GMAD's P.A.W.S. Project (Providing All Weather Shelter)

Green Mountain Animal Defenders' P.A.W.S. (Providing All Weather Shelter) Project is almost ready to deliver its first dog house to a lucky dog. There are countless dogs who live their lives outdoors and we wanted to help provide them with warm, insulated dog houses...check out the attached link for more information!

More Info: http://www.gmad.info/docs/PAWS.pdf

World Spay Day Pet Photo Contest!

Does your pet have what it takes to win this year’s World Spay Day Pet Photo Contest?

Show Off Your Pet, Win Prizes and…

Help Green Mountain Animal Defenders Save Lives!




Entering your pet is super easy! Click on the link and get started!

More Info: http://www.humanesociety.org/photocontest

Help us Stop Puppy Mills in Vermont

Puppy mills are a disgrace.

Vermont is no stranger to these inhumane breeding facilities, where dogs are forced to churn out litter after litter of puppies without any regard for their health or welfare.

Tell Governor Shumlin what you think about puppy mills, and ask him to support S. 142 and H. 340, pending legislation aimed at addressing these serious animal welfare and consumer protection concerns.

More Info: www.stoppuppymills.org.

PRESS RELEASE, Jan 9, 2012: PETS of the Kingdom assist Vermont State Police in Seizure of Six Horses in Animal Cruelty Case in Jeffersonville, VT

From Vermont Humane Federation:

On Sunday, January 8, 2012, volunteers from P.E.T.S. of the Kingdom, assisted the Vermont State Police (Lamoille County Outpost) and veterinary personnel in seizing six horses in Jeffersonville, VT. The police have made an arrest in the case.

This case was initially reported to Vermont State Police in July 2011 by Vermont Humane Federation after complaints were received through Vermont's Online Animal Cruelty Reporting System.

The horses will remain in foster care at undisclosed locations, pending the outcome of the case, and will be receiving nutritional support and veterinary care.

Breeding Dogs in Vermont Need Your Quick Action

The Vermont State Legislature is scheduled to resume on January 3rd, and immediate outreach to your legislators is critical to help us pass important animal welfare reforms. This past July the Vermont State Police seized 59 Labradors at an alleged puppy mill in Bakersfield, Vermont.

The dogs were living in filth and suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and a variety of untreated medical illnesses. We have bills pending to protect dogs in breeding operations in both the House and the Senate, and we will be lobbying hard for their successful passage. But we can’t do this alone.

Your lawmakers need to hear from YOU, their constituents—especially during this election year. Right now is the perfect time to contact them before the session starts. They need to know that Vermonters care about the way dogs are treated in breeding facilities, and that we need stricter regulations to prevent abuse and neglect. This is not only a matter of animal welfare, but consumer protection as well. The bills can be found at these links: S.142 and H. 340 but you don’t need to be an expert to take action.

Please take a moment to contact your Representative(s) and Senator(s) and tell them WE NEED STRONGER REGULATIONS IN VERMONT FOR PET BREEDERS IN ORDER TO PROTECT ANIMALS AND CONSUMERS. PLEASE SUPPORT S. 142 and H. 340. If your lawmaker is listed as a sponsor of either bill, please THANK THEM for their support and leadership.

If you don’t know who represents you find your lawmakers here.

HERE ARE DIRECT EMAIL LINKS TO MAKE IT EASY! Click your reps/senators, and paste in the email to send:
VT STATE SENATORS
VT STATE REPS

Please take action now, and help us spread the word to other Vermonters who care about animals. Together, we CAN get these bills over the finish line this year, and create a safer world for animals here in Vermont.

Join us on November 22nd!

State v. Duprey - TUES. 11/22 9-11am (stop by anytime)

Action Needed: Pls attend this hearing to show your support for the animals seized during a cruelty case in VT

WHAT: Gathering to hold signs at hearing on animal cruelty case. STATE v. VICTOR DUPREY, a case where 17 animals in need of medical attention were seized from his E. Montpelier property in Nov. 2010 under a search warrant executed by Vt. State Police.

WHERE: Washington Co. District Court, 255 North Main St., Barre. On the sidewalk. (Defendant's Motions to Dismiss and Suppress Evidence are scheduled for 10 AM.)

WHY: Rally is to keep the focus on the seriousness of animal cruelty cases in our communities and hopefully get this case back in the public eye. Some signs will be available or you can bring your own. (Contact for info: Katherine 476-5302 or zkz@myfairpoint.net)

Don't feel Trapped this trapping season!

Don't feel Trapped & helpless this trapping season. You can do something!

Write letters to newspapers (GMAD has a complete list) & let them know how you feel about trapping, post No Hunting/Trapping signs on your property (ask neighbors to do the same) & organize a community informational session! We may be able to provide a speaker.

