Animal Defenders of Yuma

Circus cruelty is coming to town

2007-09-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

Every September, the Shriners brings the circus to town. The circus serves as a fundraiser that helps to pay the group's administrative costs and charity work with children. Unfortunately, this compassionate cause is tainted by the lack of compassion regularly shown to animals forced to perform in these circuses. Well-documented abuse of circus animals exposes the need for the Shriners to abandon circus fundraisers, and for the general public to boycott all abusive animal entertainment.

Despite circus promoters' claims that animals are trained and transported in a humane manner, undercover examinations and former employees tell a different story. Forcing animals to perform ridiculous stunts that are completely contrary to their nature requires more than "positive reinforcement." Circus animals are regularly trained with bullhooks, electric prods, beatings, and whips until they exhibit the submissive behavior required to perform. Abusive training has been caught on video, and can be seen by searching the words "circus cruelty" on www.YouTube.com.

Unfortunately, the only legislation that protects circus animals is the woefully inadequate Animal Welfare Act, enforced by the USDA. This act requires only minimal standards of care and does not ban the abusive training techniques mentioned above. Despite limited USDA inspections, the Jordan World Circus (USDA #88-C-0062) that is being brought to Yuma by the Shriners has received citations for the following: inadequate veterinary care (many violations) filthy transport trailers, inadequate ventilation in animal enclosures, dirty and insufficient drinking water, improper diet, continuous confinement of animals in enclosures that did not allow them to stand or turn around, excessive sun exposure, and no emergency plans for animal attacks or escapes.

In 2006, the Jordan Circus visited Bozeman, MT, where animal control officers reported that "the animals were not being taken care of and some had injuries." The local fair board wrote the Jordan Circus about the problems witnessed and received what they believed to be a "form letter" blaming the problems on the company that supplies their animals. This board meeting not only exposes continuing problems with the Jordan World Circus and their treatment of animals, but also how they deflect blame from themselves by pointing the finger at animal suppliers. Contrary to popular belief, many circus animals are not brought up and trained within one circus; instead they are trained by a separate corporation and leased to low-budget circuses like the Jordan World Circus (which doesn't even have a website). Ultimately, the Jordan Circus never returned to Bozeman this year.

As more and more people become aware of the extensive animal abuse that permeates every facet of the circus, the demand for animal-free, humane entertainment will only increase. The tide is already starting to turn. Responding to the void in state and federal legislation, cities across the U.S., from Encinitas, CA, to Revere, MA, have begun banning circus performances with animals. Countries around the world, including Austria, Costa Rica, Finland, and Singapore, have also banned circuses. It's time for the people of Yuma to step forward and demand the same. There is no excuse for supporting inhumane entertainment.

Victory: Yuman gets year in jail for animal cruelty

2007-05-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

In what hopefully will be a precedent-setting case, Superior Court Judge Donato sentenced a woman to a year in prison for subjecting a pitbull puppy to a prolonged starvation diet. The case was heard last week and sentencing was handed down yesterday, Friday May 11th.

Top 3: Yuman gets year in jail for animal cruelty, dog, yuma, society - Yuma Sun

Granillo was arrested Feb. 1 on two Class 6 felony counts of cruel mistreatment, neglect and abandonment of an animal.

The Sun was unable to confirm by Friday afternoon the final charges in the case.

On Jan. 16, two people turned in the pit bull they found roaming a trailer park at 1947 S. Maple Ave. The owner resided in the park, and the dog had a history of roaming. A neighbor noticed the unhealthy nature of the animal and reported it to park management.

On Jan. 17, the humane society transported the dog to Desert Veterinary Clinic. The dog was found to weigh only 11 pounds - roughly 20 pounds less than it should have, according to a Humane Society of Yuma news release.

The clinic found the animal was severely malnourished, suffering a liver disorder, anemic and possibly frostbitten on its ears from being in the cold with no shelter. The clinic tried to help the dog regain its strength, but it was too weak to fight, according to the release.

HSOY: Pet cat shot repeatedly with pellet gun

2007-05-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

On May 10, the Humane Society of Yuma issued the following press release.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, a local resident at the 400 block of S. 22nd Avenue found his cat bloodied and disoriented. He immediately took the animal to a local vet where two pellets were found embedded in the cat’s face and spinal area. The cat is currently in critical condition and is still being treated.

The Humane Society of Yuma was contacted on Monday, May 7th to investigate the crime. As of now there are no leads, but if anyone can identify the suspect(s) responsible for this cruel act, there is a $100 reward for their identity and arrest. As the case is still being investigated, charges are pending until a suspect can be identified. If a suspect is identified, charges can range from misdemeanor to felony animal cruelty with the possibility of the suspect serving a jail sentence.

