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.
Let’s Save the Bear Sanctuary
Born Free
BACKGROUND | SOURCE BORN FREE
In early October 2012 we learned the shocking news that the bears at Animals Asia Foundation’s wonderful sanctuary in Vietnam are facing eviction. The 104 bears living there are the rescued victims of the appallingly cruel bear bile farms. This news is especially distressing for the Born Free Foundation’s founder, Virginia McKenna, who has seen for herself the shocking conditions at bile farms in Vietnam, and Born Free supporters have helped fund this very sanctuary.
The sanctuary is located within Tam Dao National Park and the eviction seems to be the result of an aggressive campaign by the park director, Do Dinh Tien.
The eviction is in direct violation of the Vietnam government’s 2005 agreement with Animals Asia to fund and develop a facility on 12 hectares of the park that would permanently rehabilitate and house 200 endangered bears rescued from the illegal bear bile industry. Based on this agreement, Animals Asia has invested more than $2 million in building and infrastructure.
The bears there have been rehabilitated after years of trauma from being locked up in small cages and painfully drained of their bile. It is not difficult to imagine what would go through their minds if they had to be darted, crated, and transported again. They would then have to learn that the new surroundings were truly safe and the new humans working with them were not going to catch them again and torture them.
In addition, it is likely to take at least two years to establish a new center with outdoor enclosures, forcing the bears back into cages on a long-term basis.
The case will now go to the prime minister of Vietnam for a final decision. Due to the powerful status of the Ministry of Defence, it is feared that he will be forced to agree with the recommendation to close the center.
What can you do? Write to Vietnam’s prime minister today, and urge him to overturn the eviction!
PETITION
Please click and sign HERE
WHOM TO CONTACT
banbientap@nguyentandung.org
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Honourable Nguyen Tan Dung,
I am concerned that Animals Asia’s bear sanctuary is to be evicted from Tam Dao National Park by the Ministry of Defence.
This eviction is in direct violation of the Vietnam government’s 2005 agreement with Animals Asia to fund and develop a facility on 12 hectares of the park.
Please overturn the decision to evict Animals Asia.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent appeal.
NAME
Read more…
Email Gordon Ramsey for promoting and selling foie gras
BACKGROUND | SOURCE FRANCE 24
A group of European lawmakers, including a member from France’s Green Party, have joined animal rights campaigners in a bid to ban the production and sale of the French delicacy foie gras across the European Union.
Foie gras, a popular national dish in France, is made by force-feeding grain to ducks or geese to produce a fatty enlarged liver.
Animal Equality, a pressure group part of an international campaign to “raise awareness on the torture of thousands of ducks and geese on foie gras farms in five EU countries,” welcomed the move by eight prominent MEPs that included the Green Party’s Yves Cochet.
“We want to help European consumers to open their eyes and ask the European Commission (for) a law to ban not only the production, but also the import and sale of foie gras,” said Italian MEP Andrea Zanoni.
The MEPs’ call for a ban followed a bid by French producers, backed by the country’s junior minister for the food industry Guillaume Garot, to defend the gourmet food at the European parliament.
Important industry in France
With some 35,000 people involved in foie gras production, the demand for a ban is unlikely to go down well in France.
French authorities were not amused when California set a precedent by becoming the first state to forbid the consumption of foie gras in July this year.
“Foie gras is an important part of the French gastronomic heritage and it has been recognised as such by UNESCO. There is no reason France should accept this state of affairs,” a French diplomat told Reuters at the time.
Currently, farming of animals to produce foie gras is banned in 22 EU nations – excluding Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Hungary and Spain – but not the import or sale of what campaigners dub as “torture in a tin”.
PETITION
Please click HERE
WHOM TO CONTACT
privatedining@gordonramsay.com ; royalhospitalroad@gordonramsay.com ; savoygrill@gordonramsay.com
SAMPLE LETTER
To Whom It Concerns,
I note that you are selling foie gras on your menu, and I urge you to please stop.
Foie gras is produced by intense, prolonged suffering. Ducks and geese are force-fed huge amounts of a stodgy, nutrient-deprived pulp through a hard pipe, which is shoved down their throats 3 or 4 times per day for up to 28 days. During this period, their livers increase in size by 10-12 times normal. The birds are intentionally-diseased: it is not possible to produce cruelty-free foie gras, as any attempt to enlarge the liver will result in pain and stress.
Migratory geese never gorge themselves until the point of death prior to migration. Such extreme behaviour would be physically incapacitating and would be contrary to their survival. The livers of wild ducks and geese may expand up to twice their normal size prior to migration but not a ten-fold expansion as found in forced-feeding production.
According to documentation by veterinarians, the animals must experience unspeakable pain and suffering. Birds have literally exploded from these forced feedings. The results of necropsies on dead birds who have been force-fed reveal ruptured livers, throat damage, and esophageal trauma. The birds are purposely given a liver disease known as hepatic lipidosis that often cripples and poisons them. In addition to being a diseased product, foie gras may induce disease: a 2007 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that protein fibers from foie gras enhanced the onset of secondary amyloidosis, a disease fatal to humans. This is because the birds are subjected to a huge amount of stress, which produces hormones that no amount of cooking can remove from their meat.
