The animals of The world exisT for Their own reasons. They were noT made for humans any more Than black people were made for whiTe, or women creaTed for men.

~alice walker

GMAD Convinces UVM to Remove Deadly Beaver Traps By Karen Sturtevant, GMAD Volunteer

In an effort to eradicate a family of beavers who had taken up residence in Centennial Woods in Burlington, the University of Vermont was using conibear traps, barbaric and antiquated devices that cause immense suffering as the animals they capture may die of dehydration, starvation, or predation by other animals. These traps are often used in the water and under ice to drown beavers, which the American Veterinary Medical Association asserts is an unacceptable form of euthanasia.

The beavers in Centennial Woods were merely doing what they naturally do, but they were also disrupting one of UVM’s storm water retention and filtration facilities. The university consulted several agencies, including the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, to seek a solution. Trapping was recommended, and three conibear traps were set around the pond by a licensed trapper. A male beaver that UVM faculty and students had named Melvin was subsequently killed.

Green Mountain Animal Defenders became aware of the situation and immediately contacted UVM to offer and encourage the use of humane options. GMAD president Sharon MacNair was referred to Salvatore Chiarelli, UVM’s physical plant director. Mr. Chiarelli was willing to explore our humane, alternate methods so Sharon, along with Lori Kettler and expert wildlife rehabilitator John Aberth, delivered a presentation explaining long-term, cost-effective humane solutions.

Continued on page 2

Spring 2013

In This Issue

CVU DisseCtion

A HUge “WHinn”Y for Vermont Horses

gmAD Helps injUreD BArreD oWl

CAmpAign UpDAtes

fAirs: not AlWAYs fAir for AnimAls

Working to Protect the Well-Being of All Animals

Beaver Traps Continued from page 1

Thanks to numerous exchanges and meetings between GMAD members and university officials, as well as email alerts asking members to respectfully contact the school, UVM removed the traps and is currently implementing humane alternatives. We commend UVM officials for their cooperation and partnership, and we will continue to monitor their progress.

A big thank you to all of you who responded to our alert and sent comments requesting that UVM remove the traps. Your quick action undoubtedly saved the lives of the remaining beavers!

CVU CAT DISSECTION By Sharon MacNair, GMAD President

Last October, Green Mountain Animal Defenders attended Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School’s board meeting to promote a humane alternative to animal dissection. Upon hearing that cats have been used by some science classes, the school board seemed eager to consider each of the many points for using computer programs in their place after Michelle Sinnott and I presented GMAD’s position and demonstrated computer and 3-D models at the October meeting. Our presentation also included the facts that studies have shown that virtual dissection is more effective than using actual animals. This is evidenced most strongly by the fact that top veterinary and medical institutions have switched to these alternatives.

However, a final decision to change the policy was delayed until the February meeting, at which CVU’s newest biology teacher, Nicole Gorman, lobbied for dissection to remain an option. Ms. Gorman did not address many aspects of our arguments in favor of virtual dissection, but stated the school’s policy adheres to state law. (All public schools must allow students to opt out, a law Vermont animal advocates helped put into place.) She explained that, under the current policy, students have the right to request dissection as part of their independent study and that she did not want the option removed.

Unfortunately, GMAD was not given an opportunity to address or refute her comments at that meeting. Following the presentation, the school board made the decision to maintain the current policy of voluntary dissection remaining an option only upon student request.

Because many board members spoke up in agreement with GMAD’s concerns about dissection, the school-board president instructed the science department staff to notify the school board if expanding the use of dissection is being considered as part of the classroom curriculum in the future.

