I CANNOT WATCH THESE COMMERCIALS ANYMORE!

The advent of the holiday giving season and the optimistic feeling of goodwill also brings the constant barrage of aspca commercials of miserable animals who can't wait one more minute to be rescued. That animal abuse occurs is not in question, but what is in question, is truth in advertising.

The aspca continues to refuse to disclose to the public that they are neither an umbrella organization nor related in any way to every other spca in the country, much to the confusion of the consumers/donors- which is a very lucrative omission.

According to their financials, they reported almost half a billion dollars ( $487,997,137) in net assets, spent $56,433,000 in advertising, but shared only a miniscule 12, 559,279 with other charities and public shelters!

In an investigative report, Jack Hubbard of the The Center for the Environment and Welfare, (CEW), while investigating the aspca, quipped "Most people believe they're associated with all the local shelters, but they're not," said Hubbard. "The ASPCA should change its name to the Midtown Manhattan ASPCA."  This investigation  was in addition to a CBS expose' followed by the aspca former CEO speaking out as well about said lucrative omission.

Back to the aspca commercials- 

In 2014, aspca eliminated its law enforcement unit dedicated to investigating, rescuing, and intervening in cases of animal cruelty, and ceded that responsibility to the NYC police department. So, when they seek funds to rescue and investigate animal abuse, do they, and where does the money go?  Also - who owns the case footage? Is it an actual case or staged?

Some footage may be prior to 2014, and some may come from the occasional times they assist other agencies during which they film themselves! Does aspca share the funds with those agencies? Are those agencies compensated for the use of the footage in their respective cases to help with the costs of care? Do they have permission to use what might be evidence photos on television? Is this exploitive of both the agencies in and the animals in need?

Here is my two cents. As you suffer through endless airings of sad commercial advertisements for the aspca, think about the needs of animals who need help in your community. If you can only donate to one animal welfare organization, please donate to your local shelter where your help is critical. If you can afford more, please give it to all of us!  But if that includes the aspca, and your interest is intervening in animal cruelty, consider instead a restricted donation to NYPD for that use.  

Sy Syms, a former broadcaster, used to say, "an educated consumer is our best customer".

Please - as the author Fran Lebowitz might say -   think before you donate, and study before you think! 

 

 

Call to Action - Rodeo ban fight not over - saboteurs poised to vote against ban at next vote

Ban the Rodeo Rally 12/5/23

spcaLA Applauds Los Angeles City Council Vote to Ban Rodeos and particularly thanks Councilmember Blumenfield for his efforts and dedication to this reform. I was honored to be asked to speak at both the rally and before the council.

But the fight is not over yet. There will still be a chance to sabotage this effort when the ordinance is actually drafted and presented to the council for another vote. Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Kevin De Leon are still vocally against this measure, are still insisting tripping horses etc., is a cultural thing, and will not be satisfied with the exemption language that was adopted at their request. It is possible that they will lead an effort to undo what was passed yesterday. (Exceptions for equestrian and cultural events, as long as riders do not participate in activities that physically “take down” an animal, rope an animal, or attempt to ride a bucking animal, i.e. bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling, and or course violation existing laws.)

Look, this is about greed and nothing else. No culture wants to be associated with violence and gratuitous cruelty. What an insulting rationale. Like dogfighters who protest that their pet dogs are treated like royalty, rodeo riders would never subject their own horses to the horrendous treatment of the horse performers. The difference - is the fighting dogs and the rodeo horses are just tools to earn money while providing "entertainment".

    "Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and RODEOS (emphasis added) are cut from the same fabric:  violence.  Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well ourselves."

                --Cesar Chavez, UNITED FARM WORKERS, from a 12/26/90 letter to ACTION FOR ANIMALS

spcaLA asks animal welfare advocates to contact their Council Members, see below,  in support of the ban. A successful rodeo ban would add Los Angeles to a growing list of cities and countries like San Francisco and Pasadena, as well as Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil, where rodeo has been outlawed.

Council District 1 – Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, Councilmember.Hernandez@lacity.org, 213-473-7001

Council District 2 – Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Councilmember.Krekorian@lacity.org, 213-473-7002 

Council District 3 – Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Councilmember.Blumenfield@lacity.org, 213-473-7003 

Council District 4 – Councilmember Nithya Raman, Councilmember.Raman@lacity.org, 213-473-7004 

Council District 5 – Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, Councilmember.Yaroslavsky@lacity.org, 213-473-7005

Council District 6 – Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Councilmember.Padilla@lacity.org, 213-473-7006 

Council District 7 – Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, Councilmember.Rodriguez@lacity.org, 213-473-7007 

Council District 8 – Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Councilmember.Harris-Dawson@lacity.org, 213-473-7008

 Council District 9 – Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr., Councilmember.Price@lacity.org, 213-473-7009 

Council District 10 – Councilmember Heather Hutt, Councilmember.Hutt@lacity.org, 213-473-7010 

Council District 11 – Councilmember Traci Park, Councilmember.Park@lacity.org, 213-473-7011 

Council District 12 – Councilmember John Lee, Councilmember.Lee@lacity.org, 213-473-7012 

