According to a report by The Daily News Online, a father-and-son duo of Wyoming County, NY has been charged with 44 counts of animal abuse and abandonment, and one count of falsely reporting an incident, after authorities recover 44 neglected dog
and one dead body of a pooch from Joseph C. Wenzel, Jr.’s Middlebury, NY home.
On April 26th, local police received a call about a small dog barking. Upon arriving at the home on Thorpe Street, Batavia, NY where Joseph C. Wenzel, Sr. lives, they saw about eight dogs, but their knocks on the door went unanswered.
Two days later, call came from Wenzel, Jr., alleging that someone had abandoned about 50 dogs in three cages in his driveway in Middlebury.
When they visited the home, accompanied by an animal control officer, they found 44 little dogs, mostly Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier mixes, in a bad shape. Wenzel Sr. later admitted that they were his dogs and he was no longer able to care for them.
The dogs have varying health conditions from mammary tumors and dental disease, to feces matted into their fur, urine scalding and heart murmur. Altogether, 48 dogs were removed from the home – with four more found within a few days following the initial visit, – and most of them have already been adopted out from the county’s Rock Glen shelter.
Wenzel Jr. has been committed to Wyoming County Jail, and is being held on a $10,000 bail. He is to appear in court on June 3rd. His father is awaiting arraignment.
“The pigs on this farm are the ones with 2 legs & voices; they just love to abuse the animals in their control. They are sadistic to the extreme, listen to how they speak to the pigs, their sickening actions & the cries of the animals, make me want to weep & puke at the same time! Unfortunately this isn’t the only farm that employs workers who treat animals, as if they are just the shit on their shoes! Many farms & slaughterhouses, employ workers to handle livestock; with no idea that they are employing animal abusers! For the sick bastards who just love kicking the crap out of animals; working on a farm is an ideal job. But how does the employer know if a potential worker is really just after the job because he enjoys hurting animals; or that they are genuine people, who want to work in the farming trade? Would the farmer employ someone, who’s name is on an Animal Abuse Register?? Not if he loves his animals he wouldn’t…point made!!
So for now, the abuse will carry on & the 2 legged pigs will carry on getting away with it; if Ag-Gag bills are brought into action. These pathetic legislative bills are only there to stop the public from knowing how a certain farm treats its animals! But the public are the ones who keep these companies afloat; so don’t they have a right to know how the animals are treated? The only way of getting to the truth is by someone going undercover! If a company knows someone is coming to inspect them, then of course the farm is spotless & the workers are at their best. But would the outcome be the same if the inspection was not known about before hand i.e under surveillance?
We have undercover shoppers, whose aim is to go into public clothes stores to see exactly how the company treats the public; so what’s the problem carrying out similar actions with livestock? Surely it is more important to know that animals in breeding plants & slaughterhouses are treated humanely; than customers in high street stores, getting a smile with each transaction!!
If I ate meat (which I don’t), I would gladly contribute or want undercover surveillance to find out if the meat I was buying in shops; was being humanely treated before it arrived!! At the moment, undercover surveillance is the only way the public will find out the truth; if Ag- Gag bills are adopted. Think about it, if the owners of said farms are approached & think they have nothing to be ashamed of, they won’t be concerned with Ag-Gag bills, & will gladly accept undercover surveillance! But if a farm or slaughterhouse don’t want undercover agents in their workplace, & they have Ag-Gag bills in place; well, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out which farm to buy from!
To conclude: don’t buy meat from any supplier that has an Ag-Gag rule; they are trying to hide something!! Lets get Animal Abuse Registers introduced; so employers can check job applicants before employing them to work with their animals, knowing they will treat them with the respect they deserve! Lets not forget, many animal abusers, are often domestic abusers too! For some, abusing animals is only the beginning of a sick criminal life; who end up preying on unsuspecting humans!
Pigs Thrown in Air and Kicked like Soccer Balls at Wyoming Farm: Five Workers Convicted of Animal Cruelty
Five employees from Wheatland, Wyo.-based Wyoming Premium Farms— Patrick Ruckavina, Richard Pritekel, Edward Pritekel, Kali Oseland and David Bienz—have each been convicted on multiple counts of cruelty to animals after a Humane Society of the United Statesundercover investigation documented acts of animal abuse.