WWW.gmAD.info | 802-861-3030

GMAD Helps Injured Barred Owl: Your Donation Dollars at WorkBy Julie Dimmock, GMAD Volunteer In late January, an injured barred owl was found on the side of the road in Shoreham, VT. The owl, who had probably been in a collision with a car, was keeping her right eye closed. Fortunately, this magnificent creature was brought to wildlife rehabber John Aberth, who worked with a vet specializing in eye problems. The vet diagnosed a luxation, or dislocation of the lens. To prevent the owl from being in constant pain for the rest of her life (not unlike a constant migraine in humans), the lens had to be removed. While the vet agreed to waive the surgical fee, materials had to be purchased and an anesthesiologist had to be compensated.

GMAD stepped up and covered these costs and the surgery was completed. Soon, the owl was ready to undergo rehabilitation. The best news of all is that she was released into her home territory in March. She has since been spotted flying around and doing just fine. Thank you for giving a hoot and making this happy ending possible!

To Report Animal Cruelty

1-877-9HUMANESponsored by GMAD

Fairs: Not Always Fair to Animals By Julie Dimmock, GMAD volunteer

GMAD has a long history of advocating for animals exploited at Vermont fairs. One of our noteworthy victories has been to stop vendors from giving away animals as prizes, in accordance with Vermont law. In 2010 GMAD demonstrated at the Champlain Valley Fair in protest of their lion and tiger show. Our concerns were heard; since then, the fair hasn’t featured these majestic animals. Despite our best efforts, some fairs around the state still use animals as entertainment, including exotics who are trucked up from as far as Florida. We are working to end this cruel practice, but we need your help. The Fair Committee can use extra eyes at state fairgrounds to look for all types of animals in distress (lacking clean water, proper shelter from sun/rain, etc.). We can walk you through the process and even buy your ticket. Please email Julie at julie@gmad.info for more information or visit:http://gmad.info/actnow.php#/ActNow114

A Huge “Whinn”y for Vermont Horses!By Lisa Vear, GMAD volunteer

We are delighted to report that Willie, Lolly, and Dolly, the stallion and two mares rescued from deplorable and dire conditions in Shelburne, have made great progress since arriving at Spring Hill Horse Rescue in January. They have had extensive farrier work on their hooves, which are healing and much improved, and the horses are now more comfortable and can begin to strengthen their muscles. After gradual exposure to light, all three appear to be showing improved vision, and this will be assessed as they continue rehabilitation. Willie has received dental work and antibiotics, and it seems his mouth is feeling much better. He is putting on weight and takes regular walks in the aisle of the barn. Dolly and Lolly are still very skittish but are adjusting to their new environment and handling by humans. The biggest challenge with them is to gain their trust so that they can continue to receive hoof care and veterinary attention. All three have begun to cautiously explore their new surroundings. While Willie is the most trusting, Dolly and Lolly are also starting to take regular walks outside of their stalls.

In an effort to provide a safe space that Willie, Dolly, and Lolly can explore inside and out, Spring Hill refit the barn with a six-foot, round pen with individual panels that allow for a small outdoor area outside each stall. This refit was made possible thanks to GMAD. In fact, GMAD raised $4,647 and matched $1500 of those donations totaling $6,147 and also received in-kind donations of hay and supplements. Spring Hill greatly appreciates the generosity of Green Mountain Animal Defenders and our donors—YOU! On behalf of GMAD, Spring Hill, and Willie, Lolly, and Dolly, thank you to all who made donations in any form.

For updates and videos of Willie, Lolly, and Dolly, visit Spring Hill’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spring-Hill-Horse-Rescue/153025598057077?ref=ts&fref=ts

Welcome to the Wild Side!By Brenna Galdenzi, Volunteer coordinator

Too often we hear about human/wildlife encounters gone awry. Whether it’s a family of skunks setting up camp under a porch and spraying the family dog or a well-meaning person handling an injured baby bird, leading to the animal’s unfortunate demise, we want to empower you to help wildlife while keeping yourself and the animals safe. Please refer to our website, www.gmad.info/wildlife.php, for wildlife FAQs, a list of Vermont-licensed wildlife rehabilitators and other resources to ensure animals the best chance of survival.

