At a February 20, 2010 pigeon shoot at the infamous Philadelphia Gun Club, [...] a member of the Club viciously yelled at two female activists saying, “Go fuck yourself you rotten cunt!”

SHARK discovered that the assailant was Richard Shackleton and that he was town attorney for Long Beach Township, NJ. At the April 9th Long Beach Township committee meeting, we confronted him about what he had done.

What he said was shocking: “I’m happy to say that, what I said, I meant every word of it.”

When offered a chance to apologize he said, “Absolutely not.”

At this point, Shackleton had compounded upon his original insult by taking pride in hurting his victims. And again, during a television newscast, he refused to apologize for his vile comments.

Referring to his despicable use of the “c” word, Shackleton said: “I think that’s what she is and I think she deserved it.”

Quite possibly you’ve already heard about Richard Shackleton, a pigeon shooter and solicitor for Long Beach Township, New Jersey, who hurled gendered slurs at two female activists – and then, when confronted by SHARK members at a Long Beach Township committee meeting, refused to apologize for the comments? No? Then keep reading for SHARK’s ongoing reports on the situation, complete with links to recent media coverage and opportunities to take action.

SHARK email alert, 4/18/10: News Coverage of Vile Pigeon Shooter Richard Shackleton

On April 9, SHARK made an unannounced visit to the Long Beach Township Committee meeting, to confront town attorney Richard Shackleton about his vile and hate filled attack against two female activists outside the infamous Philadelphia Gun Club during the February 20, 2010 pigeon shoot. You can watch the video of what happened HERE.

The Press of Atlantic City, the major daily newspaper covering that area, ran a story today about Mr. Shackleton’s obscene behavior. Again Mr. Shackleton admitted to and took complete ownership of his disgusting verbal assault.

This big, tough lawyer, who illegally shoots small defenseless animals catapulted out of boxes, and attacks women from the safety inside of his big SUV, seems to be suddenly quite upset that SHARK took pictures of him while he was pigeon shooting. That means we are doing our job! Claiming that we were “harassing” him when everything we did was legal and peaceful shows what incredible crybabies animal abusers are.

One thing for all of us to celebrate is that after over one hundred thirty years of slaughtering pigeons at the club, our efforts have shut those killing parties down, in spite of all their money and political clout. It shows what a small group of determined individuals can do.

You can go to the newspaper site and leave a comment about what you think about Mr. Shackleton HERE.

Please contact the Mayor and two Commissioners of Long Beach Township and let him know what you think about Mr. Shackleton’s sickening words and request his dismissal as township solicitor.

Mayor Joseph H. Mancini – mancini [at] longbeachtownship.com
Commissioner Bill Knarre – knarre [at] longbeachtownship.com
Commissioner Ralph H. Bayard – rbayard [at] longbeachtownship.com

Please help SHARK continue to shutdown illegal pigeon shoots by donating HERE.

SHARK email alert, 4/20/10: NBC News On Vile Pigeon Shooter

The lead story on last night’s NBC 10 in Philadelphia newscast was about SHARK’s efforts to hold pigeon shooter Richard Shackleton accountable for his horrific verbal assault against two women on February 20th of this year.

This major news story included SHARK’s video footage from the Philadelphia Gun Club’s barbaric pigeon shoots, including birds being shot and killed as well as the terrible tragedy of a wounded pigeon drowning in the Delaware. By his arrogance and cruelty, to both pigeons and to women, Shackleton has shown the true face of a pigeon shooter, – and it is an ugly and degenerate thing.

Watch the NBC story HERE.

You can read the story that was published in the Press of Atlantic City HERE.

Please leave comments on both the NBC and Press of Atlantic City stories, and let Shackleton and his cronies know that what they do violates all sense of common decency. This is your chance to be heard!

SHARK email alert, 4/21/10: Protest against Richard Shackleton This Saturday!

The situation with NJ pigeon shooter Richard Shackleton is heating up to an intense point, and there has been major news coverage of the vile comments he made to two female activists.

Now it’s your chance to get into this fight!

This Saturday, April 24, in Long beach Township NJ, SHARK is going to protest pigeon shooting and the despicable comments made by Richard Shackleton, who works for the town as its solicitor.

The protest will be Saturday April 24, from 12:30PM – 2:00PM in front of the Long Beach Township Municipal Building
6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach NJ [...]

This is going to be big and receive a great deal of more news coverage, so please join with us!

If you can’t make it, please email the Mayor HERE: mancini [at] longbeachtownship.com

Watch the NBC news story HERE.

SHARK has already gotten press coverage of the protest!

From today’s Press of Atlantic City:

Activists to protest Long Beach Township solicitor over altercation outside pigeon shoot

…Stuart Chaifetz, an investigator with Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, or SHARK, said members of the group are planning to protest in the township and call on public officials to remove Shackleton from his position as township attorney.

“He should be removed because of some of the comments he made in his capacity as the township attorney,” Chaifetz said, referring to the April 9 town meeting.

You can read the entire story and comment HERE.

