Jennifer Pryor Galvanizing Animal Rescuers and the Community

Before Richard Pryor's passing, his wife, Jennifer Pryor, established Pryor's Planet on behalf of their mutual love of animals. It is a legacy that continues to make a difference today.

"The turning point for us was in 1979 when Richard and I went to Africa on a safari and saw all of the beautiful animals in their natural habitat. It was an enlightening experience and we embraced the cause of animals. Richard always talked about animals in his act," Jennifer Pyror explained.

"Our goal is to educate, enlighten and give a recognition to the plight of animals so the community can help stop abuse and injustices against animals. We network, research and provide a wealth of information through www.PryorsPlanet.com. I also do hands on rescue and currently have thirty dogs that need homes. The work has only started, there's so much more to do and we all need to work together. Both rescue groups and the community need to join forces, but sadly, no one at the top seems to care. The system is seriously corrupt."

While Pryor is hopeful about the rescue and education effort, she is also a realist who doesn't mince words. In fact, she wrote a fearless letter to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, which is posted on www.PryorsPlanet.com. In reading the letter you quickly realize that Pryor's voice soars on behalf of animal rights.

"The Mayor has been a tragic disappointment. I've been outspoken about this. He flip-flopped on the animal rights issue. Meanwhile, the animals' suffering continues across Los Angeles. We're down to two veterinarians for the entire city shelter system. People are quitting. There's a scandal brewing. A wonderful rescue volunteer has been banned from being at the South Los Angeles shelter, banned because of politics. This woman went into the shelter and would take these animals outside for a minute of sunshine, a minute of love…" Pryor's voice begins to crack because she clearly feels for these animals that are alone and left behind without options or hope of adoption.

"It's sad and I can't help but feel it. Think about it. Now they won't allow her to help. Why? Because there are animals suffering and they don't want that exposed. If that's not evil, I don't know what is! We need to galvanize our voices to be heard."

In fact, Pryor notes that the numbers provided by shelters work in their favor. "The shelters age animals. For example, there was the saddest German Shepherd named Duchess. Her head was down and she looked so sad. The shelter set her age at 10-years-old. Maria Dales, a great rescuer and director of German Shepherd Rescue Orange County, came in and discovered that Duchess was actually four years old and had a spinal injury. She wasn't sad. Instead, she was left sitting in a shelter untreated. The evidence goes beyond cruel," Pryor said. "The city shelters won't treat animals, then they tell you that the animal is 8, 9 or 10-years-old so it seems okay to euthanize. They're lying to make the economics and numbers look good. I attended a party where the Mayor showed up; I confronted him and he turned and asked one of his handlers, 'The numbers are good, right?' That´s all that matters. They are wickedly deceitful, fudging the numbers big time."

Pryor points out that the rescuers are forced to play the game with the city, otherwise they risk losing their New Hope status. The New Hope Program was established in 2006 and allows animals to be placed on an alert list, which allows the waiver of all adoption, spay/neuter and microchip fees; an attempt to eliminate costly obstacles for the rescuers and prevent euthanasia.

"Rescuers work tirelessly on behalf of animals. We are unsung heroes. We save these animals, the city uses us as a great source, but ultimately we´re not heard. People who can't afford it are spending money they don't have to care for these animals. It´s about the animals and it's heartbreaking. It takes work 24/7 fielding calls, raising donations, taking in rescue animals, and finding good homes. We need to build a partnership with the city and gain respect. Right now, we don't have either. The Mayor has to focus, stand up and listen to us. Instead, we're kicked to the curb unless he needs us. Clearly, he doesn't care about animals."

With the latest headlines about the tiger attack at Tippi Hedren's wildlife animal sanctuary, Pryor has opinions about sanctuaries as well. "Sanctuaries have to be really careful as they run the risk of becoming hoarders, but there are really well-run sanctuaries such as Farm Sanctuary, Animal Acres Sanctuary, and Shambala Preserve, which is Tippi Hedren's animal sanctuary. She does a great job educating people. This is about education. We don´t need zoos to educate our children. With technology today and the Internet, we could have live feeds showing animals in an environment that is close to their natural habitat at sanctuaries. There are other ways to educate," Pryor said.

Beyond education, responsibility is at the forefront of the animal rescue efforts. "We need responsible pet owners and responsible government and laws with teeth, such as spay-neuter and animal cruelty. Education and responsibility go hand-in-hand. I´m all for liberators to rescue animals who are abused. I want people to become more involved, developing a compassion and love of those who don't have a voice. And ultimately this is for our own higher good! We all need to use our voices," Pryor added. "I am proud to use my voice on behalf of the animals."

For more information on animal rescues, adoption, donations and volunteer opportunities visit www.PryorsPlanet.com.

Pictured: Jennifer Pryor with EmmyLou (a dog Pryor's Planet rescued from the street, who is now living large in Thousand Oaks!).

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