MFOA Newsletter 2015
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WINTER 2015 Perspective on the Movement Positions with MFOA Puppy Mill Legislation Pet Club Update Helping "Outside" Dogs State Cascade Fund Thank You Donors MFOA Volunteers 17 Read about MFOA's animal protection work over the last 17 years by clicking on Timeline at www.mfoa.net PERSPECTIVE The Moral Arc of the Universe By Robert Fisk, Jr. and Don Lopreino One truism about history is that much of it is forgotten. On August 20, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, Nonetheless, history often becomes relevant to modern causes granting the women the right to vote, was signed, 72 years later. and concerns in ways we cannot always measure. Today we see that gay rights and legalization of marijuana During the mid-19th century, Frederick Douglass, William have reached the critical mass. They, like the animal rights Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Theodore Parker, an movement, experienced the same uneven progress, but the American minister of the Unitarian church, were household names pendulum of support is swinging our way, albeit much too slowly. and notable figures in the abolitionist movement. As noted animal advocate Kim Stallwood has written, there Parker lamented nothing came easy and there was virtually are five stages of social movements: public education, public policy, no discernible progress. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic and legislation, implementation and public acceptance. Gay rights and wrote: "Look at the facts of the world. You see a continual and marijuana are between stages four and five, animal protection is progressive triumph of the right. I do not pretend to understand probably somewhere between two and three. the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little Being aware of (and having a strong belief in) the inevitable ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the course of history, as Parker pointed out, even though they could experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what see “only a small part of it and cannot calculate the curve” and I see I am sure it bends towards justice.” were unable to “complete the figure by the experience of sight,” Many years later, the same they could “divine it by conscience” sentiment, in nearly the exact and knew they would ultimately language, was echoed by Dr. Martin prevail. He and others knew that Luther King as part of a sermon he a step forward might well be fol- delivered in April 1967: "The moral lowed by a step back, and while arc of the universe is long, but it that was certainly demoralizing, bends towards justice.” the key was not to give up, not Now, in 2015, we can apply to lose heart. And realize steps to that notion of justice prevailing to progress are often inadvertently the efforts of those of us who seek small in nature. to improve the treatment of animals. Parker and King also knew Why? Because the common thread that while the arc bends towards of cruelty links both causes, based justice its momentum can be on the indifference to the feelings increased, it can bend faster with of fellow humans (slaves) as well as active human involvement. For all other species (animals), coupled with their lives, and the lives of so many an attitude of perceived superiority others who felt the same, they did that permits and condones abuse. whatever they could to achieve their It would be misleading as well as untrue to say that Theodore goals and, most importantly, never wavered in their unshakable Parker and Dr. King, as well as other prominent figures of other belief that their causes were just. movements, were never discouraged about the lack of progress. If we choose to follow it, a course has been charted, one that Of course they were, just as we are today when humane measures has proven effective over time. Donate your energy and talent. are voted down or when special interest groups, despite our best Make a financial contribution to support what you believe. efforts, prevail as they did in the 2004 and 2014 bear referendums. Speak out against cruelty wherever you find it. Write letters, send Not to be discouraged is not to pay attention; but to give up, to go e-mails, use social media to spread the word. Promote legislation away, to move on is exactly what our opponents want, just as those that favors animal welfare; oppose legislation that doesn’t. Accept who opposed Parker and King hoped for. discouragement in stride, but never consider it defeat. In 1848, the first women's rights convention was held in And remember through your actions you are planting seeds, Seneca Falls, New York. After two days of discussion and debate, although you may never know when they germinate. You seldom 68 women and 32 men signed a Declaration of Sentiments, which will see