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HighestWelfare.Humane.Assured.GoodPractices.Vegetarian. Regenerative.Flexitarian.Lies...

What is the difference between No Welfare, High Welfare, and Highest Welfare when they all require animals to die? Only human comfort, NONE protect the actual animals. The most humane, ethical, and honest Webster-defined "welfare" is NOT exploiting animals - not using, not wearing, not eating, not killing - animals. The only meaningful position is vegan, everything else is just how humans euphemize animals' required suffering and violent deaths: no human exploits animals because they honestly believe that NOT exploiting animals is UNethical or INhumane.

3 Dogs Hit By Same Bus Driver, Help Needed For AR Group

November 29, 2010

From Mariana:

I am currently fighting a war to get justice for three dogs who were murdered by a bus driver in Croatia. I have made a petition which asks for a punishment for him according to the Animal Protection Law.  The petition is here in Croatian Language: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/traimo-otkaz-i-kaznu-propisanu-zakonom-za-vozaa-liburnije-koji-je-usmrtio-tri-psa/

On Monday, November 22nd, a bus driver of Liburnija d.o.o. driving on the road of Diklo near Zadar, purposely murdered three dogs that were on the road.  Because of the work being conducted at that location, the speed limit is 30 km / h.  The driver ran over the dogs at high speed, only 10 meters from the passenger station where he was supposed to stop.

According to the testimonies of eyewitnesses, the driver did not even try to stop, but he stepped on the gas even more when he saw the dogs on the road. After the event, he continued driving, without stopping at the station and without checking back on the dead dogs who were left behind.The bus company Liburnija d.o.o, said they are not planing any penalties for the driver, and explained this decision saying that, “the driver could not hit the brakes because some people in the bus were standing.”   The police and veterinary inspectors say that the driver is not guilty and that he will not bear any penalties.  The only penalties are for the dog’s guardians who will be charged for not keeping their pets on a leash.

This whole case is so absurd and brings into question the safety of all citizens because the driver could have easily killed humans and small children on the road, because by the logic of Liburnija d.o.o., he does not stop the bus if people in it are standing.

One of the dog’s guardian said that his dog (named ‘Medo’ – ‘Teddy bear’), was like a son to him, he also believes that the driver did this intentionally.

In short; the driver saw the dogs on time, didn’t even try to hit the brakes but hit the gas even harder, killed three dogs and continued driving like a maniac and like nothing happened.

Here is a video of the case:

 

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The police in Croatia is of no use although we have an Animal Protection Law, which clearly says:

Article 66

(1) A legal person shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine from HRK 50.000,00 to HRK 100.000,00 for:

1. killing animals, subjecting them to pain, suffering and injury, and intentionally exposing them to fear (Article 4, paragraph 1).

I am hoping that if this story gets into a lot of media, Croatian and foreign, maybe then our police and Liburnija d.o.o. will make a move and punish the bus driver.

This is more than just another case of animal cruelty, this kind of cruelty is happening in Croatia everyday, and everytime the police fails to do anything about it. It is time that we, as citizens, do something about it to show future maniacs that they WILL be punished according to the existing Animal Protection Law.

 

Read more…

Mango & Inditex are torturing animals again: please send message, samples provided.

November 29, 2010

From Facebook, Loredana

Dear friends, I received this alert from Portugal (thank you Filomena). Grupo Index (owner of Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti e Stradivarius) and Mango announced in November 2004 that beginning January 2005 they would stop selling furs in all their stores worldwide.  Guess what? Right, they didn’t keep the promise.  In Italy it happened the same, we have a similar action ongoing. Can you please send a letter? I am sharing theirs, naturally you can modify it.


GRUPO INDITEX

  • Where to send your message | click on the following link for webform:

http://www.inditex.com/en/contact

  • Message to send:

Dear Madams and Sirs,

As consumer who frequently patronizes your various stores, I am appalled to learn that you and your affiliates are selling real fur, namely rabbits, once again.   This comes following your commitment made to several European animal rights groups in 2004 to cease selling fur.

As you no doubt are aware, millions of fur-bearing animals – including foxes, raccoons, minks, coyotes, bobcats, lynxes, opossums, nutria, beavers, muskrats, otters, and others – are killed each year on fur farms by anal and vaginal electrocution, concussion, skinning, and gassing; and in the wild they are butchered by drowning, trapping, or beating. Please watch the following footage and understand why supporting the fur industry is both unacceptable and vicious, and know that it is perfectly possible to sell only synthetic materials – namely faux fur – and, by this, to provide the market with comfortable, elegant, and fashionable cruelty-free clothing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTZQnQeAPJc

Please renew your pledge to discontinue selling real fur, and join the compassionate group of “fur free retailers” who have made the commitment to discontinue their contribution to the savage fur industry. In the meantime, and due to my ethical principles, I will stop buying in your stores and will encourage friends, family, and online community members to do the same.  I am aware that Inditex has relevant concerns towards environmental sustainability issues, and that is also why I trust you will give the best attention to this plea of mine.

Sincerely,

 

MANGO

  • Where to send your message | click on the following link for webform:

http://www.mango.com/formulari/form_in.asp

  • Message to send:

Dear Madams and Sirs,

As consumer who frequently patronizes your various stores, I am appalled to learn that you and your affiliates are selling real fur, namely rabbits, once again.   This comes following your commitment made to several European animal rights groups in 2004 to cease selling fur.

