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DEFENDERS OF ANIMALS
Two rescued friends enjoying a winter's day in Warwick, Rhode Island.
News Items
How Could You? (May 5, 2008)
Submitted by Mike Butts, Famous Radio Personality and Member of Defenders of Animals, Inc.
HOW COULD YOU? By Jim Willis, 2001
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh.
You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.
Whenever I was 'bad,' you'd shake your finger at me and ask 'How could you?' -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly-rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together.
I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because 'ice cream is bad for dogs' you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate.
I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a 'dog person' -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.
Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love.
As they began to grow, I became their friend.
They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose.
I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.
These past few years, you just answered 'yes' and changed the subject.
I had gone from being 'your dog' to 'just a dog,' and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets.
You've made the right decision for your 'family,' but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.
You filled out the paperwork and said 'I know you will find a good home for her.'
They shrugged and gave you a pained look.
They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with 'papers.
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed 'No, Daddy!
Please don't let them take my dog!' And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you.
You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home.
They shook their heads and asked, 'How could you?'
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.
At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.
A blissfully quiet room.
She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry.
My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her.
The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek.
I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein.
As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured 'How could you?'
Perhaps because she understood my dog-speak, she said 'I'm so sorry.
She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have
to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my 'How could you?' was not directed at her.
It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
A Note from the Author: If 'How Could You?' brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly 'owned' pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters.
Please use this to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.
More...
Animals are suffering in Smithfield shelter (3/20/08)
3/20/2008
Humane group: Animals are suffering in Smithfield shelter
By GERRY GOLDSTEIN, Valley Breeze & Observer Correspondent
Chief McGarry denies charges
SMITHFIELD - Alleging that animals at the town shelter are being subjected to mistreatment ranging from lack of medical attention to starvation, a group of volunteers and shelter fund-raisers is seeking a Town Council investigation.
Their charges, which they have detailed in written presentations given to council members Tuesday - but too late for inclusion on that night's meeting agenda - drew strong rebuttals from Police Chief William A. McGarry, whose department runs the shelter, and Deputy Chief Richard P. St. Sauveur Jr., who oversees the operation.
But the volunteers, who say they have stopped working at the shelter because they felt intimidated and unwelcome there, cite a litany of abuse.
They say that sick animals are left in filthy bedding, go without veterinary attention sometimes to the point of near death, and suffer from general inattention.
Additionally, a group that over the last six years has raised more than $43,000 to help shelter animals - at events such as rummage sales and spaghetti suppers - says that the Police Department now refuses to accept any of the money they raise, much of it offered to assure veterinary services.
In fact, some of the shelter critics say they have had to resort to subterfuge, pretending to walk sick or emaciated dogs, while in reality taking them to the vet.
Deputy Chief St. Sauveur confirms that his department does not accept the privately raised money, saying he has been assured by the town manager that if supplemental money is ever needed for animal care, it will be supplied.
He termed the two shelter employees, Animal Control Warden Thomas Taylor and assistant Robert Salisbury, "professional and hard-working. They are very caring individuals when it comes to the needs of the animals at the shelter."
St. Sauveur said that he has been reviewing shelter operations for months, sometimes with unannounced inspections, and that while he has recommended some minor changes he has concluded that "the animals are well-fed, well cared for, and are provided with adequate food, water and medical care."
Not so, says Judy E. Chase, founder and past president of Smithfield's Animal Shelter Aid Program (ASAP), the registered, tax-exempt charity that has raised money for animal care.
She says that relations with the shelter deteriorated so badly that "volunteers have smuggled food into the shelter . . . and they have taken literally hundreds of sick animals to the vet's," quietly paying the bills with aid program money despite the police department's ban on accepting it.¬ ¬ ¬ ¬
Bethany Mott, a volunteer who is head of circulation at the East Smithfield Public Library, says her three years of volunteering at the shelter, from 2002 to 2005, were filled with anxiety and pity for animals that she felt were ill-cared for.
"I was welcome there as long as I didn't make a fuss or speak up for the animals," she said.
