LOKI MATTERS!

We had yet more rain, much needed,the night before last, last night and again today.  Wildfires have broken out in Wood Buffalo National Park and elsewhere….it is very dry so the rain is welcome…unfortunately lightning strikes cause ignition and new fires start.  Ironically the Boreal Forest depends upon wildfires, some trees have seed pods that will only open when exposed to flame, but more on that later.

My trek across the ravine last evening and again tonight was a slip as you go, get one of your boots sucked off in the mud type of excursion …but worth every step…muddy sock and all.  I feel confident that the Bulldogs, mosquitoes and other hungry dive bombers quite enjoyed the blood meal I provided for them.  Poor LOKI had a heck of a time as the Bulldogs (similar to horseflies but a lot bigger) were attempting to feast on his nose.  Of course the notorious, will take a chunk out of you, Pine Beetles are on the warpath too.  Nasty black big beetles with long legs, really long curly antenia that help them get in and stay in your hair (hence the local nickname ‘Hair Eaters’) as they munch away on your scalp.

Still we both got through it, he enjoyed a warm meal, his fave cookies and a special treat …a Bully Stick!  My beautiful boy has been leading me deeper into the thickets lately and of course I am eager to follow.

Wanting me to follow him

What are you waiting for, come on!!

That’s much better, I was hungry.  What, he says, is on  tonight’s menu?  Smells good. Hey there is even my fave dessert too!!

How we started the evening, till I followed him to where he wanted

I continue to be awestruck at the trust that has grown, how he runs to greet me with sheer enthusiasm.  I took my first really good video of him tonight, albeit a short one because I am new at filming…but there will be more to come.  You can view the video on the FB Group:  Action for the Protection of Northern Animals.  This is an Open Group and you are welcome to join.  There is also a Causes Group of the same name and members are growing in numbers.

Hopefully I will soon be able to load videos I take onto this Blog…a little technical issue at the moment.

My sincerest hope by going public about LOKI is to keep him safe until he decides to join my family.  I’ve been working with him since October 2010 and given his first few years of life, knowing what they were, I know that only time, patience and love will make this happen.  Our time together is so very precious, and LOKI MATTERS!!!

This extremely gentle soul has become so much a part of me now that I am unable to even remotely put into words what he means to me.

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UPDATE ON EVENTS IN ONTARIO: SUCCESSFUL PROTEST AGAINST OSPCA

THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO THOSE COURAGEOUS INDIVIDUALS WHO DARE TO CHALLENGE THE ONTARIO SPCA AND MOST IMPORTANTLY TO ALL OF THOSE INNOCENT ANIMALS WHO FELL VICTIM TO THE QUESTIONABLE, UNFORGIVABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE PRACTICES OF THE OSPCA.

On Wednesday, June 22, 2011 the protest rally scheduled at the OSPCA Headquarters  went very well.

Between 35 and 40 caring and deeply committed individuals showed their support by attending, taking time from their work day and often too hectic schedules.

A sincere thank you to those who were able to attend and to those persons who were there in spirit. A special thank you to the driving force behind this protest must also be made.

Attending the protest was Gianna Tramolin and her veterinarian Dr. Hannah “Gianna is Rocky’s owner. Rocky is the beautiful husky dog OSPCA took from her backyard a couple of weeks ago and killed it without even trying to get in touch with her.”

http://www.facebook.com/notes/st-clair-veterinary/tragic-ospca-foul-up/192345894146151

What was truly interesting about this day, was that while reporters “banged” on the door of the OSPCA Headquarters, and not one of the OSPCA management team, all of whom were behind that locked door, extended the courtesy of speaking with the media or addressing the protesters.

With the recent scandal, just one of so many in the history of the OSPCA, the release of the Lesage/Meek Report, as well as the attendance of Rocky’s owner and Rocky’s personal veterinarian perhaps the OSPCA management team were for once at a loss for words in defense of themselves.  Some might believe that “silence is golden” however silence may also be considered as a form of indifference and complacency.

Most certainly the fact that this protest took place, that many had the courage to add their own voices in protest, as they have done so in the past, proves beyond any doubt that “silence” is NOT golden and that complacency and indifference will not be accepted nor tolerated.

