The Bog Turtle

"The Bog Turtle was federally listed as a threatened species in 1997."

        Around 4 inches long, the Bog Turtle is one of North America’s tiniest Turtles. It's colors include bright yellow, orange and red blotches on the sides of their heads. They live partly in the water and eat insects, seeds and snails. Bog Turtles live in desolate wetlands such as swamps and marshy pastures. These turtles enjoy the soft mud at the bottom of the water with aquatic inlets that allow them to swim, but enjoy the land close by. Bog Turtles hibernate from September to April.

Where are they?
Bog Turtles reside in New York and Massachusetts and all the way down to Maryland. Small numbers of Bog Turtles have been reported in Pennsylvania and the Lake George and Finger Lakes regions of New York. 

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/nyfo/es/bogturtle.htm

The reasons for the threat to the species are are the elimination, breakdown, and alterations of their habitats from wetland adaptation, people building and developing the land, pollution and invasive species. Unfortunately, the Bog Turtle is threatened by illegal wildlife trade.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Hadley, Massachusetts, have come up with a recovery plan for the species of turtles:

"The overall objective of the bog turtle recovery program is to protect and maintain the northern population of this species and its habitat, enabling the eventual removal of the species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants."

"Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors : Bog turtles usually occur in small, discrete populations, generally occupying open-canopy, herbaceous sedge meadows and fens bordered by wooded areas. These wetlands are a mosaic of micro-habitats that include dry pockets, saturated areas, and areas that are periodically flooded. Bog turtles depend upon this diversity of micro-habitats for foraging, nesting, basking, hibernation and shelter. Unfragmented riparian systems that are sufficiently dynamic to allow the natural creation of open habitat are needed to compensate for ecological succession. Beaver, deer, and cattle may be instrumental in maintaining the open-canopy wetlands essential for this species’ survival. 

Recovery Objective: The overall objective of the bog turtle recovery program is to protect and maintain the northern population of this species and its habitat, enabling the eventual removal of the species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants"

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/nyfo/es/bogturtle.pdf

The Recovery Plan is an intensive 80 page document that covers all of the specific areas that need to be changed. Including saving the turtles environments and protecting them from illegal wildlife trading.

Sentient Creatures

Ms. Chitra Besbroda founded Sentient Creatures, Inc. In 1994. Sentient Creatures is a non-profit animal rescue institution that concentrates on rescuing Harlems “junkyard dogs.” Chitra has rescued over 3,500 abused and neglected dogs and placed them into new loving homes. After much effort to try and contact Chitra, I was unable to schedule an interview with her. Luckily, the website has an entire page explaining how she began her journey to save these animals, and what the experience has been like. 

1.) What made Chitra want to dedicate her life to rescuing animals?

Growing up, Chitra’s parents placed a huge importance on pets and the treatment of animals in their household. About 20 years ago she saved her first dog, Teddy. Teddy was a German Shepard who was trapped behind closed doors with no food or care. Chitra was able to feed him through the keyhole of the door and eventually rescued him. After that she dedicated her life to saving needy animals in Harlem. 

2.) What has been the biggest struggle?

The original shelter was taken from the organization in 2000. After buying a building in 1997, there was many noise complaints and the residents around the building tried to get the shelter evicted. After winning the law suit, the shelter was still evicted once their lease had ended in 2000. In addition, Chitra explains the many hostile environments she has experienced while saving animals. Chitra has been reported for trespassing and for theft while trying to save animals. On the website Chitra explains that she has had to worry about her own safety while rescuing animals.

She's been seriously attacked on three different occasions and verbally abused countless times by the owners. "It's always there," says Besbroda. "There's always a threat and the possibility that I'll not return after going into Harlem to rescue the dogs or feed them."

3.) What do you do to ensure the animals you have rescued go to a good home?

Placing an animal can take months. After receiving medical care upon arrival, the animal will stay at the shelter to assure they recover successfully. For adoption, the shelter requires 4 references, a criminal screening and a home visit. 

"Among all the struggle, Besbroda maintains her vision to one day have her own shelter where she can house "her" animals temporarily until new homes can be found. "I am dreaming of how they will have the play area, what they will eat, what music they will listen to, how I'll get services from dog trainers to train the ones who are biters."

