** PLEASE SUPPORT AB 2743 **

- THIS IMPORTANT BILL WILL PROHIBIT CALIFORNIA LANDLORDS FROM REQUIRING TENANTS TO DECLAW THEIR CATS OR DEBARK THEIR DOGS

For a sample letter and more information on the bill, you can  visit the Paw  Project website at: http://www.pawproject.com/html/what.asp

Please write before Senate floor vote which could be as early as June 21. This bill is needed, not only in California, but also to set precedence in other states where it is a VERY Common requirement  to rent an apartment  to require new tenants to have their cats declawed on 2 or all 4 paws or debark their dogs. We are lucky in California that this bill is supported by the Apartment Association. If you are a landlord , please specify that in your letter. Everyone's letters and efforts will really help.

This bill was doing really well. It passed in the California Assembly with a 63-7 vote but last week  the California Veterinary Medical Association  raised their efforts to block the passing of this bill by using $$$$$ and lobbyists,  The measure narrowly passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 3-2 vote, and could be voted on by the full Senate as early as the week of June 21. This Monday.
The full text of AB 2743 is available at this link: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2701-2750/ab_2743_bill_20100607_amended_sen_v95.pdf

PLEASE write letters to state senators (find your senator at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html)

YOUR SUPPORT will be helpful because the California Veterinary  Medical Association is lobbying very hard to kill the bill. CVMA is making the rounds of legislators¹ offices and making its views known to the Governor. It  has also sent out an alert to its members stating that it is "strongly opposed" to the bill and urging its members to send letters of opposition to their state  senators and to the Governor.

The CVMA is powerful because many legislators automatically support  the position held by a trade or business association. Therefore, letters coming in from across the state strongly in support of the law will be necessary. Please inform as many people and rescue groups as  possible.

Thank You!!!!!

** PLEASE SUPPORT AB 2743 **

- THIS IMPORTANT BILL WILL PROHIBIT CALIFORNIA LANDLORDS FROM REQUIRING TENANTS TO DECLAW THEIR CATS OR DEBARK THEIR DOGS

For a sample letter and more information on the bill, you can  visit the Paw  Project website at: http://www.pawproject.com/html/what.asp

Please write before Senate floor vote which could be as early as June 21. This bill is needed, not only in California, but also to set precedence in other states where it is a VERY Common requirement  to rent an apartment  to require new tenants to have their cats declawed on 2 or all 4 paws or debark their dogs. We are lucky in California that this bill is supported by the Apartment Association. If you are a landlord , please specify that in your letter. Everyone's letters and efforts will really help.

This bill was doing really well. It passed in the California Assembly with a 63-7 vote but last week  the California Veterinary Medical Association  raised their efforts to block the passing of this bill by using $$$$$ and lobbyists,  The measure narrowly passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 3-2 vote, and could be voted on by the full Senate as early as the week of June 21. This Monday.
The full text of AB 2743 is available at this link: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2701-2750/ab_2743_bill_20100607_amended_sen_v95.pdf

PLEASE write letters to state senators (find your senator at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html)

YOUR SUPPORT will be helpful because the California Veterinary  Medical Association is lobbying very hard to kill the bill. CVMA is making the rounds of legislators¹ offices and making its views known to the Governor. It  has also sent out an alert to its members stating that it is "strongly opposed" to the bill and urging its members to send letters of opposition to their state  senators and to the Governor.

The CVMA is powerful because many legislators automatically support  the position held by a trade or business association. Therefore, letters coming in from across the state strongly in support of the law will be necessary. Please inform as many people and rescue groups as  possible.

Thank You!!!!!

Get the PDF at: http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/33002-4-SF.pdf

The Office of Inspector General for USDA has released a scathing 69 page report for an audit and investigation conducted between 2006 and 2008.  This audit/investigation was prompted by a May 2006 meeting between OIG officials, CAPS and Crowell & Moring attorneys, who provide pro bono counsel and lobbying to CAPS.



In 2006, the Office of Inspector General requested a meeting with CAPS. The OIG never meets with citizens or nonprofits (they turned down our first request), so this must have been based on our in-depth investigations of hundreds of puppy mills where we document Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations and compare our findings to those of the USDA APHIS inspectors.

During a two hour meeting in May 2006, CAPS President Deborah Howard and CAPS attorneys/lobbyists Edward Green and David Ross met with two OIG officials. At this meeting, we discussed a long list of concerns and recommended necessary changes.