During the investigation, released last year, Wyoming Premium was supplying pigs to meat giant Tyson Foods, which severed its relationship with the farm after the investigation was released.
The investigation documented Wyoming Premium workers kicking live piglets like soccer balls, swinging sick piglets in circles by their hind legs, striking mother pigs with their fists and repeatedly and forcefully kicking them as they resisted leaving their young, among other abuses.
“All animals deserve humane treatment, including animals raised for food,” said Jonathan Lovvorn, senior vice president for investigations at The Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to law enforcement officials for pursuing charges in this case, and we hope that these convictions will deter further abuse of animals on industrial factory farms.”
In addition to the individual acts of abuse which led to criminal charges, The HSUS’ investigation also found breeding pigs confined day-and-night in gestation crates, tiny cages that virtually immobilize animals for nearly their entire lives. Gestation crates, used throughout Tyson Foods’ supply chain, have come under fire by McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, Oscar Mayer, Jimmy Dean, Sysco and other nearly 50 other leading food companies, as well as from veterinarians, farmers, animal welfare advocates, scientists, consumers and others
Warning: Contains Graphic Footage. Undercover video footage at “Wyoming Premium Farms” revealing egregious cruelty and filthy conditions at a Wyoming pig breeding facility owned by a supplier for Tyson Foods.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Platte County Attorney’s Office recently charged nine employees of a pig-breeding farm near Wheatland with multiple counts of animal cruelty uncovered in May.
The charges filed Dec. 3 stem from an undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States last spring and a subsequent investigation by the Wyoming Livestock Board.
The charging document filed by Platte County Deputy Attorney Douglas Weaver includes affidavits filed by the undercover investigator who worked in Wyoming Premium Farms’ pig farrowing unit from March 30 to May 1. The Humane Society last summer released what it said was an undercover video, showing workers abusing pigs at the farm.
The investigator, whose name is blacked out in the documents, details incidents of alleged deliberate abuse and neglect, including lack of treatment for injured pigs and sows.
The defendants named include:
• Kyla Erin Adams (also spelled Kayla in some documents), two counts.
• Former assistant manager Shawn Colson, six counts.
Upon conviction, each misdemeanor count carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Those charged have been summoned for an initial appearance Jan. 18 in Platte County Circuit Court before Magistrate Scott Cole.
The Platte County Sheriff’s Department has been unable to locate some of the defendants in Platte County, according to the documents. Colson, the former assistant manager, now has an address in Rapid City, S.D.
Leana Stormont, investigative counsel for the Humane Society, said Wednesday that the organization is “very grateful to the Wyoming Livestock Board and Law Enforcement Administrator Jimmy Dean Siler for their diligent and thorough response to our cruelty complaint and to the Platte County sheriff and county attorney for ensuring that laws to protect animals are enforced and that defendants who abuse animals are punished.”
The investigation of the Wheatland pig farm disclosed standard abuses in the pork-raising industry in the tight confinement of the animals, Stormont said.
The animals at the Wheatland pig farm were kept in crates so small they were almost immobilized and helpless.
“That creates a culture of cruelty for the workers,” Stormont said.
She noted one particular instance of cruelty when workers cut off the testicles of piglets and fed them to their sow.
In another, a woman worker who weighed more than 200 pounds sat on a sow that couldn’t walk because of a broken leg and was screaming in agony, Stormont said.
Wyoming Premium Farms is under new management – AMVC Management Services, a livestock producing company based in Audubon, Iowa.
Jason Hocker, the veterinarian for AMVC, sent an email news release in response to a phone call from the Star-Tribune.
The release says that Wyoming Premium Farms retained AMVC to provide swine health and welfare management and oversight, as well as leadership and training of the employees at each farm.
“AMVC Management Services and WPF are committed to ensuring that swine health and welfare are adequately provided for every day. WPF fully supports accountability for anyone working with animals.
