Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Turning Unwanted Vehicles into Lifesaving Opportunities: How Vehicle Donations Help the Sacramento SPCA Save Animals’ Lives

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With gas prices still hovering above $5.30 per gallon and many people leaving their "gas guzzlers" in the driveway, the Sacramento SPCA is reminding the community that it's the perfect time to donate their unwanted vehicle to benefit the animals.

Since 2017, the Sacramento SPCA has partnered with CARS, Inc. to accept vehicle donations at no cost to donors, regardless of whether the vehicle is running or not. Proceeds from sales of the used cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and motorcycles donated help the Sacramento SPCA provide care to more than 40,000 animals that enter their doors each year.

"Unfortunately, we've seen vehicle donations decline by 33% in 2022," said Kenn Altine, Sacramento SPCA CEO. "This has occurred as new vehicle sales also decreased in 2022, due to rising vehicle prices and less inventory."

The average vehicle donation to the Sacramento SPCA is approximately $1,500 - which can provide lifesaving surgeries for three animals or cover the cost of microchips and vaccines for fifteen animals.

Donating a vehicle to the Sacramento SPCA is as easy as filling out the online vehicle donation form or picking up a phone and speaking to a live donor support representative - and every donation helps save animals' lives. The partners at CARS, Inc. will tow the vehicle at no cost to the owner (regardless of whether it's running or not), and donors will receive a donation receipt.

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal welfare organization in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

For more information about how to donate your vehicle to the Sacramento SPCA, visit https://www.sspca.org/vehicle or call 844-700-GIVE today.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 130 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life. Visit http://sspca.org/ or follow at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Books and Publishing, Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Kauai Humane Society to be the Beneficiary of Children’s Sing-along Book Sales

LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Children's sing-along book author and vocalist Bridget Burton will donate $5 from every book bundle sale to the Kauai Humane Society (KHS), starting August 22, 2022. A special "give back" page on the book's website will keep track of purchases of "Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup" (ISBN: 978-0996216050) hard cover print and companion digital version bundle.

Twenty-five percent of sales through this special page will be donated to KHS through year-end in support of their pet adoption programs.

"I have enjoyed the years of connecting with this organization and being a dog lover all my life, it's a pleasure to be able to give back through sales of the book," said Burton. She added that, "When I learned about KHS's off-island pet adoption programs, I felt that was the place that could make the most difference."

"Annie Kai Lani Kai Lou: Kauai's Beloved Pup" is a children's illustrated book set in Kauai and based on Bridget's dog Annie, an English Springer Spaniel. It features Annie's adventures throughout the island of Kauai as she canoes, ziplines, surfs, and even enjoys a luau with a Shih Tzu.

In its digital version children can read, or join Bridget who sings the verses, accompanied by Hawaiian steel guitar and ukulele.

The Kauai Humane Society's Executive Director Nicole Crane is delighted to accept these donations. "Our off-island adoption endeavor, Mission Mainland 2.0, recently came to an end with the successful adoption of 125 pets. We would like to continue that effort and the news of Burton's 'give back' program will certainly help us do that." With the costs on the rise for all aspects of their programs, this no-kill shelter with a high-population of pets is looking for ways to encourage and pay for off-island adoptions and reach as many people on the West Coast as possible.

In addition to the monetary donations, Burton is sending press releases to West Coast news outlets, posting on social media, and is donating Hawaiian bandanas for the next 100 pets adopted.

To purchase a book bundle to benefit KHS, readers can visit: https://www.anniekailani.com/KHS/.

To find out more about Mission Mainland 2.0, visit: https://kauaihumane.org/.

Related link: https://www.anniekailani.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Petco Love Invests $12,500 in the Sacramento SPCA to Expand Lifesaving Support for Pets Affected by Disaster

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today that they received a $12,500 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love, to expand their lifesaving support for animals affected by disaster in Northern California. A special check celebration was held at the Petco retail store located at 855 E. Bidwell Street in Folsom, Calif., on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 2 p.m.

