Action Alerts

Center for Biological Diversity: Help Save Ocean Fisheries That Are Under Attack
At a time when fisheries are suffering, and environmental review and public feedback on fisheries management are crucial, the Bush administration is proposing to make an end run around both — which could have catastrophic effects on management of crucial resources such as sea turtles, corals, and valuable fish populations.

DawnWatch: Animal advocate profiles, LA Times front page and sports! 7/22/08
The Los Angeles Times has had two gorgeous profiles on animal advocates in the last few days. The Saturday, July 19 edition had a front page story about Wayne Pacelle, head of the Humane Society of the United States. And today’s Tuesday July 22 edition has a lovely piece in the Sports section, about Johanna McCloy’s “Soy Happy” efforts to get veggie dogs into all the baseball stadiums.

DawnWatch: Mustang killing debate on NY Times front page 7/20/08
The front page of the Sunday, July 20, New York Times includes an article, by Felicity Barringer, headed, “Mustangs Stir a Debate on Thinning the Herd.” Unfortunately the article begins with a focus on arguments from some environmentalists in favor of removing mustangs from federal land. [Note: Thanking the Monkey’s Chapter Seven, “The Greenies” makes clear that we cannot assume that all environmental groups are animal advocates.]

Earthjustice: Tell Congress to Oppose Offshore Drilling
There’s a lot of speculation these days over who is to blame for our rising gas prices. But one thing is for certain: drilling for oil off our coasts won’t get us out of this predicament. Yet the threat of offshore drilling — and its disastrous environmental effects — could become a reality if Congress votes to lift a longstanding ban on new offshore drilling in the coming weeks. We need your help to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Environmental Defense: No to Offshore Drilling, Yes to Energy Innovation
Tell your members of Congress that you oppose lifting the ban on offshore drilling and that you support energy innovation to get us off oil.

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Action Alerts

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Congress & President Bush are giving away your rights!
Moments after President Bush signed the bill into law, the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging the unconstitutional FISA Amendments Act. Help us demonstrate to our leaders that we believe in freedom — not fear. We ran a full-page ad in The New York Times on July 17 that carries that simple message.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The Terrorist Watchlist is Out of Control
In September 2007, the Inspector General of the Justice Department reported that the Terrorist Screening Center (the FBI-administered organization that consolidates terrorist watch list information in the United States) had over 700,000 names in its database as of April 2007 - and that the list was growing by an average of over 20,000 records per month. Tell Congress: Small, focused watchlists are better for civil liberties and for security.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Watchlist Complaint Form: Tell Your Story
If you believe you have been harmed due to a U.S. government watch list, while flying or anywhere else, use this form to share your story. The information you provide in this questionnaire will be kept confidential and only shared with ACLU staff, unless you specify in question 3 how we may share it with others.

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Help Support The Great Ape Protection Act
The Great Ape Protection Act (H.R. 5852) has been introduced to end invasive research on the 1200 chimpanzees remaining in laboratories, retire the approximately 600 federally-owned chimpanzees to permanent sanctuary, and make the recent decision by the National Center for Research Resources—part of NIH—to stop funding the breeding of federally-owned chimpanzees statutory.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Urge Officials to Clean Up Horrific Conditions at ShanChong Animal Shelter
For several years, PETA Asia-Pacific has been monitoring the government-run ShanChong animal shelter outside Taipei and trying to work with government officials to improve the horrible conditions at the facility. But instead of improving, conditions have continued to deteriorate.

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Action Alerts

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR): Stop Proposed FBI Guidelines Allowing Racial Profiling!
Recent news reports have revealed that the FBI is planning to release new Department of Justice guidelines, slated for implementation later in the year. These proposed guidelines apparently make racial profiling not only an unwritten practice, but an avowed policy of the FBI.

DawnWatch: Spain Parliamentary committee votes for rights for apes 7/13- 7/17/08
Groundbreaking news from Spain has brought groundbreaking discussion to international media this week. The Spanish Parliament’s environment committee has passed a resolution granting limited rights to great apes.

Environmental Defense: Help Protect Land Conservation Program and Your Tax Investment!
One of the most successful conservation programs in the U.S. is at risk. The USDA is considering the release of 24 million acres of land from the Conservation Reserve Program for commercial use.

I Am Progress/Center for American Progress Action Fund: Keep Your Hands off My Laptop
Customs and Border Patrol at the Department of Homeland Security was just given the green light to search and seize laptops at the border, without probable cause, by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. They can deny entry to anyone who refuses to give up their laptops and password. This is an affront to our progressive values of privacy and protection from unwarranted search and seizure.

