COUNTY COMMISSIONER PUBLIC AGENDA MEETING FOR BREVARD NO KILL

************ATTENTION BREVARD COUNTY, FL. RESIDENTS***************

PENCIL IN THIS DATE FEBRUARY 03, 2009

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE BOARD ROOM, BREVARD COUNTY GOV'T CENTER AT

2725 JUDGE FRAN JAMIESON WAY, VIERA. IT IS BUILDING. C , THE ONLY THREE STORY BUILDING ON THE FIRST FLOOR.

THE MEETING BEGINS AT 9 AM, HOWEVER NEW BUSINESS IS HELD TOWARDS THE END OF THE MEETING AND THE AGENDA HASN’T

BEEN DEVELOPED YET.

WE MIGHT BE HEARD IN THE MORNING IF THE AGENDA IS SHORT AND WE MAY NOT.

THIS IS BEST I CAN GIVE YOU RIGHT NOW, PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR MAKING MUCH NEEDED CHANGE FOR THE 2

COUNTY SHELTERS, SOUTH ANIMAL CARE CENTER IN MELBOURNE AND NORTH ANIMAL CARE CENTER IN TITUSVILLE

PUBLIC AND RESCUER SUPPORT IS TREMENDOUSLY NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THIS FOLKS!!

AS INFO IS UPDATED, I WILL ALSO SEND ON, PLEASE ALSO VISIT THE BREVARD NO KILL COALITION SITE www.brevardnokill.org

HOPE TO SEE MANY THERE. WE MUST PACK THE BUILDING WITH OUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHELTER ANIMALS OF BREVARD COUNTY!

lil Country Paws

Potpouri can kill your pet.......

This just arrived and I wanted to pass it on. You might want to do the same.

Please cross post.

Sharon H - Ohio Team Leader &
NBSTR Dog Records Coordinator
NEW BEGINNINGS SHIH TZU & FRIENDS RESCUE
A 501c3 Charitable Rescue
www.nbstr.org

Please read the email below that I have forwarded with the author's permission.. ...

In a message dated 12/10/2008 6:25:17 P.M. Central Standard Time, Karencantner writes:

We have suffered a terrible, terrible tragedy last Wed. Two, beloved Cavaliers of mine, Haley and Zoe both ate potpourri from a decorative basket in my Living room

Within hours, they were vomiting it, convulsing and going into total body rigidity and shock. We took them to the after hours clinic, they had no idea what it could be and wouldn't listen to me about them vomiting potpourri at home and how I had such concerns about the toxic effects of it. They treated symptoms.

We transferred them to our day vet. He also wouldn't listen to me about the potpourri theory. He said they had "strychnine" poisoning symptoms. I kept telling him that the potpourri was Made In India, sold by a company in California and sold at my local WalMart. My heart told me that it was the culprit of their condition.

They declined rapidly throughout the day and we transferred them back to the after hours clinic for a second night. At midnight, I made the agonizing decision to put them to sleep. Haley was in constant seizures that wouldn't stop, fluid was filling up in her lungs, body temp was dropping on both of them, Zoe was lying almost lifeless on the table, struggling with every breath she took. Every muscle was completely rigid, you couldn't even move her.

I have devoted the last couple of days (now that I can get out of bed and function) to researching my concerns with the potpourri and have since found out I was right....... .....there is a lab in England that has case studies on toxic potpourri from India!! The toxin....strychnine , which in it's commercial source, comes from a certain tree grown in India . I am completely heart broken over this.

Please be aware of the potential toxins in any and all stuff like this in our homes. I would've never guessed this could happen but when I saw them both "playing" in the potpourri and then after about two hours saw the symptoms of a poisoning, I just put two and two together. Hug your babies, Love them and always take lots of photos along the way...it helps later on, trust me.

Karen Cantner, Heartland Kennels, Evansville , Indiana USA

Permission to cross post - should be unedited and sent in it's entirety with her
contact info.

History made in Brevard County

On Thursday, Dec 4th, there was a significant and history-making victory for the
animals of Brevard County and all of Florida. Christine Dawn Abrams was found
guilty of 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty by Brevard County Judge Kelly
McKibben. Abrams was sentenced to a surprising 8 months in jail, 12 months of
probation, community service, $5,000 in fines (the max allowed by law), and
ordered to pay all court costs. Her sentencing was very close to what
Prosecutor Michael Raska requested. While this sentence is not 'the max' sentence, it is a big step in the right direction, not just for the county, but the entire State of Florida. Neglect is not typically taken seriously by Prosecutors and Judges, even though the suffering of a neglected animal is often severe. Typical sentences for cases of neglect in the State of Florida include only probation and maybe a little community service. The sentencing issued by Judge McKibben on the 4th was very comprehensive, and will set a precedent for future cases of neglect.

**You can watch the sentencing online at

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812050327

Look to the right side of the page and scroll down to click on the video. It is the
video of the entire sentencing.

Thank you to everyone that came out on the 4th. We managed to fill the entire courtroom, making each person's presence very important. I especially want to thank everyone that stayed so calm and respectful of the Judge. I know it was very difficult. Further, thank you to those that helped remind others to stay calm. It's important to help each other out when emotions run high so that the media attention stays focused on the case, not 'protesters.

