Phone: (828) 433-1115 Fax: 828-438-8150 Email: bcffa2@bellsouth.net 417 Kirksey Drive PO Box 1884 Morganton, NC 28655
SHELTER HOURS MONDAY- CLOSED TUESDAY - FRIDAY: 12 NOON - 5:00 PM SATURDAY: 10 AM -5PM SUNDAY: 2 PM - 5 PM 
H27 (banning gas chamber killings of animals) was voted down 7 to 5 and is now dead. Unfortunately in the process it also killed Davie's Law for this legislative session. 17 counties in our state have changed from gas chambers to EBI since 2001, as a result of all of the humane community working together in NC, and the support of the national organizations. Several counties are preparing to stop gassing soon, and the work continues to end this horrific killing over the state.
However, Death is never in the best interest of the animals. Until we figure out a way to stop the killing, let us at least be humane.
Anyone with information about criminal offenses against animals which have occurred within Burke County's jurisdiction should contact CID at (828) 438-5506.   *PLEASE NOTE: You Do Not have to be a member of PayPal to make a donation. When you make a donation, you will be redirected to the Paypal site. If you are not a member of Paypal, just click on the "CONTINUE" button (left side of page) to donate via Credit/Debit Card without joining. Your credit card information will NOT be retained on PayPal or this site. 4
Ever occur to you why some of us can be this much concerned with animals suffering? Because government is not. Why not? Animals don't vote. ~Paul Harvey
We, The People have the power of the vote and the animals are at our mercy! Let your ELECTED officials know that we are sick and tired of animal abuse and neglect in Burke County! One by one...together...we can become an animal welfare army!
ANIMAL ORDINANCES
Cruel acts against animals are not just an animal protection issue. Research confirms a strong correlation between violence toward animals and violence toward humans. And it is widely recognized that perpetrators of violent behavior are more likely to have participated in violent acts against both children and animals. Parents, community leaders, prosecutors, judges, and other individuals concerned with violence are recognizing the importance of animal cruelty as an indicator of disturbed family relationships and future aggressive behavior toward humans. For more information about this violence Link, please visit American Humane's National Resource Center on the Link Between Violence to People and Animals.
 PLEASE NOTE: When you make a donation, you will be redirected to the Paypal site. If you are not a member of Paypal, just click on the "CONTINUE" button (left side of page) to donate via Credit/Debit Card without joining. Your credit card information will NOT be retained on PayPal or this site. 
 PetAbuse.com
North Carolina Pit Bull Rescue spay/neuter assistance | Orange County | | (919) 304-2337 | Wake, Durham, Orange, Person or Caswell County | | (919) 870-1660 |
 Dog Licenses available at Animal Control on Kirksey Drive below Friends For Animals Adoption Center / Shelter. $4 and proof of rabies vaccination (the number) is the only thing required.
Annual pet tax: (pay to Sheriff's Dept / Animal Control) $10 for fertile pet and $4 for spayed or neutered. Five or more dogs in a kennel (confined in an
enclosure) are $5 each for the first five ($25) and $1 each additional.
The worst sin towards our fellow creatures
is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That's the essence of inhumanity."
- George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)
Warning Signs That Your Child’s Behavior Is Dangerous To PetsChildren are naturally interested in interacting with—and getting a reaction from—the family pet. It’s not uncommon for them to hide food, play a little too rough, play dress up with the pet or put makeup and hair products on her. In these situations, parental guidance is needed, as a pet may feel uncomfortable or suffer harm if dangerous substances are ingested. More serious, however, is when a child intends to hurt an animal. Whether the cause is peer pressure or a cry for help, true malicious animal cruelty is not a behavior that children outgrow by themselves. Professional intervention may be needed to prevent behavior problems that can stay with a child into adulthood, and even be acted out on other human beings. The following behaviors may indicate that intervention is needed to guide your child away from cruel behaviors toward animals: - Chasing a fleeing pet
- Locking a pet in a closet
- Leaving a pet outdoors
- Knowingly or unknowingly feeding a pet harmful human foods.
