From the desk of Vanessa Gagne:
ANIMAL ISSUES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

February 11, 2021

UPDATES

A new bill in Connecticut would ban the use of exotic animals in circuses and carnivals.  It is being dubbed, “Beulah’s Law” in memory of Beulah from the Commerford herd that passed away at the Big E a couple of years ago.  Please help us oppose CT SB 66!

Wildlife in Need founder to appear in court Monday

Rochester ban on animal performances applauded
This ban is for Rochester, Minnesota.  Domesticated animal performances are allowed.

Horse protection groups applaud reintroduction of Horse Transportation Safety Act

IN THE NEWS

Animal rights lawyer Jennifer Emmi suspected in murder for hire plot

Wisconsin's mink farming industry now seen at risk of COVID

Brazos Valley ag teachers praise efforts to preserve Houston Livestock Show youth events

The Evolution of Animal Activism on Farms

Exotic cat native to Africa found wandering streets of North Las Vegas, photos show

Dead drug lord’s hippos now a huge problem

The Showmen’s League of America Awards $82,000
in Scholarship Payments for 2021

The Showmen’s League of America (SLA) is pleased to announce the organization will award 44 students with scholarships for the 2021-2022 school year. The SLA will also award two carnival schools and the SLA St. Louis Chapter with scholarship funds. The noteworthy amount of $82,000 is similar to last year’s total, which was determined before the pandemic’s significant impact on the outdoor amusement business.

“Thanks to our active nationwide membership, we were able to ensure the students receive at least what they did last year” said Lorelei Schoendienst, co-chair of the Scholarship Committee. “So many families in our industry are suffering financially and we are glad to be in a position to give back,” she continued.

Although the SLA was unable to fundraise in 2020, the most recent few years were very successful due to increased events and member participation.

The scholarship program has been the SLA’s signature program since 1974 . The Scholarship Committee meets annually in February to review each applicant. Applications are open to students who are planning to attend a two-year or four-year college or trade school. Submissions are due each year by December 31st with a required 2.75 GPA or higher and member sponsor.

If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, you may donate using the button below or call Cindy Henning at 312-733-9533.

The Showmen’s League of America
Bob Thorson is the 2021 League President, assisted by Vice-Presidents Patrick Jameison, Marc Janas, and Bob Johnson. The Showmen’s League of America was founded in 1913 and is the oldest fraternal organization in the amusement industry. The mission is “To promote international friendship and fellowship of showmen by sharing our rich history through community and service.”

www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/

JACQUELINE LENORE HAUSER
March 12, 1929 – January 31, 2021
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Our Dear Mother, Grandmother & Great Grandmother Jacqueline Lenore Hauser (nee Christmas) in Langley, BC on January 31, 2021 at the age of 91.

   Mom was born in Saskatoon, SK on March 12,1929, the only child of Fred & Clara Christmas, they resided in Vancouver until the 1933 outbreak of smallpox in the City, then moved to rural Langley where Mom enjoyed living the duration of her life.
   Family & Friends described her as full of life, young at heart, feisty, vibrant, & very classy.
   Dad ( Bingo) & Mom met in 1948 while he was working his exotic animal sideshow & Mom was selling tickets & cotton candy at the Shrine Circus Show at the Vancouver Seaforth Armoury. They were married on May 1, 1950, Mom said "went back to work the next day" soon they built their successful Company West Coast Amusements.
   Dad predeceased Mom in 2015, together 65 years. They bequeathed an everlasting legacy to treasure forever. Mom loved animals, especially her many Yorkshire terriers, sunshine vacations, bowling, crib, bingo, & most of all shopping at her Dear friends Ella's in Langley. Quite the Role Model, she worked until she was 87 towing her 45` Fifth Wheel RV behind the large dually pickup throughout Western Canada on the carnival circuit. Some of her achievements were the 2004 President of the Ladies Auxiliary Showmens League of America, Showperson of the Year 2012 for Northwestern Showmens Club, active member of Canadian Association of Fairs & Exhibitions, Western Canada Fairs, & BC Fairs & Events.
   Mom is survived by her daughter Laura Hibbs (Max), Son Robert (Wendy), her Grandchildren; Stephanie Buttazzoni (Rino), Rob Hauser (Tarah), Erin Kidd (Steve),Jaclyn Benson (Darcy), Tina Hibbs, Alex Hibbs (Jessica), Great Grandchildren; Dylan, Mirko, Zachary, Diego, Levi, Kelly, Kessler & darling Olivia.
   "We`ll miss you GG "
   Our Family sincerely Thanks the caring, compassionate Staff at LMH, Dr Myers always professional, of Ft Langley, Julia at JB Salon, our Angels Marilyn Thompson & Lynn Palmer for their unconditional Love & support, & Gwen`s enduring kindness at Henderson's Funeral Home.
   A private service will be held for the immediate Family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charity of Your Choice.

