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!
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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