IDA eNews: 8/16/06

IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Stop the U.S. Forest Service's Deadly Predator Control Program
2. Protest Japan's Annual Dolphin Slaughter
3. Help Prevent Captive Big Cat Attacks

CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. IDA Co-Sponsors National Feral Cat Summit
2. IDA Continues to Transport Animals from Hurricane-Ravaged Mississippi
3. AR 2006 Conference Educates and Inspires Advocates

IDA ACTION ALERTS

1. Stop the U.S. Forest Service's Deadly Predator Control Program
Plan calls for trapping, poisoning and shooting of animals in federal wilderness areas

Areas designated as federal Wilderness and Wild and Scenic on our national forests are pristine preserves and scenic lands where logging, fishing and hunting are not allowed, but unfortunately, livestock grazing is. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), which manages these publicly owned lands, wants to introduce a Predator Control program under the guise of Predator Damage Management that would allow the killing of wolves, bears, coyotes, cougars, bobcats and mountain lions suspected of killing grazing livestock in the wilderness. Imagine how horrible it would be to be poisoned, trapped, chased down, wounded and killed by someone in a vehicle or airplane while you're in a federally protected refuge for wildlife.

Ranchers who graze livestock on public land are pressuring the USFS to stop predators from preying on their livestock. The government agency has therefore obligingly come up with a Predator Damage Management in Wilderness Areas plan which includes the use of baited traps that would spray the highly toxic pesticide sodium cyanide straight into animals' mouths, causing a painful death. It would also allow aerial gunning of predators, which involves shooting them from airplanes and helicopters or chasing them until they are too exhausted to run anymore, then landing and gunning them down at point blank range. Wildlife Services agents inhumanely killed more than 37,000 predators from the air in 2004 alone; the USFS plan would cause an even greater number of unnecessary deaths.

Predators play an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of our wilderness areas; by keeping wildlife populations in check, they help prevent overpopulation and habitat depletion. Congress passed the Wilderness Act in 1964 to preserve remote areas of the U.S. in their natural state, free from all or most human interference. Congress also passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to preserve selected rivers of the nation which possess valuable fish and wildlife biodiversity, amongst other attributes which shall be protected for the enjoyment of present and future generations. These areas designated Wilderness and Wild and Scenic belong to the public, not the cattle and sheep ranching enterprise. We must defend these lands against those who care more about profit from animal slaughter than they do about wildlife conservation in the U.S.

What You Can Do:

Urge the USFS (%takeaction-USFSpredatorcontrol%) to withdraw their proposed Predator Damage Management in Wilderness Areas program. Also tell them you do not want livestock grazing on federally protected Wilderness and/ or Wild and Scenic areas. To have the most impact, be sure to personalize your message.

Please email or fax your comments right away and pass this message to as many people you know of who care about wildlife conservation in this country.

Subject line is VERY IMPORTANT: WITHDRAW Predator Damage Management in Wilderness Areas program

Address all comments to: Christopher Brown, Director of Wilderness and wild and Scenic Rivers Resources

Email: PDM [at] fs.fed.us
Fax: (202) 205-1145

If you choose to send a letter by post, please make sure they receive it before September 7th. The address is:

U.S. Forest Service - URGENT
Attn: Christopher Brown, Director of Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Resources
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-0003


2. Protest Japan's Annual Dolphin Slaughter
IDA and dozens of groups worldwide to hold demonstrations on Japan Dolphin Day 2006

Every year from October through March in small towns along the Japanese coast, fishermen kill about 20,000 marine mammals in the most brutal way imaginable. They use loud noises to disorient and herd whole pods of dolphins, porpoises and small whales into shallow bays, then stretch nets across the mouth of the bay to close off all exits. The next morning, the slaughter begins, as fishermen use sharp spears and hooks to massacre the helpless cetaceans. Most of them are butchered for meat that is sold in restaurants and supermarkets, while some are sold to marine parks where they spend years in loneliness and deprivation for the "entertainment" of audiences.