Remember, these traps are indiscriminate; cats, dogs, protected & endangered species may fall victim. GMAD is concerned about ALL animals who suffer the pain & physical & psychological trauma when caught in one of these traps. You can do something! Contact Brenna@gmad.info with questions & please share on your Facebook walls.

**We don't like posting graphic photos but it's important for people to realize the inherent cruelty involved in trapping.**

Protect your pets! Trapping season is almost upon us.

Sadly, trapping season is almost upon us. Body-gripping (leghold, foothold & conibear) traps are inherently barbaric and inhumane. GMAD asks you to be sure to post No Hunting/Trapping signs on your property and should a trapper ask to set traps on your land, say NO!

Please talk to your neighbors and ask them to do the same. These traps are indiscriminate and household pets and endangered/protected species may also fall victim. It is an abhorrent tradition that brings so much needless pain & suffering. Do what you can to help these animals!

Our No Foie Gras Campaign Continues!

Foie Gras—French for fatty liver—is the grossly enlarged liver of a duck or goose. Medically known as hepatic lipidosis, foie gras is a disease marketed as a delicacy. Birds raised for this gourmet cruelty are force-fed enormous quantities of food through a long metal pipe three times a day. This process of deliberate and painful overfeeding continues for up to a month, by which time the birds’ livers have swelled up to twelve times their healthy size.

GMAD has sent letters to these Vermont restaurants asking them to reconsider serving this cruel dish!

LET THESE RESTAURANTS KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!

The Quechee Inn at
Marshland Farm
info@quecheeinn.com
Quechee, VT (802) 295-3133

Bistro Henry (new to list)!
info@bistrohenry.com
Manchester Center, VT

Blue Cat Cafe & Wine Bar (new to list!)
bluecatcafewinebar@yahoo.com
Burlington, VT

Reluctant Panther Inn
Manchester, VT
reluctantpanther.com/contact
(802) 362-2568

Leunig’s Bistro
Burlington, VT
mail@leunigsbistro.com
leunigsbistro@myfairpoint.net

GOAL REACHED! Donations for Recent Horse Seizure

UPDATE: Thanks to our very kind and generous supporters, we've more than met our $1000 fund-raising match for Seneca and Happy, the two mares who were seized as part of a cruelty case and in the care of Spring Hill Horse Rescue. Spring Hill Horse Rescue will be receiving a check for well over $2000. Thank you again.

On Friday, May 20th, 2011 Spring Hill Horse Rescue of Clarendon, VT was asked by law officials to take custody of two horses involved in a Vermont animal cruelty case. Seneca and Happy are two mares who were reported to be starved and tied to trees out in the middle of the woods. A third horse, a gelding named Chance who was down and also tied to a tree, had to be euthanized at the scene. No further information about the case can be released at this time.

Seneca, especially, is emaciated and in need of careful nutritional rehabilitation to bring her back to health. This will take months, but Spring Hill staff is expert at rehabbing starved animals and we are hopeful that she will pull through. Both horses also required medical examinations and will need ongoing medication, supplements and hoof rehabilitation.

On May 31, GMAD offered to match your donations up to $1000 - and we did it in under 10 days, raising over $2000 for Spring Hill Horse Rescue! Thank you for your generosity!

Write to the Discovery Channel

The Discovery Channel features some programs called “Pig Bombs” and “Hogs Gone Wild.” These programs display the horrific acts of feral pigs being hunted by dogs, guns and knives. Some of us have already voiced our complaints, but we encourage everyone to review some of these programs & to share their feelings with the network as well. Here’s the link where you can post your opinions: Discovery Channel Viewer Relations

Tragedy in Japan

With the tragedy in Japan, more animals need our help than ever. Best Friends offers some unique options for people to send donations to help the animals of Japan. To learn more about how you can help, please visit: Best Friends.org

You can also join a Facebook page dedicated to helping Japan's animals, and spreading the word. Join here at: Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

Downed Animal Update - Submit comments to USDA by April 8!

UPDATE: This alert has ended.
Demand Protection for Downed Animals: In 2009, downed cattle received some long overdue consideration when President Obama announced a new rule requiring that they be humanely euthanized instead of sent to slaughter. It remains legal, however, for downed pigs, sheep, goats, and other animals to be slaughtered for human consumption. Because they are too ill or injured to walk on their own, these animals are often dragged to the kill floor.

You have the power to help change this! The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service has recently asked for public comment on a petition Farm Sanctuary submitted last year urging them to extend protection to other species of downed animals beyond cattle. All animals have the capacity to suffer, and there is no reason to deny other incapacitated farm animals the same consideration that cattle have been given. Please join us in urging the USDA to take the next logical and necessary step by extending the 2009 “no downer” rule to include downed pigs, goats, sheep, and other farm animals too. Your comments must be submitted by April 8. Please click here to take action today.

