Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Los Angeles California Wildlife Rehabilitation Real Estate

Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Los Angeles California Wildlife Rehabilitation Real Estate
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Showing posts with label lawsuit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lawsuit. Show all posts

Saturday, August 2, 2025

PETA vs North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Possum Drop Lawsuit Affidavit of Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Below is the text from my affidavit for the PETA vs North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission NCWRC  "Possum Drop" lawsuit. PETA sued the Commission because the event is cruel and deadly for opossums. https://www.peta.org/news/peta-files-lawsuit-stop-opossum-drop/ https://www.peta.org/news/north-carolina-opossum-drop-disgusting/ The case was filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. Here is one order from the 2012 case https://www.oah.nc.gov/documents/files/alj/wrc-wildlife-resources-commission-decisions-2012/open I have the original copy of the pdf in proper format. 

EXPERT AFFIDAVIT OF MARY CUMMINS
I, Mary Cummins, being first duly sworn, say as follows:
1. I am greater than 18 years of age and competent to make this affidavit and 
to testify as to the matters set forth herein. 
QUALIFICATIONS
2. I am a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, with over twelve years of experience, 
specializing in small mammals including opossums, coyotes, bobcats, 
skunks, raccoons, squirrels and bats. I have personally rescued and cared 
for well over 1,000 opossums, and over 5,000 wild animals with a release 
rate of over 90%.
3. I am the founder of the non-profit wildlife rescue group “Animal 
Advocates,” located in Los Angeles, California.
4. I am a wildlife educator, making frequent presentations at schools and 
organizations in the Los Angeles area. 
5. I have gone through the Rio Hondo Police Academy and State Humane 
Association of California Animal Law Enforcement Academy to become a 
Humane Officer. 
6. I have extensive experience and training involving the rescue, rehabilitation 
and husbandry practices of native wildlife, including training as an 
emergency medical technician, wildlife paramedic (basic training for wildlife 
emergency response), basic rehabilitation skills seminar, opossum 
rehabilitation, HSUS Animal Care seminar, Humane Society University 
Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders, among other things. A copy of my 
current CV is attached hereto.
7. I am frequently consulted about issues relating to wildlife rehabilitation and 
care, and I have been extensively published and featured in the media.
8. My additional experience includes: 
· working at the Los Angeles Animal Services animal shelter, 
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· assisting California Department of Fish & Game with the cleanup of 
Tiger Rescue,
· implementing a birth control program for squirrels in Santa Monica, 
· writing and getting passed a new wildlife policy in Los Angeles City, 
· serving as inspector for the American Humane Association, 
· participating in the amendment to Los Angeles County zoning which 
allows wildlife rehabilitation,
· serving as Assistant to Director of Found Animals Foundation,
· participating in HSUS NDART team cockfight raid,
· attending the International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild 
Animals, Madrid, Spain, sponsored by Leibniz Institute for Zoo and 
Wildlife Research and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife 
Veterinarians, and
· serving on the HSUS National Disaster Animal Response Team.
9. My professional memberships include the California Council of Wildlife 
Rehabilitators, the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association, and the 
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
10. For purposes of rendering the expert opinions I give in this affidavit, I was 
informed of the following facts:
11. Clay Logan conducts an annual New Year’s Eve event, known as the 
Opossum Drop, at his gas station and general store in Brasstown, North 
Carolina. Typically, Logan traps a live opossum a few weeks before the 
event by hunting the animal with dogs. After the dogs chase the opossum 
into a tree, Logan pulls the animal from the tree by his tail and in one video 
is seen dangling the captured opossum upside down by the tail. The 
opossum is then stuffed into a “toe sack” and transported to Logan’s home. 
During the weeks leading up to the event, Logan says he “habituates the 
animal to humans.” 
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12. In the past, Logan has put a leash around the opossum’s neck and paraded 
the animal in front of his store, forcing the animal to “walk” on a leash by 
lifting his hind parts up by the tail and dragging the front legs across the 
pavement. While in captivity, Logan fattens the opossums up by feeding 
them dog food and cat food.
13. At the event, the live opossum is placed into a Plexiglas case with air-holes 
and hoisted up approximately 20 feet into the air, where the animal remains 
suspended for approximately two hours, with no means to hide from the 
crowds or to escape from the noxious stimuli of noises, sights and smells 
of the event. While the live opossum is lifted and lowered in his box, a 
bright spotlight shines directly at the box. During the time the opossum is 
suspended, there are flashing and blinking lights, firing of 13 gunshots, 
crowd noises of hundreds of people clapping, yelling, screaming, singing 
and using party horns and noise makers, and at midnight, the ear-popping 
sounds, glaring lights, and smoke from a fireworks display that lasts 
approximately 5 minutes.
14. Although the temperatures are frequently well below freezing, the flimsy 
box provides no protection from the elements. Unable to find protective 
shelter, the opossum can be seen huddling in a corner of the box and 
intermittently scratching at the slick sides in a futile attempt to escape. At 
midnight, the opossum is lowered amid more loud music, throngs of 
crowds cheering, clapping and using various noise-makers and a large 
pyrotechnic display lasting several minutes. 
15. After the box has been finally lowered to the ground, throngs of people 
typically crowd around to take flash pictures, often spinning the box around 
and poking their fingers into the box. In one video of the event, several 
spectators can be heard commenting about the fact that the opossum is 
trembling.
16. I have also reviewed two videos taken of two previous Opossum Drop 
events, at http://www.petapreview.com/4preview/op_drop_expert.asp and
http://www.petaav.com/opossum_drop_2007-2008.htm.
OPINIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
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17. For the reasons explained below, it is my opinion that using a live 
opossum at the event inflicts suffering and torment upon the animal.
18. As a trained humane officer, if I saw a group of people stuffing a cat or dog 
