Animals Matter Too - Articles on Animal Welfare

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

Author Unknown

When choosing a family pet, please consider adopting from your local animal shelter...it'll do your heart good!

"Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved" ♥

~ Articles ~

Everything you ever wanted to know about sloths

8 Peculiar Facts About Sloths You May Not Know Of

Sloths are medium-sized mammals of the animal group Pilosa, which is related to anteaters and armadillos. They like eating tendons, leaves, and buds. All sloths have three toes, but the two-toed sloths only have two fingers. They are also tree-dwelling animals and mostly found in Central and South America.

Apparently, sloths are slightly different from other mammals due to the variations of their cervical vertebrae. The two-toed sloths only have six cervical vertebrae, while the three-toed sloths have nine cervical vertebrae. Despite how they look, some people would love to make sloths as pets. They would spend around $700, as provided by Cost Mentor.

But more than their physical attributes, sloths have other interesting characteristics that may surprise you. As such, here are 8 peculiar facts about these tree-hugging animals you may not be aware of.

Sloths only urinate and defecate once a week

Sloths eat a lot of food regardless of their small stomach. This is to supplement their bodies with enough nutrients. Besides that, they have a deficient metabolism, which is the reason behind their large food intakes.

They have strong claws

These arboreal mammals have long and robust nails that help them survive in the jungle. They use their claws as a defense against their predators. They swipe their claws on the ground to ward off their enemies. They barely fall victims of an attack due to their slow movement, which does not attract attention. They also blend with the trees, making it difficult for the predators to notice them.

They have less muscle mass

Because their muscle mass ranges from 25 to 30 percent of their total body weight, sloths tend to move slower than other animals. In fact, they are popularly known as the slowest animal in the world. Although their sluggish pace makes them less vulnerable up on the trees, it becomes their weakest point when they�re on the ground. Their slow movements, at times, expose them to their predators.

In addition to those facts, sloths have the ability to reduce and handle their slow metabolism. They can also control their heart rate and make it slow by holding their breaths for over 40 minutes.

Their unhygienic nature creates an ecosystem for other animals

Apparently, sloths don�t consider a regular shower a priority in their lives, so you can just imagine how filthy they can become. Their fluffy fur also highly contributes to their dirtiness, which creates a symbiotic relationship with green algae and even molds.

And did you know that sloths host moths that feed on the algae present on its skin? Even if they are dirty, they can create a sustainable environment for other living species. Additionally, the algae on the sloth�s skin also make it look green, especially during the rainy periods. Its camouflage characteristic is another defense mechanism against its predators.

Sloths can retain their grip even after death

Yes, that�s true. Sloths have powerful claws that enable them to hold themselves on trees, hence gain a powerful support. As a result, they hardly fall from where they hang on to. They can even sleep comfortably while gripping on the trees. When the sloths die, they rarely fall off from the trees and still remain clinging for quite a while.

They only come together during their mating season

Sloths live and survive on their own and barely stay together as a group. But when it�s to for them to reproduce, they meet and mate, usually late of summer and/or early fall. The male sloth may leave poo in a female's tree or on their tree as a way of telling the latter that they�re ready to mate. On the other hand, female sloths are known to scream when they want or are ready to mate.

After the mating period, the females give birth to their young ones after ten months. It is, however, difficult for female sloths to conceive if they cling to their trees and fail to find the males.

Sloths are excellent swimmers

It seems unlikely, but they can swim much faster than the way they walk. Their muscles highly contribute to their swimming abilities and make them flexible on water.

They can turn their heads up to a large angle

Due to their cervical vertebrae, sloths are capable of turning their heads through a large angle up to 270 degrees without breaking or injuring their necks.

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Pet Food Guides - Consumer Affairs

Finding the best food for your pets can prove to be difficult. With all the commercial ads saying their products are best... how do you know which one is the right for your pet? You can read the labels but unless you know what to look for, it can be confusing.
The folks at Consumer Affairs have created a pet food guide with all the necessary information to make the right choice for your pet's needs. Here are a few of the topics you'll find in the guides:

Best-Rated Dog and Cat Foods
Understanding Nutritional Content
Compare Reviews
The Different types of foods
Expert Opinions
Understanding food labels

There's a wealth of information in these two in-depth, easy to understand guides. Check them out at the following links.

Consumer Affairs Dog Food Guide

Consumer Affairs Cat Food Guide

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Ringling Bros Circus to Close Permanently

Ringling Bros is calling it a day and will go out of business in May. Their final performance is scheduled for May 21, 2017 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. Many years ago, this news would have saddened me. Now I can only feel happiness and relief that it's over. There are still other cruel circuses out there but this one is done.

Reportedly, the animals will be able to live out their final years on a conservation farm in Florida. The elephants were sent there earlier when PETA and other animal welfare advocates campaigned to end Ringling's elephant cruelty.

Click here to see one of our previous articles

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Animal Shelter Shoots Dogs & Puppies

We received an email from Suzanne Marbert alerting us to a particularly gruesome event that took place in Chesterfield, South Carolina.

The local Animal Shelter in Chesterfield decided to get rid of their dogs and puppies by shooting them in the head and leaving their bodies in a public landfill. We are being told that the shelter has provided animal control officers with new vehicles while the animals went without food and heat. Earlier, the shelter was forced to get rid of their antiquated gas chamber due to pressure by local activist and, apparently, chose this atrocious alternative to rid themselves of the animals they are hired to protect. Please check out the following:

Watch a video here

Strong words and while execution might be a bit extreme, I'm glad there are still those in the media reminding the public of the gruesome activities Vick once participated in and thoroughly enjoyed.

Source Fox News

Fox analyst Tucker Carlson gave the harshest critique of Vick's past yet, saying the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback "should have been executed" for his gruesome dogfighting crimes.

Carlson was guest hosting for Sean Hannity's show on Fox News Channel on Tuesday night when he made the remarks. He led a panel discussion about President Barack Obama commending the owner of the Eagles for giving Vick a second chance after his release from prison. Vick served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

Carlson said: "Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did (it) in a heartless and cruel way." He added, "I think personally he should have been executed for that."

*Click here to read the entire article

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Beautiful Sculptures from Dead Trees

When some old cottonwood trees died and needed to be removed, the city council in Craig, Colorado had a wonderful idea. Instead of simply cutting them down, they held a chainsaw competition and offered a prize for the best tree sculpture. Check out some of the beautiful animal sculptures & more by some very talented artists. What a great public service!

*Click here to see more pictures

Thanks, Chad Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco is known for making superstar plays on�and off�the field. He hosts a football show with fellow Bengals teammate Terrell Owens called the T. Ocho Show and has set multiple franchise records for the team. He charmed viewers on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars and captured the hearts of lucky ladies on his own VH1 dating show The Ultimate Catch. This NFL legend is everywhere�and is now showing off everything! Chad, an avid animal lover, posed nude for PETA�s iconic �Ink, Not Mink� campaign to protest the cruel fur industry and prove that he�d rather go naked than wear fur.

Click here to read more & view Chad's Video

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Killing of Calderon Dolphins for Pleasure in Denmark

I found this cruel event so deeply disturbing, it took two days before I was able to publish this article. Thank you to Ineke G. for bringing it to our attention.

In Denmark, there is an annual event so horrifically savage and cruel, it is beyond comprehension. On Feroe Island, it has become an act of celebration to kill the Calderon dolphins that reach their shores. These gentle dolphins are very friendly and swim towards humans in an act of pure friendship. They are greeted with unconscionable cruelty. Young men celebrating coming of age prove their manhood by viciously slaughtering the dolphins.

The killers are cheered as they savagely beat them with thick hooks and listen as the creatures cry in pain and die a slow, miserable death. It is said that the cries of these dolphins sound very much like the cries of an infant. As the dolphins suffer, there is no sympathy and the people revel as the beautiful creatures drown in their own blood.

Please help us stop this senseless massacre by these heartless citizens of Denmark. Please take a moment to write a letter of protest to the Crown Prince & Princess and ask them to stop the cruelty on their shores.

Court of TRH The Crown Prince (Frederik) and Crown Princess ( Mary) of Denmark

Amalienborg

P.O. Box 2143

Copenhagen 1015 K

Denmark

Here are phone numbers as well:

45 33 40 10 10

Fax: 45 33 40 11 15

Also, please send this site address to your friends and ask them to do the same. The more letters they receive, the more likely they will do something about it.

http://www.animalsmattertoo.com/articles/killingdolphinsdenmark.htm

Thank you so much for caring.

Click here for more photos - Warning: the photographs are very disturbing. If you are highly sensitive to graphic scenes of animal cruelty, please reconsider viewing the images.

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Dogs Win Big with Historic Victory in Missouri

The folks in Missouri showed what they're made of on election day! They voted yes on Proposition B: The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act and voted no to being named the Puppy Mill Capital of America.

Fed up with their state�s reputation as the Puppy Mill Capital of America, Missourians hit the polls on Election Day to declare that enough is enough! On Tuesday, November 2, voters in the Show Me State passed the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, which appeared on their ballots as Proposition B. (Although policy reform is most often generated through state legislatures, Prop B was a citizen-supported initiative). It is an incredible victory, and one we hope will send a strong message to the governments of other states�namely, that the public wants better conditions for puppy mill dogs, and will take on the task of changing the law themselves if elected officials fail to act.

In the last three years, 15 states, including major puppy mill states such as Iowa, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, have passed laws to crack down on puppy mills. However, in no other state were the stakes higher for puppy mill dogs than Missouri. Click here to read more

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Katherine Heigl has a Heart of Gold

This is an older article but worth repeating - a lovely gesture by a lovely woman.

It's more than just puppy love. Katherine Heigl is behind a $1 million initiative to help no-cost spay and neuter programs in the Los Angeles area.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, named in memory of the actress's late brother, will work with the Cesar Millan's Millan Foundation, the City and County of Los Angeles and various other organizations on the project, called the Compassion Revolution.

Heigl, who herself has six dogs, three of them rescues, told PEOPLEPets.com at the press conference to announce the pledge that she and her mother had felt hopeless and overwhelmed by the pet population crisis in L.A. Over 50,000 of 80,000 shelter animals in Los Angeles County were euthanized last year, according to the Heigl Foundation. Click here to read entire article

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NUVAS is selling dogs for experimentation!

You probably think of an animal shelter as a safe haven for homeless animals looking for a second chance at a loving home. Tragically, many animals at North Utah Valley Animal Shelter (NUVAS) never get that opportunity.

PETA recently received 50 photos of dogs NUVAS sold to the University of Utah for use in cruel and deadly experiments. Some of the animals sold to the university have holes drilled into their skulls, their chests cut open and medical devices implanted onto their hearts and hard plastic tubes repeatedly forced down their throats.

NUVAS is the only animal shelter in the state of Utah that continues to betray animals in its care by selling them for experimentation and it's time for the shelter to stop this disgraceful practice of profiting at the expense of these dogs.

See photos and read about Max (pictured above) and other dogs who were denied a second chance at a loving home and learn about what you can do to help end this practice

Visit PETA

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Cruelty Alert: Pets Suffering from Heatstroke in Parked Cars

Source: ASPCA

As many parts of the country struggle with recent heat waves, we�ve all seen the disturbing news reports of pets, mostly dogs, dying from heatstroke as a result of being left in parked cars. Just last week, a Bronx, NY, man left his Maltese in his van�with the windows cracked�while he went for a swim at a state park. The temperature inside the van climbed to 140 degrees and despite intervention by park police, the dog didn't survive.

Even on a relatively mild 85-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for the interior of a car to reach 102 degrees�and within 30 minutes, the inside of the car can be a staggering 120 degrees. Leaving windows open a few inches does not help. Furthermore, when it comes to the body�s ability to cool itself, canine physiology is vastly different from ours. While humans have sweat glands all over our bodies that help regulate our body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain.

At least 14 states and many municipalities have enacted laws to address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. Under these laws, police, animal control agents, peace officers and others may be authorized to enter a vehicle by whatever means necessary to remove an animal. �I would recommend that if your state doesn't have a specific law addressing animals left in hot cars that you still call law enforcement, because it may be considered animal cruelty under your state or local laws,� says Jill Buckley, Senior Director of ASPCA Government Relations & Mediation.

If you�re out and about on a hot day and see an animal alone in a car, you should immediately try to find the car�s owner. If you have no luck, or if the owner refuses to act, contact local law enforcement and/or animal control.

�The important thing is to get the dog out of the car, keeping in mind that you shouldn�t put your life in danger, either!� says Buckley, who keeps a few copies of the ASPCA�s Pets in Hot Cars flyer (pdf) in her glovebox to give out when appropriate. Please print and distribute these flyers (pdf) in your neighborhood to help educate people about the danger of leaving pets in hot cars.

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Animal Sanctuary Information

Animal Sanctuary Info is a resource site that provides a wealth of information on the growing need to protect animals - both wild and domestic. You'll find in-depth articles on animal habitats, animal rights, bird migrations and the current state & future of sanctuaries for wildlife and farm animals.

From ASI: It is our belief that we on Earth have been blessed with an incredible biological and ecological heritage. It is every generation�s responsibility, as honorable caretakers and knowledgeable ecological inhabitants, to do anything within our abilities to help preserve and foster this amazing gift: biodiversity in all its glory and the splendid fellowship of all other living beings.

Click here to visit Animal Sanctuary Info

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NASA Engineer Resigns to Protest Agency�s Monkey Radiation Experiments

Source: PCRM

In today�s economy, it takes courage to walk away from a job. It takes conviction if it�s the job you dreamt of since childhood. Recently, April Evans left NASA when the agency refused to address her concerns�and those of a growing number of scientists�about its misguided plan to irradiate squirrel monkeys. Now, you can join Evans and ask NASA to stop the cruel experiments.