WPF and AMVC Management Services have implemented training programs in swine welfare and handling to ensure that all employees understand appropriate animal husbandry skills. Employee safety and the health and welfare of the pigs at each of WPF’s farms continue to be primary areas of focus and training,” the release stated.
Leanne Correll, director of the Wyoming Livestock Board, said the board receives very few complaints as large as those involved the pig-breeding operation near Wheatland.
The board does receive a lot of complaints against individuals claiming neglect of animals, she added.
Humane Society spokeswoman Anna West said the case was “hideous.”
“They were throwing piglets around as if they were balls,” she said of the workers.
The most egregious incident, she said, was a sow with a prolapsed uterus that was left to die slowly after a worker botched an attempt to pull her piglets from her uterus.
Warning: Contains Graphic Footage. Undercover video footage at “Wyoming Premium Farms” revealing egregious cruelty and filthy conditions at a Wyoming pig breeding facility owned by a supplier for Tyson Foods.
Now another case, this time in Wyoming County, is even worse.Police are looking for a man named Donnie Ellis on animal cruelty charges.Two horses are dead due to not being properly fed in the Reedy Creek area.
59News reporter Jessie Gavin tells what makes this case so appalling.
We’re told Donnie Ellis was offered a deal. Instead of paying rent for his home, all he had to do was feed and take care of four horses because the owner was unable to care for them. Now officers are looking at why they say he intentionally neglected to feed two of them for quite some time.
“In this particular case I would think it’s just a fact of being cruel to the animals and just being lazy. Just didn’t take the time to care for the horses,” said Wyoming County Humane Officer Ray Farmer.
Farmer talks through how officers became aware of what was happening.
“Two officers that answered the complaint on Monday, they found two dead horses. One of them was in the barn and there was no food or water present, the other one was at an outside facility and it too didn’t have access to food or water.
From what I understand, the gentleman that was supposed to be caring for the horses, did have access to food and water, he just wasn’t providing it to the horses. The one horse appeared to be deceased for several days, possibly longer than a month. The other one had probably just died within the last week,” he said.
The other two horses under Ellis’ care are being taken care of and are expected to live.
“His brother came and got the horses and took them to his facility. Those two horses at this time are getting proper care and that’s something that we are going to follow up on to see that they are getting taken care of properly,” he said.
The recall was announced after the FDA tested a sample and found Salmonella present. There have been no reports of animals or humans becoming ill from the treats yet fortunately.
Both humans and dogs are at risk of contracting Salmonella.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection in dogs can be difficult to detect. Dogs may become lethargic, or have diarrhoea, fever and vomiting. If your dog has any of these symptoms and have consumed these treats you should contact your veterinarian for help.
In addition the dog may not have any symptoms, but can act as a carrier leading to infections in humans or other animals that that dog has contact with. In addition humans who handle the treats are at risk for contracting Salmonella.
The specific treats that are being recalled came in a 2.5-pound package. They will have a display UPC bar code of 657263800208 with a “BEST BY 091913 DEN” lot date.
If you have purchased these treats you should take the package back to the store you bought it from to get a full refund.
“I’m posting this on behalf of my dear friend & fellow animal warrior Carol Crunkhorn. Whilst signing the following petition, Carol came across a comment which quite rightly should be shared & heard with all who are fighting for the rights of Wolves.”
“This is such an impressive plea from someone who truly is a voice for the wolves. It would be too heartbreaking to think this woman’s comments may not even be read by those who receive the petition! For that reason, I want to share it and I hope you will all share with your friends”….Carol
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
18:41, Aug 26, Mrs. Louise Kane, MA
It’s impossible to express the outrage, anger and disillusionment that I experience when it comes to wolf policy in the west and midwest. Its also difficult to believe that this is 2012 in a world where entire ecosystems are disrupted and degraded by the livestock , agriculture and sports trophy hunting industries. Despite the science that shows the contributions that apex predators make within their ecosystems our state and federal governments still routinely target and kill large carnivores for suspected or real cattle and other livestock depredations.
