“Oreo’s Law” Would Give Dogs a Second Chance at Life
November 18, 2009
The kennel at Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, where Oreo would have been rehabilitated.
The case of Oreo, an abused dog who was put down after her rescue by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA), brought to light a tragic loophole in our animal protection laws. This week, I am introducing legislation to close that loophole and save the lives of thousands of abused and injured animals in New York State.
This new legislation will allow animal welfare organizations the right to request animals be given to their care when a shelter is planning to euthanize them. The bill will be sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Tom Duane.
The bill, modeled on an existing law in California, is named Oreo’s Law in memory of the pit bull mix who became well-known after she survived abuse at the hands of her former owner, including a fall from a six-story building, but was eventually euthanized after the ASPCA determined that she was untreatably aggressive. Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, specializing in the rehabilitation and care of abused animals, offered to take Oreo, but the ASPCA refused the request.
As a dog owner and a foster parent for an animal rescue group, I was heartbroken to learn that Oreo was euthanized. When humane organizations volunteer their expertise in difficult cases, shelters should work with them to the fullest extent possible. This legislation will give tragically abused animals like Oreo another chance at life.
Please click here to download the press release announcing this legislation.
Comments
269 Responses to ““Oreo’s Law” Would Give Dogs a Second Chance at Life”
Got something to say?
Sir,
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation. Even though it comes too late to save Oreo, it is desperately needed protection for animals held in national and municipal shelters who have no recourse when the shelter decides they no longer have room, funds or the will to continue to safeguard them.
As I am not a US resident, I have no real avenue to support you in this however, be assured that in my blog and other online communications with fellow animal advocates, your name will be repeated with respect and admiration.
Thank you so much.
Cheryl Jewhurst
Surrey, BC
Assembly Member Kellner,
We are deeply moved by your dedication to animals like Oreo. We cannot thank you and Senator Duane enough for introducing this legislation.
We’re hoping that Oreo’s senseless and unnecessary death will help save thousands of animals like her.
Thanks again for being their voice.
Matt DeAngelis
Kerry Clair
and the staff & residents of Pets Alive
Assembly Member Kellner,
We want to truly thank you for introducing this bill.
What happened to Oreo cannot be allowed to happen again.
These innocent animals need all the protections we can afford them, and you can be assured that you have the support and backing of my family and the millions of other New Yorkers that were outraged by what happened at the ASPCA last week.
You and Senator Thomas K Duane will be responsible for saving the lives of countless innocent animals and we applaud your efforts.
Thank you and Pets Alive for bringing this unfortunate incident to light, and for taking action.
Regards,
John & Jennifer Russo
K9 Stitch
Thank you for giving animals a voice. I am heartbroken over Oreo’s death. Your law will help save others who deserve a second chance.
Sir…
I am not even American but Oreo touched my heart…i really admire what You are doing…you as a country have the resources! use them well please! to rehabilitate not to kill…!!!
I recived a mail from ASPCA very disturbing talking about PETS ALIVE…what is this some kind of war? for me is just about arrogance, arrogance from ASPCA and soberb… well they kill Oreo. NO chance no second choice ..nothing ….
introducing this legislation
Dear Mr. Kellner,
Thank you for introducing this bill. I hope that the media attention surrounding poor Oreo will shine a light on this legislation and serve as an example for EVERY state to pass something along these lines.
No healthy, WANTED animal should have to die in a shelter. There is no excuse for the ASPCA’s outrageous actions in rushing to judgment, which, apparently, is why we need laws like Oreo’s Law.
It’s too late for Oreo, but legislation like this can save countless other lives. Thank you for not letting her die in vain.
Keep up the good work!!
Lori Lovely
Enzo Enterprises/Maya New Kitty Consulting
I’m in Indiana so i know my opinion doesn’t really count for much but I want to thank you for your efforts to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. Oreo could be alive and loved right now at Pets Alive. The people there are true angels and even if Oreo was never rehabilitated she would have stayed there and been loved for all of her life. How can that not be better than death? Thanks to you and to Senator Duane!
Dear Assembly Member Kellner: As my dad use to say, “Until you are better paid, THANK YOU so much!” I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to see this in my mail today when I got home - even though there is a grassroots movement across this country about this form of animal abuse from a non-profit organization, and petition growing daily to have Mr. Sayres removed from his position for derelict of duty to the animals and to the people who PAY his salary (!), having you write this sort of legislation for the State of New York and support this issue from a professional, as well as personal, position is greatly appreciated by everyone who’s been horrified and enraged by what has taken place. Kudos to you and Senator Duane for being a voice for those who don’t always have one. You’re A-Okay in my book! Blessed Be Jade Hawks, Congress, Arizona
Thank you so much for listening when people speak, as the ASPCA clearly does not. It is heartbreaking that this legislation is being introduced too late to save Oreo. However, it seems that through her death, she may save many abused animals like herself. I just wish the ASPCA had listened to what people wanted, and had surrendered Oreo to Pets Alive for rehabilitation. I can only hope that Ed Sayres feels deeply humiliated by making such an abhorrent decision.
I’m not from NY, but am appalled at the fate of Oreo. I would like the bill to pass. Pets Alive would have gladly taken Oreo in, but was not allowed. The animals need a voice…
As a volunteer at a no-kill shelter our policy is a similar one. Even with the most aggressive dogs the loss is devastating. To be able to give that pet a second chance would be amazing. As you must know shelters rely heavily on donors, volunteers, and so forth. Essentially there is not enough time or manpower to rehabilitate the most aggressive, and there is the liability. However I firmly beleive that any chance given to a pet to live should be given. It is an animal lovers dream to see two things: 1. To see them go to a forever home! (and hopefully visit one day) 2. For the pet to be able to keep their lives!!!!! Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Rebecca A. Schunck
A heartfelt thank you to you, Assembly Member Kellner, as well as to Senator Duane, for this needed legislation, which will prevent the egos of such as the ASPCA, from causing unnecessary deaths to the animals in their “care”.
Hope it isn’t nit-picking, but Oreo did not “fall” from a six story building, she was thrown from it by Fabian Henderson.
Assembly Member Kellner,
Thank you for seeing the true issue and having a heart for the innocent ones who cannot speak. Oreo died needlessly while the shelter I volunteer at (Pets Alive in Middletown,NY) waited, pleading to deaf ears for her to be released to them only to hear shortly after 3pm that she was euthanized. I was deeply saddened . She was healthy, she was beautiful, and she could have been loved for the rest of her natural life and taught to overcome her issues at the hands of very capable, competent & loving staff and volunteers.
Your compassion to initiate legislation for preventing these horrific things from happening in the future is a tremendous consolation.
Thank you from the bottom,top and both sides of my heart!
I just want to echo the many thank you’s coming from those who can not speak for themselves. Even if this law does not pass, at least you stood up and tried to make a difference! I hope that you know that you are making a difference just by raising your voice, you are letting others know where you stand, and at home too by sharing your home with those whom are less fortuneate (rescue organizations) and being a dog guardian (that’s what I call myself) with your own dog. These things I have mentioned are just as important as the position that you hold. Once we all thank you from the very bottom of our hearts and four paws too.
[…] right to request animals be given to their care when a shelter is planning to euthanize them," Kellner wrote on his website. Had Oreo's Law, which Kellner said is modeled after California law, been in effect last […]
Our director worked in a New York State shelter and witnessed first hand the incredibly caring and compassion of the community. Unfortunately, he also witnessed the fact that some shelters did not reflect that compassion and sadly, actively undermined it. The Oreo case is a stark and tragic example. We are incredibly grateful for this simple, common sense, but badly needed reform legislation to save the lives of animals, and ensure that Oreo’s death has not been in vain.
Thank you so much for listening and caring. May our hearts never have to break again as they did with Oreo.
You have my support 1000%!
Thank you for caring!
Assembly Member Kellner:
Thank you so much for being on the side of the innocent and misused! I am in the rescue business and have rehabilitated more vicious dogs than Oreo could have ever dreamed of being. In my opinion, almost every single dog can be changed back to the once loving creatures they are born to be. This law will definately help stop all of these organizations who believe they are being humane by ending the life of another living creature. If Michael Vick’s dogs were rehabilitated, any dog can be saved! I want to send a HUGE thanks to you from myself and all 10 rescues I am caring for right now (2 of which were vicious when I got them)!!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you so much for listening when people speak, as the ASPCA clearly does not. It is heartbreaking that this legislation is being introduced too late to save Oreo. However, it seems that through her death, she may save many abused animals like herself. I just wish the ASPCA had listened to what people wanted, and had surrendered Oreo to Pets Alive for rehabilitation. I can only hope that Ed Sayres feels deeply humiliated by making such an abhorrent decision.
Thank you for introducing this bill that might save other lives like those of poor Oreo, put to death unnecessarily. I had already given up on HSUS because of the Michael Vick issue and now I am ashamed to wear my orange ASPCA “We are their Voice” shirt. It’s a sad day when we cannot rely on organizations who we support and rely on to protect defenseless animals.
THANK YOU FOR DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!
Sincerely,
Leslie Petit Vinson
Let’s get Oreo’s Law passed. In fact, millions of cats, kittens, and dogs are killed in shelters every year because there are no homes for them in a specific local area or because the shelter is overfilled. The economy and home foreclosures has made the problem worse. Some shelters routinely kill almost every animal in their shelters every week on a specific day even if the animal just entered the facility and even though there may be space available in another shelter within the same state or in other states. There has to be a better way - and shelters should be just that - shelters - not kill facilities. Unfortunately, the mainstream mentality of most shelter managers is pro-kill, not no-kill - makes you wonder how these people can claim that they love animals and willingly accept inflicted death on an animal as the only solution.
Every living creature deserves a chance. Please let them have it. We may not be able to save the world, but we can make a difference.
Thank you Assembly Member Kellner and Senator Duane for stepping up!
As far as the ASPCA in this matter–this doesn’t surprise me, they are not YET a No Kill organization, still in the dark ages. I appreciate all that they do, however they need to step up and go the whole way.
Thank you for your courage and conviction to write this legislation! Hopefully others will do the same.
No dog should be killed without being given all possible opportunities for therapy and rehabilitation. If you or I were thrown off a roof and sbused whe way Oreo was, we would be aggressive too. I work with abused animals and they need their therapy and rehab time just as people do so they can lead normal lives. No single organization should have the final say without other equally experienced organizations’ participation and input.
Thank you.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for introducing this legislation and for speaking out on behalf of Oreo and other abused and abandoned pets. I live in NV but was born in NY and lived there most of my life. My first 2 pets were from the ASPCA. I am disheartened and disgusted by Oreo’s murder and by Ed Sayre’s defense of the final act cruelty inflicted on this dog.
I pray that this legislature passes.
Unfortunately, shelters are in a poor position to retain dogs they do not deem adoptable- their simple solution is the needle. In this case, there was an alternative that could have been used, and was not. Obviously the ASPCA does it’s best to save animals but in this case they acted against the best interests of the dog. Your legislation should help to correct that.
Please make sure your legislation gets a full hearing and an opportunity for a vote.
jane heller
humane society of southern maryland inc and york,pa.
I live in Texas so my opinion may not matter much either. I have supported the ASPCA for years with monthly donations. Not anymore. As soon as I learned about Oreo I stopped my monthly drafts. I serve on the board of a no-kill shelter in Midland Texas. We have a dog much like Oreo who will spend her life with us unless someone who is qualified adopts her or an organization takes her for rehabilitation. Oreo was abused, beaten and almost killed by her owner. Thrown off a building like trash the ASPCA saved her, healed her, and failed her. To say that she had issues is not surprising - look at how she was treated. Abuse like that does not heal overnight - in fact it takes time, patience and love to overcome the things that Oreo lived through. Except she was not given the chance. She should have had a chance. Thank you for introducing this legislation that will make sure this never happens again.
Thank you, Assembly Member Kellner.
