Our Compass

BACKGROUND

On New Year’s Eve, Clay’s Corner, a retail store in Brasstown, North Carolina, owned by Clay Logan, is holding its annual “Opossum Drop” event, during which a live, wild, captured opossum will be suspended inside a small, clear Plexiglas cage for hours above a rowdy crowd while being forced to withstand bright and flashing lights, smoke, and a near-constant barrage of loud noises—including live bands, the firing of black powder muskets, and a fireworks display. At midnight, the opossum will be “dropped” (lowered) into the crowd and then released.

Opossum are sensitive, small, wild prey animals who avoid human contact at all costs. Being suspended for hours in a see-through box over a screaming crowd and subjected to excessive noise and smoke would be pure terror for the animal. The smoke and noise can damage an opossum’s sensitive hearing and respiratory system, and the chaos can cause such a shy animal to suffer from severe and potentially fatal stress-induced conditions.

Logan apparently lacks the proper North Carolina permits to hold this animal, and the “Opossum Drop” clearly violates North Carolina law, which states that animals held captive must be treated humanely. PETA has asked Logan to replace the live animal with a stuffed or animatronic opossum, but he’s refused. Now we need your voice!

Please politely urge officials to do everything in their power to end this illegal, cruel act.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Gordon Myers
Executive Director
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
gordon.myers@ncwildlife.org

Dale Caveny Jr.
Colonel, Enforcement Division
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
dale.caveny@ncwildlife.org

David T. Cobb
Chief, Wildlife Management Division
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
david.cobb@ncwildlife.org

SUBJECT

Please cease illegal opossum drop

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Mr. Myers, Mr. Caveny, and Mr. Cobb:

It has come to my attention that Clay’s Corner, owned by Clay Logan, operates an event called Opossum Drop in which a a live, captured opossum is suspended above noisy crowds, and exposed to a number of stressful, physically damaging, and potentially fatal situations; I am respectfully writing to persuade you to assist in discontinuing the opossum drop or encourage Mr. Logan to use an alternative.

Please allow me to elaborate. Opossums are sensitive, complex animals who experience suffering and joy, have the capacity to nurture complex relationships, and avoid humans at all times. Furthermore, opossums indeed experience pain and react negatively towards extremely stressful occurrences including loud noises, lights, enclosures, fireworks, smoke, and disturbed environments. Additionally, it is my understanding that, lacking the appropriate permits, Mr. Logan is engaged in an illegal activity by using a live opossum.

I hope you will demonstrate a commitment to protect rather than harm animals by using this opportunity to urge Mr. Logan to present a humane, legal event by using non-living alternatives that will not be abused and exploited for folly.

I know your time is limited and I thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

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BACKGROUND | FROM TAKE ACTION FOR ANIMALS

In a recent television commercial for Opium fragrance, Yves Saint Laurent used a leopard. Contact the CEO of the parent company, PPR, and urge him to not only discontinue this advertisement, but to also never use any captive wild animal in future promotions. Also write to Yves Saint Laurent and ask the same.

Be aware that you may get a standard response that the use of the leopard was approved by a “humane” organization. This is meaningless in that any humane organization that approves of using captive wild animals in commercials is not advocating for the animals. The real issue is that wild animals should not be in captivity and should certainly not be exploited for commercial gain. It would be appropriate, therefore, to start your message to the effect that you are not referring to overt animal abuse in the usual meaning of the term. Keeping leopards (wildlife in general) in captivity is the issue and no one can provide the kind of environment and choices so important to the well-being of these individuals.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Contact information for PPR:

Web form: In the form that comes up, address your message to François-Henri Pinault, Chairperson and CEO. Choose the category “Corporate Social Responsibility.”

Contact information for Yves Saint Laurent:

Web form for the United Kingdom: In the form that comes up, the only relevant choice is “General Inquiry.”

Web form for the United States: In the form that comes up, the only relevant choice is “General Inquiry.”