Per Frank Klees

The LeSage/Meek Report  

 “On June 3rd, one day after Dalton McGuinty prorogued the legislature, the OSPCA released the report written by Justice Patrick LeSage and Dr. Alan Meek.

Why was it kept under wraps by the OSPCA for weeks and why was it not released while the legislature was still in session ?

Here’s why: The report exposes serious failures at many levels of the OSPCA’s operations, and recommends the very legislative changes that the McGuinty government refused when it defeated my Motion.

On page 83, the report makes a number of recommendations for legislative amendments, including the following three specific recommendations contained in my Motion:

1)    That the government should review the powers and authority of the OSPCA. It recommends a task force be created with representation from various Ministries to ensure that appropriate changes are made;

2)    That the Ontario government should consider legislative amendments to provide for oversight of the OSPCA in order to remedy the current situation of having the OSPCA essentially policing itself;

3)    That the government should consider the possibility of separating the OSPCA sheltering services from its investigation and enforcement services.

After reading the report, I spoke with Justice LeSage to express my gratitude to him and Dr. Meek on behalf of the many Ontarians who have been justifiably concerned about the state of animal welfare in our province.

Changes Necessary to Restore Confidence in the OSPCA:  

This report exposes the failings of both the OSPCA, as well as the McGuinty government for its refusal to exercise proper oversight. Two things need to happen:

The Provincial Government Must Act:  

The provincial government must immediately take the necessary steps to implement the legislative changes proposed in the report. Unfortunately, the McGuinty government has repeatedly demonstrated that it has no intention of taking this issue seriously. I can assure you however, that given the opportunity, a PC Government will act on these recommendations following the October 6th election.

The OSPCA Board Should Resign:  

I believe that in order to restore confidence in the OSPCA, the current Chair of the OSPCA and its Board members step aside. The LeSage/Meek Report makes it clear that the Board has failed in its responsibilities to oversee the administration of animal welfare in our province.

I want to thank the many concerned individuals who were willing to come forward to share their stories and the information that gave the LeSage/Meek Report its strength. It was their courage and persistence that made these changes possible.

As always, I welcome your comments and advice. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 905 750 0019 or through my website atwww.frankklees.com.  To view the report, click on:

http://www.frank-klees.on.ca/Newsroom/OSPCAstayMay11_2010.htm”

Obviously Mr. Frank Klees does not hold ‘silence’ to be golden or as a virtue, and he must be sincerely thanked for the actions which he took in order that this investigation took place. To thank Mr. Klees you may do so : mail to: frank.kleesco@pc.ola.org

Excerpt for email received from Ontario contact:

“News article and video Toronto Sun: The lady in the cap is the vet of Rocky, the dog killed by OSPCA when his owner was at work. This only happened about 3 weeks ago. This vet is very courageous to come out publicly against OSPCA. To my knowledge it is the first time a reputable vet has done that.”
ROCKY’S STORY
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/22/woman-joins-protest-after-ospca-kills-her-dog

Local news coverage: Move cursor at bottom of video over to 13:00 and the story starts a little after that point:

http://www.anewsvideo.ca/videos/448/wednesday-june-22,-2011-a-news-at-6-webcast

Newmarket Banner:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1033453–protesters-seek-changes-at-ospca

Album of pictures from yesterday on RAAW FB page:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F6ywuznj&h=748bf

A Hearty Congratulations to all of you back home in Ontario whose courage, determination and commitment to the animals continues unabated as a much needed force speaking out for the innocents.  You all are applauded loudly.

Sago: You will Not Be Forgotten

Prior posts on OSPCA:

 https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/hold-the-ospca-accountable/

 https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/ospca-defends-spending-donor-dollars-on-casino-conference/

 https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/ontario-more-on-the-ospca/

https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/news-from-ontario-ospca-full-report-released-finally/

 https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/ospca-press-conference-june-3-2011-1030-a-m-renaissance-hotel/

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WILD HORSES OF THE U.S. THE SLAUGHTER MUST BE STOPPED!!!

For too many years, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has been terrorizing Wild Horses during their annual round ups for slaughter!!!

