A n i m a l W r i t e s
© sm
The official ANIMAL
RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher
~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue # 10/11/00
Editor
~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park
StRanger@aol.com
~ MicheleARivera@aol.com
~ SavingLife@aol.com
Layout ~ Corrynthia@aol.com
THE EIGHT ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Police Eduction Key to Stopping Crimes of All Kinds
by MicheleARivera@aol.com
2 ~ Standing Firm - by Steve Best
3 ~ Vetzine - New Free Pet Health e-zine from Alex Gough
4 ~ Humane USA - Political Action Committee for Animals from Wayne
Pacelle
5 ~ FARM Job Openings from FARM
6 ~ United Poultry Concerns Will Hold 11th Annual Open-House
Thanksgiving
Party from Franklin Wade
7 ~ Poem: The Fur Coat by WantNoMeat@aol.com
8 ~ Quote to Remember ~ George Bernard Shaw
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Police Education Key to
Stopping Crimes of All Kinds
by MicheleARivera@aol.com
Local
law enforcement attitudes in the area of animal abuse need to change all over
the country. Police and prosecutors are not taking this issue seriously
enough, and this can be dangerous. Teachers need to take a look at
incorporating respect for animals into their curriculum as well. A
Florida psychologist, Dr. Paul Halpern, says that "Respect for
others' feelings, respect for life, and compassion are attributes that we must
be taught. They are not something that humans are naturally born with. It is
the responsibility of our parents and community to show sensitivity and caring
values through actions and role modeling. Children always seek out role models
and will pick whoever is readily available, and imitate behaviors they witness.
The role models they pick are not always the ones we want for them.
Our schools do not have curriculla on compassion and responsibility. Yet,
we expect our kids to behave in responsible, nonviolent ways. Animal
neglect and abuse is an extension of our lack of sensitivity to the feelings of
those different than ourselves. It is no different than racism, sexism, ageism,
or nationalism. We objectify the
animal, and use it without realizing how it feels. All studies show that
animals feel profound pain, and have a deep desire to live. The more we treat
things like objects the easier it is to become abusive and neglectful to other
people and even ourselves.
There are numerous studies that show that children who have become violent were
permitted to inflict pain on defenseless animals.
All people need a sense of power in their lives. When power over their own life
is taken away from someone they will exert power in some other, often destructive,
way. Power can take the form of violence. It can also take the form of
compassion. But young people need to know that compassion is an option that is
rewarded and rewarding.
In the book "Pay It Forward" (which is now being released as a movie)
you can see how simple acts of unrequited compassion can change the world.
The Talmud says that the highest form of kindness is kindness to animals,
because there is no return action expected. Maslow in his hierarchy of values
talks about the levels of reasons for doing good deeds. This starts from
avoiding punishment and ends at the highest level of doing good for the
implicit reward of doing good. That is the goal we should expect of all of
us."
Dr. Randall Lockwood, a psychologist with the Humane Society of the
United States, along with FBI officials, published a report revealing that
David Berkowitz, Albert DeSalvo, Jeffrey Dahmer, and the Columbine killers,
were animal abusers. Clearly, those who
hurt animals and get away with it will also hurt humans
New legislation involves years of lobbying by local animal advocates. One
such example is an ordinance in Palm Beach County, ordinance 98-22 Sec. 24 (I)
which prohibits dogs riding unrestrained in the back of pickup trucks.
This important ordinance took over four years to pass. Now we can't get it
enforced. I see police officers driving behind pickup trucks with dogs
riding in the back, clearly violating the ordinance. When I call the
police to find out why they don't stop these drivers, I'm told officers were
unaware of this ordinance and animal-abuse laws aren't taught in police
academies. But ordinance 98-22 Sec. 15 (A) dictates that Palm Beach
County commissioners have a responsibility to "educate the population
…concerning the law and the proper care and respect for animals
…..." Clearly, this education should be mandatory for school
children prosecutors and law enforcement personnel charged with enforcing the
law.
"Sharon," a West Palm Beach resident reported to police that her
neighbors were slaughtering animals in their backyard. She saw the
animals being led, heard their cries, smelled dead animals and saw the
neighbors barbecuing following these incidents. The next day, she could
see the remains of the animals she had seen walking the night before.
According to Florida Statute F.S. 838.012, she was witnessing the commission of
felonies, however, the sheriff's office said "there was nothing we could
do, call Animal Care & Control for animal problems."
This is common when concerned citizens call their local police agencies to
report animal abuse. Agencies are quick to pass it off to Palm Beach
County Animal Care and Control (ACC). For a county as large as Palm
Beach, a single officer in charge of animal cruelty cannot possibly handle all
of the complaints by herself. Nor
should she be expected to. Local police can and should enforce these laws.
When police arrested a dogfighters ring recently, the local sheriff and state
attorney assured the public they take animal crimes seriously. Dog fighting
is a third degree felony punishable by five years in prison, yet, these
criminals are facing probation and a fine. Why are they not being
punished in accordance with the law?
