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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Written by our Communication Chair...well done.US Forest Service— We were sickened to learn that by some mysterious and process, the decision to end dog-assisted deer hunting in Kisatchie
National Forest here in Louisiana was overturned and a dog-deer season re-scheduled against majority wishes. It is our understanding that the process by
which the decision was made was based on public comments submitted over an appropriate period of time. Thus we consider
the reversal of the decision highly suspect. Could you please provide us with details of how this decision was made? Presumably such decisions are supposed
to be transparent to US citizens. We would like to avoid filing under the freedom of information act but are prepared
to do so if this is necessary. On
the bright side, it is our understanding that a period will be opened for new/repeat comments in the near future. Could
you please advise us of the dates and an explanation of the mechanism(s) (web link, email, fax, address) by which input will
be taken. Considering our loss
of faith in the fairness of the process, could you also provide us with a mechanism to monitor the number and types of comments
made both for and against dog-assisted deer hunting? Thank you for any assistance you can provide. James Riopelle MD Chair, Communications Committee writing for: COLAA, Louisiana’s Humane Society Coalition
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ruling in Tiger Truck Stop case tossed JOE GYAN JR. Advocate
staff writer A Baton Rouge appeals court on Monday threw out a judge’s May ruling
that barred state officials from issuing any new permits to an Iberville Parish truck stop to keep a 550-pound tiger on display
there. A three-judge panel of the state’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal sent the matter back to
state District Judge Mike Caldwell for another hearing, saying Tiger Truck Stop Inc. in Grosse Tete and its owner, Michael
Sandlin, deserve to be heard. Caldwell’s ruling in May came after the Animal Legal Defense Fund
sued the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to have the tiger removed from the Interstate 10 truck stop. Only attorneys for the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries took part in the first
hearing. Caldwell later denied Sandlin’s and Tiger Truck Stop’s request for a new trial. The 1st Circuit said Sandlin and the truck stop “were parties needed for just adjudication in this
case.’’ The appellate court reversed Caldwell’s denial of the new trial request,
vacated his May ruling in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and sent the matter back to him “for further proceedings.’’ Caldwell had agreed with the Animal Legal Defense Fund that a permit can only be issued to an individual,
not a corporation, and that the individual must live on the premises. Tiger Truck Stop is the permit
holder, not Sandlin, the judge said. The last annual permit that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
issued to Tiger Truck Stop was in December 2010.
8:52 pm
Sunday, August 28, 2011
LATEST FROM KISATCHIE ON DOG-DEER HUNTING
KNF
Officials Must Survey Public for Opinions and Render Decision to Finalize
Aug.
17, 2011 -- The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), in a special meeting to consider changing already
established still hunting dates to allow for deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest (KNF), today approved a motion
for a nine day period in December for that activity. KNF officials at the meeting explained and answered questions regarding
the US Forest Service process.
“Because the federal ban on deer hunting with dogs on Kisatchie has
been reversed, the commission felt the issue should be reconsidered in fairness to those hunters who choose to hunt deer with
dogs,” said Stephen Sagrera, LWFC chairman.
The dates approved by the Commission, Dec. 17 through 25,
would pertain to the Catahoula, Winn and Kisatchie Ranger Districts and the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District.
“The Forest Service will proceed with addressing those deficiencies identified in the previous process
and will include opportunities for the public to comment and participate,”
said Michael Balboni, KNF Forest Supervisor. “The goal is to make a new decision this fall.”
Commission action, taken as a declaration of emergency, was necessary since the 2011-12 deer hunting dates recommended by
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) had been finalized following the public comment period provided
from February through May of 2011. LDWF had not included deer hunting with dog dates as part of the proposed 2011-12 deer
hunting season due to a decision announced by KNF officials in the fall of 2010 that deer hunting with dogs would no longer
be allowed on KNF property.
US Forest Service officials in Washington, D.C., reversed the regional decision
to discontinue deer hunting with dogs indicating that the rationale used to make that decision was not sound. That information
was presented to the Commission at their Aug. 4 regular monthly meeting, prompting a reconsideration of the 2011-12 deer hunting
dates already in place.
If deer hunting with dogs on KNF proceeds on the dates approved by the Commission
today, the permitting process for that activity, as established by LDWF in 2010, will again be required for all hunters during
the Dec. 17 – 25 portion of the deer season on KNF.