In Defense of Animals (IDA): Help Stop Government Plan to Kill Wild Horses
Thousands of wild horses and burros are in danger of being killed at the hand of the same government agency — the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) — which has been mandated to protect them. Almost half of America’s wild horses have been rounded up into holding pens, and they need your voice now to dodge the BLM’s bullet. Please Take Action to help keep wild horses free and roaming on public lands across the West.

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Action Alerts

Defenders of Wildlife: Take Action for Polar Bears and Lower Gas Prices
Weak oversight and accountability in the oil markets allows wealthy investors from around the world to drive up the price we pay for gas, fueling calls for destructive drilling off our coasts and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF): Encourage Congress to Start Building a Clean Energy Future
President Bush’s decision to lift the executive ban on new offshore drilling is a step backwards in putting America on the path toward progress. America needs energy solutions that reduce global warming pollution, recharge our struggling economy and protect our country’s precious natural resources.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Tell the Bush administration to stop the slaughter of gray wolves!
Since the Bush administration stripped gray wolves of their endangered species protection in March, more than 100 have been gunned down outside Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and hundreds more are being targeted for slaughter. Please tell the Interior Department to do its job of protecting wolves, instead of allowing them to be killed.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Baltimore Ravens That Using Live Animals as Mascots Is a Fumble
The Baltimore Ravens are planning to feature live African white nape ravens at upcoming games, and their plans include having a bird fly out of a smoky tunnel ahead of the players. A stadium full of bright lights, screaming fans, and loud noises—including air horns, marching bands, and amplified sound systems—is terrifying and distressing for animals.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Urge Vivienne Tam to Ditch Fur
Vivienne Tam knows about the suffering that goes into every fur-trimmed garment, but she continues to contribute to the senseless cruelty to millions of animals in the fur industry. With so many fashionable, comfortable alternatives available today, there is no excuse for Vivienne to continue using the skins of tortured animals in her designs.

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Action Alerts

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): USA: Speak Out Against Plan to Kill Thousands of Wild Horses
In 1971, Congress unanimously passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to stop the mass slaughter and commercial exploitation of these magnificent animals. Unfortunately, in the last few years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that administrates the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, has changed leadership and direction—and tragically, wild horses have paid the price.

Audubon: Help Save Our Migratory Birds!
Since its inception in 2002, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has provided millions of dollars for vital conservation efforts, including monitoring efforts, habitat restoration, education, and other projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. But many essential conservation projects remain unfunded.

Best Friends Animal Society: Join Best Friends to Ask the Obamas to Adopt a Family Dog
It has been reported that once the election is over, the Obamas will be looking for a new four-legged family member (much to his daughters’ delight). The American Kennel Club (AKC) has suggested five types of purebred dogs that would fit the Obamas’ lifestyle. While we don’t disagree that it’s important to choose a dog that matches well with the family, mixed breeds should certainly be considered along with pure breeds. Also, whether purebred or mutt, we believe the Obamas should make a winning choice and adopt a family dog, not buy one. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, left-wing, right-wing or any other wing, please sign our petition urging the Obama Family to adopt, and encourage all your friends and family to sign it, too.

Ecological Internet / The Climate Ark: Dear Al Gore, We Need the Full Truth Regarding Actions Sufficient to Avert Catastrophic Climate Change
Encourage Mr. Gore to tell the full truth regarding the magnitude of actions required for climate change solutions, including advocating for an end to coal and ancient forest logging, and personal sacrifice including reduced consumption.

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF): Where Should that Doggie Come From? Cast Your Vote!
So the Humane Society Legislative Fund has created our own poll. We want you to weigh in on where the Obamas should get their dog after the election—from an animal shelter, a breed rescue group, a pet store, a small breeder, or an Internet seller—and we will forward the results of our survey to the Obama campaign. Vote below to tell us what you think, and don’t forget to forward the survey to your friends and family.

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Action Alerts

Born Free USA / Animal Protection Institute (API): PETsMART in the News Again — Sale of Sick Bird Blamed for Death of Veteran
PETsMART is in the news yet again for problems related to the sale of live animals. A recent wrongful death lawsuit alleges that PETsMART is to blame for the death of a 63-year-old father and Vietnam War veteran from Texas who died of psittacosis or “parrot fever.” The man died 16 days after his daughter brought home a cockatiel purchased from PETsMART infected with the disease. The daughter also contracted the disease and nearly died. Now the daughter and her family are calling on PETsMART to stop selling all birds.

