As we face 2013 at Our Place to Paws (which is really just the home office of the site's founder, Faye Rapoport DesPres), we wanted to wish everyone who checks in on the site or the blog Happy Holidays, and good wishes for the coming year.
Our original purpose in creating Our Place to Paws was to
publish photography, articles, and information related to both pets and
wildlife, and to nurture a community of online animal lovers. Since the early days of the website, however, the Internet has exploded with content, including many sites dedicated to animals. Most of these sites have more funding, more access to content and technology, and more staff available to keep them going. They also have advertising, something Our Place to Paws failed to attract because the humble founder never had the sales personality necessary to ask anyone for any :-).
After the initial three years, as demand for continuously
changing content and updated technology such as RSS feeds, flash content, and e-commerce increased, we simply didn't have the
funding or following to update the site on a regular
basis. But we hope you enjoy what's there, and if there's interest,
we'll update the site now and then if we can, and will at least keep the blog alive.
Our Place to Paws does have an active Facebook group with quite a few dedicated followers. So if you love animals and enjoy what you found on the site, join us on Facebook!
May 2013 be peaceful, healthy, and happy for all.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
ALLEY CAT ALLIES MOBILIZES AS ‘BOARDWALK CATS’ RETURN TO COLONIES FOLLOWING HURRICANE SANDY
Disaster Response Team on the ground to assess and re-build shelters; help locals connect to resources
BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today said longtime feral cat residents of Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk are returning to their colony ahead of schedule, seemingly healthy and unfazed despite the damage to their home.
“We prepared prior to Sandy’s landfall, but we also knew from experience that these resourceful cats would instinctively head for higher ground and protect themselves,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “More than half of the colony has already returned—we anticipated it might take a few days longer, but the cats were clearly ready to get back to their routine!”
With the cooperation of public officials in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies responded to Sandy’s devastation by sending a Disaster Response Team to assess the damage, rebuild the cat shelters and feeding stations, and help residents and feral cat caregivers connect to veterinary and other needed services. The team spent the last 24 hours in Atlantic City and plans to be on the ground for the next several days.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project is one of the oldest Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the country, launched in 2000 with the support of city officials and local businesses. Today, this model TNR program is a popular tourist attraction. Volunteers monitor the health and feeding schedule of the cats on a regular basis, and make sure the population remains stabilized.
Robinson said in addition to assisting in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies is taking calls from across the eastern seaboard from feral cat caregivers asking for help. People needing assistance should email info@alleycat.org or call 240-482-1980 ext. 330. Alley Cat Allies is also coordinating volunteers via the same email address, and will work to get them where they are needed most to return feral cat colonies and caregivers to normalcy throughout the affected region.
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their website is www.alleycat.org.
BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today said longtime feral cat residents of Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk are returning to their colony ahead of schedule, seemingly healthy and unfazed despite the damage to their home.
“We prepared prior to Sandy’s landfall, but we also knew from experience that these resourceful cats would instinctively head for higher ground and protect themselves,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “More than half of the colony has already returned—we anticipated it might take a few days longer, but the cats were clearly ready to get back to their routine!”
With the cooperation of public officials in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies responded to Sandy’s devastation by sending a Disaster Response Team to assess the damage, rebuild the cat shelters and feeding stations, and help residents and feral cat caregivers connect to veterinary and other needed services. The team spent the last 24 hours in Atlantic City and plans to be on the ground for the next several days.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project is one of the oldest Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the country, launched in 2000 with the support of city officials and local businesses. Today, this model TNR program is a popular tourist attraction. Volunteers monitor the health and feeding schedule of the cats on a regular basis, and make sure the population remains stabilized.
Robinson said in addition to assisting in Atlantic City, Alley Cat Allies is taking calls from across the eastern seaboard from feral cat caregivers asking for help. People needing assistance should email info@alleycat.org or call 240-482-1980 ext. 330. Alley Cat Allies is also coordinating volunteers via the same email address, and will work to get them where they are needed most to return feral cat colonies and caregivers to normalcy throughout the affected region.
# # #
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their website is www.alleycat.org.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Born Free USA’s New
Website Safe Trails Educates Public on Serious Dangers of Wildlife Traps
and Keeping Pets Safe
Idaho and six other states targeted
for much-needed reform
Born Free USA, a leader in animal welfare
and wildlife conservation, has launched a new website at www.bornfreeusa.org/safetrails
in order to educate and warn the public -- especially outdoor enthusiasts --
about the dangers of hidden wildlife traps and how to keep their pets and family
members safe.
The new Safe Trails site
contains information about the dangers of traps to companion animals and what
people can do in emergencies, including how to release dogs from all types of traps.