The Sacramento SPCA has positioned itself as a lifesaving resource for animals in need as devastating wildfires have continued to affect regions all over Northern California.

"We realized several fire seasons ago that one of the best services we can provide here in Sacramento is to help clear out the available animals in shelters closest to impacted regions," said Kenn Altine, Sacramento SPCA CEO. In 2021, more than 460 animals were transferred from other shelters to the Sacramento SPCA, including areas affected by the Dixie, Caldor, and Monument Fires.

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Petco Folsom store and Petco Love to support our lifesaving work," said Altine. "With this $12,500 grant investment, we can provide crates and other emergency supplies to shelters housing displaced animals while people try to put their worlds back together."

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations - like ours - across North America, with 6.5 million pets adopted and counting.

"Our investment in the Sacramento SPCA is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized," said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. "Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently celebrated the one-year launch anniversary of Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet facial recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets."

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

For more information about the Sacramento SPCA visit https://www.sspca.org Learn more about Petco Love here: https://petcolove.org.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 130 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Visit https://www.sspca.org/ or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Petco Love:

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we've empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We've helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide.

Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit https://petcolove.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

LEARN MORE AT:

https://www.sspca.org

https://petcolove.org

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Home and Garden

Gray Brothers Wildlife LLC Releases Bat Guide Providing Connecticut Homeowners with Knowledge to Identify Possible Bat Infestations

NORWALK, Conn. -- Gray Brothers Wildlife LLC announced today they released a guide on their website that will help homeowners identify any signs of bat problems or infestations within a home. The guide is called: "How Do I Know If I Have Bats in My Home? 9 Signs You Might Have a Bat Problem."

"Bats are very quiet compared to most pests that can enter your home and because they are more likely to be active in the evening hours, you will have to go through our list to confirm any suspicions if you are sharing your home with bats," says Eric Gray, Owner, Gray Brothers Wildlife LLC.

Gray adds, "There are nine bat species native to Connecticut, including brown bats, the eastern red, silver-haired, and hoary bats. Bats in Connecticut tend to nest in trees but will often end up in sheds, gutters and attics."

Your Hearing Sounds from Your Attic and Walls

Mice and raccoons typically make a lot of noise inside walls and attics, but you can also hear when a bat is flying around inside. Bats that are stuck in an attic or wall can fly around at all hours of the day and night, even though they are nocturnal. Bats stuck in small spaces can make the noises sound louder. If bats happen to live in your attic, you may hear scratching along the walls as they move throughout the space.

It's important to listen for any noises from your attic, this could indicate a bat infestation or another wildlife problem.

Entry Points

Bats use the same one or two entry points to access your attic and this will most likely be found along near your roof. Wall vents, gable vents or loose eaves or siding can be entry points as well. Most of the time you will be able to see it from the exterior of your home. Bats tend to leave a greasy film close to the access point, especially on a lighter color siding.

Droppings

Bats that reside in an attic will often relieve themselves as they squeeze through the opening, this will look dark, spotted, oily or streaky. Look along your eaves and siding to any potential opening when walking around your home.

Visual confirmation

Bats are active in the evening and at night, the best time to confirm the presence of bats in your home is to see them leaving. If you notice an entry point or droppings, wait outside in the evening, and keep an eye out in that area. If you have a bat issue you will most likely see them entering and exiting at this time.

Feeding Roosts

Bats can have several roosts, which they typically use for sleeping and eating. These roosts can often be close together, especially in an attic. Feeding roosts are the easiest to spot as there will be droppings under these roosts as the bats will digest their meals.

Mating

Bat mating season starts in the summer and continues into the fall. This is the most active time of year for bats as they will become more active and fly together or in groups. During mating season, it is also possible to see bats out during the daytime.

Scratch Marks

Bats will leave scratch marks on the surfaces they perch to, which will become noticeable, especially on wood surfaces or drywall. This could also indicate another problem with mice or wildlife, it is important to have a professional check out if you find scratch marks.