Stop the Poisoning of our Wildlife

Did you know a recent massive bird death was intentionally caused by the USDA's use of poison on a feedlot?

USDA Poisonings - Massive Bird Die Offs

Every year, many animals are intentionally and unintentionally poisoned by USDA's widespread use of extremely toxic poisons used in agriculture. These poisons, specifically Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide, kill not only their intended targets but many other animals, including top level predators like wolves.

Recently, one of the wolves from the Mill Creek Pack died of Compound 1080 poisoning. We would ask that you take action using the Defenders of Wildlife link below and write to the EPA, asking them to ban the use of these poisons.

More Info: http://dfnd.us/e4P7Ss

Dec-8-10 Alert: Ask Senator Leahy to co-sponsor the Great Ape Protection Act (S. 3694).

Update: This Alert has Ended.

Please contact Sen. Leahy’s office and request that he cosponsor the Great Ape Protection Act (S. 3694). This bill is a Cantwell-Collins-SANDERS bill – Sen. Sanders is one of the three leads on the bill. It’s not necessary to be an expert in order to call his office, but feel free to see the factsheet below if you'd like more information. Senator Leahy likely only has until the end of this week and next to sign on, before Congress adjourns the 111th Congress. The phone number is 202-224-4242. You’ll connect with an aide, give them your name and the town you’re calling from, and they will simply take your brief message and pass it on to the Senator. It's that easy!

More Info: http://www.gmad.info/docs/GreatApeFS.doc

Alert Nov-22-2010: GMAD Offers to Match Donations for Local Seizures

UPDATE: WE'VE MET OUR GOAL! WE MET OUR MAXIMUM MATCH FOR THE DONATIONS AND RAISED OVER $2000, TO BE MATCHED BY OUR OWN $2000, FOR A TOTAL OF OVER $4000 TO BE DONATED TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY.

As most of you are aware, there have been some significant animal seizures in our area recently.

Earlier this month, 12 dogs and 5 cats were seized from a home in East Montpelier. The animals were found covered in their own filth, and had a range of problems including parasite infestations, skin diseases, and extreme dental issues. These animals will require significant veterinary care costing thousands of dollars, and are being managed by Central Vermont Humane Society (CVHS). This investigation is ongoing.

Last week, 22 live cats were found abandoned in a home in South Ryegate. The remains of five cats were also found. These cats were found living in horrendous conditions, and will require significant veterinary care costing thousands of dollars. The cats were rescued in a joint effort between Kingdom Animal Shelter (KAS) and Vermont Volunteer Services for the Animals Humane Society and are presently being housed in a St. Johnsbury temporary shelter. They have had an initial veterinary check and their needs are being assessed. Some have been transferred to a foster care, and more foster families are being sought. This investigation is also ongoing.

We applaud the volunteers and the authorities who are willing to take on these difficult and costly cases, and we are offering to match your donations to these shelters to be used for care of these animals up to $2000.

For more information on the East Montpelier animals, you may contact CVHS by phone (802-476-3811) or email. For more information on the South Ryegate animals, including foster inquiries, contact KAS by phone (802-741-7387) or email . Thank you for all that you do to help animals in Vermont!

Update: Thanks for attending the Nerger Lion and Tiger Protest at the Champlain Valley Expo

UPDATE: THIS ACTION HAS ENDED

Despite protests and the cancellation of its sponsorship last year, the Nerger Lion and Tiger Show is returning to the Champlain Valley Fair this year. The owner of this show, Hawthorne Corporation, has been cited many times for abuses and inhumane treatment of his animals. Here is a summary of some of their violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act, amassing a whopping $272,500 in fines.

Compassionate people know that these big cats who have evolved for pack-living in wide open territories should not be separated from their natural family members and confined in cages measuring 6’8” wide by 7’3” long by 4” high!

Please show your support for these animals and all animals confined to life in the entertainment field by attending a protest with us. SEE DETAILS OF THE PROTEST

More Info: http://www.expocruelty.com

Update: Tonka Found! July 29, 2010 - Lost Rescue Dog - Tonka

August 17, 2010 update - After almost a month living "rough", Tonka was captured and safely returned to his rescue group by the South Burlington police last week!


Tonka is a 1 year old, 40 lb. Gordon Setter mix who slipped his collar on White Place (S. Burlington, VT) on July 17. He is black with brown on his chest. He has been seen in the vicinity of the Lund Center (Glen Road) in Burlington. He also is known to travel to the back of Animal Crackers on Shelburne Road to eat at night.

He is a recent rescue dog and still very afraid of humans, so if you see him, do not approach him. Instead, please call Connie at 233-5678.

We are trying to limit his feeding spots so that we can lure him into a Hav-A-Heart trap to eat! If you’ve been regularly feeding him, we’d ask that you just leave him water for now and we will make sure he is fed every night in the same spot.

