ActionWinter 2006

The New Face ofthe Urban Shelter

The ASPCA unveils top-notch housing for animals in need

The New Face ofthe Urban Shelter

The ASPCA unveils top-notch housing for animals in need

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

I am pleased to announce the launchof ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. Forthe first time, members of the publicwill be able to purchase thiscountry’s first pet insurance productdeveloped for a national humane

organization.The plan is being offered to all animallovers, and it is the only plan of its kind to cover petwellness visits too.

You treat your pets like family, and now you caninsure them like family with the name you trust.ASPCA Pet Health Insurance reimburses the moneyyou spend on veterinary care for your cat or dog so youwon’t have to choose between your pet’s well-being andyour personal finances.You can find more informationon this exciting new offer on page 17 and by loggingonto www.ASPCApetinsurance.com.

This exciting new program is just one more way theASPCA is there for animals in need.We have workedtirelessly over the years, and every act of compassionthat we have been able to extend has added up tothousands upon thousands of loving animals gettingsecond chances at happy, healthy lives.

I would like to take this time to thank you for beingthere for us, which has allowed us, in turn, to be therefor America’s animals.Thank you for your extraordinarysupport at this time and throughout the year!

Edwin Sayres ASPCA President & CEO

>> PRESIDENT’S NOTE

2 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org2 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Board of DirectorsOfficers of the BoardHoyle C. Jones, Chairman, Linda Lloyd Lambert,Vice Chairman, Sally Spooner, Secretary,James W. Gerard, Treasurer

Members of the BoardPenelope Ayers, Alexandra G. Bishop, J. ElizabethBradham, Reenie Brown, Patricia J. Crawford,Jonathan D. Farkas, Joan C. Hendricks, V.M.D., Ph.D.Franklin Maisano, Elizabeth L. Mathieu, Esq.William Morrison Matthews, Majella Matyas, SeanMcCarthy, Gurdon H. Metz, Leslie Anne Miller, Michael F.X. Murdoch, James L. Nederlander, Jr,Marsha Reines Perelman, George Stuart Perry, HelenS.C. Pilkington, Gail Sanger, William Secord,Frederick Tanne, Richard C. Thompson,Cathy Wallach, Leslie Anne Miller

Directors EmeritiSteven M. Elkman, George Gowen, Alastair B.Martin, Thomas N. McCarter 3rd, Marvin Schiller,James F. Stebbins, Esq.

The ASPCA 424 East 92nd Street

New York, NY 10128-6804(212) 876-7700www.aspca.org

E-mail: information@aspca.org

Volume 2, Number 4ASPCA Action

is published four times a year by

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

424 East 92nd StreetNew York, NY 10128-6804

Postmaster—Send address changes and undeliverable copies to:

ASPCA Action ReturnsP.O. Box 97288

Washington, DC 20090-7288

Copyright © 2006 ASPCA. All rights reserved.The American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals andASPCA are registered trademarks.

For permission to reprint material from ASPCA Action,

please direct requests to:ASPCA Action

110 Fifth AvenueSecond Floor

New York, NY 10011

E-mail for ASPCA Action: ASPCAAction@aspca.org

ASPCA Action

Editorial created by Rebus LLC, 632 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10012. www.rebus.com

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Todd Plitt.

Send subscription inquiries to: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street,

New York, NY 10128-6804.

This newsletter is not intended to provide advice on individual pet health

matters or to substitute for consultation with a veterinary doctor.

Thousands of homeless dogs and cats face abrighter future, thanks to a bold newmakeover of the ASPCA’s pet adoption

center in New York City.The unveiling of the state-of-the-art facility, complete with duplex kittycondos and glass-fronted puppy pens, was two yearsin the making, a fitting cap as the ASPCA countsdown its 140th year of fighting to better the lives of

companion animalseverywhere.

“More than 50,000unwanted pets aresurrendered each year inNew York City,” saysASPCA President &CEO Ed Sayres. “As afounding member of theMayor’s Alliance for NewYork City’s Animals, theASPCA collaborates withother animal welfaregroups in workingtoward our shared goal ofmaking New York ahumane community,where no adoptableanimal is euthanized forwant of a home.Thisincreased space will giveour lifesaving efforts amuch needed boost.”

Sayres oversaw thegrand opening ribbon-

cutting on September 18 outside the ASPCA’s East92nd Street headquarters, while Artichoke andChamp, canine mixed-breeds up for adoption,tended to the ribbon-biting ceremony inside.Visitors then joined in a tour of the redesignedaccommodations housing up to 350 dogs and cats, a40 percent increase over the earlier space.

“This is by far the most innovative shelter space

>> COVER STORY

3Winter 2006 3

The New Face of the Urban ShelterThe ASPCA unveils state-of-the-art housing for companion animals in need

Plush cat habitats provide stimulation and allow felines to travel from room to room.

1866

Henry Bergh foundsthe ASPCA in 1866 inNew York City with astaff of three. As earlyas the second AnnualReport, Bergh urgeshumane reforms atthe city pound.

1894

By 1894, the ASPCAassumes the job ofcaring for stray andunwanted animals, afunction previouslyperformed by citygovernment.

Support for theASPCA quickly grows,with New York Cityheadquarters at thecorner of FourthAvenue and 22ndStreet.