Evans was faced with the obvious concerns about animal research that has no applicability to human health when she learned of NASA�s plan in January. NASA�s proposal to expose monkeys to radiation to try to understand the effects of long-distance human spaceflight is a prime example of this futile and frustrating research.

Evans� decision to quit NASA, where she was an engineer who worked on NASA�s International Space Station, has received extensive coverage, including a story in the Houston Chronicle.

NASA�s current plans constitute a massive waste of taxpayer dollars to study the effects of a few minutes of radiation exposure on two-pound squirrel monkeys in a futile attempt to determine the effects of months or years of space travel on 180-pound human astronauts. That $1.75 million should be allocated toward modern non-animal alternatives, such as anthropomorphic phantoms, which are proven more accurate than animal experiments.

NASA has already conducted four decades of space radiation experiments on nonhuman primates. But the research was halted in 1990 because it failed to advance even the most basic safety aspects of space travel. The reason is simple: Data derived from radiation experiments in animals do not translate to humans.

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A Hero in Every Sense of the Word

These pictures, without the need for any words, tell the entire story of kind, brave man who risked his life to save a little pooch in trouble. I wish I knew his name - just to publicly thank him. He is the kind of person who renews our faith in human beings. What a beautiful ending to what could have been a horrible tragedy!

*Click here to see all full-size images on one page*

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Please Buy Animal Rescue Stamps

The next time you purchase a book of stamps, please ask for the Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet design. They were just released on 04/30/10 and were created to help raise awareness of the need to find homes for shelter pets. The cost is the same as traditional stamps. All 10 pets, featured on the stamps, had been homeless at one time. Happily, nine of them had been adopted at the time they were photographed. Hopefully, the last one found a loving home as well. The USPS is also offering other products such as mugs, mousepads, notecards and more. Perfect gifts for the animal lovers in your life!

As an added bonus, Ellen Degeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets will be donating a million meals to shelters across the country. Halo manufactures a line of holistic, natural products for dogs and cats. They are also a company with a big heart, always lending a helping hand, whenever possible. Read more about Halo: Purely for Pets

The stamps are available at all US Postal Stations and online at USPS.com

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Well, at least he's not Georgia's problem anymore....

Michael Scelia, 23, is a former Army sergeant and a man who killed a puppy because it suited his mood. He picked up a 3-month old Papillon, named Oliver, by the face and twisted his neck until he died. Scelia then left him on the bed for his girlfriend to find when she returned home from the gym. This was in November of 2008.

On April 20, 2010, he pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and a misdemeanor count of "simple" battery. He was sentenced to three years' probation, 150 hours of community service and an anger management course. Unfortunately, the ADA, Michael Craig, agreed to allow Scelia to enter a "best interest" plea. According to Scelia's defense attorney, a best interest plea is a different kind of plea in which there is no admission of guilt on record. And, since he pleaded as a first-time offender, this disgusting act of violence will not appear on his record when he completes his probation and would allow Scelia to rejoin the military. He must also stay away from his former girlfriend and her mother. Additionally, he is banished from Georgia except in counties adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Apparently, Scelia's anger and cruelty is not only reserved for helpless, innocent puppies - there are reports he was also accused of head-butting a woman in January of 2009. And today, I received an email from a family member of the victim which alleges she suffered frequent beatings by Scelia and that he had made menacing threats against her mother. While there is no mention of this abuse in any published article, part of the sentence stipulates that he must stay away from the victim and her mother. This can only mean there was a legitimate and immediate concern, on the court's part, for their safety.

The Assistant District Attorney states: "We negotiated it in good faith. The advantages of our sentence is he is banished."

I guess if he's someone else's problem, that's a good thing.

Click here to read more about the Scelia case

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Richard Carpenter: Artist Extraordinaire

Richard Carpenter is an artist with a knack for making beautiful works of art out of stuff he finds in the woods. The bears pictured below are made from pine needles! Believe it or not, hundreds of thousands of pine needles. It took eight months to build the life sized bear. How cool is that?

To make a living, Carpenter carves antlers, wood and other materials - just whatever he can find. Check out these moose antler carvings.

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Ellen Degeneres - A Force for Animals

The absolutely fabulous Ellen Degeneres gets her own comic! Ellen's life is the subject of a new "Female Force" comic book from Bluewater Productions. Plus, at her request, 30% of the sales go to benefit The Humane Society of the United States.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has also been a force in spreading the animal protection message and just won a Genesis Award for Best Talk Show. (The Genesis Awards will air on Animal Planet April 24-25).

You can help by purchasing a copy at Barnes & Noble, Borders, at comic book stores or online! Remember The HSUS will receive 30% of the proceeds.

Ellen has been an animal lover and activist for years and donates, not only her time, but financially as well. And her generosity knows no bounds. She has also helped to raise millions of dollars for Brad Pitt's Make it Right Foundation which helps aid the victims of Katrina in New Orleans. Such kindness and generosity. We love you, Ellen, way to go!

Please visit The Humane Society of the United States

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Daddy, the Magnificent Pit Bull

From Cesar Millan's Official Website: CesarsWay.com

In Memoriam: Daddy the Pit Bull

Cesar Millan, all his family and friends, his staff and volunteers, and dog lovers all around the world today will mourn the passing of one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors the world has ever known. Daddy, Cesar�s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday the 19th of February. He was sixteen years old.

He lived each day of those sixteen years happy and fulfilled as Cesar�s right-hand-�man,� helping to shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance. He stood as champion for calm-submissive pit bulls everywhere, and was instrumental in helping to repair their image as violent, savage, uncontrollable beasts. He successfully battled cancer and weathered chemotherapy, and even got the opportunity to present at the 56th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards!

His name is now added to that honorable roster of dogs gone by whose influence is still felt today, and which includes some of Cesar�s beloved childhood heroes: "Rin-Tin-Tin." "Lassie." � "Daddy."

He has been immortalized by Dog Whisperer fans in all mediums, from painting, to photographs, to charcoal drawings and papier-m�ch� sculpture. And, of course, he lives on in his work, reflected in the balance and calm-submission of his prot�g� Junior, the countless animals to whom he was a positive role model, and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him as a calm, sweet, and mellow example of a widely misunderstood breed.

In Loving Memory.

If you would like to honor Daddy�s memory and the contribution he made to improve the lives of other animals, you can make a donation to Daddy�s Emergency Animal Rescue Fund, which will provide assistance for dogs who are victims of abuse or violence, man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophes).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been a fan Cesar's and Daddy's for many years and am deeply saddened by Daddy's passing. His contribution to the change in America's attitude towards pit bulls is immeasurable and he will be missed. Our thoughts go out to Cesar and his family.

So long, Daddy. We'll see you again on Rainbow Bridge!

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Help Stop Animal Cruelty by the Department of Defense

PCRM is pulling out all the stops to change the Department of Defense (DOD) medical training programs. They refuse to stop using and killing animals to train military personnel.

Animals are being subjected to painful procedures �monkeys are injected with dangerous neurotoxins � pigs are shot, cut and burned � goats� limbs are cut off one by one.

PCRM won�t stand for this. And I hope you won�t either. Please sign our petition to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Tell him you oppose the DOD�s methods�which train personnel with outdated methods and kill animals in the process.

Together, we�ve steadily been making progress on this critical campaign. Thousands of PCRM supporters already flooded Congress with petitions�asking them to demand the use of humane training methods by our DOD.

And, we know Congress is listening. PCRM now has the support of more than a dozen influential members of Congress who are already taking action.

Yet, there is NO reason that Secretary Gates can�t change the DOD�s policies today! Animals may be dying as you read this. It just isn�t right. So please sign the petition today.

With all of us working together, we�ll send a loud and clear message that it�s time to do the right thing�the ethical thing�for animals and our troops.

Thank you for your help,

Neal Barnard, M.D.
PCRM President
P.S. Our strength comes from our numbers. Please forward this to your friends and family - or any animal lover who will support our efforts!
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A Note From the ASPCA

In 2009, the ASPCA was at the forefront of powerful efforts to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane legislation and share resources with shelters nationwide. As you know, it�s only with the strong commitment of compassionate supporters like you that we can achieve far-reaching and long-lasting progress in animal welfare.

But our work is far from over�we still need your help. As the new year marches toward us, here are some more ways to lend a hand to animals in need.

Shop Your Favorite Stores Online
This holiday, shop online at We-Care.com, and a portion of your gift purchases will be donated to the ASPCA. Or check out the ASPCA Online Store, where all your hard-earned cash will go directly to support our life-saving programs.

�Regift the Fruitcake!�
Bake a virtual fruitcake and send it off to your friends and family for a creative way to help raise funds for your charity of choice�the ASPCA, of course!

Surprise Loved Ones with an Honor Gift
The ASPCA Holiday Honor Gift is a wonderful way to celebrate�and give the gift of life for animals in need! It�s not just for December, either; you can give birthday or wedding honor gifts all year long.

Volunteer for Animals in Your Community
Bring some holiday cheer to homeless animals in your community by volunteering at a local shelter or educating the public on animal welfare issues.

Visit ASPCA.org for a complete list of ways to support the ASPCA and our nation�s animals in 2010.

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Tony & October Gonzalez for PETA

With much admiration, we give our thanks to this lovely couple for publicly opposing fur.

See more at PETA

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PETA's Good News for Animals with Magpie & Sherlock

As a result of PETA's efforts, Dollar General, a retailer with more than 8,500 stores in the U.S., has agreed to stop selling cruel glue traps.

After PETA argued for the replacement of animals in erysipelas vaccine testing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will delete three outdated, painful animal test methods and give preference to two tests that do not use animals.

The hit television show Dancing With the Stars cut a segment featuring a chimpanzee after PETA informed producers about the abuse that animals in entertainment so often endure during their "training."

PETA's eye-catching demonstrations and colorful campaigns help to show tens of thousands of people every day that animals have rights, but it is our lifesaving rescue work�work that could not be done without your support�that helps to make their rights a reality.

Thanks to members, PETA caseworkers have been able to respond to more than 15,000 calls for animals in need over the last year alone. While the stories that they hear about animal abuse and neglect are often heartbreaking, many of them do have a happy ending. One such story involves a sweet little dog named Magpie.

Magpie was once as thin as a rail, and she was infected with parasites because her so-called "guardians" had neglected her. After suffering this abuse, she was eventually thrown from a moving van into oncoming traffic. Had it not been for the attention of passing motorists, she very likely would have been struck soon after being thrown out like a discarded fast-food wrapper.

Luckily for Magpie, her rescuer contacted a PETA staffer for help. Soon after meeting the playful pup, that same staffer became so smitten with the sweet little dog that Magpie was welcomed as part of quite possibly the first loving home that she had ever known.

Under the watchful eye of her new family, Magpie has made a full recovery from her ailments, and she now spends her days romping with her cat friend, Dusty, and playfully kissing her two horse friends on the nose. She is crazy about kids, too, and she often follows baby carriages�dragging her guardian along with her�so that she can say hello!

Magpie isn't the only animal PETA has helped "behind the scenes." From helping to find a safe and loving home for an abandoned pig whom they named Sherlock (that's him on the right with PETA's Cruelty Investigations Department Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch) to working with biology instructors to end dissection at a North Carolina community college, PETA staffers work diligently every day, doing everything they can to help animals. None of their efforts would be possible without support of donors.

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Please Help Tonka & Luna from Ringling Bros Circus Abuse

The horrifying words of Tim Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer: �Sink that hook into �em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention.�

Tonka & Luna

Tonka and Luna are two elephants bred by a circus to be trained to perform tricks for paying customers by whatever means they deemed necessary. Unfortunately for the elephants, this meant being beaten and gouged with bullhooks, hit with whatever was handy, kicked and screamed at and left with bloody, painful injuries. Then, after years of torturing and abusing them, Ringling Bros decided they were too unpredictable and dangerous to be allowed to walk from the train to the arena with the other elephants. This is one of the few opportunities they have to stretch and exercise their legs after spending many days in filthy, confined boxcars. They are put into trucks and driven to the arena.

Tonka and Luna are not domesticated animals and do not enjoy performing tricks for humans. The abuse they endure on a daily basis should not be tolerated any longer. Luna is 25 and Tonka is 23 and they have spent their entire lives being savagely beaten to perform for those who pay to see it. Isn't that enough? Please help us save these two magnificent creatures. If they could speak, they would be begging for mercy. But they cannot so it is our responsibility to speak for them. No animals should be treated the way Ringling Bros treats theirs and they should be held accountable for their actions.

Below is a petition to remove Tonka and Luna from travel. It will be sent to the USDA when enough signatures are gathered. Please take a moment to sign it, Tonka and Luna will be eternally grateful.

*Help Tonka & Luna - Petition

*Click here to see Ringling Bros Circus Cruelty

Animals are Not Ours for Entertainment!

Behind the scenes, elephant trainer Tim Frisco instructs would-be trainers how to dominate elephants and make them perform circus tricks. �Sink that hook into �em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention.� An elephant trumpets in agony as Frisco�s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Click here to watch the video.

The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other painful tools of the trade.

We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let�s leave animals in peace. Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment�it�s time for the U.S. to do the same.

Source: Circuses.com

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Allyson Siegel is Our Hero!