Her awards include:

"Heart of Gold" award - Animal Medical Center 

"Unsung Hero" award -  Veterinary Medical Association. 

 Roger Caras, former president of the ASPCA,  named Chitra "Mother Teresa for Animals".

The Sentient Creatures website seems to not have been updated in the past 5 years - and in addition to not being able to contact Chitra, It is worrisome to think that the shelter never made a recovery after being evicted in 2000. No matter what, Chitra is still living in New York and undoubtably still saving animals. The website is:

http://www.sentientcreatures.org/front.html

Diane Rehm Show - Fight for Legal Rights For Animals

         Although the US has many laws that protect animals from abuse, many animals are still suffering. Steven Wise is an animal activist and lawyer. Wise is the head of a group of lawyers that fight against the abuse of animals.The group filed a lawsuit in support of a chimpanzee named Tommy. The group of lawyers use evidence that shows Chimpanzees intelligence is similar to humans, and should be treated equally. Wise was able to gain the support of leading primatologists.

Guests on the Diane Rehm Show to discuss the lawsuit are as follows:
Steven Wise - lawyer and president of the Nonhuman Rights Project; author of "Rattling the Cage: Toward Legal Rights for Animals."
Charles Siebert - poet, journalist, essayist and contributing writer for The New York Times magazine.
Robert Destro - professor of law and director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Law & Religion, Columbus School of Law, at The Catholic University of America.
Alan Dittrich - president of the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research.

“Well, it's been now 34 years. I read Peter Singer's book in 1980 and I was a much younger practicing lawyer and I had gone into law because I was interested in social justice issues. And Peter Singer's book opened my eyes to the fact that nonhuman animals were terribly suffering and were being abused and exploited and I thought there was nothing better I could do than to spend my legal career trying to help them.”

(Peter Singer's book, "Animal Liberation," 1975.)

         The first three lawsuits were in support of four chimpanzees in New York. Tommy resided in Gloversville, NY... And was found alone in a small cage. The law that they formed the lawsuit around was called habeas corpus. The other chimpanzees were also in desperate need of help. Kiko who lived in Niagara Falls and two youngsters who lived at Stonybrook University and were the objects of biomedical research.

A caller from St. Louis, Joanne stated the ethical problems with including animals in medical research. -

“I'm disturbed by the medical research personnel who has indicated that research would be devastating -- or devastated if we were not to use animals in research. I guess my feeling is, once again, humans are reducing animals to things and property and using them as means to our ends -- noble ends, for sure, but means to our ends. And that does violence to our own souls. That's very disturbing to me. And the second point I want to make is to continue to regard animals as mere things is to -- it lets us off the hook.”

        Joanne supports the lawsuit that the lawyers are presenting by explaining that the only reason humans can treat these chimpanzees the way they do in research is because we have labeled them as “property”. The entire lawsuit is proving that they are more than property, that they are legal persons.

          Dittrich then responded to the allegations of abuse in medical research by saying:

"As he knows, the world of research has changed in the 30 or 40 years that he's been involved in this project. And even the great Jane Goodall says this, as long as chimpanzees are used in medical research, it's our responsibility to treat them as humanely as possible. And I think that that is really the goal of the researchers right now -- humane treatment."

         After loosing in the lower courts, Wise explains that the plan is to win in the higher courts in New York. The goal is to make the courts realize that they are “legal persons” - which means their safety and liberty is protected by United States law. If they win the animals will be sent to sanctuaries, where they already have reserved spots. The sanctuaries will provide them with a safe and happy life with dozens of other chimpanzees. 

“Well, the problem is is that while there are animal welfare laws, animal welfare statutes, they really don't do a very good job in protecting nonhuman animals. Sometimes I speak to my students and I say, imagine that all of the laws that protect you in every way were repealed. And the only law that existed was one that said, you can't be treated cruelly. And if you are you have to go to the D.A. to bring a criminal action against the person you think treated you cruelly. Would you think that you were being adequately protected? And the answer that everyone gives is, no.”