First off it is an outrageous travesty that this is even occurring within the U.S., secondly the inhumane methods used during these round ups are deplorable, disgusting and totally unacceptable!

What happens during the round up is bad enough, what happens after the round up is even worse!!!

Many courageous individuals have been and continue to fight for the rights, freedom and protection of these magnificent wild horses.  Were it not for the horses of long ago, the United States of America would not have developed into the World Power it is today.

Horses are not only an important part of the American success story, allowing for the exploration and settlement across the vast U.S., these animals are a very important part of American Heritage and History.

Are these magnificent animals going to go the way of the American Buffalo?????

It is ironic that nothing has been learned from past mistakes.  Buffalo were virtually wiped out in specific areas of the U.S.  Wolves were virtually wiped out in certain areas as well.

So what did the U.S. do……they imported Buffalo and Wolves from Canada in order to re-introduce these animals……further irony lays in that now wolves are being unmercifully slaughtered once again, exemplified by former Governor Palin’s mass slaughter and aerial hunt of wolves in Alaska.

Sen. Landrieu states:  “The last U.S. Slaughterhouses were closed in 2007, and there is virtually no demand for horse meat in this country. However, tens of thousands of horses are inhumanely transported across our borders where they are brutally slaughtered.”

Americans Against Horse Slaughter

http://www.americansagainsthorseslaughter.com/

Americans Against Horse Slaughter 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHF3PZLFpSc

Americans Against Horse Slaughter Interview with Brian Moon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZlBfocJZvo&NR=1

Wake Up America!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al_nuxVgYXw&NR=1

horse slaughter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siLsBPed4Ac&NR=1

Horse Slaughter- Cruelty Uncovered_WMV V9.wmv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-B95ZFVQGY&feature=related

HSUS Report: The HSUS Praises Senate for Move to End Horse Slaughter

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2011/06/senate_horse_slaughter_ban_bill_061011.html

Transport to Slaughter:  The brutal truth behind horse auctions and the journey to slaughter

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/horse_slaughter/facts/transport_to_slaughter_092909.html

Horse Slaughter – The Facts

http://www.animalsangels.org/the-issues/horse-slaughter.html

The highly publicized and well documented Sugarcreek Auction & Leroy Baker case is a perfect example of the inhumane practices inflicted upon innocent wild horses who by no fault of their own have fallen victim to greed as well as to a Government that allows this to happen in the first place by failing to put an end to the BLM round ups!!!! And the exportation to cross border slaughterhouses!!!

Sugarcreek Auction & Leroy Baker

• Transport to Slaughter Violations – Leroy Baker
• Compilation Report 2007-2011
• Sugarcreek Horse Auction Video
• Baker Transport Violation TX05170-VS Graphic Content
• Baker Transport Violation TX06024-VS Graphic Content
• Baker Transport Violation TX06130-VS Graphic Content
• Baker Transport Violation TX06401-VS Graphic Content
• Baker Transport Violation TX07151-VS Graphic Content
• Court Case against Baker for selling diseased pigs
• Court Decision October 28, 2010 – Baker must pay over 172,000.00 USD
• Department of Transportation fined Sugarcreek Trucking

It is time that these roundups are ended permanently!!!

Applause and support must be given to courageous individuals who continue to fight for these magnificent wild horses.  People like Monika who is not afraid to speak against the horrendous brutality and cruelty these animals must endure.

Monika it is my privilege to be your friend!!

In a message dated 3/15/2011 10:13:03 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,

To whom it may concern:

It is widely known, that the notorious Leroy Baker who owns Sugarcreek Auction, has grossly neglected and traumatized horses by committing cruelty against them.

Typically upon arrival, investigators find emaciated, injured, lame, sick, infected, blind, heavily pregnant and dead horses; horses subjected to extremely rough handling, hitting horses with full force across the face; extreme overcrowding, and horses being trampled to death – due to ignorant and cruel handling. Virtually without exception auction veterinarians refuse care.

This country is a modern nation that ought to reflect higher animal welfare standards. It does not take a genius to see the evidence against Baker is justified and he needs to be held accountable !!  

How can any county or state here tolerate such heinous cruelty against defenseless animals ??

