Harmonizing Forces for Humane Communities: The Vital Role of Collaboration

Introduction

In the quest for more humane communities, a powerful synergy exists when municipal animal control agencies, dedicated rescue groups, and compassionate foundations join forces.  Today, I will explain the profound impact of collaborative efforts among these entities. Together, they create a formidable alliance that can transform our neighborhoods into havens of compassion and care for animals in need. Continue reading “Harmonizing Forces for Humane Communities: The Vital Role of Collaboration”

The Unyielding Power of Compassion: A Beacon of Light in a Cruel Society

In a world often marked by its cruelties and injustices, the concept of compassion shines like a beacon of hope. Today, I want to delve into the profound significance of compassion, especially in the midst of a society that can sometimes appear harsh and unfeeling. In our journey through the realms of animal welfare and beyond, it becomes increasingly evident that compassion is not just a virtue; it is a lifeline for us all. Continue reading “The Unyielding Power of Compassion: A Beacon of Light in a Cruel Society”

Elevating Animal Welfare: A Call for Collaboration in Pursuit of a Better Tomorrow

 

Ed Boks provides proven no-kill solutions to communities and organizations

Greetings, animal advocates and kindred spirits!  Today, I extend an invitation to organizations, communities, and individuals who share an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Our journey thus far has been remarkable, but I firmly believe that together, we can propel animal welfare to unprecedented heights. In this article, I invite you to explore how we can pool our resources and talents to usher in a new era of compassion for animals.

A Lifetime of Expertise

With decades of tireless dedication to the cause of animal welfare, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a wide array of organizations and communities. My journey has blessed me with a wealth of knowledge in problem-solving, strategic planning, and fostering transformation.

Why Choose to Collaborate with Ed Boks?

Allow me to present several compelling reasons:

  1. Unparalleled Expertise: Possessing an intimate understanding of the intricate nuances of animal welfare issues, strategies, and best practices, I offer invaluable guidance to bolster your organization’s mission.
  2. A Proven Track Record: My history is marked by a series of triumphs in reshaping animal services agencies and instigating effective programs. My commitment is unwavering, and I am dedicated to delivering tangible results.
  3. Community Engagement: Success in animal welfare hinges on meaningful community involvement. I can assist you in cultivating robust relationships with stakeholders and launching impactful outreach initiatives.
  4. Championing Legislation and Policy: Navigating the complex labyrinth of legal frameworks is indispensable for comprehensive animal protection. I am well-equipped to aid in the formulation and advocacy of legislation that advances the cause of animal welfare.
  5. Pioneering Innovation: My passion is to explore and implement inventive approaches to animal welfare, be it the latest advancements in spay/neuter programs or innovative adoption strategies.

Consulting Opportunities 

Let us delve into the potential consulting opportunities where our collaboration can bear fruit:

  1. Strategic Blueprint: Together, we can craft a bespoke, actionable strategic blueprint meticulously tailored to your organization’s aspirations and vision.
  2. Programmatic Excellence: I can lend my expertise to the development and implementation of highly effective programs, whether it entails a transformative TNR initiative, shelter reforms, or community outreach initiatives.
  3. Knowledge Dissemination: Contemplate organizing workshops and training sessions aimed at your team or community constituents. These sessions could span the spectrum from humane education to animal care and volunteer mobilization.
  4. Advocating for Policy Reform: Should the need arise to fortify animal welfare laws or regulations, I can provide counsel and assistance throughout the legislative process.
  5. Operational Optimization: Let us conduct a thorough appraisal of your present operations, identifying areas ripe for enhancement to heighten efficiency and impact.

Get in Touch

If the prospect of collaboration and consulting resonates with your mission and vision, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Whether you represent an animal shelter, a municipal agency, a non-profit entity, or a community initiative, we eagerly anticipate hearing from you.

