tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39009358994347354012024-03-13T09:46:47.826-04:00A Voice 4 AnimalsMichael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-67577569094404194542014-08-03T20:09:00.002-04:002014-08-03T20:09:44.696-04:00Giraffe dies after its head slams into highway bridge in South Africa<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A poor giraffe in South Africa was killed Thursday in a freak accident on a busy highway that was witnessed by several Twitter users.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two of the tall, graceful animals were being hauled in an open carriage when the truck pulling it drove under a bridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One died after its head slammed into the overpass.</span></div>
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<b style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">I would love to know what the driver was thinking when he was approaching that over-pass. It amazes me how people who use animals as commodities, with absolutely no regard for their well being. Just unbelievable.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Full story here: </span><br />
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<br />Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-33131237620351568862012-12-25T12:37:00.004-05:002012-12-25T12:37:32.421-05:00Antifreeze and Engine Coolant Being Bittered Nationwide<table cellpadding="5" style="width: 550px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span align="left" style="color: #333366; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Industry agrees to voluntarily take steps to protect pets, wildlife and children</span></span><strong><span align="left" style="color: #333366; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><br /></span></strong></span></td></tr>
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WASHINGTON (Dec. 13, 2012) --The Humane Society Legislative Fund and Consumer Specialty Products Association jointly announce an agreement to voluntarily add a bitter flavoring agent to antifreeze and engine coolant manufactured for sale for the consumer market in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid. Poisoning occurs because animals are attracted to the sweetness of antifreeze and engine coolant, which inadvertently spills in our driveways or is left in open containers in garages.</div>
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<tr><td><span style="font-size: small;"><span align="left" style="color: #333366; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><a href="http://www.hslf.org/press-releases/antifreeze-bittered-nationwide.html" target="_blank">Continue to the full story HERE</a></span></span></td></tr>
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Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-85687363390146014462012-11-10T11:07:00.002-05:002012-11-10T11:08:41.428-05:00Rescue: Over 130 Neglected Birds from Hoarding Case <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai6W_Gb_7ms/UJ57gclooJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/vY_2ohQBbpw/s1600/Warwarsing-Rescue-1614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai6W_Gb_7ms/UJ57gclooJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/vY_2ohQBbpw/s400/Warwarsing-Rescue-1614.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The site had lots of birds -- chickens, ducks, geese, even some turkeys living in tight quarters.</td></tr>
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Almost a year after <a href="http://www.woodstocksanctuary.org/" target="_blank">Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's</a> initial efforts to rescue over 160 ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens that were living with a hoarder in appalling conditions, they were finally able to bring them to safety. They are now enjoying sunshine on their feathers, water to swim in, clean bedding, warmth, grass under their feet and room to roam for the very first time. Initially, they tried working with their owner towards an amicable surrender, pleading with her to consider the quality of life for the birds and used many of our own resources to help provide a cleaner environment for them. The hoarder’s initial intentions were good and her love for the animals apparent, but she neglected to see how their overcrowding, over-breeding, lack of shelter and space and filthy conditions were hurting them. She also continued to buy chicks and ducklings online and mail ordered to her.<br />
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Please click the link below to see the entire story and to view a wonderful video of the ducks taking their first swim!!!<br />
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<a href="http://woodstocksanctuary.org/2012/09/large-bird-hoarding-case-resolved/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://woodstocksanctuary.org/2012/09/large-bird-hoarding-case-resolved/</span></a>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-88244028955685325552012-08-07T15:45:00.000-04:002012-08-07T15:46:03.521-04:00Jenny Browns' Book Release - The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Jenny Brown, founder of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, has released a book entitled "The Lucky Ones: My Passionate Fight for Farm Animals". I will be attending the book launch party tonight in NYC, and I will be giving away an autographed copy of the book to one of my blog and podcast subscribers. If you would like a chance to win an autographed copy of this book, please email me your name and email address to </span></strong><a href="mailto:AVoice4Animals@AOL.COM"><strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">AVoice4Animals@AOL.COM</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"> Please enter JENNY BROWN CONTEST in the subject line of the email........Deadline for submitting your name is Sunday, August 12th @ 12P.M. One name will be picked at random for the prize. Winner will be notified on Monday August 13th.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">The book is also available at all major retailers.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Please check out the book description below.</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-AD4hab5Xc/UCFswzKwy2I/AAAAAAAAAa8/dd7HKSNcphk/s1600/THE+LUCKY+ONES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" kda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-AD4hab5Xc/UCFswzKwy2I/AAAAAAAAAa8/dd7HKSNcphk/s640/THE+LUCKY+ONES.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Jenny Brown was just ten years old when she lost a leg to bone cancer. Throughout the ordeal, her constant companion was a cat named Boogie. Years later, she would make the connection between her feline friend and the farm animals she ate, acknowledging that most of America’s domesticated animals live on industrialized farms, and are viewed as mere production units. Raised in a conservative Southern Baptist family in Kentucky, Brown had been taught to avoid asking questions. But she found her calling and the courage to speak out. She left a flourishing career as a film and television producer after going undercover and exposing horrific animal abuse in Texas stockyards.<br /><br />Bringing to life this exhilarating transformation, <i>The Lucky Ones </i>introduces readers to Brown’s crowning achievement, the renowned Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary she established with her husband in 2004. With a cast of unforgettable survivors, including a fugitive slaughterhouse cow named Kayli; Albie, the three-legged goat; and Quincy, an Easter duckling found abandoned in New York City, <i>The Lucky Ones </i>reveals shocking statistics about the prevalence of animal abuse throughout America’s agribusinesses. Blending wry humor with unflinching honesty, Brown brings a compelling new voice to the healthy-living movement—and to the vulnerable, voiceless creatures among us.</h2>