Council District 13 – Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, Councilmember.Soto-Martinez@lacity.org, 213-473-7013 

Council District 14 – Councilmember Kevin de León, councilmember.kevindeleon@lacity.org, 213-473-7014 

Council District 15 – Councilmember Tim McOsker, Councilmember.McOsker@lacity.org, 213-473-7015

 

Desecrated longhorn steer found in Oklahoma in advance of Oklahoma state vs. Texas Longhorns game

In a horrific and unsettling turn of events, the body of a desecrated longhorn steer was discovered this morning on the front steps of an Oklahoma State University fraternity in Stillwater, OK. As disturbing images of the steer circulate, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) condemns these acts and calls for a thorough investigation by the police department, the University’s Office of Student Support and Conduct, and the National Interfraternity Council (IFC) so that there are meaningful consequences for those responsible.

Many are speculating that this disgusting act of animal cruelty and disrespect for living beings may be in response to an upcoming football game between OSU and The University of Texas. UT’s mascot is a longhorn steer.

Regardless if this is because of a football game, “Texas Hate Week” or something more nefarious, this is a criminal act and must not be brushed aside.

Also – do we need a “hate week’? Do we need institutionalized vandalism?

There is only 1 correct answer….

Donate SMART, support LOCAL CHARITIES, and create HEALTHY communities

As we are again coming upon the busiest fund-raising season of the year, I urge you to donate locally. Local papers are again full of advertisements from out-of-state animal charities who do not inform you that they are taking your funds which you donated to help local animals, and using them out of state as they wish.

How many of you reading this did not know that the aspca is not a national umbrella organization that funnels contributions back to other states and communities by zip code as do actual national charities? How many of you would donate to a New York organization if you knew it was neither your local spca who responds to your needs and protects your animals, nor even affiliated with your local spca? Based upon angry calls we receive from donors that feel duped, I would say many of you!

spcas throughout the country are individual legal entities and not chapters of any mother organization. Yet aspca spends tens of millions of dollars annually on television, full page ads and other fundraising outlets which omit that significant fact. If you knew that fact and intended to donate there – ok. But – what if you didn't?  How do you feel about the fact that your hard-earned funds meant for your local animal shelter were instead spent in New York to support expenses of a New York organization.  A CBS news expose' discussed some of these issues. 

Donors everywhere often feel cheated and upset to learn that they donated to the wrong organization and that their gifts neither contributed to programs nor helped needy pets in their own communities. What would happen to your spcaLA and to our vulnerable populations here if a lot of generous people made that mistake?

It is essential for you, your lawyers and estate planners to research reputable existing charities and locate those that serve the constituency and community that you wish to help. Determine if that charity provides the specific service that you wish to fund in the place you wish to fund it. Only then should you donate. Frequently, your local charity may also be providing international relief as well or is collaborating with one that is which obviates the need to seek another charity.

Giving locally also helps to strengthen the community in which you live by creating jobs, bolstering the economy and enabling the community to thrive. Stronger communities result in stronger cities, states and countries. In other words, our ability to help others improves with our own increased strength and solvency. It is especially true where the philanthropic entities are filling gaps left by the government and the for-profit sector. If the reputable local nonprofits fail - there will be no relief for their dependent, human or otherwise.

Charity begins at home. It is only when we stand strong that we can lift others.

 

SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH CALIFORNIA AND UPHOLDS PROPOSITION 12!

Prop 12 ballot photo 

In 2018, California voters passed Prop 12 which banned the sale of pork products inside California, even when produced outside the state of California if the sellers did not comply with California husbandry standards and if those outside sellers knew or should have known that the meat came from a breeding pig that was confined in a cruel manner. This was, of course challenged by The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Supreme Court agreed with california.

California voters were determined to lead the way for the nation to improve conditions for all animals regardless of their classification of wild or domestic, or their alleged purpose i.e. food, pet or entertainment. In fact, in 2022 Californians enacted Senate Bill 1029, a law that recognizes the premise that human, animal and environmental health are all interdependent and connected. In other words, keeping animals, humans and the environment healthy is necessary to keep each and all of us healthy. SB 1029 requires the creation of a one health program that establishes interagency and interdisciplinary coordination to ultimately do just that.

Although the Supreme Court was more focused on interstate commerce, preemption and other constitutional issues, it unknowingly gave another nod to Californians who understand that if we are humane to animals and keep them healthy, they will do the same for us.

There are still miles to go until we are there. But we will
get there one roadblock at a time.

Dog and cat bill of rights is nothing of the sort

Why are animal welfare groups, including California Animal Welfare Association (the California 

A famous shelter supporter/adopter

membership entity that represents both private and public shelters) opposed to California Assembly Bill 1881, (AB 1881) the so called dog and cat bill of rights? 

Because this bill is hypocritical and nothing of the sort. Besides being an insult to California’s animal shelters, rescues, and adopters. It’s an ignorant and disgruntled statement by our legislature that shelters and rescues are doing a poor job educating adopters and that our adopters are ill-prepared and have bad intentions. 

