Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Wildlife Rehabilitation Los Angeles, California

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates support Senate Bill 1229 to protect pets

2012-02-24T11:02:00.001-08:00

There is an increasing trend of some landlords conditioning occupancy of rental housing on the declawing of cats and, or the devocalizing of dogs.

“There are a number of steps landlords can take to protect their properties from damage by pets. Pressuring pet owners to subject their pets to inhumane and permanently damaging procedures is unnecessary, expensive and just plain wrong,” said Senator Pavley.

SB 1229 would impose a civil penalty of $1,000 per animal for every violation that results in declawing or devocalization.

Eight local governments in California have recently banned the practice of cat declawing (Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Monica, West Hollywood), recognizing the practice as inhumane.

Declawing is an operation to remove or to prevent the normal function of an animal’s claws or toes. The practice of declawing has been prohibited in other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom and Israel.

Alternatives to declawing or debarking for landlords may include: language in contracts making tenants liable for pet-related damage; require that tenants supply their cats with scratch posts, require an additional refundable security deposit or “pet deposit;” provide scratching posts to tenants with cats, select fabrics that are less likely to appeal to cats for furnished apartments.

Mary Cummins President of Animal Advocates in Los Angeles said "Declawing and devocalizing pets is unnecessary and inhumane. Cats can be easily trained to use a scratching post. Dogs can be trained not to bark. Declawed cats are more likely to stop using their litter box or may become biters. Devocalized dogs will learn to make a new sound which can be worse than barking. These new undesired behaviors sometimes cause the pet owners to dump the pet at the shelter only to be euthanized. Animal Advocates would like to thank Senator Pavley, The Paw Project and the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association for introducing this bill."

Animal Advocates is a non-profit animal rescue and education organization located in Los Angeles.

Mary Cummins is a real estate appraiser and past broker, property manager and landlord with over 28 years of experience. She also worked at the Apartment Owners Association in Los Angeles.

The Paw Project is a non-profit organization that educates the public about the truth about cat declaw surgery. Dr. Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project also surgically repairs the paws of declawed big cats so they can walk again without pain.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer, Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Bailey & Galyen

2012-01-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Photos, images, stills from videotaped deposition of Randy Turner's client Amanda Lollar of Bat World Sanctuary taken November 8, 2011 in Fort Worth, Texas. Randy Turner is an attorney, lawyer with the law firm of Bailey & Galyen in Texas. In these photos he's either staring at my breasts, crotch or else he's texting, emailing or closing his eyes and nodding off. He refused to look at any exhibits. That's why he closed his eyes. Very unprofessional and unethical behavior.

Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer, law firm of Bailey & Galyen, Texas. Randy Turner is staring at my breasts in this photo.

Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer, law firm of Bailey & Galyen, Texas. Randy Turner is staring at my crotch in this photo.

Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer, law firm of Bailey & Galyen, Texas

More information about Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates suing Amanda Lollar, Bat World Sanctuary here

http://www.animaladvocates.us/mary%5Fcummins%5Fsues%5Famanda%5Flollar%5Fbat%5Fworld%5Fsanctuary/

More information about the Bat World Sanctuary lawsuit

http://www.animaladvocates.us/batWorldLawsuit/

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Amanda Lollar of Bat World Sanctuary did not go past tenth grade

2012-01-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

Amanda Lollar of Bat World Sanctuary in Mineral Wells, Texas admits on video that she hasn't gone past the tenth grade. This was in her deposition by me in Fort Worth, Texas. She has no formal training in animal care at all.

More information about Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates suing Amanda Lollar, Bat World Sanctuary here
http://www.animaladvocates.us/mary%5Fcummins%5Fsues%5Famanda%5Flollar%5Fbat%5Fworld%5Fsanctuary/

More information about the Bat World Sanctuary lawsuit
http://www.animaladvocates.us/batWorldLawsuit/

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer, Texas, Bailey & Galyen, State Bar of Texas, Judge

2012-01-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

Video of Randy Turner, Randall Turner, attorney, lawyer in Texas at law firms Bailey & Galyen, acting inappropriate during his client's deposition. Randy Turner is a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He is acting unethically and unprofessionally in this deposition video. He knew there were three cameras rolling with one pointing directly at him yet he still stared at my crotch, breasts, refused to look at any exhibits, texted/emailed during his client's exhibit and even nodded off.

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2012-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Raccoon in Watery Prison: Watch His Rescued Bliss

by Laura Simpson
January 26, 2012
11:30 pm

111 comments

Written by MaryEllen Schoeman of California

Let’s be clear: raccoons do not make good pets. In the hands of anyone other than an experienced owner with the background, education and equipment to meet their needs, they suffer. This is the story of one such raccoon and his rescue….

When authorities arrived at a marina to impound a boat overflowing with garbage and posing a health hazard to the area, they were shocked at something they found in the under-deck cabin of the boat – an adult raccoon locked in 2 by 2 foot cage, with feces and rotten food six inches deep on the cage floor.

Appalled, they called Mary Cummins, of Animal Advocates. When she arrived on the scene, they discovered that the door of the cage was sealed shut with encrusted filth and rust. Equipped with bolt cutters and determination, the team cut through the door and moved the raccoon into a carrier. Soon, the owner of the raccoon appeared. He told an all-too-familiar tale of finding a cute baby raccoon, taking it home and discovering that as an adult the animal was too difficult to manage. This ‘owner’ had responded by locking the raccoon in the small cage and not letting him out for four years.

Mary rushed the raccoon to the vet where they determined that he was 80% blind due to poor nutrition, no sunlight and fumes from the accumulated feces and urine. She then turned him over to me, also a rehabilitator, for evaluation for eventual release. I soon found that due to his blindness and other issues caused by his long captivity, a life in the wild would not possible for him.

I named him Harbor, and quickly found that despite his hardships, he was a sweet and gentle soul. His yearning for contact and attention was palpable. After a few days and a few baths and lots of love and reassurance, I released him into a large enclosure that I had custom-bult for him. This is what happened.

I was astounded, and continue to be, at his utterly incredible capacity for joy. He plays, ecstatically, with anything at hand, and accepts everything that comes into his life with an open heart. I have worked with raccoons for many years, and I can honestly say that I have never encountered one who greets each day with such happiness, and who loves so fully and so deeply. He loves his pool, his toys and every single person he meets.

I have learned from Harbor, as well. I have learned that it is possible to come from a place of unimaginable darkness and despair, and still move forward into a life of joy and love; that we do not have to carry our darkness with us, and that every day is a gift.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/raccoon-in-watery-prison-watch-his-rescued-bliss.html#ixzz1kfr1QKDP

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, HSUS NDART team, Animal Planet's "Confessions, Animal Hoarding."

