———- Forwarded message ———-
From: American Humane Association – email [at] americanhumane.org
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Subject: Help animals displaced by flood

American Humane, June 2008

Breaking News: American Humane Assists Animals in Flood-Stricken Illinois

Over the weekend, American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services unit deployed to Adams County, Ill., to help animals affected by the severe flooding in the Midwest. As an area that was overwhelmed by the scope of this crisis, Adams County was in dire need of assistance.

American Humane answered the call by joining forces with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Together, we are working to find and set up emergency shelter sites for the many animals made homeless in recent days. It’s a collaboration that is allowing the county to keep as many animals as possible fed, sheltered and healthy through the duration of the crisis.

Your donation today will allow us to continue these vital operations and prepare for the inevitable next disaster. In some situations, animals’ survival instinct simply isn’t enough — they desperately need caring donors like you to make our rescue efforts possible.

American Humane Provides Grants to Shelters in Iowa

American Humane’s response in Illinois is the second wave of assistance we’ve provided to communities impacted by Midwest flooding. Last week, we reached out to overwhelmed and underfunded animal shelters in Iowa, extending $12,500 in emergency grants to those hardest hit by the disaster.

The grants are being put to immediate use, keeping hundreds of animals safe during the crisis. For example, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center was filled with four feet of water and uninhabitable. The money from American Humane helped the facility evacuate and relocate to nearby fairgrounds.

Stay tuned for an update on our progress in Illinois. And in the meantime, please donate! Your support will fund American Humane’s ongoing relief efforts in the Midwest and ensure our readiness for future crises that put animals in harm’s way.

About American Humane

Our mission is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

American Humane is committed to the responsible stewardship of donated funds and to meeting the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness and cost effectiveness.

American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America “Best In America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts aha american humane american humane association natural disaster floods flooding midwest illinois missouri iowa animal rescue disaster relief pet companion animal cat feline dog canine livestock farm animals farmed animals pigs news in the news donate volunteer

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: American Humane Association – email [at] americanhumane.org
Date: Thu, May 22, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Subject: Action Alert legislative outcome

Critical Anti-Dogfighting Language Included in Federal Farm Bill

Dear advocate,

You may have taken action last year on the Federal Dog Protection Act (HR 3327, sponsored by Rep. Elton Gallegly) or the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act (HR 3219/S 1800, sponsored by Rep. Betty Sutton and Sens. John Kerry and Barbara Boxer). Most of the language from these bills has been included in the federal Farm Bill, which finally passed a House/Senate conference committee last week.

The committee omitted the provision in both bills that would have prohibited attending a dogfight as a spectator as well as the provision in Sen. Gallegly’s bill that would have allowed animal control agencies, humane societies and state societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals to file civil suits.

However, the Farm Bill now makes it a federal offense subject to five years’ imprisonment to sponsor or train dogs for dogfighting, use the U.S. Postal Service to mail dogfighting paraphernalia or otherwise promote dogfights.

The provisions included in the Farm Bill have strengthened the means of addressing our nation’s dogfighting crisis.

Thank you for supporting these important pieces of legislation!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts aha american humane association dog canine pet companion animal animal fighting dogfighting blood sports farm bill 2007 farm bill

Still adding to the post…

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UPDATE, 7/27/07:

I’ve been updating this post almost daily; newest links at the top of the link dump. Feel free to add to the roundup via the comments section.

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Unfortunately, the justice system don’t work thataway, so let’s hope for life six years (Six years! WTF!?!) behind bars.

Anywho, a number of animal rights/welfare groups have sent out alerts on this subject, so I’ve included a link roundup below. Links shall be updated as necessary. Also, after the jump, forwarded alerts that are not otherwise available online. (Keep up to date with the latest news via teh Google.)

* DawnWatch: Vick dogs on NY Times front page, and Los Angeles votes for spay-neuter 2/2/08

* Best Friends Animal Society: eNews: December 14, 2007 (Preparing for the Michael Vick dogs)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Vick Received Federal Sentence–Demand Tough State Prosecution Now!

* DawnWatch: Michael Vick sentence on AJC front page and in many other papers 12/11/07

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): Michael Vick Sentenced Today, Mon 12/10

* The Petition Site: Keep Michael Vick Out of the NFL!