Your compassion will be rewarded.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the creators of this legislation to stop the sensless killing of animals like Oreo who should be given the chance to be rehabilitated. I applaud your efforts in trying to change the status quo and you have my full support!
Thank goodness something good may come from this horrible tragedy. When I read Oreo’s story I was absolutelty horrified and outraged that this poor dog was put to death for no good reason. all she needed was a chance in the right hands. I did write a letter to the ASPCA as I have been a supporter for many years to express how dissapointed and disgusted I am with their policies. I thought I was donating to Rehabilitating and saving animals not euthanizing so called aggressive animals. Please let’s move forward with passing this Bill it is much
needed.
Rose Marshall
Boston, Massachusetts
There are not enough words to thank you gentlemen for taking up this cause to protect dogs like Oreo. I can only hope it passes and becomes a model for other states to follow.
There was a similar case in Marion, Indiana, where the shelter director chose to kill a dog instead of letting it go to a no-kill shelter. The only reason, according to that director, was that the dog had over-extended his time at the shelter. That man lost his job. And until ASPCA changes their policies and has a different director, they will no longer receive any donations from me.
It is up to us to protect those who cannot speak for themselves, be it children or all animals.
I am very glad that someone is speaking out for Oreo. This was a horrible act that was performed and the only way these actions will be stopped is to pass legislation to make people responsible for their actions. Laws also need to be passed where it is a felony to commit abuse to an animal not just a slap on the hand. A golden retriever, yes, a golden retriever was just shot and hung to die in a field where everyone could see about a week or two ago in Tennessee. NOTHING was done. The guy said that the dog had chased his chickens. Until someone steps up and pushes legislation through, this will keep happening. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Assembly Member Kellner, Senator Duane, The NO-KILL advocacy center, Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, and all the animal advocates in this board and everywhere for for this overdue legislation, which will prevent unnecessary deaths to the animals in the care of shelters - the very institutions created to protect them.
The case of Oreo and millions of Oreos around the country and around the world illustrates an absurdity, we are killing our furry friends (families) for no reason, especially when others like the sanctuary in this case offer to help. ASPCA has no excuse, whatsoever. They should come out with a sincere apology and fire those responsible for this decision. They are losing the trust of the public and they can’t accomplish their mission without it. I am not cynical, but even if this law passes which will be a great success, we need a law like this at the federal level, we need it in every state.
Thank you!
I work at a Manhattan animal shelter. I fully support Oreo’s Law.
Thank you for giving Oreo the recognition he deserves and for making his life make a difference instead of an end. Thank you from the animals!
This is so appalling that this could even happen. That poor dog was abused and the truelly was abused by our system, who should be protecting him. So much for compassion by them. Thanks for your suppurt with legislation, I really hope it comes in effect. This poor baby deserved so much more. Thank you so much!
This is a long way past-due. That was an unbelievable and tragic abuse of power by the ASPCA.
Another important thing to consider: changing wording from “owner” to “guardian”. Once people stop referring to animals as pieces of property, the mind-set will be to treat them differently. This has officially been done in several jurisdictions, NY State should consider this.
My heart goes out to animals, such as poor Oreo. It is now to late to bring Oreo back, but, we can do something for those animals which are still living, and need homes.
“PLEASE”, put an end to these shelters, which think nothing of killing an innocent animal, especially when the “No Kill” shelters are willing to take the over flow animals off of the hands of the “Kill Shelters”.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for introducing this much needed legislation, Oreo’s abuse at the hands of her “owner” as well as the ASPCA will not be in vain. Please be sure to sign the petition at Petitions.com to have Sayres Oreo’s overpaid ASPCA executive and executioner resign.
Thank you! I wish more of our representatives would take a stand on behalf of the animals that are such an important part of our lives!
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. ” ~St. Francis of Assisi
Thank you, sir, for the introduction of the legislation, Oreo’s Law”. As the experience with the Michael Vick dogs shows most aggressive dogs can be rehabilitated, even to the point of being hospital visiting therapy dogs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmBqn9njo_0) as well as family pets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyCTcMcULZI&feature=related).
Even if Oreo couldn’t have been retrained enough to live in someone’s family, which is unlikely, she could have had a full, happy and loving life with the caring people at Pet’s Alive Sanctuary.
What Mr. Sayres did was unconscionable and tantamount to animal cruelty, in the extreme. He absolutely should be removed from ASPCA, who’s courageous founder must be reeling in his grave over what that organization has become. They have killed too many dogs that probably could have been saved and gone on to be wonderful companions; Oreo must be the last dog to whom this terrible injustice happens.
Please do all in your power to persuade your colleagues to pass this initiative to save other rescued dogs at ASPCA and elsewhere in New York, from Oreo’s heartbreaking and unnecessary fate.
Thank you for introducing this bill!
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation. I wish we had something similar in Minnesota, where the “humane society” refuses to work with the no-kill community to save the lives of animals that the public believes they are protecting or euthanizing for their own good. I believe that eventually these entrenched organizations will change because the public demands that they change, led by the hard work and compassion of people like you.
Assembly Member Kellner,
Thank you for bringing this new legislation to the Senate and for seeing that Oreo’s euthanization and the unnecessary euthanization of other animals could have been prevented! Thank you again for your commitment to animals!
Sirs, you are to be commended for your compassion and empathy for those less fortunate enough to fall prey to unscrupulous albeit publicity minded organizations who fail to understand that any innocent that is abused, hurt,maimed, and tortured will have issues of trust. That applies to humans as well. Any sentient being who has been abused will have trust issues. But, through rehabilitation and kindness these issues can be resolved. I am glad there are still people like yourselves who are willing to give the innocent a second chance at life
How tragic!! With a no-kill sanctuary ready and willing to take Oreo and give her a chance for a better life this should never have happened!! It defies all logic and reason.
Thank you for introducing this legislation. Through your efforts, and the support of good people like those represented here, this will not happen again.
God Bless the animals and the people who love them!
Oreo deserved to live. He faught hard to survive, through abuse and the attempt to kill him by being tossed off a roof-top, so strong was his desire to remain alive.
Animals are forgiving creatures. It does take some time to rehabilitate the mental state of an abused animal. But it can be accomplished.
How dare an ASPCA executive, being paid a large salary to protect animals not use common sense and allow Oreo to go to the No Kill Shelters that offered to take him. No he prevents this and acts like Hitler…he decides his fate..death!!!.
Oreo was MURDERED by this disgusting person. Oreo and thousands of other animals do not have to die. There was no reason to opt for execution,there were other options on the table.
How tragic for poor Oreo that he ended up at a place that begs for donations to save animals…but our donation money goes to murdering the same animals we donate to save.
I will no longer support the ASPCA. I feel we should stop donations to the ASPCA until they fire those who do not actually try to HELP ANIMALS. Look for alternatives for the animals if there is overcrowding.
I will only continue to support only no Kill Shelters.
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation and for being an animal rescuer yourself. It takes all of us to help end the euthanasia of animals who are not terminally ill. What happened to Oreo is heartbreaking, but what you are doing helps mitigate the sadness of her treatment. I know at least one legislator from my state — Oregon– will support this legislation. Check in with Earl Blumenhauer. He is an awesome animal rights supporter — just like you.
S. Scribner
Assembly Member Kellner
Horror, anger, outrage and “action” have spurred the tragedy of Oreo to your attention.
As an Assemblyman, you have the power to honor the Public Trust you serve and call-forth legislation to prevent other animals from being “rescued” from death when “sanctuary” is extended.
Do you know that the first Child Abuse Law was decreed in New York State in the mid-1800’s when a clearly abused child went before a Judge who was then challenged to find a law to protect this child from further cruelty. With nothing on the record except an Animal Protection Law … the Judge wisely determined the child to be
an “animal” and removed her from her abusive home. Children protected from abused animals.
You have the power to help honor that same Judicial decision made in your state around 1850 as a thank you to the animals who were harmed before such a law was passed and NOW FOR OREO. Wrong is simply wrong….destroy or cherish? It should be a FUNDAMENTAL DECENCY in the State of New York to protect wanted animals.
“Compassion is the highest form of human existence”, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What the ASPCA did is outrageous. Why does this introduction come so late? Why do these things always have to happen before we do something about them?
I was told that HSUS and ASPCA had enough money to s/n all dogs/cats in the U.S. . This makes sense and now I understand why they haven’t accomplished this. They would lose their money. I no longer give to the ASPCA or HSUS. I give to my local animal shelter. I actually wrote a grant request and they were granted 2000.00 for s/n. My husband and I have paid for s/n out of our pockets. This way, we know the money is going to support s/n. As the case with OREO demonstrates, the ASPCA is a huge buearacy which is why they were able to slam the doors in the face of people that wanted to help OREO. I intend to look into the ASPCA’s finances and see what percentage of donations go to s/n and animal welfare as opposed to Ed Sayer’s pocket/administration costs. The best advice I have gotten is to give to the grassroots groups for animal welfare. These people love animals and do most of what they do out of their own pockets because they love animals. Find a local rescue group and transport, foster or donate time or money. That way, you will know that you are really helping.
The story of Oreo deeply touched my heart. Thank you for trying to enact this law.
Thank you so much for introducing this bill. As a volunteer at a no-kill shelter, I truly believe every life deserves a chance. Animals should not be faulted for what humans have done to them. I have seen seemingly agressive dogs become rehabilitated and be adopted into loving homes over and over again. For the ones that can’t be adopted, I have seen them enjoy life just as much as they live out their lives on a sanctuary. The fresh air, the green grass, hiking through the woods, games of fetch with volunteers, even just lying in a patch of sunlight. They are happy to be alive. Animals know how to enjoy the things that us humans sometimes forget to value. We have no right to take it away from them if the option is there.
I full support this bill 110%. I cannot thank you enough.
I will be glad to sign a petion to help keep this from ever happing again and I know that a lot of other people would too. Just let us know what we need to do and we will be glad to help.
Thank you. It is time for ignorant and help-rejecting individuals in power to be held accountable for outrageous actions such as this - and to protect other Oreos in the future from such horrific fates. Under the guise of Animal Welfare is an ASPCA who clearly violated it’s own moral and ethical pledge… whilst unsuspecting donors faithfully send donations in the assumption, it would help dogs like Oreo, who was a great took for an ad campaign. We must not accept such outcomes and speak up. Whilst help, rehab, transport was offered, the selfish and unprofessional decision to kill this dog is UNACCEPTABLE. When will we stand up and be heard - enough is enough !! ASPCA is in dire need of reform, in conflict with it’s philosophy to save lives, doomed with lack of fundamental core values… and now with public pressure quickly singing another tune. A vigil for Oreo… by the very ASPCA who so mercilessly and against all help offered MURDERED her.
Revolutions are needed for change, let Oreo’s death not go in vain and speak up. Corrupt minds have no place in animal welfare.
The bill is important and the killing of Oreo was wrong. There is much shame and disgrace in killing animals that a humane society should not tolerate.
I am so glad to see about his new legislation that you have put together. I was a supporter of the ASPCA and could not believe what they did to poor Oreo. After all he had been thru and then to be put down needlessly what just a shame.
Thank you again for speaking up for the ones that cannot speak for themselves.
thank for speaking up for yhe ones who can not Oero
Thanks you for introducing this important change.
As a Rescuer in CA, I can tell you that I have pulled dogs from “quarantine” (not disease- or health-related — it’s what passes for death row at my county shelter), who went on to bring joy to their new families.
Some required training, some socialization, some just knowledgeable handling — but as operating assumptions we ought to go with 1 — they’re redeemable, and 2– kiling is a very last resort.
With this legislation, at least the brief, tragic life of Oreo can have meaning for scores of other innocents.
I’m so glad something is being done for future Oreo’s. This is a very sad thing that happened to this dog. We need to look at these animals in a different way and save as many as possible. A quote from Montana Task Force. “Killing of excess adoptable pets is a source of violence that becomes accepted and imbedded in a community even though there are other solutions. We need to accept these solutions and save these animals.