Eight members of European Parliament have asked the EU Parliament for the TOTAL ban of the importation AND sale of Foie Gras into the EU countries, as California now has accomplished, thankfully. This is to stop the five countries where, like the UK, the production is banned but the country is still allowed to sell it because of weak free-trade laws. This, in turn, allows you and others to to include it on your menu and profit from such. Please refer to the following link:
There are many people and subsequent petitions supporting this. Please see the below petition, and please read some of the comments. There are 54,000 people who have already agreed to this, and the petition author will be taking the results to the UK Parliament once 100,000 signatures is reached. It has already been to European Parliament and Commission and is supported by many MP’s and MEPS.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/10/we-the-undersigned/
Many restaurants are now dropping foie gras, the Marco Pierre White chain for one.
While the ban-of-sale into the EU is being challenged by MEPS, you can still continue to serve and promote it; however, it will be a very unpopular move by you: we know how much public opinion means to you.
Please consider how cruel and unhealthy this item is, and please stop selling it. Thank you for your consideration and potential compassion, and please listen to public opinion before profit.
Regards,
OTHER ACTIONS
Please click HERE for additional contacts and sample letters to send
Read more…
Help FOUR PAWS end cruel cosmetic testing and ensure the EU keep its promise to laboratory animals
Four Paws
BACKGROUND | SOURCE FOUR PAWS
Cosmetic testing on animals was banned within the EU on 11 March 2009. However, the promised final sales ban must be implemented in 2013 otherwise the 2009 ban will be meaningless as cosmetic companies will simply continue to test their ingredients outside the EU and import them for sale. As the proposed ban forbids the sale of all cosmetic ingredients tested outside the EU, this will also have a positive impact towards ending cosmetic testing on animals worldwide.
A decision will be made very soon on whether the ban will be enforced on time and so swift action is required. A delay will be proposed if it is concluded that alternatives to certain tests have not been developed or validated in time. There is no justification to continue animal testing for cosmetics, thousands of ingredients are also already safely used in humans and available for use.
PETITION
Please click HERE for petition
WHOM TO CONTACT
Please click HERE for online webform
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear President Barroso,
As you are aware, cosmetic testing on animals was banned within the EU on 11 March 2009. A final and full-sales ban must be implemented in 2013, otherwise the 2009 ban will be rendered meaningless, as cosmetic companies will simply continue to test their ingredients outside the EU and import them for sale.
As the proposed ban forbids the sale of all cosmetic ingredients tested outside the EU, this will also have a positive impact towards ending cosmetic testing on animals worldwide. With a full ban enforced, the cosmetics industry will still be able to research, develop, and innovate new cosmetics as far as non-animal test methods will allow. This presents a humane, fair, and ethical competitive environment.
There is no justification for the European Commission to continue to permit animal-tested cosmetics to be sold, even on the basis of a derogation. Thousands of ingredients are already available for safe human use and the immense pain and suffering inflicted on animals for a trivial purpose such as cosmetics is unethical, unacceptable, and unnecessary.
Therefore, I ask that you support and fully implement a full and outright ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics within the EU, with no exceptions, on 11th March 2013.
As citizens and consumers, we pledge to buy only ethical products and want to see our shelves free from animal-tested cosmetics.
Please ensure that the European Commission keeps it’s promise and bans all animal-tested cosmetics on 11th March 2013.
NAME
for beauty is a human desire,
perfection we seek,
but to kindness we should
aspire.
♥
Karen Lyons Kalmenson
Ask Blockbuster to stop funding cruel primate experiments at UF
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND | SOURCE FACEBOOK
It’s hard to believe, but now we inform Blockbuster/Dish and its affiliates about what their exorbitant donations to the University of Florida buys- primate torture and archaic frankenscience. We want them to know they are absolutely compliant in hurting primates if they continue funding UF primate torture. Tell Blockbuster/Dish NO MORE DONATIONS TO UF until primate testing is banned!!
It has come to my attention that the University of Florida Foundation donors are responsible for providing $3.2 BILLION in support of UF and as we know they spend it on primate torture. Unbelievably, these donors include corporations who state they act to benefit society; Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation, National Geographic Society, The Humane Society of the United States, PetSmart, The NASCAR Foundation and Anheuser-Busch most recently famous for formally denouncing the horrible and cruel event SnapperFest, saying they love and respect all animals. These giant corporations are hemorrhaging money into UF’s Death Camp and they need to be held accountable for what their money funds!!!
Primates are imprisoned in the University of Florida labs, poisoned, sickened, and killed when alternatives are available. Among 1000s of other animals, more than 200 are forced to endure painful experiments without anesthesia. UF has lost a lawsuit to animal rights activists and the vet records of agony and torture are now being made public.
WHOM TO CONTACT
service@blockbusterexpress.com, blockbuster@adperio.com, press@blockbuster.com,
donation.requests@blockbuster.com, corporate.communications@blockbuster.com,
Michael.kelly@blockbuster.com, nick.sayeedi@blockbuster.com, matt.bernier@blockbuster.com,
copyright.administrator@blockbuster.com, ellen.kramer@blockbuster.com,
lisa.wodell@blockbuster.com, michelle.lueck@blockbuster.com, executivecustomerservice@dish.com,
voe@dish.com, rob.bennett@blockbuster.com, tech@dish.com, chris.rowland@blockbuster.com,
tim.wesley@blockbuster.com, procurement.vendors@blockbuster.com, press@dish.com,
marciedes.metzger@dishnetwork.com, kaia.sunde@dishnetwork.com
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Blockbuster/Dish,
I am writing today because I found your name on the University of Florida’s special bragging list – the “honor roll” of generous donors. I want you to know I am going to ask my friends and your supporters in the coming weeks to enjoy movies from your competitors until you no longer support the University of Florida.
