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Nebraska Rescue Council Notes, Upcoming Monthly Meeting Schedule

By on April 4, 2015

The Nebraska Rescue Council met on March 28, 2015, at the Victor E. Anderson Branch Library in Lincoln. The latest meeting was attended by six area rescue groups and discussed a number of timely issues. Here’s a rundown of the meeting minutes:

News and Updates

  • Several candidates have been identified to be considered for inclusion on the NRC Board of Directors. An announcement of confirmed delegates will be provided at the April meeting.
  • Our application to participate in the Omaha Community Foundation’s Omaha Gives on May 20, 2015 has been accepted! Please look for additional information in the next few weeks as to how to promote rescue work!
  • Progress continues to be made regarding a potential puppy sales ban and BSL reversal in Omaha. Coalitions are moving forward with various strategies and priorities. We will keep you posted on any and all developments.
  • Please visit and “like” the Dog By Dog Facebook Page for an opportunity to see the trailer for the documentary, “Dog By Dog.”This film features our friends with Bailing Out Benji.
  • We are still seeking a Communications Director to oversee all email monitoring and other media options. This is a volunteer position and we expect the time commitment to be 5-10 hours per month.
  • Please email president@nerescue.org if you or someone you know is interested.
  • We continue to offer a monthly community spotlight for rescue- friendly veterinarians, pet supply stores, groomers and other local businesses. If you would like your favorite rescue-friendly resource included in future newsletters, send their information to president@nerescue.org!

2015 Animal-Related Unicameral Update

  • LB127: Eliminate provisions relating to hunting mountain lions: Introduced by Senator Ernie Chambers and would have eliminated open season hunting of mountain lions. This bill is being held in committee and is dead for 2015.
  • LB128: Repeal the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Act: Introduced by Senator Ernie Chambers and would have removed black-tailed prairie dogs from being poisoned through management programs of the Director of the NE Dept of Agriculture. This Bill was filibustered on final reading and is dead for 2015.
  • LB359: Increase fees collected from dog licenses: Introduced by Senator Jerry Johnson. This bill will increase the amount that the NE Dept of Ag receives from annual dog licenses from $1.00 to $1.25. This Bill was heard by the Agriculture Committee on February 17. This was introduced to cover a $30,000 shortfall that the Department experienced in 2014. We fully expect this bill to advance to General File and will keep you posted on its progress.
  • LB360: Change provisions of the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act: Introduced by Senator Jerry Johnson on. This bill provides additional inspection standards including those for shelter, injuries, proper food and water, abuse, and sanitary living conditions. This Bill was heard by the Agriculture Committee on February 17 and made a priority bill on March 12. We will keep you posted on its progress.
  • LB377: Change provisions and procedures relating to the disposition, care, custody, and costs associated with the impoundment of dogs or cats: Introduced by Senator Mark Kolterman. This bill requires the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Inspectors to file complaints with local law enforcement when an animal is seized, requires impounding by the NDA and specifies cost of care. This bill was heard by the Agriculture Committee on February 17 and was introduced with Amendment 376, which removed language that would have allowed the Department of Ag to dispossess itself of the animals by “sale at public auction.” There was overwhelming support for this bill and we expect it to advance to General File.
  • LB389: Change license and inspection fees under the Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act: Introduced by Senator John Kuehn. This bill increases fees for commercial dog or cat breeders, dealers, boarding kennels, animal control facilities, animal shelters, animal rescues, and pet shops. We do expect an amendment to be included that will exclude rescues and shelters from this increase. Sen. Kuehn is a Veterinarian and offered insight into the sponsor’s intentions. Currently smaller-scale breeders pay much more per dog in comparison with large-scale breeders. This addresses that inconsistency. We expect it to advance to General File.

Supplies & Services

  • A social group for Omaha rescuers is available on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/omaha.rescue.leaders.social.group/. You’ll receive notices of social events, rescue placements, etc.
  • Pets in Omaha is motivated to help educate the public on utilizing rescue services. Please use this important resource!
  • Business Sponsorship/Partnership available for flyer distribution: We are considering print sponsorships for local businesses. Business logos will be printed on our redesigned flyer for distribution at local shops. Mellow Mushroom in Lincoln is participating as our first brochure partner and is distributing our information to their patrons. If you know of a business already expressed interest and venues in Omaha are also being considered.

Schedule for Upcoming Meetings:

Monday, April 27th from 6:30-7:30PM – Pizza West in Omaha, NE

Saturday, May 23rd from 11:00AM-12:00PM in Lincoln, location TBA.

Thursday, June 18th from 6:30-7:30PM – The Green Spot in Omaha, NE

Saturday, July 18th from 11:00AM-12:00PM in Lincoln, location TBA.

Thursday, August 27th from 6:30-7:30PM – The Green Spot in Omaha, NE

We invite speakers to present at our meetings to discuss various issues including burn-out, rescue supplies, work-life balance, etc. If you or someone you know would be interested in presenting to our group, send an email to president@nerescue.org.

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