She said she was often told, when complaining about animal needs, that the town couldn't afford what she suggested.
She said it was her experience that animals "hardly ever got veterinary care, even with open wounds."
"It was obvious cruelty," she said, adding that she saw three days' accumulation of feces in dog runs, mold in dog food, and maggots. "I could do nothing about it because if I spoke up I would be asked to leave," she said.
Another volunteer, Nicole Waybright, a mechanical engineer and former Navy officer who is fluent in Spanish and now runs a home business translating technical documents for international companies, supplied The Breeze & Observer with a list of incidents among many that she says she witnessed at the shelter.
These include instances where sick or injured animals were allegedly left in enclosures full of urine and feces, with food containers out of reach.
She contends also that medications were not given properly, that illnesses were not adequately evaluated, and that she and other volunteers personally witnessed "examples of animals being left in cages to die of starvation, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and general lack of care."¬
Waybright says the shelter, at 3 Spragueville Road, off Pleasant View Avenue behind the Public Works garage, averages three to four dogs and five to six cats at any given time. Springtime brings a flood of kittens.
The volunteers said they are going public because although they were told last summer that St. Sauveur was investigating, they have been unsuccessful in obtaining any report from him.
They also allege bad relations with Chief McGarry that stem from the group's support several years ago of a bill, eventually passed, that eliminated animal gas chambers in Rhode Island, including Smithfield's.
McGarry said he disagreed with the bill's provisions, but characterized the accusation of a grudge as "absolutely untrue and unwarranted. That's really unfair to me - I'm not that kind of guy."
He said despite his personal opposition, "That was a state law, and we honor state laws."
Deputy Chief St. Sauveur told the newspaper he feels that the volunteers' dissatisfaction is rooted in their desire to see more done for animals than a shelter is designed to provide, and that sometimes they insist on a level of care beyond shelter capabilities.
"This is a temporary facility, and while animals are here they are adequately cared for," he said, adding of the allegations, "I have not observed such things, and the staff cares far too much for these things to occur."
Waybright's e-mail communication with St. Sauveur over a period of months last year and this year show a continuing concern over additional issues:
* No specific item in the town budget for animal medical expenses.
* No outside expert such as a veterinary technician to be responsible for periodic visits to manage medication.
* "Needless suffering" from such maladies as untreated urinary blockages and massive infections.
* No concrete plan for emergency veterinary services at odd hours when local vet offices are closed.
Both the police chief and deputy chief said the issue boils down to one of control: whether members of their department or the volunteers are going to exert authority at the shelter. ¬
Meanwhile, the complaints have caught the attention of Smithfield Democratic state Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., who was largely responsible for the law banning gas chambers in favor of lethal injection.
Tassoni said he does not know at this point if the charges are valid, but he told The Breeze & Observer the Town Council "should take this seriously."
Noting that he, himself, has contributed money to ASAP, Tassone questioned why the shelter is refusing donations from dedicated residents, especially in a time when the municipal budget is tight.
"This is very upsetting to me," he said. "My hope is that all the allegations are false, but if, in fact, they are true, the Town Council needs to step up to the plate and put the appropriate people in charge of that shelter."
Council members on Tuesday had no time to read the volunteers' reports and they were not discussed, especially since the state's open meetings law requires agenda items to be posted several days in advance of meeting times.
Waybright said the volunteers will ask the council to put their concerns on the agenda for its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
- Reach Gerry Goldstein at Gerry76@cox.net.¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬
¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬ ¬
More...
How you can help to pass pro animal bills (February 19, 2008)
Please contact the members of the HEW Committee (listed below). Ask them to support these bill being heard on Wednesday, February 27.
Our Animal Friends Need as many people as possible at these hearings on Wednesday, February 27. It's imperative that there be support for these bills!!!!! Please plan to attend and record your name as in favor of these bills. (4:15-4:30 PM). Do you want to stop animals from being tied out in bad weather? Are you in favor of mandatory spay/neuter of cats (over 3,000 animals are destroyed each year in Rhode Island) Do you want the court to issue protective orders for animals regarding domestic violence? Do you want mandatory jail time for people involved in dog fighting? If so, you have to be there Wednesday, February 27.
