"This is the reply I received from the ASPCA to my letter to them, in
issue # 2007-57, about McKay in Ohio,.....it gives many facts & ideas,
but basically says that "OHIO RESIDENTS" have got to do most of the
work, with our support/backup! It supplies some good Websites
concerning the laws of all states.
Onward, now, to another organization with questions about this atrocity
in Ohio!"
Dooks,...John R. & the n.j. gang of 4, USA.
john rich <[log in to unmask]>
----
Dear John:
Thank you for contacting the ASPCA regarding how to report your
allegations of animal cruelty, The ASPCA (American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the oldest and one of the largest
animal protection organizations in the United States, is not a parent
organization for local SPCA's, humane societies or animal care and
control organizations. 'SPCA' like 'Humane Society' and 'Anti-Cruelty
Society,' is a generic term. 'SPCA" and 'humane society' are often
interchangeable terms, but 'SPCA' sometimes, but not always, implies
a law enforcement capability. Each law enforcement jurisdiction is
specific for the locale and state it is located in.
In most states all police officers have the right, or responsibility,
to investigate animal cruelty complaints. You can see how authority is
assigned in your state by going to this link and selecting your state:
http://www.aspca.org/stateanticruelty
For concerns about a breeder , contact the U.S. Department of
Agriculture which oversees breeders. You can contact them directly
at (301)504-6212 or go to their website at
http://www.nal.usda.gov
Much of the effective enforcement of animal control/cruelty laws does
depend upon the laws in your community and state. Copies of specific
animal laws can usually be obtained through your local City Hall,
District Attorney's Office or through an attorney. To find the cruelty
laws in your state, go to www.aspca.org/searchlaw, then select your
state. It is important to document problems before taking action. Write
down times, places and specific problems. Be specific and reasonable.
Bring a copy of the statute to your law enforcement agency(s) and
politely demand that they take action.
Police, animal control and SPCA's can only enforce existing laws. These
law enforcement agencies and other humane societies do not condone
irresponsible, uncaring or ignorant pet owners, but often cannot
correct the situation without the owner's cooperation. All too often
investigators witness poor conditions, but if no law is violated agents
must limit their actions to educating the owner about improving the
care of his/her animals. If you feel an animal control, police, sheriff
or SPCA officer did not resolve the issue, find out who they report to
and lodge a complaint with the officer's supervisor.
It takes local citizen involvement to make a difference in a community.
National organizations have no jurisdiction or legal power in local
issues but they can and do stand by, ready and willing to offer
assistance to local governments and organizations through information,
networking, materials, resources and small grants. Ultimately it is the
local population that must either stand up and be counted in the action
for reform or remain silent. It is vital that others get involved in
your efforts for the community and for your local animals. Citizens
have the right to voice their concerns at public meetings of local
government, especially where public money is entrusted. Sometimes it
is also vital that private citizens participate in the process for
changes rather than animal control employees pursuing it alone.
Please read this article to see what you can do to change the laws in
your state:
<http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=public/animalissuesawareness/legalmatterspoliticalissues/1.39.6.txt>
Cruelty to animals is illegal and can be a felony in over 30 states.
Cruelty or neglect of animal is wrong and the ASPCA urges you to be a
voice for animals whenever and wherever you can. Follow up with the
situation to make sure it has been investigated and be persistent! If
need be, contact your local government representatives and even the
news media to bring attention to a cruel situation.
If you would like to help effect serious change in animal welfare
legislation, both on a state and national level, you can become a
member of the ASPCA's Advocacy Brigade through The Society's website by
going to www.aspca.org/lobby and take action. You will be sent regular
mailings about pending state and national legislation that affect
animal welfare. We rely on Advocacy Brigade members to write letters
to legislators and local authorities. These letters from the general
public make a strong impression and bring much needed attention and
action to animal cruelty issues.
If I can provide any additional information or answer any questions
please feel free to contact me. Thank you for caring and sharing your
concerns.
Sincerely,
Lanie Anton, ASPCA
National Outreach Internet Manager
189 Berdan Avenue, #407, Wayne, NJ 07470
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 973-628-9494 Fax: 973-686-0173
www.aspca.org/shelters
--
<[log in to unmask]>
[Posted in FML 5534]
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