The Story So Far

At a February 20, 2010 pigeon shoot at the infamous Philadelphia Gun Club in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, Shackleton, a member of the Club, viciously yelled at two female activists saying, “Go f— yourself you rotten c—”

SHARK discovered that the assailant was Richard Shackleton and that he was town attorney for Long Beach Township, NJ. At the April 9th Long Beach Township committee meeting, we confronted him about what he had done.

What he said was shocking: “I’m happy to say that, what I said, I meant every word of it.”

When offered a chance to apologize he said “Absolutely not.”

At this point, Shackleton had compounded upon his original insult by taking pride in hurting his victims. And again, during a television newscast, he refused to apologize for his vile comments.

Referring to his despicable use of the “c” word, Shackleton said:

“I think that’s what she is and I think she deserved it.”

Richard Shackleton needs to know that the public will not condone his vile treatment of women and animals.

A young girl and her mother hold signs in protest of Richard Shackleton. They read: “I love pigeons and all birds” and “Shackleton: Embarressment [sic] to All NJ Attorneys! including me.” Photos courtesy SHARK.
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Three activists line the roadside, two long protest banners in hand. The one on the left reads, “Don’t let your tax dollars support vicious and degrading insults against women: Demand Richard Shackleton be fired for what he did!” The right banner displays a link to PennsylvaniaShame.com, a SHARK website. Photos courtesy SHARK.
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A young girl holds a sign that reads, “No woman ‘deserved’ to be called what he said! Photos courtesy SHARK.
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SHARK email alert, 4/28/10: Massive Media Coverage on Pigeon Shooter Richard Shackleton

The media coverage on pigeon shooter Richard Shackleton had been overwhelming.

What started with a vile, obscene remark from Shackelton. SHARK followed-up by confronting him at a Long Beach Township Committee meeting. It has now spiraled into television and newspaper coverage that has reshaped and expanded the debate over pigeon shooting. People are now getting a look at what kind of person blasts pigeons out of boxes – and it isn’t a pretty picture. See video HERE.

With near-daily articles being published in New Jersey, with more in New York and Pennsylvania, Shackleton’s vile acts and cruel pigeon shooting now have had tri-state exposure.

What’s more, Shackleton’s actions, against women and pigeons, were so horrifying that the Asbury Park Press, a major daily newspaper in New Jersey, published an editorial calling for him to be fired!

Read that HERE.

SHARK held a successful protest last Saturday in Long Beach Township where local residents joined with us in expressing their outrage over what Shackleton has done. Thank you to everyone that attended, and for all those who have written to the Mayor of Long Beach to complain about this disgusting situation.

And this is just the beginning.

News Coverage of the Shackleton Situation

NBC10 in Philadelphia

- NJ Lawyer Won’t Apologize for Calling Women the C-Word

- Protestors Want “C-Word” Attorney Fired

ASBURY PARK PRESS

- Remarks way off target: “Get rid of him. That’s the only acceptable option for the Long Beach Township Commission in addressing the controversy surrounding its municipal attorney, Richard J. Shackleton.”

- Pigeon shoot protests rejected

- Long Beach Township Attorney defies pigeon shoot protests

- Group protests slur against activists

PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY

- Long Beach Township solicitor says animal rights group is harassing him after video of him shooting pigeons

- Activists to protest Long Beach Township solicitor over altercation outside pigeon shoot

- Animal-rights group requests permit to protest Long Beach Township over solicitor’s pigeon shooting

- Long Beach police review rally permit

- Long Beach Township asks solicitor in pigeon-shooting controversy to ‘stay out of the public eye,’ skip meetings

THE SANDPAPER (Local Newspaper for Long Beach Township)

- Animal Rights Activists, Shackleton Trade Shots

The ASSOCIATED PRESS wrote a story which was published in the following media outlets:

Newsday
The Star-Ledger
The Bergen Record
Daily Record
The Burlington County Times
FOX NY
WCBS2
101 WINS radio
WCBS880
NJ101.5

I’d intended to blog about this several weeks ago, before the April 24th protest, but time just got away from me. While it’s heartening to see that the incident has garnered local coverage, the cynic in me can’t help but think that most people wouldn’t care about Richard Shackleton, had he not been caught using “the c-word” on camera – and then defended his use of it weeks later, at a government function, nonetheless! (Then again, far be it from me to underestimate SHARK’s media savvy.)

Similar to SHARK’s Cowboys & Criminals series, Richard Shackleton’s actions illustrate the intersectionality of oppressions: “isms” are not discrete, isolated phenomenon, but rather exist alongside – and are oftentimes intertwined with – other “isms”. Speciesism, for example, oftentimes comes coupled with sexism and misogyny. Perhaps the most potent example of this is the gendered nature of animal agriculture – the very foundation of which rests upon the rape, forced birth and kidnapping of female animals’ bodies and babies.