For more information, contact Bo Boehringer at
225-765-5115 or bboehringer@wlf.la.gov or Jim Caldwell at 318-473-7168 or jcaldwell@fs.fed.us.
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/34455
Saturday, August 20, 2011
DOG-DEER HUNTING MAY BE BACK IN THE PICTURE-PLEASE READ!Louisiana Hunting Regulations 2012 currently states that all deer hunting on the Kisatchie National Forest lands
is to be "still hunt only". (Page 49) It has just come to our attention that
our governor has directed the Wildlife & Fisheries Commission to conduct an "emergency meeting" on Wednesday,
08/17/11, and change the regulations or consider changing the regulations to allow for a dog-assisted deer hunting season
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/34455.
The "basis" for this meeting and action is that the Deputy
Chief of the U. S. Forest Service has overturned" the decision of Ms. Agpaoa, through the "appeal process"
of the USDA. However, the rest of the process is that Ms. Agpaoa does have opportunity to address the action
of the Deputy Chief, and can have her decision upheld. The Louisiana officials are now attempting to make
a change through this "emergency meeting"
before Liz Agpaoa, Regional Forester of the United States Forest Service, can complete this routine process.
Please contact the following officials to voice your opposition to this “change”. It’s
a cruel hunting method for the deer and the dogs; those who hunt with dogs often Treat dogs as disposable hunting tools , Overburden animal shelters Trespass and otherwise annoy landowners Don't care for their dogs properly. (credit the Humane Society of the United States for these links) The commission is saying that they
are getting more calls in favor of dog-deer hunting than against, so it’s important they hear from us. Please
call or email as soon as possible.
Governor Jindal: http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
Bo Boehringer at 225-765-5115 or bboehringer@wlf.la.gov or Jim Caldwell at 318-473-7168 or jcaldwell@fs.fed.us. Commission
Members: Stephen Sagrera, Chairman
E-mail:swsagrera@hotmail.com Patrick
Morrow E-mail: pmorrow@mmrblaw.com Steve
Oats
E-mail: wildlife@oatshudson.com Ann Taylor E-mail:
annt@heraldguide.com Ronny Graham
E-mail: ronnygraham@lincolnbuilders.com Mike Voisin E-mail:
mike.voisin@motivatit.com Billy
Broussard E-Mail:
bbillypb@kaplantel.net
Friday, August 12, 2011
GIVING ASSISTANCEPlease read the following and watch the video: Let's help Pam resolve this situation,
which is a concern to all, not just West Baton Rouge Parish.
I received a call this week about an animal abuse case in West Baton Rouge
Parish, Port Allen, Louisiana, hopped in my van with my cameras and left to investigate animals tethered
in the extreme heat and humidity, with no shelter, at Kissner's Feed Store. Upon arriving, I immediately saw a skinny
young cow, tethered in front of of the parking area, hugging the small bit of shade offered by a discarded boat. Among
lots of discarded junk, I saw a tethered horse, a pen holding far too many ducks and peacocks, another small
pen holding 2 peacocks, and yet another pen, completely overgrown so I was unable to make out what was inside, but I think
it was geese. I then saw the two sheep, mom and baby, short tethers, the baby trying to get to the small bit of
shade under a piece of metal that was so hot it burned my hand. Mom was too large. Both were panting so hard that
their bodies rocked and noses flared. They had very little water. The cow had no water and the tether limited
access to enough grass, and the horse had minimal water and was on a longer tether, but still limited grass. The
water for the birds was horrible, very unhealthy, green water and muddy water. The peacocks in the small cage had cover
over the cage, but a small container of little remaining water. No other animal had shelter from the baking sun.
The heat was very extreme, with heat indexes as high as 115, in the shade.
After I took photos and video, I went
into the store to complain about the animals. I was told that the animals were all watered in
the morning and the pools were cleaned. I really don't think fresh faucet water can turn green in a matter of a
few hours. I told them that the cow had no water and was told that she probably knocked it over. This is easy
to do when tethered!!! Common sense should tell them to use a more sturdy water bucket. But the bucket
was not tipped over. The cow had drank all of the water, because cows need a large amount of water every day, as much
as 24 gallons, and even more in some cases, particularly during extreme hot weather. This bucket held
approx 3 gallons. I was asked, "Did the horse have water," to which I replied, "yes a small
amount." They jumped on that answer, stating that they are within the law if the horse has any water at all.