As you no doubt are aware, millions of fur-bearing animals – including foxes, raccoons, minks, coyotes, bobcats, lynxes, opossums, nutria, beavers, muskrats, otters, and others – are killed each year on fur farms by anal and vaginal electrocution, concussion, skinning, and gassing; and in the wild they are butchered by drowning, trapping, or beating. Please watch the following footage and understand why supporting the fur industry is both unacceptable and vicious, and know that it is perfectly possible to sell only synthetic materials – namely faux fur – and, by this, to provide the market with comfortable, elegant, and fashionable cruelty-free clothing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTZQnQeAPJc

Please renew your pledge to discontinue selling real fur, and join the compassionate group of “fur free retailers” who have made the commitment to discontinue their contribution to the savage fur industry. In the meantime, and due to my ethical principles, I will stop buying in your stores and will encourage friends, family, and online community members to do the same.  I am aware that Mango has relevant concerns towards environmental sustainability issues, and that is also why I trust you will give the best attention to this plea of mine.

Sincerely,

 

 

Read more…

Susie’s Law takes effect Dec. 1

November 28, 2010

From News Record
By Mark Binker

Raleigh — Even first-time offenders could face jail time in severe cases of animal cruelty under Susie’s Law, which goes into effect Wednesday.

The law, named for a Greensboro dog who was burned, beaten and left for dead, makes animal cruelty a low-level felony, giving judges the option to sentence offenders to jail time in particularly egregious cases.

“That kind of behavior demonstrates a wanton disregard for life,” said Rep. Pricey Harrison, a Greensboro Democrat who helped craft the bill. The possibility of jail time may deter some people from committing such crimes, she said.

“A lot of that kind of behavior can’t really be legislated against,” Harrison said. “But at least now there will be the appropriate punishment.”

Susie’s case sparked outrage in Greensboro when a court sentenced her attacker to probation. At the time, animal cruelty was not rated a high enough offense to send first-time offenders to jail.

The new law passed in the General Assembly this summer.

Related, Animal Advocates Canvass for Susie’s Law

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No animal should ever have to endure what Susie went through…

 

I agree.  Please remember that ten billion animals in the US are enslaved, tortured, and killed each year for food, and sixty billion are slaughtered globally.   You can save at least 80 Susies annually by becoming vegan.  The following demonstrates how animals are treated like Susie, deliberately, legally.  The Animal Welfare Act, appallingly inadequate and benefitting only human animals in general, exempts animals commodified and butchered for food.  Please reject the speciesism of Susie. sr

 

Mercy for Animals Investigations

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RESOURCES

Vegetarian (Vegan) Starter Kit: Mercy For Animals

View this document on Scribd

Read more…

The Story Behind “Conviction”

November 28, 2010

What You Can Do: Please click on and sign Stand Up for a Criminal Justice Commission

From The Innocence Project

Betty Anne Waters, the real-life hero behind the film “Conviction” says in a new Innocence Project video that she isn’t done fighting injustice.

“I think I’m lucky that I get to be the person that might be able to help someone else,” Waters says in the new video, which chronicles the story behind her two-decade fight to help overturn her brother’s wrongful conviction.

Watch the new three-minute video above and let us know what you think by leaving a comment on YouTube.

“Conviction” is currently playing in theaters nationwide. Find a screening near you, learn more about the story behind the film and send an email to Betty Anne Waters telling about your reaction to film or your family’s story of conviction in the face of injustice.

 

The story behind Conviction

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The Making of Conviction

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Conviction trailer

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Kenny Waters served 18 years in prison for murder he didn’t commit before DNA testing proved his innocence. His sister, Betty Anne Waters, put herself through college and law school in order to help with her brother’s case. She worked with the Innocence Project to bring about his exoneration in 2001.

Sadly, Waters passed away six months after his release. He was 47 years old and had spent more than a third of his life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Kenny Waters’ case is the subject of the film  Conviction in which Sam Rockwell plays Waters.

Read more…

No Kill Policy At St. Louis Shelter Saves Over 1000 Dogs

November 28, 2010

From Fox2 St. Louis
By Teresa Woodard

From 1,033 dogs euthanized in 2009, to just three in the last few months of 2010. St. Louis is reporting stunning numbers since the non profit Stray Rescue took over control of caring for stray dogs roaming city streets.

“This is a puppy mill dog. Remember that puppy mill that closed down?” said Stray Rescue Founder Randy Grim, pointing to a little white fluffy dog with no hind legs, getting top notch veterinary care in the emergency room of his new shelter on Pine Street.

“These two were trapped in a truck, the neighbors said for like three weeks,” he said, pointing to two puppies next to the fluffy white dog. “This one has been shot in the leg,” he said of another.

The ER is home to the sickest and the most neglected in his shelter. The dog named Sagebrush is the most abused. “She’s a bait dog from a fighting ring, disfigured in the face,” said Grim, helping Sagebrush from her cage in the clinic, watching her hobble about. “She’s gone to hell and back.”

 

No Kill Policy At St. Louis Shelter Saves Over 1000 Dogs

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Six months ago, she wouldn’t have survived. Now she will. “All of those dogs would’ve been euthanized,” said City Health Director Pam Walker, looking at those sick dogs in the clinic. 

