Tribute To Animals
During a weekend of wild weather, the skies amazingly cleared during our Tribute to Animals on Saturday, June 7. Many families and dogs gathered at Lorraine's Garden on the WHS grounds for the special blessing and celebration. A special thank you to India McCance for presenting the blessing and to WHS Board Member, Tony Enea, for emceeing the event.
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| Hot dog bobbing was a big hit on a hot morning! |
Dogs showed off their cool tricks for bandana prizes! |
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| Casey posed with her family, the Gustavson's. |
Linda Steinke brought her new puppy, Bailey. |
Lois Bergmann posed with Shane, a WHS alumnus! |
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| Sue Karancki brought her pooch, Timber. |
WHS alum, Scooter, checks in with Sue Ellen Christman. |
Striking a pose along the garden walk! |
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Be Kind To Animals Week Kicks Off to Great Start!
Be Kind to Animals Week is May 4 through May 10! WHS hosted an event on Sunday to honor dozens of young people for their creative posters, photography and poetry, all of which highlighted animals and the important role they play in our lives.
Well over 100 guests attended the Be Kind to Animals presentation that Jane Matenaer from 99.1 WMYX emceed. Thanks, Jane, for your time and dedication to WHS!
At the WHS event, we recognized the winners of the poster, photography and poetry contests. We also honored Brent Jensen’s heroic cat, Vincent; Brandon Eggert for his generosity; Cindy Sites for her dedication as a volunteer; the Humane Educator of the Year, Courtney Youngblood; and three Kind Kids, Lauren Westfahl, Olivia Satterlee and Frankie Bielewicz, who went above and beyond to help animals. Kudos to all these terrific people who improve the lives of animals everyday!
Disease Not Detected in WHS Dogs
The disease that has impacted dogs at HAWS has not been detected in any WHS animals and we are taking every precaution to keep WHS animals safe. Individuals should contact their veterinarian immediately if they have a sick animal or have questions about any symptoms of concern in their dogs. To read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, click here.
Kids Collect Donations for Shelter Animals
Kim Rinzel, WHS Training Manager, recently accepted a check on behalf of WHS for $625 from the Wilson and Tosa School for Health Science and Technology K-Kids Club. The "Kats vs. Kanines K-Kids Koin Kollection Kontest" was a huge hit. Thanks go to the generous students, parents and teachers who helped out with this great fundraiser!
 Help save the cats rescued from Cedarburg home
Cedarburg Police responded to calls about odors coming from a home in Cedarburg after receiving complaints from neighbors last Friday. The conditions in the home were deplorable. Dozens of live cats have been brought to OHS for medical care. Additional cats have been found dead. All of the cats require medical care and OHS is seeking financial help from the community. Read more about these neglect victims and help them today!
A Round of A-Paws to Spay Day Volunteers!
On Tuesday, February 26, 133 animals were sterilized as part of the SNAP program. Twenty-five volunteer veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants worked alongside WHS staff members to help reduce animal overpopulation in our area. A special thank you goes out to Bridget Kirkish, who provided funding for many of Spay Day's supplies.
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| A client meets with volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Marla Liechtenberger. |
Dr. Randy Zeman and Dr. Jane Pohlman of WHS with Bridget Kirkish |
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On Tuesday alone, this fantastic group helped
to sterilize 133 animals! |
SPAY WEEK Volunteer Veterinarians & Vet Techs
Ron Beatty, DVM – My Pet’s Vet
Marla Lichtenberger, DVM
Lorin Shearburn, DVM – New Berlin Animal Hospital
Cindy Wartner, CVT – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Pamela Radabaugh, CVT – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Barb Rossi, DVM – Mobile Vet Care
Laura Pethke, CVT – Pahle Small Animal Clinic
Virgil Baeza - Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center
Nancy Lindner, DVM – Brentwood Animal Hospital
Nan Boss, DVM – Best Friends Veterinary Center
Dawn Filo, CVT - Forest Home Animal Clinic
Jeffrey Banwart, DVM - Animal ER of Racine
Emily Helms, DVM - Best Friends Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Kelly Kasum- East Towne Vet Clinic
Charmaine Herda - Vet. Assistant, Forest Home Animal Clinic
Mary Pratt, DVM - East Towne Cat Clinic
Jennifer Valerine - Brookfall Animal Hospital
Rebekah Franklin, DVM - Animal Emergency Center
Dionne Waters, DVM - Cherished Companion Mobile Vet
Lindsay Timmerman - WHS volunteer
Cheryl & Daniel Eckholdt - WHS volunteer
Cindy Meyer - WHS volunteer
Patti Vollmer - WHS Volunteer
Stephanie Schultz - WHS Volunteer
WHS Opposes Live Animal Lab at Medical College
The Wisconsin Humane Society opposes the live animal lab conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin. As you may know, MCW has switched from using dogs to pigs in its live animal lab. Please continue to let MCW know that there is no justification for killing any animals in the name of medical education. More than 90 percent of U.S. medical schools no longer offer live animal labs. The Medical College of Wisconsin already has human simulators that could be utilized as a humane alternative in this course. Such simulators have been successfully implemented in curricula nationwide.
