September 2005
November 2005
Heroes to Animals 2005
February 2006
April 8, 2006
April 24, 2006
May 2006
The Millicent Martinez Kondracke Scholarship
June 9, 2006
July 6, 2006
August 30, 2006
October, 2006
November, 2006
January 16, 2007
April 18, 2007
July 2007
October 2007

September 1, 2005

Greetings from Boston! PATH's September newsletter was to be an opportunity to inform all of our friends and supporters about some exciting and significant changes at PATH including a temporary relocation of the organization's administrative office from NYC to Cambridge, Massachusetts, the unveiling of our new website, and an update on the amazing progress of our education and animal care programs in Nicaragua. Sadly, instead I feel I should take this opportunity to offer a suggestion on how to assist the people, communities and animals devastated by hurricane Katrina.

In 2005 over 25% of PATH's financial contributions have come from individuals living in New Orleans, our staff members met there while attending Tulane University, and Laura Maloney, a member of PATH's Board of Directors, is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Ms. Maloney assumed her position at the LA-SPCA in 2001. Previous to Ms. Maloney's tenure the animal care and control situation in New Orleans rivaled that of a developing country, and in less than five years Ms. Maloney has improved conditions and services so that today the LA-SPCA is truly one of the nation's animal welfare success stories.

http://www.ppath.org/LauraMaloney.htm

As a former New Orleans resident and public health professional I feel it is my responsibility to offer a short explanation of the importance of animal care and control to the overall recovery efforts in New Orleans. New Orleans is a unique city a city that borders on, or is the habitat for reptiles, nutria, water fowl and dozens of other exotic species. New Orleans is the home of a significant (though decreasing, thanks to the LA-SPCA) population of fighting animals (dogs, roosters) and the city also faces the challenge of many of its residents keeping exotic animals as "pets," including big cats, monkeys and reptiles. The animal welfare situation in New Orleans is complex and unique and it is of vital importance to the people of New Orleans that the animal issues related to Katrina be handled professionally and by those who best understand the unique challenges of the city. Supporting the LA-SPCA is an integral part of assisting the people of New Orleans in their efforts to avoid impending animal related public health issues including mosquito borne illness, salmonella, e-coli, numerous other parasitic infections and even interactions with starving dogs, cats and exotics.

We will continue to operate our programs in Granada, Nicaragua, but as of today PATH is suspending all fundraising for those and future programs. Instead I am asking that all friends and supporters of PATH make a financial contribution that will be forwarded to the LA-SPCA. PATH will forward 100% of the money donated to the LA-SPCA, and do so in a manner that is convenient and expeditious for that organization.

I will provide Ms. Maloney and her staff with copies of all your well wishes and concerns at a time that is appropriate. It is important that I stress the content and opinions expressed in this newsletter are that of PATH, and not the LA-SPCA.

Donations can be sent directly to PATH at:

PATH
43 Wendell Street
Suite 4
Cambridge, MA 02138
You can also donate online using the donate now link above.

Sincerely,

Kelly Overton, MPH
Executive Director
People Protecting Animals & Their Habitats - PATH
(617) 354-2826