Action Alerts

DawnWatch corrected: B.R. Myers questions Michael Pollan’s thinking — Atlantic Monthly, September 2007 edition
“Hard to Swallow — The gourmet’s ongoing failure to think in moral terms.”

Kinship Circle: 8/25/07: Supervalu Is Super Cruel
Based on PETA’s “Tell Supervalu to Stop Abusing Animals!” alert

People for the American Way (PFAW): Bush’s Enabler General Steps Down
Tell your senators that they must insist on an attorney general who will represent the interests of the American people and defend the Constitution.

True Majority: Alberto Gonzales Resigns
Tell your Senators to only confirm an Attorney General who truly believes in democracy and freedom – not another Bush crony who fights to restrict civil liberties and ignores the Constitution.

Carnivals

Vegetarian Carnival #6 (August 27, 2007 @ Veggie Chic)

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Action Alerts

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge USDA to Get Luna and Tonka off the Road
Please contact the USDA today and urge it to step in and require that Ringling Bros. retire Luna and Tonka from travel — for the elephants’ own health and well-being, and for the safety of the public.

Ecological Internet / Climate Ark: Protest Australia’s Ancient Forest Logging and Climate Change Eco-Hypocrisy
Dramatic efforts required to stop the expansion of Tasmanian old-growth forest logging by construction of a massive new paper pulp mill by Gunns Ltd

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell the NFL to Recognize Animal Abuse as an Offense Warranting Suspension–and More
PETA is calling on the NFL to add cruelty to animals—in all its forms—to its personal conduct policy.

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert: August 24, 2007
ASPCA Applauds Investigation of Vick Case/Pet Food Recall Update

Best Friends Animal Society: eNews, August 24, 2007
Hundreds of orphan pets rescued by Best Friends Network

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary – info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Aug 24, 2007 2:48 PM
Subject: Farm Sanctuary’s E-News & Action Alert 08/24/07

Urge California Prosecutor to Bring Stockyard to Justice

In January 2007, a Farm Sanctuary investigator documented the suffering of a downed calf and a dairy cow at the Escalon Livestock Market in Escalon, California. The dairy cow had reportedly given birth at the stockyard earlier that morning before slipping and falling in an aisle, where she lay suffering for hours and unable to stand. Additionally, a downed calf, whom we named Clover, was rushed to a veterinarian by the Farm Sanctuary investigator for emergency treatment but did not survive. Stockyard workers were aware of these suffering animals, but did nothing to help them – a clear violation of CA law. Please write to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office and urge them to prosecute the Escalon Livestock Market for violating California’s downed animal protection law. Read more.

Eagle Scout Project Creates Soaring Structure for New York Shelter Goats

Elvis and Jerry Lee took a keen interest in the actions of Matt Saginario. They watched him pound nails into a nearby 4-by-4; eye-balled him as he measured, then cut a piece of rough hewn wood. Maybe the two New York Shelter goats were watching so intently because they knew what was—quite literally—up: the skeleton of a multi-tiered goat jungle gym. Saginario is an aspiring Eagle Scout, and the construction of the goat jungle gym fulfills one component of his work toward that end. Read more.

Help Farm Animals While You Shop!

We invite you to apply for the Farm Sanctuary MasterCard. Each time you use the card to shop, dine and travel, a percentage of each purchase goes to Farm Sanctuary. Also, when others comment on the adorable farm animal on your MasterCard, you will have a perfect opportunity to teach them about the plight of farm animals and Farm Sanctuary’s efforts. Please call and apply today.

Celebrate your Veggie Canine

Mark your calendars ‘cause August 26 is National Dog Day! What better way to celebrate your plant-powered pooch than to let her shine on our brand new canine photo gallery? Just send an email with digital photos of and a few details about your veggie pal to veginfo [at] farmsanctuary.org. For more information on animal-free diets for dogs, as well as links to companies that sell vegetarian food and treats, visit our companion animal pages at www.vegforlife.org/dogscats_photos.htm.

FARM SANCTUARY NEWS & NOTES

Join us at the Farm Sanctuary Gala for a Special Musical Performance by Yes Frontman Jon Anderson and School of Rock!

