Citra woman is finalist for Animal Hero

CITRA - Jaye Perrett has high hopes for a happy Thanksgiving and early Christmas.

She is one of 10 finalists nominated for a $10,000 award, and other gifts, in the Discovery Channel's Animal Planet Hero of the Year 2008 program.

The public can vote online through Oct. 13.

Perrett will learn the outcome on Oct. 20, but it will not be publicly announced until Nov. 17.

Sponsored by the manufacturers of Fresh Step Kitty Litter, the award recognizes extraordinary service for animal welfare. Included in the prize package is a trip to any destination of the winner's choice, spending money and hotel accommodations.

The prize money must be donated to the non-profit animal welfare organization of the winner's choice.

Perrett has been dedicated to animal welfare for more than 35 years. She served as the animal cruelty investigator for the Humane Society of Marion County for more than 25 years until a debilitating dog attack cost her the full use of her right leg, forcing her into "retirement."

She and Gail Bowen co-founded the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) in Citra in 2001. The sanctuary houses 40 big cats (lions, tigers, cougars and others), a brown bear, monkeys, more than 40 dogs rescued from Hurricane Katrina and assorted domestic animals.

Perrett also has organized a cooperative of more than 40 sanctuaries in the Southeast, through which more than 4,000 big cats and other exotic animals are being nourished.

"I am thrilled to be nominated. Everyone on the list is working for the safety and welfare of animals. I am honored to be in their company," said Perrett, speaking by phone last week from somewhere between Tennessesse and Mississippi on Interstate 85.

Perret was speaking from the cab of a well-worn Ford F-350 hauling a trailer laden with 12,000 pounds of meat destined for distribution to the animal sanctuaries. From south Florida to Texas, and throughout the costal states, it is a routine she has followed for the past 18 months.

Dedicated warrior

"She is saving the lives of big cats in many cases," said Joanne Strinka of Lone Wolf Rescue in St. Petersburg, who nominated Perret for the award.

"I have seen her go in her own pocket and spend serious money to save animals," Strinka said. "We found a man up north selling wolf pups to anyone who would pay $250 for them. That is insane and cruel. Jaye paid for two of those pups herself and helped rescue the other two. Her commitment to animal welfare is second to none."

Susan Moore and Kim Allaway operate sanctuaries in south Florida, with 112 big cats between the two sites. Both credit Perrett with making significant contributions toward lowering their operating costs, enabling them to keep their cats in good health and improve their facilities.

"Donations are down and placements are up," said Allaway, whose Genesis Zoological Center accepts old and sick cats. "I think the nomination is very appropriate. I have been in rescue work for 30 years, and Perrett is a dedicated warrior for animals."

Moore owns Wildlife Survival Sanctuary and said "Jaye is a lifesaver for us and other small facilities. We were paying double what we are paying now. She has an excellent reputation and will do anything to help an animal."

Perrett said she is focused on building and expanding the co-op, but also plans to strengthen the voice of responsible exotic animal owners in the state legislature. "We need better screening of individuals purchasing exotic animals, but more critically, the caging requirements for large cats need to be revised. Many big cats are confined for life in a 12-by-24 foot cage. To me, that is cruel," she said.