I, too would like to thank you for putting up this Bill. Unfortunately, I don’t share the other writers hopes. Both Assemblyman Kellner and Senator Duane will have to work hard to have the Bill enforced because it has been my experience that Bills and Laws are not enforced. I was spaying and feeding six cats in Milton, Delaware and the town council ordered that they were to be killed at the SPCA although I had found a place for them on a 1500 acre tree farm. The Delaware SPCA agreed. Besides killing the six cats that I had they trapped residents pets and the SPCA killed them. Delaware has strong animal cruelty laws but they are not enforced.
I am so glad someone spoke up about this. This is a tragedy. I was horrified at hearing Oreo’s story. I cried this first time I heard about her and how some horrible man threw her off a building, I cried even more when I found out she was euthanized for having a bad past that she was not allowed time to heal over. That dog should have been given a second chance and had it right at the tip of her paws, but it slipped away as the dragged her into a room and gave her that lethal injection. Poor Oreo was abused and spent most of her life in fear of humans and in the end it was the humans she thought she had found to trust that betrayed her and took her innocent life.
It is a sad truth that it often takes a tragedy before changes are made. Like the Vick dogs, this issue has caught the attention of many people who otherwise may not have known of the selfish, arbitrary decisions that are too often made regarding a shelter animal’s life.
Thank you for introducing this bill and an equally heartfelt thanks to all the rescue groups who accept these disadvantaged animals for rehabilitation.
I encourage everyone to use your voice against animal cruelty and exploitation. Together we can make a difference and someday create a world of no more homeless pets! Oreo will not have died in vain.
New Brunswick, Canada
Thank you SO much for introducing this legislation. It’s a shame that it is needed, but when organizations like the ASPCA make such horrible decisions, it obviously is. Hopefully this will save future Oreos from the same cruel fate at the hands of her so-called rescuers.
I couldn’t even read Oreo’s entire story because I was crying so hard. An end must be brought to the needless deaths of animals, especially the ones who can have a chance at a better life. Poor Oreo could have known what it was to be loved by a family before her life ended. Please stand up for those who have no voice and close this loophole!
Thank you to all the supporters of Oreo’s Law and to the No Kill Advocacy Center for bringing this situation to the attention of the world. I am appalled that the ASPCA killed Oreo when they had so many specialists who would have assisted with rehabilitation and boarding. This dog was in the state it was due to a person who, I believe, should be prosecuted and consequenced to the full extent of the law. Something good must come from the needless death of this dog. This was a mistake on the part of the ASPCA, one that should not have happened. We need to attack this issue from many sides, to prevent it from happening again and to see that laws are put in place to deal with such offenders. I hope the outcry is loud and persevering as the welfare of animals continues to be a hard fought battle. Together, we can make a difference.
I, too, was an avid ASPCA supporter until I read about what happened to Oreo…to have survived the agony of abuse only to be subjected to the cruelest abuse of all just destroyed my confidence in this organization. There was sanctuary offered…this dog did not have to die. Perhaps her death will become the rallying force for the No Kill Shelter Movement….then, perhaps, Oreo will not have died in vain.
Dear Assemblyman Keller and Senator Duane,
Thank you for introducing this legislation that will save many pets’ lives who would otherwise be killed in so-called shelters in New York. As a native New Yorker, I am proud to have individuals such as yourselves looking out for those who cannot speak for themselves. Those of us in the rescue community have been voices crying out to help the animals for years against the unnecessary killing. Oreo may not be alive now but her memory will last forever.
Sincerely yours,
Bruce Wilson
Ooltewah, TN
Thank you for taking action.
The proposed legislation is very needed, and should be enacted nationwide.
All shelters need to embrace the No Kill Solution, rather than living in the past, when murdering an innocent animal was considered “saving” him or her. But please, please, how about the millions of puppies and kittens, pigs, goats, primates and others who are tortured each year in America’s ghoulish “medical” labs -poisoned, burned, bones shattered, holes drilled in their brains, drowned, shot, mutilated, some for the military, BUT MOST FOR BIG PHARMA, SO THEY CAN MAKE MORE DANGEROUS DRUGS TO DRUG THE WORLD AND KEEP US SICK - WHAT THEY DO TO MILLIONS OF ANIMALS EACH YEAR IS SICK - MANY OF THE TRANSCRIPTS SHOW THESE ANIMAL ABUSERS MAKING SICK SEXUAL JOKES AS THEY PROCEED TO MUTILATE A SENTIENT BEINGS - AND YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S REALLY ALL ABOUT - FUCKING MONEY AND EGO- THESE ARE THE TRUE TERRORISTS, NOT THE PROGRESSIVE AND EMPATHETIC WARRIORS WHO TRY TO RESCUE A FEW HUNDRED POOR ANIMALS WHEN ABLE, SOME OF WHOM END UP IN OUR PRISONS AS ‘TERRORISTS’!!!
I DMEAND THAT ALL PUBLIC MONIES (MY TAXES STOLEN) GOING TO THESE SADISTS ARE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED - IF THEY WANT TO TORTURE ANIMALS AND MAKE A NICE LIVING DOING IT, AND YES, SOME OF THESE ‘RESEARCHERS’ ARE QUITE WEALTHY, THEN LET THEM DO IT ON PRIVATE FUNDS - AND, IF WE HOPE TO PROGRESS FROM NAKED APE TO TRULY HUMAN, THEN THE RIGHTS OF SENTIENT BEINGS - THAT’S EVERYONE, APES, ARE PROTECTED - NO MORE TORTURING AND MURDERING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS…
EVERYONE GETS SO EXCITED ABOUT A FEW POOR DOGS - BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MILLIONS BEING TORTURED RIGHT NOW….!!!
DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!! NOW
BUT YOU’RE SCARED TO DO IT, AS SO MANY NAKED APES (NOT HUMAN YET) ARE AFRAID TO RECOGNIZE THE SNETIENCE OF ALL BEINGS, UNTIL THIS SHIFT IN CONSCIOUSNESS 0CCURS, HOMO SAPIENS WILL CONTINUE TO BE VIOLENT AND DOOMED….
This law is desperately needed, and I thank you for starting the process. For the most part, animals have no voice in our society, and anything we can do to change that is very important. We must speak for Oreo and all those who cannot speak for themselves.
How in God’s name was this allowed to happen. How can you say that you are here to “HELP” the animals when in fact you “MURDER” them. This poor innocent, helpless little angel from God was cruely abused in her past short life, then she gets “rescued” & medical treatment only to be cruely treated again by her beautiful blessed life to be cut short due to the ignorance of the human race. This law needs to be put itno force immediately! How many more animals will this happen to? How can people who claim to be animal lovers & care givers sleep at night after doing such a horrific thing to this beautiful baby. DOG is GOD spelled backwards. Those people who torture & abuse & kill animals needlessly will pay in the end. God Bless all the animals because they are truely innocent, helpless, defenceless & pure. Humans could learn so many wonderful things from animals.
I am completely sorry about Oreo’s terrible end.I can’t understand evil people who believe that animals have no rights.
All my support to this bill.
From Argentina.
Silvia.
Thank you so much for introducing this MUCH NEEDED and LONG OVERDUE legislation. It is a small step for animals, but a GIANT LEAP for ALL OF HUMANITY!
Thank you! I fully support this bill! What happened to Oreo is horrible and it saddens me deeply that someone without a heart is working in this field! We must speak out for all the wonderful animals of the world because WE ARE THEIR VOICE!!! Thank you again!!
this should not have happened!
This is a no brainer. There are thousands and thousands of adoptable dogs out there that would be given a wonderful home if sanctuaries like Pets Alive were allowed to foster them until they get to their forever home. From someone who has had both the ups and downs of shelters I can tell you Pets Alive and their sftaff and volunteers are the greatest group I have ever come in contact with concerning our 4, and at times 2, legged friends. No animal shoul have to cross over the Rainbow Bridge before their time. God rest Oreo!
Dear State Assemblyman Kellner,
I just want to add to the many heartfelt thank you letters for you and your office and your fight to push through Oreo’s Bill.
I am still devasted by this action. I am surprised at the ASPCA folks also!
I only wish I were a judge on this case for this low life who thru that beautiful dog off the roof. In this case, the verdict in this case should be to throw him off the roof with his hands and legs bound. Unfortunately, he’ll only get a slap on the wrist and continue to torture another dog. Hopefully, kharma will follow him and he will get what he deserves.
Keep up your wonderful efforts.
Donna Skjeveland
Holbrook, NY
Thank you so very much.
Life is too precious to destroy. Dogs-4Life.com is appalled with the ASPCA and supports this law wholeheartedly.
Sir, You have restored my faith in politicians! I live in California but you have the support of myself and my family. I was born in New Jersey and much of my family lives in New York and I will pass this information on to them.
Sincerely,
Diane Gallagher
Dear Assembly Member Kellner and and Senator Duane
Thank you so much for sponsoring this legislation. I was horrified to learn that the ASPCA killed Oreo when they had rescues who were willing to take on the responsibility of working with Oreo. Rehabilitation can sometimes take a long time, but it is worth every minute of it. I help socialize formerly feral cats and kittens, and many of them become wonderful companions if we give them a chance. Oreo’s killing is not an isolated event. This kind of behavior from organizations that claim to be a “society for the prevention of cruelty to animals’ should be stopped across the nation.
Assembly Member Kellner,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for introducing Oreo’s Law.
Oreo’s needless death will not be in vain. This legilsation will save many pets’ lives.
Grand Rapids/MI
Lets make this a real issue…and stop funding their °efforts°
This law is desperately needed, and I thank you for starting the process. For the most part, animals have no voice in our society, and anything we can do to change that is very important. We must speak for Oreo and all those who cannot speak for themselves.
I wish more states would take on a similar law!
I am outraged by what happened at the ASPCA last week.
Thank you for introducing this bill. I can count on you to look out for the welfare of poor defenseless animals and communicate the information to me.
I hope that Oreo’s death is not in vain. Let’s let it stand for the introduction of protective measures for other innocent animals in the same situation.
You and Senator Thomas K Duane will be responsible for saving the lives of many defenseless animals. Thank you, thank you, tahnk you.
This just goes to show you how heartless and uncompassionate that not only ASPCAs are in reality, but its Humane Societies, pounds and other shelters too. (as I talk to shelters all the time about reforming their policies and becomming NO-KILL facilities.) The sad thing is most just disregard the option but yet still continue to carry the title “Humane” or slogans with the word “compassion” in them. Makes me sick. This is a much needed and overdue law that should of been in place from the beginning!
It is refreshing to see people of influence with the ability to make positive change bring this in to the public’s eye. Thank you. I support your efforts wholeheartedly.
THis happined to me just last week. A nasty man was ahead of me at the shelter and he had a box of underage kittens in the box…. 5 weeks old. I told him i would take them but he handed them over to the shelter. I told them I would take them but they said I had to get the proper paperwork,. I set out to do so but before I could they were “put out” These kittens were Picture perfect fluffy and adorable, they would have been adopted easily
Thank you for working to protect those who can’t protect themselves. I was also appalled that the ASPCA would euthanize an animal who had a place to go and a chance at rehabilitation. I hope your work ensures this situation never occurs again.
Good Work - Thank You!
I am so glad someone is doing this, thank you. It really saddened me to learn that they killed that poor dog when there were people out there willing to take this dog & rehab it. How heartless they were! I pray this goes thru, all dogs need a second chanse, nothing that breaths deserves to die just because of its actions. If it can be rehabilitated, it deserves another chance.
This is a piece of legislation that is needed coast to coast -:) and what an amazing tribute it would be to Oreo and all the others like him that sadly because of laws with huge cracks in them, are no longer here !
We most certainly could use this here in the UK also !
For those who are lucky enough to be in your care - thank you for all you do !
In love, God gave us a tremendous blessing–all His creatures, great and small…and with it, the charge to be their caretakers–our reward, unconditional love.
How tragic it is that we have to even consider such legislation. It will, as from the beginning, be a fight to the finish.
