Here we have the Wyoming state quarter, which on the back features its state motto – “The Equality State” – and, to its left, is the silhouette of a “cowboy” riding a bucking horse.

The website TheUS50 explains:

The bucking horse and rider symbolize Wyoming’s Wild West heritage. “Buffalo Bill” Cody personified this in his traveling Wild West show. First settled by fur trappers, Fort Laramie, Wyoming, later became a popular destination for pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail.

Wyoming was nicknamed the “Equality State” because of its historical role in establishing equal voting rights for women. Wyoming was the first territory to grant “female suffrage” and became the first state in the Nation to allow women to vote, serve on juries and hold public office. In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman elected Governor of Wyoming. In 1933, Ross became the first woman appointed as the Director of the United States Mint.

As per usual, “equality” by default applies only to human animals; the irony of choosing to feature an image of animal exploitation alongside the state’s nickname was apparently lost on the US Mint. This is hardly surprising, given the speciesist world in which we live. So ubiquitous is our oppression of animals that it’s rendered mostly invisible; like water to a fish. Try as we might, sometimes it can be difficult to recognize it all.

Although this particular quarter was released in 2007, I didn’t catch on to the irony until last winter.* The husband, having taken the dogs walking in a nearby park, accidentally left the car’s lights on, thus draining the batteries. Long story short, I ended up stuck behind the wheel for a half hour while we jumped the battery. Bored to tears, I started rummaging through the car’s various cubbies and compartments and found a few state quarters. Though I’d probably glanced at a Wyoming state quarter countless times by then, for some reason the contradiction struck me; equality for whom? Certainly not the horses imprisoned, enslaved, raped, abused, maimed and killed in rodeos (not to mention other horse-related industries). But nonhumans – much like women before them – simply aren’t deemed worthy of our consideration. I can only hope that history will once again prove us wrong.

* Yes, this is on average how long my posts languish in draft purgatory. Bad blogger, bad.

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

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

VICTORIES * SETBACKS * PROGRESS

PART 1: APRIL – JUNE 2009 / KINSHIP CIRCLE UPDATES

1. Pig Abusers At Hormel Supplier Get 1-2 Year Probation
2. Bureaucrats Reach No Decision On Whaling
3. Lax Officials Knew Travis The Chimp Might Attack
4. Kitten Killer’s Accomplice Is Now Charged Too
5. Pet Food Poisoners Plead Guilty And Face Jail Time
6. Foie Gras Producer On Trial For Cruelty
7. Atlanta Falcons Bid Michael Vick A Permanent Farewell
8. “Change” Doesn’t Look Much Different Under Obama
9. California Spay/Neuter Law Passes Senate, Moves To Assembly
10. Groups Sue Salazar In Effort To Save Delisted Wolves
11. Way To Go SAEN! Research Industry Meltdown
12. Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo Bans Video Instead Of Abuse
13. California Bullfight Busts Continue; Humane Officer Assaulted
14. Repression Of Austrian Animal Activists Worsens

PART 2: KC UPDATES / APRIL – JUNE 2009
RESEND PART #2 TO ME: info [at] kinshipcircle.org

15. HSUS And Michael Vick Team Up To Fight Dogfighting?
16. Armed To Kill In National Parks: Guns Allowed
17. Maine Is 6th State To Ban Cruel Confinement Crates
18. NC Pro-Gas Chamber Bill Gets A “No” Vote
19. USDA Cites New Iberia Primate Lab For Violations
20. U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Against Canada Sealing
21. Canadian Sealers Lose Biggest Customer — EUROPE!
22. EU Votes To Let Most Primate Research Continue
23. Karley’s Sociopath Killer Ordered To Stand Trial
24. Horse Slaughterhouses Now Legal In Montana
25. Michigan Pound Gives R&R Research The Boot
26. Big Surprise: Swine Flu, Born On U.S. Factory Farms
27. Los Angeles DA Drops Charges Against Dog Dragger
28. Obama Accepts Breeder Dog As Gift For Daughters

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1. Pig Abusers At Hormel Supplier Get 1-2 Year Probation

SOURCE: 4 in Iowa sentenced to probation for abusing pigs

www.agweek.com/articles/?id=4733&article_id=14500&property_id=41

PHOTOS: www.peta.org/actioncenter/iowa_pigfarm_gallery.asp

6/26/09, SUMMARY: Four employees at a western Iowa farm (owned by MowMar Farms LLP of Fairmont, MN and a supplier to Hormel Foods) were sentenced to probation for pig abuse. The abuse — exposed by a PETA investigator working there undercover — was shown in a graphic video last year.

- Richard Ralston, 28: One count livestock abuse: Two years probation.
- Alan Rettig, 60: One count livestock abuse: Two years probation.
- Greg Hackler: One count livestock abuse: One year probation.
- Jordan Anderson, 26: One count aiding/abetting livestock abuse: Two years probation with deferred judgment (if probation completed, record is erased).
All men but Anderson banned from working with livestock during probation.
**While the penalties seem lame, they’re progress. Charges and litigation rarely even occur in farmed animal abuse cases.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

2/9/09 JAN-MAR UPDATES: Iowa Pig Abuse Case Is Delayed

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-march_2009.html#anchor21

10/26/08: Penalize Pig Torturers At Iowa Farm

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1770&seriesfirst=true

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

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1759&seriesfirst=true

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2. Bureaucrats Reach No Decision On Whaling

SOURCE: No Solution Found at Whaling Forum

english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_europe/2009-06-26/335356219048.html

6/26/09, SUMMARY: The International Whaling Commission (IWC) annual meeting closed — with no agreement between pro or anti-whaling nations… The UK is willing to negotiate a compromise deal such as coastal whaling permits [as is the U.S. See action campaign below]… Meanwhile, conservation groups urged the three pro-whaling nations of Japan, Norway and Iceland to start helping to save whales rather than hunting for commercial use.

URGE U.S. TO PLAY STRONGER ROLE IN PROTECTING WHALES:

3/29/09: Demand Whale Conservation Over Killing

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1817&seriesfirst=true

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3. Lax Officials Knew Travis The Chimp Might Attack

SOURCE: Officials were warned about attack chimp

www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/doc4a3d11fa20f03070715027.txt

LT: Chimps like this little guy are wild animals who naturally mature with aggressive tendencies.

RT: Travis was knifed, beaten, shot and killed after attacking a visitor at the home where he lived as a “pet.” MyFOX NY

6/20/09, SUMMARY: Records obtained by The Associated Press show Connecticut officials failed to take action after being repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by a 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis who later mauled and blinded Charla Nash of Stamford, ripping off her hands, nose, lips and eyelids… The state’s inaction could affect a lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages, filed by the victim’s family against chimp owner Sandra Herold.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

2/24/09: Breaking News – House Passes Primate “Pet” Bill

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-march_2009.html#anchor15

2/23/09: Wired To Be Wild – Primates Aren’t Pets

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1802&seriesfirst=true

BLOG: Travis once worked in show biz, commercials mostly…

kinshipcircle.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/wired-to-be-wild/

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4. Kitten Killer’s Accomplice Is Now Charged Too

SOURCE: Teen accomplice in kitten roasting case charged with felony animal cruelty

www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/06/17/2009-06-17_teen_accomplice.html

KINSHIP CIRCLE: Your letters, faxes, emails…asked that Cheyenne Cherry’s accomplice also be charged in this sadistic killing. She now is charged.

