The Pegasus Foundation2004 Annual Report |
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INTRODUCTION
As a private independent foundation, The Pegasus Foundation works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals in the United States, Caribbean, Bahamas and the Navajo Nation by reducing animal suffering and cruelty, and by protecting wildlife habitats. The Foundation seeks to engage the public to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.The Foundation believes that all forms of life warrant compassion and respect, and that human beings must strive to make the world a more humane place for all living things.
In addition to grantmaking, the Pegasus Foundation seeks to inspire collaborations by sharing information, organizing meetings, and facilitating communications. Partnership building is an integral part of how the Pegasus Foundation operates. The Foundation forms alliances with those who are interested in achieving similar goals through continual network building.
PEGASUS FOUNDATION 2004 HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY: The Pegasus Foundation co-sponsored with the Robert T. Wilson Foundation a meeting of 12 organizations providing animal welfare services on the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States. The meeting led to several collaborative efforts throughout the year, including two joint spay/neuter clinics that resulted in the sterilization of almost 500 dogs and cats.FEBRUARY: Pegasus co-sponsored an awards program for animal law held at Harvard Law School.
MARCH: The Foundation opened a new office in West Palm Beach, Florida that is co-located with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. As part of increasing its visibility on Florida’s East Coast, Pegasus also hosted a number of meetings in West Palm Beach, including two humane education workshops.
APRIL: The Pegasus Foundation acquired the Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary in Florida, which houses a cat rescue organization and will soon also include an equine rescue, as well as programs in disaster response and humane education. This new affiliate also launched its own Web site: www.CaringFields.org
MAY: Pegasus co-sponsored the Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The conference, hosted by the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, was attended by over 100 representatives of animal protection organizations from across the Caribbean. In addition to helping to organize and fund the conference, Pegasus raised an additional $14,000 to underwrite expenses. JUNE: Pegasus launched a new Web site of resources for Caribbean animal protection groups: www.CaribbeanAnimalWelfare.org
JULY/AUGUST: The Foundation organized two fundraising events for grantees: a July event for the Cape Cod Stranding Network garnered $15,000, and an August event for the Greater Yellowstone Wildlife Alliance raised $16,000.
SEPTEMBER: Compassionate Traveler, an initiative designed and developed by Pegasus, was successfully transferred to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The move will greatly increase Compassionate Traveler’s visibility among PETA’s international network of 800,000 supporters and 3 million monthly visitors to PETA Web sites.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: During the 2004 hurricane season, Pegasus coordinated distribution of information on Caribbean animal disaster relief efforts. Following the hurricane season, Pegasus rebuilt the Caring Fields barn and provided emergency relief funding for various animal protection efforts throughout Florida and the Caribbean.
NOVEMBER: Pegasus was one of a select group of organizations invited to participate in the Manatee Forum, organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The meeting, the first of several gatherings, brought together environmental and animal welfare organizations, boating and fishing groups, coastal developers, marine manufacturers, manatee researchers and government agencies to work toward solutions and resolve differences regarding manatee protection.
DECEMBER: In partnership with the Defenders of Wildlife, the Pegasus Foundation organized a meeting to create the Florida Endangered Species Network. The new network will assist in coordinating more than a dozen organizations working to protect a wide range of endangered plants, birds, mammals, and reptiles throughout Florida.
PEGASUS FOUNDATION SIGNATURE PROJECT:
Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary
Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary, in Palm City, Florida, became an affiliate of the Pegasus Foundation in 2004. The 23-acre sanctuary was established to house non-profit organizations that help homeless or abused horses and cats. Hobe Sound Animal Protection League (HSAPL) currently operates a cattery at Caring Fields. Rescued homeless cats are re-socialized at the sanctuary before being adopted into new homes. In 2004, Caring Fields housed approximately 60 cats at any given time.
Caring Fields also has a 20-stall barn and 15 acres of fields for an organization that rescues abused and neglected horses, and then rehabilitates them for foster home placement and eventual adoption. Discussions between Pegasus and the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) began in 2004 and led to ERAF plans to move horses to Caring Fields by mid-2005.
While the goal of both HSAPL and ERAF is to rehabilitate and re-home animals in their care, Caring Fields serves as a permanent home to those horses and cats that cannot be adopted, so these animals will be nurtured the rest of their lives in safe surroundings.
Pegasus began plans in 2004 to develop two additional programs at Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary: humane education and disaster response. The Sanctuary plans to work with county officials, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and other organizations charged with disaster response on Florida's Treasure Coast. During times of disaster, the Sanctuary will be made available as a temporary refuge for horses.