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© ASPCA Archives. All rights reserved

ASPCA TIMELINE: 140 Years of Protecting Animals in Need

that New York City has everseen,” says Sayres.

Creatures’ ComfortInnovative people- and pet-

friendly features include portals inplush cat habitats that allowhorizontal and vertical movementfrom one unit to another. “Scentholes” in the glass-fronted dogpens, strategically placed at kneelevel, encourage canines to sniffvisitors and accept treats withoutjumping up. Eco-friendly

materials, with terrazzo floors andCorian surfaces, are easy on theeyes and easy to clean, whilenoise-reducing glass andacoustical ceilings help muffleeven the loudest barks.

“Quieter rooms mean bettersleep and less stress for animals,”says Jennifer Lander, D.V.M.,Manager of Animal Health at theASPCA. She likewise lauds theanimal-friendly sound of “doglaughter” and birdsong pipedthrough the rooms, while 10 to

12 air exchanges per hour keepair fresh and limit spread ofdisease.

More AdoptionsRosanne Underberg of GreatBarrington, MA, was among thefirst to arrive at the newlydedicated ASPCA Onyx andBreezy Shefts Adoption Centeron the lobby level.The 6,000-square-foot Center, named inmemory of two black Labsbelonging to Mark and WandaShefts, has 16 large glassenclosures for dogs, 6 communitycat rooms housing up to 75 cats,and 24 individual cat habitats.Complementary space on thefourth floor houses even moreanimals.

“I was expecting the ASPCA tobe this dark building lined withcages,” says Underberg, whoarrived with her three dogs anddaughter after spotting some furry

4 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org4 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Artichoke and Champ, mixed breeds up for adoption, tend to theribbon-biting at the grand opening of the ASPCA’s new shelter.

ASPCA TIMELINE: 140 Years of Protecting Animals in Need

1928

The ASPCA operatesbranch shelters inNew York’s fiveboroughs throughmuch of the 20thcentury. In 1928, theASPCA takes in arecord 85,744 dogsand 217,774 cats;nearly 95% areeuthanized.

The ASPCA remains apopular presence oncity streets, providingdrinking water forhorses and operating anequine ambulance, atradition that began in1867 and thatcontinues to this day.

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>> COVER STORY

“Our new shelter isdesigned to reducestress and boostadoptions.”

—Steve Musso, ASPCAExec. VP of Operations

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completes newheadquarters at50 MadisonAvenue, at 26thStreet, in NewYork City, whereit remains until1950.

© ASPCA Archives. All rights reserved

faces up for adoption on theInternet.“But it’s open andmodern and bright, a great placefor animals.That’s so important,especially in a place like NewYork, which has more strays thanyou know what to do with.”

There was plenty of space inthe newly created playrooms forUnderberg’s two- and four-leggedfamily members to meet andgreet adoption candidates. Shesoon headed home with two newadditions: Cody, a 12-year-oldLhasa Apso with heart problems,and Daphne, a year-old, one-eyedwhite poodle that had been badlyabused.“If we can give them aloving home, for however longthey have, that’s what matters,” shesays.“All are doing great.”

Humane Communities With the opening of its revampedadoption center, the ASPCA joinscities like San Francisco, CA, andRichmond,VA, in creating trulyinviting shelters, not just forabused and abandoned animalsbut for the people who come tovisit—and adopt—them.

“We took away people space andmoved the animals in,” says ASPCAExecutive VP of Operations SteveMusso, who oversaw thetransformation.“As a ‘no-kill’organization that seeks to find a

home for every adoptable animal,we wanted more quality, long-termhousing in an environment thatreduces their stress and boosts theirchances of adoption.”

Gone are the cages, replaced withspacious rooms and communalhabitats with plush pads, comfybeds, and other homey amenities.“Staff can spot problem behaviorslike chewing and correct thembefore they go out for adoption,meaning pets aren’t returned backto the shelter,” says Lucinda

Schlaffer of ARQ Architects, thefirm that designed the project.

“The animals have room to playand interact and are a lot happiernow,” says Victoria Wells,ASPCAManager of Shelter Behavior andTraining, who helps rehabilitatemany of the stray and abusedanimals taken in by ASPCAHumane Law Enforcement agents.“They show themselves so muchbetter to potential adopters, and as aresult, more can find the permanent,loving homes they deserve.” ■

5Winter 2006 5

1992

New ASPCA headquarters on NYC’s East92nd Street open in April, 1992.

1993

The ASPCA steps up efforts to trainand support shelters throughout theUnited States and helps initiate theNational Council on Pet PopulationStudy and Policy, which conductsthe first survey of more than 5,000shelters handling about 4,000,000animals yearly.

The ASPCA’srevamped shelterspace is a keystep in NYC’sfive-year goal toplace everyadoptable animalin a loving homeby 2010.

Custom features include “scent” or “biscuit” holes in spacious pens.

>> COVER STORY

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>> PLANNED GIVING

Members of the ASPCA HenryBergh Legacy Society who live inthe New York City area gatheredon September 7 for a “sneakpreview” of the ASPCA’s newlyrenovated shelter. Many reportedthey were “afraid” they would fallin love with yet another animaland have to take it home!

The ASPCA Henry BerghLegacy Society was established in2002 to recognize and thank thosewho have provided for the futureof the ASPCA in their estate plansor who participate in the annuityprogram. Five of the previewattendees take part in the ASPCACharitable Gift Annuity (CGA)Program, a popular planned givingoption.