Hon. Nancy Perez, a County Court Judge said ""Animal
enforcement officers need training on how to present their case, " and in
a letter from Circuit Court Judge Virginia Broom following an animal-cruelty
case, she wrote "If I could have imposed more than the maximum sentence, I
would have", indicating that even when the case is tried correctly,
punishment is inadequate, and not even the judge can change that, it takes
legislators.
But legislators are not making crimes against animals a priority either, and
won't admit it. In an interview for Animal Writes, Congressman
Mark Foley told me "… I believe that how we treat animals reflects on
how we treat people. I was appalled to learn that Mr. Weston, the man who
shot those two capital police officers, had admitted to shooting neighbors cats
in the weeks before. Perhaps if he had been made to pay for the crime of
shooting cats, he wouldn't be out shooting policemen." When asked
about lack of police education, he said "…I have seen many people fight
hard to get laws passed and once they are, the attention is off of it and
things go on as before, with nobody enforcing them. When someone takes
advantage of an animal and kicks the dog, they will take advantage of a child
and hurt them too."
This appears to be the sentiments of a sincere person, yet Foley neglected
to vote on a bill that would go a long way towards a ban on cockfighting,
and he voted against bills that would save dolphins, coyotes and other species.
He had nice things to say, but he also has the power to make changes, and he
neglected to use it.
In one neighborhood, a dog was tied to the back of a pickup truck and dragged
for miles. His injuries required euthanasia. When the sheriff agreed to
file a complaint, the state attorney let it go because, they claimed there was
no case. In an incident where a Pomeranian named Sadie was found skinned
alive, ensuing public panic brought a motorist to police, explaining that he
accidentally hit Sadie with his car and left her to die. She waited nine
hours by the side of the road, completely degloved, until found and taken to a veterinarian
for euthanasia. Charges were filed under the cruelty statute, FS 828.012
an element of which is intent. Since the motorist didn't intend to hit the dog,
charges should have been filed under the abandonment statute, FS 828. 013 (c)
which prohibits abandonment of an injured animal. The judge had no choice
but to dismiss the case.
Broward Sheriff's Lt. Sherry Schlueter, a world-renowned authority on
the subject of crimes against animals, is consulting with the Palm Beach County
Sheriff on the installation of the pit-bull unit. She has traveled the
world lecturing on this subject to enlightened and progressive police agencies.
She has offered to travel to local agencies too, but local police chiefs are
not quick to accept her offer. " Police need to be more educated," Lt.
Schlueter says "Animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions are not
addressed in the police academy. This happens time and again. The police
hear about animal abuse and almost always refer the complainant to the animal
control agencies, or if they do get involved, they take the attitude that they
are simply there to assist the animal control officer. It needs to be the
other way around. Law enforcement officers can and should enforce state
statutes."
Tequesta Detective Charles Weinblatt responds by saying "One of
the reasons is, these crimes are not pursued aggressively by the State
Attorney's Office. Therefore, when these crimes are addressed by the police,
the perpetrators are usually given a fine, at best, unless the act is so
heinous that the fear of public pressure on the prosecutors' office would spur
them on to more severe punitive measures. As far as education, I think you
might look towards the criminal justice training standards and the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement, who have input as to courses addressed at the
recruit level. It's a jungle out there, but cops care! The State Attorneys'
office is also like a voice of the people, so to speak, people must speak
up and tell the office what is important."
Unless we incorporate education about animal crimes into police and attorney
continuing education, we will continue to see a rise in animal cruelty, and a
parallel rise in crimes against people too.
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Standing Firm
by Steve Best
Once upon a time, a year or so ago, I was an
untenured Philosophy professor. I had
to answer to the shrill complaints of the Chairs of the Philosophy and
Humanities Departments about my custom of teaching vegetarianism and animal
rights issues. I also endured anonymous and ignorant Professors from other
departments writing to the Chair of the Philosophy Department and vilifying the
content of my teaching methods and courses about which they knew nothing. I always took a career risk, for the
material was controversial (much more than my teaching of Nietzsche, feminism,
Marx, etc.) and was enough in a standard intolerant university environment to
get me fired (although 99% of my students loved what I do, a vast majority move
toward vegetarianism, and many take my classes specifically to learn about
health and animal rights issues).
But alas, much to my surprise, as I was downloading an application to the Peace
Corps, I did get tenure (in large part thanks to a strong
publication and teaching record), and now I am Chair of the
Philosophy Department. So instead of answering to others, I myself set the
policies, and believe me, they will forever include the teaching of animal
rights and ethical vegetarianism. In fact, next spring, I will co-teach a
seminar on "Animal Rights and the Law" that already is attracting a
lot of interest.
So who says a radical anarchist, vegan, animal rights theorist and activist
can't survive in a medieval and anthropocentric university environment? Animal
rights teachers of the world unite! We have nothing to lose but our fear of
teaching and doing what is right.
http://utminers.utep.edu/best/ (home page)
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Vetzine - New Free Pet Health
e-zine
from Alex Gough
Vetzine
is a new, free monthly newsletter for pet owners. Written by practicing vet and
author, Alex Gough, Vetzine brings you news, views, health info and interesting
cases. Subscribing is easy, (and so is unsubscribing if you so wish).
