ISAR gets out the word about our Stop Devocalization Project

As our friends and supporters know, we have recently created a stand-alone project aimed at prohibiting the barbaric practice of devocalization. Because ISAR is truly an international organization, our newsletter, blog and eBulletin goes out to our friends and supporters not only in the United States, but worldwide.
 

Last month we received a supportive email from a Swedish veterinarian who wrote that "As a veterinarian I am ashamed that some of my American colleagues are taking part in this unnatural and unhealthy modification of healthy animals to make them suit their owners. Fortunately this is illegal in Europe. USA should follow."

We could not agree more!

ADVANCING THE INTERESTS OF ANIMALS v. CITY OF INDIO, ET AL.

 

ISAR wants to call your attention to a lawsuit filed recently in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, Indio Division. It is entitled ADVANCING THE INTERESTS OF ANIMALS v. CITY OF INDIO, ET AL., Case Number INC 1207510. The attorney for Petitioner is Diane C. Blasdel of the Rancho Mirage law firm Ealy, Hemphill & Blasdel, LLP.
 

The action seeks mandate, declaratory judgment and a temporary and permanent injunction in connection with acts of commission and failures to act at the Indio, California, animal shelter which are alleged to violate several California statutes.

ISAR wholeheartedly supports the lawsuit's goals.

For more information please click HERE.

ISAR's Autumn 2012 Newsletter

President's Message

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I formally announce the launch of ISAR's new website Stop Devocalization Now.

Unknown to most custodians of dogs and cats and the public at large, there is a widespread practice in the United States of surgically cutting the vocal cords of canines (and, less often, felines). That's correct: cutting their vocal cords.

This mutilating procedure when not performed for the medical benefit of dogs and cats but instead for the convenience of humans, must be ended throughout the United States. And it must be ended now!

To accomplish that goal, International Society for Animal Rights has created our stand-alone Stop Devocalization Now Project, dedicated to helping those who are willing and able to engage in the legislative-lobbying actions that ISAR, as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, can not directly perform.

While commonly known by the euphemism "debarking," synonyms for cutting a dog's or cat's vocal cords include "devocalization," "silencing," "bark softening," "cutting the vocal chords" -- and by the formal medical term "ventriculocordectomy." (In this announcement, as shorthand I'll use dogs and the term "devocalization" as examples.)

Now for the gruesome details. A dog is devocalized by having her vocal cord soft tissue cut by the veterinarian making a surgical incision in the dog's neck, or by inserting tools through her mouth.

The consequences for devocalized dogs can be, and often are, horrific. For example, breathing can become a struggle for devocalized animals because of airway obstruction, which in turn can cause a later administration of anesthesia for legitimate medical reasons to be problematic. A dog can choke on food, inhale vomit into her lungs, choke, gag, cough. Scar tissue buildup can require multiple surgical procedures. And more.

The devocalization procedure can cause severe blood loss and infection.

Police -- anyone, for that matter -- encountering a devocalized dog trained to attack will have no warning.

It has been reported that a devocalized dog is more likely to be dumped or surrendered to a shelter, adding to the already serious overpopulation problem. Indeed, it has been reported also that in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shelters received many devocalized animals before the practice (with a narrow exception) was outlawed.

There is much more to be said about the medical aspects of devocalization, but just what I've said so far should suffice to demonstrate that devocalization is cruel, brutal, dangerous -- let alone immoral -- in its treatment of animals as if they were simply inanimate objects to be used and abused by humans without regard to their ability to experience pain and their need to live natural lives.

By devocalizing a dog, the veterinarian's knife assaults not only the animal, but its ability to communicate -- and the idea of a humane society that humans should strive for.

Putting aside body language, the only other way an animal can communicate is through vocalization. Sever that ability literally and figuratively, and the animal has no means to convey its mental state to other animals and humans. It lacks the ability to control the tone, intensity and frequency of its voice. Lacking that, the dog cannot communicate fear, aggression, danger, pain - everything the animal "knows." To get a sense of what devocalization means to a dog or any other animal, one need only ask a mute human being what he's deprived of because of his inability to speak.

In order to precipitate a national discussion about devocalization, and to arm those likeminded people and organizations such as International Society for Animal Rights who want to end the practice, ISAR has created the Stop Devocalization Now Project.

We will provide all information possible about devocalization, including but not limited to links containing the following:

Aspects of Devocalization

Medical

Ethical

Behavioral

Opponents and proponents

Activism

ISAR's Model Anti-Devocalization Statute

Suggested Letter-to-the-Editor and others

Veterinarian/behaviorist non-devocalization support and pledge

Initiative and referendum

Petitions

Anti-devocalization efforts abroad

Australia

Elsewhere

Law and Legislation

Existing domestic anti-devocalization legislation

Massachusetts

New Jersey

Warwick

Rhode Island

Newtown, Ohio

Ohio

Pending anti-devocalization legislation

California

Virginia

Failed anti-devocalization legislative attempts

California

New York

Cranston, Rhode Island

Congress

Lobbying

Cases related to anti-devocalization legislation

Constitutionality of anti-devocalization legislation

Public Education

Anti-devocalization videos

Radio Interviews

ISAR's potential supporters are literally countless. Our constituents are every dog and cat that is a potential victim of the scalpel. Potential activists are the many good people throughout the United States who understand the nature of devocalization, and are willing to work to end it. 

We are actively seeking volunteers to work legislatively to end devocalization. 

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 vocalization throughout the United States. 