Allyson Siegel, a North Carolina woman with a heart of gold, saved a poor little puppy with five legs from a life of certain loneliness and sadness in a Coney Island Freak Show. Upon hearing the puppy's owner, Calvin Owensby, was selling her to John Strong, owner of a Freak Museum for $3,000, she offered Owensby $4,000. Owensby accepted her offer after realizing Strong owned a Freak Show and not an amazing animals farm as he had been led to believe.

Ms. Siegel not only gave the puppy a new lease on life, she also gave her a new name. Originally named Precious, she is now renamed Lilly. Lilly was born with an extra leg growing out of her abdomen between her hind legs which will be removed within a few weeks.

"I saw her and she's so adorable and I felt like I needed to be an advocate for her because she can't speak," Siegel said. "It just broke my heart. I needed to see if there was something I could do. She is beautiful, she's not a freak, she's a normal little puppy dog and she should be just like all the others."

And on another happy note, a Manhattan veterinarian was so touched by Allyson Siegel's kindness, he offered to remove the Lilly's extra leg free of charge. Dr. Neil Shaw, co-owner of NYC Veterinary Specialists on W. 55th St. said he would give Lilly an evaluation and plan the surgery.

Siegel was thrilled with the news of Dr. Shaw's generosity. She had been informed by her own vet that it would charge $2,000 to perform the operation.

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Snowie: A Success Story

Snowie Meet Snowie, a charming little dog who was suffering from mange and sunburn when she was rescued. Mange is a parasitic infestation of the skin of animals. The common symptoms of mange include itching, inflammation and hair loss. She is completely white (Albinism) with very light eyes and is very sensitive to the sun's rays. Though her eyes are an uncommon color, she is able to see just fine.

Snowie is about a year old and loves to cuddle and play. While the volunteers at Animal Life Sibiu, in Romania, did the best they could to provide this special dog's needs, they were hoping for an opportunity to find her a home in which she could receive better treatment, food and protection from the sun. Luckily, some kind folks from Germany have adopted Snowie and will give her a good home with all the personal and medical attention she needs.

Snowie is very lucky indeed - many sweet, unfortunate dogs never find a loving home. Romania Animal Rescue helped Snowie and hundreds of other strays find homes or, at least, live out their days with food, shelter and the companionship in the kennels. However, this is expensive and they receive very little assistance from the Romanian government and need donations from private citizens to continue their work.

If you have questions or would like to make a donation, please contact:

Website	http://www.romaniaanimalrescue.com/
Email	romaniadogs@sbcglobal.net
Address	8000 Morgan Territory Rd, Livermore, CA 94551
Telephone	925-672-5908
Tax ID	72-1546354; All donations to RAR are tax deductible in the USA.

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The PETA Practical Guide to Animal Rights

PETA

Many of us who are interested in animal rights have seen bookstores chock full of philosophical essays about animals, vegetarian , and a plethora of activism guides, but there has never been one book that was all about animal rights, PETA style�until now.

Introducing The PETA Practical Guide to Animal Rights: Simple Acts of Kindness to Help Animals in Trouble, the new book by PETA President and cofounder Ingrid E. Newkirk.

The PETA Practical Guide to Animal Rights is an exciting step-by-step, issue-by-issue guide for effectively advocating for animals in your daily life. In this book, you will learn all about how PETA began, read the real life stories of animals who have been saved and animals who have been lost, learn how to eat healthfully and compassionately, read the reasons why it's vital to adopt animals rather than support puppy mills, learn how to make your vote count and change public opinion and how to switch easily to cruelty-free cosmetics and clothing, and find many more terrific suggestions for living an animal-friendly lifestyle.

Compassionate celebrities are singing the praises of this complete, all encompassing work:

"This book is the ultimate animal rights encyclopedia�chock-full of facts and resources that will guide you at home, in the marketplace, in life." Woody Harrelson

"A terrific book that uplifts you by showing you there are easy, sensible, clear ways to help animals that you might never have dreamt of." Martin Sheen

Whether you're a long-time activist looking for inspiration or new to the world of compassionate living, this book invites you to become the best advocate for animals that you can possibly be. This is animal rights the PETA way and the perfect way to help neighbors, friends, and family "get it."

Order your copy today, and then let us know what animal rights means to you by posting your comment on PETA.org.

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Comments from Readers on Celebrity Fur Hags

Here are a few comments from our readers on the celebrity fur issue:

Jamie, Oregon: "I am quite shocked you listed Kate Hudson as a fur wearer. She seems to be such a free-spirit and happy-go-lucky hippie chick, I would have thought it would make her sick to wear fur. No more of her rom-coms for me!"
B.W. San Diego, CA - "You listed three celebrities associated with Kabbalah. Madonna, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Makes me wonder if there's a connection."
BBPow - "Sharon Stone is well known for her charity work. It is too bad it does not extend to animals."
Saracita B., NYNY - "I never liked that phony Beyonce and wasn't the least bit surprised to see her name on your list."
GBW - "Here's one more reason to hate Ashton Kutcher. Isn't his 15 minutes up yet?"
Juanita J., Albuquerque - "I used to wear fur until I saw a terrible video online of how they kill the animals. I wish I could send them a copy."

This particular article seemed to touch a lot of readers. Thanks to everyone who took the time to write.

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Boycott Ringling Bros Circus!

I know this has been said before but it's just too important not to reiterate. Please boycott Ringling Bros or any circus that uses trained animals in their shows. Many of these unfortunate animals live a sad, brutal and painful life - for the amusement of paying customers. The circus personnel have been filmed again and again, by PETA and ASPCA, chaining and beating these animals into submission. VICIOUSLY BEATING THESE ANIMALS! The elephants you and your children see may have recently been beaten, starved or had their babies taken away to force them to do the tricks that delight the uninformed. These majestic animals deserve better and human beings with hearts are the only ones who can help them. Please do your part to stop this cruel, inhumane treatment of circus animals. Just don't buy tickets - it's that simple. If they can't make money off the backs of their animals, they will have to stop.
Click here to see for yourself just how cruel Ringling Bros is!

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Can You Help Edi & Cleo?

Meet Edi and Cleo, and our friend Daniela from Braila. Daniela found Edi and Cleo, without their mother, abandoned when they were 1 week old, in April. Their eyes weren't even open.

Daniela bottle-fed them and nursed them to health, and now needs to find homes for them. They are wonderful little puppies. They have received their first 2 sets of vaccinations, and will be spayed if anyone can find a home for them.

I have found a great animal transport service that will send the two to the USA for $950. I know this is a lot of money, especially now. All Daniela can do is hope.

Can anyone help?

We've each had our special experience with animals and with saving a particularly special one. Daniela just wants to best for her two puppies, whom she cherishes.

Thank you. Romania Animal Rescue donors are the most compassionate of people and I'm hoping we can find a solution to this special circumstance.

Sincerely,
Nancy Janes, President, CEO and Founder
Romania Animal Rescue, Inc. (United States, Tax ID: 72-1546354) and
Romania Animal Rescue Foundation (Romania)

Donations are tax-deductible and can be sent by check or online through PayPal. For payment by check, please address it to:

Romania Animal Rescue, Inc,
8000 Morgan Territory Rd
Livermore, CA 94551

For secure online payments, please visit our website, www.romaniaanimalrescue.com, and click on the Donations link.

Website	http://www.romaniaanimalrescue.com/
Email	romaniadogs@sbcglobal.net
Address	8000 Morgan Territory Rd, Livermore, CA 94551
Telephone	925-672-5908
Tax ID	72-1546354; All donations to RAR are tax deductible in the USA.

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These Cruel Celebrities Wear Fur!

Here are some of the names of celebrities who choose to wear the skins of tortured animals as body decor. Please boycott any projects they are involved with until they stop wearing the fur of animals who are raised and brutally killed strictly for the purpose of providing furs for uncaring fur hags and ogres. Let's not help them finance their bloody taste in clothing.

Star Jones Mandy Moore Axel Rose

Will Smith Lenny Kravitz Elle McPherson

Pete Burns Emma Bunton Timbaland

Kid Rock Patti LaBelle Kate Bosworth

Sofia Coppola Heidi Klum Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Hudson Celine Dion Ziyi Zhang

Dita Von Tease Naomi Campbell Jennifer Lopez

Adriana Lima Maria Sharapova Serena Williams

Madonna Maggie Gyllenhaal Kanye West

Mary-Kate Olsen Ashley Olsen Elizabeth Hurley

Mary J. Blige Ashton Kutcher Demi Moore

Kate Moss Lindsay Lohan Jessica Simpson

Kate Hudson Eve Beyonce

Eva Longoria Sharon Stone Nicole Richie

Britney Spears Kimberly Stewart Tara Reid

Victoria Gotti Will Smith Cate Blanchett

Jamie Foxx Susan Sarandon

Now here's a picture of the always lovely Angelina Jolie in costume for a scene from her movie, "Salt". While she is wearing what looks to be fur, it is actually synthetic but very realistic looking. So it is possible for any one of these celebrities to buy fake fur that looks real if they feel they MUST be seen in fur. They do have a choice...they don't HAVE to wear tortured animals.

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Delightful Cat Lovers eCard

I received this ecard from a friend and it's just too cute not to share. It's a gorgeous card designed by the incomparable Jacquie Lawson. It will be of particular interest to cat lovers but will delight everyone! Her artwork usually includes animals so check out her other cards while you're there. They're fabulous!

Click here to view the card

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Michael Vick Back in Bankruptcy Court

06/09/09

Admitted dog torturer/killer Michael Vick is back in bankruptcy court in Norfolk, Virginia. He is there to provide the courts with a new bankruptcy plan. Apparently, the old one had him wanting to keep his many vehicles and two expensive homes. The judge rejected his first plan ruling that he should sell some of these items to pay his debts.

Naturally, the disgraced former NFL quarterback doesn't want to sell HIS possessions to pay HIS bills. No, Vick just wants to be relieved of his debts so he doesn't have to pay them. Doesn't matter if his debtors might need their money as well. No, this is all about Michael Vick. He should step up like a man and pay his financial debts, but, of course, he probably won't do that. We'll see what he comes up with this time.

Vick is under house arrest until 07/20/09 when he will be released from federal custody. It is not known at this time if the NFL will lift his suspension and allow him to return.

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The Polar Bear Needs Our Help - Please Support NRDC

I received this letter from the NRDC. Please read and help if you can. The Polar Bear have been dealt a devastating blow by the Obama Administration.

Source: NRDC

I have to share bad news. We have been hoping that the Obama Administration would come to the polar bear's rescue by reversing the Bush Administration's "polluters first" policy on polar bear protection.

But instead, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has just cut the polar bear's lifeline. He adopted a Bush policy that refuses to use vital Endangered Species Act protections to save the polar bear from the deadliest threat it faces -- global warming pollution, a danger made even worse by rampant Arctic oil development.

Letting these loopholes stay in place is like sending a leaky lifeboat to save drowning polar bears. It simply won't protect them -- and may even accelerate their rapid slide toward extinction.

That's why I'm asking you to give an emergency contribution to help NRDC fight this dangerous and illegal plan in court. We simply must have your support if we are to win uncompromising protection for the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act.

I'm sure you share my disappointment that the Obama Administration -- which has launched the most ambitious green energy program in history -- would allow polar bears to suffer and die by embracing this throwback to Bush's pro-polluter agenda.

And I'm sure you agree we must not let this disastrous plan go unchallenged -- especially since the Obama Administration has pledged to base its environmental policies on solid science.

We're fighting in federal court to overturn this Bush-era policy and compel the Obama Administration to throw polar bears a strong lifeline. But to wage and win this life-or-death case, we need your emergency donation right away.

Thanks to your past support, we've come so far in our campaign to save the polar bear. As a result of three years of legal pressure -- and our grassroots Polar Bear S.O.S. campaign -- the Bush Administration was forced to protect the polar bear as a "threatened species."

But that protection is NOT enough to save polar bears from extinction unless the Obama Administration closes these disastrous loopholes for global warming polluters and oil companies.

Without uncompromising protection, the polar bear is likely to become extinct in Alaska by 2050 -- along with two-thirds of the world's entire polar bear population -- as the Arctic sea ice it depends on for survival melts away.

I'm counting on you to make an emergency contribution for the sake of polar bear survival.

Right now, as the Arctic summer sea ice retreats, polar bears will be forced to swim ever greater distances in search of food -- and more are likely to drown. These magnificent Arctic creatures deserve the strongest protection our country can provide -- and your support can help NRDC win it for them.

Thank you for helping us answer the polar bear's S.O.S.

Sincerely,

Frances Beinecke
President
Natural Resources Defense Council

P.S. Please give your most generous emergency gift now -- because NRDC's fight in federal court is the last and best line of defense for the polar bear. We must win a swift victory -- because, otherwise, Alaska's polar bears could be wiped out by 2050!

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Kara DioGuardi of 'American Idol' is an 'Angel for Animals'

A BIG thank you to Kara and PETA for all they do for animals....Angels indeed.

Source: PETA

Kara DioGuardi does it all. She's a singer, a songwriter, a record producer, and a judge on one of TV's hottest shows, American Idol. Now the woman behind the lyrics of some of today's most popular songs is using her voice to speak up for animals.

The multi-talented DioGuardi and her adorable canine companion, Tikki, are starring in PETA's newest "Angel for Animals" ad to help spread the word about the way that dogs and other animals should be treated.

So what exactly do Kara and Tikki want you to know? Well, for starters, they want you to be sensitive to the needs of animals, and not just the ones you share your home with. "Be aware when you see an animal in the street [who's] wounded or one [who] looks lost. Just check its tags, call the owner and just be aware," she says.