The city put down more than 50 percent of all the dogs that came in; more than 1,000 every year. But in July, St. Louis handed over animal control duties to Grim’s Stray Rescue. The nonprofit has a shelter with more room, more foster homes, and more volunteers. Those things keep more dogs alive.

Grim has euthanized two dogs because they were too sick to live. Only one has been put down because of severe aggressive behavior. “Adopting him out would have been irresponsible,” he said.

“I feel like we’re on the side of the angels. I do,” said Grim.

A couple of guardian angels, dressed in blue, brought in a new resident for Randy Tuesday night. Two city police officers dropped off a black lab that had been chained up and abandoned in a yard on Penrose in North City.

“The public was reluctant to call us because they knew they’d be euthanized,” said Walker, “so Randy is getting a lot of dogs off the street that we didn’t even know about. And if they keep it up, they’re going take in 1,300 more than what we did last year, and they haven’t euthanized.”

Stray Rescue spays, neuters, then adopts out on average 120 dogs every month. The city only adopted out 300 in all of last year.

Stray Rescue does all of this without taking a dime from the city.

Related, Euthanasia is not humane, kind, or necessary | Warning, this video is graphic

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Read more…

Texas 2011 Legislature to Focus on Eliminating “Pit Bulls”? Please send sample message.

November 27, 2010


From Facebook
Sample Letter courtesy of Carin Zellerman

Cynthia Stevens Kent is calling on Texas state legislators to introduce a bill in the 2011 legislative session that would ban “pit bulls” and “pit bull” mixes from the state. In her ideal legislation Kent says people found with their pet “pit bulls” or mixes would be charged with a 3rd degree felony. An alternative proposal would allow local governments to ban or restrict “pit bulls” or other “breeds” in their jurisdiction.

Please contact the two 2011 state legislators Attorney Kent plans to ask to introduce her pit bull ban.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Sen. Kevin Eltife: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist1/dist1.htm#formRep

Rep. Chuck Hopson:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/email/?district=11&session=81

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Senator Eltife,

OR

Dear Representative Hopson,

I was appalled to learn that Attorney Cynthia Kent has proposed an introduction of a bill in the 2011 legislative session that would ban pit bulls from the state. Study after study has proven that breed bans, breed discriminatory legislation, simply don’t work to reduce bites or attacks. Every national humane organization opposes breed specific legislation, of all types, not just bans, because these policies discriminate against dogs, and are ineffective and expensive to enforce. There is not one major animal or health organization including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, and the Centers for Disease Control, among many others, that supports breed discriminatory laws as a way to reduce bites or attacks.

It is also well-established that people cannot look at a dog and determine the breed. More than two dozen breeds have been mistaken for pit bull breeds. Not to mention the hundreds, if not thousands, of mixed breed dogs said to be “pit bulls” based on speculative identifications. Severe injuries or death from dog bites are exceedingly rare, and “pit bulls”, assuming they were correctly identified, are involved in only a fraction of such incidents. It is the owner’s negligent or criminal actions that are responsible for any potential attack, not the dog’s breed or appearance.  BSL penalizes responsible dog owners and means the death of dogs that are not in any way dangerous.

Breed bans simply don’t work to keep communities safe. Such legislation is very costly to enforce and negative for a community and state and will only result in creating a climate where dogs are viewed as enemies rather than family members requiring proper care, management and love. I sincerely hope that you will reject Kent’s proposal to introduce such a pit bull ban.

Thank  you for taking the time to read this important message.

NAME

 

Related, BSL – Breed Specific Legislation – Is your dog safe?

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Read more…

The Vivisection Scam

November 27, 2010

From Care2
By Desirai Thompson

Every year, millions upon millions of primates, cats, dogs, pigs, rabbits, rodents and a myriad of other living creatures are held against their will and tested on in the most inhumane ways, without any regard to their well-being.

In these hidden laboratories, innocent animals are dissected, suffocated, starved, exposed to radiation, shocked, isolated, blinded, injected with lethal drugs, forced to inhale tobacco smoke and consume alcohol and drugs, given heart attacks, have their limbs severed and are forced to endure countless other tortures to “serve the purpose of science”.

Vivisection is a scam. It is unethical, unnecessary and unreliable. It is used greatly to pad the pockets of these ruthless animal abusers. Dr. Ray Greek, an anti-animal testing physician states, “Animal experimentation is not necessary. It is expensive. It is inaccurate. It is misleading. It consumes limited resources. And further, it is detrimental to the very species it professes to be working to help — humankind.” (Sacred Cows and Golden Geese pg. 223)

Big Pharma, Big Fraud

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Up to 90% of test results (pdf below) gained through animal experimentation are literally thrown away because they’re found to be inapplicable to humans.  88% of doctors agree this practice is often misleading due to anatomical and physiological differences between species. Had animal test results been heeded, aspirin, penicillin, insulin and vital cancer treatments would never have been made accessible to the public.

Charles Mayo, physician and founder of the prestigious Mayo Clinic was quoted as saying, “I know of no achievement through vivisection, no scientific discovery that could not have been obtained without such barbarism and cruelty. The whole thing is evil.” (New York Daily News Mar. 13, 1961)

Even if testing on animals did yield consistent, relevant results, nothing justifies the absolutely savage abuse these animals endure at the hands of unfeeling humans. Don’t support animal exploitation in any form, for any purpose. Buy 100% cruelty-free products.