Born Free USA / Animal Protection Institute (API): End Cruel Live Export of Sheep from Australia to the Middle East for Slaughter
As the world’s largest exporter of sheep, Australia is responsible for the suffering of millions of animals every year. You can help convince Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, it is time to make a change. Send a letter calling for an end to the live export of animals for slaughter now.

DawnWatch: Lab chimp retirement on CNN Headline News 7/12/08
Today, Friday, July 11, CNN Headline News is running a wonderful little story about chimps being retired to “Save the Chimps” in Florida: “CNN’s John Zarrella reports on chimps once used for research enjoying island retirement.”

Defenders of Wildlife: Speak Out Against Logging that Threatens Martens and Other Wildlife
The Bush/Cheney has proposed a plan that could increase logging on the Tongass National Forest by 5 times. Such an increase will wreck important habitat for the rare coastal martens on Kuiu and Admiralty Islands and other species that make their home in the forest’s undisturbed old-growth stands.

Greenpeace: anti-whaling activists charged
Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki are charged with stealing a box of whale meat which they presented as evidence of a whale meat smuggling operation. The activists requested a Japanese government investigation into the scandal, and the Tokyo public prosecutor agreed there was sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. His investigation has now concluded. The only persons charged are the Greenpeace activists who presented the evidence. Our activists are innocent of any crime. They have been arrested for returning whale meat that was stolen from Japanese taxpayers, and exposing a fraud that may reach high into the Japanese government agencies that run the whaling program. Please write to the Japanese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and demand the activists’ immediate release.

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Action Alerts

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Add Your Name to the ACLU’s Newspaper Ad
The ACLU will be taking out a full-page ad in a major national newspaper announcing the lawsuit and expressing outrage at this abandonment of our Constitutional principles. Their goal is to run an ad containing the names of tens of thousands of Americans who believe in the Constitution and want Congress to hear our message loud and clear: next time, stand up for our rights.

Animal Friends Croatia (AFC): Support Austrian Activists
On the morning of 21 May 2008, in a country-wide police operation 23 premises were raided and ten animal protectionists arrested. Some of the detainees are on hunger strike. The Human Rights Organisation and Amnesty International stood in defense of activists. The Amnesty International statement you can read here.

Campaign for America’s Wilderness: Tell your senators to oppose Antiquities Act Amendment
A proposed amendment to the Antiquities Act could block protection of marine areas and set a precedent that would have serious ramifications for future public lands protection. The Antiquities Act empowers the President to designate National Monuments, but Sen. Mary Landrieu is seeking to restrict this power through the next two years. Tell your Senators to block such an amendment, which would set a dangerous precedent by precluding protection for important areas.

People’s Action Network (PEN): We Need To Keep Making Noise For Impeachment And Not Stop
Again, Dennis Kucinich has thrown down the gauntlet, today introducing another article of impeachment, this time wrapping up the greatest crime of all, intentionally lying the American people into attacking Iraq. While former White House operatives continue to laugh off congressional subpoenas like the sad joke they have become, Congress is still afraid that people will not vote for them if they stand up for our principles. They need to hear we will not vote for them UNLESS they stand up for our principles.

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA): Help Protect Dinosaur National Monument!
We need your help to protect the legendary quiet and beauty of Dinosaur National Monument! We recently discovered that the Vernal Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved an Environmental Assessment (EA) which would allow Parallel Petroleum to drill an exploratory gas well in an area we are working to protect as wilderness, called the Split Mountain Benches, about one mile west of the western boundary of Dinosaur National Monument. The gas well and associated development, including a road, would destroy the wilderness character of the area and would seriously encroach on the solitude and quiet of Dinosaur National Monument.

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Action Alerts

Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF): High School Curriculum to Include Chicken Slaughter?
(Ontario County, NY) Due to vocal supporters of the high school’s previously banned hands-on chicken slaughter project, the Canadaigua Academy is now considering reversing its earlier decision to eliminate the project. The project, which had been part of the school’s curriculum for the last 3 years, was canceled earlier this spring following a public outpouring of objections. The ecology class project had students raising chicks in pens and ultimately slaughtering, plucking, gutting, and barbecuing them. While the supervising teacher argued that the class serves to “educate people to the true cost of today’s diet,” the inherent violence of the meat industry does not justify its reenactment in our classrooms.

Earthjustice: Tell Congress to Pass the Clean Water Protection Act!
It’s time for Congress to stand up for what’s right and put a stop to the devastation of our rivers, streams and headwaters. Sign this petition to support the Clean Water Protection Act, which would protect our waters from being filled with millions of tons of waste from mountaintop removal mining.