- Feeding human medications that are dangerous to pets to see what effect the pills will have
- Placing a tight rubber band around a paw
- Painting a pet’s body
- Putting a small animal in a washing machine, microwave or other appliance
- Staging fights between dogs or letting one animal chase another
- Deriving pleasure from seeing a frightened or suffering pet
- Responding to adult reprimands by engaging in secretive, hostile acts toward the pet
- Burning an animal
- Teasing an animal with firecrackers
- Repeatedly showing off the inhumane handling of a pet to others
- Putting an animal in dangerous situations, such as dangling her outside a window or bringing her into the road
Taking ActionIf you discover your child repeatedly putting an animal into dangerous situations, act swiftly to teach him that these behaviors are not acceptable. The following guidelines may help: - Do not ignore or dismiss pet-unfriendly actions. Most children, when dealt with as though they’ve committed a serious offense, will think twice before repeating the behavior.
- Use the same serious tone of voice that you would use if you saw your child running across the street without stopping to look for oncoming traffic.
- A simple, clear statement such as, “We don’t hurt animals” is far more effective than lecturing.
- If your child persists in hitting, kicking, pinching or teasing your pet in spite of your repeated corrections, consult with your pediatrician or an expert in child development.
- You set the example. Never hit, shake, jerk or yell at your family pet—your child may imitate you and go too far.
- If you overreact in anger toward your pet, show your child that it’s all right to apologize to the pet, just as you would apologize to a person.
- If your teenager involves the family dog in high-risk activities such as dog fighting, not only should you intervene, but check in to see if your child is being influenced by alcohol, drugs, gambling or other unhealthy behaviors that involve peer pressure.
- Remember that for most children, learning empathy and respect toward animals is part of the normal socialization process. These values are instilled the same way as learning not to hit friends or tease mercilessly.
*PLEASE NOTE: When you make a donation, you will be redirected to the Paypal site. If you are not a member of Paypal, just click on the "CONTINUE" button (left side of page) to donate via Credit/Debit Card without joining. Your credit card information will NOT be retained on PayPal or this site. | SITE MAP:
Animal Ordinances Home About Us Director's News Cruelty Investigator How You Can Help Upcoming Events Calendar In Memory Hope Fund Lost A Pet/ Found A Pet Cell Dogs (trained dogs) Adoptable Cats Adoptable Dogs Message Board Animal Control Animal Control Shelter 2010 Board Of Directors Driving Directions Shelia Cloud (Foster Parent Coordinator) (Foster Parent Application Form) Dee Schaller ( Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary of Board of Directors) (Volunteer Application Form) Joan Murley (Membership) (Membership Form) BCFFA Humane Society Employment Application Bylaws Crime Stoppers Judy (Receipts) Contact Us
Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Animal Abusers are Criminals! (Click here for North Carolina Cruelty laws.) PLEASE help us save the innocent. 
ANIMAL NEGLECT AND/OR CRUELTY COMPLAINTS: (your identity kept private)
Animal Control: (828)- 584-2627
Email: bcffa2@bellsouth.net
Anyone with information about criminal offenses against animals which have occurred within Burke County's jurisdiction should contact CID at (828) 438-5506. You may also e-mail any pertinent information to the attention of CID. Crimestoppers is prepared to receive your information twenty-four hours a day at (828) 437-3333. You could be eligible for a cash reward, and you do not have to submit your name.  ANIMALS ARE AT OUR MERCY... Can you help us STOP THE HEARTACHE AND SUFFERING? ED DAVIS Photo by Sharon Coley 
We'll see you later, Ed.| | | | | We are all very sad to tell you that Edward Davis, 59, of Pete Brittain Road, Morganton, passed away Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Details here |
Complete Proposed Burke County Animal Ordinance AND Current Animal Ordinance here:As Cruelty Investigator, Ed Davis (above) has made a huge impact on the number of animals saved from acts of animal cruelty, including those involved in dog fighting, puppy mill activity, and victims of unsanitary and unhealthy living conditions.
