FALL 2008

Into the Light

N JANUARY,AN HSUS UNDERCOVER tion.The latest probe investigator exposed appalling abuses at occurred in May at Ithe Westland/Hallmark slaughter plant the Portales Livestock in Chino,Calif.Graphic videotape showed Auction in Portales, workers using forklifts,electric shocks,and N.M. high-pressure water hoses to try and force An HSUS investiga- downed dairy cows to their feet in order to tor secretly filmed legally slaughter them.Spent dairy cows downed cows being often arrive at sales barns and slaughter repeatedly shocked— plants too sick or injured to walk. one was forced to The cruelty was a regular occurrence crawl on her front despite the presence of U.S.Department of knees—and a calf be- S U

ing kicked in the S

Agriculture (USDA) inspectors.A criminal H E H investigation led to felony animal cruelty head to get him to T charges against two workers,the closing of stand.He saw calves HSUS investigators took this photo of a downed cow while re- searching the treatment of animals transported to slaughter. the plant,and the recall of 143 million and cows with bro- pounds of beef—the largest such action in ken legs,a blind cow es we documented at Westland/Hallmark the nation’s history.Much of the meat had being shocked and struck,others with seri- were an aberration or an isolated case,” already been consumed by children ous eye injuries or diseases,and a downed says Wayne Pacelle,president and CEO of through the National School Lunch cow with a chain around one leg being The HSUS.“This gross mistreatment of Program. dragged by a tractor.New Mexico inspec- spent dairy cows should turn your stom- Since then,HSUS investigators have tors were present at the auctions and ap- ach,and it has been uncovered in location continued their work,going undercover at parently saw much of the abuse. after location.” six livestock auctions in five states and un- “No longer can anyone in government Downed animals are at higher risk of covering additional abuses at each loca- or industry reasonably claim that the abus- continued on page 4 Rescuers Free 1,700 Dogs in Summer Puppy Mill Raids

N THE MORNING OF AUGUST 23, in Parkersburg, W.Va., a cycle of animal abuse lasting nearly two decades was finally broken. Local authorities raided the OWhispering Oaks Kennel and found one of the most prolific puppy mills in the state's history. By the end of the day nearly 1,000 neglected and abused dogs were freed from the horrendous industry that traps dogs in a dismal cycle of suffering. Once on site, the officials convinced the property owner to relinquish ownership of all 1,000 dogs at the facility. The owner also signed a document barring her from ever operating another breeding facility. The HSUS was appointed lead animal welfare agency on this case and had spent weeks preparing for the complexities of caring for what was expected to be—and in- deed became—a heart-breaking number of animals. Breeding dogs were housed in small rabbit hutches throughout the property—many S U S with no access to water in the potentially deadly 95-degree heat. H E H

T The Humane Society of Parkersburg knew about and had tried to help these dogs in This ramshackle kennel with a wire floor the past, but they were unable to inspect the premises. When they first contacted The was the only home this puppy mill dog HSUS, they didn't know the condition of the dogs or how many were even there. in West Virginia ever knew. continued on page 2

Celebrating Animals | Confronting Cruelty Virginia Puppy Horrors of Hound Hunting Mill Law First NE VIRGINIA TRADITION WE’D LIKE to consign to history’s rubbish bin is LAST FALL, VIRGINIA WAS THE Ohunting with packs of hounds.The focus of national media interest as prey animals suffer,of course,but the hounds The HSUS helped release more are often mistreated or neglected,and land- than 1,000 dogs from a massive owners’rights are trampled by these packs of puppy mill. Their removal was dogs.What hunters call a proud tradition is, prompted by The HSUS’s under- in reality,a shameful rural pastime. S U cover investigation of the Virginia Because state officials acknowledge that S H E