Read more…

PCRM’s Vegan Recipes & Power Plate Program

November 26, 2010

From PCRM’s Recipe of the Week

Crostini with Roasted Red Peppers

Makes about 20 slices

In this fat-free version of crostini, slices of toasted baguette are topped with a flavorful blend of tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers packed in water are sold in most supermarkets.

1 cup boiling water
10 sun-dried tomato halves
2/3 cup chopped roasted red peppers (about 2 peppers)
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 small baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices
Pour boiling water over tomatoes and set aside until softened, about 10 minutes.

Drain tomatoes and chop coarsely.

Mix tomatoes, red peppers, garlic, basil, and black pepper. Let stand 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on one or two baking sheets. Toast in oven until outsides are crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly, then spread each piece with 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato mixture.

Per slice

Calories: 25
Fat: 0.3 g
Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
Calories from Fat: 11.1%
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Protein: 0.9 g
Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
Sugar: 0.8 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Sodium: 62 mg
Calcium: 8 mg
Iron: 0.3 mg
Vitamin C: 10.9 mg
Beta Carotene: 150 mcg
Vitamin E: 0.1 mg

Source: Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Patricia Bertron, R.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

To sign up with PCRM’s Recipe of the Week, please visit HERE


PCRM’s Power Plate: A Healthy Alternative to the USDA Food Pyramid

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The Power Plate Program

Science supports a low-fat, plant-based diet for optimal health. The American Dietetic Association (ADA), the nation’s largest organization of nutrition experts, states that:

… vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.

The ADA’s position paper on vegetarian and vegan diets, published in 2009, references more than 200 studies and papers to support its conclusions. Studies continue to show that plant-based diets can aid in reversing the symptoms of America’s most devastating diseases: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer.

People who follow a plant-based diet have a healthier heart. They reap the benefits of lower cholesterol levels than meat-eaters, and heart disease is less common in vegetarians. Plant-based meals are typically low in saturated fat, and since cholesterol is found only in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs, it’s easy to consume a cholesterol-free diet.

Another benefit of consuming a plant-based diet is getting your blood pressure numbers down. An impressive number of studies show that vegetarians have lower blood pressure than nonvegetarians. A low-fat, plant-based diet has also shown to reverse the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. A diet based on vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains, which is also low in fat and sugar, can lower blood sugar levels and often reduce or even eliminate the need for medication. Since individuals with diabetes are at high risk for heart disease, avoiding fat and cholesterol is important, and a vegetarian diet is the best way to do that.

A plant-based diet helps prevent cancer. Studies of vegetarians show that death rates from cancer are only about one-half to three-quarters of those of the general population. Breast cancer rates are dramatically lower in countries where diets are typically plant-based. When people from those countries adopt a Western, meat-based diet, their rates of breast cancer soar. Vegetarians also have significantly lower rates of colon cancer than meat-eaters. Colon cancer is more closely associated with meat consumption than any other dietary factor.

Protective against cancer, plant-based diets are lower in fat and higher in fiber than meat-based diets. They are also full of foods that have phytochemicals, cancer-fighting substances. This might help to explain why vegetarians have less lung and prostate cancer. Also, some studies have suggested that diets that avoid dairy products may reduce the risk of prostate and ovarian cancer.

Read more…

Three issues, three actions: First Fruits, Sarah Palin, Alamogordo Chimpanzees

November 26, 2010

Please take action on the following three alerts; non-US friends may feel free to grab a zipcode HERE.  Thank you.

1.  Please click on and sign
Stop Bull Being Killed with Bare Hands!


2. Please click on and sign LOHV’s petition to
Tell Corporate Sponsors of Sarah Palin’s Alaska to Stop Their Advertising


3. Please click on and sign PCRM’s (new) message to
Ask Your Congressperson to Help the Alamogordo Chimpanzees!

1. BACKGROUND | From Animals Australia Unleashed

While the world wakes up to the fact that bullfighting is an outdated and cruel tradition, in a small province in South Africa a fully grown adult bull is unaware that he is about to suffer the most brutal death imaginable – all in the name of ‘culture’. We need your help to speak out for this bull.

In the home of the Zulu monarchy, KwaZulu-Natal, the Festival of Fresh Fruits (the Ukweshwana) begins in December. The ‘highlight’ is the ritualistic killing of a lone bull, by 40 young Zulu men, with nothing but their bare hands.

Over an agonising 40 minutes, the defenceless bull has his tongue pulled and torn out, his eyes gouged, his genitals twisted and tied in a knot, sand shoved down his throat and his head is painfully wrenched around by the horns in an effort to break his neck.The men then stomp and trample on the dying bull until he is dead.

This shockingly violent death is anything but quick, and it’s difficult to imagine the sheer terror the bull would be feeling during the long drawn out torture.

The killing is supposed to prove how brave the men involved are, but there’s no bravery in torturing an animal. And tradition is never an excuse to abuse an animal!

No animal should ever be made to suffer like this. The South African branch of Compassion in World Farming is campaigning for this to stop, but this issue is crying out for international support. Please show South African officials that the world is shocked by this animal abuse and politely call on them to ban this brutal event now!

Message Text

I am absolutely shocked and saddened to learn of the violence and torture inflicted upon a bull each year in KwaZulu-Natal. This cruelty is of a level that is condemned worldwide, and there is no place for it in civilised society.