Together, we have the power to enact substantial change in the lives of our beloved animal companions and to continue our shared odyssey towards a world brimming with compassion.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of animal welfare, there exists an unyielding yearning to protect and nurture our animal brethren. If you harbor aspirations of engaging in consulting opportunities and uniting with us in our common cause, I extend the warmest of invitations. Together, we can blaze a trail toward a brighter and more compassionate future for animals everywhere. The time to act is now; let us seize this moment!

You can contact Ed Boks here.

Ed Boks Reflects on the Current State of Animal Welfare: A Journey Towards Compassion

Introduction

Ed Boks provides proven no-kill solutions to communities and shelters

Hello, dear friends and fellow animal advocates.  I’ve spent my life working towards the betterment of animal welfare.  Today I want to share my thoughts on the current state of animal welfare, the progress we’ve made, and the challenges that still lie ahead.

A Lifetime of Dedication

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous organizations and communities, all with the shared goal of improving the lives of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. From my early days in animal control to leading large municipal animal services agencies, my journey has been one of learning, adapting, and growing.

Progress in Animal Welfare

It’s heartening to see how far we’ve come in the realm of animal welfare. Communities worldwide have made significant strides in improving the lives of animals. Here are some highlights of our progress:

  1. Spay/Neuter Programs: We’ve witnessed the tremendous impact of spay/neuter programs in reducing the number of homeless animals and euthanasia rates.
  2. Adoption and Rescue: Animal shelters have become centers of compassion and hope, with dedicated staff and volunteers working tirelessly to find loving homes for animals in need.
  3. Education and Awareness: Through public outreach and education, we’ve raised awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty prevention, and the importance of adopting from shelters.
  4. Legislative Changes: Laws have evolved to protect animals, with stricter regulations against animal cruelty, puppy mills, and exotic pet ownership.
  5. Humane Alternatives: We’ve seen the rise of innovative approaches to animal welfare, such as trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for feral cats and no-kill shelter initiatives.

Challenges on the Horizon

While we’ve made significant strides, there are still challenges ahead:

  1. Overpopulation: Despite our best efforts, overpopulation remains a concern in many areas. Stray and feral animal populations continue to strain resources.
  2. Animal Cruelty: Cases of animal cruelty persist, requiring continued vigilance and enforcement of animal protection laws.
  3. Wildlife Conservation: As human activity encroaches on natural habitats, wildlife conservation becomes increasingly vital. We must protect not only domestic animals but also our wild counterparts.
  4. Education: We must continue educating the public about the importance of adopting, spaying/neutering, and responsible pet ownership.
  5. Global Issues: Animal welfare is not confined to borders. We need to address international issues like the illegal wildlife trade and factory farming on a global scale.

A Message of Hope

Despite the challenges, my hope for the future of animal welfare burns brightly. Our collective efforts have shown that change is possible, and compassion is an unstoppable force. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of animals.

As we move forward, let us remember that every act of kindness towards animals matters, whether it’s adopting a shelter pet, supporting local rescue organizations, or advocating for stronger animal protection laws. Together, we can create a world where animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve.

Conclusion

In reflecting on the current state of animal welfare, I’m reminded of the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Our journey towards a more compassionate world for animals is a testament to our moral progress. Let’s continue this journey with unwavering dedication, for the sake of the animals who rely on us for their well-being and happiness.

If I can help your organization or community, let me know at: Contact Ed Boks

Think Globally, Give Locally – Especially True for Animal Welfare

Imagine how you would feel if your boss told you he was so happy with your work that he was going to give a bonus to your coworker.  I suspect you would be dumbfounded.  Yet, in my line of work, it is not uncommon to hear, “I really love the work my local humane society or spca does – so I sent a donation to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to help support you.” 

One of the greatest misunderstandings and biggest challenge local animal welfare organizations face is the belief most people have that HSUS and the ASPCA are affiliated with local animal welfare organizations.