Brown Stains on Your Ceiling

If you have many bats in your attic or they have resided for a long time, it is possible that bat urine and excrement can leak into the sheetrock, and you will start seeing brown stains on your ceiling that are similar to a water leak.

Strong Smell in Your Attic

If you are in your attic and notice a very strong ammonia smell, this could be caused by a buildup of bat urine and lack of ventilation. Even if the ammonia smell is subtle, it could indicate that a bat or other animal is urinating in your attic.

If You Have Found Bats in The Attic

Now that you have figured out what signs to look for, you know if you might have bats living in your home. If you do, you are probably wondering how you can get rid of them safely. Gray Brothers can inspect the area and determine if they can remove the animal. Some bat species are protected by the law in Connecticut, they cannot be killed if they are found in your home. Gray Brothers Wildlife are the bat professionals in Connecticut and will quickly and humanely remove any bats found in your home.

LEARN MORE: https://www.graybrotherswildlife.com/

Related link: https://www.graybrotherswildlife.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Singing Dog Vanilla Sponsors a New Guinea Singing Dog From a Wildlife Sanctuary

EUGENE, Ore. -- Singing Dog Vanilla has partnered with Wizard of Paws Wildlife Education & Conservation Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Vanilla company, known for its silly name, will sponsor a New Guinea Singing Dog named Kora Nakako. They will help support the animal's well-being and educate their fans about the breed.

The company chose the name Singing Dog Vanilla after these dogs and to honor the first Fair Trade Plus+ Farmers in Papua New Guinea. The farmers found the name hilarious. Co-Founders Bill Wiedeman and Marty Parisien felt a silly name was perfect for the brand.

"We're thrilled to work with Wizard of Paws Wildlife Education. The opportunity to follow Kora and learn about these animals is very exciting. We hope our fans will enjoy learning about these dogs from a closer perspective," said Marty Parisien, the company's co-founder.

Singing Dogs are a rare but fascinating species native to the island of Papua New Guinea. One of the many unique qualities of these dogs is that they do not bark; instead, they "sing."

Wizard of Paws Wildlife and Singing Dog Vanilla hope to learn more about this captivating species. Studying Kora will help preserve the New Guinea Singing Dog for years to come.

To learn more and hear these dogs sing, visit: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/get-to-know-kora-nakako-the-papua-new-guinea-singing-dog/

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon, and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 500 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla's motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DbqR6tLKYg

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Regional Events

Star Vintners and Top Innovators in Food & Wine Take the Stage at 9th Annual WineaPAWlooza June 24 and 25, 2022

NAPA, Calif. -- Jameson Humane (Jameson), a solutions-based nonprofit and animal sanctuary which educates to inspire change on behalf of companion and farmed animals, is holding its signature fundraising event, WineaPAWlooza 2022, live and in-person on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 at 5 p.m., PT. Combining two things that are universally loved (wine and animals), WineaPAWlooza has consistently earned its place as one of the top 10 wine events in the country, as cited by Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this spirited and highly anticipated event supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson programs to improve the state of animal welfare and to save lives.

Innovators in Food & Wine Join This Year's Impact-Driven Fundraiser

This newest iteration of Jameson's annual fundraiser expands on Jameson's mission, which is to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. Bringing together leaders in the food and wine industry to discuss innovation, behavior, and action-oriented change to our food system, including wine-for the health of animals, humans, and the planet-takes place on Friday evening, on Pritchard Hill. Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant, and Brian Cooley of CNET, will be co-moderating a panel of prestigious vintners and food industry leaders on June 24 from 5-7:30 p.m. The cuisine will be curated by Little Saint, a Healdsburg plant-based restaurant overseen by Kyle Connaughton of three Michelin-star SingleThread.

