Source:
www.borntodiepets.com
BORN TO DIE ABOUT:
by Joanie Spina
Every year, an estimated 5 to 10 million pets are euthanized in animal shelters in the United States. Why? Because there is no place for them to go, no homes for them. Yet, we continue to let animals roam freely, unneutered and producing more unwanted animals. Their offspring often go from birth to the shelter where, if they are not adopted before their 6 days are up, they will be killed. That is where the expression "born to die" applies; newly born into this world only to be put to death. What a tragic waste of life. There is a solution for this overpopulation problem, and that is to spay and neuter.
We spend an estimated 2 billion tax dollars per year to round up, house, euthanize and dispose of these homeless animals. Certainly there is a more constructive use for this money. And, as a more compassionate, civilized society we should make a concentrated effort to bring an end to this needless suffering.
Filmmaker Joanie Spina produced two documentary films, Born to Die and Doctor Death, which explore the many aspects of the problem. She hopes that they will raise awareness about the pet overpopulation, and motivate people to take action. A third film concerning feral cats is also in development.
Joanie Spina with actor James Cromwell at the 2006 Artivist Film Festival at the showing of her film "Doctor Death."
Please feel free to download and share the clips you see here. We ask that you credit Roxie Video Productions as the author.
Set in Las Vegas, Born to Die presents an overview of the tragic problem of pet overpopulation. The film features the work of two animal rescue groups, Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary, and their combined efforts to put a stop the explosive pet overpopulation.
The film includes segments on Shelter, as well as "The Big Fix" and "Ground Zero", programs that cater to low income residents, offering them free pet spay/neuter and vaccinations. In the city shelter, an impounded dog is allowed a total of 6 days before it is put down to make room for the next incoming dog. Shelter workers and euthanasia technicians discuss the difficult euthanasia process, and its emotional toll on animals and workers.
The most recent version of Born to Die is approximately 20 minutes long, It has shown at 6 film festivals and won three awards. In its present form, it focuses mostly on the solutions for the pet overpopulation. The whole point of the video is to inspire pet owners to spay and neuter their animals.
This is filmmaker Joanie Spina's first film. She shot and edited the film with the cooperation of Heaven Can Wait and Humane Society volunteers.
VIDEOS: http://www.borntodiepets.com/html/video.htmPhotos by Jodi Frediani, PETA, Robert Harding, Jr., and Sharon Harding
Music by GMP Productions
Art work by Beckett Studios
Film Festivals that featured Born to Die: Dam Short Film Festival 2005. Boulder City, NV by invitation
Cinevegas 2004
New York International Independent Film Festival 2004
Las Vegas Winner Audience Favorite Documentary
New York International Independent Film Festival 2004 New York City
Spring Flicks UNLV 2004
Third Place Winner Overall
International Student Film Festival 2004 Hollywood
Best Humanitarian Film Award
How To Help1. Spay and neuter your pets.
2. Help raise awareness about the problem of pet overpopulation and euthanasia. Talk to your friends, families and neighbors.
3. Contact your local lawmakers and encourage them to enact stricter
laws involving breeders' licensing and the spay/neuter guidelines.
Doctor David Henderson volunteers his time and clinic.
4. Adopt from shelters and rescue groups. The Shelter animals are often destroyed because there are no available homes. Adopt (save) a dog or cat which is about to be killed.
5. Volunteer at your local shelter or with a rescue group. You'll make lots of new friends and be helping the animals at the same time.
6. Donate supplies or funds. Most rescue groups depend on your donations and do not receive tax dollars to fund their programs.
7. If you must buy a pet, find a reputable breeder. Pet shops often get their animals from puppy mills and backyard breeders. Their animals are notorious for suffering miserable lives and being inbred and very sickly.
***Did you know that there are rescue groups for every breed of dog? They are a network that connects people seeking a particular breed of dog, like a Golden Retriever or Bassett Hound, with people who who need to find a good home for their dog or cat of the same breed. So, if you have your heart set on a particular breed, you can adopt/save an animal needing a home without having to purchase a puppy at the pet shop! Use your internet search engines to find the relevant information.
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