Action Alerts

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge Congress to End the Trade in Bear Parts
The Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3029 would protect bears by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate commerce of bear gallbladders and bile

Greenpeace: Project Hot Seat: August 27-31: Week of Local Action
We need to deliver Project Hot Seat lobby packets in local offices across the country during the last week of August. And we need YOUR help to make it happen.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Animal Protection Measures included in House Farm Bill
Please call your U.S. Senators today in support of keeping animal protection provisions in the final version of the bill!

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your Representative and Senators to stand up to White House fear mongering and abuse of power!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Hold the Antibiotics!
Sign our petition to the nation’s top fast-food companies urging them to help end this dangerous practice.

(more…)

Action Alerts

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Federal: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Reintroduced in Congress

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): Missouri: “Pet Friendly” License Plates Now Available

DawnWatch: MSN on budget and health benefits of vegetarianism 7/26/07

DawnWatch: Shocking poultry slaughterhouse footage on Fox and on A&E’s “The Two Coreys” reality show 7/25 - 7/29/07

DawnWatch: Adidas lobbies to overturn Supreme Court upheld Kangaroo shoe ban NY Times, LA Times, NPR — 7/24 -7/25/07

DawnWatch: NY Times lead story “Bringing Moos and Oinks Into the Food Debate.” 7/25/07

Earthjustice: URGENT: Stop the Countdown to Wolves’ Slaughter

Friends of Animals (FoA): Help Stop the Bush Administration’s Latest Debacle: Aerial Gunning of Greater Yellowstone Wolves

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Urge Congress to stop oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

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

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

Rainforest Action Network (RAN): Tell Ontario to Stop First Nation Exploitation!

Save the Manatee Club: Ask Governor Crist to Appoint New FWC Commissioners / Ensure Balanced and Science-Based Leadership on Manatee Protection Issues

Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL): Contact Legislators on Behalf of Animals Used for Research NOW

The Wilderness Society: Help protect community forests and restore wildlife habitat

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

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

Bread for the World: Fairness Amendment to Farm Bill Fails in House; Fight For Meaningful Farm Reform Continues

Corporate Accountability International: Pepsi Agrees to Reveal Sources of Aquafina Bottled Water / In Response to Think Outside the Bottle Campiagn, Agrees to Print ‘’Public Water Source'’ on Labels

Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): Michael Vick & Dogfighting

Carnivals

Carnival of Hurricane Relief #98 (July 26, 2007 @ One Man Band)

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert, July 27, 2007

In Defense of Animals (IDA): eNews, July 25, 2007

Petitions

STOP PUPPY MILLS!!!

CLARK COUNTY DOGS DESERVE BETTER

Stop Cruelty Taking Place on the Water

Help save Giraffes

(more…)

UPDATE, 10/5/07:

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!

(more…)

You can also read this press release online at www.dogsdeservebetter.org/chainoff2007.html.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes
Date: May 2, 2007 10:39 PM
Subject: Special Announcement: Chain Off 2007-Unchain the 50!

This Years 4th of July marks our 5th Annual Chain Off Event, and this Year we’re going Even Bigger than EVER, with a Goal of at least ONE PERSON per state living chained to a Doghouse for 8-24 hours in our Fabulous Unchain the 50 Campaign!

The Dogs Deserve Better Chain Off, held every July 4th for the past 5 years, has evolved from one woman chaining herself to a doghouse for 33 hours in Pennsylvania in 2004, to 11 contestants chaining themselves for as long as 13 days in 2006 to win a new car.

Along the way others have joined in the crusade, with last year separate events being held in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Maine.

This year we want to make it even easier to participate, and we need at least 50 people to join us! That’s right, at least ONE from every state. And here’s how we’ve made it easy for you…

Last year’s participant, Erin Blais of Maine, BLAZED a trail for you…She lived chained to a doghouse for 24 hours IN HER VERY OWN YARD! That’s right, no event to plan, location to get permission for, funds to raise…nothing. And the media STILL CAME.

Many of you have been telling us you want to do this for years, but when it came to planning the event, it proved to be too much for you. (We understand, it can be VERY daunting.) So this year, DON’T PLAN. Just get yourself a doghouse, let us know where and when you will be joining us, get a few friends to sponsor you on this hourly ’sponsor sheet’ (like a walk-a-thon), and be done with it.