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</div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-12525372353166341692012-06-17T17:13:00.000-04:002012-06-17T17:13:38.496-04:00Hudson Valley Vegans - Meet Up Dinner at Aladdin Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I belong to a <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Hudson-Valley-Vegans/" target="_blank">Meet-Up</a> group called <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Hudson-Valley-Vegans/" target="_blank">Hudson Valley Vegans</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We recently got together and had a delicious dinner at <a href="http://www.aladdincafenewyork.com/index.html" target="_blank">Aladdin Café</a>, in Hopewell Junction, <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New York</place></state>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, they are not a vegan restaurant, however, they prepared an ALL-VEGAN buffet for our group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ambiance was very authentic Middle Eastern and I got that “very cozy” feeling when we were seated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wait staff, consisting of Mills, and several other young ladies, was extremely nice, very knowledgeable about the menu and accommodating to our needs, and the food was served at a very good pace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our menu for the evening consisted of:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Falafel with Tahini Sauce and side cucumber & tomato salad</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tabbouleh Salad</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taziki dill sauce – Arabian</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pita Bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hummus</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fattoush (Tomatoes, mint, lemon, cucumbers)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mint Tea</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Dinner:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kepsaa – Basmati rice with tomato sauce, almonds, raisins, peas and carrots</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">M’ jedarah – Lentils, rice, onion with tahini sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baklava – Filo dough with ground walnuts, spices, pistachio and syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ghrieben (Arabian butter cookies) with pistachio nuts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a very nice evening and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who may like fine Middle Eastern cuisine.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Members of Hudson Valley Vegans enjoying the food and company.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Appetizers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kepsaa - This was my favorite dish!</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-29959593064060956012012-05-17T20:15:00.001-04:002012-05-17T20:15:40.347-04:00The Humane Society of the United States Offers Reward in New York Python Neglect(May 17, 2012)—The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for releasing a python in Hyde Park, New York.<br />
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<strong>The Case:</strong> <em>News reports give the following account: </em>On May 8, 2012 a police officer captured a 5 1/2-foot Burmese python in a pizzeria parking lot on Route 9G in Hyde Park. The snake was brought to the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty before being transported to the Bronx Zoo. The neglected snake, which the DCSPCA named ‘SAL,’ was described as hungry, covered in mites, suffering the adverse effects of the cold temperatures and may have a skin condition or abrasions. Pythons exposed to cold temperatures can die or develop illnesses such as respiratory infections or mouth rot. Mites can cause anemia and spread diseases. The snake’s former owner could be prosecuted for animal cruelty and for illegally possessing a python.<br />
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“This abandoned snake could have suffered a miserable death from the cold weather, been run over by a car, or seriously injured a child,” said Patrick Kwan, New York state director for The HSUS. “This poor snake suffered horribly as a result of being turned loose or escaping from a poorly secured cage, and we are hopeful that our reward brings forward anyone with information. This incident, and hundreds like it, illustrates the urgent need for Congress to pass H.R. 511, which would stop the import and interstate commerce of deadly giant constrictor snakes for the pet trade.”<br />
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“The staff of the Dutchess County SPCA is happy that ‘SAL’, the Burmese Python, was spared additional suffering, and now has a good home,” stated Joyce Garrity, the DCSPCA’s executive director. “We are all very grateful to The Humane Society of the United States for their generous offer of a reward to help us locate the person responsible for releasing the python. We are confident that someone will come forward with information as a result of the involvement of HSUS.”<br />
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Authorities are finding released or escaped pet pythons, boa constrictors, and anacondas all over the country, including several other cases in New York. Reptile dealers commonly peddle these high-maintenance and dangerous predators to unqualified people at flea markets and over the Internet. In 1996, a Bronx teenager was strangled to death by his 13-foot, 44-pound pet Burmese python. The HSUS recommends that people stick with traditional companion animals, such as cats and dogs, and avoid contributing to the cruel trade in exotic animals.<br />
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<em><b>The Investigators: </b></em>Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the DCSPCA Humane Law Department at 845-452-7722 extension 4.<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-64130778735000759192012-04-29T07:46:00.000-04:002012-04-29T07:46:32.562-04:00Disabled Border Collie ‘Wakes Up Happy Every Day’ - By Robert F. Bukaty<br />
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PORTLAND, Maine — When Stephanie Fox went to see the puppy almost three years ago at New England Border Collie Rescue, she knew the breed didn’t always make the best pet. As an experienced owner of other border collies, she was well aware of their need for constant work and attention. So how much more of a challenge would it be if she adopted one with deformed front legs?<br />
“The only difference between Roosevelt and other dogs is that instead of a collar I snap on his wheels to take him out,” she said.<br />
“People think he should have been put down because they think he’s suffering,” she said. “But he wakes up happy every day. If you had a child with a disability you’d try to enrich them, give them opportunities. So why not do the same with a dog?”<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">More pictures of Roosevelt here:</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://bangordailynews.com/slideshow/disabled-border-collie-wakes-up-happy-every-day/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://bangordailynews.com/slideshow/disabled-border-collie-wakes-up-happy-every-day/</span></strong></a><br />
<!-- end entry -->Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-16756968659993147602012-04-08T16:32:00.001-04:002012-04-15T17:43:51.827-04:0010 Reasons to Go Vegan - M Butterflies Katz<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">I am proud to be friends with M Butterflies Katz since 2010 and I must say she is one INSPIRING woman! She has been vegan for 33 years! Through her writings she has helped open my eyes to many things about animals and veganism. Please take a few minutes to read her current post and check out her blog. Thanks!</span> </strong><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">10 REASONS TO GO VEGAN</span><br />
