despite the horrible injuries, Sweetie is said to have a wonderful disposition and is being adopted out by the PeachState Pet Partners.
Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
"Anyone capable of hurting a kitten like Sweetie can be dangerous to people," said Cheryl McAuliffe, The HSUS' Georgia state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."
The Investigators: The Clayton County Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Capt. Mark Thomas at 770-477-3509.
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The Case: News reports give the following account: An 8-week-old kitten was found wandering around the Waterford Place Apartments in Stockbridge on Halloween night, covered with burns. The kitten, now named Sweetie, was taken to the Alpharetta Animal Hospital for evaluation. The veterinarian believes the scars were likely caused by an acid burn, and that her fur will likely never grow back. Despite the horrible injuries, Sweetie is said to have a wonderful disposition and is being adopted out by the PeachState Pet Partners.
Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
"Anyone capable of hurting a kitten like Sweetie can be dangerous to people," said Cheryl McAuliffe, The HSUS' Georgia state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."
The Investigators: The Clayton County Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Capt. Mark Thomas at 770-477-3509.
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Battered and Bruised - Abused Elephants to Be Rescued in Zimbabwe
/PRNewswire/ -- The rescue of nine cruelly abused elephants from a commercial training facility in Zimbabwe will begin on Monday, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) has announced.
The elephants were confiscated in April 2009 after an inspection by the Zimbabwe National Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals (ZNSPCA) found cruel and torturous methods were being used to "tame and train" them for the elephant back safari industry - a popular tourist activity in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in southern Africa.
The ZNSPCA requested IFAW to step in and assist in translocating the elephants to a safe haven with a view to rehabilitating the elephants and releasing them back into the wild.
"These elephants have been subjected to the most appalling cruelty, all in the name of servicing an indefensible form of safari industry," said Neil Greenwood, spokesman IFAW Southern Africa.
"In fact 10 elephants were originally caught for training. Tragically one - a young male named Dumisani - died of malnutrition and the abuse he was subjected to. Given all of this, IFAW has assembled a top team of capture experts to translocate the remaining nine elephants to safety with the least possible stress."
The elephants will be transported from a privately owned ranch in the West Nicholson area, south of Bulawayo where the elephants were being "trained," to Hwange National Park, some 700 kilometres (437 miles) further east.
The wild elephants were originally caught on protected land in October 2008. In April 2009 when the ZNSPCA inspected the training facility they discovered some of the following abuses taking place:
-- Elephants chained on one leg and being fed from a distance requiring
them to stand on three legs and strain at their chains to reach their
food. This practice was intended to enforce the dominance of the
handlers and caused severe wounds to the chained legs.
-- Restricted access to water and shade.
-- Varying degrees of wounds caused by training techniques and chaining.
-- An adult female elephant separated from her male calf causing
unnecessary stress and physical suffering to both calf and mother.
-- Chaining for long hours preventing the elephants from socialising with
each other.
The translocation of the elephants will begin on Monday afternoon, 2nd November and has been mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The elephants will be darted and transported in a single group to Hwange National Park overnight before being released into a large rehabilitation boma for monitoring before eventually being released into the park.
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The elephants were confiscated in April 2009 after an inspection by the Zimbabwe National Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals (ZNSPCA) found cruel and torturous methods were being used to "tame and train" them for the elephant back safari industry - a popular tourist activity in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in southern Africa.
The ZNSPCA requested IFAW to step in and assist in translocating the elephants to a safe haven with a view to rehabilitating the elephants and releasing them back into the wild.
"These elephants have been subjected to the most appalling cruelty, all in the name of servicing an indefensible form of safari industry," said Neil Greenwood, spokesman IFAW Southern Africa.
"In fact 10 elephants were originally caught for training. Tragically one - a young male named Dumisani - died of malnutrition and the abuse he was subjected to. Given all of this, IFAW has assembled a top team of capture experts to translocate the remaining nine elephants to safety with the least possible stress."
