tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post2840284787924037346..comments2023-06-19T07:30:16.454-07:00Comments on Federation of Responsible Rescues: Connecticut launches a broadside at rescueFederation of Responsible Rescueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09176773791214428512noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-84792361567562060532017-03-10T07:52:54.947-08:002017-03-10T07:52:54.947-08:00Hi admin,
I read your blog, Its really awesome, I...<br />Hi admin,<br /><br />I read your blog, Its really awesome, I have also a blog which is related with you, which is about golden retriever puppies for sale ohio.<br />By browsing the internet or visiting nearby pet shops and golden retriever breeders who are reputable, you will find that a retriever puppy only can costs quite pricey.<br />it is also very important to be able to find out the pedigree and bloodline of your goldens. <br /><a href="http://www.mygoldenretrieverpuppies.com" rel="nofollow">golden retriever puppies for sale ohio</a><br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />fahiamfahiamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13759322550362057196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-78396382837897960032012-05-24T14:43:50.106-07:002012-05-24T14:43:50.106-07:00Why are rescue groups only being held to this new ...Why are rescue groups only being held to this new "standard" Pet Stores are also transporting dogs into your state as well as breeders.. so why arent they being required to do so as well?HuskyHousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08669005782568337644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-19204033522608196612011-07-19T22:23:57.891-07:002011-07-19T22:23:57.891-07:00Ol' Doc says: "yes some puppy mills are ...Ol' Doc says: "yes some puppy mills are selling direct to shelters for eventual transport north"<br /><br />Really? Shelters have that much money? Can you tell us which shelters are doing this? Even better, you seem to know that there are puppy mills doing this; have you reported them to the proper authorities for actually being puppy mills (which are becoming illegal in many places)?<br /><br />It seems as though CT already had statutes covering interstate transport of animals. What has been lacking is enforcement. <br /><br />If an animal has a valid health certificate, yet is obviously ill, then it is the responsibility of the State of Connecticut to pursue the individual veterinarian, not the rescue agency.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-36757374811788842802011-07-19T06:15:38.759-07:002011-07-19T06:15:38.759-07:00I have worked with a Greyhound Group for 7 yrs fir...I have worked with a Greyhound Group for 7 yrs first as a foster family and then as an adopter and business person. I help Greyhound and Galgo groups around the US and the world with monetary and merchandise donations. There are NO Greyhounds to adopt in CT unless you go through a reputable group. We work tirelessly trying to raise funds to provide for these pups...and in this economy it's been rough. All medical needs are taken care of by our group and NO animal is placed without a home visit weeks prior to placement. Education and support is ongoing to each family through an adoption rep. Also we do not bring in pups unless we have available foster homes. I would like Doc to address this issue please as many tracks continue to close across the country and WE ALL KNOW THE HISTORY HERE.....GreyGlitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18262392659323264878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-18897384702217561112011-07-15T03:57:14.583-07:002011-07-15T03:57:14.583-07:00Bravo to Pibble for a well reasoned and calm discu...Bravo to Pibble for a well reasoned and calm discussion of what is going on now and why these regulations must now exist. To all involved in rescue, please keep up the good work and wait and see instead of reacting now based on what you think is going to happen. Everyone wants what's best for the animals. I want what's best for the animals, including those as yet unborn. Our state laws are just a small piece of how we will get there.Ol' Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633018867663276863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-56524802295128484112011-07-15T03:17:13.720-07:002011-07-15T03:17:13.720-07:00@M.S. - I agree that Petfinder is an excellent too...@M.S. - I agree that Petfinder is an excellent tool for finding a dog!! My point is that most of our shelters are staffed by volunteers with limited time. I just want people to know that not all of our pets are listed quickly on Petfinder, so you might be missing out on a great dog because a volunteer either hasn't had the time to update our PF listings, or they've simply overlooked a pet and haven't posted them by mistake. I'm not dissing PF, I'm just saying that individual shelter listings might not always be up-to-date, and a visit to an org's website is a good idea.<br /><br />And I couldn't disagree with you more about a visit to a shelter. We do NOT allow for "impulse adoptions."<br /><br />On our end, WE do extensive research and interviews to make sure our pets go to good homes. We require that all members of the family come in and interact with the dog or puppy - can you do that at a massive adoption event with 250, 300, 350 animals to be placed? Our application is three pages long and it helps us match a dog's personality to an individual/family's lifestyle. We ask for references, including a vet reference; the vet reference gives us an insight into the vet care they've provided to previous pets; personal references can be a hoot ("Mary is doing what? Adopting a dog? She hates dog hair in the house, I can't imagine her letting a dog in..." - unbelievable, but this was an actual conversation with a reference).<br /><br />You don't walk out with a dog the day you come in to adopt. It's a process intended to keep the pets safe and in a forever home.