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. (On our website, 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.)

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.

But with the help of likeminded people, whose volunteer participation we sincerely solicit, this is one battle dogs and cats can win. ISAR will continue to assist in strengthening and enlarging current laws and in drafting state and federal animal protection legislation.

ISAR has begun publicizing our latest Stop Devocalization Now Project using online social media sites, e-newsletter, Twitter and even a radio interview on the Animals Today Radio Show, which can be heard on our website.

On another front, ISAR commemorated the 21st anniversary of International Homeless Animals' Day on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with hundreds of observances throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

ISAR conceived and began International Homeless Animals' Day® in 1992. Now, twenty-one years later, observances have consistently grown in number. They bring people all over the world together to shed light on pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution. By now, International Homeless Animals' Day events have been celebrated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, over in 50 countries and on 6 continents, saving millions of animals' lives.

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day is devoted to bringing humane organizations and concerned individuals together globally to combat pet overpopulation head-on by promoting spay/neuter and adoption campaigns. As a direct result of ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day observances in 2012, many elected officials were enlisted to help lead their communities in pet overpopulation awareness campaigns and the simple spay/neuter solution. ISAR's Proclamations declaring the third Saturday of August as International Homeless Animals' Day were signed by many Governors, Mayors, city council members and other elected officials worldwide. ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day observances result in the placing of companion animals into loving families and the performing of countless spay/neuter surgeries saving millions of animals' lives.

ISAR would like to thank all of the coordinators who have participated in International Homeless Animals' 2012, and who by doing so have contributed to advancing the war against dog and cat overpopulation.

We cordially invite our supporters, and those individuals who are receiving our E-Newsletter for the first time, to explore ISAR's website and familiarize themselves with the work we have been doing for animal rights during the past half-century.

Because of your support, ISAR has remained in the forefront of the battles for the rights of animals. Your contributions will allow us to continue our work, making great strides on behalf of our beloved companion animals.

Sincerely,

Susan Dapsis

President, ISAR

*****

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day® 2012

International Homeless Animals' Day 2012 was commemorated for the twenty-first consecutive year on August 18th with Candlelight Vigil observances in more than 20 U.S. states, Canada and involvement in at least 10 foreign locations including Australia, China, Cyprus, France, Guam, Malaysia, Panama, Russia, South Africa, and Switzerland.

Introduction

On Saturday, August 18, 2012, animal protection organizations and compassionate individuals from all over the world joined together to commemorate ISAR's 21st annual International Homeless Animals' Day. Since 1992, the year ISAR conceived and began International Homeless Animals' Day, dedicated vigil coordinators have orchestrated events on the third Saturday of August, shedding light on an epidemic that sadly claims the lives of millions of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens on a global scale each year: pet overpopulation. Events that often accompany International Homeless Animals' Day observances promote pet overpopulation's simple solution: spay/neuter, educate individuals and communities about responsible pet care, and increase shelter pet exposure and adoptions. Low-cost spay/neuter clinics, adopt-a-thons, microchip clinics, information stalls, special guest speakers, volunteer appreciation ceremonies, animal shelter open houses, and candlelight vigils are just a few of the activities held on International Homeless Animals' Day around the world. ISAR is extremely grateful for the hard work our devoted vigil coordinators put forth every year leading up to our August event. Because of their loyal commitment, ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day observances result in the placement of companion animals into loving new families and the performing of countless spay/neuter surgeries.

ISAR offered its online virtual vigil for the 11th year in a row, allowing people who could not physically attend an International Homeless Animals' Day observance the option to participate. Visitors from all over the world including Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States lit candles online in memory of victims of pet overpopulation, thus further driving home the importance of spay/neuter.

2012 Vigil Highlights
While ISAR encourages all vigil coordinators to contact us with feedback, due to space restraints we are not able to acknowledge the many events that took place on August 18, 2012. Some representative examples follow.

The Warwick Valley Humane Society hosted their third annual International Homeless Animals’ Day Candlelight Vigil on August 18, 2012. Pictured from left to right are: volunteers Steve and Dina Feneck, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Councilman Russ Kowal, Warwick Valley Humane Society President Suzyn Barron, Councilman Floyd D’Angelo, Justice Nancy D’Angelo and The Animal Rights Alliance, Inc.  founder, Steve Tardiff. Photo By: Roger Gavan

The Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick, NY was the setting for the third annual International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil observance hosted by the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Elected officials from New York's Orange County, the Town of Warwick, the Village of Warwick and the Village of Greenwood Lake all issued proclamations based on ISAR's designating Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 as "International Homeless Animals Day." Special guest speakers, including Village of Warwick Mayor, Michael J. Newhard, Town of Warwick Supervisor, Michael Sweeton, Councilman Floyd D'Angelo, Town of Warwick Justice, Nancy D'Angelo, Councilman Russ Kowal and founder of The Animal Rights Alliance (T.A.R.A.), Steve Tardiff, took the stage to discuss the importance of community involvement when it comes to our animal companions, spay/neuter and adoption practices, and to acknowledge the important work of the Warwick Valley Humane Society and its dedicated staff and volunteers. Earlier that Day in conjunction with International Homeless Animals' Day, T.A.R.A. set up their low-cost spay/neuter clinic fixing close to 50 animals helping to combat pet overpopulation.

