Behind-the-scenes person for ANIMALS 24-7, & that was perhaps the least of all she did Patricia “Patty” Bonney, 92, suffered terminal heart failure on October 22, 2022 at the converted stable in Beaverton, Oregon, that was her home since 1960. Never known or self-described as an activist, Patty nonetheless contributed endless volunteer effort throughout her […]
Darlene Wohler Larson, 78, mentored generation of animal care workers
Best known for long tenures with the National Animal Control Association & ASPCA Darlene Wohler Larson, 78, died on October 17, 2022. “She had entered hospice after extended hospital care following surgery,” longtime friend Bob Marotto announced via Facebook. “Darlene was an extraordinary and beloved person of great professional accomplishment,” Marotto said, but “never forgot […]
Shocking deaths: Karly Cantrell, Andrea Kelly, Marty Martin, Sarah Schmidt
Shelter director, veterinarian, herpetologist, lepidopterist Sharing concern for animals and dedication to helping animals in a variety of ways, Karly Cantrell, Andrea Kelly, William H. “Marty” Martin, and Sarah Schmidt also shared recent shocking deaths. Two died by murders, one by her own hand, and one apparently through simple bad luck. Karly Cantrell Karly Cantrell, […]
Bill Jordan, 97, wildlife vet, author, & founder of animal aid charities
Jordan had a key role in forming at least nine organizations in 48 years, most of which still exist William Johnston Jordan, 97, known to the world as Bill Jordan, wildlife veterinarian, author, and founder or cofounder of a constellation of wildlife care projects spanning the globe, died on July 5, 2022, at the SSM Health/St. […]
“Bloody hell!” Elizabeth II set poor example on hunting, but loved her dogs
Corgis were almost certainly first to mourn LONDON, U.K.–– Queen Elizabeth II, 96, who ceremonially ruled the United Kingdom for 70 years and 214 days, died on September 8, 2022 at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, one of the three royal hunting estates. The others are the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate, in Norfolk, England, and Dalnadamph, a 6,700-acre […]
Animal advocacy “Robin Hood” Gil Michaels dies at 80
Michaels put $40 million into animal causes, but was convicted of toner cartridge scam that netted more than $126 million, according to the federal Department of Justice. VAN NUYS, California––Gilbert N. Michaels, 80, founder of the Compassion for Animals Foundation and Animal Guardians, died on August 19, 2022, while on compassionate release from a four-year […]
Why the USDA cannot effectively enforce the Animal Welfare Act
The USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service was designed to fail WASHINGTON D.C.–– Responsible for federal Animal Welfare Act enforcement, such as it is, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA-APHIS] on May 20, 2022 got a public butt-kicking from National Geographic writer Rachel Fobar. The […]
Buffalo attack death mystery recalls injuries & deaths of other animal advocates
Shando Mathebula, Steve Ross, Jerry W. Brown, & Angela Glover JOHANNESBURG––The South African National Park Service [SANParks] and South African Police Service [SAPS] are reportedly investigating the May 4, 2022 death of Kruger National Park field ranger and dog handler Shando Mathebula, 36. Mathebula, while on patrol in the park, was either fatally gored by […]
Erika Brunson, 86, animal advocate, actress, interior decorator, & furniture maker
Rose from rough start in life to philanthropic success Animal advocacy and spay/neuter philanthropist Erika Devore Brunson, 86, died in Los Angeles, California on May 17, 2022. Maria Erika Knab, her original given name, was born on September 4, 1935, “in the small fishing town of Konigsberg in East Prussia,” according to an October 16, 2013 […]
Tony Fitzjohn, renowned for wildlife conservation work in Kenya & Tanzania, dies at 76
Began as a Boy Scout, became a hippie, hitchhiked to Africa, & made himself useful Tony Fitzjohn, 76, died on May 23, 2022, “following a prolonged fight against a malignant cancer,” the Tony Fitzjohn-WildlifeNow George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust announced. Fitzjohn recounted most of his long career working on behalf of African wildlife in his […]