The site also
highlights regulatory safeguards that could go far in protecting the public,
pets and wildlife from injury, and focuses on seven of the worst
states when it comes to trapping regulations that have the greatest impact on
animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and public safety: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
According to
Adam Roberts, Executive Vice President of Born Free USA, “Each year thousands of
non-targeted animals, including domestic animals and protected wildlife species,
are caught in traps throughout the U.S. We developed this site to help hikers,
campers, and others enjoying the outdoors, learn about trapping and what can be
done to keep everyone, including animals and children, safe from the dangers of
these contraptions. The barbaric trapping industry has changed little since the
1600s. We do not want to see another person or pet become a victim.”
While many states
allow the use of body crushing traps and snares on private and public land, Idaho continues to
stand out among the worst states for failing to require that traps be checked at
least once daily. In Idaho, traps need only be checked once every three days/72
hours. Trappers also catch non-target animals including endangered species,
cats, and dogs. These animals have a better chance of survival if traps are
checked at least once every 24 hours.
In addition,
Idaho has no size restriction on Conibear kill traps. Like other body-gripping
traps, Conibears are notoriously indiscriminate and pose a hazard to non-target
species. Large-sized Conibears are particularly dangerous. Twenty states limit
the size of Conibear trap on land to six inches or less or prohibit the use of
Conibear traps on land all together.
Like the
majority of states, Idaho trappers are not required to post any warning signage
that would alert the public to stay away from set traps. The Idaho Department of
Fish and Game encourages trappers to use a warning sign produced by the Idaho
Trappers Association but does not require it.
Roberts says,
“A majority of people surely visit Idaho public lands to observe wildlife, hike,
walk their dogs, and enjoy nature. Most people would agree that Idaho public
lands should protect wildlife and wildlife habitat and provide a safe
opportunity to enjoy it. But many are unaware that traps might be present where
they recreate. It is a recipe for disaster, and we hope that if this brutal industry
continues to exist, that we can at least inform people, even if it means
teaching them how to attempt to free their companion animal (or child) should
they fall victim to a body-crushing trap. No one should ever have to face that
horror.”
Wildlife
traps are not only found in the deep wilderness, but also near hiking trails, in
national wildlife refuges, on public and private lands where children play and
dogs are walked, and even in urban areas. They are indiscriminate and can
inflict serious injury – or death -- to any animal or person who is caught.
Born Free USA
works to expose and address the dangers and cruelty of trapping by educating the
public; encouraging legislators and policymakers to enact stronger laws;
ensuring state agencies are enforcing existing protections; and championing
humane alternatives of mitigating conflicts with wildlife. Born Free USA
maintains an online database of reported incidents of
non-targeted animals by state.
Born Free
USA is a nationally
recognized leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through
litigation, legislation and public education, Born Free USA leads vital
campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and
the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to the United
States the message of “compassionate conservation” — the vision of the United
Kingdom-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and
Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film “Born Free,” along with their son
Will Travers, now chief executive officer of both organizations. Born Free’s
mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened
and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation
globally.
More at www.bornfreeusa.org; on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bornfreeusa; and
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BornFreeUSA.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
ALLEY CAT ALLIES SURVEYS ALABAMA VETERINARIANS ON SUPPORT OF SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC MEASURE
One-third of Respondents Oppose the Proposed Rules by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today reported on answers from a poll of Alabama’s veterinary clinics regarding their support of nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in the state.
The results come just one day before the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is set to vote on a set of rules that would make the state’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics illegal.
“These nonprofit veterinary clinics provide thousands of low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter surgeries to pets of low-income families and animal rescue groups. Closing these clinics would be a disaster for Alabama,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies.
“The poll results show that there are a number of veterinarians who understand that these clinics are essential in the uphill battle of saving animals’ lives,” said Robinson. “Now we want the people of Alabama to be informed consumers and know whether or not their veterinarian supports low-cost spay/neuter.”
While one-third of respondents oppose the measure and support the nonprofit clinics, just under one-third support the measure, some claiming business competition from nonprofit clinics as their reason. However, Alley Cat Allies’ nonprofit clinic contacts say they provide surgeries for underserved populations who can’t afford it, including low-income families and grassroots animal rescue and feral cat groups.
More troubling, the poll results reveal that many clinics refused to take a stand on the issue: one-third of respondents gave no comment, and the majority of clinics failed to respond to our repeated calls.
On our website, www.SaveAlabamaSpayNeuter.com citizens can find their veterinarian’s response. Citizens are encouraged to call to thank them for opposing the state board’s measure or to ask them to take a stand in support of low-cost spay/neuter for Alabama’s animals.
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.
BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today reported on answers from a poll of Alabama’s veterinary clinics regarding their support of nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in the state.
The results come just one day before the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is set to vote on a set of rules that would make the state’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics illegal.
“These nonprofit veterinary clinics provide thousands of low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter surgeries to pets of low-income families and animal rescue groups. Closing these clinics would be a disaster for Alabama,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies.
“The poll results show that there are a number of veterinarians who understand that these clinics are essential in the uphill battle of saving animals’ lives,” said Robinson. “Now we want the people of Alabama to be informed consumers and know whether or not their veterinarian supports low-cost spay/neuter.”