If you want to stop CHILD ABUSE , start with stopping animal abuse! There is legitimate evidence that the individuals involved in violent acts against animals present a danger to the public that must be addressed. Intentional animal abuse is often seen in association with other serious crimes including domestic violence and abuse crimes against children Animal abuse can be one of the most visible parts of an entire history of aggressive or antisocial behavior and is a red flag that needs to be addressed.
History: Originally, the City of Morganton maintained Animal Control, but because it was largely serving the county, turned Animal Control over to Burke County. In 1997, Ed Davis approached the incoming sheriff, John McDevitt, asking how he might help make Animal Control more humane. Ed was appointed Cruelty Investigator and was instrumental in getting the gas chamber destroyed (used to euthanize homeless animals). He continues to work in conjunction with Animal Control and the Sheriff’s Office to investigate all suspected legitimate issues of animal cruelty.
Friends for Animals has taken a strong stance on the need to strengthen current laws concerning dog fighting (also called dog matching) to impose stricter penalties for those found to either own dogs forced to participate in this blood sport or for those who participate as spectators. Volunteers from Friends for Animals traveled to Washington, DC in July, 2008 to participate in a national effort culminating in an opportunity to meet with legislative animal issues staff and ending with a massive Capitol lawn lobby against puppy mills. Key animal welfare staffs from Senators Dole and Burr and Congressman McHenry were presented with copies of over 3,000 signatures of concerned citizens urging the legislators to strengthen dog fighting laws and supporting legislation to stop puppy mills.
Friends for Animals will continue its effort to urge legislative bodies on a county, state and federal level to strengthen laws concerning penalties for dog fighting and to support and introduce legislation stopping puppy mills and other acts of animal cruelty. The Reach of Dogfighting
DogsBite.org supports community vitality and the safety of people and pets within their community. Dog fighters and breeders of fighting dogs lie in sharp contrast to this mission. The painful results of dogfighting stretch far beyond the pit and badly injured, if not mutilated dog. The results populate our streets and city shelters with potentially dangerous pit bulls, not to mention felonious crime. For the safety of our communities, we must stamp out this bloodsport once and for all.(For facts on what is dog fighting and a puppy mill, scroll down on this page.)
Dog fighting was always a major concern of Ed Davis and the story of Phantom brought a large group of the community together when they read of the history of this courageous animal in the Morganton News Herald. For that story, please see the News Herald article below and the Power Point Presentation of Phantom by Teddi Stamey (assistant director, Friends For Animals).  
(A PowerPoint Presentation by Teddi Stamey) 
. And please remember that animals feel the pain of cold weather and hot weather. Bring your pets indoors during extreme weather conditions to prevent them from having to suffer needlessly or make sure they have a comfortable shelter with protection from heat and cold. With just a little effort on your part, an animal can enjoy a quality, happy life. Have a heart. Unchain your dog. 
According to renowned animal behavior specialist Shelby Marlo, “dogs who are forced to live their lives at the end of a chain suffer from severe psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects and they become more aggressive." | |
- If there is a lonely "backyard dog" in your neighborhood, try befriending his or her guardian. Start by politely talking to him or her about the dog's needs, such as companionship, daily portions of fresh food and water, and a weatherproof doghouse filled with straw. Many lucky dogs have had their lives changed because someone like you cared enough to intervene.
Furry Fact: Did you know... Research shows that individuals who intentionally mistreat animals are more likely to commit violent crimes towards people.
By reporting animal abuse you are helping your fellow citizens as well. You can help, donate today and get involved with Friends For Animals.
