WellBeing International WBI Studies Repository

Fall 2003

WCRO Fall 2003

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WEST COAST REGIONAL OFFICE SERVING CALIFORNIA, HAWAII, AND NEVADA

Cockfighting osha, he iracle Raid in Napa 0 team of more than 30 investigators, Aincluding a SWAT team, sheriff's the span of deputies, federal agents, local several hours, humane and animal control agents, and Dosha was hit by WCRO representatives served search a truck, shot in warrants on two locations in south Napa the head, and left County in early August. The team seized in a freezer. Somehow, the eight­ more than 2,000 gamecocks. It was the month-old mixed breed dog second such raid carried out in Napa survived it all. County this year (see spring 2003 WCRO Dosha's ordeal began on April Regional News). 15, 2003, when she reportedly "This raid resulted not only in one of escaped her yard and was hit by a the largest seizures of gamecocks to date, truck in Clearlake, California. A but also in the confiscation of one of the Clearlake police officer who largest collections of illegal cockfighting arrived on the scene thought the implements I've ever seen," said WCRO clog was suffering, or potentially Director Eric Sakach. Over the two-clay dangerous, and decided to perform

c -~rch, officers found hundreds of emergency field euthanasia by ,1ers-the razor sharp knives that are shooting Dosha in the head. Dosha WCR05 Bob Reder gets a kiss from Dosha, who has was then transported to a freezer attached to the legs of fighting birds. recovered nicely from her ordeal. "Investigating and raiding an used by Lake County Animal operation of this size is no easy task," said Control. Sakach. "The HSUS commends the Napa When interim Lake County Animal problem with clogs running at large and a County Sheriff's Department for their Control Director Denise Johnson arrived two disregard for the dog licensing laws. Reder proactive effort to stem the growth of this hours later to retrieve Dosha's body; she also learned from officials that there is not cruel and illegal industry in their jurisdic­ encountered not a deceased animal, but a adequate animal control available in tion, and we commend each of the young pooch sitting up, very much alive. Clearlake. Police Chief Robert Chalk made it agencies and organizations that provided Johnson rushed the injured animal to the clear that he doesn't believe his officers personnel to assist them." Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, where she was should augment animal control efforts. Chalk X-rayed and treated. To everyone's also advised Reeler that his officer made the WCRO's Cynthia Cutler participated in amazement, Dosha had not suffered any life­ correct decision under the circumstances. the Napa County cockfighting raid. threatening injuries. When questioned, Chalk told Reder that his After receiving reports of the incident, officers do not receive training in the WCRO's Bob Reder traveled to Clearlake and recognition of vicious clogs, evaluation of met with the Clearlake Animal Welfare life-threatening injuries, or performance of Society (CLAWS), county and town officials, acceptable euthanasia techniques, and the the director of the county animal control, the police department does not have an attending veterinarian, the dog's care-giver, emergency animal transportation procedure and of course with Dosha herself, who was in place. To this end, Reder offered to provide recovering quite well. Her medical expenses training to the Clearlake City Police. Chalk have been covered, thanks to donations sent explained that he did not have funds in his to a fund created by CLAWS, including a budget to cover the cost of overtime to $500 donation by The HSUS. accomplish the training. During his meetings with government WCRO asked that CLAWS host a officials, Reder learned that there is a serious continued on page 2