<br /><br />How can an organization bringing in 300 dogs over a weekend possibly be placing these pets into good, loving, and SAFE homes? CT SPCA brings in animals by the hundreds. They get local news coverage and everyone thinks it's a great way to spend a weekend, milling about with 300+ dogs to be adopted. There isn't time to properly vet the applicants or see that a good interaction has occurred between the pet and family/individual - those dogs go home because people pay the fee and that's it. <br /><br />What if these people have other dogs at home? Has there been a proper introduction, or are they sending a new dog into a home where it won't be accepted by the current pets? Now what do they do with the new dog? They dump it at a pound or shelter, like ours, because the adopt-a-thon's organizers DON'T take their animals back. <br /><br />Massive adopt-a-thons are a great way to get adoption numbers up, but they're not a great way to place animals safely and forever. <br /><br />I am NOT against transport at all!!!!!!! I have a dog who was transported into CT. I also have a bully, and three other rescues, one from MA.<br /><br />I AM against massive adoption events that aren't done with proper care and with the animals in mind. I think smaller transports - 25-30 animals at a time - can give us some of the guarantees that these animals are safe, healthy, and are properly placed.pibblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11420878751922413807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-28189826617300703852011-07-14T08:00:09.852-07:002011-07-14T08:00:09.852-07:00What some of you are ignoring or choosing to ignor...What some of you are ignoring or choosing to ignore, is that the need for the regulations came about because anyone can and does do interstate rescue and "anyone" is not being adequately responsible to their customers, the Connecticut pet adopting citizen. The primary concern here is about the pet owners, their previously owned pets and the pets sickened during the transports. The primary concern is not about the costs or inconvenience to those who do interstate rescue nor is it about the merits or lack of merits of in-state purebred breeders or pet stores who buy purebred dogs from out of state, larger scale purebred breeders. Each of these latter entities has its own special set of CT regulations and the CT public has recourse when wronged by them. The same could not be said of the interstate rescue process, until now. Why should the public rely on the word of the "good" rescuers, when the good cannot be easily distinguished from the bad by the lay public, until something bad happens?<br /><br />Many of you are talking about matters unrelated to the primary issue, which is sick pets arriving here under the identity of rescue. Whether bad rescues, however few there may be, now go underground is of no concern. Eventually their behavior will trip them up, when a complaint occurs. For the majority of "good" rescues following the rules is likely to be little different than your past practices, as you already are doing what's right, as some of you have explained in detail here.<br /><br />The complaint about the cost of repeated veterinary examinations is an interesting one, as most uninvolved people would not be aware that large numbers of animals are arriving here, without previously identified new homes, to be "warehoused" until homes are later found. Such dogs, in apparently in considerable numbers are stored in multiple foster homes awaiting final placements. No one can say for sure how many there are in foster at any given time. The regulations will make that number clear. <br /><br />The question should also be asked, "is that right?" Should we be adding to the numbers of unowned animals waiting in foster homes, while our own brick and mortar shelters and pounds are full, including at least 48% non-bully breed dogs?<br /><br />What is the hurry to bring dogs here from the shelters emptying their cages so often in the exporting states? Why are we shifting the excess numbers here with such zeal? Why not, as a state, insist that origin states and their citizens deal with their problem more fundamentally, at the sources of production: repeated, unregulated casual litter creation?<br /><br />The answer of course has to do with emotion and grief. We are moved by the plight of these dogs and as well, grieve for those euthanized nearer their places of birth because they had no waiting home. The question remains, is massive interstate rescue the best long term solution to that problem, the problem of uncontrolled and un-penalized production leading to euthanasia of healthy young animals on a biblical scale? I think we can agree this latter horror must be pursued and solved in our lifetimes.Ol' Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633018867663276863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-21969167651768450402011-07-14T06:13:08.512-07:002011-07-14T06:13:08.512-07:00Bully breeds can be wonderful, I own one myself (f...Bully breeds can be wonderful, I own one myself (from the hartford pound *eh-hem*) but they are certainly not for everyone. I also think that a stricter policy on holding dogs once they get here should be enforced instead of these ridiculous requirements. I must disagree, however, with people visiting shelters for adoptable dogs. The reason petfinder is so successful is because people can go online, search for dogs in the area and DO RESEARCH! Going to a shelter and seeing a cute puppy or beautiful dog only leads to impulse decisions on adopting and then returning it or dumping it elsewhere when they realize it hasnt worked out. I work for a southern only pulling rescue in the area. We work our butts off to save these dogs and make sure they are going to knowledgeable, responsible families. Home visits, applications, lifetime return requirement etc. Its such a shame that if this bill is passed, it will be so much more work that it will be impossible. As it is I work full time, have a family and end up staying up all hours of the night trying to save these dogs.M.S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14503766089543232845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-6791685046883802812011-07-13T03:06:57.244-07:002011-07-13T03:06:57.244-07:00Amen, Tim!
