Do Vaccines, or Immunization Shots, Such as Rabies, Cause Cancer and/or Illness and Eventual Death to Companion Animals such as Dogs or Cats?

I wanted to post this email I received just recently. This is an issue I’ve always wondered about, as it seems that most companion animals die from cancer. I’ve heard it speculated that immunization shots, be it rabies or others, cause sarcomas, that lead to cancer. If anyone would like to comment, feel free. I’d like to see consensus one way or the other on this issue by the veterinarian community soon.

Here is the email:


To Whom It May Concern

I want to notify you all that I have lost two perfectly healthy cats from rabies immunization shots. One was 8 years old and the other was 12 years old. They both got cancer and died within months of having been administered the feline rabies vaccines and feline leukemia vaccine.

The laws are forcing people to over immunize their pets and don't offer titer tests. Instead the veterinarians are just giving shots because it is easier and they make more money.

This is cruel and inhumane. It causes the animals to get sick requiring the constant need to go to a veterinarian. When I asked a vet about these vaccines, they don't want to discuss it because they are forced to enforce these lethal injections on people animals by law.

Is there anything you can do to help change the law about giving repeatedly these unnecessary vaccines which cause illness, harm, cancer and death?

Would you do this to your pet? If the answer is no, then please represent this issue at your next convention.


Thank you very much,

(Name blocked out)

Tim Gunn, from Project Runway, Narrates Video which Exposes Horrible Cruelty Endured by Rabbits when Killed for their Fur in Chinese Fur Farms

To see the full video narrated by Tim Gunn, with proof of the pain rabbits endure when killing them for their fur, see http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/tim_gunn I encourage all of you to view it. You will also find a petition to sign at the page.

As you probably know, China, the cruelest country on Earth, has no laws that prevent animal cruelty.

I commend Tim Gunn for speaking the truth in regard to fur. I had no idea he was so active in exposing the cruelty behind fur.

Here are just a couple actions he’s taken to educate on the realty of the cruelty of fur:

“When he was the chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, Gunn started a program allowing PETA representatives to give presentations to students so that they could see for themselves what happens to animals who are tortured and killed for their fur. When Gunn became the chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc., he invited PETA to show video footage depicting how animals are treated by the fashion industry worldwide and to present the many viable alternatives to animal fur.”

I’ve listed a small description of what happens to rabbits when they are killed for their fur below.

To see the full video narrated by Tim Gunn, with proof of the pain rabbits endure when killing them for their fur, see http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/tim_gunn I encourage all of you to view it.

“Rabbits on these farms spend their entire lives in small, filth-encrusted cages. The ammonia from urine-soaked floors burns their eyes and lungs and many rabbits die from respiratory diseases—all considered just a cost of doing business. One Chinese farm keeps 20,000 caged rabbits and kills as many as 2,000 of them every day.

When the rabbits are still babies—4 or 5 months old—they are killed. Workers stuff the terrified animals into flimsy wire crates, which they bump and drag across the floor. Some rabbits suffer broken bones and have limbs scraped raw when their legs slip through the wire.

The rabbits are yanked out of the crates by their ears, shackled and hung upside-down by their hind legs, shocked with electric stun guns and decapitated. In video footage shot at one farm, some of the rabbits scream—yes, scream—during slaughter. One investigator saw a rabbit lose control of her bowels after being shocked repeatedly.”

Article:

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/tim_gunn

"Project Runway's" Tim Gunn Exposes Fashion Cruelty in New PETA Video

Want to have a killer look without killing animals? Tim Gunn will help you "make it work"! Long before the success of Project Runway and Tim Gunn's Guide to Style made him a household name, Gunn was a friend of PETA and animals. His appeal has not fallen on deaf ears, as Donna Karan announced days later that her fall 2009 lines will be fur-free and that she has "no plans" to use fur in the future.

When he was the chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, Gunn started a program allowing PETA representatives to give presentations to students so that they could see for themselves what happens to animals who are tortured and killed for their fur. When Gunn became the chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc., he invited PETA to show video footage depicting how animals are treated by the fashion industry worldwide and to present the many viable alternatives to animal fur.

Now Gunn is speaking up for animals again! But this time, Gunn wants you, the consumer, to know what animals endure in the name of fashion so that you can make informed decisions before buying clothing and accessories made from fur, wool, and leather. Gunn has become the latest celebrity to lend his voice to animals by narrating PETA's new skins video which he sent with a personal appeal to Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani, who both use rabbit fur in their collections. His appeal has not fallen on deaf ears, as Donna Karan announced days later that her fall 2009 lines will be fur-free and that she has "no plans" to use fur in the future.

Animal Rights Passages from the Qur’an: Writer States that Allah Clear in Commitment to the Proper Treatment of Non-Human Animals

So glad to see someone pull out applicable passages to animal rights from the Qur’an. Please read below for the applicable writings.

Article:

Animal rights in Islam

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2008122224800

ANIMALS, like humans, are the creation of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only sent as a mercy to mankind but also to all living creatures.