6/17/09, SUMMARY: A 14-year-old teen mom who helped burn a live kitten named Tiger Lily — after breaking into ex-pal Valerie Hernandez’s Bronx apartment — has been busted by the ASPCA and charged with burglary and felony animal cruelty. [The accomplice, name not released] told investigators she helped Cheyenne Cherry, 17, trash the apartment last month and then toss Tiger Lily into an oven. “She admitted the oven was set to 500 degrees,” said ASPCA Assistant Director Joseph Pentangelo… The 14-year-old, who has a 4-month-old baby girl, is currently serving time for an unrelated crime in a juvenile detention center in the Bronx. She was removed from the Bronx facility, slapped with [new] charges, and returned…

ASK PROSECUTORS FOR MAXIMUM PENALTIES:

6/11/09: A Kitten’s Last Screams From An Oven

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1837&seriesfirst=true

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5. Pet Food Poisoners Plead Guilty And Face Jail Time

SOURCE: Business Owners Plead Guilty…Tainted Ingredient Used In Pet Food

www.usdoj.gov/usao/mow/news2009/miller.ple.htm

6/16/09, SUMMARY: Matt J. Whitworth, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that Sally Qing Miller, 43, a Chinese national, and her husband, Stephen S. Miller, 56 (both of Las Vegas, Nev.) and their company, Chemnutra, Inc., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Maughmer to distributing a tainted ingredient used in pet food. [Their action led to] a nationwide recall of pet food in 2007… FDA consumer reports suggest that approximately 1,950 cats and 2,200 dogs died.

Under federal statutes, the Millers are each subject to a sentence of up to two years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $200,000 and an order of restitution. Chemnutra is subject to a fine up to $400,000 and an order of restitution…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES

2/9/08 JAN-MAR UPDATES: Companies Prosecuted In Poisoned Pet Food Recall

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-mar_2008.html#anchor15

APR-JUN 2007 UPDATES: $45 Million Damage For Menu Foods

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_april-june_2007.html#anchor7

5/8/07: Our Companions Count – FDA Must Monitor Food

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1646&seriesfirst=true

4/25/07: Pet Food Saga Hall Of Shame

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_04_25_07.html

4/14/07: PET FOOD RECALL – News, Updates, Action

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_04_14_07.html

4/2/07: TOXIC FOOD – Updates & Action Against Menu Foods

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1638&seriesfirst=true

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6. Foie Gras Producer On Trial For Cruelty

SOURCE: Cruel foie gras producer going on trial!

www.banfoiegras.org/page.php?module=home

Ducks become so ill from forced feedings, they cannot lift their heads.
Farm Sanctuary, www.farmsanctuary.org

6/16/09, SUMMARY: On 6/16/09 a trial begins in Chicago against Sonoma Foie Gras owner Guillermo Gonzalez, who claimed to media that he thought animal cruelty footage taken on his farm was “staged.” Bryan Pease, APRL Board Chair and pro bono attorney, writes: Gonzalez has admitted in his deposition that his workers force feed ducks to enlarge their livers up to 12 times their normal size. Cal. Health & Safety Code section 25980, passed after an earlier lawsuit filed against Sonoma Foie Gras by APRL and IDA, makes foie gras production and sale illegal in California, effective in three years…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

5/14/08 APR-JUN UPDATES: Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor12

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7. Atlanta Falcons Bid Michael Vick A Permanent Farewell

SOURCE: Falcons release Vick, wish him well elsewhere

msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9672374/Falcons-release-Vick,-wish-him-well-elsewhere

6/13/09, SUMMARY: Less than five years after the Atlanta Falcons signed Michael Vick to a $130 million contract, the suspended quarterback was released in a 98-word statement… Vick is eligible to immediately sign with a team even though he has not been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell… Goodell has said he will sit down with Vick after the quarterback completes his 23-month sentence on July 20 for running a dogfighting ring.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

2/26/09 JAN-MAR UPDATES: Jailed Dogfighter Michael Vick Goes Home In May?

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-march_2009.html#anchor12

2008 APR-JUNE UPDATES: Vick Dogfight Referee Jailed + Leo Has His Day

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor2

2008 JAN-MAR UPDATES: The Dogs That Vick Hurt

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-mar_2008.html#anchor26

1/30/08: Vick’s Dogs Speak

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/gulfcoast/newsletters/08-01-30.html#3

2007 SEPT-DEC UPDATES: Vick’s Dogs…You Helped Save Their Lives

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2007.html

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8. “Change” Doesn’t Look Much Different Under Obama

SOURCE: Obama Admin Targets Environmental/Animal Rights Activists As Eco-Terrorists

www.opednews.com/articles/Obama-Administration-Targe-by-Stephen-Lendman-090605-93.html

6/5/09, SUMMARY: [This long op-ed is worth a read. Click link above.] What began under George Bush continues under Barack Obama — targeting dedicated activists with “one of today’s most serious domestic terrorism threats,” according former FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counterterrorism John Lewis before a Senate panel in May 2005. Called “eco-terrorism,” it grew out of the 2001 USA Patriot Act that created the federal crime of “domestic terrorism” and applied it to US citizens as well as aliens. As a result, innocent people are targeted, accused, convicted and sentenced to hard time for constitutionally protected non-violent environmental activism or supporting animal rights…

WHEN WILL FEDS GO AFTER THE REAL BAD GUYS?

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/RinglingBrosTheBigCon.pdf

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/MoveAlQuaeda.pdf

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9. CA Spay/Neuter Law Passes Senate, Moves To Assembly

SOURCE: WE WON! SB 250 has PASSED the SENATE!
Judie Mancuso, President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)
www.SocialCompassionInLegislation.org * www.YESonSB250.com

6/2/09, SUMMARY: THANK YOU EVERYBODY! Your calls and faxes literally shut down Sacramento Senate offices, which reported that SUPPORT calls/faxes outnumbered opposition by a ratio of 20 to 1! This was the deciding factor for many Senators. Senator Florez has personally requested that I express to you his appreciation and gratitude for taking the time to make such a huge, positive statement in the Senate. SB 250 now moves to the Assembly. We will update you as needed. Please kiss all your dogs and cats, and tell them today is a big day for pets in California!

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

6/25/09: FRIENDS OF KC – Vote For Historic Spay/Neuter Bill Is 6/30. Act Now.

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

4/8/09: FRIENDS OF KC – California: Spay/Neuter Bill Needs Your Voice Now

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/california-spayneuter-bill-needs-your-voice-now/

6/11/07: The Woman Behind The Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/gulfcoast/newsletters/07-06-10.html#17

6/6/07, APR-JUN UPDATES: Healthy Pets Act Passes State Assembly

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_april-june_2007.html#anchor6

4/24/07: KC DIGEST – Make Model Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law Reality

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2007_04.html#anchor1

4/12/07: Support Landmark CA Law For Mandatory Spay/Neuter

www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/gulfcoast/newsletters/07-04-14.html#7

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

10. Groups Sue Salazar In Effort To Save Delisted Wolves

SOURCE: Conservationists file suit to reinstate wolf protections

www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005126352

6/2/09, SUMMARY: [A coalition of 13 conservation groups**] filed suit against the federal government to reverse removed Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains. The 13 groups charge that U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar failed to fully consider scientific and legal inadequacies underlying the delisting rule — released in the waning days of the Bush administration — before adopting it on 4/2/09. The groups claim the rule will let more than two-thirds of the region’s wolves be killed before U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would even consider stepping back in to restore protections.