With an ASPCA CGA, you can:• Receive fixed payments to

supplement your income for life.

• Take a sizeable income taxdeduction.

• Reduce your capital gains taxnow (if you fund your CGAwith appreciated securities).

• Help ensure that the ASPCAwill be able to continue to speakfor the animals.

Annuity rates depend upon theannuitant’s age, and a CGA can bea versatile planned giving optionmeeting a variety of needs. Hereare just two examples:

Alice’s StoryAlice is 75 years old, retired, and along-time donor to the ASPCA.She would like to make ameaningful gift to the ASPCA inher lifetime but is also concernedthat she will outlive her income.With a $25,000 gift annuity forthe eventual benefit of theASPCA,Alice will receive an

annuity rate of 7.1%, which willgive her an annual income of$1,775, a portion of which is tax-free, and she can claim animmediate charitable deduction ofabout $12,000.*

Ben’s StoryBen is 55 years old, still working,and concerned about his futureretirement income. He establishesa $10,000 Deferred CharitableGift Annuity that will start payinghim a life income when he is 65;the annuity rate is 9.9%, withquarterly payments of $247.50 andan immediate charitable deductionof about $5,000. Ben plans toestablish a deferred gift annuity forthe next few years so that he canbuild up his retirement income; hewill be able to claim a charitablededuction on his income tax eachyear a gift annuity is established.*

An ASPCA Charitable GiftAnnuity can be for one or twoannuitants; annuity payments canbe made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually and directlydeposited to your checking orsavings account.The minimumage at which an annuitant canreceive payments is 50 and theminimum amount is $10,000. Fora personal, confidential CGAproposal, please contact ourDirector of Planned Giving,Marsha Pierson, CFP, at 212-876-7700 ext. 4505 or email her atmarshap@aspca.org. ■

*The examples provided are based oncalculation as of September 2006 and are forillustrative purposes only.

ASPCA Henry Bergh Legacy Society members get acquainted with cats up foradoption at the ASPCA’s newly renovated shelter.

ASPCA Charitable Gift AnnuityA popular planned giving option

6 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Top CatsASPCA judges had a hard timechoosing from among thethousands of Cat Photo Contestentries submitted in honor ofAdopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month inJune. Several winning photos areshown above. Other fetchingfelines can be viewed online atwww.aspca.org/catwinners.

Pet SecurityPets across America will be safer,thanks to a $1.5 millionDepartment of HomelandSecurity disaster preparednessgrant to the Illinois RegionalInstitute for Community Policing(RICP). RICP has worked withthe ASPCA to train police officersand others to fight crueltynationwide.“If disaster planningdoes not take into account theunique bond between people andthe animals they consider family,then planning falls tragicallyshort,” says Dr. Patricia Rushing,Interim Director of RICP.“I am

delighted the ASPCA will assist usin our Animal Rescue andRestore project.”

The three-year program willprovide training and technicalassistance to community teams,veterinary professionals,emergency responders, and animalwelfare groups.This preparationwill help to ensure animals areconsidered in planning efforts inaddition to being properly caredfor in the event of a terroristattack or other disaster.

Young Writers LoveAnimalsWhat’s your favorite animal, andwhy do you love it? That’s thequestion the ASPCA posed for anessay contest held with the Boysand Girls Club of America inNew Orleans.

Two winners, Alexis Pryor(center) and Alex Ibieta (right),received awards from ASPCASpecial Investigator PaulRomano at the AmericanLibrary Association AnnualConference in June. Pryor, age11, picked the alligator for itsfierce devotion: “It will dowhatever it can to save its baby,”she writes. Ibieta chose thegiraffe: “One of my nicknames isGiraffe, because I am 5’9” andonly 12 years old.”

>> NEWS BRIEFS

Reader’s ChoiceFromBaghdadwith Love: A Marine, theWar, and aDog NamedLavaThe true story of a

spunky puppy named Lava,rescued by an American soldierin battle-torn Iraq. Because of amilitary ban against pets in a warzone—one false bark, and thetroops could be compromised—author Lt. Col Jay Kopelmanorchestrates a real-life canineescape from Iraq worthy of anyspy thriller. And along the way,Kopelman proves himself a hero,not just to the four-legged friendwhose life he saved, but to all ofus who want to make adifference in the lives of animals.

ASPCA THANKS

Thank you to Tom Hilton for hisphotograph of the Green-WoodCemetery celebration honoringASPCA founder Henry Bergh,featured in our Fall 06 issue.

☎ ASPCA HotlineIn response to overwhelmingrequests from our loyal members,we are proud to announce theASPCA Donation Hotline.Thistoll free hotline is available 24hours a day, 7 days a week tomeet your needs.

ASPCA Donation Hotline:

1-800-628-0028Please use this number to makeany type of contribution, updateyour address information, or forany other member-relatedmatters. Please have your memberID number ready for fasterservice.

7Winter 2006 7

Kroger Stores and Procter &Gamble teamed up with theASPCA this fall in a specialmonth-long promotion designedto help homeless pets acrossAmerica find lifelong homes. FromSeptember 17 to October 14, theASPCA received 10% of sales (upto $50,000) from purchases ofP&G brands—Iams Dog and CatFood, Swiffer, Febreze, andBounce—at the more than 2,500participating Kroger supermarketsand affiliated stores across thecountry.This generous donationwill boost ASPCA efforts tosupport local shelters and rescue

groups nationwide.The promotion kicked off on

September 9, at the Kroger store in

Anderson Township, OH, wherethe Cincinnati SPCA hosted aspecial dog and cat adoption event.ASPCA staff were on hand todiscuss national outreach efforts

while shoppers were greeted withprizes and coupons during theday-long celebration.