@Streaming Thinker: We also have a La...Amen, Tim! <br /><br />@Streaming Thinker: We also have a Lab mix, a pure lab puppy, a yellow lab... Our shelter is overflowing with dogs, but not all of them get on to Petfinder because we rely on volunteers to help post there as they can. It's not the best arrangement, but that's the way it is.<br /><br />There's no doubt that we have a huge number of bullies in our system. But I can tell you that, our shelter at least, wouldn't take them in if they weren't adoptable mushballs. Bullies aren't for everyone, but I've seen ultra-calm pit bulls vs. off the wall Labs. So people should be meeting and evaluating each dog individually. <br /><br />I would encourage people to visit the websites of specific shelters and/or visit the shelter itself for the most accurate listing of dogs in their care.pibblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11420878751922413807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-52683812400232495482011-07-13T02:25:50.667-07:002011-07-13T02:25:50.667-07:00This is why it is so important to raise public awa...This is why it is so important to raise public awareness about the scruples of people and institutions like this. They have probably used the DOA of Connecticut and the USDA to create this guide lines and bring them into law to protect their own interest. We are having a as-similar problem here in Michigan. JUST DO NOT BUY FROM PUPPY MILLS OR BUY DOGS ONLINE.Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15825550522719394593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-54677356075798744912011-07-12T19:16:06.315-07:002011-07-12T19:16:06.315-07:00I absolutely guarantee you that this law will NOT ...I absolutely guarantee you that this law will NOT stop the unscrupulous rescues that bring dogs in by the truckload. Do you think laws against marijuana have stopped people from transporting and buying it? There is always an underground market for anything and this will not put an end to sick dogs being brought into CT. And what about the family that wants a lab mix or a golden retriever mix and there aren't any in the shelters in CT? A recent search on Petfinder showed 60% of available dogs were bully breeds. Breeders and puppy mills will make a killing and shelters in the south will do more killing. I think this is absolutely assinine. And to say that a family should be willing to pay an adoption fee of over $600 a dog is outrageous, again back yard breeders will undercut the adoption fees and make a killing. Talk about sick animals, so many puppies bought from puppy stores and mills are living in filth and they don't come with a health certificate. Start there if you really want to legislate something. There is NO profit in rescue. I volunteer for one and we scrape by.Streaming Thinkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12289480521502523339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-51477193049588831842011-07-12T18:32:14.624-07:002011-07-12T18:32:14.624-07:00@ TERRY!! We happen to have a beautiful Cocker Spa...@ TERRY!! We happen to have a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, purebred, in our shelter. Interested????pibblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11420878751922413807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-81213141899115683972011-07-12T18:30:44.637-07:002011-07-12T18:30:44.637-07:00I think we can find a better balance than this pla...I think we can find a better balance than this plan, but a plan of some sort should be considered.<br /><br />1 - Everyone from CT is not a snob. Let's start there. That really ticks me off to be lumped into the "all CT people are snobs category." Many are; I'm not. Please don't generalize. <br /><br />In my opinion, the import of animals isn't the problem. The import of unchecked diseases is, however. Also, the number of pets euthanized in CT every year, is a huge problem.