2012-01-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

I helped out with this dog rescue in Lucerne Valley, California. I took care of the dogs in the makeshift kennel on the fair grounds. Below is a link to the video of the show on Animal Planet, "Confessions, Animal Hoarding." We took care of approximately 150 dogs in this makeshift shelter on the fairgrounds.

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/confessions-animal-hoarding-bobbie.html

Here are some pics and a video that I took.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates at HSUS hoarder intervention

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. Socializing puppies.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. 150 dogs in crates.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. Most of the dogs were feral.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. Feral dog.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. PetSmart Charities donated the kennels and food. Thanks!

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. Socializing puppies.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team.

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates on HSUS NDART team. Someone found an injured raven on the highway. I transported it to a bird rescuer.

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Animal Advocates' year end report 2011 - Mary Cummins

2011-12-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

Animal Advocates' year end report. Thank you to all supporters

Here are a few things we've accomplished in 2011.

Wild animals we rescued

▪ 82 Fox Tree Squirrels

▪ 101 Opossums

▪ 25 Raccoons

▪ 22 California Ground Squirrels

▪ 5 Gophers

▪ 12 Striped Skunks

▪ 11 Pigeons

▪ 6 Wild bunnies

▪ 5 Coyotes

▪ 2 Foxes

▪ 1 Spotted Skunk

▪ 17 Rats

▪ 9 Mice

▪ 7 Pip bats

▪ 3 Hoary bats

▪ 5 California myotis bats

313 wild animals, 92% release rate (3% euthanized, 5% died)

Domestic animals we rescued

▪ 1 House Bunny

▪ 5 Cats

▪ 11 Red eared slider turtles

▪ 3 Chickens

20 rehomed

Other activities

▪ Paid to spayneuter 12 animals owned by others

▪ Added one more large enclosure

▪ Gave wildlife presentations at seven public events

▪ Uploaded 50 new animal rescue videos to YouTube

▪ Now have almost 4,000 YouTube subscribers

▪ Now have almost 5,500,000 video views on YouTube

▪ Helped out at dog hoarder raid on HSUS NDART team with over 150 dogs

▪ Spoke against the sale of fur at West Hollywood City Council

▪ MaryEllen spoke for humane coyote control in Altadena

▪ MaryEllen and Mary C helped shoo coyotes out of the burned down Glendale home

▪ Attended Ratfest and recruited a new volunteer

▪ Taught a class for small mammal rehabilitators

▪ Helped Dr. Conrad with her documentary on cat declawing

▪ Attempted an intervention with 22 large declawed lynx

▪ Almost 9,000 fans on Animal Advocates' Facebook page

▪ Responded to over 1,000 emails asking for animal advice/help

▪ Responded to over 1,200 phone calls asking for animal advice/help

▪ Over 500,000 hits on our website Animal Advocates http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us

▪ Over 2,000,000 hits on our website Squirrel Rescue http://www.mary.cc/squirrels

▪ Animal Advocates was in the news for helping Moorpark deal with rabid bats and the ban on the sale of fur in West Hollywood.

▪ Cummins took a class at Humane Society University, Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders

▪ Cummins helped with media at WorldFesthttp://www.WorldFestEvents.com

With all positive news also comes some sad news. The sad passing of animal friends Lyle the best dwarf bunny in the whole wide world, Buddy the West Nile Virus squirrel cared for by Mari, Patches the cranky old, smelly 24 year old rescue cat, super sweet MBD skunk and old momma opossum.

With every year there are also many thanks. Thanks to Dr. Kenneth Jones and his wife Suzann for all their amazing help. Thanks to bunny rescue for the 300 lbs of rodent blocks. Thanks to all who made monetary donations. Thanks to people who helped transport animals. And of course, thanks to Vice President MaryEllen Schoeman and all the volunteers. Thanks everyone for all the love and support. And a special thanks to anyone I accidentally left off the list.

Animal Advocates has many more things planned for 2012

▪ We're looking for a new house with more land that backs up to city or state parkland.

▪ MaryEllen needs new caging

▪ We'll be rewriting our wildlife rehabilitation manuals and finishing a book.

▪ We'll be redoing the websites.

▪ We expect to get our wildlife rescue numbers back up. They should be over 1,000. Mary Cummins is the main donor to Animal Advocates. She had to waste $10,000 of her own funds on a frivolous lawsuit from Bat World Sanctuary this year. This is also why the animal rescues are way down because she had to keep going to court in Texas. Hopefully soon the court will award her costs and then some in this frivolous case so she can get back to the real work of saving animals' lives.

If you're doing some year end tax planning, keep in mind that Animal Advocates is a 501 3c non-profit corporation recognized by the IRS and California Attorney General. All donations are tax deductible. Our PayPal button is on our website http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us or you can always send a check to

Animal Advocates

645 W. 9th St. #110-140

Los Angeles, CA 90015-1640

That's a P.O. box so don't deliver animals there. If you want your donation to go toward MaryEllen's rescues, put her name on the bottom of the check or in the PayPal comment box.

Thanks from everyone at Animal Advocates for caring about animals. We wish you a happy and wonderful New Year!

Mary Cummins and everyone else at Animal Advocates

http:www.animaladvocates.us

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Movie "War Horse," American Humane, dead animals

2011-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

American Humane stated that “No Animals Were Harmed”® in Steven Spielberg and Walt Disney's new film "War Horse." That is not true. Animals were killed per order so they could be stuffed and used in the film. This is against American Humane's own "Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media." The film should not have the "No Animals Were Harmed" label.

December 29, 2011 Hartlepool Mail posted an article about the taxidermist who killed and stuffed the animals per order for the film. Hartlepool Mail stated the following,

"A taxidermist has more reason than most to be looking forward to the release of a new US smash-hit film. Hartlepool man Kevin Wilmot will be watching world-famous director Steven Spielberg’s new movie War Horse very closely when it hits UK cinema screens on January 13. For the 49-year-old was responsible for stuffing 40 rats for the epic production, which raked in $15m dollars in just two days after it was released in the States on Christmas Day." Wilmot stated "I just do it to order." (Link to article http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/rat_s_the_way_to_do_it_1_4094405 )

Chapter 1-18, page 19 of American Humane's own "Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media" states the following,

"1-18 If dead animals or animal parts are purchased from or provided by a taxidermist, an animal shelter, a slaughterhouse, a food supplier or another source, American Humane Association must be provided with documentation that demonstrates that the animals were destroyed in the normal course of the source’s operations and were not killed for the production." Link to Guidelines http://www.americanhumanefilmtv.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Guidelines2011WEB1.pdf ) The Hartlepool Mail article clearly stated that the taxidermy rats were made per order for the movie.