Oreo, as well as countless other abused animals, continue to remind and prompt us to bring about the good that will untimately prevail.
For all those who embrace and love their charge, I am so thankful to God.
I’m a “mother” of 3 cats, all of whom were rescued. Since childhood, my parents taught us that adopting from shelters and/or rescuing animals was the way to go. I’ve followed that teaching my whole life. I’m heart broken about Oreo and wish so much she’d been taken to Animal Alive Sanctuary for long-term rehab. I fully support Oreo’s Law and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sponsoring this bill.
Claudia Dikinis,
Santa Monica, CA
The cuelty against animals is a sad true that happens all over the world.
Fortunately also exists people that hug the Animals Protection Cause.
Let’s join our voices and toghether to struggle against every kind of violence. Because who is capable to be cruel with an innocent animal, it can abuse children, to be a murderer or a terrorist.
Congratulations for the legislation.
I was born and raised in New York, and lived in New York for 26 years. We New Yorkers can be loud and gruff, but inside we are a soft touch and look out for — no pun intended — the underdog. Oreo’s Law is exactly what New York is all about. There was no sane reason to deny Oreo a chance at life. Her five months with the ASPCA were painful and stressful, even though they worked to heal her body. She needed a chance to heal her soul. May she rest in peace, and please do your best to get this law passed.
My neighbor rescues cats and was able to rescue a mom but her 3 kittens
were caught by another woman who took them to MSPCA/Angell and they told her that the kittens were unadoptable and euthanized them. I had already told her I would take 2 and would have taken all 3 if I had known such ignorance was still
going on. I am saddened that they were killed even though I was willing to take them. I have 2 so called feral cats with me now and they have a home for life even if they never let me touch them. Such heartless acts make me disgusted
with so called animal shelters.
Thank you, Senator. Something has got to be done about these goups that kill — especially when there are so many that will help and take these animals. The ASPCA has long hidden under the guise that they were the good guys. The reality is that they ARE a killing facility. it’s high time we reign these guys in.
Many thanks from Pennsylvania!
God Bless Oreo, now and forever! If you watch Dog Town on National Geographic, Friday nights, or Nat Geo’s, The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan, you will see how “red zone” or “red collar” dogs can be rehabilitated. Last Friday night showed a dog who, after some years of rehabilitation at Dog Town, graduated to shedding the red collar and doning the purple collar, becoming closer to being adoptable. This takes time, compassion, forsight, and training, something that the “so called” director of the shelter, where Oreo was kept, sadly lacked. Ed Sayres should change his name to Ed Sayno, as he prefers to say no to life. I say we should say NO to his ever being allowed to work with animals again, the same way sex offenders are not allowed around children. He should be charged with animal cruelty, and registered as an animal murderer. Thank-you for submitting Oreo’s Law and thank-you to Nathan Winograd and all others who work towards rehabilitation and no kill for man’s and women’s best friends.
No Kill- Let’s Do It!
I am a huge fan and supporter{When I get a little extra money} og The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah…Well, They saved the day, and the Pest’s Alive Shelter, by arriving just in time to see animals under horrific conditions–The origional owner had just passed away, and, although she meant well, the situation was completely out of control.
Thats when and where Best Friends went to WORK!!! I am happy to report that present day, the sanctuary looks like a model of Best Friends in Utah, Thanks to the tireless work, round the clock that volunteers made to not lose any more animals!!!
As a Vet. Tech{retired, due to disabitlty}, I would have gone in a heartbeat, as the Pet’s Alive Shelter is not that far from us, but lo and behold, my luck just keeps testing me and testing me—One Oct.27th, I fell and smashed my ankle on BOTH sides, as well as dislocated it….sigh….Anyhow, PLEASE support this awesome new and improved shelter, would you??? The animals NEED YOU!!!
Thank you, PATTY KERSICH
[…] Read the press release here: http://www.micahkellner.net/2009/11/18/oreos-law-would-give-dogs-a-second-chance-at-life/ […]
Its wonderful that someone is stepping up for abused animals. I still cannot believe that Oreo was euthanized after the horrible short life she had. I know that she could have been rehabilitated and after offers were rejected it is important to change these laws.
BRAVO!
Thx you for stepping up and saying this was wrong and a change needs to be made to stop this from happening again
I speak from the heart of God, Himself, when I say the way we treat animals says a great deal about us human beings. To uselessly euthanize an animal who could otherwise be rehabilitated is like killing a child. Does it make one feel powerful to shoot that needle in a paw after the abused has already fallen from a six-story building? What? This animal cannot be rehabilitated? Really?
Well - maybe YOU don’t think so, my friends, but for every “no” in this world there is a way to find a “yes.” That special Oreo could have been loved and saved. I can tell you from experience, it’s true! The most abused –the most miostreated and misunderstood, can be turned into wonderful animals after receiving the gift of LOVE and compassion. Maybe if YOU can’t give this gift, you can at least take the responsibility of making sure you deliver the innocent animal to someone who CAN. Yes! How we treat an innocent animal determines who we are, America. We should be leading the way toward compassion, not punching out lights because we, ourselves, are void of any live current of love.
I am thrilled to find out about this legislation. I applaud you for this and I am backing you 110%. It is an unfortunate thing that shelters kill dogs that are spoken for by rescues. I too have had this issue with a group of dogs that our rescue was picking up and were killed before we could get back only 2 hours later I hope that this legislation can make it to other states to protect not only the pets in New York, but across the country.
Thank you again for your support you are a true “angel”.
Poor Oreo, to have been so unjustly condemned to death! The ASPCA was wrong to have ignored the most humane option in Oreo’s case. I fully support Oreo’s Law. May this never happen again!
THANK YOU Assembly Member Kellner and Senator Thomas K Duane for submitting Oreo’s law. Thank you to Pets Alive for making people aware of the situation and to countless others I’m sure. And a thank you to Nathan Winograd for his compassion and dedication working towards a No-Kill nation. The story of Oreo is heart wrenching, thank all of you again for caring so much!
God Bless You Micah.
You are a righteous man and a compassionate one. Your courage and decency are the answer to a prayer. Too late for Oreo, but it will protect other cats/dogs/animals from being killed as she was.
Thank you Micah — let us know if we can do anything to expedite the passage of this law.
Sincerely,
Denise Breslin
10028
Dear Sir,
I cannot thank you enough for introducing this legislation, and for “striking while the iron is hot”, while the animal advocacy community is still reeling from the wrongful death of Oreo. She so deserved a second chance at a real life, and was denied this for reasons that I will never be able to comprehend.
This is a law that is timely and most definitely needed. You are setting the example that I pray all states will follow, in order to stem the tide of the senseless killing of adoptable animals across the country, when rescues and sanctuaries are willing and ready to take them. I’ve read all too many horror stories of alleged “shelters” that never even allow pictures of the animals in residence to be taken by volunteers so they can try to find homes for them. They refuse to allow rescue organizations to even come to their doors. They would rather snuff out these precious lives than offer them a second chance.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking this action. It is something we MUST see passed and quickly before another innocent life is taken.
I wish we could enact similar legislation in here in Australia. I am a dog trainer and run a rescue charity. I know that so many animals deemed ‘not rehomable’ are either poorly assessed or very treatable if there is a behavioural issue. Unfortunately laws here prevent us accessing these dogs. Maybe one day we’ll catch up with you guys. Well done!
I think this legislation may result in some good results, although I hope this doesn’t push kill and no-kill shelters further into the bottomless pit of the euthanasia issue. To a layperson like myself, it makes me wonder what side both groups are really on…the actual welfare of abused and/or homeless animals or their own vendettas.
I’m glad that this legislation permits/mandates more flexibility when the life of an animal is going to be taken. It just seems right.
Thank you for introducing this legislation. I once saw on Animal Cops the ASPCA “rescue” a dog who had been severely injured. I had no illusions about the ASPCA but this episode put my cynicism in overdrive. The dog underwent extensive life-saving surgery and after-care - and then came time for the “temperament test” to see if he was adoptable. They stuck a plastic hand into the dog’s food bowl. The dog growled. End of dog. Crocodile tears flowed. It made me sick. This was not a legitimate temperament test, and even if it were, if they loved the dog so much, they should never have been satisfied with such a limited assessment. This is much-needed legislation and I wish you all success with it.
Thank you for introducing the Oreo bill. It was about time someone thught of the poor animals being surrendered everyday. They have no voice, no vote, no options, no choices. We, the human race are supposed to be in charge, of not allowing horrible preventable incidents to happen, not only to the uman race and the environment,but to the animals in the world.Unfortunately, for those who have no voice or vote, we are a poor example. We go about into our daily lives of survival, in the “rat race” of life. The idea of “humans first”, and let the animals and environment go last; has allowed the catastrophic changes in lost species, and global warming. When will we learn? When will we finally realize we are all in this world,together. Why does it take a tragedy for us to come forth? I am always amazed, when I hear that it takes many fatal accidents, for a traffic light to be install in a town. How many pets will die the way Oreo did, before we act? How many are being euthanized, because its more cost effective than trying to place the pets in loving homes?
I support this bill 200%. Let us not allow this sad tragedy happen again. Maybe we shoudl seek to have a special on Anderson Cooper’s TV show.
Thank you for this bill. You have my support and that of my family.
Isabel Muse
.
Thank you so much for honoring Oreo’s memory in this way. This was a tragic story but at least you’re trying to bring some good from evil.
Hallelujah! Every state needs an Oreo’s Law.
Oreo is dead.
Long live Oreo.
May I second the statement: “THANK YOU Assembly Member Kellner and Senator Thomas K Duane for submitting Oreo’s law. Thank you to Pets Alive for making people aware of the situation and to countless others …”
This is so basic — it is incredibly sad that compassion has to be LEGISLATED!
I, for one, no longer support ASPCA and all the others like it - including our own local shelter — all who do the exact opposite of sheltering/ loving/ caring.
Thank you for this bill. Even thou I am a young person, I feel very sad about what I hear happening to animals. Very simply, same things with children. I thank God for my mother, who allows me freedom of speech and to act out my thoughts and live a good life. A pet is like a young kid. If the people around them don’t help them and don’t take care of them, they are lost. Please help pass this bill, so that it sets and example in this world that we all care very much.
Thank you.
Michael Spencer
Oreo’s law should exist in every community in this country. Too many people, myself included have trusted HSUS & ASPCA to advocate for animals. Instead, all too often, groups like Best Friends and No Kill Advocacy have to intervene to save abused animals from the these so called animal advocacy groups. It wouldn’t surprise me if they don’t try to defeat Oreo’s law.
Remember - it was the ASPCA that wanted to kill the Vick dogs, many of which have been rehabilitated by Best Friends.
Thank you for introducing this law - and, in essance, taking on the ASPCA.
Thank you Member Kellner and Senator Thomas Duane for submitting Oreo’s law. It was a horrible decision to KILL Oreo when there was a second chance for him. We should outlaw these kill shelters such as the ASPCA and give more support to those who are so willing to help the helpless. We as human beings have an moral obligation to stop this killing.
About time we had a bill protecting the animals from this unjustified way of dying.
We seem to forget the animals have no voice, no vote, no options, no chance of living, if we, the humans do not protect them. We are all in this world together.
I support this bill 200%. Perhaps you can get someone like Anderson Cooper to do a special. Again thank you.
Isabel Muse
Until recently I didn’t know about the way in which animal shelters in the United States treat abused animals: this is really shocking! Please pass this bill and get into the twenty-first century.
I am very surprised and disapointed at the ASPCA, how could they do this when there was a option for her. You never gave her a chance!
Dear Sir
While I live in Australia, the press about this is alarming to say the least. As an animal lover and volunteer at a no kill shelter I find this incident a complete abuse of power by the shelter director.
Can you try and legislate against these shelter directors too? They seem to have way too much power and lack consultation with people who actually want to save lives versus those who are paid to save lives (and do it badly because they are so institutionalised!).
The world is watching.
