I still would like to work out a mechanism for policing shelters. If it's a city, then a County should prosecute. Otherwise, it's a grand jury inquiry, Anyone else have a understanding of this?
Paul, a grand jury inquiry offers an unbiased and thorough investigation, leveraging subpoena power to access critical information and uncover hidden issues within Los Angeles Animal Services. It heightens public awareness and pressure, holding the department accountable and potentially leading to legal and administrative consequences.
The grand jury can issue credible recommendations for reform, providing a strong basis for implementing necessary changes. Given the unresponsiveness of current leadership and the media's ongoing coverage, initiating a grand jury inquiry could be an effective next step to drive systemic improvements and ensure accountability.
Given the circumstances, a grand jury inquiry appears to be a highly appropriate and impactful next step, combining legal authority with public pressure to catalyze essential reforms.
You touch briefly upon the question of cultural heritage, and I think that is an issue that needs to be grappled with. I do believe that respect for other cultures is important, but there are many cultural practices and traditions that simply need to be left in the ash heap of history- the fact that something is a traditional and part of a group's cultural heritage does not automatically mean that it should be respected and protected: bullfighting, female circumcision, bride burning in India, slavery, whaling by supposedly indigenous groups in Iceland, throwing goats out of the church steeple in some dumb little town in Spain- the list goes on. It may be that rodeo ultimately belongs in that list, even with reforms. Meanwhile, it needs to be restricted severely, without exceptions for cultural groups other than rural white America.
Thank you, Michael, for your thoughtful and engaging response to the article. I appreciate your insights on the complex issue of cultural heritage and its intersection with animal welfare. You raise an important point: while respecting cultural practices is vital, it doesn't mean that all traditions should be preserved, especially when they involve harm or cruelty.
I agree that any activity causing harm to animals should be scrutinized and potentially restricted, regardless of cultural context. The goal should always be to protect the welfare of animals while fostering respectful dialogue about cultural practices.
Thank you again for your insightful comments. Your perspective adds valuable depth to this ongoing conversation.
I'm so tired of all the "window dressings" that are prevalent when it comes to animal protection. I was going through some of my old files the other day trying to clear the paper out of my office & came across my old animal rights files. The Canadian seal slaughter, animals in "entertainment", "Empty The Tanks", needless animal experimentation, the cat & dog meat trade, cruelty in slaughterhouses & factory farming in general, & the list goes on & on. I sat down in the middle of the room pouring through all these papers, crying, utterly dismayed at the fact that most everything I've been involved in is no closer to a resolution than when I first started. Realizing how many animals have suffered & died over the years is breaking me. One thing I feel I did help with was ending greyhound racing in Massachusetts. I worked very hard on that campaign & spent as much time as I could on it. I do see change, but it just takes so long to accomplish so little. I wish we could all care as much as some of us do. The world, & life in it, would be so much better.
Thank you, Sandy, for sharing your heartfelt thoughts and experiences. I deeply appreciate your dedication to animal welfare and understand the frustration that comes with slow progress and the prevalence of "window dressings" in animal protection efforts. Your hard work on ending greyhound racing in Massachusetts is truly commendable and a testament to the impact dedicated individuals can have.
It's important to stay hopeful and continue advocating for the changes we wish to see. Every small victory adds up, and together, we can make a significant impact. Thank you again for your commitment to animal welfare and for sharing your journey with us.
I still would like to work out a mechanism for policing shelters. If it's a city, then a County should prosecute. Otherwise, it's a grand jury inquiry, Anyone else have a understanding of this?
Paul, a grand jury inquiry offers an unbiased and thorough investigation, leveraging subpoena power to access critical information and uncover hidden issues within Los Angeles Animal Services. It heightens public awareness and pressure, holding the department accountable and potentially leading to legal and administrative consequences.
The grand jury can issue credible recommendations for reform, providing a strong basis for implementing necessary changes. Given the unresponsiveness of current leadership and the media's ongoing coverage, initiating a grand jury inquiry could be an effective next step to drive systemic improvements and ensure accountability.
Given the circumstances, a grand jury inquiry appears to be a highly appropriate and impactful next step, combining legal authority with public pressure to catalyze essential reforms.
Thanks, Ed, for this insightful article.
You touch briefly upon the question of cultural heritage, and I think that is an issue that needs to be grappled with. I do believe that respect for other cultures is important, but there are many cultural practices and traditions that simply need to be left in the ash heap of history- the fact that something is a traditional and part of a group's cultural heritage does not automatically mean that it should be respected and protected: bullfighting, female circumcision, bride burning in India, slavery, whaling by supposedly indigenous groups in Iceland, throwing goats out of the church steeple in some dumb little town in Spain- the list goes on. It may be that rodeo ultimately belongs in that list, even with reforms. Meanwhile, it needs to be restricted severely, without exceptions for cultural groups other than rural white America.
Agree 100%!
Thank you, Michael, for your thoughtful and engaging response to the article. I appreciate your insights on the complex issue of cultural heritage and its intersection with animal welfare. You raise an important point: while respecting cultural practices is vital, it doesn't mean that all traditions should be preserved, especially when they involve harm or cruelty.
I agree that any activity causing harm to animals should be scrutinized and potentially restricted, regardless of cultural context. The goal should always be to protect the welfare of animals while fostering respectful dialogue about cultural practices.
Thank you again for your insightful comments. Your perspective adds valuable depth to this ongoing conversation.
I'm so tired of all the "window dressings" that are prevalent when it comes to animal protection. I was going through some of my old files the other day trying to clear the paper out of my office & came across my old animal rights files. The Canadian seal slaughter, animals in "entertainment", "Empty The Tanks", needless animal experimentation, the cat & dog meat trade, cruelty in slaughterhouses & factory farming in general, & the list goes on & on. I sat down in the middle of the room pouring through all these papers, crying, utterly dismayed at the fact that most everything I've been involved in is no closer to a resolution than when I first started. Realizing how many animals have suffered & died over the years is breaking me. One thing I feel I did help with was ending greyhound racing in Massachusetts. I worked very hard on that campaign & spent as much time as I could on it. I do see change, but it just takes so long to accomplish so little. I wish we could all care as much as some of us do. The world, & life in it, would be so much better.
Thank you, Sandy, for sharing your heartfelt thoughts and experiences. I deeply appreciate your dedication to animal welfare and understand the frustration that comes with slow progress and the prevalence of "window dressings" in animal protection efforts. Your hard work on ending greyhound racing in Massachusetts is truly commendable and a testament to the impact dedicated individuals can have.
It's important to stay hopeful and continue advocating for the changes we wish to see. Every small victory adds up, and together, we can make a significant impact. Thank you again for your commitment to animal welfare and for sharing your journey with us.
Everything you write about the animal kingdom is so valuable
Thank you, Frank!