problems exist,they created a Hunting With H puppy mill industry. It uncovered T nearly 1,000 unlicensed puppy Hounds Stakeholder Advisory Committee af- A kind person fed this hunting dog, dealers and revealed an industry filiated with Virginia Tech and the Virginia found wandering on her property. virtually unregulated and often in Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. violation of state and federal laws. The HSUS recently asked a small portion of our Virginia members to e-mail the com- Investigators found dogs and mittee in support of strong restrictions on hound hunting.To date,nearly 1,600 people puppies living in cramped cages have done so,and more than 300 Virginia residents took the time to recount their person- caked in feces, in urine-soaked al experiences and opinions.The volume of the response from Virginia residents is note- trailers, and in ramshackle kennels worthy and reflects the scope of the problem. without clean water, veterinary Many of the letters contained disturbing accounts of animal neglect and cruelty. care, or protection from the ele- Others complained of blatant disregard for personal property.It’s very clear that many ments. hunters have little or no regard for their dogs,nor people’s property. Responding to public outrage This comment is representative:“I am a volunteer with a humane society,and more over the animal abuse revelations, than 50 percent of our intake results from irresponsible owners of hunting dogs.They re- the Virginia Legislature became lease old,diseased,or poor performing animals into the wild.They breed with other do- the first to enact a law limiting the mestic animals as they cross private property.More than 80 percent are heartworm posi- size of commercial dog breeding tive.”Another said,“Many of the dogs I see running through fields are emaciated,have un- operations. Now it is illegal for any treated wounds,and their living conditions are horrible.When they do not perform well, commercial breeder to maintain they are shot.” more than 50 dogs who are more The HSUS will continue to bring this information to the attention of policy makers. than a year old unless a local ordi- The state cannot ignore the many concerns expressed by citizens who see firsthand the nance allows it. suffering caused by hound hunting.D

continued from “Puppy Mills,” page 1 eastern mountain regional director, who More than 700 dogs were removed “Because this humane group has such was on the site for a week. “Together, we from the facility, known as the Pine Bluff an excellent relationship with the commu- set up an emergency shelter and began to Kennels. They had been living in cramped nity, our effort was greatly aided, turning rescue the dogs from the squalid cages rabbit hutches amid piles of their own fe- this experience into one of happiness for where the breeding adults would've spent ces. Many had significant health problems all the volunteers, local veterinarians, and their entire lives.” Instead they were ranging from painful open wounds to hair especially the animals,"said Ann Church, transported to humane organizations so matted that the animals were unable across the nation where they will be eval- to walk. uated and put up for adoption. The HSUS was joined by rescuers from This past June, teams of rescuers led by the ASPCA, Nashville Humane Associa- The HSUS arrived in Lyles, Tenn., to free tion, Humane Society of Missouri, High more than 700 dogs from a puppy mill. Forest Humane Society, Hickman County HSUS Tennessee State Director Leighann Humane Society, SPCA Tampa Bay, and McCollum received undercover tips and volunteers from across the nation. worked with investigators at the district PetSmart Charities donated numerous es- attorney’s office for the 21st Judicial sential supplies to both rescues. S

U District to build a case against the puppy To combat puppy mills, “consumers S H E

H mill operator. should stop buying dogs from pet stores T / N

A or through the Internet and instead adopt V

E A Newfoundland looks out from a B

A homeless dogs from reputable shelters,”

R makeshift pen in a barn on the puppy U A L mill property in Lyles, Tenn. said McCollum. d

2 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES EMRO Regional News FALL 2008 Animal Fighters Feeling the Squeeze

The HSUS’s John Goodwin announces in- North Carolina. As a result, people who creased rewards for providing informa- wanted to continue this abusive business tion leading to the arrest and conviction simply traveled to Virginia, and many of of animal fighters alongside Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell. those arrested in recent raids were from North Carolina. Thanks to Michael Vick’s dogfighting Kaine, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, conviction, all animal fighters are feeling S U

S Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry the pressure from increased law enforce- H E H

