| Newsletter: September - October 1996 |  |
|||
 |
||||
|
ARFF Newsletter: September - October 1996
As many of you know, ARFF had a booth at SunFest this year. While
ARFF was educating the public regarding the many ways humans abuse
and exploit animals, another non-profit organization, Beautiful Palm
Beaches, was conducting crab "races" where live crabs were forced to
slide down a piece of plywood in the Florida heat. Clearly, this was
teaching SunFest patrons that it is OK to abuse marine animals. Many
people came to the ARFF booth to express their displeasure with the
event. ARFF staff and volunteers encouraged them to write to the
director of the festival and many of them did. ARFF Coordinator Jim Dunn, a SunFest volunteer and one of eight
volunteers receiving a special award from the festival, was also one
of the many who wrote letters to the festival's organizers. Jim
received a nice reply from Sue Twyford, SunFest Executive Director,
indicating that in response to the concern expressed, there would be
no crab races at SunFest next year. Thanks to those who wrote and to
SunFest for listening. It is important to remember that it is not
just the cute, cuddly animals that need our support! On July 17, 1996, Sharon L. Black, attorney for ARFF, was one of
several Florida lawyers who presented a proposal to the Florida Bar
Association (FBA) for the establishment of an Animal Rights Law
Committee. The proposed committee is designed to help mobilize and
organize FBA members' efforts in combating animal cruelty by
providing other attorneys with information regarding laws dealing
with animal rights and animal welfare. The committee would also
assist prosecutors and other attorneys with legal research, maintain
a referral list of attorneys with expertise in animal law, and
propose model legislation. The committee would also publish articles,
sponsor community legal education programs and participate in FBA
programs and American Bar Association programs. If approved, this
committee would enhance the FBA's standards of ethics and
professionalism when responding to the plight of abused animals. If
you are an attorney interested in joining the committee, please
contact the ARFF office. Congratulations has to go to Karen Pompura-Pech, an ARFF member
whose lone voice saved lives. The office building where she works
fenced in pigeons on a ledge in an unsuccessful attempt to keep them
out. She spoke with management and advised them of the situation. The
fence was modified and in the future, no pigeons can get stuck behind
or on the fencing. Be sure that you speak up if you see cruel or
unsafe conditions for animals; it works. Marineland of Florida plans to increase the number of captive
marine mammals through proposed expansion of its current facilities.
Accumen Sales & Marketing Group is negotiating with Marineland to
develop a large timeshare and campground facility adjacent to and
including the actual marine "park". They hope to break ground in a
year. Marineland was built in 1938 and dolphins who swim up to 100 miles
a day in the wild are kept in concrete tanks and forced to do tricks
for their food. Nellie, a female, has been held captive and forced to
perform for 41 years. WHAT YOU CAN DO Please help convince Accumen that an
alternative attraction, such as the adjacent ocean, would be more
humane and profitable than continuing to exploit captive dolphins,
portraying them as beggars and clowns. Please write: Martin Kandel, CEO Fax: (904) 257-2669 (Copy to Larry Coltelli, President) Congressman Jon Fox introduced HR 3393, the "Family Pet Protection
Act of 1996." If passed HR 3393 would amend the federal Animal
Welfare Act (AWA) to prohibit USDA-licensed Class B animal dealers
from selling random source dogs and cats to research, and would place
major restrictions on pounds and shelters that participate in "pound
seizure" (the act of selling or giving "surplus" dogs and cats to
dealers or facilities for laboratory research and testing). WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please contact your representatives in the
U.S. Congress and urge them to co-sponsor and vote for HR 3393, The
Family Pet Protection Act. Letters should be addressed to: The Honorable ___________ Also, please write to Senators Bob Graham and Connie Mack asking
that they sponsor a companion bill to HR 3393. Senator Bob Graham Senator and Connie Mack The Sun-Sentinel reported that nearly 300 cockatiels,
green-cheeked conures and Indian ring-necked parakeets are being kept
in an enclosure at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) as part of a
thesis project conducted by Dana Juillerat, a pre-veterinary graduate
student. The research, which began in December 1995, involves the
drug Depo-Provera and is being supervised by Dr. Sheila Mahoney. According to Judith Asch, who visited the so-called aviary hoping
to adopt some birds, the "research subjects" are housed in small,
crowded cages designed for one or two birds but instead holding as
many as eight or ten unhappy creatures. Judith reports that the birds
were listless and didn't have enough space even to flap their wings.