The Humane Society of Elkhart County in Bristol, Indiana, commemorated International Homeless Animals' Day 2012 with approximately 220 people in attendance. Ms. Anne Reel, Executive Director, said of their annual International Homeless Animals' Day observance, "the event continues to be a huge success for our shelter as a way to raise awareness about homeless animals and to celebrate successful home connections with owners and their loving companions." Media coverage leading up to their event included television spots and local newspaper articles, while a local news anchor from an ABC affiliate acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. To reinforce the spay/neuter message, the Humane Society of Elkhart County hosted organizations working on behalf of feral cats and a local low-cost spay/neuter clinic. A moving blessing of pets rounded out the event, shedding light on the homeless animal epidemic.

Commemorating their 18th annual International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil observance on August 18th, Defenders of Animals, RI, once again turned on the spotlight to educate others about the pet overpopulation epidemic and its simple spay/neuter solution. This year, Defenders of Animals honored members who were instrumental in assisting the enactment of crucial animal-friendly legislation, including those who fostered shelter animals, or went above and beyond the call of duty helping animals throughout the year. Live music and a candlelight vigil ceremony in memory of those affected by pet overpopulation closed out the evening.

Beth Hackney, President of Cats Angels

Inc., SPCA carries her "Spay/Neuter. It

Stops the Killing!" sign along a busy

roadway during their 11th annual

International Homeless Animals' Day

awareness walk in Fernandina Beach, FL.

Clutching vibrant signs boasting the spay/neuter message, members of Cats Angels, Inc. SPCA of Fernandina Beach, FL held their 11th annual International Homeless Animals' Day two mile walk and candlelight vigil on August 18th. Mayor Filkoff of Fernandina Beach declared the entire month of August as International Homeless Animals' Month and Saturday, August 18, 2012 as International Homeless Animals' Day. Throughout August 2012, Cats Angels performed 138 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing the births of hundreds more unwanted kittens. When asked why Cats Angels observes International Homeless Animals' Day, President, Beth Hackney said, "We participate in International Homeless Animals' Day every year because we feel it brings attention to the plight of all the homeless animals who have nobody to speak for them. Cats Angels has so many spay/neuter surgeries in the summer months, because that is when we see the most animals coming in. Sometimes I get real discouraged wondering if we are truly making a difference, but I just look in the eyes of some of the babies we help, and I know we can't give up, even if we help just some of them."

Along a major highway in Tamuning, Guam, Fur-Ever Kinda Love displayed 10,000 twinkle lights, representing the number of animals killed by shelter euthanization or on local roadways in 2011. Informative banners promoting the spay/neuter message and a push for companion animal adoptions accompanied the touching light display. According to Fur-Ever Kinda Love volunteer, Shirley Miller, on the week prior to International Homeless Animals' Day, a proclamation was signed by 19 mayors of the Guam Mayors Council declaring August 18, 2012 as "Guam Homeless Animals' Day." Senator Judith Guthertz, a long-time animal supporter, also introduced a Resolution based on ISAR's Proclamation to the Guam Legislature where it was signed and presented during the ceremony. Also, in honor of International Homeless Animals' Day, the Guam Mayor's Council has agreed to work with Fur-Ever Kinda Love to implement spay/neuter campaigns in Guam's villages as well as promoting animal adoption from local shelters.

Spay/Panama and Angeles De Los Animales in Bethania, Panama, commemorated International Homeless Animals' Day once again by performing more than 100 spay/neuter surgeries on August 18th bringing their total number of animals sterilized to just over 44,000. A big supporter of International Homeless Animals' Day and promoting spay/neuter, Congressman HD Victor Juliao is not only working on creating and enacting the Animal Protection Law for Panama, he is also working with Spay/Panama to provide a spay/neuter mobile unit to travel and perform cat and dog sterilizations in several locations. A candlelight vigil comprised of 500 attendees took place in Parque Urraca after the Day's spay/neuter clinic to memorialize the animals that lost their lives due to pet overpopulation. When asked of their overall effectiveness in educating others about pet overpopulation and spay/neuter on International Homeless Animals' Day, Patricia Chan of Spay/Panama said, "International Homeless Animal's Day brought us all together. Each attendant will now become a spokesperson."

Pawlooza, also known as "the ultimate dog party" of London, Ontario, Canada, surpassed last year's attendance record this year by hosting a whopping 25,000 attendees, some of whom brought with them as many as 6,000 dogs, on International Homeless Animals' Day at the Plunkett Estate. On this Day, rescues and animal shelters from across Canada were invited to educate the public about pet overpopulation and spay/neuter, bring adoptable animals seeking new homes, fundraise for their cause, and network with others. With approximately 200 vendors and rescue organizations on hand, attendees and their pooches spent some quality time together for a good cause while enjoying games, contests, demonstrations, information stalls, and much, much more.

Special Thanks

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the humane-minded elected officials who recognized August 18, 2012 as International Homeless Animals' Day in their communities by signing ISAR's Proclamation, acknowledging the plight of cat and dog overpopulation while encouraging the public to be part of the simple solution: spay/neuter. A special thanks to Mayor Arlene Filkoff of Fernandina Beach, Florida, for declaring the entire month of August 2012 as International Homeless Animals' Month, and August 18, 2012 as International Homeless Animals' Day. ISAR would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Mayors' Council of Guam for signing ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day Proclamation and a special thanks to Senator Judith Guthertz for introducing a resolution based on ISAR's Proclamation that was adopted by Guam's Legislature highlighting the importance of spay/neuter and pet adoption and further emphasizing, "Pet owners who neglect to have their pets spayed or neutered are accountable to taxpayers of Guam for the financial burden the community incurs as a direct result of the over-population crisis." Thank you to all elected officials from New York's Orange County, the Town of Warwick, the Village of Warwick and the Village of Greenwood Lake who issued proclamations based on ISAR's designating Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 as "Homeless Animals Day."