For a species-specific list of humane solutions to wildlife concerns, visit: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/wild_neighbors/.If you need additional help, please email us at wildlife@gmad.info.

Campaign UpdatesSpay | Neuter & PAWS Project

WE’RE GETTING CLOSER TO THAT MILE OF MONEY !By Lisa Vear , GMAD Volunteer

Over the 2012 holiday season, Green Mountain Animal Defenders held our Mile of Money fundraiser at both Pet Food Warehouse (PFW) locations to benefit our spay/neuter assistance program. Shoppers purchased Mile of Money certificates in honor of a beloved pet or person, and the staff at PFW creatively displayed the certificates throughout their stores. We’re delighted to have raised $3,784—a smashing success! GMAD’s spay/neuter program is essential to controlling pet overpopulation and the number of homeless animals in Vermont. Last year alone, GMAD helped fund the spaying/neutering of 566 cats and 22 dogs. GMAD would like to extend a big thank you to the staff at Pet Food Warehouse for being so committed to presenting this fundraiser to customers. We could never have raised this much money in three weeks without your hard work and dedication to the cats and dogs of Vermont!

PAWS Project UpdateBy Jill Jacobelli, GMAD Board member

GMAD’s PAWS (Providing All-Weather Shelter) Project provides doghouses for Vermont dogs who are currently chained outside full time with substandard shelter. This year Burlington Technical Center and Friends of Vermont Dogs are once again partnering with GMAD to help dogs in need. In order to be given a doghouse, people must agree to allow Friends of Vermont Dogs to install a fenced-in area for the dog so that in addition to having shelter from the elements, the dog will no longer be tethered to a chain. This year GMAD will be raffling a custom doghouse at Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs with all proceeds going to the PAWS Project. The doghouse to be raffled is being designed, constructed, and donated by Red House, a building and restoration company based in Burlington. Siobhan Philbin, a local artist and dog lover, has kindly agreed to donate her talent and time to paint the doghouse. We’ve also expanded this campaign to offer shelter to cats in need. There are many free-roaming cats whose survival depends on the kindness of others, so we are eager to get them sturdy, dry cat villas, thanks to our newly formed partnership with Rosie’s Girls in Essex Junction and Barre. Rosie’s Girls is a summer day camp that helps middle school girls develop and strengthen their capacities and confidence while exposing them to a range of educational and career opportunities. They’ll be working on either a cat shelter or doghouse this summer. We can’t wait to see what they come up with! If you are interested in helping build, paint, or stain doghouses or cat shelters, or would like to make a donation to help fund the PAWS Project, please email Jill Jacobelli at steeljill@gmail.com. If you know of a dog who may be in need, please contact Friends of Vermont Dogs at 802-552-0613.

BAKE SALE RAISES LOTS OF DOUGH!By Lisa Vear , GMAD Volunteer

On Valentine’s Day, Green Mountain Animal Defenders held a vegan bake sale at the Merchants Bank on Kennedy Drive in South Burlington. The sale was a big hit, “breaking the bank” with a grand total of $305 raised to support GMAD’s spay/neuter program. GMAD volunteers and local businesses donated the vegan goodies, from cupcakes designed for cat lovers to choco-late “bark” for our dog fans! Special thanks to YUPcakes, Liz Lovely, and My Little Cupcake, as well as everyone who staffed the table, donated and/or purchased baked goods. Look for us at the same time and place next year—and bring your sweetheart and sweet tooth!

Happy recipient appreciates a brand new doghouse provided by GMAD’s PAWS Project.

GMAD Says Thank You to Volunteers!By Katherine Albertson, intern

What better way to appreciate Green Mountain Animal Defenders’ volunteers on a cold Sunday in November than by serving them a hot vegan brunch, awarding door prizes, and offering a top-notch silent auction! GMAD event planner Pat Monteferrante took pride in planning her first Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at the First Congregational Church in Burlington. The community played a vital role in the event by donating all the food and prizes.