This isn’t to suggest that, if a person embraces one form of prejudiced delusions, he necessarily embraces them all. There exist plenty of whip-smart feminists who eat “meat,” and more than a few dedicated vegans who will tell you – without a hint of irony – that “meat is for pussies.” However, when one becomes comfortable with the idea of dehumanizing, objectifying, “othering” and otherwise mistreating an entire group of beings, I truly believe that this only invites further bigotry, oppression and violence. Particularly when members of said group(s) represent a threat to one’s own unearned privilege – such as the case with the SHARK activists above.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness new jersey philadelphia pennsylvania Philadelphia Gun Club hunting shooting blood sports pigeons birds pigeon shooting animals and women intersectionality intersections parallel oppressions gender cunt c-word Long Beach Township Richard Shackleton sexism sexist speciesism speciesist misogyny misogynist video news in the news flickr photos

Rodeos Send Their Horses to Slaughter

Love is a Slaughter Line???!!!

Rodeos claim to care about their animals, so why do many of their worn-out bucking horses suffer the horror of a slaughterhouse? SHARK’s 141st YouTube video is one of the most graphic we have released, making the connection between rodeo and horse slaughter. We didn’t do it to sicken people. We did it to let people know just how cruel rodeo is, and how much rodeo animal victims are suffering. It brings into focus even more sharply the role of corporate sponsors such as Coca-Cola.
　
I hope you will watch this video, and then call Coke (800-438-2653/800-Get-Coke) and let the company know just what you think. It is because of big money from corporate sponsors like Coke that rodeo stock contractors are breaking their horses down, as well as overbreeding, and then casting the foals who don’t make the cut into the clutches of the horrific slaughter industry.
　
Foreign companies are killing America’s horses — many of them rodeo horses — to be sent abroad for human consumption.

Call your legislators and ask them to vote Yes on HR503 and S727 – Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009. For more information on what you can do, go to: HorseKillers.com

What Happened to Cajun Katy?

One of the Dozens of Injured Animals at CFD Rodeo

Cajun Katy was just one of the numerous horses injured during Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Rodeo. See the heart-wrenching video here. What happened to her? CFD spokesman Bob Budd says the public doesn’t have the right to know. What are they hiding? Plenty! SHARK video documented dozens of animal injuries, and yet CFD claims they only treated seven animals.

We want to know the truth. Don’t you?

What You Can Do

Contact CFD and ask them: What happened to Cajun Katy? Ask them to release the animal injury and deaths reports from the rodeo.

Cheyenne Frontier Days
P.O. Box 2477
Cheyenne, WY 82003
Telephone: (800) 227-6336 or (307) 778-7222
Headquarters: (307) 778-7200
Fax: (307) 778-7213
Click here for the website feedback form.

Vold Henchman Jabs Cheyenne Rodeo Horse

Used Steel Rod to Make the Horse Buck

Rodeo people claim their animal victims are “born to buck.” If that’s true, then why did this rodeo thug slam a steel rod into the ribs of this horse over and over at the 2009 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo? See video here.

The Cheyenne Regional Medical Center was a chute sponsor and one of CFD’s top sponsors for this abusive rodeo. Sponsoring a dangerous event is one way of trying to generate more revenue for the hospital. They should remember the principles by which all physicians and medical personnel practice including ‘First, do no harm’. They are making the medical center and its staff appear to be hypocrites.

What You Can Do:

Contact Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and tell them what you think of their sponsorship of animal cruelty and deaths at the CFD Rodeo:

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
214 East 23rd Street
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 634-2273
email: comments [at] crmcwy.org

PRCA Rodeo Teams Up With European Bullrings

Knives Being Used to Force Horses to Buck

As we discussed earlier this year, the PRCA has teamed up with bullrings in Europe to host rodeos. Like a typical rodeo, they are cruel events without regard to the animals involved.

The following is a link to a YouTube Video uploaded by Tony Moore of FAACE (Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe – www.faace.co.uk) from the two shows they attended in Valencia, Spain. See their video: Rodeo Europe Tour 2009 – Valencia bullring

As you can see in the video, bulls have their tails tied up in the buck straps to make them buck.

As we were preparing this update, we received the following update on this issue:

This is just to let you know that our video on YouTube has been interfered with. Someone flagged it and now everybody has to sign in and confirm, that they are not younger than 18 years.

It is a joke, children and babies were allowed in for free! We regard this as an effort on behalf of the cowboys to reduce the number of viewings.

Unfortunately they keep changing the schedule. So many places which were originally scheduled have been dropped.

They said they would be in Germany afterwards, 12 + 13, November. However, my man in Düsseldorf tells me, there are no tickets on sale, no posters up. I doubt they will dare to come to Germany as they are getting tons of hate mails.

What You Can Do:

Write to the following addresses to complain about the rodeos and the bullfights while you are at it. Some points to note from Tony of FAACE are:

Most of the things the rodeos are doing to the animals are banned in most European countries. They won’t be allowed to use the flank strap, the spurs, electro-shockers or sharp objects. They won’t be allowed to do bullriding, team roping, tie-down-roping and steer wrestling.

Tony feels there is a chance to get a number of the proposed rodeos cancelled.