No place that does archaic experiments on animals can “clean up their act” – they need to ban animal testing completely at their school. The whole country of Canada has recently committed to this ban in all of their universities, so a single university has no excuse. There is no work that you do that can make up for supporting an institution using living, feeling, innocent animals for agonizing experiments. I think the only way for you to keep your “good name” is to stop donating money to the University of Florida until they ban primate testing.
The following is a link to the UF website where you are honored for contributing to a university mired in controversy about their animal experiments:
See the latest from a UF whistle blower at the following:
http://emptyallcages.com/category/university-of-florida-2/
UF chooses primate torture, most times using 2 and 3-year old primate toddlers, when there are thousands of non-animal alternatives available to teach and use right now:
http://emptyallcages.com/non-animal-alternatives/
The bottom line is that is what those involved with archaic animal research will be able to say is that it must be OK since large corporations give to UF. I think Blockbuster/Dish should pull their money from UF until UF bans animal testing. Please help me ensure that your donations do not become UF blood money by contacting UF today. Your letter can make a difference as a voice for innocent animals trapped in a brutal laboratory.
Thank you for your immediate attention to these innocent suffering animals.
The University of Florida email contacts:
HonorRoll@uff.ufl.edu, ccjysikes@ufl.edu, cmachen@ufl.edu, president@ufl.edu, jysikes@ufl.edu
Sincerely,
Read more…
Charge soldiers who tortured monkey
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND | SOURCE PETA ASIA
Vietnam was recently ranked the worst nation for wildlife crimes out of a list of 23 countries in a survey undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund. Perhaps government officials have taken this dishonorable ranking to heart with their decision to take action against a group of soldiers for torturing endangered monkeys.
With high levels of public outrage over these heinous crimes, the Vietnamese government should ensure that the punishment handed down to these soldiers reflects the severity of their crime. The two monkeys, who were forced to smoke, then skinned and beheaded, were critically endangered gray-shanked douc langurs. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has placed these monkeys among the world’s top 25 most-endangered primates, with only approximately 650 animals believed to be left in the wild.
Col. Nguyen Van Hai, the head of Tay Nguyen Command’s Military Prosecutor’s Office, has stated that the soldiers are being questioned and that they will be dealt with under military law. It is crucial that the Vietnamese authorities show that they will not tolerate animal abuse and that offenders will be punished appropriately.
Please write to your local Vietnamese embassy and ask government officials to send a message that Vietnam will no longer tolerate the torture and abuse of animals. Animals are not ours to exploit, and it is time for Vietnam to implement animal-protection laws to safeguard those who cannot speak for themselves.
WHOM TO CONTACT
Send an email to the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
http://www.na.gov.vn/htx/English/C1482/default.asp?sAction=lienhe#irP50OKUtT2m
Contact your local Vietnamese embassies/consulates:
http://www.vietnam-visa.com/embassy/
SAMPLE LETTER
To Whom It Concerns,
Three Vietnamese soldiers were arrested for torturing – and skinning alive – two highly-endangered grey-shanked duoc monkeys – the world’s most endangered primates. They wantonly forced a pregnant monkey to smoke a cigarette prior to torturing and skinning her alive to make a perverted display on Facebook to bring ridicule to your government. This brought worldwide massive outrage, and great shame placed on Vietnam.
These soldiers represent Vietnam as a country. Since they highly insulted the country and brought great shame and ridicule to Vietnam, these soldiers should be seen as traitors and dealt with much severity.
Torturing and killing a pregnant monkey also represents deviants who get unnatural pleasure doing this sort of thing and are dangerous to public safety and children.
“One of them, Nguyen Van Quang, who is serving in the Tay Nguyen Command of the Vietnamese army, posted photos of the monkeys on his Facebook page last week. What is more worrying about the incident is that the young soldier who posted the photos on Facebook did not think he did anything wrong, says Nga Pham from BBC Vietnamese.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18923533
It is crucial that the Vietnamese authorities show that they will not tolerate animal abuse and that offenders will be punished appropriately; send a message that Vietnam will no longer tolerate the torture and abuse of animals. Animals are not ours to exploit, and it is time for Vietnam to implement animal-protection laws to safeguard them.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent appeal.
Read more…
Please Urge Vigorous Prosecution of Alleged Bird Killers
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND
Eric Cuellar and Justin Teixeira, both reportedly law students at the University of California–Berkeley, face felony charges of conspiracy and willful malicious torture and killing of wildlife stemming from an October 10 incident in which they were allegedly seen on camera chasing a 14-year-old exotic bird into a patch of trees at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas and then emerging with the bird’s severed head as they laughed. More information on this disturbing story can be found here.
People who abuse animals rarely do so only once and almost never stop there. The community’s safety depends on the strong prosecution of animal abusers. Please urge the Clark County district attorney to treat this crime with the seriousness that it deserves—for everyone’s sake.