Food cups were virtually empty and water was dirty and insufficient.
ARFF supports the position of Dr. Greg Harrison, an
internationally known avian veterinarian, who questions Dr. Mahoney's
decision to perform this research. In a recent interview, Dr.
Harrison asked, "Why risk the health of birds if the negative side
effects of Depo-Provera have long been established?" However, Dr.
Mahoney's history of self-focused and seemingly greedy behavior
suggest that the well being of the birds is likely to be of little
importance to her. Although FAU may not be funding this research directly, Dr.
Mahoney is a state university faculty member and is therefore
utilizing state facilities for this study. In this respect FAU has
both a moral and fiduciary responsibility to the public to stop this
cruel and wasteful project. Please write to: On September 30, join history makers like Gandhi and Martin Luther
King in their tradition of non-violent civil disobedience. Put your
body in the way of animal cruelty. Learn from the experts how to
practice non-violent civil disobedience. This training seminar will
equip you with the power of peaceful resistance. Terry Ingram, a former police officer and a renowned specialist in
constitutional rights, will be teaching the seminar. It will start at
7:30 PM at Sharon L. Black's law office at 1545 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
(Take I-95 exit, go East on Oakland Park Blvd. for 2 miles. Please
call Susan at the ARFF office as soon as possible to reserve a space.
Miami Camillus House residents will be treated to a vegan lunch on
World Day for Farm Animals. Please help by asking your favorite
restaurant to donate vegan (no animal or animal products) cooked
food. The restaurant will be thanked in our newsletter which goes out
to 4,000 people, and also thanked at the event itself. We need to
feed 125 people on October 3 at 11:00 AM. We need servers and tasty
meals. Call Susan at the ARFF office by September 26 to volunteer or
contribute food. Thanks. You wouldn't think it would be hard for high school students to
get information about factory farms, fur, animal experiments, and
hunting . . . but it is. Pro-animal abuse industries donate thousands
of dollars worth of free biased material. ARFF's Humane and
Environmental resource kits will be donated to high school libraries
in mid-september. The kits contain the book 101 Ways to Save the
Animals by Ingrid Newkirk and Earth Save's Realities booklet which
gives hundreds of footnoted facts on the negative impacts of factory
farming. The video Changing Minds, Changing Times narrated by Candice
Bergen and Earth Saves meat-enviro. destruction poster are also
included. If you wish to sponsor a resource kit for the high school
of your choice, please send a check for $25 to ARFF's school fund.
ARFF also has seminars that can be taught along with the kit or to
community groups. ARFF is gearing up for our 8th anniversary dinner and the Great
American Meatout in March 1997. We are now planning a host/hostess
luncheon where an individual will purchase a table or commit to
selling ten seats at the table. If you would like to be a table
host/hostess or volunteer to help with the party, please call Dr.
Shelley Yeckes at (561) 477-6765. By Nature is a mail order company whose catalog offers such
"humane" items like dead stuffed elk or bison heads, zebra skin
purses and dead stuffed rattlesnakes. The company promoted themselves
by sending glazed baby alligator heads free to media outlets. By
Nature has a toll free number which is 1-800-938-8811. They claim to
be environmentally friendly. The Make A Wish Foundation was created to grant the last wishes of
dying children. In our last newsletter, ARFF reported that the
Foundation had granted the request of a seventeen-year-old boy whose
wish was to kill a Kodiak bear in Alaska. Despite public outcry, the
Foundation refused to cancel the hunting trip. In September, the Foundation will again grant a teenager's wish to
kill for sport by financing a moose hunt in Alaska. "This is an
outrage. People have donated money to the Foundation out of
compassion. They had no idea that their money would be used to kill
another being," said ARFF's Cruelty Case Director, Susan McCullom.