T Robert S. Bloxom, and Sen. Ward ment and public awareness. Unfortun- Armstrong (D-10) for their support. ately, in Kentucky, West Virginia, and N A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE VICTORY, McDonnell announced his support for Tennessee, the laws remain too weak to The HSUS led efforts that toughened the legislation and for The HSUS’s $5,000 be effective, and cockfighting continues. IVirginia’s animal fighting penalties and reward program for information that leads In the most recent session of the closed a large loophole in the law. In the to the conviction of animal fighters. The Tennessee Legislature, anti-animal fighting past, it was illegal to gamble on a cock- cockfighters hired lobbyists and fought bills received majority votes in the fight, but cockfighting itself wasn’t the bill, but they were no match for our Judiciary committees of both houses, but banned. Organizing, participating in, or intense lobbying efforts and overwhelm- the session adjourned before we could attending an organized cockfight are now ing public support. push the bills over their final hurdles. The Class 6 felonies, and allowing a minor to The Legislature also passed a bill spon- measures sponsored by Rep. Janis Sontany attend or participate in an animal fight is sored by Sen. Roscoe Reynolds (D-20) to (D-53) and Sen. Bill Ketron (R-13) had not a Class 1 misdemeanor. add organized dogfighting as a qualifying made it this far in years, signaling that The HSUS commends Rep. Morgan offense under the Virginia Racketeer Tennessee legislators are moving closer to Griffith (R-8) and Sen. Tommy Norment (R- Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. passage of a felony cockfighting measure. 3) for their leadership in strengthening the Three years ago we were able to gain To find out how you can help, visit d law. The HSUS is also grateful to Gov. Tim passage of a strong animal fighting ban in humanesociety.org/animalfighting.

Poaching in Our Backyard

HE WORD “POACHING”TRIGGERS wounded the helpless bruins and left the images of majestic elephants in dying animals on the ground. TAfrica cruelly gunned down for their Many hunt animals simply to hang a tusks.But in the U.S.,poaching is just as trophy on the wall.Typically,they shoot deadly and every bit as brutal. large elk or deer,remove the head,and

leave the carcass to rot.Some stockpile the S

Conservation officials estimate that for U S H

antlers or submit macabre photographs of E

each wild animal killed legally—tens of H the animals to trophy hunting magazines. T millions per year—another is killed illegal- This Oregon state trooper reveals the ille- ly.With wildlife enforcement resources Wildlife officials report that organized gal quarry of a poacher. spread thinly,only a tiny percentage of ille- poaching rings are proliferating because gal hunters are caught and punished. many of the target animals can be sold on Our Web site offers links to your state’s Poachers indiscriminately kill endan- a lucrative black market.A set of big- hunting and wildlife regulations,a listing gered and threatened wildlife.They shoot horned sheep antlers may go for tens of of state anti-poaching hotlines and Web and trap animals on posted land where thousands of dollars.Bear gall bladders sites,and a form for you to report suspect- hunting is banned,and they ignore season- are sold to buyers supplying the traditional ed poaching incidents to us.The site is at al restrictions and bag limits.They use ille- Chinese medicine market. humanesociety.org/poaching.We also work gal weapons to carry out the carnage and Poachers exploit animals with the with local and state agencies nationwide act as unlicensed guides. knowledge that they probably won’t be to increase public awareness of these Poachers can be chillingly callous.In caught.But when state wildlife agencies wildlife crimes and offer rewards for infor- one Utah case,two teenagers participated share information on poachers and citi- mation that leads to the arrest and convic- in a group that trained dogs to chase black zens take their role as stewards of wildlife tion of poachers.Visit our Web site to learn bears.After a mother bear and two cubs seriously,we can stop these killers.The more about how you can get involved to took refuge in a tree,the youths shot and HSUS offers help to both groups. end this cruel wildlife abuse.i

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES EMRO Regional News FALL 2008 3 New Hope for Horses