Addresses:
GP Spain Eventos: prensa [at] gpspaineventos.com, info [at] gpspaineventos.com
and ESFM Entertainment: javier [at] esfm-ent.com, janet [at] esfm-ent.com

Spain’s Burning Bulls

The Bulls of Fire Festivals

At “The Bulls of Fire Festival” in Spain, bulls have balls of flammable material attached to their horns which are then light, and they are set free in the streets at night as a festive spectacle. Some bulls try to escape hours of agony by smashing into walls.

Click here to see video.

Spanish activists are running a campaign and the goal is 10,000 signatures on a petition to be hand-delivered to four Soria officials, with a copy to the president of Spain.

What You Can Do:

To sign the petition, click here.

In the comment section of the petition, leave a comment something like:

“I will boycott your country until you cease your bullfights and FireBull Fiestas.”

To send e-mail letters (samples provided in English and Spanish to copy and paste) to the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI & Vatican Officials, and other Spanish officials, click here.

We need to put pressure on the Pope to speak out against all these atrocities to bulls. Most Catholics worldwide do not support these barbaric acts of torture and the Pope needs to condemn those that do.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness rodeo horses bulls spain europe animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association prca Cheyenne Frontier Days cfd coke horse slaughter horse meat

The Chief is Leaving, But Let’s Keep Investigation Going

As you will recall, earlier this month, I contacted Cheyenne Police Chief Robert Fecht and requested an investigation of Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo for criminal neglect. SHARK’s documentation shows dozens of animals injured, while CFD claims only seven received care. See the first two of four videos showing many of the animal injuries.

2009 Cheyenne Animal Injuries, Part 1:
 

 
2009 Cheyenne Animal Injuries, Part 2:
 

 
This is in stark contrast to what is stated on CFD’s website about their care for the animals in the rodeo:

We recognize that animals, as well as humans, may be injured in these events. Any injured animal is accorded immediate veterinary medical attention, and is isolated from further harm. Every attempt is made to make injured animals comfortable, and offer them opportunity to recover. Injured animals are not used again.

Read the entire “Animal Care” statement here.

While Chief Fecht has been investigating the matter, he is retiring and his last day is today. It is now up to the Mayor of Cheyenne, Mayor Rick Kaysen and the acting Chief of Police Jeff Schulz to continue this investigation.

What You Can Do:

Please contact Mayor Rick Kaysen and encourage him to continue this investigation and press for appropriate charges.

Mayor Rick Kaysen
Mayor’s Office
2101 O’Neil Ave.
Room 310
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: (307) 637-6300
Fax: (307) 637-6378
Email Mayor: mayor [at] cheyennecity.org

Please let us know what response you get from the Mayor’s office.

This is one of the many animals injured at CFD.

Don’t forget that Coke is one of the major sponsors of this rodeo. Have you contacted Coke today?

Muhtar Kent
President and CEO
The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
MKent [at] na.ko.com
Phone: 770-989-3000
Toll Free! (800) 438-2653 (GET-COKE)
Here is Coke’s website link.

For more information on corporate sponsors of rodeo cruelty and deaths, see CorporateThugs.com.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark rodeo coke coca-cola sponsor animal abuse photos showing animals respect and kindness Cheyenne Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Cheyenne Frontier Days cfd youtube videos

Here’s SHARK’s latest alert; you can read previous alerts here.

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Dear Friends,

I want to make this real easy for you to find because I want you to call Coke again, Coke’s number is: 800-438-2653.

William McMullen, a dedicated activist in Michigan, has learned that rodeo sponsor Coca-Cola now has a special “Alert” on its “Frequently Asked Questions” section of its website. This means Coke is getting a lot of complaints about the rodeo issue.

Here’s the link that will allow you to see this for yourself: Coca-Cola’s Alert

Here is Coke’s latest statement:

‘Does The Coca-Cola Company sponsor rodeos?’

“Coca-Cola cares about the welfare of animals and supports their proper treatment. That is why the Company and our U.S. bottling partners will not sponsor events or attractions that feature animals unless the event organizers have policies and procedures in place to support the humane treatment of animals and provide ready access to quality veterinary care to protect the animals’ health and safety.”

This statement is a damnable lie, and the company knows it. It is both unbelievable and repulsive this corrupt company is going to such lengths to outright lie to its own customers. Coke sponsors numerous cruel rodeos across the country that maim and kill animals. SHARK has been proving for 16 years that rodeo humane rules are a farce, and that rodeo animals are regularly injured and killed. Even the rodeo industry admits this by refusing to release animal injury and death reports.

Among those Coke-sponsored rodeos are the worst of the worst – the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Cheyenne, WY and the Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton, OR.

Both of these rodeos include deadly steer busting, in which steers have their necks and legs broken, as well as internal and other injuries. Additionally, the Cheyenne Rodeo includes the brutal Wild Horse Race, in which as many as eighteen young (not wild) horses are released at the same time and jumped by teams of contestants who terrorize them in a cruel and ridiculous race. The horses can be injured and even killed.

Besides steer busting, the Pendleton Rodeo includes the Wild Cow Milking Contest, another event featuring groups of animals, this time cows, which are forced by gangs of thugs to give milk.