Legislative Report
: : Friday, April 17, 2009
Friends For Animals Driving Directions
Detecting Dog Cruelty / NeglectAnimal cruelty occurs when someone intentionally injures or harms an animal or when a person willfully deprives an animal of food, water or necessary medical care. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse or neglect:
* Tick or flea infestations
* Wounds on the body
* Patches of missing hair
* Extremely thin, starving animal
* Limping
* An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
* Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, and often chained in a yard
* Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed here—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
* Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
* Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners
*Dogs with collars or chains that are too tight around the neck...must be able to slip 2 fingers between neck and collar
*Animals that live in a filthy or cluttered, trashy environment February 2009 Help Pass “Davie’s Law” and Spare North Carolina’s Shelter Animals From Suffering in Gas Chambers Rep. Cary Allred has introduced House Bill 6, also known as Davie’s Law -- named after a shelter puppy that survived a euthanasia gas chamber and was later found alive in a dumpster in Davie County. This groundbreaking bill would end the use of gas chambers to euthanize shelter animals in North Carolina. Spearheaded by the North Carolina Coalition for Humane Euthanasia with assistance from American Humane, Davie’s Law would ensure that when the state’s unwanted, sick or unadoptable cats and dogs have to be euthanized, the procedure will be done only by injection of sodium pentobarbital. American Humane considers that to be the only acceptable and humane means of euthanizing animals in animal shelters. Learn more and take action now by asking your state representative to support HB 6 so that thousands of animals will be saved from needless suffering.
Help raise awareness about this important legislation --
Forward this message to a friend! | 
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Davie survived the gas chamber and was found in a dumpster. He was adopted shortly afterward.
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 Feb 4, 2009
Representative Hugh Blackwell
16 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Dear Representative Blackwell,
As a North Carolina resident and a supporter of the American Humane
Association, I urge you to support House Bill 6, known as Davie's Law.
Introduced by Rep. Cary Allred, HB 6 would eliminate the use of gas
chambers as a method for euthanizing shelter animals by Jan. 1, 2011.
The bill would ensure that North Carolina's unwanted, sick or
unadoptable cats and dogs are humanely euthanized by injection instead.
American Humane considers euthanasia by injection of sodium
pentobarbital to be the only acceptable and humane means of euthanasia
for animals in animal shelters. Currently, 32 shelters in North Carolina
use gas as a means of euthanizing their animals. Should the bill pass,
American Humane is prepared to support these shelters through their
transition to euthanasia by injection.
Please support this important bill.
Please support HB 6 and put an end to gas chambers for shelter animals
in North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shelia Carlisle
___
Thanks for your email, Mrs. Carlisle. I have already begun the process
of review of the proposed legislation. As a pet owner of many years, I
certainly want to see only humane methods used. I have already
discussed this legislation with one vet and with Burke County to get
their input. Please don't hesitate to contact me further as the matter
begins through committee and the legislative process.
Hugh
Rep. Hugh Blackwell
Burke County Representative (NC House District 86)
Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net
(919) 733-5805
Please Support Bill HR6 Davies Law that will give all animals the right to humane euthansia and ban the gas chambers at Shelters. Thank you Marie McClure Rutherford College NC Burke County ___ From Grace Rogers (Rep. Lewis)" <Lewisla@ncleg.net>
To: "Marie McClure" <mariemcclure@embarqmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 1:49:58 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: RE: SUPPORT HR6
Thank you for writing on this matter. I support humane measures for euthanizing shelter animals and will work with Rep. Allred on this Bill. I wish we could develop a system to bring about more responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of animals falling into this category. Again, thank you for writing. Please contact me whenever I can be of assistance. David Representative David Lewis
House District 53 (Harnett)
LOB Room 533
919-715-3015 ___ Rep Blackwell Here is an email I received from Rep. Lewis on HR6 Davies Law. Please consider your vote when it comes before you. Thank you ___ From: "Rep. Hugh Blackwell" <Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net>
To: "Marie McClure" <mariemcclure@embarqmail.com>
Cc: "Joan Adams (Rep. Blackwell)" <Blackwellla@ncleg.net>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 10:52:15 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: RE: SUPPORT HR6