* Best Friends: Vick dogs cleared to come to Best Friends

* Kinship Circle: Vick’s Dogs/ YOU Helped Save Their Lives

* Kinship Circle: OCT. KC DIGEST – Killing JFK Cats, Shot Iraq Dog, Petitions… (Parts 1 & 2) [Section 9, "Ensure Vick’s Dogs Are Spared, As Promised"]

* Kinship Circle: UPDATE/ Vick’s Dogs: Clemency For All But One

* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): eNews Alert: October 5, 2007 (Update on Michael Vick Case/Dog Health Chat Today!)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Michael Vick Takes Empathy Course at PETA HQ

* Kinship Circle: LETTER/ Vick Teammate Faces Unrelated Cruelty Charges

* The Petition Site: Stop Dogfighting Now!

* The Petition Site: To the NFL: Help Pitt Bulls while Punishing Michael Vick!

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Give Vick Dogs a Fighting Chance at Life

* Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF): Congressman Garrett sides with dogfighters — speak out at rally next Wednesday

* Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): “Falling Star, Rising Son: The Football Player and the Pit bull” Art containing Actual NFL Football Tickets from Steeler/Eagles Game

* ROAR: Donate your VICK jerseys – you’ll never wear them again!

* Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare: Michael Vick: Now the Hypocrisy Begins

* Kinship Circle: [GULF COAST] Two Years And Still Counting (Section #9, Michael Vick Did NOT Adopt 14 Katrina Pit Bulls)

* Kinship Circle: LETTER/ Salvation For Vick’s Dogs?

* The Petition Site: Please help get Michael Vick’s fines donated to Pit Bull and other animal rescues

* Now if only Vick’s sentence was meted out in dog years… (easyVegan blog post, 8/27/07)

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Atlanta Falcons to Kick Vick Off of the Team

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): 8/27 Michael Vick Update!

* American Humane Association Urges Severe Sentence for Michael Vick Appropriate to the Severity and Inhumanity of His Crimes; Historic Organization Seeks Prison Time, Fines, Banishment from NFL

* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Michael Vick Pleads Guilty/ASPCA President Invites Letters of Thanks

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Vick goes before judge – now YOU be the judge

* DawnWatch: Michael Vick case spurs comments on other animal cruelty 8/22 — 8/26/07

* Best Friends Animal Society: The dogs in the Michael Vick case

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell the NFL to Recognize Animal Abuse as an Offense Warranting Suspension–and More

* Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSUS): Congressman Graves sides with dogfighters — speak out at rally on Monday (Kansas City)

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): What to Do if You See Animal Abuse

* The Petition Site: Save Vick’s Dogs

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Amazon.com to stop promoting illegal animal fighting

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Breaking News: Vick to Plead Guilty to Dog Fighting Charges

* Kinship Circle: No Deal For Sick Vick’s Dogfighting Crimes

* Last Chance for Animals (LCA): Michael Vick Admits Guilt, Plea Deal To Be Announced!

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Thank the U.S. Attorneys in the Vick Case!

* API: End Dog Fighting for Sport, Sign a Petition to Help Wildlife, and much more…

* Kinship Circle: [RELIEF GLOBAL] Flooded NY Shelter/ TX-KS Updates/ Left Behind In War Zone… (Section #5, 63 Kittens Used As Dogfighting Bait Dumped At Shelter)

* DawnWatch: NPR commentary on dog fighting and canned hunting 8/8/07

* DawnWatch: “‘Culture’ Argument Doesn’t Excuse Cruelty” — Richmond Times-Dispatch 8/6/07

* Kinship Circle: ACTION-UPDATES / The Vick Dogfighting Files

* Kinship Circle: LETTER / To NFL: Release Michael Vick Without Pay

* Michael Vick Blog Carnival #2 (August 2, 2007 @ Campaign to Sack Michael Vick)

* What do you think about the SCLC’s plan to honor Falcons player Michael Vick, who has been indicted on dogfighting charges? [Poll and story on AJC.com, 8/3/07]

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Sign the Statement Against Dogfighting

* The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Help Pass the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act

* The Petition Site: Ban Michael Vick From The NFL

* DawnWatch: Nike drops Vic plus NY Times spay-neuter column 7/30/07

* Michael Vick Blog Carnival #1 (July 28, 2007 @ Campaign to Sack Michael Vick)

* Campaign to Sack Michael Vick

* In Defense of Animals (IDA): Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges / Urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick from play under strong suspicion of criminal activity

* Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Michael Vick & Dogfighting

* Working Assets / Act for Change: Tell Nike to Cancel Michael Vick’s Endorsement Contract

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Nike to Drop Vick NOW!