into a small plastic cage, suspend the cage into the air and leave the animal 
dangling there in sub-freezing temperatures, while blasting loudspeaker 
music and firecrackers, I would undoubtedly conclude that the perpetrators 
were engaged in animal cruelty, i.e., deliberately causing torment and 
suffering to the animal. 
19. In my experience, the animal would need to be confiscated and the abusers 
cited for violating animal cruelty statutes. 
20. It is therefore inconceivable to me that a government agency, entrusted to 
ensure the humane treatment of wild animals, would issue an official permit 
that would allow persons to treat a wild opossum in this fashion. To the 
extent that a distinction can be made in this scenario between a dog and a wild opossum, it 
is that dogs are habituated to people, while opossums instinctively view them as predators. 
The opossum’s distress would therefore be amplified by virtue of being a shy, feral animal. 
21. As marsupials, opossums are particularly susceptible to capture myopathy, a condition that 
literally causes them to die from fear, within hours or days of the traumatic event. (I describe 
this syndrome more fully below). Releasing the animal back into the wild does not undo the 
irreversible damage caused by capture myopathy. If the animal suffered from capture 
myopathy and is not immediately killed by a predator upon release, she will suffer muscle 
cramps and paralysis, pain from failing kidneys, and inability to breathe from congested 
lungs, for hours or days after the event, before dying.
22. No justification exists for inflicting such cruelty to an animal for the sake of two hours of 
public “amusement” – and issuing a permit for such an activity would be tantamount to 
sanctioning (and becoming complicit in) such cruelty.
23. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the cruelty inflicted on a live opossum during 
the Opossum Drop is entirely “gratuitous” and utterly unnecessary. I am informed that on 
several occasions, these events were conducted without a live animal, without losing in 
popularity. 
24. I am certain that the people in Brasstown can continue their tradition and custom without 
tormenting animals. I will donate an old opossum taxidermy I received as a gift years ago 
and which I believe was used in the movie Pet Sematery. 
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25. For the reasons explained below, it is my opinion that using a live 
opossum at the event is not in the interest of the humane treatment of 
the animal.
A. General Overview: Uninjured, Wild Opossums Are Not Suitable For 
Captivity
26. There are fundamental differences between domesticated species such as 
cats, dogs, who are bred and intended as companion animals, to live in 
human dependent situations (on one hand) and wild animals who regard 
humans as dangerous predators to be feared and avoided (on the other).
27. Contrary to domesticated animals, wild animals have evolved as 
independent, free-living beings. They have very specific needs for survival 
and wellbeing, including instincts and behaviors that typically cannot be 
adequately met in captivity. 
28. As a result, many captive animals – especially “prey” animals such as 
opossums – suffer both physically and mentally when they are taken from 
the wild and held in captivity.
29. In the hands of unqualified individuals, the difficulties faced by captive 
opossums are even greater. This is so because laypersons typically do not 
realize the distinct differences between caring for domestic animals (pets) 
and caring for wild animals such as opossums. This can clearly be seen in 
the case of Logan, who feeds the opossums dog and cat food, puts them on 
a leash, and improperly attempts to “habituate” these wild animals to 
humans before releasing them back into the wild. 
30. Laypersons also lack the required knowledge of the anatomy and 
physiology of opossums in order to notice and assess problems when they 
arise, as they inevitably do. This is also seen in the case of Logan, who 
either failed to recognize and/or treat life-threatening symptoms of 
diseases such as capture myopathy and Dermal Septic Necrosis aka crispy 
ear of opossums at prior Opossum Drop events. 
31. Of course, even when a wild animal is placed in the care of an expert 
rehabilitator and wildlife caretaker, the animal’s health and welfare is still 
put at risk, because many of the opossum’s specific needs (beyond those 
that are currently known and described below) are still unknown because 
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they have not been studied and observed sufficiently. Additionally, even 
assuming a trained expert recognizes that the wild captive animal has fallen 
ill, providing appropriate care may be difficult or impossible. Among other 
things, some medical treatments and interventions that might be 
considered appropriate for domesticated animals are inappropriate for 
opossums. For example, opossums require a particular type of de-wormer 
that is not readily available and rehabbers throughout this country report 
difficulties in obtaining this product. Therefore, even when a practitioner is 
aware that an ordinary de-wormer cannot be used for an opossum, she may 
simply not be able to get the required product. In my experience, there are 
also few veterinarians who treat exotic or wild animals especially opossums 
for fear of worms and bites.
32. In light of these facts (and for the additional reasons described below), it is 
not surprising that experience has confirmed that opossums do not 
respond well to being kept in captivity, and often become sick and even die 
– particularly if they are kept by unqualified, untrained laypersons.
33. In short, healthy uninjured opossums belong in the wild, not in a cage. 
Opossums are feral, not domesticated animals. Unless they are unfit to be 
in the wild, it is in the interest of the humane treatment of the opossums to 
leave them in their natural habitat and let them live the life nature intended 
– in the wild. 
34. It cannot conceivably be said that hunting an opossum with dogs, taking 
him from his wild habitat and confining him in a cage for weeks, fattening 
him up with an unaccustomed and unhealthy diet, and then putting him on 
public display at the Opossum Drop is “humane,” let alone “in the interest 
of the humane treatment of the animal.”
B. Opossum biology and physiology
35. In order to understand why opossums are unsuitable for captivity and why it 
would cause them torment if they are used in the Opossum Drop, it is 
necessary to understand the nature and characteristics of opossums.
36. Opossums are nomadic, shy, and nocturnal animals. They prefer dark, 
secure areas and avoid daylight and loud noises whenever possible. The 
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loud noises, bright lights and other sounds and sights at the Opossum Drop 
would be extremely scary to opossums and they would instinctively fear for 
their lives and seek to flee from them.
37. Opossums are solitary animals. They are not pack animals, and they seek 
out quiet peaceful surroundings. The Opossum Drop event is a situation 
that is not only foreign to the opossums but would be perceived as 
