Saturday, December 22, 2018

Unfinished 2018 business -- then: 'onward & upward'!

Halloween and Thanksgiving are tucked away behind us.  The December holidays are moving right along, and by now we’re probably ready for Christmas.  So there’s still time for one more important thing to do:  contribute to the Animal Protection League of NJ (APLNJ).

Why? 

There are numerous reasons to make that donation, but overall, because we so appreciate what the organization does on behalf of animals in our state -- black bears, community cats, deer and geese, for instance.  And this home-grown advocacy group has been at it for animals for 35 years now -- since 1983!  What better way to say thanks and power APL on . . . than to help fund its work?

Right now, before December 31, please contribute to APL -- and in the process, give yourself a tax benefit at income tax time. 

Here’s how:  On the APL website (www.aplnj.org), click “Choose your donation” on the left, to set up a one-time or recurring donation.  Or, mail your check or money order to APLNJ, PO Box 186, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826.  Or, call the APL office (732-446-6808, x101) for someone to take credit card specs by phone.

Nosey's law:  historic good

This month, New Jersey made history by becoming the first state in the country to ban the use of wild animal species such as elephants, tigers, lions, bears and primates, in circuses and traveling shows. That big news is great news for animals!

Long, arduous campaigning by in-state and out-of-state advocates finally paid off when Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill earlier this month.  Our state can now justifiably claim to surpass all other states in the country in enlightened treatment of wild animals who would otherwise be used, involuntarily of course, for entertainment.

Now, if only the governor would take another look at his bear-hunt policy, which this year angered both advocates and hunters -- with our black bears paying the ultimate price. 

New Farm Bill’s positives

The new federal “Farm Bill” -- a.k.a. the Agriculture Improvement Act -- was signed into law this month.  One key highlight is its extension of domestic violence protections to include pets at risk, lessening the chance that pets held hostage in effect could cause victims of violence to stay in place instead of escaping.  And it authorizes grants to help shelters take in pets or arrange for their shelter.  

The bill also bans slaughter, trade and import/export of dogs and cats for human consumption -- increasing US credibility in its drive to end that horrific practice worldwide.  And both dogfighting and cockfighting are prohibited across all US jurisdictions, including territories and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  
Bring pets in from the cold

A state law passed last year makes it illegal “to leave a pet outdoors for longer than 30 minutes in adverse environmental conditions without proper shelter.”  While readers of this blog post may already know about this protective legislation, it’s worth sharing with neighbors, local police and animal control officers.  And, please, “if you see something, say something,” advises the New Jersey chapter of the Humane Society of the US.

Here’s a link to the full text of the law.

‘Hold the tiger’ (stamp) 

The “Save Vanishing Species” stamp featuring a tiger on a green ground will no longer be available after December 31.  I learned this only because when buying more stamps, I was advised to stock up by a PO rep who couldn’t tell me why the stamp will be discontinued.

To contribute to the conservation funds for African and Asian elephants, great apes, rhinoceroses and tigers and marine turtles, go to your nearest PO and buy out the tiger stamps while you can!  
   
Then, after contributing to APLNJ and stocking up on tiger stamps, welcome in the new year -- in hopes it will be a happier, healthier year for all creatures than this year has been.

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