Week of 2/7/10 Humane Happenings

by Eliana Aubin

Dogtown fence in snow

Abandoning a companion animal is now a crime in New Mexico. The Sierra County Humane Society pledges to prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone witnessed abandoning their unwanted companion animal. If you see someone “dumping” a companion animal on the side of a road, near the river or in any neighborhood, please take the license number of the vehicle and any other pertinent information. Then contact our animal welfare organization at 575-894-2778 or 575-894-1694 or 575-894-2639. We will prosecute.

Several years ago, an incident involving a local man seen dangling a kitty by his tail over an enclosed pen occupied by both a pit bull and a boxer, was publicized by our organization all over New Mexico. We became involved. Since then, the District Attorney’s office is allowing a representative of the Sierra County Humane Society to speak in the courtroom on behalf of any local animal victim. Hurray for District Attorney Clint Wellborn and his staff for giving a voice – ours - to Sierra County’s voiceless animal victims.

Companion animals abandoned in front of Desert Haven do not know which way to turn for safety and they usually end up dead or dying before anyone even knows they are there. Sierra Animal Shelter in TorC accepts, free of charge to their owners and no questions asked, any unwanted animal. Our own organization provides rebate certificates for folks who wish to have their dog or cat sterilized. The forms are available at the TorC police station, Paws&Claws Thrift Shoppe and Hot Springs Animal Clinic. Contact us at 575-894-2778 for more information.

Birdland in snow

This week, we wish to thank St Cloud Mining for their twice-a-year contribution to Desert Haven Animal Refuge of an entire pallet of kitty litter. The folks at St Cloud Mining are only a phone call away: we can count on them and we sincerely appreciate their generosity. Recently, the dogs and cats of DHAR became the lucky recipients of a large container full of “yummy” doggy and kitty treats, courtesy of the Carson’s, Desert Haven’s neighbors. What a nice couple indeed!

A letter arrived to DHAR from AZ recently. It touched everyone’s heart. It said” I found your web site through petfinder.com. I supported Best Friends from its very beginning. Now they are big time with movie stars & other celebrities. I don’t feel like my small donation matters. Therefore I am sending you that “small donation” as I am sure you need it much more than they do. I admire your efforts. I hope this will help. Thank you for caring for the animals.”

Everyone who helps us in some way becomes an integral part of what we do for the animals of Sierra County. We can be contacted at 575-894-1694 or 894-2778. Write us at POB 638, Williamsburg, NM 87901. Visit us at www.DesertHavenAnimalRefuge.com You can also chat with us at www.Facebook.com/deserthaven.