Best of luck,
V Alesandro
Australia
Animals need us to protect them! They need us to speak up for them! It is not the fault of an innocent animal, but that of irresponsible people!
Thank you for speaking up for them and I fully support you!
After the appalling murder of Oreo it is with a continued sad heart that we Thank You for your support.
Dawn And Bruce Beattie
this happined to me last week I intersepted a litter of kittens last week and the man insisted on leaving them at the shelter. The shelter knew I would take them but due to intake not telling adoptions they were PTS
Bravo!! With tears in my eyes I applaud this move toward compassion and going the distance for those who have no voice. Oreo’s law is a brilliant step forward in opening up to a place of compassion and strength.
We failed poor Oreo. I just wish that in the future we will have the vision and scope to avoid having to make a law after the fact. But rather to see a situation with our hearts and not resort to a ‘final solution’ mentality.
Thank you, Sharon
Dear Mr. Kellner, Thank you for you, and for naming this legislation after Oreo. Anytime I and I am sure many others have an opportunity to vote for you, we will hands down.
Thank you for this progressive legislation which we desperately need to get passed so that it can become the law of the land and help to ensure that regard for individual life is once again made paramount in the nation’s priorities. While not a dog person at all — my lifelong love is and will always be cats, particularly rescued cats — I was moved by this story and have signed on to the petitions currently circulating asking that changes be made. NO LIVING BEING should be dealt with as Oreo was. The lack of compassion across the board in this society absolutely stuns me; we must do all we can to insist that compassion be taught from the earliest level in public schooling, and that, while we cannot legislate caring in the callous, we CAN pass laws to try to extend protection to our most vulnerable and blameless, namely, the members of other species whom we as a society bear a collective responsibility and moral obligation to protect.
Every state (and country for that matter) should introduce and embrace this legislation. What happened to Oreo should never, ever happen again. It never should’ve happened in the first place.
Sincerely,
-Beau Vaillancourt
Thank you so much for pushing Oreo’s Law. We can no longer allow so-called animal rights groups to arbitarily kill animals.
The Patrick Henry Democratic Club of America supports no kill. Oreo’s law is a good example of needed legislation.
Unfortunately, in California, Hayden’s Law is not working out. Too many animals are slaughtered in this state, despite efforts to save them and people who would give them homes. Loving owners rush to the shelters, only to learn that their pets were killed almost immediately upon capture.
P.E.T.A. is working overtime to push dog-killing legislation through the Califonria legislature and P.E.T.A.’s dog killing legislation is taking precedence over universal health care, education funding, job creation and other important legislation that was shoved into a back corner to help P.E.T.A. in its goal of exterminating all dogs and cats in the State of California.
We need a real no kill revolution in the United States, one that puts saving animals lives over the extremist agendas from animal-hate groups like P.E.T.A.
There is no question that the killing of Oreo was wrong! The legislation is needed to stop this from happening to other innocent animals. We do NOT have the right to kill them this way. Thank you for introducing this much needed safeguard for the lives of helpless animals.
If most of Michael Vick’s pit bulls could be rehabilitated and given another chance, certainly the severely traumatized Oreo deserved one. I just can’t understand why the ASPCA gave up on this dog after all its efforts to save him, and especially after a group specializing in the rehab of aggressive dogs offered to take him. It reminds me of what happened to so many Katrina dogs, particulary pit bulls, after they were rescued. Your legislation will hopefully save animals who might need some extra work to fit in. Thanks for proposing it, Mr. Kellner and Mr. Duane.
thank you so much!!! we need this nationwide…God bless you in your efforts and give you success.
Thank you so much. Oreo’s Law should be national. How anyone could put an animal to death when help was offered is beyond me. I no longer trust the ASPCA. They need to wake up, get a new set of rules and maybe some new people who have a little bit more love and compassion.
Thank you Senator Duane for this bill that is much needed not just in New York, but everywhere in the US.I live in Louisville, KY where are animal services euthanized 860 dogs in the month of September 2009.Just within the past few years they made it illegal to put dogs down using a gun.Also they just recently got rid of the gas camber box that could take over 30 mintes to kill the suffering pet inside.I cannot understand how society got to the point where we live in the US and accept these practices.Please let’s all unite together and say enough is enough and adapt new progressive strategies to turn the living hell reality for unwanted pets into a second chance.Thank you to everyone who supports better treatment of animals and may God Bless you,keep fighting for their rights,we are there only voice.
I support this from the bottom of my heart. Any person with a speck of humanity would do likewise. Thank you for your compassionate undertaking.
Dear Sirs,
I am so very thankful that you have introduced this law. I support it, and am very happy to tell you that all my friends, and my family support this law to.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Morgan Kanae
Dear Sirs, I am deeply moved by your introducing this law. You have made my holidays happier. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Alex Vizcaino
I would have felt so privileged to take Oreo home with me. There needs to be more publicity promoting animal adoption. No animal should die in a shelter. That is not exactly sheltering an animal, is it? Thank you for submitting this law!
Thank you gentlemen for taking the lead in introducing this very important legislation. I live in Connecticut and I know my voice among your fellow legislators will not mean much but I will do what I can to spread the word and let NY residents know of this bill so they can contact their own legislators to voice support. I would hope that this could even one day lead to federal legislation so that innocent animals nationwide are protected from overpaid bureaucrats who obviously care about nothing more than the bottom line. They were supposed to protect Oreo. Little did we know she needed protection from them.
Only because such a tragic incident as this has this come into the spotlight! Now let us never, ever turn off the light. All animals deserve so much better than what poor Oreo got…please don’t ever let something like this happen again! And, please, do not let anyone get away with such dastardly treatment of an animal again!!!
Thank you very much for your efforts to protect our furry friends!
Very truly yours,
Tracy L Agner
Apopka, FL, 32712
USA
I’m sorry that this didn’t helped Oreo. I sure hope it helps the other innocent animals in the future from now on.
I fully support Oreo’s Law. I rescue and spay/neuter cats in my community. For some I find homes, other are returned to their colonies. I would never take animal to ASPCA because they have very small chance of surviving.
I know times are difficult and No kill shelters are full but there always is a kind soul ready to help.
Thank you for getting this info out into the public!
We foster dogs with behavioral problems & people are stupid to think a dog can’t be rehabilitated!
Luv The Klehr Pack
Auburn, WA
Absolutely! Every Animal deserves a chance for their Forever Home! Oreo was denied this chance intentionally by the organization that says they are their voice….ASPCA:(
Rich Russom
I cannot thank you enough for introducing this bill. It is long overdue in NYS. Please stick to your guns when the inevitable blowback comes from the traditional scoop and kill shelters.
The death of this dog was completely cruel and unnecessary! Killed at the hands of the ASPCA? Absurd! It is my opinion that these horrible decisions will do more to harm the image of the ASPCA than anything so-called “whacko” PETA People could ever do! The ASPCA USED to be considered a highly respected mainstream animal welfare organization. GET BACK ON TRACK!
Thank you for taking the lead in preventing this tragic error from happening over and over again.
Even presuming the innocence or good intentions of the decision makers who killed Oreo, the taking of this life was predicated on erroneous assumptions; that the individuals who observed the dog’s behavior were infallible, that there was no other person, environment, technique or therapy that would be superior or more suitable for the dog’s progress than those that they knew, that no amount of additional time would allow the dog to decompress from the experiences that caused this present behavior.
The assumption that an animal is better off dead than living a life which does not include sitting on a human’s lap or sleeping in a king-size bed beside a “Master” is a sad, ego-driven and misinformed justification for execution. It is extremely presumptuous to think that there is no scenario where an animal can be content other than living as a surrogate human. Who is to say that Oreo could not have found peace, possibly as a direct result of being spared excessive contact with the species that caused her such pain, or possibly in the long-term guardianship of a human soulmate who did not happen to be working that day for the organization that had her in custody.
When it comes to anything but alleviating intractable suffering in our animal friends, we must no longer accept the lie that killing is kindness. This is the horrifying copout of people who have run out of ideas.
YOU HAVE MY TOTAL SUPPORT
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND COMPASSIONATE CARING
ANINA
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation. As a foster / parent to many “last chance” animals and a volunteer for a number of NO Kill Shelters(including Pets Alive) I am grateful to know that Oreo’s betrayal may be the seed
that leads to greater human compassion and the growth of a NO Kill nation.
The legislation must pass and stop the killing. This is the 21st century and time
to become enlightened and value life and not just human life!
An animal should ALWAYS survive the “rescue”!
Thank you for helping dogs with this last chance effort to give them a good life. It is sad that Oreo had to die for people to become aware of how many animals are euthanized each day in our country. A dog with issues is hardly ever given a second thought. They are the voiceless victims. So many wonderful adoptable animals are euthanized in our shelters by organizations and people that profess to be there to save them. What a lie!
Thank you for taking the lead in preventing this tragic error from happening over and over again.
Every Animal deserves a chance for their Forever Home!
Thank you for introducing this legislation. Now lets work hard to make sure it passes and becomes law.
It’s the only way left now to honor Oreo’s life.
Although this action is too late for OREO it will prevent cases like hers from happening again. May her Spirit have Eternal Peace.
I am a Canadian citizen from British Columbia and I support Oreo’s law by making all those who will listen that a second chance should be made available. Our western society, at the very least, should insist for the no kill philosphy of our domestic pets. It can then grow from there. We are all natures creatures.
Assembly Member Kellner,
I am grateful for people such as yourself that are actively involved and are not hindered in any way for taking a righteous stance in a situation as this. Some times there has to be some form of suffering or tragic event for policies to change and laws to come into effect. It was tragic the way Oreo’s life was taken, without a true fighting chance. To bring the story to us and win our hearts, then our donations for this dog and many others, and then not to give us a voice to decide what we can do for her. To weigh the options and not totally disregard them. We the people saved Oreo, with out our donations and support that would not have been possible. We should have been given a chance to help in the decision process. We were cheated, but with this new “Oreo Law” it will give us a voice to help those with truely no voice and at the mercy of a handler. My sincere gratitude. May Oreo’s death be the beginning and never the end.
Sincerely,
Wanda Jacobsen
Thank you for making people more aware of what’s going on and trying to make a difference. it is sad that it had to happen under such conditions. i remember reading about oreo on fox news when her owner threw her off the building. i said to myself “this dog has had a rough start but someone is going to give her the best home imaginable” i am disgusted to know that that opportunity was given to her, and someone CHOSE to not let her take it.
I am a Washington state resident and my heart was crushed when i heard Oreo was killed,she went through so much only to have her life taken from her,i am so grateful she did not die in vein,you are being a voice for those that don’t have one.The senseless killing of healthy animals has got to stop, i am so happy as i write this because i know change is coming for are animals.Thank you so very much.. Oreo’s law needs to be nationwide.
Overwhelmed animal lover
Washington State
Just like everyone else, I just wanted to sincerely thank you!
Hooray for New York legislators! What a bold move and so quickly on the heels of the senseless death of Oreo. I am thrilled and optimistic again to believe that indeed public opinion does at times matter. For this dreadful tragedy to reach the top of the NY chain of command it speaks volumes for how wrong the ASPCA was in how they handled this situation.
Oreo deserved the chance - at the very least - to get the benefit of the doubt and go to a place willing to help him.
Cheers to all who have spoken up for Oreo. Jeers to Ed Sayres.
[…] with mixed reaction that I heard the news about Oreo’s Law. Written by NY Assembly Member Micah Kellner and sponsored by Senator Tom Duane, the Oreo’s Law legislation will be introduced next week. If […]
ASPCA = American Society Prevention of Cruely to Animals should be investigated! SHAME ON YOU! This almost happened to one of our beloved little angels and our Animal Rescue intervened with a help of an attorney to get our little baby back from being euthanized. The adoption papers stated that the dog should be returned to the Animal Rescue if the adoptive parent no longer wanted the animal. The Animal Shelter objected to returning the dog and wanted to euthanize a perfectly loving little helpless animal. Thank God we got her back with the help of the attorney and she is now in a furever loving home.