In MInnesota this is particularly relevant as your population of wolves has been stable over the last ten years with no appreciable harm to the livestock or hunting industries. In fact these wolves illustrate that naturally occurring populations of predators do self limit without the need for trophy hunting or public trapping and snaring, which are horrifically and outrageously cruel, barbaric, and inhumane. I am quite sure you have seen these words used in the context of trapping and snaring and while they may be overused they are perhaps the most appropriate words that come to mind.
I believe as do many Americans that we need a better, more advanced and realistic approach to human predator conflicts or potential conflicts. There is no requirement or mandate in place for ranchers and livestock producers to regulate their cattle, employ predator avoidance tactics and or to retire grazing lands and permits.
Instead wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and bears are routinely shot, poisoned or trapped at the behest of special interests while the rest of America sends petitions, places calls, writes letters and otherwise protests at the shortsighted policies and pandering that are passed off as “management”.
While I reside on the East Coast I am an ardent conservationist, and the not the type with a rifle in hand that only wants to see elk, deer or other ungulates roaming in our forests, rangelands and wilderness areas. Nor do I enjoy killing animals for sport and try and pass this activity off as conservation.
I have read widely on the subject of wolf reintroduction, the loophole in the ESA (section 10J) that allows for killing wolves ( even while listed), and understand the issues. I have also read most of the comments that were submitted in response to the midwest proposals as well as Idaho’s, Montana’s and Wyoming’s comments in response to their wolf management plans. I have also read the comments online submitted to the USFish and Wildlife service in response to delisting proposals.
I am writing to you because I have seen evidence through these comments and through polls and petitions that Americans were and are against delisting wolves and hunting them for sport, they want to see wolves protected and they are largely unaware of the cruel and shoddy treatment that wolves and other carnivores receive in the west and midwestern states.
When I speak about the state “management” plans that call for killing all but 150 wolves in three of our largest states with huge tracts of federal lands, people look at me like I must have my facts wrong. When I tell people about Minnesota and that the wolves have remained stable but are now to be subjected to trapping and snaring at the behest of trophy hunters they are incredulous. Most people do not believe that trapping and snaring are legal.
The way our wildlife in America is managed is a terrible travesty. The way wolves were delisted using a sleazy non-germane rider attached to a spending bill was disgraceful and undemocratic. I can not think of anything that is more disturbing than the way wolves are being treated in the midwest and west. The states are supposed to be protecting wildlife and wolves instead of subjecting them to the whims of trophy hunters.
Its time to stand up to the livestock, agriculture and trophy hunting industries and to set a policy of no compromise when it comes to killing wolves and large apex predators. In order for the livestock , agriculture and trophy hunting industries to treat wolves with respect they must see that our state and federal agencies listen to all their constituents, they must know that Americans want our agencies to start doing the right thing, not the most politically expedient by catering to special interests that don’t represent mainstream America’s interests but whose archaic and inhumane ideas about wildlife management are implemented regardless of their effect on our earth and its ecosystems.
I am tired of watching the federal and state governments be browbeaten by these industries and tired of watching our wildlife perish in traps, snares, and being shot from helicopters or tracked by trained killers. I respectfully ask that you stop the Minnesota wolf hunt and and seek public comment from the American public on this issue.
I believe you will be dissuaded from this terrible and shortsighted decision. The states of Idaho and Montana have shown that killing wolves does nothing to appease special interests it only heightens the frenzy around killing these animals, makes wolf killing easier, and reinforces irresponsible stereotypes that need to be shelved instead of rekindled in a vicious, unproductive and destructive cycle of killing.
U.S. Congress has never before ousted an animal or plant from Endangered Species Act protections — until now. In August, a federal district court ruled to NOT delist Western gray wolves. The case is still open on appeal. Yet Congress ignored separation of powers (between judicial and legislative branches) by taking matters into their own hands. A rider attached to the recently passed spending bill delists wolves, thereby deleting their federal safety net.
This political maneuver is unconstitutional and leaves wolves in the crossfire of state-sponsored killing. Idaho already conducted a hunt by helicopter in which wolves are cornered and shot at point blank range. Last year, pups and mothers were gassed inside their dens.