Dear Marie: Thank you for your email regarding HB 6. I apologize for not having responded earlier but want to at least report to you where we are on this bill at this point. On February 12 the bill was referred to the House Agriculture Committee which has not yet acted on it according to our website. I'm asking my legislative assistant to inquire of the committee as to the bill's status there and if it may been scheduled for hearing anytime soon. If it is heard and approved in that committee, it will then go to our Judiciary Committee II of which I am a member. Based on my initial review of the bill, I hope to be able to support it if it comes to my committee or to the House floor for a vote. I'm sure you understand the importance of my reviewing not just the title or stated intent but the details as well. I know you know the old saying that the devil is in the details. However, the only detail that I'm presently aware of that may be an issue with me is the manner of dealing with rabid or clearly dangerous animals. For example, as I think you and I discussed earlier, the former head of state veterinarians who lives in Burke County has contacted me with concern on that point. I'd like to think we could find a solution on this point on which all could agree. Please don't hesitate to contact me again on this or any other concern. I'm sure you also have concerns, for example, with the bills introduced on penning wild animals, tethering and puppy mills. On all these I hope to work for results that move the humane treatment of animals forward while reserving the rights of responsible pet and animal owners and safeguarding those who deal with animal control and shelter issues. You may want to check with me as our session here in Raleigh moves forward. I can then give you an update on the bills' status and whether I've reached any further conclusions on HB 6 itself. Again, thank you for helping me as your representative by continuing to make me aware of your opinions on this bill and others. Give my regards to Gary. Sincerely, Hugh
The newest version below of H27, which we never supported in the first place, depends on discretion of the technician (shelter staff) to gas animala, as long as the new rules from the Department of Agriculture are followed. It does not in any way eliminate gassing of cats and dogs. Why do we need a law to leave it up to employee discretion? This revised bill does not appear to prevent the gassing of any animals other than the ones already covered under the Ag rules (under 16 weeks, pregnant and near death). Those rules are already in effect. H27 doesn't seem to save one single animal from dying in a gas chamber, and does not protect employees from hazardous carbon monoxide exposure. This is a slap in the face for all NC citizens who want humane treatment for the animals. It's our tax money, and we should not be forced to fund animal cruelty. If H27 passes, we may never get an actual ban. Animals and staff will continue to suffer. Legislators may believe that this is a compromise version, but it is certainly not.
UPDATE MAY 14, 2009 : H27 (banning gas chamber killings of animals) was voted down 7 to 5 today and is now dead. Unfortunately in the process it also killed Davie's Law for this legislative session. 17 counties in our state have changed from gas chambers to EBI since 2001, as a result of all of the humane community working together in NC, and the support of the national organizations. Several counties are preparing to stop gassing soon, and the work continues to end this horrific killing over the state. We need to keep trying for Davie's Law H6 IN 2010 ! Latest draft of HOUSE BILL 27 4/9/09 1:52 PM Short Title: Regulate Euthanasia of Animals. A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REGULATE THE EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS IN ANIMAL SHELTERS. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. G.S. 19A-23(9) is repealed. SECTION 2. G.S. 19A-24(5) reads as rewritten: "§ 19A-24. Powers of Board of Agriculture. The Board of Agriculture shall: (5) Adopt rules on the euthanasia of animals in the possession, (blackline "or")custody, or control of any person required to obtain a certificate of registration under this Article. G.S. 19A-26. An animal shall be put to death only by a method and delivery of method approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, consistent with the rules made by the Board of Agriculture pursuant to G.S. 19A-24 (5), and limited by G.S. 19A-26.1. , the Humane Society of the United States, or the American Humane Association. (Blackline this sentence: "The Department shall establish rules for the euthanasia process using any one or combination of methods and standards prescribed by the three aforementioned organizations. ") The rules shall address the equipment, the process, and the separation of animals, in addition to the animals' age and condition. If the gas method of euthanasia is approved, rules shall require (i) that only commercially compressed manufactured carbon monoxide gas is approved for use, and (ii) that the gas must be delivered in a commercially manufactured chamber that allows for the individual separation of animals. Rules shall also mandate training for any person who participates in the euthanasia process." SECTION 3. Article 3 of Chapter 19A of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read: "§ 19A-26.1. Euthanasia of shelter