WHOM TO CONTACT
Steven Wolfson, District Attorney
Clark County District Attorney’s Office
steven.wolfson@clarkcountyda.com ; dainfo@ccdanv.com
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear District Attorney Wolfson,
I have learned of extremely disturbing and malicious case of animal cruelty (allegedly) committed by Eric Cuellar and Justin Teixeira, both reportedly law students at the University of California–Berkeley; they face felony charges of conspiracy and willful malicious torture and killing of wildlife stemming from an October 10 incident in which they were allegedly seen on camera chasing a 14-year-old exotic bird into a patch of trees at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas and then emerging with the bird’s severed head as they laughed. I am writing to express my support of sentencing these defendants to the maximum penalty allowed under the law. It is essential to recognize that their decision to harm this gentle, innocent non-human animal was premeditated as demonstrated by the chronicle of events.
When I try to imagine what possible motive animal abusers entertain for subjecting their animal victims to such malicious, heinous acts of brutality, I fail, but I am thankful for a lack of cognitive understanding and rationalization. To voluntarily engage in such malicious behaviour suggests sadistic tendencies, and Mr. Cuellar’s and Mr. Teixeira’s actions, causing unmitigated pain and suffering, demonstrate their incontrovertible lack of morality regarding other living beings and a gross disrespect for the law. In fact, a person who shows such a remarkable lack of compassion towards non-human animals has the ability to show such indifference towards human animals. This link between animal and human abuse has been established, and if we excuse Mr. Cuellar’s and Mr. Teixeira’s criminal behaviour, or agree to a lesser punishment, we only harm ourselves by unjustly nullifying cruelty as acceptable behaviour. Please proceed with the most severe penalties.
I know your time is limited and I want to thank you for your attention and consideration.
NAME
Read more…
Cruel Skies – Air France Flies Primates To Experimentation Labs
Kinship Circle
BACKGROUND | SOURCE KINSHIP CIRCLE
They are trapped in trees rigged with nets. Stuffed into mesh sacks. They shriek and claw at enclosures. No one hears. They are taken.
Some are bred on barren, concrete farms that churn out live product for the international animal research trade. Nonhuman primates are valued models for experimentation, though they fail to produce clinical symptoms or data relevant to human disease processes, and can even mislead experimenters with false conclusions.
To reach research labs, animals are crated and trucked for miles. Most wind up in the extreme heat or cold of a plane’s poorly ventilated cargo hold, where they are caged during flights that can last 60 hours.
They enter a world bound by metal bars, pain and fear. Primates are induced with human disease and injury. Experimenters poison, overdose and mutilate monkeys. Electrodes are lodged in exposed brain matter. Seizures are stimulated. Limbs removed…
AIR FRANCE-KLM is the only major European carrier that still ships primates for medical research. PATTON BOGGS mediates global trade and transportation issues as lawyers and lobbyists for the airlines. Both are complicit in cruelty and scientific deceit.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Ask Air France to join Delta, American, United Airlines, US Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air China, Cathay Pacific, El Al Airlines…and nearly all major airlines that reject primate as cargo. Urge Patton Boggs to distance itself from Air France until the flight company stops primate transfers. Remind Air France that they won’t get your business until an official ban is implemented.
PETITION
Please click HERE to send automated letter
WHOM TO CONTACT
Patton Boggs, LLP – Main USA Lobbytist for Air France:
pbangert@pattonboggs.com, mgootman@pattonboggs.com, nkrayem@pattonboggs.com, tlott@pattonboggs.com, dmayer@pattonboggs.com, smchale@pattonboggs.com, rslater@pattonboggs.com, gwalden@pattonboggs.com, dwaltz@pattonboggs.com, tboggs@pattonboggs.com, tchorba@pattonboggs.com, jchristian@pattonboggs.com, bcooper@pattonboggs.com, mdriver@pattonboggs.com, ddunn@pattonboggs.com, fwisner@pattonboggs.com
Air France-KLM Executives and Management:
adjuniac@airfrance.fr, albassil@airfrance.fr, albernard@airfrance.fr, chboireau@airfrance.fr, xbroseta@airfrance.fr, achallon-kemoun@airfrance.fr, miemeyriat@airfrance.fr, frederic.gagey@klm.com, belebel@airfrance.fr, brmatheu@airfrance.fr, edodier@airfrance.fr, flparly@airfrance.fr, erschramm@airfrance.fr, phcalavia@airfrance.fr, jccros@airfrance.fr, frbrousse@airfrance.fr, peter.hartman@klm.com, erik.varwijk@klm.com, camiel.eurlings@klm.com, MichielVanderEijk@klm.com
Air France-KLM Cargo Airlines Headquarters:
mail.customerservice.cdg@airfrance.fr
Air France-KLM Shareholders Relations:
mail.actionnaires.afklm@airfrance.fr
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Air France-KLM and Patton Boggs, LLP:
Air France-KLM is the only major European carrier to still ship primates for research. As their advocate, Patton Boggs facilitates global trade and transportation issues for the airlines.
I ask both companies to acknowledge worldwide objection to primate “cargo”. Please consider that 80 percent of responders to a 2010 European Directive about animal research oppose experiments on primates. In the U.S., an Institute Of Medicine report has fueled potential passage of a bill to ban most research on chimps and great apes.