And when it comes to your animal companions, make them part of your family. Dogs and cats depend on you to take care of them, which doesn't just mean slapping a bowl of food on the floor in the morning when you run out the door.

They deserve your time and attention every day, so play with them, take them on long walks, always spay and neuter, and never crate them, chain them, or allow them to roam around outside without supervision. Remember that having a dog or cat is a lifelong commitment that should not be taken lightly.

As Kara says, "They're really sweet, precious souls, and they need to be treated accordingly." Find out what else Kara had to say during her photo shoot.

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Michael Vick Released from Prison

Now on to a monster with the soul of the devil himself : Michael Vick.

Source: PETA

Michael Vick was released from prison early this morning after less than two years behind bars and is headed back to Hampton, Virginia, where he'll serve the final two months of his sentence under house arrest.

In January, after a U.S. Department of Agriculture report on Vick's dogfighting activities revealed that Vick had enjoyed placing family pets in the ring with the pit bulls he'd bred, raised, and trained to fight, PETA called on NFL Commissioner Goodell to require that Vick undergo a full psychological evaluation before any decisions were made about the future of his football career.

Until Michael Vick undergoes the rigorous psychiatric tests now available to determine his ability to experience remorse, there's no way to establish whether he will reoffend. Someone who trained dogs to torture and kill one another for sport, who drowned and hanged dogs who wouldn't fight, and who laughed while watching his own family dogs fight for their lives as they were maimed and finally killed does not deserve to be rewarded with a multimillion-dollar contract or be given the privilege to serve as a role model to millions of children. PETA will not take anything off the table when it comes to any team or league that may sign Michael Vick.

In the meantime, PETA has increased our efforts to get other athletes on board to speak out against dogfighting. Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest, mixed martial arts fighter Tito Ortiz and world welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley, who shot an anti-dogfighting ad for PETA this week, have all spoken out against this cruel and illegal blood sport.

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ASPCA Rescues 300 Animals from a "Trusted Sanctuary"

I received this letter from ASPCA. Please help if you can.

Wisconsin Animal Sanctuary Raid: ASPCA Rescues Over 300 Animals!

Animal getting medical attention

On Tuesday morning, May 19, the ASPCA was on hand in Cazenovia, WI, to assist in the raid of an animal sanctuary, the Thyme and Sage Ranch. The ASPCA Forensic Cruelty Investigation and Disaster Response teams, as well as our Mobile Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, are currently working alongside the Richland County Sheriff�s Department to collect evidence and evaluate the animals found at the site.

�We are just starting to scratch the surface of what appears to be a horrendous situation,� says ASPCA Disaster Response Team member Sandy Monterose.

Since 2007, the ranch has held the animal control contract for Richland County, WI, and acted as the county�s animal shelter. The ASPCA became involved in the raid at the request of the Richland County District Attorney and Dane County Humane Society, which began investigating the Thyme and Sage Ranch because of public complaints.

As of now, animals continue to be examined both on the scene and in the ASPCA Mobile CSI Unit.

Unfortunately, our work is far from over. While these animals are finally receiving the care they need and deserve, there are still countless others who need our help. Your support makes it possible for the ASPCA to travel the country and rescue animals from horrendous conditions like these. It is your generosity that allows our experts to assist national and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to build cases against and prosecute animal cruelty offenders.

With your donation today, we can send a message to those who would harm animals: �We will stop you!�'

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Whales in Danger!

I received this letter from NRDC. Please help if you can.

I have important news: our courtroom campaign to protect whales from the Navy's deadly sonar systems is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

At the request of the Bush Administration, the Court has agreed to consider whether the Navy can sidestep key environmental laws during its sonar exercises off the Southern California coast. The case will be heard this fall.

As you know, a federal district judge and a federal appeals court have both sided with NRDC, ruling unanimously that the Navy must put environmental safeguards in place. They also affirmed that no government agency is above the law.

The New York Times recently editorialized in support of our position. (You can read excerpts from that editorial below.)

Tens of thousands of dolphins and whales, including endangered blue whales, could be harmed by Navy sonar off the coast of Southern California if the Bush Administration gets its way.

Despite the fact that common-sense sonar precautions will not compromise our country's military readiness, the Bush Administration will not take NO for an answer.

It won't be thwarted by the fact that federal judges have already rejected these security claims as exaggerated and unfounded.

It won't be swayed by the fact that NATO and the Australian Navy require similar precautions.

Nor will it heed the Navy's own estimates that these drills could disturb or injure nearly 170,000 marine animals -- and cause permanent injury to more than 450 whales.

Thanks to your past support, we've won major courtroom victories in our decades-long campaign to reduce damage from the Navy's dangerous sonar systems. And with your help, we intend to do everything possible to win this momentous Supreme Court battle.

I'll be sure to keep you informed as events unfold in this historic case, which has broad implications beyond the sonar issue, because it raises the fundamental question of whether the military and the White House can unilaterally flout our country's environmental laws.

You know where we stand on that issue. We will mount a vigorous defense aimed at safeguarding whales along America's coastlines and making sure that our environmental laws are not undermined by this or any other Administration.

Thank you for standing with us in this long, uphill fight for our planet's whales.

Sincerely,
Frances donate here.

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Pet Food Product Recalls

Source: FDA

Peanut Corporation of America Provides Further Information Regarding Recalled Products

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has announced that because of its bankruptcy proceedings, it is no longer able to communicate with customers of recalled products.

PCA customers should contact FDA recall coordinators regarding the proper disposition of recalled products.

Note: This list includes pet food subject to recall in the United States since January 2009 related to peanut products distributed by Peanut Corporation of America. This list will be updated as new information is received. The information is current as of the date indicated. Once included, all human and pet food recalls will remain listed. If we learn that any information is not accurate, we will revise the list as soon as possible. When available, this database also includes photos of recalled human and pet food products that have been voluntarily submitted by recalling firms to the FDA to assist the public in identifying those products that are subject to recall.

Pet Food Product Recalls
Aggieville USA, Mountain Grove, MO Alaska Canine Cookies American Health Kennels, Inc. American Nutrition, Inc. Breadfarm Carolina Prime Carolina Prime Pet Farm Style Grreat Choice Happy Tails Healthy Hide Healthy-hide Deli-wrap Hill Country Fare Integrity Mill Creek	Morning Melodies Morning Song Next Gen Pet Products Northwest Royal Premium Royal Wing Salix Scotts Shoppers Valu Springfield Prize Vita Bone Flavors Vita Snacks Western Family Biscuits Western Trade Group, Inc. Yeaster

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Good News from PETA!

Adidas and Other Fashion Industry Leaders Boycott Wool From Mutilated Sheep

Following discussions with PETA, global retail giants Adidas and Perry Ellis International and major European retailer IC Companys have pledged not to use wool from farmers who perform the mulesing mutilation. Mulesing�a cruel attempt to prevent maggot infestations, which could be humanely controlled with other methods - is a gruesome procedure in which gardening shears are used to cut chunks of skin and flesh off lambs' backsides without any painkillers. HUGO BOSS�which has more than 1,000 stores worldwide�has also pledged to be 100 percent mulesed-wool-free in less than two years. With these new pledges, PETA has gained more clout in our campaign to reform the wool industry and improve the lives of the millions of sheep who face mutilation for the sake of a sweater or a pair of socks.

KFC Canada Reaches Historic Agreement With PETA; Pressure Builds on KFC in Other Countries to Adopt Far-Reaching Changes to Reduce Animal Suffering

After months of negotiations, PETA has won a pledge from KFC Canada to phase in the exclusive purchase of chickens from suppliers who use a less cruel slaughter method called controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK). The current method of slaughter used by most KFC suppliers worldwide�during which birds are often maimed and scalded while still conscious�involves electric paralysis and throat-cutting.

PETA has also convinced Popeye's, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Burger King, Safeway, Carl Jr.'s, Hardee's, and other companies to give purchasing preference to CAK suppliers.

There's even an extra bonus for customers: Per our agreement, KFC Canada will provide its customers with a cruelty-free option�saving countless birds�by offering a vegan faux-chicken menu item at the majority of its restaurants!

The agreement with KFC Canada also adds growing pressure to KFC in the U.S. and other countries around the world to adopt similar reforms. To date, PETA has organized more than 12,000 demonstrations at KFC outlets, and our campaign against the companies' worst atrocities will continue until its global parent company, YUM! Brands, agrees to follow its Canadian counterpart.

Major Grocery Chain Harris Teeter Says 'No!' to Ringling Bros.

Large Southeastern grocery chain Harris Teeter confirmed that it will not enter into future partnerships with circuses that use live animals. The announcement followed discussions with PETA about how the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus forces animals to perform confusing, painful and often dangerous tricks by beating the animals with fists, sticks, whips and steel-tipped bullhooks. Other corporations that have dropped their associations with Ringling as a result of PETA pressure include Denny's, MasterCard, Visa, Liz Claiborne and Sears, Roebuck & Co.

Leading Medical School in Taiwan Cancels Cruel Animal Experiments

After PETA provided the National Taiwan University College of Medicine�Taiwan's leading medical school�with information about sophisticated non-animal teaching methods, the school canceled its pharmacology experiments. In the experiments, students were asked to inject the toxic chemical strychnine into mice, watch the animals convulse in agony, and record the animals' times of death. The school also canceled an experiment in which mice were injected with a poison that causes loss of muscular control before they were forced onto a balancing rod. Brain surgeries on living frogs were canceled as well. We are now working on persuading the school to join more than 100 other medical schools that have completely ended the use of animals for undergraduate medical training.

Starz Media Stops Using Live Animals in Ads

As a direct result of PETA pressure, prominent New York-based ad company Starz Media changed its plans to use a live chimpanzee to promote the animated movie Space Chimps. Also, MovieTickets.com�the leader in the online movie-ticket business�has recently ended its use of chimpanzees in advertisements as a result of discussions with PETA.

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News Alert from the ASPCA

Puppy Mill Reform Bill Scores a Victory!
Trying to shake the state�s reputation as the �Puppy Mill Capital of the East,� the Pennsylvania House Agriculture Committee has passed a bill that would make sweeping changes to the dog law. Next stop�a vote by the full PA House of Representatives.

4th of July Safety Tips: Fireworks Are Not a Dog's Best Friend
As the country dons its red, white and blue this Independence Day, please remember that fireworks and festive food and beverages can be unhealthy and downright dangerous for dogs.

ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Love Hurts!
This resourceful kitty proves that a little nudging�okay, a little nibble�can go a long way.

ASPCA Aids Animal Victims of Midwest Flooding
Severe flooding in the Midwest United States has put shelters in crisis mode�but the ASPCA is helping them keep their heads above water and assist local citizens and pets.

Get 'Em While You Can: ASPCA Travel Gear at Wal-Mart!
Starting today, Wal-Marts across the U.S. will feature select items from the ASPCA�s innovative line of pet travel and safety gear. Check to see if we�re in a store near you.

Holding Out for Your Heroes
The ASPCA is putting out a last call for extraordinary animal-loving people and heroic pets for the 2008 ASPCA Humane Awards program. Please nominate your hero�human or furry�before the July 15 deadline.

Equine Lovers, Wild Horse Sanctuary Needs Help
Drought-like conditions and rising costs have created a hay crisis in the West. Return to Freedom, the American wild horse sanctuary in Lompoc, CA, urgently needs your help.

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Please Sign a Petition for Animals In Dickerson Park Zoo

Source: PETA

There's a reason animals in most zoos look so sad. Few zoos can even begin to meet animals' complex needs. Animals in zoos are denied everything that is natural and important to them, and they're confined to enclosures that are infinitely smaller than the open spaces they would inhabit in their real homes in the wild. In 2004, zoologists at Oxford University confirmed what those of us who have paused to consider animals' plights have always known: Animals suffer in captivity. Polar bears, lions, tigers, elephants, cheetahs, and other animals who might roam hundreds of miles if their lives were uninterrupted by humans become neurotic in zoos. Their constant pacing, rocking, and self-mutilation are signs that they are deeply stressed and miserable.

Zoo defenders like to claim that these facilities serve some sort of noble conservation purpose. But the truth is that zoos serve merely to exploit exotic animals to draw visitors to the zoo, which saps funding from genuine preservation and conservation efforts. Zoos only teach people that it's acceptable to confine and deprive animals for the sake of entertainment.

Zoos know that nothing brings in paying visitors faster than newborn animals. But their greed-motivated breeding programs�which often operate under the guise of "species preservation"�lead to the problem of what to do with less crowd-pleasing adult animals. Zoos have solved that by routinely disrupting bonds and loving relationships among adult animals by trading away, lending out, selling off, bartering, and warehousing the animals that they no longer want.

PETA needs your help to expose the disgusting practices that are routine in these animal prisons. It is up to us to make sure that people know the misery that animals suffer in captivity so that people can make informed decisions. By donating online to PETA today, you'll help us put pressure on zoos to become honest sanctuaries or close down. You'll help us educate the ticket-buying public about why people who truly love animals shouldn't patronize zoos.

With your support, PETA will pressure the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to pull its accreditation from zoos that engage in outright cruelty to animals. We recently discovered that the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Mo., has sold or "donated" a giraffe, a kudu, five kangaroos, and two deer to Buddy Jordan�a notorious animal dealer who sells animals to exotic-animal auctions and breeders, unaccredited zoos, and even hunting ranches.

Babies born at the zoo should not end up as trophies on a hunter's wall. By taking action today, you can help us pressure zoos everywhere to provide a safe environment for the animals entrusted to their care. Please take a moment to do the following:

1. Sign the petition to the AZA and demand that it immediately yank the accreditation of the Dickerson Park Zoo for transferring animals to wildlife dealers and ranchers.