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003 1 Regional Efforts to Prepare Conference Bears on Bags for Disaster Excels in n an effort to inform residents Doing the Drill for (~ducational of the Tahoe Basin area about Disaster Preparedness I peacefully coexisting with black he North Valley Animal Disaster Group · Jfferings bears, the folks at Safeway (NVADG) knew their training had paid T Supermarkets joined with the off when they were invited to partici­ very year WCRO staff exhibit and Tahoe Council for Wild Bears pate in the Butte County/Canyon Oaks multi­ Epresent a wide variety of specialized (TCWB) to put "bears on bags." agency disaster drill in june. As part of a education programs at conferences For several weeks in july, all mock wildfire scenario, NVADG members and training programs throughout the northern California Safeway stores worked side by side with law enforcement, region. Helping local animal cruelty distributed paper grocery bags city and county fire officials, the California investigators and other animal care that displayed a "keep bears alive" \NCROAids Department of Forestry, and the County specialists gain expertise and skills to do message. "TCWB is a unique Office of Emergency Services. The collabor­ their jobs more efficiently is one of the Neglected coalition of 11 government and ation between human and animal responders major objectives of The HSUS. non-government organizations Pigs enabled both groups to exercise their own One such event that The HSUS helps to WCRO's Bob Reder (second from left) joins Tahoe working together to educate the disaster plans and better understand the roles support is the Animal Care Conference, an Council for Wild Bears representatives at an event to public about bears and create an t may have been intended as a sanctu­ each group has in a disaster. annual event sponsored by the California introduce Safeway's "bears on bags" bear awareness environment that promotes the program. Iary for unwanted potbellied pigs near During the drill, responders evacuated Animal Control Directors Association, the peaceful co-existence of humans Georgetown, California, but what animals to a temporary animal shelter at a State Humane Association of California, WCRO's Bob Reder (above) and Eric iii and bears," said Bob Reeler, WCRO regional coordinator and member of TCWB's executive local equestrian center. The team set up areas :r: and the California Veterinary Medical committee. Sakach found when they helped El Dora­ for animal intake, veterinary services, ~~--~~~~~~~~~~===------~----,------WCRO'S Cynthia Cutler (in HSVS shirt) Association. Attracting close to 600 partici­ Bears who grow accustomed to people can become bold and lose their fear of humans. To do County Animal Control execute a security, sanitation, large and small animal speaks with a reporter about a disaster pants, the 2003 Animal Care Conference avoid this behavior, do not let bears become habituated to human sources of food. Once search warrant on the property would housing, feeding, and exercise. drill held in Butte County/Canyon Oaks. was held in San jose, California, last March. habituated, bears will seek out those sources, creating conflict with humans. The bears' more aptly be described as pig purgatory WCRO Program Coordinator Cynthia Among the dozens of educational behavior will not stop voluntarily, and unless the nuisance behavior can be corrected, bears Supervising Animal Control Officer Cutler participated in and helped critique the Agency were also on hand to conduct the sessions, WCRO Director Eric Sakach led a may be killed. John Vail obtained the warrant in re­ drill. "The North Valley Animal Disaster training. The KHS is a beautiful 30,000 course on illegal animal fighting that was Remember, a feel bear is a dead bear. sponse to complaints about loose pot­ Group has come a long way in a year," said square foot facility with a housing capacitv r filled to capacity, while WCRO Special bellied pigs from a neighbor. Officers who Cutler. "The teams handled themselves 1,000 animals. During times of disaster, tl. jects Coordinator john Dommers investigated the initial complaint saw effectively and professionally even when basement will be utilized as the Reel Cross helped present the conference's first Award dead and emaciated pigs on the property. presented with challenging situations. In the human evacuation center. Evacuees are of Excellence in Education to humane Reeler and Sakach helped with the event of an actual disaster, animal owners welcome to bring their pets and house them education filmmaker Erik Friedl. Friedl has RAVS Visits California capture and loading of the pigs most need to be prepared to evacuate with their upstairs in the animal shelter. In addition, produced seven outstanding films, some of Reservations needing immediate attention. They also animals. Residents living in this area should KHS can house pets displaced by disasters as which have aired on PBS stations across the documented the carcasses of a number of know that rescued animals will be well taken well as care for their own shelter animals. country. Information on Erik Friedl and his CRO Program Coordinator Cynthia pigs. They and others participating in the care of in a disaster." The three-day course included personal films can be found at: WCutler joined Rural Area Veterinary search found the area littered with trash, disaster planning, establishing pet-friendly www.azetc.com/erik_friedl.htm. Services (RAYS) veterinarians and debris, fecal accumulation, and broken­ Havvaii Ani~nal Disaster shelters, maintaining the health and safety of Those interested in gaining new veterinary students at the Karuk and Round clown vehicles. Fences, pens, gates, and Training responders, managing volunteers, and information and skills for animal Valley Reservations in Northern California. structures on the property were in various In july, WCRO's Cynthia Cutler and learning the incident command system. protection work should consider attending The RAYS team spayed or neutered 144 clogs stages of disrepair, with little or no food Southeast Regional Office Director Laura Thirty animal care professionals and the 2004 Animal Care Conference to be and cats free of charge, and provided or water provided for the animals. In Bevan joined forces with Kauai Humane volunteers attended. The training also held in Anaheim, California. Look for wellness exams and vaccinations for 195 addition to more than 80 pigs found on Society (KHS) Executive Director Becky included a hands-on component in which details at www.animalcareconference.org. animals. Cutler also conducted responsible the property itself, many more pigs were Rhoades to bring the first HSUS disaster shelter staff and volunteers were presented pet care classes for children, adults, and WCRO Program Coordinator Cynthia HSVS representatives discuss educational seen in the surrounding environs roaming training to Hawaii. Hawaiian Humane Society with various disaster scenarios. Participants tribal officials while the clinic was underway. Cutler leads a humane education offerings with a conference attendee. at large. Officers also found feral cats, Director of Shelter Operations Linda Haller had to design and implement a functional presentation for reservation students goats, and dogs. Several emaciated goats and Mark Marshall of Kauai Civil Defense evacuation animal shelter for those displaced Get the RAVS IE-neM~s designed to protect them from dog bites. were seized upon veterinarian Ned No matter where in the world the RAYS team Buyukmichi's recommendation, and one travels, you can follow along with the RAYS (and the professional vets who oversee clog was euthanized for humane reasons. continued from "Dosha," page 1 E-newsletter. Whether it's a spay/neuter them), who travel to the neediest areas of the The property owner, who was cited, coop­ subsequent meeting, which took place in june. Facilitated by WCRO, the meeting focused clinic on the Karuk Reservation in California world to help the animals-and their erated during the search and indicated on identifying animal problems and issues in Clearlake, establishing partnerships between or an equine wellness clinic in Peru, readers owners. that the conditions occurred because of a government and non-government organizations, and finding and implementing solutions. can get a glimpse into the activities of these Go to www.hsus.org/ravsnewsletter to pending divorce. The matter has been WCRO has offered training to the police department and county animal control, and has hard-working volunteer veterinary students sign up for this free, monthly newsletter. referred to the district attorney's office. offered to assist CLAWS and the County SPCA in their public education efforts.

