Minutes  DAW Meeting 11-06-05

1. Presentation by Mollie Hogan, Director of Wildworks -- Mollie introduced her rehabilitation work in Topanga to the group, presenting three different animals that have been rescued & rehabilitated: (1) a kestral (2) a red-tailed hawk (3) a serval, an African cat.

2. Charlotte Laws & George Shea brought the group up to date regarding the events of  Oct 12, 2005 in which Torrance Animal Control visited the home of Red Enright & euthanized 220 pigeons on the premises. Charlotte helped obtain the services of a top flight lawyer to represent Mr. Enright at an arraignment scheduled for Nov. 15.  George read a statement from rehabilitation specialist Mary Cummins in which she came out strongly for intervention and counseling as opposed to the massive killings produced by Torrance Animal Control.  The hope was expressed that the DAWS program could begin to set up relationships with various animal control organizations, also with the BHLE to keep a massive loss of life, such as this, from occurring again. Rich Mc Lellan made point that it would be very important to "see" "5150" report of action taken by Torrance Animal Control on 10-12-05.

The, now superseded original arraignment date was originally Tue. 11/15/05. This date was continued to Tue. 12/13/05, which in turn, has now been continued to Tue. 01/17/06.

3. Sharon Brewer presented about the difficulties at Lake Balboa relative to ducks & other wildlife there. She explained about problems with parks & recreation officers and their failure to keep visitors from feeding the wildlife, etc. It was suggested that she get her council, as well as the nearby councils, to pass a measure.

4. Charlotte Laws gave a presentation on the prospects for No-Kill policy in LA Animal shelters as well as prospects for Guerdon Stuckey's being replaced as the General manager of Animal Services. Reference was made to Annette Stark's article in LA City Beat also to recent syndicated column on the situation by Charlotte Laws.

Members discussed best means for getting Mayor Villiagarosa to keep campaign pledge & replace Gordon Stuckey. DAWS could send one letter signed by members or various DAWS members could send single individual letters.

5. Discussion of No Kill / Stuckey and other relevant issues. DAWS may bring to neighborhood councils or city council.

6. Members were encouraged to volunteer for Best Friends event weekend of Nov. 12-13.

7. Dr. Rich Mc Lellan distributed copies of sample letter/questionnaire he is planning to distribute to Silver Lake Residents/Stakeholders. Mc Lellan stressed the importance of involving residents and NC members with "positive" as well as "negative" animal-related issues, presenting DAW program as genuine resource to community. Rich also presented re available mediation resources available to LA residents to resolve neighborhood disputes, such as MLK Dispute Resolution Center,  distributed "Mediation Fact Sheet."

8. Lezle Stein presented her role with Hermon Dog Park and fairs as well as her work w Sam Simon spay and neuter program.

9. Jackie de Haviland expressed gratitude by Morgan Schaub for financial and other support provided by DAW members to help her with boarding her dog during period of relocation.

10. Cindy Balaban of Feral Guardian presented on her organization's trap, neuter, release program.

11. Rich Mc Lellan, Scott Sorrentino, Ron Merkin Charlotte Laws participated with others in discussion of how to achieve progress within NC's.  Particularly stressed was the importance of attending meetings regularly, getting to know various NC members, becoming part of a committee and helping out with non-animal-related problems and issues.

12. There was some discussion regarding the Emergency Fund for Animals and how to apply for funding. Charlotte Laws explained that Prudential Realty has fund for non-profits and may give up to $2500. Elizabeth Wittelsbach introduced self to group, explained that she has contacts with many donors to animal causes and can be effective raising serious sums of money on short notice.

13. Missy Woodward introduced herself and spoke about her journalistic skills on behalf of AR causes, etc. She also told of her activities in opposition to breeding mills, etc.

14. Carol Scott consulted w the group regarding feral cats in the area of Van Nuys Blvd & the Freeway. She expressed concern "security" personnel would remove cats from scene.

15. Eddie Magher showed online version of official DAW seal he has designed for use on business cards, stationery, etc.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be on December 4, 6pm.