Dogs shouldn’t still be suffering as much as they do.
I’m saddened about Oreo - what a sad life
As Mans & Womans Best Friends - they need respect!
I’m so sorry for Oreo and believe after what he went thru he should have been given a chance. I applaud the No Kill Advocacy Center and Honorable Micah Kellner and Honorable Thomas Duane to introduce “Oreo’s Law”. Please don’t let him die in vain without learning fromt his experience. If there is a reputable rescue who is willing to take a dog like this, they should be allowed to. God forbid had the Victory dogs been put down. They have been a huge success. I currently have several dogs I work with that are challenging and will continue to do so. I respect them and they have their own space. If an educated rescue has knowledge of the breed and issues, they can learn from this. All dogs should be viewed as animal first and that should be respected. Understanding their breed and any issues is primary to the care and sustainment of any animal, not just dogs.
For the animals, Donna Mummert
In a world where the animals desperately need voices to speak out for them, I applaud your actions. Thousands of dogs are rehabilitated…why not Oreo? I speak from experience since I have worked with so many animals, have seen the sadness and suffering turn to happiness and wonder on a small furry face. People with twisted minds are the ones who fuel aggression in an animal…it is not something the animal chooses…yet the animal is the one who pays for it. Let’s end this vicious cycle and make Oreo’s senseless death count for something good.
Just to add my gratitude, Assemblymember Kellner. If there is any way to support this bill, I am there. - JK in Manhattan
Speaking from 35 years of experience in training dogs and having rescued several dogs from abusive enviroments ” I quote there are no bad dogs just bad people” My heart goes out to those animals that deserve a second chance in the right hands!~!! To those representatives of the no kill bill my hat comes off to you sirs: Mr Kellner and Duane keep up the good work.
Of course Oreo had some temper problems, look at the way she was abused. That poor sweetheart just needed some extended loving care, and killing her was barbaric. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate on this matter, Mister Kellner.
[…] organizations save animals scheduled to be euthanized is going to be proposed in New York. Click here to read more about “Oreo’s Law”. Leave a Comment No Comments Yet so far Leave […]
Thank you for introducing this legislation on behalf of those who have no voice and are at the mercy of the unmerciful. Humans are given charge to care for the earth and all its inhabitants, including all animals. How we treat those who depend on us is indicative of who we are as a society. Oreo’s story breaks my heart, as does the plight of the millions of dogs and cats who are killed each day. Thank you to all who work in animal rescue and in bringing an end to the killing.
I do remember first reading about Oreo being save by New York ASPCA. I was thankful that she was in good hands, so I thought. I cannot even begin to express the amount of anger I felt towards them when I heard that put her down. It was such a sensless act of cruelty. All of us animal lovers thank you for really standing up for her and all the other animals out there that are mistreated and do not have a voice. I hope Oreo’s Law becomes a law soon. Thank you for watching over the animals!!!!
Thank you Assembley Member Kellner and Senator Duane for introducing this important Law. This happens too often and I hope that other states will make this a Law in their states asap.
I was astounded to learn of the euthansia of Oreo. I trusted this organization to protect the dog , especially after another shelter offered to rehabilitate her. Thank you Mr. Kellner proposing this bill. I would hope that other states follow your lead. Thank you, Ms. Fran Westhead
This law is long overdue and I applaud the legislators that have put this into motion. It’s too late for poor Oreo but it’s not too late for all the animals that unfortunately are still to come. This law not only helps the animals but puts controls on the animal “welfare” groups which clearly have other motives in mind.
I am devastated and appalled to learn that Oreo had been euthanized and by an organization that claims to be pro animal…what a joke the ASPCA is. For anyone who believes that organizations like the ASPCA and HSUS are in business to protect the animals need to realize they are not. What they did to Oreo is horrendous and those in charge need to be replaced by people who actually care about animals.
Thank you for introducing this legislation…I hope it is passed and other states do as well. We need tougher legislation to protect the animals and help us to help the animals.
Thank you for introducing this legislation. I hope more people will think as clearly and not always about politics
I am a member/volunteer for a “no kill” animal society and I am OUTRAGED at what happened to Oreo.
Thank you so much for introducing this bill and please know that you have many, many, many, that support you and are willing to stand behind you!
I”m sure you’re going to get the usual foot-stamping and complaints about it being too much work for the overworked staff of killshelters, but this type of community outreach could easily be done by volunteers who i’m sure would rather see the animals they care for be adopted out, rather than killed. I know many shelters do have a system by which they contact local rescues, but i know that not ALL shelters are easy to work with. I support Oreo’s Law.
Thank you for caring about the animal.
at least some of us do!
Dear Me. Kellner,
Thank you for putting forth this bill. It is so nice to see someone in a position of power act compassionately for animals. This was such a sad situation, which could have been avoided. Poor Oreo (and many like her) deserved more, and was let down by the very people who were supposed to help her. Again, Thank you!
I was appalled to learn of Oreo’s fate. There was absolutely no reason for the
ASPCA to refuse to allow Oreo to go to the Pets Alive Sanctuary. I know what
Best Friends out in Utah have been able to do for Vick’s dogs. I will give second
thoughts to making donations to the ASPCA.
Assembly Member Kellner,
Thank you and Senator Duane so very much for introducing this important bill! Living in Sweden I can’t do anything to support the bill. But I will follow this with great interest, . hoping for the bill to pass!
In Sweden we do not have such a law, saving animals from being euthanized when an organization wants to take them. We are not even allowed any access to these state shelters.
Your bill reminds me that it is time to work for humane and fair laws here too! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Shalini Persson
Animal Rights Lawyer
Sweden
My friends and family often tell me, “You can’t save them all!” Thank you for helping all of us engaged in animal rescue to save more of the endangered homeless animals. Sending best wishes from NC…..
I find it abysmal that we need legislation to provide for the common-sense needs of dogs and cats and other animals. It seems contrary to intelligence to kill an animal that was promised rehabilitation. But, if a law is what it takes, then i wholeheartedly support it.
Thank you so much, Assemblyman Kellner, for proposing this legislation.
Thank you for introducing this piece of legislation. I trust that the New York State Legislature will act swiftly and with surety on this proposed bill and that other states will follow suit.
I thank these men for introducing this law people think animals are throw aways and we as there only means of protection don’t seem to do enough to help them.We can only pray other people and states will follow the lead of these men and do what they can to safe our animals.
This is very simple to say - OREO’S LIFE MATTERED. Oreo deserved a second chance at life and a home that was unjustly taken away by the ASPCA. I SUPPORT OREO’S LAW, BECAUSE ALL ANIMALS LIVES MATTER & DESERVE THE RIGHT & ENJOYMENT OF LIFE AS WE DO.
Thank you Mr. Kellner and Senator Duane for this progressive legislation. I hope that Oreo’s Law will gain enough support to bring it quickly to a vote. Then there will be the problem of enforcing it and the available rescues and sanctuaries to take these animals. I do hope that people donate to these organizations which are saving animals every day instead of the ASPCA , HSUS and PETA.
A. Perkoski
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! — the ASPCA has made a huge mistake by putting Oreo down — there were other avenues they could have taken giving Oreo another chance at life and they refused — they refused — unbelievable! There is no defense nor excuse for their deplorable decision — they should be held accountable!
I have a home in Florida as well as a condo In New York City. I work In the animal rescue business and I am so very grateful to you both for stepping up to the plate. Hopefully this law will be picked up by all the states in the near future.
The Situation with Oreo has me sick. Thank you for utilizing your position of ‘power’ to help those who don’t have a voice. The ASPCA needs to fire that man and make sure they replace him with somebody who is genuinely dedicated to helping and saving pets. Because of you, Oreo will not have died in vain. I will do whatever I can to support this becoming law all across the US.
I am so sorry for poor Oreo. He suffered so much and he should have had a new chance in life. The ASPCA needs to answer for this outrageous crime.
Oreo was not euthanised—-he was brutally murdered. Since when is it legal to’
POISON animals ——- a bottle of Fatal-Plus ……….are they kidding !!
This is mind boggling they would poison that poor dog … I will not give a dime to the ASPCA———-I would think I am paying for the bottle of poison that killed this poor dog.
Thank you so much to the people introducing legislation for Oreo’s Law.
I support it fully and I am thankful for all the people who are posting on this site who care and feel bad about Oreo.
It is just tragic and outrageous that Pets Alive were not allowed to take him.
God bless Oreo’s sweet soul. I believe she’s in a much better place right now; still, she ended up there way too early at the hands of ignorant and cold individuals. I support “no-kill” organizations (such as this one) 100%, for doing what I believe to be God’s work. May the Lord bless you all.
As someone who has taken care of animals that many would consider unadoptable, I am very happy that this legislation is being introduced.
Simply put, we must all stand together and do what Henry Bergh did and stop traffic in the street, so to speak. We must all raise our voices together and say “No more!”.
Think. If a man like Henry Bergh could make such a difference in his own time, what could we do if we all marched together and made our voices heard?
Oreo did not die in vain.
I agree with oreos law we should give rescues that are willing and are true rescues and pass a chance to take the time and work with these animals after everything they have been through they deserve it and as a private rescuer ive had one everyone thought was crazy but it took me a couple of mnths to turn her around but she finally came to see the light in things and is a good dog with everyone and everything so it can be done with time,but i think if the rescue is willing to take the animal and give it the chance it needs then they should be checked into to make sure they arent scammers and abusers like we are seeing popping up more and more to protect everyone and the animals wellbeing. so i support it i just think it should be done with caution and checks.
Thank you for being their voice. This should have never happened, she had a rescue willing to take her and to give her a second chance. Her life was taken away by an organization that is supposed to be an advocate for them.
Thank you and Senator Duane for introducing this legislation.
Many thanks to you for introducing “Oreo’s Law”. I am appalled that Oreo was not given the opportunity to go to Pets Alive. There are several ‘no-kill’ options which the ASPCA could have pursued. I sincerely hope this law passes and is adopted by many states in the future. Thank you, again!
As for as the ASPCA and Mr. Sayres goes, regarding Oreo, I have one thing to say- REGIMEN CHANGE!!! Who can get the ASPCA’s MEMBERS to get him to resign. Can someone do it through Facebook, etc.. I don’t know how to use it.
Carolyn Cavallo
Bryn Mawr, PA
[…] again in New York, state Assemblyman Micah Z. Kellner has introduced legislation called “Oreo’s Law.” It would allow rescue groups to take custody of animals scheduled to be euthanized by an […]
How dare an organization that is supposed to protect and rescue animals not taking the opportunity to save Oreo’s life. It is horrible and reprehensible behavior and I for one will never donate to that organization again.
Whoever made that decision should “rot in hell”.
Sincerely,
Lenore Z. Draper
I sincerly hope that the bill doesn’t pass, as it would cause the suffering of millions of animals.
Though I am no longer a New York resident, I am tempted to move back just so I could vote for you. Thank you for introducing this legislation and helping to save the lives of innocents.
I am horrified and appalled that ASPCA killed Oreo! Oreo should have gone to a sanctuary.
Thank you so much for introducing “Oreo’s Law”. It is beyond comprehension that an organization formed to prevent animal cruelty would be the one to kill an innocent animal. ASPCA has lost my support and the support of millions of animal lovers who have heard of this inhumane act. I will be behind any legislation to prevent something like this occuring again.
Thank you, again!!
Thank you BOTH! Thank you for introducing this important,and much needed legislation.Poor little Oreo was let down by so many people,whom she should have been able to rely on for care and protection. It infuriates me to know that an animal sanctuary,was ready,willing and able to take her,but the ASPCA chose to dispose of her instead!
I live in Illinois,so there isn’t a whole lot I can do to help get this passed,but I am hoping and praying that it does. This could “show the way” to so many other states,and is an important step in the progression of animal welfare.