         The ultimate goal is to challenge the courts on their moral code - and to hope they will do the right thing. After everything research has taught us about the intelligence of animals, it is unjust to treat them the way we have been doing. The are entitled to legal rights to their bodies and lives and deserve to live among their fellow species.

When asked if their case would go to the Supreme Courts - Wise stated:

“Well, it'll go as high as the supreme courts of the various states. The common law is not something that the Supreme Court of the United States deals with. It deals with federal statutes, the federal Constitution...”

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-04-28/fight-legal-rights-animals/transcript

Hunting Competitions

"In contest kills, slaughtering animals is a game. Participants try to kill the largest, smallest or most animals for cash or other prizes. Contest kills most often target prairie dogs, coyotes and pigeons, and treat these living animals as disposable game pieces." Humane Society

    In many of these contests, animals are brought to the finish line to be counted and weighed to to determine the winner. Especially with larger animals such as coyotes and wolves - the weight of the animal is a substantial part of the contest. As for pigeon shoots, the birds are released from a large box and the aim is to shoot as many as possible in an allotted time. 

     Friends of Animals is an organization that works to protect animals and protest their rights. The program has been battling animal killing contests in New York, and a recent article from February describes the protest experience from the annual "Squirrel Slam" in Holley NY. The contest was named a "fundraiser" which rewarded children and adults for killing squirrels (award depended on the amount of animals and weight and size). The biggest problem with this competition explains Friends with Animals is that children are participating. The larger the number of squirrels they kill, the more familiar they will be with killing.. and soon enough they will move on to larger animals and hunt on a regular basis. The website stated that over 2,400 squirrels were killed by the 400 participants. 

"But Friends of Animals had a message of its own, one that extends far beyond Holley. It isn’t just trying to change the minds of participants in the gruesome event or members of the Holley, N.Y. Fire Department—FoA won’t be satisfied until legislation is passed that makes all animal killing contests banned throughout New York State so that no animals have to die needlessly." Friends of Animals

The following bills are promoting the protection of wildlife and the ban of wildlife competitions:

In New York Senate Bill # 4074 

TITLE OF BILL: "An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to making contests and competitions to take wildlife unlawful" NYgov

 Assembly Bill # 03661

"Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to organize, conduct, promote or participate in any contest or competition where the objective of such contest or competition is to take the greatest number of wildlife." NYstate

Devocalization of Animals

          The devocalization of animals has become a hot topic concerning the rights of animals. Many pet-owners and animal testing labs have animals undergo the surgery for their own benefit, but do not realize the suffering that comes along with the surgery. Each state differs with the loopoles of the law. There is a current petition to try and make the surgery illegal in New York. :

“Sometimes dogs and cats must undergo vocal cord surgery 

to treat disease, like cancer, or to correct a birth defect. 

But when performed for the sole purpose of suppressing 

the animal’s voice, it is widely considered an act of cruelty.”

League of Humane Voters NY 

            The hope in New York is to pass the law that prohibits the surgery that removes animals vocal cords, unless it is for medical reasons. The dates that concern this petition follow:
General Election - November 4, 2014
Primary Election -June 24, 2014

The information about the state laws listed below are from the Animal Law Coalition 

Massachusetts - The lone sate that keeps dogs and cats safe from devocalization, with the support of the Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets.

California and Rhode Island - Both states have the “Landlord Law” which prevents landlords from forcing tenants to remove animals vocal cords - but that is where the law stops. There is no protection against the surgery for any other reason, and many pet owners and animal testing labs still endorse the practice.

Pennsylvania - Legal as long as the practice is performed by a vet. But that does not apply for cats, apparently underground devocalization is legal for felines.

Ohio - The only dogs that are protected from the devocalization law are ones that are proved to be aggressive.. That way people can hear the dog before it attacks. Other than that, the rest of the dogs and cats are fair game for the surgery.

New Jersey - The surgery is for vets to perform only and must believe there is a realistic reason for the surgery to be done.

