Dear Friends,

This past Saturday, March 16, 2013, the sick and twisted members of the Philadelphia Gun Club (PGC) held another live pigeon shoot - and SHARK was out in force to document the abuse and rescue birds.

This pigeon, who was bleeding from a gunshot wound, struggled desperately to stay alive after she fell into the freezing water of the Delaware River. SHARK Investigator Janet Enoch rushed to her and was able to rescue her before she drowned.

In addition to activists outside the PGC film

This is the first bird that was rescued from the river. She is getting treatment from a wildlife rehabilitator on the PA shore of the river before being sent across to the NJ side where another rehabilitator was stationed.

ing the members as they entered and left the club, we had two motorboats operating and had five activists legally stationed on the shoreline where we were able to rescue five wounded birds.

The shoot was another true nightmare. Once again, birds were literally falling out of the sky along with gunshot. Everyone was wearing safety googles to protect their eyes from the falling shot.

We were extremely fortunate to have multiple wildlife rehabilitators with us on-site, who were able to care for the wounded birds on both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey side of the river.

This poor bird was shot, landed in a nearby tree, then fell out of the tree hitting hard against a large branch before smashing into the ground. She died while being held by these activists.

This is another bird who was shot and fell into the Delaware River. To keep her warm, she was kept inside one of the activist's jacket.

Yet another bird who was shot and fell into the river. She is being examined on site for injuries.

We want to sincerely thank all the activists who came out Saturday. Whether they were filming or rescuing birds, everyone did a fantastic job and lives were saved due to their efforts.

Remember Chicago Alderman James Cappleman?  He's the politician who allowed an Indiana pigeon shooter to come to Chicago and illegally trap and steal pigeons.

In another case showing how someone who is cruel to animals is also cruel to people, Cappleman also has a big problem with the Salvation Army and those less fortunate. You can read about it in this article from the Chicago Tribune.

Since Cappleman was on our radar as being one of the bad guys, we decided to take a look at his campaign disclosure reports and see if there might be another reason why he was so determined to get rid of the needy. 

We took what we found, put together a letter, and sent it to reporters in Chicago who have been covering the story. 

We'd like to think this is a little message to other politicians who do as Cappleman did:  If you mess with animals, we'll investigate you and expose your suspicious activities.

I work for a group called SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), and we fought against Alderman James Cappleman when he invited an Indiana "farmer" to trap and kidnap pigeons from the streets of Chicago. Cappleman kept the name of that "farmer" secret (just as he is with the new owners of the Chateau Hotel). SHARK, however, uncovered the identity of Cappleman's pigeon stealing friend, found out that he was no farmer and that the pigeons were being used for live pigeon shoots, one of the worst forms of animal cruelty where animals are used as targets and mass-slaughtered for fun.

Seeing the Chateau Hotel story, and knowing of Cappleman's previous misdeed, I was curious if there were any real estate donors to Cappleman that may be playing a role. I found the following, which I wanted to pass on.

Jeff Michael, of  Horizon Group Management, LLC, on 1/23/2013, donated $1,500.00 to Cappleman.  On the Horizon Group Management website, I saw the following about a property they are listing:

"Competely gut-renovated building will entice your every sense to make the right move!  With 24/7 concierge and door attendants, you'll be pampered and well taken care of! Brand new appointments lush with class and charm include modern kitchens w/stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, espresso cabinets, and hardwood floors through out."

While that description was not for the Chateau Hotel, doesn't that sound like what is going to happen to the Chateau Hotel? Gut it and turn it into expensive apartments?

Another real estate investment firm/donor is Newcastle Limited.  On 1/18/2013, Michael Haney, President and CEO dumped $1,000 into Cappleman's coffers.

On their website, Newcastle appears to do the same thing as Horizon, and they purchased a property at 3300 N. Broadway Avenue which means they are going after properties on the same street of the Chateau Hotel.

The following are my concerns about these two donations:

1. Both donors deal with the same issue (gutting and/or reselling property).
2. Both donations were made within days of each other (January 18 and 23, of this year).
3. Both donations were for a significant amount of money.
4. There is no impending election. This raises the question: why did both these real estate companies choose to donate so much money at the same time and right before the Chateau Hotel controversy broke?

In my experience, there are no acts of coincidence when it comes to donors pouring money into a politician's campaign pockets. However, it's certainly possible that these donations have no connection to the Chateau Hotel controversy, but they do have a smell about them. If it turns out that they are connected, and Cappleman is using his office to benefit donors, then that would be of great concern. All I am suggesting is that a more in-depth investigation needs to occur.

If something does come of what I am presenting, then please let Alderman Cappleman know that it was because of his insensitivity, his cruelty, the blood that was spilled and suffering endured by innocent animals that was what inspired this investigation.