N JUNE, THE HSUS OPENED ITS FOURTH ing horses animal care and rescue facility, the had spent IDuchess Sanctuary for horses, located six months near Roseburg, Ore., south of Eugene. of each year The 1,120-acre preserve joins the for 20 years Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in attached to Texas and wildlife havens in southern urine collec- N O California and Cape Cod, Mass., that we tion devices I T A D

operate in conjunction with The Fund for in stalls N U O where they F Animals. H C T

could not A

Made possible by a $3.5 million dona- W K R

tion from the Roberts Foundation, the Ark even turn A Watch Foundation, and Ark’s founder and around. A mare and her foal will get to live nor- president Celine Myers, the Duchess Sanc- The mares were constantly impregnat- mal lives at Duchess Sanctuary, far from tuary is named in honor of the Myers fam- ed so their urine could be used to produce the pregnant mare urine industry. ily’s first horse, who was named after Premarin, commonly prescribed for estro- Black Beauty’s mother in Anna Sewell’s fa- gen replacement therapy to relieve hor- and mares who outlived their usefulness mous novel. monal deficiency symptoms associated were sent to slaughter. “We rescued our The first equine residents of the sanc- with menopause or hysterectomy. large family of draft mares literally 15 tuary came from the Ark Foundation’s Collectively, the Ark Watch Founda- minutes before they were to be loaded Knightsbridge Farm Draft Horse Sanctuary tion’s rescued mares spent nearly 500 onto trucks and sent to an auction near in Alberta, Canada. Saved from the preg- years on the PMU lines and delivered al- the former Cavel slaughter plant in nant mare urine industry, many of the ag- most 1,000 foals. Many of the offspring Illinois,” said benefactor Celine Myers. “Most were pregnant and just weeks away from giving birth. After all these continued from “Into the Light,”page 1 horses have been through, we are thrilled suffering from mad cow disease,a disease invariably fatal if passed on to humans this family group will be able to live out through meat.There is also an increased risk of meat consumers suffering from E.coli their lives at the Duchess Sanctuary.” and Salmonella as downers often wallow in feces. The HSUS has worked for years at the To protect the nation’s food supply,the USDA temporarily banned the slaughter of state and federal levels promoting policies downed cattle for human consumption in 2003,but a loophole allowed USDA inspec- to protect horses from slaughter, racing- tors to approve such use in certain circumstances.When the first HSUS investigation industry abuses, and the cruel practice of was made public,the USDA announced plans to close the loophole and require that soring common in Tennessee walking downed cattle be euthanized. horse competitions. We recently published The HSUS is calling for the USDA to apply the rule to all downed livestock at some The Humane Society of the United States 1,200 markets and auctions in addition to slaughter plants.Further requirements should Complete Guide to Horse Care, and we include stiffer penalties for rule breakers and basic animal welfare standards for food are in the second year of a $1.7 million purchased through federal programs like the National School Lunch Program. Western wild horse contraception pro- Passage of a raft of bills now pending in Congress would help protect animals and gram funded by the Annenberg consumers alike.The Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act (S.394/H.R.661) Foundation. In partnership with the would end the use of downed livestock for human consumption and require that they Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries be immediately euthanized at slaughter plants. and the Homes for Horses Coalition, we The Downed Animal Enforcement Act (S.2770) would strengthen the Federal Meat are developing standards of accreditation Inspection Act with stricter penalties for the slaughter of downers and humane han- for equine rescue facilities. dling violations.The Food Safety Recall Information Act (H.R.5762) would require pub- Scott Beckstead, a former mayor of lishing the name of retailers and school districts that have purchased products subject Waldport, Ore., will serve as Duchess to voluntary recall. Sanctuary director. He is an expert in ani- The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act (H.R.1726) would mandate that pro- mal law and has run a foster care network ducers supplying meat and dairy products to the military,federal prisons,school lunch- and sanctuary for horses. Ranch manager es,and other federal programs comply with basic animal welfare requirements. Jennifer Kunz has spent the past decade The HSUS urges you to contact your members of Congress and ask for support of working to rescue horses in need, facilitat- these critical humane measures for farm animals.Visit humanesociety.org/leglookup to ing the placement of more than 1,000 identify them or call the congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121.N PMU mares and foals. H

4 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES EMRO Regional News FALL 2008 Tragedies Lead to New Laws

OMETIMES WHEN AWFUL CRUELTY the bill’s signing, calling the pas- occurs, something positive also re- sage of Romeo’s Law a “lesson Ssults. Romeo, an 8-month-old in human feelings.” Labrador retriever, survived a horrific beat- In neighboring Tennessee, the ing by his former owner. As a result, a General Assembly approved a strong new law was enacted this year in bill that will save animal lives Kentucky. With the passage of S.B. 58, and reduce the number of child- torturing a dog or cat and causing serious hood emergencies with the pas- physical injury becomes a first-offense sage of the Haley Ham Act. felony. The severe abuse Romeo suffered Championed by Rep. Janis R

