UPDATE, 2/28/07, via United Poultry Concerns:

We’re pleased to announce that the Kansas State University administrative offices have issued an open letter to KSU fans condemning the mistreatment of chickens at the basketball game on Monday, Feb. 19th.

KSU letter: www.k-statesports.com

UPC Action Alert: www.upc-online.org/battery_hens/22607ksu.html

During our investigation, United Poultry Concerns discovered that a Sports Illustrated website, SIOnCampus.com, encouraged and gave instructions on how to conduct a “chicken toss” as #32 of the “102 More Things You Gotta Do Before Your Graduate.” We are pleased to announce that as a result of our conversation today with the site’s producer, Andy Gray, the “chicken toss” has been deleted. Mr. Gray said he agreed it was not appropriate for the site to encourage college athletes and their fans to mistreat animals.

We thank everyone who contacted President Wefald and the athletic director and coach at KSU on behalf of the hens who were so cruelty mistreated on Feb. 19. Your letters made and are making a difference. We’re continuing to work with the University to strengthen its policy against mistreating chickens and other animals for entertainment. We will you updated.

————————

Via United Poultry Concerns:

Chickens Sadistically Abused at Kansas State University Basketball Game

On Monday, February 19, 2007, three, possibly four, hens were thrown onto the basketball court from the stands at KSU’s Bramlidge Coliseum at a basketball game. They were alive when they were thrown onto the court over a distance of approximately thirty feet. They were wounded, and they could not get up on their legs. One of the hens appeared to have blood on her shoulder. Another photo shows four hens painted red and blue (the school colors) in a plastic tub, apparently before they were thrown.

The images show that these hens came from a battery-caged hen facility. They landed near the cheerleaders. The following two videos show a bit of what happened:

UPC’s Letter: www.upc-online.org/entertainment/22307KSU.html

Media Coverage: www.ksufans.com/forums/index.php?topic=8472.0

www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/feb/20/keep_streakin/?sports

What Can I Do?

(more…)

Via Working Assets:

Save the Polar Bears, Support the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act

Nowhere is the impact of global climate change more immediately apparent than in the far north. Polar bears are entirely dependent upon Arctic sea ice to survive — but the ice floes have been disappearing in recent years as temperatures rise. As a result, polar bear birth rates are falling, fewer cubs are surviving, and more bears are drowning in the open ocean.

Unfortunately, if we continue on our present course of greenhouse gas emissions, 80 percent of the Arctic’s sea ice could be gone in 20 years, and all of it by 2040. This would spell near-certain extinction for the polar bear.

To remedy this situation, Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Sanders (I-VT) have recently introduced the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007. This legislation will require a gradual move toward 80 percent emission reductions from 1990 levels by 2050, and provides incentives for renewable energy development.

Will you sit idly by and watch as one of the world’s most majestic creatures, the polar bear, goes extinct over the next few decades? If that prospect disturbs you, then please take action today. Tell your senators to support S. 309, the Boxer-Sanders Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007.

——————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts working assets act for change global warming climate change polar bears al gore congress 110th congress greenhouse gas emissions greenhouse gasses conservation

Via Save Our Wild Salmon:

Support the Salmon Economic Analysis & Planning Act!

It’s a new Congress – and we have a new chance to recover endangered Pacific Salmon in the Mighty Columbia & Snake Rivers!

In early March, Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Thomas Petri (R-WI) will introduce the bi-partisan Salmon Economic Analysis & Planning Act (SEAPA) in Congress.

Consider that: (1) we are wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on failed federal “recovery” plans; (2) hundreds of scientists support removing four costly dams on the lower Snake River as perhaps the only way to restore this world-renowned fishery; (3) just THREE sockeye salmon survived to return to their Idaho spawning grounds in 2006; (4) up to 90% of Snake River salmon are killed by federal dams as they migrate to the ocean, and (5) the courts have ruled the last three federal salmon plans are illegal.