extremely threatening and frightful.
38. In the wild, opossums fill their dens with dried leaves, grass, and other 
available soft material, forming well-insulated nests in order to protect 
them from climatic conditions such as sub-freezing temperatures, since 
their fur does not insulate them well and they are subject to frost-bite on 
their hairless ears, tail and toes. The Plexiglas box with slippery, clear 
surfaces and the lack of insulation from cold, noise and bright lights is 
completely unsuitable as it provides no protection at all to the animal and 
instead, would expose the animal to the perceived dangers on his life from 
which he instinctively seeks to flee, but cannot.
39. Opossums have very sensitive hearing, which they use to avoid predation by 
running away from sudden and/or loud noises. It is easy to scare an 
opossum away from one’s back yard by simply clapping one’s hands or 
clanging on a trash can. Frightened by the unaccustomed sounds, the 
opossum will employ his “fight or flight” defense mechanism by choosing to 
flee to safety. The loud popping sounds of muskets firing at the Opossum 
Drop, the cannon, music from loudspeakers and eventually the fireworks 
would be literally “deafening” to an opossum, injuring his delicate hearing 
and also inflicting mental torment on the animal since she cannot escape 
from those threatening ear-splitting noises.
40. Being nocturnal, opossums are also sensitive to bright lights, from which 
they also instinctively flee in the wild because it signals imminent danger. 
The spot-light that typically shines on the opossum’s cage while it is lifted 
and lowered and the glare from the fireworks will at least temporarily blind 
the opossum, creating additional terror and fear.
41. Like most mammals, opossums experience fear, and exhibit a flight or fight 
defense behavior to protect them from perceived or actual threats. 
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Opossums are typically non-aggressive and will try to flee from predators 
such as humans and dogs. 
42. Mating season for opossums begins shortly after the winter solstice. Many 
females are pregnant or carry joeys in their pouch in December and January. 
Stress, such as that experienced by an opossum in captivity or during the 
Opossum Drop, very likely will cause a pregnant female to abort her unborn 
babies; or if she already has joeys in her pouch, her milk will dry up (which 
is her body’s way of trying to preserve the mother’s health in times of 
distress and privation). As a result, her babies will die.
43. Opossums use their long tail as a fifth limb to help climb down from trees, 
posts and fences, and to gather materials to make their beds. A broken or 
injured tail seriously impairs their chances of surviving in the wild. The 
opossum’s tail is also extremely sensitive to touch because one of the 
largest veins runs through the middle of the tail. It is very painful for an 
adult opossum to be held up by his tail due to his weight, and this may also 
injure the tail by dislocating the tail and tail joints.
44. Opossums may also suffer degloving where the skin comes off the tail 
leaving exposed bone and flesh. The tail will then die and fall off. This can 
also cause spinal cord and nerve damage which can cause paralysis, 
weakened rear legs and anal prolapse which would result in death. In this 
regard, an opossum is no different from dogs or cats. 
C. Stress - Overview
45. When stressed from fear, opossums “play dead” or try to remain still with 
their head hung low. When an opossum is faced with a new and fearful 
situation, opossums have many unique defense mechanisms: hissing, 
showing teeth, and playing dead. However, these mechanisms do not work 
and cannot protect the animal from a threat that extends for a sustained 
period of time. It would therefore not be typical to see an opossum “playing 
dead” during the Opossum Drop because the extreme fear state during the 
event is so prolonged. It would be a mistake to assume that the animal is 
not stressed simply because it is not observed in the “playing dead” state 
throughout the Opossum Drop.
46. As noted previously, stressful situations such as trapping, caging, handling 
and repeated human contact is not merely unusual for wild opossums, if 
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not done properly, it will be perceived as life-threatening. Fearing for her 
life is causing tremendous stress. Rehabilitators are therefore trained to 
keep an injured opossum in a dark quiet place away from other animals or 
humans, to decrease their stress levels and increase healing. 
47. If the captive opossum is to survive, it is imperative that he stay as stress 
free as possible in the hands of a human. In wildlife rehabilitation 
situations, this is typically done by providing the opossum with as much 
privacy, distance, quiet and darkness as possible. In other words, the 
circumstances of the Opossum Drop – with its fireworks, cannons, amplified 
music, close-up flash photography and crowds of noisy people – are the 
precise opposite of conditions that are necessary for the welfare of the 
animal. Placing an opossum in a cage or box, surrounded by screaming 
people and loud fireworks would certainly result in the opossum becoming 
frightened and stressed, fearing for his life. Having no way to escape from 
these traumatic conditions, the opossum will experience a high degree of 
fear over several hours. 
D. Capture-myopathy
48. Opossums are susceptible to myopathy caused by the stress of capture and 
confinement.
49. Capture-myopathy is caused by trapping, capture, transport and even 
simple restraint of a wild animal. In other words – virtually everything that 
happens to an opossum as a result of being captured for the Opossum Drop 
puts the opossum at risk of this condition.
50. Fear is the single most important reported factor in triggering capture 
myopathy.
51. Trembling, trying to hide, or hanging the head down with a “depressed 
look” are all well-established outward signs of stress in an opossum. Other 
symptoms include lack of response to stimuli, loss of coordination, 
weakness, and muscle stiffness.
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52. Opossums suffering from capture-myopathy may die within hours, days, or 
weeks after onset of the disease, depending on the intensity/duration of the 
triggering shock.
53. There is no cure for capture-myopathy.
E. Dermal Septic Necrosis
54. Injury, cage stress and harassment from humans and dogs can result in the 
opossum suffering from Dermal Septic Necrosis (DSN). 
55. In small mammals such as opossums, symptoms of sepsis are frequently 
associated with fever or hyperthermia, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, 
and confusion. Sepsis may also lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting 
in shock. This may result in light-headedness, bruising or bleeding.
56. DSN in opossums is most often the direct result of stress. When opossums 
become stressed this decreases the ability for their immune system to 
function. As a result, opossums develop DSN infections.