2. Help us defend animals forced to endure captivity in zoos by supporting PETA's campaign with a generous online donation today.

Thank you for supporting PETA's efforts to stop animals from being captured or bred for these pitiful prisons.

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A Major Victory in PETA's KFC Campaign

Source: PETA

I have great news! Thanks to the help of PETA's more than 2 million members and supporters, we've just scored a major victory for chickens killed by fast-food chain KFC.

Following more than five years of intense campaigning, numerous undercover investigations, and over 12,000 demonstrations against KFC around the world, I'm happy to announce that KFC Canada will be making sweeping changes to the ways it raises and kills chickens slaughtered for its restaurants.

KFC Canada agreed to this historic new animal welfare plan following seven months of closed-door negotiations with PETA. With today's announcement, the company plans to do the following:

Phase in purchases of 100 percent of its chickens from suppliers that use controlled-atmosphere killing (CAK)�the least cruel form of poultry slaughter ever developed. KFC Canada is the first major restaurant chain to commit to phasing in the exclusive purchasing of chicken meat from CAK slaughterhouses.
Make a vegan faux-chicken item available at the majority of KFC restaurants in Canada.
Improve its animal welfare criteria to reduce the number of broken bones and other injuries suffered by birds.
Urge its suppliers to adopt better practices, including improved lighting, lower stocking density and ammonia levels and a phaseout of growth-promoting drugs and breeding practices that painfully cripple chickens.
Form an animal welfare advisory panel to monitor the changes and recommend further advancements.

However, outside Canada, KFC has yet to stop the worst abuses of chickens. We are now focusing on using this momentum to force KFC�both in the United States and around the world�to meet the new standards set by KFC Canada. By making an urgent donation today, you can help our campaign work to spread these improvements for animals to all of KFC's stores worldwide.

In short, PETA's KFC campaign is far from over. We will continue to pressure KFC to stop the worst abuses of chickens, like scalding birds to death, slitting their throats while they're still conscious and drugging and breeding them to grow so large that they cripple beneath their own weight.

Please write to KFC in the U.S. using its online comment form urging it to make the same changes worldwide that KFC Canada has made. Please also take a moment to e-mail info@priszm.com (KFC Canada's parent company) and thank them for raising the bar on animal welfare.

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Mistreatment of Animals by the Leather Industry - Please Help!

I received this email from PETA and, as always, I am disgusted and heartbroken to hear of the continuing inhumane treatment of animals for human pleasure. Please help if you can.

Source: PETA

You can help animals around the world who are cruelly mistreated by the leather industry by making a special gift to PETA.

We have video footage documenting horrible conditions for cows, pigs, goats, and sheep�and even dogs and cats�in the leather industry. Animals are condemned to deplorable living conditions, deprived of food and water, transported in small cages, and crammed onto trucks. At slaughterhouses, they watch as other animals are skinned�often while still alive�and await the same gruesome fate.

Most leather is produced in developing countries where there are no effective animal protection laws whatsoever. Six years after a PETA investigation into the Indian leather industry prompted the Indian government to promise to improve conditions for animals killed for their skin, we have influenced many major retailers to turn away from Indian leather�yet so very much suffering still occurs. Animals are still grotesquely abused in ways that violate Indian law and all standards of dignity and humanity. We cannot let this continue.

PETA's investigators have seen cows have their throats cut with blunt instruments and be painfully castrated, dehorned, and branded�all without painkillers of any kind. At the end of their miserable lives, these gentle animals are hung upside-down, bled to death, skinned, and dismembered�for example, their hooves are cut off�often while they are still conscious.

But you can take important steps today to reduce this suffering. To start with, please pledge never to buy or wear any more leather products. Believe me, there are great alternatives available. And if you're as serious as I am about stopping the abuses inflicted by the leather industry, please make an online donation to PETA, the one animal rights organization whose influence extends across borders.

PETA is now leading a worldwide campaign to stop animal abuse in the leather industry. But we need your help. We're taking on industry leaders in the United States and overseas, serving as the only advocate for these abused animals. If we are to win significant relief for animals�and we've won countless battles against the factory-farming and fur industries already-we need you by our side.

Please give as generously as you possibly can to PETA today. Your tax-deductible donation is a ray of hope for animals everywhere who are suffering so that people can wear their skins.

Kind regards,

Ingrid E. Newkirk
President

P.S. The leather industry is abusing cows, pigs, sheep, and other wonderful animals and even skinning them alive. But PETA members have saved animals from cruelty before, and with your kind support today, we can do it again. Thank you.

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Don't Give Animals as Christmas Gifts

Christmas is just around the corner and it is also the season for unwanted pets, received as gifts, to get dumped at the local animal shelters. Please don't give live animals as gifts unless you are 100% sure it will be a welcomed gift. While it is cute and amusing to see a small pup or kitten with a bow on it beneath the tree, they grow up to be dogs and cats and the cuteness turns into responsibility. Some families don't have the time, inclination or resources to care for them and it is the animals who will suffer the consequences. While some animals do end up in other homes, others live a sad and lonely life and are then euthanized. There are so many other options for gifts so please, please, please - just DON'T do it!!

On the Other Hand....

If you do know, for a fact, that a pet would be a welcomed gift...please choose an animal from a shelter. There are so many that need a good home. There are dogs and cats of every breed and mix. A mixed-breed animal is just as fine a pet as an AKC bred animal. They are smart and loyal and just want a family to love and be loved in return. Please check your local shelter before shopping a pet store. You will take an unwanted animal with absolutely nothing and give him/her the gift of a warm and happy forever home.

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The NRDC Needs Our Help for Polar Bears

Source NRDC

I received this email from NRDC asking for signatures to help the Polar Bears - Please take a moment to sign. Thank you.

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We're sending this Polar Bear SOS Card to the White House in just a few days -- and we need 15,500 more online signatures.

Can you add your name now? With their future in the Bush Administration's hands, polar bears need every one of us to show our support for their protection.

Help give polar bears the gift of a future on our planet by signing this Holiday SOS Card to President Bush in support of their protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Please add your name to the card right now -- because the polar bear can't wait. Within the next 30 days, the Bush Administration will either throw polar bears a lifeline -- or condemn them to extinction.

Without urgently needed protection, all of Alaska's polar bears could be extinct in less than 50 years -- along with two-thirds of the world's entire polar bear population.

But there is still hope if the Bush Administration takes action now.

That's why we are asking you -- and everyone who cares about polar bears -- to help us add 100,000 signatures to this Polar Bear Holiday SOS Card. When you do, you'll be sending President Bush a message loud and clear during this holiday season: Save Polar Bears Now! It's easy: just add your name and click.

Together, we must create a nationwide show of support for polar bears in the next 30 days -- because a North Pole without polar bears is simply unthinkable.

Sincerely,

Frances Beinecke
President
Natural Resources Defense Council

P.S. Keep in mind that the Bush Administration often saves its worst environmental decisions for the busy holiday season -- hoping the American people won't notice. That's why we're asking you to sign the Holiday SOS Card now. Help put the White House on notice that we're watching -- and expecting a decision in favor of polar bear protection.

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ASPCA's Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Source ASPCA

I received this email from ASPCA and was absolutely thrilled to see this new CSI unit for animals. And as always, please help with a donation if you can: ASPCA. They need our help to continue their fight against animal cruelty.

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I am very proud to share some extremely exciting news with you. As I hope many of you saw this morning on NBC's "Today" show, the ASPCA today unveiled a "forensics first"�the nation�s first-ever "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit."

This is a specially-designed vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools as well as medical equipment tailored to animal patients and the victims of animal crimes. The vehicle will help us to significantly advance the prosecution of animal cruelty in this country, by incorporating the emerging field of veterinary forensics in crime scene investigations�truly bringing the fight against animal cruelty into the 21st century.

View Photos of the Mobile Animal CSI Unit

The mobile forensic vehicle will operate under the leadership of the nation�s premier forensic veterinarian, the ASPCA�s Dr. Melinda Merck, who, as you may know, is the nation�s only "animal CSI," and who most recently assisted Federal authorities in the Michael Vick investigation. The mobile unit, which will be available to assist at crime scenes nationally, will allow Dr. Merck to examine and care for animals found at suspected crime scenes and includes a surgical suite for animals in need of urgent care.

Also today, we announced that the ASPCA will break ground on the nation�s first Anti-Cruelty Institute in New York in 2008. This institute will be dedicated to educating veterinarians and law enforcement officials with specialized training necessary to recognize and respond to animal cruelty. The facility, scheduled to open in 2010, will include a forensic laboratory and veterinary hospital, a treatment center for animals who are victims of cruelty, as well as educational training and other programs.

The Mobile Animal CSI Unit and the Anti-Cruelty Institute are two new milestones in our ongoing fight against animal cruelty. But we could not do it without your support�so thank you, each and every one of you, for everything you do for the animals and the "A."

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Michael Vick Gets a Measly 23 Months

Finally, Michael Vick is sentenced for his horrendous crime and he ends up receiving only 23 months. He could have received up to 5 years but was given only half that. I was very disappointed. I am also a huge NFL fan and was disgusted by the Atlanta Falcons team members showing their support for the admitted animal killer on Monday Night Football. What a shame there are those in our society that support this behavior. I lost a lot of respect for Atlanta and the NFL.

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Animal Cruelty in our Universities

Source: PETA

I received this email from PETA today and was absolutely infuriated that a university in my hometown was on the list of universities being targeted for cruelty to animals. I am a proud native of Colorado and am disgusted by the cruel and painful experimentation being performed on live animals at the University of Colorado at Denver and the others. It may be naive but I did not realize this was going on in my own backyard. Please read the letter and help if you can and your donation will be matched by the estate of a PETA member:

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America's universities are supposed to be centers of learning and enlightenment. So why are there hidden laboratories on nearly every university campus? Inside these labs, scared animals are kept locked up and are killed in painful, archaic, and scientifically valueless experiments.

University experimenters are committing astonishing atrocities to animals. But PETA is uncovering the horrors inside these "off-limits" university laboratories that, apparently, no one else could investigate. Using the evidence we've uncovered, we are pressuring the federal government to penalize the experimenters and to provide oversight.

We are counting on the support of friends like you to keep this incredibly important work going strong. Through our special Stop Animal Testing Challenge, PETA has raised $88,070 to come to the aid of animals trapped in labs and stop cruel experiments. But we need your help to hit our $150,000 challenge goal. With the lives of so many vulnerable animals at stake, I urge you to be as generous as you can afford to be.

Please make a donation online now to help stop universities from using animals in painful experiments. For a limited time, your tax-deductible gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar through a matching grant from the estate of a generous PETA member.

Thanks to supporters like you, PETA recently discovered that three university laboratories were abusing animals in the following ways:

At the University of Colorado at Denver, a whistleblower led PETA to uncover that an experimenter had operated on cats without administering adequate anesthesia. The cats had their backs cut open, and a machine was used to apply pressure to their tiny spinal cords. Remarkably, the experimenters have been killing cats for invasive procedures for more than 15 years, using taxpayer funds through federal research grants.

At the University of Washington (UW), PETA found that experimenters who had bolted metal chambers in monkeys' skulls and inserted wires into their eyes were also conducting unauthorized surgeries. Some monkeys who survived were malnourished and psychologically damaged. Using this evidence, PETA convinced the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to revoke its grant from UW�this is one of the first times that the federal government has done so because of animal welfare violations.

The University of Connecticut has been cited for 20 violations of the Animal Welfare Act and fined more than $5,000 for abusing monkeys in cruel brain experiments as a direct result of PETA complaints. Since 2000, UConn has been cited for more than 200 violations of the law for cruelty to monkeys, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

Universities know that PETA won't rest until we root out and end cruel animal experiments like these. With your support, PETA will be able to work with more whistleblowers and send more investigators into these labs to expose the truth�and see that the perpetrators are held accountable.

If you give online today during this special Stop Animal Testing Challenge, your generous contribution�and your impact�will be doubled. Click here to give your support.

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Check Out This Animal Cruelty Video at PETA

I received an email today from a 15 year old reader named Kacie who was in tears and thoroughly disgusted by the cruelty and torture she saw on a video at PETA. She asked that I share this with anyone who could make a difference. Please check out this video here and if at all possible, please make a donation to PETA to help fight the barbaric treatment of these animals.

Thank you to Kacie for taking the time to send us the link. PETA

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State to File Charges on Vick

The county prosecutor in Virginia where Vick owns the property has plans to present bills of indictment to a grand jury. While he has not described exactly what charges will be pursued, he has stated that most of what he is presenting are what has been previously sworn to by the defendants.

Virginia has a strong animal cruelty stand and one guilty charge could bring a sentence of up to five years in prison. Michael Vick has admitted to killing eight dogs which could bring him a sentence of 40 years, if convicted.

We'll update as more information becomes available

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Ask Wendy's to be Less Cruel to Egg-Laying Hens

The Humane Society of the United States has asked for the help of all animal lovers to help bring an end to the cruel living conditions of the hens that lay eggs for Wendy's use. They are crammed into cages so tiny, they can barely move. This is no acceptable condition for any living creature. Wendy's has been in discussions for months with HSUS but has refused to make any changes. They've gone so far as to refuse mail on the subject even from consumers. The HSUS has asked concerned citizens to call Wendy's and asked them reduce the cruelty to animals.

Just call 1-800-443-7266, ext. 2032 and say: "My name is (your name) and I'm calling to ask Wendy's to start switching to cage-free eggs to reduce cruelty to animals." That's all! Then let HSUS know you called here.

