Deep concerns regarding wildlife in Vermont

Letter to the Editor, printed in Vermont's newspapers: "The Newport Daily Express" and "The Barton Chronicle"

Deep concerns regarding wildlife in Vermont
"The Newport Daily Express" online printed date: Wednesday, 19 May 2010
http://www.newportvermontdailyexpress.com/content/view/177473/127/

Dear Editor:

While I was in Vermont, visiting my parents, this came to my attention as I was reading our local newspapers:

Another moose was euthanized in Vermont, according to Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant Kim Klein. This moose, living in Barton Village, as reported by a Newport Daily Express writer, Jennifer Hersey Cleveland, was "spotted in and near the Barton River...soaking wet and shaking from the cold" (Cleveland, 2010). The article continues to state... "Judging by the proximity of people watching and photographing the moose, it did not show a healthy fear of humans" (Cleveland, 2010). Apparently, Warden David Gregory "investigated" and said "the moose had to come out of the river and was rubbing against the house, frightening the people inside" (Cleveland, 2010).
Warden Gregory "determined the moose wasn't healthy and was headed toward busy Route 5 and had to euthanize it" (Cleveland, 2010). He claimed "they do not like to see them suffer." It went on to read, "if they're not well, they deteriorate over time."

WHAT? Give me a break!!!

The key word here is "if." My question as an all species nurse that advocates for all living things, who advocated for this animal? Was it objectively determined it was not well?? In other words, were labs drawn to identify a disease? Was a veterinarian involved to diagnose one? Was here an attempt to help this animal before deciding it's ultimate demise? Don't even get me started on the people that claimed they were "frightened" to see a shivering, wet animal coming to land to attempt to find warmth and shelter from the weather.

Since when did the people of my previous place of residence; the place I come back each year to visit my parents; this same place that appears clean and classy from the outside; This same place, that's right, Vermont: filled with people that are animal and environmentally friendly... I ask, when did you become so ignorant to think you are beyond the value of anything that originated here long before you? How dare you judge an animal and without collecting objective data to determine if the animal was indeed, in need of health care?

Thanks to your quick finger on the euthanasia clip, we may never know if this animal was indeed in need of help, or in the wrong place at the wrong time with Vermont's finest village idiots, nor will those of us that advocate through science and medicine, ever know if there is a more serious issue to investigate, if any, in an effort to monitor and maintain the safety of all humans and animals.

I fear this was a lazy and cost effective response by the state of Vermont, to wash their hands of their responsibility and advocate for individuals that cannot speak up for themselves. This assessment of a sick animal, as determined by this Warden, is weak and lacks further information to the general public to conclude its need for euthanasia.

Vermont: help me advocate for those that are too vulnerable to fend for themselves. I grew up in Vermont appreciating all life, standing up for the health and well being of all species. As 'All Species Nurse,' I challenge those in authority to prove why this execution was absolutely necessary!


Reference:
Cleveland, J.H. (April 19, 2010) III moose euthanized Friday. In the Newport Daily Express. Vol. 74. No. 76. Page 1.

I dare you to print this.

I will be looking for my letter to the editors in "The Chronicle" and "The Newport Daily Express."


Regards,
Dianne DeNardo
All Species Nurse, LLC
Ultimate Patient Advocate
www.allspeciesnurse.com