Thanksgiving Help For Vet SOS
Veterinary Street Outreach Services (VET SOS), a San Francisco-based organization that serves the pets of homeless people, is currently recruiting veterinarians and vet techs to participate in its Homeless Outreach Clinics on November 13 and on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. To learn more, visit www.sfccc.org/vetsos/index.htm or www.vetsos.org or email Tara at vetsos@sfccc.org. (VET SOS is operated by the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium, in partnership with Community Partners.)
Supreme Court Considers Animal Cruelty Case
On October 6, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case that could have broad ramifications for animals. Previously, a federal appeals court threw out the conviction of a Virginia man, Robert Stevens, for selling dogfighting videos he advertised in “Sporting Dog Journal,” an underground magazine on illegal dogfighting. He was convicted under a 1999 law that banned the sale and marketing of videos showing dog fights and other inhumane acts.
Proponents of that law believe it has helped prevent widespread abuse and torture of animals for profit, but the high court voiced deep free speech concerns about it. Among the products Stevens advertised was “Catch Dogs,” a film featuring pit bulls chasing and attacking wild boars. Stevens’ supporters insist that far worse depictions of animal cruelty are used by PETA and other pro-animal groups in their campaigns to end such practices, as well as in certain documentary films.
The case is U.S. vs. Stevens (08-769) and a ruling is expected to be handed down within a few months.
If the law is not overturned, it would mark the second time in history that the Supreme Court has banned a form of speech. The first instance was its outlawing of the distribution of child pornography in 1982.
Major Changes at SF/SCPA
The San Francisco SPCA, one of our most-respected and well-funded humane organizations, shocked many locals at the beginning of October by announcing major job cuts and the elimination of its popular Academy for Dog Trainers. The equivalent of 22 full-time positions were cut, amounting to about 15% of the staff, on top of eight positions cut in July. Hours of operation at the shelter were also reduced; the facility is now closed on Mondays.
Blaming the woeful economic climate, SF/SPCA Executive Director Jan McHugh-Smith explained that the organization is suffering from reduced donations in the face of mounting costs and is running at a significant loss.
Critics claim the SPCA squanders its considerable resources and has abandoned what they see as an important part of its mission, to save the lives of homeless animals in San Francisco. They say a lot of deserving dogs and cats are put down because the local rescue community can’t take up the slack. A recent article in Northside Magazine (www.northsidesf.com) blasted the SPCA on this and other fronts. McHugh-Smith posted her rebuttal at www.sfspca.org and on Craig’slist.
We encourage you to read, reflect, and consider all sides when deciding which organizations to support with your time, money, and other resources. They all need our help now more than ever.
There is no question that too many dogs are killed in animal shelters, week-in and week-out, and stemming the euthanasia tide depends on an army of rescue groups large and small. Bay Woof salutes every player in the dog rescue world for the work they do on behalf of our society’s discarded dogs and other animals. For information about reducing rampant pet overpopulation, see page 14.
Milo Foundation “Bust”
An inspection of the Milo Foundation pet adoption facility in San Rafael in the early hours of October 1 and 2 resulted in temporary closure on grounds that it did not meet sanitation and safety standards and that too many animals were housed there.
Milo founder and director Lynne Tingle admitted to having more than the permitted dogs on the premises, due to the tremendous need, and accused a disgruntled former employee of spurring the inspection. She stressed that the group was working hard to comply with the county’s list of necessary improvements and that she was in close contact with the Marin Humane Society about reinstating Milo Marin’s permit as soon as possible. (In Marin County, shelter permits require review by the Marin Humane Society.)
Lynne Tingle and The Milo Foundation have been dedicated to helping at-risk animals in the Bay Area for many years. The group estimates that it has rescued more than 15,000 since its inception in 1994. It continues to offer regular Bay Area mobile adoption events and to operate its 238,000-acre animal sanctuary for dogs and cats in Mendocino County. For more information, visit www.milofoundation.org.
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