Our
new blog: ‘Read all about it!’
There may be
times when we are powerless to prevent injustice,
but there must
never be a time when we fail to protest.
-Elie Wiesel (1928-2016)
Hello, friends and visitors. Welcome to APL’s blog!
We wanted another way to fill you in on the
Animal Protection League of New Jersey -- its people, projects and issues. So, sometimes
here, we’ll describe behind-the-scenes activities (how do we convince towns to
prohibit wild animal circuses? how do we put together a fundraiser, or a
lawsuit?) and sometimes, we’ll frankly editorialize (what’s our position on
DFW’s bear management program?).
At other times, we’ll profile a
hard-working APL volunteer or ask a staff member about a specialty area. By
periodically highlighting what we stand for and what we do, we hope this blog will
complement and enrich our website, and motivate even more animal activists.
Because we’re all connected and mutually dependent, we’ll also report occasionally on the wider world of animals. What happens outside New Jersey can affect what happens here (elephant and rhino poaching in Africa leads to legislation in NJ), and vice versa (our governor’s refusal to end gestation crates for breeding sows drew national attention). As members of it ourselves, we care about our family of animals -- everywhere.
But first, some brief background.
Now in its 33rd year, APLNJ started
in 1983 as the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance (NJARA). It is believed to be the only state-based, statewide organization
advocating for animals!
APL was co-founded by Angi Metler, executive
director, who has said, “I have always felt it
is both a privilege and an honor to work for the animals. It's a calling.” That
quote may best
explain Angi’s intense, long-time involvement in animal protection and advocacy.
Since Janine Motta, programs director, came to APL in 1988, her commitment
and responsibilities have kept on growing. Besides running the organization’s
office, she oversees fundraising and many APL campaigns.
(Detailed staff bios of all APL leaders are on the
website. Hover over “Support” at the top right, then click on “Who We Are” and
read on.)
During the last few months, APL’s varied efforts for animals around the state have included fighting against the gassing of geese; working toward non-lethal deer management instead of bow hunts; ending wild animal acts and circuses, and using all legal means to keep steel-jaw leghold trap devices – outlawed here 32 years ago -- illegal. This work complements ongoing programs such as those on behalf of feral cats, animals in laboratories and New Jersey’s black bears.
A bill now working its way through
the legislative process could make New Jersey the first state in the nation to ban the cruel practice of declawing cats. What
a blessing for cats, who need their claws – not the often debilitating
after-effects of amputation surgery. (For details, visit www.thepawproject.com and see the movie of the same
name.) And what a coup for our state if, except when it is medically necessary,
declawing becomes an animal cruelty offense.
Before closing for now, huge thanks to Angi and Janine for making this blog possible. Once we’ve ironed out production wrinkles and it’s comfortably underway, your reactions and suggestions for making the blog better will be most welcome.
--Pat Summers
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