Please also let your friends and family know how they can help, too.

P.S. Learn more about Wendy's feeble defense of battery-cage eggs here.

Don't forget - Call Wendy's at 1-800-443-7266, ext. 2032 and ask for a switch to cage-free eggs, then let us know you called here.

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Animal Rights Groups Want More Jail Time for Vick

Source - The New York Times

When a United States District judge sentences Michael Vick in December, he will be presented with recommendations from the federal government, Vick�s lawyers and the probation office, which serves as an independent adviser to the judge.

After Judge Henry E. Hudson permitted a third-party brief in the case yesterday, he will have at least one more thing to consider: a 31-page document filed by a consortium of animal rights groups that argues Vick should be sentenced to 57 months in jail.

Vick, who starred as the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, agreed last month to plead guilty to a felony charge of conspiracy stemming from a dogfighting kennel being run from a property he owned in Surry, Va. At the time, the federal government said it would advocate a sentence of 12 to 18 months if Vick continued to cooperate with authorities.

But when Vick accepted his plea agreement Aug. 27, Hudson made it clear that he was not bound by the government�s recommendation and that Vick could not appeal his decision. Vick faces up to five years in prison.

The N.F.L., which has suspended Vick indefinitely, has put off making a decision on the length of his suspension until after he is sentenced.

Eleven animal rights groups came together to file a friend of the court brief, which allows an interested party not directly involved in a case to express its views to the court.

Within the brief, the groups advocate for the rights of the �voiceless� dogs and say that if the judge accepts the government�s recommendation, he will not be following the proper sentencing guidelines.

�We usually see these types of briefs filed in high-profile federal appellate cases pertaining to terrorists or those being held at Guantanamo Bay,� Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, said in a phone interview.

�They are certainly not seen too often at the district court level. This is very unusual.�

The brief argues that because Vick funded Bad Newz Kennels and acted as its leader, he should face more time in jail than his co-defendants.

The brief also argues for a stiffer sentence because the dogs should be viewed the same under the sentencing guidelines as human victims.

�Other than child abuse, it is hard to imagine a more vulnerable victim than the dogs who were trapped in the Bad Newz Kennels,� the brief said.

Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., a lawyer for Vick, did not return a telephone message seeking his comment.

What remains to be seen, though, is how seriously Hudson will consider the filing.

�The filing creates an atmosphere in which the defense may be forced to respond to the groups� claims, and in which the probation office will have to take notice,� said Douglas A. Berman, a professor of law at the Ohio State University and an expert on sentencing guidelines.

He added: �It could change the dimension a lot. If the probation office says we know they agreed to 12 to 18, but we are convinced by this brief, the office may argue for 18 to 24 months. This could have a ripple effect.�

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Cat in Stuck in Tree for a Week

Yonkers, NY - After many attempts to lure a frightened cat from a large tree failed, a blast from a high-pressure fire hose did the trick. The cat had ignored everyone who had previously tried to reach the cat with ladders and banged cans of cat food to get it to jump down. Volunteers caught the falling cat with an stretched sheet and as soon as it landed, it ran off into the woods. Neighborhood children found the cat and a fellow neighbor gave him a new home. Another happy ending!

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Firefighters Save Donkey From a Well

Firefighters in Underwood, Minnesota were called to help a donkey that had fallen down an abandoned well and was trapped. They had to dismantle the the well block by block and once the west wall was taken apart, the firefighters put a harness around the donkey and guided it out with a rope.

The donkey, owned by Warren Gundberg, had wandered off his farm and onto the land owned by Bryan Nelson which is where the well was located. Being an animal lover, Nelson was not upset that the well was taken apart and was glad the donkey survived and was doing well. He lost some fur and had some bruises but was otherwise fine.

When taking his donkey home by leash, he said to him "I bet you'll think twice about doing that again. If you would have stayed home you wouldn't be in this trouble."

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Ringling Bros to Stand Trial for Elephant Abuse

Source ASPCA

On August 23, 2007, a federal district court in Washington, D.C., issued a major ruling rejecting the last-ditch attempt of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to avoid trial over charges that the circus abuses its Asian elephants.

The groundbreaking lawsuit, brought by the ASPCA, the Fund for Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Animal Protection Institute and Tom Rider, a former employee of Ringling Bros., alleges that the circus violates the Endangered Species Act by abusively training and disciplining elephants with sharp implements such as bullhooks, by intensively confining and chaining the animals for prolonged periods, and by forcibly separating baby elephants from their mothers.

In its ruling, the court scolded the circus for �wast[ing] a considerable amount of time and resources� of the court and the prosecuting groups by engaging in delay tactics over several years. Furthermore, the court reiterated a previous ruling that the circus has repeatedly violated a court order by withholding critical evidence.

�The ASPCA is delighted with this latest ruling, which paves the way for the real case at hand�whether Ringling Brothers violated the Endangered Species Act in its treatment of the elephants,� states the ASPCA�s Lisa Weisberg, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy. The trial schedule will be determined early next year and the trial itself is expected to begin sometime in 2008.

For more information on the cruelty that goes on in circuses, and what you can do about it, please visit our circus cruelty section at ASPCA.org.

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Michael Vick's Statement

"For most of my life, I've been a football player, not a public speaker, so, you know, I really don't know, you know, how to say what I really want to say. You know, I understand it's..it's important or not important, you know, as far as what you say but how you say things. So, you know, I take this opportunity just to speak from the heart.

First, I want to apologize, you know, for all the things that..that I've done and that I have allowed to happen. I want to personally apologize to Commissioner Goodell, Arthur Blank, Coach Bobby Petrino, my Atlanta Falcons teammates, you know, for our..for our previous discussions that we had. And I was not honest and forthright in our discussions, and, you know, I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself to say the least.

I want to apologize to all the young kids out there for my immature acts and, you know, what I did was..what I did was very immature so that means I need to grow up.

I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding as I move forward to bettering Michael Vick the person, not the football player.

I take full responsibility for my actions. For one second will I sit right here..not for one second will I sit right here and point the finger and try to blame anybody else for my actions or what I've done. I'm totally responsible and those things just didn't have to happen. I feel like we all make mistakes. It's just I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions. And you know, those things, you know, just can't happen.

Dog fighting is a terrible thing and I did reject it.

I'm upset with myself, and, you know, through this situation I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God. And I think that's the right thing to do as of right now.

Like I said, for this..for this entire situation I never pointed the finger at anybody else, I accepted responsibility for my actions of what I did and now I have to pay the consequences for it. But in a sense, I think it will help, you know, me as a person. I got a lot to think about in the next year or so.

I offer my deepest apologies to everybody out in there in the world who was affected by this whole situation. And if I'm more disappointed with myself than anything it's because of all the young people, young kids that I've let down, who look at Michael Vick as a role model. And to have to go through this and put myself in this situation, you know, I hope that every young kid out there in the world watching this interview right now who's been following the case will use me as an example to using better judgment and making better decisions.

Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to.

So I got a lot of down time, a lot of time to think about my actions and what I've done and how to make Michael Vick a better person. Thank you."

End of Michael Vick's Statement

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Everything he said in his statement just rings hollow and superficial. First of all, he refers himself in the third person THREE times which strongly demonstrates what a pretentious fool he is. Nobody refers to themselves in the third person unless they believe themselves to be more than just a mere human. Here's what a psychiatrist from Melbourne says about this syndrome:

"If you live in the public domain," says Melbourne psychologist Joe Bolza, "you are a virtual brand name, a marketing focus. This makes you already larger than your own life. You will read about yourself constantly in the third person, see endless reflections of your own image. Add a certain amount of your own grandiosity and how could you be a mere 'I' or 'me'?"

Secondly, he says what he did was immature. Not cruel, stupid, illegal, horrendous, vicious, not even regrettable. Just immature.

He goes on to say: "Dog fighting is a terrible thing and I did reject it." That's it?? That's all he can say about dogfighting? And then, predictably, he takes a page out of the books that fellow lawbreakers Paris Hilton and others have used. He Found Jesus. Hallelujah, he found Jesus! Don't they all find Jesus when they think it makes them look better in the eyes of the public? Just a typical clich�. I imagine we'll see him walking around carrying a bible or religious books with the titles pointing outward so that others can see what he is carrying. Again, like Paris Hilton.

This guy is not sorry, he's just very sorry he was caught and is being punished. Here's what he had to say to an Atlanta TV station after reports first began circulating about his connection to dogfighting and gambling:

"Everywhere I go, all around the world, people still support Mike Vick. So regardless of what I go through people gonna love me man�� and it's all good. My job is to win football games."

There's that third party reference again. So regardless, huh?? I don't think so...what a loser.

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Let's Hope Jamie Foxx Isn't Really This Stupid!

Jamie Foxx has defended Michael Vick's dogfighting as a 'cultural thing' and giving him the benefit of the doubt. Are you kidding me?? Is he actually trying to say that these horrific, despicable actions by Michael Vick are just a 'black thing'?? What an degrading, idiotic and embarrassing thing to say about your own ethnic group. Here's what he said to Access Hollywood:

"It's a cultural thing...I used to see dogs fighting in the neighborhood all the time... Mike probably just didn't read his handbook on what not to do as a black star. I know that cruelty to animals is bad, but sometimes people shoot people and kill people and don't get time... I give Mike the benefit of the doubt."

I don't know about you but I have definitely seen my last Jamie Foxx movie. I won't support an actor that supports dogfighting, period! And I'm quite sure I won't be alone in this sentiment.

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Links to Vick Documents

We've received a few emails from readers asking us where they can read the Vick indictment and other documents. Here are links to a few of them. Please be aware that some of these documents are in PDF format and, depending on your connection and other factors, may take time to load.

If there are others you would like to read, please let us know and we will post them as soon as possible.

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Ask NFL to Add Cruelty to Animals to its Personal Conduct Policy

Source: PETA

In a letter thanking their supporters for their help with the Michael Vick crimes, they have asked for our help in sending one more letter to the NFL. From their letter:

Now, please, take one more action. PETA is calling on the NFL to add cruelty to animals�in all its forms�to its personal conduct policy. Please e-mail NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to ask him to update the NFL's policy with a statement that animal abuse will not be tolerated.

The best deterrent for players tempted by cowardly and cruel bloodsports is for them to know that their participation would mean professional ruin. If the NFL incorporates a no-tolerance policy for cruelty in its rules, we'll have taken a giant step toward eliminating one of the most vicious "sports" ever by removing the glamour of professional athletes associated with it. So please, e-mail the commissioner and ask your friends and family to do so as well. Right away.

Please send an email today or contact PETA for more information

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NFL Suspends Vick Indefinitely

Vick's careful wording of his guilty plea did not help when it came to the NFL. Roger Goodell suspended him, indefinitely, based on his own admission of guilt in the crimes. He had harsh words for Vick. In the letter he stated:

"Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions."

He also said he would review Vick's case after the legal proceedings are complete.

The owner of the Atlanta Falcons also had harsh words for Vick describing his actions as "incomprehensible and unacceptable." The suspension makes "a strong statement that conduct which tarnishes the good reputation of the NFL will not be tolerated," he said in a statement.

Click here to read Roger Goodell's entire suspension letter to Michael Vick

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53 Pit Bulls on Vick's Property Likely to be Euthanized

The owners of 53 pit bulls have until the end of the day to claim their animals. They were seized in April from the property in Virginia owned by Michael Vick.

Prosecutors have asked for permission to euthanize the animals stating they are a threat to humans and other animals because they have been trained to kill. However, they are still considered evidence in the cases against Vick and others in the indictment so it's unknown when this will happen.

It's highly unlikely that the cowardly owners of the pit bulls will step forward to claim their dogs. And the blood of another 53 animals will be on Michael Vick's hands but at least he won't have the pleasure of killing them himself or watching them kill each other. Poor Michael Vick....another missed opportunity.

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Firefighters Save Six Cats from Burning Home!

Firefighters in Milford, Massachusetts are heroes to the grateful family of a two-story home and to their pets as well. Not only did they extinguish the house fire but also saved the lives of six cats. One of the cats had to be dropped out of a second floor window but fell into the arms of a firefighter. Unfortunately, one of the frightened cats jumped out of the window and ran away but the other five were taken to an animal hospital for oxygen.

Thank you to all our brave firefighters - today and everyday!!

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So Much for Clearing His "Good Name"!

Disgraced NFL Quarterback, Michael Vick, has accepted a plea to plead guilty to federal conspiracy charges involving illegal dogfighting. Apparently, he's no longer interested in clearing his good name. Federal prosecutors have offered to recommend 12-18 months (some reports say 18-36) in prison but it's up to the judge to decide Vick's fate. Unfortunately, with this plea deal, Vick will not be charged with racketeering which could have likely added several years to his sentence, if convicted. It's unknown, at this time, whether the State has agreed to forgo pursuing any further charges or if the NFL has offered any information regarding their plans. Let's hope the judge is particularly hard on this sorry excuse for a human being.

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane and reread Vick's statement to the press, his teammates and the public:

"Today in court I pleaded innocent to the allegations made against me. I take these charges very seriously and I look forward to clearing my good name. I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown. Above all, I would like to say to my mom I am sorry for what she has had to go through in this most trying of times. It's caused pain for my family and I apologize to my family. I also want to apologize to my Falcon teammates for not being with them."

Of course, he also blamed his family and friends earlier for taking advantage of his amazing generosity and trust by running this dogfighting ring on his property (that he never visited) without his knowledge. No wonder they turned on this moron.

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What Our Readers Have to Say About Michael Vick!