PANELISTS:

Eric Schulze, UPSIDE Foods; Alison Kilmer, Miyoko's; Tamearra Dyson, Souley Vegan; Christopher Jackson, Jackson Family Wines, Rooted for Good; Carlo Mondavi, RAEN Winery, Monarch Tractor; Molly Sheppard, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

The Grand Tasting, Animal Parade, & Wine Auction with Celebrity Guest, Christie Brinkley Saturday June 25, 5-10 p.m.

Returning this year in-person to the famed Beckstoffer Farm Center, Saturday evening includes the Grand Tasting showcasing handcrafted wines and the vintners who make them from 50 of the "who's who" of Napa and Sonoma Valley's wine glitterati (click here to see Participating Vintners), plus special guest, Christie Brinkley, showcasing her vegan Bellissima Prosecco.

"When I heard about the work that Jameson Humane does for animals and the planet, I knew that I had to be a part of this year's WineaPAWlooza. Being a lifelong vegetarian and activist; sustainable and vegan or vegetarian-friendly causes are extremely important to me. What's even more unique about the work we do at Bellissima is that we go beyond the bottle - we are committed to giving back to the planet and supporting animals and communities in need," said Christie Brinkley.

The legendary Animal Parade will be led by celebrity wine auctioneer and personality, Fritz Hatton, followed by a delectable plant-based menu designed and executed by Goatlandia. The evening will culminate in the much-anticipated live auction of 20 spectacular lots, featuring cult wines, one-of-a-kind experiences, and trips to global wine destinations.

WineaPAWlooza will be hosted by world-renowned wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton, as well as Jameson Humane and former 750 Wines Founders Monica and David Stevens, and Vanessa Conlin, MW. Andy and Betty Beckstoffer will be presented with a Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement award.

"This year's WineaPAWlooza is bigger, better, and more important than ever. Not only do we have the best-of-the-best, most generous vintners and winemakers sharing their most sought-after wines, but we take our mission to the next level with true innovators and disruptors in the food and wine industry who join us to share their solutions for the future and to benefit all of us, the animals, and the planet. The time is now to innovate, learn, share, and enjoy all that our wine country and its community have to offer," said Jameson Humane Co-Founder and WineaPAWlooza Co-Chair, Monica Stevens.

"I'm thrilled that we are back in person for WineaPAWlooza 2022! Our Friday night format will showcase everything Jameson Humane does not just on behalf of animals but also for the people and the entire planet. Having Christie Brinkley at both nights, lending her star power to WineaPAWlooza, truly shows us how the great work that Jameson does is being noticed nationally. The funds we will raise on Saturday are more important now than ever and our amazing vintners and donors will make the future brighter through their generous contributions," said Vanessa Conlin MW, WineaPAWlooza Co-Chair.

Event Information, eLots and Proxy Bidding: http://www.wineapawlooza.com/

Maral Papakhian, Maral@jamesonhumane.org | 415-845-7205.

ABOUT JAMESON HUMANE:

Jameson Humane is an impact-driven nonprofit organization that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities, but around the world. Monica and David Stevens founded Jameson Humane in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. The organization was named in memory of the Stevens' beloved dog Jameson, an adopted Great Pyrenees who lived to the age of 14 and inspired the spirit and mission. Learn more at: https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/.

ABOUT WINEAPAWLOOZA:

WineaPAWlooza is Jameson's annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this sought-after event supply the critical funds necessary for Jameson's programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animal lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans in our community, and beyond, through vital programs that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, our community, and the environment. This year's event will help ensure these programs thrive as we continue to effect real change.