America’s wolves were nearly eradicated in the 20th century. Now, after a remarkable recovery in parts of the country, our wolves are once again in serious danger.
Federal sharpshooters are preparing for aerial wolf killing in Northern Idaho.
In Montana, the anti-wolf Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife are offering a $100 bounty per dead wolf.
Wyoming is moving forward with a plan that would allow wolves to be shot on sight across much of the state, including in National Forests and in some of the best available gray wolf habitat in the state.
Politicians in the Southwest are preventing the release of Mexican gray wolves into the wild – despite critically low wolf numbers that threaten a second extinction in the wild for these rare wolves.
This is an inspirational, visual & vocal tribute to wolves, from my dear friend & sister animal warrior; Louise Du Toit. Louise has lent her musical talents to fight the injustices of many sentient beings, the world over. In this song ‘Ode to the Wolves’ her enchanting voice, echo’s the travesties these wolves face, in their daily battle to survive. Once upon a time it was just the hunters the wolves feared, but now they stare death in the face, from the sky too…as Louise say’s ‘Where can you hide’!”
“Ode to the Wolves” is an artistic tribute to all wolves, written to raise awareness about the endless atrocities they endure from humans all over the world, with a positive message to support the plight of the wolves and to end their suffering…. Louise Du Toit”
The music and lyrics of “Ode to the Wolves” were written by Louise du Toit and the paintings in the video were done by fierce wolf protector, author and artist, Vincent Arthur Kennard, with the purpose of accompanying the song.
“We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.” ~Albert Schweitzer, The Philosophy of Civilization
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 11 (Reuters) — A town in Missouri is trying to be the first of several in the United States to get a new plant to slaughter horses, now that Congress has overruled animal rights groups to allow the killing for the first time in five years.
U.S. slaughter of horses ended in 2007 when Congress, at the urging of animal rights groups, halted funding to inspect processing plants. The unintended result was thousands of horses abandoned or neglected, and even more enduring hundreds of miles of travel to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.
After a government report last year detailed the abuses of horses, Congress restored inspection money to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this year.
“People are giving away horses every day because they can’t sell them,” said Wayne White, president of the Missouri Equine Council. “All the rescue places are over-populated.”
Horse meat is sold for human consumption in China, Russia, Mexico and other foreign countries, according to Unified Equine, a Wyoming company proposing to open a horse-slaughter plant in Rockville, Missouri. Horse meat is also used for zoo animals.
The proposed plant, at a facility previously used for cattle processing in Rockville, has strong support in the community. But animal rights advocates have not given up the fight.
In a report last year, the Government Accountability Office documented an increase in horse neglect and abuse since slaughtering ended and found that by 2010 nearly 138,000 horses were being sent annually to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.
Unified Equine hopes to open its slaughtering plant in Rockville in September, followed by one in Hermiston, Oregon. Another company, Valley Meats, intends to open a plant in Roswell, New Mexico.
The Missouri and New Mexico plants both requested U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections, according to the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. But “a significant amount of time” will be required to update inspection procedures, the service said in a statement on Wednesday.
Even though Congress restored funding, the appropriations committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, which allocates how money is spent, again withdrew money for horse slaughter inspections in the fiscal 2013 budget. The proposal still would have to be approved by the full House and Senate.
Equine chief executive Sue Wallis said she has heard of people in 18 states and several Native American tribal areas exploring horse slaughter plants.
Residents of Rockville, a town of about 150 people 100 miles south of Kansas City, turned out in force at a meeting last month to support the new plant, said Mayor Dave Moore.
“I don’t know of anyone (in town) who is not for it,” said Dennis Heiman, operator of a grain elevator that has been Rockville’s largest employer since 60 jobs were lost with the closing of the beef plant two years ago. The horse plant is expected to create 50 jobs.
Owners of rescue ranches see the problem of neglected and abused horses first-hand. The Changing Leads Equine Rescue ranch just outside Kansas City, Missouri, is at its capacity of eight unwanted horses, said Tina Weidmaier, president of the all-volunteer organization.
