Monday, December 30, 2013

ISAR Volunteers



HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!


ISAR Volunteers
The United States of America is known as a volunteer society. The annual dollar amount of private charity is astronomical, and the number of hours spent by Americans in volunteer activities is incalculable.
Physicians donate their services, lawyers represent indigent clients pro bono, retirees visit nursing homes, scouts clean up neighborhoods -- and so it goes throughout the country.
Several years ago ISAR solicited volunteers to assist us in our animal rights activities, and we repeat that request now.
ISAR volunteers in their own neighborhoods and states -- acting as ISAR's eyes, ears, and often our voice -- perform many functions. Among other activities, they distribute ISAR Reports, attempt to have elected officials introduce ISAR-drafted legislation, write ISAR-generated letters-to-the-editor, introduce ISAR's public service announcements to radio and television stations, organize ISAR's annual International Homeless Animals Day vigils, and generate interest in ISAR's highway billboards. And more.
Individuals interested in becoming ISAR volunteers need only review the volunteer options listed HERE, choose their areas of interest, and contact us.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

CAMPAIGN FOR A U.N. SPAY/NEUTER POSTAGE STAMP



 HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!

CAMPAIGN FOR A U.N. SPAY/NEUTER 
POSTAGE STAMP

After years of campaigning for the United States Postal Service to issue a spay/neuter postage stamp, ISAR's efforts, with the help of others, were rewarded by the issuance in September 2002 of two such stamps, one depicting a puppy and the other a kitten. The humane educational value of these stamps cannot be underestimated, since the stamps' printing was in the range of some 80 to 100 million each.

For the past 13 years ISAR has been trying to convince the United Nations Postal Administration to issue a comparable stamp.
Supporters of ISAR know that we have long stressed the correlation between the overpopulation of dogs and cats, and the cruelties visited upon them, and the adverse impact on the public health, safety, welfare and environment. While overpopulation's unfortunate and damaging consequences are everywhere to be seen and experienced in the United States, the fate of unwanted dogs and cats elsewhere in the world -- not only in the so-called undeveloped and under-developed countries -- is nothing short of horrendous, as those of us who care about the wellbeing of those animals know.

For any organization, ISAR included, to engage in overpopulation and spay/neuter public education in those countries, enormous human and financial resources would be required. As a practical matter, with so much to be done in the United States, little overpopulation-spay/neuter public education can be done abroad. But there is something that can be done to send the spay/neuter message around the world, at no cost to American animal rights organizations: issuance by the United Nations of a spay/neuter stamp.

Stamps issued by the United Nations Postal Administration serve the purpose of raising the consciousness of those who view them. A United Nations commemorative stamp carrying the "Spay/Neuter" message would provide a way to educate the public on dog and cat overpopulation worldwide. With spay/neuter stamps issued from United Nations offices in New York City and abroad, the educational value of the spay/neuter stamp would extend worldwide and serve to educate countless people on the importance of spaying and neutering.

Annually, six innovative U.N. commemorative stamps are produced and put on sale for a period of twelve months. Stamps from the United Nations are recognized as postage when applied on mail from United Nations offices. The perils of dog and cat overpopulation need to be addressed because it is a worldwide concern. With a United Nations stamp depicting the importance of the spay/neuter message, we would be one step closer to raising the world's conscience about the battle against dog and cat overpopulation.

Petition

WHEREAS, the problem of dog and cat overpopulation is widespread throughout the world, and

WHEREAS, unwanted dogs and cats, through no fault of their own, have an adverse impact on the public health, safety, welfare and environment, and

WHEREAS, unwanted dogs and cats experience suffering and untimely, and often cruel, deaths, and

WHEREAS, one method of reducing these problems is through spay/neuter programs, and

WHEREAS, for such programs to be created and implemented, the world-wide public's awareness of the spay/neuter message must be heightened, and

WHEREAS, one method of heightening that awareness is through the production of United Nations postage stamps carrying the spay/neuter message,

NOW, THEREFORE, we the undersigned, hereby petition the United Nations Postal Administration for the creation and distribution of a postage stamp (or stamps) carrying the spay/neuter message.



Friday, November 15, 2013

ISAR'S MODEL SPAY/NEUTER TAX DEDUCTION STATUTE (PART II)




 HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!

ISAR'S MODEL SPAY/NEUTER TAX DEDUCTION STATUTE (PART II)

In our Blog of October 5, 2009 we wrote the following:[1]

About a decade ago [in about 1999], again ahead of the curve, ISAR came up with the suggestion that Congress amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax deduction for the cost of spay/neuter. (A copy of ISAR's Model Statute can be found HERE.) In the introduction to ISAR's Model Statute we set forth the policy reasons for the deduction, and argued that it's a "win-win" situation, as indeed it is.

Sadly, nothing came of ISAR's groundbreaking idea -- until now [in 2009].