57. Even before the time of the actual Opossum Drop, it is likely that the 
opossum that was trapped for the event and subjected to the cruel and 
inappropriate handling by Logan and others (described previously) 
developed a full blown systemic infection. Being hunted and captured, 
transported away from familiar environs while bound up in a sack, paraded 
around on a leash, put in a cage and fed unfamiliar unhealthy foods, is 
overwhelmingly stressful to the animal. This is compounded by the fact that 
the animal is exposed to daylight from which she cannot escape, which is 
frightful to nocturnal animals. 
58. Beyond mental stress, another contributing factor for DSN is the wholly 
inappropriate diet Logan feeds to the opossums. A diet consisting 
exclusively of dog and cat food is too high in protein for an opossum 
overburdening the kidneys. When the kidneys are compromised, the 
opossum’s ability to fight off an infection becomes even further reduced. 
Once the infection erupts, blood coagulation ceases to exist. As a result, an 
opossum can literally bleed out and die if he were to break a finger off while 
trying to dig to freedom. 
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59. Aside from the generally stressful conditions to which Logan exposes the 
animals in the weeks leading up to the Opossum Drop event, there is no 
question that the amount of sheer terror an opossum experiences during 
the hours the animal is suspended during the Opossum Drop itself, 
especially combined with exposure to sub-freezing temperatures, will 
create a “perfect storm” for an outbreak of DSN. Exposed to extremely loud 
noises, and the fearful sights and smells of throngs of humans, having no 
way to escape (or at a minimum, escape from view), the opossum will 
experience the type of a high degree of fear and stress known to precipitate 
DSN. 
60. The opossum in the photo from the Opossum Drop (see picture inserted 
after this paragraph) clearly shows evidence of DSN aka “crispy ear.” If the 
infection were stopped at this stage, the brown area on the ear would dry 
up and fall off. The opossum’s hearing would be affected negatively as 
opossums use their large ears like satellite dishes to listen for prey and 
food. It would also be very painful. Opossums have many muscles and 
nerves in their ears. They have the ability to turn their ears in the direction 
of any sound. They can also instantly shrink their ears like a raisin to 
protect them. Once the infection has set in, it may take up to 3 months of 
antibiotics to heal. Very likely, the opossum depicted on this photograph, if 
denied basic medical care after he became ill, died a very painful death 
shortly after release. The image also shows injury to the snout of the 
opossum. This injury is consistent with the opossum trying to get out of a 
metal trap or cage. They will use their snout to try to push out of a cage 
which causes the skin to be damaged. Opossums can rip or rub off a great 
portion of the skin off of their snout by spending only an hour in a metal 
trap or cage. We have received opossums that had ripped so much skin off
of their snouts that there was not enough skin to cover the bone even with 
surgery. They had to be euthanized. This photo also shows possible DSN of 
the claws or the opossum was pulled out of a wire mesh trap. In response 
to being pulled backward out of a metal trap or enclosure the opossum 
would try to hang on with their claws. Their claws would then be ripped out 
or bloodied trying to hold onto the cage. An opossum expert would know 
never to pull an opossum backward out of a wire mesh enclosure. Looking 
again at the photo one can tell that this is a male opossum by the yellow 
stained fur overlying the suprasternal gland patch on his chest. This 
signifies the production of testosterone during mating season.
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F. Other diseases that were dormant can erupt as a result of trauma or 
stress from captivity
61. Research and personal experience has shown that other diseases that were 
dormant in an opossum before capture, can erupt as a result of the trauma 
and stress caused by captivity.
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62. For example, if an opossum is stressed, parasites which the animal could 
normally keep at bay may flourish. One such parasite is turgida turgida aka 
throat, mouth and stomach worms. These worms attach to the stomach. 
They cause ulcers at the site of attachment. Here is video of live stomach 
worms from a recently deceased opossum which was caught in a trap. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sp6Nk5z6s8 This video was taken by 
Dr. Kenneth Jones in Santa Monica, California. He is known throughout the 
US and the world as the preeminent Virginia opossum veterinarian.
63. Dr. Jones’ video of stomach worms should be reason enough not to issue a 
permit for a live opossum at the Opossum Drop. If people knew those were 
in opossums they would not want them near their food, and the event 
would not be nearly as amusing to them. They are called throat and mouth 
worms for a reason. An opossum under stress will not be able to keep these 
worms at bay. They will increase in number until the opossum is too weak 
to go find food. The worms them crawl into the throat and mouth while the 
animal is still alive. The worms are looking for food. They feed on food in 
the stomach. If there is no food in there (as for example, after the opossum 
is deprived of sustenance as a result of, or following, the Opossum Drop), 
they go to the mouth. 
64. Other parasites such as coccidia also flourish when an animal is stressed. 
This can cause severe intestinal problems and even death. 
G. The opossum’s specific dietary needs are difficult to meet in captivity and 
if not met, can cause severe distress and potentially fatal diseases
65. Opossums have specific diets and nutritional requirements that cannot be 
easily replicated by humans. Opossums need a highly specialized low 
protein, high calcium diet consisting of fresh foods and proper calcium: 
phosphorous ratios. Opossums in the wild can balance their own diet. In 
captivity it is up to the caretaker to provide proper and adequate nutrition.
66. It has been widely reported and is a well-demonstrated fact that opossums 
fare poorly in captivity because their biological organism is not forgiving of 
a poor diet. If opossums are fed inappropriately, they will get sick, lose 
mobility and even die. 
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67. Excessive meat protein (as is contained in cat food and most commercial 
dog food) can lead to metabolic bone disease and other serious health 
problems in opossums.
68. Among other things, captive opossums are at high risk of secondary 
hyperparathyroidism or metabolic bone disease (“MBD”) and a range of 
metabolic defects that affect bone morphology and function of the bones 
caused by the diet they are fed in captivity. MBD can progress to cause 
immobility and death, if not corrected quickly and appropriately. Early 
clinical signs of MBD are a reluctance to walk, shorter strides and tentative 
