Douglasville residents (and others) need to remain vigilant about the prospect of BSL

Douglasville, GA is considering a ban on 'pit bulls', even though banning a "breed" which is in fact a catch-all for three or more breeds, which most people cannot correctly identify has been shown to be costly, unconstitutional, cruel, and ineffective in terms of public safety:

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-atlanta/oppose-anti-pit-bull-legislation-douglasville-ga

They tables the ordinance last night, but, in some form or other, it will be back in a couple of weeks:

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-atlanta/douglasville-city-council-tables-breed-specific-legislation

Why kill dogs and cats with rescue en route?

Why?

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-atlanta/rescue-was-on-the-way-floyd-county-ga-why-were-these-dogs-killed

They had their ticket out. 2090 had a home waiting.
This happened to three dogs and ten Kittens in Rome, GA last week.

Shame on Coweta County: please don't call it a 'shelter'

Last night the Coweta County Commission approved amendments to the animal control ordinances that can only be interpreted as retribution against rescuers for the undesired publicity they focused on the JoJo/Old Yeller case. Coweta County animal advocates are in for a heated battle to bring desperately needed reforms to the dungeon-like Coweta County pound.

http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-atlanta/coweta-county-commission-adds-insult-to-injury-as-animal-advocates-seek-justice-for-old-yeller-3

As a side note, Examiner.com recently embarked on a complete overhaul of the website and this has resulted in numerous frustrating glitches, including missing comments, slide shows and link lists, delays in publication and weird changes in formatting. Hopefully this will be sorted out soon.

The second annual No Kill Conference

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the second annual No Kill Conference in Washington, D.C. last weekend. This is the first of several articles relating to this must-attend event. Couldn't go? Read this and learn about other opportunities to learn more and be a part of the change, including upcoming workshops and where to download conference materials for free:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m8d4-Change-is-in-the-wind-for-the-nations-companion-animals

Requiem for a stray dog

Do animal shelters reflect your values? This one certainly did not reflect mine:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m7d15-Requiem-for-a-stray-dog

It doesn't have to be this way. Support the No Kill movement.

Primaries are July 20--Support Tom Knox

He was the driving force behind Grace's Law's passage. Thank him by voting for him for Insurance Commissioner in the Republican primary next Tuesday July 20. He knows insurance and has a proven track record of getting things done. And he cares about animals.

Results of the PETA poll

Word is getting out, but a lot of people still don't know:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m7d6-Poll-shows-that-many-still-do-not-know-the-truth-about-PETAs-killing

PETA, Still Killing After All These Years...

The fifth anniversary of the Great Piggly Wiggly Dumpster Incident of 2005 has come and gone...Check out the Virginia stats reporting page tutorial and the reader poll:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m6d18-Still-killing-after-all-these-years--five-years-after-PETAs-Piggly-Wiggly-dumpster-incident

Oreo's Law needs your support--help prevent institutionalized animal abuse

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m6d14-Support-Oreos-Law-prevent-institutionalized-animal-abuse-in-shelters

Call and email the NYS Agriculture Committee members NOW> Don't let them table Oreo's Law on June 15.

Two dogs in Cuthbert, GA need rescue by June 15

These two dogs are in a tiny gassing "shelter" is Southwest GA. Can anyone offer them rescue? Both are friendly.


http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m6d12-Two-great-dogs-from-Cuthbert-GA-need-rescue-by-June-15

Cobb County Animal Advocates, Amazing Grace

Will Cobb County be Georgia's first No Kill community?

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m6d7-Cobb-County-Animal-Advocates-meeting-very-well-attended


Amazing Grace went from the gas chamber to the Governor's office.

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m6d8-A-dog-has-her-day---the-Graces-Law-signing-ceremony

Interview with Nathan Winograd, in two parts

I had the opportunity to discuss the No Kill movement, good and bad laws, and more with No Kill leader and author Nathan Winograd:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d28-Interview-with-Nathan-Winograd-part-one-of-two

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d29-Interview-with-Nathan-Winograd-part-two-of-two

Ever wonder what it was like to be at Tompkins?