Allowing this horrific animal cruelty to continue taints South Africa’s good international reputation.

Please ban this terrible event and ensure that South Africa’s progressive image is not overshadowed by this brutal injustice to a defenseless animal.

PLEASE SIGN HERE

 

Related, Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

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2. BACKGROUND | From X-Online & LOCV

Just how humane is Sarah Palin on Sarah Palin’s Alaska?

The former governor is being criticized by the Defense Of Animals due to an event that occurred on her TLC reality show…

Mother Palin caught a fish and beat (him) with a club – and later, daughter Bristol holds its still-beating heart in her hand.

A spokesperson for the animal rights group claims this “snuff video is disgusting,” adding that “when they laugh about the beating heart that Bristol holds in her hand, their complete insensitivity to the animal kingdom becomes clear.”

But halibut clubbing is apparently not that uncommon among fishermen; Sarah even explained on her show that “it’s the safest and most humane way to harvest these massive fish.”

Nevertheless, Alaska has dropped about 40% in viewership (down to 3 million viewers) since it began. Whoops!

LOCV’s Petition Text

Sarah Palin’s Alaska is clearly a political maneuver to rebrand Sarah Palin as a friend of the environment while she continues to deny global warming, call for more oil drilling, and block environmentally sound legislation.

We need to turn up the pressure and go straight to the advertisers.  Add your name below and join thousands of LCV members in demanding an end to corporate sponsorship of this blatant PR stunt.

PLEASE SIGN LOCV’s PETITION HERE

3. BACKGROUND | From PCRM

Targeting: The U.S. House of Representatives

There is an urgent situation in Alamogordo, N. M., that could affect the lives of almost 200 chimpanzees. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) plans to move these animals to the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) in San Antonio, Texas, where they will be subjected to painful, invasive experiments.

Read more…

Please Urge the Obama Administration to Stand Up for Polar Bears: Two quick petitions

November 24, 2010


Immediate, please click on and sign/send the following two automatic messages, thank you.  (Please note that these may only be open to US friends.)

1. Urge the Obama Administration to Stand Up for Polar Bears

2. Protect Arctic Polar Bears, Walruses, and Seals from Offshore Drilling

Backgrounds from Defenders of Wildlife & Oceana

Planned drilling in Alaska’s Chukchi Sea threatens polar bears, endangered bowhead whales and other wildlife. Yet, the Obama Administration now seems poised to green-light drilling in the Chukchi without the most basic of information about its effects.

There is still no effective, proven technology to clean up oil spills in broken sea ice conditions in Arctic waters, such as those found in the Chukchi Sea… a problem that could doom bowhead whales, threatened polar bears and other wildlife if drilling proceeds.

Urge President Obama’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to delay drilling in the Chukchi until sound science can determine its safety for wildlife.

You Can’t Rewind An Oil Spill

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Frozen Arctic seas. Subzero temperatures. Massive waves. Over 1,000 miles away from the closest Coast Guard response center.

These harsh conditions that people would find inhospitable are what make the Chukchi Sea perfect for polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, and other Arctic marine animals that call it home. These same conditions are also a recipe for disaster in the inevitable event of an offshore drilling accident.

The government is saying they have spent enough money on scientific research in the Chukchi Sea. But there are still large scientific gaps on how offshore oil and gas development will impact the environment and the animals and indigenous communities that rely on a healthy Arctic Ocean.

The US government needs to hear from you by November 30: a lack of scientific information, combined with treacherous, Arctic conditions, spells disaster in the event of an oil spill.

Read more…

Three Issues: Two Fur, One Human Rights, please send protest messages, thank you.

November 24, 2010

1. Please send automatic message to Husk requesting they discontinue selling fur

2. Please send sample message (below) to Danish political party protesting their assertion that animal rights organization, ANIMA, be penalized for exposing fur cruelty on Danish fur farms

3. Please send automatic message to Austrian government officials protesting the judicial abuse and human rights violations of animal rights activists in Austria

1. BACKGROUND | From PETA

Australian store Husk is selling items made from rabbit fur. On fur farms all around the world, rabbits – who are sensitive and intelligent animals – spend their entire lives in tiny, filthy cages and suffer physical and psychological distress before they are killed by neck-breaking or skull-bashing.

In their natural habitats, rabbits live with their families in underground burrows called “warrens.” They can hop faster than a cat, human, or white-tailed deer can run. Rabbits love nibbling on alfalfa, timothy hay, apples, carrots, and crisp, green veggies, and they chew vigorously to trim their front teeth, which never stop growing. They communicate through body language, marking their territories like cats by rubbing their chins on twigs, rocks, or other landmarks.

What You Can Do

Please use the form HERE to urge Husk to join forward-thinking designers Stella McCartney, Alannah Hill, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Gail Elliott, and Tommy Hilfiger and department store David Jones and stop selling fur. Let Husk know that there are many fashionable alternatives to fur that don’t involve the slaughter of innocent animals.

Personalized letters always work best, so feel free to add your own thoughts and opinions!