American Humane in their own release stated that monitoring of "War Horse" was "outstanding." Here is what they have to say about the rats in the movie, "For the rats briefly seen in the trenches, a trainer placed the trained domestic rats along a walkway at the bottom of the enclosed trench set and allowed them to walk around at liberty before retrieving them immediately after this short scene." (Link here http://www.americanhumanefilmtv.org/reviews/movie-review-war-horse )

They don't even mention the taxidermy rats.

This author Mary Cummins was trained by American Humane and worked for them for a week. The production company must submit a list of ALL animals and animal parts, i.e. fur coats, taxidermy, used in the movie to American Humane before filming. There is no way American Humane would not have noticed the taxidermy rats. In order to comply with the guidelines all they had to do was use existing rat taxidermies. They did not need to kill animals for the production of this film.

American Humane has come under fire in the past for the death of animals on movies such as "Flicka." (Link here http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2011/04/american-humane-association-guilty-for.html ) In that movie two horses died. Los Angeles Animal Services investigated the death of one of the horses.

October 17, 2006 Los Angeles Animal Services officiallly stated "The necropsy report concluded the horse died from tripping on its lead rope causing it to fall and break its neck, which caused asphyxia due to diaphragmatic paralysis. The report characterized the cause of death as accidental. After hundreds of hours of investigation Animal Services has determined that this was a preventable accident. Animal Services contends this accident could have been avoided had the horses not been allowed to gallop or cantor freely with a dragging lead line and without an outrider to control them." (Link to Los Angeles Animal Services official report here http://www.animaladvocates.us/Flicka_Incident.pdf )

Everyone who knows anything about horses knows that you should never let a horse walk with a dangling lead because they can step on it and break their neck.

American Humane of course did their own investigation. They stated "After investigation, the American Humane Association declared that the deaths were not the fault of the filmmakers. However, the usual 'No animals were harmed in the making of this film' statement would no longer appear in the end credits of the film." (Link to American Humane report here http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/mr.phtml?fid=7776 )

American Humane should remove the “No Animals Were Harmed”® statement from the movie "War Horses." Please, complain to American Humane, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg.

Written by, Mary Cummins, President of Animal Advocates http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us. Animal Advocates rescues ill, injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild including wild mice and rats. Thanks to Los Angeles mouse and rat rescuers for the heads up.

UPDATE: The taxidermist contacted me. He told me that farmers give him dead poisoned rats to use for taxidermy. He said he freezes these rats then thaws them out to use them. He gave me no physical proof. I know a few taxidermists. They would not use poisoned or frozen specimens because the skin, fur would fall apart. I've picked up poisoned rats before. I also know never to freeze an animal that will need a necropsy because the tissue falls apart. Quite frankly I don't believe the taxidermist. They all say they don't kill the animals so activists will stop harassing them.

UPDATE 01/11/12: I emailed the article to American Humane 12/29/11. They just replied today with this bullshit. The taxidermist told me in writing he stuffed rats for the film. American Humane is a total sell out.

"Thank you so much for bringing your concern to us Mary. You will be relieved to
know the story is not true and that no stuffed rats were ordered or used for
this production. You can rest assured that "No Animals Were Harmed®" during the
making of the movie and you can fully enjoy this touching film celebrating the
human-animal bond.

Jone Bouman - Communications
American Humane Association's Film & TV Unit
11530 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
p: 818.501.0123 X 1024 | e: JoneB@AmericanHumane.org

American Humane AssociationTM
The nation's voice for the protection of children & animalsTM
www.americanhumane.org"

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Animal Advocates investigates illegal declaw of big cats

2011-11-20T11:00:00.001-08:00

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates and others investigated the illegal declawing of big cats in California earlier this year. It is illegal to declaw big cats held under a USDA permit or in California. It became illegal to declaw big cats in California in 2004. Paul Koretz originated the bill with Dr. Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project. It became illegal to declaw big cats and wild animals under a USDA permit in the US in 2006. This woman was breeding lynx to sell their babies to zoos and as personal pets. She declawed the big cats even after the California and USDA Federal bans. We had full permission to take video and stills of the cats.

Dr. Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project offered to repair all of the cats' paws but the owner refused. We offered to improve her caging and give the elderly owner enrichment for her cats. They had no toys in their enclosures. We offered to place some or all of the cats and again she refused. The cats remain in this condition today. This is why you never should declaw a cat especially big cats especially lynx. Lynx have very wide paws so they can walk on snow. When you declaw them they can no longer control their toes. They end up with severe arthritis and can barely walk like this poor cat. Notice his igloo is on the ground because he can no longer jump up. Cats prefer to den high in their cage.

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RatFest 2011, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-10-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

Rat lover and lovely rat. Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates. RatFest.

October 29, RatFest 2011 was another great festival of rats and rat lovers. Hosted by Diane Newburg in Culver City, California rat lovers gathered far and wide to rejoice all things rat. There were mice, rats and hamsters up for adoption. Lots of great rat themed gifts and rat supplies to buy and sell. There were a few tables of free rat supplies including wheels, cages and food. And of course there was the ultimate rat raffle. People won some super cute rat beds, cages and rat themed gifts.

Rat mansion at RatFest

Rats in their cabin.

Hand feeding very old wild rat

Rat love for everyone

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Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates sues Amanda Lollar and Bat World Sanctuary for defamation and libel per se

2011-10-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Mary Cummins Sues Amanda Lollar and Bat World Sanctuary for defamation per se and libel
Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

Animal activist and rescuer Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates filed suit against Amanda Lollar, Bat World Sanctuary and John Does 1-10 for defamation per se and interference with business relations, Case # CV11-08081 in California Federal Court on September 29, 2011.

The complaint states that Amanda Lollar falsely posted on the Internet that Cummins "has a criminal record," "was convicted" of "theft of property, forged name on credit card," and "hacked into" Lollar's "email address" among other things. The complaint also states that Defendants emailed some of these same false allegations of criminal activity to government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Fish & Game which control Cummins' permits.

Mary Cummins said "While I am a major proponent of freedom of speech, I am appalled that someone would try to destroy my reputation by falsely posting on the Internet that I am a 'convicted criminal.' I have never been charged with or convicted of any crime in my entire life."