measurable progress, like legislation, but as the old saying outlines grievances and sets the agenda for the women's rights goes, "persistence and determination are omnipotent" and the movement. A set of 12 resolutions is adopted calling for equal more seeds we plant, the more quickly justice comes to our treatment of women and men under the law and voting rights. fellow creatures. MFOA BoaRD OF DIRECTORS Care to get more 190 U.S. Route 1 Falmouth, ME 04105 involved in animal protection? [email protected] 207-781-2187 Maine Friends of Animals is Enjoy working with eager ROBERT FISK, JR. seeking to fill two positions children? President & Director on its Board of Directors SUSANNA RICHER How about sharing the word Office Manager of a Pet Club as a presenter? Fundraising member JAYNE WINTERS As we continue to grow in membership As MFOA moves forward establishing Secretary and address more issues of concern, we our Pet Club model, we are looking for PATRICIA RICHARDS have identified the need for someone to another presenter / promoter. Given the Volunteer Coordinator hundreds of city and rural elementary serve as a Board member and Fundraising LUANN CALCAGNI Committee Chair. Responsibilities include a and middle schools across Maine, Legislative commitment to the development, oversight, you will have the freedom to create your own opportunities and schedule. LUCINDA COLE and direction of fundraising projects for the At-large general operation of the organization. The Responsibilities include school and Committee would eventually oversee lead teacher recruitment, meeting with MATTHew HIGGINS At-large a Development Director. administrators / teachers, providing presentations to the children, and At-large member securing local sponsors. The MFOA STAY INFORMED An At-large member of the Board shall office provides materials and support to & GET INVOLVED assist other Board members in their respon- each presenter throughout the program. sibilities as needed and as directed by the This is a great part-time position with We make it easy for you to President and the Board of Directors. financial compensation based on new take action and help animals. At-large members may also be asked to schools and established Pet Clubs. Get on MFOA’s ACTION provide individual expertise to enhance the Pet Club packets, guidelines / procedures ALERT Updates list. Send Board's mission and assist in ad-hoc projects. and a great PowerPoint presentation are us your email address at ready to go. The Board typically meets on the third [email protected] Wednesday of the month, with a summer If you share MFOA's concern for animal and holiday break. If you would like more welfare, enjoy teaching kids, and want information or know someone who may be to help MFOA spread the word on the interested in either of these positions, please proper care, compassion and advocacy contact MFOA at [email protected] or for companion animals, contact us at (207) 781-2187. [email protected] or 207-781-2817. Are you a MFOA member? Maine Friends of Animals Be a part of Maine's leading animal protection Co-Sponsors Kim Stallwood Visit organization. Go to www.mfoa.net and click Maine Friends of Animals and the Maine Animal Coalition sponsored an evening event with renowned animal advocate Kim on DONATION. Stallwood on November 15, 2014 at USM in Portland. For four decades, Stallwood has had a front seat in the animal Newsletter Credits rights movement, starting at the grassroots level in England Copy: Robert Fisk, Jr., and working his way up to leadership positions at some of the Jayne Winters, Susanna best known organizations in the world. He is the European Richer, Patti Richards Design: Belinda Pease director for the Animals and Society Institute, an animal rights Printer: Dale Rand Printing think tank. He was promoting his book "Growl - Life Lessons, Hard Truths, and Bold Portland, Maine Strategies from an Animal Advocate." January 2015 AUGUSTA WATCH “An Act to Prohibit the Sale of Dogs and Cats in Pet Shops” FACT SHEET Why is a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens by pet • Female dogs are routinely bred at every heat cycle, about twice shops an important initiative for Maine? a year. Due to over breeding, the breeding "stock" generally stops producing at age 5–6, at which point they are deemed • By allowing Maine pet shops to sell puppies and kittens, useless and are discarded - often relinquished to animal shelters, we enable and support out-of-state puppy mills and kitten mills shot or sold to research laboratories. (primarily in the mid-west), thereby promoting the inhumane treatment of companion animals. • Puppy mill operators are in business solely for money. The animals are a commodity. Pet shops want to obtain product at • A review of the importation certificates on file at the the lowest possible price to maximize profit.