A few months ago, Representative McCotter introduced H.R. 3501 (the "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years ('HAPPY') Act"), entitled "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for pet care expenses." The Bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

[Apparently drawing its inspiration from ISAR's Model Statute], [t]he Bill recites that Congress finds "63 percent of United States households own a pet" and that "the Human-Animal bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people's emotional and physical well-being."

Accordingly, the IRC amendment would allow a "deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified pet care expenses[2] of the taxpayer during the taxable year for any qualified pet of the taxpayer," limited to $3,500. (The statute goes on to define "qualified pet care expenses" and "qualified pet.")

Because ISAR is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization we can't lobby for legislation, but we certainly can observe that, given our Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute, H.R. 3501 is a welcome development -- but for one problem. Had ISAR's input been sought in the drafting of H.R. 3501, we would have suggested that the deductible "qualified pet care expenses" mandatorily include spay/neuter. In other words, no reimbursement for any expenses unless included in them was the cost of spay/neuter.

Perhaps Representative McCotter, or his co-sponsors will see fit to amend their amendment.

Although ISAR considered the bill a "welcome development," we noted that a weakness was its failure to include in "qualified pet care expenses" mandatory spay/neuter.

Regrettably, the bill went nowhere, perhaps for this reason or because it included too much in "qualified pet care expenses." No such bill has been enacted by Congress since.

In our recent Blog of November 1, 2013 -- ISAR's Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute (Part I) we revisited the subject of a tax deduction for spaying/neutering dogs and cats, making the point that the Internal Revenue Code implements social policy by its myriad allowable exemptions and deductions, that spay/neuter of pet dogs and cats serves several important public interests, and that a tax deduction on a federal and/or state level would greatly foster those interests.

In concluding, we wrote that:

ISAR is making this project -- obtaining tax relief for persons who spay/neuter their dogs and cats -- a priority.

Immediately below is the outline of an off-the-shelf bill that can be used for introduction into any state legislature and/or Congress.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, ISAR's ability to lobby for the introduction and enactment of legislation is limited. We need volunteers to carry the ball for us, and for the animals.

ISAR's proposal for a spay/neuter tax deduction is so simple, and could make such an impact on the overpopulation problem, that there should be no lack of animal advocates who are willing to find a sympathetic legislator willing to carry ISAR's proposed statute, or something similar, in his or her legislative body or administrative agency.

Often, there is an idea whose time has come. We believe that for this idea -- ISAR's "Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute" -- the time has surely come.

But we cannot do this alone. Please help.

One response to our November 1, 2013, Blog informed us that on January 18, 2010 two West Virginia legislators had introduced a bill "relating to creating a personal income tax credit for persons who may choose to spay or neuter their pets." Because it went nowhere, Senators Laird and Snyder will reintroduce it in the next session of the West Virginia Legislature.

By itself, this is good news.

Even better is that their bill is taken almost verbatim from the Model Statute ISAR promulgated more than 20 years ago.

To repeat: ". . . we cannot do this alone. Please help." To see how easy it is to introduce ISAR's Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute (and other of our Model Laws) click HERE.



[1] Material in brackets has been added.
[2] Emphasis added.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Good Intentions Go Astray


Bill S.767 has been introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature. Entitled "An Act relative to a private cause of action to prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals," the bill seeks to confer "standing to sue" on citizens of the Commonwealth, allowing them to invoke the judicial system on behalf of animals--a worthy proposal, but put forth in a wholly inept form.

Referred to the Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the bill provides as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 243 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition is amended by inserting after section 6 the following new section:

Section 7. A party of interest may bring an action under this chapter for the protection and humane treatment of animals. It shall be proper in any action to combine causes of action against one or more defendants for the protection of one or more animals. A party in interest as plaintiff shall include any person even if the person does not have any legal interest or possessory rights in an animal. Such person has standing to bring an action under this section based on the public policy against animal mistreatment. The action may be commenced against any individual, guardian or any entity that has possession of an animal and has engaged in or defendant shall include any guardian who has or is engaging in cruel or inhumane treatment of an animal or animals.


To make the proposed statute more intelligible to laypersons, we're going to rearrange it.

Who can sue? A party in interest as plaintiff shall include any person . . . . In other words, anyone. Presumably, infants to the aged, whether citizens or residents of Massachusetts or not.

Must they have a personal interest in a specific animal or animals? . . . even if the person does not have any legal interest or possessory rights in an animal. No interest of any kind whatsoever is necessary in order to invoke the judicial power of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Why are they authorized to sue? Because Massachusetts has a "public policy against animal mistreatment." In other words, because the Commonwealth has laws against animal cruelty, anyone, even persons with no connection to any specific animal or animals, can bring someone to court.

Who would be the defendant or defendants? Well, this crucial sentence of the bill is unintelligible: "any individual, guardian or any entity that has possession of an animal and has engaged in or defendant shall include any guardian. . . ." Yes, that's what it says.

Engaged in what? "cruel or inhumane treatment of an animal or animals." While on its face the bill is meaningless because "cruel or inhumane" is not defined, it probably refers to conduct prohibited under other Massachusetts' statutes. Maybe.

