The "Friend to Animals" award which Ferret Wise has recently instituted to
honor those persons who are effective in the prevention of cruelty to
animals in NH was recently presented.  The first recipient Mr. Russell
Pope, has served the New England animal community for 13 years.  His
accomplishments include that he was also the first NH humane investigator
to defend domestic ferrets as pets on an equal level with house cats and
dogs.  Late changes in NH laws which now afford protection to domestic
fertrets turned in as abandoned or stray animals can be credited in part to
Mr. Pope's input with regard to legislation.  On behalf of the SWNH ferret
community we thank Russ, and look forward to welcoming him on board as a
shelter director for Ferret Wise in 1999.
 
Press Release:   Oct. 10. 1999
Ferret Wise, a non profit organization which promotes prevention of cruelty
to animals and rehabilitative assistance to domestic ferrets which are
victims of abuse and neglect has named their first recipient of the "A
Friend To Animals" award.
 
On Saturday, October 10, 1998, Mr. Russell H. Pope, Jr. was presented with
this recognition award at the conclusion of his presentation titled " The
Reality of Cruelty to Animals" in Concord, NH.
 
Mr. Pope has served the animal and humane community in the Monadnock Region
of New Hampshire for 13 years.  In his capacities as a sworn law
enforcement (animal investigative) officer of the Cheshire County Sheriff's
Department, and former animal cruelty investigator for the Monadnock Region
Humane Society, Mr. Pope's list of credits includes: participation in and
investigation of 2,500 abuse / neglect cases during his career, of which 63
convictions were made.  Mr. Pope has also been a wealth of information to
those who have sought to improve state statutes with regard to animal
welfare, both in New Hampshire and in bordering states.
 
"Naming Mr. Russell Pope, " A Friend To Animals", is a small tribute," said
Dino Drakiotes, president of Ferret Wise.  "Though one which we at Ferret
Wise feel is well deserved.  We hope Mr. Pope will continue his work with
New Hampshire's animal community."
 
 
visit our shelter page at:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~crassi/index.html
[Posted in FML issue 2460]