After that meeting, our lobbyists did not get a reply from OIG. The reason was that shortly after our meeting, the OIG commenced an investigation and audit, which ended in 2008.

All of the issues we covered in the meeting are in the report. In fact, the OIG report reads more like a CAPS investigation report (they included graphic photos, which is what we use in addition to undercover footage) than the usual dry government type OIG report. USDA officials, of course, are now saying they are going to make sweeping changes, and congressmen are calling for the same. CAPS has been meeting with congressional aides and USDA officials for more than eight years in an attempt to get oversight hearings and changes to the AWA.

CAPS will continue to cooperate with USDA while conducting ongoing oversight of the Animal Care inspection program.  Since 1995, CAPS has been to approximately 1,000 commercial dog breeders and brokers, most of them federally licensed.

The USDA has been very negligent in its enforcement of AWA regulations with respect to commercial dog breeders and brokers.  USDA APHIS/Animal Care uses inspectors, including veterinarians, to conduct "unannounced" inspections of federally licensed dog breeders and brokers who supply puppies to the pet shop industry.

For a good summary of the OIG report, read this article on the Animal Folks (run by CAPS Advisory Board member Ann Olson) website.

http://www.animalfolksmn.org/news-recent.html

Date: 2010-06-30
Where: Nice, France
Publication:MSNBC
URL for more info:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37995504
Summary:

WHO: The Companion Animal Protection Society ( www.caps-web.org), Santa Cruz SPCA ( www.santacruzspca.org), the Societé Défense des Animaux, and the official Mayor's Office of the City of Nice.

WHERE: Promenade des Anglais, seaside, across the street from the Negresco Hotel, 37 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 30th, 7:15 PM

WHAT: Riviera Rescue ( www.rivierarescue.blogspot.com), CAPS, the Santa Cruz SPCA and Air France are conducting a historic rescue airlift of little death row dogs from Los Angeles animal shelters to Nice, France. This is the first such rescue ever to take place in France. The dogs were scheduled to be euthanized because of the American pet overpopulation crisis that is killing five million companion animals per year in our nation's shelter system. CAPS, the SDA, and the Mayor's office of Nice will welcome the L.A. dogs' arrival on the famous Promenade des Anglais in the heart of Nice along with French families who will be fostering the dogs until they find their adoptive homes.

This effort marks the internationalization of the Companion Animal Protection Society, which plans to expand its puppy mill and pet store investigations in Europe. CAPS claims pet stores all along the Riviera coastline are supplied by European puppy mills -- inhumane breeding factories. The Riviera Rescue airlift is a way to divert puppy mill sales on the Riviera and to promote adoption while saving lives.

"Given the crisis dogs are facing in California shelters, we have a moral obligation to act. Riviera Rescue is proof of the long friendship between our two countries. The people of Nice have opened their hearts to these little death row dogs and with this airlift, we hope to pave the way for a continuing international program to save lives." -- Carole Raphaelle Davis, West Coast Director, Companion Animal Protection Society

"Because of our spay/neuter ordinance, decreasing euthanasia over 70% in Santa Cruz County, Rescue Riviera was made possible -- saving dogs that were on death row from Los Angeles. Most people don't realize that pet overpopulation in the United States is an epidemic and innocent adoptable dogs are dying as they wait for a loving home. Until we have spay/neuter ordinances nationally, consider adopting a death row dog. Save a life." -- Lisa Carter, Executive Director, Santa Cruz SPCA.

Reprinted courtesy of MSNBC.

Publication/Event date: 2010-06-23

Publication name: Direct Nice

URL for more info: http://www.directnice.com/pages-presse/archives-telechargement.aspx (find the article on page 3 of the PDF version of the paper)

Excerpt:

HoneyBee, Mickey et Dinky font partie des sept premiers chiens qui devraient être adoptés par des familles niçoises. Ces toutous arriveront lundi à l’aéroport azuréen en provenance de Californie, où ces animaux sont régulièrement abandonnés, puis euthanasiés. Carole Raphaelle Davis, directrice pour la côte Ouest des Etats-Unis de The Companion Animal Protection Society (Caps), une association américaine qui lutte contre ces «usines à chiens», a pris ce problème à bras le corps.