**Earthjustice represents Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society of the U.S., Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Friends of the Clearwater, Alliance for Wild Rockies, Oregon Wild, Cascadia Wildlands, Western Watersheds Project, Wildlands Project, Hells Canyon Preservation Council.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

3/6/09 JAN-MAR UPDATES: Wolves Lose: Sec. Salazar Takes Away Protection

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-march_2009.html#anchor8

1/22/09: Obama’s Freeze May Give Gray Wolves Reprieve

kinshipcircle.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/help-abolish-lethal-wildlife-services-during-obamas-freeze/

11/25/08: Save Gray Wolves From Bush Admin’s Kill Plan
www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1779& seriesfirst=true

NOV 2008 KC DIGEST: Animals Would Like President-Elect Barack Obama To Know…

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_12.html#anchor4

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

11. Way To Go SAEN! Research Industry Meltdown

SOURCE: News Release: Research industry next to meltdown, charges watchdog
Michael A. Budkie, SAEN: 513-575-5517; 513-703-9865, saen [at] saenonline.org

6/1/09, SUMMARY: The next industry meltdown may be in the nation’s research laboratories, an independent research watchdog said after it filed a wide-ranging complaint against 26 laboratories — including those at Harvard, MIT, John Hopkins and the University of California — for fraud.

The complaint filed with the Secretary of Agriculture urges an immediate probe of 50 U.S. researchers for filing fraudulent documents and for performing virtually identical experimentation in violation of federal regulations. SAEN, a nonprofit group based in Ohio, filed the complaint following an exhaustive study of 57 taxpayer-funded research grants valued at more than $110 million over a five year period. The study concluded these projects have a redundancy index of 5.4 out of a possible 6 when compared to each other… Copies of the complaint…are available upon request.

FIGHT WITH THE FACTS. DOWNLOAD THIS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/VivisectiLessonFutilityPH.pdf

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12. Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo Bans Video Instead Of Abuse

SOURCE: Cheyenne Bans Video Cameras & Cell Phones at Rodeo
www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000454 * contactshark [at] gmail.com

Examples of “entertainment” at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.

www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000454

6/09, SUMMARY: After four years of [documented] abuse, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo committee decided that it would be easier to ban video cameras, (including cell phones cameras) than banning animal abuse. “CFD continues to abuse animals by way of Steer Busting and Wild Horse Race events despite a website pledge that CFD, ‘does not tolerate, condone, or permit actions that abuse animals,’” says SHARK president Steve Hindi. “Instead of banning the abuse, the committee has chosen to ban the documentation of the abuse.”

RELATED STORES:

VIDEO: Cruel Cheyenne Rodeo Bans Video Cameras!

Rodeo bucks video at Frontier Days

www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12473750

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

4/29/09: Coke & Rodeo – Official Soft Drink Of Cruelty?

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1824&seriesfirst=true

4/12/08 APR-JUN UPDATES: Matchbox Twenty Cancels Performance at CFD Rodeo

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_apr-jun_2008.html#anchor24

FIGHT BACK WITH FACTS. DOWNLOAD THIS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/TheMythOfTheCowboy.pdf

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13. CA Bullfight Busts Continue; Humane Officer Assaulted

SOURCE: Animal rights group continues investigation of Thornton bullfight

www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/06/05/news/3_bullfight_090605.txt

This image, from Ban Blood Sports website shows a bleeding bull gasping for breath near end of a bullfight. Photo: ADDA. www.banbloodsports.com

6/09, SUMMARY: A humane officer for Animal Cruelty Investigations attended bullfights in the Los Angeles community of Artesia on 5/23/09 and in Thornton on 5/29/09… In “bloodless bullfights,” participants try to attach poles tipped with Velcro to a Velcro pad secured to the bull’s back. ACI claims three-inch nails had been inserted in the tips of the poles and beneath the Velcro pad on the bull.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s spokesman Les Garcia said there is no local investigation because ACI hasn’t provided photographs, film or bullfighting poles with nails to back its allegations. That’s because ACI humane officer, Andrew J. Stewart, will continue to attend bullfights in Calif. counties to collect evidence, ACI attorney David Castleman said. Between fights, when Stewart tried to grab bandoleras, he was put in a chokehold by Darren Nunes, 24, of Los Banos, and almost lost consciousness… Cesar Rocha, 38, of Gustine, and Nunes were arrested on misdemeanor assault…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

5/29/09: Bullfight Bust Uncovers Cruelty In Los Angeles

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1834&seriesfirst=true

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14. Repression Of Austrian Animal Activists Worsens

SOURCE: Peter Muller, Chair, Equal Justice Alliance
EJA [at] HumaneVoters.Org

5/26/09, SUMMARY: The Austrian Minister of Justice plans to charge 30 more animal activists beyond the 10 who were imprisoned for four months last year. Permitting this outrage in a civilized western nation is likely to encourage similar oppression elsewhere, including the United States. Kinship Circle signed on to a letter to express objections to the Austrian Minister of Justice, President, and Chancellor, adding the comments below:

“The chain of events from last year’s imprisonment of uncharged Austrian activists to the ministry’s current intent to charge them without substantiated evidence — along with 30 more animal activists “guilty” of little more than civil disobedience and seized bits of conversations reviewed out of context — threatens the very notion of constitutional rights within a free society. I am surprised these activities have continued with so little regard for individual liberties. We are troubled by the alleged and ongoing repression of our Austrian animal advocacy colleagues, and hope actions are underway to uphold freedom of speech in Austria.”

YOU CAN TAKE ACTION, HERE:

Tell Austrian Government – Release Animal Rights Activists

secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1285

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

6/11/08: Austria – Animal Activists Unlawfully Jailed

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1745&seriesfirst=true

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*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Subject: Part 2/ UPDATES: APR – JUN 2009

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

VICTORIES * SETBACKS * PROGRESS

PART 2: APRIL – JUNE 2009 / KINSHIP CIRCLE UPDATES

15. HSUS And Michael Vick Team Up To Fight Dogfighting?
16. Armed To Kill In National Parks: Guns Allowed
17. Maine Is 6th State To Ban Cruel Confinement Crates
18. NC Pro-Gas Chamber Bill Gets A “No” Vote
19. USDA Cites New Iberia Primate Lab For Violations
20. U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Against Canada Sealing
21. Canadian Sealers Lose Biggest Customer — EUROPE!
22. EU Votes To Let Most Primate Research Continue
23. Karley’s Sociopath Killer Ordered To Stand Trial
24. Horse Slaughterhouses Now Legal In Montana
25. Michigan Pound Gives R&R Research The Boot
26. Big Surprise: Swine Flu, Born On U.S. Factory Farms
27. Los Angeles DA Drops Charges Against Dog Dragger
28. Obama Accepts Breeder Dog As Gift For Daughters

PART 1: KC UPDATES / APRIL – JUNE 2009
RESEND PART #1 TO ME: info [at] kinshipcircle.org

1. Pig Abusers At Hormel Supplier Get 1-2 Year Probation
2. Bureaucrats Reach No Decision On Whaling
3. Lax Officials Knew Travis The Chimp Might Attack
4. Kitten Killer’s Accomplice Is Now Charged Too
5. Pet Food Poisoners Plead Guilty And Face Jail Time
6. Foie Gras Producer On Trial For Cruelty
7. Atlanta Falcons Bid Michael Vick A Permanent Farewell
8. “Change” Doesn’t Look Much Different Under Obama
9. California Spay/Neuter Law Passes Senate, Moves To Assembly
10. Groups Sue Salazar In Effort To Save Delisted Wolves
11. Way To Go SAEN! Research Industry Meltdown
12. Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo Bans Video Instead Of Abuse
13. California Bullfight Busts Continue; Humane Officer Assaulted
14. Repression Of Austrian Animal Activists Worsens

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15. HSUS And Michael Vick Team Up To Fight Dogfighting?