This annual slaughter is the largest massacre of dolphins anywhere in the world, and it continues because the atrocity is deliberately kept hidden from the Japanese people. That is why each year on September 20th, a host of groups around the world join together to organize an international day of protest to expose the killing and put pressure on the Japanese Government to end it once and for all. As part of this day of action, IDA and the Earth Island Institute will co-host a demonstration at the Japanese consulate in San Francisco to coincide with protests taking place around the world. Volunteers from both groups will carry signs and hand out literature condemning the slaughter. IDA will also hold a protest at the Japanese consulate in Los Angeles.

What You Can Do:

Attend IDA's protests in San Francisco or Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 20th. If you don't live in California, organize a protest at the Japanese consulate or embassy nearest you ( http://www.learn4good.com/travel/japan_embassies.htm ). Also write, call and fax the Japanese Embassy to let officials know that you are appalled by their country's brutal massacre of marine mammals.

Embassy of Japan
2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 238-6700
Fax: (202) 328-2187

Visit http://www.SaveTaijiDolphins.org for more information about Japan Dolphin Day 2006.


3. Help Prevent Captive Big Cat Attacks
Ask your Representative to cosponsor "Haley's Act"

One year ago this month, 17-year-old high school student Haley Hilderbrand visited the Lost Creek Animal Sanctuary in Mound Valley, Kansas to have her senior picture taken with two tiger cubs. Just prior to the shoot, a captive Siberian tiger was substituted for the cubs. Tragically, even as the owner of the "sanctuary" (which also trains animals for movies, TV and magic shows) restrained the tiger on a leash, the animal fatally attacked Haley. The tiger was subsequently shot and killed in the wake of the incident.

Even in captivity, big cats such as lions and tigers are still wild animals who are dangerous to humans and should therefore never come in direct contact with the public. Since 1990, big cats have attacked over 100 people - a dozen of them fatally. Many of these documented incidents have taken place at "sanctuaries" licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which include backyard zoos, roadside attractions, circuses and even the homes of private individuals.

To prevent future animal attacks and improve the care of big cats in captivity, Kansas Congressman Jim Ryun has recently introduced "Haley's Act" (HR 5909). This bill would prohibit direct contact between big cats and the public at USDA licensed facilities and significantly raise fines for violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Existing laws need to be strengthened in order to ensure the safety of both people and these wild animals, who require a high level of care and respect.

What You Can Do:

Ask your Representative to cosponsor Haley's Act (HR 5909) (%takeaction-HR5909%) to keep the public and big cats in captivity safe. Also contact your Representative by phone and postal mail. You can get the mailing addresses and phone numbers for your elected officials by clicking http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/leg-lookup/search.tcl and entering your zip code.


CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES

1. IDA Co-Sponsors National Feral Cat Summit
Discounted admission extended through September 1st

IDA is proud to co-sponsor the 3rd Annual National Feral Cat Summit this September in San Francisco. This one-day conference will feature presentations and workshops by feral cat experts and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) leaders from around the country. Presentations will emphasize practical information and instruction to help participants more effectively advocate for feral cats and implement TNR programs in their communities.

Daniel Crain, President of the San Francisco SPCA, will present the keynote address, and IDA president Elliot Katz, DVM will give a special welcome address. Workshops will include "Advanced Feral Cat Colony Care," "Funding TNR," "How to Perform a Mass Trapping (Film & Workshop) and "Feral Cats, TNR and the Law," among others. Speakers will include Paul Jolly (the PETCO Foundation), Esther Mechler (SPAY USA), Bryan Kortis (Neighborhood Cats), Sandra Monterose and Debora Bresch (the ASPCA), Nancy Peterson (The Humane Society of the United States) and Valerie Sicignano (IDA and Neighborhood Cats).

What: 3rd Annual National Feral Cat Summit
When: Saturday, September 9th, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Blvd., South San Francisco (directions - http://www.ssfconf.com/accomodations/accom_directions.asp )

Extra space - and therefore more tickets - have recently become available, so discounted admission to the summit has been extended. Registration is $40 before September 1st and $50 thereafter (the registration fee includes a vegan lunch). A limited number of scholarships are available for veterinarians and vet techs. These individuals can contact summit [at] neighborhoodcats.org to obtain free tickets while supplies last.

