Update, 10/16/08: Ann @ Feministing linked to this piece, but over at Smite Me!, where it was originally posted. In response, I clarified my position a bit, particularly the whole “sex sells” angle, which I believed she misinterpreted. Go check it out.

———————

Update, 9/27/08: Mary Martin @ Animal Person discusses Ben & Jerry’s obtuse response to the campaign, as well as The Today Show’s take on the kerfluffle. Hint: you may want to write them about their weak attempts at “journalism.” Because, like it or not, many Americans’ sole provider of mainstream media news may very well consist of inane newstainment programs such as The Today Show.

———————

Hey! Feminists! You want to know why PETA continues to engage in (possibly) sexist, racist, classist, sizeist and otherwise “offensive” and “controversial” campaigns?

I’ll give you a hint:

In the top screenshot, a Google search for the terms PETA + “breast milk,” which returned 51,900 hits.

In the bottom screenshot, a Google search for the terms PETA + Hormel + pigs, which returned 11,500 hits.

(more…)

Action Alerts

American Rivers: Nominate a “Most Endangered River” Today
Does your river face an uncertain future? Will its fate be determined sometime in the coming year? Is there a critical action that may affect the river’s ability to thrive in the face of global warming? If so, nominate your river for the America’s Most Endangered Rivers™: 2009 Edition, to be released in April 2009.

Defenders of Wildlife: Tell the EPA to Stand Strong on the Carbofuran Ban!
Take action now to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for moving to eradicate carbofuran traces on our food — and urge agency officials to do everything they can to speed this process along to protect our families, our wildlife, and farm workers who are exposed to this toxic chemical.

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Tell the USDA To Close the Downer Loophole!
As a result of HSUS’s investigation at the Hallmark/Westland slaughter plant, followed by the largest ever meat recall in U.S. history, the USDA is finally considering closing a loophole in federal slaughter regulations that hurts downed cattle. If USDA’s proposal moves forward, cattle who are too sick or injured even to stand or walk will no longer be slaughtered for human food, so there will be no incentive to drag them with chains, shove them by forklift, shock them, blast them with high-pressure water hoses to simulate drowning, or otherwise torment downed cattle to try to get them on their feet.

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA): Stop the Attack on the ESA!
A plan is in motion to gut the Endangered Species Act, our nation’s bedrock wildlife protection law. The Department of the Interior recently announced a proposal to strip the wildlife professionals of their authority to protect imperiled species— and leaving agencies which have little to no wildlife expertise to make decisions on the future of imperiled wildlife. This means that any agency from Transportation to Commerce could determine the future of already imperiled wildlife… and their interests may lie on the side of pro development and pro pollution. Conflict of interest? You bet. We can’t let them get away with this.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Rabbi to Stop Abusing Chickens in Kapporos Ritual Sacrifices
From a distance, kapporos sites look like street festivals. But up close, they are horrifying makeshift slaughterhouses on public streets. This ritual, which is practiced primarily by Hasidic Jewish communities, involves the rough handling (waving chickens over one’s head) and slaughter of chickens in a sacrificial atonement ceremony prior to the holiday of Yom Kippur. [...] Please write to Rabbi Hecht, the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), and representatives of Beis Din of Crown Heights—the kosher agency that certifies this kapporos operation—to demand that Rabbi Hecht no longer use live chickens for this ritual.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Subject: SOS From Texas: Animals After Ike

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

9/22/08: SOS From Texas, Animals After Ike

IN THIS ALERT:

1. A Texan Talks About Where Animals May Need Help
2. Can This Be True? 10 Days To Reclaim Pets…
3. Give Them Shelter: Help For Ike’s Animal Victims
4. Caught On Camera In Galveston Island
5. More Photos From Houston SPCA & ASPCA
6. Rescuer Near Galveston Pleads For Help
7. Dogs, Cats Spared In Montgomery County, TX
8. Do Their Lives Matter? Cows Cling To Life In Texas

In post-Ike Texas, large groups (such as HSUS) have reportedly invalidated the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) smaller groups (such as MuttShack) had formed with local authorities to work in Beaumont, Texas. Such alleged hostility made it increasingly difficult to obtain a realistic snapshot of the animal situation in Ike-ravaged areas. There was concern about the amount of time some large groups devoted to removing other emergency rescue groups, rather than helping animals in the field. Below is some of what we know — straightforward, without a “public relations” angle.

(more…)

Last week, I shared a recipe for Herbal Tofu with Apples and Pears, a yummy dish for dogs and people. This week, I decided to try out a slightly different version, sans tofu and with loads of caffeine-laden tea. The result? “Candied” Chai Pears. (“Candied” in scare quotes because they’re candy-esque, not really “candied.”)