Event Schedule: https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/2022-wineapawlooza/schedule

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/2022-wineapawlooza/vintners

https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/impact

MULTIMEDIA:

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/22-0517-s2p-pet-parade-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Pet Parade. Photo credit is Emma K. Morris.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For more information on Jameson Humane, please contact:

Maral Papakhian

Maral@jamesonhumane.org or 415.845.7205

For media queries, please contact:

Kimberly Noelle Charles

Charles Communications Associates at

kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064

Related link: https://www.jamesonanimalrescueranch.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, NonProfit and Charities

China Rescue Dogs Fights to Save 46 Golden Retrievers, 8 Puppies And 22 Corgis from Being Slaughtered in China

VASS, N.C. -- China Rescue Dogs, a leading International non-profit dog rescue based in the United States, is in the middle of an urgent dog rescue effort in China. Shanghai Animal Rescue reached out to China Rescue Dogs for help after they discovered a dog breed farm north of Harbin were selling all their dogs into the meat-trade. 46 adult Goldens, 8 puppies, and 22 Corgis were going to be trucked to Yulin to be slaughtered for the 2022 Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

"The living conditions at this dog breed farm are just awful," exclaimed Jill Stewart, President and Founder of China Rescue Dogs. "It is heartbreaking that this breeder was going to just discard their entire inventory of dogs to be slaughtered. We had to do something. Doing nothing was not an option."

Despite international pressure, dog slaughterhouses and eating dog meat are not outlawed in China. Even though the local government no longer sponsors the Yulin Dog Meat festival, it continues to take place every year in June. With no national animal rights laws in place in China, most dogs (and cats) have little chance at living a full life.

"Yulin happens every day in China," said Brandy Cherven, Vice President of Operations for China Rescue Dogs. "Dogs are still brutalized, tortured, and eaten due to outdated beliefs of gaining more wisdom, warding off evil spirits, or keeping cool in the summer months."

"The world needs to know about the continued brutality." said Jill Stewart, President, and Founder of China Rescue Dogs. "We just can't sit back and do nothing! Yes, there needs to be laws put in place to protect those animals from being uselessly slaughtered, but the urgency today is to save the dogs from the breed farm that are in imminent danger."

So far, China Rescue Dogs and its rescue partners in China have saved 29 adult Goldens, 8 puppies and 22 Corgis. They have seen the emergency veterinarian and are safe in a dog sanctuary. However, they are still trying to rescue the remaining Goldens from the breed farm. The rescue mission is not over yet.

The goal is to save all the dogs from the breed farm. Once rescued, China Rescue Dogs will find them loving forever homes in North America, where they can live out the rest of their lives with love and without fear.

The rescue effort is being played out in real-time on the China Rescue Dogs Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chinarescuedogs.

"This is why the CDC Dog Ban needs to end now," said Stewart. "Even if we are able to save all of these dogs, we still cannot bring them into the United States to be adopted."

The suspension, which was announced by the CDC last year stated that effective July 14, 2021, all dogs imported from 113 countries (including China) may not enter the U.S. for a period of at least one year. Now, almost a year later, responsible international dog rescue organizations, like China Rescue Dogs, should be allowed to resume giving dogs a second chance at life here in the U.S.

To learn more about the organization, please visit: https://chinarescuedogs.org/.

About China Rescue Dogs:

China Rescue Dogs is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Jill Stewart, an ardent advocate of animal rights worldwide, and especially in China. Their global mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from China and provide them with loving forever homes in North America.

Related link: https://chinarescuedogs.org/

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Free News Articles, General Editorial, Legal and Law, NonProfit and Charities

California Ferret Owners Submit Ballot Initiative to Attorney General for Legal Opinion, But Attorney General Ignores Civil Code on Domestic Animals

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Non-profit Legalize Ferrets (legalizeferrets.org) announced today that we are disappointed that California Attorney General ignores Civil Code in Domestic Ferret Ballot Initiative.

LegalizeFerrets.org, a ferret legalization grassroots organization, has repeatedly asked the California Attorney General for a legal opinion.

Since the civil code says domestic animals are legal:

CIVIL CODE - CIV

DIVISION 2. PROPERTY [654 - 1422]

There may be ownership of all inanimate things which are capable of appropriation or of manual delivery; of all domestic animals; of all obligations; of such products of labor or skill as the composition of an author, the good will of a business, trade marks and signs, and of rights created or granted by statute.