foot placement, as if the animal were walking on eggshells. They may also 
appear lethargic, experience loss of appetite and have seizures.
H. Problems relating to release back into the wild
69. In addition to the fact that releasing the opossum back into the wild does 
not erase the damage already done, the animal faces additional threats 
upon release. 
70. Assuming a wild animal survives the distress and other risks inherent in 
being in captivity and is released back into the wild, experience has 
demonstrated that they do not easily assimilate back into the wild and that 
therefore, their chances of surviving tend to be very poor. The time it takes 
for an animal to readjust to the wild is typically longer than the time it takes 
to be preyed upon by a predator, succumb to disease, or die of starvation 
or thirst.
71. Furthermore, as previously noted, the conditions at the Opossum Drop will 
likely have precipitated or aggravated the previous onset of DSN and caused 
dormant diseases to erupt. Once released, there would be no way of 
knowing if the opossum developed these diseases which, if untreated, will 
spread rapidly and cause the animal to suffer a painful death. 
72. If the opossum is not provided with adequate exercise during captivity, he 
will not be able to survive when released. An opossum kept in a smaller 
cage will not receive sufficient exercise. The minimum enclosure size for an 
adult opossum as per the Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation 
NWRA, IWRC1 is 4’ x 4’ x 8’ tall. Opossums also need other enrichment 
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1 http://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MSWR.pdf pgs 49, 53.
items and places to hide, “Marsupialia (Opossums): Hammocks made of 
one-inch square wire mesh or from burlap sacks, attached to wall or roof 
(and removable for cleaning); tree limbs and logs at various heights to 
promote climbing. Plastic barrels for hiding or other things to hide in (logs, 
boxes, etc.). Large (ferret- sized) exercise wheels may be used to keep 
young opossums active.” Exercise is even more important for adult 
opossums. Most opossum rehabbers use custom-made 24” diameter 
wheels. Opossums naturally use the wheels which keeps them in physical 
condition so they may be released. An opossum that has not been climbing 
and running for weeks will not be in good enough condition upon release. 
All wildlife rehabilitators put opossums in large conditioning cages 
providing them with plenty of exercise before release. 
73. For the reasons explained below, it is my opinion that Logan is not 
qualified to properly care for opossums and he poses a risk of harm to 
the animal, himself and the public.
A. Overview
74. The highly specialized care required for an opossum can only be provided 
by individuals knowledgeable about their specific needs. Wildlife 
rehabilitators are among the few individuals qualified to provide such care. 
Wildlife rehabilitators have husbandry skills specific to the type of animal 
under their care. This includes knowledge of the appropriate handling and 
restraint techniques, dietary requirements and providing facilities isolated 
from human traffic. 
75. It is obvious that Logan has no qualifications (much less willingness) to 
properly care for an opossum – and that the health and welfare of 
opossums will be put at risk by permitting Logan to possess an opossum 
even under optimal circumstances that did not involve the Opossum Drop.
B. Evidence of prior mistreatment, disregard of most basic needs
and failure to treat a serious, life-threatening condition
76. As previously noted, pictures of an opossum used at a previous Opossum 
Drop show an opossum with a bloody nose and bloody ear. The wound on 
the nose is characteristic of an animal kept in a cage, fighting to get out. 
The bloody tip of the ear is a textbook example of DSN. As also previously 
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noted, this is an outward manifestation of sepsis, a serious, life-threatening 
condition that requires immediate veterinary assistance, which Logan failed 
to provide.
77. At another Opossum Drop, the animal was reported to be trembling or 
shivering, which is a symptom of deadly capture-myopathy – yet there is no 
evidence that Logan provided any type of medical attention or care to the 
animal. 
78. Equally disturbing is Logan’s tendency to lift opossums by their tail, 
encourage others to do the same, and even display this inhumane handling 
to crowds as part of the “entertainment” at the Opossum Drop. Even with a 
modicum of inquiry into the proper handling of an opossum, Logan would 
have realized (or more likely, he simply did not care) that this is very painful 
to the animal. Just as it is regarded as cruel and inhumane to hold up a dog 
or a cat by the tail, it is equally inappropriate, and painful to hold an 
opossum in this manner. The fact that Logan would exhibit such cruel and 
inhumane behavior as “entertainment” speaks volumes why he is not 
qualified to obtain another permit or license to possess another opossum in 
the future. 
79. Holding an adult opossum by the tail can cause nerve damage, paralysis 
and anal prolapse. The tail is of course attached to the spine. Because 
opossums have prehensile tails they have even more muscles and nerves in 
their tail than a cat or dog. While there are photos of opossums hanging by 
their tail on the Internet, opossums do not hang by their tail naturally. 
Those photos are staged. The adult opossum’s tail strength to total weight 
ratio would make it impossible for him to hang only by his tail. Opossums 
do use their tail as a fifth limb while climbing. If an animal or humans yanks 
the tail of an opossum, the tail could become degloved, i.e. skin of tail is 
removed leaving only exposed bone and flesh. The tail will then dry up and 
fall off. Opossums cannot easily survive without their tail. Yanking of the 
tail can also cause paralysis when the spinal cord is stretched to the 
breaking point. Even if the spinal cord is not broken damage can occur 
leading to paralysis, nerve damage and anal prolapse. If this occurs the 
animal will not survive. We receive opossums with this condition that have 
had their tail yanked by an animal or human.
{00130362}
80. Displaying a similar shocking disregard for the welfare of the animals, and 
lack of even the most basic knowledge for the appropriate care of 
opossums in captivity, Logan has boasted that he “fattens” up opossums 
before the Opossum Drop, and feeds them dog food and cat food that is 
wholly unsuitable (and potentially deadly) for the animals. In addition to the 
health risks associated with this improper diet mentioned previously, 
obesity in opossums is as dangerous to opossums as to people, and can 
lead to cardiac, hepatic, and pancreatic diseases that often shorten their 
lifespan. Obesity in an opossum affects them differently than humans. 
Everyone probably remembers Heidi the cross-eyed opossum in Germany. 
While some people thought it was “cute,” it was the result of obesity 
causing fat deposits to accumulate behind her eyes pushing them outward. 