IT'S ALL ON THE LINE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF MEETING
DATE: Wednesday, February 27, 2008
TIME: Rise of the House
PLACE: Room 135 - State House
SCHEDULED FOR HEARING AND/OR CONSIDERATION
House Bill No. 7284
BY Serpa, Gallison, Silva, Lewiss, Fellela
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS {LC746} (prohibit any person from keeping a dog tethered, penned, caged, fenced or confined outside for more than thirty minutes when the temp is beyond the weather safety scale without access to outdoor housing)
01/29/08 Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
02/27/08 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7354
BY Fellela, Serpa, Carter
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - PERMIT PROGRAM FOR CATS {LC685} (provide that when a cat or kitten is offered for sale or adoption, the person so doing, either has to spay or neuter the cat or kitten prior to the adoption or sale or provide a spay or neuter prepaid certificate)
02/05/08 Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
02/27/08 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7169
BY Lima, Baldelli-Hunt
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS {LC757} (require a court to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of abusing animals)
01/22/08 Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
02/27/08 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
House Bill No. 7212
BY Lima, Coderre E, Serpa, Lewiss, Almeida
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS {LC890} (provide for judicia l discretion regarding incarceration for convictions related to animal fighting)
01/23/08 Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
02/27/08 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
Robert Johnson
Committee Clerk
222-2296
POSTED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008, 09:23 AM
PLEASE CALL DEFENDERS OF ANIMALS AT 738-3710 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
Representative
Representative Lisa Baldelli-Hunt
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
304 Prospect Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
rep-baldellihunt@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Steven John Coaty
CONTACT INFORMATION:
P.O. Box 1293Newport, RI 02840-3353
Tel: 401-848-7227
Email: rep-coaty@rilin.state.ri.us
rep-oaty@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Grace Diaz
CONTACT: 45 Adelaide Avenue
Providence, RI 0290
(401) 575-3641
rep-diaz@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Deborah A. Fellela
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
3 Diaz Street
Johnston, RI 02919
rep-fellela@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Frank Ferri
38 Lippitt Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: 401-737-5113
rep-ferri@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Robert E. Flaherty
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
936 Buttonwoods Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 781-7200
rep-flaherty@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Arthur Handy
·
26 Welfare Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 785-8996
rep-handy@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Joseph M. McNamara
· Chairperson, Health, Education & Welfare
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
23 Howie Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888
(401)941-8319
rep-mcnamara@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Patricia A. Serpa
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
194 Kimberly Lane
West Warwick, RI 02893
rep-serpa@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Agostinho F. Silva
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
82 Ledge Street, 1st Floor
Central Falls, RI 02863
rep-silva@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Susan A. Story
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
26 Broadview Drive
Barrington, RI 02806
(401)245-5083
rep-story@rilin.state.ri.us
Peter N. Wasylyk
Hoe21 Obediah Brown Road
Providence, RI 02909
(401)831-7730
rep-wasylyk@rilin.state.ri.us
Representative Thomas Winfield
· CONTACT INFORMATION:
2 Church Street
Smithfield, RI 02828
(401) 949-3356
rep-winfield@rilin.state.ri.us
More...
Legislation to date for 2008 (Tuesday, January 22, 2008)
Pro animal bills introduced to date for 2008 in Rhode Island.We will need support from you to get these bills passed in the Senate and the House. Please let us know that you would be willing to send out emails, make a couple of calls, write letters and be at the hearings when they are scheduled. Defenders of Animals is supporting the following bills:
S-2030 By Tassoni, Maselli, Doyle, McBurney This Act would provide for mandatory imprisonment for convictions related to animal fighting.