“And We have sent you (O Muhammad, peace be upon him) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).” (Qur’an, 21:107)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity.” – (Al-Bukhari)

He (peace be upon him) also said that a thirsty man came across a well, got down into it, drank (its water) and then came out. When he came out, he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man thought: “This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I was.” So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and brought it back for the dog. Allah appreciated that deed and forgave him.

The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being).” – (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet cursed those who cut the limbs or other parts of an animal while it was still alive. – (Al-Bukhari)

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “A lady was punished because of a cat which she had imprisoned till it died. She entered the (Hell) Fire because of it, for she neither gave it food nor water as she had imprisoned it, nor set it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.” – (Al-Bukhari)

Simple Web Form Allows You to End Animal Use in Military Medical Training

Yep, sadly the government still uses live animals in training.

You can find out more and learn how to express your distaste of vivisection by the military at https://secure2.convio.net/pcrm/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=215&AddInterest=1781&JServSessionIdr006=fs33kyabu1.app2b

After Shocking Investigation of Horrors Behind Petland, this Holiday Season, the HSUS and GEARI Remind You to Pick a Dog or Cat From a Shelter

The HSUS and GEARI Remind You to Pick a Dog or Cat From a Shelter and Not from a Pet Store that is Supplied by Breeders and Puppy Mills

Here’s a great page on the horrors of puppy mills. Remember, breeders create puppy mills, which in turn feed the pet stores. According to eh investigation carried out by the HSUS regarding Petland, they are egregious supporters of animal cruelty and puppy mills.

Article:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/get_the_facts_on_puppy_mills/

The Humane Society of the United States reveals the results of a shocking investigation revealing that pet store chain Petland Incorporated is the nation's largest retail supporter of puppy mills. Watch our video and then take action.

Loud Noises in Oceans by Ships, Sonar, and Oil and Gas Exploration Causing Harm to Range of Sea Species, Including Whales, Dolphins and Sea Turtles

As stated in the article below, this is a serious issues, as “Increased noise levels have not only been scaring animals and shortening the distance over which they can communicate with each other, but some loud noises may directly cause tissue damage while others can spur animals into surfacing too quickly, leading to injuries similar to the bends.”

Article:

What's All the Ruckus?

http://www.grist.org/news/2008/12/04/ludnss/index.html?source=rss#null

Human-caused noises in oceans messing with wildlife, experts say

Loud noises in the world's oceans, caused by ships, powerful sonar, and oil and gas exploration, are negatively affecting a range of sea critters, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and others, according to a report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Increased noise levels have not only been scaring animals and shortening the distance over which they can communicate with each other, but some loud noises may directly cause tissue damage while others can spur animals into surfacing too quickly, leading to injuries similar to the bends.

Oil Sands Projects, Like Oil Drilling, Put Animal Life In Danger: For Example, Canadian Oil Sands Projects Projected to Kill Up to 166 Million Birds

And yet they’re still going to go through with it. Many preach for oil sands, but as you’ll read, it’s fraught with danger for animal life as well.

Article:

A Bird in the Sand Is Worth ... Very Little

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE FUL L STORY: http://www.grist.org/news/2008/12/03/brdsnd/index.html?source=rss#null

Canadian oil sands projects could kill up to 166 million birds, study says

Posted at 6:18 AM on 03 Dec 2008

Canadian oil sands projects are likely to kill up to 166 million birds over the next 50 years through habitat loss, pollution, and other effects, according to a study by a coalition of environmental groups.

British Columbia Govt. (Canada) Paid Aboriginal Group in the Chilcotin to Shoot Wild Horses for Wolf Bait: How You can Help

Also did this to round up other wild horses for live sale, ultimately to slaughterhouses.

Just another sad and irrational governmental decision that used short sided reasoning. Please read below. I’ve posted the contact information that a reader provided on who to contact about this incident.

Posting from Reader

Is there anyone that can help with this very serious issue? Wild horses are being slaughtered in the interior of BC, Canada. I feel public pressure is the only way to stop this outrageous crime.

Please read this:
http://www.vancouversun.com/paid+have+Chilcotin+wild+horses+shot+wolf+bait/1039272/story.html


'Ministry of Forests and Range' Contact info:

Contacts
Ministry Office
Ministry of Forests and Range Mailing address:
PO BOX 9529 STN PROV GOVT
VICTORIA BC V8W 9C3

Minister's Office
HONOURABLE PAT BELL
PO BOX 9049 STN PROV GOVT
VICTORIA BC V8W 9E2

Telephone: 250 387-6240
Fax: 250 387-1040

Deputy Minister's Office
Doug Konkin
Deputy Minister
Telephone: 250 356-5012
Media Enquiries
For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Sophia Proctor
Public Affairs Officer
Telephone: 250 387-4592
Fax: 250 387-8485
E-mail: sophia.proctor@gov.bc.ca

thank you,

Teresa Taylor
BC,Canada


Article:

Gov't paid to have Chilcotin's wild horses shot for wolf bait

http://www.vancouversun.com/paid+have+Chilcotin+wild+horses+shot+wolf+bait/1039272/story.html


By Larry PynnDecember 5, 2008Comments (50)

The B.C. government paid aboriginal people in the Chilcotin to shoot wild horses for wolf bait and to round up other wild horses for live sale, ultimately to slaughterhouses, The Vancouver Sun has learned.

