God Bless You Kovu...

I just saw this posting on Facebook today...  needless to say, this posting came as a complete surprise as I have not seen any other past postings that Kovu was doing so poorly at "Safe Haven."

Safe Haven Rescue Zoo

September 9, 2014

 

We are very saddened by the loss of our beloved African lion Kovu Over the past eight months, Kovu had exhibited weakness in his back legs and was less active. He had difficulty jumping up on his platform and into his lockout. His legs would buckle and then he would gain control of them, but his condition continued to worsen.
Dr. Lesli Hewitt, Safe Haven’s facility veterinarian, sedated and examined Kovu, took Xrays of his spine and back legs and ran blood work. His spine... showed significant degeneration and unfortunately, our only option was to put him on Prednisone. The Prednisone had worked for several months but whenever we tried to reduce his dosage with the hope of weaning him off, he would again, lose control of his back legs and he would have to go back to his higher dose for him to have any quality of life. Long-term use of Prednisone has many negative effects including liver and kidney damage.

He stopped eating over the weekend and became listless to the point where he was no longer moving about his enclosure. We felt the most humane option was euthanasia. He was sedated and passed peacefully.
An unfortunate aspect of rescuing exotics is that many come in with previous health issues. Kovu had arrived at Safe Haven in 2010 with signs of ataxia (shaky, wobbling gait) in his front legs that was believed to have been caused from an inappropriate diet as a juvenile.
My favorite memories of Kovu will be his sprinting after Ifaw to tackle him and start grooming him. Sadly, he had stopped doing that for some time now. This is a terrible loss for us and he will be very much missed at Safe Haven.
We will keep our doors open in the event another lion needs a new home and hopefully Ifaw will someday have a new friend.

 

 

 

Right now I am feeling very sad that another beautiful WAO animal has passed away.

 

WAO believed Kovu was born on or about July 14, 2000 and relocated to the WAO on December 4, 2001 along with 22 tigers and lions from the so-called Gate Keepers Animal Sanctuary formerly run by Ken Alvarez near Rapid City, South Dakota.   Kovu was such a handsome young cub when I first saw him so many years ago.  He spent the majority of his years at the WAO and yes, I agree that he received a horrible diet during his juvenile development years, to include most of his adult life. 

 

An animal sanctuary, yep you read that right, an animal sanctuary was directly responsible for Kovu's poor health care and not a private animal owner.  Now you know why animal sanctuaries should be under the same, if not greater, scrutiny as private animal owners.  Too many animals died a horrible death at the WAO and no one, I repeat no one, in the government did a darn thing to help save those animals. 

 

I don't think I will ever overcome the sadness I feel when of I think of animals, such as Kovu, who should have lived a long and happy life, had his life cut short because of the poor care he received from an exotic animal sanctuary.

Poor IFAW...he will miss his brother very, very much.  He must be so lonely now--he is all alone.

 

God Bless you Kovu...may the Lord walk with you in Heaven forever and ever...Amen.

 

Kovu - August 5, 2014



Kovu - April 10, 2014

 

Trust But Verify

As I wait and wait and wait for the results from my Public Information Request from the Texas Office of the Attorney General (they have until October 3, 2014 to respond), I got to thinking about non-profits in general.  I'm asked all the time what I think of non-profits.  I feel like I'm in an excellent position, after eight long years of writing about various so-called "non-profits," to render an opinion on the subject.  Here is what I have learned thus far:

It is super easy to apply for non-profit status:

It is super easy to obtain "charitable" status with the IRS--all you have to do is fill out a few forms and presto you too can have instant tax exemption status for your brand new "charity."  According to America's 50 Worst Charities Exposed, 99.8 percent of applicants were approved after they simply filled out a form!

Scam artists show up in the wake of every disaster. Like vultures circling above road kill, they swoop in on any opportunity to take advantage of the disadvantaged, capitalizing on your compassion and manipulating your emotion.

Charities and nonprofits are the perfect vehicles in which these scammers can hide in plain sight. “Charitable organizations” run the gamut from upright and successful, to well meaning but incompetent, to corrupt, greedy and devious—and everything in between.

How do you know where a particular organization fits along this spectrum? We’d all like to think our hard-earned dollars are going to be used for the highest good,but how do we really know?

Yes, how do we really know?  It became clear to me during the WAO investigation that the IRS does not verify the information printed on the non-profits' 990s (tax return) nor does it conduct random audits of those tax-free charities.  It was obvious that the IRS does not verify the Board or highest paid salaries of employees working for the non-profit against their actual individual tax returns.  A classic example of this type of fraud can be seen here.   I would not be surprised if this type of illegal behavior happens a lot more than most people think.