Sontany (D-53) and Sen. E was caught on videotape by neighbors P P I L L

Raymond Finney (R-8), the law L and served as a catalyst for the legislation. I B The abuser was found guilty of animal requires that a bittering agent be © HSUS Kentucky State Director Pam Rogers and cruelty, imprisoned, and fined. added to antifreeze products. Romeo, a dog whose cruelty case inspired a new Sen. Finney introduced the bill Public support for the bill was over- law. whelming, according to HSUS Kentucky after hearing the story of 11- State Director Pamela Rogers. “The legisla- year-old Haley Ham from Sevierville, Tenn., tal. One survey found that two out of tive message lines were overflowing with who lost her dogs Jessie and Sam when three veterinarians see at least one acci- calls from HSUS members and other ani- they were intentionally poisoned with an- dental antifreeze poisoning each year. mal protection groups and citizens,” she tifreeze. Tennessee is the seventh state to “We’re very grateful to Rep. Sontany said. “They wanted legislators to know require addition of a bittering agent to and Sen. Finney for their leadership on this that Kentuckians really care about the hu- make it unpalatable. important piece of legislation,” said mane treatment of animals.” Hundreds of children and thousands of Leighann McCollum, HSUS Tennessee The connection between animal cruelty animals, including endangered species, are state director. “We are also grateful to and human violence is well documented. accidentally poisoned each year from in- Haley for her willful determination to see The bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Tom Buford gesting antifreeze. Its sweet taste attracts this bill through to the end. It will help (R-22), acknowledged that connection at them, but less than a teaspoon can be fa- prevent many unnecessary deaths.” D

Virginia Laws Flea Markets Are No Bargain for Animals Improve for Animals UPPIES AND KITTENS SOLD OUT OF CARDBOARD BOXES AT FLEA MARKETS MAY NEW LAW SHEPHERDED THROUGH conceal a host of problems.Flea markets allow irresponsible pet owners,inexperi- the Virginia General Assembly by Penced breeders,and puppy mill operators to sell animals without any oversight.The ADel. Rob Bell (R-58) allows a court spur-of-the-moment purchases often lead to unhappy situations for both the animals and to order the owner of an animal held for the new owners.Consider these problems documented by The HSUS: more than 30 days in a cruelty case to pay ■ Many animals sold at flea markets are raised in substandard and often inhumane envi- for the animal’s boarding. ronments. Animals now can’t be abandoned for ■ The animals often have diseases and many have not received vaccinations or been more than 24 hours, and water must be spayed or neutered.Future veterinary costs may be higher than a family can afford. provided regularly, a measure introduced ■ Kittens and puppies should not be taken away from their mothers until they are eight by Del. Kenneth Alexander (D-89). And weeks old,but much younger animals are sold in flea markets. thanks to Del. Bobby Orrock (R-54), inhu- ■ Young puppies and kittens are over-handled,causing them discomfort and stress. mane euthanasia gas chambers are now ■ Some people breed their animals just to make extra money at these sales even though banned in all animal shelters. shelters are overflowing with adoptable pets. Sen. Harry Blevins (R-14) fought to in- ■ Other creatures such as turtles and rabbits are sold without information about their spe- crease the license fee cap for cats and dogs cialized care needs. from $10 to $25, providing shelters with In the aftermath of the puppy mill case in Lyles,the Tennessee State Fair board of com- much-needed funding. Sen. Patsy Ticer’s missioners decided to discontinue the sale of pets at the Nashville state fairgrounds flea (D-30) new law specifies that animal con- market.The HSUS applauds this decision and is working to ban other flea market sales in trol officers report signs of child abuse to order to prevent the exploitation of thousands of kittens,puppies,and other animals each law enforcement. o year.C