animals. General Assembly of North Carolina Session 2009 Page 2 House Bill 27* H27-CSRK-2 [v.10] (a) Euthanasia of an animal in the possession, custody, or control of an animal shelter shall be accomplished only by a licensed veterinarian or a Certified Euthanasia Technician and only by (1) administering a lethal dose of sodium pentobarbital, or the equivalent of sodium pentobarbital, as approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association and consistent with the rules made by the Board of Agriculture pursuant to G. S. 19A-24(5), by a method of intravenous or intraperitoneal injection that results in rapid unconsciousness and immediate death; or (2) by the use of carbon monoxide gas as approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, consistent with American Veterinary Medical Association procedures, and in accordance with rules made by the Board of Agriculture pursuant to G. S. 19A 24 (5). Subject to the guidelines for euthanasia approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the rules made by the Board of Agriculture that prohibit in specific instances the use of carbon monoxide gas to euthanize an animal, the licensed veterinarian or Certified Euthanasia Technician shall, in his or her discretion, determine which of the above methods of euthanasia shall be used on each animal. The animal shelter shall keep a log identifying for each animal the method of euthanasia, licensed veterinarian' s or Certified Euthanasia Technician's reason for choice of method of euthanasia, and name of licensed veterinarian or Certified Euthanasia Technician making the choice of method of euthanasia. SECTION 4. G.S. 130A-192 reads as rewritten: "§ 130A-192. Dogs and cats not wearing required rabies vaccination tags. The Animal Control Officer shall canvass the county to determine if there are any dogs or cats not wearing the required rabies vaccination tag. If a dog or cat is found not wearing the required tag, the Animal Control Officer shall check to see if the owner's identification can be found on the animal. If the animal is wearing an owner identification tag, or if the Animal Control Officer otherwise knows who the owner is, the Animal Control Officer shall notify the owner in writing to have the animal vaccinated against rabies and to produce the required rabies vaccination certificate to the Animal Control Officer within three days of the notification. If the animal is not wearing an owner identification tag and the Animal Control Officer does not otherwise know who the owner is, the Animal Control Officer may impound the animal. The duration of the impoundment of these animals shall be established by the county board of commissioners, but the duration shall not be less than 72 hours. During the impoundment period, the Animal Control Officer shall make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of the animal. If the animal is not reclaimed by its owner during the impoundment period, the animal shall be disposed of in one of the following preferred sequence manners: General Assembly of North Carolina Session 2009Page 3 House Bill 27* H27-CSRK-2 (v.10) (1) Returned to the owner; (2) Adopted as a pet by a new owner; (3) Sold to institutions within this State registered by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Federal Animal Welfare Act, as amended; or (4) Put to death by a method and delivery of method (blackline "procedure") approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (blackline "the Humane Society of the United States or the American Humane Association"), consistent with the rules made by the Board of Agriculture pursuant to G. S. 19A-24(5), and limited by G.S.19A-26.1. The Animal Control Officer shall maintain a record of all animals impounded under this section which shall include the date of impoundment, the length of impoundment, the method of disposal of the animal, and the name of the person or institution to whom any animal has been released. SECTION 5. This act becomes effective October 1, 2010. Contrary to rumor, this bill does not eliminate homemade gas chambers. The new rules from the NC Board of Agriculture, in effect since March 23, 2009, already require commercially manufactured chambers. No animal is saved from the gas chamber under this bill. Please tell committee members to OPPOSE House Bill 27. Don't let NC put a rubber stamp on animal cruelty. This is a new committee assignment, so even if you have written before, please contact the legislators below. You can even call at night and this weekend to leave voicemail. For more information visit House Judiciary II Committee | | Rep. Glazier 919-733-5601 Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net Attorney, Cumberland | | | Email all committee members at once: Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net, Jimmy.Love@ncleg.net, Jennifer.Weiss@ncleg.net, Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net, Alice.Bordsen@ncleg.net, Justin.Burr@ncleg.net, Jim.Crawford@ncleg.net, Dale.Folwell@ncleg.net, .Hurley@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net, Earl.Jones@ncleg.net, Tim.Moore@ncleg.net, Earline.Parmon@ncleg.net, Johnathan.Rhyne@ncleg.net, Dan.Blue@ncleg.net, Tim.Spear@ncleg.net |
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DO THEY NOT SUFFER? DO YOU CARE?
Can you master both ends of the leash ? 