<br /><br />2 - To the commenter (TheIncredibleWonderfulTucker) who said that CT shelters leave a lot to be desired: Thanks a bunch. We work on a shoestring budget - and that shoestring is shredded - in one of the most expensive areas of the country. Few vets ever cut us a break and we make that dollar stretch as far as possible. You'd be impressed, really. <br /><br />Our shelters might be "lacking," but do you realize that CT euthanizes nearly 4,000 adoptable pets every year because they go unclaimed, have stayed too long at a shelter, or have been bumped by - you got it - imported animals who are more "desirable" because they're not Big Black Dogs or pit bulls? Because we're not Big Animal Shelter on Long Island, with multi-million dollar budgets and puppies overflowing everywhere doesn't mean our pets aren't beautiful and adoptable, and our cause isn't worthy. (By the way, the above-mentioned organization essentially has a 30-day return policy. Guess who takes in their dogs if an adopter decides on Day 31 that they no longer want or can care for that dog? Our contract states that we'll take our dogs back whenever, even 10 years down the road, if you can no longer care for them.)<br /><br />3 - There has to be a way to properly quarantine imported animals and ensure health WITHOUT sky-high fees. The point is to find homes for these gorgeous creatures, not put up roadblocks all along the way. I volunteer at a shelter in CT where we ended up with Parvo and URTIs because we "rescued a rescue" when their transport event wasn't as successful as planned. NO ONE wants to face Parvo in their shelter, ever. If these animals were properly quarantined prior to transport, as we had been assured, we wouldn't have had to fight for the lives of six little puppies, losing three. <br /><br />4 - I would much rather see CT put its efforts behind closing pet shops and helping toward stopping the misery wrought by puppy mills. THAT would be time and money well spent. Those dogs are sickly and sad, and come from deplorable conditions. We've got the Lemon Law, but that's not nearly enough; it's just a start. It's almost an "out" for pet shops in our area rather than a penalty in an effort of keeping dogs healthy.<br /><br />FOR THE RECORD - one of my guys is from Georgia, and I wouldn't trade him for the world. So don't even go there with me. All animals are worth saving, I don't care if they've wandered into my backyard or they've been shipped into my state. We just need balance.pibblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11420878751922413807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-49757838067695800432011-07-12T04:46:27.435-07:002011-07-12T04:46:27.435-07:00Google Cocker Spaniel rescue organizations for th...Google Cocker Spaniel rescue organizations for the state of CT<br /><br />--------------O--------------<br /><br />There are none and with the new law no one could afford to open one if fosters have to be seen every 90 days that would add $240 to $400 of cost per year to an adoptable dog<br /><br />So what does a person who wants a Cocker do ?<br />Well there a grand total of 2 to chose from at the Humane Society the neighboring states have<br />Cocker Rescue groups But your Rescue Cocker will now cost you More making a back yard breeder dog look much more attractiveTerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10776772484742136741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-77598820969277064172011-07-11T02:59:37.932-07:002011-07-11T02:59:37.932-07:00The government of this once great state gave up a ...The government of this once great state gave up a long time ago caring about its citizen's health and welfare. This is all about lobbying by those that benefit from it (vets, pet shops, etc.). More onerous regulation, more red tape.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-61847244167355489222011-07-11T01:59:19.977-07:002011-07-11T01:59:19.977-07:00Dear Doc
Why are you the only vet posting here ?