“The public needs to realize that causing harm to any animal is against the law and they can be prosecuted. We hope that the public will come forward with any information regarding this case and we want to make sure that the pets in this area remain out of harms way.”, states Elkie Wills, HSOY Community Relations Manager.

City, county consider options for animal control reform, control, animal, county - Yuma Sun

2007-05-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Top Story: City, county consider options for animal control reform, control, animal, county - Yuma Sun

Yuma Sun : Connection seen between animal abuse, human violence

2007-03-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

A very good article in the Yuma Sun on the presentation given by Director of Field Services for the HSUS, Arnold Baer was published on Wednesday.

Baer told The Sun that the Animal Defenders of Yuma brought him to speak at Arizona Western College Tuesday night to reach audiences of different professionals to stress the importance of paying attention to animal abuse and pooling resources to ensure kids hurting animals are given counseling, so they do not grow up to commit criminal violence against people.
Yuma Sun : Connection seen between animal abuse, human violence

Animal Defenders of Yuma now on Myspace!

2007-02-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Are you on Myspace? Help promote ADY by joining Animal Defenders of Yuma on Myspace!

http://groups.myspace.com/yumaanimals

ADY joins 2007 "Make Mine Chocolate!" campaign for second year

2007-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Make Mine Chocolate campaign to dissuade the "gifting" of live rabbits during the Easter season has been kicked off. ADY has joined the campaign.
From the Make Mine Chocolate! website:

Each year, unwanted, former Easter rabbits fill local rabbit rescues and humane societies. The goal of the “Make Mine Chocolate!™” campaign is to break the cycle of acquisition and relinquishment by educating the public about the responsibilities involved in keeping a companion rabbit before a rabbit is brought home.

Make Mine Chocolate!

HSUS's First Strike coming to Yuma

2007-02-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Feb. 27th, at 7 PM in the AWC theatre, Arnold Baer, Director of Field Services for the Humane Society of the United States, will be in town to give a presentation about the HSUS's First Strike program. The HSUS defines the goal of their First Strike campaign as the following: "to raise public and professional awareness about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence and to help communities identify some of the origins of violence, predict its patterns, and prevent its escalation."

Animal abuse is often not taken as seriously as human violence, and as such is more likely to not be hidden from public view or knowledge by the perpetrators. As a community, it is our responsibility to recongnize the connection between animal and human violence and to act on the animal abuse we see. During this public presentation, Baer will discuss how an awareness of the connection can help law enforcement, educators, social service workers, and government officials combat violent crime.

No charges filed in cockfighting case

2006-12-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Although evidence against two men arrested on cockfighting charges last week were overwhelming, The Yuma County Attorney has refused to press charges.

Arizona voters approved a proposition in 1998 that declared cockfighting to be a Class 5 Felony and determined one to be guilty of cockfighting by

1. OWNING, POSSESSING, KEEPING OR TRAINING ANY COCK WITH THE INTENT THAT SUCH COCK ENGAGE IN AN EXHIBITION OF FIGHTING WITH ANOTHER COCK.
2. FOR AMUSEMENT OR GAIN, CAUSING ANY COCK TO FIGHT WITH ANOTHER COCK OR CAUSING ANY COCKS TO INJURE EACH OTHER.
3. PERMITTING ANY ACT IN VIOLATION OF PARAGRAPH 1 OR 2 TO BE DONE ON ANY PREMISES UNDER HIS CHARGE OR CONTROL.
Prop 201 continued

Apparently, however, the County Attorney's Office is not interested in such voter-approved legal definitions.

According to Chief Criminal Deputy County Attorney Roger Nelson, his office declined to file felony charges against the two men, who were both in the country illegally, saying he felt the crime could be best handled as a misdemeanor.\

"We aren't saying a crime didn't happen, we are just saying we aren't going to file it as afelony," Nelson said.

Read entire article

With all the votes counted, Prop 204 wins in Yuma County

2006-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Nearly two weeks after the election, the Yuma County's final vote count put Prop 204 over the top in a surprising victory. While Prop 204 won statewide by large margins (62-38), it wasn't looking good on election night with the No vote over the Yes 48% to 52%.

But thousands of ballots were yet to be counted and it just so happened that these voters (early ballots turned two days or less before the Election and provisional ballots) were strongly pro-Prop 204, taking the Yes vote over the top by 16 votes (13,616-13,600).

That may seem like a narrow margin, but for a county whose only daily paper was the largest paper to oppose Prop 204 (the major dailies in the state all lined up behind Prop 204) and whose Farm Bureau has so much supposed clout that all of state legislators and nearly all the state legislature candidates endorsed the Opposition, this is a major victory for the humane treatment of animals and for the future of pro-animal issues in Yuma County.

Thank you Yuma County for voting Yes on Prop 204!

