So much has happened lately, we’re getting squirrely to tell you. You're a busy person so we'll keep it short and sweet. Here are a few newsy nuggets especially for you!
WOW! Thanks to you, word is getting out that there’s spay/neuter help for
low-income pet owners who live in Onondaga County. As of today, nearly 835 pets have been fixed! It's all because of your donations and your sharing.
YOU are terrific at getting the word out.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU, FRIENDS!
And hats off to our trusted veterinary partners at Spay and Neuter Syracuse (SANS). You and SANS and Fixing to Help - what at team we make together!
Let's keep up the great work!
The Syracuse Police Department is considering getting rid of their Animal Cruelty Unit. Instead, they’re looking to outsource cruelty services. That means they'd contract with an outside agency for part-time coverage at best. What a loss that would be to residents of the city - and beyond! Read about it HERE.
Outsourcers do important work. But they're peace officers and do not have as much authority as Syracuse police officers. They may make lower-level arrests in cruelty cases. However, NYS law and their agency's contract limit the actions they can take.
Let our leaders know how important the Animal Cruelty Unit is to people and pets alike.
Contact:
* Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner (315.442.5250 or kbuckner@syracusepolice.org)
* Mayor Ben Walsh (315.448.8005 or Mayor@SyrGov.net)
* Deputy Chief Joseph Cecile: jcecile@syracusepolice.org
* Deputy Chief Richard Trudell: rtrudell@syracusepolice.org.
What have we got to lose?
1. A full-time animal cruelty officerauthorized to deal with any criminal activity she encounters.
2. Full-time connection with neighbors, linking them to services they may need for their pet’s safety and health as well as for their own.
3. Full-time work preventing abuse before it starts and helping people become better pet owners.
4. Full-time dedication to bringing animal abusers to justice.
5. Ongoing collaboration with outside agencies, government entities, and animal advocacy groups.
6. Full-time accountability, accessibility, and commitment to the animals and people of Syracuse.
That's too much to lose!
Cuse Pit Crew has started a Change.org petition to reinstate and fund the Animal Cruelty Unit of the Syracuse Police Department. If you want to add your support, CLICK HERE.
Have you caught What's the Buzz! yet? Now's your chance! Introducing...the world premiere of Fixing to Help's video series What's the Buzz!
The first episode features none other than Animal Cruelty Officer Tara Kalil.
When Tara agreed to be the guest star of Episode 1, none of us (including Tara) knew that Syracuse's Animal Cruelty Unit would be going on the cutting block. Tara is retiring in July after 20 years of outstanding and life-saving service to the people and pets of Syracuse. We wish her the very best in her new endeavor serving the people of Onondaga County.
Thank you, Tara. We will miss you!
We leave you for now with this Link to a larger version of a poster listing of who to call or email to report animal abuse in Onondaga County.
Remember, your calls are confidential.