We could say more about the bill--how its vagueness probably renders it unconstitutional, how as a practical matter it would be unmanageable, how it fails to differentiate between civil and criminal lawsuits, how damages are to be assessed, and more--but to ISAR, which has said quite a lot about the subject of standing to sue (See Animals and "Standing to Sue", Litigation) it is sufficient to observe that yet again legislators sympathetic to animals have made a colossal mistake, revealing once more good intentions gone astray.


Bill S.767 188th (Current)
By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Mark C. Montigny and Benjamin Swan for legislation to prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals. The Judiciary.
Sponsors: Mark C. Montigny


"Cruel and inhumane treatment of an animal or animals" shall include a violation of chapter 272, sections 77 to 80G or any circumstance in which the life, health or safety of the animal is at risk. 

Friday, November 1, 2013

ISAR's Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute




HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!


ISAR's MODEL SPAY/NEUTER TAX DEDUCTION STATUTE

Most knowledgeable people understand that the American system of income taxation, both federal and state, is only secondarily concerned with raising revenue. Compared to all revenue raised by taxation, income taxes account for only a small percentage. Indeed estimates are that in 2003 roughly 40% of Americans pay no income tax at all. The fundamental purpose of income taxes is to stimulate certain activities (and discourage others).

For example, the federal tax code long encouraged oil and gas exploration through depletion allowances. Business is helped through write-offs for equipment purchase and depreciation; even by the deductibility of many entertainment expenses. Charitable giving--contributions to ISAR, for example--is fostered by tax deductibility. Home ownership is assisted greatly by deductions for real estate taxes and mortgage interest. Other activities, not favored by the government, are discouraged through taxation. Gambling losses, for example, are not tax deductible. Taxes on tobacco are high. In other words, much of the federal tax code is driven by social policy.

In the states, the same is true. Tax codes encourage and reward certain activities with tax breaks, and discourage and penalize others with higher tax rates and non-deductibility.

As ISAR's supporters know, as part of our legal and humane education programs, for decades we have promoted the important social policy of spay/neuter as a powerful weapon in the problem of dog and cat overpopulation.

ISAR can promote that important social policy of reducing dog and cat overpopulation by enlisting in our cause every American who files a federal and/or state income tax return.

The taxpayers will benefit themselves, their intact dogs and cats, and strike an important blow for spay/neuter and against dog and cat overpopulation.

How? Like most important ideas, ISAR's is simple......

Congress and/or the state legislatures should allow a tax deduction for the spaying/neutering of taxpayers' pet dogs and cats.

Granted, obtaining such legislation from the federal House Ways and Means Committee, which writes national tax laws, or the IRS, which regulates the taxation of income, might be problematic. But not impossible.

On the other hand the situation at the state level is much different. There, legislators are much closer, and typically respond more readily, to their constituents--as many animal rights activists already know from their efforts to obtain the enactment of other pro-animal legislation.

ISAR's proposed legislation is a win-win proposition; there's something in it for everyone.

First, countless animals would be spayed and neutered who would otherwise might not be, and countless unwanted births would be avoided.

Although there would be a minuscule drop in tax revenues, there would be a concomitant savings of considerable taxpayer dollars that are now spent on catching, briefly maintaining, killing, and disposing of millions of unwanted dogs and cats.

Fewer unwanted dogs and cats and dogs means more time available to shelters and humane societies for more productive work, e.g.: cruelty investigations, public education, adoption programs.

The modest tax relief which, though not large, would probably reduce or even eliminate the charge for spaying/neutering. This, in turn, would create more paying business for veterinarians, who could then, it is hoped, afford to provide more pro bono or low-cost spay/neuter services to the truly needy custodians of dogs and cats.

An indirect, but nonetheless important, benefit of reducing the number of unwanted cats and dogs are the public health and policy aspects, e.g.: at minimum, reduction of the overpopulation problem, with the attendant consequences.

ISAR is making this project--obtaining tax relief for persons who spay/neuter their dogs and cats--a priority.

Immediately below is the outline of an off-the-shelf bill that can be used for introduction into any state legislature and/or Congress.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, ISAR's ability to lobby for the introduction and enactment of legislation is limited. We need volunteers to carry the ball for us, and for the animals.

ISAR's proposal for a spay/neuter tax deduction is so simple, and could make such an impact on the overpopulation problem, that there should be no lack of animal advocates who are willing to find a sympathetic legislator willing to carry ISAR's proposed statute, or something similar, in his or her legislative body or administrative agency.

Often, there is an idea whose time has come. We believe that for this idea--ISAR's "Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute"--the time has surely come.

But we cannot do this alone. Please help.


"Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute"

1. Allowance of deduction.

Subject to the limitations provided in paragraph 2 hereof, there shall be allowed as a one-time deduction against adjusted gross income amounts paid by the taxpayer for the spaying and neutering of each dog and cat which is maintained as a pet in the taxpayer's household.

