Washington, DC - Ray Noll, Humane Rescue Alliance’s Field Services Chief and Longtime Animal Welfare Professional, Has Died

The Washington, DC community has lost a long time public servant and the animals of the nation’s capital have lost a champion.  Ray Noll, Vice President of Field Services for the Humane Rescue Alliance, passed away Thursday at the age of 55.   

“Ray Noll’s impact on our city and our organization is immeasurable,” said Humane Rescue Alliance President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine.  “His death is unimaginable to us and is an incalculable loss to our organization.  Ray was responsible for saving the lives of literally thousands of animals, personally and through our programs.  He was a respected and beloved leader of HRA and his death is devastating to our team.”

Noll led the Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement divisions for HRA, including animal control officers, animal control investigators, humane law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and wildlife specialists.  Noll’s dedicated team served the 600,000 residents and 1.9 million annual visitors of Washington, DC, responding to more than 12,000 calls for assistance each year.  Those calls included care for sick or injured wild animals, dogs running loose and cases of animal abuse and neglect.

Noll, who joined the Humane Rescue Alliance (then the Washington Humane Society) five years ago as the Director of Animal Control Field Services, brought unmatched qualifications to his position.  Experience as an EMT, longtime humane law enforcement officer, and K-9 officer complemented his love of all animals, making him an ideal candidate to lead the Field Services division when he arrived.

Prior to joining HRA, Noll was the Chief of Special Police at the World Bank, continuing a career in law enforcement and emergency management that began 13 years ago.  

A native of New Jersey, Noll is survived by his two children, Samantha and RJ, and his girlfriend Lori Mayer.

About the Humane Rescue Alliance:              
The Humane Rescue Alliance has protected and served the animals of the community for more than 145 years and serves more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care and control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, bringing people and animals together, and working with all communities to support these relationships.  HRA is based in Washington, DC, the only major urban area in the country that has all of its animal protection programs and services unified in one organization, making the Humane Rescue Alliance a model for the nation.

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Washington, DC - $2,000 Reward for Information on the Person(s) Responsible for Leaving a Senior Female Yorkie-Type Dog in a Trashcan in an Alley of the 4200 block of Mead Street and Lane Place NE - Humane Rescue Alliance

The Humane Rescue Alliance needs your help! If you have any information about the person or persons responsible for leaving a senior female Yorkie-type dog in a trashcan in an alley of the 4200 block of Mead Street and Lane Place NE on October 20, please contact our Humane Law Enforcement Department at 202-723-5730 (ext. 132).

We are offering at $2,000 reward to any person who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this horrific act of animal cruelty.

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Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society: Saving Lives…It’s What They Do: Meet Snow

Days away from death, Snow came into our care after a concerned citizen called our Humane Law Enforcement team to investigate a possible case of cruelty. Emaciated, dehydrated, and with gaping sores on her legs, Snow was a heartbreaking shell of what a healthy dog should be. It was clear she urgently needed medical attention.

Over the course of a two month recovery in foster care, Snow went from 22 to 47 pounds; her wounds healed and her bandages were removed; and her coat, which had been stained a dull yellow from sitting in her own waste, grew in soft and white. Though she was a victim of serious neglect, and had every reason to never trust another human again, Snow welcomes hugs from children, greets strangers with enthusiasm, and is happiest snuggling into the warm bodies of her human family.

Before Snow had even finished recovering, the WHS Humane Law Enforcement team was hard at work to bring her justice. The case against her abuser is ongoing, but we are proud to report that an arrest has been made and the alleged abuser has been charged with Felony Animal Cruelty.

You can help provide justice and a second chance for sweet animals like Snow. Will you give to WHS today? With your help, WHS can intervene in serious abuse cases like Snow’s with the confidence that you care and that you will continue to support our vital, life-saving work. We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season full of joy and happiness. Thank you for being a steadfast friend to the Washington Humane Society. www.washhumane.org/HolidayGift

Website: Washington Humane Society

If you would like to donate to help animals like Snow, click on the picture below:

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Washington Humane Society: The Importance of Having Your Pet Microchipped – ‘Stolen Pet Reunited with Owner’

Washington, DC - The day before Thanksgiving, our Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) officers found a severely neglected Shih Tzu in a locked crate next to a dumpster. His hair was matted and his toe nails were so long that they had curled under his feet and impeded his ability to walk.

Luckily, he was microchipped and it led us to his original owner, Jason Brandon. He told us that Polo had been stolen from him in Miami two years ago, never to be found... Until now. This morning, Jason and Polo were reunited! After getting the phone call about Polo's discovery, Jason drove down from New York, where he is currently living, to take him home.

"This is just unbelievable," said Jason. "It's something you see on CNN!"

This amazing reunion would not have been possible if Jason had not microchipped his furry friend. To get your pet microchipped, visit our Spay & Neuter Clinic in Southeast, DC: Walk-in Vaccination Clinic

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Did You Know There’s an Apartment Building that Only Rents to Pit Bull Owners?

Kara Montalbano is looking for some new tenants for her quiet three-bedroom home in Providence, Rhode Island.  Ideally they'll be employed and responsible. Most importantly, they must have pit bulls

"If they don't, I know they won't have a problem finding another place to live, and I will wish them luck," says Montalbano. "I prefer renters with pit bulls because I know how hard it is to find a place to with live with one, for no reason other than the ignorance and labels."

It can indeed be punishingly difficult to find a rental, when you are in possession of a blocky-headed dog, about whom so many persistent but untrue negative stereotypes abound.

This can lead to pit bull owners forced into terrible choices, like having to sleep in their car or even giving up a beloved pup.