Man Saves Duck, Duck Saves Man

Vote for Farm Sanctuary in the 2007 VeggieAwards

SHOP AT FARM SANCTUARY

Farm Sanctuary Kids T-Shirt

About Farm Sanctuary

Photo via QuintanaRoo

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, please visit: secure.vegsource.com/farmsanc/join/donate_alert.htm. For updates on previous action alerts, please visit: www.farmsanctuary.org/actionalerts/update.htm

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

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts farm sanctuary holidays obsevances pet companion animal dog canine cat feline vegetarian veggie flickr photos animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty Escalon Livestock Market Escalon California livestock cow meat downed calf downer downed animal San Joaquin County meat factory farm stockyard Matt Saginario Eagle Scout National Dog Day august 26 news in the news yes Jon Anderson School of Rock

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: In Defense of Animals – takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Aug 23, 2007 4:02 PM
Subject: Writing Alert: Finding foie gras

The Chicago Tribune ran an article about the raging controversy over foie gras in Chicago. Please write a letter to the editor about the suffering ducks and geese endure to produce foie gras in support of their efforts. Send letters via an online feedback form.

Read “Finding foie gras” online.

Finding foie gras

One year after Chicago ban, controversial delicacy isn’t exactly a rarity

By Phil Vettel | Tribune restaurant critic
August 22, 2007

Michael Lachowicz, a chef with a restaurant on the North Shore, dined in Chicago Monday night, and what he remembered most about his main course was the garnish.

“There was a lovely slab of foie gras with my squab,” said the chef at Michael, in north suburban Winnetka. “It wasn’t listed on the menu.”

Small wonder it wasn’t on the menu, or that Lachowicz declined to name the restaurant. Since Aug. 22 of last year, it has been illegal to sell foie gras, a delicacy made from the liver of a force-fed duck or goose, within Chicago’s city limits.

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Photo via mogrify

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Humane Society Legislative Fund – humanesociety [at] fund.org
Date: Aug 23, 2007 11:17 AM
Subject: Congressman Graves sides with dogfighters — speak out at rally on Monday

********************************
The Humane Society Legislative Fund
August 23, 2007
********************************

RALLY ON MONDAY TO PROTEST REP. SAM GRAVES’ VOTE TO GIVE DOGFIGHTERS A FREE PASS

Please join the Humane Society Legislative Fund and concerned animal advocates to protest Rep. Sam Graves’ recent vote to give dogfighting a free pass.

When: Monday, August 27, 10:00-11:00 am
Where: Rep. Graves’ Liberty District Office, 113 Blue Jay Drive, Liberty, Missouri 64068

In the wake of the Michael Vick dogfighting case, you may wonder why Rep. Graves recently sided with dogfighting interests and voted against the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. This legislation upgrades penalties for illegal transportation of fighting dogs — one of the crimes Vick has been charged with — from misdemeanor to felony penalties.

The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with — participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities. Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet Rep. Graves showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass.

I hope you can make it to this rally. If you have friends or family in Rep. Graves’ district, please share this email link with them. Thank you for all you do for animals.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Ingrid Newkirk – newsmanager [at] peta.org
Date: Aug 22, 2007 9:26 PM
Subject: What to Do if You See Animal Abuse

Photo via royblumenthal

What to Do if You See Animal Abuse

The horrifying allegations of animal abuse at Michael Vick’s property in Virginia have shocked everyone, but just as heartbreaking are the many similar stories that don’t make the news. PETA receives thousands of calls and e-mails every year from people who have witnessed animal abuse or neglect. They are desperate to help but don’t know what to do. Here are some steps you can take if you observe cruelty to animals:

1. Find out which agency is responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-cruelty laws in your state, county, or town. This may be a local humane society or a taxpayer-funded animal shelter. In areas without such organizations, citizens should call the police or sheriff’s department.

If an animal is in a life-threatening situation, call authorities immediately. Follow up with them in a timely manner to determine their findings and their planned course of action. If they do not respond right away, call PETA at 757-622-7382.

2. After you contact authorities, prepare a short written statement detailing the key points of what you observed. Give dates, approximate times, and locations. Timely fact-gathering is crucial—the more time that passes, the greater the risk that evidence will disappear, injuries will heal, or you’ll forget specific details. Written statements from other witnesses will help back up your observations, and if possible, take pictures and date them—photos or videos will strengthen your case.

Always keep a dated record of everyone you’ve contacted, along with the content and outcome of your discussions. Never forward a letter, photograph, or other documentation to anyone without first making a copy for your own files. Make it clear to authorities that you wish to pursue the case and that you are willing to lend your assistance if necessary. Be sure to follow up! If you stay involved, authorities are more likely to do the same.

3. If the first contact doesn’t produce results, go straight to a supervisor. If that doesn’t work, appeal to local government officials, such as the mayor, the district attorney, or city council members. A call to the media in your area (television and print) can move mountains. Above all, don’t give up—you may be an animal’s only hope!

Helping abused or neglected animals can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but they are depending on you to take action. Please contact PETA if officials fail to respond quickly to your complaint or if you need guidance or support. Together, we can save even more lives.