...Dear Doc<br />Why are you the only vet posting here ?<br /><br />Do you really believe this law will protect<br />the people of CT ?<br /><br />What's to stop the CT people from driving to Bostons airport to pick up their dogs from the south<br />Will there be doggie police at the state lines checking each car with a dog for travel papers ?<br /><br />After seeing this it looks like Just an additional Tax revenue for the state and a Big Wind fall of additional income for the vets of CTTerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10776772484742136741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-82909589639956908192011-07-09T18:37:05.019-07:002011-07-09T18:37:05.019-07:00How can it be stated that an exam 48 hours from th...How can it be stated that an exam 48 hours from the time of arrival will limit sick dogs? Most common diseases coming from the south such as kennel cough and parvo can harbor in their systems for 7-14 days before showing symptoms! No one, including veterinarians, can predict the future. Dogs may be quarantined prior to being put on transport but when traveling up here, on even the safest transports, kennel cough can be passed around. Requiring a mandatory quarantine of 14 days once in CT, reasonable. But paying for an unneeded exam is only a money making scheme that serves no purpose! <br /><br />And someone said it right in the beginning. Everyone wants to "rescue" a dog. But they wont adopt from CT because, understandably, they are all bully breeds. So they adopt from a rescue with southern dogs and sign a contract that they accept the dog 'as is'. God forbid the dog come down with something as simple as kennel cough because then here come the allegations and complaints. Keep your end of the bargain.M.S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14503766089543232845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-71626469461770983422011-07-09T17:54:02.477-07:002011-07-09T17:54:02.477-07:00Lest anyone question Dr. Goldman's opinion of ...Lest anyone question Dr. Goldman's opinion of out-of-state rescue organizations, here is how his upcoming presentation at this year’s NAIA National Conference is described:<br /><br />"[Dr. Goldman] presents a veterinarian's unique perspective on the Connecticut VMA's efforts to protect its clients and state from the ongoing fraud and unethical conduct of the rescue trade and expose the way exporting states, citizens, rescues, and animal control officers turn a blind eye to their overpopulation problems, allowing northward rescue to carry the load."<br /><br />While Dr. Goldman may find fraud and unethical conduct, my years working in the “rescue trade” have uncovered only passionate people willing to spend a tremendous amount of time and money finding safe, loving homes for animals in desperate need.<br /><br />- MarkPoliticalmarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18216885274552023800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-56511748777870430962011-07-09T00:40:35.533-07:002011-07-09T00:40:35.533-07:00Dr Goldman writes, in part:
"The climate and...Dr Goldman writes, in part:<br /><br />"The climate and relative absence of animal agriculture in CT has absolutely nothing to do with interstate dog transport or the alleged absence of unwanted dogs. Dogs are not a food animal. If we do better, its because of laws, education and funded animal control officers throughout our state who care."<br /><br />What a facile comment. The point I was clearly making is herding and livestock guarding dogs accompany livestock production and a lot of uncontrolled dog breeding goes on associated with livestock enterprises because these animals are often kept entire and under fairly loose human supervision. This is the kind of scientifically testable hypothesis an epidemiologist might make. Yours is what? Connecticut residents are morally superior?lostpuphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10878511386043270827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-45302362850581316822011-07-08T14:37:42.026-07:002011-07-08T14:37:42.026-07:00I appreciate your calmness and lack of personal at...I appreciate your calmness and lack of personal attack in making your points. I am just one voice in this and by no means the only person responsible for this new approach. I am willing to discuss the matter with anyone willing to do so calmly.<br /><br />You should know that I have been subject to a great deal of vitriol because of this law, despite the fact that it was worked out in cooperation with the largest CT animal rights PAC and the most pro animal rights legislator in the CGA. Today, we had a very, very angry person appear in my professional office, apparently to debate this point with me further. My staff was genuinely alarmed by the behavior of this person who fortunately left without incident. We hope no such further visits will be forthcoming.<br /><br />I do appreciate the opportunity to discuss, debate and peacefully argue such matters with reasonable folks such as yourself. We will have to see what transpires before passing judgment on something that has not been tried before. The law does infringe on the unrestrained freedom to import dogs, there is no question. The point in fact is to control the mass importations leading to 100 dog storefront sales over weekends and 75 to 100 dog commuter lot trailer disgorgements. These latter events typically include multiple rescue brokers who share only the transporter. Nevertheless, the practical result is 75 or more animals crammed in a trailer and delivered in a parking lot. As we know there are entire businesses that have been created hauling these dogs interstate. The process does seem much more like a business now, than a no - profit, emotion based good deed as it was started and intended. Its so big now, that control really is needed. I am sorry that so many are so upset by how that control was created.Ol' Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633018867663276863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-1720113320280940142011-07-08T14:08:40.280-07:002011-07-08T14:08:40.280-07:00Dr G,