Events like this are inspiring, as they celebrate animal protection achievements and experiences. They also provide an opportunity to meet other volunteers. “The thing about GMAD volunteers is they do so much,” says Pat. “Everybody sends emails and it is amazing what gets done. But when you finally meet somebody, you have the chance to share accomplishments face to face.”

Author and long-time GMAD supporter Gary Kowalski spoke at the event. The group shared emotional stories about their experiences with animals and how they changed their lives, or the lives of others. GMAD volunteers truly embody the saying “labor of love”—and it shows in how many animals’ lives they’ve touched!

Volunteer Spotlight Gloria Ormsby

Interviewed & Written by Karen Sturtevant, GMAD volunteer

With her bubbly personality and contagious laugh, Gloria Ormsby is certainly someone you would want on your team. Gloria has been a volunteer with GMAD for just over a year, and we are thrilled to honor her in our Volunteer Spotlight. In reading GMAD’s newsletters, Gloria began to appreciate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers in successfully advocating for animals. Gloria knew she could be of service in this worthwhile cause. With a background in fundraising database software, Gloria teamed up with GMAD president Sharon MacNair to research software programs that would make the organization more efficient, thereby allowing more time for what GMAD does best- protecting the well-being of all animals. Thanks to Gloria’s training and expertise in the new database, it now takes mere minutes to access the information of volunteers and donors and match them with often time-sensitive needs (such as picking up injured animals and bringing them to safety or sending lost pet alerts to GMAD members in the immediate vicinity). Thanks to her patience and guidance, GMAD is more streamlined and organized than ever. Knowing other caring individuals who share the same goals and realizing what an important role each of us plays makes Gloria happy to contribute her time and skills. When asked what advice she would give to others thinking about volunteering for GMAD, she has two words: do it! Gloria is often found in the company of her rescued dog, Chance from North Carolina, who survived with a heart of gold. This best friend helps Gloria in her garden, enjoys playing in the backyard, and napping at her feet during quiet times.

If you would like to volunteer,please email brenna@gmad.info

Gratitude from Our Volunteer CoordinatorBy Brenna Galdenzi

From beavers to barred owls, it’s been a busy year so far for Vermont animals in need. We are deeply inspired by our volunteers, members, and supporters who are always there, ready to assist these animals whether by writing a letter or making a donation towards their care.

Our mission of “Working to protect the well-being of all animals” is no small task, but every day we see how much we can accomplish together. From our volunteers on the front lines participating in outreach events on topics ranging from farm animal protection to companion animals, to our volunteers behind the scenes writing letters, we make a powerful team!

If you’re interested in learning how you can become more involved, email Brenna@gmad.info. I hope to meet some of you at our upcoming events listed on page 7 of the newsletter!

Animal “Peeps”! Local Chicks Need Your Help!

Are you aware of any Farm & Feed or other stores that sell baby chicks, ducklings, or turkeys? If so, please let us know so we can approach them about relinquishing any who may have been injured during transport or have become ill. In an effort to save the lives of sick or injured hatchlings, we quietly and discreetly rescue them and offer them refuge. Agway in Middlebury and Tractor Supply in Shelburne have already participated in this life-saving GMAD program this year! Through our unique program, we’ve rescued over 30 tiny, fragile ones who faced various challenges, from clubbed feet to splayed legs (as shown in the photo). These chicks, ducks, and turkeys are now in the loving, capable hands of experienced volunteers and on their way to full recoveries! As deliveries of these hatchlings become more frequent these fuzzy friends need our help with transportation, medical care, and permanent homes. To volunteer or make a donation to their care, contact sharon@gmad.info.

Learn How to Avoid a Cat-astropheBy Kristen Cameron, GMAD Advisory Board Member

Whether stray or “owned,” cats who go outside are subject to the same dangers, including cars, predators, malicious humans, territorial fights with other cats, parasites, and untended medical conditions. Also, outdoor cats wreak havoc on birds and other wildlife.