Opossums also collect fat at the base of their tails which can limit their tail 
mobility. Even if put on a proper diet, opossums are not able to lose the fat 
deposits from behind their eyes and tail. This of course makes them 
unreleasable as they will not be able to survive. 
81. Compounding all of these inappropriate methods of handling and feeding 
captive opossums, Logan apparently works to habituate the animals while 
they are in captivity, prior to their release back into the wild. Aside from the 
stress associated with this supposed “habituation” (presumably consisting 
of more inappropriate handling, such as depicted in the Opossum Walk 
which shows Logan “walking” the opossum on a leash tied to her neck), 
such attempts to render the animal tame by pretending that she is a pet 
only further lessens her chances of survival in the wild, for the reasons 
demonstrated previously. To the extent that Logan attempts to “habituate” 
the animal by exposing him to loud music and bright lights in order to 
“acclimate” the animal to the conditions of the Opossum Drop, this would 
only compound the cruelty, since opossums do not get habituated to life￾threatening stimuli from which they instinctively will seek to flee.
82. Finally, the Plexiglass cage that Logan uses to “display” the opossum during 
the event is woefully inadequate to properly protect the animal from 
freezing temperatures, exposing the animal to a risk of frostbite and 
hypothermia, among other things.
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C. In addition to causing harm to the animal because of his lack of 
qualification, Logan endangers himself and others if he is permitted to 
keep a wild opossum
83. All wildlife species including opossums can carry diseases and parasites. 
84. A zoonotic disease is a disease passed between animals and humans. There 
are many diseases humans only get by interacting with animals intended to 
live free from human contact, such as opossums. 
85. Wildlife scientists routinely caution people not to get too close to wild 
animals, including opossums, in order to avoid the spread of potentially 
dangerous zoonotic diseases. 
86. It is of course widely recognized that the opossum is heavily parasitized by 
a variety of organisms and is also a reservoir for several zoonotic diseases 
that are potentially deadly to humans and domesticated animals (pets as 
well as livestock). 
87. Among other things, opossums reportedly can be carriers or reservoirs of 
diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, 
spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, herpes virus, salmonella, 
trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Opossums are also well known hosts 
for cat and dog fleas, mites and lice which are known carriers and 
transmitters of disease, especially in urban environments.
88. Although opossums pose little harm to humans in the wild, this cannot be 
said of opossums held in captivity where the animal’s diseases and 
parasites can readily spread to people, pets, livestock and other wildlife that 
would normally not have come into contact with the opossum.
89. Notably, many of the diseases that an opossum can spread to humans are 
subclinical in the animal (i.e., no symptoms are apparent). Yet these same 
diseases in people can cause severe threats to human health. 
90. In gross indifference to this threat, Logan has allowed others to handle the 
animal and be in close proximity to the Opossum Drop cage, thereby 
exposing them to a risk of harm from any number of zoonotic diseases. 
{00130362}
91. Opossums carry salmonella in their saliva. They clean themselves by licking 
their fur placing salmonella on their fur. People who touch the opossum’s 
fur may get salmonella in this manner. 
92. The Opossum Drop features food and drink for human spectators. This 
adds to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases. 
93. There is no evidence that the organizers of the Opossum Drop guard 
against, or caution attendees of, this distinct risk. Because many symptoms 
of zoonotic diseases transmitted by opossums are known to cause “flu like” 
symptoms, Opossum Drop attendees may mistakenly believe to have caught 
ordinary influenza and fail to be diagnosed and properly treated.
94. Although not as common in opossums as other diseases, opossums are 
also carriers of rabies and infected opossums are capable of transmission. 
Therefore, if Logan, his hound dogs, or any other persons or animals are 
bitten by an opossum, this will result in the inevitable killing of the 
opossum because a rabies test will be required that can only be performed 
by killing the opossum. 
95. For the reasons explained below, it is my opinion that issuing a license 
for using a live opossum at the event is not in the best interest of the 
conservation of wildlife resources and not consistent with wildlife 
resources conservation objectives.
96. Just as wild animals can transmit diseases to humans and domesticated 
animals, humans and household pets can transmit diseases to wild animals. 
For this wildlife biologists warn people not to get too close to wild animals, 
in order to avoid the spread of those diseases to wildlife. Virtually 
everything Logan does contradicts this practice and creates an unacceptable 
risk to himself, the public, and other animals.
97. This risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases from humans and pets to 
opossums is an additional reason why a permit for using a live animal at the 
Opossum Drop event should not be issued.
{00130362}
98. Because of the opossums’ lowered immunity, they would be particularly 
susceptible to catching diseases to which they have not previously been 
exposed. In turn, the opossums can spread those diseases to other wild 
animals upon their release back into the wild.
99. Because of the risk of disease transmission, it is not in the best interest of 
wildlife resources conservation to issue a permit for using a live opossum at 
the Opossum Drop.
100.Furthermore, it is contrary to the objectives of wildlife resources 
conservation to grant permits for exploitative events such as the Opossum 
Drop, that involves removing a wild animal from his natural environment to 
be used purely for human entertainment purposes, at the expense of (and 
at the grave risk to) the health and welfare of the wild animal. This sends 
the exact opposite message of any wildlife conservation agency, i.e. wildlife 
belong in the wild. It also sets a poor example for children. Children will 
think that they may approach any wild opossum they find in the wild which 
could expose them to possibly being bitten or scratched besides subjecting 
them to diseases.
101.Issuing a permit for the event would publicly demonstrate that the Wildlife 
Resources Commission condones such mistreatment and will further 
encourage others to apply for similar permits to exploit wild animals for 
their financial gain, amusement, and/or notoriety – to the clear detriment of 
North Carolina’s wildlife resources.
AFFIANT SAYETH NAUGHT
This day of May, 2013.
_____________________________
Mary Cummins
{00130362}
Sworn to and subscribed before me this ________day of May, 2013.


Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit Disclaimer: https://animaladvocatesmarycummins.blogspot.com/p/mary-cummins-disclaimer-freedom-of.html

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Peanut the Squirrel's Owner Sues New York. Major Flaws in their Potential Lawsuit, by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

Photo: Wikipedia, Peanut (squirrel)

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner filed their notice of intention to make a claim against the New York State Department of Conservation for the death of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. You must file a notice within six months of filing a lawsuit to give state a chance to solve issue. They allege unlawful search and seizure, violation of freedom of speech, and other due process violations.

Longo and Bittner stated the incident was the result of alleged "negligence, carelessness, and recklessness" by the state of NY and its agents. They stated they may have violated due process laws by not revealing to a judge their intention to kill the animals after raiding Longo and Bittner's home.

Another alleged issue is that Longo and Bittner stated Peanut and Fred were "companion animals" under the law and not wild animals. This claim was allegedly never discussed in court before the raid, which was another oversight, in their opinion.

"Peanut and Fred were not euthanized, according to the notice, because they weren't sick. Mark and Daniela say the two animals were "executed." That said, Longo and Daniela say they were acting in good faith by trying to get Wildlife Rehabilitators licenses and other permits before the raid occurred.

They will sue for emotional distress, pain and suffering, violations of their constitutional rights and lost wages since Peanut's online presence supplemented their income."

Longo and Daniela's attorney needs to look at relevant Fish & Wildlife laws. They have major flaws in their notice of intent to file a lawsuit. While I agree that the Department handled the situation poorly at least from a public relations standpoint Longo and Daniela knew they never had the legal right to possess wildlife. They were very irresponsible to be widely publicly exhibiting wildlife to the public online especially in a pet-like manner. I warned them as did others. FYI I never reported them. NY rehabbers reported them.

Turns out they were reported over a year ago by NY licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The Department of Conservation contacted them January 2024 and told them to transfer the animals to a licensed facility. Allegedly Longo stated he released them which was a lie.  Longo admitted he knew he needed a permit but didn't have one. He stated he was in the process of getting an "educational permit." Longo and Daniela knew the laws yet continued to violate them which endangered Peanut and Fred who were killed as a result of the actions of Longo and Daniela.

Wildlife is under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Fish & Wildlife. Wildlife is owned collectively by the state. People cannot legally own wildlife. They can never be pets or companion animals. Longo and Daniela did not have permits to possess wildlife. You must have the permits before you possess wildlife. 

Ill, injured and orphaned wildlife must be turned over to licensed permitted wildlife rehabilitators within 48 hours. Wildlife must be possessed according to the law in specific types, sizes of enclosures. How to get a NY wildlife rehabilitation permit. It's not legal to possess wildlife as "pets" or "companion animals." You cannot display animals to the public with the rehabilitation permit. They never would have been allowed to show the animals in a pet like manner because it encourages illegal and improper behavior. 

It is legal in some states to have an exhibit or sanctuary permit for wildlife. You generally need at least two years experience with a permitted person or facility. NY may not allow it though most states do. You need two years experience to rehab Rabies Vector Species animals such as raccoons in New York. You must be approved before you obtain the wild animal. Wildlife that cannot be released back to nature can legally be euthanized. This is not a pet which can only be euthanized due to medical or behavioral condition. Squirrels and raccoons can be dangerous in captivity. I've rehabbed them for over 20 years and know this personally. I've written articles about ex pet squirrels and raccoons. I no longer take them in to try to wild them up for release to the wild. It's too difficult, time consuming and stressful for the animals and me. 

They never had an exhibit permit so they can't sue for lost earnings. They legally were not allowed to make money off or exhibit the animals even just on internet video. All their pain and suffering was the result of their own actions. If they really cared about the animals, they would have gotten them to safety. They could have then gotten proper permits and maybe taken the animals back. I even warned them about these issues and was attacked just for telling them that this would happen. I'm amazed someone didn't report them sooner. I really hoped this couple would do the right thing after people had warned them.

Below is a press release about the situation from PBA of NYS. Longo was given ten months warning before any action was taken. He lied to state agents about the squirrel. The health department ordered the animals killed about the squirrel bit someone when Longo refused to put the squirrel in a carrier. 


I do believe that the situation was handled poorly. The state should have taken the animals to a wildlife rehabilitation facility until things were handled in a better manner. California learned not to instantly kill stray mountain lions and bears. They relocate even thought it's against their own regulations. When they used to euth they got too much hate mail and threats.

References:

STATE COMPILATION OF CODES, RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
TITLE 6. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
CHAPTER I. FISH AND WILDLIFE
SUBCHAPTER J. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
PART 184. WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS


Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

San Diego Sues SeaWorld for $12,000,000 in past due rent. Is the end of SeaWorld near? by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Wikipedia, SeaWorld, mary cummins, animal advocates, lawsuit, san diego, california

The City of San Diego sued SeaWorld for $12,000,000 in past due rent. 

"The city of San Diego sued SeaWorld Thursday for allegedly failing to pay more than $12.2 million in rent, late fees, and interest.

The lawsuit follows a pledge to move forward with litigation if SeaWorld did not pay back rent and other penalties by Wednesday.