Publication/Event date: 2010-07-01

Staying indoors during those beautiful summer days can spell misery for you and for your rambunctious buddy. The sky is clear and blue, the birds are singing and chirping, and all your friends and neighbors are finally out of hibernation mode. The only thing keeping you inside, besides the locked door, is the sweltering heat outside. It hits you like a wave every time you step out the cool sanctuary- so why bother? Even though turning up the a/c and remaining oblivious to the high temperatures outside sounds tempting, you and the barking pooch need some quality time in the sun. Not only is it fun, but it helps burn away those extra pounds you both probably gained during the winter.

Humans can easily accommodate to the rising temperatures outdoors. Like MOM probably told you repeatedly: stay hydrated, bring H2O (in a stainless steel or BPA-free bottle), slather on the sunblock, bring a hat, and wear light clothes. If the sun gets too bright, find shelter under a tree or make plans to go out during the morning or evening while the heat is bearable. Easy, right? Now what about your canine companion who's covered in hair and cools off by panting? If you're worried about his/her health, you have every right to be. Heatstroke should be taken seriously, especially with elderly and short-nosed dogs. But all that can be avoided with the proper preparations and precautions.



Just like people carry bottled water on bright and sunny days, they should bring portable travel pet bowls (or collapsible bowls) when hanging out with animal companions. Pack up on water before you head out and make sure you freeze the bottles or store them in a cooler- dogs and cats are very picky and dislike warm, stale water. You and Buster will be glad you prepped up when you gulp down that heavenly cool H20. Setting the bowl under the nice shade of a tree isn't a bad idea.

Now that we've discussed hydration, let's move to the next topic: cars. Most dogs love the ride- not only do they get to stick their heads out the window and watch tongues flap against the wind, but they also get attention from smiling drivers and see the wonderful world pass by in a flash. As long as you make sure your dog is safe (don't open those windows too much and get a dog car harness or booster seat! Car accidents also affect animals!), a ride in the family vehicle is A-OK. However, NEVER leave your barking friend inside, especially when temperatures get high. If you thought the heat outside was bad, inside the car it's ten times worse. That goes for everyone else as well. If you drive by a parked car with a hot pooch inside, look for the owner or talk to a store manager, guard, or call the authorities. Most people are misinformed or in a hurry- forgetting that a few minutes in a car can feel like an eternity.

Going for a walk is great for you and your companion. Taking a stroll cures cabin fever and allows you to exercise stiff muscles. Dogs also need their daily workouts! While many people believe paws are resilient to ANYTHING, the skin in that area is very sensitive. That's not an excuse to stay indoors, though: there's always grass or dirt. Tar and pavement can cause burns- so check Fido's paw-paws frequently. Having multiple shade spots is a must! Everyone needs a breather from ultraviolet rays! Even when you're back home, it's extremely important animals have a shaded corner to cool off.

Can't head out to the park? If you have a backyard (or any type of yard), bring out the water hose. You're not bathing the dog! By splashing some water on the panting pooch, you're helping the poor, hairy friend cool off. Just don't attempt this with a cat! A dampened towel will work just fine. When felines and canines figure out they're not in line for a scrub-a-dub, they'll be extra thankful. Want something more creative? Get a sprinkler or a kiddie pool. Just make sure there's no danger of drowning (pups and children should ALWAYS be supervised).

Last but not least, keep your companion animals healthy and well-groomed. The groomer doesn't need to shave off pounds of hair- a trim works just fine. A brush or two a day helps Fido feel more comfortable and saves you from having to vacuum hair from every surface in the house 7 days a week.

Still feeling weary about taking Buster outdoors? Provided he is small or you're strong, you can buy a doggie stroller or backpack. Go ahead, we know you like to spoil him!

WHO: Dr. Don Allen, Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS)

www.caps-web.org

WHEN: July 12, 2010

WHERE: Youngstown, OH

Editorial:

His concern began with melamine contamination of pet food in 2007, when pets throughout the United States began dying from kidney failure. The source of the melamine was traced to a food ingredient from China, and it wasn’t until it was too late that we began checking for this contaminant. Now Dr. Donald K. Allen, a Youngstown, OH veterinarian, is proposing new labeling for packaging to assure consumers that they need not worry about potential problems when they purchase foods. The new symbol represents “Nothing from China,” and consists of the “NO” sign atop of the People’s Republic of China national flag...