From the desk of Vanessa Gagne:
ANIMAL ISSUES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

February 4, 2021

UPDATES

Booker, Warnock bring social justice goals to Agriculture panel
Senator Booker from New Jersey, a new addition to the Senate Agriculture committee, is a vegan and has expressed in the past his desire to eliminate factory farming and move toward a Humane Economy.

Say it ain’t so: Rodeo Houston canceled for 2021

IN THE NEWS

Guv's approach to Colorado agriculture — baffling

Wild Adventures elephant dies at 78

Two Western U.S. livestock auctions permanently close

February 3, 2021 - Houston TX
Today, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced the cancellation of the RODEOHOUSTON® competitions, concerts and entertainment, carnival, and other attractions and activities, which were recently rescheduled for May 4 – 23, 2021, due to the ongoing health situation.

The Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions will still be held in March, as private events, upholding the Rodeo’s mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth. The Junior Market Auctions and Champion Wine Auction will also still be held in May, also as private events. These events will follow all state and local health and safety guidelines.

See KHOU's video of Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman's official announcement 

Gerald Ward Cottle
April 7, 1945 - January 13, 2021
Showman and entrepreneur 

Dea Birkett

For half a century from 1970 onwards, the circus impresario and showman Gerry Cottle, who has died aged 75 of Covid-19, took a big top across Britain and beyond, bringing the circus to small towns and television screens. Gerry Cottle’s Circus was the biggest in the country, seating 1,500 and broadcasting the BBC’s Seaside Special from the tent on Saturday nights (1975-78). When that ended, in the 1990s, he took the Moscow State and Chinese State circuses to local parks.

Read full article in The Guardian 

From the desk of Vanessa Gagne:
ANIMAL ISSUES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

January 28, 2021

UPDATES

HSUS Lobbyist Agrees to $2 Million Settlement  The dog of HSUS Connecticut state director attacked and killed a 95 year old woman in late 2019.

Iditarod Sled-dog Race Losing Exxon Support Amid Animal-rights Pressure

Poultry line speed proposal suspended by USDA
“Biden Administration suspends proposed rule that would allow some poultry plants to speed up lines so it can be further reviewed”

Cornyn, Booker Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Future Pandemics

IN THE NEWS

From the desk of Vanessa Gagne:
ANIMAL ISSUES LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
January 21, 2021

UPDATES

This week is a little quiet with the transition of power from President Trump to President Biden. 

Joe Exotic did not get pardoned by President Trump before he left office.  There was a stretch limousine waiting for Joe in the prison parking lot and all the local news crews were set up to catch him on camera. 

Good news for an alternative vaccine:  Nasal Spray COVID Vaccine Shows Promise in Animal Trials

IN THE NEWS

BC SPCA launches petition to end international trade of exotic birds, wild animals

Explaining the mystery about mountain lions in Oklahoma

New owners of Tiger King zoo ordered to surrender cubs