Isn’t it time to invest in a real recovery plan that works? The Salmon Economic Analysis & Planning Act (SEAPA) will get us the information we need to understand the costs and benefits of removing the four lower Snake River dams, and to craft an effective recovery plan that restores healthy salmon and steelhead populations to our Northwest rivers and West Coast communities.

You can take action here.

——————

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts petitions sos save our wild salmon conservation salmon salmon recovery Pacific Salmon Snake Rivers Mighty Columbia River dam sockeye salmon

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary – info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Feb 26, 2007 8:05 AM
Subject: A Benefit for Compassion with Russell Simmons

Join us on Saturday, April 7, 2007 to celebrate farm animals and promote compassion

8:00 p.m. ~ midnight

Chaired by
Russell Simmons

Hosted by
Sharon Gannon and David Life
Jivamukti Yoga School
841 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York, NY

Special Guests
Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary President
Dennis Erdman and Darren Star
Peter Max
Moby
Ally Sheedy

Sponsored by
Candle Cafe
Caravan of Dreams
The Dog Run, NYC
Red Bamboo
Vegetarian’s Paradise 2

Host Committee
John Archibald and James Costa
Mary Connelly and Stacy Alldredge
Brad and Sunny Goldberg
Marian Hailey-Moss
Jana Kohl
Sean McVity and Robin Ishmael
Wendy Smith
John Talbot and Dorr Begnal

Featuring
Gourmet vegan hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, Silent auction, Entertainment

THANK YOU
Your ticket purchase and any additional donation will help fund Farm Sanctuary’s efforts to provide safe refuge for farm animals in need, and to end factory farm cruelty.

Tickets
Tickets are $100 per person. To register to attend or to make a donation in support of this event, please call 607-583-2225 ext. 221 or click here. Deadline for registration is April 1, 2007.

Sponsorship Levels
$350 Supporter Includes 1 ticket
$1,000 Advocate Includes 2 tickets
$5,000 Major Sponsor Includes 5 tickets
$10,000 Leadership Sponsor Includes 10 tickets
*All sponsors will be recognized on the evening of the event.

About No Foie Gras Campaign

With your help, Farm Sanctuary is working to protect innocent ducks and geese by stopping foie gras cruelty in New York City, and beyond. Please visit www.nofoiegras.org for more information, and to get involved in this effort!

(more…)

Animals As Entertainment

Ruby the Elephant Deserves Retirement

TIME is running out for Ruby, a 46-year-old African elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo who has spent almost her entire life before the public. Despite popular support and an endorsement from the Board of Zoo Commissioners to move Ruby to a spacious sanctuary in Northern California, the L.A. Zoo management appears bent on sending her to the small confines of yet another zoo. [Read more...]

Helping The Elephants One Zoo At A Time

Sending our elephants to the sanctuary and permanently closing the elephant exhibit is the best thing the Buffalo Zoo-or any zoo for that matter-can do to show the world it truly cares about animals. [Read more...]

Animals As Food

Help persuade Tesco to stop selling live turtles in China

In China up to 20 million turtles are consumed each year. Some of those turtles are sold to the public from within Supermarkets such as Hymall. Due to a joint venture with Ting Hsin, for it’s wholly owned subsidiary Ting Cao, Tesco currently maintain a 90% investment in Hymall supermarkets in China. Tesco plan to open 10 new stores every year in China. A reported 2 million customers visit the 46 Hymall stores in China each week. Within those stores live turtles are available for purchase . A customer can choose to have the turtle they have purchased butchered alive in the supermarket, or they can choose to take the turtle home to end it’s life in whatever manner they choose, before cooking and eating it. [Read more...]

Animals As Pets

No Puppy Mills in Shasta County

Be it known that the undersigned oppose the permitting of any dog breeding facility such as puppy mills and irresponsible hobby breeders that sell large numbers of new animals in our community without regard to animal health, safety or comfort. We believe that there are enough unwanted dogs dying in our shelters every day. To allow a puppy mill in Shasta County is wrong…..wrong for the animals that are being sold, and wrong for the animals that will die as a result of an influx of new unwanted and poorly bred puppies. Please deny the Faubian sisters their kennel permit which is in this case, a puppy mill permit. [Read more...]

