PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
June 2021 | Newsletter
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Saving Wild Animals in Need. . .
and Sometimes in Secret
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In July 2020, we introduced bobcat Owen for the first time in our newsletter – even though we had been caring for him for five years. As we explained at the time, Owen had been in a “witness protection program” of sorts after confiscation by authorities. PAWS agreed to provide emergency placement for Owen, who was kept as a “pet” in poor conditions in a state that forbids the private possession of wild animals. It wasn’t until last year that we could officially announce that PAWS is Owen’s forever home.
This is not the first time that PAWS has taken in a captive wild animal who was the subject of legal action. This is an important role that sanctuaries sometimes fill, enabling law enforcement agencies to take steps that are necessary to protect captive wildlife. Since our founding in 1984, PAWS has assisted in several cases. In fact, our first rescue, a lioness named Elsa, was the subject of a legal case. We have also worked to pass legislation to protect captive wild animals. PAWS' first bill became law in 1985, introducing humane standards for the care and handling of wildlife, including making it illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet in California.
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Tiger Gracie was confiscated by authorities in 2000 and was the subject of a legal action. She lived at PAWS' Galt sanctuary for 15 years before passing away in 2015 at the age of 21. |
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Placement of an animal in legal cases is considered to be temporary, until the case is resolved. There is the real possibility that after caring for an animal we may have to return them. (So far, that has not happened.) No matter the outcome of a case, the sanctuary bears the costs of transporting and providing shelter, food, and veterinary care for the animal. A sanctuary may be asked to keep the matter confidential until the case is decided. In fact, PAWS currently is caring for big cats who were the subject of a major operation, with multiple sanctuaries lending assistance. For now, the specifics of their situation will remain confidential until the legal process is completed.
So how does an animal become the subject of a law enforcement action and confiscation? An animal may be confiscated based on a particular law, such as a prohibition on the private possession of wild animals or illegal import of an animal into a state. Other cases may involve abuse, deprivation, unrelieved suffering, or potential for imminent great harm or death. Legal actions can be initiated by local police and sheriff’s departments, state fish and wildlife agencies, or federal agencies – and in some cases a combination of agencies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is charged with enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and can initiate action to confiscate an animal in distress – although this rarely happens, even when an exhibitor repeatedly violates the very minimal standards of care required under the Act. Unfortunately, AWA regulations are not enough to truly protect animals, often allowing them to languish and even die in poor conditions. When the USDA does take action for suffering animals, the agency should be recognized for doing its job and strongly urged to continue similar actions.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) can take action on behalf of certain species, such as captive tigers and lions, protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). It is illegal to harm, harass, wound, or kill protected animals. The FWS can initiate steps in situations that present a serious danger to an animal including poor health, lack of veterinary care, improper diets that cause disease, and unacceptable captive conditions. More often, it is legal cases brought by the PETA Foundation under the ESA that have succeeded in removing protected animals from dangerous captive conditions and sending them to accredited sanctuaries.
Unfortunately, not all confiscations result in captive wild animals being sent to a place that is good for them, despite the fact that qualified sanctuaries are available to assist. State agencies may send animals to the first licensed facility they can find or one that calls itself a sanctuary but does not truly operate as one. (A genuine sanctuary does not buy, sell, breed, trade, or exploit animals for profit, including taking them off-site for so-called “educational” presentations or allowing public contact with their animals.) A confiscation may not happen at all because an agency is unaware of a facility that can hold the animal. To help remedy these problems, the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, of which PAWS is a founding member, is reaching out to inform legal and law enforcement entities that the group's member sanctuaries are available to help with captive wild cat placements.
PAWS is proud to assist law enforcement agencies that step up to take action for captive wild animals in need and protect them from further harm. You may not hear about these animals for a while, like Owen, but you can be sure that we provide them with the best of care. Keep checking back for news on our latest rescues – we hope to be introducing them to you soon!
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Time to Support the
Captive Primate Safety Act!
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The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon recently released body cam video showing a deputy shooting and killing a “pet” chimpanzee named Buck. The owner had called for help after Buck attacked her adult daughter. In the video, she instructs a deputy to shoot the chimpanzee – who she had for 17 years – in the head. It takes just one shot to kill Buck.
There is a pressing need for legislation to prohibit the ownership of captive primates as “pets” and for use in “encounters” during which the public can pet and take photos with them. Now is the time to take action in support of the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 3135/S. 1588) that would prohibit private ownership of nonhuman primates – including chimpanzees, gibbons and monkeys – and restrict physical contact between them and the public.
Primates are highly intelligent and social animals who are cruelly taken from their mothers shortly after birth, often leading to serious behavioral problems. They may be held in impoverished conditions, fed improper diets, and denied social contact with other primates and the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors.