“Eight to twelve millioncompanion animals enter animalshelters nationwide every year, andit’s of paramount importance to allof us in the animal welfare field tofind loving, caring homes for alladoptable animals,” says ASPCAPresident & CEO Ed Sayres.“Weare very grateful for the support ofKroger and P&G as we continueto pursue our 140-year mission toprovide effective means for theprevention of cruelty to animalsthroughout the United States.” ■

>> CORPORATE PARTNERS

Kroger and P&G Aid Pets in NeedMonth-long promotion raises up to $50K for ASPCA

Cincinnati pet lovers show their support for animals in need during the Kroger and Procter & Gamble promotion.

8 ASPCA Action8 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

“It’s paramount wefind loving homes forall adoptable animals.”

—Ed Sayres, ASPCAPresident & CEO

>> RESCUE

It wasn’t quite 101 Dalmatians.But for 26 miniature poodlesliving in a two-bedroomapartment in New York City,unclipped and un-sterilized withmore on the way, the ASPCA“animal cops” assigned toinvestigate knew something had tobe done.Tipped off by aconcerned neighbor,ASPCAHumane Law Enforcement agentsdelicately approached the owner, anurse’s aide, who confessed shehad become “overwhelmed” bythe sheer number of dogs.

Working with a social workerfrom the city’s Department ofHealth,ASPCA experts inbehavior, veterinary care, andanimal adoption determined theanimals were well nourished andwell socialized.The owner agreedto relinquish most of the pups tothe ASPCA’s newly refurbishedadoption center, while the ASPCAmobile clinic team sterilized thefew dogs remaining.

“It’s been our experience that a multi-agency, collaborativeresponse is the most effective wayof dealing with animal ‘hoarders,’who take in more animals thanthey can possibly care for,” saysAllison Cardona of ASPCA Cares.“We will be staying in touch tomake sure the owner doesn’t takein any more animals, and to linkher with any social services shemight need.”

Back at the ASPCA, the white-and apricot-colored bundles of furwere groomed and cared for andquickly settled in to their comfynew surroundings—but not forlong.“They were only in theshelter for about 10 days total,among the fastest adoptions wehave seen!” says Cardona.

Hoarding: A Growing Problem“We get at least one hoardingcomplaint a week,” says AnnemarieLucas,ASPCA Supervisory SpecialInvestigator for Humane LawEnforcement.“This case wasfortunate in that we got thereearly, before there was harm topeople or pets. Our goal is to offerassistance and save lives.”

ASPCA experts like Lucasregularly give workshops onpreventing cruelty and dealing

with hoarding in towns and citiesacross the United States.ASPCAagents also regularly monitorknown hoarders and collaboratewith local social service agenciesto help manage the problem.

“Even though the person whohoards is trying to do good foranimals, in many cases they aredoing far more harm than good,”says Dr. Randall Lockwood, Sr.VPfor Anti-Cruelty Initiatives andLegislative Services at the ASPCA.“It’s in the interest of both theanimals and the people involved toresolve that situation.As with anyform of cruelty, if you see it,report it.”

To find out who has the powerto investigate in your hometown,visit the ASPCA’s new state-by-state anti-cruelty database atwww.aspca.org/stateanticruelty.

A roomful of poodles, before (left) and after ASPCA rescue and care.

Nothing has exposed the face of animal cruelty like thereality TV show Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. ASPCArescue brought a better life to one large family of poodles.

9Winter 2006

Oodles of Poodles

>> OUTREACH

10 ASPCA Action www.aspca.orgYour Dolla10 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

$3,000WELCOME HOME GREYHOUNDS■ Oregon to OhioA $3,000 ASPCA grant to Greyhound Pets of America aided the rescue of 126American-bred greyhounds from a Juarez, Mexico racetrack. The animals werereturned to the U.S. from a harsh life across the border, rehabilitated, then given theaffection-laden retirement they deserve in homes from Oregon to Ohio. “Wecouldn’t have done it without the support of the ASPCA,” says Greyhound Pets ofAmerica/National President Rory Goree.

10 MILLION+ FERAL CATS IN NEED■ California to MaineThe 3rd annual National Feral CatSummit, sponsored in part by theASPCA, drew 250 cat caretakers from19 states and three countries to SanFrancisco in September. ASPCA experts

spoke on such vital topics as “Funding Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Programs” and“Feral Cats, TNR, and the Law.” The ASPCA remains active in advocating forhumane and effective means to control overpopulation and to better the lives of theestimated 10 to 90 million feral cats across the country.

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$5,000DELUXE DOG PARK■ TexasPet lovers in North Richland Hills, TX, celebrated the grand opening of the Tipps CanineHollow Dog Park in June, a safe haven where canines can exercise and socialize freely.The park includes a two-acre fenced area for large dogs and a one-acre contained area forsmall dogs. It also offers water stations, doggie waste stations, plenty of open space and,thanks to a $5,000 grant from the ASPCA, a shaded retreat where dogs and their humancompanions can cool down after all that running around.