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d27-I-was-there--one-volunteers-view-of-a-shelters-transition-to-No-Kill

Paulding County Shelter on track to save all their animals

With continued support, things are looking good--

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d17-Georgians-step-up-to-save-animals-at-Paulding-county-shelter

People stepping up to the plate in GA

Two articles this week. The first concerns a tiny gassing shelter in South GA and one rescuer's efforts to save the dogs there--help her out if you can--five great dogs need homes or rescue.

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d13-Animal-rescuer-fights-to-keep-the-cobwebs-on-the-door-of-the-Cuthbert-GA-gas-chamber

The second concerns a shelter doing the right thing in a time of crisis, and the tremendous positive public response:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d15-Shelter-in-Dallas-GA-faces-crisis-asks-for-help

'Building No Kill Communities' lights the way for change in GA

Article about the April 16 seminar:
http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d10-Building-No-Kill-Communities-lights-the-way-for-change-in-Georgia

A couple of seminars related to No Kill

I'm going next week--watch for follow-up articles:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d7-Allday-No-Kill-seminar-to-take-place-in-Nashville-May-12

Already happened, but check out the Calgary model link:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m5d7-Conference-on-animal-law-and-cruelty-investigations-to-take-place-in-Atlanta-Friday-May-7-2010

Georgia poised to ban the gas chamber effective December 31, 2010

Grace's Law awaits the signature of Governor Sonny Perdue:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m4d30-Georgia-poised-to-ban-the-gas-chamber-effective-December-31-2010

Latest on Grace's Law--Call in Support!

Details here:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m4d22-Graces-Law-HB-788-passes-Senate-by-a-wide-margin-but-with-amendment

Attention Cobb County residents! Meeting April 12

Are you a Cobb County resident concerned about the plight of your county's shelter pets? You should be, Cobb has a gas chamber. Come to this meeting on April 12 and connect with like-minded individuals to make some positive changes.

Read more:
http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m4d7-Cobb-County-animal-advocates-to-hold-meeting-Monday-April-12

Atlanta Animal Welfare Examiner featured in Iams-Examiner.com spring fling adoption promotion

I'm one of five Examiners featured in this promotion!

Grace's law passes RIU Committee unanimously, but with amendment

Grace's Law passed the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee unanimously on Thursday April 1, 2010, but was amended to allow intra-cardiac injections of unconscious, heavily sedated or comatose animals.

Read about it here:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m4d3-Graces-Law-HB-788-passes-Senate-Regulated-Industries-and-Utilities-Committee-with-amendment

The Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare urge all Georgia Voters to continue their tremendous show of support and to call their Senators in support of H.B. 788, Grace's Law.

Shelter Pet Population 101

The science of population dynamics teaches us that there are really only four factors that influence the size of a population of animals or plants. They are birth rate, death rate, immigration and emigration.

These concepts show us how the No Kill Equation works. Read more here:


http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2010m3d29-Shelter-Pet-Population-101-Building-No-Kill-Communities-with-the-No-Kill-Equation

Update: GA Residents, call your State Senators

Grace's Law passed the House last week and now must pass the Senate before it can become law. It is assigned to the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. Read more from the Atlanta Animal Welfare Examiner (including instructions for contacting your Senator and a thank-you video from Grace and family.

Important News about Grace's Law, H.B. 788

Friends, family, Georgia Voters,



YOU MUST TAKE ACTION TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!



On Monday, March 8th, House Bill 788 – a bill to ban gas chambers in Georgia as a method to euthanize pets turned into shelters, will be on the calendar for the House Rules Committee for consideration to be heard in the full House of Representatives. If this bill is not approved by the Rules Committee to be put on the calendar, it will die in committee this legislative session.



The consequence of this is former pets will continue to be euthanized in gas chambers in Georgia for another year.



DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!!! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD THAT YOU SUPPORT THIS BILL AND WANT THE RULES COMMITTEE TO VOTE YES TO PUT THIS BILL ON THE CALENDAR TO BE VOTED ON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!!!!!!!



Here is what you need to do:



#1. Call the Rules Committee office, 404-656-5141 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              404-656-5141      end_of_the_skype_highlighting – POLITELY, let them know you are a Georgia voter, you would ask that this committee vote YES to put it on the calendar for the House of Representatives to hear this bill.



