Bikers Against Animal Cruelty
| Combining a Love of Bikes and Barks By Elisabeth Strillacci, The North Haven Citizen Posted Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 6:00am Cindy and VJ Peregolise are avid bikers and animal lovers, two passions that might seem unrelated, but last September they and a group of like-minded motorcycle-riding, animal-loving friends formed a non-profit organization to help their four-legged pals. Originally, the Peregolise's had a forum on their Web site, www.pitbullsaloon.com, that drew other people from around Connecticut with similar interests. "We'd post stories about animal abuse and animal cruelty on the site and we would all get so incensed about what was happening," Cindy Peregolise said. "We decided we needed to do something, to give the animals a voice. We started by collecting items for animal shelters like blankets, toys, food and treats to make the animals more comfortable." But last year, things came to a head when a dog was stolen from a New Haven shelter. "You never know why an animal is stolen, for what purpose," Peregolise said. "But we found out that the shelter didn't have security cameras, so there was no record of what happened. We decided we were going to hold a fundraiser to get them cameras." And the Cinco de Mayo fundraiser was born. "At the same time, the Meriden Humane Society was in trouble and at risk of having to close," said Peregolise. The group decided they would try to raise enough money to help both towns, and they managed to do just that. "My husband and I talked about it one night, and decided it was time to become a true non-profit, so we could hold these fundraisers and legitimately help out other shelters or organizations," Peregolise said. On September 22, Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (BAAC) was officially formed in North Haven. BAAC now has 33 active members and many more supporters throughout Connecticut from Stafford Springs to Danbury. "We've done so much in such a short time," said Peregolise, the organization's president. "It's a little overwhelming, but very exciting." Most recently, the BAAC added $500 to a reward being offered for the safe return of a 2-month-old puppy stolen from the Bridgeport Animal Control Shelter. Justice, a Beagle, was taken either Friday, April 4 or Saturday, April 5 while the office was closed. Kennel employees discovered the break-in April 5 morning and called Animal Control Officers. Bridgeport shelter staff member Melissa Kuian said the puppy was "only with us for one day. She was so sweet and friendly, and a little bit timid, so I don't think someone took her as a bait dog. I think someone broke in to steal other things and saw her and said, 'oh, that's a cute dog.'" Bait dogs are typically smaller, but strong, muscular dogs that people use to train pit bulls and other animals for illegal dog fights. "I think she was too quiet for someone to take her for that," Kuian said. "I really don't think it was malicious. I think it was a spur of the moment thing to take her." Kuian said the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals put up a $1,000 reward, and "I thought that was fantastic. Then the biker's group contacted us and added another $500 and I was thrilled." The reward is offered for either the return of Justice or for information leading to an arrest of the person responsible for the break-in and theft. "I just hope whomever took her is taking care of her," said Peregolise. The BAAC is now working on this year's Cinco de Mayo fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Phil's Bar & Grill, 97 Quinnipiac Ave. Donations of $20 per person include a make-your-own taco bar, entertainment and drinks. The proceeds will benefit victims of animal cruelty and neglect. A pet adoption will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donations to benefit animal shelters are always welcome, including blankets, toys, towels and animal-safe cleaning products. For more information, visit the organization's Web site at www.bikersagainstanimalcruelty.org. |