2. Limitations. 

a.) The deduction herein provided shall be allowable only as to sums which have actually been expended.

b.) The spay or neuter surgical procedure shall have been performed by a duly licensed veterinarian on a live dog or cat.

c.) The amount of deduction for each cat or dog which shall have been spayed or neutered may not exceed the reasonable cost of the spay and neuter procedure in the geographical location where the surgery was performed.

d.) The deduction herein provided shall be limited to no more than three companion animals (i.e. dogs and cats) per household in any taxable year.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

International Homeless Animals' Day Impact: Florida, Mexico, Panama


As ISAR's friends and supporters know, for the past 22 years ISAR has been organizing and facilitating INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS' DAY. Over the years, uncountable individuals and organizations have participated in spreading the spay/neuter message throughout the United States and, in recent years, to other countries around the world. For example, in 2013 dedicated animal protection groups and concerned individuals in Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Honduras, Hungary, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, and Venezuela joined forces with ISAR in the United States to shed light on the pet overpopulation epidemic.

Following each year's observances we have sought and received feedback about how successful they were--and we continue to want that information, including photos when possible.

Now we are asking something more: We want to know the impact on your communities that International Homeless Animals' Day may have had. It is well and good for International Homeless Animals' Day to be observed throughout the world, but the impact of those observances needs to be known--both as recognition of the organizers of those events, and as a spur to convince others that positive results for animals can be achieved by observance of International Homeless Animals' Day.

From time to time we've published accounts from ISAR/IHAD supporters reporting on their events. What we haven't done, until now, is publish not only information about their events but reveal the impact of International Homeless Animals Day in their communities.

Here are three impact statements, in the authors' own words:

Florida. 2013
Our walk & vigil was very successful this year. The mayor of Fernandina Beach attended this year! She truly is an animal advocate; while she was reading the proclamation to a packed council meeting she started to break up and then when she attended our vigil and we were reading the prayers and readings you sent us, she said to me afterwards "every time we meet, I am shedding tears"! I really think our vigil had an impact on her.... Thank you for being there for us and being the voice of those who cannot speak! Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA is so proud to be a part of ISAR!! Beth. Founder of Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA

Mexico. 2013
For APA, the International Homeless Animal´s Day was a great opportunity to spread the word about how does the animals have to be protect, was an excellent moment to tell all the pet-owners about how to take care of their pets. With the pets-walking that we organized, we get a bigger target and more people knew about the movement and about International Homeless Animal´s Day. People of our community definitely loved the movement, they ask about another special day to celebrate with their pets. We also create awareness about the importance of the sterilization. I want to tell you that we really succeed with our 3 events, the one in Aguascalientes, the other in Matehuala and the one in Calvillo. We gather 350 people and 400 animals in three cities. Thanks for letting us being part of this important event. Saludos!!! Felipe. Amigos Pro Animal, A.C.

Panama. 2013
Spay/Panama's motto is that TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What one person can do may seem insignificant but if we all work together we can make a positive social impact on the communities. It is very interesting how ISAR has brought together so many organizations from so many countries together. The spay/neuter event held for the International Homeless Animals' Day in Panama City can have a domino effect and eventually, it may even turn our entire country. We held a vigil, and fixed 175 animals, both cats and dogs. Patricia. Founder of Spay/Panama

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Another Municipal Adoption of Mandatory Spay/Neuter

HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!


Another Municipal Adoption of Mandatory Spay/Neuter
On October 1, 2013, the Georgia city of Macon enacted a "mandatory" spay/neuter law. It requires that dogs and cats over the age of six months, within city limits be sterilized. In principle, the city's motive (reducing overpopulation and killing) is commendable and ISAR supports it. The ordinance is an explicit acknowledgement of the overpopulation problem, and an attempt to deal with it in a humane and practical way. (According to a Macon City Councilman, the city has been euthanizing four to five thousand stray animals a year.) Indeed, the Macon ordinance reflects some of the provisions originally propounded by ISAR in its Monograph entitled "The Policy, Law and Morality of Mandatory Spay/Neuter."

However, the Macon ordinance contains the same defect found in virtually every other so-called "mandatory" spay/neuter law: a categorical exemption for those holding a valid unaltered animal permit, which can be obtained for designated breeders, hunting dogs, businesses which board such animals for training or resale, dogs or cats which are registered with the American Kennel Club, the Cat Fancier Association or other recognized registry. As ISAR explains at length in our Monograph, exemptions in so-called "mandatory" spay/neuter laws, especially for breeders, gut those enactments and do little to reduce the overpopulation problem.

As ISAR's Monograph and Model Statute prove, a (if not the) major culprit in the overpopulation problem is the breeder, especially the commercial manufacturers of puppies and kittens who operate "farms" at which these unfortunate animals are produced like sausages on an assembly line.

Obviously, as usual with "mandatory" spay/neuter laws, the Macon ordinance was the product of compromise -- unfortunately a typical ingredient of the legislative process. Until compromise at the expense of animals is wrung out of the system at the insistence of voters, we will continue to get laws which are "mandatory" except when they are not.

Once again, breeders get a pass.