http:www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText08/SenateText08/S2030.pdf
S-2025 BY Tassoni, Maselli, Goodwin, Doyle, McBurney This Act would require training for new law enforcement officers to include techniques to aid investigating officers to become aware of incidents of crimes of domestic violence and other abuse crimes and how to react and investigate them. Those crimes would include child abuse, elder abuse, and cruelty to animals.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText08/SenateText08/S2025.pdf
S- 2019 BY Tassoni, Maselli, Goodwin, Doyle, McBurney This Act would require a court to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of abusing animals. This Act would also allow an agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or a Municipal animal control officer to petition the district or superior court to have any animal confiscated and forfeited that is possessed by a person found guilty of animal abuse.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText08/SenateText08/S2019.pdf
S-2008 BY Tassoni, McBurney, Doyle This Act would increase the various penalties related to animal cruelty.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText08/SenateText08/S2008.pdf
Senate Bill No.2043
BY Tassoni, Doyle, McBurney, Felag
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- REGULATION OF VICIOUS DOGS
(add the director of the defenders of animals or his or her designee to the hearing panel which decides whether a dog should be declared vicious)
{LC71/1}
01/10/2008 Introduced, referred to Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Issues
Senate Bill No.2096
BY Tassoni, Sosnowski, Fogarty P, Issa
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS
(provide guidelines and penalties for any person that keeps a dog outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise confined without adequate shelter from the elements)
{LC745/1}
01/15/2008 Introduced, referred to Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Issues
Senate Bill No.2097
BY Tassoni, Ciccone, Jabour, Maselli
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - PERMIT PROGRAM FOR CATS
(provide that when a cat or kitten is offered for sale or adoption, the person so doing, either has to spay or neuter the cat or kitten prior to the adoption or sale or provide a spay or neuter prepaid certificate)
{LC538/1}
01/15/2008 Introduced, referred to Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Issues
Senate Bill No.2101
BY Tassoni, Issa, Perry, McBurney
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS
(prohibit any person from keeping a dog tethered/penned/caged/fenced/confined outside for 30 minutes when the temperature is beyond the weather safety scale without access to an outdoor housing facility)
{LC539/1}
01/22/2008 Introduced, referred to Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Issues
House Bill No.7169
BY Lima, Baldelli-Hunt
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(require a court to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of abusing animals)
{LC757/1}
01/22/2008 Introduced, referred to House H.E.W.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More...
Animal Fighting Legislation in Rhode Island (Sunday, December 16, 2007)
12-13-07
Sen. Tassoni bills target animal fighting, animal abuse
STATE HOUSE - High profile as it is, the Michael Vick case is not unique. Animal fighting, specifically, and animal cruelty in general is an unfortunate but persistent part of human activity.
Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Smithfield) is sickened by animal abuse and animal abusers and has spent years in the General Assembly fighting it through new and stronger laws. Among his achievements is the 2006 law that established a breeder permit program for cats, featuring a spay/neuter program to control the cat population in the state and prevent the euthanization of thousands of malnourished and ill feral cats.
This year, Senator Tassoni has prefiled three bills to be taken up during the 2008 session that add more protections for animals from abuse and neglect, including one bill calling for higher fines and imprisonment for convictions related to animal fighting.
"Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons ex-quarterback) is getting lots of media attention, but it's the mistreatment to the animals that cannot be overlooked," said Senator Tassoni. "Protecting animals from abuse and neglect is not just about punishing abusers but also about enacting laws to extend the kind of humane treatment animals deserve."
While animal fighting, owning fighting animals and attending animal fights is already outlawed in Rhode Island, Senator Tassoni's bill would make imprisonment for violations mandatory, not an option as currently provided by law. The imprisonment would still be for a period of up to two years. In addition, fines for anyone convicted of staging, promoting or betting on bird, dog or animal fights would be increased, with the minimum fine rising from $1,000 to $2,500 and the maximum fine increasing from $5,000 to $10,000.
"This kind of activity is nothing short of barbaric," said Senator Tassoni. "The penalties associated with it should be severe."
Another bill prefiled by Senator Tassoni for consideration when the General Assembly convenes in January would establish a new section of state statute, requiring the courts to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of animal abuse. The bill would also allow an agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or a municipal animal control officer to petition the district or superior court to confiscate any animal owned by a person guilty of abuse.