We will alert your local media and include your details on our website. Each person who chains her/himself for 8 hours or more will receive a FREE CHAIN OFF 2007 T-shirt, as well as brochures to hand out to any interested passers-by.

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes - tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org
Date: Apr 6, 2007 2:38 PM
Subject: Special Announcement: Please Attend the Rally for Grimes in PA!

Please Attend a Rally for Grimes April 17, Hollidaysburg, PA

Show America We’re Tired of Dogs Dying on the End of Chains, Tired of Abusers Walking

Courthouse · 423 Allegheny St. 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 17, 2007

On 4/17/07 there is a pre-trial motion hearing to dismiss all charges against DDB founder Tammy Grimes at the Blair County Courthouse at 10:30 a.m. Come to a pre-trial rally at the Hollidaysburg Courthouse to support Grimes and what she did for Doogie at 9:00 a.m. April 17th. We really need your help!

The first 100 supporters to arrive will receive a NEW I’m Standing Up for Doogie button, as well as a FREE Yard Sign, Calendar and Car Magnet. Coming in from out of town? To see Altoona hotels and motels, visit the Altoona.com site.

We can get a room discount at the Motel 6 if we have more than 10 rooms booked. If you’re coming and want to be part of the room block at Motel 6, please let Tammy know by calling her at 877.636.1408 by April 11th. If we don’t get 10 rooms reserved by then, we cannot block it.

The courthouse address is 423 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. Keep in mind that although we have this hearing, it does not mean the charges will be dismissed. There is still the very real possibility that we are going to a jury trial. We NEED to raise our voices and BE HEARD! It is absolutely ridiculous that in Pennsylvania one can abuse a dog despite existing cruelty laws, allowing it to lay chained, unable to stand, and on the ground for three days and NOT pay a price for that abuse.

It is unconscionable what this case is teaching our children. We must continue to fight, not only for Doogie, but for all chained dogs in Pennsylvania and around the U.S. And for our future’s children who may have to make the same choices Tammy has made; choices which no one should have to make.

Visit the updated Doogie page and read the Press Release.

Can’t come, but you’d like to support financially?

(more…)

The latest issue of Dogs Deserve Better’s eNewsletter (which does not appear to be available online) includes the the following items of interest:

Eight States are Hard at Work on Anti-Tethering Bills

Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Rhode Island

Maryland’s legislation is highest priority right now, if you live in Maryland, it’s critical for you to visit the site and start contacting your representatives to get the bill out for a vote. Most of the others are just getting started, and need all citizens help to progress. If your state is listed amongst these, please visit the link, below, and see how you get involved. If your state isn’t listed, visit the link anyway to see what kind of laws are being proposed this year, and get ideas for your state. It’s not too late for this legislative session!

More excellent legislative news: Troy City, Michigan, Middletown, Ohio, Texas City, Texas have all passed anti-tethering legislation in the past month! Lee’s Summit, Missouri, DeSoto, Tennessee, Denver, Colorado, Deerfield Beach, FL, New York City, Arkansas City, Kansas, and Austin, Texas are all considering anti-tethering legislation as we write as well.

Please visit DDB’s State Legislative Effort Page for current info and local calls to action.

Also, those in the PA area (specifically, Hollidaysburg) may want to attend the April 17 9AM pre-trial rally for DDB founder Tammy Grimes:

Come to a Rally for Grimes before the Motion to Dismiss Hearing April 17, 2007 at 9:00 a.m.

Can you come to a pre-trial rally at the Hollidaysburg Courthouse for Tammy Grimes at 9:00 a.m. April 17th?

The pre-trial hearing is at 10:30, so let’s be there at 9:00 a.m., sporting signs, listening to a few speakers, and in general showing support for Tammy and what she did for Doogie.

We’ll make sure we have new signs made from the Doogie material and buttons for everyone that comes. If you can come in from out of town, please try! The more people we have standing together, the better for our cause and for justice. To see Altoona hotels and motels, visit the Altoona.com site. If we have a lot of people who need rooms, we will see if we can get a cheap room block somewhere.