The elephants will be transported from a privately owned ranch in the West Nicholson area, south of Bulawayo where the elephants were being "trained," to Hwange National Park, some 700 kilometres (437 miles) further east.
The wild elephants were originally caught on protected land in October 2008. In April 2009 when the ZNSPCA inspected the training facility they discovered some of the following abuses taking place:
-- Elephants chained on one leg and being fed from a distance requiring
them to stand on three legs and strain at their chains to reach their
food. This practice was intended to enforce the dominance of the
handlers and caused severe wounds to the chained legs.
-- Restricted access to water and shade.
-- Varying degrees of wounds caused by training techniques and chaining.
-- An adult female elephant separated from her male calf causing
unnecessary stress and physical suffering to both calf and mother.
-- Chaining for long hours preventing the elephants from socialising with
each other.
The translocation of the elephants will begin on Monday afternoon, 2nd November and has been mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The elephants will be darted and transported in a single group to Hwange National Park overnight before being released into a large rehabilitation boma for monitoring before eventually being released into the park.
-----
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Monday, November 3, 2008
The HSUS Launches 'End Dogfighting in Atlanta' Modeled After Successful Chicago Program
The Humane Society of the United States launched End Dogfighting in Atlanta, a program modeled after the successful End Dogfighting in Chicago pilot program. End Dogfighting in Atlanta will strike the core of urban dogfighting by using proven preventative methods such as youth anti-violence intervention, dog training classes, community outreach, humane education and law enforcement partnerships. As part of the program's community outreach component, a contingent of Atlanta religious leaders marked the occasion by denouncing the violence of dogfighting and signing a pledge to help combat the crime.
"Today is a good day for the innocent dogs and communities that are affected by the cruelty of dogfighting," said Tio Hardiman, special consultant to The Humane Society of the United States' national End Dogfighting campaign. "End Dogfighting in Atlanta is being launched at a time in which anti-dogfighting intervention is most needed in the city."
End Dogfighting in Atlanta will use the following innovative and proven community outreach methods to change attitudes and actions:
Anti-Dogfighting Advocates — The HSUS hires young men with roots in the community to combat dogfighting on a grassroots level. In neighborhoods most impacted by this crime, they mediate with men and boys at risk of getting involved in dogfighting, and intervene in dogfights.
Pit Bull Training Team — The HSUS holds free and accessible weekly pit bull training classes, which provide inspiring alternatives to dogfighting that showcase pit bulls as friends, not fighters.
Community Outreach — The HSUS holds events in the community to promote its anti-dogfighting message and develop trust in the community. Examples include vaccination clinics, dog house giveaways, rallies and religious leader outreach.
Law Enforcement Partnership — To fully eradicate street dogfighting, law enforcement officers need to know what to look for. In the Atlanta metro area, The HSUS has partnered with the DeKalb County Animal Control, offering them training on catching dogfighting and providing a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to convictions.
Humane Education — The HSUS developed a special eight-week curriculum for middle school children. This curriculum tackles the topic of dogfighting through games and hands-on activities.
Dogfighting B-roll and high-resolution images are available at video.hsus.org.
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"Today is a good day for the innocent dogs and communities that are affected by the cruelty of dogfighting," said Tio Hardiman, special consultant to The Humane Society of the United States' national End Dogfighting campaign. "End Dogfighting in Atlanta is being launched at a time in which anti-dogfighting intervention is most needed in the city."
End Dogfighting in Atlanta will use the following innovative and proven community outreach methods to change attitudes and actions:
Anti-Dogfighting Advocates — The HSUS hires young men with roots in the community to combat dogfighting on a grassroots level. In neighborhoods most impacted by this crime, they mediate with men and boys at risk of getting involved in dogfighting, and intervene in dogfights.
Pit Bull Training Team — The HSUS holds free and accessible weekly pit bull training classes, which provide inspiring alternatives to dogfighting that showcase pit bulls as friends, not fighters.
Community Outreach — The HSUS holds events in the community to promote its anti-dogfighting message and develop trust in the community. Examples include vaccination clinics, dog house giveaways, rallies and religious leader outreach.