In fact Montalbano -- an art director for an advertising company, who volunteers with a local nonprofit called Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs -- bought the house a couple of years ago, when she was having a tough time finding a rental that would allow her own pair of doggies, plus a rotating cast of fosters.

"I looked for about two weeks and knew it was going to be a waste of time, so I decided to buy," she says.

It's been a great couple of years -- so much so that she and her dog are leaving it to move in with her boyfriend and his two dogs. (Montalbano's second dog recently died of cancer.)

Her boyfriend is a Humane Law Enforcement Officer she met through mutual friends in the animal rescue world.

 "I'm probably the luckiest person in the world that I found someone who shares the same passion I do for animals," says Montalbano.

Since her listing went up a week ago, there's been 20-some inquiries from interested parties -- many of whom, Montalbano's pleased to note, have included photos of their dogs.

It'll be hard to choose among them, unless, hint hint, one offers to expand their household by adopting or fostering through Handsome Dan's. (We'll wait while you go check out a favorite: Lady Maybelline.) 

Montalbano's also heard from lots of folks who aren't looking for a place themselves. They just want to thank her, for giving a family with pit bulls a place to live. 

Which makes her happy, as a personal matter. And makes Montalbano think there's a good business opportunity here, catering to this clearly under-served community.

So she'd love to buy more rental properties herself. And then she'd really love to see other landlords stealing away her clientele, by opening up their own homes to pit bulls and the people who love them.

"I have something that can sincerely help keep a family together, so why wouldn't I rent to a family with a pit bull?" she says. "To me, this should be the norm, and I don't think I'm doing anything that I wouldn't expect other dog lovers to do,."

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Washington DC - Washington Humane Society - Join Us In Giving A Big Thank You To Our Field Services Officers

Last week, our Field Services Officers were honored at Equinox Restaurant. We'd like to give them a HUGE thank you for making DC safer for animals.

Our officers are working around the clock to protect animals in the District. If you see an animal in distress, please call 202-576-6664. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 202-723-5730.

For over 100 years, the Washington Humane Society has been on the front lines of animal protection. The WHS Humane Law Enforcement department (HLE) is congressionally authorized and maintains the statutory right under District law to investigate animal abuse and neglect.  We take this responsibility very seriously and are available to help animals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions, time of day or night and regardless of species of animal in trouble, HLE responds.

Combating animal cruelty is a job that no one can do alone. We rely on members of the public, people who care about the well-being of animals to help us in this fight. Please visit the WHS HLE pages to learn more about what we do and how you can help.

                                Don’t look away from animal cruelty. Do something.

To learn more on the WHS Humane Law Enforcement department (HLE), click here: Fight Cruelty

Website: Washington Humane Society

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Join Me in Wishing a Happy 7th Anniversary to Scott Giacoppo, Vice President, External Affairs, Washington Humane Society

From Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane Society:

Wishing a very happy 7th (WHS) anniversary to Scott Giacoppo! It is a daily inspiration to work with someone who has been in animal welfare for two decades, and yet comes in each day with more love and compassion for animals, more desire to do good, and more determination to make a difference than he had the day before. You are a rare breed... WHS - and the field - are lucky to have you!

Scott Giacoppo, Vice President, External Affairs with Gracie

Scott Giacoppo joined the Washington Humane Society in November of 2007 as Chief Programs Officer. In 2010 he was also named Vice President of External Affairs responsible for the organization’s marketing and communications. In his roles Scott oversees the field officers for the District’s Animal Control Department as well as the Humane Law Enforcement Officers that investigate animal cruelty. Scott also supervises the WHS Humane Education Department in addition to the advocacy and wildlife programs. Prior to coming to WHS he served as a special state police officer investigating animal cruelty, as well as Director of Public Relations and Deputy Director of Advocacy for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Boston. Scott lives with Gracie, four wonderful cats and a Collie mix named Brady.

                           Happy 7th  Anniversary from The Pet Tree House!

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Washington Humane Society - Mohamed Kamara Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty for Starving Dog

Washington, DC – Mohamed Kamara, 41, of the 2400 Block of 20th Street, NE, plead guilty to animal cruelty on November 1 as part of a plea agreement. Today he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, all suspended but six days, which he will serve during November. Once released, he is sentenced to two years’ probation and will be required to pay restitution to the Washington Humane Society for medical expenses incurred.

 Kamara was arrested Sept. 13 on a felony animal cruelty warrant that was issued Sept. 12. WHS Humane Law Enforcement officers responded to a call from Kamara’s landlord who was conducting an inspection of Kamara’s home because he had not heard from him in two months. During the inspection, the landlord found a dog in a cage in the basement who appeared to have been left behind. Humane Law Enforcement officers found the dog to be severely underweight and malnourished. It was discovered that Kamara continued to visit the property as the dog declined, but did not provide any care for the animal. The dog was taken to a local animal hospital to receive intensive treatment. He remained there for nine days, but it was ultimately determined he would be unable to recover.

If you have an animal that you can no longer care for, please consider taking it to your local animal shelter. Do not leave it in an abandoned home.

DC Cruelty Laws
The laws preventing cruelty to animals are an important tool in our ongoing fight against abuse. It’s important that as an animal advocate one is familiar with the law. In the District of Columbia, the laws protecting animals are found in Title 22 chapter 10.

If you live in Washington, DC, the Washington Humane Society
Report Cruelty/Neglect and Animal Emergencies
24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week
202-BE-HUMANE (202-234-8626)

If you live outside of Washington, DC, contact your local animal shelters for advice, if you have an unwanted animal.

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