We've been getting a large amount of email regarding the Michael Vick indictment. Most have condemned him for his actions while some think he's being unfairly judged. Here are a few examples:

"Michael Vick is a perfect example of why this world needs organizations like PETA and the ASPCA. This man deserves nothing less than to be hanged, electrocuted or beaten to death and I'm a religious person."

"I will never be able to look at the Atlanta Falcons without thinking about this terrible, terrible crime. They need to change their uniforms or something."

"I'm glad you wrote about the other NFL players sticking up for Michael Vick. They are ignorant fools."

"I hope Michael Vick rots in Hell!"

"Michael Vick is no better than a rapist or murderer. I hope they don't cut a deal with him. I want the whole world to hear ALL the gruesome details at trial."

"I'm glad to see the NFL taking a hard stance on this issue. It's about time they make the players be accountable for their actions. They have been too lenient in the past."

"I am not a football fan but I cannot believe this is happening to an NFL quarterback. It seems that quarterbacks have always been the good guys - the ones who help kids, open foundations and work with the underprivileged. This is something that will be very hard to forget."

"As a dog lover, I can only hope there will be some proper justice in this. He deserves so much more punishment than he is most likely to get which is a crying shame. Too bad we can't have an eye for an eye because I'd love to see him hanged just like one of the poor dogs who didn't fight well enough."

And then there are these:

"Why are you treating Vick as a guilty person. He has not had his day in court."

"If this were a white guy like Payton Manning, it wouldn't be such a media circus. It's totally racially motivated."

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Vick Cohorts Plead Guilty and Name Vick!

Purnell Peace, 35 and Quanis Phillips, 28 both plead guilty to dogfighting charges and admitted to killing approximately eight dogs that did not perform well in tests and that Vick actively took part in the executions. They also stated most of the financial backing for their kennel on Vick's property came almost exclusively from Michael Vick and that all accusations in the 18-page indictment were true. In addition, they admitted to traveling with Vick throughout the south to fight their dogs in various states. Now we have to wait to see if Vick accepts a plea deal or if he's still looking forward to "clearing his good name".

From Michael Vick's Statement:

"I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name. I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown."

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Jerry Rice is Pure Class!

Some idiot athletes are coming out in support of their "pal" Michael Vick asking the public to support him until he is found guilty in court - I guess they don't read or worse yet, don't care. (I wonder if they'll change their tune if he agrees to a plea bargain) But Jerry Rice does care and he has quite a different opinion. In a recent interview with Jim Rome on ESPN, he has praised NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell for his strong, no-nonsense approach to discipline. When asked about the Michael Vick situation, he stated that a professional athlete should conduct themselves the right way and if they don't, they should get punished. Of course, it's easy for him to say, he was the epitome of class during his entire career. We need more professional athletes like him. Maybe Donovan McNabb, Warrick Dunn, Deion Sanders, Clinton Portis and Emmitt Smith need to watch this interview, learn a thing or two about decency and class and keep their mouths shut about supporting Michael Vick. Even in a free world, there is just something so wrong with supporting a man that has been indicted for the such cruel and vicious acts as Vick.

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Two More Michael Vick Co-Defendants May Plea Bargain!

Purnell Peace, 35 and Quanis Phillips, 28 are scheduled this week to appear in court for new plea hearings suggesting they may be changing their not-guilty pleas. Peace is scheduled to appear on Thursday, August, 16 and Phillips on Friday, August 17. Tony Taylor, 34 already struck a deal on July 30 and will be a witness for the prosecution. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 14. Vick's trial is still set for November 26 in Richmond Virginia.

It looks like the proverbial rats are leaving the sinking ship. I hope they don't get off too lightly but I am happy they are turning on Vick.

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Educate Your Friends & Family!

It seems many people have an warped sense of how to treat an animal. I always thought my friends and family had good common sense but I was appalled to find out one of my own had dumped her cat. Apparently, she always let her cat wander the streets and didn't see him for days at a time and I guess this was okay with her. She was then planning to move from this area and when she did, she just left the cat. I was just sickened to hear this. I asked her why and she said "he was always gone anyway so I thought it was the best thing to do" or something like that. What she failed to remember, was, although her cat ran for days at a time, he still came home to her eventually. That was his home. So one day, little 'Fluffy' comes home and the only family he's ever known is gone forever and the new tenants probably don't want this "stray" cat. I was mortified. I had no idea she would do something like this but she actually thought it was okay. In all honesty, this behavior was due to the lack of knowledge and not because she was into abusing animals. She thought she was doing the animal a favor because he liked to run and she did not look at this as a form of animal abuse. But it is! Every pet deserves to have a loving home and proper care for their entire lives not just a small part of it. Unfortunately, there are those who will read this and say "So what's the big deal?" Now these are the people we need to educate.

I am now the owner of a little, gray cat that chose to make my house her home because someone like "my friend" left her to fend for herself. She is nearly blind and knew she needed someone to look after her. I'm just glad she found us. It's obvious she was not always a wild cat. She is gentle and sweet and just wanted to be cared for now that she is handicapped. And this little sweetheart makes me think of the poor cat that was left behind by "my friend". I just hope he found someone to love and care for him in his old age.

My point is, you would think that it's common knowledge and sense not to abandon an animal for any reason - but it's NOT! You may have someone in your family or friends circle like "my friend" who needs to be educated on the responsibility of owning pets. Help them to understand it is a lifelong commitment and not just until it's no longer convenient. Talk to them, you just may be able to prevent another animal from suffering a similar fate.

Please remember this:

"Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved"

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Ongoing Cruelty - We Can't Forget About These Poor Animals

Source: IamsCruelty.com

*Here are two reports regarding animal testing for the Iams Company. While, these reports are old, the cruelty continues and until it stops, please don't purchase Iams products. They should not profit from the experimentation on, which is nothing less than systematic torture, of these poor, unfortunate animals.

Iams Undercover Investigation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released an official complaint stating that the contract laboratory investigated by PETA in 2002 and 2003, which was employed by pet-food manufacturer Iams, �has shown a lack of good faith.� The government complaint alleges that the following violations, among others, were documented by government inspectors at the contract laboratory from 2002 to 2005:

Failure to provide pain relief to sheep used in experiments that caused pain or distress
Failure to ensure that personnel were trained to perform experiments on animals
Failure to provide veterinary care and to observe animals daily
Failure to properly ventilate housing facilities for dogs and cats
Failure to house cats with a sufficient number of litterboxes and resting surfaces
Failure to keep animal-housing facilities clean and in good repair, resulting in injuries
Failure to maintain comfortable temperatures in animal-housing facilities
Failure to provide animals with sufficient space

Iams and P&G Cause Animals to Suffer Needlessly

For nearly 10 months in 2002 and early 2003, a PETA investigator went undercover at an Iams contract testing laboratory and discovered a dark and sordid secret beneath the wholesome image of the dog- and cat-food manufacturer: dogs gone crazy from intense confinement to barren steel cages and cement cells, dogs left piled on a filthy paint-chipped floor after having chunks of muscle hacked from their thighs; dogs surgically debarked; horribly sick dogs and cats languishing in their cages, neglected and left to suffer with no veterinary care.

Iams lied to PETA with promises to improve the conditions for animals in its contract laboratories, even assuring us that enrichment programs were already in place, but our undercover investigator saw otherwise. She fought for six months to have a single cheap, rubber toy placed in each cold, lonely kennel. This is Iams� idea of enrichment.

Our video footage shows Iams representatives touring the facility and witnessing dogs� endless circling in barren cells, sweltering in the summer heat. Iams knew the truth yet did nothing to protect the animals.

The dogs and cats in Iams� tests are no different from our dogs and cats at home when it comes to deserving companionship, play, a stimulating environment, and the right not to be tormented in painful experiments.

Luckily, caring consumers know that advances in nutrition don�t have to come at the expense of animals in labs. Help PETA force Iams to end these painful and unnecessary tests, as many compassionate companies have already done.

For more information or to donate, visit IamsCruelty.com

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A Great New Movie: Arctic Tale

A film that is both heartwarming and humorous, it truly brings to life the damage the climate crisis is doing to our animals and our planet. Artic Tale is co-written by Al Gore's Daughter, Kristin and beautifully narrated by Queen Latifah. If you are looking for a film your entire family will enjoy, "Arctic Tale" is sure to please.

About Artic Tale:

Can you imagine spending 15 years in the Arctic documenting the lives of polar bears and walruses as they struggle against their environment and the added challenge of the climate crisis?

That's just what filmmakers Adam Ravetch and Sarah Robertson did and they turned their work into one of the most beautiful films of the year.

"Arctic Tale" follows the story of Seela, a walrus calf and Nanu, a polar bear cub on their journey from birth to parenthood. In addition to the day-to-day challenges they face, global warming has caused the sea ice they call their home to decline by 30% over the past half a century. Polar bears hunt on sea ice and walruses rest on it when they come out of the sea. Without it, their survival in the desolate arctic environment is impossible.

Learn more about the film and find out where it's playing near you by visiting:

http://www.arctictalemovie.com

And for more information on global warming and the climate crisis, visit AlGore.com

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Tell KFC What You Think!

Contact KFC and let them know how you feel about their cruel and barbaric treatment of chickens. Tell the CEO of KFC's parent company YUM! Brands that eating the flesh of a tortured animal is not "yummy" or appetizing but that's exactly what you are doing when you eat at KFC. No one is asking them to quit selling chicken, they are being asked to follow the lead of ethically conscious companies likes Panera Bread and Burger King and adopt a less cruel form of slaughter like CAK. If they can do it, KFC most certainly can! Let them know that animal abuse is not good for their business and they have lost yours. Here is the address to write the CEO of KFC's parent company:

David Novak, CEO

Yum! Brands

1441 Gardiner Lane

Louisville, KY 40213

Or call him at 1-800-225-5532 and ask for David Novak's Office.

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Panera Bread using CAK!

Source PETA

PETA, the largest animal rights organization, recently purchased 60 shares of Richmond Heights-based bakery-cafe chain Panera Bread. PETA is using its position as a stockholder to move the company toward only using chickens and turkeys killed by the less cruel method of slaughter called "controlled-atmosphere killing" (CAK).

Chickens and turkeys killed for Panera are dumped onto conveyors and hung upside-down by their legs in metal shackles--causing broken bones--and their heads are run through an electrified bath that gives them painful shocks without rendering them insensible to pain. They are still conscious when their throats are slit, and many are scalded to death in defeathering tanks.

With CAK, the oxygen that birds breathe is slowly replaced with inert, nonpoisonous gasses--such as argon and nitrogen--putting the birds "to sleep" quickly and painlessly. Studies of CAK conclude that in addition to being the least cruel form of poultry slaughter, it results in economic benefits.

PETA and Panera executives have begun discussing animal welfare, and as a result, Panera has started investigating CAK and urging its poultry suppliers to do the same. Combined with its St. Louis Bread Company stores, Panera operates more than 1,000 locations in 40 states.

As part of its campaign to move the food industry toward implementing CAK, PETA has become a shareholder in nearly 40 companies, including McDonald's, Wendy's, Kroger, Supervalu and Tyson Foods. Recently, Burger King--the second-largest fast-food chain in the world--announced major animal welfare reforms, including giving purchasing preference to suppliers that use CAK.

"Although Panera still has a long way to go, we commend the company for taking steps toward improving conditions in its suppliers' slaughterhouses," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "CAK improves animal welfare, working conditions, and product quality, making it a win for everyone."

For more information on CAK, visit PETA.

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Rawlings Ends Their Relationship with Vick!

Rawlings Sports announced on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 that it is ending its relationship with Michael Vick due to the dogfighting allegations against him.

They said in a statement:

"Rawlings recognizes that Mr. Vick has not been convicted of the charges stemming from his recent indictment. However, we have determined that ending our relationship with Mr. Vick at this time is necessary. Rawlings is disappointed about the charges brought against Mr. Vick for his alleged participation in a dogfighting operation. Dogfighting is illegal and entirely unacceptable to Rawlings."

Let's all support Rawlings for making this important decision!

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Help the NRDC Save Wolves from US Government Slaughter!

Source: NRDC

I received this disturbing email from NRDC this morning. Please read and consider joining the NRDC in their efforts.

The airplanes and helicopters stand ready. The guns are loaded.

And if the Bush Administration gets its way, an airborne assault on hundreds of wolves in the northern Rockies could begin as early as October.

Make no mistake: we can still come to the wolf's rescue. But in this last critical week, we need to immediately ramp up our Internet campaign even further to get more Americans to submit online Citizen Comments -- while the Bush Administration is still required to take public input on its cruel plan for slaughtering wolves.

With your support that's exactly what we're going to do.

Please make an online contribution right now so the NRDC Action Fund can rally hundreds of thousands of Americans against wolf extermination before the crucial August 6 deadline.

We are arming the media with the damning facts of the Bush Administration's cold-blooded plan... organizing key opposition in both Houses of Congress...and reaching out to millions of Americans who haven't yet heard that wolves will soon be caught in a deadly crossfire.

Let's face it: most Americans would be outraged to discover that our own government plans to gun down the greatest living symbol of endangered wildlife.

And they would be horrified to learn that airplanes and helicopters have already been purchased to do the job of mowing down packs of wolves in a matter of minutes.

But most Americans won't know any of this unless we get them the facts...and empower them with an easy way to register their opposition on the Internet in a matter of seconds.

Your gift will help us build a tidal wave of protest against the Bush Administration's wolf-killing plan -- and greatly increase the odds that the "Open Fire" order will NOT be given come this October.