2 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003 5 by the disaster. The training had such a Legislative Update positive impact that shelters from neigh­ Nevada Man Convicted in boring islands are interested in bringing the Dogfighting Ring California December 13, 2003, is the Day training to their areas. • Penalties increased for cockfighting. S.B. of the Horse in California. nJune, after a trial that stretched over seven days, a Nye County jury found a Pahrump, 732, sponsored by WCRO and introduced Nevada, man guilty on two counts related to instigating dogfights and keeping a place for WCRO Speaks I by Sen. Nell Soto (D-32nd) of Ontario, was of "horse tripping" illegal. Often to Search and the fighting of animals. signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis on Sep­ found in Mexican-style rodeos, Rescue During sentencing on September 9, 2003, District Court]udgeJohn P. Davis said he was tember 2, 2003, and takes effect January 1, called charreadas, horse tripping "appalled" by the crime. He sentenced Michael Van Winkle to one year in the county jail, Professionals 2004. The new law raises the penalties for a can be found in three events that During the National Assoc­ fined him $5,000, and placed him on five years of formal probation. first-offense conviction of illegal cockfight­ often result in severe debilitating Michael Van Winkle is the first of three defendants to be tried in the matter. He and his iation for Search and Res­ ing up to $5,000. Second offense fines go up injuries or death to the animals. cue conference in Sparks, brother Jeffrey both lived in Pahrump, where, to $25,000. Both also include a jail sentence The first, "piales en ellienzo," Nevada, in May; WCRO's according to evidence presented during trial, of up to one year. The HSUS is grateful to is an event in which team mem­ Cynthia Cutler joined they bred pit bulls for fighting. When they the California Legislature and to Gov. Davis bers rope the hind legs of a run­ HSUS Disaster Services raided two locations in Pahrump in the spring for passing this legislation to crack down on ning horse, jerking him sharply Director Anne Culver and of 2002, sheriff's deputies and animal control the barbaric and widespread practice of to a stop. Although penalties are officials found evidence that included severely Chief Technical Instructor cockfighting. Cockfighting is not only supposedly incurred if the animal scarred dogs, a bloodstained portable dogfight­ Kim Little to present a inhumane, but it is also often associated is not brought to a gradual stop, ing arena, weight scales, photographs of dogs workshop aimed at keep­ with a range of other criminal activities, quite often the horse is jerked by in combat, treadmills, breaking sticks, drugs ing first responders safe including gambling and narcotics trafficking. his hind legs to the ground. when rescuing animals and veterinary supplies, underground dogfight­ The second and third events during disasters. The pre­ ing publications, and computer records. Jeffrey • Sales of unweaned pet birds regulated. Ha1n1aii are perhaps the most horrific. In sentation showed search Van Winkle has pleaded guilty and is awaiting A.B.202, supported by The HSUS and Pet quarantine eased. Gov. Linda Lingle the "manganas a pie" the charro (cowboy) and rescue professionals how to integrate sentencing. Jason Stine-who has been a introduced by Assemblywoman Ellen signed an administrative rule change this stands on foot and ropes a galloping horse animal rescue into their response. fugitive from justice since the properties were Corbett, prohibits pet shops with six or June that relaxes the state's pet quarantine by his front leg, intentionally felling the Because rescue teams are first respond­ raided-will also be prosecuted. more employees from possessing an system. The rule change shortens the animal to the ground, sometimes head over ers, they frequently come into contact with According to testimony presented during unweaned parrot unless it employs two quarantine for pets who meet specific heels. The "manganas a caballo" is an animal victims. Many rescuers want to help trial, a dozen or more dogs were kept on Van Winkle's property. A neighbor testified that people who have completed the Pet Industry requirements before they get to the Aloha identical event except that the charro ropes the animals they encounter, but may be about once a month, between September 11, 