Letters are needed to the Foundation urging for humane guidelines
to be set immediately. Please write to: Steve Torkelsen, Executive Director or call 1-800-722-WISH. Also write to the Florida chapter of the Foundation nearest you
asking them to encourage the National Foundation to adopt a policy
that prohibits the killing of another sentient being. Florida
chapters do not have a direct influence on the decisions of other
state chapters, but a negative reaction from the public may influence
the head office. The three Florida chapters are: Nancy Strom, Executive Director Delores Crooks, Executive Director Robert Kinney, Executive Director If you have been told by your physician that you should have
estrogen replacement therapy, follow the example of ARFF member
Elaine Garland who told her doctor she did not want to use Premarin
because it was derived from pregnant mares' urine (PMU). PMU is
commonly prescribed for menopause symptoms and is linked to the
suffering and death of tens of thousands of horses. However, there
are many plant-derived alternatives such as the one Elaine's doctor
prescribed which is made from yams. Insist on plant-derived or synthetic estrogen alternatives if you
are seeking estrogen replacement. Let Premarin's manufacturers know
you will boycott their products by writing: Robert Essner, President After dedicating endless hours as a volunteer on ARFF's Board of
Directors, Nan Vollbracht will be joining ARFF's staff as a Liaison
Outreach Coordinator. For the last several years, Nan has performed
numerous duties for ARFF. She now wants to concentrate on lecturing
and educating people of all ages about animal rights. Nan is
completing her teaching degree and will then pursue a master's degree
in education. Isabell Spindler Bitter who has been a coordinator for years will
join ARFF's Board of Directors. Isabell was raised in New York City
and Connecticut. Her recent marriage to James Bitter united two
families of animals for a total of nine, all of whom were rescued
from animal shelters or from abandonment on highways. Isabell has her
B.S. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. and all her course
work for her Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York City. Laura Guttridge, who has helped the animals in many ways, will
continue her efforts by joining ARFF as a new coordinator. Laura was
president and co-founder of Marion County's Voices for Animals. In
November, 1992, the Ocala Star Banner named her "Environmentalist of
the Month" and did a cover story on her. While her husband Bobby
attended law school in California, Laura was on the Board of
Directors for the San Diego Animal Advocates. Bobby now is a public
defender in Vero Beach. Laura has lobbied in Tallahassee and
Washington DC for animal bills. ARFF is looking for a new logo and is asking our members to submit
their ideas. Designs should incorporate one or more native Florida
animals such as the alligator or dolphin. If your logo is selected,
you will receive four tickets to a Miami Heat game. All entries
remain the property of ARFF and must be submitted to the ARFF office
by December 31. Good luck! ARFF Advisory Board member Dr. Jay Ferber is opening a new
veterinary clinic and will be offering low cost sterilization for
dogs and cats to ARFF members. In addition, Dr. Ferber is a certified
rehabilitator and will provide free veterinary care for injured
wildlife. His new office in Pembroke Pines is located at 17189 Pines
Blvd. or call (954) 431-7979. On August 22, 1995, the USDA issued a formal complaint against
Romulus Scalf, owner and proprietor of the Steel City Zoo in
Cottondale, Florida. A hearing has been scheduled for December 1996
to revoke his animal exhibition license. In addition, the state has
filed cruelty charges. The USDA has accused Scalf of countless
violations of the Animal Welfare Act including feeding "improperly
euthanized" puppies to snakes. Scalf has also been cited for: Failure to maintain programs of disease control and prevention,
euthanasia and adequate veterinary care. Failure to maintain complete records showing the acquisition,
disposition and identification of animals. Facilities for animals were not structurally sound and maintained