When concerned neighbors noticed a stray cat one day, they thought he was dying, and they contacted GMAD. The first step is always a trip to the vet, and it turned out that the cat, now named Barnaby, had a serious but treatable infection on his ear, most likely due to a fight with a cat or some other animal. Animal scratches and bites are loaded with bacteria and ensuing infections can be fatal. Had Barnaby not been found, he certainly would have suffered and could have died.

Though bad luck led Barnaby to the streets, his luck changed once someone noticed him and cared enough to bring him in. After receiving treatment sponsored by GMAD at the Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic and spending time with an adoring GMAD foster care volunteer, Barnaby moved on to bigger, better, and safer things as he awaited a strictly indoor home through the Humane Society of Chittenden County.

GMAD foster care helped 23 cats in 2013. To join this small but mighty team of cat caregivers, contact Kristen at kristen@gmad.info.

With all of the dangers outside, it’s not surprising that outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats live 2–3 years on average, while the average lifespan of a strictly indoor cat is 12–15 years. Missing cat posts are all too frequent on Front Porch Forum, Facebook, and other sites. This distressing situation (for both cats and their “owners”) can be avoided if cats are kept inside. For tips and tricks on how to keep your indoor cat entertained, check out Why Keep Your Cat Indoors?: http://www.gmad.info/articles_detail.php?ID=2&Page=Why+Keep+Your+Cat+Indoors%3F and http://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-care/beating-boredom-cat/.

If you like GMAD and all that we do,

“like us” on Facebook too!Barnaby, looking quite cozy in his kitty bed.

Help us make a difference in the lives of animals

by making a donation at: gmad.info/donate.php

Polish your Paws & Clip your Claws for our

30th Anniversary Gala!

By Julie Dimmock, GMAD volunteer

We are excited to announce that GMAD is celebrating our 30th Anniversary. To mark our three decades of protecting animals, we are excited to unveil our fabulous new logo designed by volunteer Hillyer Lang (see front cover) and our phenomenal new website built by volunteers David Milner and Kristen Cameron! Our spectacular gala will be held Saturday, November 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Burlington. Our 25th celebration was a tremendous hit, featuring inspirational speakers, a fantastic meal, and an impressive silent auction. Because it was sold out, we are asking GMADers (and friends) to reserve their tickets early (tickets are $50 each). Reserve your tickets by contacting Brenna at brenna@gmad.info.

Drumroll, please… We are proud to announce that Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States, has agreed to be our keynote speaker!

Pacelle’s book The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them is an exploration of mankind’s bond with animals, and a call to respond to the needs of at-risk animals. Jane Goodall says of this book, “If the animals knew about this book, they would, without doubt, confer on Wayne Pacelle, their highest honor.” View Wayne’s interview on the Ellen Show here:http://www.ellentv.com/2012/04/13/for-the-love-of-animals/

We are also looking for help with the final planning and on the day of the event. If you would like to serve on the Gala Committee, or have silent auction items to donate, please contact Brenna at brenna@gmad.info.

Hope to see you all there!

Mark Your Calendars!Upcoming Events!www.gmad.info | 802-861-3030

If you would like to volunteer for any of the following events, please contact Brenna at brenna@gmad.info.

June 15, 2013 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Animals in Entertainment Outreach TableChurch Street, Burlington, VT July 13, 2013Compassionate Shopping/Cosmetic Testing on Animals Outreach Table Church Street, Burlington, VT (rain date: 7/14/13)

August 3, 2013 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Proper Pet CareTradewinds | Church Street, Burlington, VT

August 18 & 19 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Garage Sale * Please read Spring Cleaning note belowRoute 2, Richmond, VT August 18, 2013Homeless Animals Day Pet Food Warehouse, South Burlington, VT September 8, 2013Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs October 2013 (Date to be determined)3rd Annual Walk for Farm AnimalsChurch Street, Burlington, VT

October 2013 (Date to be determined)Trapping & Fur Industry Awareness Table

Spring cleaning?Donate your unwanted items

We are collecting items for our August garage sale, so if you have any items you’d like to donate, please email Pat at pateinvt@aol.com (no clothing or shoes, please).

