Animal Abuse & Youth Violence - Make The Connection

Animal Abuse & Youth Violence - This Bulletin describes psychiatric, psychological, and criminal research linking animal abuse to violence perpetrated by juveniles and adults.

*Thank you to Little Heart Animal Abuse Awareness For Kids.

Be A Hero For Animals! Take The Hero Pledge!

Take The Hero Pledge!

Humane Education In Action

This sweet little kitten, named Little Heart by an animal advocate from The Patrick Movement Of Florida, died from his injuries after being brutally beaten by a 12 year old boy in Suffolk, VA. It was reported that Jamarea Mills, a 9 year old boy, intervened and saved the kitten from being stabbed to death by disarming the older boy and took the kitten to safety. Suffolk Animal Control tried to save the kitten's life, but he experienced difficulty breathing a few days after the assault. His foster mom brought him to the emergency vet where he, unfortunately, died. (See interview with his foster mom.)

A Homeless Animal Lifeline (HAL) volunteer learned of this story after reading an article on Life With Cats. She was so moved by what the kitten endured and Jamarea's efforts to save him that she set up a Facebook page, In Memory Of Little Heart, honoring Jamarea and Little Heart. Because of WTKR News Channel 3, the page was brought to Jamarea's attention. (See video.) He was shown the words of encouragement and worldwide support.

WTKR news brought Jamarea and his brother to Harbour Veterinary Clinic to visit the animals and see how a veterinary office works because Jamarea expressed an interest in becoming a veterinarian. (See video.)

A person who learned of Jamarea's story started Little Heart Animal Abuse Awareness For Kids in honor of Little Heart and Jamarea. Another person created a memorial page for Little Heart.

Jamarea's mother, Cornesia, stated that Jamarea's father is an animal lover and taught him to love animals as well. All of these people brought together because of one little kitten -- and a brave little boy. This is humane education in action.

The volunteers of HAL are very proud of Jamarea for his efforts. Although Little Heart died because of the brutal assault, he died while in a loving foster home. This is because Jamarea cared enough to take Little Heart to safety.

Rest in peace, Little Heart. We will continue to fight animal abusers and bullies in your memory. That is a promise.

*Suffolk police charged the 12 year old boy with misdemeanor animal cruelty following the incident. The boy hasn’t been identified. Suffolk city spokeswoman Debbie George says the charge could be upgraded to a felony if a necropsy determines the kitten’s death was due to the abuse. HAL will be following this story and will keep you posted on details as they emerge.

**The story has attracted widespread interest, resulting in hundreds of people expressing a desire to adopt the kitten. The Suffolk Animal Shelter currently has many kittens who are in need of good homes. We encourage those with the willingness to help the injured kitten to consider giving good homes to the remaining kittens at the shelter in honor of the kitten who didn’t survive. 757-538-3030

***HAL would like to thank Jane Kostopoulos for creating the graphic for Little Heart featured on this page. Jane also created a special memorial page for Little Heart where you could read his story and light a virtual candle in his memory.

Easter Lily Toxicity

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1418&aid=837

Easter lilies and other lilies can be toxic to cats, causing kidney failure and death. All parts of the lily can be toxic, and eating just one leaf can result in severe poisoning. After eating a portion of an Easter lily, a cat will generally vomit and become depressed within 2 hours. The vomiting may subside, but the cat will not eat and continue to become more depressed.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you know or suspect your cat has eaten any part of an Easter lily. Your veterinarian will start treatment that includes causing the cat to vomit by giving an emetic, administering activated charcoal and a cathartic (stimulates bowel movements), and giving subcutaenous or intravenous fluids. A cat must be treated within 18 hours of ingesting the plant, or the damage to the kidneys will be irreversible.

Other lilies which belong to this same plant species and are also toxic include tiger lilies, rubrum or Japanese showy lilies, and various day lilies. Many other bulb plants are also poisonous such as daffodils and hyacinths.

"Show Me The Friskies" Cat Food Fundraiser!

HAL Needs YOUR Help!

Homeless Animal Lifeline (HAL) is in desperate, urgent need for donations for our Feral Cat Program & our Caregiver Assistance Program. Monetary donations as well as food donations are urgently needed.

HAL's Feral Cat Program spays/neuters, vaccinates, provides necessary medical treatment, shelters, and food for feral cats in the NJ area. Our Caregiver Assistance Program provides pet owners with pet food, supplies, and veterinary assistance during times of financial need. Both of these programs are supported by donations from the public.

HAL is a 501c3 ALL VOLUNTEER non-profit organization. Your donations go directly toward helping individual animals. Without help from the public, we cannot continue our programs.