Medical Care For Wild Dogs of the Chilcotin

We demand immediate resolution to the ongoing tragedy of the massive number of abused, unsheltered, injured, diseased, starving, and lonely wild dogs (previously domestic) roaming the wilderness communities of Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake on British Columbia’s Chilcotin Plateau. We need the government and the British Columbia Veterinary Association to organize a regular program of veterinarians to come to the area, possibly a voluntary rotation. Some sort of clinic and shelter must be setup whether the funds come from the government or BC Veterinarians themselves. [Read more...]

Stop the inhumane treatment of strays

Vrindavan Society in Thane, Maharashtra, is in news for all the wrong reasons – they have murder on their hands. It is a double crime because it was perpetrated on trusting, defenseless and mute victims. About 40 stray dogs in this locality were poisoned to death on February 15-16, 2007. This is repulsive and unacceptable in a society that prides itself as being civilised and having respect for all living beings. It is unfortunate that the so-called educated people living in upper class localities and having access to both information and resources resort to such measures to resolve what appears a ‘menace’ to them. The perpetrators of this crime need to be booked under under Section 148 of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act for the crime they have committed, so that such incidents will not recur, and the example will serve as a deterrent to others who may want to resort to violent and inhuman means to eliminate the weak, mute and disadvantaged creatures. [Read more...]

Animals As Research Subjects

Animal Testing

About 1,438,553 animals [Not including rats, mice and other small animals] are killed in testing each year! These tests are cruel and in-humane. Animals are often taken form streets or bought from shelters to become test subjects! Just think, you could loose your pet one day and find out the animal shelter sold him/her to testers! The tests preformed are extremely cruel. And we fund them. Many tax dollars go to these cruel companies to make animal tests happen. we need to reduce the amount of animal tests going on, if not get rid of tests for good. [Read more...]

Wildlife Conservation & Environmental Issues

Please Fight for Lowering the Benzene in Gasoline in the Pacific Northwest

The amounts of benzene and other cancer causing chemicals that are allowed in our gasoline should NOT be higher, they should be decreased from our gasoline. You have shown that you wish to be an example to others in this country about a lot of issues. Make cleaner air a reality by pushing for the lowering of these chemicals in our environment. It is for all of our children and your state that we are asking for you to help in this cause. [Read more...]

Urge Stora Enso to stop logging ancient forests

After a stop of logging ancient forests, Stora Enso is right now logging forests in Lapland, Finland again. Stora Enso has to stop destroying the last ancient forests on earth! [Read more...;see also Tell Stora Enso to stop logging ancient forests in Lapland]

Protect Wild Parrot Habitat in San Francisco

Please protect wild parrot habitat in San Francisco by voting FOR Supervisor Bevan Dufty’s proposed legislation, which will provide for the pruning and maintenance of two Monterey cypress trees on the lower Greenwich Steps, mandate the planting of up to six new parrot-friendly trees, and protect the property owner from liability. Thank you very much for your support of the city’s non-voting inhabitants: the urban environment’s plants and animals. [Read more...]

———————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts petitions the petition site Ruby elephant zoo Los Angeles Zoo Buffalo Zoo elephant exhibit Tesco China turtle meat turtle meat dog canine puppy puppy mill Shasta County British Columbia Chilcotin Plateau stray Thane Maharashtra Vrindavan Society animal abuse cruelty to animals animal research animal testing vivisection benzene pollution gasoline gas Stora Enso Lapland Finland logging timber wild parrot parrot San Francisco bird conservation

UPDATE, 3/14/07, via Compassion Over Killing:

Help End Animal Cruelty: Ask Morningstar Farms® to Stop Using Eggs!