The final bill would increase various penalties related to animal cruelty. Basic fines for those guilty of mistreatment or neglect, which are now $50 to $500, would grow to a range of $100 to $1,000. Anyone guilty of malicious injury to or of killing animals would face a mandatory two-year jail sentence, a fine of up to $2,00 and a total of 50 hours of community restitution. Anyone guilty of violating current registration and filing procedures for animal research would face a $1,000 fine, up from the current $500.
"There must be accountability and punishment that fits the crime in cases where a pet or any other animal is neglected, abused, tortured or killed," said Senator Tassoni. "Pets and other animals have little or no defense, and it's our job to protect them."
For more information: Contact
Randall T. Szyba, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457
These bills are supported by Defenders of Animals, Inc. More...
BOYCOTT WAL-Mart (December 7, 2007)
Boycott Wal-Mart
WJAR-TV Friday, December 7, 2007
COVENTRY, R.I. - A Wal-Mart employee accused the Coventry store of animal cruelty after she said management hired someone to shoot birds that fly into the building.
The woman, who did not want to be identified, works part time at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Coventry. She said she's seen it happen three times in the two years she's been working there.
"It's inhumane for them to kill these birds the way they're doing it," the woman said.
The store manager told NBC 10 that an outside contractor was hired to eliminate a problem with birds, but did not confirm if the birds were shot.
The employee said she felt compelled to draw attention to the way the giant retailer gets rid of birds that fly into its store.
"They actually have a gentleman come into the store and shoot them down with a BB gun," she said. "They are putting them to their death."
NBC 10 tried to contact the company that Wal-Mart said it uses to eliminate the birds but did not get a response.
The employee said she and other associates at the store have voiced their concerns to management.
"They said they're trying to do everything, and we feel that they're not doing enough," she said.
Jami Lamontagne, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, issued a statement that said in part, "We do our best to remove animals from our stores in a safe and timely manner. With 127 million customers coming through our door each week, our doors are opened frequently and sometimes a bird might happen to fly in."
Lamontagne continued to say that, "Wal-Mart strives to comply with all rules and regulations regarding animal treatment and will attempt to humanely shoo the birds back out the doors."
Dennis Tabella of the Defenders of Animals called for people to boycott Wal-Mart during the holidays because of its treatment of the birds.
"We think it's dangerous," he said. "We think there are many other humane alternatives that the store could be using to chase away the birds."
The employee agreed.
"If they could get some kind of netting system or anything," she said.
More...
RI DEMs position on Bird Poisoning predictable and wrong states animal control group. (July 28, 2008)
New England Pest Control using Avitrol to kill birds More...
state-wide boycott of New England Pest Control (July 28, 2007)
News Release
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2007
Animal Rights Group calls for extermination of the Big Blue Bug by way of state-wide boycott of New England Pest Control for killing birds in Lincoln. More...
Victory in RI Senate for Companion Animals (May 22, 2007)
Please see copy of the bill below:
Senate Bill No.463 SUB A
BY Perry, Sosnowski, Miller, Tassoni, Alves
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
(permit the district court or the family court, in instances where domestic violence is alleged, to include in any orders provisions for the care, custody and control of any companion animal)
{LC1925/2/A}
02/13/2007 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
03/13/2007 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
03/13/2007 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
04/26/2007 Scheduled for consideration
04/26/2007 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
05/16/2007 Placed on Senate Calendar
05/22/2007 Senate passed Sub A
2007 -- S 0463 SUBSTITUTE A
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
=======
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2007
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
Introduced By: Senators Perry, Sosnowski, Miller, Tassoni, and Alves
Date Introduced: February 13, 2007
Referred To: Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 15-15-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 15-1 15 entitled
"Domestic
2 Abuse Prevention" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 15-15-6. Form of complaint. --
4 (a) A form in substantially the following language shall suffice for the
purpose of filing a
5 complaint under this chapter:
6
7 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT
8 COUNTY OF ________________________
9 ______________________________________:
10 Plaintiff:
11 VS. : F.C.NO.
12
_______________________________________________________________
________:
13 ______________________________________:
14 Defendant:
15
16 COMPLAINT FOR PROTECTION FROM ABUSE
17 Pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title, I request that the court enter an order
protecting me
18 from abuse.
