Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Memorial for Oreo

Candlelight Vigil at the ASPCA in memory of Oreo. A young female pit bull killed by the ASPCA.

Oreo was killed by the ASPCA at 3:00 PM on Friday November 13, 2009. This despite an outpouring of community sentiment in favor of giving her a chance to live. On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Win Animal Rights was told that the ASPCA had plans to hold a memorial for Oreo. The unmittigated gall of the ASPCA prompted members of Win Animal Rights to hold their own memorial for Oreo in front of the ASPCA New York City Headquarters.

The ASPCA event was scheduled for 7:30 pm. Activists gathered in front of the ASPCA at 7:00 pm in the hopes that they might interface with staffers from the ASPCA. Members of WAR do not hold the staff of the ASPCA responsible for Oreo's death. Many of Oreo's caretakers are mourning her death and many have acted as whistleblowers and they have allowed this scandal to be made public. We applaud those who have come forward and encourage others to do the same.

Despite less than 24 hours to notify the activist community of this event, two dozen individuals came out to pay their respects. Signs with pictures of Oreo were held, some also held candles despite the windy conditions. Comments were made about the situation and past issues with the ASPCA. Oreo's situation was discussed at length and all agreed that the ASPCA had a moral and ethical obligation to allow Pets Alive to take Oreo. All agreed that there were many things that needed to change at the ASPCA.

Many of the activists had been supporters of the ASPCA. Some had raised signigicant amounts of money and others had volunteered time. All were universally disgusted and disappointed with the way their calls and e-mails were handled by the ASPCA.

An announcement was made that new legislation, named Oreo's Law, was to be submitted to the State Legislature. This law would prevent another situation like the one Oreo found herself in. There was discussion about a new coalition to take up the issues of homeless animals and shelters in New York City. There was also discussion about the formation of a lobbying group to work on this issue.

The somber tone of the event was reflected in the faces of the many who mourned Oreo's passing. Win Animal Rights has vowed never to forget Oreo and to make sure that those who conspired to kill her, be held accountable for their crime. WAR is calling for the resignation of Ed Sayres, CEO of the ASPCA and WAR will be calling for the termination of Victoria Wells of the ASPCA.

W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before proceeding to do anything.