You state that some estimate 500 or more do...Dr G,<br /><br />You state that some estimate 500 or more dogs are arriving in CT each weekend, but there is only a hundred documented cases of ill animals reported? I guess that speaks volumes to the fact that many of us are already ensuring animal health on both ends of the process.<br /> <br />Perhaps it passed so easily because it was presented as a one sided argument. There are two sides to every story and the voice of responsible rescue should have been heard. <br /><br />There is a need for foster homes as some potential adopters want to meet a dog before making the commitment to adopt, which is reasonable. A dog in a foster home becomes a loved part of the family. I don't believe that any of us consider them to be a commodity to have on hand. I also don't believe it would it be a good idea to rush them out the door so we don't have to vet them again either.<br /><br />Not trying to sound like a martyr as this is what we signed up for, but we already have enough day to day "burdens" to try overcome as it is. Now in addition to the extra financial burden of the vetting and trying pass that cost along to the adopters, we also have a very tight time frame to get the dog vetted initially upon arrival. What is the significance of 48 hours? If a dog arrives Sat at 10am, can you advise how you would get it vetted by 10am Monday with losing Sunday? You mention that there was no ill will or intention to stop importation but the way the bill is currently worded seems to state otherwise. Yes, no one is saying we can't do it, but if you make it virtually impossible to comply it is pretty much the same thing. <br /><br />Just trying to understand.........<br /><br /><br />RMGsRead My G'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12323639230654414135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-40518096233686612872011-07-08T11:41:17.090-07:002011-07-08T11:41:17.090-07:00It is unfortunate to see dogs arriving here from t...It is unfortunate to see dogs arriving here from the south and adopted out so quickly. Do the people that are adopting really know what the dog's personality is like? Does anyone? Some of these dogs are relinquished to local shelters within a year, or worse dumped because of problems that came about after they got the dog into a home environment. Then they become CT's problem. If shelters are able to work with the dogs and adopt them out, that's great, but a lot municipal shelters are unwilling to do this. If the problem is really bad, they can't have the liability of adopting the dog out and it's euthanized. Unfortunately this is not always the Shelter workers decision; it is someone higher up watching the pennies. It is great to see rescues take dogs into foster homes and take dogs back if they aren't working out. I would consider these rescues responsible. <br /><br />Maybe this is a good time for rescues to come together. Combine your efforts, hold fundraisers, and raise money to help offset the additional costs. Try networking to get more donations. Make a name for yourselves in the community. The people that can't take more dogs into their households are willing to donate food, treats, money, etc. <br /><br />Just a quick side note in regards to adoption processes. I can't speak for all facilities, but we do have an adoption process that we follow to ensure that these animals are going to responsible homes. We check vet references, and any history with the animal control department in the town which you reside in. After that, we take the first best application. So, yes it can be a long frustrating process looking for a dog. I know there are some facilities that are stricter than others in the adoption process. So, please check around when looking to adopt.ACOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15727993255632902674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-87291841527013099342011-07-07T16:39:23.107-07:002011-07-07T16:39:23.107-07:00Dear RMGs,
Thank you for your thoughtful and reas...Dear RMGs,<br /><br />Thank you for your thoughtful and reasoned reply. Do understand I was by no means the sole promoter of rescue regulation nor even the primary one. It was a group effort and CT Votes for Animals, a group of groups that includes CT rescue organizations, played as large a role if not larger as CVMA, in drafting the language. The most pro-animal rights legislator in the CGA was in favor of this legislation and it passed 143-2 in the House and unanimously in the Senate. Thus this was no bit of quick work on anyone's part. The deciding factor on its need was the sheer number of ill animals from multiple sources literally swamping our state from events, trailers, trucks and private car shuttles. The public was complaining to their veterinarians constantly. Literally dozens of veterinarians reported cases and perhaps a hundred instances of ill rescue animals were documented.