I replied that I hadn't complained about the horse's water. It was very apparent that they have
been through all this before, have been coached by their attorney, and they immediately began comparing free range horses, cattle
and sheep who don't have shelter from the sun. Ever notice those free range animals gathered in the shade of
a few trees in pastureland, or standing in ponds? They do have shelter and need it in extreme weather conditions.
Tethered animals are confined to one area and cannot roam to find a more comforable area.
The Kissners told me "You people need to leave us alone." I realized that others have complained numerous
times. I asked why they even had the animals if they were just going to leave them tethered and caged in the hot sun
to suffer, and I was told they had them for children to enjoy. My reply, "You have GOT to be kidding
me!!!" They informed me that they had already been to court and won the case to keep the animals, and
if the animals were picked up, they'd just be taken to slaughter. My reply, "Death would be much better
than suffering day after day as these animals are." The female Kissner went crazy and accused me of coming
into her store to tell her that I want the cow killed because she has no water. I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere
with empathy-deficient backwoods idiots who get their thrill from animal suffering. I turned to leave and was followed
by screaming, yelling vultures, especially the "Krazy Kissner" who said she was pressing charges against me for
abuse. I had to ask what kind of abuse, and she replied, "Abuse of ME!" She copied my license number
off my van, stating that I was trespassing on private property. This only proves their backwards mentality--they
have a store with an OPEN sign on the door. I don't think people have to call them for permission before visiting
their store. I said, "You continue to make these animals' lives miserable? I'll make yours miserable."
Since I deal mainly with dogs and cats, I researched the needs of farm animals. Cows, horses, sheep
and even the birds need shelter in extreme weather conditions, whether it's summer heat or winter freezes. Cattle
and horses drink 24+ gallons of water a day, sheep over 2 gallons/day. If ducks, geese and other birds are kept
in cages, water must be changed several times a day. They are not to drink muddy water. There are specifics about
the size of the enclosures in comparison to the number of birds, all of which the Kissners are guilty of not providing.
Also the ground must be cleaned of bird droppings periodically and should not be muddy since this can cause problems
with their feet.
I also talked to the director of WBRP Animal Control who was very disturbed about losing
the case in July, and extremely surprised that a case with so much evidence was not won by the parish. He tried different
angles to have the animals removed, and has actually removed the animals on occasions when they had no water and other poor
conditions, but our wonderful court system, infected by money and political favors, chose to have these beautiful peaceful
animals returned to the people who cause them extreme suffering. I commend WBRP Animal Control for their efforts
and their sincere despair that these people continue to abuse animals legally. Apparently the family has a history of
hoarding and animal abuse/neglect.
Here is a video of photos and video footage of these innocent
animals who are forced to suffer at the hands of barbaric humans.
We can complain to the judge who dismissed the cruelty charges and allowed the Kissners
to keep these animals: Judge Kleinpeter - West Baton Rouge Parish, Ph: 225-336-2419.
We can make the lives of these animal hoarding abusers "miserable" by calling them and visiting them, checking
on the animals (it's about a 30 minute drive from Baton Rouge) and complaining to them about the conditions in which these
animals live. If any animal does not have water or is in distress, take photos and call West Baton Rouge Parish Animal
Control, Ph: 225-336-2428, to report the conditions.
The address where
the animals are cages and tethered is:
10000 Highway 190 W, Port
Allen,LA 70767
and their phone number: (225) 627-7500 We need to get media involvement, national animal welfare group involvement, and animal attorneys
who might locate a loop-hole to get these animals away from suffering and to safety, as has happened with Tony, the truck
stop tiger. These animals are suffering and will eventually die, but they are provided just enough water and food to
keep them lingering. If anyone has any ideas on how we can possibly get these animals removed, please let me know or
act on it yourself. Pam Leavy
PamLeavyforCAAWS@msn.com.