“Candied” Chai Pears

(more…)

Action Alerts

DawnWatch: Iowa Hog Farm Abuse Video and California’s Prop 2 — 9/16 -9/21/08
A distressing story of animal abuse hit the news on Tuesday, September 16, and continues to make news, including in a superb Huffington Post piece published today. A PETA undercover investigator has released video taken at an Iowa hog farm that documents both illegal and legal abuse.

Earthjustice: Keep Harmful Pesticides Out of Salmon Rivers!
The federal government has the opportunity — and the duty — to protect people and salmon from dangerous pesticides. You know that the government is hearing from the chemical companies. Let them hear from you!

Green Jobs Now: Sign the “I’m Ready” Petition
I urge our elected officials to invest in creating millions of green jobs and a Clean Energy Corps. We can’t drill and burn our way out of the current crisis. We can invest and invent our way out. We can create new pathways out of poverty and curb global warming at the same time. We will do this by retooling our factories, rebuilding our communities, and repowering America with 100% clean and renewable electricity. It’s time to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Urge McDonald’s to Take a Stand Against Animal Cloning
Please send a letter to McDonald’s and ask them to make good on their pledge to be socially responsible and reject the use of products from cloned animals and their offspring. Cloning causes enormous animal suffering and is not an acceptable means of selective breeding. Join NAVS and other advocacy groups in speaking out against animal cloning.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF): Tell Congress to Take Oil Shale Off the Table
Development of a new energy source – oil shale – is being proposed for two million acres of America’s cherished public lands. Some members of Congress want to rush us into developing oil shale despite the reality that it will put millions of acres of wildlife habitat at risk, threaten a significant portion of our country’s water source and dramatically increase global warming pollution.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle
Date: Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 5:59 PM
Subject: After Ike: Animals Need You In SE Louisiana

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

9/18/08: Animals Need You In Lafourche, LA — Seriously

FEW VOLUNTEERS HAVE RESPONDED.
Who else can go to Lafourche, LA? IF WE’VE ALREADY SPOKEN TO YOU DIRECTLY, NO NEED TO REPLY AGAIN. Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle

Animals remain in distress. Volunteers may be needed for assessment, food/water drops, animal transports — in addition to shelter needs. As assessments are made, you may move from Lafourche into other areas in neighboring Terrebonne, etc.

======================

Send Us Your Arrive/Depart Dates

======================

Register with Kinship Circle so ground coordinators know how many volunteers to schedule. If already registered, just send your arrive/depart dates…

1. REGISTER WITH KINSHIP CIRCLE:

NO ONE SHOULD SELF-DEPLOY. All volunteers must register before deployment.

Send requested info to (one or other, NOT both):
Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Terri Kelly, Kinship Circle: pawsitivedirections [at] yahoo.com

1. Your First/Last Name:
2. Street Address:
3. City, State, Zip Code:
4. Phone Numbers (cell & land):
5. Email:
6. Driver’s License ID#:
7. YOUR ARRIVE & DEPART DATES:
8. ARE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO KINSHIP CIRCLE’S DISASTER AID EMAIL LIST?
9. TYPE IN SUBJECT LINE: IKE VOLUNTEER

2. IN LOUISIANA, REPORT TO:

The home of Joe Dubois, COLAA and MuttShack Disaster Response Coordinator for LaFourche and Terrebonne Parishes

Joe and Mary Dubois, 985-804-6186
113 Leighton Loop / Houma, LA 70360

Joe Dubois will find homes for volunteers to stay in. You don’t need a tent, but should bring a sleeping bag. Showers, bathroom and food for volunteers.

** New Orleans or Baton Rouge airports are closest **

3. THEN REPORT TO MUTTSHACK INCIDENT COMMAND:

Lafourche Animal Shelter / 934 Highway 3185 / Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302
Shelter: 985-446-3532

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW FOR:

* Shelter care
* Animal handlers
* Construction experience**
* Admin (including organizers)
* Animal adoption and transport coordinators
* Animal transport (experience with animal care during transport)
* Runners (to pick up/deliver supplies)
* Assessments
* Food/Water Drops

**Construction experience, including: Carpentry (rough and finished), masonry (foundation), drywall, electrical, HVAC, etc.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Subject: Gustav/Ike Survivors Need Transports Now

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

9/18/08: Transporters – Give Storm Survivors A Second Chance

Denham Springs Animal Shelter is a Louisiana no-kill with a huge influx of animals due to Gustav and Ike. Hurricane survivors and pre-storm animals MUST find a way out, if this shelter is to maintain its no-kill status. Animals must leave Denham Springs, Louisiana for foster/adoptive homes, so new rescues can move in.

TRANSPORTERS NEEDED AS SOON AS MON., 9/22/08, FOR ROUND TRIP:

* Excellent drivers who can walk and handle animals.
* Drivers come to Denham Springs Animal Shelter.
* Transport: About 40 dogs + unknown number of cats through Arizona to San Francisco area.
* MuttShack using 3 cargo vans for trip and needs 6 drivers.
* 5 drivers return cargo vans to Denham Springs.