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Chairperson Pinault

or

To Whom It Concerns,

I am writing today to express my disturbance regarding a recent television commercial for Opium fragrance in which Yves Saint Laurent used a leopard.  You should know that, although not victims of overt abuse, these animals are victims of the captive wild animal industry: a shady collection of deals sacrificing these animals, stealing them from their families and necessary indigenous environments and choices, which are impossible to mimic outside their natural territory, an essential aspect of their well-being.  They are then subjected them to routine nonsense,  being purposely taught unnatural tricks and actions to use on shows and commercials such as yours.

You are therefore complicit in their abuse, as detailed above.  As such, I am requesting that producers implement protocols banning the use of any animals.  Although I may be just one voice; it is important to recognize that consumers are increasingly rejecting any type of entity that endorses animal cruelty and are instead choosing products and manufacturers that refuse to participate in the deliberate abuse of animals.

This type of exploitation is unnecessary, unjustified, and unprincipled, its only function to egotistically benefit those who pursue profit at the expense of integrity. Animals have rights to live free from suffering and interference regardless of objections to acknowledge such, and as long as you promote the commodification of animals, complicit in their exploitation, I will boycott Yves Saint Laurent and all related products and share this information with friends, family, and online social networking groups.

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

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BACKGROUND

Distressed Pennsylvania residents are calling PETA because they are outraged that the Gold Key Lakes Community, a property owners association in Milford, approved the use of cruel bowhunting to control resident deer populations. PETA recently informed association officials of the extreme cruelty of bowhunting, but our concerns have apparently fallen on deaf ears.

Bowhunting is among the cruelest forms of hunting. Bowhunters often spend hours following bloody tracks before finding wounded deer. Many are not found, and their deaths are slow and painful. It can take weeks for them to succumb to their injuries. Families are then torn apart, and young and weak animals starve or die of dehydration.

Please urge Gold Key Lakes Community officials to halt all bowhunts. And forward this widely! If the neighborhood insists on deer control, please share our tips with them.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Jerry Goldberg, Director
Francis Ruggiero, President
Gold Key Country Club
570-686-3811
570-686-3857 (fax)

Click HERE for access to free faxing from your computer.  No fax machine, registering, or credit card required.  Please remember to confirm the fax via your email after submitting.

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Director Goldberg and President Ruggiero,

I have just learned that Gold Key is considering bowhunting, the cruelest of all hunting methods, of deer populations in a misguided attempt to reduce their numbers in populated areas. Although this proposal is inherently cruel based on its premise alone, it is important to recognize it is based on erroneous information.

Please allow me to illustrate a few of these concerns. First, ecologically, populations will fluctuate according to conditions and naturally-occurring food sources; it is the interference of humans that causes imbalance. To blame and slaughter the deer for human encroachment is both irresponsible and unjustified.

Second, killing deer would artificially increase food supplies to the remaining deer, the consequence of which would be increased reproduction and an ensuing greater deer population. In fact, studies have demonstrated that the continual cycle of seasonal hunting is responsible for a rebound, or larger herd populations in subsequent years.

Third, this type of mass killing using such a brutal type of slaughter in such a central and visible location would certainly adversely affect both visitation and tourism; it would be financially detrimental to move forward with such a cruel and unnecessary killing, and although I do not currently reside in Gold Key I would be unwilling to consider it, or nearby, as a potential vacation destination if this deer cull transpires.

Please instead examine alternative, non-lethal options such as fencing, fertility control, and relocation according to established protocols when using these methods, which have all proven successful in curtailing deer populations.

I know your time is limited and I want to thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

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Please click HERE for petition

• Enter name and email
• Click next
• Click ‘sign petition’

From Force Change

Target: The Pennsylvania Legislature

Goal: To ban live pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania, the only U.S. state where this activity is still legal.

Each year countless pigeons are netted and transported from city streets to the gun clubs of Pennsylvania where gun enthusiasts can pay to shoot them. In many cases, pigeons are illegally captured in New York and New Jersey and trafficked across state lines to Pennsylvania. The live pigeon shoot follows the same general concept as a clay pigeon shoot, with one serious exception, live birds rather than clay decoys are launched in the air to be used as targets for a group of waiting shooters who wound more than they kill.

Birds that are injured and recovered are killed by having their necks snapped by children called trapper boys; a practice that serves to teach children that it is acceptable to kill animals for fun. The countless birds that are not recovered are left to suffer a slow death from the wounds inflicted by the shooting. The recovered birds are not used for food or other purposes. They are simply thrown in trash.