While state's three largest papers endorse 204, Yuma Sun opposes

2006-11-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

With Proposition 204 being endorsed by the state's three largest daily papers (Arizona Republic, Tucson Daily Star and East Valley Tribune)and a number of smaller papers, the Yuma Sun became the lone voice of editorial opposition among the state's daily newspapers.

The Sun’s editorial was little more than a reprint of the opposition’s talking points, talking points that other papers across the state have dismissed as hogwash.

We hope that Yuma residents dismiss the Sun’s editorial for what it really was: a one-sided misrepresentation to further its ideological opposition to any regulation of any kind.

Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

2000-01-01T12:00:00.001-08:00

Excerpted from the ASPCA website
Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
1. Your female dog or cat will live a longer, healthier life.
Spaying—the removal of the ovaries and uterus—is a veterinary procedure performed under general anesthesia that usually requires minimal hospitalization. Spaying a female cat or dog helps prevent pyometra (pus-filled uterus) and breast cancer. Treatment of pyometra requires hospitalization, intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Breast cancer can be fatal in about 50 percent of female dogs and in 90 percent of female cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

2. There are major health benefits for your male animal companion, too.
Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male dog or cat—the surgical removal of the testicles—prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.
While cycles can vary greatly, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house. Unspayed female dogs generally have a bloody discharge for about a week, and can conceive for another week or so.

4. YouR male dog won't need to roam away from home…
An intact male in search of a mate will do just about anything to get one! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

5. …and he will be much better behaved to boot!
Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Indoors, male dogs may embarrass you by mounting on furniture and human legs when stimulated. And FYI, a neutered dog protects his home and family just as well as unneutered dog--and many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
It's no use to use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

7. Spaying or neutering is highly cost-effective.
The cost of your pet's spay or neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with neighborhood strays…or the cost of cleaning the carpet that your unspayed female keeps mistaking for her litter box, or the cost of…well, you get the idea!

8. It's good for the community.
Stray animals pose real problems in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause vehicular accidents, damage the local fauna and scare children.

9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to witness the miracle of birth.
We've heard this one a lot. But you know what? Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping teaches your children irresponsibility. Anyone who has seen an animal euthanized in a shelter for lack of a home knows the truth behind this dangerous myth. There are countless books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a responsible manner.

10. It packs a powerful punch in the fight against pet overpopulation.
Millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unwanted, unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

Animal Cruelty

2000-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.

WHERE DO I REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY?

In Yuma: The Humane Society of Yuma is the animal control agency for the city of Yuma, Yuma County, Somerton and San Luis.
All animal cruelty cases should be reported to the Humane Society of Yuma. Due to the HSOY's thin lystretched resources, it is critical that you continue to monitor the situation to see if the HSOY has responded and if that response has led to an appropriate resolution. If the cruelty is so heinous or if, after a reasonable length of time following your report to the HSOY the situation is not resolved, report the situation to the local law enforcement agency.

TIPS FOR REPORTING ANIMAL CRUELTY
Once you have found out which law enforcement agent you should speak to, it’s important to provide him or her with a concise, written, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times whenever possible. If at all feasible, try to photograph the abusive situation and date your pictures. It would also be helpful to get short, factual written statements from other witnesses.

When you call to report animal cruelty, always make sure to keep a careful record of exactly whom you contact, the date of the contacts and the content and outcome of your discussion. Never give away a document without making a copy for your file! Make it clear to the agent that you are very interested in pursuing the case, and that you are willing to lend whatever assistance you can.

FOLLOW UP IF NECESSARY
If you don’t receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, don’t be afraid to present your information to his or her supervisor and, if necessary, to local government officials, such as the county commissioner, and ask them to act.

If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police commissioner and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. Remember that expert witnesses are sometimes necessary in animal cruelty cases. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his or her “expert opinion” that a dog suffers when hit with a chain, is deprived of food, etc. Expert opinions will very often make or break a case, so if you happen to know a sympathetic veterinarian, you may wish to seek his or her assistance and tell the officer that you have expert support lined up for your case.

ANIMAL CRUELTY ON TV AND FILM
The ASPCA shares your concern about the media’s depiction of violence and cruelty towards animals for entertainment purposes. Please know, however, that many of these instances are constitutionally protected free speech—and may not even involve a real animal.

If you are offended by something you viewed, we suggest that you contact the network that aired the program or the publisher of the film in question.

You may also wish to contact the American Humane Association Movie and Television Unit online or at (818) 501-0123. This unit oversees the use of live animals in movies and television as part of an agreement with the Screen Directors Guild.

WEBSITES THAT DEPICT ANIMAL CRUELTY
The Internet delivers an astounding array of images and ideas into homes across the world. But not all of these images are particularly animal-friendly. In fact, some of what is being sold and shown online crosses into the realm of criminal activity. And in some cases, there are laws against showing and selling these images.

To report websites that display acts of cruelty to animals, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.