in good repair so as to protect the animals from injury. Animals kept outdoors were not provided with adequate shelter from
inclement weather. Enclosures, water receptacles and food receptacles were not kept
clean and sanitized. ARFF would like to thank the members who responded to our recent
action alert regarding the deplorable condition of the Steel City
Zoo. However, the situation has yet to be resolved. Please write to:
Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman Ask Secretary Glickman to have the hearing immediately to revoke
Scalf's license to exhibit animals. Let him know that the longer it
takes to act properly in this case, the deeper the degradation of our
government as perceived by the public. In the future, hearing
scheduling procedures must be improved so that action is taken
immediately and animals do not suffer further torment waiting months
and even years for a hearing. Also write to your U.S. Congressperson (U.S. House of
Representatives, Washington, DC 20515) and U.S. Senators Bob Graham
and Connie Mack (U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20210). Ask that they
contact Secretary Glickman to revoke Scalf's license to exhibit
animals and request that hearing scheduling procedures be improved.
Also write to Barry Kenney, Director Florida Division of Tourism
107 West Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399 Advise Mr. Kenney that as a result of an inspection by Dr. John
Gripper, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
conducted an extensive investigation of 21 Florida zoos. The WSPA
discovered that many zoo enclosures in Florida do not meet the
animals' most basic physical and psychological needs. Indicate to Mr.
Kenney that this is bad for both the animals and for tourism. Recently, ARFF received a report that the Biltmore Hotel in Miami
has caged at least a dozen finches in their lobby. Surely such an
elegant hotel can afford to provide its patrons with something nicer
to look at than imprisoned animals. Please write to Dennis Doucette, Manager or call (305) 445-1926. Advise the hotel that you will not patronize an establishment that
uses cruelty as a decoration. Ask that the hotel release the birds to
a sanctuary--not a zoo. Suggest to Mr. Doucette that ARFF could
assist in finding a more suitable environment for the birds. On May 23, Ric O'Barry, Director of Rehabilitation and Release for
the International Dolphin Project, released two bottlenosed dolphins,
Buck and Luther, from the Sugar Loaf Dolphin Sanctuary in the Florida
Keys. The dolphins were disease free and healthy and were ready to
re-establish social ties with other dolphins. But shortly after Buck
and Luther gained their freedom, the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) recaptured them, saying that Luther was thin and that
the two were still experiencing "behaviors" of trained dolphins. O'Barry maintains that "[the dolphins] only look[ed] thin because
they were eating a normal diet, not the unnatural diet of fatty
herring to which captive dolphins become addicted. The 'behaviors'
they were exhibiting were re-established by dolphin trainers who
lured the dolphins back to captivity with an underwater training
device." This is only one example of the plight of marine mammals
imprisoned under the jurisdiction of the NMFS. Please write to: Ask President Clinton to order a full investigation into NMFS
marine mammal management. Also ask him to name an agency without a
conflict of interest between helping business and protecting wildlife
to replace NMFS as authority over marine mammals. ARFF IN ACTION #1 SANTERIA DEMONSTRATION #1 Many thanks to the ARFF members who
attended the 8:00 am demonstration at the courthouse. The Santeria
killer of animals was charged with cruelty to animals. Santeria High Priest Zamora invited the media to witness the
ritual killing of 15 animals in 1993. He was charged with cruelty to
animals and accepted a plea bargain offered by the prosecution on
July 30th. Zamora was sentenced to 2 years probabtion and 400 hours
of community service. The latest word is that Zamora is refusing to
do his community serivce work. We'll keep you posted on the outcome.