Primate data can rarely be replicated or used reliably in drug/vaccine development. Primates fail to produce clinical symptoms relevant to human disease processes — and even mislead experimenters with false conclusions. Conversely, human-focused systems such as bioinformatics, in-vitro cell/tissue culture analysis, life-like simulators, etc., better evaluate products and treatment for people.
Why should you care? Because Air France and Patton Boggs are conduits to profound animal cruelty.
Primates are trapped in trees and stuffed into mesh sacks. They shriek and claw when taken from native forests. Some are warehoused on breeding farms. To reach research labs, they are crated and trucked for miles. Most wind up in the extreme heat or cold of a plane’s poorly ventilated cargo hold, for flights that can last up to 60 hours.
They enter a world bound by metal bars, pain and fear. Primates are induced with human disease and injury. Experimenters poison, overdose and mutilate monkeys. Electrodes are lodged in exposed brain matter. Seizures are stimulated. Limbs removed… Still, we are no closer to cures for infectious disease, AIDS, neurological disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), and other ailments studied in primates.
Some 85 vaccines to cure or prevent HIV infection looked good in animals, mostly monkeys, according to Dr. John Pippin, a former Harvard University medical professor who testified before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Institute of Medicine in 2005. Those vaccines, tested in clinical trials, all failed. In 2012, a Colombia court denied permits for renowned malaria researcher Dr. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo to trap 4,000 night monkeys. After decades of primate research at Patarroyo’s Institute of Immunology Foundation, a malaria cure is nowhere in sight.
I respectfully ask Air France to join Delta, American, Virgin Atlantic, US Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Air India, El Al Airlines…and most big flight companies that reject primate cargo. I urge Patton Boggs to distance itself from the airlines until it officially bans primate transfer for research.
This is a matter of worldwide concern. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Read more…
Free Diesel Now
ESA
BACKGROUND | SOURCE ESA
Diesel the Dog has been locked away in a 5′ x 7′ cement enclosure for twenty-three and a half hours a day, every day, for the past nineteen months at the Regional District of Central Okanagan’s dog compound. The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) has a history of doing this to animals in their jurisdiction. It’s time for all fair-minded people and animal lovers to bring the RDCO’s practice of animal cruelty to an end.
Diesel’s only fault was to defend himself in a dog fight and bite the attacking dog. Diesel was then reported to RDCO Dog Control and has been incarcerated in horrible conditions ever since.
Diesel has been assessed as NON-AGGRESSIVE by a professional dog assessor with 35 years experience, Mr. Gary Gibson. Despite this, the authorities at the RDCO refuse to release Diesel and go on the word of their own dog assessor, someone who has had six weeks training in dog obedience and not a single course or any training in dog assessment. It’s this RDCO employee who assessed Diesel as aggressive and said that he should be destroyed. The only reason why Diesel is alive today is because of Diesel’s owner, Dave Smith.
Dave is trying to save the life of his innocent dog and is fighting Diesel’s case in Supreme Court which is a very costly matter.
The RDCO has the power to release Diesel IMMEDIATELY by simply dropping their court case against him. Regrettably, RDCO Directors have chosen Diesel’s continued suffering as the preferred option.
If you live within or near the RDCO, Friends of Diesel will be holding a candlelight vigil Monday, Oct. 22nd starting at 6:30 PM. It will be held at the Kelowna City Hall, 1435 Water Street, Kelowna but we’d like to meet Diesel supporters initially at The Sails. We’d like to see as many as possible attend, so if you plan on coming please dress warmly, bring family members and friends, electric candles, and of course, bring your beloved animal friends.
August 9th, 2012, Mr. Dave Smith appeared in court to receive the verdict from the judge on his loyal companion and friend, Diesel. Unfortunately, the decision of the court was not what was expected and was a very biased decision. They sentenced Diesel to death within the next 14 days, without really listening to the defense and leaving Mr. Smith with a VERY short time frame to appeal. The paperwork is already in motion for the appeal but time is very crucial for Diesel and support is urgent to save the life of an innocent victim condemned to death without your help. …
Dave Smith adopted Diesel in the summer of 2006. Dave and his loyal companion have been the center of attack for the past few years from a neighbor who has been making life very difficult. This neighbor has been making every effort to cause problems for Dave Smith and Diesel by filing complaints continuously. Diesel and his owner/parent have been victimized by this neighbor from 2006 to 2011.
Diesel has never shown any signs of aggression by any means and has always been a fun and loving companion. He has been in the company of many animals, people and children and has never attempted to hurt anyone.
In June, 2011, Dana Eklund assessed Diesel and her recommendation was the he never be released because he would bite someone or another animal. The assessment documentation provided by Ms. Eklund was given a 20 minute-briefing on Diesel by animal control on the instructions of “their” legal council. Gary Gibson, who assessed Diesel by video, contradicts Ms. Eklund’s testimony showing the complete opposite of what she testified to. The Provincially recognized expert dog assessor, Gary Gibson, showed both in written submissions and video records that Diesel was not a dangerous or aggressive dog, but would respond if attacked. Well, I think if any of us were attacked, whether animal or human, we would respond. That’s logic. …
To view the rest, follow this link.
Here is expert dog assessor Gary Gibson’s assessment.