We encourage others to contact MCW to voice their opposition:
Richard N. Katschke
Associate Vice President
(414) 456-4748
Katschke@mcw.edu
Office Fax: (414) 456-6166
* Please see below to read more about the recent protest and this lab. *
Voice Your Opposition to Live Animal Labs
The Medical College of Wisconsin is at it again! Despite determined efforts by the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), concerned citizens, and a coalition of animal protection organizations, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is scheduled to hold another round of unnecessary animal labs in February. We expect that MCW will use and kill about 60 animals during the course. Please join PCRM members and physicians for a demonstration to save these animals on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 —the day the lab is scheduled to begin.
What: Doctors lead peaceful demonstration at MCW
When: Mon., Feb. 18, 11 a.m. The lab is scheduled to begin this day.
Location: North 87th St. at MCW’s main entrance (between Watertown Plank Rd. and Wisconsin Ave.), Milwaukee
Parking: Please use public parking on Watertown Plank Rd. or other adjacent streets. Please carpool when possible.
Signs will be provided. Please make sure to dress warmly. No RSVP is required.
Dissection of Live Animals in Education
The Wisconsin Humane Society recognizes the importance of educational pursuits that expand the knowledge and experience of medical students targeted at improving human and animal health. Traditionally, these studies have included performing dissection of live animals. WHS believes, however, that dissection of live animals, when alternatives are available and when no new and substantive information will be created to benefit human and animal health, is inconsistent with a general appreciation of and respect for animal life. Additionally, there is a waste of animal life that results from such procedures.
The Wisconsin Humane Society believes that sophisticated technology exists to create meaningful teaching experiences to replace live animal dissection and such technology is being successfully and exclusively employed in well regarded institutions nationwide. The Wisconsin Humane Society believes that science curricula are available to prepare students to successfully pursue their professions that also promote a respect for animal life.
Saving the Sweet Tempered Pit Bull
 A very special conference, Saving the Sweet-Tempered Pit Bull, will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. at Central Bark Downtown, 420 S. 1st Street, Milwaukee. The event includes speakers, demonstrations and innovative programs from nationally recognized groups that have extensive experience helping Pit Bulls and building safe communities. The goal is to raise awareness about Pit Bulls, encourage people to foster and ultimately, adopt more sweet-natured Pit Bulls. Sponsors of the event include MADACC, the Wisconsin Humane Society, ASPCA, Central Bark and McCabe Group Insurance Services. To see the event flyer and for more details about this exciting event, click here. Register online before it's too late to sign up!
The Winner of WHS' Presidential Rat Race is....
JOHN McCHEESE!
Ratty Giuliani, Hillary Rodent Clinton, John McCheese, BaRat Obama, Mitts Rattney, Mikey HuckaRat and Johnny Edwhiskers were all excellent contenders for the 2008 WHS Presidential Rat Race, but John McCheese made a fast finish and took first place. Johnny Edwhiskers and Ratty Giuliani munched on treats nearby, choosing to withdraw from the race. Thanks to all the terrific staff who helped make our rat race a success!
If you are interested in adopting one of our petite politicians, all the candidates are available for adoption at WHS and can be viewed here.
SPAY DAY 2008 ANNOUNCED!
 The Wisconsin Humane Society invites cat guardians to celebrate Spay Day USA by having their cat spayed or neutered on February 26. Spay Day USA is a national day of action to reduce animal overpopulation and thus, prevent animal suffering.