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1.) Because you really don’t want to fund the exploitation of animals; of a different face, that suffer; much like us. Because you’re a decent, reasonable and fair person and you want to show basic respect to other aware animals, by not paying someone to use and kill them on your behalf.<br /><br />2.) Because you want to extend and expand your sense of empathy for others and therefore don’t want to be part of the demand for death. You no longer want to take part in stealing the breath of life from innocent, intelligent and magnificent animals; who come into this world with the birth-right not to be harmed and hurt by humans (who have no physical requirement to do so). You want to honor their inherent rights – just as you want that respect shown to you.<br /><br />3.) Because you don’t want to participate in the system that commodifies the lives of breathing, feeling, conscious and communicative animals. Animal exploitation wrongly and deceitfully turns ‘a someone’ into ‘a something’ – thereby hardening the heart of humanity.<br /><br />4.) Because you DO believe that oppression, enslavement, rape, assault, kidnapping and murder are wrong – no matter who the victim is; and an animal is a ‘who’ not a ‘what’. Remember the old “person”, “place” or “thing”…well animals are not things, and not places. That makes them persons.<br /><br />5.) Because you want ‘Peace on Earth’ and hope we can curb the rampant violence plaguing our planet, and now see that most of humanity sustains themselves from a diet and lifestyle that is inherently violent towards other animals. The world’s people adopting vegan living would bring about a whole new world…a peaceful, non-violent world where all sentient beings would have no reason to live in fear. A world where slaughterhouses are a thing of the past, and commercial feedlots that so resemble Nazi concentration camps, cease to be, and macho men roping baby calves at rodeo’s is just a nightmare that we woke up from - they have no place in this new world; a more civilized world that was not literally built upon slavery and exploitation.<br /><br />6.) Because you realize that the violence and suffering inflicted on other animals by humans is so unnecessary, and what kind of person would want to cause unnecessary harm to someone else? Humans have obviously evolved to be able to thrive off the plant kingdom as evidenced by many long-time vegans. Vegan pioneers are happy and healthy, but deeply disturbed about the animal’s plight and lack of awareness shown by people to the healing of our shared planet and the other species that we share it with. Species extinction is happening at such an inconceivable rate that it appears to be a “wake-up call” that humans must put an end to animal agriculture; the most significant culprit in humans creating greenhouse gas emissions. We need to stop breeding and using animals. The human race needs to finally grow into their name and become a ‘humane’ race; a vegan humanity.<br /><br />7.) Because you want to become a part of the solution; not a part of the problem of what ails our planet. You want to join a great social justice movement that gives your life real purpose. You want to help steer the course from the direction our planet is heading. You want to help usher in a vegan world because it’s a hope for restoring balance to the planet and quite possibly what is needed for the very survival of Earth and its inhabitants. Animal agriculture is killing the planet. Harming other animals is killing the heart of human-not-so-kind. Many noted great minds of history believed that the masses adopting a vegetarian diet would lead to a more peaceful society; because of its effect on human temperament. Becoming vegan is the first step to realizing a sustainable and better world for all.<br /><br />8.) Surprisingly, I‘m not going to say for your own health, though that would be true if we were talking about being an herbivore, pure vegetarian, dietary vegan, plant-based eater and then a subcategory of that could be a raw-foodist, but we’re talking about 'veganism' or 'becoming vegan'. Because vegans choose to live ethically towards other animals as far as practically possible, they are not consuming rotting corpses, and not consuming bodily secretions from other species that is not suited to ours, resulting in most vegans enjoying improved health. It’s a reward of righteous living. There’s no health guarantees, but vegans have less risk of heart disease, many forms of cancer, obesity, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and the list goes on. Vegans are concerned about the health of other animals, not just their own.<br /><br />9.) Because you want to feel the great pleasure of walking this Earth knowing you're vegan. Many pre-vegans or non-vegans call living vegan “a choice". I don’t really see the choice here? Do you? Becoming vegan is an ethical imperative for all humans, from my point-of-view, and now hopefully also from yours.<br /><br />10.) And finally, because, when Washoe; the chimpanzee (who was wrongfully enslaved) was taught American sign language, the first thing she said when she could form a sentence of her own thoughts was <b>“Let me Out!”</b> Other animals don’t need to speak the same language as us; any more than a foreigner does, for vegans to understand that they hold basic ‘rights’, for example: not to be owned, sexually assaulted, or harmed by humans.<br />
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<a href="http://thevegantruth.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://thevegantruth.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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About M Butterflies Katz<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">My life serves as living proof that we can live vegan. I've been vegan for 33 years. Co-author: Incredibly Delicious; Recipes for a New Paradigm by Gentle World -(gentleworld.org) I used to have a column in The Vegan Voice Magazine until they closed. My essays have been widely published throughout the years.~~Innovator of feeding dogs vegan, vegan chef, veganic gardener, vegansexual, ushering in a new world where no animal is enslaved, owned, commodified, exploited, oppressed, sexually-assaulted, and/or killed by humans. I advocate for non-speciesism and believe that living vegan is a moral imperative for all humans. Like us, other animals are aware and conscious, they feel both pleasure and pain. For 40 years it has remained an enigma that people choose to be a part of inflicting misery on other animals, needlessly. After 33 years of living vegan, I know for sure that there is NO NEED for humans to eat, wear, use animals, therefore it's unjust. Websites: veganpoet.com - veganexchange.org, thevegantruth.blogspot.com ~ M Butterflies Katz/Facebook</span>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-33891721384170076132012-02-25T21:54:00.001-05:002012-02-25T21:54:26.443-05:00The "Disconnect"<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">The disconnect people have when it comes to animals we call "pets" and animals we call "food" couldn't be more clear than with this illustration. The time has come for all of us to practice what we preach. If we say we love animals, we need to be vegan.</span></span></h6>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span> </h6>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-47846036371507844492012-02-16T18:57:00.001-05:002012-02-16T19:16:38.684-05:00William C. Oden Memorial Fundraiser to Benefit Dutchess County SPCA<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZDvmojVc4/Tz2VaE1K1sI/AAAAAAAAAXw/9w6t2xhM8VE/s1600/1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZDvmojVc4/Tz2VaE1K1sI/AAAAAAAAAXw/9w6t2xhM8VE/s1600/1.bmp" yda="true" /></a><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The man I called Dad since the age of 4 passed away the morning of February 15th after a very short battle with colon cancer. William C. Oden will be remembered as a wonderful Husband and Dad. A United States Navy Veteran, he was a stern parent with a heart as big as the ocean. He had a amazing talent to make anyone laugh as he was the ultimate flirt and comedian. He left this world too soon, but we will all have fond memories and will always love him. Rest in Peace, Dad. Love you!</span></span></h6>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last two rescue dogs that we adopted came from the </span><a href="http://www.dcspca.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Dutchess County SPCA</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in Hyde Park, NY. My Dad is the one that picked them out. He always had great respect for the people at the shelter. He said that he could never work in such a place because it breaks his heart to see the animals that are unwanted sitting in cages waiting, and hoping that someone will find them a forever home and family.</span></span></span></h6>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">My family is collecting money to order a memorial item to be on display at the new adoption center currently being built. My Dad wanted nothing special as far as funeral services, so this would be a great way to pay tribute to a man who has shown love and humor to many people throughout his life. </span></span></h6>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Thank you on behalf of my Mother, and the rest of our family.</span></span></h6>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Michael</span></span></h6>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outside the Dutchess County SPCA where Dad picked out Nemo to come to his forever home in 2008.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dad nuzzling Nemo they day we adopted him.</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-7515881250327757322012-02-11T21:35:00.007-05:002012-02-11T21:35:59.412-05:00Cape Cod dolphin death toll reaches 103<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>(CNN)</strong> -- The number of unexplained dolphin deaths on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, rose Friday, with rescuers tallying the toll at 103.<br />