11:52 pm
Monday, August 1, 2011
EXCELLENT READ ON GRIPES OF VETERINARIANS AND CLIENTS
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| Spot Speaks |
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| SPEAKING FOR SPOT WEBSITE | BLOG | BUY THE BOOK NOW | EMAIL DR. KAY |
| The Elephant in the Middle of the Exam Room by Nancy Kay, DVM ©
My
dual career as an author and a practicing veterinarian provides me with a unique vantage point. Not only am I privy to the
issues my veterinary colleagues are stewing about, I also receive a plethora of emails from my readers candidly venting about
their experiences as consumers of veterinary medicine. It’s rare that those on both sides of the exam room table are
growling about the same issue, but these days this is certainly the case. See if you can identify the elephant in the exam room based
on the following data that has appeared in current veterinary news feeds along with quotes from recent correspondences with
my readers: - The number of pet visits to veterinary hospitals is dramatically decreasing (DVM Newsmagazine, June 2011),
and a special session was held at this year’s conference of the American Veterinary Medical Association to explore ways
to increase public awareness about the importance of annual checkups for pets. - “In my opinion, most of the decline in veterinary
visits is primarily due to the bad economy. If you are barely scraping by, you are certainly not going to the vet for a very
pricey annual exam, especially if your pet seems fine.” - While pet spending is up, the market isn’t growing
fast enough to support the number of new veterinarians entering the veterinary profession. (DVM Newsmagazine, June 2011) Veterinarian
supply is growing faster than pet owner demand. (The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study 2011) - “Sadly there are
some veterinarians who see hospitalization fees as a revenue stream and do not inform clients that no one will be supervising
the pet they recommend be hospitalized. While one tends to like to think of their vet as a kind, caring person and many are,
some are more business than heart.” - Eighty-nine percent of current veterinary school graduates have student debt. The average
student loan debt of students graduating in 2010 from veterinary school was $133,873 (15% have debt in excess of $200,000)
and the average starting salary was $48,674. (Veterinary Information Network News Service, January 4, 2011) - “My question is
why most vets feel the need to worry about money instead of worrying about taking care of the pets.” - Although the number of
households in the United States with cats is increasing, the number of feline visits to veterinary hospitals is decreasing.
(Banfield Pet Hospital® State of Pet Health 2011 Report) - “I’d love to take each of my cats in for
dental cleaning on a regular basis and I have two cats that desperately need attention now. For me, it’s a matter of
costs. Vets continue to increase their charges and there’s no break for multiple pets. Dental disease is a precursor
for renal failure in cats and yet it’s so expensive for cleaning – yet alone extracting any teeth. Then blood
work is usually advisable to be on the safe side. It’s a small fortune when you leave the vet’s office for ONE
pet. Next you’ve got the cost associated with monthly flea control. You have to draw the line somewhere and hope for
the best.” - Fifty-four percent of cat owners and 47% of dog owners report that they would take their pet to the veterinary
hospital more often if each visit were less expensive. (The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study 2011) - “I am not saying
veterinarians can’t charge a reasonable fee for their services, but most people can’t afford $300+ bills every
time they step into a clinic, per pet, per year, and that is for the healthy ones who are coming in for regular yearly checkups
and not for other medical concerns that require medications, further diagnostics, overnight stays, dental cleaning, blood
work etc.” - Fifty three percent of clients believe that veterinary clinic costs are usually much higher than expected.
(The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study 2011) - “I am sick and tired of the way veterinarians financially take advantage of people
who are emotionally upset about their pets.” - Twenty-four percent of pet owners believe that routine checkups are unnecessary and
36% believe that vaccinations are the main reason to take their overtly healthy pet in for an office visit. (The Bayer Veterinary
Care Usage Study 2011) - “We have a lot of price gouging going on here at local vets. A dental cleaning has gone from $75
to $300 and up at many places. A lot of the clinics are buying high tech equipment and passing overhead costs on us so they
really shouldn’t complain when clients come for less visits.” Have you identified the common thread amongst these comments
and statistics? No doubt in my mind that the “gripe du jour” is the “M word.” Perhaps it is more accurate
to say that the real issue is too little money. This blog is not intended to create or perpetuate harsh judgments. Please hear me when
I say that I know that not everyveterinarian or every person who brings their pet to see the vet is thinking primarily about money. Clearly,
however, money matters are on the minds of many, in fact more so than I’ve witnessed throughout my thirty year career.
Never before have I observed colleagues declare bankruptcy. Never before have I spent so much time in the exam room trying
to help folks figure out how to do more with less. My goal in presenting this information is to create some understanding about what’s
going on in the minds of individuals on both sides of the exam room table. Blame this money mess state of mind on the diseased
economy, veterinary competition, or the expense of going to veterinary school. Whatever the causes, there is an awful lot
of emotion tangled up in the financial aspects of providing and receiving veterinary health care these days. What are your thoughts?
Let’s talk about it and in doing so we will be able to kick that big ole’ elephant out of the middle of the exam
room! If you would like to respond publicly, please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com/blog/?p=2683. Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for good health, Nancy
Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer
Life
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year
Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers
Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication
Excellence Award |
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