100+“LONG ARM OF LAW” ENFORCEMENT ■ IndianaMore than 100 police officers, prosecutors, and animal control officers attended afree, day-long anti-cruelty training program in Indianapolis in July. In 2006, the ASPCAbrought anti-cruelty training to other cities as well, including Jackson, MS, Ithaca, NY,

Seattle, Nashville, and Philadelphia. ASPCA experts walked attendees throughactual ASPCA case studies, and talks ranged from “The Role of the Veterinarian in

Investigating Animal Cruelty” and “The Link Between Animal Cruelty and OtherCrimes” to “Blood Sports” and “Officer Safety.” Learn who has the power to act

on animal cruelty in your community at www.aspca.org/stateanticruelty.

11Winter 2006rs At Work

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✷$20,000SAFE STEPS

HOME■ Massachusetts

Animal Rescue League ofBoston is using a $20,000 Safe

Steps Home grant from theASPCA and Fresh Step

Scoopable Cat Litter to expandits affordable spay and neuter services. The funds will subsidize Spay Waggin,

the organization’s mobile low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Discounts of up to100% will be available, depending on the financial needs of individual pet

parents. The program will have a direct impact on controlling the number offelines surrendered to shelters throughout the Boston metropolitan area.

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$150,000 SPAY OF HOPE

■ PennsylvaniaSenior veterinary students at the University of Pennsylvania will be

spaying and neutering many more dogs and cats ready to go out foradoption, thanks to a new operating room at the city’s animal shelter

funded largely by a $150,000 gift from the ASPCA. The program isexpected to sterilize an additional 1,200 animals in the coming year. “This

partnership will serve as a model to other communities across thecountry—a blueprint to end needless euthanasia of companion animals,”

says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres.

The ASPCA hails the passage oftwo important bills in recentmonths which, when enacted, willmove America closer to being ahumane community.The PetsEvacuation and TransportationStandards (PETS) Act recognizesthe importance of including petsin emergency planning, while theHorse Slaughter Prevention Act isa key step in permanently banninghorse slaughter in the U.S.Withthe continued aid of our thousandsof ASPCA Advocacy Brigademembers (www.aspca.org/lobby),the ASPCA legal team continuesits fight to protect all animals.

PETS Act“I congratulate all theCongressional sponsors and co-

sponsors of the PETS Act, whorecognized the need for such a billand who worked tirelessly to see itcome to fruition, and thethousands of ASPCA supporterswho made their voice heard,” saysASPCA President & CEO EdSayres.“As we at the ASPCA—andeveryone else—saw during thedevastation wrought by HurricaneKatrina, the thought of giving upor leaving behind their pets washeart wrenching for thousands ofAmericans in affected areas.”

In August, the Senateunanimously passed the bill, and inSeptember, the House ofRepresentatives sent it on toPresident Bush, who signed it intolaw in October.“Now theAmerican people know that in the

event of an emergency, they willnot have to choose between theirpersonal safety and that of theirpets simply for lack of planning,”says Sayres.

Horse Slaughter Prevention ActOriginally introduced in 2001, theHorse Slaughter Prevention Actcalls for a full and permanent banon the slaughter of wild anddomesticated horses for humanconsumption.“With the passage ofthis bill, we are one step closer totreating horses as we should—asvalued members of our humanecommunity,” says Sayres.

The bill now has to pass theSenate (S. 1915), where it iscurrently pending a vote. In 2005alone, more than 90,000 horseswere slaughtered in the UnitedStates, destined for foreign meatmarkets.These include ex-racehorses, adopted wild horses,and horses from riding schools,camps, dude ranches, andbackyards.

Since ASPCA founder HenryBergh first spoke out against thebrutal beating of a carthorse 140years ago, the ASPCA hascontinued its fight to protecthorses and all animals in need.Through legislation, advocacy,education, targeted grants, andenforcement of anti-cruelty laws,the ASPCA continues that fighttoday.

Make your voice heard. Join theASPCA Advocacy Brigade atwww.aspca.org/lobby. ■

>> ADVOCACY

12 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org12 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Protecting Pets, Saving HorsesTwo new bills aid people, pets, and horses

>> ADVOCACY

13Winter 2006

California: A Bounty of Pet-Friendly LawsThis fall, Governor ArnoldSchwarzenegger signed fourhumane bills protecting animalsand pets. The measures address:

• Temperature control: Senate Bill1806 makes it a crime to leave acompanion animal in an unattendedvehicle under dangerous conditions,including heat, cold, poor ventilation,and lack of food or water. Everyyear, companion animals, especiallydogs, lose their lives due to extremetemperatures that arise while theanimals are left unattended inparked vehicles. These tragicdeaths are entirely preventable.

• A big fine for fighters: SenateBill 1349 increases the penalty forcausing any animal to fight withanother animal to one year or lessin the county jail or up to a $5,000fine, or both. The second offensefor fighting animals (includingroosters) can be a felony in somecases, which may result in prisontime or a $25,000 fine, or both.

• Don’t chain your dog: SenateBill 1578 bans dog chaining forextended periods. Research hasshown that chained dogs are morelikely to become territorial andaggressive and nearly three timesas likely to bite as unchained dogs.More than 50 children have beenattacked or killed by chained dogswithin the last two years in the U.S.