See the complete program and register today. ( http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/special/nfc_summit_2006.htm )


2. IDA Continues to Transport Animals from Hurricane-Ravaged Mississippi
IDA's Connie Durkee drives homeless animals from Waveland shelter to Seattle

Ever since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf States in August 2005, IDA has been helping animals affected by the storm and its aftermath. Even now, IDA staff and volunteers from all over the country continue to transport homeless animals from Mississippi, Louisiana and other storm-ravaged areas to animal shelters in other regions where they can have a chance to start over with new families.

Connie Durkee - who works in IDA's Northwest office in Portland, Ore. - recently made another run from Waveland, Miss. to Seattle, Wash. Here is the story of that trip as told in Connie's own words.

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I thought I had experienced a lot in my life until I drove 20 dogs, 5 puppies, 23 kittens and 2 adult cats across the country from Waveland, Miss. to Seattle, Wash. I definitely got a new perspective on what the human and animal body can endure!

At the end of July, I went back to Waveland for the fifth time to help with another transport of animals out of the Waveland Animal Shelter to the Pacific Northwest. This time I was involved in every aspect of the transport. Myself and two other IDA volunteers had researched and found the rescue groups that would take the animals, and I was there to help drive them back along with William, the vet tech who works at the Waveland shelter. I hand-picked the animals that would come, which was a truly joyful experience for those coming with us but also an extremely heart-wrenching experience given that we had to leave others behind.

I spent two days at the Waveland shelter helping with the animals before we hit the road. We left Waveland at two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon and made our first stop, Rock Springs, Wyo. at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. This particular no-kill facility had a big two-acre enclosure, so we were able to let all the dogs out to run and play while we dropped off three dogs and six kittens.

We left Rock Springs around ten that night and headed for our next destination, Seattle. With two drivers, we were able to take turns sleeping, but once we hit Utah around midnight, we were both really tired so we pulled into a rest area and got a couple of hours sleep. We reached Seattle at two in the afternoon on Thursday, left animals at four locations in and around the area and then headed south for Portland. I live in Battle Ground, Wash., so my husband met us at the Battle Ground exit off of I-5. This allowed me to take the seven kittens, two cats and one remaining dog to my house for the night. I drove them to Albany, Ore. the next day.

By that time, we had been in that van for 56 hours and were ready to get out! The animals were such troopers the whole way! We checked them every time we stopped for gas and gave them some water and food, and walked them when we could. It was a very long trip but incredibly worthwhile and rewarding. Seeing the animals go to these wonderful rescue groups and knowing they will find their forever, happy homes is a feeling I have trouble describing. Their future in Waveland is uncertain, so I know I'm doing something good for them.

We are planning another transport for the end of August. We'll see how many more we can bring back then.

What You Can Do:

IDA is still accepting donations to help us continue our relief work. As an illustration of the financial resources needed to rescue animals, rental of a vehicle and gas for one week costs upwards of $1,000. To donate, send checks made payable to IDA with a note reading "for hurricane relief" to In Defense of Animals, 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901. You can also donate online using your credit card ( https://secure.ga0.org/02/varescue ).


3. AR 2006 Conference Educates and Inspires Advocates
Moby receives IDA's Guardian Award, praises animal rights activists

IDA took an active role this weekend at the Animal Rights 2006 National Conference (AR 2006). The four-day program featured nearly 100 presenters from more than 60 organizations representing all factions of the animal protection movement. They appeared in eight plenary sessions, 50 workshops, 30 campaign reports, and 7 rap sessions. The weekend started with an opening welcome from vegan bodybuilder Kenneth Williams.