He looks similar to the dog in the picture below.

Thank you for writing letters to the Vermont Attorney General asking for Prosecution in the Bushway Slaughterhouse Abuse Case

THIS ACTION IHAS ENDED

June 2010 Update: 2 individuals have been charges with animal cruelty in this case. Thank you for your letters, they really made a huge difference!

No criminal charges have yet been filed in the Bushway Slaughterhouse abuse case! We'd really appreciate it if you'd take the time to send a respectful letter or postcard to the Chief of the Criminal Division of the Vermont Attorney General's office, asking that they file criminal charges in this case. The address, and some letter writing tips, are below:

LETTER WRITING TIPS

WHO WE ARE WRITING TO

Assistant Attorney General Bob Menzel
Vermont Attorney General's Office
109 State Street
Montpelier VT 05609-1001

TIPS

• Be polite and respectful.


• Short and concise is fine!


• Use your own words and ideas.

• The Bushway plant was shut down three previous times by the USDA for inhumane treatment of the calves (in May, June and July 2009), and again in October 2009 after the HSUS investigation.


• They KNEW they were operating outside of the federal and state laws, yet the abuse continued.


• The abuse included kicking, beating, and repeatedly shocking the downed calves, and skinning the calves while still alive.


• The maximum sentence of 3 years and a $5,000 fine should be sought.

Pet and Animal Lovers - protect your pets from Trapping Season

Pet and animal lovers BEWARE! Trapping season in Vermont began on October 23 and all animals, including your pets, are in danger.

Traps indiscriminately snap shut on ANY animal who is unfortunate enough to be attracted to the bait. Despite what trappers may want you to believe, common sense tells you that what follows for the victim—regardless of the species—is excruciating pain and fear. In fact, the experience is so unbearable that many animals try to escape by chewing off their own trapped limb, only to hobble away and die of gangrene or starvation.

Unfortunately, many of our cats and dogs, as well as targeted and non-targeted wildlife, will endure this cruelty.

Please, do not let your pet be one of them! Keep your pets indoors, or on a leash throughout the season for their safety and your peace of mind.

Sadly, wild animals will not be protected and therefore many will needlessly suffer a cruel and premature death.

Take the Leap to Cruelty Free Products!

FROM: LeapingBunny.org

Make a commitment to eliminate animal testing by pledging to only purchase products approved by the Leaping Bunny Program, which provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers. The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics? (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products.

To encourage more companies to sign on to the Leaping Bunny Program, we have launched a nation-wide pledge campaign to urge consumers to take the leap to cruelty-free products. By signing the pledge you will help to make our collective voices even stronger and drive more companies to go cruelty-free, saving animals from cruel and unnecessary testing.

More Info: http://www.leapingbunnypledge.org/pledge.aspx

ReportAnimalCruelty.com

Vermont?s Animal Cruelty Reporting System has a new website! This website, www.reportanimalcruelty.com is designed to help in preventing cruelty and responding to acts of neglect and cruelty against animals in Vermont. It is a useful and wonderful resource for all Vermonters who care about animals.

At ReportAnimalCruelty.com, you can report a case of animal cruelty or neglect on-line & anonymously, find a listing of phone numbers for reporting animal cruelty in each VT county, and also learn about Vermont?s animal cruelty laws.

Reporting cases of animal cruelty is extremely important in protecting animals in Vermont. Please forward this resource to all of your contacts

Have A Gentle Thanksgiving

Millions of vegetarian and other caring folks across the U.S. are celebrating this Thanksgiving with a rich selection of delicious vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and mock meats replacing the carcass on their dinner table. The vegetarian bill of fare may include a 'tofurky,' lentil or nut roast, stuffed squash, corn chowder or chestnut soup, candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin or pecan pie, and carrot cake.

This site is a great resource for those interesting in a cruelty-free Thanksgiving.

More Info: http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/

Free Food for Homeless Pets

Just one free click on the link below will help to feed and provide care for a homeless animal in a shelter or sanctuary. Click every day!

More Info: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Sign The Fur Free Pledge

Do we even need to tell you about the cruelty and torture associated with wearing furs and fur trimmed clothing? I don't think so, but everyone should sign this fur free pledge.

Write Write Write!

Write! Write! Write!

Letters to the editor are the second most read section of the newspaper. They are a very effective vehicle for bringing our message to many people not reached in other ways. If you are interested in writing a letter and want suggestions for possible topics, would like a list of some things to keep in mind when submitting a letter, or need an e-mail list of Vermont
newspapers, please contact Sharon.

Our No Foie Gras Campaign Continues!

Let these restaurants know that as long as they continue to serve foie gras, you'll be dining elsewhere! What these ducks/geese are forced to endure just to produce this delicacy is nothing short of horrific.