The Pegasus Foundation also is developing a humane education program for the Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary that will focus on two primary principles:*Animals have inherent value in and of themselves, and each animal has the right to be treated as an individual with individual needs.
*It is the responsibility of all people to demonstrate character and compassion in their dealings with animals. This includes making a commitment when adopting an animal that the animal will remain with the adopter the rest of the animal’s life.
The ultimate goal of the Caring Fields humane education program is to envision the day when sanctuaries are no longer needed because all animals have lifetime homes where they will be cared for and nurtured.
More information about Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary is at: www.CaringFields.org
PEGASUS FOUNDATION SIGNATURE PROJECT:
Caribbean Animal Welfare
The Caribbean Animal Welfare Initiative addresses a wide range of animal welfare issues, including dog and cat population control; reduction of free-roaming animals through education, legislation, and sterilization; animal cruelty and its links to crimes including interpersonal violence; and incorporation of animal welfare issues into disaster planning.
Since 1997, the Pegasus Foundation has supported animal welfare programs on islands in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Foundation’s Caribbean Animal Welfare Initiative, launched in 2002, has three primary goals: 1) Provide funding for companion animal welfare programs in the Bahamas and the Caribbean; 2) Expand communications with and among all island-based animal welfare organizations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean; and 3) Provide additional resources and training opportunities to increase the capacity of Caribbean animal welfare organizations.The highlight of the Initiative’s 2004 efforts was the Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference, held May 21-23 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The conference drew 100 attendees from 12 islands that represented animal welfare organizations, social service agencies and police departments. Conference presentations focused on two broad topics: the connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence; and best practices in humane control of stray and feral dogs and cats. The Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference was hosted and co-sponsored by the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. Other sponsors included the Pegasus Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International, the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, ASPCA, Animal Welfare Trust, Millennium Management VI, and PetsMart Charities.
Other accomplishments of the Caribbean Animal Welfare Initiative over the past two years include expanding the Caribbean Animal Welfare E-mail group from fewer than 20 members to more than 70; Pegasus site visits to more than a dozen Caribbean islands; and Pegasus grants totaling $120,000 to fund animal welfare programs on 16 islands throughout the region.
In addition to the ongoing focus on spay/neuter programs, humane education, and legislation, 2005 efforts will also focus on disaster planning and response, as well as the need to evaluate program results. The Foundation will also work with various partners to plan the next Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference, scheduled to take place in 2006 in Antigua.
For more information, visit: www.CaribbeanAnimalWelfare.org
PEGASUS FOUNDATION SIGNATURE PROJECT:
Navajo Nation Animal Welfare Partners
The Pegasus Foundation and the Robert T. Wilson Foundation co-sponsored a January 2004 meeting in Flagstaff of 25 individuals representing more than a dozen organizations involved in Navajo Nation animal welfare. The Pegasus Foundation later set up the Navajo Animals E-mail group so participants could continue to exchange information and ideas.
In early May, two Pegasus grantees, the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) and Plateauland Mobile Veterinary Clinic, were joined by the Arizona Humane Society in operating a joint mobile spay/neuter clinic in Shiprock, New Mexico. The clinic resulted in 265 free spay/neuter surgeries and 905 vaccinations; 500 free collars and 270 free identification tags were also distributed. SNAP and Plateauland presented humane education programs to 1,500 elementary and middle school students. Other partners included the Navajo Nation Veterinary Program, Best Friends Animal Society, and PetsMart Charities.
A second joint spay/neuter clinic was held in July in Kayenta, Arizona, with the same organizations participating. The clinic resulted in a total of 203 sterilizations and 400 vaccinations. Also in July, several rescue groups obtained permission from Navajo Animal Control to remove almost 70 unclaimed dogs captured during a roundup of stray animals in Kayenta. The groups relocated the dogs to various Arizona and Colorado shelters, where they were put up for adoption.In October, the Northern Arizona Second Chance Center for Animals in Flagstaff held its grand opening. The Second Chance Center, which received initial funding from the Robert T. Wilson Foundation, will build upon the efforts of the Plateauland Mobile Veterinary Clinic. This 20,000 square-foot facility is now the largest shelter in northern Arizona. The Second Chance Center’s mission is to alleviate companion animal suffering throughout Native American Reservations and other communities in northern Arizona by providing temporary shelter, adoption services, low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter services, and humane education.