Dog fighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dogfights end when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. Do the animals suffer? You bet! The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. They are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements. Are there other concerns? Yes. Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal blood" sport." Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and a lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling is the norm at dogfights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dogfights because of the large amounts of cash present. And dog fighting has been connected to other kinds of violence—even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dogfights. Why should dog fighting be a felony offense? There are several compelling reasons. Because dog fighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dogfighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dog fighting should be punished by more than a slap on the hand. Dog fighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice. Those involved in dog fighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dog fighting if it is a felony. As more states make dog fighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters. Do some states already have felony laws? Yes. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state. Should being a spectator also be a felony? Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dog fighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this "sport" alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight; they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance. What can I do to help stop dog fighting? Q. Shouldn’t we just ban pit bulls? A. Absolutely not. We should ban the people that teach them to fight and kill. 
Phantom: Friends For Animals', Ambassador of Love in Raleigh, NC We encourage you also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dog fighting and to law enforcement officials or prosecutors and judges to urge them to take the issue seriously. If you want to know what a person is really like, give them the power to do whatever they want to do. That’s what people have over their pets: absolute power over the animals in their care. What they do with their power reveals their character. The public verdict on such character traits is that they have no place in our society. And remember: Punish the DEED...NOT THE BREED!
Pit Bull dogs are wonderful companion animals if they are with a responsible owner. Many of the dogs rescued from dog fighting can be reconditioned with proper training and supervision.  Meet Grimlin, a pit bull puppy that was killed by (among 50 other puppies) because of he was seized from a convicted dog fighter and he lived in North Carolina. When pit bull dogs are seized from convicted dog fighters, the dogs are destroyed because under N.C. "dangerous animal" definitions, any dog raised or bred for dog fighting is to be euthanized....including new born puppies and nursing mothers. Critical Dog fighting Language Included in Federal Farm BillPassed President Bush signed the 2008 Federal Farm Bill into law on May 22, 2008 (PL/ 110-234) with most of the language from the Federal Dog Protection Act (HR 3327, sponsored by Rep. Elton Gallegly) and the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act (S 1800/HR 3219, sponsored by Sens. John Kerry and Barbara Boxer and Rep. Betty Sutton, respectively). The 2008 Farm Bill now makes it a federal offense subject to five years’ imprisonment to sponsor or train dogs for dog fighting, use the U.S. Postal Service to mail dog fighting paraphernalia, or otherwise promote dogfights. These provisions create an even stronger means of addressing our nation’s dog fighting crisis than 2007’s enactment of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. It is our hope that the nation’s dog fighting laws will continue to be strengthened in the years to come. NewsOctober 11, 2009, 11:43PM MT By Katie Bray, Best Friends Network Volunteer US Supreme Court Considers Whether Dogfighting Videos are Protected by the First Amendment The United States Supreme Court Weighs Dogfighting Videos Against the First Amendment
An elderly, slouching, frail man shuffled through the great marble halls of the United States Supreme Court last Tuesday, October 6, 2009. He graciously held the door open for ladies walking in the courtroom and sat down on a wooden bench. He sat among a select few interested parties with reserved seating in the prestigious courtroom, while hundreds waited outside for the opportunity to have that same seat.
What are puppy mills? Prisoners of Greed Hundreds of thousands of dogs suffer in puppy mills in this country. The dogs are prisoners of greed. They are locked in small cages. They freeze in the winter and swelter in the summer. The dogs never get out of their prisons. They are bred over and over again until they die. The only way to free them from the misery of these horrid puppy mills is to eliminate the demand for puppies by refusing to buy a puppy in a pet store and boycotting those pet stores that sell puppies. When people stop buying puppies in pet stores, the puppy mills will go out of business and the misery will end. The state and federal governments do not enforce the laws to protect the dogs. The commercial breeders and brokers have huge well-funded lobbying efforts. Please join this fight to free the prisoners of greed. The only person who is going to make a difference for the dogs suffering in puppy mills is you. What does it take to stop puppy mills? 
TOGETHER, we can free helpless animals from their prisons. Contact your representatives and ask them to vote for stricter laws about how animals are treated and the conditions in which they are kept!  