ISAR would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many media outlets as well as all individuals who helped to publicize the plight of homeless animals by promoting ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day 2012. Articles and interviews focusing on ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day circulated in newspaper publications including Russia's St. Petersburg Times, and on television and radio stations around the globe. Countless websites, including The Voice of Russia, petmeds.org, PetMd.com, and Jane Goodall's rootsandshoots.org helped advertise the importance of International Homeless Animals' Day along with many blogs, and tweets on Twitter, including one from screenwriter Brian Lynch who encouraged others to visit an animal shelter if they were considering adding a companion animal to their family. ISAR is also grateful to those compassionate individuals who took the time to help publicize International Homeless Animals Day 2012 on their social media networks, by writing letters-to-the-editor, and simply by encouraging others to work for positive change for unwanted animals by adopting from shelters and promoting spay/neuter.

Organize a Vigil for 2013

ISAR extends a heartfelt invitation to all of our veteran International Homeless Animals' Day event coordinators, as well as to a host of new ones, to join us on Saturday, August 17, 2013 in commemorating ISAR's 22nd annual International Homeless Animals' Day. We encourage you to be part of something special and band together with us in solidarity to raise awareness of the plight of homeless animals.

ISAR offers free International Homeless Animals' Day packets to all who are interested in coordinating an event, whether it is a small modest event or a large public gathering.

ISAR's informational materials will assist you in organizing an effective observance with suggestions for site selection, reaching target audiences, speakers, sample press releases, ISAR's proclamations, and much more.

Please contact ISAR by mail, phone, fax or email to receive your International Homeless Animals' Day 2013 packet.

Together we will continue to be a voice for the animals and continue to demand an end to the suffering and exploitation inflicted on animals each day.

Stop Devocalization Now

STOP DEVOCALIZATION NOW

A Project of International Society for Animal Rights

Stop Devocalization Now

www.isaronline.org

contact@isaronline.org

Unknown to most custodians of dogs and cats and the public at large, there is a widespread practice in the United States of surgically cutting the vocal cords of canines (and, less often, felines). That's correct: cutting their vocal cords.

This mutilating procedure when not performed for the medical benefit of dogs and cats but instead for the convenience of humans, must be ended throughout the United States. And it must be ended now!

To accomplish that goal, International Society for Animal Rights has created our stand-alone Stop Devocalization Now Project, dedicated to helping those who are willing and able to engage in the legislative-lobbying actions that ISAR, as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, can not directly perform.

While commonly known by the euphemism "debarking," synonyms for cutting a dog's or cat's vocal cords include "devocalization," "silencing," "bark softening," "cutting the vocal chords"-- and by the formal medical term "ventriculocordectomy." (In this announcement, as shorthand I'll use dogs and the term "devocalization" as examples.)

Now for the gruesome details. A dog is devocalized by having her vocal cord soft tissue cut by the veterinarian making a surgical incision in the dog's neck, or by inserting tools through her mouth.

The consequences for devocalized dogs can be, and often are, horrific. For example, breathing can become a struggle for devocalized animals because of airway obstruction, which in turn can cause a later administration of anesthesia for legitimate medical reasons to be problematic. A dog can choke on food, inhale vomit into her lungs, choke, gag, cough. Scar tissue buildup can require multiple surgical procedures. And more.

The devocalization procedure can cause severe blood loss and infection.

Police -- anyone, for that matter -- encountering a devocalized dog trained to attack will have no warning.

It has been reported that a devocalized dog is more likely to be dumped or surrendered to a shelter, adding to the already serious overpopulation problem. Indeed, it has been reported also that in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shelters received many devocalized animals before the practice (with a narrow exception) was outlawed.

There is much more to be said about the medical aspects of devocalization, but just what I've said so far should suffice to demonstrate that devocalization is cruel, brutal, dangerous -- let alone immoral -- in its treatment of animals as if they were simply inanimate objects to be used and abused by humans without regard to their ability to experience pain and their need to live natural lives.

By devocalizing a dog, the veterinarian's knife assaults not only the animal, but its ability to communicate -- and the idea of a humane society that humans should strive for.

Putting aside body language, the only other way an animal can communicate is through vocalization. Sever that ability literally and figuratively, and the animal has no means to convey its mental state to other animals and humans. It lacks the ability to control the tone, intensity and frequency of its voice. Lacking that, the dog cannot communicate fear, aggression, danger, pain -- everything the animal "knows." To get a sense of what devocalization means to a dog or any other animal, one need only ask a mute human being what he's deprived of because of his inability to speak.

In order to precipitate a national discussion about devocalization, and to arm those likeminded people and organizations such as International Society for Animal Rights who want to end the practice, ISAR has created the Stop Devocalization Now Project.