Thank you to our community PAWtners!

Affectionately CatsAgway, Middlebury, VTAlex and Ani, Burlington, VTBuds & RosesBurtonCity MarketCx AssociatesFleischer Jacobs GroupGay and Lesbian Fund of VermontGreen Mountain Coffee RoastersGreen Mountain MessengerHannafordsHealthy Living

Larry DubinLiz LovelyMerchants Bank, South Burlington, VTMy Little CupcakeNatural Provisions MarketPet Food WarehousePfP Consulting, Inc.Play Dog PlayPrice ChopperQuirky PetRags and RichesRichmond SupermarketShelburne Orchards

Shelburne SupermarketSilver Maple Editions, LLCSneakers Bistro & CafeTractor Supply, Shelburne, VTTrowel Trades SuppliesUnleashedWayne MichaudWilliston Pet LodgeYUPcakes

Designed by Jenn Proulx, GMAD Volunteer

GMAD Encourages Students to Cheat on Meat! By Ani Quigley, GMAD intern

On April 24, University of Vermont students heard the meatless message at Green Mountain Animal Defenders’ 3rd annual Meatout event. In honor of Meatout, GMAD offered students and faculty in the UVM Davis Center delicious samples of vegan food, including homemade vegan chili and Tofurky deli sandwiches prepared by GMAD volunteers.

Meatout, the world’s biggest grassroots dietary education campaign, encourages people to choose wholesome, compassionate vegan living. It is designed to “expose the public to the joys and benefits of a plant-based diet,” and judging by the smiles on students’ faces, the joys of a vegan diet were obvious. Many came back for seconds, asked for recipes, or came to the table saying, “I heard about the chili!”

While devouring these vegan delights, students showed an interest in the literature: pamphlets about veganism, factory farming, and the cruelties of animal agriculture flew off the table. Students embraced the opportunity to learn how vegan food is good for the animals, good for human health, and good for the planet. At the end of the day, the consensus was simple: vegan food is just all-around good!

Charmed by Charity

Alex and Ani jewelry store, located at 206 College Street in Burlington, Vermont hosted a wonderful “Charmed by Charity” event to benefit Green Mountain Animal Defenders on the evening of April 10, 2013.

Kudos to Alex and Ani for donating over $250—15% of all sales for the evening—to support our lifesaving work. A special thank you goes to Kendra and the entire staff for helping to make the event such a success!

About Green Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD)www.GMAD.info | P.o. Box 4577, BurlinGton, Vt 05406

Green Mountain Animals Defenders is Vermont’s largest volunteer based 501(c)(3) non-profit animal advocacy organization. Believing that all animals have intrinsic value and are worthy of protection, we use our statewide network to help animals of all species. Since 1983, we have been accomplishing this mission by:

Maintaining a volunteer-run organization which allows donated • funds to more directly benefit animalsEducating the public through outreach efforts, media relations • campaigns, and other special eventsSponsoring spay/neuter programs• Maintaining a foster care network• Managing and activating a grass roots network of animal • protection advocates throughout the state to support animal protection policiesOrganizing rescue and transportation services for animals, • including wildlife

Share this newsletter by forwarding the link to your friends!

Pet Food Drive In High Gear!

It is so inspiring to see Vermonters helping cats and dogs in need keep their bellies full! So far this year, we have already collected 810 lbs of pet food, which has been delivered to local food shelves and feral cat colonies. As we go to print, our pet food bins are at:

Agway | Williston, VT

Affectionately Cats | Williston, VT

Healthy Living Market | South Burlington, VT

Richmond Market | Richmond, VT GMAD has also received donations this year from Play Dog Play and Pet Food Warehouse so a huge thank you to our business partners for making this possible!