-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Gerrie
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 9:52 PM
To: Pam Hemphill
Cc: Sally Stephens ; Rebecca Katz ; Kat Brown ; adoptkings@gmail.com; pambudgie@yahoo.com; tammyazzaro@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Answers to questions regarding the AFA proposal for re-homing birds/ from Mary Ellen LePage
Her replies seem simplistic. We can all rest easy now that AFA had taken care of the problem. Why did they wait until now to do this? Just a coincidence that we were considering a ban on bird sales?
Here's a quote from Mira's book "Of Parrots and People, page 121, "The AFA, widely recognized as the preeminent organization representing professional breeders, came out in strong opposition to the CA bill banning the sale of unweaned birds in pet shops when the measure was proposed. Though the Kansas-based federation has several education and conservation related endeavors, its primary purpose is to ensure that no regulations inhibit its industry. AFA people consider legislation regulating birds as an assault said one AFA leader."
Philip
On Sep 16, 2010, at 1:58 PM, Pam Hemphill wrote:
Hi all,
This is Mary Ellen's response. Somehow I think that she has good intentions, but definitely does not see the full picture. See what you think.
Pam
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mary Ellen LePage
Date: Thu, Sep 16, 2010 at 9:13 AM
Subject: RE: Questions regarding the AFA proposal for re-homing birds
To: Pam Hemphill
Cc: Marilyn Hawley
Dear Pam,
Please forgive the tardy response. I had started to respond before my computer self-destructed (thanks to the incompetent staff at the Microsoft help desk). It has taken me this long to get some of my programs re-installed and the mail files found.
In answer to your questions:
With regard to your first bullet point, what happens if the AFA cannot find a new home and the person who surrendered the bird cannot take the bird back?
Then you will be in no worse a situation then you are now. I think I will be able to place most birds.
Regarding your second bullet point, what does pet quality mean?
Pet quality usually means that the bird is handleable, but there are even some people that do not require their pet bird to be handleable. Some like them for their other characteristics beauty, talking ability, antics, song, etc.
Regarding your sixth bullet point, what are the other alternatives for apparently ill birds?
That would have to be determined on a case by case basis. Handicapped birds are usually very adoptable. There is usually someone that will open their heart and home to a handicapped bird. For example, I dearly love my congenitally blind dog. Some rescues have donation funds to care for sick but curable birds. Currently Mickaboo has donation funds to give all their birds veterinary care. They could use those funds to only give veterinary care to the birds that really need it. Some birds are so sick that euthanasia might be appropriate to save them pain and suffering. This might include birds with serious bird viral diseases.
What about birds that are abandoned in an apartment, or found in a park, or a backyard, etc. and have no known owner? Many birds come to ACC in that way.
These are the birds we most want to help.
Does the AFA provide any vet care for birds?
The AFA will not provide any kind of care. All care and transport will be done entirely by the adopting member. I will only set up a system to match available birds with educated members willing to re-home the bird. The re-homer will have to sign a legally approved Informed Consent document stating that the total care is their responsibility, that all possible health risks are identified and that they agree to the risk, and that the City of San Francisco and AFA will be held harmless if there are any problems.
How will the surrendered birds live out their lives? Will they be pets or breeders or go to a sanctuary or?
All of above and more. Eligible members would include pet owners, breeders, veterinarians and vet techs, rescues, sanctuaries, behaviorists, zoos, and probably more that I cannot remember.
Does the offer extend to the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill?
The offer extends to all exotic birds brought to your agency. I hope you are not planning to try to capture the wild parrots. They are an important part of San Francisco.
Please note that this is not a contract and that this draft proposal may need to be changed by either you or us as we are working our way through it and identifying situations that might need to be addressed differently. It would be an interesting pilot program. I dont expect 100% success with re-homing all birds, but I think the percentage will be high.
Please also note that if you agree to this proposal, I will have to get final approval from my AFA Board of Directors that meet quarterly. The next meeting is the end of October.
Thank You.
Mary Ellen LePage
Pam Hemphill, Commissioner
Animal Control and Welfare Commission
San Francisco, California