Every credible source, and even the name states - domestic ferrets are domestic animals Therefore we wanted to know if the state of California officially recognized the domestic ferret as domestic would that mean they're legal? But we never received a reply from the AG.

According to the California Attorney General's website:

* As the chief law officer of the state, the California Attorney General provides legal opinions upon request to designated state and local public officials and government agencies on issues arising in the course of their duties. The formal legal opinions of the Attorney General have been accorded "great respect" and "great weight" by the courts.

Supporters of LegalizeFerrets.org have asked their representatives to make this request without success. So, we filed a ballot initiative in hopes that the title and summary would answer this question.

It was a treacherous journey. The AG's office ignored all our questions. We dealt with the Legislative Analyst's office and the Secretary of State's office - all successful; those people were friendly and helpful. But we could not get an answer on how to submit the ballot initiative from the AG until a Democratic Party activist with the state of Alaska gave us a contact phone number at the Secretary of State's office. Anabel Renteria finally emailed us with the suggestion:

You can submit your initiative anytime, in person, at the following address:

Department of Justice
1300 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

Five weeks later the title and summary were posted on their website:

California law identifies ferrets as wild animals that are restricted because "such animals are undesirable and a menace to native wildlife, the agricultural interests of the state, or to the public health or safety." Current law and regulations make it illegal to own ferrets as pets without a state permit.

No mention of the conflict between California's civil code which allows ownership of all domestic animals and other, namely Fish and Game Code which says:

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2116: Put ferrets in a group of wild animals. Says they are "not normally domesticated in this state as determined by the commission."

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2118: It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species: (ferrets are included in this list).

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. (You know ferrets are included in this list)

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (b) The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state.

Why are these codes relevant but the civil code allowing ownership of all domestic animals isn't even mentioned?

Why won't the AG's office even communicate with us? We have a very valid and sincere question.

Facts are stubborn things. No one states that the domestic ferret is a wild animal. No one believes they are "wild," "undesirable," or a "menace." They are legal in 48 states without any negative consequences.

Learn more at: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

Related link: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

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Free News Articles, General Editorial, Global Aid and Disaster Relief, NonProfit and Charities

China Rescue Dogs, A Non-Profit Organization, Leads Fight to Save Dogs from Chinese Meat Trade in the face of CDC Import Ban

VASS, N.C. -- China Rescue Dogs, a leading American 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue, has been recognized for its efforts to save dogs from the Chinese meat trade. Over the past year, China Rescue Dogs has been rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from China and providing them with loving homes in the United States and Canada.

"Working with trusted rescues and shelters in China, our mission is to remove the dogs from imminent harm, treat the physical and psychological injuries from severe abuse and neglect, and socialize the dogs so that they can be integrated into loving family environments," remarked Jill Stewart, President, and Founder of China Rescue Dogs. "We also shine a light on the dog meat trade in China and other countries and, thereby, encourage others to advocate for the end of the dog meat trade and speak up for those who have no voice."

China Rescue Dogs' efforts were recently hampered by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention import ban, which effectively halted the imports of all dogs from 113 countries, including China. Issued without input from dog rescue groups, the ban has hurt the missions of international non-profit rescues, including the dogs they serve and forced dogs recused from China to be redirected to Canada. This has had a chilling effect on tens of thousands of animals, which only continues to grow as the ban remains in effect.

"Since the import ban, our rescue is among many others that have had to find a new normal," remarked Jill. "Our choices were limited and grim, but China Rescue Dogs has remained committed to saving dogs from China regardless of how we got it done. While rerouting dogs to Canada is the logical choice, costs have been exuberant," she added.

The growing international cargo crisis has tripled the cost of transporting dogs on cargo airplanes, which has increased China Rescue Dogs' reliance on donations from the international community. Without community support, funding shortages require organizations to make difficult choices and leave some dogs behind.