We will provide all information possible about devocalization, including but not limited to links containing the following:

Aspects of Devocalization

Medical

Ethical

Behavioral

Opponents and proponents

Activism

ISAR's Model Anti-Devocalization Statute

Suggested Letter-to-the-Editor and others

Veterinarian/behaviorist non-devocalization support and pledge

Initiative and referendum

Petitions

Anti-devocalization efforts abroad

Australia

Elsewhere

Law and Legislation

Existing domestic anti-devocalization legislation

Massachusetts

New Jersey

Warwick, Rhode Island

Newtown, Ohio

Ohio

Pending anti-devocalization legislation

California

Virginia

Failed anti-devocalization legislative attempts

California

New York

Cranston, Rhode Island

Congress

Lobbying

Cases related to anti-devocalization legislation

Constitutionality of anti-devocalization legislation

Public Education

Anti-devocalization videos

ISAR's potential supporters are literally countless. Our constituents are every dog and cat that is a potential victim of the scalpel. Potential activists are the many good people throughout the United States who understand the nature of devocalization, and are willing to work to end it.

We are actively seeking volunteers to work legislatively to end devocalization.

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.

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. (At http://isaronline.org/programs/stop-devocalization-now/lobbying/ 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.)

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.

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

Sincerely,

Susan Dapsis

President, ISAR

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day Sheds Light On A Global Tragedy: Pet Overpopulation

President's Message

Dear Friends,

ISAR celebrated the 20th anniversary of International Homeless Animals' Day® on Saturday, August 20, 2011 with hundreds of observances in more than 30 states and 11 foreign countries including Canada.

International Homeless Animals' Day-the ISAR-created and sponsored annual event-is always observed on the third Saturday in August. ISAR launched this day of memory in 1992 to shed light on the tragedy of pet overpopulation and the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter programs to help save the lives of animals.

On International Homeless Animals' Day, ISAR along with animal protection organizations, humane societies, animal rescues, veterinary professionals, caring individuals, and animal-friendly businesses from throughout the United States, Canada and abroad join together to send the spay/neuter message to a global audience in an effort to halt the euthanasia and suffering of unwanted companion animals.

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day observances have been successful thanks to the worldwide participation of other organizations that provide a wide variety of activities to educate communities, legislators and the media of the urgent need for companion animal sterilization.

As a direct result of International Homeless Animals' Day 2011:

● Thousands of dogs and cats were spayed and neutered, thus preventing the birth of hundreds of thousands of unwanted companion animals.

● Thousands of dollars were raised to fund low-cost spay/neuter programs, consequently reducing the number of animals entering shelters.

● Countless shelter animals once homeless, have found permanent loving homes, thus reducing shelter euthanasia rates.

● ISAR's proclamations urging citizens to spay and neuter their pets were adopted and signed by U.S. Governors and Mayors, thereby acknowledging the companion animal overpopulation crisis and the pressing need for low-cost spay/neuter programs.

● Media coverage from newspapers, radio and television stations, along with numerous online resources enlightened the public to the simple solution to the pet overpopulation crisis: spay/neuter.

● ISAR's billboards effectively communicated the spay/neuter message to a large number of motorists in several states.

● ISAR's educational brochures, addressing the problems and solutions related to pet overpopulation were distributed worldwide.

As our supporters know, International Homeless Animals' Day is just one of the many valuable programs conceived and executed annually by ISAR.

Since ISAR's founding in 1959 our organization has not wavered in our commitment, dedicating all our efforts and resources to improving the lives of all animals through legal, legislative and educational programs.

ISAR is most grateful to you, our supporters. You are the most powerful allies the animals have. Without your financial support, we would not have the resources to wage our battles on behalf of animals.

Sincerely,
Susan Dapsis

President

ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day Sheds Light On A Global Tragedy: Pet Overpopulation

Introduction

International Homeless Animals' Day 2011 was commemorated for the twentieth consecutive year on August 20th with Candlelight Vigil observances in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and 11 foreign countries including the Bahamas, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Kuwait, Panama, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Switzerland.

ISAR conceived and commemorated International Homeless Animals' Day beginning in 1992. Now, twenty years later, observances have consistently grown and bring people all over the world together to shed light on pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution. International Homeless Animals' Day events have been celebrated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, over 50 countries and 6 continents, saving millions of animals' lives.

International Homeless Animals' Day is an opportunity to pay homage to creatures whose lives we have responsible dominion over. We have loved them, fought for them, advocated for them and ultimately been forced to make life and death decisions regarding their future. International Homeless Animals' Day is the opportunity to reach thousands-even millions-of people with the crucial message that pet overpopulation can be ameliorated through spaying and neutering.

In honor of ISAR's 20th International Homeless Animals' Day, ISAR once again offered those who could not physically attend a Candlelight Vigil observance an invitation to participate online during ISAR's 10th annual International Homeless Animals' Day virtual vigil. Interested individuals from around the globe, including the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Estonia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Argentina lit candles online in memory or in honor of a loved animal, thus expressing the importance of spaying/neutering and adopting from animal shelters.

Taking a cue from the support received by ISAR's Youtube video showcasing International Homeless Animals' Day observances during 2009, ISAR again produced a tribute video spotlighting International Homeless Animals' Day observances from 2010. Multiple animal protection organizations and caring individuals have already shared our special tribute by hosting our video on their websites, blogs, and online communities. ISAR's video may be viewed on our website, www.isaronline.org.

2011 Vigil Highlights

On August 20, 2011, ISAR commemorated its 20th anniversary of International Homeless Animals' Day alongside more than 250 concerned individuals and over 20 animal rescue groups and vendors at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, PA. ISAR Program Coordinator Colleen Gedrich read ISAR's Proclamation signed by Scranton Mayor Christopher A. Doherty declaring August 20, 2011 as International Homeless Animals' Day.

Live music entertained the crowd during the pet walk, pet food and supply drive, and meet and greet portions of this event while many pet custodians lined up with their faithful companion animals for the rabies vaccination and microchip clinics conducted by Bunker Hill Veterinary Hospital.