Although there is a sad irony here -- breeders are a major cause of the overpopulation problem, that the Macon ordinance seeks to ameliorate -- the law as enacted is a giant step in the right direction, in at least two respects.

First, the ordinance represents a municipal judgment that enough is enough, and that the fate of unwanted dogs and cats, and the problems they cause through no fault of their own, is no longer socially acceptable in the City of Macon, Georgia.

Second, other than the breeder exception, conscientious enforcement of the ordinance should help dry up a large number of the city's strays, and significantly reduce the number of those yet to be born.

The City and its officials deserve the gratitude of all of us who understand the tragedy of dog and cat overpopulation, and the unspoken thanks of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Impact of ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day


MEMORANDUM

From: Susan Dapsis, President ISAR

To: International Homeless Animals Day sponsors and participants

Subject: Impact of ISAR'S INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS' DAY®




Dear Friends of ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day:

At first glance it might appear that an animal control officer somewhere in the United States is feeding a collarless, and thus apparently homeless, mixed-breed dog.

But if you look closely at the cap of the man, you'll see the letters "LICIA."

This touching event occurred not in the United States, but in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The man is not an animal control officer, but a member of the local police force.

Let me explain:

For the past 22 years ISAR has been organizing and facilitating INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS' DAY. Over the years, uncountable individuals and organizations have participated in spreading the spay/neuter message throughout the United States and, in recent years, to other countries around the world. For example, this year dedicated animal protection groups and concerned individuals in Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Honduras, Hungary, India, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, and Venezuela joined forces with ISAR in the United States to shed light on the pet overpopulation epidemic.

Following each year's observances we have sought and received feedback about how successful they were--and we continue to want that information, including photos when possible.

Now we are asking something more: We want to know--factually, and in your opinion--the impact on your communities that International Homeless Animals' Day may have had. It is well and good for International Homeless Animals' Day to be observed throughout the world, but the impact of those observances needs to be known--both as recognition of the organizers of those events, and as a spur to convince others that positive results for animals can be achieved by observance of International Homeless Animals' Day.

Which brings me back to Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Here, verbatim, is the report of what happened there on International Homeless Animals' Day 2013:

From: Ahpra Honduras [mailto:ofigueroa.ahpra@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2013 4:09 PM
To: Colleen Gedrich [ISAR coordinator, International Homeless Animals' Day]
Subject: International Homeless Animals Day Observance

This event had a great impact in the city of Tegucigalpa, the people who live in the community of Suyapa are very poor but when they saw us feeding the stray animal they became closer to ask us about the activity, we explained to them and we heard some positive comments such as "it´s true they probably feel hunger just like us", based on comments like that i think they will treat in a different way those stray animals. Some people evena came to us and asked us if we could give them some food for their dogs, thank God we brought 100 pounds of concentrate.


About the cops, we were surprised because they were supposed to be there for our safety, but when we started to walk they grabbed the bags of food and became active members of the activity! they said that never in their life were a part of an activity that pretends to raise awareness about animal welfare so they gave us their phone numbers so we can call them for our next activity.

In schools, in my opinion we had great results, the kids were so excited with the talks and the draws and colours, of course, the first grade students told me that they would seriously talk to their parents about the way they treat their pets and promised never leave behind their hairy friends. All the talks were imparted in public schools, in Honduras they are full of very poor kids.

AHPRA is an association dedicated to education, the rescues we have made are just a few, but in august we had 4 dogs (3 puppies and their mother) thank God and our events people adopted the 3 puppies and surprisingly we also gave in adoption the mother and she was sterilized that same month.

About the vigil we made it in the city of Comayagua and the mayor let us made it in the central park, only 15 persons attended to the event. But for us that was succesful because it was the first event of this type in a city that ignores completely about animal rights and their welfare.

I'm so sorry that I am answering late, but here is the information. And we will keep observing this day from now on.

Thank you very much Colleen!

Atentamente,
Ónice Figueroa
Secretaria de la Junta Directiva
Coordinadora de Voluntarios AHPRA
Móvil: 3395-9382
Búscanos en Facebook: Ahpra de Honduras
Síguenos en Twitter: @AhpraHND
www.ahprahonduras.org

It is said that ideas have consequences. Twenty-two years ago ISAR had the idea for International Homeless Animals' Day. A month ago in Honduras, police and others began to see companion animals in a different, more humane, light. For many of them, their attitudes have changed--and the animals will benefit.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS!



Among the many useful features of the Internet is the phenomenon called a "Weblog" -- now universally referred to as a "Blog."

Originally used as a means for the expression of the writer's personal views, Blogs have evolved into a powerful tool enabling ISAR and other organizations to inform their supporters and others throughout the world about their activities. And to provide them with "ammunition" needed to fight their many battles.

Some of the ammunition ISAR has provided for those fighting animal protection battles appears below.