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About 160 common dolphins have been found since the animals began stranding themselves in early January, said Michael Booth, a spokesman for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the organization leading the rescue the effort.<br />
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The beachings have puzzled investigators, as rescue team members struggle to treat, tag and transport the living dolphins to the outer Cape Cod coast to be released.<br />
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While dolphin strandings are not uncommon on the cape, Katie Moore, a marine manager for the group, said earlier this week the event is extraordinary in its "protracted" nature as well as the number of dolphins involved.<br />
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"There is a large variability year to year," she said, but this event represents "more than half my annual average in a month," said Moore.<br />
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Once beached, a dolphin is vulnerable to predators and susceptible to organ damage and sunburn. If a dolphin is still alive, the responders get it onto its stomach, if it is not already, for easier breathing. They keep away seagulls that would otherwise peck at it and warm it with blankets or cool it with water as necessary, Moore said.<br />
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Necropsies had been performed on at least nine of the dolphins, and blood and microbial swab samples have been taken from some that were found alive, Moore said.<br />
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So far, no pattern of disease or trauma has been found that would point to a cause.<br />
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Although the winter and early spring are the normal time of year for dolphin strandings to occur, the weather this season has been unusually warm, leading to speculation about climate change and subsequently low "distribution of prey" as possible causes.<br />
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Wellfleet harbormaster Michael Flanagan had earlier explained that usually, in the winter, "the harbor ices over and inhibits the animals from coming close to the shore. But now that the water is warmer, we're seeing lots more dolphins washing up than ever before."<br />
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Moore cautioned that, while climate or other external factors such as acoustic disorientation can't be ruled out, "we don't have a single answer."<br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Between climate changes and all the human waste that we are poisoning the waters with, mercury being one of the worst, it's sad but not surprising that such horrible things are happening to the wonderful animals of the ocean.</span></strong><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/us/massachusetts-dead-dolphins/">http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/us/massachusetts-dead-dolphins/</a><br />
<br />Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-28191129038957774732012-01-30T19:09:00.002-05:002012-01-30T19:09:49.084-05:00Animal Rights Quote - Alice Walker<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Animals can communicate quite well. And they do. And generally speaking, they are ignored. ~Alice Walker</span><br sb_id="ms__id1543" /></span></strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">I often wonder how people can just turn a blind eye to suffering of others, be it human or non- humans. It pains me to look at this picture and wonder if anyone stopped to see if this sweet dog was still alive? Maybe pick him/her up and take him/her somewhere warm? We'll never know. It takes very little effort to be compassionate. When you get the opportunity, do the right thing.</span></strong></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-57597854048984705902012-01-30T18:59:00.002-05:002012-01-30T18:59:09.831-05:00Leopard from exotic animal farm dies in Ohio zoo - By (Zanesville, Ohio) Times Recorder<div class="firstParagraph">
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – One of six animals that survived the Oct. 18 slaughter at a Zanesville, Ohio, exotic animal farm is dead, euthanized Sunday after a gate struck it in the neck.</div>
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The incident happened about 11 a.m. Sunday as a zookeeper was moving a male spotted leopard between enclosures for routine cleaning and feeding, said Tom Stalf, chief operating officer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The leopard, which was about 3 years old, walked from one enclosure to the next but darted back just as the door was being lowered.</div>
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A zoo veterinarian was able to restart the leopard's heart with chest compressions, but it was determined the animal had suffered irreversible spinal cord injury and was unable to breathe on its own. Dr. Tony Forshey, head of the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health, responded to the emergency call and made the decision to euthanize the leopard.</div>
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X-rays from before and after the leopard's death indicated it had congenitally defective malformed vertebrae in the neck, which weakened its cervical spine and could have compounded the severity of the injury. The leopard also had old injuries that had not healed properly, including broken bones in its back and tail, Stalf said.</div>
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The leopard was one of six animals transported to Columbus Zoo after <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Terry+Thompson" title="More news, photos about Terry Thompson">Terry Thompson</a> released 56 wild animals from his farm before killing himself.</div>
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It was being housed in the zoo's quarantine area, which is built to hold anything from small animals to gorillas, Stalf said. So doors between the enclosures, which are lever-operated and slide up and down, are extremely heavy.</div>
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The leopard's body was taken to the state Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory for an autopsy, but results likely will not be available for four to six weeks.</div>
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The five remaining Zanesville animals at the zoo — two leopards, two macaque monkeys and a grizzly bear — are still under quarantine here, awaiting testing by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.</div>
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The animals all are doing well, Stalf said, but a timeline for their testing still has not been set.</div>
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Source : <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-30/leopard-dead-zanesville-ohio/52892036/1">http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-30/leopard-dead-zanesville-ohio/52892036/1</a></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-33833945607321312022012-01-19T18:44:00.002-05:002012-01-19T18:44:22.812-05:00Heroic Dog Saves Two Young Girls From Venomous Snake In Australia<div style="text-align: center;">