Please help give wolves a reprieve by making an online contribution right now.

With one final week left, we need to harness the immediacy and power of the Internet to mobilize America in defense of wolves. It's their last, best hope for survival.

For more information on this and any other NRDC issue, please visit their website NRDC. To make a donation to the NRDC, please click here

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Support Celebrity Activists!

I've actually received several emails complaining that celebrities are only becoming activists for publicity and we shouldn't give them any recognition for it. Okay, I admit there may be some who do, but you know what? WHO CARES - AS LONG AS THEY DO IT - WHO CARES??

If they protest animal cruelty because they get off seeing their names in the papers, I couldn't care less. The end result is the same - it may raise awareness or badly needed funds for programs. If seeing Pamela Anderson protesting the horrible treatment of chickens by KFC farms will educate some teenager in heat, then I hope they print her name in every paper in the USA. I hope it gets her a hundred paying jobs. At least it's publicity for something more important than moronic celebrities driving drunk, doing drugs, getting divorced, who they're dating or shaving off their hair in public.

That being said, I do want to state, emphatically, that I believe Pamela Anderson to be VERY serious about her work with animals and I am merely using her name as an example.

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Think Twice Before Going to the Circus!

Do you take your family to the circus? If you do, you need to be aware of some the hideous animal cruelty that goes on behind the scenes. If you've ever marveled at a majestic elephant on a little stool with his legs in the air or seeing a chimp do aerial flips in the air or even tigers doing tricks in a cage then there is something you need to think about:

Do you honestly believe these animals are performing those demeaning tricks because they want to?? Of course not - they know what will happen if they don't and they may be beaten into submission, caged or starved until they do. Ringling Brothers employees tell of systematic abuse and horrific beatings of their animals. There are many pictures and videos out there of the circus animals' brutal treatment. You can see some of them at The Humane Society or PETA. Check them out - I sincerely hope you will NEVER want to see these poor, tortured animals perform again. Your ticket purchase sponsors more animal suffering.

Please write to, fax or email Ringling Brothers and express your disgust at their continued abuse of animals at the following:

Feld Entertainment

8607 Westwood Court Dr.,

Vienna, VA 22182

Email: information@feldinc.com

Fax: (703) 448-4100

If there is a circus coming to your town, please write to your local newspaper, TV station or radio station and let them know of the behind-the-scenes abuse. Many circus goers are unaware of this issue and the best way to get the word out there is the mass media. We need to let friends and parents know what is going on. This is not the way for children to learn about animals.

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Nike Suspends Vick's Contract!

07/28/07

Source PETA

Following PETA protests outside Niketown stores and countless calls and emails to the company asking that they cut ties with Michael Vick in light of horrific allegations of his involvement with dogfighting rings, Nike has released the following statement:

"Nike has suspended Michael Vick's contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike-owned retail at this time."

As a result, we have called off our planned protests outside Nike stores around the country. Thanks to everyone who wrote to the company about this issue or attended the demonstrations, and thanks to Nike for doing the right thing by ending its association with someone accused of torture.

Reebok has also made the decision to stop sales of Michael Vick apparel, stating:

"While we respect the legal process we find the allegations against Mr. Vick too disturbing to ignore, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail and online through the Reebok website."

This is great news for anyone who is concerned about cruelty to animals, and we hope that it sends a strong message to the NFL that they need to do the same thing and suspend Michael Vick immediately, pending the outcome of this case. To send a message to the NFL asking them to get on with that, please click here.

Help us continue the fight against dogfighters and other animal abusers by making a tax-deductible donation today. Please make a donation to PETA today

Together, we can make sure dogfighters and other animal abusers know that their cruelty will no longer be tolerated.

For more information on the Michael Vick case and others, visit their website: PETA

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Michael Vick Update from PETA

07/26/07

Source PETA

As you read this, PETA protesters are converging on the U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va., to call for vigorous prosecution of Michael Vick and three other defendants who are being arraigned on dogfighting charges. We want all those accused of dogfighting to be prosecuted vigorously, and we demand justice for all victims of dogfights.

We want Vick and his codefendants�if they are convicted�to be punished to the fullest extent allowed by law. Dogfighting is a coward's "blood sport" that deserves harsh punishment�no matter how famous the alleged perpetrators are.

On Monday, July 30, PETA will hold demonstrations in front of every Niketown store from New York to Los Angeles to call on Nike�which employs Vick as a promotional spokesperson�to sack him.

Already, the pressure is working. Both the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons have taken important "first steps" to discipline Vick by keeping him away from the Falcons' training camp pending their own investigation of the case. In my view, this is the beginning of the end for Vick's career.

We need your help today to make sure the cruelty of dogfighting and companion animal abuse does not fade away from anyone's sight - not that of the public, the media, the prosecutors and judges who try and sentence animal abusers or the NFL or major corporations like Nike that continue to compensate someone indicted for heinous charges of dogfighting.

PETA has responded to more than 14,000 calls and e-mails regarding other dogfighting cases and individual cruelty-to-animals cases in the last year alone. Our cruelty caseworkers work tirelessly to see that those responsible for violence against dogs, cats, and other animals are charged, prosecuted, and, whenever possible, barred from ever owning or harboring animals again.

We urgently need you to do the following:

Tell Nike to end its association with Michael Vick today. While Nike has pulled Vick's merchandise from its Web site, the company told PETA that it will continue to sell Vick items.

Help us continue the fight against dogfighters and other animal abusers by making a tax-deductible donation today. Please make a donation to PETA today

Together, we can make sure dogfighters and other animal abusers know that their cruelty will no longer be tolerated.

For more information on the Michael Vick case and others, visit their website: PETA

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Help Stop the Senseless Slaughter of Baby Seals

Source Protect Seals

We received a letter in the mail from the Protect Seals organization for concerned citizens to send letters to the "Powers That Be" in Canada asking them to stop the horrific slaughter of baby seals. Please take a moment and send letters out as well. It's very important they see just how many people are horrified by this activity. Here is the information given to us to send out. You can use the same body of the letter to all three with different headings.

Dear _______________,

The Canadian government must put an end to its support of the cruel and brutal slaughter of hundreds of thousands of baby seals each year. The government must end its subsidizing of the murderous fur "harvesting" industry at once.

Beating a baby seal over the head is not humane, as the government calls it....it is cruel. And the world is watching horror as your government continues to support it.

Until this mass slaughter stops, I will boycott Canadian seafood and will not go to Canada on vacation. And I will ask all my friends, family and co-workers to do the same. We cannot support a government that supports the brutal slaughter of defenseless seals for their fur.

Please help end this atrocious hunt now.

Sincerely,

Name

City & State

******

Send to:

The Right Hon. Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

435-S, Centre Block

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario KIA 0A6

Canada

Dear Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:

******

The Hon. David Emerson

Minister of International Trade

House of Commons

307 Confederation Building

Ottawa, Ontario KIA 0A6

Canada

Dear Hon. David Emerson, Minister of International Trade:

******

The Hon. Michael Wilson

Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.A.

501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Dear Hon. Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.A.,

Embassy of Canada

******

Please be aware that postage for a letter from US to Canada is 69 cents.

If you would like to donate to the Humane Society Protect Seals program, you can go to their donation page here: Donate to Protect Seals

To contact The HSUS about their ProtectSeals campaign, email them at protect-seals@hsus.org or call 1-800-536-8173

Please continue to boycott Canadian products and send letters every year until they stop condoning and allowing this gruesome annual event. Thank you for your consideration.

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ASPCA to Assist with the Federal Investigation of Michael Vick

I just received an email from the ASPCA announcing that they are currently assisting in the federal investigation against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three other individuals, who were indicted on July 17 by a federal grand jury in a Virginia dog fighting venture.

At this time, they cannot offer any additional details in order to protect the integrity of this investigation and the ongoing criminal process.

They have also posted new educational materials on animal cruelty at www.aspca.org/cruelty. They'll be regularly updating this section, so bookmark it and visit often. You will find a wealth of information here on animal cruelty, as well as a look at the reprehensible world of dog fighting.

For more information, visit the ASPCA

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Help PETA Stop the Barbaric Abuse of Sheep

Source PETA:

Most people imagine that sheep live happy lives and roam free until they are carefully sheared.

A long-term pattern of animal abuse pervades the Australian wool industry, which is the largest in the world. Sheep, like animals raised for food and fur in factory farms, are treated like machines so that people can buy wool goods and corporations can make a profit.

What the Australian Wool Industry Doesn't Want You to Know

Our campaign calls for an end to the dirty secrets�and cruelest practices�of the Australian wool industry, including the following:

Mulesing is a practice in which huge chunks of skin and flesh are cut from lambs' backsides�without any painkillers. This is done to cause smooth, scarred skin that can't harbor fly eggs. However, the exposed, bloody wounds often fall victim to flystrike before they can heal.

Live transport refers to the transport of tens of thousands of sheep who are no longer profitable to the wool industry. They are sent on weeks-long voyages on open-decked ships to Middle Eastern countries, where animal welfare standards are non-existent. Sheep are often dragged off ships by their ears and legs in order to have their throats slit while they are still conscious.

The horrors do not stop there. Won't you join PETA in their campaign to stop these horrific practices against lambs and sheep?

Thanks to PETA's efforts, top retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Liz Claiborne and Limited Brands have moved away from Australian wool in favor of wool from countries that do not mutilate or live-export sheep.

What has been the Australian wool industry's response to PETA's campaign? A two-year, multimillion-dollar lawsuit that aimed to silence our lifesaving campaign for sheep. But because of the generous support of the public, they have just won this round and the lawsuit has been dropped.

Their battle, however, is far from over. They must continue to put pressure on the wool industry and leading retailers to stop the mulesing mutilations of baby lambs as well as the export of these animals on "death ships."

Sheep are gentle individuals who�like all animals�feel pain, fear, and distress. Yet lambs and sheep in Australia endure some of the worst cruelty of any animals on the planet. Won't you please help PETA stop these cruel practices with your support today?

For more information on how you can help with this or any other important, please visit PETA today!

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The Equine Rescue League Needs Help for Physical Move!

From the Equine Rescue League:

URGENT!!!!!
The ERL MUST move from its current location by September 22, 2007! For more information, please
read our PRESS RELEASE.

*****************

We are planning an auction to help raise funds
for a new ERL shelter. if you have items or ideas
for auction items, please email our webmaster!
Please spread the word about the auction!!
THANK YOU!!!!

Shop at the
new ERL store

The Equine Rescue League (ERL) is a non-profit organization that supports the responsible use of working, sport, and pleasure horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Our goals are to prevent the neglect or abuse of any equine, to offer educational programs to the community, and to provide shelter, rehabilitation and adoption for those animals in need of our services.

Willie - click for more info or to purchase 20% of purchase price goes to the ERL!
More info on our News page.

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The ERL was created and continues to exists thanks to its many volunteers and donations. Thank you! We wouldn't be here without you!

The best way to understand what we do, is to read the stories of horses we've been able to help! Also, don't forget to check out the horses currently available for adoption!

If you have questions or concerns of an urgent nature, please phone the office at (703) 771-1240.

Shame on you, Premarin & Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories!!

The perfect example of the life all horses have the right to lead! I recently received a letter from Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue, Inc seeking donations to aid in the fight to end Urine Farm Torture of mares and to help fund the rescue and care of these poor, unfortunate creatures. Apparently, in order to sell urine to the makers of Premarin, some farms are forcing pregnant mares to stand day and night in tiny stalls for months at a time with a bag attached so that their urine can be collected for the drug industry to make Premarin (PREgnant MARes urINe). They are bred over and over again on the production line to maximize urine output and the mares' beautiful little foals are then sold to the slaughterhouse. This is unbelievably cruel. Please help if you can by contacting:

Castleton Ranch Horse Rescue

PO Box 9595

Lancaster, CA 93539-9595

Or contact Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and let them know you are outraged by this cruel and irresponsible method of obtaining urine to make Premarin.

    Wyeth
    5 Giralda Farms
    Madison, NJ 07940

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Michael Vick Indicted for Dog Fighting

A letter from the Human Society:

On July 17, 2007, a federal grand jury indicted NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and three cohorts on felony dogfighting charges. It�s the latest disturbing news in a case that The Humane Society of the United States has assisted with since the alleged cruelties came to light in Virginia last April.

I hope you will take action today to urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick indefinitely.

The abuses described in the 19-page indictment are almost beyond belief:

In or about March of 2003, PEACE [one of Vick�s co-defendants], after consulting with VICK about the losing female pit bull's condition, executed the losing dog by wetting the dog down with water and electrocuting the animal.

In or about April 2007, PEACE, PHILLIPS, and VICK executed approximately 8 dogs that did not perform well in "testing" sessions...by various methods, including hanging, drowning, and slamming at least one dog's body to the ground."

The NFL expressed �disappointment� and said yesterday that �we believe that all concerned should allow the legal process to determine the facts.�

Well, that�s just not good enough. These acts were not petty or harmless; they were nothing short of gruesome and barbaric. And there is precedent for a suspension: Other NFL players, such as Pacman Jones and Chris Henry, have been suspended while they awaited trial and before they were convicted. Please contact the NFL today and urge the league to suspend Michael Vick.

For details about the case and The HSUS�s role in assisting federal prosecutors with the investigation and the care of 52 pit bulls taken from Vick�s property, click here. And if you are able, please make a special donation today to help us care for those animals while the case is being pursued by federal authorities.

NFL Public Relations at (212) 450-2000 and ask the NFL to suspend Michael Vick immediately. Then send a follow-up email.

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