19 (1) My full name, present street address, city, and telephone number are
as follows:
2
______________________________________________________________1
_________
2
_______________________________________________________________
___
3 (2) My former residence, which I have left to avoid abuse, is as follows
(street address
4 and city):
_______________________________________________________________
__
5
_______________________________________________________________
___
6 (3) The full name, present street address, city, and telephone number of
the person
7 causing me abuse (the defendant) are as follows:
8
_______________________________________________________________
___
9 (4) My relationship to the defendant is as follows:
10 _____ We (are) (were formerly) married to one another.
11 _____ I am the defendant's (child) (parent).
12 _____ I am the blood relative or relative by marriage of the defendant;
specifically, the
13 defendant is my
_______________________________________________________.
14 _____ I and the defendant are together the legal parents of one or more
children.
15 (5) On or about ______________________________, I suffered abuse
when the
16 defendant:
17 _____ Threatened or harmed me with a weapon; (type of weapon used:
____________)
18 _____ Attempted to cause me physical harm;
19 _____ Caused me physical harm;
20 _____ Placed me in fear of imminent physical harm;
21 _____ Caused me to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force,
threat of force, or
22 duress. Specifically, the defendant
23
_______________________________________________________________
_________
24
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
25
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
26
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
27 (6) ____ Present in the residence when I suffered this abuse was a
domestic, companion
28 animal.
29 (6) (7) I ask that:
30 _____ The court order that the defendant be restrained and enjoined
from contacting,
31 assaulting, molesting, or otherwise interfering with the plaintiff at home,
on the street or
32 elsewhere.
33 _____ The court order the defendant to immediately leave the household
which is
34 located at
3
___________1
_______________________________________________________
2 _____ The court award me temporary custody of the following minor
child(ren) (the
3 defendant and I are husband and wife):
4 Names Date of Birth
5 That
6
_______________________________________________________________
_________
7
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
8
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
9 I request that the above relief be ordered without notice because it clearly
appears from
10 specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint that I will
suffer immediate and
11 irreparable injury, loss, or damage before notice can be served and a
hearing had thereon. I
12 understand that the court will schedule a hearing no later than
twenty-one (21) days after the
13 order is entered on the question of continuing the temporary order.
14 (7) (8) I have not sought protection from abuse from any other judge of
the family court
15 arising out of the facts or circumstances alleged in this complaint.
16 (8) (9) That the court award me support for my minor children as required
by law for a
17 period not to exceed ninety (90) days.
18
_______________________________________________________________
___
19 (Signature) (Date)
20 Subscribed and sworn to before me in
_____________________________in the county
21 of ______________________________in the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations,
22 this ___________ day of ____________________________________A.D.
20 _______.
23
_______________________________________________________________
24 Notary Public
25 Note: If this complaint is filed by an attorney, the attorney's certificate
should appear as
26 below:
27 ATTORNEY CERTIFICATE
28 Signed:
29
_______________________________________________________________
___
30 Attorney for Plaintiff
31 Address:
32
_______________________________________________________________
_________
33
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
34 Date: _______________________, 20______
4
WHITE COPY 1 Court
2 YELLOW COPY Plaintiff
3 PINK COPY Defendant
4 GOLDENROD COPY Police Department
5 (b) A form in substantially the following language shall suffice for the
purpose of
6 requesting temporary orders under this chapter:
7 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT
8 COUNTY OF ______________________
9 ________________________________________:
10 Plaintiff:
11 VS. : F.C. NO.
12
_______________________________________________________________
________:
13 _________________________________________:
14 Defendant:
15
16 TEMPORARY ORDER PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 15 OF
17 THIS TITLE GENERAL LAWS OF RHODE ISLAND
18 Upon consideration of plaintiff's complaint and having found that
immediate and
19 irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the plaintiff before a
notice can be served and a
20 hearing had thereon it is ORDERED:
21 _____ That the defendant is restrained and enjoined from contacting,
assaulting,
22 molesting, or otherwise interfering with plaintiff at home, on the street, or
elsewhere.