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A heroic dog from Ipswich, Australia, is still recovering at a local veterinarian after <a href="http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/01/18/pup-saves-tots-from-snake/" target="_hplink">saving his family's two young girls from a venomous snake that slithered into their backyard</a>, the <em>Queensland Times</em> reports.<br />
Michelle Lynch, 7, and Kaylee Lynch, 2, were headed to their backyard swingset, unaware that a brown snake -- one of the world's deadliest snakes whose venom can easily kill an adult human -- was sitting right below the swings. <br />
That's when the family's 18-month-old Austrian cattle dog River sprang into action.<br />
"They were going out to play on the swings and Michelle got two steps out the door and yelled out 'snake'," the girls' mother<a href="http://www.qt.com.au/story/2012/01/18/pup-saves-tots-from-snake/" target="_hplink"> Catherine Lynch told the paper</a>. "As soon as she yelled, [River] bolted out, grabbed the snake and killed it. I think it was probably Michelle's tone of voice, River picked up that something wasn't right and she didn't hesitate."<br />
Only later did the family realize that River had been bitten by the snake after she began showing signs of paralysis. They grabbed the snake's body from the trash bin and rushed River to the local veterinary clinic, where she received life-saving treatment.<br />
Days later, River is making a full recovery, though Catherine Lynch says her daughters are still traumatized by the incident. <br />
"They're obviously upset about the dog,'' <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/dangerous-snake-rears-at-children-as-red-cattle-dog-river-jumps-in-to-save-day-says-ipswich-naturopath-catherine-lynch/story-e6frf7jx-1226246022286" target="_hplink">Lynch told the<em> Herald Sun</em></a>. "I think the youngest didn't really know what had happened, but she threw a tantrum when we got home because River wasn't with us.The eldest has been asking a lot of questions about what happened."<br />
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Despite Australia's reputation for having some of the deadliest snakes in the world, most hospitalizations from bites and stings result from run-ins with spiders and bees, <a href="http://www.nisu.flinders.edu.au/pubs/reports/2008/injcat110.pdf" target="_hplink">according to a report from the Australian Institute of Welfare and Health</a>.<br />
In the period between 2002-2005, there were 11,602 cases of hospitalization from bites and stings, only 15 percent of which were attributed to venomous snakes.<br />
<a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/woman-dies-after-bite/story-e6freoof-1226185218167" target="_hplink">According the <em>Courier Mail</em></a>, 2 to 3 Australians per year die from snakes bites, with brown snakes accounting for half of those deaths.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">It's wonderful to see heroic stories of how non-human animals spring into action and save the day, not worrying about their own safety, but the safety of the ones they love! I just wish more humans would learn a lesson and jump in when they are needed.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Original story here : </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/19/family-pet-dog-girls-venomous-snake-attack_n_1216459.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D128789"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/19/family-pet-dog-girls-venomous-snake-attack_n_1216459.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D128789</span></a></strong><br />
<br />Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-18750240660092211872011-12-19T19:51:00.001-05:002011-12-19T19:51:08.917-05:00Farm Sanctuary Makes Room at the “Inn” this Christmas for a Special Mother and Child<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Goat gives birth at slaughterhouse and gets second chance at life for her and her kid</span></i></div>
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<shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 190.45pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.8pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 126pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="" src="cid:img003.jpg@01CCBE4C.40627CD0"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> – <b>December 19, 2011 –</b> For a lucky mother and child, all is calm and all is bright this holiday season. This week, just in time for Christmas, <b>Farm Sanctuary</b> (</span><a href="http://www.farmsanctuary.org/" title="http://www.farmsanctuary.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">www.farmsanctuary.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">), the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, will make room at the “inn,” i.e. their New York Shelter in Watkins Glen, for a special mother goat who was destined for slaughter and the tiny “miracle” baby she gave birth to at the slaughterhouse who saved her life.<b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Farm Sanctuary was first alerted to the miraculous birth by a local Binghamton vet, Melissa Hayes, whose relative owns the slaughterhouse. Hayes’ relative had recently bought some “spent” dairy goats at a stockyard, having no idea that one was pregnant, and brought them to his facility to be slaughtered. After witnessing the birth and the tender devotion between the mother goat and her child, he decided to ask for Hayes’ help finding a good home for the pair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“I immediately called Farm Sanctuary,” says Hayes, who first became acquainted with the organization as a veterinary student at nearby Cornell University, where many of Farm Sanctuary’s animal residents are treated following rescue and throughout their lives. “As a student, I helped treat some of their rescued animals and I was deeply touched by their commitment to protecting these often overlooked animals from cruelty. Whether it was pigs who had fallen off a transport truck or an elderly steer with arthritis, Farm Sanctuary was always there to comfort these animals and prove that their lives matter.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“We are overjoyed to welcome this special mother and child to our sanctuary just in time for the holidays,” says Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director Susie Coston, who is known as the “Farm Animal Whisperer” for her unique bond with farm animals and for her deep understanding of their complex emotional lives. “Goats are very affectionate, social beings who, just like us, want nothing more than to be among their family members. It is always a great joy for us to enable mothers and babies, who are typically immediately separated, to stay together. This will make our holiday at the sanctuary even more precious and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our members.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When Farm Sanctuary arrived at the slaughterhouse last Friday night, they discovered that a <i>second</i> goat had also just given birth. Despite taking a financial loss, the slaughterhouse owner decided to also allow this mother goat and her child to live out their lives together at Farm Sanctuary. The baby, however, was born prematurely and both mother and child are very sick and currently undergoing treatment at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">About Farm Sanctuary </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, promotes legislative, policy, and individual lifestyle changes to help farm animals. Farm Sanctuary’s shelters in New York and California provide lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals. For more information, please visit </span><a href="http://farmsanctuary.org/" target="_blank" title="http://farmsanctuary.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">farmsanctuary.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-82944381423249040062011-12-17T19:07:00.001-05:002011-12-17T19:19:42.577-05:00Happy Holidays from A Voice 4 Animals<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2011 has been a wonderful year for A Voice 4 Animals. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I started a podcast on iTunes, and recently joined forces with Santa Varbaro @ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SantasVeganCooking">SantasVeganCooking</a> to film some vegan cooking shows to show everyone how easy it is to live a vegan life. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2012 holds lots of promise and I can't wait! I just want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a safe, and happy holiday season. Whatever holiday or tradition you celebrate, make it a good one. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And please remember, the most generous thing we can do is to have compassion for those who are the most vulnerable and at our mercy, non-human animals. I ask that you seriously consider leaving animals and their by-products off your menu. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">May all your wishes come true this holiday season! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Love and thanks for all your support, </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://avoice4animalsfeed.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://avoice4animalsfeed.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organization and shelter that works to end the systematic abuse of animals used for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the heart of our mission is the hands-on work of rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for farm animal refugees-as well as educating the public about the treatment of animals who are raised for food and the many benefits of a plant-based diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit </span><a href="http://www.woodstocksanctuary.org/"><span style="font-size: small;">www.WoodstockSanctuary.org</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for more information or call 845-679-5955.</span></div>
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</tbody></table>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-25958050709037208542011-12-11T20:55:00.000-05:002011-12-11T20:55:09.469-05:00Santa's Vegan Cooking - Episode 2 - Whole Wheat PizzaThis is the latest episode of Santa's Vegan Cooking - Whole Wheat Pizza!<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nr6QdA38NDQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-34912248100075604482011-12-10T09:35:00.001-05:002011-12-10T09:52:36.242-05:00Regan the yellow lab saves 2 kittens from certain death (Video Story)<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>This is a heartbreaking story and an uplifting one filled with hope. Please watch the video.</strong></span><br />
<embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' salign='l' flashvars='&titleAvailable=true&playerAvailable=true&searchAvailable=false&shareFlag=N&singleURL=http://who.vidcms.trb.com/alfresco/service/edge/content/d3eb1c21-ebf0-4f0b-826f-3e45333b6340&propName=who.com&hostURL=http://www.whotv.com&swfPath=http://who.vid.trb.com/player/&omAccount=triblocaltvglobal&omnitureServer=whotv.com' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' menu='true' name='PaperVideoTest' bgcolor='#ffffff' devicefont='false' wmode='transparent' scale='showall' loop='true' play='true' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' quality='high' src='http://who.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf' align='middle' height='450' width='300'></embed>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-27100060036256666192011-12-02T19:24:00.001-05:002011-12-02T20:00:17.779-05:00Santa's Vegan Cooking on YouTube<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">My friend Santa decided to start a Vegan Cooking show on YouTube. Please check out her pilot episode here. Feedback is encouraged! Thanks very much!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CXO5ZSvX7Mo" width="420"></iframe>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-39918753233320943432011-11-30T10:21:00.001-05:002011-11-30T10:28:07.330-05:00Horses Could Soon Be Slaughtered for Meat in US -by JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS Associated Press<br />
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Horses could soon be butchered in the U.S. for human consumption after Congress quietly lifted a 5-year-old ban on funding horse meat inspections, and activists say slaughterhouses could be up and running in as little as a month.<br />
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Slaughter opponents pushed a measure cutting off funding for horse meat inspections through Congress in 2006 after other efforts to pass outright bans on horse slaughter failed in previous years. Congress lifted the ban in a spending bill President Barack Obama signed into law Nov. 18 to keep the government afloat until mid-December.<br />
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It did not, however, allocate any new money to pay for horse meat inspections, which opponents claim could cost taxpayers $3 million to $5 million a year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would have to find the money in its existing budget, which is expected to see more cuts this year as Congress and the White House aim to trim federal spending.<br />
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The USDA issued a statement Tuesday saying there are no slaughterhouses in the U.S. that butcher horses for human consumption now, but if one were to open, it would conduct inspections to make sure federal laws were being followed. USDA spokesman Neil Gaffney declined to answer questions beyond what was in the statement.<br />
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The last U.S. slaughterhouse that butchered horses closed in 2007 in Illinois, and animal welfare activists warned of massive public outcry in any town where a slaughterhouse may open.</div>
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"If plants open up in Oklahoma or Nebraska, you'll see controversy, litigation, legislative action and basically a very inhospitable environment to operate," predicted Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of The Humane Society of the United States. "Local opposition will emerge and you'll have tremendous controversy over slaughtering Trigger and Mr. Ed."<br />
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But pro-slaughter activists say the ban had unintended consequences, including an increase in neglect and the abandonment of horses, and that they are scrambling to get a plant going — possibly in Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska or Missouri. They estimate a slaughterhouse could open in 30 to 90 days with state approval and eventually as many as 200,000 horses a year could be slaughtered for human consumption. Most of the meat would be shipped to countries in Europe and Asia, including France and Japan.<br />
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Dave Duquette, president of the nonprofit, pro-slaughter group United Horsemen, said no state or site has been picked yet but he's lined up plenty of investors who have expressed interest in financing a processing plant. While the last three slaughterhouses in the U.S. were owned by foreign companies, he said a new plant would be American-owned.<br />
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"I have personally probably five to 10 investors that I could call right now if I had a plant ready to go," said Duquette, who lives in Hermiston, Ore. He added, "If one plant came open in two weeks, I'd have enough money to fund it. I've got people who will put up $100,000."<br />
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Sue Wallis, a Wyoming state lawmaker who's the group's vice president, said ranchers used to be able to sell horses that were too old or unfit for work to slaughterhouses but now they have to ship them to butchers in Canada and Mexico, where they fetch less than half the price.<br />
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The federal ban devastated "an entire sector of animal agriculture for purely sentimental and romantic notions," she said.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">This is a reverse to what President Obama promised in 2008 when he was a candidate. He promised to keep the ban in place PERMANENTLY. Please follow the link below to send a letter to President Obama and let him know how you feel about his decision to start murdering horses. </span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.congress.org/bio/id/3181"><span style="font-size: large;">SEND A LETTER OF DISAPPOINTMENT TO PRESIDENT OBAMA</span></a><br />
