http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2008/02/05/chronicle/archive/2008/02/05/SPG6URQ3V.html?tsp=1
News
Cooper, Raider’s Player and OAS Volunteer, Featured in Chronicle
Press Conference at OAS: Michael Vick Dogs in Oakland
Example News Stories:
Oakland Raiders players will welcome dogs from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels who have been selected by BAD RAP to be re-homed in the Bay Area on January 25, 2008. Raiders players will discuss their new partnership with BAD RAP and Oakland Animal Services to improve the lives of dogs in Oakland.
Ten pit bulls from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels are now in the Bay Area in BAD RAP’s foster care program and will soon be available for adoption. BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), a nonprofit pit bull group, extensively evaluated all 49 dogs from the Vick property and found that 48 of them were safe with people. They selected 10 of the most outgoing and social dogs to bring back to the Bay Area for care, training and re-homing.
Donna Reynolds, Executive Director of BAD RAP, states, “These dogs serve as examples of how pit bulls are often victimized and how they deserve the same consideration as other breeds: a chance to be treated humanely, comforted, and viewed as individuals.”
The Michael Vick situation underscores the abuse and neglect of dogs that takes place throughout the country. BAD RAP has partnered with Oakland Raider’s players and Oakland Animal Services to create Code 597, a program to address this issue in Oakland. The effect on the public of seeing animals victimized by high profile and popular celebrities, such as Michael Vick, can serve to reinforce ideas that animals are objects to be used.
The goal of Code 597 will be to combat these images by showing positive role models like Jarrod Cooper, #40 of the Oakland Raiders and a dedicated Oakland Animal Shelter volunteer, and providing resources to community members to improve the lives of their animals. Oakland Animal Services Director, Adam Parascandola, says that “Abuse and neglect of animals is an everyday occurrence here in Oakland. Code 597 is an exciting and innovative partnership that will allow OAS to more effectively prevent animal cruelty through education and by providing assistance to Oakland citizens to help them be more responsible and humane guardians of their animals.”
Video – Jarrod Cooper Talks About Volunteering at the Shelter
Watch this video of Jarrod Cooper, Oakland Raider’s player #40 and dedicated Oakland Animal Shelter volunter, talking about what its like to volunteer at the Shelter.