Guardians will be charged veterinary fees on a sliding scale ranging from $10 and up, based on family income, size and other factors. Last year on Spay Day alone, WHS spayed over one hundred cats in an impressive effort. During the week of Spay Day, WHS treated about 250 dogs and cats! This year, WHS veterinarians, volunteer veterinarians and WHS vet technicians will work to surpass last year’s success.
In addition to Spay Day, the Wisconsin Humane Society also offers the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the perfect solution for individuals who understand the benefit of spaying or neutering their cat or dog but cannot afford to do so. WHS vets perform the surgery and charge fees based upon a sliding scale, which is geared toward people with low incomes.
To register your cat for Spay Day, please call (414) 431-6132.
The Wisconsin Humane Society's grounds were illuminated with more than 5,000 beautiful holiday lights during Hope's Lights on December 2, 2007. Our guests of honor, Sparkle and Shine, were accompanied by several animal attendants, including last year's Hope animal. The Gosling Guild kids sang lovely holiday carols, which were an absolute delight!
We also celebrated the opening of Lorraine's Garden, a final resting place for beloved companion animals. Brodhi, a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Shepherd mix, had the honor of pulling the ribbon to the grounds of the garden! Kudos to Karen Dalessandro from FM-106.1, who is always a terrific emcee and honored guest. Thanks to WHS Board Member, Tony Enea, for introducing Lorraine's Garden and assisting with the presentation, too. Landscape architect, Jim Drzwiecki, also came to Hope's Lights and graciously posed with Tony, Heather and her dog, Brodhi, in some photos below!
You can still purchase a white light in memory of a loved one or a colored light honoring a living person or companion animal. Lights are only $20 each and make unique holiday gifts. Click here for more information. You can also learn more about Lorraine's Garden at this special web page.
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Education Director, Jill DeGrave
and Karen Dalessandro |
Volunteer, Velia Bolda, with guest |
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| Guests enjoyed a buffet of treats. |
Jim Drzwiecki, Heather Mohan, Brodhi and Tony Enea pose by Lorraine's Garden. |
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| Frankie, a Newfoundland, happily greeted kids all night long. |
Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager, spoke with guests about Talon, a Peregrine Falcon. |
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Brodhi pulled the velvet ribbon, heralding
in our lovely new garden. |
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Gosling Guild members delighted the crowds
with fun holiday carols. |
Help Give All Dog Guardians Equal Rights!
For quite some time, many insurance companies have been denying homeowners liability insurance coverage to people with certain breeds of dogs. It has become increasingly difficult for people with Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dalmations, Akitas, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, and German Shepherd Dogs to obtain homeowners insurance; if they are able to, it often comes with a high premium. Because of this discrimination, people are often given the difficult choice of buying a home or keeping their beloved family dog, even if that dog is well-trained and has never shown signs of aggression.
This “breed discrimination” does not take into account each individual animal and makes it difficult for certain breeds to find homes regardless of their disposition. Breed discrimination is built on anecdotal information that certain breeds are more dangerous and likely to bite than others. Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Dalmations, Akitas, German Shepherds and any mixes thereof are often placed on the list of breeds denied coverage. The truth is that any dog can bite. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not in favor of using a breed-specific approach when discussing dog bites. They note that dog-bite data has a number of inaccuracies, that dog breeds (especially mixed breeds) can be difficult to identify and that as certain breeds are regulated, those who exploit dogs by making them aggressive will simply turn to other breeds.
 Assembly Bill 363, introduced last session by Representative John Lehman (D-62), would prohibit insurance companies from denying liability coverage or setting premiums based upon the breed of dog. It will, however, allow insurance companies to deny coverage or increase premiums based on past behavior of the dog.
Although this bill did not come up for vote, we hope you will continue to tell your legislators that you support legislation that will protect dogs and families from breed discrimination and allow each dog to be judged on his or her own merits.
These are some of the insurance agencies that do not have a blacklist for particular dog breeds and operate locally:
Farmers Insurance Group
State Farm Insurance
McCabe Insurance Agency (Allstate), Shorewood
Man Beats Dog to Death
***UPDATE***
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office undertook review of this matter and on October 24, 2007 charged the offender, Sean Christian Owen, with one count of Mistreating Animals-Cause Death, a Class I felony. Owen faces a maximum possible penalty of a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 3.5 years, or both.
