Minutes DAW Meeting of December 4, 2005

The meeting was recorded on video by Jeff Fleiss of www.animalnews.info and by another guest.

1. LA ZOO/Elephants. Ms. Holland Van Dieren spoke in her regarding the condition of three remaining elephants at LA Zoo. Two of the elephants, Ruby and Gita are not in good health. Van Dieren spoke in favor of a plan to permanently shut down the elephant exhibit and transfer the remaining elephants one of the two elephant sanctuaries in U.S.: one in N. Calif., another in Tennessee,  where there would be adequate space for them to roam. Van Deeren explained that she used to work for Gretchen Weyler and that Weyler has put forward a plan for a special elephant preserve (named for Mayor V. here in Los Angeles, either in Griffith Park or the Santa Monica Mtns. Van Dieren feels it would be a disaster if this proposal went unopposed as it would give the Mayor a third option -- which he might choose to embrace rather than taking the course of shutting down the LA Zoo elephant exhibit altogether. Van Dieren feels there needs to be a stronger focus on part of animal activists and that it must be made clear in the form of letters, e-mails, etc. expressing support for closing the elephant exhibit permanently.

Van Diereen's position was supported by Devin Murphy from LCA who agrees that efforts must be focused on the Mayor. Report will be presented to Mayor by CAO (City Accounting Office.) 

Charlotte Laws and DAWs agree to send a letter supporting closing of elephant exhibit. It will be signed by various DAWS and sent to Mayor's office. DAWS and attendees also encouraged to send invividual letters & e-mails to Mayor's office.

Catherine Doyle arrived and spoke about the elephant issue. She talked about illnesses of two elephants at LA Zoo. She states 100 acres as minimum amount of space for the elephants

2. Kris Kelly  spoke about puppy abuse. 

3. Charlotte Laws reported on continuing effort to get Mayor V. to keep promise to fire Animal Services director Guerdon Stuckey. She stated that records suggest 400 additional animals have been killed by city shelters under Stuckey's administration than during previous year. Laws urged DAWS and others to write to Mayor's office urging removal of Stuckey. DAWs agreed to write a joint letter to send to the Mayor.

Rich Mc Lellan said he believes search is already underway for replacement for Stuckey. Humane community has not been consulted about selection process. Mc Lellan said he believed disruptive demonstrations by ADLLA "has moved this issue forward." Mc Lelland: actions of ADLLA has resulted in removal of three Animal Services general mgrs. in recent years.

Humane community has donated $40,000 to Villiagarosa's election campaign and yet remains (due to "arrogance of power") unconsulted.

Gary Baratta expressed opinion that Mayor's number one priority right now
is education and that Guerdon Stuckey situation is sideline issue for Mayor.

Charlotte Laws said that she had contacted Laura Chick regarding an independent audit of the numbers from LAAS.

5. Studio City DAW Bill La Mond presented re Chow Bella Day Care Center for dogs in Studio City and his efforts to have Chow Bella closed because of poor conditions and poor treatment of dogs by Chow Bella. La Mond reported he is considering going to LA City Council to get them to take action. Gary Baratta said Chow Bella could be put out of business and very quickly.

6. Tiffany Krog reported on substandard conditions at East Valley Shelter in
Van Nuys. She reported that 80-90 percent of dogs at shelter are Pit Bulls. She wants to crack down on dog fighting.

Rich Mc Lellan commented on Pit Bull population and need for citizens to contact city attorney's office about dog fighting. Mc Lellan reported he has hired private investigators in efforts to find out where dog fights are being held but has thus far not been successful. One result of current situation: people are now using "unsound" pit bulls (animals more likely to attack humans than other dogs) for personal protection.

Krog suggested possibility that LAPD might create special task force to specifically deal with pit bull problem.

Also discussed was need for animal birth control, spaying & neutering, etc. Krog reported she finds it outrageous that people are permitted to adopt animals from E. Valley Shelter without shelter first altering animals. This is illegal.

Rich Mc Lellan spoke of efforts to get State Legislature to enact law (last
attempt failed by one vote) to (1) identify breeders (2) microchip every animal (3) new owners are registered so that we know where every animal is and who is responsible for them (4) lost animals must be reported within 72 hours (5) all animals be vaccinated and local records be kept by every local jurisdiction. (Current vaccination rate about 30%)

Charlotte Laws reported that DVD copy of information explaining the Directors of Animal Welfare program is available to members who may choose to make them available to neighborhood councils. The video can also be accessed via the Internet.

Meeting was adjourned. Next meeting will be at Shalom Printing on Sunday,
Jan. 8, 2006.