"Our shelters in China are reaching their maximum capacity, which means we will not be able to move the dogs out of China which will lead to the brutal slaughter of helpless dogs. Moreover, with the Yulin Dog Meat Festival beginning June 21st and CDC ban still in place, tens of thousands of dogs will be slaughtered. Thinking about this is gut-wrenching," said Jill.

Canada is providing immense support to this mission by opening its borders and assisting us in finding homes for these dogs. They support the organization and other U.S. rescue groups until the CDC ban is lifted or another resolution is found. "After I looked into the eyes of our dogs in China shelters, that is when we decided to reach out to our Canadian friends. Fortunately for the dogs and us, our rescue has been received with welcoming kindness," said Jill.

The past two years have been challenging for everyone around the globe. The world has seen pandemic challenges no one could have predicted. U.S. International dog rescue nonprofits have experienced extreme obstacles in carrying out their missions within the past six months.

"What these past six months have personally taught is never to give up! Although we have had to deal with many obstacles, our dogs are being saved - thanks to our Canadian friends and neighbors. For that, we will always be grateful." Jill added. "I have strong faith in our mission, and I know we will continue to find ways to rescue these dogs. The path may be rocky at times, but it is worth the journey. For us, it was and is the least we can do for our China rescue dogs."

The passion for rescuing dogs from the slaughterhouses and finding them loving forever homes in North America, where they can live out the rest of their lives without fear, remains steadfast.

To learn more, please visit https://chinarescuedogs.org/.

About China Rescue Dogs

China Rescue Dogs is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Jill Stewart, an ardent advocate of animal rights worldwide, and especially in China. Their global mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from China and provide them with loving forever homes in North America. There are over a dozen other U.S. dog rescue organizations that are working with China Rescue Dogs on these rescues.

China Rescue Dogs, 769 Youngs Rd., Vass, NC 28394 USA.

Related link: https://chinarescuedogs.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Free News Articles, General Editorial, Global Aid and Disaster Relief

Foster Volunteers Needed for Tornado Displaced Pets in Kentucky

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. -- 911fosterpets, a peer-to-peer online pet fostering platform, is seeking volunteers who can foster pets displaced by the recent monster tornado. In the aftermath of natural disasters, as people begin to piece their life back together, they often find their temporary relocation options don't include their beloved pets. Some progressive shelters have foster volunteer programs; but for many communities, relying upon the kindness of friends, family, neighbors and even strangers is the only option.

Pet foster parents can help by caring for these displaced pets while their families get back on their feet. Fostering a pet for a short time may help ensure that an important family member doesn't have to be relinquished to an overwhelmed animal shelter. Fosterers reunite pets with their family once stability returns, often in just a few weeks.

Pet parents who need temporary care for their pet can post photos and descriptions on 911fosterpets.com. Their pet will be matched with foster families that are compatible. After reviewing potential matches, pet parents and foster parents are encouraged to fill out a free Pet Foster Care Agreement to specify details of the arrangement, for instance, who to call in an emergency and the expected length of fostering.

"Our top priority is asking folks to raise their hand if they have space in their heart and home for a neighbor's beloved family member," says Betsy Banks Saul, the co-founder of 911fosterpets and Petfinder, who cites lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina regarding the importance of keeping families together, especially in crises.

Visitors to the site are encouraged to browse pet profiles and sign up to be notified when a pet in need is posted on 911fosterpets.com. While there is often great need after natural disasters, other pets posted on the site are victims of housing insecurity brought on by the pandemic or a temporary need for relocation due to the hospitalization of their pet parent. In some cases, a rescued pet needs a safe place to crash while the person or shelter who currently cares for it finds a suitable adopter.

About 911FosterPets

911FosterPets is an all-volunteer project on a mission to help save pets by seamlessly connecting animal shelters, rescue groups, and individual pet owners with local homes willing to foster a pet in need. Co-founded by Petfinder's Betsy Banks, pioneer of online animal adoption, 911FosterPets connects foster heroes with pets in need before it's too late.

For more information, visit https://911fosterpets.com/.

Related link: https://911fosterpets.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.