<br /><br />I know I will not convince you otherwise at this time, but I think most rescues will find that the registration process and the single post-arrival examination required prior to transfer to a new owner will not be that burdensome. Now if a rescue operates by importing animals and placing them in foster homes with no permanent owner already on the horizon, then that process will be more burdensome because of the need for repeat examinations. That said, if there are no homes ready and waiting, perhaps its best that animal or animals do their waiting at their origin, than here. After all the dogs are not a commodity for which a back up supply should be kept in readiness. By finding homes before transporting the dogs, the rescue organization can avoid the expense of an exam every two weeks. That may seem burdensome, but it will ensure that most animals coming here are healthy and already have a home lined up for them, before they are ever put on a motor vehicle for transport. To your point that this is a huge financial burden for those that are in it for the right reasons, I have said before and say again, rescue is not about keeping good people involved or free of burdens. Its about ensuring animal health on both ends of the process. <br /><br />There is no fair way to distinguish good rescues from bad informally and on an ad hoc basis. The time for regulation had come precisely because of the magnitude of what has been going on. Some estimate 500 dogs a weekend are arriving here, perhaps more. There is no ill will or intention to stop importation, but there is an intention to create a uniform responsibility. Those unwilling to assume that responsibility will indeed need to step back.<br /><br />Respectfully,<br /><br />Dr GOl' Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633018867663276863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-38492251080983938182011-07-07T08:10:48.744-07:002011-07-07T08:10:48.744-07:00Dr G,
I have not agreed with you much to date, b...Dr G,<br /> <br />I have not agreed with you much to date, but have to say we share the same feelings regarding that particular organization and their "adoption" events. I know how long it takes to find one dog the right home and have no idea how they can place so many in a 3 day weekend, without even knowing anything about the dog's personality.<br /> <br />However, is it fair or right or necessary to target all rescues with new rules that are so over the top that hardly anyone would be able to afford or follow, because of one bad organization? Why not shut this organization down? Surely there are laws in place against animal cruelty that they could have been charged with.<br /> <br />Reputable rescues cringe when they see events like this being advertised as it is clearly not responsible rescue. Couldn't the law have been drafted so that it shakes out groups like these but still allows responsible rescues to rescue without over zealous vetting requirements? I think we could have found a way to do so if we all worked together, which is all that we are asking.<br /> <br />It is not about inconvenience, it is also a huge financial burden to those who are in it for the right reasons. That is the true danger to shutting many of us down - we will no longer be able to afford it. <br /> <br />I also agree that this is not about people and it should be about the animals. Under that philosophy, please try to take a step back and realize how this bill is currently written will hurt them and work with us not against us to put a law in place that will achieve every ones common goal - to rescue and place dogs responsibly.Read My G'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12323639230654414135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625903440960556706.post-33131620619277569372011-07-06T19:56:48.465-07:002011-07-06T19:56:48.465-07:00Some followup to a few commentators: 1. The new la...Some followup to a few commentators: 1. The new law is not about the inconvenience to those who "dedicate their lives" to helping dogs without bias, it's about protecting Connecticut pet owners from pet illness, veterinary expense, guilt and sadness that comes with unregulated rescue. There is no right to rescue, but there are responsibilities associated with involvement. Now those responsibilities are not optional but required. One such duty is not doing harm. <br /><br />2. The climate and relative absence of animal agriculture in CT has absolutely nothing to do with interstate dog transport or the alleged absence of unwanted dogs. Dogs are not a food animal. If we do better, its because of laws, education and funded animal control officers throughout our state who care.<br /><br />To the exporting states and their citizens, I say "time to get busy." Rescue destination states are not going to accept the product of your citizens' irresponsibility without conditions any longer.<br />The creation of political will in states with excess dog production is a hoped for byproduct of our laws. Should that not occur, it will remain that rescuers importing into Connecticut are now required to be responsible for illnesses their dogs may have. You will also be unable to hold outdoor events on public property, or indoor events in weekend rented storefronts, without express permission from the Department of Agriculture and the zoning enforcement officer of the jurisdiction in which you plan to operate.<br /><br />The new regulatory scheme was brought about precisely because of certain rescues that were apparently focused on profiteering, rather than dogs in need and the good of the families adopting them.<br /><br />There is one organization in particular with a CT home base, that holds 4 to 6 times yearly storefront adoption events that include a Penske truck load of dogs brought up overnight from a southern state. Large chain pet stores partner with such organizations because they know that high margin items like leashes, collars, food and dog beds get sold when rescue dogs are available nearby. This one organization has been responsible for many sick dogs arriving here. Dogs arriving sick or becoming sick after adoption, wait out the weekend in the truck out back. I have sen this disgusting display of self interest personally.<br /><br />Only a regulatory scheme that will govern all importers can stop this person and others that may be like him, from the ongoing cruelty and profiteering that occurs.<br /><br />For those who care about animals, a little oversight should be welcome, even if it inconveniences some. Its not about the people, people!Ol' Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633018867663276863noreply@blogger.com