PETITIONS
Petition 1
Petition 2
WHOM TO CONTACT
TO:
info@cord.bc.ca
CC:
info-dogcontrol@cord.bc.ca; mayor@peachland.ca; Robert.Hobson@cord.bc.ca; baker@lakecountry.bc.ca; Jim.Edgson@cord.bc.ca; cbasran@kelowna.ca; patty.hanson@cord.bc.ca; wgray@kelowna.ca; Doug.Findlater@districtofwestside.ca; andre@andres1.com; ggiven@kelowna.ca; gzimmermann@kelowna.ca; Duane.Ophus@districtofwestside.ca
SAMPLE LETTER ONE
Dear Regional Director:
Diesel, as you know, has been locked away in a 5′ x 7′ cement enclosure for twenty-three and a half hours a day, EVERYDAY, for more than nineteen months. Diesel’s cruel, prolonged confinement has clearly been approved by you, since it is your authority that has placed him there. You also know that Diesel has been assessed as NON-AGGRESSIVE by Mr. Gary Gibson, a professional dog assessor with 35 years experience. In addition, you’re fully aware that your own “dog assessor” has never taken a single course in dog assessment nor has she ever had any formal training as a dog assessor. She has only taken a six-week course in dog obedience. Despite this, she has “assessed” Diesel as aggressive and that he should be destroyed. All these details you know, but despite this alarming information, you have let an innocent dog like Diesel suffer for more than nineteen months. Where is your moral integrity?
Since it’s within your power to release Diesel immediately by stopping your legal action against him, why haven’t you made any attempt to do so? It would be impossible to believe you are not aware of this option since that’s what your job is about. Logic dictates, therefore, you do not really care. How could you and your colleagues, even in your darkest moments, sentence an innocent animal to such a hellish life? Is creating this cruel nightmare for an animal the best way you can express yourself in your life?
The world is getting to know the RDCO and its Regional Directors for all the wrong reasons. People, and yes, even Regional Directors make mistakes. You still have time to change your course and act with a heart filled with compassion instead of retribution.
Please hear the world’s voices of compassion and justice for animals. Please set Diesel free without delay. The world is waiting for your compassionate and just decision.
Thank you for taking the time to read this urgent appeal.
SAMPLE LETTER TWO
Dear Regional Director:
This is cruel and unjust punishment for any creature of any species. Please release Diesel at once!
Thank you for taking the time to read this urgent appeal.
SAMPLE LETTER THREE
Dear Regional Director:
The RDCO has overstepped its mandate by engaging in what is nothing short of animal abuse. Diesel isn’t being held in isolation in order to protect anyone. He is a victim of cruel policy implemented by an inhumane group of political powermongers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this urgent appeal.
SAMPLE LETTER FOUR
Dear Regional Director:
I can’t believe that the RDCO is allowed to waste taxpayer money on defending their animal abuse. Not only should Diesel be released – the RDCO should be personally held responsible for improper conduct and prosecuted accordingly!
Thank you for taking the time to read this urgent appeal.
Read more…
Support Sen. Harb’s Bill to End Canada’s Seal Slaughter
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Please click HERE to send automatic message
Background | Source PETA
Following a meeting with PETA some weeks back, Canadian Sen. Mac Harb has introduced a historic bill to end Canada’s annual commercial slaughter of baby seals. This piece of legislation acknowledges that there are no markets for seal pelts now that Russia—which had been importing 95 percent of Canadian seal fur—has joined the U.S., the European Union, Mexico, and others in banning seal fur imports. Despite a lack of markets, the Canadian government continues to support the slaughter because both liberals and conservatives want to control the swing seats in the region where the slaughter takes place. Sen. Harb’s bill calls for the government to end the slaughter and transition Canadians in sealing regions into sustainable economic programs.
We’re nearing the end of the seal slaughter, but we need your help now to reach a tipping point. Please write a polite letter to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Bob Rae, and New Democratic Party Leader Thomas Mulcair and ask them to support Sen. Harb’s bill, which, if passed, would put an end to the massacre once and for all.
Message Text
I’m writing to urge you to support Sen. Mac Harb’s bill to end Canada’s commercial seal slaughter and transition Canadians in sealing regions into sustainable economic programs. Now that Russia–which had been importing 95 percent of Canadian seal pelts–has joined the U.S., the European Union, Mexico, and others in banning seal fur, there are no markets. Sen. Harb’s bill benefits all parties: seals, sealers, and Canadian taxpayers, who pay millions to prop up a dead industry when many are struggling just to pay their bills. Please listen to the majority of Canadians and people around the world who want S-210 passed and the commercial seal slaughter ended.
Read more…
Please Urge North Carolina Power Plant to Ditch Bird Poison
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND
The Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant in New Hill, North Carolina, is reportedly using poison to kill unwanted birds near its buildings! Bird poisons are extremely cruel, attacking and impairing nervous systems and causing disorientation, erratic flight, tremors, and convulsions before an agonizing death. PETA contacted Duke Energy, which runs the power plant, to ask that the poison be removed immediately, but officials have not responded to our concerns.
Please contact Duke Energy officials and urge them to remove any poison set out on their property. Ask the company to employ humane deterrent methods, which are effective at keeping birds away permanently!