Then there's the tax exemption status that non-profits love to use at grocery stores, home improvement stores, etc.  Who's going to challenge a non-profit's purchases for various personal items and trips as seen by the WAO and the recent thievery case by  TWS' executive director?  The IRS?  I don't think so.

All those expensive trips taken...all the gifts purchased for family and friends...all the non-charitable-related items acquired by the thieving executive directors at the organization's expense...whose going to challenge those purchases?  The IRS?  The non-profit's board of directors?  I think not.

There is an incredible lack of accountability by the IRS when it comes to charitable organizations.  The IRS was informed as to the illegal activities that took place at the WAO and they did nothing to stop them. Just a wink and nod and it was back to business as usual for Carol Asvestas.  I have no doubt that TWS received the same wink and nod from the IRS for all the thievery that took place by "Thieving Thies".

I especially love when non-profits submit their tax returns one to three years LATE and no one from the IRS charges these non-profit with "late penalties."  Why should any non-profit organization submit its tax return LATE if it is keeping track of the monies coming into the organization and how much money was used to fund various program expenditures.  A credible organization should have its books in order and in inspectable condition at all times--there is no excuse why a non-profit should not proudly display its last five (5) tax returns on the website homepage.

Shouldn't you know how your donations are used?  Did you know that many non-profits now use your donations to fund political action committees?  So let's say you think you're donating towards animal care and feeding, when in reality your money is going to a PAC--would you be happy to learn how your money was really used?  I can't emphasize enough how important it is to see the non-profit tax returns BEFORE you donate one thin dime. Look at the salaries paid to the managers/directors and workers.  Look at the salaries paid to the BOD.  Look at how much money goes toward other "causes" than the ones you thought you were donating towards.  You will be amazed at how some of your donations are really used.

How some non-profit advertises on Facebook, Twitter, and it's Newsletter.

Nothing tugs the old heart strings than a cute picture of a kitten, tiger or lion cub.  Often times, the pictures you see of the animals are close-up shots--where all the animals look fluffy, cute, and adorable.  Look closely...is the background faded out?  Can you see the full-length of the animals' body and his enclosure or outdoor space?  Are there more pictures of the cubs and kittens, and less and less pictures of the older adult animals?  This is all about deceptive advertising.  For you see, you'll be more incline to donate towards a cute little critter than a full-grown adult.  If the enclosures are small or on concrete, well that's no problem for today's photographer--all you have to do is take a head shot and fade out the background.  Cat too skinny to show the body?  No problem, just show the cat's head only.  Is the animal sick?  No problem--just don't take a picture of the sick cat and no one on Facebook or Twitter will ever know.  Animal passed away--no problem...just don't make mention of the animal's passing on Facebook or Twitter.  Or even better, mention the animal passed away in a newsletter weeks later so that no one can respond to the death in a public way.

What breaks my heart is when an animal dies at a sanctuary, for whatever reason, and the workers/volunteers are told not to post or tweet about the animals' passing.  Sssshhhh...it's a secret. Don't want the media or donors to learn about the animals deaths or answer any "awkward" real-time questions on the Facebook or Twitter pages, now do we?

Bonnie

Would you want to donate money to a sanctuary that tells its workers/volunteers to keep secrets from the public?  Would you want to donate towards a sanctuary that sugar-coats what really happens to its animals? Here's an example:  It came to my attention that In-Sync Exotics has not been posting updates on the serious illnesses or deaths of some of its residents on  Facebook anymore.  Here is a Facebook thread where one person questioned why the deaths of Bonnie and Kshama were not made public:

Kelley Harshman‎In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center

August 1 at 12:42pm · Atlanta, GA ·

Were there posts about Kshama and Bonnie? I don't remember seeing anything. 

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center We didn't necessarily make public posts, but we have been answering anyone's questions about them.

Like · Reply · August 3 at 10:27am

Cynthia Almand What happened to those beautiful tigers?

Like

 · August 10 at 8:15pm  

Kelley Harshman Very sad. They were beautiful ladies :(

 · August 3 at 10:38am

• In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center Thanks. We are all pretty devastated

  Like · August 4 at 8:00pm

Kshama

As of  this date, there was no response made to Facebook regarding Cynthia's question. So much for answer any one's questions about them, huh?  Remember workers/volunteers/donors/visitors...Kshama and Bonnie's death is a secret...sssshhhhh....

Should folks only donate money towards those sanctuaries that are either verified or  accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) or American Sanctuary Association?