The complaint states that defendants also posted on the Internet that Cummins commits "animal cruelty" and "tortures" animals. Mary Cummins said "I am very passionate about providing the absolute best care for animals. I went through the police and humane academy to become a Humane Officer so I could protect animals from abusers. For these people to make such false claims on the Internet is outrageous."

The comments were posted in Yahoo, Facebook, Google Blogs, Indymedia and other websites. More information about the lawsuit along with legal documents and exhibits can be found here.

Mary Cummins is President of Animal Advocates a non-profit animal rescue organization in Los Angeles, California. Animal Advocates rescues ill, injured and orphaned native wildlife (coyotes, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels...bats) for release back to the wild.

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Mary Cummins - Animal Advocates : DFG & HSUS offer reward for mountain lion poachers

2011-10-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

Department of Fish and Game and the Humane Society Offer Reward for Mountain Lion Poachers

Mary Cummins - Animal Advocates : CADFG & HSUS offer reward for mountain lion poachers.

OCTOBER 7, 2011 BY CA DFG NEWS LEAVE A COMMENT
Media Contacts:
Andrew Hughan,DFGCommunications, (916) 322-8944
Pat Foy,DFGLaw Enforcement, (916) 508-7095
Jennifer Fearing, Humane Society (916) 992-3667

SACRAMENTO- A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of poachers who killed a mountain lion in the Santa Monica Mountains last month.
The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG)CAL-TIP line is offering a $2,500 reward and the Humane Society of theUnited Statesand the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust is matching that amount.
The lion was discovered onSept. 11, 2011afterDFGand the National Park Service received a call of a dead mountain lion in theSanta MonicaMountains.DFGgame wardens determined that the lion did not die of natural causes and opened an investigation.

Mountain lions are designated as a “specially protected mammal” inCalifornia, and it is illegal to hunt or trap them.

DFGand the National Park Service are seeking information related to the lion death and the parties responsible. Anyone with any information regarding this case should call the theDFGCal-Tip hotline at 1-888-334-2258.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Mary Cummins quoted in USC article, Animal Advocates

2011-09-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

West Hollywood To Become First Fur-Free City

Christianna Kyriacou | September 27, 2011
Contributor

Fur coat (photo courtesy of Creative Commons).

Adrienne Landau rabbit vests, ocelot jackets and Brochu Walker blazers with fur collars are currently on sale at Arcade Boutique on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, respectively priced at $350, $850 and $525.

The ban will apply to any garments made entirely or partially from the pelt or skin of any animal with its hair, wool or fur but not leather, according to the ordinance. The animals include foxes, mink, rabbits, bears, seals and chinchillas.

The council acknowledged that people could still buy fur in Beverly Hills and wear it in West Hollywood.

Mayor John Duran called the ban a step in the right direction. Animal advocates were overjoyed.

“It is illegal to sell cat and dog fur in the United States because it was deemed inhumane,” wildlife rescuer Mary Cummins said to a cheering crowd. “For that same reason, it should be illegal to sell the fur of wild animals. An animal is an animal - a living, breathing being.”

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/09/west-hollywood-become-first-fur-free-city

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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West Hollywood bans the sale of fur - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-09-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates speaks for the ban on the sale of fur in West Hollywood

I was at West Hollywood City Council last night from 6:00 pm to past 1:30 am this morning waiting to speak for the ban on the sale of fur. Around 8:00 pm a group of us went to the club "Eleven" up the street to eat some vegan appetizers. Onion rings to die for. They will make a vegan pizza on request. Great guacamole. Ed Buck waited in City Council so he could call us back to the meeting. We came back at 9:15 pm then waited until past midnight for the item to start.

There were some great speakers such as Shannon Keith, Jim Jensvold of the Paw Project, Ciddy Fonteboa, Ellen Lavinthal, Melissa Schwartz, Jill Ryther, Ed Buck, Chris DeRose, Fawn and many more. Dr. Jenny Conrad was also there. A Rabbi got up and gave a great impassioned speech. He said the harming of animals is against most religions.

There were only a handful of people who were against the ban. Two people who owned stores that sold fur were against the ban. They said they'd lose money and consider moving out of WeHo. In all honesty if they were to ban fur they would just sell a different item of apparel. Fashions change every season. Fur may not even be fashionable come next fall.

I sat behind two people who were against the ban. One was wearing a fur vest. He was calling the female activists "c*%$'s" as they spoke. I'm sure when I went up to speak he probably called me the same thing. He was turning around and arguing with us, giving us nasty looks during the meeting.

Two council members were in charge of researching the fur ban since it's inception months ago. They contacted the Chamber of Commerce to meet with them but the Chamber was not interested in meeting. Same with the Art and Design Committee. They also contacted the pro-fur people but they also were not interested in communicating. Just last Friday the pro-fur people sent in a letter with their concerns, months after they were asked for input. The council member said they already had the information required to make a decision.

There were about 25 speakers for the ban, maybe six opposed. People also handed in speaker cards who did not want to speak but just wanted to be counted. 120 cards went sent in but only 40 lived in the City. They read the names of only those who lived in the City.

The item was passed on its second reading 5-0 unanimous. They may phase it in June 30, 2012. They may exempt vintage fur. Currently it is illegal to sell the fur of endangered animals in the US unless it is a vintage item. I would not have a problem with this exemption. This item should be fully approved shortly.

This is from the NBC article today.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/WeHo-Fur-Ban-1-Step-Closer-130180158.html

"Mary Cummins said she represents animal advocates. She told the council these animals feel pain and sadness, just like cats and dogs. She said since people don't sell cat and dog fur, then that same right should be extended to wild animals."

Here is my actual speech.

"I'm Mary Cummins President of Animal Advocates. Animal Advocates rescues ill, injured and orphaned wildlife for release back to the wild. We rescue bobcats, coyotes, foxes and raccoons right here in West Hollywood. These are the same animals which are used to make fur coats and hats. I personally have a unreleasable skunk and raccoon that I use to educate the public. My skunk runs free in the house playing with my cats and bunnies. He's litter box trained. Having been around these animals for over 30 years I can assure you they feel pain and sadness just like our pet cats and dogs. It's illegal to sell cat and dog fur in the US because it's been deemed inhumane. It should also be illegal to sell the fur of wild animals for the same reason. An animal is an animal, a living breathing being. Let West Hollywood show the rest of the nation how to truly be humane to animals. Please, ban the sale of fur in West Hollywood. Thank you."

More articles.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/09/west-hollywood-tentatively-approves-fur-ban.html

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_18936232

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/west-hollywood-moves-toward-ban-on-fur-sales/2011/09/20/gIQA8pA7hK_story.html

http://laist.com/2011/09/20/if_fur_trim_and_fur.php

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UPDATE: Glendale coyotes - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Manfred Werner/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS. Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

UPDATE: The coyotes left the Glendale home on their own. They were scared out by the media and animal advocates.