WHOM TO CONTACT
Please click HERE for online webform
Alternatively, please send an email to: ContactUs@duke-energy.com
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Duke Energy Officials,
It is my understanding that Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant in New Hill, North Carolina, is reportedly using poison to kill unwanted birds near its buildings. Bird poisons are extremely cruel, attacking and impairing nervous systems and causing disorientation, erratic flight, tremors, and convulsions before an agonizing death. Furthermore, poisons not only cause untold suffering to its direct victims, but also to indirect non-target species, such as cats and wildlife, who consume the birds. Such distinctive symptoms include convulsions, disorientation, pain, and obvious suffering in a lengthy pattern of death.
It is important to add that killing such a large segment of any population creates a void, in which an even larger population will develop due to an increase in food and space resources.
Please adopt a more responsible and humane approach to reducing wildlife interactions; it is negligent to utilize cruel methods that cause immense pain and a slow death when alternative non-lethal methods exist, and I ask you to adopt a responsible solution that doesn’t cause such suffering.
I know your time is limited and I thank you for your attention to this urgent manner.
Sincerely,
Read more…
Cruel Caribbean Dolphin Display Must Close
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND
Although the Caribbean island of Anguilla is only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, it’s a popular destination for many cruise liners. An outfit called Dolphin Discovery, which has a controversial history on the island and which was reportedly once ordered to close after a lengthy court battle, was given approval to reopen for business in July. The dolphins used at Dolphin Discovery are held in a cramped sea pen, where they’re forced to give rides to and interact with tourists. The pen is located near a dock that dozens of ferries travel back and forth past every day, subjecting the dolphins to engine noise and pollutants. The area is also prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, from which the confined dolphins have little protection.
In the quest to make as much money as possible, such facilities operate almost continuously, giving the animals little respite from a stream of tourists and cruise passengers. Debris and trash left in or near these pens, such as plastic bags, coins, and brochures, can be ingested by the animals, causing acute gastrointestinal problems.
Dolphins have rich social lives and brains that are as complex as our own, and they enjoy close, cooperative, and long-standing relationships. They swim together in family pods and can cover up to 100 miles a day. Just like us, dolphins have distinct personalities and can think about the future. These self-aware animals recognize themselves and have been seen closely examining themselves in mirrors.
Although captive dolphins in the United States are afforded some legal protection, dolphin displays in the Caribbean are governed by few, if any, protective regulations.
You Can Help: Please ask Anguilla Deputy Gov. Stanley Reid to close Dolphin Discovery once and for all.
WHOM TO CONTACT
Please click HERE for online webform using the below suggested talking points
SAMPLE TALKING POINTS
Ministry/Department Visited:
Anguilla Deputy Gov. Stanley Reid
What happened to cause you to be dissatisfied?
An outfit called Dolphin Discovery, which has a controversial history on the island and which was reportedly once ordered to close after a lengthy court battle, was given approval to reopen for business in July. The dolphins used at Dolphin Discovery are held in a cramped sea pen, where they’re forced to give rides to and interact with tourists.
What were your expectations?
I am writing to express my disappointment that Dolphin Discovery was given approval to reopen, and I am asking for your intervention to shut down this operation once and for all. Compassionate people and governments around the world are condemning the exploitation of marine life for “entertainment.” Keeping dolphins in a cramped pen is no way to attract visitors to the island–and will assuredly keep many away. Travelers do have a choice, and those who care about dolphins will choose elsewhere.
Read more…
Please act now to save Bill and Lou, two oxen
Wikimedia Commons, not Bill or Lou
BACKGROUND
Green Mountain College is poised to kill two oxen named Bill and Lou who have served their college farm for ten long years. ACT NOW to prevent it!
Bill and Lou have been a working team of oxen at Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT for ten years. They were pressed into service by staff at Cerridwen Farm – the teaching farm on campus – to do everything from plowing fields to generating electricity. Over the years, they became so well loved that they’re even the profile picture for the farm’s Facebook page!
A few months ago, Lou became unable to be worked any longer. Bill won’t work with anyone else. Therefore, the college has concluded that both of them must be killed.
DEATH is their reward for 10 long years of hard work.
Yes, Green Mountain College has decided that Bill and Lou’s long lives of service should be rewarded by their slaughter – and for what? According to their own press releases, the school will get, at best, a couple of months of low-grade hamburger out of their bodies.
This is especially heartbreaking because they have an excellent home waiting for them.
VINE Sanctuary has offered to provide Bill and Lou with permanent homes. VINE has the ability and resources to care for them for the rest of their natural lives. Sadly, though, the college is determined to kill them instead.
For ten years, they served the needs of those more powerful than they are.
Now it’s time to let them serve their own needs.
Please contact the folks at Green Mountain College and urge them to reconsider. It would be especially powerful for people from Vermont to contact them, so if you know someone from Vermont, please forward this notice to them as well. Feel free to use and/or modify the letter below, or write your own.
WHOM TO CONTACT
Email block
throopw@greenmtn.edu , mulderk@greenmtn.edu
Individual
Bill Throop Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs: throopw@greenmtn.edu
Kenneth Mulder Farm Manager, Research Associate & Adjunct Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies: mulderk@greenmtn.edu
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Provost Throop and Manager Mulder:
I am writing to urge you to allow Bill and Lou to live out the remainder of their natural lives, in peace and contentment, at VINE Sanctuary, a reputable organization which has offered to care for them.
Should you choose to reverse their death sentences, the rewards garnered by Green Mountain College will far exceed whatever paltry sum their slaughter would bring to the school.
