9/10/06
VVAW met at 11 am on Sunday, 9/10/06, at Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, VA.
In attendance:
Linda Albert Board, Franklin Co. Humane Society, dba Planned Pethood
Betty Bartschmid Animal Hope Alliance
"V" (Victoria) Brownell Feline Education and Adoption League
Lillian Clancy VVAW
Chad Clark Roanoke dog park group
*Peyton Coyner Nelson County SPCA
Donna Essig President, Franklin County HS, dba Planned Pethood
**Kelly Farrell, DVM Sr. Vet, Angels of Assisi
Lois Flynne independent
*Cindy Ingram Casey’s House
Tim Ingram Casey’s House
**Tammy Javier Exec. Director, Franklin County HS/dba Planned Pethood
Nate Jones Roanoke dog park member and speaker
*Kim Kincheloe Kincheloe S/N Clinic/Lion Hearts
Susan Knighton affiliation not known
Joy Lester independent
Julie Ligon independent
Kim Littlefield affiliation not known
Christine Lofgren independent
Thelma Marienfeld F.E.R.A.L.
Donald Marro VVAW
Margaret Martin Twin County Humane Society
*Mollie McCurdy independent
Lisa O’Neill VA Community Editor, Best Friends
Karen Pederson Animal Hope Alliance
Diana Puckett Chair, Wythe-Bland Animal Welfare League
Karen Rich affiliation not known
Annelie Rudlaff Founder, ZZ Cats
Melanie Schlaginhaufen independent
Andrea Smith Buddy’s Burrow
Kate Stahl Roanoke dog park
Betty Sutton Twin County Humane Society
Don Thorne former Exec. Director, Roanoke Valley SPCA
*Pat Weakland Volunteer, Richmond & Westmoreland county shelters
Kathryn Windley affiliation not known
* before name denotes members of Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare Board
** before name denotes member of VVAW Advisory Board
p. 2 – Roanoke meeting of 9/10/06
The meeting began by each board member in attendance giving a brief background of themselves and their experience in animal welfare.
Nate Jones then spoke on behalf of the dog park for Roanoke and the issues involved. He explained how his group had gained quite a bit of momentum for the dog park but lost it when the city attorney determined that his group needed to become a 501(c)(3) and take over full responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the park. It was determined that the main obstacle was the 501(c)(3) requirement. During the discussion, there were offers of help from several already established non-profits. It was decided that the best course of action was for his group to align themselves with another.
Discussion on 2007 VVAW Initiatives:
When VVAW first started this effort, there were 21 jurisdictions using gas; there are currently six. Jim Scott has agreed to patron bill again.
Further discussion covered the inspection fiasco when VVAW prompted inspections of gas chambers which the State Vet did inexplicably by phone. It was noted that Dickenson County, which did not have a gas chamber, passed this inspection. Inquiry was made as to how this happened but there has been no response from the State Vet’s office.
A grassroots effort may be needed in Richmond if the Secretary of Agriculture or the Governor is hesitant to make this change because of opposition from jurisdictions that still use gas. Diana Puckett, from Wythe County (which still uses gas) spoke up about how she was ashamed of her county because of this. Pat Weakland advised her to start attending all of her county meetings and to keep asking for the elimination of gas in her county. Pat’s template on "Local Level Guide for Getting Active" will be posted on VVAW’s website under "Getting Involved".
There was discussion of Tonya Higgins’s letter opposing gas chambers, which she has given permission for wide posting, and how it can be used to influence one’s representatives.
Lillian pointed out that there was not a way to determine if a county has gone back to using gas.
It was decided that elimination of gas would be a top priority for VVAW
2. tax credit for vets
There was general support for this initiative though the mechanics will need to be worked out.
p. 3 – Roanoke meeting of 9/10/06
3. surcharge on rabies shots to support spay/neuter
Kelly Farrell said she thought this would have a difficult time passing given reluctance of vets to collaborate on collections of money.
No further discussion or determination made.
4. releasing agencies
Agreed that it does include puppy mills.
General agreement to eliminate the micro-chipping requirement as a way to facilitate passage of the bill.
5. dealer permits
General discussion on definition of Hobby, Fancier, and Breed Improver breeders.
Discussion was incomplete as Karen Rich, who represented herself as a breeder, had to leave.
Suggestions were solicited on how to better define any of the above categories.
Because those in attendance felt continued contact with those at the meeting would be beneficial to taking action, it was decided to form a Roanoke area group linked by email.
Discussion followed on VVAW’s status with legislators and legislative change in Virginia:
Don talked about the opposition not taking us seriously at first due to our lack of credentials. Over the last three years he feels we have earned our credentials. We are working with the new leadership of VFHS on the gas issue and have had a meeting with VACA. We are trying to work with as many other groups as possible. We would like to work with any group willing to collaborate with us.
Final Discussion:
Don’s article "Virginia has too Many Pets" was distributed and discussed. VVAW has received general support for article. However, opposition articles were published from the head of the Federation of Dog Clubs & Breeders and from hunting groups which take the position that there is no dog overpopulation problem.
p. 4 – Roanoke meeting of 9/10/06
There was talk of the efforts made by the opposition to characterize VVAW as an extremist group. It was noted that this nonsense is best combated by being open and frank about our goals, activities and initiatives so the correct portrayal is available to everyone. It was determined that attendees who had contacts with
breeder groups, kennel clubs, and humane societies should bring VVAW’s concepts to these meetings. The way to talk to the people is through the front door and from the heart.
Meeting was adjourned shortly after 1 pm.