Do you know how much funding HSUS and the ASPCA gave your local humane society or spca?  If you said “nothing,” you’re likely correct – and this is true for virtually every local animal welfare organization in the United States.

Ironically, HSUS and the ASPCA raise enough money each year to fund an animal shelter in every state.  However, HSUS has no animal shelter anywhere, and the ASPCA has just one shelter in New York City – that actually handles fewer animals each year than most small local humane societies or spca’s across the nation.

The mission of the national organizations is to raise awareness of national animal welfare issues; the mission of local humane societies and spca’s is to actually care for the homeless, abused and neglected pets in their local communities.

Many mistakenly believe their gifts to national groups will trickle down to help animals in their own community.  I only wish that were true.

People come to this assumption through misleading marketing tactics.  Let me give you an example.  I once received an ASPCA direct mail solicitation that was also sent to millions of homes across the nation.  The solicitation said, “Together we can stop cruelty to animals. … As you read this letter, somewhere – perhaps not far from you – someone is inflicting pain on an innocent and helpless animal. … You may not be able to rescue that particular animal. … Please send the largest gift you can manage to help the ASPCA save animals like it.”

Clearly, the ASPCA understands that sending “the largest gift you can manage” to their New York office is not the best way to help protect “an innocent and helpless animal,” a “particular animal,” an animal “not far” from where you live.

I have no objection to national animal welfare organizations asking for support for the important work they do.  However, I do object to misrepresenting their programs by implying they are helping animals in every community in the nation.  This is especially disturbing as you watch the daily barrage of heart-wrenching television ads national organizations use to seek donations.

I believe the maxim “think globally; act locally.” However, I object to national organizations abusing this tenet by suggesting you are acting locally when you contribute to them. Don’t be fooled. When you contribute to these organizations, your money is leaving your community never to return.  If that is your intent, fine, but be sure you understand that.

Every local humane society/spca in every city, town and county, was founded to help homeless, abused and neglected animals in their own community.  Local humane societies are often governed by a local volunteer board of directors and are funded almost entirely by local support.

Most local humane societies and spca’s receive no funding from the national groups, nor are they governed by or affiliated with them.  Local humane societies and spca’s are often the largest local nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization caring for the largest number of needy animals in their community – and these animals need our help. They need your help.

If you are looking for the best way to help homeless, abandoned and abused animals in your community, volunteer with your local shelter or make a life-saving tax-deductible donation directly to your local humane society, spca or animal rescue.

For more on this, click here: ASPCA spending may not be what donors expect.

What is compassion? by Ed Boks

Over the years, I’ve developed a deeply personal understanding of compassion.  To me, compassion is a deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with a strong desire to relieve it.

Compassion is more vigorous than sympathy or empathy.   Compassion gives rise to a forceful desire to alleviate another’s suffering.  Compassion is that essential component in what manifests in our social context as altruism. Continue reading “What is compassion? by Ed Boks”

My Pet Peeve: Pets at Events by Ed Boks

Don’t take your pets to loud events. Bring them a T-shirt instead!

I recently attended an anti-animal cruelty fundraising event.  Heroic individuals who dedicated their lives to ending the most dreadful forms of cruelty were recognized – cruelty like the fur trade, circuses, trophy hunting, rodeos, puppy mills, the dog meat industry, and so on.

Only society’s most WOKE animal lovers were invited to this exclusive event.  So you can imagine my horror when some of these extremely committed animal lovers unintentionally exposed their very own pets to prolonged bouts of pain. Continue reading “My Pet Peeve: Pets at Events by Ed Boks”

Operation FELIX: Feral Education and Love Instead of X-termination by Ed Boks

Ed Boks and Albert EinsteinInsanity, according to Albert Einstein, is “doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.” Many communities address their feral cat problem over and over again with two basic methodologies ­- only to be disappointed by the consequences of their efforts.