SOURCE: 5/21/09, Humane Society Sees Vick as an Ally, Not a Pariah

www.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/sports/football/22rhoden.html?_r=1

LT to RT: Vick, sentenced to 23 months in prison, Jason Hirschfeld/Associated Press.
Purnell Peace conspired with Vick, Phillips and Tony Taylor to kill dogs, Helber/AP.
Quanis Phillips, like Vick and Peace, “thought it was funny” to place family pets in the ring with trained fighting dogs, Helber/AP.
Former Vick fighting dog Leo now acts as a therapy dog, comforting cancer patients, MSNBC.com. www.examiner.com

5/21/09, SUMMARY: Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States…recently broke ranks with much of the animal rights community and forged a partnership with Michael Vick…to eradicate dogfighting among youths… The Humane Society’s position has nothing to do with endorsing Vick’s return to football but rather with finding a way to use his visibility to fight the scourge of dogfighting, which Pacelle said is gaining popularity with African-American and Hispanic teenagers in urban areas (where [HSUS] has begun anti-dogfighting initiatives)…

FIGHT BACK WITH FACTS. DOWNLOAD THIS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/fatalfights.pdf

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16. Armed To Kill In National Parks: Guns Now Allowed

SOURCE: Heading to a National Park? Now You Can Pack Heat

www.truthout.org/052209T

5/20/09, SUMMARY: Here’s a list of stuff the typical American family can legally carry into national parks this summer: sleeping bag, toothbrush, loaded guns. Thanks to a 279-147 vote in the House of Representatives, visitors to the nation’s parks and wildlife refuges will be able to carry weapons… Scot McElveen, the president of the Association of National Park Rangers, predicted that “park wildlife, including some rare or endangered species, will face increased threats by visitors with firearms who engage in impulse or opportunistic shooting.”

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17. Maine Is 6th State To Ban Cruel Confinement Crates

SOURCE: Another State Bans Gestation Crates and Veal Crates

action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=10661.0&printer_friendly=1

5/15/09, SUMMARY: Maine’s governor signed into law a bill that protects farm animals by banning veal crates and gestation crates! Maine is the 6th state in the nation to prohibit certain extreme-confinement systems. Last fall, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 2, a ballot initiative that eliminates veal crates, sow gestation crates, and battery cages for egg-laying hens. Similar anti-confinement initiatives have passed in Florida, Arizona, Oregon and Colorado. Similar legislation has been introduced in New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

FACT SHEETS FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/FactsAboutThePorkIndust.pdf

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18. NC Pro-Gas Chamber Bill Gets A “No” Vote

SOURCE: NC House Judiciary Committee Votes No to Pro-Gas Chamber Bill

www.animallawcoalition.com/gas-chambers/article/692

5/13/09, SUMMARY: The Judiciary II Committee in the North Carolina House has said no to a pro-gas chamber bill. By a vote of 7-5, the committee killed the bill. It is now dead for this session. This is thanks to your faxes, emails and calls. For more on this bill, H.B. 27, read Animal Law Coalition’s report (at link above, under SOURCE).

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

7/23/08, JULY 2008 DIGEST: NC Gas Chambers: Explosion With 10 Dogs Inside

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2008_07.html#anchor2

NOV 2007 DIGEST: Stop Gassing Of Pets In Yadkin County, NC Gas Chamber

www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/2007_11.html#anchor2

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19. USDA Cites New Iberia Primate Lab For Violations

SOURCE: USDA Inspects New Iberia Research Ctr – Inspectors Cite Multiple Issues: www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2009/05/newiberia.shtml

USDA REPORT on New Iberia Research Center

www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/efoia/downloads/inspection/72-r-0007.pdf

5/11/09, SUMMARY: USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducted an inspection at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center [largest primate lab in U.S.] on 3/17/09, in response to a complaint filed by the Humane Society of the U.S. The inspection revealed issues with the facility’s compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. USDA will take action to ensure these issues are corrected… Inspectors cited the facility for its handling of animals as well as its environment enhancement of nonhuman primates… The inspectors also found problems with New Iberia’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)…

HAVEN’T TAKEN ACTION? DO IT NOW!

3/20/09: Get Great Apes Out Of Laboratories

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1815&seriesfirst=true

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20. U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Against Canada Sealing

SOURCE: Senate passes Levin-Collins resolution urging end to Canadian seal hunt

www.opencongress.org/bill/111-sr84/show

5/7/09, SUMMARY: Current 111 Session of Congress — S.Res.84 urges the Canadian government to prohibit commercial hunting of seals. Expresses support for an unconditional prohibition by European Union on trade in seal products. Passed by Unanimous Consent in Senate on 5/7/09. Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

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21. Canadian Sealers Lose Biggest Customer — EUROPE!

SOURCE: EU seal ban a ‘black day for Atlantic Canada’ Industry

www.canada.com/news/Parliament+votes+seal+imports/1564814/story.html

5/5/09 SUMMARY: The European Parliament votes overwhelmingly to ban seal items from import/export across the European Union’s 27 nations. It’s a positive leap for the seals who Kinship Circle — along with many other animal groups — have labored to save through action campaigns and education.

HAVEN’T TAKEN ACTION? DO IT NOW!

4/25/09: Don’t Stain 2010 Olympics With The Blood Of Seals

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1822&seriesfirst=true

3/7/09: Canada Seal Bill Dropped, No Debate. Demand End To Killing.

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1811&seriesfirst=true

SPREAD THE TRUTH. DOWNLOAD THIS FACT SHEET:

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/BloodPrintOnIce.pdf

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22. EU Votes To Let Most Primate Research Continue

SOURCE: EU OKs primate research

www.the-scientist.com/blog/display/55675/

5/5/09, SUMMARY: Research with non-human primates was approved by the European Parliament (540 MEPs in favor, 66 opposed, 34 abstentions). The directive revises draft legislation introduced by the European Commission 11/08 that called for a near-blanket ban on primate testing… The EC legislation does, however, forbid testing on great apes, except to help conserve these species. The report recommends phasing out wild-caught animals in favor of laboratory-bred animals over 10 years, and calls for an overall reduction in primates in research. It also spells out categories of pain, with guidelines about when repeat testing is allowable…

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

11/5/08 OCT-DEC UPDATES: EU Proposal To Ban Great Apes In Experiments

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2008.html#anchor19

9/6/07: Urge Primate Testing Ban In Europe

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter.asp?LetterID=1679&seriesfirst=true

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23. Karley’s Sociopath Killer Ordered To Stand Trial

SOURCE: Glynn Johnson is being “Held To Answer”

www.zimbio.com/Stop+Animal+Cruelty/articles/108/Glynn+Johnson+being+Held+Answer

5/2/09, SUMMARY: Glynn Demon Johnson, a retired L.A. County assistant fire chief charged in the beating death of his neighbor’s puppy, has been ordered to stand trial. Johnson, 54, is charged with felony animal cruelty and using a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony in connection with the beating of Karley, a 6-month-old German shepherd mix, on 11/3/08.

Johnson claims he was in his house on Armintrout Drive in the Woodcrest community, just south of Riverside, when he spotted Karley running loose through his yard on the day of the alleged attack.

