Natalie Stewart - Meet and Funky

Natalie Stewart

Share:
Natalie Stewart -
 
0
 
 
 
 
 

Meet Natalie Stewart. animal lover American origin, animal protector and a founder of Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN).

Natalie Stewart Natalie, where are you from originally and how did you end up here in Indonesia?

I grew up in Canada but was born in the United States. We have been abroad for 30 years now. My husband works in the oil industry and his work took us to Bangkok, Den Haag, Los Angeles, Bangkok again for 10 years, and in Jakarta in 2003.

You are one of the three founding members of Femke den Haas JAAN well and Karin Franken. What inspired you to establish the organization?

In 2007, the three of us got together and talked about how there was no network in Jakarta so that people turn to when they had questions about animals in distress. We wanted to set up such a network and try to improve the welfare of Indonesian animals, both domestic and wild. We started small, with only our dog rescue and re-homing program, our birds of prey rehabilitation and release program on Kotok Island, and monitoring wildlife trade. Soon, we expanded the sterilization of cats, assistance for carriage horses, campaigns to stop running monkeys street and protest against the illegal capture of wild dolphins used to traveling circuses.

What JAAN strive for, what are the main objectives?

JAAN aims to increase awareness of proper care of pets and wild animals should live in nature. One of our main objectives is to save animals that have been abandoned, neglected and abused, and try to re-house or rehabilitate and release if possible. We use these activities to our message on raising awareness by giving presentations in schools and community groups, giving interviews on radio and television and taking every opportunity to have our work mentioned in newspapers and magazines. We believe that if people can see what we do, they will wonder why and learn about compassion towards animals and the importance of the protection of Indonesian wildlife.

There are those who believe helping animals is a waste of time when there are thousands of children who need help. What would you say in response to these people?

Help is never a waste of time. There are many groups that help children in Indonesia and we certainly applaud their efforts to improve educational opportunities and employment. We would like the government to provide alternative employment for those currently living outside the farm animals. Improve the living standards of the people would improve the welfare of animals in a trickle-down effect so we all need to work together to achieve these important goals.

Since the establishment of JAAN, what the organization accomplished and there specific accomplishments you are most proud?

JAAN is very proud that the governors of the city, Fauzi Bowo and Jokowi responded positively to the plea JAAN to end Topeng Monyet. We are also proud that the minister of Forestry pledged to close illegal dolphin circuses after JAAN brought to his attention the plight of wild dolphins captured used in these shows. Of course we are also happy that we saved the lives of hundreds of dogs sterilized more than 1,000 street cats, rehabilitated and released many Brahminy kites and we have been recognized here and abroad as group of animal welfare in Indonesia.

JAAN Founders

Unfortunately, confine pets (especially dogs) in tiny cages seems to be almost the norm here in Indonesia. What is the reason behind this and what can we, as individuals, do to stop the abuse of these animals?

JAAN gets many calls and emails every single day declaration of dogs kept in cages, the monkeys being kept on short chains or in cages, the slow loris being linked by their feet on poles, etc. We believe that people do not realize how to care for animals. Pets such as dogs are not in cages. The isolation of people and confinement causes stress and depression and lead to barking or aggressive behavior. We try to teach people that the dogs will not bark or destroy anything if they are allowed inside the house, to be with their people and receive loving care. Everyone can help by addressing pet owners who are caged and asking about them. People can initiate a conversation about dogs being happier are not chained or caged. JAAN also has pamphlets and brochures on the proper treatment of pets that we can provide to those who would give such information to their neighbors who have pets in distress. And as individuals, NEVER buy a wild animal of the road or in the markets. This directly perpetuates the wildlife trade.

For all readers who wish to give their time, volunteer options are available?

JAAN welcomes volunteers in our new center to help Cijantung gardening, scooping poop, dog socialization, cage cleaning, fundraising, organizing events , campaigns and awareness. The dogs at our center are not limited and they are allowed to move freely interact with each other and with staff and volunteers. Volunteers are asked to wear old clothes that dogs sometimes jump and can be muddy.

People can also support JAAN by promoting and participating in PAW DAY May 5th- our annual collection of dog-walking money, making dog food donation and medical supplies, or simply becoming member JAAN. Just send an email to info@jakartaanimalaid.com~~V!

JAAN - Jakarta Animal Aid Network Before founding JAAN, you have this field of work was involved in?

in another life, I am a lawyer specializing in immigration law. I am involved in matters of animal welfare for about 15 years.

Everyone remembers their first pet! Can you tell us a bit more about him / her and you currently have pets that live with you here in Jakarta?

My first animals were two dogs, Teddy and Cleo, a laboratory gold and a German shepherd, but my parents gave them away because the doctors said that I am allergic to dogs . I was only eight years. Today I have six dogs of my own and take regularly Jaan home dogs and cats too. I also look after other animals rescued Jaan before they are sent to rehabilitation facilities. These include monkeys, a tortoise, a cockatoo crested, several turtles, iguanas, snakes, and even an otter.

Apart from your work with the organization, how do you spend your free time?

I love rock n 'roll and supports some Indonesian rock bands, and of course I love spending time with my family .

 
0