On November 12, Owen pled not guilty and a date of December 11 was set for a scheduling conference. Judge William Sosnay is hearing the case. Please contact Judge Sosnay to ask for sentencing that reflects the horrific, disturbing nature of this crime. Please direct letters to:
Honorable Judge William Sosnay
Milwaukee County Courthouse
Branch 8, Criminal Division
821 W. State Street, Room 117
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1458
Original Posting
A Cudahy man was recently arrested after police say he admitted that he beat his 13-year-old Beagle to death with a baseball bat because the dog had tumors and he couldn’t afford to take the dog to a veterinarian. Cudahy police have referred the case to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office for potential charges.
The Wisconsin Humane Society strongly urges the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office to take swift and decisive action in charging the man. This terrible act of animal cruelty is a crime and should not be tolerated in our community.
Whenever an animal is abused, a chain reaction ensues. Not only is an innocent animal hurt or killed, but the person who committed the offense often falls into a cycle that could ultimately result in violence against people. The evidence of a link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans is compelling. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime. In addition, animal abuse desensitizes people to violent acts and normalizes behavior that is dangerous and harmful to the fabric of our society.
Please be aware that there are many humane alternatives that could have been pursued. The Wisconsin Humane Society serves as a resource in the community for animals from low-income homes. We offer some low-cost veterinary services based upon a sliding scale. If a guardian is truly unable to afford euthanasia services for a sick or dying animal, we waive the fee.
For the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by Linda Spice published on October 23, click here.
Rare Bird Arrives at the Wisconsin Humane Society
Green-breasted Mango Hummingbird Spotted in Only 4 U.S. States
 Over 700 bird lovers flocked to Beloit this fall just for the chance to catch a glimpse of a creature so rare, he’s only been spotted in three other U.S. states. The Green-Breasted Mango, a hummingbird native to Central America and Southern and Eastern Mexico, somehow ended up over 2,000 miles from home. After feeding at a home in Beloit for several weeks, the little bird didn’t seem to be moving south for the winter. Deeply concerned about the welfare of the bird’s ability to survive the approaching cold front, birdwatchers captured and safely transported him to the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Milwaukee. The bird was transported to Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo for long-term care.
Questions have arisen regarding what is in the best interest of the bird and whether captivity is the right solution for the hummingbird. However, he would likely have perished in the recent cold front and returning the bird to his normal range is not well-advised, either. The US Fish and Wildlife Service opposes the transport of wayward hummingbirds back to their normal ranges. “This bird’s navigational capabilities are obviously quite deficient,” said Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. “The Brookfield Zoo provides excellent care; we anticipate that the hummingbird will thrive for many, many years in his new home.”
WHS also points out that the Green-breasted Mango is not listed on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which regulates the capture, transport and keeping of most migratory bird species. Hence, there are no legal obstacles in transporting the bird from Milwaukee to the Brookfield Zoo, which has excellent aviary resources.
Little Pumpkin Rescued from Abuse
Pumpkin, an 8-week-old kitten, was rescued by a brave Milwaukee woman from several adolescent boys who were abusing the kitten. Dangling on a rope from a tree, Pumpkin was saved just in time. To read her whole story, click here.
Our friends in Iowa need our help!
Hundreds of displaced cats and kittens are being housed in horse stalls in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Petsmart Rescue Waggin’ is making a stop at the Wisconsin Humane Society to load up with supplies next week to take to Iowa. They are in desperate need of box fans to help cool the animals and reduce disease transmission. Please help by dropping off new or gently used working fans at the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee by Thursday, July 3. Thank you so much for your support. Click here to see items on WHS' Wishlist!
Halloween Spay/Neuter Surgeries Bring a Parade of Black Cats!
 In honor of the beautiful black cat this Halloween, the Wisconsin Humane Society invited cat guardians to have their black cat spayed or neutered. The surgeries were free or discounted to guardians with qualifying incomes. More than twenty cats were sterilized, helping to combat animal overpopulation. For more information about WHS' Spay and Neuter Assistance Program year-round, please call (414) 431-6132.
This little girl was spayed last week
by Dr. Kerin McClain, pictured above,
as part of the special spay-neuter
program this Halloween.
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