"The story broke big Monday, with news trucks and animal rights activists descending on the hilly neighborhood. That may have proven Pellman's point. The coyotes used to come and go on a regular basis, but says Molloy, after all the hubub, "Lo and behold, they did not show. I haven’t seen them since.”

• When I was checking out the neighborhood, I ran into a woman (Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates) who rescues coyotes. She says she offered to scare them away, using strobe lights and a radio. I asked "What station do you tune it to? We've got a fundraiser coming up in a couple weeks. That should work."

http://www.scpr.org/programs/offramp/2011/09/17/20682/reprieve-for-glendales-coyote-squatters

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Skunk with MBD, Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

2011-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Skunk with MBD. Mary Cummins Animal Advocates. Overgrown nails, sores on paws, missing fur.

Skunk with MBD. Mary Cummins Animal Advocates. Skinny body, missing fur, sores.

Skunk with MBD. Mary Cummins Animal Advocates. Missing fur, bad skin.

I just got in this skunk today. He has Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). A woman was feeding cats in her yard. This guy was eating only cat food. That causes a vitamin/mineral deficiency which causes the nerves not to function properly. They generally get rear end weakness, paralysis, seizures then death. If you catch it soon enough, they can be healthy again in a month or so. This guy will be fine.

He came in with fleas, mites, ticks, missing fur, sores on his paws, overgrown nails and major rear end weakness. Fortunately he is very laid back. He let me treat his parasites, trim his nails and clean his sores. Tomorrow I will try to give him a bath. Wish me luck. At least he hasn't tried to bite or spray me.

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Mary Cummins investigates burned house with coyotes, Animal Advocates

2011-09-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

318 Brockmont, Glendale, CA. Burned house with coyotes living in it. See the can of Kerosene? Hmm.

I was just at the property today to investigate. I had offered to scare the coyotes out of the house and board it up so they could not re-enter. The front of the house is boarded up but the side gate and door is open. The property cannot be secured because it's missing most of the roof and walls. They need to tear it down.

While I was there I spoke to the neighbor. She said she does not want the coyotes killed. She's sure they'll move along when they demo the house. I also met someone from I think KTLA. He was told by the Dept of Agriculture that they will not trap, kill the coyotes. They hope the coyotes will move along when it is demo'd. I don't know if the media got the story wrong or if the Dept of Agriculture is changing their tune. I gave the neighbor my card in case she sees any coyotes in need.

I did a little research into the owner of the burned house. He lost his job and is way upside down on the house. He doesn't want to put any money into demo'ing it but he did get a demo permit. It's possible the City will force him to demo it or they will demo it for him and charge him. It is a public safety hazard in its current condition. I don't suggest anyone enter the house. It's trespassing to enter the house and it's not safe.

Look at the first photo. See the can of Kerosene? Makes you wonder, doesn't it. Here is the main article at the Times where people are posting.

No way to board up this house. It must be torn down.

No roof.

Front of house.

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Mary Cummins' most popular blog posts, Animal Advocates

2011-09-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

My most popular blog posts with hit count. Seems people are interested in animal cruelty, Vegan tattoos, me getting sued (I end up winning), Bob Parsons killing elephants and animals being rescued.

2,802
Banksy commits animal cruelty
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2011/02/banksy-committed-animal-cruelty-in-his.html

759
Raccoon rescue in Los Angeles
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2011/01/raccoon-rescue-animal-advocates-mary.html

648
Vegan tattoo of a coyote paw on the palm of my hand
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-vegan-coyote-paw-print-tattoo-on.html

535
Banksy has committed animal cruelty before
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2011/02/banksy-has-committed-animal-cruelty.html

516
My lawsuit with Ashton Technology
http://marycumminsrealestatemarycummins.blogspot.com/2011/03/philadelphia-judge-throws-out-ashton.html

474
Bob Parsons kills elephants for sport
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2011/03/godaddys-bob-parsons-kills-elephants.html

331
Male emu needs a home, gets rescued
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2010/12/male-adult-emu-needs-home-near-barstow.html

318
Wolfdog finds a great home
http://animaladvocateswildliferehabilitation.blogspot.com/2010/10/sirhan-wolfdog-finds-great-home.html

213 hits
My lawsuit with Kathy Knight-McConnell
http://marycumminsrealestatemarycummins.blogspot.com/2011/03/kathy-knight-mcconnel-vs-mary-cummins.html

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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MaryEllen Schoeman tells residents trapping coyotes does not work, Animal Advocates

2011-08-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Seven Coyotes Killed by County in Altadena

A county official gives advice on coyote prevention at the Tuesday Altadena Town Council meeting.

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The county has removed and killed seven coyotes from Altadena this summer as an increasing number of pet attacks and coyote sightings have been reported in town.

Raymond Smith, of the county's Weed Hazard and Pest Management Bureau, told the public at Tuesday's Altadena Town Council meeting that the county traps and kills the coyotes when they appear to have become a nuisance in the area.

He said that the county will only target and trap the coyotes when officials believes the level of contact between the public and the animals has become too much of a problem. In the long term, people need to be prepared to coexist with the animals, he said.

"Nothing that I can do, or the Sheriff’s Department, or anyone else, is going to get rid of them," Smith said.

He said the program to trap and kill the animals will continue until the department believes they are no longer a problem for Altadena residents.

Read more about coyote trapping in neighboring cities

More on Altadena's recent coyote problems

One resident of the Meadows, MaryEllen Schoeman, who is a wildlife rehabilitator, spoke at the meeting against the county's policy.

"Trapping, with all due respect, does not work," Schoeman said. Once an animal is removed, another animal tends to fill the void, she said.

"If you are lucky it is another coyote...if you are unlucky it is a mountain lion."

Schoeman, who works at Animal Advocates, told Altadena Patch after the meeting she works rehabilitating coyotes who lose their parents, releasing them in the wild up in the mountains.

An important part of the rehabilitation process is teaching the coyotes to fear humans, which is an unpleasant but necessary task, Schoeman said.