In 2005, the Pegasus Foundation will continue to work with the Second Chance Center, SNAP, the Navajo Nation Veterinary Program, and all organizations participating in the Navajo Animal Welfare Partnership to improve the lives of Navajo Nation animals and people.
For more information, visit: www.desertanimalcompanions.org
PEGASUS FOUNDATION SIGNATURE PROJECT:
Florida Endangered Species Network
Since 1997, the Pegasus Foundation has worked to protect the manatee, one of Florida’s most beloved endangered species. Through the Foundation’s work on this issue, Pegasus recognized a gap in the larger picture of protecting endangered species throughout Florida due to a lack of coordination among the various groups working on these issues. In order to increase the effectiveness of endangered species efforts from around the state, Pegasus began working in 2004 with the Florida Director of Defenders of Wildlife to develop the Florida Endangered Species Network. The concept of a network was first introduced by the Pegasus Foundation at the annual Everglades Coalition Conference in January 2004. In June, the Foundation organized a brainstorming meeting, gathering a small group of state and national environmental and endangered species experts to explore the potential of this initiative. Following the initial brainstorming session, Pegasus continued in its partnership with Defenders of Wildlife to organize in December a larger gathering of 25 key Florida endangered species leaders both from environmental organizations as well as from the scientific community. At this meeting, among discussions of goals, strategies, and mission, the Florida Endangered Species Network was formed.
As the concept of a network developed throughout 2004, several key points emerged:
*Florida has several unique natural places, including the Panhandle, the Keys, and the Everglades, which support a myriad of extraordinary animal and plant species.
*Endangered species can only be protected if their habitats and ecosystems are preserved.
*Protecting endangered species and their habitats also protects Florida’s quality of life.
*Preserving the federal Endangered Species Act is critical to endangered species protection in Florida.
The network’s plans for 2005 include trainings and briefings on key issues, engaging scientists in publicity efforts, and communications to the broader Florida community on endangered species issues. The collective wisdom and power of a unified group is already proving itself to be effective in meeting the challenges of protecting endangered species in a state with enormous pressures on its natural resources.
PEGASUS FOUNDATION 2004 GRANTS
The Pegasus Foundation concentrates its funding efforts on three priorities: wildlife and habitat protection, companion animal welfare, and education and outreach.Companion Animal Welfare: The Pegasus Foundation focuses its companion animal funding on spay-neuter services and humane education in several specific economically challenged regions: the Navajo Nation and the islands of the Bahamas and the Caribbean. In addition, a number of companion animal welfare programs in Florida receive Foundation support. The Foundation recently expanded companion animal funding to include use of chemical sterilants such as Neutersol.
Wildlife and Habitat: The Foundation’s wildlife funding centers on broad public outreach and advocacy campaigns designed to protect species significant to a region’s ecosystem, specifically bison in Montana and manatees and other endangered species in Florida. Additional funds support wildlife and habitat protection programs on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Education and Outreach: The Foundation also supports several special initiatives that educate the general public and engage others in animal and environmental advocacy and protection. Education and outreach funding typically is directly related to the Foundation’s existing grantees. The Foundation is interested in expanding education and outreach funding to animal protection organizations seeking resources for disaster preparation, response, and training.
