01.21.2005

Hi, All-

Well, once again I missed a week, so this is to bring you up to speed on the past two weeks at RMAD. I hope to see many of you in person at RMAD’s 2nd Annual Dining Out Day, January 25, all day long at the Watercourse in Denver.

Stock Show
RMAD’s annual Stock Show demonstration drew in about 30 demonstrators, who distributed 600 educational flyers on animal agriculture and rode and had several good conversations with Stock Show attendees. There are many thanks to go around, most of which were covered at the event itself. Additional recognition/gratitude goes to Ashley Mills and Jill Bielawski for help with the Stock Show press release, Mike Stabler for last-minute help with Stock Show materials and preparations, Megan H. at PETA for getting the word out, Matt Bear of National Endowment for the Animals for helping craft our message, and Sisley for translating the flyer into Spanish for us. For a wonderful narrative on the Stock Show, please see Barb Bear’s comments below my signature block.

Next week I’ll include a column written by Laurie Balliett and submitted to the Denver Post. It appears the Post, in its effort to provide balanced coverage of the Stock Show, decided that devoting one column inch on behalf of the animals for every 1000 column inches on behalf of the cowboys and profiteers would somehow upset the balance. Don’t let anyone tell you the corporate media isn’t the fourth branch of the corporate-controlled government.

More on Prairie Dogs, Snakes, Rabbits, and Birds
The Boulder City Council voted this week to enact an ordinance that appears to be relatively strong on bird and prairie wildlife protections. The ordinance protects birds from poisoning and requires landowners to pursue humane methods of managing prairie dogs before seeking to kill them. An RMAD ordinance would look very different, but considering that many stakeholders were at the table, we believe we succeeded in getting good protections in place. To our knowledge and through the diligence of RMAD, Wild Places, and Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary, Boulder’s ordinance continues to be the country’s strongest. Four cheers for Jill Bielawski and Ty Gee for their efforts on this campaign; for the anonymous funder who provided the necessary finances for RMAD to devote the necessary time and energy to the project; and for everyone who gave their time in any of the many capacities that were necessary for a successful campaign. Special thanks to Donna Marino for helping produce a 700-piece mailing in support of the campaign. This culminates 16 months of work.

RMAD also responded to an emergency involving a prairie dog stuck in a drain pipe. The intrepid Lindsey Sterling Krank (of RMAD and the Prairie Dog Coalition) plucked out the plucky rodent, who is now, presumably, exercising more discernment when selecting burrows. Our thanks to the concerned citizen who notified us of the situation and no doubt saved a life.

More on Turtles and Fishes
As I write, some key rescuers are out at the site trying to save some of the animals left stranded at the canal. The community has rallied to save some 1700 animals so far. XCEL Energy continues to cooperate, promising to bring us in when earth is moved so we can check for turtles who may still be in the mud. Channel 4 is covering today’s rescue. (OK, the media occasionally gets it right.)

Wildlife Crossing Bill Moves Forward
Double fines for traffic infractions in wildlife crossing zones moved one step closer to reality on Wednesday, as the Colorado House Transportation Committee voted nearly unanimously in approving the measure and sending it to the house floor. RMAD organized the testimony, which included Susan Honeycutt of Wild Places, Julia Kintsch of Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project, and RMAD’s Lynee’ Zajac and me. The Audubon Society showed up independently to testify in favor of the bill.

Classic Homes and Prairie Wildlife
RMAD is working with Classic Homes in Colorado Springs in an attempt to save a two- to three-acre colony of prairie dogs on a 93-acre development site. According to Classic Homes, one of the states largest builders, this is the company’s first involvement with the black-tailed prairie dog. Progress this week was not good, as the company has been misinformed that killing prairie dogs to feed to black-footed ferrets is … somehow … a good thing. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome, but time is not with us.

Chasing Ann
Remember how I’ve told you I can’t keep up with everything Ann Swissdorf does? Well, our lovely and dedicated friend is back at it with the weekly fur protests. And she’s apparently lined up a talk with the illustrious Dr. Michael Greger for April 2. And, of course, the next monthly potluck is soon approaching. See http://www.rmad.org/calendar.html for details.

Those Rats
Word is the rats discussed two weeks ago in this column have found good homes.

One Person Making a Difference
At RMAD supporter Adrienne Lorantos’ New Years Eve party, guests were greeted by a subtle solicitation for funds – a donation container with RMAD’s name on it. The bills added up to $50 by the time the party ended, and Adrienne happily dropped off a check a few weeks later. Our thanks to Adrienne for her straightforward, innovative and personal effort in support of RMAD and the animals.

One Family Making a Difference
I learned yesterday from a member of one of the preeminent animal rights clans in the area a few heart-warming details about her family’s impending move. This family cares for of lots of dogs and cats, some of whom have special needs. Because of these special needs, the family had a number of criteria as they looked for a new home – including, for instance, the need for flat yards. (One of the dogs has weak hind legs and struggles to navigate hills, but she still loves the outdoors.) Long story short: they found a home that met all their requirements and they’re spending weeks and weeks making it animal friendly inside and out before the big move.

Store Reopens
RMAD recently reopened its online store (www.rmad.org/store.html). In an effort to keep administrative costs to a minimum, we’re limiting sales at this point to bottles and stickers.

Other Public Service
Over the past two weeks, and in addition to the work described above, RMAD staff responded to six requests for help on prairie wildlife, two requests for help on urban wildlife, eight requests for help on companion animals, and six inquiries on general matters.

Remember to tell me about what you do for the animals, so I can share your story with readers of this weekly review!

-Dave

David Crawford, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Animal Defense