Governor Markell Signs Legislation to Strengthen Animal Welfare Laws

Wilmington, DE – Animal welfare advocates, legislators and shelter animals flanked Governor Markell as he signed four animal protection bills today at the Delaware Humane Association in Wilmington.  The new laws establish oversight and training programs for animal shelters and animal control officers and prohibit shelters from using gas chambers.  In addition, trained personnel must evaluate animals seized in criminal activity, cruelty, and animal fighting for adoptability, instead of automatic euthanasia.

Governor Markell spoke at the bill signing ceremony for legislation to improve animal welfare.
Governor Markell spoke at the bill signing ceremony for legislation to improve animal welfare.

“These new policies further protect animals and people who are vulnerable in our community,” Governor Markell said.  “It is a tremendous step forward for Delaware, thanks to collaboration among the Delaware General Assembly, pet owners, shelter officials, animal welfare advocates, enforcement personnel, and government officials.”

Governor Markell recognized state legislators, the Animal Welfare Task Force, a variety of animal protection organizations, and other advocates for their hard work and commitment to increasing animal protections in Delaware.

“The Office of Animal Welfare became part of the Department of Health and Social Services a year ago, and often in my work I see how important animals are to people,” said DHSS Cabinet Secretary Rita Landgraf.  “From pet therapy dogs and cats in nursing homes and hospitals, to guide dogs for people with disabilities, tothe everyday family pets looking for homes, across the spectrum, animals truly deserve our respect and protection.”

Senate Bill 201 (sponsored by Sen. Blevins, Sen. Peterson, Rep. Jaques and Rep. Kim Williams) tasks the Department of Health and Social Services, through the Office of Animal Welfare, with the management of the Shelter Standards Law, state Spay/Neuter Program and Fund, and Companion Animal License Plate fund, as well as clarifies the authority of the Department of Agriculture over poultry and livestock species and zoonotic disease prevention, eradication and mitigation.

House Bill 311 (sponsored by Rep. Jaques, Rep. Kim Williams, Sen. Blevins, Sen. McBride and Sen. Peterson) ensures all Animal Control Officers and Animal Cruelty Investigators are adequately trained by an approved training program and certified by the state to operate in Delaware.

“Companion animal issues are finally getting the much-needed attention they deserve,” Sen. Blevins said. “We now have the ability to provide oversight to programs and facilities that handle thousands of animals every year, and to develop training and resources that support those enforcing animal protection laws.”

Over the next several months, OAW will draft procedures and regulations for SB 201 and HB 311 that concern shelter inspections, complaint investigation, and animal control officer certification.

Added Hetti Brown, OAW Director in the Division of Public Health, DHSS, “Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on these bills today and the many partners who made the Office of Animal Welfare and these bills possible.”

Senate Bill 245 (sponsored by Sen. Peterson and Rep. Jaques) protects animals seized in criminal activity, cruelty and animal fighting from automatic euthanasia, instead allowing for evaluation of animals for adoptability by trained personnel. The bill also ensures that individuals involved in the criminal activity are prohibited from adopting the animals after their seizure or forfeiture.  Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal advocacy organization, encouraged the passage of SB 245, citing Delaware as one of 13 states that still mandated the destruction of seized dogs associated with fighting, without considering the behavior of each dog.

House Bill 297 (sponsored by Rep. Dennis E. Williams and Sen. Peterson) clarifies when an animal control constable or dog warden may impound a dog that is suspected of being dangerous or potentially dangerous.  HB 297 strengthens the existing Dangerous Dog Law.  Rep. Dennis E. Williams credited 8-year-old Riley Hoverof Talleyville, who survived a 2012 attack bythe pet of a family member in Delaware, for inspiring him to sponsor HB 297.

Govenor Markell signed a total of four bills to strengthen animal welfare laws.
Governor Markell signed a total of four bills to strengthen animal welfare laws.

Statements from prime sponsors of the legislation

Senate President Pro Tem and Chair of the Animal Welfare Task Force Patricia Blevins (D – Elsmere) on Senate Bill 201:  “This law breathes life into the hard work of our animal welfare task force because it gives the Office of Animal Welfare the tools it needs to ensure that our shelters are up to standard and that our other animal safety measures are being enforced. I am confident that the office will do the hard work needed to ensure that our animals are safe and being treated well.”

Representative Earl Jaques (D-Glasgow) on House Bill 311: “For a number of years, we have been trying to re-establish the Office of Animal Welfare under the Division of Public Health so we can better protect those who can’t protect themselves – our pets. This new law makes sure that our Animal Control and Animal Cruelty officers are well-trained to handle the myriad problems they face in our communities and across our state.”

Senator Karen Peterson (D-Stanton) on Senate Bill 245: “There is no reason whatsoever that we should immediately condemn animals that have been victimized by cruelty or that have been forced into the fighting ring to death. With this law, we are going to evaluate these animals to see if they can be adopted into a caring family before taking other actions and doing our best to ensure they do not fall into criminal hands where they can be further abused.”