Though born and raised in captivity, captive primates retain their wild instincts, making them unpredictable and dangerous. Even smaller monkeys can cause serious injury with their teeth and nails. There is also the potential for certain diseases, bacteria, and internal parasites to be passed back and forth between humans and nonhuman primates.
PAWS has provided sanctuary for “pet” monkeys rescued from impoverished conditions. This includes current resident Capuchin monkeys Zeppo (pictured above) and Chico, who were among 50 monkeys kept by a private owner. The primates were found malnourished and living in filthy conditions. Zeppo and Chico have been in our care for 25 years now – exemplifying the responsibility that sanctuaries take on when rescuing captive wildlife, often providing decades of care for animals.
Take action!
1. Send a message
Please ask your U.S. Senators and House member to co-sponsor and support the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 3135/S. 1588) . Locate your U.S. Senators here and your House member here.
Sample message: I am a constituent who very strongly supports the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 3135/S. 1588) to end the exploitation and suffering of captive primates and protect the public from harm. I urge you to co-sponsor this important bill.
Points to add to your message:
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Primates are highly intelligent and social animals who suffer when kept as “pets” and exploited for public encounters during which the public can pet and take photos with them.
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Captive primates are kept in conditions that do not meet their physical, psychological, and social needs, including proper diet, stimulating physical environment, and social contact with other nonhuman primates.
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Primates born in captivity remain wild animals who become more dangerous and unpredictable as they mature, often attacking their owners and other people. At least half of the more than 550 dangerous incidents involving captive primates since 1990 have involved “pets” or those used for encounters.
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Captive primates pose a disease risk to people who come into contact with them, as there is the potential for passing certain diseases, bacteria, and internal parasites between humans and nonhuman primates.
2. Make a call
Call your Senators’ and House member’s offices in Washington, DC. Simply say that you are a constituent who is very concerned about the welfare of captive primates kept as pets and exploited for dangerous interactions with the public. Urge them to co-sponsor and support the Captive Primate Safety Act. Be sure to state the bill number.
3. Share
Use social media to encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to take action.
Thank you for taking action!
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Good News for Animals
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has signed into law a bill that prohibits public contact with dangerous wild animals, including elephants, big cats and big cat hybrids, wolves, nonhuman primates, and bears. The bill effectively ends the exploitation of captive wild animals for photo and handling sessions and better protects the public.
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Featured above: PAWS' rescued tiger Sawyer |
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Help Stop Cruel Cub Petting
and the Big Cat Pet Trade
Big cats need your help! Please support the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R.263/S.1210) that would ban the private ownership of big cats such as lions and tigers and restrict public contact with these animals. the bill would end inhumane cub petting operations, where both babies and their mothers suffer, and stop the endless breeding of big cats for profit.
PAWS cares for tigers rescued from the exotic “pet” trade and defunct cub petting facilities – including Kim, Claire, Bigelow, Morris, Nimmo, Rosemary, Sawyer and Wilhelm. We need your help to pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act and ensure that big cats no longer harmed for entertainment and profit.
Click here for more information and to see what you can do to help.
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Mungar, a Very Special Tiger, Has Passed Away |
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In October 2019, PAWS welcomed Mungar, Tessa, and Czar to our ARK 2000 sanctuary. The three tigers needed placement when their previous home, Wildlife Waystation, permanently ceased operations and relinquished their permit to keep wild animals. At the request of the state, the New York-based non-profit Tigers in America (TIA) began finding appropriate placement for big cats and other animals. PAWS and several other sanctuaries across the country stepped up to help, providing permanent refuge for a number of displaced animals.
Mungar came to us with a host of health challenges, and PAWS gladly assumed both the responsibility and honor of caring for his special needs. Our veterinary and caregiving staff have a wealth of experience in providing specialized care for elderly and differently-abled animals, that is tailored to each individual's needs.
Patient, strong, and independent, Mungar inspired us every day. He was born with multiple physical disabilities, believed to be the result of genetic defects caused by inbreeding. He had a deformed jaw that affected his ability to eat, eye problems that significantly impaired his vision, and malformed neck vertebrae that pinched his spinal cord causing neurological challenges such as unstable gait and occasional urinary incontinence. Mungar took all of these challenges in stride and developed his own unique ways of walking and eating. If he lost his balance, he would pick himself up and keep going with a cheerful "chuff." He loved water so much that the first thing he did when he stepped out of the transport cage into his new enclosure was to climb right into his pool.