Thank you for everything you do for animals.

Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President

This e-mail was sent by:
PETA
501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510
United States

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts peta people for the ethical treatment of animals animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals animal neglect factsheet dog canine cat feline pet companion animal flickr domestic violence interpersonal violence

Action Alerts

International Fund for Horses: Wag a Straw: HR 503 and S 311
Take Action Today Against Horse Slaughter! Wag a Straw at Congress Asking Them to Swiftly Pass The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

The Wilderness Society: Off-road vehicles threaten largest recommended wilderness in Lower 48
Send the Forest Service your letter today to help protect the Salmon-Challis forest and its wildlands, sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and quiet recreation opportunities from unmanaged dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): Support the Bear Protection Act
End the Illegal Trade in Bear Bile.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): Help WSPA end cruel contest in Taiwan
At Taiwan’s “Pigs of God” contest hundreds of pigs that have been force-fed to increase their weight to grotesque proportions are slaughtered while fully conscious as part of this so-called “festival”.

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

The Petition Site: The Wolf and the Donkey, Update
End their misery – Free this wolf and donkey in Albania

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] brick.net
Date: Aug 21, 2007 9:18 PM
Subject: [GLOBAL] Dean/ Pets Left In Peru Quake/ Beirut Animals/ Vick Updates

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER RELIEF
PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST AS WRITTEN

RELIEF GLOBAL
8/21/07: Dean * Pets Left In Peru Quake * Beirut Animals * Sick Vick Updates

CHECK OUT OUR RE-DESIGNED DISASTER VICTIMS SITE:

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Hurricane Dean Update
2. Hurricane Dean Headlines: 8/21/07
3. Break From Dean Is Louisiana’s Chance To Prepare
4. PERU: Pets Deserted In Earthquake Need Urgent Help
5. PERU: Images Of Animals In An Earthquake
6. BEIRUT: Update From BETA
7. Sick Vick Updates & Feedback

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Action Alerts

Defenders of Wildlife: These Owls Need Your Help
Urge officials at the Fish & Wildlife Service to scrap the current plan and reconvene the Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Team to develop a real recovery plan that benefits the spotted owl, not just the timber industry.

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Abilene Mayor to send surviving elephant to a sanctuary, not another zoo
IDA Urges Closure of Elephant Exhibit Following Tanzy’s Death

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge USDA to send Ringling Bros. elephants packing
Two elephants with Ringling Bros. need to be retired

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Amazon.com to stop promoting illegal animal fighting
Activists target illegal bloodsports in wake of Vick indictment

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Keep Chicago’s Humane Ban on Foie Gras in Place
Chicago residents, please sign this petition to tell your alderman you support the ban on foie gras in Chicago.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: In Defense of Animals – takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Aug 20, 2007 9:53 AM
Subject: Writing Alert: Bright, Sunshiny Things

New York Magazine’s Shopping section features the latest accessories, fashion items, and must-haves of the moment under “Best Bets.” This week’s “Best Bets” included a lovebird. The title was “Bright, Sunshiny Things” and described lovebirds as “loyal and affectionate,” then listed them for $179.99 and available at 33rd & Bird, a pet store that sells birds in the Bronx. Please write a letter to the editor of New York Magazine reminding readers that birds are not commodities to be bought and sold. Encourage anyone with the time, money, and the willingness to make a lifetime commitment to a bird to adopt from a rescue group rather than supporting the irresponsible breeding of birds into a world where there are already millions in need of permanent loving homes. Send letters to nyletters [at] nymag.com.

See “Bright, Sunshiny Things” online.

Use the information below to help you draft your letter or learn more on IDA’s exotic birds campaign pages.

* Birds are not commodities or things to be bought and sold, but sentient beings with interests of their own.

* Birds are not always “affectionate.” This type of misleading information is responsible for impulse purchase of animals and contributes to the epidemic of homeless “pet” birds.

* The captive bird crisis is silent and tragic. Many birds suffer neglect behind closed doors or abandonment when their novelty wears off.

Letters should be less than 200 words. Please do not send attachments and please remember to include your full name, address, and phone number (for verification purposes–street names and phone numbers will not be published) and not to use any wording in this alert. Please send a blind copy of your letter to idainfo [at] idausa.org.

Sincerely,
Kristie Phelps
Communications Director

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, California 94901 – P: (415) 388-9641 F: (415) 388-0388

email: idainfo [at] idausa.org

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ida in defense of animals pet companion animal bird exotic bird lovebird fashion accessory fashion accessory New York Magazine pet store