Feral cats are cats who have reverted to a wild state – born from tame cats that owners abandon or allow to run loose. These cats mate with other free-roaming cats, and their offspring, raised without human compassion, are wild, or feral. They grow up and breed with other feral and free-roaming cats and the cat population increases exponentially. Feral cats are considered a public nuisance by some and a public health concern by others. They needn’t be either.

The two methodologies employed by most communities are Do Nothing and Eradication. Decades of applying these methodologies has proven they don’t work – and there are very real biological reasons why.

It is easy to understand why doing nothing has little impact on the problem, but it is not as easy to understand why eradication does not work.

Feral cats typically live in colonies of 6 to 20 cats. When individuals try to catch cats for extermination, this heightens the biological stress of the colony, triggering a survival mechanism that causes the cats to over-breed and over-produce. Consequently, instead of birthing one litter per year with two or three kittens, a stressed female will produce two or three litters with 6 to 9 kittens each.

Even in the unlikely event that a person could catch and remove all the feral cats in a neighborhood, a phenomenon known as “the vacuum effect” would result. The removed colony had kept surrounding colonies at bay, but once removed, all deterrents evaporate and the surrounding cats enter the new territory to over-breed. The vacated neighborhood is quickly overrun with feral cats fighting for mates, caterwauling, and spraying for territory. Extermination only exacerbates the problem and actually produces worse results than doing nothing at all.

However, there is a third methodology that is increasingly practiced in communities across the United States and around the world with amazing results. It is called Trap/Neuter/Return, or TNR.

With TNR, all the feral cats in a neighborhood are trapped, sterilized, and returned to the area where they originated – under the care of a colony manager. The colony manager is a trained volunteer in the neighborhood willing to feed, water, and care for the colony.

Ed Boks and feral cats
Feral cats are descended from domestic cats but are born and live without human contact. Trap/Neuter/Return is the only effective – and humane – method of controlling the feral cat population.

TNR prevents the vacuum effect. Altered cats display none of the troubling behaviors of intact cats. Feral cats provide free rodent abatement, a service many neighborhoods unknowingly rely on. Since feral cats only live three to five years, the problem literally solves itself through attrition, provided TNR is implemented community-wide.

TNR also solves public nuisance complaints. There is an adage that says “you can’t herd cats.” In fact, you can herd neutered cats because they tend to hang around the food bowl. No longer having the urge to breed and prey, they follow the food bowl wherever the colony manager takes it. Feral cats can be trained to congregate in areas out of the way of the public.

TNR is a non-lethal, humane and cost-effective solution. Understanding these facts, municipal animal shelters ought to  enact a moratorium on accepting feral cats until a comprehensive community-wide feral cat program can be initiated.

TNR empowers citizens to solve this troublesome problem once and for all. Feral cats are trapped, neutered, vaccinated, health-checked by a veterinarian and returned to their neighborhood where their population is stabilized and reduced through attrition.

If you would like more information on TNR or if you need help to develop this program in your community, please contact me.

LA’s Citywide Cat Program (E1907610)

Los Angeles, August 29, 2019 – The City of Los Angeles has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed Citywide Cat Program (proposed Project) that addresses free-roaming (feral or stray) cats in the City. The City is requesting input on the Draft EIR from public agencies, residents, and other interested project stakeholders.

Project Background: In 2006, the City’s Department of Animal Services began to implement a “trap, neuter, return” (TNR) policy and program for free-roaming cats. The City also distributed vouchers to be used for free-roaming cat spay or neuter surgeries, issued cat trapping permits, and otherwise provided support and referrals to community groups that engage in TNR programs. In 2008, the City was sued, and in 2010 the Los Angeles Superior Court issued an Injunction which prohibited the City from further implementing the TNR policy and program without completing an environmental review process in compliance with CEQA (Case No. BS115483). The City prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) in 2013, but ultimately decided to modify the proposed Project and prepare an EIR. The scoping process for the EIR began in 2017.

