The Annual Canadian Baby Seal Slaughter / Bludgeoning: About It and What You Can Do

I’ve posted a link below to what I believe is one of the most reputable organizations fighting the annual Canadian baby seal slaughter. Yes, I am sad to say that even in 2010, this unnecessary display of animal abuse perpetrated on defenseless baby animals is alive and well. The page that I am linking to also lets you know what you can do.

http://www.seashepherd.org/seals/

Justice for Rigsby the Beheaded dog http://rigsbyjustice.net/

And, just so I don’t overly disturb you today, I end off with the worst crime of them all – the beheading of a dog, Rigsby. Many of you may have heard of this. I first did via Rescue Ink.

To make a sick story short, some very sick individuals actually beheaded / removed a dog’s head while still alive. As stated at the website http://rigsbyjustice.net/, “On January 20, 2010, an image surfaced on the internet depicting a hand holding a recently removed dog’s head. Much investigation has been done since then and the criminals responsible for the horrific offense are closer than ever to being brought to justice.

For those unfamiliar with this atrocity, please refer to the wiki for the full story behind picture and the subsequent investigation.”

So please visit http://rigsbyjustice.net/ and sign the petition to make sure a full investigation is done. It’s pretty easy to sign. Painless, vs what Rigsby went through. Don’t be lazy.

Stop the Whale and Dolphin Slaughter in the Faroe Islands

Unfortunately bad things are still occurring. As such I bring you petitions. Please read about and act. And, this one is a seriously cruel issue.

Every summer, boys in the Denmark-owned Faroe Islands participate in a coming-of-age tradition where they kill hundreds of dolphins and whales to prove their "manhood."

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/301292081?z00m=19829241

Help Protect the Working Carriage Horses of New York City and Urge NYC Council Members to Pppose Intro. 653

Strange and sad how bills actually attempt to harm rather than help. As stated via the link below, “A bill being considered by New York City, Intro. 653, would drastically weaken the oversight and implementation of proper care for the city's long-suffering carriage horses -- and even allow the industry to self-regulate through a third-party arrangement if it so chose…These horses work for their living, and deserve to have clean stalls and bedding, proper food, and appropriate care. Protect these iconic animals -- tell New York City Council members to oppose Intro. 653.”

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=3&campaign=CarriageHorses&origin=ARS_FACE_FAN_ADGROUP_TakeACtion_CarriageHorses

Urge Massachusetts Legislators to Support the Bill to Stop the Practice of Convenience Devocalization: H.B. 344: "Convenience Devocalization"

Came across this today. Please feel free to pass on. As stated in the message, “’Convenience devocalization’ cuts away an animal's vocal chords in a painful and even dangerous procedure to quiet dogs — and even cats — for mere convenience.”

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=3&campaign=AnimalDevocalization&origin=ARS_FACE_FAN_ADGROUP_TAKEACTION_Devocal

Macy’s Charged with Fake Labeling of Fur: Lying by Labeling Raccoon Dog Fur as Faux Fur: What You Can Do?

Received this email about this important issue. Not the first time such charges have been leveled against a major retailer. Please read below and follow the link for more information and to see what you can do to stop this practice of horrible lying.

Email:

My name is Maria Abramovich. I'm the Communications & Outreach Intern at Change.org. I've read your blog, and see that you focus on animal advocacy. At Change.org, we've recently posted about Macy's policy of labeling raccoon dog fur as "faux fur." This is both false advertising and a violation of animal rights. Here's the link to our post:

http://animals.change.org/blog/view/imposter_fur_gets_a_fashion_week_makeover

Would you be interested in supporting this cause by signing the petition and writing about it in your blog? I greatly appreciate all the help, and believe that your audience will help us get enough signatures to really put pressure on the Vice President, the Senior Vice President, and the CEO of Macy's. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you so much for all your help!

U.S. Figure Skater Johnny Weir Uses Tired Illogical Argument to Rationalize Wearing Fur: Let Me Take a Second to Tear the Horrible Argument Down

This story is a little old, as just today he came out with some jacked statements about how he loves to wear dead things. You can look for it if interested.

My point in talking about this is to expose the ridiculous rationalization people use when talking about issues like this.

Basically, they state that they don’t care about non-human animals because they care about humans. Or, put another way….I care about humans so I don’t care about non-human animals.

Do I really need to go on, or is this jacked up rationalization to keep carrying out cruel acts pretty clear now?

• First, do they really care about humans to the point that they actually do things for them? Are they human activists?

• And second, let’s say they do care about humans and do things for them. Does this necessarily mean that they then CANNOT care about animals?

• And third, they fail to realize that actually in the case of such issues as vegetarianism, being one actually effects human rights in relation to such issues as environmental improvement.

Hopefully this clears this horrible argument up. Stop talking Johnny Weir and focus on your hair.

Article:

US figure skater changes mind about wearing fur

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/news?slug=ap-weir-fur&prov=ap&type=lgns

By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer Jan 28, 7:08 pm EST

CHICAGO (AP)—U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir will replace the fox on one of his costumes with faux fur after he and his costume designer were targeted by an animal rights group.
Weir received “hate mail and death threats,” agent Tara Modlin said on Thursday, and he doesn’t want anything to disrupt his performances at the Vancouver Olympics.

“He’s changing it because he needs to focus on skating,” she said.

Friends of Animals posted an open letter to Weir after he added white fox fur to the left shoulder of his free skate costume for the U.S. figure skating championships. On Tuesday, the animal advocacy group called his costume designer, Stephanie Handler, and faxed a press release about its open letter to her business.