Joe Black, a draft horse, was 700 pounds underweight by the time it was rescued from a pasture last August, Weidmaier said. Its owners moved to Florida and left it alone to graze for nearly a year, she said. He is back to his healthy weight but has a chewing disorder, she said.
Many people abandon or seek to give away their horses because of the cost, said Ericka Caslin, director of the Unwanted Horse Coalition. A horse costs an average of about $2,600 annually to feed and board, not counting veterinary bills, she said.
There are an estimated 170,000 unwanted horses in the United States, Caslin said, yet her group has no position on slaughtering plants. Neither does its parent group, the American Horse Council in Washington nor do some rescue ranches, such as Changing Leads.
“We’d rather focus on the problem than on everyone else’s solution,” Weidmaier said.
Animal rights advocate Rajt said the number of unwanted horses going to slaughter is fueled by racehorse or rodeo breeders who dispose of dozens of animals not deemed “the next big winner.” Horse slaughter and the shipping of horses to Mexico and Canada should be banned because it is cruel, she said.
But Wallis of Unified Equity said banning horse slaughter or shipment for slaughter would put well over 100,000 more horses per year at risk of abandonment, abuse and a slow death.
“It’s hard to imagine the magnitude of that,” Wallis of Equine said. “It would be an unmitigated disaster.” (Editing by Greg McCune and Jackie Frank)
HULETT, Wyo. — A Moorcroft, Wyo., game warden shot and killed a young black bear near Hulett, Wyo., on Tuesday after determining the animal posed a danger to humans.
Warren Mischke, information specialist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department office in Sheridan, Wyo., said warden John Davis made the decision to kill the 2-year-old cinnamon-colored black bear because it had killed a sheep and would not leave the area.
While bears are not common in the Black Hills and Wyoming foothills, there have been recent sightings as close as Gillette, said Mischke. He said a bear that had climbed an electric pole along Interstate 90 near Gillette two years ago was tranquilized and returned to the wild.
Game and Fish officers also tranquilized a bear three weeks ago that had wandered into Sheridan, he said.
Mischke said wild animals are tranquilized and moved to another area whenever possible, but officials need to determine what’s best in each different circumstance.
“The way things worked out with this (Hulett) bear, the game warden was able to respond quickly and take appropriate action,” he said. “He needs to be commended for his work.” “Commended for killing a bear, how bloody ridiculous, he killed a sentient being that could have been tranquilized & moved away! He should pay for killing it! They are probably hungry because humans have encroached into their domain.”
Mischke said it is difficult for wildlife officials to kill animals, but sometimes there are no other alternatives. “Killing an animal is a hard thing to do but sometimes it’s the only thing to do,” he said. “We never compromise human safety.”
Mischke said while reports of bear sightings are rare, he was not surprised by the timing of the Hulett bear’s appearance.
Bears are particularly active this time of year because they are coming out of hibernation and are hungry and searching for food. The young bear likely had recently left its mother and was searching for new territory, he said.
“They’re attracted to food,” he said. “They’re looking for easy food. They’ll keep coming back to humans if they know that’s where they can get their dinner.”
Mischke said people should avoid problems by doing what they can not to attract wild animals. “Don’t leave garbage around and take care of your barbecue grills,” he said.
He said people would be surprised at the long distances bears and other wildlife, such as mountain lions, can travel in a short amount of time.
His best advice to keep bears away is to not intentionally feed them or leave food outside.
He said the best thing to do if you do encounter a bear or mountain lion is to stand your ground. Never run, he said, because they will chase you.
Mischke said people can back away from a bear if it is not aware of your presence, but he stressed the importance of keeping an eye on the animal to watch its behavior.
“With a bear or mountain lion, you throw things, you yell at them, do what you can to get them to move away,” he said. “Stand your ground.”
Although Mischke said it is “very, very rare” that they would attack a person, people need to defend themselves if a wild animal continues to advance.
“Generally, lions will see a person and leave,” he said. “People should pick up their children to protect them and cause a scene to scare the lion away.”