2004 GRANTS TOTALED: $173,675
COMPANION ANIMAL WELFARE: $102,175
Caribbean Animal Welfare:
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (U.S. Virgin Islands) - $7,500
Global Wildlife Resources (Antigua/Barbuda) - $7,500
International Veterinary Assistance (St. Lucia and St. Eustatius) - $6,000
Puppy Angels (Anguilla) - $2,500
Humane Society of Puerto Rico - $5,000
Save a Sato Foundation (Puerto Rico) - $2,500
Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society - $2,500
Humane Society International (scholarship for St. Lucia Animal Protection Society to attend Animal Care Expo) - $925
Disaster Relief:Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (Cayman Islands relief efforts) - $1,500
HSI Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund (Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica and Grenada) - $1,000
Humane Society of the United States (Florida) - $1,000
Navajo Nation Animal Welfare:
Spay-Neuter Assistance Program - $50,000
Second Chance Foundation - $11,000
Other Companion Animal Welfare:
First Coast No More Homeless Pets (launch of Spay Florida statewide network) - $1,000
Hobe Sound (Florida) Animal Protection League - $1,000
Alley Cat Allies - $1,000
Homecoming Farms - $250
WILDLIFE AND HABITAT PROTECTION: $51,000
Yellowstone Bison Protection: Cold Mountain, Cold Rivers (Buffalo Field Campaign) - $2,500
Greater Yellowstone Coalition (Greater Yellowstone Wildlife Alliance) - $20,000
Fund for Animals (bison litigation) - $2,500
Massachusetts Wildlife:
Cape Cod Stranding Network - $5,000
National Marine Life Center - $5,000
Center for Coastal Studies - $5,000
HSUS Cape Wildlife Center - $5,000
Elephant Protection:
International Fund for Animal Welfare (Amboseli elephant project) - $2,500
Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee - $2,000
ASPCA (education about circus elephant abuse) - $500
Disaster Relief:
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary - $1,000
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: $20,500
Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference:
Various grantees and vendors - $10,000
Compassionate Traveler:
International Wildlife Coalition - $5,000
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - $5,000
Pegasus Awards:
National Animal Advocacy Competition - $500
MEMBERSHIPS
The Pegasus Foundation is a member of the following organizations:*Animal Grantmakers
*Cape Cod Stranding Network
*CGBD Marine Funders Working Group
*Endangered Species Coalition
*Environmental Grantmakers Association
*Everglades Coalition
*Florida Environmental Funders
*Greater Yellowstone Wildlife Alliance
*Manatee Coalition
*Marine Mammal Funders
*Marine Mammal Protection Coalition
*Martin County Conservation Alliance
PEGASUS FOUNDATION GOALS FOR 2005
Companion Animal Welfare:
*Continue the expansion and development of the Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary programs: equine rescue, cat rescue, disaster response and humane education.
*Strengthen Navajo Nation animal welfare programs through support of partner organizations.
*Expand the Caribbean Animal Welfare Initiative by developing new partnerships, planning additional training opportunities, and enhancing availability of resources.
*Develop partnerships and sponsorships for the 2006 Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference, to be held in Antigua.
Wildlife:
*Continue to develop the Florida Endangered Species Network by offering trainings and briefings on key issues, supporting network teams, engaging scientists, and reaching out to the broader Florida community on endangered species issues.
*Assist in transition of leadership in coordinating the manatee coalition from the Pegasus Foundation to other organizations. Continue active participation in the Manatee Forum.
*Support Sharing the Waterways with Wildlife, a boater education program in Florida.
*Assist in developing partnership opportunities for the Cape Cod Stranding Network and the Cape Wildlife Center.
*Advance plans to relocate the Cape Cod Stranding Network from a shared facility to its own building.
Education and Outreach:
*Host the Animal Grantmakers 2005 annual meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida.
PEGASUS FOUNDATION CONTACT INFORMATION
Pegasus Foundation Program Offices:27 Merrimack Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-225-3918
Fax: 603-225-4624
1000 Main Street
P.O. Box 79
West Barnstable, MA 02668
Phone: 508-375-6355
Fax: 603-225-4624
700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 101
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561-835-2025
Fax: 561-835-3772
167 Third Avenue North
Naples, FL 34102
Phone: 239-403-7979
Fax: 239-436-1023
Pegasus Foundation Staff:
Peter A. Bender, Executive Director, pbender@pegasusfoundation.org
Cynthia Frisch, Florida Representative, cfrisch@pegasusfoundation.org
J. Kevin Hertell, Treasure Coast Representative, jkhertell@pegasusfoundation.org
Anne Ostberg, Communications Director/Program Officer, aostberg@pegasusfoundation.org
Pegasus Foundation Trustees:
Peter A. Bender, The Pegasus Foundation, Concord, New Hampshire
David Fitts, Esq., Day, Berry & Howard, LLP, Boston, Massachusetts
George Malloy, C.P.A., P.C., Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Steve Ziobrowski, Esq., Day, Berry & Howard, LLP, Boston, Massachusetts
The Pegasus Foundation
c/o Day, Berry & Howard, LLP
260 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
www.PegasusFoundation.org
www.CaringFields.org
www.CaribbeanAnimalWelfare.org
Pegasus Foundation 2004 Annual Report
It is the policy of the Pegasus Foundation to avoid using language that accepts the current concept of animals as property, commodities and/or things. Rather than refer to "owners" of animals we share our lives with, we now refer to "guardians." In the same spirit, we refer to animals as "he" or "she" rather than "it." Guardians do not buy or sell animals; instead they rescue and adopt. The Foundation urges others to do the same.
Manatee photo copyright of Patrick M. Rose, Save the Manatee Club