The ASPCA has a motto “We Are Their Voice”. I do not believe that to be the case. No one there spoke up for Oreo, and the countless others they have euthanized over the years,who would have had another chance at various rescues who were more than willing to help.
YOU are their voice! And you are speaking loud and clear! Thank you!
Another big “Thank You” to Assembly Members Kellner and Duane from Minnesota. As the director at Animal Ark, Minnesota’s largest no kill animal welfare organization, and as the host of the nationally syndicated Animal Wise Radio, I have had the opportunity to experience first-hand the fact that not all “animal shelters” are operated in a way that is consistent with their stated missions or purposes.
Because people falsely assume that anyone working in the field of animal welfare must be caring and compassionate, animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA have operated for too long with little accountability or public oversight. Oreo’s Law is a good first step toward ensuring that no wanted, savable animal is destroyed unnecessarily.
Thank you for introducing this legislation. Henry Bergh began the ASPCA in order to STOP the killing of animals. Bergh is surely turning over in his grave at the fact that the organization he started has been turned more and more into a money-grubbing racket devoted to killing animals. The ASPCA now stands for American Society for the PERPETRATION of Cruelty to Animals. Kill the ASPCA, not animals.
Thank you, Assemblyman Kellner for your compassion, common sense most importantly being the “voice” of the animals. Although I am no longer a NY resident, I so hope this bill passes for all animals’ sake, as whatever happens will have a trickle down affect on other issues like this all over the country.
It is time that these large so-called animal rescue organizations like ASPCA and HSUS are held accountable for their actions.
My heart breaks for poor Oreo, although she is now is a place of peace and love. Her life should not have taken the path that it did and I only hope that it will not be in vain.
Thank you again for your honorable fight!
[…] has led Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner and Senator Thomas K. Duane to introduce “Oreo’s Law”. “Oreo’s […]
Thank you for introducing this legislation so that Oreo’s unnecessary death won’t be in vane. Your support for those who have no voice is so greatly appreciated.
From what I have experienced the rush to judgement has been horrific. It truly is an education process. The shelter workers are there to do a job and I have seen it time and time again some care but most do not even like their jobs…it is a paycheck and with that comes a sort of resentment. My opinion they should all be fired as they need people who truly want to solve the situation.
It is heartbreaking I know I take in many animals that have been thrown away and find them great homes. I am one however, there are many “one’s” who can make a difference. Oreo should have been allowed a second chance.
This is important legislation that (frankly) needs to take the nation by storm. There are too many shelters that get to make the final decision on who lives and who dies. There is no logical reason why this should be the case when there are others who would gladly take the animal. Thank you for taking action on this.
I live in a rural state where few have the audacity to question these kinds of decisions. I hope to see that change as more progressive states take legal action against one of the deep dark secrets of animal shelters.
What happened to Oreo is a crime defined both legally and morally. Yes, the abuser must be punished to the full extent possible under current laws. However, speaking out for those who cannot is a moral and ethical responsibility of all those who claim to care about animals. I so often hear “I just love animals but I just can’t…………..” No more excuses! The suffering you go through reading or watching such stories is nothing in comparison to what the animal(s) suffers so stand up and speak out. Become informed, check into your local facilities, most masking their true activities under the word shelter. One person can make a difference and while we all hear the old “you can’t save them all you know”, each of us can save the one looking at us right now and to that animal, it is all that matters. We are making a difference, one animal at a time.
What happened to Oreo is a crime both legally and morally. The abuser must be punished to the full extent possible under current laws. However, speaking out for those who cannot is a moral and ethical responsibility of all who claim to care about animals. I so often hear “I just love animals but I just can’t…………..” No more excuses! The suffering you go through reading or watching such stories is nothing in comparison to what the animal(s) suffers. Stand up and speak out. Become informed, check into your local facilities. One person can make a difference and while we hear the old “you can’t save them all you know”, each of us can save the one looking at us right now and to that animal, it’s that matters. We are making a difference, one animal at a time.
I am very shocked, dissappointed and confused as to why the ASPCA would kill an animal that they are supposed to save. Arent they for the rights, protection, and lives of animals? It just does not make any sense to me. I held them up on a pedestal for so long and was so proud to be a member of their organization. But now I am wondering what the hec they stand for. And whats their purpose if not for “saving the lives of animals”. (ALL ANIMALS!!!)
As far as “Oreos Law” I for one am all for it. Its actually high time that someone thought of this law and is trying to do something to make it a reality.
Animals need us to help them, esp when they have issues brought on by being traumatized at the hands of monsters who hurt them, beat them, torture them, neglect them, and make them suffer. Alot of dogs pull through after awhile and spring back, so to speak. But there are others that need a bit more “special attention and rehabilitaion” and if one shelter/organization cannot provide that, and another shelter/organization is offering to help, let them, for the sake of the animal.
So, I applaud you for hopfully making this law a reality, and then hopefully it will be nationwide to help animals across the board.
Thank you so much for supporting Oreo’s Law.
We must stop this modern day holocaust of innocent souls…..innocent souls (cats and dogs) who deserve to live, and love equally as much as the rest of us.
No Kill.
Now!
For more on Oreo’s Law and No Kill Programs, plz visit:
http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org
http://www.nathanwinograd.com
Thank you both for cosponsoring this much-needed legislation. I am an active foster home for tougher cases rescue groups in Minnesota are not equipped to handle. I take the time needed to socialize these beautiful, but very unwanted, dogs.
It is unfortunate that so many “experts” working through shelters have so little experience dealing with these tough cases, yet are so quick to label them “too dangerous.” In contrast, experienced people like Tia Maria Torres, Leah Purcell, Brandon Fouche, Cesar Millan, myself and groups like Best Friends and BADRAP all are living proof that these dogs can be successfully socialized.
This important legislation will take that need to destroy out of the hands of these “experts” in their white lab coats and put the power to save into the hands of those willing to get down and dirty to save one life.
Thank you for being an advocate from all of us who have a heart for these unwanted dogs.
I live in Canada and we have the same problem - Thank you for introducing this bill. we should do it here.
We had an incident in Toronto with respect to cruelty charges against the head of the Humane Society.
I could not believe that this man in New York is making $500,000 a year!
Canada and the US should consider winding down the SPCA’s and Humane Societies and instead help fund true rescue groups.
Thank you for speaking up for the animals. Sadly, I know of another dog named Oreo whose life ended the same way. I hope and pray that “Oreo’s law” is passed and becomes a model for all states.
It is inexcusable to kill a dog when a legitmate rescue is willing to take that dog. Shame on you, ASPCA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Legislators,
In the interest of mans best friend; please pass this bill without hesitation.
Thank you,
Daniel Polanco
This is the second time that the ASPCA does a horrible thing to Animals. My ”
” big dog” rescuing friend who tries so hard to place them,was harrassed and ASPCA took all of them in and some got killed! She was besides herselve! After so many years,placing so much, and get treated like this! Please let this good law go thru for all “Orios”.Coby Siegenthaler 8843 Penfield Ave.Northridge CA91324-3227
What happened to Oreo was wrong…but it proves the old adage “Power corrupts…absolute power corrupts absolutely”. There is absolutely no excuse for her story to have ended this way….please, let’s do whatever we can to get this law passed so that her murder does not have to have been in vain. Thank you!
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation. While it is true that there are so many pressing issues in animal welfare, let’s not let this one dog have been murdered in vain! If her death can bring a lasting change to the way the shelters that are supposed to be helping animals operate, then her short, tragic life will not have been in vain. Thank you, God Bless You, and keep up the fight!
I use to go through this all the time when I worked at the Az Humane Soc, it was easier for them to just kill the Animals even if I had made the call and rescue was comming, it all depended there on the Director and the Shelter manager at the time.
I hope and prey this becomes Law there is no excuse or reason not to want to spare some lives for Rescue Groups willing to take the Animal they kill plenty every single day all day long!
The Multi–Million dollar bu$ine$$ such as the A$PCA’$ and the “Humane” $ocietie$ should be shut down. They are in it for the money, and they have plenty of that. Yet they are always begging for more. If they would spend as much time and money saving animals, as they do asking for more and more money, Well do the math. There would be many Oreo’s plus many other animals saved. It is very sad when we have to call each other (as animal advocates) to ask, “Is this or that a good group or a bad group” to donate our money to? So many of them don’t give a damn about the animals (hence Oreo) they are only after the money. People who love and have so much compassion for animals are the most giving of people. These are the people they prey on. So please all of you good people out there, DON’T BE AWARE OF THE DOG….BE AWARE OF THE DOG GROUPS, and the “Shelters”. Thank you for this bill. Then let’s start a bill to shut down the bad guys. After 24 years in the movement, one doe’s get FED UP. However WE DON’T GIVE UP.
rescue is all about second chances. . .this is why we save dogs (and cats) ! it’s not just for them, it’s our atonement/redemption also
I live in Arizona and wish we had a law like this in effect for all of the abused and neglected animals and I really do applaud you for trying but what all you people writing don’t realize is #1 we are talking about poor “Oreo”. Besides the stupidity of the ASPCA nothing is being said about what is going to happen to Fahran Hendersen who is the one who literally through “Oreo” over the edge of a six story building he needs to be dealt with first. #2 killing “Oreo” with a bottle of “Fatal Poison” is apalling and almost unheard of these days (At least I thought it was. #3 Everyday 1000 to 10,000 of animals are being put to sleep and we are being lied about the real numbers on the distruction of these animals. #4 Pounds, the in humane societys and others are even going back to “gasing” for those of you who don’t know what this is it is a lazy form of sensely killing animals by putting them all in a room and leaving them to die with gas running through the room just like during the prison camps. These animals suffer an extreme lonely, painful death. Certainly there are two animals in this world and people need to be forced to spay and neuter there animals and have to pay fines when not completed by a certain time and if that time passes they should get another judgement against them and jail time should be a priority. When an animal must be put to sleep weather because of illness or a family member requesting it or even the pound or ASPCA requiring it. These animals deserve to have an IV drip and givin Pro Pathal that slowly stops their heart but in an humane manner. Please excuse the spelling but the medicine used is the same medicine that was used on Michael Jackson. But at least in each animals case they are not alone and they do not die a slow, painful, lonely agonizing death. Now lets start talking and working about that one too Senator Duane and member Kellner. This is a very serious issue in itself. No, poor “Oreo” did not have to die and neither do the hundreds of thousands that die needlessly every year. And it is very much true that the ASPCA is lying to the american people. And also these rescues who have I believe have 503C (non taxable income busness’s. They need closely monitored also but not all of them are bad and dishonest but there are those out there and they are getting money from the government and then on top of it abusing the animals and the animals are living like pigs in a pig pen. Some of them are even worse looking than the pictures of the doggy mills you see. Speak up and have a voice and not just about what these two men are trying to accomplish for New York, New York and every other state in the USA have these conditions and dishonesty in the way the money is handled and appropriated and they really and truely have no real persona to answer to so they get away with it and what is the worst is the poor animals suffer for it under a masquerade of allusion. May poor “Oreo” rest in peace and may those people who poisoned and put her down be able to sleep with them self at night. You know it has been proven that most murderers started by murdering animals and just because these are “so called animal control officers” it doesn’t make them any better. So everyone please think about it and make these men running this campaign think about it also. RIP “Oreo”
[…] member Micah Z. Kellner and Senator Thomas K. Duane have come up with “Oreo’s Law“. This law would give […]
Thank you for giving a voice to those without one.
Thank You! Finally someone is interested in truly saving our animals.
Dear Assemblyman Kellner:
I am writing from Colorado but wanted to thank you for introducing this legislation. Hopefully it will be an example for other states to follow as there are terrible conditions in animal shelters across the nation. Just because an animal is born a certain breed does not mean it is okay to treat them inhumanely.
Thank you
Thank you for speaking up for the animals. I pray that other states do the same. It is a sad day when something like this happens. These poor animals only want to be a friend and even after being abused they still just want to be loved.
I just dont understand how a person could actually do something like that.