I urge you to take this matter very serious and make an end to this. Baker has gotten away too long.

Please stop the cruelty now.

It is in your hands to make a stand against unacceptable, un-American and archaic cruelty, and I urge you to do so now.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Monika Courtney, Colorado

http://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/take-action-for-sugarcreek-auction-horses-with-animals-angels/

Baker owes back fines of $162,800.00 to the USDA for abuse violations, and those are the fines we know about.

EVIDENCE

– Animals’ Angels Video
http://www.animalsangels.org/media-center/video.html
Warning! Graphic!

– Animals’ Angels Leroy Baker and Sugarcreek Auction Violation Compilation Reports Obtained through FOIA
http://www.animalsangels.org/the-issues/horse-slaughter/foia-requests.html

TO EVERY ONE, EVERYWHERE AROUND THE WORLD, WE REACH OUT TO YOU TO HELP PUT AN END TO THIS SENSELESS BRUTALITY.

THIS IS AN URGENT APPEAL TO SAVE THESE MAGNIFICENT, BEAUTIFUL AND HIGHLY INTELLIGENT SENSITIVE WILD HORSES IN THE UNITED STATES.  PLEASE HELP TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHT TO FREEDOM AND TO LIFE.

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Bulletins and Some Goods News

THANK YOU PAULA FOR ALL THE AMAZING WORK YOU DO AND KEEPING US ALL INFORMED.

 

 THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS..LET US ALL HOPE THAT THIS LATEST BILL WILL NOT BE DEFEATED YET AGAIN!!!

Please contact your local MLA’s, Federal Party Leaders and the Prime Minister and voice your support for this much needed change to Animal Protection Legislation in this country.

C-229 was reintroduced by MP Peggy Nash on June 16th!
C-232
http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DoCId=5094015&File=24
Reintroduced June 16! 
http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&billId=5088

 

 

Bulletin from the cause: Stop animal cruelty in Canada with effective legislation!

Go to Cause

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2559701041&topic=17538

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Peek-A-Boo with LOKI

I continue to be amazed and in awe of this magnificent and highly intelligent young fellow.  I can only wonder what antics he will play on me shortly when I take his morning meal to him.

What truly amazes me is just how far we have come on the trust issues.  I started working with him in October 2010, always carrying food in my purse so that if I saw him, I could feed him.  At that time he was unapproachable, totally afraid, skittish, nervous and fleeting.  Over time he recognized my car and did not flee when I stopped to place the meal on the ground.

Smart..he truly is, because, recognizing my car, he also put two and two together and figured out where I lived.  Imagine my surprise when for the first time, he showed up in my driveway…that is when the trust truly began to build and our precious time together grew during those long sub-zero Arctic  nights.

The Winter Story will be told, but for right now….I hope you all enjoy these recent pictures of his newest game….Peek-A-Boo.

PROUD AND FREE

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

CAN YOU SEE ME???

 

• 
• REALLY..CAN YOU SEE ME NOW
• 

  HERE I AM -----PEEK A BOO

   

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UPDATE: HAY RIVER ANIMAL SHELTER

Having just received a long distance call from the President of the HR SPCA who is currently out of town, I found comfort in learning that there is NO CRISIS situation with the shelter in Hay River.

I wish to apologize to all of those who have contacted me so far and do greatly appreciate that you were so quick to respond.

The information which I had been provided in the email request I received yesterday from the Hay River By Law Officer  asking for my assistance,( as well as follow up telephone conversations), to utilize my own network of contacts was unfortunately as it turned out to be …. inaccurate….leading me to believe and to Post an Urgent Request for help…believing that the shelter was full to capacity and that no additional animals could be taken in.

I have learned in speaking with the President of the HR SPCA that at present there are actually three (3) dogs currently in foster care and two cats which need to be placed. ….  a great relief to me.

Again I sincerely and publicly extend an apology for issuing an unnecessary ALERT and a deep and honest thank you to all of you who have responded so quickly.

 

Should anyone wish to inquire about the current three (3) dogs and two cats  looking for loving forever homes, please contact Kerry at the HR SPCA.