#2. Call your House of Representative – YOU ARE A GEORGIA VOTER – YOUR REPRESENTATIVE VOTES ON YOUR BEHALF ON MATTERS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU& THEY LISTEN TO VOTERS IN THEIR DISTRICT !!!!! Ask that your representative pass this bill with a YES vote when it is presented for a vote in the House.



Instructions listed below how to find your Representative:



1. Go to www.legis.ga.gov

2. Click “Find Your Legislator”under the picture of the Capitol

3. Click “Vote-Smart”

4. On the left, under the box “Find Your Representative” type in your zip code, click GO

5. If you do not know your +4 ZIP, on the right side of this screen click “Don’t know your 9 digit zip” follow the instructions then go back to

Legislative site and type it in under “Find Your Representative” click GO

6. Under “State Legislative” click your Representative name in blue

7. On the next screen, to the right and bottom, click “Complete Contact Info”



For the animals,

Holly Cohen

Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare

Registration for 'Building No Kill Communities' April 16, Douglasville, GA

Registration for this event is now available. It is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP, because seating is limited. The Carroll County Humane Society, sponsor of this event, is also selling signed copies of Nathan Winograd's books to offset the cost of putting on this event.
Click ont the widget at the top of this page for more information and to register and purchase your signed copies of Redemption and Irreconcilable Differences.

Grace's Law Has Passed the Science and Technology Committee and Needs Your Support Now!

Please call or write your representative and members of the Rules Committee by February 23, 2010. End the gassing of pets in Georgia! Details here.

Save the Date! Building No Kill Communities Workshop Scheduled for the Evening of April 16 in Douglasville, GA

Save the date! The 'Building No Kill Communities' workshop featuring Nathan Winograd has been scheduled for the evening of Friday April 16, 2010 in Douglasville, GA. Douglasville is conveniently located off I-20 just West of Atlanta. The event will be free and open to the public, but you will need to sign up in advance. Details about how to do that will be available soon. The event is sponsored by the Carroll County Humane Society, which will be selling signed copies of Nathan's books to offset the costs of putting on the workshop. Details about ordering your copies will be available soon as well.

Rescuers, members of humane groups, shelter directors and employees, animal control officers, city and county officials and animal lovers are all encouraged to attend. The workshop has been described as “a prerequisite for animal lovers, rescue groups and organizations that are serious about changing their communities to No Kill.”

Georgia kills way too many animals in its shelters. Georgia can and will be No Kill. You can be part of this sea change.

I'll keep you posted as more details about the workshop become available.

Atlanta Animal Welfare Examiner

In addition to this blog, I am writing for the Examiner, as the Atlanta Animal Welfare Examiner. I will be covering animal welfare issues in the Atlanta metro area and Georgia in general from a No Kill perspective. I will also announce local animal welfare-related events and feature one or more adoptable pet per week. Have a story idea, event or pet you'd like to see featured? Send me an email. Check out my articles at:

http://www.examiner.com/x-35783-Atlanta-Animal-Welfare-Examiner

To receive email alerts when I publish a new article, click on the 'subscribe' button at the top of the page.

Known Gas Chambers in Georgia

The following list was compiled by the Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare. There are 11 gas chambers known to be used in taxpayer-funded shelters in the state of Georgia. Due to the difficulties in compiling a complete data set, there may be some not on this list. If you know of any, please send an email or post a comment below. The gas chamber is a cruel and outmoded means of killing shelter pets. Grace's Law would close the loopholes which allow these shelters to continue to use these shameful devices.


1. Ashburn, City of (In Turner County; no county facility; chamber housed in city.)
2. Butts County Animal Control
3. Cobb County Animal Control
4. Cordele, City of (Crisp County)
5. Cuthbert, City of (In Randolph County; no county facility; chamber housed in city.)
6. Haralson County Animal Shelter
7. Hawkinsville, City of (In Pulaski County; no county facility; chamber housed in city.)
8. Henry County Animal Control
9. Lakeland, City of (In Lanier County; no county facility; chamber housed in city.)
10. Mitchell County Animal Control
11. Vienna, City of Animal Shelter (In Dooly County; no county facility; chamber housed in city.)

If you live in one of these municipalities, let your representatives and city and county officials know that this is unacceptable.

No Kill Conference July 31- August 1 2010

The second No Kill Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. July 31-August 1, 2010. For more information and to register, go to http://www.nokillconference.org/home.html