Simply go to
http://www.egroups.com/group/vetzine
and click on "Subscribe." Your pet will thank you.
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Humane USA
Political Action Committee for Animals
from Wayne Pacelle
Please
check out www.humaneusa.org
This web site, www.humaneusa.org, introduces Humane USA, the nation's first
major national political action committee for animals. Please visit the
site to find out how you can help to change the political landscape for animals
in the United States.
On this site, you will find the following:
~ A list of current endorsements for candidates for Congress.
Humane USA urges you to vote for the endorsed candidates if they represent you
in the U.S. House or Senate.
~ A list of major Congressional votes and bills on animal
protection. You can find out how your legislators stand on humane issues.
~ A listing of ballot initiatives to be voted on by the people of nine
states in November. It is critical that animal advocates know how to vote
on these measures and become involved in these campaigns.
~ Other pertinent information about Humane USA.
During the next three weeks, Humane USA will publish a final list of
Congressional endorsements on its web site, along with a recommendation on a
candidate to support for President of the United States.
The web site will also include a list of the Congress's worst legislators on
animal protection issues. Humane USA is targeting these politicians
for defeat.
It is an axiom of American politics that organized minorities command the
influence of politicians. Look at the NRA. It has 3 million members
- a small percentage of the voting elecctorate. But, from a politician's
vantage point, a voting block of 3 or 5 percent may be enough to tip a
Congressional or presidential election.
Animal advocates need to engage themselves in electoral politics. That's
the purpose of Humane USA. We can exert an enormous impact on elections if we
work together.
Spread the word, check out the site, and also please join Humane USA PAC.
Humane USA PAC
P.O. Box 19224
Washington, D.C. 20036
humaneusa@aol.com
www.humaneusa.org
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle, Chairman
Humane USA PAC
wpacelle@yahoo.com
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FARM Job Openings
from FARM
FARM
has openings for an Office Coordinator and a Publications Coordinator. The responsibilities for both positions are
listed on our web site at:
http://www.farmusa.org/html/employ.html
Please send letter noting interest, availability,
financial needs, and a resume to Lucy at 10101 Ashburton Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
or Lucy@farmusa.org.
Our deep thanks to all who took part in World Farm Animals Day. Now, let's elect legislators who support the
animal agenda.
http://www.farmusa.org
1-888-FARM USA
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United Poultry Concerns
Will Hold 11th Annual
Open-House Thanksgiving Party
from Franklin Wade
Date:
Saturday, November 25, 2000
Time: 2 to 6 PM
Place: 12325 Seaside Road, Machipongo, VA 23405 (Eastern Shore)
The public is cordially invited to our open house
vegetarian potluck party
on Saturday, November 25, from 2 to 6 PM. Please
bring one all-vegetarian
(vegan) dish to share. If you are not familiar with
vegan food, please come
and taste what's cooking, and meet our chickens,
turkeys, and Katya
the duck.
DIRECTIONS:
From Norfolk, cross the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge.
Drive 20 minutes on Rt 13 North to the B & B Convenience Store &
Chevron Station on the right. Turn right onto Machipongo Drive.
Go a mile to the first stop sign. Turn left onto Seaside Road.
Drive a mile to 12325 Seaside Road on the right-the white house
just past Webb's Island Road.
From Maryland, DC, Northern VA, take the beltway to Rt 50 East.
Cross the Bay Bridge. Drive through Salisbury, MD. Get on Rt 13 South
towards Norfolk. Drive 80 Miles to Rt 620, Birdsnest (Look for the
small green sign on the right.) Turn left onto Birdsnest Drive across
the railroad tracks. Go a mile to the first stop sign. Turn right
onto Seaside Road. Go to 12325 Seaside Road - the white house on
the left.
From Richmond, take Interstate 64 East. After passing exits to
Norfolk International Airport, take the next exit onto Northampton
Blvd (Rt 13 North) to the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge. Cross the
bridge. Keep going straight on 13 North and follow the above
directions from Norfolk.
Directions also available at:
http://www.upc-online.org/upc_directions.html
For Information Contact:
Karen Davis - 757-678-7875
Karen@upc-online.org
Franklin@upc-online.org
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The Fur Coat
by WantNoMeat@aol.com
You saw it hanging on the fur rack
but do you know what's on your back
With vain reasons you justified
for this vanity animals died
On a fur farm they live on wire
to supply fur for your attire
Inhumane, callous and unfair
killed what they're born to wear
Perhaps they stepped in a trap
bones broken in the awful snap
Painfully struggling to get free
the trap cuts deeper mercilessly
If only you would look and see
your coat came with a history
Of selfish actions and ugly hearts
the wearing of body parts
Skinned by the billions each year
but an end is drawing near
There is no excuse for wearing fur
and a boycott is the only cure
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Quote
To Remember
"People ask me how I look so young, I tell them I look my age. It is
other
people who look older, what do expect from people who eat
corpses?
~ George
Bernard Shaw, writer
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Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
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