 Hay River SPCA at:  867-874-3667 : likely having to leave a message

or email: hrspca@hotmail.com

To view HRSPCA Page:  http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NT03.html

 

You will notice that the  original ALERT POSTING has now been removed.

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AN EVENING SPENT WITH LOKI

Two nights ago we had a tremendous thunder and lightning storm, thankfully I had been able to meet with my Beauty prior to the deluge. My home literally trembled and lighting had to have hit somewhere.  My own Hemi was terrified, the other furbabies slept right through it all and as I lay awake with Hemi cradled in my arms  attempting to calm him I could not help but wonder how LOKI was reacting to all of this.

The following morning I was grateful to see that he had come away unscathed, granted quite wet , but not near as soaked as I had anticipated.  He greeted me in my own backyard, eager for breakfast….

I was not as lucky in the evening and ventured to his territory crossing a rink of slippery two inch mud, sliding every step of the way.  Lucky I suppose only in that when I slipped and landed on my rear twice, no food was spilled, however I did get a good soak as his water bowl released 1/4 of its contents into my lap.

Neverthe less he was quiet happy to see me, but not near as happy as I was to see him.

Looking around for Ravens

It isn’t easy eating out in the open when others are hungry too and they have wings.

Don’t worry my friend I will watch for you. I will keep you safe.  Enjoy your meal.

OOps another Raven landed

  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED,

THAT WAS A GOOD SUPPER

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URGENT: foster homes and adoptive homes needed!!!

Georgina Animal Control & Adoption Centre

at this point all our cats our urgent!!!!!

Georgina at full capacity

PLEASE help placing kitties !!!

“Georgina” currently has just under 100 cats in the shelter and are in desperate need of help.

They  have lots of spayed, neutered and de-clawed, kittens.

All different colours and ages.

All cats are free!

This adoption centre tries extremely hard to NOT euthanize animals for the sake of space and at this time there are no dates as yet for any scheduled euthanasia.  

No one wants an innocent to lose his or her life.  Right now it is a case of taking one day at a time and praying for loving foster and adoptive homes to be found.

Unfortunately unless Foster Homes and Adoptive Parents are found this may have to happen.

Please contact A.S.A.P if you can help.

CONTACT Holly:  Georgina Animal Control & Adoption Centre animal-control@georgina.ca

 

Sincerely yours,

Holly

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ACTION ALERTS

THANK YOU M. IN TORONTO FOR EMAILING

ACTION ALERTS

Calgary Stampede July 8 – 17, 2011 (thanks L B. for sending) TO M. IN TORONTO who passed this along

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/blog/2011/06/11/lets-talk-about-animal-welfare/comment-page-1/#comment-43732

http://www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/campaigns/the-calgary-stampede/#bell_canada

http://www.facebook.com/calgarystampede

CCFA’s and CETFA’s 30-second ad calling for a ban on sow stalls in Manitoba by 2017 aired in Manitoba during the hockey play off game. The ad had huge impact with Manitobans, because many immediately went to  their computers and sent e-messages to Manitoba Pork, pig meat corporations  and grocers in Canada, calling for change. Here’s a link to the  ad:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmlySCDc9Wo&feature=channel_video_title
The campaign website is www.helpthepigs.ca.
If anyone has questions about the campaign, please be in touch!  Leave comment and contact info can be provided.

OSPCA Petition:

http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/1/ospca-must-be-investigated-and-made-accountable/

PROTEST IN FRONT OF OSPCA PROVINCIAL HQ:  WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2011  RAIN OR SHINE; PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!!

https://giftofloki.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/action-alert-protest-rally-ospca-june-22-2011/

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There can be no greater JOY, than to meet again very soon

Loki and Raven buddy

This is delicious

Pictures just taken of LOKI, 2:00 p.m., June 21, 2011

He greatly enjoyed his specially prepared mid afternoon meal to celebrate Summer Solstice.

Notice his companion Raven who is with him at all times.

The two buddies play and interact together and LOKI will share his food and water with the Raven.

Stopping to say we will meet soon

 

YES WE WILL MY FRIEND

SAME PLACE, VERY VERY SOON

I am privileged to call you FRIEND

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