Smith also had the following to say about coyotes:

Coyotes that establish a den on a resident's property can be removed by the bureau
Residents should strongly discourage or report anybody who is feeding coyotes
Residents should not leave out trash or food on their property
Pets will not be safe behind fencing unless it is very high. Six feet is not high enough.
Adults should not fear a coyote attack as they only happen in extremely limited circumstances
This is an unusually strong year for coyotes in the foothills, and the population levels are high. Populations tend to be cyclical so it will not remain this way forever

http://altadena.patch.com/articles/seven-coyotes-killed-by-county-in-altadena

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Being "Bat Smart" Benefits Both People and Bats, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-08-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

Pipistrelle bat being cared for by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

Being “Bat Smart” Benefits Both People and Bats

AUGUST 9, 2011 BY CA DFG NEWS
Media Contacts:
Deana Clifford, DFG Wildlife Investigations Lab, (916) 358-2378
Scott Osborn, DFG Wildlife Branch, (916) 324-3564
Kirsten Macintyre, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8988

Despite a reported increase in the number of bats testing positive for rabies in parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, biologists say there is no cause for alarm. The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) advises that rabies in bats is rare – affecting less than one percent of the state’s entire bat population – and as long as basic precautions are followed, the few afflicted bats are highly unlikely to pass the disease to humans.

“Although bats get a bad rap in folklore, humans are actually a bigger threat to them than they are to us,” said DFG Associate Wildlife Veterinarian Deana Clifford. “Bats provide great benefits to humans, including insect control and plant pollination, but people tend to overlook the important role they play in our ecosystem. By being ‘bat smart’ and not disturbing or touching bats, people can help ensure the survival of the species, which will ultimately be to our benefit as well.“

Statistically speaking, the risk of contracting rabies from a bat is far less than the risk of dying from a bicycle accident, lightning strike or dog attack. To minimize the risk of contracting the disease, never pick up grounded bats as those animals are likely sick. People who have come into contact with a bat or have found a sick or dead bat should contact their local health department or animal control department. Also be sure to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Depending on the species and the time of year, bats can be found roosting in groups or individually in caves, mines, crevices, under bridges and in tree hollows. People are most likely to see bats at dusk, when they emerge from their roosts to seek water and their insect prey.

People may also encounter bats in buildings, where warm, quiet attic space is available for them to raise their young. If a building owner can’t accommodate bats, the best solution for humans and bats alike is to humanely exclude them from their building roost after they’ve finished raising their young. That way, the bats can find other roosts in future years and continue to keep the insect population under control. Installation of appropriately designed “bat boxes” can help give bats a place to roost that is away from your home.

All bats are protected species in California. Many species of bats worldwide are experiencing population declines, mainly due to human disturbance and loss of habitat. A new threat to bats in North America is White Nose Syndrome (WNS), which has been reported among hibernating bats in several American states in the east and is spreading toward the west coast. WNS has killed more than one million bats in the affected region, and some bat species may be at risk of extinction due to this emerging deadly disease.

WNS does not pose a risk to human health, but can be carried on clothing and gear taken into affected caves and mines. DFG and other agencies are preparing for the potential spread of WNS into California, which may include precautions to reduce the risk of human-caused introduction or spread to unaffected bat hibernation sites.

If you want to learn more about what you can do to promote bat conservation, visit Bat Conservation International’s website at www.batcon.org.

http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/being-bat-smart-benefits-both-people-and-bats/

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Bats remain at Moorpark home, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mary Cummins on news video

Mary Cummins inspecting the roof line

From the Ventura County Star today.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/27/city-says-bats-still-remain-at-moorpark-home/

John Brand, the city's senior management analyst, joined Mary Cummins, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from Animal Advocates, a Los-Angeles based nonprofit animal rescue and education group, to check for evidence of the bats at the house. After inspecting the roof, Cummins said there were many gaping holes in the wire meshing that bordered the roof and channeled the bats to the container, allowing the bats to escape.

Cummins did not see any bats, but she saw evidence of recent bat activity because of the smell of fresh urine and the discovery of bat feces on the ground next to the house. To actually see the bats would require Spanish-style tiles be removed or waiting until night to see them come and go, she said.

"It may be possible that they may be moving from one house to the next," said Cummins." More at the link above.

l took the photos that will be sent to the experts. We noticed that the bats were only in the rooves of two story homes at the end of cul de sacs that face the nature area. They were only along the southern edges of the roof, probably because they got more sun there. We found guano under the southern edges of the rooves. lt was fresh.

The bats have since left this house and are next door. Next door is not quarantined. The owner will exclude the bats when they leave. No bats will be killed.

l'm in some of the video in this article. The City Manager John Brand spoke very well.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Moorpark-Man-Bit-by-Rabid-Bat-126294098.html

Here's another article with video where l actually speak.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/07/27/moorpark-says-homeowners-not-doing-enough-to-fight-bats/

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins on Google+ Animal Advocates

2011-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

They don't have pages for companies yet. As soon as they do l'll make one for Animal Advocates. You can join me personally if you like. Eme for an invite. Click the image below which has a link in it. Thanks!

Tube feeding animals, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

All mammals can be tube fed. lt's a wives tale that only opossums can be tube fed. The Opossum Society told me this eight years ago. Wish l knew it sooner. lf you get in an unconscious animal, one having seizures, mouth injuries, breathing problems...tube feeding is the solution to hydrating and feeding.

Research has shown that fluids are absorbed more readily with less energy expended through the stomach. Most people would subq fluids but tubing fluids is preferable especially if they are unconscious.

Here l am tube feeding a baby squirrel dying of kidney failure from ingesting Petag's Esbilac puppy milk. This was 2009. l no longer use any of their products after their products killed so many babies.

Anyway this baby won't eat, is weak, needs fluids and energy. She is salivating because she is hungry but doesn't want to eat. She also was chewing on the tube.

Remember to always measure twice then mark the tube. l'll go into that more in my next post.

Opossum before/after, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

This opossum was bitten in the head by an animal. She has a puncture wound to one side of her head. She was dehydrated, emaciated, full of fleas and dirty. Two hours later after a bath and fluids she looks much better.

Before and two hours later after a bath, fluids, deflea.

Mom opossum with babies, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I just picked up a mom opossum with babies in her pouch. She is older and thin, has some older scars and injuries. I see nothing else wrong with her. I will keep her for a week to observe and help her gain weight so she can feed her babies. She'll be released into a safe place.

Dead mom opossum with live babies, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

This happens quite frequently. Mom gets hit by a car and dies but her babies survive. It's a sad situation but at least babies are saved. In this case I think mom may have died of old age and the heat wave. She barely had any milk left for her babies. Notice her pouch is totally relaxed. If she were alive, she could close her pouch up tight so you couldn't even get a pinky in there. That's how she holds her babies in when she runs. Her babies are doing great. I had to take them to the HSUS NDART hoarder rescuer with me because I had to tube feed them.