For decades compassionate citizens and animal rights groups have come together in an effort to pass legislation that would ban this type of legalized animal cruelty in Pennsylvania but lobbyists for the National Rifle Association continue to use their power to fight these bills. According to The Humane Society of the United States, the Pennsylvania State Legislature is once again considering an amendment attached to a bill that would outlaw live pigeon shoots. The Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor of this legislation in April, 2011 but it must also be passed by the full Senate in order to become law. Please show your support for this amendment by signing the petition.

Please click HERE for petition

Vodpod videos no longer available.

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BACKGROUND | FROM CBYDATA

In one of their recent television commercials, AT&T used a tiger. In June of 2010, they used an orangutan. Despite letters of protest about their use of wildlife in general and the orangutan specifically, it appears that they have not understood the inappropriateness of what they are doing. Contact Randall Stephenson, who is the president, CEO and chairperson, and urge him to not only discontinue the advertisement with the tiger, but to also never use any captive wild animal in future promotions.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Name

Randall Stephenson
CEO, President & Chairperson

Fax

Use the executive offices fax number: 281-664-3314

Click HERE to send free faxes (no fax machine, registering, credit card, or personal details needed- just the name and number, and please remember you’ll get an immediate email request to confirm.)

Postal

AT&T
Whitacre Tower
208 S Akard St
Dallas TX 75202

SAMPLE LETTER (Always frame your concerns in a polite, but firm manner.)

Dear President Stephenson,

I am writing today to express my disturbance regarding AT&T’s use of wild animals in its advertisements despite continuous written and verbal disapproval. The animals include orangutangs and tigers most recently. You should know that although not victims of overt abuse, these animals are victims of the captive wild animal industry, a shady collection of deals sacrificing these animals, stealing them from their indigenous environments and family, and purposefully teaching them unnatural tricks and actions to use on shows and commercials such as yours.

Therefore, I am requesting that producers implement protocols banning the use of any animals; it is important to recognize that viewers are increasingly rejecting any type of entity that endorses animal cruelty and are instead choosing product and programming options that refuse to participate in the deliberate abuse of animals.

This type of exploitation is unnecessary, unjustified, and unprincipled, its only function to egotistically benefit those who pursue profit at the expense of integrity. Animals have rights to live free from pain and suffering regardless of your objections to acknowledge such, and as long as you promote the commodification of animals, complicit in their exploitation, I will boycott AT&T and all related products. It is important to accept that, what is indeed valuable, is the life itself and the capability to experience emotion and suffering. Please observe this basic moral principle and act with compassion rather than react with cruelty.

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

NAME

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Please send sample letter to Mayor Bloomeberg demanding the carriage horse industry ceases to exist.  There are two sample letters and both will fit in the character-limited comment field, but please modify.

BACKGROUND | FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST

Another New York City carriage horse has fallen in Manhattan.

Horrified holiday shoppers and tourists looked on as carriage handlers tried desperately to get the white horse to its feet Sunday afternoon near the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. One onlooker managed to film the struggle and submitted it to the group Win Animal Rights.

Animal rights activist Mary Xanthos blamed the holiday season as putting an extra burden on carriage horses, telling The New York Daily News, “These horses were being worked non-stop, going over and over again, ride after ride without a break.”

A spokesman for the Horse and Carriage Association of New York however, objected to the title of the YouTube video (NYC Carriage Horse Collapses 12/4/11 Copyright Win Animal Rights) telling The News, “No horse collapsed. It caught its toe in the pavement, which is quite common.”

Bret Hopman of the ASPCA tells Gothamist, “the horse has been suspended pending a veterinary exam and won’t return to work until the exam is completed.”

And Kenneth Malone, president of the association, said in a press release, “The carriage industry in New York City is such a public institution that a horse can sneeze funny and some activist is in our faces with a camera to post footage to YouTube.”

Mayor Bloomberg shrugged at the news. “They’re animals and animals and human beings, eventually, we all unfortunately stop continuing and it’s unfortunate when it happens, but that doesn’t mean that you stop doing things,” the mayor said. “You just want to make sure that they’re well treated.”

