Monday, August 16th, 2004
PAWS
Actionline
A weekly opportunity
to make a difference
for animals
PAWS Campaign Against Circuses That Use Performing Animals
Important Links
PAWS Animal Cruelty Resources and Links
Legislative Links
Washington State- House of Representatives
- Senate
Federal
- House of Representatives
- Senator Maria Cantwell
- Senator Patty Murray
Vote Smart is an excellent resource for all sorts of legislation.
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PAWS Mailing Address:
PO Box 1037
Lynnwood WA, 98046
PAWS Physical Address:
15305 44th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98037
The Deadliest Horse Race in the United States Just Got Deadlier
The brutal Omak Suicide Race took place August 12, 13, 14 and 15 in Omak, WA. Three horses were killed in the first 'race' alone, additional deaths in subsequent runnings have not been reported. PAWS has been monitoring this event for twenty years and in that time the sad total has come to 21 documented horse deaths. This number does not count the undoubted deaths that occur in test runs before the official races, and after, due to injuries sustained during the run.
The city of Omak and its mayor claim the killing is justified because it is part of a 'cultural event'. Anyone familiar with the cultures and history of Washington State knows that the traditions and heritage of our area are rooted in a deep and profound respect for animals- not the abuse of animals. Washington State law prohibits the injury or death of animals for amusement or gain and while the mayor of Omak, Dale Sparber, claims the Suicide Race is "no different than a horse race," any horse race with a long and well-documented history of a twenty five percent death rate seems as though it would qualify to be shut down. We need you to help send a clear message to the state of Washington and its elected officials that this blatant disregard for the law and for the welfare of the animals in our care can no longer be excused away. Please write today!
Write the Okanogan County Commissioners www.okanogancounty.org/Commissioners/commissi.htm - Let them know this is not an acceptable form of 'entertainment' and that the actions in Omak makeall of Okanogan County look bad and only serve to hurt trade and tourism in their area.
Call or write the Washington State Attorney General's Office - 360.753.6200 - https://wws2.wa.gov/ago/formhandler/ContactForm.asp - Demand that the laws protecting these animals be enforced and the business license of the Omak Stampede be suspended until they can prove this is a safe event for the animals and people involved.
Please send letters to the editor to your local paper and these Eastern Washington papers:
Omak Chronicle www.omakchronicle.com
Wenatchee World www.wenworld.com
Spokane Spokesman Review www.spokesmanreview.com
Signatures for Washington Wildlife plates due Aug.21!
Help support wildlife viewing activities in Washington by adding your signature to the growing list of residents who want a special license plate for their car. Until now, options have been slim, but if enough signatures are gathered one of the new proposed plates, featuring a majestic bald eagle, can be yours. This "Wild on Washington" bald eagle plate will fund wildlife viewing programs in our state.
A physical signature is required so get online, download the form, and get your friends and family signed up. Click here for more information and to download the signature form.
The First Ever Psychological Intervention Program for Treatment of Animal Abuse
AniCare and AniCare Child workshop
Saturday, August 21, 2004
The treatment of animal abusers has become an increasingly acknowledged necessity, and a growing number of states, including Washington, mandate court-enforced psychological counseling for convicted abusers. AniCare and AniCare Child were developed to address the unique difficulties involved in assessing and treating adult and juvenile animal abusers. To participate in the workshop or to find out more information please view the information and participation form.