Baby skunks eating, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

It's their second day outside so they've calmed down quite a bit. I can easily go in and clean, feed them without them whiffing, just a little stomping and tail poofing.

They will be released back to the wild when able.

Just returned from deployment with HSUS NDART team - Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a deployment with HSUS NDART team in Lucerne Valley. Everyone did a wonderful job. Photos from the press release below.

The HSUS Rescues Approximately 150 Dogs from Hoarding Situation

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Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty issues, holds one of the many puppies his team found. Alex Gallardo

The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team has rescued approximately 150 mixed-breed dogs from an overcrowded property in Lucerne Valley, Calif. The HSUS was contacted by the producers of Animal Planet’s series Confessions: Animal Hoarding. The owner has voluntarily surrendered all of the dogs to The HSUS and this rescue will air on Animal Planet’s Confessions: Animal Hoarding.

“This is an unfortunate case of an animal lover and rescuer who became overwhelmed, had limited resources and simply has more animals than she can properly care for," said Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty issues for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to Animal Planet for calling us in to help give these animals a second chance."

The HSUS provided animal handling, sheltering, transportation and placement assistance for this rescue. When rescuers arrived on scene they found about 150 dogs, including dogs who were pregnant, nursing, diseased and injured, in outdoor pens.

The HSUS has transported all of the dogs to a temporary shelter where they will be checked by veterinarians and receive any necessary medical care. The dogs will be placed with area shelters and rescue groups where they will be evaluated for adoption. PetSmart Charities® also donated much-needed sheltering supplies for the rescued animals.

The story will air on Animal Planet's new hit series Confessions: Animal Hoarding. The series explores stories of people who own more pets then they can care for. The problem of animal hoarding is little understood, but far more common than most people realize. There are over 3,000 reported cases a year, and at least ten times that number that go unreported. The series brings families together to voluntarily find humane solutions that work for both pets and people. If you know someone who might be an animal hoarder, you can learn more atwww.animalhoardingproject.com.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Baby skunks first day outdoors, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Baby skunks first day in the outdoor enclosure. They are a little frightened so they are stomping their feet, scooting backwards, doing handstands and showing me their butts. They also whiffed a little. Hopefully they will calm down so I can remove the transfer cage and clean. They are at least having fun digging in the dirt and playing in the water.

They will be released back to the wild when able. Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Coyote rescued off fence, LA Animal Services, Animal Advocates

2011-07-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Coyote stuck on fence. Rescued by LA Animal Services.

A woman sent this email.

"I live in West Hills, CA and have a Coyote hanging upside down stuck in my fence. His 2 legs are stuck between the slats of the fence and he is hanging upside down. I have spent the last 45 minutes trying to contact local animal control, but cannot get anyone on the phone. The fire department won't come rescue him. He clearly cannot rescue himself. Can you help?"

There was a coyote rescuer in West Hills so I referred the finder. I told her if they didn't respond, that I'd drive out and get it off the fence.

Fortunately an officer from LA Animal Services finally got back to her and got the coyote off the fence. They used a catch pole to lift her off the fence.

Thanks to the finder who rescues labradors and to LA Animal Services. With LA traffic it would have taken me forever to get over there and that coyote needed to get off the fence asap. I frequently get calls about wildlife stuck in similar situations, generally opossums and raccoons.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Pelican stuck in La Brea tar pits, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-07-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

Pelican dove head first into the La Brea tar pits and got stuck.

A few people forwarded this email to me.

"My husband just arrived at the LaBrea tarpits and there is a pelican that is stuck and dying in the tarpits. He told the office and they purportedly called animal services - but, if there are any suggestions/help that can be offered to save this bird, that would be appreciated. Unfortunately, the tarpits just closed for visitors- but, maybe to help this animal they would let someone in? Any ideas?!?
sabine"

I called the tar pits and they said they just pulled it out of the tar. Thank god because if they didn't, I have to go out in their little boat and fish it out myself. I pick up mammals from the tar pits quite often as I am close.

I brought a big crate and towel to transport it thinking it just got a little bit of tar on it. Oh no, it had a ton of tar on it. They easily picked it up and put it in a box. The tar caused it now to be stuck to the cardboard box. The pelican is breathing, eyes are alert. I took the above photo.

I put him in my car and drove him to West Los Angeles animal shelter where there is an available Officer to drive him to either Peter Wallerstein or International Bird Rescue.

I arrive at the shelter and the pelican is more alert. Officer Radcliff(?) then drives him to the appropriate rescuer. I am only permitted to rescue native wildlife, not federally protected birds. I could easily get the permit but I'm busy enough with mammals and unprotected birds.

Pelican is just barely breathing. Peter Wallerstein had to tape something in his mouth to keep it open.

UPDATE: "Peter, Mary,

just wanted to give you the update - I've just hung up with IBRRC-...sadly the Pelican did not survive. I'm really sorry...apparently, the bird was an emaciated baby and with the tar, it was too much. Mary, Kaylee (not sure how to spell her name) mentioned that you had called and she asked if I would share this news with you.

I'm really sorry - and so grateful to you both for your amazing and quick response and efforts for this babe. Kaylee said it was unusual for a Pelican to be brought in from the TarPits- they've had hawks and other birds, but this was maybe a first- and that it was unusual for the bird to be so far inland.....Further, she was really thankful for the response and efforts on the Pelicans behalf....

thanks guys - the one thing I have in mind, is that this was a much more merciful passing, filled with caring folks trying to make her more comfortable than had this poor Pelican been stuck in the tarpit.

With kind regards and thanks-

sabine"

I have found that when I pick up pelicans from odd areas they generally have demoic acid poisoning or something else really wrong with them.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Petting a rescue tiger at a sanctuary, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

2011-06-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Petting a tiger at a friend's sanctuary. This tiger was declawed by it's previous owner. The tiger's declawed paws were repaired by Dr. Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project. I assisted her in the surgery a few years ago. It was nice to finally see him able to walk again and happy. Animal Advocates http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us Mary Cummins http://www.MaryCummins.com Dr. Jennifer Conrad of the Paw Project http://www.thepawproject.com

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Stingrays being de-barbed at Seal Beach, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-05-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

SEAL BEACH, CA - MAY 24, 2011: A few sting rays manage to escape a 300ft fishing net as the Learn2rip Surf Academy and scientists from CSULB, along w Seal Beach Life guards make their seasonal effort to catch, study, de barb and safely release more than 200 stingrays while cleaning the popular but polluted area near the Los Alamitos Bay jetties in Seal Beach. The sting ray wrangling is the first of three efforts in the next month and is part of an ongoing effort to make the Seal Beach river jetty area safe and clean for the summer season, according to organizer Cary Ortiz, Founder or the Surf School, who has been cleaning the ocean for years. The area near the jetties/Los Alamito Bay in Seal Beach is known for being Òray bayÓ where many people suffer sting ray attacks each summer. ( Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) © Los Angeles Times

I'm sure everyone in Los Angeles has seen the stingray photo in the LA Times. I was alarmed when I read that they were de-barbing the stingrays. I decided to investigate to see what was really going on.