Both Pendleton and Cheyenne allow the cruel and dangerous jerkdowns of calves. SHARK investigators have seen as many as four calves sledded off the Cheyenne arena in one morning alone, and we have seen as many as seven steers injured in a day of steer busting.

How many more thousands of animals have to be terrorized, brutalized, maimed and killed before Coke honors its promise to not sponsor animal abuse?

Now, to make matters even worse, the rodeo mafia is partnering up with the bullrings of Spain and Portugal. SHARK’s latest video exposes that partnership in its latest YouTube video:

Rodeo & Bullfighting Mafias Partner Up

Here is a video showing Steer Busting.

Here is a video showing the horrid Wild Horse Race.

I am asking every person who cares about animals to stop consuming any Coke products as long as Coke continues to sponsor rodeos. I personally will never consume another Coke product.

It’s time that we vote with our wallets in the biggest way possible. Please inform every person you know who cares about animals that Coke is a cruel and dishonorable company. It is vital that everyone understand that when you spend money on a Coke product, some of your money is going to animal abusers.

I will be asking the animal conferences this year to take a stand and refuse to sell, allow to be sold or even allow within the conferences any Coke products this year, and for as long as it takes, and to disclose exactly why. It is time that people with a heart and a conscience take a hard line on Coca-Cola, a lying corporate animal abuser.

Please call Coke today — right now, and demand that the company terminate any relationship whatsoever with rodeos. Coke’s toll-free number is 800-438-2653. Please call them now!

Those answering Coke’s phones will likely lie and tell you that they’ve received no other calls about rodeos. That’s obviously another Coke lie, because they are getting enough calls to put a special alert up on the company website.

It’s time for the humane movement to show Coca-Cola the power of compassion. Let’s back this cold, immoral company down in its tracks, and give them a business lesson they won’t forget.

Another dedicated activist, Nicole Bruck has created a petition asking the rodeo committee of Cheyenne Frontier Days to ban steer busting. Please click here and sign the petition.

Here is a list of some of Coke’s most common products:

Bacardi Mixers
Barq’s
Canada Dry
Cherry Coke
Crystal
Dasani water
Dr. Pepper
Fanta
Fresca
Fruitopia
Full Throttle
Hi-C Punch
Ice Mountain
Limonaid products
Mello Yello
Minute Maid products
Mr. Pibb
Nestea products
Powerade
Red Lion
Refresh Tea
Simply Orange
Splash
Sprite
Squirt
Sun Valley
Tab
Tai
Tasters Choice
Zero

Coca-Cola also sponsors the Iditarod Dog Race. In recent years, over 142 dogs have been confirmed to have died during the race and many more have died prior to and after the race.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark rodeo coke coca-cola sponsor animal abuse photos animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals videos youtube Iditarod Dog Race Iditarod dog racing liars

Bloodless Bullfighting Coming to America

More Bull and Horse Abuse in Las Vegas

SHARK has been notified that the company Don Bull Productions (in cooperation with Protamex) is going to organize bloodless bullfights in the South Point Arena in Las Vegas. These bullfights are going to take place on September 14th and 15th, as well as in December 2009, September and December 2010. For more information, click here.

We are told that the bulls are dressed with a Velcro “cape” designed to catch the harpoons (which have no points, but a tip also of Velcro). The concern is that these bullfights might be bloodless, but real toreros such as ‘El Cordobes’ (who kill bulls during other events) take part in them, and both bulls and horses are subjected to stress and injuries during such events. We also have a strong suspicion that the bulls used during these events are going to be killed in Mexico, during a regular bullfight or in the slaughterhouse.

We cannot let these events happen in Las Vegas, because the bullfighting industry is losing ground in the ‘real’ bullfighting countries Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and is now trying to export these events to other countries.

The last thing we need in this country is more animal abusing events.

What You Can Do:

Contact the South Point Arena, the mayor of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and ask others to do the same. Las Vegas has plenty to offer and doesn’t need to abuse animals for entertainment.

Mr. Oscar B. Goodman
Mayor of Las Vegas
City Hall, Tenth Floor
400 Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 229-6241
Fax: (702) 385-7960
email the Mayor, click here
Mayor’s website

Website Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (official tourism authority): www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/index.jsp
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Attn. Board of Directors
3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 702-892-0711
Fax: 702-892-2824
LVCVA’s website

South Port Equestrian and Events Center: www.southpointeventscenter.com
South Point Arena
Attn. Steve Stallworth, director general
9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89189
Hotel Phone: 866-796-7111 toll free
Hotel Fax: 702-797-8001
Equestrian and Events Center Phone: 702-797-8005
South Port’s website

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness las vegas nevada bullfight bullfighting bloodless bullfighting bulls horses

In an email dated May 5, 2009, SHARK updates us on its campaign against Coke:

Coca-Cola’s Feeling the Heat

Keep Pressuring Coke About Sponsoring Animal Abuse

Thank you to everyone who has contacted Coke about its sponsorship of rodeo animal abuse. We appreciate all the responses you have been sending us from the Company.

Under intense pressure the Company is now issuing yet another form letter response. In bold is the relevant change.

Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company, Mrs. Hunter. We appreciate the opportunity to respond.

Like you, The Coca-Cola Company cares about the welfare of animals and supports their proper treatment. That is why the Company and our U.S. bottling will not sponsor events or attractions that feature animals unless the event organizers have policies and procedures in place to support the humane treatment of animals and provide ready access to quality veterinary care to protect the animals’ health and safety. Additionally, the Company’s trademarks may not be used to promote an event or an attraction that violates local, state or national laws or is contrary to the Company’s policy and guidelines.

We hope we have addressed your concerns. If you have questions or comments in the future, feel free to contact us again.

Tom Barber
Industry and Consumer Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company

Coke has a policy in effect that says:

“The Coca-Cola Company does not endorse or condone any practice of cruelty to animals, and the Company does not sponsor or promote events where there is a risk of physical harm to animals.”

Clearly, rodeos violate that policy.

They should have no presence in rodeos.

No matter how many times you have already contacted Coke, please contact them again. We have to remind them of their policy, and we have to keep discrediting their claims and exposing them. It is your calls, letters and e-mails that has them dancing around this issue.

Please let them know that you will not buy their products until they stop supporting animal abuse and will encourage others to do the same.

What You Can Do:

You can help the animals by sharing your thoughts about Coke’s insensitivity with the company’s CEO and President:

Muhtar Kent
President and CEO
The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
Phone: 770-989-3000
Toll Free: (800) 438-2653 (Get-Coke)

Please also send a separate letter to the same address to the Board of Directors at Coca-Cola.

Email Coke on their web form by clicking here.

Email Coca-Cola’s Corporate Responsibility Review directly at crreview [at] na.ko.com

Please forward any response you may receive from Coke to us at info [at] sharkonline.org, so we can keep track of what corporate lie(s) they are handing out at any given moment.

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Excerpted from the latest edition of SHARK’s enewsletter:

SHARK wants to give a giant Thank You to everyone who took the time to contact Coca-Cola. We know that our letters and phone calls are having an effect. Coca-Cola is responding to our emails by sticking to their ridiculous story that they don’t support rodeo, but bizarrely, they then go into a lengthy defense of rodeo. We believe that this shows that Coca-Cola is feeling the pressure.

We are going to ask you to call Coke again and keep calling Coke this year until they withdraw their support of animal abuse and cruelty. A message needs to be sent to the corporate sponsors of animal cruelty that sponsoring animal cruelty will not be tolerated. PLEASE CONTACT Coca-Cola again or if you haven’t told them how you feel yet, please do so today! We need your support on this issue.

We also have one correction to make: E. Neville Isdell’s proper title is Chairman of the Board and Coca-Cola’s CEO is Muhtar Kent.

Please crosspost to everyone you know and to other organizations.

For more information visit: CokeCruelty.com

Contact Coke Today!

Call Toll Free (800) 438-2653 (GET-COKE)

Email Coke on their web form by clicking here: www.thecoca-colacompany.com/contactus/cokefeedback/index.html

Email Coca-Cola’s Corporate Responsibility Review directly at crreview[at] na.ko.com

Snail Mail:
Muhtar Kent, President & CEO
The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301-1734

E. Neville Isdell, Chairman of the Board
The Coca-Cola Company
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301-1734

Please also send a separate letter to the same address to the Board of Directors at Coca-Cola.

Please forward any response you may receive from Coke to us at info [at] sharkonline.org, so we can keep track of what corporate lie(s) they are handing out at any given moment.

SHARK offers proof of Coke’s rodeo love on their website, including this banner from the 2007 CFD Rodeo.

If you’re going to endorse cruelty, the least you can do is have the backbone to stand behind your decision. If it’s such a PR nightmare that you’ve got to deny the sponsorship, then here’s an idea – withdraw your support!

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark rodeo coke coca-cola sponsor animal abuse photos

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Tucson Rodeo – Will They Shock Horses This Year? Or Will They Join Other Rodeos and Ban Shocking?

In 2008, SHARK exposed the Tucson Rodeo for shocking horses with 5,000 – 6,000 volts of painful electricity to make them perform.

SHARK filed a complaint requesting a criminal investigation and charges against those responsible, that was filed with the Arizona Department of Agriculture – Animal Services Division.

SHARK received great media coverage of this issue helping to educate many in Arizona about rodeo animal abuse.

In advance of the upcoming rodeo this year, SHARK has sent out two press releases (see below) to the media, the City Council and the Mayor of Tucson requesting their attention and action on this issue.

What You Can Do:

Contact the Mayor and City Council Members and request a ban on shocking the animals in the rodeo like many other rodeos in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, etc.