2001, and March 2002, a host of cars with Joint Advisory Council's avian certification State, reducing the stay to five days or less, the galloping horse from horseback. ctant because of the risk of injury. Arizona and California license plates could be observed at Van Winkle's property. Another program. If the shop employs five or fewer, rather than the present 30- to 120-day All three events are extremely dangerol injuries to rescue workers often result from witness, a former caretaker, told jurors that Michael Van Winkle held a "gala grand opening" it is required to have one certified employee. quarantine. for all horses. Broken necks, fractured a lack of training in animal handling or at his residence, and while he didn't actually witness dogs fighting, there was "a lot of blood" Pet shops may not sell unweaned parrots, Under the new rules that took effect June shoulders, and severe face and leg behavior or from the lack of specialized to clean up in the "pit" afterwards. nor may anyone sell unweaned parrots at 30, Hawaii residents for the first time will be lacerations are not uncommon, and such equipment. HSUS disaster specialists Key expert testimony came from WCRO Director Eric Sakach, who reviewed evidence and swap meets or bird marts. This bill has able to travel with their pets and return to activities are already banned in a number of demonstrated how to decrease these risks met with investigators at the request of the district attorney. "This was a sophisticated passed both houses of the Legislature and the islands without their animals being states including California and Texas. The by using the right equipment and having operation," said Sakach. "There wasn't anything they needed that they didn't have." awaits Gov. Davis' signature. quarantined. Non-Hawaii resident pet new ban took effect September 8, 2003. properly trained personnel. owners hoping for shorter confinement of • Resolution A.C.R. 16, introduced by their animals upon arrival in the state must Assemblyman Joe Nation, passed the present proof that their animal has had two Animal Care Expo 1want to learn how I can help our animal friends General Assembly in June. It urges state rabies vaccinations, microchip implantation When: March 10-13,2004 agencies to develop nutritionally sound for identification, and clean results of blood Where: Hyatt Regency Reunion, Dallas, TX and The Humane society of the United states lHSUS). school lunch menu plans that include serum tests. Quarantine costs for the he HSUS has developed a dynamic Please send me information about optional vegetarian choices. reduced confinement program will be $165 _ Making a memorial donation to honor _ Using charitable gift annuities education conference designed for if the pet qualifies for direct release from the T the life of a pet, friend, or relative. and trusts to support The HSUS. anyone and everyone who works or _Providing for my pets in my will and _Giving The HSUS a gift of stock. • The Day of the Horse has been designated airport and $224 if the pet must be held for volunteers to help animals. Animal Care in case of emergency. as December 13, 2003, by resolution A.C.R. up to five days. Expo is a world-class educational _ Planning my estate and will to help 33, introduced by Assemblyman Joe Nation. Qualifying for the more lenient rules may animals and The HSUS. conference combined with a full-scale It calls upon all Californians to be mindful require several months of preparation. To international trade show, the goal of of the welfare of horses and recognizes and learn more, go to www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ NAME Promoting the protection which is to help those in animal appreciates the role of horses in our history. ai_aqs_info.htm. of all animals sheltering, care, control, and rescue do ADDRESS the best and most efficient jobs possible. For current bill status please visit the Nevada CllY STATE ZIP I itt1: liid:!liii@#1 Go to www.hsus2.org/sheltering/general/ OF THE NITED TATE$. official California state Web site, www. Horse tripping banned. On August 19, 2003, OAYTIME PHONE WEST COAST REGIONAL OFFICE expo_information.html to learn more. 5301 Madison Avenue, Suite 202 leginfo.ca.gov, or visit HSUS's state legisla­ the Nye County Commissioners passed an P.O. Box 417220 (mailing address) E-MAIL (OPTIONAL) Sacramento, CA 95841·7220 tion Web page at www.hsus.org/ace/604. ordinance that makes the inhumane practice