During this milestone observance, ISAR's President, Susan Dapsis, joined forces with Senator Roy C. Afflerbach (Ret.), Founder of Humane USA PA PAC, Tamira Ci Thayne, Founder of Dogs Deserve Better, members of Rescue Ink including founding member Joe Panz, and Al "Alley Cat" Chernoff, and Nancy Reese, Founder of NEPA Animal Adoption Network to enlighten the crowd about the need for spay/neuter while promoting shelter adoption practices, proper companion animal care, and encouraging the public to get involved in any way they can to help animals.

ISAR President, Susan Dapsis recited grim facts on pet overpopulation that commanded the audience's attention and encouraged the crowd to become a part of the spay/neuter solution. With great concern, Ms. Dapsis said, "The surplus of companion animals has resulted in millions of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies being euthanized annually in shelters...the leading cause of death for dogs and cats is not illness or accidents, but euthanasia." Ms. Dapsis went on to say, "Sadly, society is unaware that pet overpopulation and the resultant killing exist on such an almost incomprehensible scale. It is because of this, that International Homeless Animals' Day was conceived twenty years ago by ISAR." Ms. Dapsis continued by commending those who work tirelessly in animal shelters and rescues, as well as individuals whose dedication and hard work play a crucial role in increasing public awareness of pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution. In conclusion, Ms. Dapsis enlightened the crowd with the following heartfelt words, "There is never a better time than the present to create positive change for unwanted animals. Please have your pets spayed or neutered and when you are ready to bring a pet into your home, remember to adopt your companion animal, they offer a lifetime of love, loyalty and devotion to anyone willing to give them the opportunity to live."

Throughout the evening, ISAR's special guests addressed the crowd on various animal protection topics. Nancy Reese, Founder of NEPA Animal Adoption Network, stressed that animal shelter systems are full and abused by many of the public. Ms. Reese told the crowd that low-cost spay/neuter options do exist and encouraged people to take advantage of those resources. Ms. Reese went on to say, "In 2010, our local animal shelter took in nearly 3,800 cats - 3,100 of them were euthanized. As a society, we need to open our eyes to the real issue out there and get involved. Spaying and neutering is the only sure way to keep down the populations.

Five members from Rescue Ink (nationally known for their television show on the National Geographic Channel) came out in full force with founding member Joe Panz taking the microphone first. With great passion in his voice, Mr. Panz explained to the crowd, "We deal with a lot of different cases of abuse and we deal with a lot of hoarding cases. We handle cases involving dog fighting and cases about animals being left outside. We go wherever we have to go to seek out those individuals who choose to abuse animals in addition to doing what we can to keep animals in the home. When there's a line drawn in the sand and somebody crosses that line, there needs to be someone willing to push back, and that's what we're here for."

Tamira Ci Thayne, Founder of Dogs Deserve Better, then took the stage asking the crowd to show their disapproval for dog tethering. After resounding hoots and hollers, Ms. Thayne went on to say she formed Dogs Deserve Better to stop this horrible practice of dog tethering and likened chained dogs to being just as homeless as those found on the streets or in shelters. Ms. Thayne woefully explained to the crowd, "Left alone in the backyard 24/7, lucky to have food and water, without humane companionship and often times without adequate shelter from the elements, these dogs suffer and they suffer greatly." Ms. Thayne then encouraged the crowd to support anti-chaining legislation to help save these dogs, whose lives are miserable on the end of a chain. Ms. Thayne concluded by pleading with the crowd to, "Please, please, please write to your senators and write to your representatives and encourage them to support anti-chaining legislation!" ISAR's website, www.isaronline.org, offers our supporters information and links on how to ascertain the names and contact information for federal and state legislators.

Rounding out the speaker portion of our evening, ISAR was pleased to have Senator Roy C. Afflerbach (Ret.), Founder of Humane USA PA PAC, address the crowd. Senator Afflerbach shared many words of wisdom with participants, while explaining several ways the public can help animals by lending their voice. Sen. Afflerbach told the crowd, "If you have access to the internet you can do email, texting, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, social networking, etc...you can direct mail many people virtually free. Those of us who support the compassionate treatment of animals can in fact get our message out much more efficiently to many more people, much more quickly. We can take those cases of abject animal abuse and upload those photographs, send them around the world, send them to the legislative offices directly time after time after time. In the past, 14 years ago, we couldn't do that."

In addition to encouraging participation by every member of the crowd in the compassionate treatment of animals movement from every member of the crowd, Senator Afflerbach declared, "One thing we have to absolutely improve on is diversity in this movement." Senator Afflerbach went on to enlighten the crowd by noting that ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day observance was one of the few he has been to where there were as many men as their were women present. Senator Afflerbach could not stress enough when he said, "We need to diversify! This movement for the compassionate treatment of animals does not reflect the fabric of America, nor the fabric of Pennsylvania. The animal movement, predominantly in this country, is made up of Caucasian women. Diversity comes in different forms. We must bring people in who have the right idea and who have the proper beliefs that we share and ask them to help in any way they can. That's diversity."

ISAR's educational evening concluded with a moving Blessing for the Animals ceremony conducted by Reverend Peter D. D'Angio, who blessed each animal in attendance, and vigil using glow sticks to memorialize the animals that were euthanized simply because there were not enough homes for all of them.

The Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston, Rhode Island was the setting for Defenders of Animals 17th annual International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil on August 20, 2011. With over 70 people in attendance, live music and special guests, including Jen Palazzo and Big Mike of Rescue Ink, rounded out the evening's highlights before the candle lighting ceremony began. Defenders of Animals' Director, Dennis Tabella, presented Rescue Ink with an award for their outstanding achievements in helping animals around the globe. With great pride upon receipt of this award, Ms. Palazzo explained to ISAR about their experience during this International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil, "We loved the event in Rhode Island. It was a very intimate and poignant setting. Everyone showed true passion for a cause that we are all fighting together. We were honored to be awarded a plaque that evening when in reality the greatest reward is the hard work all of us in rescue do every day to make a difference in an animal's life."

The Hubbard Green, Connecticut, was once again the setting for The Queenie Foundation, Inc.'s 16th annual International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil. Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed ISAR's Proclamation declaring August 20, 2011 as International Homeless Animals' Day in the state of Connecticut. This year, in an attempt to boost attendance, Enid Breakstone, Founder of the Queenie Foundation, Inc. added a new lineup of activities to their Day including a pooch parade and costume contest. Regarding her International Homeless Animals' Day observance, Ms. Breakstone added, "I think the people who come to our event are already pretty much in the know; it's reaching the other segment of the population that's so important and those people rarely come to this type of event." Ms. Breakstone encourages vigil coordinators to make their events fun. She goes on to say, "Even though International Homeless Animals' Day is an event that calls attention to a serious subject, people want to have fun and maybe pick up information in the process." Ms. Breakstone also encourages animal protection organizations to, "Team up! There's power in numbers and International Homeless Animals' Day is no exception. Spay/neuter and rescue/adoption is a team sport, if you will, and rescue organizations would do well to create coalitions or form teams. In terms of International Homeless Animals' Day, if two or three groups can coordinate an event, I think that attendance and therefore information going out to the public would increase. It is up to us to show the public that companion animal overpopulation is serious and it's not going away unless we increase spay and neuter surgeries and focus on the sources of 'surplus' animals such as puppy and kitten mills, which are a major culprit." ISAR could not agree more!

The Warwick Valley Humane Society hosted its 2nd annual International Homeless Animals' Day Candlelight Vigil at the Railroad Green in the Village of Warwick, NY with more than 40 people on August 20, 2011. During their candlelight vigil observance, Mayor Michael Newhard read ISAR's Proclamation declaring August 20, 2011 as International Homeless Animals' Day. The Town of Warwick had also issued a proclamation according to Supervisor Michael Sweeton. Each official then commended all shelter personnel for their service to the town and for their dedication toward helping animals find their forever homes. Suzyn Barron, President of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, explained to the crowd how pet overpopulation troubles are affecting them. Ms. Barron can be quoted as saying, "The shelter is currently housing 30 dogs in a shelter built for no more than 19. We have 182 cats and kittens when 40 would be the appropriate number in our current building. And the pet surrender waiting lists are endless." Ms. Barron went on to thank participants for caring and doing all they can to lessen the plight of homeless animals, declaring her hope to see everyone back again next year, same time, same place. In conclusion, Ms. Barron expressed a very important message to the audience when she said, "Please spread the word - spay and neuter!"

International Activities

For the second year in a row, Spay/Panama of the Republic of Panama joined the United States, Canada and other foreign locations in commemorating International Homeless Animals' Day on August 20, 2011. On this Day, with a team of more than 20 people, including licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students and volunteers, 25 dogs and 44 cats were spayed, neutered and vaccinated thus resulting in less unwanted animals contributing to the global dog and cat overpopulation problem. When ISAR asked Patricia Chan, Founder of Spay/Panama to tell us why ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day was so important to her, Ms. Chan began by reflecting on her childhood memories of her white, female cat named Snowflake recognizing her memories were not always happy ones. At the time, Ms. Chan had no idea about the consequences of having an unspayed feline. Years later, after having cats of her own and retiring from a successful financial career, Ms. Chan, who always dreamt of being a veterinarian pushed her efforts toward "...creating a spay/neuter program designed to benefit low-income families who could not afford to have their pets spayed/neutered and to educate people on the importance of sterilizing their pets." Ms. Chan explained, "In a country where wages are low and stray animals are an acceptable sight, my energy was focused on preventing unwanted litters and animal suffering in the streets of Panama. If I had known about spaying and neutering years back, perhaps Snowflake and her kittens would have led a better life. This is the reason why taking part in the International Homeless Animals' Day means so much to me and to the program."

More than 620 virtual candles flickered over the World Wide Web originating in Estonia thanks to the Estonian Society for the Protection of Animals' inaugural online vigil in honor of International Homeless Animals' Day. Participants were encouraged to light a candle online and include their sentiments in memory of a furry companion. Those who contributed in this memorial service included the names of their furry loved ones, poems about beloved companion animals and hopes for homeless dogs and cats to find families who will love them and give them a forever home.

Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre of South Africa commemorated International Homeless Animals' Day once again this year with more than 2,000 people in attendance. With hopes of finding shelter animals new homes, participants were encouraged to celebrate the animals at the Centre by "adopting" a dog for the day and spend the entire time socializing and playing with them on the grounds. The Day's events included an awards ceremony, dog walk, flea market, auction, showing of a rugby game on an oversized screen, and their very own Mr./Mrs. Wetnose competition. When asked for suggestions in holding a successful International Homeless Animals' Day observance, the general manager of Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre, Debbie Herselman, had this to say, "Have events that attract not only animal lovers. Otherwise we are just preaching to the already converted."