Compassion Over Killing and Vegan Outreach are teaming up with compassionate people everywhere to ask Morningstar Farms® to stop using eggs in its product line.

Morningstar Farms®, which is owned by the Kellogg® company, is currently purchasing eggs produced by hens confined inside barren wire battery cages. Battery caged hens are typically provided with a meager 67 square inches of space in which to live—that’s less than the size of one sheet of notebook paper. These birds are so intensively confined for their entire lives that they are denied their natural inclinations to spread their wings, perch, preen, or even walk.

Morningstar Farms® has long been a leader in supplying delicious vegetarian foods to a growing market. Let them know that the market also wants them to remove their support from the cruel battery egg industry. Please encourage them to join with companies like Gardenburger®, which last year announced it has taken eggs out of all its products except for one private-sourced item.

Take action today by submitting your comments online!

Please also call Kellogg®’s customer feedback hotline:

1-800-962-1413.

Hours (Eastern Standard Time):

* Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1. Say: “Representative.”
2. Press 2 for product information
3. Press 1 for general inquiries

It is crucial that Morningstar Farms® hear from consumers like you—please forward this message widely! Thank you for helping make a difference for egg-laying hens.

——————–

After getting a few emails regarding the Morningstar Farms action alert from United Poultry Concerns (UPC) that I posted a few days ago, I went poking around the Compassion Over Killing-sponsored website www.morningstar-egg-facts.com, which eventually led me to www.eggindustry.com. The Taking Action section offers suggestions to help you go egg-free, including the following petition:

Lend your voice to the animals by pledging to not buy eggs from caged hens*.

More than 275 million egg-laying hens are currently suffering in wire battery cages in the United States today. This archaic and inherently cruel system of confinement has been outlawed in many European countries, and barren battery cages are being phased out of the entire European Union by 2012. No such legislative advancements, however, exist in the U.S.—yet.

The hens need your voice! Consumers who don’t want to support the very worst abuse of the egg industry can speak out for egg-laying hens by refusing to buy egg from caged birds and help set the stage for a nationwide move away from battery cage egg production.

Go lend your Jane Hancock, and then visit the action center for additional ways to spread the veganism. Also, be sure to check out www.morningstar-egg-facts.com for more info on Morningstar Farms and their use of eggs in their vegetarian patties.

——————–

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts cok compassion over killing eggs veggie patties vegetarian vegetarianism vegan veganism morningstar morningstar farms gardenburger veggie burgers eggless

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: DawnWatch – news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Feb 23, 2007 5:08 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: Newsweek on vegan/omnivore marriage 2/26/07 edition

The February 26 edition of Newsweek has a warm article, by Jenny Andrews headed, “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (and Child); How does marriage work for a tofu-loving vegan and a fish-eye-eating omnivore? Deliciously.”

It opens:

“When my husband, Ken, and I were planning our wedding two years ago, we toiled over the menu even more than most anxious couples. As a Jewish vegan who doesn’t eat meat, poultry, fish or dairy products, I wanted to share vegan delicacies without feeling I was pushing an agenda. My Chinese-Japanese-Hawaiian husband wanted to be sure his relatives would have enough to eat, and to incorporate Chinese banquet foods.

“In the end, our caterer served a gorgeous organic vegan meal, complete with Chinese long noodles (representing long life). We added line-caught wild fish, served whole to symbolize abundance and good fortune (in Chinese and Hawaiian tradition). After a Jewish blessing over wine and challah, Ken worked the room, teaching people to extract and eat the fish delicacies: the eyes and cheeks.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: DawnWatch – news [at] dawnwatch.com
Date: Feb 23, 2007 5:07 PM
Subject: DawnWatch: IHT on not so faux fur 2/22/07

The fake fur scandal continues to make news. The website for the International Herald Tribune, Thursday February 22, includes the Associated Press version of the story headed, “Some ‘fake fur’ includes dog hair, animal rights group says.”