Related

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2. BACKGROUND | From Facebook

ANIMA, Danish Animal Rights Organization (translation):

Dear animal lover – this time we really need your help! Danish People’s Party are trying these days to eliminate government subsidies to Anima, because we revealed cruelty in Danish fur farms last fall. The most important thing you can do in this mail is to write a protest to the Danish People’s Party – read more below and find contact information at the bottom of the mail. TO DISCLOSURE OF COST cruelty? Anima and TV2’s revelations of highly dubious circumstances in Danish fur farms have had major consequences. Despite the subsequent public control of the farms have shown that there are massive problems in complying with laws and want politicians from several parties now is to eliminate government subsidies to Anima. Politicians have argued that there should be a trial of Anima, but this is totally wrong and the police have no case or investigation of Anima for our disclosures of mink abuse or something else.

So why would any politicians now to remove Animas support from lottery funds that go to our peaceful awareness activities for the animals? Perhaps most of all to avoid being targeted a critical gaze to locations where animals are abused systematically. Most surprising is perhaps that one of the initiators of this attack on Anima is Kristian Thuelsen Dahl from the Danish People’s Party, a party that more than any other party have marketed themselves to be animal friends. But it is not true animal lover to buy business advertising, if you simultaneously attempt to stop those who uncovers cruelty. Animal cruelty must be detected and stopped wherever it occurs, it can no animal friends disagree in. Send an email to the Danish People’s Party’s finance policy Dahl and ask him to stop the unfair smear campaign against Anima and show that the party stands on the livestock side. Write a personal email and send it to him.

Related

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Where to send your message

dfkrtd@ft.dk

Sample Message

Kære  Kristian Thulesen Dahl, Dansk Folkeparti.

Jeg er blevet gjort bekendt med at du ønsker at fjerne tilskuddet til dyreorganiationen Anima.Dette vil du gøre fordi Anima har afsløret ufattelig dyremishandling i pelsindustrien.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2O2rXONyas

Hvordan kan I som såkaldt dyrevenlig parti straffe en dyreorganisation, der afslører disse grusomheder. Er penge vigtigere end dyrevelfærd?

I hævder at der skulle være en retsag mod Anima, men det er forkert. Politiet har ingen sager eller efterforskning af Anima for deres afsløringer af minkmishandling eller andet.

http://anima.dk/emailnews/polstats.pdf

Så hvorfor ønsker nogen politikere nu at fjerne Animas støtte fra tipsmidlerne, som går til deres fredelige oplysningsarbejde for dyrene? Måske mest af alt for at forhindre, at der bliver rettet et kritisk blik mod steder, hvor dyr mishandles systematisk?

Hele verden ved, hvordan vores dyr behandles i pelsindustrien. I stedet for at straffe Anima bør I straffe de pelsavlere der ikke overholder loven om dyrevelfærd og rette op på det dårlige ry, vi har fået rundt om i verden for vores dyremishandling i pelsindustrien. Dette kan I gøre ved at lukke pelsindustrien i stedet for at bifalde den. Det er dybt uetisk at avle dyr udelukkende for pynt. I dag behøver intet menneske at iklæde sig dyrs pels.

I håb om et svar takker jeg for at du tog tid til at læse dette brev.

Med venlig hilsen

Name   Country

English Translation

Dear Mr. Dahl, Danish People’s Party.

I have been informed that you want to remove subsidy for interbranch organization Anima.This will do because Anima revealed unimaginable cruelty in fur industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2O2rXONyas

How can you as a so-called animal-friendly party punish an animal organization that reveal these atrocities? Is money more important than animal welfare?

You argue that there should be a lawsuit against the Anima, but it is wrong. Police have no case or investigation of Anima for their exposure of mink or other mistreatment.

http://anima.dk/emailnews/polstats.pdf

So why would any politicians now to remove Animas support from lottery funds that go to their peaceful awareness activities for the animals? Perhaps most of all to avoid being targeted a critical gaze to locations where animals are abused systematically?

The whole world knows how we treat animals in the fur industry. Instead of punishing Anima you should punish the fur breeders who fail to comply with the law on animal welfare and correct the bad reputation that we have received around the world for our cruelty in fur industry. This can be done by closing the fur industry, rather than welcome it. It is deeply unethical to breed animals solely for decoration. Today need no man to wear animal fur.

Hoping for an answer, I thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Name  Country

 

3. BACKGROUND | From Shame On Austria


…animal protection campaigners are now facing up to 5 years imprisonment because of activities such as organising demonstrations, expressing opinions or documenting the conditions on livestock farms.

The Austrian animal protection movement was long considered one of the most successful in the world. Between 1998 and 2008, it managed to significantly reform Austria’s animal welfare legislation, achieving a ban on fur farming, a ban on using wild animals in circuses, a ban on experiments on great apes, a ban on battery farms for hens and rabbits, and an introduction of the institute of animal solicitors. All parliamentary political parties pledged to implement animal protection in the federal constitution. These successes were achieved by smart campaigning, with use of regular demonstrations, media work, lobbying, and acts of civil disobedience.

However, not everyone was happy about the successes of the movement. Laws improving animal welfare, like the ban on battery farming, clashed with business interests of animal industries, which made many politicians reluctant to endorse them. But the campaigners managed to use public support to generate pressure on these politicians, which forced them to accept the laws eventually. Understandably, this led to an ever increasing tension between the animal enterprises and the politicians on one side and the successful campaigners on the other side.

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Florida: Ban Greyhound Racing In 2011 (Anyone may sign.)

November 23, 2010

Immediate, please sign: Florida: Ban Greyhound Racing 2011

  • Non-Florida friends may also participate.