'*Here are other news links to the sentencing:

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881203007

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-dog-in-crate-sentence-12-04-08,0,3912559.story

http://www.wftv.com/news/18203006/detail.html#-


NOTE: The fight is not over yet! Abrams has not been remanded to the custody of the Dept of Corrections yet. Defense Attorney Andrew Stine wants a chance to ask the Judge to let Abrams stay out of jail while he appeals the 'motion to suppress the evidence.' The Prosecutor, on the other hand, wants Abrams locked up immediately. On December 16th, both sides will get to present their arguments
to Judge McKibben. It is my understanding that Abrams will either be arrested
that day, or, if the Judge rules in Stine's favor, Abrams will be out on a
bond until the appeals process is over. We'll be out there waving signs no
later than 10am on December 16th, then we will go into the courtroom and
listen quietly to the arguments. I apologize for not getting this email out sooner. I went out of town right after the sentencing day, and I just returned, so I sent this email as soon as I could.

If you have any questions about anything that is going on in this case, please feel free to ask!

Keep Up the Good Fight!!

www.voicesforella.org

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Pets needing to be adopted ASAP.......

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Large Young Male Dog Pet ID: 444811


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Hettie

Black Mouth Cur [Mix]

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I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 5 years old. I am playful, smart, calm and friendly. I like to talk too. Please come see me and get to know me. I am very sweet & was found with my puppy, who has been adopted. Please give me a chance & hurry! I rarely bark, more of a groan when excited.








Bruce

Pit Bull Terrier [Mix]

Large Adult Male Dog Pet ID: 453735



I got lost and no one came looking for me. Now I need a new forever home. I am about 3 years old and I would love to go home with you. I am very playful, friendly, and smart. Please come see me and get to know me. I'm not sure what my mix is but my ears do always look like that! I'm a nice boy, pls come & see me. I've been here for while now & need someone to give me a chance soon!








South Animal Care and Adoption Center
5100 West Eau Gallie Blvd

Melbourne, FL

321-253-6608

saccdogs@bellsouth.net

Visit us on Petfinder for our partial list.

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Heres your chance to make a difference!!!!!

ATTENTION Brevard Residents.........

NO KILL Group Needs Your Telephone Support

TOPIC: NO KILL Shelter for Brevard

When: Tuesday November 25, 2008

Where: Talk Show Host Bill Mick of WMMB 1240
and 1350 RADIO

Time: 6:00 AM

Guest Speaker:
SCOTT ELLIS, BREVARD COUNTY CLERK of COURT,
will be speaking live. Mr. Ellis loves animals and will be
representing the NO KILL Coalition of Brevard.

Telephone : 321-768-1240
Wireless Phones: 1240

Tomorrow morning will be our chance to shine!!!.. Please
make your phone calls showing you support a new NO
KILL Shelter which is so desperately needed in Brevard.
Demand change for SACC and NACC, show your support
and voice your ideas. Make Bill Mick and the residents of
Brevard aware of the goings on. Please help us by lettting
them know it's time for change. Make those calls, keep
those lines busy........Become a part of the VOICE.

Sponsored by lil Country Paws

I hope you have a box of tissues handy...........

I found this on one of my boards yesterday and felt it should be passed on.........Spaying and neutering your pets should be made mandatory in every state. Become a part of the solution!
Definition for the word S-H-E-L-T-E-R............Something that gives protection. Are your shelters doing that?

I have edited this letter to protect the individual who wrote it....
*****************************

Yes, I Gas Dogs and Cats for a Living. I ' m an Animal Control officer in a very small town in ---------------------- . I ' m in my mid ---------------, and have been working for the town in different positions since high school.

There is not much work here, and working for the county provides good pay and benefits for a person like me without a higher education. I ' m the person you all write about how horrible I am.

I ' m the one that gasses the dogs and cats and makes them suffer. I ' m the one that pulls their dead corpses out smelling of Carbon Monoxide and throws them into green plastic bags. But I ' m also the one that hates my job and hates what I have to do.

First off, all you people out there that judge me, don ' t. God is judging me, and I know I ' m going to Hell. Yes, I ' m going to hell. I wont lie, it ' s despicable, cold, cruel and I feel like a serial killer. I ' m not all to blame, if the law would mandate spay and neuter, lots of these dogs and cats wouldn ' t be here for me to gas. I ' m the devil, I know it, but I want you people to see that there is another side to me the devil Gas Chamber man. The shelter usually gasses on Friday morning.

Friday ' s are the day that most people look forward to, this is the day that I hate, and wish that time will stand still on Thursday night. Thursday night, late, after nobody ' s around, my friend and I go through a fast food line, and buy 50 dollars worth of cheeseburgers and fries, and chicken. I ' m not allowed to feed the dogs on Thursday, for I ' m told that they will make a mess in the gas chamber, and why waste the food.

So, Thursday night, with the lights still closed, I go into the saddest room that anyone can every imagine, and let all the doomed dogs out out their cages.