• Emergency preparedness:Assembly Bill 450 implements theCalifornia Animal ResponseEmergency System (CARES)program, helping to ensure thatcommunities plan for the needs ofanimals during disasters.

Connecticut:Population ControlGood news for animal lovers inConnecticut. The Department ofAgriculture has agreed to allot$80,000 for the sterilization of free-roaming cats and low-income petparents’ companion animals. Thatcomes on top of $40,000 allocatedby the legislature for free-roamingcat sterilization in 2001 and

distributed by the Department forthe first time this summer.

The allotment of $120,00 foranimal sterilization would not havebeen possible without aggressiveadvocacy by the ASPCA and AnimalWelfare Federation of Connecticut,who together spearheaded aworking group in Hartford in the latesummer and fall. In the coming year,the ASPCA and AWFCT willcontinue to work to obtain thesubstantial additional funds neededto provide an appropriate level ofspay and neuter services for thehundreds of thousands of free-roaming cats and pets belonging tolow-income residents in the state.

New York City: Protect Pets in HousingThe ASPCA, along with othergroups, has long been working topass legislation that would protecttenants with pets. This is due to acourt decision that held once atenant gets a new pet, the three-month process required to waivethe no-pet provision in renters’leases must begin anew. Thelegislation, now referred to as Int.13, would protect pet parentsalready covered under the “threemonth law” to get a “replacement”pet of the same species.Unfortunately, Int. 13 is beingvigorously opposed by the realestate industry. Urge yourcouncilmember to support and co-sponsor this pet-protecting bill.

TAKE ACTION IN YOUR STATE

To learn more about importantanimal welfare bills in your stateand find contact info and sampleletters for your state lawmakers,join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigadeat www.aspca.org/lobby.

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State Highlights

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1. Keep your cat indoors.Outdoors, felines can freeze,become lost, or be stolen, injured,exposed to infectious diseases(including rabies), or killed.

2. Bang on the hood of yourcar in cold weather. Outdoor catssometimes sleep under the hoodsof cars and can be injured orkilled by the fan belt when the caris started.

3. Never let your dog off theleash on snow or ice,especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easilybecome lost. More dogs are lostduring the winter than during anyother season, so make sure yoursalways wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipeoff the legs andstomach when yourdog comes in out of thesleet, snow, or ice. Dogscan ingest salt, antifreeze,or other potentiallydangerous chemicalswhile licking their paws.Paw pads may also bleedfrom snow or encrustedice.

5. Don’t shave yourdog down to the skinin winter. A longer coatprovides more warmth.Completely dry yourdog after a bath. If youown a short-haired

breed, consider a coat or sweaterwith a high collar or turtleneckthat covers from the base of thetail to the belly.

6. Never leave your dog orcat alone in a car in coldweather.A car can act as arefrigerator in the winter, holdingin the cold and causing the animalto freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not toleratethe cold as well as adult dogs andmay be difficult to housebreakduring the winter.You may opt topaper-train your puppy inside. Ifsensitive to the cold due to age,illness, or breed, take your dogoutdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Increase your dog’s foodsupply if he spends a lot of timeromping outdoors. Protein andother nutrients help keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9. Thoroughly clean up anyantifreeze and enginecoolant spills from your vehicle.These poisons are lethal to dogsand cats. Consider using productsthat contain propylene glycolrather than ethylene glycol.

10. Provide your pet with awarm place to sleep, off thefloor and away from drafts.A cozydog or cat bed with a warmblanket or pillow is perfect.

>> PET PARENTS

14 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org14 ASPCA Action

Top 10 Cold Weather TipsProtect your pets when the mercury dips

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Jacque Lynn Schultz, M.A., CPDT, is Director & CompanionAnimal Programs Advisor for ASPCA Shelter Outreach.

Q. What do I do if I find a pet on the sideof the highway? E.P., Mishawaka, IN

Stephen Zawistowski,Ph.D., Exec. VP andScience Advisor of theASPCA, is a certifiedapplied animal

behaviorist.

Q. My cat, anadopted stray, attacks meunprovoked in the eveningsafter work. I’ve tried aFeliway diffuser, toys, abirdfeeder to distract her, allto no avail. Help! L.S., Boston, MA

Steven Hansen, D.V.M., isSenior VP of the ASPCAAnimal Poison Control Center.

Q. I keep an aloeplant on my windowsill as

a salve for burns and skinproblems. Can I use aloe onmy pets? T.B., Atlanta, GA

A.Your cat may not have beenwell socialized when young. Hereare several suggestions:• Feed your cat on a set schedule,

in the morning and when youget home from work.

• Before feeding, engage invigorous, interactive play.Thissimulates the hunting/play-feeding sequence typical of cats.Felines will normally groom andthen sleep after eating on thistype of schedule.That shouldgive you some evening respitefrom the aggressive attentions.

• Do not tolerate biting at anytime. If biting starts during play,stop the play session. Make sureall “aggression” is directedtowards a proper play toy.

• When biting starts, end the playsession with a sharp “no” andwalk away.

Crazy CatRoadside Stray

A. If you see a stray dog on the side of the road, askyourself three questions: (1) Can I get out of the car safely?

(2) Can I capture the dog without driving him into traffic, resulting in hisdeath or that of a fellow motorist? (3) Can I safely transport this dog tothe local animal shelter? (It is unwise to transport a stray dog when aloneor when traveling with young children, unless you have a dog crate orsafety grate in the back of your car.) If you answered “No” to any of thesequestions, use your cell phone to alert local animal control or the highwaypatrol that an animal is in jeopardy and could cause a grave accident.