Representative Dennis E. Williams (D-Claymont/Talleyville) on House Bill 297: “We were faced with a situation where Animal Control officials said state law was unclear about how to handle dangerous dogs and they were unable to take action. It is unconscionable to think that we could have situations like this occur – with residents afraid to let their children play outdoors – and Animal Control was unable to do something about it. While we can’t turn back the clock to undo the attack on Riley and others, this new law will allow Animal Control to take action against dangerous dogs like this and protect residents by preventing future attacks.”

Photos from the event


World War I Guide Now Available Online for Delaware Public Archives

The Delaware Public Archives (DPA) is commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of World War I by offering a new reference guide to resources that can be found at the Archives relating to the “war to end all wars.” Director of the Delaware Public Archives and State Archivist, Stephen Marz, states that “with the interest that will surround the 100th anniversary of the war, we felt that people would be searching for materials, especially primary sources, that will provide some insight into the conflict. The Archives created the guide to meet the needs of these researchers and other patrons who may have an interest in the conflict.”

Developed by Archives staff member Katie Hall, the World War I Guide is available online at http://archives.delaware.gov/collections/collections.shtml and in the Archives’ Research Room. Collections at the Delaware Public Archives that contain World War I materials include Governors Papers, Pamphlets, Military Records, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Extension Service Reports. Among the records preserved are military records, photographs, newspapers, scrapbooks, and correspondence from Delawareans serving in the war. Hall notes that “researchers who are looking for Delawareans who served, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent, may want to start with the World War I Army Service Record Cards, National Guard Enlistment Papers, or the Inductee Record Books. We expect that a number of researchers will be coming to the Archives to look for their ancestors who served in the War during this anniversary period.”

For more information about the World War I reference guide, contact Katie Hall (302) 744-5036 or e-mail katie.hall@delaware.gov.

For information about the Delaware Public Archives, please visit the website at http://archives.delaware.gov. You can also become a follower of the Archives Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/DelawarePublicArchives) and read the Archives blog (http://archives.blogs.delaware.gov/) to learn more about events and other items of interest at the Archives.

The Delaware Public Archives is located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North in Dover. The Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month the Research Room is open from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The Delaware Public Archives (DPA, archives.delaware.gov), an agency of the State of Delaware, is one of the oldest public archives programs in the United States. DPA serves the citizens of Delaware by identifying, collecting, and preserving public records of enduring historical and evidential value; ensuring access to public records for present and future generations; and advising and educating interested parties in the creation, management, use, and preservation of public records.


Public comment sought regarding Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief grant awards

On July 29, 2014, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs announced three awards for the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Assistance Grants for Historic Properties program and is seeking public comment on its finding that the selected projects will not adversely affect historic properties.

The grant program is funded under the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in response to the effects of the destructive hurricane which struck the East Coast of the United States in late October 2012. As part of the act, $50 million was appropriated to the National Park Service to cover the costs of preserving and/or rehabilitating historic properties damaged by the storm. Subsequently, the National Park Service allocated $1 million for Delaware’s component of the program which is being administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. The purpose of the program is to help return damaged historic properties to useful condition, preserving the state’s cultural heritage for future generations.

The division publicly announced the availability of the grants and posted information on the program in January 2014. To qualify, properties were required to be listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, and have documented damage that resulted from the effects of the storm. Eligible properties included those owned by private individuals or organizations, local governments, or the state.

The division received three applications. A technical-review committee found that all three of the applications qualified for funding according to the selection criteria and application requirements. Because the currently approved applications did not exhaust the full amount of funds awarded to Delaware, the division may elect to hold another round of grant applications. Additionally, in accordance with its agreement with the National Park Service, the division plans to apply some of the remaining funds toward improving data on the location and nature of historic properties in areas vulnerable to such storm events, assisting in disaster planning.

The three historic properties that will be assisted by the program are as follows:

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Location: Situated on the outer breakwater in Lewes harbor
Built: 1926
Historical significance: Listed in the National Register in 1989 as a contributing structure within the National Harbor of Refuge and Delaware Breakwater Harbor Historic District, a nationally significant aid-to-navigation and safe harbor
Ownership: Non-profit
Storm damage: Results of wind-driven water and waves
Federal grant: Up to $360,000
Scope of work: Replacement of dock and stairs leading to lighthouse; assessment of condition of lighthouse Historic-preservation outcome: The grant-funded work will define the critical preservation work necessary to maintain and preserve the lighthouse, and will restore proper access to allow such work to occur and to further the organization’s public interpretation and educational programming

Milford New Century Club
Location: 18 N. Church St., Milford
Built: 1885
Historical significance: Individually listed in the National Register in 1982 as part of a multiple-property nomination for the city of Milford, the building is significant for its architecture and as a long-standing community center, a purpose it still serves
Ownership: Non-profit
Storm damage: Results of high wind, wind-driven rain and rising water
Federal grant: Up to $60,000
Scope of work: Replacement of roof and associated interior and exterior repairs; exterior painting and associated repairs; replacement of HVAC system
Historic-preservation outcome: The grant-funded work will secure the building’s exterior to prevent further damage and deterioration, and will allow the building to again be used year-round for the organization’s civic projects and rental for local events