For example, if you abhor the inhumane practice of cutting dog's vocal cords as a convenience to the "owner" see Stop Devocalization Now and ISAR's Stop Devocalization Now Video -- and then join us in trying to end the barbarism. And if you'd like to help us spread the word about mandatory spay/neuter, see Only ISAR "Gets It" About Mandatory Spay/Neuter.

Accused Animal Abusers to Pay Care Costs of Seized Animals
Not one of our projects, but.......
ISAR's Stop Devocalization Now Video
Wanted -- Volunteer Lawyers for ISAR's Amicus Curiae Brief Program
Another "Half a Loaf"
ISAR gets out the word about our Stop Devocalization Project
Stop Devocalization Now
Animal Rights, Camera, Action! Take Two...
Outdoor Life, or Outdoor Death?
Eyesore or ISAR
Michael Vick And The Presidential Seal Of Approval
ISAR's Semi-Annual Report: January - July 2010
"No Kill" Advances
The "Half-a-Loaf" Problem Arises Again
The People v. Keith Chung, Revisited
Search Warrants In Animal Protection Cases
The Puppy Mill Sewer Is Beginning To Overflow
Ends and Means
Will lack of "standing to sue" once again rear its ugly head?
Massachusetts Ban On "Devocalization" Becomes Law
United States v. Stevens: A Half-Full, Not Half-Empty Decision
Mandatory Spay/Neuter Beat Goes On
The Stevens Decision: Speech 8, Animals 1
Animal Lawyers and Animal Law
Las Vegas spay/neuter ordinance: Two steps forward, one step backward
ISAR Interviews Lt. Col. Mark Eichelman
ISAR Interviews Elizabeth DeCoux
Putting animal offenders on a par with sex offenders.
Silencing the already silenced: De-barking/de-meowing/de-purring dogs and cats.
Breeders May Court Disaster
ISAR's Model Statute Regulating Dog Breeding, Facilitation and Sales
Half A Loaf, Revisited
The Need For ISAR's Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law
United States v. Stevens: Popular Wisdom May Be Wrong
Why Animal Suffering Matters, by Andrew Linzey. Reviewed by Professor Henry Mark Holzer.
ISAR's Analysis Of The Supreme Court Oral Argument In United States v. Stevens
ISAR's Model Spay/Neuter Tax Deduction Statute
Profit Trumped Principle
Vick Scores Yet Again
Veterinarians Are Running Scared
ISAR Seeks Twenty-First Century "Coast Watchers"
Animals In Court
Vick Scores Again
Th-th-th-that's all folks!': Henry Cohen's Review of Steven M. Wise's New Book
ISAR's Amicus Curiae Brief Has Been Filed In The Supreme Court
ISAR Hits a Nerve
ISAR Amicus Curiae Brief in U.S. v. Stevens
ISAR vs. Michael Vick
Great Success for Animal Legal Defense Fund...and Hundreds of Dogs
Another Milestone For Animal Rights Law
ISAR In The Supreme Court Of The United States
Another ISAR Legislative Idea is Copied
Only ISAR "Gets It" About Mandatory Spay/Neuter
Free Speech and Cruelty to Animals
Half a Loaf
ISAR's Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Statute Garnering Attention
Important New Publication: Stanford Journal of Animal Law and Policy
Annotated Text of ISAR's Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Statute
Websites Providing Information About Animal Law
Overview of ISAR's Revolutionary Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Statute
The Case Against Zoos
ISAR's Revolutionary Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Statute
Vive Brigitte Bardot
ISAR's 'Harming Companion Animals' Monograph To Be Used In Law School 'Animal Law And Rights Course'
ISAR and Animal Rights in Europe
Harming Companion Animals: Liability and Damages
Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation in America by Nathan J. Winograd
Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need by Julie E. Lewin
Suing on Behalf of Animals: New Case
Capitol Hill's Animal Friends
ISAR as Friend-of-the-Court
Celebrities and Animal Abuse
ISAR's Brand New Website
Decartes is Dead
ISAR in Action
Mother Jones Meets an ISAR Billboard
Token Mandatory Spay/Neuter in Palm Beach, Florida
Another Municipal Adoption of ISAR's Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Statute
Heart Bleeding for Vick, But Not His Victims
What made Michael Vick?
 
And there's another way to help animals: By forwarding this E-Bulletin/Blog to individuals and organizations who share ISAR's goals and believe that, through law and education serving animals, together we can ease their suffering and promote their rights.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day® Bonds Communities Worldwide Against Pet Overpopulation


More than 20 US states and 17 foreign locations will band together on Saturday for ISAR's 22nd annual International Homeless Animals' Day.

First conceived and commemorated by International Society for Animal Rights in 1992, International Homeless Animals' Day was created for the purpose of shedding light on the pet overpopulation epidemic and enlightening society, elected officials, and the media about the desperate need for worldwide spay/neuter programs. International Homeless Animals' Day bonds communities together in an effort to halt the massive killing of unwanted dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that takes place each year in shelters and on the streets.