If you do capture the animal, transport him to the local animal controlfacility, where his owners will have a chance to locate him.Thinkingabout adoption? Let the shelter staff know you are interested. Leave yourcontact information and be sure to keep the relinquishment receipt. Callas soon as the mandatory holding period is up.

A. Aloe vera, part of the liliaceae family, has toxicpotential in all parts of the plant—both the outerportion and the inner, liquid portion.Aloe containssaponins, which can produce gastrointestinal upset(vomiting, diarrhea), loss of appetite, depression,and tremors. Due to the high probability ofingestion, we generally do not recommend usingthe plant as a salve on pets.

>> ASK OUR EXPERTS

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK OUR EXPERTS E-mail: ASPCAAction@aspca.org, or write: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128

Visit www.animed.org for more answers about your companion animal health and behavior questions from the ASPCA experts.

16 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org16 ASPCA Action

Aloe for Skin Care?

>> PET HEALTH INSURANCE

1717

Introducing ASPCA Pet Health InsuranceA variety of options help to protect your pet

As a responsible pet parent, youmay have already felt the pain ofescalating veterinary costs—from1996 through 2006 vet expenseswill have risen 100%.* Pet healthinsurance can help to cover thesecosts and to prevent toughdecisions between your pet’s well-being and your personal finances.

Now the ASPCA is proud tobring ASPCA Pet HealthInsurance to its 1,000,000members and pet parents all acrossNorth America. It is the country’sfirst pet insurance offer to bedeveloped for and branded by anationwide animal welfareorganization.While the plans arestructured to pass along savings, asmall portion of all premiums godirectly to support our criticalwork.**

* American VeterinaryMedical Association, 2002U.S. Pet Ownership andDemographicsSourcebook; PackagedFacts,August 2003.

** Under the terms of anagreement with theHartville Group, Inc. theASPCA is guaranteed atleast $1.6 million over thenext five years.As part ofthis agreement, Hartville iscontributing 10% of thefirst year’s premium forevery internet enrollmentand 5% of the first year’spremium for every callcenter enrollment, as wellas 2.5% of renewals.

Our plans offer a variety ofoptions, including accident, illness,and routine care coverage.

Consistent with the beliefs ofthe ASPCA, plan options coverspay/neuter, but do not coversurgical treatments we oppose,such as tail docking, ear cropping,and declawing.

How it works:1. Get Treatment. If your petsuffers an injury or illness, or ifyour plan covers routine wellnesscare, go to ANY licensedveterinarian in the U.S. or Canadaand pay for the services.2. File a Claim. Submit a claimform along with any receipts.3. Get Reimbursed. Within 15days, you will be reimbursed for

up to 80% of reasonable veterinarycharges, after your annual $100deductible is met.

The ASPCA looked closely atpotential insurance partners beforeselecting PetsmarketingInsurance.com Agency, Inc., awholly-owned subsidiary ofHartville Group, Inc. to administerour pet insurance offering.Thecompany operates its own callcenter and underwriting divisionsand has unique, proprietaryactuarial records and operatingsystems. Plans are offered byFairmont Specialty andunderwritten by United StatesFire Insurance Company.

For more information visitwww.ASPCApetinsurance.comor call 866-861-9092. ■

Winter 2006

10% discount for multiple pets! (Primary, Advantage, and Premium plans)

18 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org18 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

>> PEOPLE & EVENTS

ASPCA Honors People-Pet Pairs

New Book, Pit-Road Pets, Features NASCAR Stars and Their Pets

The ASPCA honored seasoned“Pet-Partner” teams at its firstannual Animal-Assisted TherapyAwards, presented June 28 atASPCA headquarters in NYC.TheASPCA’s therapy dog program,created with the Delta Society,trains people and pets to enterhospitals, nursing homes, and othervenues, helping to improve health,independence, and quality of life forthousands. Michele Siegel, whowith her collies has promoted thehuman-animal bond for 20-plusyears, received a lifetimeachievement award—a silver dog

bowl from Tiffany’s.ASPCA/Deltateam honorees were:

Mario & Karen Canzoneri, withJessie, Jake, Mattie, & Macie(Goldens): Part of the ASPCA’s 9/11program, the family also aids kidswhose parents were killed in Iraq.

David & Cherilyn Frei, withTeigh & Belle (Brittanys): David isthe “voice of Westminster,” andCherilyn is the Chaplain/Directorof Spiritual Care of the RonaldMcDonald House Animal-AssistedTherapy program in NYC.

Bill & Margaret Edwards, withNina & Madison (cats): Foundersof the North Shore Cat Sanctuary,where 8 of their 50 cats arecertified Pet Partners.

Greer Griffith, with Clayton &Fauna (Labs): Runs the Angel on aLeash program at Morgan StanleyChildren’s Hospital.

Sue Grundfest & Coco (Frenchpoodle):An Estee Lauder VP andBide-A-Wee board member.

Lynne Lerner (in memory of herdog,Woody): Developed the pre-certification test that allows ASPCAshelter dogs to be assessed fortherapy dog work.

