[nagdu] our efforts with zoos

Tue Nov 11 03:29:03 UTC 2014

I don't get this opposition to our work with the zoos and the animals. In
Kansas, we began working on this issue in the 1980s when zoos wanted to be
exempted from the White Cane law so that dogs couldn't be allowed in. Since
then there have been other experiences, and we had the folks from the zoo
association, (Sorry, Marion) at NAGDU. The animals are not likely to get
upset if the dogs are there. I took mine to the zoo in Louisville and no
animals were upset. As I recall from reading the article, they are working
to have the animals, or some of them maybe, meet the dogs a little, but
there is really no reason why dogs should not go to zoos. I think some of
the biggest concerns we heard in Kansas was a fear that our dogs would give
the animals diseases. Some of the veterinarians said they would be less
concerned about the dogs and more concerned about some people who come in
the zoos. Animals are kept in safe places. I guess there are some that are
in habitat, and I don't know how this is dealt with, but children are more
likely to upset animals than are the dogs, yet children are allowed in zoos.
And the same thing applies that does everywhere else. If the handler does
not have control over the dog and it is acting out, then they gotta leave,
or at least the dog does.

Cindy

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Aaron Cannon via
nagdu
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 8:21 PM
To: Shannon Dyer; NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog
Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] our efforts with zoos

Hi Shannon.

This makes me sad.  I wonder what exactly folks assume that NAGDU is doing.
I suggest that folks carefully read
http://harnessup.wordpress.com/2014/09/12/bringing-the-animals-to-the-zoo/
before jumping to the conclusion that the NAGDU leadership has plans to
upset wild animals, or that they have been thinking only of themselves.

After reading the above linked article, I hope that folks will realize that
if NAGDU wasn't considering the well-being of all involved, they would
hardly be working with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to develop a
training program, and to explore ways "to address the real concerns that are
unique to live wild animal exhibits by creating sound solutions to these
issues and concerns."

Aaron

On 11/10/14, Shannon Dyer via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I have those same concerns. We're dealing with wild animals. Sure, 
> they're behind fences, in cages, etc., but do we need to upset them? I 
> understand that we have rights, but we need to think of someone 
> besides ourselves for a bit. If someone's dog were to be harmed by a 
> zoo animal, people would wonder why someone brought a dog into a place 
> filled with wild animals who might see a dog as prey of some kind. 
> Honestly, I don't see a problem with service dogs not going to zoos. I 
> know some people will say it's a matter of principle, but with 
> unemployment so high in this community, technology so expensive, and 
> tons of education needed in order for us to be seen as equals, why do 
> we want to focus time, money, and effort into something like this? Why 
> can't we say that something that might not be good for us might be 
> good for the animals in the zoos, and for the safety of our dogs? Why must
we push every envelope just because we can?
>
> Shannon and the Acelet
> On Nov 10, 2014, at 2:28 PM, Aleeha Dudley via nagdu 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>     Some discussion on another list made me think of this. I know 
>> that NAGDU is working to improve access for guide dog handlers to 
>> zoos. I've never taken my dog to a zoo, mainly because I think 
>> they're boring, but I would like to know what the organization is 
>> trying to accomplish with this effort. There was some concern on the 
>> other list, and frankly I agree with some of it, that the dog's 
>> presence could upset the other animals or vice versa. Could someone 
>> please fill me in on what policies are like now and what we, as NAGDU,
are trying to do?
>> Others' thoughts on this subject would also be appreciated.
>> Thanks,
>> Aleeha
>>
>> --
>> Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Yellow Labrador Dallas Vice President, 
>> Ohio Association of Blind Students
>> Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com
>> Follow me on Twitter at @blindcowgirl199
>>
>> The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.
>> - Arabian Proverb
>>
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