Pacific Environment: Be Part of Today’s National Day of Action for the Arctic!
Today, concerned citizens across the country will call their Representatives urging them protect the Arctic’s offshore waters and other special places from drilling. Together, we will inundate offices with calls and emails to demand that Congress stand up to Big Oil and protect these areas for future generations. As calls and emails flood these offices, staff people from environmental and community organizations will head up to Capitol Hill to meet with key members of Congress.

PETA2: Save Hot Dogs!
Every year, countless dogs die from being overheated inside locked cars. On a 78-degree day, the inside of a car can reach 160 degrees in just minutes. That’s faster than you can run inside the store, buy yourself a cold drink, and run out. Dogs stuck in hot cars can suffer from brain damage or heatstroke or can even die. This is why we need your help with this mission—are you ready for it?

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM): Ask the Military to End Live Animal Use in Medical Student Courses
We need your help to end the use of live animals for medical student training at U.S. military facilities. Live animals are used and killed in medical student courses at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Md., and Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

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Action Alerts

Audubon: National Day of Action for the Arctic Refuge
Join concerned citizens across the country and welcome back your elected officials from their July Fourth recess with a quick phone call. Urge your Representative NOT to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or our coastlines to drilling.

DawnWatch: Vick pit-bull rehabilitation on Washington Post front page 7/7/08
The Monday, July 7 Washington Post has a wonderful front page story headed “Saving Michael Vick’s Dogs Pit Bulls.” The subheading is, “Rescued From the Football Player’s Fighting Ring Show Progress in an Unprecedented Rehabilitation Effort.”

DawnWatch: Dallas’s lone elephant needs our help — 7/5/08
The urgent plight of Jenny, the lone elephant at the Dallas zoo, has been in the news this last week. Jenny has had a rough life, including years of solitary confinement. Her plight improved somewhat an elephant named Keke came to live with her, but Keke died over a month ago. The good news is that rather than replace Keke, the Dallas Zoo has decided to close its elephant exhibit.

Defenders of Wildlife: Take Action for Real Solutions
Please join thousands of other sensible people from across the country today, as we call on Congress to declare INDEPENDENCE FROM BIG OIL. Contact your Representative and Senators using the information below.

Earthjustice: Protect our oceans and fisheries
Fisheries are collapsing, runoff pollution is creating vast dead zones, and global warming is causing the death of corals. Yet NMFS, the very federal agency charged with managing and protecting our oceans, is proposing a new approach to fisheries management that would allow increased depletion of ocean resources without adequate analysis of the consequences.

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Action Alerts

DawnWatch: ABC San Fran — cruelty-free products discussed by Karen Dawn 7/1/08
On Tuesday, July 1, the San Francisco ABC talk show “View from the Bay” did a segment on cruelty free products. I was featured talking about soy milk, Earth Balance, Vegenaise and cosmetics not tested on animals, which one can buy at Whole Foods.

Democracy for America (DFA): Sign the Senate Petition to Stop Telecom Immunity
Senator Feingold needs our help to stop the FISA “compromise” bill. Russ sent me this message to pass on to you directly. Please read it and then sign our Senate Petition to Stop Telecom Immunity. We will deliver the petitions to every Senator on Tuesday morning, right before the expected vote.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Tell Your Senators: “Don’t Shred the Constitution this July 4th — Reject Telecom Immunity!”
After the Fourth of July holiday, the Senate will vote on the FISA Amendments Act (FAA), a bill that would betray the spirit of 1776 by radically expanding the president’s spying powers and granting immunity to the companies that colluded in his illegal program. Now that the House has passed the FAA, the Senate is the last front left in the battle against immunity, and every vote — from cloture, to the amendments, to final passage — counts.

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Bill Would Liberate Great Apes from Laboratory Cages
The Great Ape Protection Act, HR 5852, would prohibit invasive research on great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons. It would furthermore prohibit the use of federal funds to conduct invasive research on a great ape, the breeding of great apes for the purpose of use in research, and the transport of a great ape for the purpose of conducting invasive experiments.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF): Ask Congress to Reduce Future Flood Harm
People in the Central United States are not imagining things. The last few decades have brought more heavy summer rainfall events. And while no single storm or flood can be attributed directly to global warming, warmer air can hold more moisture bringing more and heavier precipitation in the years to come. Furthermore, the losses from major floods have been compounded by over-reliance on levees and other strategies for taming rivers that continue to encourage development in flood-prone areas.

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