She was picked up by a neighbor, Travis Staggs, who was taking the dog home when Johnson offered to return the animal himself. Staggs handed Karley over and…told sheriff’s investigators that, seemingly without provocation, Johnson turned and struck the dog “with his closed fist, 10-15 times.” Staggs said Johnson tried to pry open the animal’s jaws and then “picked up a rock and began striking Karley in the head,” the affidavit stated…

The vet told sheriff’s investigators that Karley had a shattered skull and appeared to have a broken jaw. At the Tooles’ request, the dog was euthanized. Johnson retired from the fire department soon after the allegations arose. He is free on $10,000 bail.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

12/16/08 UPDATES / OCT-DEC: L.A. Assistant Fire Chief Charged In Karley’s Killing

kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2008.html#anchor6

11/14/08: Puppy Fatally Beaten By Los Angeles Firefighter

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1776&seriesfirst=true

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24. Horse Slaughterhouses Now Legal In Montana

SOURCE: Horse slaughter legalized in Montana

www.poocini.com/report/archives/1687

PHOTOS: www.poocini.com/report/archives/1687 and www.poocini.com/report/archives/1695

5/1/09, SUMMARY: House Bill 418, to allow investor-owned horse slaughterhouses in Montana while limiting opportunities for legal action against them, became law. The measure sponsored by Rep. Ed Butcher, R-Winifred, aims to limit the kind of legal challenges that forced the last U.S. slaughterhouses, in Illinois and Texas, to close in 2007.

Washington, DC, The “Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act” (S. 727) will end the slaughter of American horses on a national level, as well as the export of horses for slaughter across our borders… The bill came at a time when horse slaughter no longer occurred on U.S. soil, but with enactment of Montana’s HB 418, passage of S. 727 through the U.S. Senate is critical…

TAKE ACTION – CLICK ON LINKS FOR SAMPLE LETTER/CONTACT INFO:

Stop Horse Slaughter Blitz At State/Federal Levels

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1816&seriesfirst=true

Horse Slaughter Bill Is Back In 111th Congress

kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1801&seriesfirst=true

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25. Michigan Pound Gives R&R Research The Boot

SOURCE: Montcalm County citizens win; animals no longer to be sold for research! www.poocini.com/report/archives/1658

4/27/09, SUMMARY: Montcalm County Board of Commissioners’ voted 6-3 not to extend its 30-year relationship with R&R Research. Simply put, pets in Montcalm County, Michigan will no longer be handed over to Class B dealers to be sold for medical research. For everyone who fought for their community alongside citizen groups like the Concerned Citizens Coalition of Montcalm, [and all Kinship Circle members who took action!] — this is your victory.

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

3/29/08 JAN-APR UPDATES: Michigan Pound Renews R & R Research, 6 Months

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_jan-march_2009.html#anchor24

1/7/09: Misery For Profit At Michigan Pound

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1793&seriesfirst=true

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26. Big Surprise: Swine Flu, Born On U.S. Factory Farms

SOURCE: Swine Flu Ancestor Born on U.S. Factory Farms

www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/05/swineflufarm

5/1/09, SUMMARY: Scientists have traced the genetic lineage of the new H1N1 swine flu to a strain that emerged in 1998 in U.S. factory farms, where it spread and mutated at an alarming rate… “Industrial farms are super-incubators for viruses,” said Bob Martin, former executive director of the Pew Commission on Industrial Animal Farm Production… Diseases travel rapidly through such immunologically stressed populations, and stay with animals as they are shuttled nationwide between birth and slaughter. That provides ample opportunity for strains to mingle and recombine. An array of industry-developed vaccines confer short-term protection, but at the expense of provoking flu to evolve in unpredictable ways…

In 2003, the American Public Health Association called for a ban on contained animal feeding operations. One year later, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital virologist Richard Webby, one of the original chroniclers of H3N2′s emergence, called the U.S. swine population “an increasingly important reservoir of viruses with human pandemic potential…”

RELATED STORIES:

Ill Export: Factory Farms…disastrous public relations for Smithfield Foods

hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/05/smithfield.html

A Possible Connection: Swine Flu and Factory Farms

hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/04/swine-flu.html

Mexico outbreak traced to ‘manure lagoons’ at pig farm

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6182789.ece

Swine Flu Outbreak — Nature Biting Back at Industrial Animal Production?

www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/swine-flu-outbreak—-nat_b_191408.html

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27. Los Angeles DA Drops Charges Against Dog Dragger

SOURCE: Jim Willis, author, Pieces of My Hearts, tiergartenjim [at] yahoo.com
Cat and Dog Rescue Association, catdogrescue [at] gmail.com, 323-666-1357
Karma Rescue, www.KarmaRescue.org, info [at] karmarescue.org

BEFORE PHOTO: Bluebell (Prada), shown bloodied and injured after dragged from her former owner’s pickup truck in 12/08. Southeast Area Animal Control Agency brought her back to good health.

AFTER PHOTO: BlueBell recovers at SEAACA, before she moves to foster care with Karma Rescue. (Staff photo by Keith Durflinger) SEAACA, www.seaaca.org/bluebell.htm

4/28/09, SUMMARY: In Dec. 2008, Bryana Wilson of Norwalk near Los Angeles brought a one-year old dog, Prada, to the local shelter to be killed because the dog had an undiagnosed skin problem (mange). She put Prada in the back of an open pick-up and tied her with a leash. The dog’s guardian drove too fast and Prada fell out of the truck. The screaming dog was dragged for blocks because the driver didn’t notice… The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will not press charges against the dog’s caretaker… Prada rode in the truckbed (rather than cab) because her guardian said she smelled. “This dog’s open sores, red, raw skin and hair loss took months to develop. Untreated mange this bad can shut down a dog’s organs and kill a dog. It is cheap and easy to treat with over-the-counter medicine. This crime alone is enough for a cruelty case to be filed,” says Lois Newman, President of the Cat and Dog Rescue Association in Los Angeles.

FAST FORWARD: Prada, renamed Bluebell, healed physically and emotionally. (As of mid-May, 09) she still resides in her temporary foster home in Malibu. She plays with other dogs because rescuers socialized and trained her. Karma Rescue: karmarescue.org

KINSHIP CIRCLE REFERENCES:

12/22/08 OCT-DEC UPDATES: Dragged Pit Bull Is Healing And Soon Adoptable

www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/updates_oct-dec_2008.html#anchor2

12/17/08: Second Chance For Dragged Pit Bull

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1787&seriesfirst=true

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28. Obama Accepts Breeder Dog As Gift For Daughters

SOURCE: Betrayal from our President

www.examiner.com/x-3605-DC-Animal-Welfare-Examiner~y2009m4d12-Betrayal-from-our-President

4/11/09, SUMMARY: Obamas get pup from a Texas breeder, by way of Senator Ted Kennedy as a “gift.” We’re disappointed President Obama opted for a Portuguese water dog from a breeder — especially after so many animal groups lobbied him to to adopt from a shelter. A rescue dog in the White House would have established a visually powerful precedent…

“TELL US SOMETHING WE DIDN’T KNOW” DEPARTMENT:

Requests to breeders for Portuguese Water Dogs Jump 100% in U.S., 120% in UK:

www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/06/20/First-dog-a-sales-boon-for-canine-breed/UPI-87521245511358/

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

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———————

Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle brenda shoss animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals dog canine pet companion animal mutt german shepherd shepherd mix karley la los angeles california firefighter riverside county Glynn Johnson flickr photos news in the news cat feline hormel pigs factory farming farmed animals International Whaling Commission iwc whales whaling whale meat wildlife conservation travis chimp chimpanzee primate Cheyenne Cherry tiger lilly pet food recall foie gras ducks michael vick hsus shark dogfighting bloodsports bullfighting barack obama green scare civil liverties aeta sb 250 spay neuter wolves SAEN vivisection animal research animal testing animal experimentation Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo rodeo Austria censorship maine farm sanctuary veal crates gestation crates cows calves north carolina shelters Iberia Primate Lab usda swine flu canada seal hunt seal skin sealing montana horses horse slaughter horse meat michigan R&R Research class b dealers pound seizure bluebell prada Bryana Wilson

“Shawn was only 17 years old, so we never got to breed her.”