Attendees heard from IDA Associate Director Jill Cooney speaking on IDA's Guardian Campaign ( http://www.guardiancampaign.com ) during a session on Companion Animal Campaigns. Jill described how the Guardian Campaign lays the foundation for other campaigns to help companion animals by changing the way society regards animals, starting with our language. IDA Project Hope Director Doll Stanley spoke on a host of topics, including Conducting Investigations, Engaging Community, Running a Sanctuary, the State of Our Movement, and Conducting Disaster Rescues. Communications Manager Kristie Phelps informed attendees about IDA's Amusement Campaigns - especially our efforts to help elephants in zoos - as well as Effective Tactics, Writing, Working with the Media, and Movement Communications. IDA's Barbara Stagno and Dr. Elliot Katz facilitated a discussion on Effective Tactics for Research Campaigns while IDA Undercover TV producer Gabe Quash discussed producing and airing videos. IDA representative Lawrence Carter-Long participated in a number of sessions and also served as the emcee for the awards banquet.

The highlight of the weekend was the presentation of a Guardian Award to musical performer Moby. The humble musician stated, upon receipt of his award, "…of all the people who are honored here tonight, I feel that I have contributed the least because I am a musician. One of my lifetime goals is to use whatever notoriety that I have to draw attention to the work that you all are doing because you are the people who do this every day. You are the ones who are going to jail and the ones that are protecting the welfare of animals."

He went on to do the math on the number of animals killed by humans during the awards ceremony and estimated that about 50 to 60 million animals were killed by humans over the course of two hours, reminding the audience of the importance of our work.

"It is so completely unnecessary, and it is such a mind-boggling statistic. Even if it were only 50 animals per year killed for human purposes, that would be too much. But it is 50 billion animals per year," he continued. "The work that you do and the work that I am trying to draw attention to is, as far as I'm concerned, the most noble work that a human being can do. And so, I accept this award and I accept your best wishes, but really I am just here to try to draw attention to the work that you all do, so thank you very much."

The conference was an inspiring event, providing a forum for newcomers to the movement to meet other like-minded individuals and long-time activists to think of new ways to facilitate change. It also gave people a chance to recharge their batteries and remember just why we do the important work we do each and every day.

What You Can Do:

If you missed AR 2006, you can still attend one of the many animal-related conferences happening this summer and fall around the country:

- Taking Action for Animals Conference ( http://www.takingactionforanimals.org ): September 2nd to 5th in Washington, D.C.

- 3rd Annual National Feral Cat Summit ( http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/special/nfc_summit_2006.htm ): September 9th in San Francisco, Calif.

- The Strength of Many Conference ( http://www.animalsandsociety.org/conference06.htm ): October 6th to 8th in Los Angeles, Calif.

IDA representatives will be present at each of these events. We hope to see you there!


Use GoodSearch Web Browser and Earn Money for IDA

What if you could help IDA earn money every time you searched the Internet without spending a cent? Well, now you can!

GoodSearch ( http://www.goodsearch.com ) is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to nonprofit charities selected by its users. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results. To start, go to http://www.goodsearch.com and enter In Defense of Animals as the charity you want to support. Just 500 people doing four searches a day will raise about $7,300 a year for IDA, all without costing you - our supporters - any money at all!

Also please help IDA spread the word about this amazing fundraising opportunity! For example:

- Send an email out to all of your friends and family and supporters ( http://ga0.org/campaign/GoodsearchIDA/forward ) asking them to use GoodSearch and choose IDA as their favorite charity

- Put a logo and link to GoodSearch ( http://www.goodsearch.com/Logo.aspx ) on your website

- Download the GoodSearch toolbar ( http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar ) and encourage other to do so as well

- Make GoodSearch the homepage ( http://www.goodsearch.com/MakeHomepage.aspx ) on all of the computers in your company or school.

Thank you for supporting IDA's important work for animals!


The Cat Therapist

Twice a month, Carole Wilbourn, the Cat Therapist, answers questions and offers advice on how guardians can enrich their relationships with their beloved feline companions. Click http://idausa.org/cat_therapist/index.html to read the latest Cats on the Couch column. Also visit Carole's Cat Store ( http://www.thecattherapist.com/cat_store.htm ) to purchase a copy of her classic book, "Cat Talk: What Your Cat is Trying to Tell You."


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