Mayor Bob Walkup
City Hall
255 West Alameda Street
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 791-4201
FAX: (520) 791-5348
E-Mail: mcweb [at] tucsonaz.gov

Vice Mayor, Karin Uhlich
Ward Three
1510 East Grant Road
Tucson, Arizona 85719
Phone: (520) 791-4711
FAX: (520) 791-5391
E-Mail: ward3 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Mike Hein, City Manager
City Hall
255 West Alameda Street
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Phone: (520) 791-4204
FAX: (520) 791-5198
E-Mail: mike.hein [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Regina Romero
Ward One
940 W. Alameda Street
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Phone: (520) 791-4040
FAX: (520) 791-5393
Email: ward1 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Rodney Glassman
Ward Two
7575 E. Speedway
Tucson, Arizona 85710
Phone: (520) 791-4687
FAX: (520) 791-5380
E-Mail: ward2 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Shirley Scott
Ward Four
8123 E. Poinciana
Tucson, Arizona 85730
Phone: (520) 791-3199
FAX: (520) 791-4717
E-Mail: ward4 [at] tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Steve Leal
Ward Five
4300 South Park Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85714
Phone: (520) 791-4231
FAX: (520) 791-3188
E-Mail: steve.leal [at] tucsonaz.gov

One of the two press releases SHARK sent out:

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2009

Contact: Steve Hindi – 630-640-1889

Tucson Rodeo Set to Shock Horses Again?

In 2008, an investigator for SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) caught Tucson Rodeo personnel shocking horses to make them buck wildly. SHARK investigators have also caught other rodeos committing the same abuse.

Now there is a push to ban the use of electric shock in rodeos. Major rodeos in Denver, Cheyenne, Omaha, Greeley, Colorado Springs and Dallas are included in the list of rodeos banning electric shock. So far, Tucson has NOT banned shocking.

“Apparently Tucson doesn’t intend to stop shocking, and doesn’t mind being exposed for more criminal animal abuse,” says SHARK president Steve Hindi. “If they don’t mind committing the abuse, we don’t mind documenting and exposing it again.

SHARK has a YouTube video exposing the Tucson Rodeo’s horse shocking here:

Shocking the horses is a clear violation of the Tucson city ordinance Section 4-3. Cruelty and neglect.

Sec. 4-3(I). Cruelty. …whoever, having charge or custody of an animal, either as owner or otherwise, inflicts unnecessary cruelty upon it, cruelly drives or works it when unfit for labor, or cruelly abandons it, or carries it or causes it to be carried in or upon a vehicle or otherwise, in an unnecessarily cruel or inhumane manner or knowingly and willfully authorizes or permits it to be subject to unreasonable or unnecessary torture, suffering or cruelty of any kind, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

For more information, see: www.TheCruelTruth.com

# # #

SHARK received a call from the Mayor’s office acknowledging receipt of the press releases, but the Mayor remains silent about what they plan to do about the shocking of horses this year at the rodeo.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness rodeo horses shock tucson arizona tocson rodeo video youtube video blogging animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals

Pennsylvania – Last State to Allow Pigeon Shoots

It has been a dozen years since SHARK attended a pigeon shoot. After knocking this most cowardly of killing contests out of Illinois, we worked for a while in Pennsylvania, where we were initially introduced to the issue. SHARK figured that pigeon shoots would soon be made illegal, as other groups closer to PA continued to work on the issue.

Unfortunately, the immoral disease of pigeon shoots persists in Pennsylvania, and SHARK can no longer ignore these killing orgies. Especially now that the internet is as pervasive as it is, we believe that SHARK’s approach of graphically documenting abuse, and of often publicly identifying the abusers will have a major impact on these killing orgies. We already have two videos up on YouTube exposing pigeon shoots, see videos below:

NRA, Ku Klux Klan Support Pigeon Shoots

GRAPHIC – Live Pigeon Shoots in PA

Many of those involved in pigeon shoots are well-to-do professionals from cities. These depraved, insecure little men (and some women) have an insatiable thirst for blood, and since they are too cowardly to take on anyone their own size, they go after the most unthreatening, inoffensive animals they can find — pigeons — which come from the family of doves, birds of peace.

The battle against pigeon shoots involves much more than a relatively small number of cowardly, genetic and moral rejects who gun down half pound birds tossed out of boxes. The real “Sugar Daddy” of Pennsylvania’s pigeon shoots is the National Rifle Association (NRA). It is the NRA that is successfully persuading some of PA lawmakers to allow these killing contests to continue.

Legislation is pending in the Pennsylvania House (H.B. 2130) to ban this atrocity with 50 co-sponsors. Unfortunately, House Majority Leader William DeWeese is refusing to bring the bill up for a vote. The Pennsylvania legislative session is almost over and action is needed now to pass this legislation.

What You Can Do:

Please contact (even if you don’t live in Pennsylvania) Representative William DeWeese and ask that he allow H.B. 2130 to be voted on:

Representative William DeWeese
Capitol Office: 717-783-3797
wdeweese [at] pahouse.net

You can find out more (and sign up for SHARK’s email list) at www.sharkonline.org and www.pigeonshoots.com

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness pigeons pigeon shoots hunting pa Pennsylvania William DeWeese video youtube

If you’re interested in learning more about this issue, local CBS affiliate KGWN has a number of updates and videos here: www.kgwn.tv/index.aspx

Hat tip to The Animals Voice!

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: SHARK Update
Date: Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Subject: Matchbox Twenty Speaks: We won’t make money from animal abuse

Thanks Matchbox Twenty!