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Mungar seemed perfectly content to be on his own, and he enjoyed his own habitat which was well-suited to his needs. He spent his days lounging in soft grass under shady oak trees, taking a dip in his specially-adapted pool, and playing with his big barrel. Although he had a cozy den and wooden platform, he often preferred sleeping under the stars. |
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PAWS' supporters donated the funds needed to purchase two large "toys" for Mungar, manufactured to withstand vigorous play under the weight and teeth of big cats. He would straddle and play-attack his big blue cylinder and a large ball , and these activities served as physical therapy which helped strengthen his rear legs and back. Our caregiving staff lowered the sides of his pool to make it easier for him to get in and out, and they cut his food into pieces that were just the right size for him to eat. Our veterinarians designed a treatment plan that included supportive medications and supplements, and regular visits to check on his mobility and comfort.
Mungar's mobility began to decline in May, and medications were no longer helping. Perhaps more significantly, he seemed more tired and less cheerful than usual. On June 12th, Mungar was suddenly unable to use his rear legs. His spinal cord disease had progressed to the point where he was no longer able to stand or walk, and so the difficult but most compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Mungar passed from this life at the age of 16, surrounded by many who loved him, including his veterinarian Dr. Gai, caregiving supervisor Renae, and many of the staff who doted on this magnificent tiger and delighted in his accomplishments and triumphs. Resilient Mungar had an inner strength that inspired all who knew him, and a joy for life that transcended all obstacles. He will be greatly missed.
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Above: Former circus elephant Nicholas in his habitat at ARK 2000.
PAWS provides lifetime care to the tigers, bears, elephants, and other animals who call our sanctuaries home. Your kind support provides expert daily care, necessary veterinary treatments, and specialized nutritional support, all tailored to the individual needs of each animal.
Your generous donations make this excellent care possible.
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PAWS is proud of its 4-star rating with Charity Navigator - the highest rating possible. We are part of an elite group of charities with an "exceptional" designation (at least four consecutive years of 4-star ratings), meaning that your gift will have the greatest impact possible. CharityWatch gives PAWS an "A" rating. |
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Did you know that PAWS has an Amazon Wish List? We have chosen specific items that are needed at the sanctuary, which you can purchase directly from Amazon. We have an ongoing need for many of the products listed. Click here to review the items and donate. You can also review “wish list” items that are needed but not listed on Amazon. Click here for that list.
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THANK YOU!
June Amazon Wish List Donors:
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Kirk C. Gudenau: one bottle AminAvast, 60#; one bottle CosequinDS, 132#; one Probiocin. Peggy Buckner: one package of brown paper bags; one box of raisins. Debbie Pilafas: one Probiocin. N. Pecoraro: one bottle Renal Essentials, 60#; one 8 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm. Genevieve Dominguez: two Probiocin; one 10 lb. box of raisins. Gayla Reuter-Alm: five gallons of Epsom Salt. Marisa Landsberg: two Rubbermaid Cabinets. Ben Sun: one Probiocin. Tracey Scoledes: one package of masking tape (6 rolls). Marcia Pelka: two Probiocin; two 8 oz. bottles of EicosaDerm. Bette Bonfluer: one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#; one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#; one Probiocin; one 8 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm; one 32 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm. Paula Johansen: one Probiocin; one 8 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm. Robyn Pierce: one box of gloves; one Probiocin; one 8 oz. bottle of EicosaDerm. Jan Nelson: two 8 oz. bottles of EicosaDerm; three Probiocin; one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#. Kimberly Stroup: one bottle of CosequinDS, 132#; one bottle of Renal Essentials, 60#; two Probiocin. Jill Rivera: three bottles of Renal Essentials, 60#. Anonymous Donors: two Cobra Walkie Talkie radios; four boxes of gloves; five 8 oz. bottles of EicosaDerm; five Probiocin; 10 bottles of Renal Essentials.
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P. O. Box 849, Galt, CA 95632
(209) 745-2606
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There are many ways
you can help PAWS animals:
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Donate To PAWS. Although we work closely with regulatory agencies on animal rescues, PAWS receives no government funding and must rely on your donations to continue our work. Three ways to give and every donation matters. Learn more
Adopt A PAWS Animal. If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic adoptions only. No animal will be sent! Learn more
PAWS Partnerships. Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by becoming a PAWS Partner. PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations and the day-to-day care of the animals. Learn more
Estates/Planned Giving. You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home! Learn more
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Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise. Clothing for adults, kids, toddlers and infants, as well as other fun merchandise like coffee mugs - available from our online gift shop.
Shop online through IGive and raise money for PAWS! Up to 26% of your purchase - at more than 1,600 retailers - can be donated to PAWS. Learn more
EBAY Giving Works. List items on EBAY and choose PAWS as your charity. Donate a percentage of each sale to the animals. Visit our EBAY charity listing page here. Start selling!
Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs. Learn more about what is needed.
Donate Your Vehicle To PAWS.
Attend A Fundraiser. PAWS sanctuaries ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but we do schedule a limited number of special events throughout the year. Click here to view PAWS' Calendar of Events.
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