Please consider making an emergency donation so that we can continue our vital work. Monetary donations can be made via PayPal (RescueHAL@aol.com) or via postal service: HAL, POB 237, Manalapan, NJ 07726.

Food donations: Pick up for food donations in the CENTRAL JERSEY area can be arranged. We are in dire need of both canned and dry cat food.

With kitten season approaching, we need your help more than ever. Please consider making a donation. You can learn more about our organization by visiting our web site at www.halrescue.org.

Thank you!

Thank you to ...

...Sara Riker of Perkasie Dog Owners Group for hosting a humane education table for HAL at the 2nd Annual Bark & Wine at the K9 Jym in Colmar, PA on February 11th. For more information about the event, visit http://www.perkasiedog.org/events.html.

Valentine's Day Weekend Adoptathon

Homeless Animal Lifeline Adoptathon at Bridgewater PetSmart - 2/12-2/13, 11AM - 3PM. Come meet our beautiful cats who hope to find true love this Valentine's Day weekend! Reduced adoption fee if you adopt a couple! Contact
RescueHAL@aol.com for more information. We hope to see you there!

A donation was made to Homeless Animal Lifeline in memory of Crosby, who passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2011. He is deeply loved and missed by his mom Lori and family.

"Like" Us On Facebook!! An easy, fun way to stay connected with HAL

This Valentine's Day - give a gift that will truly make a difference!

Instead of flowers or candy, consider making a donation to HAL and give a gift that will truly make a difference! Nothing says love like showing compassion toward those who need our help the most!

Donations can be sent via PayPal at
RescueHAL@aol.com or via postal service: HAL, POB 237, Manalapan, NJ 07726.

If you make a donation in honor of someone, they will be notified via email on Valentine's Day!

In Memory Of Rusty

A donation was made to Homeless Animal Lifeline in memory of Rusty, who passed away on January 13, 2011. He enjoyed a wonderful life with his mom, Shari, and is greatly missed.

In Memory Of Peanut Butter

A donation was made to Homeless Animal Lifeline in memory of beautiful Peanut Butter, who passed away on January 26, 2011. She enjoyed a wonderful life with her mom, Eileen, for sixteen years.

Adopt-A-Thon Weekend!

Homeless Animal Lifeline will be showcasing their beautiful cats at the Bridgewater PetSmart Adopt-A-Thon, Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th between 11AM and 3PM (Times subject to change). We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact RescueHAL@aol.com.

Adoption Event - Bridgewater PetSmart

Homeless Animal Lifeline will be hosting an adoption event at Bridgewater PetSmart on Saturday, January 22nd, from 11AM - 3PM. We have beautiful adult cats in need of forever homes. For more information, contact
RescueHAL@aol.com.

Adoption Day Event

Homeless Animal Lifeline will be hosting an adoption day event at Bridgewater PetSmart on January 15th from 11AM-3PM. For more information, contact RescueHAL@aol.com. We hope to see you there!

VERY URGENT: Cat's owner in hospice, terminally ill, cat left alone in home

Jenny-Boo is a healthy, friendly female cat who is in desperate need. She is approx. 2 years old. Her owner is terminally ill and had to move out of his home into hospice. Jenny has someone who comes to the house every few days to feed her and change her litter. Not only is she incredibly sad at losing her owner, but she's lonely and losing her home is imminent. Jenny desperately needs a rescue or caring individual to step up to the plate and help her out.

Jenny is spayed and negative for FIV/FeLV.

If you can help Jenny and give her dying owner peace of mind, please contact RescueHAL@aol.com. She is located in Central NJ, but transport can be arranged to good home or rescue.

UPDATE: A FAMILY MEMBER HAS DECIDED TO KEEP JENNY.

FIV+ young male cat needs home ASAP

Urgent - Jacob is a 2 yo FIV+ m cat who was found outdoors. We believe someone moved and abandoned him. Jacob has thrived living indoors; he's put on weight and is a healthy boy. He's friendly and sweet. He he is now losing a second home too because the family is moving and can't take him with them. If you can give this poor boy the loving, permanent home he deserves, please contact
RescueHAL@aol.com. He's been fully-vetted and is negative for FeLV. He is located in Central NJ, but transport can be arranged to the right home.

For more information on FIV, visit: FIV- Catching A Bad Case Of Rumors.

On a personal note, I've had several FIV+ cats and they have all lived normal lifespan. They have lived with cats who are negative for FIV and it has never been transmitted. FIV is passed through deep, penetrating bite wounds - the type of wounds you usually see with unneutered tomcats.