23 _____ That the defendant vacate forthwith the household locate at
24
_______________________________________________________________
____
25 _____ That the plaintiff, being the [husband] [wife] of the defendant, be
and [s]he
26 hereby is awarded temporary custody of the minor child(ren) the sum of
$ _________per_____.
27 _____ A hearing on the continuation ORDER will be held at the family
court,
28 ________________County, at ___________[A.M.] [P.M.] on
29 ________________________if the defendant wishes to be heard, [s]he
will be heard at
30 that time. If [s]he does not appear at that time, this ORDER shall remain in
effect.
31 This ORDER is effective forthwith, and will remain in effect until the time
and date of
32 the above-mentioned hearing.
33 A copy of this ORDER shall be transmitted to the appropriate local law
enforcement
34 agency forthwith, and shall be served in-hand on the defendant herein.
5
1 ENTERED as an order of court this ______________ day of
____________________,
2 A.D. 20_____.
3 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
========
6
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
***
1 This act would permit the district court or the family court, in instances
where domestic
2 violence is alleged, to include in any orders provisions for the care,
custody and control of any
3 companion animal as set forth in section 4-13.1-2, kept or held by either
party, or by a minor
4 child residing in the household.
5 This act would take effect upon passage.
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
=======
Dennis
http://www.defendersofanimals.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See what's free at AOL.com. More...
Victory in RI Senate...Animals...domestic violence protection (May 23, 2007)
Please see copy of the bill below:
Senate Bill No.463 SUB A
BY Perry, Sosnowski, Miller, Tassoni, Alves
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
(permit the district court or the family court, in instances where domestic violence is alleged, to include in any orders provisions for the care, custody and control of any companion animal)
{LC1925/2/A}
02/13/2007 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
03/13/2007 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
03/13/2007 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
04/26/2007 Scheduled for consideration
04/26/2007 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
05/16/2007 Placed on Senate Calendar
05/22/2007 Senate passed Sub A
2007 -- S 0463 SUBSTITUTE A
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
=======
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2007
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
Introduced By: Senators Perry, Sosnowski, Miller, Tassoni, and Alves
Date Introduced: February 13, 2007
Referred To: Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 15-15-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 15-1 15 entitled
"Domestic
2 Abuse Prevention" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 15-15-6. Form of complaint. --
4 (a) A form in substantially the following language shall suffice for the
purpose of filing a
5 complaint under this chapter:
6
7 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT
8 COUNTY OF ________________________
9 ______________________________________:
10 Plaintiff:
11 VS. : F.C.NO.
12
_______________________________________________________________
________:
13 ______________________________________:
14 Defendant:
15
16 COMPLAINT FOR PROTECTION FROM ABUSE
17 Pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title, I request that the court enter an order
protecting me
18 from abuse.
19 (1) My full name, present street address, city, and telephone number are
as follows:
2
______________________________________________________________1
_________
2
_______________________________________________________________
___
3 (2) My former residence, which I have left to avoid abuse, is as follows
(street address
4 and city):
_______________________________________________________________
__
5
_______________________________________________________________
___
6 (3) The full name, present street address, city, and telephone number of
the person
7 causing me abuse (the defendant) are as follows:
8
_______________________________________________________________
___
9 (4) My relationship to the defendant is as follows:
10 _____ We (are) (were formerly) married to one another.
11 _____ I am the defendant's (child) (parent).
12 _____ I am the blood relative or relative by marriage of the defendant;
specifically, the
13 defendant is my
_______________________________________________________.
14 _____ I and the defendant are together the legal parents of one or more
children.
15 (5) On or about ______________________________, I suffered abuse
when the
16 defendant:
17 _____ Threatened or harmed me with a weapon; (type of weapon used:
____________)
18 _____ Attempted to cause me physical harm;
19 _____ Caused me physical harm;
20 _____ Placed me in fear of imminent physical harm;
21 _____ Caused me to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force,
threat of force, or
22 duress. Specifically, the defendant
23
_______________________________________________________________
_________
24
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
25
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
26
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
27 (6) ____ Present in the residence when I suffered this abuse was a
domestic, companion
28 animal.