While one-third of respondents oppose the measure and support the nonprofit clinics, just under one-third support the measure, some claiming business competition from nonprofit clinics as their reason. However, Alley Cat Allies’ nonprofit clinic contacts say they provide surgeries for underserved populations who can’t afford it, including low-income families and grassroots animal rescue and feral cat groups.
More troubling, the poll results reveal that many clinics refused to take a stand on the issue: one-third of respondents gave no comment, and the majority of clinics failed to respond to our repeated calls.
On our website, www.SaveAlabamaSpayNeuter.com citizens can find their veterinarian’s response. Citizens are encouraged to call to thank them for opposing the state board’s measure or to ask them to take a stand in support of low-cost spay/neuter for Alabama’s animals.
# # #
About Alley Cat AlliesAlley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly a half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Humane Society Providing Hurricane Isaac Updates
The Humane Society of the United States is providing ongoing information
on Hurricane Isaac pets and rescue. On Twitter follow @HumaneSociety
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
OCTOBER 16 IS NATIONAL FERAL CAT DAY®
Alley Cat Allies marks 12th year of annual event with calls for positive, sustainable change
BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, is counting down the days until the 12th annual National Feral Cat Day® (October 16) by urging advocates around the country to start planning now for events and programs that raise awareness about feral cat care, Trap-Neuter-Return and the need for positive, sustainable change for all cats in communities large and small.
“Since Alley Cat Allies started National Feral Cat Day® 12 years ago, we have celebrated the increasing number of communities that have adopted humane and effective programs for cats,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We are encouraged by the success we have witnessed and thank our supporters as we continue to grow this movement nationwide.”
Robinson noted that National Feral Cat Day® is not just a single day, but an opportunity for supporters to rally for longer-term change with programs that make a difference in the lives of cats and best address their communities’ needs: starting a TNR program; holding ongoing educational workshops; expanding low-cost spay/neuter clinics for feral cats and pet cats; or encouraging policymakers to adopt common-sense initiatives that protect and improve the lives of cats.
Alley Cat Allies will mark this year’s National Feral Cat Day® with a special webinar on Trap-Neuter-Return basics. Alley Cat Allies will also offer discounted pricing on humane traps to help supporters expand TNR programs. More information, including a full listing of event ideas and other resources, will be available at www.alleycat.org/NFCD. [NOTE TO EDITORS: This web site will be live beginning July 13.]
Alley Cat Allies launched National Feral Cat Day® in 2001 to raise awareness about stray and feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and recognize the millions of compassionate citizens who care for cats. Since then, more than 250 local nonprofit organizations have been formed to educate their communities about feral cat colonies and carry out TNR programs.
“TNR is a positive and sustainable program because it stabilizes the population while respecting the lives of cats and the needs of the communities in which they live,” said Robinson.
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 260,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.
BETHESDA, MD – Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, is counting down the days until the 12th annual National Feral Cat Day® (October 16) by urging advocates around the country to start planning now for events and programs that raise awareness about feral cat care, Trap-Neuter-Return and the need for positive, sustainable change for all cats in communities large and small.
“Since Alley Cat Allies started National Feral Cat Day® 12 years ago, we have celebrated the increasing number of communities that have adopted humane and effective programs for cats,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We are encouraged by the success we have witnessed and thank our supporters as we continue to grow this movement nationwide.”
Robinson noted that National Feral Cat Day® is not just a single day, but an opportunity for supporters to rally for longer-term change with programs that make a difference in the lives of cats and best address their communities’ needs: starting a TNR program; holding ongoing educational workshops; expanding low-cost spay/neuter clinics for feral cats and pet cats; or encouraging policymakers to adopt common-sense initiatives that protect and improve the lives of cats.
Alley Cat Allies will mark this year’s National Feral Cat Day® with a special webinar on Trap-Neuter-Return basics. Alley Cat Allies will also offer discounted pricing on humane traps to help supporters expand TNR programs. More information, including a full listing of event ideas and other resources, will be available at www.alleycat.org/NFCD. [NOTE TO EDITORS: This web site will be live beginning July 13.]
Alley Cat Allies launched National Feral Cat Day® in 2001 to raise awareness about stray and feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and recognize the millions of compassionate citizens who care for cats. Since then, more than 250 local nonprofit organizations have been formed to educate their communities about feral cat colonies and carry out TNR programs.
“TNR is a positive and sustainable program because it stabilizes the population while respecting the lives of cats and the needs of the communities in which they live,” said Robinson.
# # #
About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 260,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Great news from Massachusetts!
Today Governor Patrick of Massachusetts passed a sweeping Animal Control Law that should go a long way toward helping to get more animals neutered and spayed, and more animal control officers properly trained -- and should take steps toward protecting animals from abuse. Congratulations, Massachusetts!
Read more about the new law here.http://home.arlboston.org/2012/08/02/governor-patrick-signs-animal-control-bill-into-law/
Read more about the new law here.http://home.arlboston.org/2012/08/02/governor-patrick-signs-animal-control-bill-into-law/
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