Law Enforcement Partnership — To fully eradicate street dogfighting, law enforcement officers need to know what to look for. In the Atlanta metro area, The HSUS has partnered with the DeKalb County Animal Control, offering them training on catching dogfighting and providing a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to convictions.
Humane Education — The HSUS developed a special eight-week curriculum for middle school children. This curriculum tackles the topic of dogfighting through games and hands-on activities.
Dogfighting B-roll and high-resolution images are available at video.hsus.org.
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Monday, January 21, 2008
NEWNAN-COWETA HUMANE SOCIETY AND AMERICA'S GIVING CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY PARADE
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered February 27, 1975. Our mission and dedication is to prevent euthanasia of homeless animals in animal control facilities and to fight against animal cruelty and abuse.
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society works very hard to carry out our mission and dedication. We post pictures and videos of the pets at local kill shelters on our two websites (http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and http://www.shelterrescue.petfinder.com/), host a local cable TV show called "Adopt-A-Pet" filmed at Coweta County Animal Control featuring the homeless pets at that shelter, hold fundraisers to help pay for medical costs of rescued pets and hold local adoptions to find our rescued foster pets forever homes.
We also help educate the public to the importance of spaying/neutering pets to help prevent pet over population, how to be a responsible pet owner and safety tips to follow for pet safety by visiting local schools and public announcements.
By having a strong partnership with Bark Busters and our local Bark Busters dog behavioralists, Barry and Jessica Sechler, we have gone a step further in helping homeless pets. Many pets are surrendered to kill shelters because of behavioral problems resulting in frustration and giving up on the pet on the part of the pet owner. Bark Busters is a vital member of our team because we have become better foster parents resulting in well-behaved foster pets who are more easily adopted and when we receive calls or emails from people not wanting to give up on their pets because of behavioral problems, we know who to call!
Despite all that we are doing, many homeless pets still need our help and we are up for the challenge but we need your assistance! We are asking for your help in winning a $50,000 grant to be awarded by Parade.com as part of America's Giving Challenge. The eight groups with the highest number of donors giving at least $10 win a $50,000 grant from Parade.com and the Case Foundation!
Go to http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and click on the big orange "donate" button on our charity badge. (Note: You may need to click more than once). ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS DONATE $10 by clicking on our charity badge to make a HUGE difference in the lives of homeless animals!!!
Please......help us to help them.
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society works very hard to carry out our mission and dedication. We post pictures and videos of the pets at local kill shelters on our two websites (http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and http://www.shelterrescue.petfinder.com/), host a local cable TV show called "Adopt-A-Pet" filmed at Coweta County Animal Control featuring the homeless pets at that shelter, hold fundraisers to help pay for medical costs of rescued pets and hold local adoptions to find our rescued foster pets forever homes.
We also help educate the public to the importance of spaying/neutering pets to help prevent pet over population, how to be a responsible pet owner and safety tips to follow for pet safety by visiting local schools and public announcements.
By having a strong partnership with Bark Busters and our local Bark Busters dog behavioralists, Barry and Jessica Sechler, we have gone a step further in helping homeless pets. Many pets are surrendered to kill shelters because of behavioral problems resulting in frustration and giving up on the pet on the part of the pet owner. Bark Busters is a vital member of our team because we have become better foster parents resulting in well-behaved foster pets who are more easily adopted and when we receive calls or emails from people not wanting to give up on their pets because of behavioral problems, we know who to call!
Despite all that we are doing, many homeless pets still need our help and we are up for the challenge but we need your assistance! We are asking for your help in winning a $50,000 grant to be awarded by Parade.com as part of America's Giving Challenge. The eight groups with the highest number of donors giving at least $10 win a $50,000 grant from Parade.com and the Case Foundation!
Go to http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and click on the big orange "donate" button on our charity badge. (Note: You may need to click more than once). ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS DONATE $10 by clicking on our charity badge to make a HUGE difference in the lives of homeless animals!!!
Please......help us to help them.
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