Please stand firm with the decision and continue to have a voice for helpless animals. I stand with you .
Thank you! Thank you so much,
Tara , Charlotte NC
What a tragic end for Oreo; however, her death will not be in vain if the proposed legislation, Oreo’s Law is passed. I have to say I’m not surprised at the ASPCA for doing that as they are more and more aligning themselves with the HSUS and other animal rights activist groups that’s main goal is to eradicate pet ownership in this country and eliminate hunting, etc. The goal of the AR’s is moral fascism and I’m with you on persevering to expose these groups for who they really are. Besides, the HSUS is PETA in a 3 piece suit and apparently the ASPCA is following suit right behind them.
Bless you for all your work and I loved Redemption and plan on getting your latest book , “Irreconcilable Differences.”
I was deeply upset when I heard about Oero. As a pitbull owner myself, i can’t imgaine who could be so sick to hurt them. But if this law passed Oero’s death will not be in vain. RIP Oero.
Dear Sir,
Though I do not live in the state of New York, I want to thank you for taking a stand for the Voiceless. I hope and pray your legislation passes. There are literally thousands of ‘Oreo’s’ across this country. If your bill passes in New York, maybe just maybe, the rest of the states will follow. I hope so. Your legislation is long overdue but could save countless lives in future.
Kudos to you for exposing ASPCA for what they really are. Please do not give up the fight for Oreo’s Law. Make it happen!
Thank you so much for introducing Oreo’s law. I do not live in New York, but I was sickened at what happened to Oreo. This law will help hold shelters accountable for the care and treatment of their animals. Any law that will help innocent animals is a step in the right direction. For everything that dogs have done to help humans throughout civilization, for protection, hunting, warmth, transportation, as seeing eye dogs, police dogs, army guard dogs, and much more, these tirelessly devoted animals at least deserve a law to help protect and care for them. Oreo deserved a better life and could have had one, but she was killed instead. RIP Oreo.
I appreciate your intentions. BUT personaly I believe there are too many GOOD dogs out there that have no place to go. If a dog is deemed untreatably aggressive it SHOULD be humanely euthanized. There is no reason for a sanctuary tor rescue to take this dog and risk injury to another animal or person. Even the best “managed” situation has room for a slip up.
I am NOT in favor of this bill !! The money time and effort could be spent better in medical care and or spay and neuter projects.
Lets find places for the dogs that are NOT a threat to society and let the ones that are go.
I was given the unique opportunity to foster and adopt a rescue about 8 months ago. A helpless Chi was going to die in the Houston heat when it was 106 degrees outside, and he crawled up under a truck. Luckily, it was the truck of the Executive Director for Friends For Life (a no-kill adoption center) and he was saved in the nick of time. I dedicated a blog to the rescue group, because Baby Butters has enriched my life– http://www.bebebutters.blogspot.com
Though I do not live in the state of New York, I want to praise you for taking a moral stand for little Souls with Big Hearts. If your bill passes in New York, I’m hoping our new mayor Annise Parker will get Houston on board. I just read that Houston has 5 kill shelters and 80,000 lives are euthanized each year. Perhaps, you can contact her and urge her to make history a second time. I know she has rescue pets, so you can make a difference in the 4th largest city with your influence.
Kill shelters and non profits like the ASPCA need to think out of the box to support God’s creatures. There have been some positive news stories from Nubs to Pets2VETS ( http://www.khou.com/news/slideshows/Photos-Pictures-of-the-Day-79873567.html?gallery=y&c=y&ref=/news/slideshows&img=24) lately. Maybe, these warm fuzzy stories will help people find the value of saving these dependent souls.
Thank you for supporting this very worthy cause. We not to stop useless killing in shelters across the nation and become a “NO KILL SOCIETY>”
I TOTALLY SUPPORT Oreo’s Law. Please prevent this from happening again.
Sincerely,
Roger L. Beard
Prairie Village, Kansas
Dear Assemblyman Kellner,
Thank you so much for introducing Oreo’s Law. I am heartbroken that this could happen to any animal and have lost much respect for the ASPCA for the way in which they ignored the humane alternatives to Oreo’s death and their prevarication.
I wish you every sucess.
I do not live in the state of New York. But I do support you and helping pets with laws like the Oreo Law. Please know that so many people love animals and want them to live if they have a chance. Pet add value to our lives and we need to do what is best for them.
Sir,
Thankyou for giving a voice to the voiceless.
Sadly too late for Oreo, and thousands of others, maybe in time for thousands to come.
Your name will be mentioned with respect as we hope all animal respecting people, will support Oreo’s law.
It’s about time this dream becomes reality!
Dear Sir.
A big mahalo from Maui, Hawaii for your introduction and support of this vital bill.
I live in a state that has little compassion for “rescued” animals.
The passage of your bill would give us hope and a foundation to introduce our own legislation to protect those animals. Some of whom, it is rumored, are sold to locals as food!!!
There is a very active and well supported No Kill movement here but fighting the state and ASPCA is not an easy task.
We support your efforts and send you much aloha.
Ray and Vivienne Masters
Thank you so much for introducing this legislation, please don’t let it “die” like so many homeless animals do today, this legislation can make a difference to so many animals. Rescuers work mostly unpaid, tirelessly and often have to save animals from organizations that profess to be shelters, when in fact they are many times more interested in money and thus become self promoters and used pet sellers. Their mottos should be “we sell the best and kill the rest”. I was involved as a rescuer in WY and failed to save a German Shepherd named “Ferngully” that had a place to go in rescue and transport arranged. The shelter/pound that killed him has no problem with his death, Ferngully became just one more dead dog, a statistic to them. He was not the first, nor will be the last until legislation like yours can shine the light on what is wrong with killing homeless animals, who through no fault of their own, are homeless, have issues that need some TLC and time to overcome, and can make a difference to “just that one dog or cat” who only has one life.
Thank you for speaking out for the voiceless…and shame on the ASPCA who should be doing this.
Ed Sayres loves only his fat paycheck, perks and the friends in high places he wants to brag about.
Something has to be done. For animals who have been offered room with rescue groups to be killed by the ASCPA, it’s imperative. I support no-kill shelters and the organizations involved in rescuing homeless and abused animals. Many have opened their hearts, homes, and pocketbooks to help these animals, and as long as there is an offer of placement, it is nothing less than criminal to kill them. If you don’t vote “yes” for Oreo’s Law, you’re no better than those who abuse these animals.
Thank you so much for introducing Oreo’s Law. I’m sick of the killing and especially when a life saving alternative is available. The ASPCA and others like them are just one big disappointment. I hope someday they will come to their senses, but I won’t hold my breath. Even though I do not live in New York I want you to know I support Oreo’s Law.
Thank you so much for being the voice of the animals. Please continue to make stronger laws in animal abuse, and the the animals that still have a chance for a rewarding life, and the life that the all deserve!!!!
I’m a native New Yorker who recently moved back to Brooklyn after a stint in San Francisco. I am so pleased that, thanks to your efforts, New York City is following in the footsteps that California has already carved in the path towards humane, just treatment of domestic animals. Please let your supporters know how we can continue to fight for the passage of Oreo’s Law.
Thank you for promoting the interface of rescue groups and shelters. It is sad that we need legislation to mandate SHELTER STAFF to attempt to save the lives of their precious charges. THANK YOU for attempting to legislate COMPASSION and COMMON SENSE.
This should not be happening!!!! When someone is willing to take an animal….death should not be an option!!! Please support Oreo’s Law so this want take place again!!!!!!!
I guess it is easy for many to forget the hard work done by animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA. Technically Oreo’s law would give pets a third chance. Am I opposed to something like Oreo’s law, probably not. I am highly opposed to amount of so called “animal lovers” that negelct to think of what animal organizations face and the responsibility they have to the public and other people (dont think for a second the ASPCA has not been sued by a person or rescue group after a pet like Oreo bit them - hence the likely reason they dont release dangerous animals to “rescue groups - aka hoarders or possibly the most amazing people you will ever meet”). It is easy to sit on the oustide and make a judgment, and forget about everything the ASPCA has done for animals and animal legislation. “No Kill” is an admirable goal for any large city, even the term is flexible to match the harsh reality we face everyday in NYC. Have any of you volunteered at the local ACC in NYC? Have any of you rescued an animal that showed its true aggression after recuperation?
I love the sincerety of the voices in this post. I ask that you remember to think of the unknowns. Love alone does not save animals and I have volunteered at the ASPCA and ACC and know the reality. So many more are dying every day at the city shelters it would absolute blow your minds. It is admirable to want to save Oreo and I wish I could have to, but when we begin to solve the real problems leading to Oreo’s demise than we begin to make a difference. As kind as your voices are, the reality is very few amazing people are actually doing anything about it. I guess we can all be satisfied with a bill that deals with the side effects of a HUGE problem and slander an amazing organization. Let’s do something by attacking someone that is actually trying to help. That makes alof of sense really.
Maybe if you come up with real legislation that actually made the changes necessary to control and prevent these problems we would get somewhere. Instead, lets go after the people that help because it is popular to be angry at them for WHAT THEY DID! You are answering the call for very few of the pet voices, but you are absolutely missing the vast majority of them.
I live in Sullivan County New York.I was sickened when I read about Oreo!!! I am a BIG animal lover and have given to the HSUS and am a member.I will no longer have anything to do with them!!they should be held accountable for what they did and he should not be involved with any dogs cats etc.What happened to poor Oreo
should have never happened may she RIP.I would like to know how much jail time the murderer received and the CEO should receive jail time also!!! I luv my furkid,he is truly loved and can’t even imagine the cruelty that goes on in this world!!It has to stop and we must help to change the laws.How dare they not give an animal a chance in life!!Please pass the law they can’t speak for themselves we must be their voice. Sue Simon
I read about Oreo and I feel that both the owner and the shelter should be punished severely for what they did to the poor animal. Animals are living creatures innocent and harmless. If Oreo got aggressive that’s because of the owner’s maltreatment. How would any human feel and react if somebody threw him/her down from the sixth floor and beat him/her day in day out?Wouldn’t any of us become aggressive? That was not a reason to be killed!! If these people misteated,just to use a mild word to describe it, and killed another human they would have been tried and found guilty in no time,let alone been sentenced. We like to think of ourselves as civilized. Let us prove we are. Please pass the law and give any animal the right to live and recover. Pass the law and let humans be the poor and defendless animals’ voice! Papadopoulou Sophia
I would like to applaud the efforts on the parts of Assemblyman Micah Z. Kellner and Senator Thomas K. Duane that went into drafting and championing Oreo’s Law. I am proud to see our nation’s leaders attempt to show a more gentle and kinder side of our nation to the world. They are watching. Thank you for attempting to put the human back in humanity. You have restored my family’s faith in the morality of our leaders.
Thank you for Oreo’s law. I do not understand the cruelty hoisted upon these innocent pets, moreover , I do not understand a ruling denying this dog’s life! The rescue orgns and sanctuaries are literally life savers for these abused or neglected animals. Oreo’s demise was tragic and hopefully this law will prevent another wrong - again, thanks~
I cannot imagine a law of this nature not being passed. We have to be the voice of animals who have none. They give so much love and happiness to those who let them and it is ALL unconditional! I do not understand why people who commit these horrible crimes against defenseless animals do wha t they do, but please do what you can to help them. I pray every night that every animal will know love sometime in their life, they deserve that and we should do what we can to ensure it. Thank you for your time, I know it is valuable.
Sincerely and with hope,
JoAnna Martin
dazykat@gmail.com
[…] Meanwhile, an “Oreo Will Not Be Forgotten” group has sprung up on Facebook, with several hundred members as of Friday; Pets Alive’s online petition demanding Sayres’ ouster as ASPCA president has received more than 2,000 signatures; and New York state Assemblyman Micah Kellner has announced his plans to introduce “Oreo’s Law,” which, if approved, would “allow animal welfare organizations the right to request animals be given to their care when a shelter is planning to euthanize them,” according to Kellner. […]