#2 AIRPLANE BANNER #2 An ARFF banner flies over the Santeria
demonstration. * HOMELESS ANIMAL DAY * Homeless Animals' Day at Merryfield
Kennels and PETS USA was a success. Numerous shoppers changed their
minds about pet stores and asked for directions to the Humane Society
or animal shelter instead. #3 ARFF members demonstrate at PETS USA. PETS USA in Palm Beach
County has a history of complaints. #4 ARFF members hold a sign while demonstrating at Merryfield
Kennels in Pembroke Pines. #5 ARFF members placed photos of companion animals on a tombstone
to symbolize the 27 million animals killed annually due to the cat
and dog overpopulation epidemic. #6 GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE #6 ARFF spokesperson Susan McCullom and
ARFF member Andrea Leeds tabled at the Grateful Dead Tribute at the
Edge. Naples 7/18/96 ARFF attorney Sharon L. Black was one of several
lawyers who presented a proposal to the Florida Bar for the
establishment of an Animal Rights Committee. Palm Beach County 7/18/96 ARFF Coordinator Laura Guttridge and
ARFF member Eric Weiss tabled at Lollapalooza at the West Palm Beach
fairgrounds. Broward County 7/26/96 ARFF spokesperson Susan McCullom gave k.d.
lang an ARFF T-shirt at her concert at Sunrise Musical Theater. Broward County 8/9/96 ARFF spokesperson Susan McCullom and ARFF
member Andrea Leeds tabled at the Grateful Dead Tribute at the Edge.
Broward County 7/1/96 ARFF coordinator Don Agony, ARFF member Dita
White and an ACT-UP/San Francisco AIDS activist (who is against
animal testing), were on WFTL's Steve Kane show discussing animals
used in AIDS research. Broward County 7/13/96 ARFF President Nanci Alexander was
interviewed by WIOD's Jennifer Beschel regarding Disney's history of
animal abuse and killing and our concern regarding Disney's plans to
bring in over 1,000 animals for its new Animal Kingdom. Disney plans
to kidnap many of these animals from their native homes in Africa.
Dade County 7/29, 7/30/96 The Honorable Lilliana Torreh-Bayouth,
discussed Santeria on CMQ, a Spanish radio station. The host of the
show was Jaime De Aldeseca. Broward County 8/12/96 Susan McCullom debated an emu breeder on
WFTL's Joyce Kaufmann show. Palm Beach County 8/17/96 ARFF's spokesperson, Susan McCullom,
appeared on WPB Fox News urging people to boycott pet stores and to
spay and neuter dogs and cats. John Carlson, Suzanne Carlson, Jim Dunn, Laura Guttridge, Heidi
Juhl, PA, Harriet Kahn, Andrea Leeds, Scott Newton, Michael Padykula,
Ana Maria Salaya and Charisse at Cellar Door Productions. Nanci Alexander, Astrid Arrak, Isabell Bitter, Maria Romero,
Dorothy Ruge, Laura Strickland, Nan Vollbracht, Dr. Shelley Yeckes.
Clay Today, The Lake Placid Journal, The Miami Herald, The
News-Sun, The St. Pete Times, Sun-Sentinel, New Times, The News (Boca
Raton). ARFF wishes to express its appreciation to the Gainesville-based
rock band "Big White Undies" for holding a benefit concert on Sunday,
June 23 at the Grog & Tankard in Washington, DC. The members of
"Undies" are all vegans. The event raised approximately $600. ARFF is looking for artists, musicians, performers, prop and set
designers, costume makers and painters to assist with upcoming
events. Please drop ARFF a note or call the office if you have any of
these talents. Every Tuesday is "Volunteer Party Day" at the ARFF
office--complete with vegan goodies and nice people! Volunteers are
also invited to join us the second Wednesday of each month starting
at 6:30 PM. (Yes, there will still be vegan munchies for the
Wednesday night crew too). Give us a call at the ARFF office if you
can help on these days or other times. See you there! 
Animal Rights Foundation of Florida |
|||