Conversely, whatever small amount of cash would be made by killing them will be far outweighed by the negative press which will follow in the wake of their deaths.
Bill and Lou have served your college well for ten long years. Students and faculty alike have expressed how much they care about these individuals. They deserve to be given the rest of their lives to live as they choose. Just because they are not human does not mean they do not care about their existence.
We will be watching to see what decision you make.
Sincerely,
NAME
Read more…
Three Deer Imprisoned at Pittsburgh Nursery Need Your Voice
Wikimedia Commons
BACKGROUND | SOURCE PETA
Meder’s Nursery in Pittsburgh reportedly keeps three deer cruelly confined to a tiny windowless room year-round, except during the holiday season when they are exhibited. To make things worse, we’re told that the smallest deer is often bullied by the others.
Deer are undomesticated animals—their wild instincts are still intact. In captivity, with their instinctual needs largely (if not entirely) thwarted, they can become despondent over time and develop abnormal and self-destructive behavior, including pacing, rocking, swaying, bar-biting, and self-mutilation. Others suffer less “dramatically” but remain deeply unhappy at heart. While on exhibit, being subjected to a barrage of strange noises, activity, and people trying to touch them can’t offer these “prey” animals much reprieve.
PETA reached out to the nursery’s owners and urged them to provide the deer with an ample outdoor habitat or to place them with a sanctuary (we offered to help with this), but to no avail. Meanwhile, these wild animals reportedly languish as prisoners. Please contact Meder’s Nursery and politely implore its staff to do right by these deer—then forward this alert widely!
WHOM TO CONTACT
Please send polite comments to:
Email block
nancy@meders.com , scott@meders.com , kim@meders.com
Individual
Nancy Meder, Owner
Meder’s Nursery
360 Regis Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-653-7020
nancy@meders.com
Scott Kisner, Manager
Meder’s Nursery
360 Regis Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-653-7020
scott@meders.com
Kim Kisner, Manager
Meder’s Nursery
360 Regis Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-653-7020
kim@meders.com
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Owner Meder and Managers Kisner and Kisner,
Meder’s Nursery in Pittsburgh reportedly keeps three deer cruelly confined to a tiny windowless room year-round, except during the holiday season when they are exhibited. To make things worse, it is my understanding that the smallest deer is often bullied by the others.
Deer are undomesticated animals — their wild instincts are still intact. In captivity, with their instinctual needs largely (if not entirely) thwarted, they can become despondent over time and develop abnormal and self-destructive behavior, including pacing, rocking, swaying, bar-biting, and self-mutilation. Others suffer less dramatically but remain deeply unhappy at heart. While on exhibit, being subjected to a barrage of strange noises, activity, and people trying to touch them can’t offer these animals much reprieve.
Animals are sentient beings, capable of fear, pain, and suffering. These wild animals are reportedly languishing as prisoners, and I therefore respectfully urge you to provide the deer with an ample outdoor habitat or to place them with a sanctuary.
Thank you for taking the time to read this urgent appeal.
NAME
Read more…
Tell Stein Mart to Dump Fur
BACKGROUND
In the video footage from the investigation, workers at the Chinese farm pull rabbits out of cages by their ears and shock the screaming animals in the head with a handheld electrical device, often multiple times. Rabbits with slit throats can be seen twitching and shaking, with their eyes wide open, before they die. One of the best ways that you can help animals who are beaten and tortured for their fur is to tell Stein Mart executives that you won’t buy while animals die.
Please don’t shop at Stein Mart and let the company know why! Use the message below to tell Stein Mart’s CEO and executive vice president to dump fur, and let them know that you will not shop at Stein Mart until all real fur is off the shelves.
WHOM TO CONTACT
Please click HERE for online webform
SAMPLE COMMENT
I was shocked to learn that Stein Mart, despite knowing that animals suffer for fur, continues to sell products made with fur. I watched the video showing rabbits on fur farms twitching and shaking–with their eyes wide open–after their throats have been cut. Rabbit slaughter, no matter why or where it occurs, is always cruel.
Please don’t support cruelty to animals and stop selling fur immediately! Until you have done so, I won’t shop at Stein Mart and will urge all my friends and family to do the same.
Read more…
Urge your legislators to support Louisiana chimpanzee sanctuary
Wikimedia Commons
Louisiana friends, please click HERE
Everyone else, please click HERE
Background | Source NEAVS
Keithville, Louisiana, is home to Chimp Haven, currently the only federal sanctuary where chimpanzees no longer needed for research must be retired as required by the CHIMP Act. Unfortunately, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plan to transfer 100 of 110 chimpanzees recently deemed “ineligible” for research from a Louisiana lab to a lab in Texas. Currently, NIH plans to send only 10 of the 110 to Chimp Haven.
This decision is unfair for the chimpanzees, who deserve the comforts of sanctuary after the hardship they endured, and unfair to Louisiana, which will lose meaningful jobs. We can’t let this happen.
If you live in Louisiana, please use the form HERE to ask your legislators to ask NIH to retire all 110 chimpanzees to Chimp Haven. We encourage you to personalize the message for greater impact.
Please also place a polite call to your legislators. Because calls are less frequent, they have even greater impact. Find your legislators and their contact information HERE.
Read more…
Our Compass 