Background and additional info on the case is available here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts DDB dogs deserve better tammy grimes PA Pennsylvania Maine Maryland New Jersey New York Nevada North Carolina Rhode Island tethering chaining anti-tethering anti-chaining legislation rally trial animal abuse cruelty to animals doogie Lori Arnold Steve Arnold dog canine pet companion animal

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Tammy Grimes
Date: Jan 18, 2007 8:08 PM
Subject: Dogs Die at the End of Chains as Cold Sweeps the Nation

Nonprofit Urges Citizens to Report Abuse/Media to Remind People to Bring Companions Out of the Cold

Dogs Die at the End of Chains as Cold Sweeps the Nation

Nonprofit Urges Citizens to Report Abuse/Media to Remind People to Bring Companions Out of the Cold

Tipton, PA January 18, 2007

18 January, 2007, Altoona, PA — Dogs Deserve Better, a national nonprofit working to bring dogs into the home and family, has received reports of dogs dying as a result of being left chained or penned in frigid temperatures. “Two pitbulls were removed from a home in Boulder County, CO, last week after neighbors called animal control. The dogs had been left outside in extremely cold temperatures for several days. One of the dogs suffered from frostbite and the other had to be euthanized because of the severity of its injuries,” the Boulder Humane Society said.

This scenario is repeating itself across America with dogs whose stories will never be told and whose deaths will go unnoticed, unmourned, and unjustified.

As cold sweeps as far south as Texas, San Antonio drew press reports of a dog chained outside without shelter. “He’s suffering. He cries a lot,” said neighbor Josie Jeffries, “At nighttime, he starts crying. And he’s not barking, he’s crying. Officers came and they saw the dog tied up outside freezing. They’ve talked to the owner and they won’t do anything about it,” said Jeffries.

(more…)

The following press release was posted on the Dogs Deserve Better listserve; you can read a (prettier) pdf version here.

DDB’s needs for this year’s Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week (February 7-14, 2007) include the following:

1. Make Valentines. Teachers, Students, Scout Leaders, Group Leaders, Individuals please make Valentines! To see what others have done, see the link above. The valentines can say anything along the lines of ‘Bring us into the home and family.’ Send them to us by February 7th at P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.

2. Mail Coupons for Free or Reduced Cost Treats or Dogfood. Last year we did not have enough treat coupons to fill all the Valentines. Can you help us out this year by mailing any and all treat or dogfood coupons you have to us at P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684?

3. Send addresses for Chained or Penned Dogs. This is so needed! To make our goal, we need to mail at least 8000 Valentines. Send address via mail, call 877.636.1408 to report addresses, or e-mail them to info [at] dogsdeservebetter.org. You remain anonymous!

4. Sponsor Valentines. The cost of this campaign is quite high, due to material and mailing fees, but it is well-worth it! You may either sponsor Valentines for addresses you provide, or sponsor Valentines for others who provide us with addresses.

The goal for ‘07 is 8,000 valentines - 2,800 more than in 2006! So please consider a donation of time, money, coupons, or cards if possible. Need a gift idea for February 14? Check out the DDB store, or get a Love Is…A Day without Chains print for that special someone.

(more…)

Dogs Deserve Better sent out a press release (.pdf) regarding founder Tammy Grimes’ latest court date, which was yesterday, 11/27/06. A note for new readers: Grimes, a PA resident, was arrested and charged with theft back in September for rescuing Doogie, a dying, chained dog. Background and past alerts here.

In addition to press releases, the DDB website is updated as needed with notes on the court dates, as well as calls to action for DDB supporters.

Here’s yesterday’s update:

11/27/06. Today was the pretrial conference in the jury room of the Blair County Courthouse. There were no further deals offered or made, and so we informed the judges that we would be continuing on to a jury trial. Mr. Dickey’s office will file a motion to dismiss all charges this week.

Tammy will be meeting with Mr. Dickey within the next week to figure out future moves.

We are currently set up for a further pretrial conference on February 5th at 8:30 a.m. This is the final pretrial activity before we move onto jury selection and go to trial.

There have been an unheard of number of letters to the editor published in the Altoona Mirror. 12 at last count, only three of which were negative. We have a TON of support here!

We would like everyone to continue to write letters to the editor of the Altoona Mirror at opinion [at] altoonamirror.com. Keep them short and snappy if possible.

We also NEED to have a TON of people attend the hearing! We would like to hold a rally at the next pretrial conference, however it is very early in the morning…if you have a great idea how to really raise local support, please e-mail us at Tammy [at] dogsdeservebetter.org and let us know.

How about a large group marching in a holiday parade in Altoona or Holllidaysburg? Worked for the suffragists!

You can read past updates, and keep abreast of the case, here.

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Tagged: animals animal+rights action+alerts ddb dogs+deserve+better doogie tammy+grimes animal+abuse dogs canines