Just because a sanctuary receives verification or accreditation status does not mean the sanctuary uses its donations wisely; ensures a safe and secure environment for its animals and staff; or adheres to the philosophy or standards since forth by the accrediting agencies.  Let's face it, there are GFAS and/or ASA members whom have violated GFAS and ASA's own criteria and should have been discredited by now.  Unfortunately, politics have a way of infiltrating accreditation organizations.

GFAS and ASA, like the IRS, requires interested sanctuaries to fill out an application and be willing to meet with a representative for a scheduled facility visit to verify that the "new" member operates under the GFAS or ASA's established guidelines. I seriously doubt there are annual surprise follow-up visits to ensure the sanctuary maintains the standards set forth by the agencies. 

How do I know this?  Well, let's look at Wildcat Haven, a GFAS verified and ASA accredited sanctuary, where in 2014 the only employee working that evening, caring for all the big and small exotic cats, died in a cougar enclosure. Did this situation meet GFAS or ASA's worker to animal ratio criteria?  How about the actions of "Thieving Thies"?  Did her pilfering of the sanctuary's coffers meet accredited GFAS criteria?  How about In-Sync Exotic, a sanctuary that allows free roaming public access to the sanctuary and its animals. Granted, there are staff and volunteers cleaning cages during "touring" times, but not enough folks to cover the entire facility.  

Several of the ISE board members are very passionate about ordinary people owning and playing with exotic animals, saying that this type of "ownership" should be prohibited, yet their very own executive director is often seen publicly hugging and petting ISE tigers, lions, cougars and other exotic cats as if they were her own pets. This is not a secret as the director is often seen entering animal enclosures, playing with the cats during public events or during "tour" times.  It does make me wonder how GFAS and ASA feels about one of its sanctuaries publicly playing with exotic animals since animal interaction is supposed to be a no-no. Now I personally do not have anything against ISE staff and board members petting and playing with its animals. If they do not have a problem with it, then why would I have a problem with it.  I do have a problem with GFAS accreditation process though.  It's just not, well...credible.

Had GFAS or ASA followed up on these sanctuaries and many more, with no notice, I'm sure they would be very surprised at what they would learn.  Of course the excuses would flow--not enough paid workers, not enough volunteers, not enough donations, blah, blah, blah--and I'm sure the inspected facility would get a pass for its good intentions and not actually for its "deeds."

Am I saying there are no good sanctuaries out there?  No, I'm not saying that. Nor am I saying ISE is a bad sanctuary because it allows its staff to interact with its animals--it's obvious they care about their animals very much, but it's more on the level of "pet ownership" than  a true "sanctuary ownership". 

It's always a good idea to thoroughly check out any non-profit before you donate-- and remember...trust but verify.  You can't go wrong if you do.

Where Are They Now?

Now that the WAO case is closed (I'm still waiting for the final confirmation from the OAG--incidentally, last mail to the OAG was completely ignored--typical) I thought it would be interesting to know what some of the WAO "characters" are up to:

Carol Asvestas still runs her so-called non-profit organization--but, according to a source, she no longer shelters animals on her property.  According to her own ASAP website, the organization is going in a "new" direction:

http://www.animalasap.org/

Animals ASAP is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent the law allows.

ASAP’s Mission and Primary Goals

ASAP, Animal Shelter Assistance Program Inc is a unique organization, formed to assist crippled, blind and other animals in emergency situations throughout the United States. Hundreds of handicapped animals are euthanized because of the initial and continual cost of medical care. Animal shelters are over loaded with unwanted animals, therefore ASAP assists shelters by accepting these unfortunate animals.

ASAP will not allow animal’s to suffer. If a veterinarian recommends euthanasia because the animal will be in pain and suffering for the rest of its life, then the veterinarian’s advice will be accepted.

ASAP’s immediate goals are to construct a quality facility for these animals, open a store front and unite crippled animals with crippled children.
ASAP will help shelters that need temporary assistance with animal’s displaced during natural disasters.

ASAP will also help shelters with abandoned baby animals need bottle feeding.

Asap Board - 062514 - Business Organizations Inquiry - View Entity

ASAP Articles as of September 30, 2014

Noticed that Behaine is no longer on the board--just three people who have no idea how to run a non-profit and yet they will be ultimately responsible if and when it is revealed that Carol Asvestas used donor contributions for personal use--again.  I was told that Carol was bragging that no one can touch her because she is not "responsible" for the non-profit ASAP--only the board members.  If the three board members were smart, they would seize control of ASAP and shut it down right away.  But because they are totally in the dark as to what is really happening at 9488 Leslie Road, they may have to suffer the consequences once it gets out this is just another "scam" set up by Carol Asvestas.

