• I guess the first, and the one that tends to get overshadowed, is that this man had just returned home after serving time in prison on weapons charges, his wife had left, and the animals were in deplorable condition–according to Jack Hanna, Columbus Zoo Director Emeritus–and he was so overwhelmed that he cut the cages to let the animals out and then killed himself.  One wonders if anyone might have seen this coming.  What frequently compounds the tragedy of suicide is that the individuals who make this “ultimate choice” sometimes choose to take others with them.  In this case, his actions directly resulted in over 30 animals having to be killed in order to protect human life.  Indeed a veterinarian who was trying to sedate one of the tigers was put in danger when that tiger became agitated and had to be shot by law enforcement.  Had that vet been killed while trying to help, that death would have been on the head of this pathetic but thoughtless man as well.
• What is garnering the most attention on the news, and getting people the most riled up is the senseless killing of all of these animals by law enforcement officials.  Most people are asking, “Why did they have to kill them?  Why couldn’t they just sedate them?”  Jack Hanna explained this the best by saying that it is extremely hard to sedate large, wild animals at night (animals like tigers which are capable of taking down a 2000 lb. water buffalo single handed), the sedation doesn’t always work and sometimes makes the animal more aggressive, and law enforcement officers don’t carry tranqulizer guns nor are they trained in the use of them.  In short, in this horrific situation, human life had to come first.
• So if we could turn the clock back and erase this whole event, what could have been done differently?  We would have to start with Ohio’s notoriously lax laws when it comes to animal cruelty, and the buying and selling of exotic animals.  The exotic animal auctions which are so common place have to stop.  No one, except legitimate zoos and wildlife preserves,  should be able to buy such animals.  Animal cruelty needs to be made a felony instead of just a misdemeanor.  This man was convicted of animal cruelty in 2005, and there were multiple complaints of neglect and cruelty filed against him, and yet he was issued permits to keep these animals.  Why?  How could this happen?  I believe that Ohio needs to have cruelty officers which are a regular part of our police and sheriff’s departments like California and some other states have.  In this way, the cruelty officers would be armed and have full arrest powers.  It is simply too big of a job and too costly to be left to our non-profit animal welfare agencies.  Tougher laws will require more enforcement agents to make sure they are obeyed.
• Jack Hanna said he is part of a committee that is drafting tougher regulations against exotic animal auctions and animal cruelty for Ohio.  I have a lot of respect for Jack.  He turned the Columbus Zoo, which was once a dismal and decrepit zoo not fit for man or beast, into one of the nation’s premier zoos that attracts visitors from all over.  As concerned citizens, we can continue to push for tougher laws and support our animal welfare organizations.  Here in Delaware County the Humane Society of Delaware County has a designated “Cruelty” fund to support the work of their cruelty investigator.
• Before this incident happened, I had just recently launched three holiday themed t-shirt designs as part of my “Adopt a Pet.  Don’t Buy a Pet,” series.  There is one for Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day.  The Valentine’s Day design was created especially for the Humane Society of Delaware County’s upcoming Furr Ball which will be held in February 2012.  Part of the profits from these three designs will be donated to the Cruelty fund.  You may purchase any of these designs from my shop Get An Attitude Productions.  If you want to find out how you can attend or donate to  the Furr Ball,  just click on the Humane Society of Delaware County link.

A Trunk of Sex Magazines, Books, Tapes and Hand Warmers!

Recently I was comparing notes with a friend who, like me, works for a non-profit organization that depends on donations to raise money to support them.  Together we have compiled a list of The Weirdest Donations Received at Charities, and wonder about the mindset and stability of the donors!

Tops on the list are items associated with sex, and are as follows:

• A trunk full of sex magazines, books, and movies with the added bonus of packets of “hand warmers.”  I guess some gentleman needed help getting his hands warmed up for the task at hand!
• In a similar vein-a pile of Playboy Magazines was received with a half used tube of lube tucked neatly and discretely inside one of the magazines.  Fortunately for the sorter, there were no telltale signs (or stains) of mischief on the magazine pages!
• A used vibrator-batteries  not included.                                                                 

One pre-owned vibrator!

•  A book titled, “Why Is Sex Fun?”  If you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t bother.
• A book titled, “Kama Sutra The Art of Love Book.”  Anyone assuming some of these positons is likely to end up in traction instead of ecstasy!
• The “Playboy Ultimate Sensual Massage,” VHS tape.  Any man who watches this tape won’t be needing the above mentioned “hand warmers,” he’ll be hot enough after  this!

• A brand new package of “Dickey Straws.”  These are plastic straws that have penises at the tip of them.  Great for bachlorette parties!  Just put your lips together and suck that cocktail.
• The “Sex, Booze and Rock and Roll Board Game.”  Sounds like a winning combination!
  

  The perfect party game!

In a slightly negative vein is a miniature wooden bat with a tag on it that is called a “Bed Snake Bat.”  It is touted as a form of birth control, designed to rid any woman of those annoying “bed snakes” that might invade her personal space.

The ultimate birth control method for women!

• Speaking of birth control, 4 packets of birth control pills, which had expired in 2008, were also donated.  Use these and you will soon discover the full meaning of  “contraceptive failure!”                                                                            

4 packets of birth control pills which expired in 2008.

• Our next category of the bizarre is the animal related donation.
•  Tops on this list has to be the Pair of Wax-Coated Bull Testicles that was donated for a silent auction.  I guess the donor thought someone who couldn’t grow a pair might need these as a substitute.
• A single moose antler.  Somewhere Bullwinkle is searching Delaware County for his missing antler.
• A single Turkey Foot unattached from the drumstick.  I guess any one legged turkey would be more likely to end up on someone’s Thanksgiving table for dinner.                                                        

A turkey leg minus the drumstick!

Under the politically correct category we have the book, “So You Want to Be a Lesbian?”  This is the book of choice for all heterosexual women wishing to convert their sexual orientation.  After all it really is just a matter of “choice.”

Under the “what the hell could they possibly be thinking” category is the collection of books on satanism and how to summon Satan.  Now wouldn’t he be the perfect date or party guest!

Also included in this category would be the handgun that was hidden inside a bag of clothes.   The sorter was lucky it wasn’t loaded.

Under the final category of miscellaneous donations of the strange:

• A can of “Heinz Spotted Dick Sponge Pudding.”  Well there’s no accounting for the strange tastes of the English which is where this little treat is made.                                                        

An English delicacy!

• A broken, mildewed wooden chair and bench marked, “take to the dump.”  This donor obviously confused donation center with  the dump-after all, they both have “ds” in their names.
• A Woman’s Naked Body Suit Complete with Big Boobs and Thick, Black Pubic Hair.  Well, Halloween is coming soon.  I’m sure this will be a hot ticket item!

You just never know what is going to be donated next!  Everyday is a surprise!