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]