* The Petition Site/HSUS: Suspend NFL Quarterback Michael Vick for Dogfighting!

* The Petition Site: Petition to let the NFL know how stupid they look

* DawnWatch: “Warning on red meat and greenhouse gases” Australian, (and Vick update) Friday July 20

* DawnWatch: CBS stories, polls, and other coverage of Vick and dogfighting 7/18/07

* Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) -> NFL, Throw the Book at Michael Vick

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) -> Tell the NFL to Suspend Michael Vick!

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Last Chance for Animals – campaigns [at] lcanimal.org
Date: Jul 18, 2007 6:56 PM
Subject: Take Action! Michael Vick Charged with Dog Fighting

Michael Vick Charged With Dog Fighting

Michael Vick has been charged with dog fighting (specifically – conspiracy to travel in insterstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture).

LCA wants to see Vick receive the maximum penalties in connection with the federal dog fighting case against him. Vick’s conviction should serve as a warning to people who fight animals. This case is a close issue to LCA, as are all our cases.

American pit bull terriers account for 99 percent of the species involved in dog fighting. As many as 40,000 people in this country participate in dog fighting.

There are three types of dogfighters.

1) The Street Fighter: often owning one dog & fights it “off the chain” in alleys or vacant lots.

2) The Hobbyist: Squares their dogs off against other animals owned by close associates.

3) The professional: Pays as much as $40,000 for a dog, breeds from past champions, participates in well-organized and pre-planned fights, with purses of up to $100,000.

Dog fighting is illegal in every state and a felony crime in 48 (Idaho and Wyoming are the exceptions). Virginia, where Vick’s dog fighting allegedly took place, has a loophole in the law; spectating is only a misdemeanor.

TAKE ACTION FOR THE ANIMALS!

Call and/or Fax the NFL Commissioner and demand that Michael Vick get suspended immediately!

Roger Goodell
National Football League Commissioner
Tel: 212-450-2000
Fax: 212-681-7573

Sample Text

“Dear Mr. Goodell, Suspend Michael Vick immediately. Show the world that the NFL has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to cruelty to animals by football players. Thank you.”

“LCA is very involved in working to stop animal fighting across the country. The Michael Vick case is an important cornerstone in this fight. Maximum penalties are essential to show the world how despicable this blood sport is. Anyone who fights animals for financial profit and entertainment has the capability to cause damage to everything around him; his community, his family. Dog fighting is big business from coast to coast and in my opinion, the epitome of cowardness. Please take action, write the NFL commissioner and stay tuned to LCA for current info on the Michael Vick case and how you can help. We will not stop until we put an end to animal fighting!”

- Chris DeRose, President & Founder, Last Chance for Animals

For the Animals,

Campaigns Department
Last Chance for Animals

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

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: In Defense of Animals takeaction [at] idausa.org
Date: Jul 20, 2007 10:47 PM
Subject: Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges

Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges
Urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick from play under strong suspicion of criminal activity

You may have heard the news that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces felony charges and possible prison time for animal abuse stemming from alleged dog fighting activities. He is accused of running an interstate dog fighting ring, and of killing numerous dogs himself — by shooting, hanging, drowning, and electrocution — simply because they were not good fighters.

While Vick continues to maintain his innocence, the evidence against him is substantial and still mounting. Authorities found more than 50 pit bulls, along with a full supply of standard dog fighting equipment (including a “rape stand” used for forced breeding, treadmills, drugs to increase aggression, and a bloodstained fighting pit), at Vick’s Virginia home.

The charges against Vick are very serious, and if they are true, he must be severely punished. Lawmakers increased the penalty for dog fighting in May 2007 with passage of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which doubles the potential prison sentence for those who engage in the interstate transport of animals used for fighting. Vick could face several years in prison and several hundred thousand dollars in fines if he is found guilty of conducting dog fighting activities across state lines.