From: Animal Rescue Site

Background:

The “sport” of dog racing is cruel, costly and collapsing all around the United States. Recognizing that the dog racing industry is fundamentally incapable of treating its Greyhounds humanely, many states have already banned this exploitive form of entertainment. In fact, Florida is one of only seven states in which dog racing still exists.

The suffering of the dogs far outweighs any entertainment or financial benefit to the state: racing Greyhounds generally are confined to cages when not competing and injuries such as broken legs and paralysis are commonplace.

The Florida Legislature has a history of passing economic measures aimed at propping up the failing Greyhound racing industry. It is high time for your elected officials to take a hard look at dog racing and take steps to rid Florida of it entirely.


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Petition Language:

Dear [Decision Maker],

I am opposed to the cruelty inflicted on Greyhound dogs used by the racing industry. Recently, 32 dogs were allowed to die at the end of a racing season at Ebro Park; five other dogs barely survived after having their throats and mouths wrapped in duct tape.

Please consider the following:

· Dogs are confined for many hours each day in small cages, fed substandard food, receive little veterinary care, and are often seriously injured when racing.

· It costs more to regulate dog racing in Florida than the tracks contribute to the state in revenue.

· Other forms of gambling are more popular and produce revenue for the state, and these businesses do not subject our canine friends to cruelty.

· Racing is a dying sport. In the last decade, it has been reduced by half nationwide, with only seven states now operating 23 tracks (compared to 15 states and 50 tracks in 2001). How many more dogs must suffer before it ends in Florida?

· The state can continue to prosecute acts of animal cruelty when they are discovered, but that is expensive and can negatively impact local community budgets. It would be better to prevent suffering than handle it after it has occurred.

Greyhound racing is cruel, does not contribute anything to our state and should be halted. I urge you to take steps to ban Greyhound racing in Florida when the Legislature meets in 2011.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my views.

Sincerely,

 

Read more…

Dog Set on Fire After Being Hung, please write

November 23, 2010

From ALDF

(Wayne County, MI) Kristian Dennard Jackson & Decarlos Lashawn Young are facing criminal charges related to the alleged gross abuse of a pitbull in August 2010. They allegedly set the young dog on fire after a failed attempt at hanging her to death. A bystander was reportedly able to videotape this terrible incident with a cell phone camera. Investigators were unable to recover the dog’s body, it is believed that her remains were discarded in the trash and hauled away.

Such cruelty, and indeed the expanse of criminal activity that accompanies dogfighting, demands meaningful justice from the criminal courts, and local citizens are encouraged to actively show their support for this important prosecution.

Please attend hearings if possible and send a message; there is a sample letter provided but modify if only somewhat so that a variety of messages are received.  I have included a link to two additional sample letters that can also be amended. Please note that when I used the automated web messaging service and selected “submit”, it filled the fields of a new email (TO:    prosecutor@co.wayne.mi.us ) that I subsequently sent (but I am unsure if the web mail was successfully submitted – as long as you can do one or the other).

 

Related Act of Cruelty
Another Dog Set On Fire

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Related Act of Cruelty
Dinner Enslaved, Eviscerated, Dismembered

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WHERE TO GO

Locals are encouraged to support the prosecution by attending the criminal proceedings. A pretrial hearing is currently scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 801 | Wayne County Circuit Court, Criminal Division

Wayne County Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine Street
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-2506
Case #10-012065-01 – Kristian Dennard Jackson
Case #10-012065-02 – Decarlos Lashawn Young
(Always contact the Court to confirm court dates and locations as they are subject to change.)

WHOM TO CONTACT

Locals especially are asked to write polite letters to the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, thanking her office for their earnest and professional work on this case, and encouraging that the maximum penalty be sought upon conviction. The Honorable Kym L. Worthy, Prosecuting Attorney

Wayne County
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine Street
12th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Fax: 313-224-0974

Contact Online and/or Email Address: prosecutor@co.wayne.mi.us


SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Honorable Worthy,

I have learned of an extremely disturbing and malicious case of animal cruelty in which two individuals, Mr. Kristian Dennard Jackson and Mr. Decarlos Lashawn Young, allegedly with deliberation caused the immense suffering and death of a dog. This alleged incident occurred on August 25 in Detroit.

Please allow me to elaborate. Our global communities share laws, moral and written, and when one person demonstrates such a gross lack of respect for both, our societies must react with concern for the innocent and potential victims, who include both non-human and human animals. It is our obligation to protect them from both manufactured and intrinsic cruelty, and although the distinction is often difficult to identify, the effect is not, and our priority is the innocent, in this case the dog. Nobody possesses such heightened intuitive ability to determine the thoughts of another, but past behaviours are potentially indicative of future actions, as has been legally and judicially established in the link between animal and human abuse.  The callous disregard of life, so easily adopted as demonstrated by their unprovoked and lethal behaviour, needs to be regarded rather than dismissed.

Please respect the victims by penalizing the guilty and demonstrate your commitment to justice, responsibility, and integrity, attributes unquestionably necessary in a social and law enforcement setting: rejecting cruelty by maintaining an unyielding position towards it as well as imposing the harshest sentence permissible would be a model for all community members and would serve to characterize this type of behaviour as both impermissible and punishable.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent issue.

NAME
ADDRESS

 

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Poland: Kielce Shelter Abuses Now Exposed – Please Act Immediately and Send Sample Letter to Authorities. Full Letter and Mail Block Listing Provided.