I have never been bit, and in all my years doing this, the dogs have never fought over the food. My buddy and I, open each wrapper of cheeseburger and chicken sandwich, and feed them to the skinny, starving dogs.

They swallow the food so fast, that I don ' t believe they even taste it. There tails are wagging, and some don ' t even go for the food, they roll on their backs wanting a scratch on their bellys. They start running, jumping and kissing me and my buddy. They go back to their food, and come back to us. All their eyes are on us with such trust and hope, and their tails wag so fast, that I have come out with black and blues on my thighs.. They devour the food, then it ' s time for them to devour some love and peace. My buddy and I sit down on the dirty, pee stained concrete floor, and we let the dogs jump on us. They lick us, they put their butts in the air to play, and they play with each other. Some lick each other, but most are glued on me and my buddy.

I look into the eyes of each dog. I give each dog a name.

They will not die without a name.

I give each dog 5 minutes of unconditional love and touch.

I talk to them, and tell them that I ' m so sorry that tomorrow they will die a gruesome, long, torturous death at the hands of me in the gas chamber.

Some tilt their heads to try to understand.

I tell them, that they will be in a better place, and I beg them not to hate me.

I tell them that I know I ' m going to hell, but they will all be playing with all the dogs and cats in heaven.

After about 30 minutes, I take each dog individually, into their feces filled concrete jail cell, and pet them and scratch them under their chins. Some give me their paw, and I just want to die. I just want to die. I close the jail cell on each dog, and ask them to forgive me. As my buddy and I are walking out, we watch as every dog is smiling at us and them don ' t even move their heads. They will sleep, with a full belly, and a false sense of security.

As we walk out of the doomed dog room, my buddy and I go to the cat room.

We take our box, and put the very friendly kittens and pregnant cats in our box. The shelter doesn ' t keep tabs on the cats, like they do the dogs.

As I hand pick which cats are going to make it out, I feel like I ' m playing God, deciding whose going to live and die.

We take the cats into my truck, and put them on blankets in the back.

Usually, as soon as we start to drive away, there are purring cats sitting on our necks or rubbing against us.

My buddy and I take our one way two hour trip to a county that is very wealthy and they use injection to kill animals.

We go to exclusive neighborhoods, and let one or two cats out at a time.

They don ' t want to run, they want to stay with us. We shoo them away, which makes me feel sad.

I tell them that these rich people will adopt them, and if worse comes to worse and they do get put down, they will be put down with a painless needle being cradled by a loving veterinarian. After the last cat is free, we drive back to our town.

It ' s about 5 in the morning now, about two hours until I have to gas my best friends.

I go home, take a shower, take my 4 anti-anxiety pills and drive to work.. I don ' t eat, I can ' t eat. It ' s now time, to put these animals in the gas chamber. I put my ear plugs in, and when I go to the collect the dogs, the dogs are so excited to see me, that they jump up to kiss me and think they are going to play.

I put them in the rolling cage and take them to the gas chamber. They know. They just know. They can smell the death.. They can smell the fear. They start whimpering, the second I put them in the box. The boss tells me to squeeze in as many as I can to save on gas. He watches. He knows I hate him, he knows I hate my job. I do as I ' m told. He watches until all the dogs, and cats (thrown in together) are fighting and screaming. The sounds is very muffled to me because of my ear plugs. He walks out, I turn the gas on, and walk out.

I walk out as fast as I can. I walk into the bathroom, and I take a pin and draw blood from my hand. Why? The pain and blood takes my brain off of what I just did. In 40 minutes, I have to go back and unload the dead animals. I pray that none survived, which happens when I overstuff the chamber. I pull them out with thick gloves, and the smell of carbon monoxide makes me sick. So does the vomit and blood, and all the bowel movements. I pull them out, put them in plastic bags.

They are in heaven now, I tell myself. I then start cleaning up the mess, the mess, that YOU PEOPLE are creating by not spay or neutering your animals. The mess that YOU PEOPLE are creating by not demanding that a vet come in and do this humanely. You ARE THE TAXPAYERS, DEMAND that this practice STOP!

So, don ' t call me the monster, the devil, the gasser, call the politicians, the shelter directors, and the county people the devil. Heck, call the governor, tell him to make it stop.

As usual, I will take sleeping pills tonight to drown out the screams I heard in the past, before I discovered the ear plugs. I will jump and twitch in my sleep, and I believe I ' m starting to hallucinate.

This is my life. Don ' t judge me. Believe me, I judge myself enough.
*******************************

If you are a Brevard resident and believe in animal rights and would like to help us change how are animals are being treated in our shelters please join our online group..........

Click to join HelpBrevardAnimals

lil Country Paws

Warning for all pet owners........

Warning For Pet Owners...... Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those that do. Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving Friends and family.
Please tell every dog owner you know. Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled, and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.
Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.
Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats
Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees depending on each individual dog). 'However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it.'
This Snopes site gives the following information:
http://www.snopes. com/critters/ crusader/ cocoamulch. asp
Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and othergarden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine' . It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be
aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.
Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, axanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions
and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.
PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION! !!

lil Country Paws