Call (212) 450-2000 to urge the NFL to immediately suspend Vick from the league under strong suspicion of criminal activity, and to allow him to play again only if he is pronounced innocent by the courts.

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for IDA’s Action Center.

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 peta people for the ethical treatment of animals hsus Humane Society of the United States lca last chance for animals chris derose michael vick animal fighting dogfighting dog canine pet companion animal animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals animal torture nfl national football league American pit bull terriers pit bulls blood sports Roger Goodell National Football League Commissioner Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons asshole douchebag karen dawn dawnwatch the petition site petitions ida in defense of animals Dogs Deserve Better DDB Working Assets Act for Change Campaign to Sack Michael Vick blog carnival carnival api animal protection institute best friends best friends animal society aspca american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals AHA American Humane Association kinship circle Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare vvaw Virginians for Animal Welfare roar jerseys

Pet Safety and Protection Act HR1280 – 2007

The Pet Safety and Protection Act has been introduced in both the Senate and House each session of Congress for the last ten years. Ten years! And each year the bills languish in committees and are never given a vote.

Unfortunately, despite advances that have reduced the need to use animals for research many laboratories and research facilities continue to test their products on animals. Certainly we all look forward to the day when the need, and practice, of such animal testing ends. However, until that goal is reached we must insist on the best care and treatment of these animals and promote careful regulation of how these animals are obtained.

The Pet Safety and Protection Act would ensure that all dogs and cats used in research facilities are obtained through legitimate channels. This important bill will stop the unscrupulous conduct of dealers and bunchers who obtain animals from “free to a good home” ads or through other illegal measures and then sell them for a profit.

All animals, including those involved in laboratory research, must be afforded proper care and treatment, and should only be obtained from ethical sources. This bill is an important step in establishing federal safeguards on the ways animals are obtained for legitimate research.

Tell Congress to bring to a vote, and pass, the Pet Safety and Protection Act!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts aha american humane association care2 pet theft dog canine cat feline pet companion animal bunchers class b dealers random source dealers Pet Safety and Protection Act animal research animal testing animal experimentation vivisection theft

Here are some simple things you can do during the week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:

* Speak out for animals. Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Also register on the American Humane Association’s website at www.americanhumane.org/takeaction to receive timely Action Alerts about issues affecting animals. You’ll be able to make a difference for animals with just the click of your mouse.

* Report animal abuse. While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.

* Appreciate wildlife. Leave room in your yard for habitats. Make a bird or bat house.

* Share kindness. Teach the people in your life especially children about the importance of being kind to animals.

* Make a donation to your local animal shelter. A donation can be any number of contributions, from your time or money, to needed items like pet food or laundry detergent.

* Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed placement group. Approximately 8 million to 12 million animals enter our nation’s shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals no matter what type you’re looking for. Keep in mind that one out of every four dogs in shelters is a purebred.

* Help solve the tragedy of euthanasia of adoptable animals by not contributing to the problem. If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered. Pets should be microchipped and should always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be returned home quickly if they are ever lost.

(Via the American Humane Association; click here to learn more about Be Kind to Animals Week.)

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts AHA american humane association be kind to animals week holidays observances humane

Via the Humane Society of the United States:

Horses Headed Toward Final Hurdle

On September 7, the U.S. House voted 263-146 to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), moving the country closer to preventing the annual slaughter of nearly 100,000 horses in the United States for human consumption abroad. Now it’s time for the Senate to act on behalf of America’s horses.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a short polite phone call to your two U.S. Senators today. You can reach your Senators by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121, or click here to find their Capitol office phone numbers. Making a call is easy. All you need to say is:

“I am a constituent and I am calling to ask my Senator to please protect American horses from slaughter. The House has voted overwhelmingly to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1915) and now it is time for the Senate to act. Please do all that you can to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and move it to the Senate floor for an immediate vote. Thank you.”

After you make your phone call, fill in the form at the right (click here) to automatically send a follow-up email to your two Senators about the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Click here for a list of media coverage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (via Google).

Also see SAPL’s press release, “VICTORY FOR AMERICA’S HORSES: House of Representatives Passes Bill to End Horse Slaughter Over Ag Industry Opposition.”