Beverley Animal Shelter Film Plan

          While I began filming at the Beverley Animal Shelter I was overwhelmed by the passion of the employees and volunteers there. I have slowly begun interviewing them and my favorite quote so far was said by a woman, Dorris... “Our adoption rates are at about 70% to 80% for dogs and cats, but in addition to trying to find homes for these animals, we try to create a home for them here”. There is an enormous amount of love at this shelter, and it is wonderful to see a group of people care for animals in such a big way. As the interviews went on things like “I even come on my days off just to make sure the cats get their medicine at the right time”... And “The best part of my day is playing with the animals, it gives me just as much joy as it gives them”.

           The process of doing this blog has given be a lot of anxiety about how humans treat animals.. And for a while it made me question if the human race had lost all compassion. But spending time at the Beverley Animal Shelter has reassured me that people still do have a heart when it comes to animals. Even though being at a shelter is never easy for an animal, Beverley makes every effort to make it a home rather than a waiting room.

          The reason I am making a short film about Beverley Animal shelter is to highlight the good they are doing for homeless animals, and how we can help. During the interviews I will ask the employees and volunteers “If you had a genie that could grant you one wish, what would you change or improve about the shelter?” In addition to donating food, blankets and toys... I wonder if there is something bigger that the employees dream of for Beverley. A new building, walking paths or improved enclosures... Whatever it may be I want to make this film to illustrate their dream and why they deserve to have it come true.


The interview questions I plan to ask the employees of Beverley Animal Shelter:

What is the best thing about working at Beverley?

What is the hardest thing about working at Beverley?

Do you have any stories that are stuck in your mind from your experience working there?

If a genie could grant you one wish and you could improve or change one thing about Beverley what would it be?

A message to your volunteers, where do you need the most help?

           In addition to everything they are doing, Beverley Animal Shelter has a wonderful Facebook in which they post photos and stories of the animals they have up for adoption. This is a great way to advertise these critters that need a new home, outside of Waterloo (where the shelter is located). In addition, when a new animal is found they are able to post a picture and where the animal was when it was picked up.. in case the owner is trying to find it! (which happens many times). When I was at the shelter on monday afternoon there was a woman in tears expressing her gratitude for the shelter for finding her missing cat. 

The link to their Facebook page is:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beverly-Animal-Shelter/152191180374

          Lastly, for my film I would like to include my new passion of advocating adoption for senior dogs/cats by telling the stories of a couple at Beverley. As I said earlier there are animals that spend their entire lives at Beverley, and while they provide love and care for them at the shelter... every animal deserves a home and a chance to sneak on the couch while dads at work. Every animal has a story.. and through my film I want to illustrate the struggles they have overcome and their desperate need for a comfy warm bed and a carpet to pee on. My own dog is getting older, she is about eleven now, and every time I look at her I am thankful my family could provide a supporting and loving home for her to grow old in (just like every animal and human deserves). In addition to advocating the needs of the shelter, I want to advocate the needs of the senior animals. The puppies and kittens rarely have trouble finding homes... it is the older animals that are in desperate need. 

For example - here is Oreo: a 10 year old Australian Shepard Mix (my new dog crush). She's friendly with both dogs and cats, protective and.......looks like a cookie. What else could you need?

Running with the Bulls

         PETA and the Animal Legal Defense Fund have filed a law suit against "Great Bull Run"- In other words, the famous Running of the Bulls. The run forces 1,500 bulls to run a quarter-mile while people dangerously run along with them. Even though to event representatives claim that they will assure the safety of the bulls, animal rights activists claim:

"it causes unnecessary stress and suffering to the animals" banning-beaumont.patch

The tradition of Running With the Bulls began in Pamplona Spain. The event started because it was an efficient way to move the bulls, but unfortunately it was followed by a bullfighting event. This run has received much attention in the United States and will occur in Telecula, California. PETA has claimed that this event is animal cruelty and does not abide by the current animal cruelty laws in California. 

"As a bovine veterinarian, I can confirm that this event is extremely stressful for the bulls and presents substantial risk of injury to them, as well as an enormous public safety risk to the humans participating,” States Dr. Holly Cheever - Veterinarian and VP of the New York Humane Association. banning-beaumont.patch

  

       Because of the lawsuit the event will have to obtain permits for the occasion. Unfortunately, 

representatives of the event state that if they cannot obtain the permits in time, they will simply move the event to LA, California.