President's Message
New Rescue Law in Virginia
CFC United Way
Events/Fundraisers
Adoption Information
Purina Labels
Special Thanks

President's Message

Hooray! Spring is finally making an appearance. I'm tired of the snow like everyone else. It has halted the trapping and has made life a bit more cumbersome for all, I think. Our main colony seems to have disappeared with the snow--I have only caught two cats. I hope to renew trapping in the next few weeks. I am not sure where they have all gone, but I guess there are just fewer for me to catch for now.

Many exciting things have been happening lately. First of all, SADSAC is attempting to forge an alliance with the Prince William County Animal Shelter. Wardens were recently given permission to give out my name and number when faced with a difficult pet/owner situation. So far there's been only one call, about a dog that was deemed dangerous and was ordered to leave the county in the next 48 hours. Couldn’t help that one; not many people are lining up to take dogs that bite people. Hopefully we’ll be able to spring a few cats and help feed, neuter and save a few others along the way.

Also I have found a new friend and ally in Frankie, from Animal Allies. Together we have been able to save one dog, one VERY pregnant kitty, her babies, two cats given up by their owners, and readopted a SADSAC cat named Tenga. Tenga was not doing well in her new home, and Animal Allies found another home for her that seems more to her liking. Currently, they are also helping us find homes for Wilson, Smoky and Twinkle. This is great news for me, as my time has become extremely limited due to my equine related pursuits and new human addition to the family. I’d like to help them as much as they’ve helped SADSAC, so I will be posting a few items they need from their wish list. I think together we can save more lives than on our own.

On the other hand, SADSAC has been able to assist in the neutering of three barn cat offspring. Thanks to the Cebulas for orchestrating this and for your donations and time. I feel it is of the utmost importance to stop the breeding cycle. Sadly, we can’t get ‘em all, but we’ll do as many as we can.

Many thanks to all of you who continue to give and make this possible.

Sherry Meier, President SADSAC

New Rescue Law in Virginia

On July 1, 2002 a law went into effect in Virginia which will make it very difficult for rescue organizations to continue to help animals. Formerly known as Senate Bill 260 and now part of Chapter 787, this law places a number of requirements on rescue organizations and foster homes in the state. Rescuers accepting more than six animals a year must:

• register annually with the state and pay a $100 fee per group, and a fee for each foster home;



• submit to inspection of their private homes by the State Veterinarian or his representative to determine if any violation of animal law has occurred--no warrant required. Foster homes may also be inspected;



• post contact information in all pounds and shelters in the locality they serve--in some cases, this could be half the state;



• pay for a listing in the local phone book;



• make their homes accessible to the public during "business hours".

Rescuers are opposed to this law for a number of reasons. The proposed annual fees for rescue groups and foster homes are excessive. Most rescue groups lose money on nearly every animal they place. Groups will have difficulty finding the funds to pay this registration fee each year, not to mention the cost of maintaining a business listing in the telephone directory.

Additionally, rescue groups will be unable to find foster homes because people won't want their addresses to be made public, nor will they want to be subjected to warrantless inspections of their homes. And, of course, public posting of these addresses will jeopardize the safety of rescuers as well as provide the means for an owner to "dump" an unwanted animal. Finally, rescuers and foster families often are employed full time and unable to make their homes accessible to the public during "business hours" even if they had that desire.

We hope this law will be repealed in the 2003 session of the General Assembly, and many rescuers have been working toward that end. A new bill, SB950, has been introduced which addresses the problems rescuers have with the current law. You may find more information on this bill, including ways you can help and a list of legislators to whom you may write, by visiting http://www.ctg.net/varamend/. [Please note that this website is no longer active.]

Unfortunately, until this law is repealed, we at SADSAC will have to adjust our practices. We will be confining our efforts to neutering the feral cat colonies we know of and placing the pets we have. We regret this decision, but while this law is in effect we feel we have little choice.

CFC United Way

SADSAC's United Way CFC designation number is 7768 if you would like to make a payroll deduction contribution. We have been able to collect approximately $300.00 per quarter, thanks to your generous contributions!

Events/Fundraisers:

We are still microchipping at Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic. Please call (703) 791-2083 to make an appointment.

Adoption Information

Adoption days are generally held twice a month, the 2nd Saturday, from noon to 2PM at Independent Hill Veterinary Clinic, 13444 Dumfries Road (Woodbine Shopping Center on Route 234), Manassas, VA. Major holidays may interfere with this schedule, so for your convenience, we have a calendar where we regularly post dates. If you need more information, call Sherry at (703) 221-0324.

Save Those Purina Labels!

Check your dog and cat food bags for weight circles from Purina Proplan and CNM Rx diets for donation to SADSAC. You can drop them off at the clinic any time. Just tell the receptionist to give them to Sherry. We thank you in advance.

Special Thanks To:

As always, a few special thank yous are in order:

Drs. Connell and Moore and the staff at IHVC
The Barker Family
Vickie Bradford
The Purnells
Jo Kinnaly
Kathy Robinson
The Campbells
Cindy Kreiman
The German Shepherd Rescue
PAL
Friends of Homeless Animals
Sharon Walbridge
The Talabers and their gracious blood donor kitty
Siamese Rescue
Tammy Gillespie
The boarders at Cedar Run Horse Center for helping with the concession stands
The Meier Family

And the people who give money every paycheck as well as all of those who help in so many other ways that haven't been mentioned! Without your support we couldn’t help any.