November 22, 2010



From Serbian Animals Voice (SAV)

Please contact the Polish authorities with protest mails about their complete and utter incompetence.  Bombard them with the sample letter given below. An email block listing is also provided.

Poland will never be allowed to keep this animal abuse quiet – the world WILL BE INFORMED.

TO ALL PEOPLE WITH HEART AND CONSCIENCE, PLEASE SEND YOUR PROTEST.

Click on each to enlarge …

WHERE TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE

For email block – copy/paste as a whole, enter into your TO: and select one carriage return/enter; OR use individually; see complete address details further down.  I have received TWO invalids but will keep them in:  <wojciech.lubawski@um.kielce.pl>: user is over quota / <joanna.senyszyn@sejm.pl> failed)

listy@prezydent.pl , wet@wetgiw.gov.pl ,  janusz.zwiazek@wetgiw.gov.pl , b.konopka@wiw.kielce.pl , kielce.piw@wetgiw.gov.pl , rzecznik@ms.gov.pl , pk.skargi@ms.gov.pl , karina@prezydent.pl , Karina.Schwerzler@prezydent.pl , blp@blp.org.pl , nik@nik.gov.pl , zofia.biel@um.kielce.pl , Wojciech.Lubawski@um.kielce.pl , andrzej.sygut@um.kielce.pl , anna.ciuleba@um.kielce.pl , wojewoda@kielce.uw.gov.pl , Joanna.Senyszyn@sejm.pl , joanna.senyszyn@europarl.europa.eu  , Konstanty.Miodowicz@sejm.pl , poselwalcz@o2.pl

listy@prezydent.plwet@wetgiw.gov.pljanusz.zwiazek@wetgiw.gov.pl , b.konopka@wiw.kielce.plkielce.piw@wetgiw.gov.plrzecznik@ms.gov.pl , pk.skargi@ms.gov.plkarina@prezydent.plKarina.Schwerzler@prezydent.pl , blp@blp.org.plnik@nik.gov.plzofia.biel@um.kielce.pl , Wojciech.Lubawski@um.kielce.plandrzej.sygut@um.kielce.pl , anna.ciuleba@um.kielce.plwojewoda@kielce.uw.gov.plJoanna.Senyszyn@sejm.pl , joanna.senyszyn@europarl.europa.euKonstanty.Miodowicz@sejm.pl , poselwalcz@o2.pl

SAMPLE MESSAGE (courtesy of Serbian Animals Voice)

To Whom It Concerns,

I was very shocked when I saw the documented images of dogs lying like a heap of bare bones, dogs with gaping wounds and pieces of flesh missing from their sides, dogs with their ribs exposed and broken. This is happening in KIELCE:

http://uwaga.onet.pl/215655,reportaze,gehenna_zwierzat_1,wideo_detal.html

Puppies are eaten alive by desperation and the starvation of others. Still others are dying agonizing, slow deaths while foaming at the mouth and trembling. Many are routinely kicked and beaten to death by impatient and apathetic staff members.  Still others are simply fought to death in a struggle for survival in a place where survival is momentary.

The shelter in Kielce is a stain on Poland’s conscience and our silence is and would be a sign of Passive Acceptance.

The images in these photos speak volumes – more than the words we could ever place on this paper – our people’s hearts and consciences are wounded by the constant images of such unforgivable acts of cruelty against these innocent and loving creatures considered man’s best friends.

It is our MISSION to send a CLEAR MESSAGE that the TORTURE AND MASSACRE of the animals in your country can NO LONGER BE TOLERATED AND IGNORED AND UNOFFICIALLY LEGALIZED BY THE INDIFFERENCE on the part of the authorities in charge.

Killing dogs by methods of systematic starvation, beatings, and providing no medical treatment is an unacceptable form of controlling the homeless population of unwanted animals in a country that is part of the European Union.

The humane solution lies in spay and neuter programs consistent with global welfare standards.

We urge you to make every effort to create a precedent in your country and show the world that Poland will no longer tolerate nor accept excuses for animal abuse within its borders.

Your shelters need to be in line with the Directives specified in the European Union Protocol on Animal Protection.

Yours sincerely,

 

RELATED, APATHY IS A GLOBAL DISEASE:

Do You Still Find It Outrageous?

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Fur Alert: Giorgio Armani Shows No Compassion for Any Creatures. Take Action!

November 22, 2010

Immediate, please click on, sign, and send automatic letter:
 Giorgio Armani Shows No Compassion for Small Creatures. Take Action!

(Please remember to click the Sign button on the second page after you input your information.)

Sponsored by: The Animal Rescue Site

Despite growing pressure from animal rights groups and activists, fine clothing designer Giorgio Armani continues to use rabbit fur in his designs. Rabbit fur operations were recently uncovered in both France and China, where large-scale rabbit slaughter facilities were exposed. Rabbits at these locations were shown to be hung upside down shortly before their skin was cruelly ripped from their bodies.

Armani clearly does not care about the wellbeing of the rabbits. In fact, just last year he made a declaration that he would no longer use rabbit fur in the production of his clothing. Yet his new line features many pieces with fur.

These poor rabbits don’t deserve to be treated in this way and sacrificed all in the name of profit and superficial ends.

Sign the petition HERE urging Giorgio Armani to cease his use of rabbit (and all animal) fur immediately.


Meet Your Mink Coat

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