Let's begin with a big thanks to everyone who came out to 2011 Dog Daze! Thanks to our dedicated members who helped out, and to those who stopped by our booth. We had a great time seeing all the pooches and meeting so many animal friendly people!
A series of events in the past few weeks have brought many topics of animal welfare to the forefront.
The tragic events which occurred in Zanesville, Ohio shook all of us. (Full disclosure - this blogger is originally from Ohio, has many family members in southeast Ohio, and is familiar with the Zanesville area.) This tragedy, the worthless waste of so many lives, brought discussions to a national audience. Is it ever okay to keep wild animals in captivity? Should indivuals be allowed to keep wild animals? Under what circumstances? Could the local authorities have handled the situation differently?
Closer to home, a mixed group of activists from many organizations held a protest against Cole Brothers circus. Circus animals' plight is very similar to kept wild animals, with the added burden of forced performance and travel.
Another recent development is the case against Ron Williams. He was unexpectedly in court, entering a no contest plea. Williams was sentenced to the maximum, but served concurrently. While we are pleased the charges were followed through, we think Williams' sentence should have been harsher given the sheer volume and magnitude of suffering he caused. Prosecutors stated they were pleased with the outcome, and given the current laws perhaps they are right. Should the laws be rewritten?
A series of events in the past few weeks have brought many topics of animal welfare to the forefront.
The tragic events which occurred in Zanesville, Ohio shook all of us. (Full disclosure - this blogger is originally from Ohio, has many family members in southeast Ohio, and is familiar with the Zanesville area.) This tragedy, the worthless waste of so many lives, brought discussions to a national audience. Is it ever okay to keep wild animals in captivity? Should indivuals be allowed to keep wild animals? Under what circumstances? Could the local authorities have handled the situation differently?
Closer to home, a mixed group of activists from many organizations held a protest against Cole Brothers circus. Circus animals' plight is very similar to kept wild animals, with the added burden of forced performance and travel.
Another recent development is the case against Ron Williams. He was unexpectedly in court, entering a no contest plea. Williams was sentenced to the maximum, but served concurrently. While we are pleased the charges were followed through, we think Williams' sentence should have been harsher given the sheer volume and magnitude of suffering he caused. Prosecutors stated they were pleased with the outcome, and given the current laws perhaps they are right. Should the laws be rewritten?