————–

Videos in this post

The Onion: Gymnast Shawn Johnson Put To Sleep After Breaking Leg (2:19)
After gym doctors confirmed the injuries were career-ending, Johnson’s trainers said there was no reason to keep her alive.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare video video blogging the onion humor Shawn Johnson gymnast horses horse racing assholes murder euthanasia

On June 20th (that’s a week from this Saturday, folks), In Defense of Animals will be holding the first-ever International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos (IDAEZ for short).

IDA describes IDAEZ as

a global event aimed at bringing mammoth attention to the plight of elephants in zoos and ending their suffering. On Saturday, June 20th, pro-elephant advocates will turn out en masse at their local zoos, holding outreach events and demonstrations to educate the public about the tragic effects of keeping elephants in small, impoverished zoo pens where they are suffering and dying prematurely.

Elephants are highly intelligent, complex and self-aware individuals who have evolved for long distance living. In the wild they range tens of miles a day, live in large, tight-knit family groups, and communicate with one another at great distances. Yet zoos keep elephants in tiny exhibits of a few acres or less, where lack of movement and standing on hard surfaces cause painful foot infections and arthritis, the leading causes of euthanasia in captive-held elephants. The stress and boredom of intensive captivity results in abnormal behaviors such as repetitive swaying and head bobbing. [...]

The elephants need your help! By participating in this event, you become part of a global community of pro-elephant advocates joined together on June 20th to end the suffering of elephants in zoos. We urge you to organize or join an event at your local zoo, write letters, educate your friends and family. It’s all about taking action. United, we are a powerful force for change!

Backed by an army of public relations personnel, the zoo industry has been largely successful in convincing the general public that zoos work for the public good: breeding endangered animal species which might otherwise go extinct; fostering in children a love and appreciation for nature and its inhabitants; throwing their weight behind sundry conservation efforts so that, one day, animals need not live in captivity for their species to survive. This is a lie.

Make no mistake: zoos are businesses. As such, their “exhibits” (read: sentient non-human animals) are determined more by popularity and ability to put asses in the seats than species survival and biological necessity. Once individual animals age and are no longer “cute,” or yesterday’s trendy species has gone the way of parachute pants, these animals may be sold to roadside zoos, “penned” or “canned” hunting facilities, collectors and the like. Lacking an interested buyer, “surplus” zoo animals might simply be “destroyed.” Additionally, maintaining wild animals in captivity is cost-prohibitive; t’would be more effective – and less expensive – to redirect a zoo’s annual operating costs towards habitat preservation, so that the members of these endangered species can live in the wild, where they’re more likely to thrive and reproduce of their own free will.

For additional information about the plight of animals confined to zoos, I highly recommend Joan Dunayer’s Animal Equality: Language and Liberation, which includes a chapter on the zoo industry (let’s just say that the language the industry employs to describe its practices is quite revealing of its collective attitudes and policies re: non-human animals), as well as this factsheet from Animal Rights Africa, which provides an excellent summary of the issue.

For information specific to elephants, see IDA’s The Truth About Zoos and Elephant Conservation; Elephant Life in U.S. – Zoos vs. Sanctuaries, also from IDA; and Puppy/Pachy Love, a post I wrote about Tara and Bella of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

In that last piece, I compared the Kansas City Zoo – which was voted one of America’s best zoos in 2008 – to The Elephant Sanctuary (one guess which of the two came out on top). I also included two videos of Ned, who came to TES in November 2008:

On Saturday, November 8, an emaciated Asian male elephant named Ned was confiscated from Florida based circus trainer Lance Ramos by the USDA for failure to comply with the Animal Welfare Act and was placed by USDA authority with The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. On Sunday, November 9th, at about 12:30 p.m., Ned arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary. Ned will reside only temporarily in his private facility at The Sanctuary until a permanent facility is ready for him.

Sadly, Ned succumbed to a lifetime of abuse, just six short months after finding freedom at TES:

Ned passed away May 15, 2009 at 3:47am CT in the company of a caregiver. He passed without a struggle, just two deep breaths and a sigh and then he was gone. We feel cheated by the little time we had with Ned but cherish every single moment we were allowed to care for and get to know this most amazing boy/man elephant known as Ned. We love you Ned, Namaste sweet boy.

In a press release, IDA blamed Ned’s death in part on the USDA:

Today’s tragic death of Ned, a 21-year old male elephant at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee may have been prevented had the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) not waited until the elephant was at death’s door to confiscate him from an abusive trainer, the animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) charged today.

Similar inaction by the USDA, charged with enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), is jeopardizing the lives of other captive elephants, IDA said. Currently at risk is an emaciated elephant named Jewel, who continues to travel and perform in circuses despite her debilitated condition, her handler’s chronic violations of animal welfare law and her possible infection with the human form of tuberculosis.

“Ned had an absolutely tragic life and the USDA knew about his life-threatening situation almost a year before it acted to confiscate him,” said Elliot M. Katz, DVM, IDA president. “Despite The Elephant Sanctuary’s heroic efforts, it was too late for Ned. How many more elephants have to die before the USDA starts fulfilling its legal responsibility to enforce our nation’s animal welfare law?”

No being deserves to suffer like this; least of all for the amusement of another.

On that note, back to the International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos.

IDA offers several ways to take action:

How you can get involved:

* Coordinate an event. Submit your event information here, and we’ll post it on our web site so others can join you on June 20 and help make your city’s IDAEZ event a huge success.

* Join an event. Check our events listing page to locate one near you (be sure to visit more than once as we’ll be adding more events up until June 20).

* Bring a friend or two to an IDAEZ event. Share information about the elephants’ plight with your family, friends and colleagues.

* Visit our web site for more ways you can help make the International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos a success for the elephants.

* Hold an elephant awareness party. If you do not live near a zoo that holds elephants but are passionate about taking action on June 20, hold an elephant party to raise awareness and donations for IDA’s elephant campaign. Contact us for materials and suggested videos to share.

Cruelty can’t stand the spotlight. So please join IDA and compassionate people around the globe on Saturday, June 20, to help bring an end to the suffering of elephants in zoos.

For more information, visit www.helpelephants.com/ or contact IDAEZ Event Coordinator Melissa Gonzalez: Melissa [at] idausa.org or call 707-981-7701.

Likewise, please consider making a donation in Ned’s memory to The Elephant Sanctuary.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ida in defense of animals zoos circuses elephants tes the elephant sanctuary tennessee International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos IDAEZ events protest day of action ned abuse video video blogging you tube

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

———————–

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

4/13/09: We Are Their Hope

friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

* KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
* QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Recent Kinship Circle Alerts Are A Click Away
2. Pound Seizure & Humane Euthanasia
3. Save Stu – Wrongfully Impounded Since 9/15/05
4. New England Animal Rights Workshop 6/13/09
5. Party To End Puppy Mills On 4/19/09
6. Urge Portugal City To Become Anti-Bullfighting
7. We Are Their Hope: World Lab Animal Liberation Week
8. Vegans Take On The “3 Peaks” Challenge

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

Animals and Their Jewish Guardians

www.tikkun.org/article.php/Nathan

A prestigious publication, Tikkun Magazine, has just published Sandra Nathan’s piece: “Animals and Their Jewish Guardians.” It is a master work detailing the contributions of animal rights luminaries, such as: Lewis Gompertz, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Charles Patterson, Henry Spira, Peter Singer, Richard H. Schwartz, PETA’s Matt Prescott, Roberta Kalechofsky, Frederick Wiseman, Jenny Stein, Dr. Elliot Katz…

Amid these famous philosophers, filmmakers, authors and professors…are several excerpts about Kinship Circle and the group’s founder, Brenda Shoss. We are very honored to be included among such noteworthy names. READ THE ARTICLE HERE: www.tikkun.org/article.php/Nathan