SeaWorld has argued the payments were waived because the theme park was forced to shut down for months at a time during the pandemic, while city officials say rent was only deferred.

A representative for SeaWorld said the company did not have anything to add regarding Thursday's filing other than its previous publicly released statement on the matter:

"While as a matter of policy we don't comment on potential litigation, we have enjoyed a long relationship with the city and remain hopeful that we can resolve this matter. We have partnered with the city for nearly 60 years — conducting thousands of animal rescues, numerous recycling drives and many other events. We also have paid more than $146 million in lease payments to the city of San Diego since 2010. We appreciate all the city has done and we look forward to addressing this situation."

The complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court states SeaWorld has underpaid rent between Jan. 1, 2019, and April 30, 2022.

According to the San Diego City Attorney's Office, SeaWorld's minimum rent payments total $10.4 million annually, plus a 3% surcharge under the terms of its lease.

"Although some 800 organizations have similar lease agreements with the city, SeaWorld is the only major city lessee that has remained in default of its rent obligations since the pandemic began," according to a city attorney's office statement.

For more than 50 years, SeaWorld has enjoyed a prime spot along San Diego’s Mission Bay and a good relationship with the city. That may be changing. NBC 7's Audra Stafford has the details.
The San Diego City Council voted 8-0 in May to authorize litigation.

"The city has a right to expect more from a 60-year partnership that has proven quite lucrative for SeaWorld," said San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott. "City taxpayers — many of whom are legitimately struggling to recover from the global pandemic — should not have to absorb SeaWorld's debts and liabilities. We believe a court of law will agree."

SeaWorld, which is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, owns 12 theme parks around the world, employs thousands of people, and welcomes millions of visitors. Last year, they generated $1.7 billion in profits. 

Chris Workman is an attorney who has handled many property rights cases but isn't involved directly in this dispute. He said the matter is a contractual dispute that will likely have to be resolved by a judge. "

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and the Zoological Field - New York City AAZK by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
New York City AAZK hosted an event titled "Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and the Zoological Field" on Zoom October 26, 2021. It was a very informative event which I heard about through my wildlife rehabilitator groups, pages and friends. The event was about recognizing the causes and symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout and how to treat it. I was a few minutes late because of technical issues but I heard all the speakers. It was videotaped so I'll post the link to the video when it's online. 

Here's the video link. It's one hour and 11 minutes.


The event was targeted for zookeepers but wildlife rehabilitators, domestic animal rescuers and private home based pet rescuers can easily relate. Things may be even more stressful for us because not only do we not get paid but we have to pay to house, feed and give veterinary care to the animals not to mention licenses and permits. Some of us have to run a non profit organization on top of that trying to find funds or just paying for the organization out of our own pockets. I personally paid all the bills for Animal Advocates since it was founded in 2002. I stopped counting at $250,000 over ten years ago. I can no longer afford to pay Animal Advocates bills so fewer animals can be rescued today. 

About the event: "In the past year during the pandemic, many keepers have experienced either compassion fatigue, burnout, or both. Both of these issues can impact zookeepers, their facilities and the animals in their care. Join us to learn more about these topics, things you can do to mitigate them, and hear from experts on how to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout at your facility."


Panelists:

Amanda Young: Amanda started her brand while working in the Animal Training field and focused on sharing about her career and love of animals. In 2019, she was laid off from her dream job working with killer whales, due to a company-wide restructuring – that’s when she started really struggling with her (already spiraling) mental health. Instead of hiding it, she chose to share her journey online and began building a like-minded community. She chose to take this moment of hurt and loss with her chin up and chest out – turning this into an opportunity to pivot from working with marine mammals to elephants and other terrestrial mammals.

At the end of 2020, Amanda made one of the hardest decisions to date and walked away from a career she’d spent her entire life working to achieve. She was experiencing unimaginable levels of burnout, compassion fatigue and was barely surviving… it broke her heart, but she knew that she had to prioritize herself and her own mental health if she wanted to be a better human, friend, wife, daughter or sister… let alone run a developing brand she’d created, full-time. It has been FAR from the “picture perfect” life she thought she had planned… but Amanda has come to realize that maybe all her setbacks were actually just setUPs to step into her true potential.

Cassie Len: Cassie, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is dedicated to working with children and families of all backgrounds. Cassie attended Fordham University where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and then worked briefly in the field before returning to graduate school. She completed her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy which focused on understanding how an individual's relationship to their system impacts their daily lives. Cassie began as an intern at a small group collaborative working with couples and families and has since supported clients both within in-home and outpatient practices. Although she enjoys working with all children/adolescents, Cassie has found her passion in helping to support families to navigate various life phases such as age transitions, moves, family changes, etc.  In her free time Cassie enjoys spending time with her dog, watching Boston sports, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.

Sarah Newcomer: From animal trainer to therapist! Sarah worked in the animal care and training field for more than a decade. She has worked with the Miami Seaquarium, US Navy, Moss Landing Marine Labs, and the Milwaukee County Zoo working with bottlenose dolphins, seals, sea lions, and a killer whale. She was a former lead keeper at Tanganyika Wildlife park caring for education animals and a mob of kangaroos, one of which she trained a kangaroo to paint. 

She obtained her psychology degree with a specialization in animal cognition from The Ohio State University. Her love of connecting people with animals while working at the zoo led her to continue her schooling and obtain her MS in Family Therapy at Friends University in Wichita, KS. 
She is an Independently Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who currently works in private practice at Reconnecting Columbus in Columbus, Ohio. She specializes in working with relationships of all shapes and sizes with a focus in repairing sexual intimacy.

The Presentation. Introduction and then slides from Cassie then Sarah. 

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress


Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress



Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress
Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

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Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress

Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and the Zoological Field, New York City AAZK, Animal Advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, Mary Cummins, Los Angeles, California, non-profit organization, real estate appraisal, lawsuit, wildlife, rescue, zoo, animals, stress




Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.


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