Dear Friends,

As we told you earlier this week, Matchbox Twenty will not be performing at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo after viewing SHARK’s video footage of last year’s Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and other rodeos.

A press release sent out today, April 10th, states:

Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 18. After careful consideration it was decided that the participating in this event would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS FOUNDATION, our non profit organization.

The other members of matchbox twenty support this decision and while we understand that a great deal of effort went into planning of this show, and apologize to any and all fans who purchased tickets to see us, we ask that they please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals.

Sincerely,

Rob and Marisol Thomas and The Sidewalk Angels Foundation

SHARK is truly impressed and sincerely appreciative of Rob and Marisol’s dedication for the animals. They not only withdrew from CFD, but also provided a public statement as to why.

Additional media coverage about this includes:

LA Times

Billboard

Please take a moment to thank Rob and Marisol Thomas at SidewalkAngelsFoundation [at] yahoo.com for their benevolence and courage.

Or, leave a positive message on the Sidewalk Angels Forum (or see what others are saying here): Sidewalk Angels Forum

Also, please go to the following link and add your supportive comments to the band. There are a lot of negative comments from rodeo thugs. Please let the band know that we know they are heros. You will need to sign in, but all things considering, it is certainly worth it for the animals.

Official Matchbox Twenty Forum

For more information about this issue, and to view the videos that inspired MB20′s decision, go to: ShameOnCheyenne.com

Help Keep SHARK Victories for the Animals Going

With your support, SHARK will continue its many accomplishments for the animals. We are barely one third of the way into the new year and have already had so many amazing victories for the animals.

To make a donation via PayPal, please click here.

If you wish to mail in a donation, please click here.

Not able to donate? There are everyday ways you can help SHARK that don’t cost you anything.

1. By doing your online shopping through iGive.com every time you make a purchase a percentage of your total goes to SHARK as a donation! This is done at no cost to you. Simply CLICK HERE to shop at hundreds of online merchants through iGive.com.

2. Always use www.GoodSearch.com and select SHARK as your charity. GoodSearch.com is a non-profit search engine that gives small donations every time supporters use it for their online searches. Add a GoodSearch toolbar or put it in your favorites today!
Kindest Regards,

Steve Hindi and Your SHARK Team

“Kindness and compassion towards all living beings is a mark of a civilized society. Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and rodeos are all cut from the same defective fabric: violence. Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well ourselves.” – Cesar Chavez, civil rights and labor leader, founder of the United Farm Workers

SHARK | Showing Animals Respect and Kindness | PO Box 28 | Geneva | IL | 60134

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: SHARK Update
Date: Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Subject: Press Conference Scheduled; Help Spread the Word

Press Conference in Cheyenne Scheduled

The story of Matchbox Twenty’s cancellation continues to spread in the media, going from coast to coast in general and entertaiment press. Even all the way to Australia! See some of the coverage in:

Rolling Stone

United Kingdom Entertainment Press

Celeb Gossip site TMZ.com

SHARK is convening a public Press Conference in Cheyenne, WY this Wednesday. Video footage showing what MB20 calls “mistreatment of animals” will be disseminated as well as recommendations for a more humane rodeo.

Please help spread the word!

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2008
Contact: Steve Hindi – (630)640-1889

Why Did Matchbox Twenty Withdraw from CFD?
Press Conference, Graphic Video to Provide Answers

Although Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo officials have expressed bewilderment over the Matchbox Twenty cancellation, due to what the band referred to as “mistreatment of animals”, the reasons are easily found in graphic video documentation from the 2007 CFD Rodeo.

CFD Rodeo officials and Cheyenne city officials are invited to a press conference to review this video documentation. Copies of the video will be provided to the media.

SHARK will also release a list of humane recommendations for the CFD Rodeo.

SHARK’s Press Conference will be at the Laramie County Library (in the Willow Room) on 2800 Central Avenue in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 10:15 am – 12:00 noon.

Showing Animals Respect and Kindness will treat all attending officials with respect and consideration. SHARK is ready and willing to work with all concerned to make CFD Rodeo a more humane event. The meeting will open up from 11:30 am until noon to answer questions from the public.

###

To see videos and photos of the CFD Rodeos, go to: ShameOnCheyenne.com

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts shark showing animals respect and kindness matchbox 20 rodeo animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals Matchbox Twenty Cheyenne Frontier Days Marisol Thomas Rob Thomas The Sidewalk Angels Foundation news in the news

CingularSponsorsCruelty.com

Do you have Cingular mobile phone service? A lot of people do, including a large number of SHARK staff. Unfortunately, SHARK has learned that Cingular is now sponsoring rodeos. Not just any rodeos either–Cingular has become a major sponsor and “Exclusive Wireless Provider” for the largest rodeo-sanctioning organization in the world, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). [...]

Please speak up for the animals and tell Cingular that as long as they continue to support animal abuse, financially or any other way, that you will not renew your cell phone contract.

To read more and learn how to take action, please see SHARK’s entire action alert.

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Tagged: animals animal+rights action+alerts SHARK cingular rodeos sponsor