June  2011

We're excited to be able to respond to a growing number of cruelty cases around the state, thanks to our ever-expanding pool of volunteer investigators and cruelty case managers.  Our adoption transports are moving along at a brisk pace, as well.  After just returning from a transport to Canada, Johnna Harris is busy readying our next transport up north, which should be pulling out of our gates in a few weeks.  

Thanks Again, Dr. Pilar!

Pilar Gosselin is pictured here with Elsa, one of HSL's Southern dogs who moved north to Canada.

Ever since we met her during the Katrina relief effort, Canadian veterinarian, Dr. Pilar Gosselin, has been a real guardian angel to the Humane Society of Louisiana.  In late May, she flew down to our sanctuary and accompanied HSL's Johnna Harris on a cross-country transport of 17 dogs, mostly large adults better suited to a cooler climate, back to her hometown of Canmore, Canada.  Pilar and Johnna placed the lucky dogs through her clientele and local contacts.  

On June 7th, a three legged dog named Rocky, a beloved animal pet, was shot by an NOPD officer entering private property.  This was yet another example of a law enforcement officer using poor judgment, resulting in the death of an innocent animal.  Rocky was shot and killed by NOPD Officer Ananie Mitchell.  Mitchell had entered a family's backyard through a gate in a non-emergency situation, pursuing an individual wanted for questioning.  Rocky's owner, Francis Washington, her daughter Kendra Nathan, and several neighborhood witnesses - including children - maintain that Rocky was needlessly killed in the moments that followed.  They allege that Officer Mitchell, who was intimidated by the dog, kicked Rocky twice and shot him as he was retreating, ignoring desperate pleas from the family that they be allowed to intervene and bring Rocky inside.  It is a frightening prospect that police officers could enter a private backyard and shoot any of our beloved pets.  We have filed a request for public record with the NOPD and are campaigning to have the department reinstate dog bite prevention courses for all officers.  

Too cute!

Rescued sugar gliders  

in foster care.

PARTY AND FUNDRAISER AT THE MILL BAR

5808 River Oaks Road, S. Harahan  70123   

Sunday, July 24th      6pm - 10pm

Just $5 admission 

Drink proceeds support our programs for animals in need.

MUSIC   *  FOOD  *  PRIZES  *  FUN 

TRAGIC MONKEY DEATHS AT

 NOTORIOUS NEW IBERIA LAB 

A May 31st report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) alleges that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's New Iberia Research Center violated a federal regulation in regard to the deaths of three rhesus monkeys, aged 1-2.

 According to the report, the monkeys were blocked in a chute connecting two outdoor areas.  According to Michael Budkie of Stop Animal Explotation Now (SAEN) the monkeys likely died from dehydration or starvation; it is believed they were trapped in the chute for a week or more before anyone noticed, as their recovered bodies were badly decomposed.  The center houses 6500 primates, some of whom are used for research and others, who are bred for experiments at other laboratories.  Read article here .  As you may recall, the center was the focus of an episode of Nightline, after an HSUS undercover investigation and a whistleblower revealed serious problems at the center.  The USDA found 6 deficiencies as a result of the evidence and agreed to pay a $18,000 fine to avoid a hearing.  Please contact the USDA and urge that the Center be given the maximum fines, in recognition of the suffering of these poor young monkeys.  Please contact Dr. Gibbens of the USDA (the agency charged with enforcing the federal Animal Welfare Act) and demand that immediate action be taken against the University of Louisiana, Lafayette for the negligent deaths of these young monkeys.  Contact:

Dr. Robert Gibbens

Director, Western Region

USDA/APHIS/AC

2150 Center Avenue

Building B, Mailstop 3W11

Fort Collins, CO  80526-8117

(Robert.M.Gibbens@usda.gov)  

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Dr. Gibbens:

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the senseless deaths of three primates.  As you are aware, these poor animals suffered greatly after becoming trapped in a chute for several days and lost their lives as a result of inexcusable negligence.  As someone who cares about animals, I am outraged, and I urge you to take the toughest enforcement action possible against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Sincerely,

                    ____________________

Please rephrase in your own words.  We'll keep you updated! 

Longtime HSL supporter and accountant, Leslie Read, rescued lovely Claire, pictured here, who is deaf, from life on the streets.  Leslie has kindly sponsored all of her medical treatment, and Claire is relaxing at our sanctuary as we all work to find her the perfect, loving home.