Here's the issue. 

Those of us in the animal welfare field want all animals to enjoy a respectful, humane and good quality of life. This bill only cares about dogs and cats. 

Shelters send the fewest animals into the public square for adoption. Breeders, pet stores, veterinary offices, private sellers, puppy mills and so on are not included in the bill. In fact, it is punitive, via fine, against shelters and rescue groups only. 

Are those dogs and cats not worthy of inclusion?

Shelter and rescue professionals have been and are committed to the sheltering, care, reunification, and adoption of animals that come to us for care. spcaLA has been caring for animals since 1877! In fact, the number of animals coming into shelters has dramatically decreased nationally because of our collective educational programs, adoption counseling and aid to adopters.

As stated in California Animal Welfare Association's an opposition letter, "this bill is designed to be punitive and specifically targets shelters and there is really no justification in doing so. This bill does not solve a problem. The sponsor of this bill thinks that “bad” people are adopting animals from shelters, behaving irresponsibly, and then returning them. There is no data to support this". The document goes on to say that "the sponsors of this bill allege that our sheltering professionals are not properly counseling or communicating with adopters about the expectations to provide quality care. As a result, the state must step in and provide us with a notice to post in our facilities".  Again, not true and insulting.

Even if the sponsor's assertions are true, which they are not, does any rational person think that posting a flyer to a wall solves the problem, and that punishing the shelter as opposed to those that actually don't care for their pets properly accomplishes anything?

If you ask me, I think this ridiculous bill, if passed, would signal that all the other animals in the shelter, (horses, rabbits, pigs, birds, pocket pets, etc., who need extra special adoption counseling would require none at all. 

Silly - No?

RIP SHOOTING VICTIMS

optimism

Guns can be both defensive and offensive, used for war or to protect the peace, automatic or a six shooter, and, definitely a thing that must be managed safely, for a purpose, and one that should be placed in the hands of appropriately trained users who understand, respect, and are mindful of their actions. There is no one fix that will prevent mass killings and out of control gun violence, but there are multiple simultaneous approaches that can surround the issue to stop the violence before it starts. First, we must legislate the rules by which guns can be obtained and used. Second, we must provide the training to identify predictor issues, and third, we must offer sufficient resources to intervene effectively and early. It must be a multi-pronged, multidisciplinary solution, with both general mandates and customized provisions as well. 

Besides the enactment of intelligent legislation, it is imperative to examine all the possible factors that can contribute to shooting tragedies and that can provide clues to prevent them from happening at all.

In other words, the answer to the question "why".

Identifying and examining the root causes of violence, whether attributed to mental illness, bullying, random circumstances of nature and nurture, is not enough. We must learn to identify the external manifestations of such a problem so that they may be recognized, studied, and dealt with as early as possible. There are glaring symptoms and tangible early warning signs of future violent behavior that can be detected now and successfully treated with early intervention - sometimes as early as pre-school age.

In other words, the answer to the question "did I miss something"?

 According to the FBI, abnormal behaviors such as pyromania, enuresis (excessive bed-wetting), animal cruelty and other acts demonstrating a lack of empathy, have been credited as precursors to committing future violent acts. Isolation, loneliness, radicalization are other factors.  Some behaviors such as deriving pleasure from causing an animal pain can be seen even in very young children. As most children are not born violent, (true sociopaths notwithstanding) such behavior towards an animal is abnormal and indicative of a problem, which if not addressed can deepen and escalate until the cry out for attention results in a tragedy that can impact many lives. 

In other words "you are not seeing or hearing me".

Both recent mass shooters (the supermarket inBuffalo and the school in Texas) had instances of animal cruelty in their pasts. I would never say animal cruelty is the only factor or manifestation of a serious issue that is the ultimate answer to all the questions. Nor would I suggest that had this one behavior been addressed and examined early on there would be no tragedy. I am saying, that the more signals, clues, acting out, or abnormal behavior that is recognized as problematic, the earlier we can intervene and hopefully help that individual thereby saving others as well. 

Teachers, parents, social workers, friends and others in contact with our youth must be trained to recognize the symptoms. If you see something, say something.

In other words, the answer to the question "could I have done something to stop it"?

I can’t tell you how often I am told by a parent when informed that their son or daughter committed an act of animal cruelty - “It’s just a dog. You should be happy it’s not a person.” "Boys will be boys". "I wish I had known my child was in pain..." I wish my kids told me."

 My response - they just told you. Now let's find help before it is too late.

Again, the earlier the warning signs are recognized, the greater the chances of successful intervention, behavior modification and the abatement of future violent behavior.

In other words, "we did everything we could to protect our community". 

 

spcaLA (not affiliated with any other spca as there is no national/umbrella spca) has a series of core programs designed to intervene and prevent animal abuse as well as to deter violence towards people. They comprise a court mandated alternative sentencing course for juvenile offenders convicted of bullying, animal abuse or other violent crimes, an internationally acclaimed "at risk" youth program where schools target certain students to participate in the program, and one assisting victims of domestic violence and their pets where immediate help is mandated.  Check spcaLA.com for details.