Animals Are Dying at Santee Alley
Thursday, December 17, 2009 by Voices for The Animals Foundation

Along with other illegal sales that go on there, Santee Alley is the city's number one haven for illegal animal sales. Baby bunnies, turtles, birds, puppies and kittens are sold illegally on a daily basis. Animals are kept in filthy conditions, in the glaring sun with no food or water. Many of these animals are sick or dying when they are sold. These activities clearly violate several City codes and often other statutes as well.
The Department of Animal Services, the LAPD and the City Attorney have periodically tried to bust violators at Santee, but without a concerted commitment from City Hall and the County court system to provide the necessary support and resources, these crack-downs uickly deteriorate into a repetitive game of hide-and-seek. The perpetrators disappear for a few days and then come back like nothing is amiss.
The sale of small turtles, under 4 inches, has been banned in the United States since 1975, but this has not stopped people from selling these turtles at Santee Alley. Not only is this an issue of animal cruelty, but also a public safety. Did you know that Salmonella can be contracted by humans from turtles? Salmonella occurs naturally in turtles and does not make them sick. There are many other diseases that can be contrated by humans who touch these animals. Among them are chlamydiosis, TB, arizonosis, and colibacillosis.
PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH! PLEASE HELP PUT A STOP TO THE CRUEL AND ILLEGAL SALES OF ANIMALS AT SANTEE ALLEY! Please take just a few moments to personalize and send an e-mail to Councilwoman Jan Perry, asking her to stop the cruel, illegal sales of animals at Santee Alley. Also, please send a personalized email to Councilmen Greig Smith and Jack Weiss.
LA City Councilmember Jan Perry
200 N Spring St # 420
Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA City Councilmember Grieg Smith
200 N Spring St # 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA City Councilmember Jack Weiss
200 N Spring St # 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Councilwoman Perry:
As a concerned citizen and animal lover, I am shocked to discover that there are illegal animal sales going on in Santee Alley. These animals are in filthy conditions; they have no shade to protect them from the sun, no food or water. Many of them are sick or dying and are still being sold as pets for children.
Not only is this an issue of animal cruelty, it is a public safety issue as well. Today we are seeing a huge recall of tomatoes due to Salmonella outbreaks. The CDC also warns against catching Salmonella from turtles as well, which carry Salmonella naturally. Turtles can also spread other diseases, such as TB, chlamydiosis, arizonosis, and colibacillosis. The sale of turtles smaller than 4 inches has been banned since 1975; but this doesn't stop these people from selling them.
We know you are very concerned about sales of pirated goods in Los Angeles, and animals should be treated just as seriously as bogus DVDs, fake designer shoes and other goods. Please stop the illegal sale of all animals in Santee Alley. Please show the community that you do not condone cruelty to animals and that you are very concerned with public safety. We are asking you to start by posting signs, in English and Spanish, informing the public that animal sales are illegal.
Sincerely,
Lejla |
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