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

1) Recent Kinship Circle Alerts Are A Click Away
ALERT WRITER: Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle, info [at] kinshipcircle.org

NEW WAY TO SEND COMMENTS:

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library

Recent sample-letter alerts in Kinship Circle’s Letter Library now contain an “EMAIL THIS LETTER” feature. Just click and a ready-to-send email opens in the email software on your computer. This feature (along with other means for sending comments) always follows the sample letter.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

4/12/09: War Hero’s Dog Brutally Killed

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1819&seriesfirst=true

Kinship Circle supporter — Sylva (sylvasylva59 [at] embarqmail.com) — would also like you to join her petition on the murder of a war hero’s dog:

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/four-murder-heros-therapy-dog-in-texas

4/6/09: Abusers On Maine Egg Farm Ought To Rot In Jail

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1818&seriesfirst=true

3/29/09: Demand Whale Conservation Over Killing

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1817&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: Stop Horse Slaughter Blitz At State/Federal Levels

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1816&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: End Live Labs At New Jersey Med School

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1814&seriesfirst=true

3/20/09: Get Great Apes Out Of Laboratories

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1815&seriesfirst=true

3/13/09: Unchain Tina, Jewel And Queenie From Circus Slavery

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1813&seriesfirst=true

3/7/09: Canada Seal Bill Dropped, No Debate. Demand The Killing End.

www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1811&seriesfirst=true

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

2) Pound Seizure & Humane Euthanasia
ALERT WRITER: Forwarded by Linda J Mander, linda.j.mander.gigb [at] statefarm.com

BACKGROUND:

From linda.j.mander.gigb [at] statefarm.com — Pease help with the Michigan pound seizure (animals sold to research) and gas chamber issues.

TAKE ACTION:

MICHIGAN POUND SEIZURE:

www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/649021463

HUMANE EUTHANASIA:

www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769

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

3) Save Stu – Wrongfully Impounded Since 9/15/05
ALERT WRITER: Jeff de la Rosa, Stu’s Dad, stu.911 [at] gmail.com

QUESTIONS ABOUT STU’S CASE? CONTACT: stu.911 [at] gmail.com

BRIEF BACKGROUND — IN STU’S WORDS:

A Los Angeles Animal Services Hearing Examiner found me to be NOT DANGEROUS. Guerdon Stuckey, then General Manager of the dept., overturned that recommendation, declared me “Dangerous,” and sentenced me to die. Stuckey was fired by the Mayor of Los Angeles within days of condemning me.

I was evaluated by Dr. Richard Polksy, PhD. of dogexpert.com and found to be NOT DANGEROUS. My owner appealed to the Board of Commissioners but they would not overturn the GM. My owner went to Superior Court to get the dept. to re-open the case. The judge denied my petition. I have been impounded since September 15, 2005…

STU TODAY:

Oct. 2007: Stu was transferred to New Leash on Life (Bobby Dorafshar), where he’ll remain until a Court of Appeals decision. A hearing, not yet set, will likely occur in June, followed by 90 days for a decision. I’m appealing the Superior Court denial of my petition to overturn the GM’s decision.

Dec. 2008: After City had refused dental care for Stu’s rotting teeth (since Sept. 2006) they gave a superficial cleaning. He’s lost teeth and has advanced periodontal disease. I forced them to let Dr. Tsugawa, a board certified dental vet, examine Stu. City wouldn’t pay $1000+ for x-rays and initial treatment. My fear is that his jaw is crumbling and he’s in pain.

3/23/09: Bobby Dorafshar (excellent trainer and founder of New Leash on Life Rescue and K9s Only Day Care), who is contracted to care for Stu in the interim, told the Board of Commissioners/Appeal Board that after 18 months with Stu, “This dog is not dangerous. Any aggression present now is due to confinement and non-socialization.” City forbids Stu to be walked outdoors or to play with other dogs. Ed Boks and the City Attorney are blocking all attempts to place Stu’s case on the Board of Commission’s Agenda.

TAKE ACTION:

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: stu.911 [at] gmail.com

PLEASE ASK CONTACTS BELOW TO:

1. Ensure daylight off-premises exercise for Stu.

2. Allow Stu’s re-socialization training with humans and dogs under Bobby Dorafshar (Stu’s caretaker during legal proceedings).

3. Initiate Stu’s complete dental exam and treatment by Dr. Tsugawa.

4. [Ask the Mayor and City Attorney] Allow the Board of Commissioners to agree to tell the Court of Appeals that missing evidence was excluded in error and that it should be considered by the Court of Appeals.

5. [Ask Ed Boks and Linda Barth] Stop trying to kill an innocent dog.

6. Drop opposition to Stu’s appeal and either give him a fair hearing by the department or close this case and return Stu home to Jeff.

Department of Animal Services, City Of Los Angeles
221 N Figueroa St., 5th FL; Los Angeles CA 90012; ph: 213-485-9607
Board of Commissioners: tariqkhero [at] gmail.com, ninekitties [at] aol.com, ireneponce [at] earthlink.net, ajq1trq2 [at] aol.com, secundar [at] unitedtalent.com, Ani.Commission [at] lacity.org, ross.pool [at] lacity.org
Management: Ed.Boks [at] lacity.org, Linda.Barth [at] .lacity.org

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Hall
200 North Spring Street, RM 303; Los Angeles, CA 90012
ph: 213-978-0600; fax: 213-978-0750
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: mayor [at] lacity.org
Jim Bickhart, Mayor’s Office: Jim.Bickhart [at] lacity.org

City Attorneys: Dov.Lesel [at] lacity.org, Laurie.Rittenberg [at] lacity.org, Todd.Leung [at] lacity.org

Los Angeles City Council: garcetti [at] council.lacity.org, councilmember.reyes [at] lacity.org, ed.reyes [at] lacity.org, zine [at] council.lacity.org, Dennis.Zine [at] lacity.org, cardenas [at] lacity.org, weiss [at] .lacity.org, alarcon [at] lacity.org, richard.alarcon [at] lacity.org

SIGN PETITION FOR STU:

www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-this-dog-stu-gag-ed-boks-from-continuing-to-lie

DONATE TO FUND A NEW ATTORNEY:

myspace.com/save_stu

READ MORE:

laanimalservices.com/PDF/commission/2007/070907stuupdate.pdf

laanimalservices.com/info_rumors.htm

Kelly’s note: For additional background, please see the following alerts:

12/25/07 – Kinship Circle: UPDATES: Year-End Victories & Setbacks, SEPT – DEC 2007 (Parts 1 & 2) – #17, “Stu Is Spared, But NOT Free Or Exonerated”

09/17/07 – Kinship Circle: September Kinship Circle Digest (Parts 1 and 2) – #4, “Unhappy Anniversary For Stu! Will He Ever Be Freed?”

06/20/07 – Kinship Circle: JUNE KC DIGEST: Saving Stu, Dolphin Captures, Oasis In Trouble + MORE – #1, “Saving Stu – Legally They Can Kill Him Any Day Now”

06/20/07 – Kinship Circle: Saving Stu: Legally They Can Kill Him Any Day Now

01/10/07 – Kinship Circle: Stu In Grave Danger. Again. [KC MEMBER ALERT]

09/08/06 – Kinship Circle: UPDATE: Stu Is Safe!