From what I understand, Carol got rid of about 20 animals (all the dogs and cats) with the exception of one dog that is now dubbed her "disabled" poster dog for ASAP and possibly two other dogs.  As to where the animals were taken?  Who knows.  But I can tell you this, I doubt they all found wonderful "forever" homes.  It wouldn't surprise me to learn that she had the animals dumped somewhere in the outskirts of Bexar County, like the area around Talley Road, again.

Michelle Anthony Cryer still works at the same vet clinic and not surprisingly, she got into quite a bit of legal trouble last year:

                             Case 2013CI10021                               

Selection: __  Case Nbr: 2013CI10021____  Qualifier __________________________

Style: STATE FARM COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF TEXA vs MICHELLE D ANTHO

Court: 073     Docket Type: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT           Status: PENDING

Actions:(A,M,P)       Unpaid Balance:       0.00  Account Number:            

    Seq   Date Filed      Reel    Image     Page Cnt                         

              CIT/PPS                                                         

 _  00005 06/14/2013                                                         

    DESC: SERVICE ASSIGNED TO CLERK 3                                        

 _  00006 01/31/2014                                                          

    DESC: MOTION FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT                                        

              AFFIDAVIT OF PAUL VAN                                          

              AFFIDAVIT'S OF TINA M BAILEY                                   

              CERTIFICATE OF ADDRESS:                                        

              MICHELLE DEAN ANTHONY,                                         

              AKA MICHELLE ANTHONY CRYER       

Motion of Entry for Default Judgment Against Michelle Anthony Cryer 

Makes one wonder if a former WAO vehicle was involved?  There was no mention as to the types of vehicles involved in the accident.  Inquiring minds would like to know!

Next is Mary and Michelle Reininger.  I prayed they'd never be allowed to work at another animal sanctuary ever again based on their horrible track record of protecting and defending the lives of the animals that were under their care at the WAO.  Sadly, my prayers were NOT answered--they are working at another animal sanctuary.  The sisters now live in Louisiana and work at Chimp Haven.

I pray that they treat the Chimp Haven residents much better than they did at the WAO.  

Then there is one of the former WAO board members that thought the San Antonio Zoo was worse than the WAO (comment made back in 2006)--Laura Mireles.  

Interesting enough it looks like Laura has legal problems of her own...

  CASE NUMBER 442675 displayed successfully                                     

  Bexar County         Criminal Justice Information System            07/03/2014 
     Texas                          Case Page                          16:00:12 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    Court    Case Number    Defendant Name                             Date of  
    CC5      442675         MIRELES, ALICIA LAURA                       Birth   
                                                                      05/07/1955 
        Offense Description                Level Sex: FEMALE                    
   11/07/2013 DWI W/BAC 0.15 OR HIGHER      MA  Race: LATIN/MEXICAN             
   Location    : ON BOND                                                        
   Last Setting: 09/22/2014 TRIAL            Grand Jury: 11/07/2013 FILED       
   Case  Status: 09/22/2014 AWTG TRIAL                                          
   Disposition :                                                                
   Judgement   :                               Bond: MAD 11/07/2013 1000.00     
   Start:             End:                     By: BAIL BONDS, PERSONAL PROGRAM 

Oh how wonderful.

Ron Asvestas reportedly spends most of his time in bars--drinking his life away. 

Later: On Oct 2, 2014, Laura entered a plea of nolo contendere - GUILTY. She was fined $700, $422 in court costs and it looks like 90 days in jail.

  Court    Case Number    Defendant Name                            
  CC5      442675         MIRELES, ALICIA LAURA                  
                                                                 
 Offense Description                Level Sex: FEMALE            
 11/07/2013 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED     MB  Race: LATIN/MEXICAN      
 Location    : CLOSED                                                  
 Last Setting: 12/12/2013 ARRAIGNMENT      Grand Jury: 11/07/2013 FILED
 Case  Status: 08/01/2015 *** JN CLOSED ***                            
 Disposition : 10/02/2014 NOLO CT-GUILTY                              
 Judgement   : 10/02/2014 SENTENCE-FINE+TERM Bond: CLS 10/02/2014 1000.00
 Start: 10/02/2014  End:                     By: BAIL BONDS, PERSONAL PRO
                          Yrs Mo Dy Hrs
                          Term:        90  
                          Fine:     700.00
                          Court Cost:     422.00
                                                               
I also learned from LinkedIn that Ron and his son Aaron is starting a new "scam" business called A & R Associates.  Again, how wonderful.

Much Later:

Karma visits Ron Asvestas.

Ron Asvestas Medical_Expense Fund by Aaron Guero Asvestas - GoFundMe