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day, annually observed on the third Saturday of August, produces events that continue to grow in number and in content. Humane societies, animal protection organizations, and concerned individuals mark the Day with candlelight vigils, spay/neuter and microchip clinics, adopt-a-thons, pet walks, information stalls, and often times host guest speakers which include elected officials, veterinarians, shelter personnel, media personalities, and local celebrities, and much more.

While attendance differs at each observance, a humane organization in California for instance has decided to hold an intimate candlelight vigil with their volunteers and board members. Other events, such as London Ontario's Pawlooza, plans for record numbers involving more than 25,000 people to celebrate our canine and feline companions. ISAR can attest that as a direct result of its International Homeless Animals' Day countless shelter animals have found permanent loving homes and countless pets are now spayed and neutered, saving millions of animals' lives.

ISAR's website is now publicizing the many events taking place in honor of International Homeless Animals' Day 2013. If you find there is not an International Homeless Animals' Day event in your area, ISAR invites you to light a candle in its 12th annual virtual online vigil. ISAR also encourages the public to visit their local animal shelters, become a volunteer, donate much needed supplies, sponsor a spay or neuter surgery, and/or promote ISAR's website, www.isaronline.org, to enlighten others about the pet overpopulation epidemic and its simple spay/neuter solution.

ISAR will continue fighting the battle against pet overpopulation and will work tirelessly for the day when all companion animals are embraced in loving arms and caring homes.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Accused Animal Abusers to Pay Care Costs of Seized Animals



Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has signed into law a bill that will require alleged animal abusers, under certain circumstances, to pay reasonable costs for the care of their seized animals.

Reasonable costs of care are $15 per day per animal, in addition to necessary medical care, as determined by a licensed veterinarian.

The law will help reduce the enormous burden placed on non-profit animal shelters across the state that provide food and veterinary care for abused animals while cruelty cases are pending, often for a lengthy period.

The legislation will allow the appropriate authorities to bring an action in the Court of Common Pleas. The statute should provide an incentive for reluctant defendants to get into court promptly, thereby alleviating expenses, eventually charged to the defendant, incurred by animal shelters in caring for abused animals.

For the full text of the bill, click Here.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Where Have All the Volunteers Gone?



ISAR first announced its Stop Devocalization Now Project (for a description of the brutal practice of devocalization, see www.stopdevocalizationnow.org) in our Blog of September 18, 2012. Since its inception, there have been 54, 078 page visits.

Following that announcement, ISAR has taken the following actions in support of our Stop Devocalization Now Project:
  • We snail-mailed our quarterly newsletter to thousands of our supporters emphasizing the Stop Devocalization Now Project, included a Stop Devocalization Now bumper sticker, and offered to provide unlimited quantities at our cost. (We received a single request, for 100 bumper stickers.)

  • We announced the Stop Devocalization Now Project to thousands of our supporters in our E-newsletter.

  • We issued a press release about the Stop Devocalization Now Project.

  • We posted information about the Stop Devocalization Now Project on Facebook.

  • We produced an Xtranormal video about the Stop Devocalization Now Project, and received thousands of views.

  • We distributed a YouTube video about the Stop Devocalization Now Project.

  • We interviewed Dr. Nicholas Dodman--world renowned animal behaviorist, and bestselling author--about devocalization and posted it on our website.

  • We appeared on "Animals Today," a weekly online streaming radio show also heard on more than 30 markets around the country, where ISAR's president Susan Dapsis discussed devocalization.

  • We advertised in Best Friends Magazine in connection with the Stop Devocalization Now Project.

  • We solicited interest in the Stop Devocalization Now Project from the Fraternal Order of Police.

  • We reached out to various political action committees concerning the Stop Devocalization Now Project.
In every one of these actions ISAR earnestly and explicitly sought the assistance of volunteers whose sole responsibility would be to obtain state or local legislative support for ISAR's anti-devocalization model statute.

How many expressions of interest did ISAR receive from the countless people throughout the United States who had learned about our Stop Devocalization Now Project?

How many individuals even sought further information about how through little effort on their part they might help end the practice of devocalization?

Exactly none.

There are several ironies here. A major one is that while reasonable people can disagree in good faith about various issues in the animal rights/protection field, no one can honestly quarrel with the proposition that devocalization is a brutal anti-animal procedure that must be ended.

Yet among the countless people who agree with ISAR's position, and doubtless laud our efforts, not one of them has come forward to find out how they could help volunteer their time and efforts to work legislatively to end devocalization.

As ISAR mentioned in our previous publications, a volunteer's task is not difficult:
  • The ISAR volunteer should identify a sympathetic legislator(s) on a municipal, county or state level;
  • The ISAR volunteer should make the legislators aware of and provide to him or her the material contained in this website, especially ISAR's Model Anti-Devocalization Statute;
  • The ISAR volunteer should encourage the legislators to solicit as many co-sponsors as possible in support of ISAR's Model Statute;
  • The ISAR volunteer, once the bill is introduced and assigned to a committee, should identify sympathetic members of that committee and seek their support for the bill.
Ideally, the bill's sponsor and/or at least one co-sponsor will have some leverage with the committee chairperson and legislative leadership so that the proposed legislation will get out of committee and obtain a majority vote of the legislature.