29 (6) (7) I ask that:
30 _____ The court order that the defendant be restrained and enjoined
from contacting,
31 assaulting, molesting, or otherwise interfering with the plaintiff at home,
on the street or
32 elsewhere.
33 _____ The court order the defendant to immediately leave the household
which is
34 located at
3
___________1
_______________________________________________________
2 _____ The court award me temporary custody of the following minor
child(ren) (the
3 defendant and I are husband and wife):
4 Names Date of Birth
5 That
6
_______________________________________________________________
_________
7
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
8
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
9 I request that the above relief be ordered without notice because it clearly
appears from
10 specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified complaint that I will
suffer immediate and
11 irreparable injury, loss, or damage before notice can be served and a
hearing had thereon. I
12 understand that the court will schedule a hearing no later than
twenty-one (21) days after the
13 order is entered on the question of continuing the temporary order.
14 (7) (8) I have not sought protection from abuse from any other judge of
the family court
15 arising out of the facts or circumstances alleged in this complaint.
16 (8) (9) That the court award me support for my minor children as required
by law for a
17 period not to exceed ninety (90) days.
18
_______________________________________________________________
___
19 (Signature) (Date)
20 Subscribed and sworn to before me in
_____________________________in the county
21 of ______________________________in the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations,
22 this ___________ day of ____________________________________A.D.
20 _______.
23
_______________________________________________________________
24 Notary Public
25 Note: If this complaint is filed by an attorney, the attorney's certificate
should appear as
26 below:
27 ATTORNEY CERTIFICATE
28 Signed:
29
_______________________________________________________________
___
30 Attorney for Plaintiff
31 Address:
32
_______________________________________________________________
_________
33
_______________________________________________________________
_______________
34 Date: _______________________, 20______
4
WHITE COPY 1 Court
2 YELLOW COPY Plaintiff
3 PINK COPY Defendant
4 GOLDENROD COPY Police Department
5 (b) A form in substantially the following language shall suffice for the
purpose of
6 requesting temporary orders under this chapter:
7 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT
8 COUNTY OF ______________________
9 ________________________________________:
10 Plaintiff:
11 VS. : F.C. NO.
12
_______________________________________________________________
________:
13 _________________________________________:
14 Defendant:
15
16 TEMPORARY ORDER PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 15 OF
17 THIS TITLE GENERAL LAWS OF RHODE ISLAND
18 Upon consideration of plaintiff's complaint and having found that
immediate and
19 irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the plaintiff before a
notice can be served and a
20 hearing had thereon it is ORDERED:
21 _____ That the defendant is restrained and enjoined from contacting,
assaulting,
22 molesting, or otherwise interfering with plaintiff at home, on the street, or
elsewhere.
23 _____ That the defendant vacate forthwith the household locate at
24
_______________________________________________________________
____
25 _____ That the plaintiff, being the [husband] [wife] of the defendant, be
and [s]he
26 hereby is awarded temporary custody of the minor child(ren) the sum of
$ _________per_____.
27 _____ A hearing on the continuation ORDER will be held at the family
court,
28 ________________County, at ___________[A.M.] [P.M.] on
29 ________________________if the defendant wishes to be heard, [s]he
will be heard at
30 that time. If [s]he does not appear at that time, this ORDER shall remain in
effect.
31 This ORDER is effective forthwith, and will remain in effect until the time
and date of
32 the above-mentioned hearing.
33 A copy of this ORDER shall be transmitted to the appropriate local law
enforcement
34 agency forthwith, and shall be served in-hand on the defendant herein.
5
1 ENTERED as an order of court this ______________ day of
____________________,
2 A.D. 20_____.
3 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
========
6
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS
***
1 This act would permit the district court or the family court, in instances
where domestic
2 violence is alleged, to include in any orders provisions for the care,
custody and control of any
3 companion animal as set forth in section 4-13.1-2, kept or held by either
party, or by a minor
4 child residing in the household.
5 This act would take effect upon passage.
=======
LC01925/SUB A/2
=======
Dennis
http://www.defendersofanimals.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See what's free at AOL.com. More...
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