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003 .3 THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003 Director's Report

support of humane education: impressed with the way Dr. Wishnick has "Children trained to extend justice, kind­ been able to bring together local parent anrl~ ness, and mercy to animals become more teacher support groups as well as many sL. just, kind, and considerate in their relations and national groups that believe the school with each other. Character training along will be widely accepted and highly respect­ these lines will result in men and women of ed. The HSUS will provide resource person­ broader sympathies, more humane, more nel and materials for the project as well as law-abiding-in every respect more valuable guide curriculum development. citizens. Humane education is teaching in Finally; add Yale Wishnick to the list of the schools and colleges of the nations the great thinkers and learned scholars. principles of justice, goodwill, and humanity For updates on the Humane Education toward all life. The cultivation of the spirit Charter School, call Yale Wishnick at 916- By Eric Sakach of kindness to animals is but the starting 212-9297, or visit www.ctaregion2.org/ Director of the West Coast point towards that larger humanity which San%20Juan%20Final.pdf. Regional Office includes one's Humane Charter fellow of every School: For the race and clime. A Animals, for Our generation of Children, for the people trained in these principles Future will solve their international e live in an age in which violence difficulties as Wseems to permeate every aspect of neighbors and our lives. And if there isn't enough not as enemies." actual violence with all its real victims and As we first all their real suffering, we flock to simulated reported in the (and sometimes real) violence presented as spring 2002 issue entertainment. The fact is that we're im­ of the WCRO mersed in violence, and we still can't seem to Regional News, a get enough of it. It's difficult to imagine that proposal by Dr. things will improve any time soon for Yale Wishnick for people, let alone animals, when we seem to a Humane Educa­ be so inclined to commit acts of violence tion Charter against others because they are of a different School in the race, speak a different language, practice a Sacramento area, different religion, or because they are a the first in the different species. country; has re­ Throughout history, great thinkers and ceived the sup­ learned scholars have expounded on the port of our office. Charter advocates say they The WCRO Regional News is a publica­ importance of instilling in children a hope such a school for 300 students in kinder­ tion of The Humane Society of the humane ethic, not just for the sake of the garten through sixth grade could open in 2004. United States, West Coast Regional animals, but for all life. Humane education I am especially heartened by the fact that Office, P.O. Box 417220, Sacramento, CA 95841-7220; 916-344-1710. Eric Sakach, is not a new concept at all. As early as 1933, WCRO staff has served as part of the charter director. The office is open Monday the National Parent Teacher Association school's planning committee from the very through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on federal holidays. Congress issued the following statement in beginning, and we have been continually © 2003 by The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved. Contacting HSUS A COPY OF THE LATEST REGISTRATION Write: Fax: AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FILED BY THE HSUS MAY BE OBTAINED BY 916-344-1808 HSUS West Coast Regional Office CONTACTING THE HSUS, OFFICE OF P.O. Box 417220 E-Mail: THE TREASURER, 2100 L ST., NW, Sacramento, CA 95841-7220 wcro@ hsus.org WASHINGTON, DC 20037, 202-452-1100. Call: Web Page: REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY EN­ 916-344-1710 www.hsus.org/wcro DORSEMENT. Printed on recycled paper. Promoting the protection of all animals

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES WCRO Regional News FALL 2003