Animal rights groups have long complained that carriage horses are overworked and aren’t taken care of properly.

New Yorkers For Clean, Safe, Livable And Safe Streets, an advocacy group, have been joined by some local politicians in pushing to pass Intro. 86A, a City Council bill that ups restrictions on horse carriages and aims to eventually replace them with “horseless carriages,” i.e. vintage, turn-of-century, motorized cars.

After the collapse and death of a carriage horse in July, the ASPCA released a statement:

We at the ASPCA express our sadness and concern at this tragic incident. The life of a carriage horse on New York City streets is extremely difficult and life threatening, and the ASPCA has long believed that carriage horses were never meant to live and work in today’s urban setting.

A couple weeks ago, The Horse and Carriage Association Of New York filed a complaint against the ASPCA and NYCLASS. “Both the ASPCA and NYCLASS have made false, misleading and/or deceptive statements about the carriage industry,” the statement said.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

WHOM TO CONTACT

Mayor Bloomberg’s Office

SAMPLE LETTER ONE

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I am writing today to encourage you to oppose the horse carriage industry. Built around perennial abuse and exploitation, the horse carriage industry is duplicitously disguised as an essential tourist icon of romanticism and history, a grossly inaccurate representation.

Allow me this moment to illustrate. Since the industry is profit driven, current safety or “humane” protocols, being cost-prohibitive, are not observed; indeed, any animal used as a goal to human profit is regarded in a fundamentally cruel and exploitative manner. Specifically, horses are subjected to numerous cruelties and inhumane conditions including respiratory impairment as the result of perpetual inhalation of vehicle exhaust; horses are required to operate under grueling conditions and varied temperatures including high heat, humidity, and frigid cold, impairing their well-being while exhaustively working long hours; neglected appropriate medical care, horses often suffer lameness and other physical conditions; horses are typically serving this industry secondary to previous laboring of racing or farming, enduring lifelong injuries while forced to pull incredibly massive weights upward of 8,000 pounds; traffic conditions being erratic at best creates extremely precarious conditions and potentially fatal accidents; the natural lifespan of horses is dramatically diminished resulting from such dangerous and unpredictable conditions, and they are often retired to slaughterhouses, the final indecency forced upon them by greedy humans.

Pragmatically, horse drawn carriages are a transportation relic, historically essential but currently hazardous to both horses and humans. Although potentially attractive to unaware passengers, the horse drawn carriage industry, as a novelty, is not critical to city tourism; indeed, tourists visit for the culture, theatre, nightlife, and landmarks, and the potential loss of tourism benefits absent horse drawn carriages will most certainly be negligible.

I know your time is limited, and I want to thank you for your attention to this important issue.

SAMPLE LETTER TWO

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I and shocked to learn that yet another carriage horse has succumbed to torturous conditions and selfish tourists.  We therefore must utilize our conviction to see the industry disband in place of, for example, vintage cars.

Allow me this moment to illustrate. Since the industry is profit driven, current safety or “humane” protocols, being cost-prohibitive, are not observed; indeed, any animal used as a goal to human profit is regarded in a fundamentally cruel and exploitative manner. Specifically, horses are subjected to numerous cruelties and inhumane conditions including respiratory impairment as the result of perpetual inhalation of vehicle exhaust; horses are required to operate under grueling conditions and varied temperatures including high heat, humidity, and frigid cold, impairing their well-being while exhaustively working long hours; neglected appropriate medical care, horses often suffer lameness and other physical conditions; horses are typically serving this industry secondary to previous laboring of racing or farming, enduring lifelong injuries while forced to pull incredibly massive weights upward of 8,000 pounds; traffic conditions being erratic at best creates extremely precarious conditions and potentially fatal accidents; the natural lifespan of horses is dramatically diminished resulting from such dangerous and unpredictable conditions, and they are often retired to slaughterhouses, the final indecency forced upon them by greedy humans.

Regrettably, until the carriage horse industry is banned, I will not visit New York.  Please understand that you have the power to make the humane decision to see this realized.

I know your time is limited, and I thank you for your attention to this issue.

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