11.19.2004

Guten abend, my friends.

Once again, it’s the end of the week, and I’m cramming to put this review together. So pardon the hodgepodge, please!

Thanks, Erica!
Our thanks to Erica Hill Pfeiffer and her husband Mark for raising funds for RMAD and the animals in the Chicago Marathon. Erica and Mark raised $112.40 from family and friends.

Thanks, New Volunteers!
RMAD’s town meetings yielded about 60 new volunteers for the organization. This diverse group is a perfect fit for the diverse opportunities within RMAD. My personal thanks to our Team Leaders and RMAD’s new volunteer services director, Lindsey Sterling, for their outstanding contributions to the meetings.

Turkey Slaughterhouse Demonstration
RMAD and others received Sunday Media coverage in the Longmont Daily Times Call for the turkey slaughterhouse protest. Congrats to Deanna Dacus and Laura Hernbloom for a great event!

Mountain View Prairie Wildlife Poisoning
As most of you know, Mountain View Cemetery, located just outside of Boulder, poisoned prairie dogs and other wildlife several days ago. Local activist Jessica Sandler alerted RMAD to the crime, and RMAD’s Jill Bielawski, Lindsey Sterling, and Chris Jones worked hard to see that the act did not go unnoticed. Indeed, the Boulder Daily Camera ran a page 3 piece on the poisoning (http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/county_news/article/0,1713,BDC_2423_3331967,00.html), as well as a subsequent letter by Jill (http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/letters_to_editor/article/0,1713,BDC_2491_3335921,00.html). Thanks to all those who worked, and continue to work, on this effort. We intend to see to it that Mountain View commits to non-lethal management approaches in the future.

Greger Rocks Boulder
RMAD’s HEALTH Project, along with CU’s PAW Group, sponsored a successful talk by the amazing Dr. Michael Greger. Thanks to Ann and everyone who helped make that happen, and thanks to Michael for being one of the movements most accessible, entertaining and informative champions.

Yet More Public Service
RMAD’s paid staff helped members of the public with four prairie wildlife issues, one general wildlife issue, four companion animal issues, and several general inquiries and referrals.

And More Bad News for Prairie Wildlife
Sadly, Rocky Mountain Animal Defense learned today that the Colorado Supreme Court has denied review of our lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of unmitigated poisoning of prairie dog colonies. RMAD's case alleged that the state needs to do more to protect wildlife on prairie dog colonies from the lethal effects of poisoning. Many species found on prairie dog colonies are protected from poisoning by the state's constitution. The district court judge found that the state (Bill Owens, the DOW, Ken Salazar, the Dept. of Agriculture and others) has not been adequately protecting protected wildlife from poisoning, but he failed to order any changes to administrative procedures. The appellate court confirmed the judge's findings, so we petitioned the State Supreme Court to hear the case. Thus ends RMAD's four and a half year legal battle.

A lot of people donated their time and expertise to this lawsuit. Our sincere and deep gratitude especially to attorneys Jennifer Melton and Ty Gee and to RMAD's former Wildlife Program Coordinator Nicole Rosmarino for their substantial pro bono contributions.

Good News for Those Who Rightfully Wear Fur
The Marshall's store in Boulder pulled furs off the racks this week after RMAD volunteer Barb Bear went in and made the animals’ case. Barb was surprised to find the coats after getting fur off of Marshall’s racks last year. A few days later, the furs were being pulled, and Barbara was baking cookies to thank the store manager for going to bat for the animals who rightfully wear fur.

RMAD and National Endowment for the Animals Team Up to Support Advocates
Matt Bear of NEA has set up a peer group meeting for Boulder-area advocates for December 14. Save the date! We have long needed a somewhat structured environment in which to nurture healthy advocacy. It’s under way! For details, watch for Bob’s weekly announcement or contact mattb@rmad.org.

Skyline Sanctuary and Education Center (formerly Wilderness Ranch) Partners with RMAD
Jan Hamilton from Skyline stepped up to the plate this week to provide RMAD with photos and recipes for our upcoming HealthCoop.org website and Vegetarian Starter Kit. Skyline joins RMAD and the National Endowment for the Animals as partners on the projects.

Happy Weekend (schones wochenende?) to you all!

-Dave


David Crawford, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Animal Defense