Albany Animal Advocates Invited to Feb. 11th Press Conference
Circle your calendars, please, for a 12:30 pm press conference on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at the Capitol’s Legislative Office Building in Albany on the subject of Holley, New York’s Squirrel-Killing Contest on Feb. 16, 2013.
Contact: Edita Birnkrant, FoA NY Directoroffice: 212-247-8120
cell: 917-940-2725
Holley Fire Department’s contest awards cash and guns as prizes to teams of children and adults
who kill the heaviest squirrels — under the guise of raising monies for the fire department.
New York State Senator Tony Avella is hosting a press conference in Albany in the LCA Press Room, Room 130 of the Legislative Office Building, 198 State Street in Albany to oppose the animal-killing contest in Holley, New York.
Friends of Animals has organized a protest outside the Holley Fire Department from 3 pm - 6 pm on Feb. 16, the day of the repulsive “Squirrel Slam.”
FoA be joined by local groups, Animal Advocates of Western New York, and Animal Rights Advocates of Upstate New York.
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12 Comments
On February 7, 2013, Alison wrote:
I have signed and commented on the two major online petitions about this event, written to the Governor of New York, written to the Holley Fire Department, written to Senator Avella, written to the Mass School of Law in order to expression my opposition to the event and with the hope that someone with influence will be able to stop it.
Here is what I included in my email to Senator Avella. It summarizes the basis of my opposition:
• I object to an event where a massive assault is made on a very easy to hunt animal. I understand that 700 tickets have been sold.
• I object to an event which occurs when it is known that many animals are lactating females who once killed will leave young to die slow, painful deaths.
• I object to an event which is certain to maim, and not cleanly and quickly kill. Maimed animals will hide and suffer painful deaths.
• I object to an event which removes a large number of prey/food items for other animals (not us humans because we can go to the store. Those who argue that they cannot afford store-bought food, I would counter: “how can you afford guns and bullets”?)
• I object to an event held by those (firefighters) who are supposed to SAVE life, some even at the risk of their own. How does this event contrast with the image of a firefighter giving oxygen to a cat rescued from a fire?
• I object to an event which celebrates killing and event rewards it with cash prizes and, for goodness sakes, guns! I believe that any life taken for any reason is always sad.
• I object to an event which is being held after a couple of years of brutal, mass shootings such as Newtown.
On February 7, 2013, Jenny wrote:
My husband and I are musicians and are considering rounding up the loudest & noisiest musicians we know to play in Holley & surrounds on Feb 16th in an effort to warn off Squirrels from the area. It will take a lot of organization as we live in Boston, but if this will help his barbaric desensitizing event, let us know. Thanks!
FoA comments:
Thank you for the offer. The town would never allow it, but tell any fans you have in the area to show up to the protest.
On February 7, 2013, Alison wrote:
Thank you Friends of Animals and all groups and individuals who are trying to stop this event.
On February 7, 2013, ramses09 wrote:
This is terribly upsetting. I have names for all of my squirrel’s that feed in front of my home.
Firefighters are supposed to save lives - - NOT take them. Whether its an animal or not. This is beyond horrible. Why is it that humans have to KILL everything, wolves, whales, elk, moose, deer, etc. We have screwed up nature so bad. Nature takes care of its own.
On February 8, 2013, Steve wrote:
As a retired member of the fire service, this is the most Neanderthal fundraiser I have ever heard of. This sort of barbaric event makes “real” fire depts look bad.
On February 8, 2013, Nick wrote:
I agree something has to be done, but is a state senator from Queens really the right person to deliver this message? With all due respect, Orleans county is on the exact opposite side of the geographic and political spectrum.
FoA comments:
As this is about enforcing or changing NY State law and not local law, a State Senator is the person that can get it done.
On February 10, 2013, Alph wrote:
Mind your own business.
FoA comments:
That is exactly what are doing. And it is not just business to us. It is personal.
On February 10, 2013, DAVE wrote:
TO THE TREE HUGGERS: PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A LEGAL SQUIRREL HUNTING EVENT AND THAT YOU WILL BE ARRESTED IF YOU INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE HUNT EITHER THRU HARRASSMENT OR INTERFERENCE.LOCAL, COUNTY, AND STATE POLICE PATROL THIS AREA. GET A LIFE AND LEAVE LEGAL HUNTERS TO ENJOY THEIR SPORT.
FoA comments:
Enjoy? Sport? Get a life?
On February 10, 2013, MARTY STILLPASS wrote:
Sport??? Sorry…are the squirrels armed??? Wish they were Dave…they’re smarter than you. I would be happy to be arrested for interfering with your “hunt”. LEAVE MY WILDLIFE ALONE!!!
On February 11, 2013, judy pierce wrote:
This is hardly a sport when both sides have not agreed to “play.” Shame on the folks that feel that killing animals for prizes is a fun way to bond with their kids. I had hoped we had evolved past this, but I guess not. Many baby squirrels will be orphaned in this event and others will die agonizing deaths after being wounded. I truly do not understand the mentality that condones this type of killing. I would much rather be called a tree hugger than a murderer of innocent animals. And no, I do not eat factory-farmed meat.
On February 13, 2013, Annie wrote:
DAVE,
It seems that you use the words “TREE HUGGER” as an insult. Why is that? Trees are the lungs of the earth. Do you realize that by chopping down forests and trees, we are literally killing ourselves.
Evidently, I am a tree hugger. I kiss them, thank them for their beauty and for all the great things they do for everybody. I am also a nature/wildlife lover and, amongst others, a huge squirrel fanatic.
I am sure that one day you will find that love and life are greater than hate and death. For the moment your heart is closed with violence and anger. You and your kind make this world a very hard place to live for everybody.
On February 13, 2013, CARLA wrote:
I OBJECT BECAUSE IT IS ENCOURAGING YOUNG CHILDREN TO KILL! I FEAR THAT THESE CHILDREN WILL BECOME THE NEXT ADAM LANZA!!!!!!!!!!!!