We have provided a lengthy Table of Contents for NIFAA president and author, Julie Lewin's book entitled Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need, which contains detailed information and instruction about how to lobby on behalf of animals.

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, ISAR cannot lobby for or against the enactment of legislation. However, we can support those who are willing to fight for legislation that will end devocalization throughout the United States. ISAR knows there are willing anti-devocalization advocates in legislative bodies throughout the United States, but we can't find them. But volunteers can.

And, as we have learned, in Massachusetts, New York and elsewhere, there are powerful legislative enemies of efforts to end the barbaric practice of devocalization.

With the help of likeminded people, whose volunteer participation we sincerely solicit, this is one battle dogs and cats can win.

Won't you please help us help them?

Monday, May 20, 2013

Not one of our projects, but..................



As ISAR's supporters know, using law, legislation, and publications our organization's mandate is humane education to foster the recognition and advancement of animal rights. Our most recent involvement with the ugly subject of dog fighting was ISAR's attempt to prevent the dog fighting Michael Vick from being reinstated in the National Football League (See Michael Vick and the Presidential Seal of Approval).

After our anti-Vick campaign, we continued to attack breeding and puppy farms, to fight for mandatory spay/neuter and anti-devocalization laws, and to advance our other programs through law, legislation, and publications.

And now a new twist on the reprehensibly barbaric practice of dog fighting has come to our attention -- apparently engaged in by the same kind of human savages who fight dogs in other ways.

Apparently gaining momentum in Florida, there's a new twist on dog fighting. Two dogs, often pit bulls, are thrown into the trunk of a car. The driver turns up the radio, either to aggravate the dogs and/or to muffle the ensuing barking and screaming. About fifteen minutes later, the driver stops, dumps the dead or wounded dog out of the trunk, and proceeds on his way. Police in the southern part of Florida see an increase in this activity.

A newspaper recently reported that "[p]erhaps the worst case of trunking so far was recently uncovered in Miami-Dade County. Five pit bulls and four puppies were discovered at a residence . . . after animal services received an anonymous tip. In the back of the home cages were covered in urine and feces. The dogs exhibited clear signs of fighting and are currently being treated for open wounds and broken bones. The face of the oldest dog of the group, Max, is obscured by cuts and scars."

Trunking is criminal under Florida law, the police have a low tolerance for it, and they make arrests when they can. Prosecutors will enforce the law if the police bring a case to them. Normal citizens can, and should, report evidence of "trunking." Laws raising the penalty upon conviction can, and should be, strengthened. Vehicles used to perpetrate such crimes should be seized and forfeited.

And one last thing can be done: Petitions to the Governor of Florida can heighten his awareness that barbarians are loose in his state, venting their sick psychologies on defenseless animals.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

A SILVER LINING FOR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE "FISCAL CLIFF" LAW



Unnoticed while the smoke cleared from the "fiscal cliff" is an important provision.

The "IRA Charitable Rollover" has been reinstated for 2012 taxes.

This means that if you are 70½ years or older, you may donate up to $100,000 from your traditional or Roth IRA (any 501(c)(3) should be so lucky!) directly to ISAR until January 31, 2013. Your contribution will count against your mandatory 2012 IRA withdrawal, and the amount of your contribution can be a 2012 charitable deduction.

Please consult your personal financial advisor for confirmation and to obtain more specifics.

Oh yes! - there's another benefit: you'll be helping ISAR carry on its work in furthering animal rights.

Friday, January 11, 2013

ISAR's Stop Devocalization Now Video



Recently, ISAR has brought to the attention of our supporters and others, the widespread cruel practice in the United States of surgically cutting the vocal cords of canines (and, less often, felines) known formally as ventriculocordectomy. Synonyms often include "debarking," "devocalization," "silencing," "bark softening," and "cutting the vocal chords."

In 2012, ISAR launched it's newly-created, one-stop, educational website aimed at exposing and prohibiting the barbaric practice of dog and cat devocalization, www.stopdevocalizationnow.org. In addition to the creation of our new website, ISAR produced an Xtranormal video entitled, Silence is Not Golden, and drafted an exceptional and informative Model Statute entitled, ISAR's Model Statute Restricting Devocalization.

Now, to continue our educational efforts against devocalization in 2013, ISAR is kicking off our Stop Devocalization Now project with our latest Youtube video. With this recent video, ISAR further solicits the help from our friends and supporters while encouraging them to help us spread the word against devocalization.

To view ISAR's Stop Devocalization Now video, click on the image below or click on this link.


If you like it as much as we do, please forward it to as many people as you can, asking them to do the same.

Once you are on the video page, the share button will enable you to email or repost ISAR's video on your Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

If you have a website or blog and would like to embed our latest video on your homepage, ISAR encourages you to do so by copying and pasting the embed link found on our Youtube video page.

Together we can accomplish great feats to help companion animals and one very simple way to do that is by keeping ISAR visible to the public eye.