Elizabeth Shieldkret, MarshallSklar, & Katie (11-year-old Lab):Have long aided kids in need.

Edna Wolf & Chablis (poodle):Coordinates the Animal-AssistedTherapy program at St.Vincent’sHospital and pioneered efforts toallow dogs in NYC hospitals. ■

In Pit-RoadPets, championracer RyanNewman andwife Krissieoffer a candidlook atNASCAR

stars and the pets they love. FromTony Stewart and his tinyChihuahua, Kayle, to Dale

Earnhardt, Jr., and his boxer, Killer,this richly photographed book sharesnearly 50 first-hand accounts andintimate portraits of how animals,many adopted from shelters, haveenriched their lives.

Pit Road Pets (pitroadpets.com) isan outgrowth of the Ryan NewmanFoundation, dedicated toencouraging people to spay andneuter their pets and to adopt dogs

and cats from shelters.This pastsummer, the couple helped theASPCA and other groups launch theBig Fix Rig, the mobile vanequipped to sterilize animals alongthe storm-ravaged Gulf Coast.Allproceeds from the book will bedonated to humane causes. Shelterscan also sell the book to raise moneyfor animals (contact Rosalie@ryannewmanfoundation.org). ■

Jessie, Jake, Mattie, & Macie assist kids whose parents were killed in Iraq.

19Winter 2006 19

Q. What was the nameof your first pet? A. Boo, a pitbull who was afraidof her own shadow.

Q. What’s your fondest“pet memory?”A. Boo would meditate underour ficus tree humming andchanting. She would sing withGrandma in the car. She was agood eater and loved butternutsquash. So does my new pet,Isaboo, also a pitbull.

Q. Cats or dogs?A. Dogs.

Q. Why are groups likethe ASPCA so important?A. Because four-legged animalsare just as important as two-legged animals!

Q. Do you share your lifewith pets now? A. Isaboo is two, and she rules!And when I say rules...it’s herkitchen, house, living room!Having a pet—is there any partthat is not rewarding?

Celebrity Corner

Rachael Ray Celebrity Chef, Author, TV Host,The Rachael Ray Show

The Beastie Boys, DebbieHarry, Nellie McKay, MarshallCrenshaw,The Choke, and othersraised the woof at “Gimme Shelter:Rock & Rescue NYC,” a charityconcert held October 4 at NewYork’s Maritime Hotel. Hosted by

the ASPCA and Rational Animal, aconsortium of volunteer artists andmusicians, the show raised money tocontinue lifesaving efforts to makeNew York a “no-kill” humanecommunity, in which all adoptablepets find homes, by 2010. ■

Gimme Shelter

Leashes andLovers

Dozens ofpet loversand theirdog-paddlingpoochesheaded tothe Dog

Run in New York City onSeptember 9 for the 2nd annualLeashes and Lovers “Dog Days ofSummer” pool party to benefitthe ASPCA. Leashes and Lovers,founded in 2003, fostersconnections between dogs anddog fans via canine-friendlysocials. ■

>> PEOPLE & EVENTS

The Beastie Boys (left), Nellie McKay (top right), and Debbie Harry.

The ASPCAextends a bigthanks to talkshow host andlongtimeanimalsupporter EllenDeGeneres.TheU.S.TennisAssociationcontributed $25,000 to theASPCA on her behalf for herparticipation as chair umpire at theU.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Dayon August 26. DeGeneres wasawarded the ASPCA FoundersAward in 2004 for her lifetimededication to promoting kindnessand compassion towards animals. ■

Generous DeGeneres

Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention ofCruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organizationestablished in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animalsthroughout the U.S. The ASPCA provides national leadership inhumane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animalbehavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane LawEnforcement department enforces New York’s animal crueltylaws and is featured on the reality TV series Animal Precinct onAnimal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.

Have a rescue or anniversary tale for the ASPCA? Send us YOUR STORIES E-mail us: ASPCAAction@aspca.org, or write: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128. Please include your name, address, and a photo (high-resolution digital or print) we can keep. Stories will be edited to fit.

ASPCA Action ReturnsP.O. Box 97288Washington, DC 20090-7288

YOUR STORIES

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID PPCO

A Wedding Day Giftfor the ASPCAKristen and John Strong, Pennsylvania

Dear ASPCA,We are writing this letter to submit a donation inhonor of our wedding, which took place on June 3,2006. Our wedding guests were greeted at the

reception with acard (at left) thatreflects our strongcommitment toanimals in need.

From Afghanistan to America*Dana Rucinski, Virginia

From left to right areFatty Tum Tum,Calico, and LittlePumpkin. I am in thearmy and I“inherited” them onour doorstep while Iwas stationed inAfghanistan in 2004.They were only fourweeks old and had

lost their mother.We had to hide them in our backroom, where we bottlefed them with a Visine eye

dropper until they were old enough to wreak havocthroughout the office. Since there is virtually no pet

care in Afghanistan and they would be assured certaindeath if we left them behind, we managed to get them

out of Afghanistan via Dubai,Amsterdam, and finally toVirginia…which is no easy trick from the Third World!Their brother, Neal, jumped off the chair before I tookthis shot of them yawning, although I tell everyone theywere just laughing at me after I threatened to send themback to Afghanistan for their mischief!

*One of the winners of our Adopt-a-Shelter-Catphoto contest. See other winning photos on page 7and at www.aspca.org/catwinners