Project Description: Under the proposed Project, the City would: Directly engage in or make available funds for the spay/neuter of free-roaming cats that may be returned to where they were found, relocated to a working cat program, or adopted; Make amendments to the City of Los Angeles Administrative Code (LAAC) to broaden the permitted use of Animal Sterilization Funds and to the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) regarding the definition of a cat kennel; Implement a modified trap, neuter, and return (TNR) program that includes facilitation of trapping, neutering, and returning, TNR-related community education and outreach and collaboration with TNR organizations, and use of incentives to encourage the capture, sterilization, and release of free-roaming cats, including to TNR groups who may return the cats to free-roaming status; Publish and implement program guidelines and ecological conservation measures; and Create a working cat program.

Project Objectives: Broadly stated, the purpose of the proposed Project is to assist in achieving the City’s no kill goal and support the City’s adoption of TNR as the preferred method of addressing the free-roaming cat population in the City. The objectives of the proposed Citywide Cat Program include: Facilitating spaying and neutering of cats in the City; Reducing the relative number of free-roaming cats in the City over time; Facilitating more public and community education on animal-related topics, including free-roaming cats; Training animal services center staff members on cat management programs and engage in collaborative efforts with local rescue groups to help respond to and address free-roaming cat issues; Further implement the City’s no-kill policy by reducing the rate of euthanasia of cats in City animal services centers; and Establishing TNR as the preferred policy to humanely address free-roaming cats.

Environmental Impacts: The analysis contained in the Draft EIR determined that the proposed Project would not result in any significant environmental impacts. No mitigation is required.

Public Review Period: The Draft EIR public review and comment period begins August 29, 2019 and ends on October 28, 2019. The Draft EIR is available online at the Bureau of Engineering website:  https://eng.lacity.org/citywide-cat-program-e1907610

Hard copies may also be viewed at the following locations:

  • Los Angeles Central Library located at 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
  • City of LA, Bureau of Engineering, 1149 S. Broadway, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015
  • North Central Animal Services Center, 3201 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
  • South LA Animal Services Center, 1850 West 60th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047
  • West LA Animal Services Center, 11361 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
  • Harbor Animal Services Center, 957 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
  • East Valley Animal Services Center, 14409 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, CA 91405
  • West Valley Animal Services Center, 20655 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Public Meeting: A public meeting to receive comments on the Draft EIR will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ramona Hall Community Center, 4580 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90065.

Comments: Please send comments on the Draft EIR to:

Dr. Jan Green Rebstock
City of Los Angeles
Public Works, Bureau of Engineering
Environmental Management Group
1149 S. Broadway, 6th Floor, Mail Stop 939
Los Angeles, CA 90015-2213

Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to jan.green.rebstock@lacity.org. Please remember to:

  • Send your comments in letter format as an attachment to the email;
  • Include a mailing address in the comment letter; and
  • Include “CAT PROGRAM” in the subject line.

Following the close of the comment period, the City will consider and prepare responses to the comments received and compile a Final EIR. The Final EIR will be posted online at the Bureau of Engineering website:  https://eng.lacity.org/citywide-cat-program-e1907610.

All responses to comments submitted on the DEIR by public agencies will be provided to those agencies at least 10 days prior to certification of the Final EIR. The Board of Animal Services Commissioners and City Council Committee(s) may consider and make recommendations to the Los Angeles City Council regarding the Final EIR and proposed Project. The Los Angeles City Council will make findings regarding the extent and nature of the environmental impacts as described in the Final EIR. The Final EIR will need to be certified by the City prior to making a decision to approve or deny the proposed Project. Public input is encouraged at all public meetings before the City.

More information on the value of TNR programs in your community can be found here:

Analysis of Feral & Stray Cat Solutions

Operation FELIX: Feral Education & Love Instead of X-termination

Trap Neuter Return & FELIX

Time to solve our Feral Cat Problem

Why TNR works and plays an important role in achieving No-Kill