 The paws of these animals never touch the ground. They live their whole lives in cages until they are no longer able to produce profitable "livestock" for their owners to sell to pet stores.  | A Crash Course
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To learn what to expect and how to properly care for a puppy mill rescue dog:Download the Puppy Mill Rehabilitation GuideN.C. SENATE BILL 1172 Tips for Reporting Internet Animal AbuseThe Internet can be a powerful medium for connecting us to information to combat animal cruelty, but it also can be a haven for animal abusers who celebrate and actively advertise their shocking crimes. The best way to stop this type of abuse is to immediately report it to the proper authorities and to refrain from contacting, visiting or forwarding links to the offending sites. Why is it important to report suspected Internet animal cruelty?Reporting any type of suspected animal cruelty may save animals’ lives as well as people’s lives. When animals are abused, people are also at risk. Animal abuse and other forms of societal violence is well-documented to be linked. That is why it is critical to immediately report conduct on the Internet that you suspect may be -- or that you know is -- animal abuse. If I see animal cruelty on the Internet, what should I do? - Immediately contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, at http://www.ic3.gov/. The website will direct you to the page where you can file your complaint. At first glance, it may appear that the website will only consider complaints of Internet monetary fraud. However, IC3 is the proper venue for all Internet crimes, including animal abuse.
- IC3 can best process your complaint if the information you provide is as detailed and complete as possible. This includes providing the complete URL (website address) for the website that displayed the suspected animal cruelty.
- Even if you are located outside the United States, IC3 will review your report as long as the suspected abuser is located in the United States.
What happens after I file a report with the IC3? - IC3 will email your report ID and password to you, along with a link to an area on the IC3 website where you can view your report and enter any additional information.
- Upon receipt of your report, IC3 will carefully evaluate it and refer it to the appropriate federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies. Every report that is referred is sent to one or more law enforcement or regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction over the matter. At that point, the report may be assigned to an investigator. IC3 cannot guarantee that your complaint will be investigated.
What else can I do? - Because abusive content often violates the user agreement that the creator of the website has signed with the Internet Service Provider (ISP), notifying the ISP about the abusive content may result in the website being removed from the Internet.
- To make a report to the ISP, you need to determine who hosts the website. To do that, go to http://www.domaintools.com/, enter the website URL in the “Whois Lookup” search box and click on the search button. Scroll down the results page until you find the numerical Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to the website. Then go to http://www.arin.net/ (American Registry for Internet Numbers) and enter that IP address in the “Search WHOIS” box and click on the search button. The search results page will provide information about the ISP that hosts the website. The page also might display information about how to report abuse. If it does not, go to www.search.org/programs/hightech/isp and find the complete contact information for the ISP on the list. All of this information should also be included in your FBI complaint form, where possible.
- If you believe an animal is in immediate harm, and if the location is known, contact local police and your local FBI branch office as soon as possible. To locate your local FBI branch, visit http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm.
How does the law currently handle Internet animal cruelty?Because communications through the Internet have the ability to cross state lines, the Internet is largely governed by federal law. Improving the federal laws as they pertain to Internet animal abuse is critical. Currently, only a few federal laws address the issue directly: - The Crush Act (P.L.106-152) penalizes the display of acts of cruelty and sexual abuse of animals that is intended for interstate commerce. If convicted, offenders may receive up to five years in prison or a large fine. Two criteria must be met before this statute applies: 1) actual abuse must occur and 2) the website in question must intend to sell the images across state lines. In other words, a website may legally display images of animal cruelty and sexual abuse under this law as long as it is not charging visitors for access or otherwise selling the images. In 2005, the first conviction under this statute occurred in a federal district court in Virginia.
- The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (P.L. 110-27) strengthens the ability of law enforcement to combat animal fighting by providing felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export related to animal fighting activities, including commerce in cockfighting weapons. Each violation of this federal law is punishable by up to three years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for perpetrators.
- Internet Hunting: The Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting Act (H.R. 2711/S. 2422) is a pending federal bill introduced by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). It seeks to prohibit knowingly making available a “computer-assisted remote hunt” (using a computer or other device, equipment or software to control the aiming and discharge of a weapon to hunt).
 Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. ~Sri Aurobindo
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