Phillips Potato House
Location:
7472 Portsville Road, Laurel
Built: Circa 1900
Historical significance: Individually listed in the National Register in 1990 as part of a multiple-property nomination for sweet potato houses, a specialized agricultural outbuilding in Sussex County. The potato houses reflect the modernization of agricultural practices in southern Delaware during the first half of the 20th century including the emergence of truck farming
Ownership: Private
Storm damage: Results of high wind, wind-driven rain and water run-off
Federal grant: Up to $42,000
Scope of work: Removal of damaged asphalt siding and repair of wood siding and trim; window repair; removal of metal roofing and restoration of wood shingles; foundation repairs
Historic-preservation outcome: The grant-funded work will secure the building’s exterior to prevent further damage and deterioration, and provide an opportunity for returning the building to agricultural use and/or for an adaptive reuse to include public interpretation of agricultural practices

In order to receive funding, the grantees must ensure that the repair work is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and must maintain and preserve the properties for a period of time thereafter. Grantees must also document that consulting and contractual services have been open to competitive bidding and selected in accordance with state and federal law. Grantees must also comply with a number of other reporting requirements to demonstrate that the project is properly carried out. These commitments are documented in a grant agreement that is signed by the division and the grantee.

The division has received the National Park Service’s approval to award these three grants on the condition that all program requirements are being met including compliance with federal historic preservation and environmental laws. Because the program is federally-funded, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that the projects’ effects on historic properties are taken into account. Section 106 also affords local governments, interested parties and the public the opportunity to comment on the projects. For more information on this law and the public’s role in the review process, go to the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s publication, “Protecting Historic Properties: A Citizen’s Guide to Section 106 Review.”

To fulfill its Section 106 responsibilities, the National Park Service has negotiated a programmatic agreement with the 12 states affected by Hurricane Sandy. This agreement will govern the project-review process for the states’ grant programs, including provisions for public notification and involvement in the program. The agreement also prohibits use of the funds for work that would adversely affect historic properties.

The division finds that the projects will not adversely affect historic properties because:

  • The proposed work will be designed to meet the above-referenced federal standards
  • The grantees must make legally-binding commitments to ensure that the work is properly carried out
  • The division and the National Park Service will have continuing oversight of the projects

To comment on this finding, or to request additional information about the grant program, the Section 106 review process, or the programmatic agreement, contact Gwen Davis, deputy state historic preservation officer, at 302-736-7410 or gwen.davis@delaware.gov. Comments must be received by Aug. 29, 2014.

Press inquiries should be directed to Jim Yurasek at 302-736-7413 or jim.yurasek@delaware.gov.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


Traffic Safety News- The Life You Save May Be Your Own

Do you have plans to take a road trip this summer? Perhaps you will take in some of the local attractions, visit the beaches, or spend time with family and friends. No matter where you go or what you do, always remember to drive safely. The life you save may be your own.

What you need to know

Driving too fast, failing to yield the right of way to others, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are common causes of crashes in the first state. These crashes are preventable. Did you know:

  • To date, Delaware has seen a 22% increase in fatal crashes and traffic deaths are up 25% over 2013.
  • Single car crashes and single motorcycle crashes account for nearly half of all fatal crashes in 2014.

What you can do

It is typical during the summer months to see an increase in motorists on the highways, and consequently, an increase in traffic crashes. At OHS, we feel that even one death on our roads is too many.   To stay safe and arrive alive, follow these simple tips every time you get behind the wheel:

  • Check your speed. Plan your route in advance and be prepared to spend more time reaching your destination rather than speeding to get there faster.
  • Obey intersection safety rules. Motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic also increases during the summer. Traffic signals and stop signs are in place to maintain safe roadways for drivers, passengers and pedestrians sharing the road.
  • Buckle up. All passengers in the vehicle should use seat belts to keep them safe in the event of a crash.
  • If you are drinking, do not drive. Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternate transportation.

For more information visit www.ohs.delaware.gov. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE. And for updated information on checkpoints in your area, text Checkpoint to 99000.

Drive Safe. Arrive Alive DE.


Governor Markell Orders Flags Lowered

DOVER – With the passing of former State Representative and Superior Court Judge Vincent A. Bifferato on Friday, July 25, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff today (Wednesday, July 30) as a mark of respect for Judge Bifferato and his service to Delaware.

Judge Bifferato served in the House of Representatives from 1964-1966. While a member of the House, he was the driving force behind the creation of Delcastle Park. After his time serving in the General Assembly, he chaired the State Alcohol Control Commission. In 1968, he was appointed as a judge of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, a position he held for the next 32 years.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. today at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wilmington.