Over 100 vendors and 50 non-profit organizations tended to the more than 20,000 animal lovers and 5,000 dogs during Pawlooza at the Plunkett Estate in London, Ontario, Canada on International Homeless Animals' Day. Pet contests, agility demonstrations, dock diving, a pet-psychic, walking trails, pet first-aid demonstrations and swimming were just a few of the activities that kept people and their pets busy as they spent the day together. Because of ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day, Pawlooza has partnered with many animal rescue groups from across Canada to network with others to find permanent, loving homes for unwanted animals, fundraise and to enlighten the public of Canada's pet overpopulation problem and the need for spay/neuter.

Special Thanks
ISAR sincerely thanks all humane-minded elected officials who have taken the opportunity to encourage their citizens to act responsibly when it comes to companion animals and have their pets spay/neutered. In 2011, ISAR gratefully acknowledges support from West Virginia Governor, Earl Ray Tomblin, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Mayor Christopher A. Doherty, Scranton, PA, Mayor Jon Lopez, Oak Hill, West Virginia, and Mayor Susan Steger, Fernandina Beach, FL who not only declared August 20, 2011 as International Homeless Animals' Day but also August 2011 as International Homeless Animals' Month. Those elected officials who have not yet acknowledged the problem of pet overpopulation and the importance of spay/neuter, we encourage you to take a stand alongside ISAR and sign our proclamation!

ISAR would also like to sincerely thank all media and individuals who helped ISAR promote its 20th annual International Homeless Animals' Day observances and the importance of spay/neuter through the many advertising outlets including radio and television interviews, newspaper articles, blogs, social networking, YouTube, websites, billboards and much more!

ISAR is extremely grateful to all vigil coordinators who generously donate their time, efforts and resources each year bringing awareness of the horrific results of dog and cat overpopulation to the forefront by promoting its important and simple solution: spay/neuter. ISAR strives to one day eliminate the pet overpopulation epidemic but we cannot succeed without the great efforts of our vigil coordinators. Thank you!

Please Join ISAR In Making International Homeless Animals' Day® 2012 A Huge Success!
Be a part of something special and join ISAR for International Homeless Animals' Day 2012, which will be commemorated on Saturday, August 18th. Unite with animal advocates from around the globe to shed light on the tragedy of pet overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution.

International Homeless Animals' Day is a great opportunity for your organization, animal shelter, animal rescue, veterinary clinic or pet friendly business to get the worthy recognition you deserve for your dedicated efforts to alleviate pet overpopulation.

Your participation in International Homeless Animals' Day 2012 will underscore the tremendous impact that your organization's solution-focused efforts have on saving the lives of homeless animals.

International Homeless Animals' Day observances provide an important venue to:
˖ Enlighten your community about the services you offer to the public.
˖ Raise the much needed funds to support your spay/neuter programs.
˖ Increase adoptions by showcasing your adoptable pets.
˖ Educate your community of the importance of spaying/neutering to alleviate pet overpopulation.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of dog and cat overpopulation and the spay/neuter solution to audiences around the world.

ISAR offers free International Homeless Animals' Day packets to all who are interested in coordinating an event, whether it is a small modest event or a large public gathering.

ISAR's informational materials will assist you in organizing an effective observance with suggestions for site selection, reaching target audiences, speakers, sample press releases, ISAR's proclamations, and much more.

It is nearly impossible to gauge the consequences of spreading ideas and offering quality education on any subject. Thus, ISAR can't know with any certainty the impact of its twenty years of observances and vigils, activities involving literally tens of thousands of participants, spectators and the casually-interested. But we do know this: those tens of thousands of people have been exposed to our spay/neuter message, and necessarily many, or at least some, of them have had to be affected by its compelling cry for reduction of companion animal overpopulation-and the cruelty, abuse and inhumaneness that it causes. If you share our certainty that ideas have consequences and that the ideas that ISAR is promulgating are important, please support our efforts with as much as you can afford. The crime of companion animal overpopulation is unacceptable. It must be fought. With your help ISAR will continue to do just that.

Contact ISAR by mail, phone, fax or email to receive your International Homeless Animals' Day packet.

Animal Rights, Camera, Action! Take two...

As ISAR's supporters know, every week we communicate our message and current activities to thousands of people throughout the world via our e-newsletter, postal newsletter, website, blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

One of our newest programs is the production of Internet "movies" designed to implement ISAR's job description: "Law, Legislation and Education Benefitting Companion Animals."

Our first "movie," using animated characters and voices already familiar to millions of Internet users around the world -- entitled "Eyesore or ISAR" -- introduces in less than three minutes our organization to those people who aren't familiar with our efforts on behalf of companion animals.

Now, just in time for ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day 2011, ISAR presents our second informative video inviting animal proctection organizations and concerned individuals from around the globe to join us on Saturday, August 20th to commemorate ISAR's 20th annual International Homeless Animals' Day and Candlelight Vigils.

Please take a moment to access "ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day 2011."

We encourage our supporters to share our latest video, asking friends and family to do the same.

Here's how:     

Please click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcNwytniYWw 

You'll be directed to the Youtube page that hosts our movie, "ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day 2011."

Once you are on the video page, the share button will enable you to email "ISAR's International Homeless Animals' Day 2011" and post it on your Facebook, Myspace and other online community pages.

You can also copy the URL link (https://youtu.be/jcNwytniYWw)

   

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