CAN YOU HELP MOVE THESE DOGS & CATS TO A BETTER LIFE?

CONTACT IMMEDIATELY: MARY KARR, 206-947-3374

PLEASE HELP GIVE STORM SURVIVORS A SECOND CHANCE:

* Can you transport from/to elsewhere in U.S.?
* Can you help coordinate foster homes or no-kill sheltering?
* Can you transport animals in your own roomy vehicle?

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle – kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Subject: ACT/ Hormel’s Pigs: Slammed, Cut, Spray-painted

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

Dear Kinship Circle Primary,

In case you missed our first note… We apologize again for the lack of advocacy alerts during hurricane season. After returning from New Orleans to assist with animal evacuations in Hurricane Gustav, Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network continues to manage volunteers for MuttShack Animal Rescue, to aid animals affected in Hurricane Ike. Thank you for your patience. Kinship Circle

9/17/08: Hormel’s Pigs: Slammed, Cut, Spray-painted

FOR A FORMATTED LETTER (WORD DOC), EMAIL: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Easily modify letter. Copy/paste it into an email or print letter to fax or mail.

A sow with an open sore on her nose from an apparent beating with a metal gate rod.

An employee sprayed paint — for over 30 seconds — into the nostrils of a nursing sow.

www.peta.org/actioncenter/iowa_pigfarm_gallery.asp

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Last Chance for Animals
Date: Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 5:50 AM
Subject: Only 3 Days left until Puppy Mill Awareness Day! Join LCA in Lancaster, PA

Reminder, Puppy Mill Awareness Day! – Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Join Last Chance for Animals (LCA) and over 40 other groups in our 5th Annual Puppy Mill Awareness Day!

Photo via Star Cat

Puppy Mill Awareness Day (PMAD) is held every September in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, known as “The Puppy Mill Capital of the East Coast.” Lancaster has more puppy mills per capita than any other county in the United States.

Puppy mills are filthy, overcrowded, breeding facilities that mass produce puppies for sale. There are thousands of puppy mills across the country, producing over 500,000 puppies per year. These facilities, most of which are inspected and licensed by the USDA are notorious for their filthy, overcrowded conditions and the unhealthy dogs they produce.

What: Puppy Mill Awareness Day 2008

When: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 11am-5pm

Where: Intercourse Community Park
At the corner of Old Philadelphia Pike and Royal Circle. 500 feet east of Intercourse, PA

Who: Special guests include – LCA president Chris DeRose, Rescue Ink, CAPS president Deborah Howard and more…

For more information on PMAD go to www.awarenessday.org

Puppy Mill Awareness Day in your town!

If you would like to organize a PMAD in your area, please contact LCA’s volunteer coordinator at volunteer [at] lcanimal.org or call (310) 271- 6096 ext 27

Visit BanPuppyMills.com for learn about the puppy mill industry.

Please donate to keep LCA investigators in the field to put an end to puppy mills!

For the Animals,
Campaigns Department
Last Chance for Animals

Last Chance for Animals | 8033 Sunset Blvd. #835 | Los Angeles | CA | 90046

lcanimal.org

———————-

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts lca last chance for animals dog canine pet companion animal puppy mill breeding events Lancaster County Lancaster Pennsylvania september 20 flickr photos

If you need some background on the issue, previous alerts are available here, here and here.

For more on humane methods of mouse control, please see a series of articles I wrote on the subject:

How to Tell If There’s a Mouse in Your House (Article 1 of 3)

How to Mouse-Proof Your House (Article 2 of 3)

Spare the Snap-Trap and Have Mercy on the Mice (Article 3 of 3)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: PETA
Date: Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Subject: Skin Ripped Off and Left to Suffocate – Tell Lowe’s No More Glue Traps!

Thank you for participating in the action alert that targets Lowe’s for its sale of cruel glue traps. I’m sure that you received Lowe’s automated response, which stated, “We…have changed our merchandise offering to cut in half the number of glue traps we offer, and only carry the products that contain Eugenol, which is an anesthetic.”

Unfortunately, Eugenol can only act as an anesthetic when injected directly into an animal’s bloodstream or given through a tube into the stomach. Topical application—which is how animals caught in glue traps would come into contact with Eugenol—would not result in any pain relief whatsoever. In fact, it could cause the animals to experience an additional painful burning sensation, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and seizures. These “modified” glue traps are every bit as cruel as standard glue traps.

Please contact Lowe’s at 1-800-445-6937 and let them know that Eugenol does nothing to ease the suffering of animals caught in glue traps. Also ask that they stop selling all glue traps immediately.

Thank you for everything that you do for animals.

Sincerely,

Emily Allen
Special Assistant to the Vice President
Cruelty Investigations Division
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for PETA’s Online Community.

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

————————-

Tagged: Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts peta people for the ethical treatment of animals lowe’s glue traps mouse traps humane traps mice pests