If the lion continues to approach despite those efforts and attacks you, Mischke said to fight with anything you have available, even sticks and rocks.
He advised against feeding deer because they attract mountain lions.
People should especially be on alert this time of year because it is birthing season and mothers will do whatever they need to do to protect their young, he said.
In the Big Horn Mountains, Mischke said they are just as concerned about moose or any other large game the last week of May or first week of June because mothers are so protective.
People also need to be on alert during mating season, he said. “People need to be aware there is potentially dangerous wildlife out there,” said Mischke. If you see a bear or mountain lion it should be reported immediately. In Wyoming, call the stop poaching hotline at 1-877-943-3847. An operator answers calls 24 hours a day, he said.
People can also call game and fish wardens in Sundance, Newcastle or Gillette.
For South Dakota, people can call the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks wildlife division statewide at (605) 773-3387 or local law enforcement.
Mischke said it is legal in Wyoming for landowners to kill a mountain lion or black bear if it is seen attacking animals or livestock. The same law applies in South Dakota.
Wyoming’s wolves could be left at the mercy of a shoot-on-sight state policy that covers nearly 90% of the state.
Unfortunately, this plan is virtually the same bad plan that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has rejected in years past and leaves Wyoming’s wolves at the mercy of a shoot-on-sight state policy that covers nearly 90% of the state.
The Wyoming wolf plan has changed little from past plans that federal officials found to be unacceptable. It relies on out-of-date recovery goals rather than the best available science. It allows wolf numbers to be significantly reduced in the state. And the plan still allows for indiscriminate wolf killing across the vast majority of Wyoming…even on national forests and other lands owned by the American taxpayer.
It’s still a flawed plan that does not treat wolves as the ecologically important wildlife that they are.
We simply can’t allow the Obama administration to walk away from its responsibility to ensure a healthy wolf population in the Northern Rockies by their approval of Wyoming’s wolf plan. The stakes are too high for the future of wolves in the West.
Idaho is already pursuing a race to the bottom in wolf management — killing more than 400 wolves in just the first year of delisting. If Wyoming is given the green light for their management plan, vital dispersal of wolves to other states where wolves have historically made their homes may become difficult.
And without federal protections, Wyoming could follow Idaho’s lead — modifying their management plan to make the situation even worse for wolves in the region.
We have already seen what can happen if the fate of wolves is turned over to states with extreme anti-wolf plans in place. We need to make sure the Obama administration gets it right for wolves in Wyoming.
As early as this fall, wolves in Wyoming could be at the mercy of a state plan that allows these iconic animals to be shot on sight throughout most of the state.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
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DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
September 9, 2012
preciousjules1985 Action Alert, Animal Cruelty, Animal Husbandry, Animal slaughter, Animal Trade, Animal Traps, animals, Big Cats, Blood Sport, Conservation, Coyotes, Endangered, Gross Neglect, Guilty, Human Animal Conflict, Hunters, Killed, Petitions to sign please, Poaching, Purposely Inflicted Harm, R.I..P, Research, Wild Animals, Wildlife Conservation Act, Wolves comment, Idaho, killing, Mark Dayton, Minnesota, Montana, Petitions to sign, Saving Americas Wolves, Trophy Hunting, United States, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Wolves, Wyoming Comments Off on Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
“I’m posting this on behalf of my dear friend & fellow animal warrior Carol Crunkhorn. Whilst signing the following petition, Carol came across a comment which quite rightly should be shared & heard with all who are fighting for the rights of Wolves.”
“This is such an impressive plea from someone who truly is a voice for the wolves. It would be too heartbreaking to think this woman’s comments may not even be read by those who receive the petition! For that reason, I want to share it and I hope you will all share with your friends”….Carol
Tell DNR Commissioner and Min. Gov. Mark Dayton : To Stop The Nov 3rd Wolf Hunt!
