NJ Residents.....
 
There IS something you can do to help prevent a repeat of the situation
that happened in Cape May County Christmas Weekend....
 
The NJ Department of Health has agreed to submit a request in its 2002
budget for funds to re-hire field investigators, those persons who
investigate complaints against animal shelters, pet shops, and kennels for
violations of state regulations.  (Having field investigators will ensure
that complaints are thoroughly investigated, and violators are fined-thus
helping to promote the humane treatment of animals.) This is a huge
triumph-proof that making calls, sending emails, and faxing and writing
letters works!
 
But even though the DOH made this request, Governor Whitman must approve
it, and include it in HER budget.  Thus, the next step is to convince
Governor Whitman to include funding for field investigators in her budget.
She is in the process of drafting her budget, and is expected to present
it to the NJ legislature in mid-January.  Therefore, it is ESSENTIAL that
you contact Governor Whitman IMMEDIATELY to let her know you want to see
her include funding for field investigators.
 
It is also essential that you contact Senate President Donald DiFrancesco,
who will take over as Governor when Whitman leaves to assume her new post
as head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
 
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
(1) EMAIL Governor Whitman & Senator DiFrancesco IMMEDIATELY with the
following message:
"I am contacting you to request that funds be allocated in the 2002 budget
for the re-hiring of field investigators to enforce state regulations
governing the operation of animal shelters, pet shops, and kennels."
 
Whitman:  Go to www.state.nj.us, then scroll down to "Contact the Governor"
DiFrancesco: [log in to unmask]
 
(2) CALL both Whitman and DiFrancesco on the following two call-in days:
Thursday, January 11 & Tuesday January 16.  Deliver the same message in #1.
Whitman: (609) 292-6000
DiFrancesco: (908) 322-5500
 
(3) PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO WANTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF
CARE FOR ANIMALS IN SHELTERS, PET SHOPS, AND KENNELS IN NEW JERSEY.  The
fact that the DOH hasn't had any field investigators for the past five or
so years has resulted in an atmostphere where shelters, pet shops, and
kennels are left to enforce their own standards because no one is
monitoring them!  Having field investigators to enforce state regulations
will ensure that the "bad guys" either clean up their acts or get out of
the field.
 
Even if you don't live in NJ, you may consider sending an e-mail.  You can
explain that you lent a hand to help the ferrets that were rescued from
this recent situation.  We can hope that the government of NJ will take
in to account that folks from other states are cleaning up our messes!
 
Please take a moment to send an e-mail.  THANKS!
 
_____________________________________________________________
Kristeen, JT,
Katie, Matt,
Al & Stanley
[Posted in FML issue 3292]