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Source : <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/horses-slaughtered-meat-us-15053521">http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/horses-slaughtered-meat-us-15053521</a>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-36403061314099337072011-11-28T19:58:00.001-05:002011-11-28T20:01:47.895-05:00Critics say animal cruelty law keeps cases secret<div class="byline">
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The sponsor of a new law intended to toughen penalties against severe animal cruelty said Monday the purpose of a late-session amendment to the measure was to allow people to report cases anonymously _ not to keep abusers and cases confidential.<br />
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But some animal rights activists say the bill's good intentions may have backfired.<br />
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The Reno Gazette-Journal first reported Sunday that the final version signed into law makes animal abuse cases confidential and gives criminal penalties to officials who release reports or talk about cases.<br />
"The provision makes the investigation confidential, even the report," Jerry Shay, Washoe County deputy district attorney, told the newspaper.<br />
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Contacted Monday by The Associated Press, state Sen. Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas, an animal lover and prime sponsor of the bill, was surprised to learn about problems with the amendment's language.<br />
The intention was to allow people to report crimes without fear of retaliation, not to "stifle public knowledge of events," Manendo said.<br />
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"The report itself ... that is not confidential," he said. "Why would that be any different than if some got caught committing any other kind of felony?"<br />
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The measure, SB233, took effect Oct. 1. Known as Cooney's Law, it was named after a dog that died after being gutted by its owner. At the time, such crimes were misdemeanors. SB233 makes it a felony to maliciously torture, maim, mutilate or kill a companion animal.<br />
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The questionable provision states: "Any person, law enforcement agency, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal control agency that willfully releases data or information concerning the reports, except for the purposes of a criminal investigation, is guilty of a misdemeanor."<br />
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Bonnie Brown, the Nevada Humane Society's executive director, said "people just now are realizing" that the amendment's wording is broader than the intention.<br />
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"I don't think any of us disagree that the reporting party should be protected," she said. "The way it's written right now, it seems to me ... that simply speaking about the case could make you in violation of the law."<br />
That could be a problem for animal welfare groups that often publicize severe abuse cases to raise money to help rescued animals or seek information to aid law enforcement, Brown said.<br />
"For us, the generosity of the public is what helps us afford to treat those animals," she said.<br />
Tom Jacobs, executive director of northern Nevada's Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals, agreed.<br />
"We are concerned about the ability to educate people and make them aware of what's going on," he said. "If an individual murders somebody, it's all over the place. But if someone mutilates an animal, we can't comment on it."<br />
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Holly Michael Haley, Humane Society state director, said Cooney's Law provides much needed improvement to Nevada's animal cruelty laws.<br />
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"But this one amendment provides protections for those accused of animal abuse that other criminal defendants do not receive," she said. "That should be rectified in the next legislative session."<br />
Manendo said he may ask legislative lawyers for an interpretation on the law's scope in light of legislative records.<br />
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Minutes from legislative hearings on the amendment requested by Sen. Shirley Breeden, D-Henderson, indicate the intent was to protect those who report animal abuse by keeping their identity confidential "except to appropriate law enforcement or government agencies for prosecution."<br />
Lawmakers also could correct the language in 2013, when the next Legislature convenes.<br />
"The good news is it can be remedied," Jacobs said. "The question is, how soon can it be remedied?"<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/nov/28/nv-animal-cruelty-1st-ld-writethru/">http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/nov/28/nv-animal-cruelty-1st-ld-writethru/</a><br />Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-63308562655638098152011-11-27T20:36:00.001-05:002011-11-27T20:40:34.596-05:00No jail time for animal abuse - by Jami Kinton<div class="content-wrap" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="251" style="float: none;">
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SHELBY -- A man accused of having sexual relations with animals received no jail time in Shelby Municipal Court on Wednesday morning.</div>
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"I believe you have a very severe problem," Judge Jon Schaefer said to Peter Bower, 31. "My first impulse is jail time, but jail will not help you."</div>
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In addition to 80 days of community service and two years probation, Bower must undergo a sexual evaluation, take sex addiction classes and pay a $500 fine.</div>
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Bower was ordered to not own any animals.</div>
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In May, the Shelby man was charged with animal cruelty after authorities discovered a history of sexual activity with his 3-year-old shepherd mix, Aurora.</div>
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Investigation revealed Aurora was not the only animal Bower had abused. He posted photos and stories of his encounters on multiple bestiality websites.</div>
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Bower's attorney Gordon Eyster met with Shelby Law Director Lee Shepherd, Richland County Humane Society agent Missy Houghton and Richland County Dog Warden Dave Jordan behind closed doors at the court Wednesday for about two-and-a-half hours.</div>
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At about 11:30 a.m., Bower walked into the courthouse lobby. Five minutes later, court resumed in public session.</div>
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Wearing hunter green cargo pants, a white button down shirt and green jacket, Bower took the stand with Eyster to his left and Shepherd standing nearby.</div>
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Eyster entered a no contest plea of for his client in reference to a charge of injuring animals.</div>
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Schaefer found him guilty of the charge, a first-degree misdemeanor.</div>
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Thirty states have laws prohibiting bestiality, distinct from other forms of animal cruelty. Ohio is not one of them, but since this incident, lawmakers have started working on such legislation.</div>
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Houghton said a proposal is almost ready to be introduced to the state House of Representatives.</div>
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Bower, who seemed dazed, kept his head down, swallowing hard as the judge read his fate.</div>
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His one-word responses to questions were always delayed, and sometimes had to be prompted by his attorney.</div>
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Houghton and Jordan said they were satisfied with the outcome.</div>
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"He's not going to get any treatment if he's in jail," Houghton said. "Considering that there is no law in the books, I thought this outcome was very fair."</div>