I called up the guy from the surf academy. He told me that there are a lot of stingrays there where the river dumps into the ocean. He was cleaning up trash from that area years ago when a researcher asked to collect the stingrays. They would put the stingrays in a holding tank, measure them, clip off the barb then release them back into the ocean. They clipped off the barbs to protect humans who are stung when they accidentally step on the rays.

He told me their barbs grow back. He said they don't need their barbs because they live in that area year round and there are no predators. He said the stingrays were not native to this area and there are 40,000 of them there.

I then spoke with the scientist and got a different story. He said they did a population count and counted 16,000 rays in the area. They are native. The rays are only there for a few days along the shore in July/August then they move to Newport Beach then come back. There are few natural predators in the area. They cut off the barbs of about 200 rays a year.

I also spoke with Fish & Game. The researcher has a scientific collecting permit but they did not see a justification for stingrays. I called up DFG marine but she has not yet confirmed if he has the proper permits or not.

In the meantime I did my own research. Stingrays do grow the barb back. It takes a few months to six months. They need their barb to protect them from predators and it's the tip of their tails. The barb is made up of tissue similar to teeth. I'm not sure if they feel pain when you cut it off.

Cutting 200 barbs off 16,000 stingrays seems to be pointless to me. I would think educating the public about the existence of stingrays would make more sense. You should shuffle your feet to scare away stingrays so you don't accidentally step on them and get stung. Then I found this article where Dr. Lowe makes the following comment,

"Lowe has concluded that the barb-clipping will not work at the scale they were doing it. He now believes that 'the answer is better education.' "

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-23-01.html

Then why clip the barbs off? I personally think they may feel some pain but I'm not positive. Plus, they need it to protect themselves from predators. They have to go into the deeper ocean to eat clams, mollusks, crabs and small fish. Stingray predators are eels, sharks and large fish. We have eel, sharks and large fish in the area.

I'll update this note when I get more information.

UPDATE: Fish & Game just got back to me. This makes more sense. They de-barb the stingrays so they can safely handle them and mark them. The barb grows back before they migrate out of the area.

"Your email was forwarded to me by Ms. Louie. Dr. Lowe himself was not involved in the operation that was photographed by the L.A. Times photographer. Lowe's student, who has a valid Scientific Collecting Permit (SCP), was in charge of the operation. Student SCPs are valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Dr. Lowe's students have been involved with studies of the stingray in this bay for over a decade. This particular grad student is looking at contaminants and fecundity in the stingray. The natural predators in this bay have disappeared, and the stingray's barb grows back quickly, usually in several months (before the animals migrate out of the area). The researchers mark the animals by de-barbing them so they don't gather data from them more than once in the summer. Since the barb of a stingray can cause a serious puncture wound that is easily infected, by de-barbing the animals the students can safely handle them. This work is done following the standards in Cal State University Long Beach's Animal Care & Welfare Policy.

The Department carefully evaluates each application for a SCP before it is issued. If you were to apply for a permit to capture stingrays and part of your protocol was to de-barb them we would look at the purpose of you research, the geographical location where you wanted to collect the animals, the number of animals you wanted to collect, what gear you would like to use, how and why you were de-barbing them, the disposition of the animals, and so on.

I've contacted Dr. Lowe, and he is anxious to respond to your concerns. He and his students have a number of publications on the results of their work, and he can provide you with specific references to those studies. He also has more extensive knowledge on stingrays. If you have additional questions please contact me directly. Regards,

Kristine Kristine Barsky Senior Invertebrate Specialist CA Dept. of Fish and Game 2419 E. Harbor Blvd. #149 Ventura, CA 93001 Tel: (805) 985-3114 Fax: (805) 568-1235 Email: Kbarsky@dfg.ca.gov www.dfg.ca.gov/marine

If you'd like to contact the researcher, here is his public contact information:
phone: 562-985-4918
E-Mail: clowe@csulb.edu

The surf instructor is Cary Ortiz
(949) 300-0737
Learn2rip@gmail.com

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Staying safe around coyotes, Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins

2011-05-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

DFG Recommends Caution Around Coyotes

MAY 25, 2011 BY CA DFG NEWS

If you’re in the outdoors anywhere in California this spring, you might cross paths with one of the state’s most common predators – the coyote. Clever, nimble and quick, the coyote may at first glance appear to be more of a nuisance than a direct threat. But don’t let your guard down, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) warns.

Coyotes – especially those who live in urban settings and have grown accustomed to humans – can become emboldened to the point where they become a public safety threat.

“Once coyotes become habituated to people, they begin to exhibit increased levels of aggression, which can lead to biting incidents,” explained Kevin Brennan, a DFG biologist who works out of Idyllwild (Riverside County). Brennan has responded to hundreds of coyote incidents and is familiar with the inevitably unhappy result when coyotes become accustomed to humans.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the dog family and is native to California. It closely resembles a small German shepherd with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. Because they are tolerant of human activities and rapidly adjust to changes in their environment, the highly adaptable coyote populates virtually the entire state.

Brennan notes that coyotes are actually the most populous in suburban neighborhoods, in part because there are so many food sources available to them in addition to their usual diet of rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, young deer and sheep. Those additional food sources include left-out pet food and left-out pets, as well as unsecured garbage in neighborhoods and the rodents such garbage attracts. When coyotes are allowed access to human food and garbage, either deliberately or inadvertently, they can lose their fear of people and become a real danger.

The key to minimizing coyote-human contact is based on educating the public about coyote behavior and taking sensible precautions, Brennan said.

“Never allow coyotes to become accustomed to your surroundings, because familiarity can lead to contempt,” Brennan said.

While DFG does not collect statistics on coyote attacks, Brennan said, “There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t receive calls concerning nuisance coyotes.”

To avoid problems with coyotes, people should follow these guidelines:

Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts or serious injuries to pets, livestock and even small children.
Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
Most coyote sightings should be reported to local animal control districts. However, if a coyote acts aggressively or attacks people, call 911. For more information, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/.

http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/dfg-recommends-caution-around-coyotes

I also have a page about deterring coyotes

http://www.animaladvocates.us/coyote.htm

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.