09/07/06 – Kinship Circle: LETTER / End Stu’s Nightmare Inside LAAS

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

4) New England Animal Rights Workshop 6/13/09
ALERT WRITER: Jamie Kordack, Jamie.R.Kordack [at] usace.army.mil

NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL RIGHTS WORKSHOP

An Educational Forum for Sharing Knowledge and Networking
Open-Discussion Sessions & Special Guest Speakers
Networking and Socializing / Exhibits and Cruelty-FREE Shopping
Free Literature / Con-current Educational Videos / Vegan Lunch

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009, (10:00 am registration)

WHERE: WORKSHOP – West Brookfield, MA Town Hall, 2nd floor Grand Ballroom

DIRECTIONS: From West or East: Take MA T-pike/I-90 to exit 9. Take Rt. 20 East, turn Left and go North on Rt. 49 to end/to Rt. 9. Turn Left/West on Rt. 9 to center of West Brookfield. Town Hall is at the light. Parking on common/Cottage Street/West Main Street (in front of Library).

AFTER-HOURS WINE AND UN-CHEESE TASTING – Charles Hubbard House, a beautiful 1836 Colonial, 3 doors down from the town hall, 15 West Main St. Wine, bear, soda, vegan munchies…

TIMES & COST: Workshop 10:30am to 5:00pm / $15
After-Hours Wine & Un-Cheese Tasting 5:30 to ? / $10

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO RSVP: Jamie Kordack, 978-318-8399;
cell: 978-265-9503 * jamie.r.kordack [at] usace.army.mil * www.nearw.org

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

5) Party To End Puppy Mills On 4/19/09
ALERT WRITER: Diana Magor, dianamagor [at] gmail.com

PARTY TO PUT AN END TO PUPPY MILLS – APRIL 19, 2009

This event is happening all over the USA on 4/19/09. Many are hosting a fundraising “party” to help end this cruel practice. I am hosting one at my
house in Santa Cruz, CA and would like to invite anyone interested in attending to join me from 3:30 to 6:30 pm PT. Economist and dog activist Ben Stein, Congressman Sam Farr, and others will be on a conference call on this issue at 4:30PT (7:30 ET; 6:30 CT).

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO FIND EVENT IN YOUR AREA, SEE:

www.partylaunch.com/partyanimals/findparty/index.cfm

www.hslf.com

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

6) Urge Portugal City To Become Anti-Bullfighting
ALERT WRITER: Miguel Moutinho | ANIMAL, miguel.moutinho [at] animal.org.pt

BACKGROUND:

Every summer in the city of Tavira, in the Algarve (coastal region of the South of Portugal), a bullfight is staged in a mobile bullring — mostly for foreign tourists, who are deceitfully attracted by promoters claiming bullfights are “bloodless” expressions of local culture. In fact, bullfights are shockingly bloody and violent, and certainly not part of the culture of the Algarve. Every time a bullfight occurs, at least six bulls are viciously tortured, just to profit from animal cruelty.

TAKE ACTION:

Write to the Mayor of Tavira, in the Algarve, asking to officially declare Tavira an Anti-Bullfighting City.
Copy (Cc): campanhas [at] animal.org.pt presidente [at] cm-tavira.pt; ecordeiro [at] cm-tavira.pt; fviegas [at] cm-tavira.pt; cbaracho [at] cm-tavira.pt; lnunes [at] cm-tavira.pt; asimoes [at] cm-tavira.pt; jguerreiro [at] cm-tavira.pt; fbeato [at] cm-tavira.pt; camara [at] cm-tavira.pt; gci [at] cm-tavira.pt

Please send a written letter to the President of the Municipality of Tavira:
Mr. José Macário Correia, Presidente da Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Praça da República
8800-951 Tavira, PORTUGAL

SAMPLE LETTER:

Honorable Officials of Tavira:

I write to urge you and the Municipality of Tavira to free your beautiful city from bullfighting. Tavira does not have a permanent bullring and there is no bullfighting tradition in Tavira or anywhere in the Algarve. On the contrary, the fact that a bullfight takes place in Tavira every year only hurts your city’s good name and reputation. It is even more harmful for the animals tortured in these bullfights.

To date, 65 Spanish towns and three French towns have declared themselves anti-bullfighting. In Portugal, Viana do Castelo has already officially taken that step. The Mayors of Braga and Cascais announced that they will no longer authorise bullfighting spectacles in their cities as well.

I call upon you to proclaim Tavira an anti-bullfighting city, through the implementation of a policy of non-authorisation of bullfighting spectacles in your city — at least as far as municipal licenses and authorisations are required for these to take place.

Such a step would hugely benefit Tavira and make your constituents happy with that measure, which would certainly have positive effects in the next
elections. I’m also certain that tourism in Tavira would grow.

I look forward to a response from you and I thank you in advance for your attention.

Yours, very respectfully,

[Name], [City, Country] [Email address]

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

7) We Are Their Hope: World Lab Animal Liberation

ALERT WRITER: Michael Budkie, Executive Director, SAEN, saen [at] saenonline.org
www.saenonline.org, www.wlalw.org

WORLD LABORATORY ANIMAL LIBERATION WEEK, APRIL 18-26, 2009

As you read this email, untold millions of animals suffer and die in laboratories across the U.S. Most — including rats, mice, birds, amphibians, and all animals used in agricultural research — receive no protection under current laws. Federally owned laboratories (such as those owned by the Department of Defense, the NIH, the USDA, EPA, etc.) receive no independent inspections… The USDA does not adequately enforce the very limited requirements of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)…

RESOURCES / SAEN WEBSITES:

Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! www.saenonline.org
Fact sheets about product testing, primate experimentation, general animal experimentation, as well as materials focusing on specific labs…

RESOURCES / WLALW WEBSITE:

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week: www.wlalw.org/
Contains sign-up form for this year’s event and listings from prior years.
To increase media exposure…please sign up with the details of your events.

RESOURCES / KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION FACT SHEETS:

Download and print our photo- and fact-filled literature to use for tabling, leafleting, at demos, presentations, etc.

ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/VivisectiLessonFutilityPH.pdf

Animal Testing: You Paid For It

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/YouPaidForIt.pdf

Sacrificing One Won’t Save The Other

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/MODSacrificOneWontSaveOther.pdf

Iams Doublespeak: Experiments On Cats And Dogs

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/DyingForKibble.pdf

Who Is Huntingdon Life Sciences?

www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/WhoIsHuntingdonLifeScienc.pdf

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

8) Vegans Take On The “3 Peaks” Challenge
ALERT WRITER: Andrew Knight, Founder, Extreme Vegan Sporting Association, info [at] extremevegansports.org * www.extremevegansports.org

BACKGROUND:

During a single 24-hour period from May 2-3, the first known all-vegan team will attempt to successively scale the three highest mountains within Wales, England and Scotland — the famous “3 Peaks” Challenge.

We aim to publicly demonstrate that vegans can achieve impressive feats of fitness…thereby overcoming misperceptions about the vegan lifestyle. Given that animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to global warming — as well as cruel to animals and bad for human health — we feel it’s
important to show how incorrect such misperceptions are.

We also aim to raise money for the electoral campaign of Animals Count, during the June 4th European Parliamentary elections. Animals Count (www.animalscount.org/) is a UK political party for people and animals, and will contest these elections with the goal to increase consideration given to animal issues, by all political parties… READ MORE ABOUT THE ALL-VEGAN “3-PEAKS” TEAM: www.vegan3peaks.info

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

ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
www.KinshipCircle.org * www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

UNSUBSCRIBE:
* Select a Kinship Circle ALERT received in your mailbox
* Hit “FORWARD”
* Enter kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
* Type UNSUBSCRIBE in your subject line and hit send

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe [at] kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: info [at] kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts kinship circle dog canine pet companion animal animal companion stu Jeff de la Rosa LAAS Los Angeles Animal Services Ed Boks events education hsus puppy mills Tavira Portugal bullfighting bllod sports animal fighting World Lab Animal Liberation animal testing animal research animal experimentation vivisection flickr photos