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"I'm really happy that he's not allowed to own any more animals, and hopefully now we'll be able to find a home for Aurora. We had to hold her here for months for evidence," Jordan said, noting that the dog is doing OK. "She's been in a kennel for months. Now she's been walked every day, but there's a certain amount of stress that goes along with that."</div>
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Jordan said he's glad awareness was brought to the issue.</div>
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"I think the classes will be beneficial to him," he said. "At least he'll have a good shot at getting better, because I do think this is an illness. I hope this helps him get his mind right and lets him know his behavior is not normal, isn't moral and is just plain wrong."</div>
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Bower and his attorney declined comment after the hearing.</div>
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Source :http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20111124/NEWS01/111240302</div>
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</div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-85566951648651583682011-11-27T20:29:00.001-05:002011-11-27T20:33:24.106-05:00Dimondale man accused of animal cruelty pleads no contest - by Kevin Grasha<div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="744">
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<span class="pp" itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="746"></span><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Emmanuel Potter of Dimondale pleaded no contest in 54A District Court to abandoning/cruelty to an animal, officials said. He faces up to 93 days in jail. A sentence hearing is set for Jan. 9, 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dog, a pit bull, was found in January of this year by a man walking his dog. The female pit bull’s four legs had been bound together with heavy-duty electrical tape. The dog’s muzzle also was taped shut. The dog also had severe head injuries — the result of blunt-force beatings, officials said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dog, known as Tatiana, has recovered from its physical injuries, officials said.</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>The sad truth about stories like this is the possible punishment that the accuser faces. 93 days in jail? For assault and attempted murder of a living being. What if this was a human child? I hope one day the punishment for animal abuse will be the same as human abuse.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Original story : <a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111123/NEWS01/311230003/Dimondale-man-accused-animal-cruelty-pleads-no-contest-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE">http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111123/NEWS01/311230003/Dimondale-man-accused-animal-cruelty-pleads-no-contest-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE</a></span></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-4269935890062640892011-11-20T07:33:00.001-05:002011-11-20T07:38:52.616-05:00New York Celebration FOR the Turkeys : Live Stream Event!<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">For the first-time ever, by popular demand, Farm Sanctuary’s famous Feeding of the Turkeys Ceremony will be live streamed from their New York Celebration FOR the Turkeys in Watkins Glen THIS Sunday, November 20, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern (11:30 a.m. Pacific) on <a href="http://farmsanctuary.org./">FARMSANCTUARY.ORG</a> Tune in and enjoy the heartwarming sight of rescued turkeys feasting on silver platters of THEIR favorite Thanksgiving treats (stuffed squash, cranberries, and pumpkin pie) from wherever they are in the world! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGAOPfet1vs/Tsj0OKyneHI/AAAAAAAAAWo/gW-mfBDp_U0/s1600/TURKEYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGAOPfet1vs/Tsj0OKyneHI/AAAAAAAAAWo/gW-mfBDp_U0/s400/TURKEYS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900935899434735401.post-86331731317283546202011-11-13T09:58:00.001-05:002011-11-13T10:05:09.479-05:00US circuses circle wagons against elephants law - By Sebastian SmithNEW YORK — US circuses are circling the wagons against a proposed law in Congress that would ban using elephants under the big top, a tradition that animal rights activists say causes terrible suffering.<br />
The bill, introduced this month in the House of Representatives by Virginia Congressman Jim Moran, aims directly at traveling circuses by seeking to outlaw exotic or wild animals from performances if they have been traveling within the previous 15 days.<br />
That would mean an end to the days of elephants balancing on stools, tigers and lions jumping through fiery hoops, monkeys on wheels, or other popular staples of the ring.<br />
"It is clear that traveling circuses cannot provide the proper living conditions for these exotic animals," Moran said in a statement.<br />
He noted that zoos, aquariums, horse races and permanently housed animals used for shooting movies and other filming events would not fall under the ban.<br />
The law is the first attempt for a decade to put an end to the iconic circus routines, which animal rights activists say are based on cruel training methods and harsh, unsafe living facilities.<br />
America's most famous big top outfit, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey, sent out an email appeal to supporters this week, saying "the Greatest Show on Earth" needed help "to make sure this family tradition continues."<br />
Stephen Payne, a spokesman, said the bill was not pro-animal, but simply against circuses.<br />
"It's to do with putting Ringling Brothers and other circuses out of business," Payne told AFP.<br />
"This is just anti-circus legislation that's really not necessary because we're already inspected and regulated under federal laws, state laws and local laws in almost every state we play."<br />
Payne said animal rights groups did not understand the circus business and were out of touch with Americans.<br />
"They are at the fringe: they don't want animals for entertaining, they don't want them for food, they don't want them for pets," he said.<br />
"What we get are millions and millions of families coming to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey."<br />
According to Ringling Brothers, their circuses not only treat elephants well, but help preserve the Asian elephant breed, thanks to a self-sustaining, 50-strong herd that has seen 23 births since 1995.<br />
The company also funds elephant conservation programs in the United States and in countries such as Sri Lanka.<br />
"Asian elephants have been part of Ringling Brothers for 141 years," Payne said. "P.T. Barnum once brought his elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge to convince New Yorkers it was structurally sound."<br />
But Ed Stewart, from the Performing Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS, said Ringling's elephants are not nearly as happy as their gaudy outfits and circus tricks are meant to suggest.<br />
"There is no state of the art keeping animals in captivity. The state of the art is Zimbabwe and India and the wild, the hills of Virginia, but not in cages," he said at a press conference after the bill was introduced.<br />
Stewart said children should stop being shown circus animals altogether.<br />
"Real educators have to overcome what children see in the circus. It would be better if they didn't even have an experience with an elephant or a tiger or a lion if that's the experience," he said.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">The circus, the zoo, the aquarium........All the same. They all use animals for profit. </span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://avoice4animals.blogspot.com/2010/07/tricks-are-for-kids-not-circus-animals.html">http://avoice4animals.blogspot.com/2010/07/tricks-are-for-kids-not-circus-animals.html</a><br />
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News Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gbNu3_bvoVkrxJ2ox6zyIG7X99iQ?docId=CNG.fd0f0c2cc1dd8cdffbe8bbb9258642a2.101">http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gbNu3_bvoVkrxJ2ox6zyIG7X99iQ?docId=CNG.fd0f0c2cc1dd8cdffbe8bbb9258642a2.101</a><br />Michael Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16299724917399883927noreply@blogger.com0