It tells us:

“The Humane Society of the United States said it purchased coats from reputable outlets, such as upscale Nordstrom, with designer labels — Andrew Marc, Tommy Hilfiger, for example — and found them trimmed with fur from domestic dogs, even though the fur was advertised as fake.”

We read that HSUS bought coats from popular retailers “and then had the coats tested by mass spectrometry, which measures the mass and sequence of proteins, to determine what species of animal the fur came from. Of the 25 coats tested, 24 were mislabeled or misadvertised.”

(more…)

“Let’s Use Natural Jewels”, by Hamed Saber

* Carnival of the Green 65

* Carnival of Hurricane Relief 76

* Giving Carnival 3
 
Sorry to cut this so short, but it’s been a long week, and Kelly needs a nap…

——————-

Tagged: friday random cuteness link dump carnivals bug lady bug jewels eyes

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary – info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Feb 23, 2007 1:32 PM
Subject: Farm Sanctuary’s E-News & Action Alert 02/23/07

Nine Bantam Chickens Rescued From Fire Escape in the New York City

In January 2007, nine little “bantam” chickens were found stranded on a fire escape in Manhattan with no access to clean quarters, a grassy yard or the warmth provided by appropriate shelter. They lived every day amongst pop cans and plastic bags, and huddled together by dusk. Knowing the nights would only grow colder, a kind person came to their rescue before it was too late. Now they live in safety at Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter. Read more.

Natural Meat?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments regarding the “natural” label that is used on meat products. The label is essentially meaningless, and requires no information about how animals are raised and treated before slaughter. Farm Sanctuary has urged the USDA to discontinue using the label or to expand it to include, and make transparent, the living conditions of animals exploited for food. Please write and oppose the use of the “natural” label on factory-farmed meat products.

Farm Animal Forum Sponsorship, Advertising & Tabling Opportunities

Do your colleagues share your values? If so, why not encourage your company or organization to help host Farm Sanctuary’s annual Farm Animal Forum! Held on April 29 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Forum brings critical farm animal issues to light and equips activists with the tools they need to create positive change. By becoming an event sponsor, exhibitor or advertiser, you will not only make a difference for animals, but will also have the chance to promote your company or organization among hundreds of people interested compassionate alternatives. More information.

Attention Artists and Businesses: Call for Auction Items!

On April 7, Farm Sanctuary will be holding an event Farm Sanctuary in the City: A Benefit for Compassion, chaired by Russell Simmons and hosted by the Jivamukti Yoga School in New York. To raise vital funds for our efforts, the event will feature a silent auction of artwork, gift certificates, gift baskets, and other unique items. If you are interested in contributing, please contact us at 607-583-2225 ext. 237 or jpappas [at] farmsanctuary.org. Your donation can help generate hundreds of dollars for farm animals in need!

In the News

Chicago restaurant busted for breaking foie gras sales ban!

Successful foie gras hearing held this week in Connecticut!

Humans’ beef with livestock: a warmer planet
The Christian Science Monitor – February 20, 2007

The tofu way: an increase in compassionate eating
Chimes – February 16, 2007

Shopping

Farm Scene Ceramic Mug
Relax and enjoy a cup of your favorite brew in our ceramic mugs.

About Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, we have worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and legislative actions, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Our shelters in Watkins Glen, NY and Orland, CA provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. For more information about Farm Sanctuary or our programs, please visit www.farmsanctuary.org or call 607-583-2225. To become a Farm Sanctuary member or to make a donation today using our secure online form, www.farmsanctuary.org/join/donate2.htm. For updates on previous action alerts, www.farmsanctuary.org/actionalerts/update.htm.

Please forward and distribute widely! Thank you
Farm Sanctuary, P.O. Box 150 Watkins Glen, NY 14891.

–

To subscribe: www.farmsanctuary.org/signup.htm

———————-

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary chicken bantam chicken animal rescue meat natural meat USDA farm animals farm animal forum conference event