Dr. Allen, who served 15 years as an Air Force Reserve public health officer, has extensive experience in food inspection for the military, and also holds a master’s degree in animal nutrition. Wholesome food and safe food has always been a key consideration in his profession. “The melamine contamination was the first red flag (no pun intended), and we have seen a tremendous increase in the number and types of foods originating in China on our grocery shelves,” Allen stated. “Our problem lies in the fact that we only inspect 0.6 percent of the food supply coming into our country.”

“Even the ‘USDA Organic’ labeling we use on some of our foods may be suspect,” he added. “There is a clause in the labeling regulation that states if you sell less than $5,000 worth of product a year, you are exempt from their stringent guidelines. Well, the average annual income of most farmers in China is far less than half of that figure.” Dr. Allen pointed out that farmers in China use pesticides and other chemicals that are forbidden in our country, and that contamination with heavy metals and toxic  products is always possible, and has been repeatedly proven.

“My biggest fear today is for our children,” Dr. Allen stated. “Last year I saw Halloween candy on the shelves from China, and at least 60 percent of our apple juice now comes from there. Children’s juice drinks are primarily apple juice, and now some simply say, ‘Product of China.’ Garlic powder is another example. I’m not at all confident that our government will stringently test Chinese products and ingredients until there is an incident. Congress is now even considering allowing chicken from China. Things aren’t getting better.

” The “Nothing from China” symbol can be downloaded from Dr. Allen’s website, www.drallenforcongress.com. “Some retail stores may also use this sign if they sell nothing from China. That might be limited today to a few Kosher or Italian food stores,” he concluded. “Even if the product has ‘Made in the USA’ on it, there could still be ingredients from other countries.”

End

Donald K. Allen,

MS, DVM Lt. Col.,

USAFR (Retired) 4501 Market St.

Youngstown, OH 44512

330 782-7333

Media Contacts:

Deborah Howard,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


About CAPS:

Founded by President Deborah Howard in 1992, Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy mills. CAPS actively addresses the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs through investigations, education, media relations, legislative involvement, puppy mill dog rescues, consumer assistance and pet industry employee relations.

759 CJC Hwy., #332 • Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025

Phone: (781) 210-0938 • Fax: (781) 210-0928

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " data-mce-href="mailto: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • www.caps-web.org

Publication name: YouTube
URL for more info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6fNVQ6-60


Summary: "Charlie" un pauvre chien sauve de la mort a la fourriere de Los Angeles fait du shopping a Nice avec sa nouvelle famille adoptive. Grace a Riviera Rescue, ce petit chien, victime d'une usine a chiots en Californie, a trouve l'amour ici avec une famille Nicoise. Le message internationale d'adoption: Don't Shop! ADOPT!

Source: Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets
URL for more info: http://www.pawproject.com/html/what.asp
Summary:


Just in case anyone forgot.....please forward to those who care.

Please Tell Gov. Schwarzenegger the Eyes of the Nation Are On Him:

Sign AB 2743 Without Delay!

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Paw Project, last week the California state legislature passed AB 2743, which will prohibit landlords from requiring tenants to declaw or devocalize their cats and dogs.

Great news but...

It's not law until Gov. Schwarzenegger signs it. And it won't be if the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has its way. Your voice is important to protect vulnerable dogs and cats--and the people who love them.

Ironically, while landlord associations supported AB 2743, CVMA has lobbied very hard against it. The Paw Project reports that CVMA is now urging its members to send letters of opposition to the governor. That's disappointing but not surprising: Mass. Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) lobbied against Logan's Law, which took effect July 21, making Massachusetts the first state to ban cruel devocalization of dogs and cats.

You didn't let MVMA win at the expense of vulnerable animals; don't let CVMA.

No Matter Where You Live, You Can Help In 5 Minutes or Less!

Please call email or fax Gov. Schwarzenegger right away; tell him the eyes of the nation are on him, and people of goodwill are waiting for him to sign AB 2743 into law. Then forward this eAlert to family and friends throughout the U.S. who care about animals.

• Put  "(NAME OF YOUR STATE) Wants You to Sign AB 2743" in the subject  line, whether you email or fax.
• Include your name and address.
• Keep it short and polite.
• Phone: 916-445-2841
• Fax: 916-558-3160
• Email: http://gov.ca.gov/interact
• Info on the bill: http://www.pawproject.com/html/what.asp

The full text of AB 2743 is available at this link:

http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2701-2750/ab_2743_bill_20100715_amended_sen_v94.html