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES EMRO Regional News FALL 2008 5 DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Animal Control Benefits People, Too

dogs and cats,but in too many instances, city and county governments refuse to ac- cept the responsibility for taking care of animals when they need it most. Fortunately,John G.Morgan,comptroller Director of of the Tennessee Treasury,recently issued a The HSUS comprehensive and compelling report rec- Eastern ommending a change in the status quo.As Mountain many as 23 counties do not offer animal Regional services,affording citizens no assistance in Office finding lost pets,handling abandoned ani- mals,or investigating cruelty cases.Other S U

ANN CHURCH S communities that do offer services often H E H take up the slack,incurring the expense for T YPICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ANIMAL their neighbors who ignore these prob- problems go like this,“There’s a stray lems.Even in counties with minimal serv- through better enforcement of the state Tdog in our yard.He looks hungry. ices,there is no oversight,and animals suf- spay/neuter law.We applaud this report. Who do I call?”Or,“I’ve lost my cat.Where fer as a result. Animals deserve better,and all citizens should I look to find her?”Or,“The man After examining animal programs in benefit when basic health concerns (such next door is beating his dog.Please help!” neighboring states,the report recommends as rabies and dog bites) are addressed uni- Every day homeless,injured,or stray an- that Tennessee mandate minimum stan- formly.The HSUS will work with legislators imals need help,but many communities dards of care,provide oversight of shelters, for adoption of humane state standards so are unable to provide assistance.Of partic- and require training for animal control of- that Tennessee animals—as well as those ular concern is Tennessee where animal ficers.It calls for the state to identify and in our other states—have a chance at a control services are optional.Every com- expand funding sources with particular better lives.C munity is enriched by the presence of emphasis on pet overpopulation concerns Amanda Arrington: Attention, Students

New North Carolina WE WANT TO WORK WITH YOUR Director animal protection group! Please con- tact us at [email protected] HEN SHE WAS GROWING UP IN for more information. rural Texas, Amanda Arrington saw relatives and neighbors Y Contact The HSUS E

W L S

keeping their dogs outside on chains. It al- N E

H Eastern Mountain Regional Office I ways bothered her. R O

L 402 Maple Ave., W. “It hit me hard to see how these ani- HSUS North Carolina State Director Vienna, VA 22180 mals lived,” said Arrington, the new North Amanda Arrington with Jasmine, who t 703.848.1867 f 301.258.3107 Carolina state director for The HSUS. “The was freed from her chain last year. humanesociety.org/emro dogs spent their whole lives on chains and A COPY OF THE LATEST FINANCIAL REPORT AND REGISTRATION some even gave birth to puppies while shackled. My passion to help animals began FILED BY THE HSUS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING THE there, and I started rescuing them. Today, I’m determined to continue educating people HSUS, OFFICE OF THE TREASURER, 2100 L ST., NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20037, 202-452-1100; REGISTRATION DOES on how to confront the mistreatment of animals.” NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY ANY STATE. IN NORTH CAROLINA, FINANCIAL INFORMATION Arrington founded the Coalition to Unchain Dogs in 2006. Coalition volunteers teach ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE communities about the damaging effects of chaining. They provide free labor and mate- AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-919-807-2214. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY rials to fence in yards. The group also works to pass tougher chaining legislation. In its THE STATE. IN WEST VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA RESIDENTS MAY OBTAIN A SUMMARY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINAN- first year, Arrington says, the coalition freed more than 75 dogs from their chains. CIAL DOCUMENTS FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE, STATE As state director, Arrington is tackling several new issues including encouraging CAPITOL, CHARLESTON, WV 25305. restaurants to use cage-free eggs, lobbying members of the Legislature to support ani- © 2008 The HSUS. All rights reserved. Printed on mal-friendly legislation, re-establishing a statewide animal fighting task force, and elimi- recycled paper with soy-based ink. nating outdated gas chambers used for euthanasia in shelters. “I believe legislation is the key to making real advancements in the fight for animal protection,” she said. The HSUS—and animals of North Carolina—are lucky to have her on their side. B

6 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES EMRO Regional News FALL 2008