18:41, Aug 26, Mrs. Louise Kane, MA
It’s impossible to express the outrage, anger and disillusionment that I experience when it comes to wolf policy in the west and midwest. Its also difficult to believe that this is 2012 in a world where entire ecosystems are disrupted and degraded by the livestock , agriculture and sports trophy hunting industries. Despite the science that shows the contributions that apex predators make within their ecosystems our state and federal governments still routinely target and kill large carnivores for suspected or real cattle and other livestock depredations.
In MInnesota this is particularly relevant as your population of wolves has been stable over the last ten years with no appreciable harm to the livestock or hunting industries. In fact these wolves illustrate that naturally occurring populations of predators do self limit without the need for trophy hunting or public trapping and snaring, which are horrifically and outrageously cruel, barbaric, and inhumane. I am quite sure you have seen these words used in the context of trapping and snaring and while they may be overused they are perhaps the most appropriate words that come to mind.
I believe as do many Americans that we need a better, more advanced and realistic approach to human predator conflicts or potential conflicts. There is no requirement or mandate in place for ranchers and livestock producers to regulate their cattle, employ predator avoidance tactics and or to retire grazing lands and permits.
Instead wolves, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and bears are routinely shot, poisoned or trapped at the behest of special interests while the rest of America sends petitions, places calls, writes letters and otherwise protests at the shortsighted policies and pandering that are passed off as “management”.
While I reside on the East Coast I am an ardent conservationist, and the not the type with a rifle in hand that only wants to see elk, deer or other ungulates roaming in our forests, rangelands and wilderness areas. Nor do I enjoy killing animals for sport and try and pass this activity off as conservation.
I have read widely on the subject of wolf reintroduction, the loophole in the ESA (section 10J) that allows for killing wolves ( even while listed), and understand the issues. I have also read most of the comments that were submitted in response to the midwest proposals as well as Idaho’s, Montana’s and Wyoming’s comments in response to their wolf management plans. I have also read the comments online submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife service in response to delisting proposals.
I am writing to you because I have seen evidence through these comments and through polls and petitions that Americans were and are against delisting wolves and hunting them for sport, they want to see wolves protected and they are largely unaware of the cruel and shoddy treatment that wolves and other carnivores receive in the west and midwestern states.
When I speak about the state “management” plans that call for killing all but 150 wolves in three of our largest states with huge tracts of federal lands, people look at me like I must have my facts wrong. When I tell people about Minnesota and that the wolves have remained stable but are now to be subjected to trapping and snaring at the behest of trophy hunters they are incredulous. Most people do not believe that trapping and snaring are legal.
The way our wildlife in America is managed is a terrible travesty. The way wolves were delisted using a sleazy non-germane rider attached to a spending bill was disgraceful and undemocratic. I can not think of anything that is more disturbing than the way wolves are being treated in the midwest and west. The states are supposed to be protecting wildlife and wolves instead of subjecting them to the whims of trophy hunters.
Its time to stand up to the livestock, agriculture and trophy hunting industries and to set a policy of no compromise when it comes to killing wolves and large apex predators. In order for the livestock , agriculture and trophy hunting industries to treat wolves with respect they must see that our state and federal agencies listen to all their constituents, they must know that Americans want our agencies to start doing the right thing, not the most politically expedient by catering to special interests that don’t represent mainstream America’s interests but whose archaic and inhumane ideas about wildlife management are implemented regardless of their effect on our earth and its ecosystems.
I am tired of watching the federal and state governments be browbeaten by these industries and tired of watching our wildlife perish in traps, snares, and being shot from helicopters or tracked by trained killers. I respectfully ask that you stop the Minnesota wolf hunt and and seek public comment from the American public on this issue.
I believe you will be dissuaded from this terrible and shortsighted decision. The states of Idaho and Montana have shown that killing wolves does nothing to appease special interests it only heightens the frenzy around killing these animals, makes wolf killing easier, and reinforces irresponsible stereotypes that need to be shelved instead of rekindled in a vicious, unproductive and destructive cycle of killing.
Louise Kane
Petition Link:-http://www.thepetitionsite.com/317/502/678/tell-dnr-commissioner-and-min-gov-mark-dayton-to-stop-the-nov-3rd-wolf-hunt/
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