So sad: we live in an age that requires protecting animals

Horse Rescue United 

Will a time ever come when the phrase “protecting animals” isn’t used or even recognized by people in our so-called “civilization”? A time when legislators don’t have to debate about what group or agency can best protect New Jersey animals?  A time when federal laws aren’t necessary to “protect farm animals” (that is, slaughter them more humanely), and when “preserves” need not be established, and patrolled, to protect elephants and other wild animals? 

Speciesism and dominionism, coupled with human carelessness and overriding greed, when  focused on non-human animals who can’t speak or fight for themselves, make for a deadly combination, one requiring ever more animal protection.  

This week’s newspaper described the legal requirement for country prosecutors and municipal police departments to take over enforcing animal-control laws from the NJSPCA.  While my experience with the NJSPCA isn’t extensive, it’s been enough to jaundice my view of its approaches and effectiveness.

However, numerous people (including those charged with the take-over) are arguing for more time to implement the law -- passed in January and effective August 1.  How satisfactorily will this be resolved, and how quickly?  For now, as usual, animals needing all the help they can get are in the middle, left in limbo. (I invite readers with info and insights on this issue to comment.)

Meanwhile, in Chad, African elephants are thriving and multiplying after years of death and decimation by ivory poachers.  But to reach this happy position, it took a leader who cares about animal conservation yet has a horrible human rights record, and “imported” South African experts to set things to rights.  Only lately have locals been encouraged to accept and protect their country’s animals.

So, this desirable result occurred through a seriously flawed process.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/travel/chad-elephants-zakouma-park.html?emc=edit_th_180520&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=207602740520

a shining star of protection

Back in New Jersey, animal advocates keep on plugging.  One group -- the Animal Protection League of NJ (www.aplnj.org) -- marks its 35^th anniversary of action for animals this year. Newly re-designed, APL’s website provides an easy overview of the organization’s laudable scope and goals, as well as its needs.  (There is never enough monetary support for activism, and volunteers who speak out and pitch in are always welcome.)

Angi Metler, co-founder and executive director, says, “Our website will always be a work in progress, as we welcome new input and suggestions.  If anyone notices something missing, let us know.”

Why not check out the new APLNJ website right now? 

Aren’t  you thirsty yet?

Harry 

“Water, water everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink.” Harry and Billy Summers better not try that “Ancient Mariner” line on me, even though it seems to be their mantra. These two cats are, and have long been, “water teetotalers,” which worries me. My only solace: they consume a lot of water with their canned food and they keep getting good vet reports.

Yet I regularly see articles the importance of cat-hydration, together with tips for how to lead a cat to water and make him drink.  So I’ve been sure to keep water (and food too) far removed from litterbox areas; I’ve regularly changed the water in bowls on two floors -- apparently untouched day after day -- and I’ve sometimes added ice cubes and enthusiastically pointed them out.  

No, I haven’t tried a fountain, even though cats reportedly love moving water.  Nor have I taught either of the Summers boys to sit in a sink and turn on the water, as I’ve seen happen online. A can of chicken broth has sat on a counter for weeks while I consider whether and how to add it to their water bowls.  Chicken-flavored water?!

Any suggestions, readers?  

http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cats-drink-more-water-health

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