The Ministry of Environment purchased the shot horses as wolf bait for a predator study related to the recovery of threatened caribou herds in the Interior, while the Ministry of Forests and Range bankrolled the live capture of horses as part of a program to reduce competition with range cattle.

News of the provincial actions is generating debate even within the aboriginal community over the management of wild horses in the Chilcotin and the need to ensure their humane treatment.

Joe Alphonse, director of government services with the Tsilhqot'in National Government (TNG), said in an interview Friday his people have been capturing horses for generations for personal use. The sale to auctions and ultimately to slaughterhouses is also a way for natives on economically depressed reserves to earn money.

"It's acceptable," he said. "It's a last resort, but it still can provide a little bit of income. That's been a part of what we've had to rely on."

But Alphonse said his people cannot condone the shooting of wild horses for use as wolf bait.

"That's not something we would endorse," he said. "I think that if the majority of our people found out the Ministry of Environment is trying to hire people to shoot horses, there'd be outrage.

"If you're going to take a horse, you pay respect and get out on the land and chase that animal in on horseback. If you can't do that, to sit and hide there and shoot guns at a horse out in the wild where the animal could get wounded and suffer, we wouldn't endorse that."

Alphonse said the forests ministry, through an agreement with TNG, paid the Stone band $200 a horse to catch 25 horses last winter to reduce competition with ranchers' cattle. Up to half of the horses were sold at auction and ultimately sent to slaughterhouses, he said, and the rest were kept in the Chilcotin as saddle horses.

The forests ministry would like to continue the program this winter if funding is available.

Environment Ministry spokesman Dan Gilmore confirmed the ministry paid members of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation of the Nemaiah Valley $500 apiece for four horses last winter.

"When it came time to consider how best to lure and capture wolves for the purposes of the mountain caribou recovery program, it was recommended that we use horseflesh," he said in a statement.

"Knowing of the activities of first nations, we undertook to ask if any first nations communities could offer us horses for the purposes of our mountain caribou project.

"We had a number of positive responses, and acted to purchase horses for an agreed price. First nations people selected the horses to be supplied to us, and dispatched them in preparation for transport."

Rodger Stewart, regional manager of environment for the Cariboo, said his office dealt directly with the Xeni Gwet'in administration, which has management control over the horses, and said he would not rule out making another request in the future. The Xeni Gwet'in could not be reached to comment Friday.

The horses were shot last winter to aid in the live capture of wolves near Quesnel as part of ministry research into threatened caribou populations. Gilmore said larger carcasses are preferred because they keep the wolves longer at one location, and that moose carcasses are not always available.

Mike Pedersen, Chilcotin forest district manager, said the horse culls are a response to ranchers' concerns about loss of forage. "It's a worthwhile project," he said, noting that horses also compete with moose and mule deer. "These guys (ranchers) just have to buy more hay. And in these times for those individuals, it's extremely difficult."

Aerial surveys in the area showed that the wild horse population has increased to 442 in 2008 from 123 in 1998.

Pedersen said he would like to continue the program this year, but won't know if there is money for it until January.

Alphonse said that despite native participation in the government-financed cull, he does not believe there are too many wild horses in the Chilcotin. "There's not an overpopulation," he said.

The Spanish introduced the modern horse to North America about five centuries ago. By the time explorer Simon Fraser ventured through the Chilcotin two centuries ago, the horse was already there.

David Williams of Friends of the Nemaiah Valley said he supports the right of natives to capture horses. But he urged the province to declare the free-roaming horses wildlife and to develop policy to ensure their capture is scientifically justified and humane. Currently, wild horses are considered feral and lack protection.

The Tsilhqot'in National Government represents 3,500 people in six communities.

GEARI is Looking for Volunteers to Post Animal Rights News to the GEARI Blog: Make a Positive Contribution to Animal Rights and Concerns

Make a Positive Contribution to Animal Rights and Concerns that Affect the Lives of Non-Human Animals.

As many of you know, it’s difficult to keep up with everything in life. Try as hard as I can, I simply cannot post on every news story. As such, I am picky with what I pick to post on. And, as in the example of the Whale Wars posting last week, I keep that up so as to make sure a lot of people see it.

However, the load is pretty big now, so I’m seeking volunteers to post on animal rights news stories and events. I will train on where to find them, and how to post, etc.

I’ll still edit the stories, and will also keep posting. But, I really want to make sure we cover all stories regarding animal rights.

This animal rights news blog has grown considerably since its inception. Like our main site – geari.org, we drive to be a great research resource for animal rights related information. We need to keep growing and going!

So, if you’re interested, email me via the link in this blog, or via geari.org (at) gmail.com

This could be a way for you to make a positive contribution to animal rights and concerns that affect the lives of non-human animals!

I look forward to hearing from you.