Comments on: An open letter to Mary Jo White, Chair of the ASPCA Board of Directors

By: Eva

Eva — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:03:38 +0000

really awesome letter, Valerie. If only ASPCA had the conscience to read it, think about it and reply honestly.

By: A reply to my open letter to Mary Jo White, Chair of the ASPCA Board of Directors | Cruel, Crazy, Beautiful World

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:09:37 +0000

[...] last Thursday morning, I published an open letter to Mary Jo White, Chair of the ASPCA Board of Directors, and emailed a copy to her at her law office. Earlier this afternoon (its Tuesday), I received a [...]

By: Ali Hector

Ali Hector — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:02:37 +0000

Let me put on my shocked face.

By: Valerie Hayes

Valerie Hayes — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:55:22 +0000

Thanks to everyone for your comments and kind words. I emailed this letter to Ms. White immediately after publishing it. Day 4 and still no reply…

By: Valerie Hayes

Valerie Hayes — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:52:58 +0000

Connie-
One thing I’ve learned is that, unfortunately, these things are not at all unusual. I’m sorry to hear that the local news media failed to do it’s job and serve as a watchdog. It can be really frustrating when local media are uninterested/cowardly/too friendly with those who run abusive, high-kill shelters. Carroll County, GA has a similar problem, as do many other places. One thing that has enabled the No Kill movement to really take off is that we live in the internet age. Bloggers and citizen journalists have broken quite a few stories well ahead of the mainstream media. Stories of animals being killed and mistreated do attract a lot of public interest, and they attract even more when they involve corruption and the misuse of taxpayer and donor funds, as they so often do, so I disagree with their assessment, or perhaps they just didn’t want to say the real reason why they wouldn’t pursue the story.

At last year’s No Kill conference, Christie Keith spoke about media relations, and she emphasized the importance of building relationships with animal people in the media as contacts. They don’t have to be reporters–could be the weather guy or a sportscaster, but they can help you to get your story told.

By: Kelli Alexander

Kelli Alexander — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:22:34 +0000

ASPCA has failed animals, society and even their creator, Bergh. Rather than donate funds to any large organization, we give to local No Kill shelters, who TRULY save lives. We also do open records request (easy to do via email with ANY city secretary in Texas) to ensure the shelter is TRULY No Kill. THANKS to VALERIE and others who WILL champion this vital cause to our own humanity — saving the lives of animals.

By: connie trittin

connie trittin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:12:51 +0000

I am amazed and saddened, you have described numerous things which happened at a shelter in Wisconsin where my husband, my son and myself volunteered.
Even when we had gotten the local news station involved, they were silenced, and the reporter moved on. The local paper told us no one would be interested.
Your writing is beautiful, keep on spreading the word.
And thanks.

By: Debra R

Debra R — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:04:56 +0000

You should write books,so very beautifully written,Thanks. Sorry about your babies. Earnest seems to be a gift sent to heal your heart!

By: Heather Hine

Heather Hine — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:05:56 +0000

I really wish that for once, people would do the research before donating their money. If they did, ASPCA & other organized “kill groups” would hear loud and clear, in the only language they understand. Hit ‘em where the money is and they’ll change their rules, right quick! So, if you read this, pass it on. Stop donating and write them a letter telling them why.

By: Valerie Hayes

Valerie Hayes — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:47:19 +0000

Thanks, everyone! Alley Cat Allies did come out in opposition to the bill right before it went to the Ag Committee. I wish that they’d mobilized their considerable forces sooner, but I’m glad that they are on board now.

I emailed this letter, with the pictures included, to Ms. White immediately after I published it here, and I’m sending a copy out in the snail mail as well. I’ll let you all know if and when I receive a reply.

I encourage everyone to write letters of their own to Ms. White. Contact info here: http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=8550