Since then, Weir has heard from other anti-fur activists, Modlin said. Although People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals made its case in a professional manner, Modlin said others did not—to the point she and Weir were concerned someone might disrupt him at Vancouver.
Weir qualified for his second Olympic team by finishing third at the U.S. champs.

“I do not want something as silly as my costume disrupting my second Olympic experience and my chance at a medal, a dream I have had since I was a kid,” Weir said in a statement.

Weir makes no secret of his love of fashion—fur included—and he’s received letters and videos from PETA and other animal-rights advocates over the years. Although he respects their positions and was fully aware of how pelts are obtained, Weir has said wearing fur was a personal choice.

There are other causes that concern him more, he said, such as homelessness, soldiers dying and the devastation in Haiti.

“I hope these activists can understand that my decision to change my costume is in no way a victory for them, but a draw,” Weir said in his statement. “I am not changing in order to appease them, but to protect my integrity and the integrity of the Olympic Games as well as my fellow competitors.

“Just weeks away from hitting my starting position on the ice in Vancouver, I have technique and training to worry about and that trumps any costume and any threat I may receive.”

Celebrities in England Campaign to Keep the Fox Hunting Ban

Just as would occur in the US, the conservatives have promised to overturn and allow the cruel practice of fox hunting. We’ll see what happens.

Article:

Celebrities campaign to keep hunt ban

http://www.thisiswesternmorningnews.co.uk/news/Celebrities-campaign-hunt-ban/article-1844648-detail/article.html

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 07:00



CELEBRITY animal rights campaigners today step up their campaign to keep the hunting ban, which the Conservatives have said they will repeal if they win the general election.

Senior politicians from each of the main parties today write exclusively for the Western Morning News, setting out their policy on the fifth anniversary of the legislation coming into force in England and Wales.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said Tory leader David Cameron must "come clean" about his policy to "reintroduce the practice of dogs tearing wild animals to pieces."

However, Mr Benn's Conservative opponent Nick Herbert reiterates his call for a free vote on repealing the law, branding the Act "the most symbolic example of Labour's disregard for rural areas".

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron says the law should be repealed, and replaced with a "more comprehensive animal welfare bill" which would allow cases of alleged cruelty to be properly tested in court.

With less than three months to go until the expected general election date of May 6, opponents of hunting have stepped up their campaign to protect the ban.

Sir Paul McCartney heads a list of stars opposing a return to fox hunting with hounds. In a report from Ifaw in Action, part of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the former Beatle and animal welfare campaigner described the ban as an "historic victory for wildlife" that must be preserved.

Sir Paul said: "The scenes described in this report of how animals were hunted down and savaged with dogs for fun before the Hunting Act 2004 was passed are simply barbaric and shocking and should remain a part of Britain's past, not its future."

The report from Ifaw in Action claims there was "overwhelming scientific evidence" that hunting with dogs was cruel and that more than 100 people had been brought to justice for breaking the law.

The No Return to Cruelty report also said a recent Ipsos Mori poll of more than 2,000 adults found that 75 per cent, including seven out of 10 people in the countryside, did not support a repeal of the fox hunting ban.

Meanwhile, the League Against Cruel Sports today launches a film featuring celebrities watching footage of hunts.

Stars include former Doctor Who Colin Baker, One Foot in the Grave actress Annette Crosbie and Time Team presenter Tony Robinson. Naturalist Bill Oddie and ex-Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson also appear.

League chief executive Douglas Batchelor said the reaction of the celebrities is "just hammering another nail into the hunter's coffin". He added: "Their bloodsport is a thing of history just like bear baiting."

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "The Government is satisfied that the Hunting Act is working and is legally sound and has no plans to introduce any changes to the legislation."

According to the Government, the Hunting Act was brought in to end practices the majority of people did not support because they caused unnecessary suffering.

Ministers believe the Act is legally sound and the police have made it clear they would enforce it.

Suit Won by Animal Rights Group Against Utah State Entities for Right to Protest Shows Importance of Fighting for Your Rights

Nuff said. Don’t just give in if it’s a legal issue. Congratulations to the group

Article:

Animal rights group suits settled

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14422255

By Jason Bergreen

The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 02/17/2010 08:42:14 PM MST

The Utah Department of Transportation and Morgan County have agreed to pay an animal rights group almost $40,000, settling the lawsuits the group filed last year to hold a protest against fur farms.

According to the settlement filed in federal court, UDOT has agreed to pay $19,750 to the Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement (SLAAM) and Morgan County will pay $20,000. The settlement will cover the group's attorney fees and court costs.

SLAAM filed a court order in October 2009 seeking permission to hold a demonstration without having to take out a $1 million insurance policy or arrange security for the event.

The suit claimed two UDOT employees violated SLAAM's rights to free speech and to peacefully assemble because they refused to issue a permit for the protest. The employees told the group they wouldn't issue the permit unless the group took out the expensive liability policy and assured them the Utah Highway Patrol would provide security.

The event, called Fur Free Saturday, was eventually held Nov. 28 on State Road 66 in Morgan after the county backed down and allowed the group to assemble without paying for security.

Morgan County had originally told SLAAM members the county would require them to pay $425 for extra policing and permit fees or they must take out the insurance policy.

Attorney Brian Barnard, who represented SLAAM, said Wednesday that Morgan County has since amended ordinances restricting residential
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picketing and allowing the sheriff's office to force demonstrators to pay for their own police protection.

"SLAAM accomplished what they wanted and has forced these government entities to review and change their positions and to acknowledge the importance of the First Amendment, especially for small fledgling groups," Barnard said.

Protesters at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Bring to Reality Problem of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Caused by Breeders

I’m sure many will overlook the message and just talk them down for protesting the event. But, the message should not be lost that dog and cat overpopulation is directly caused by Breeders.

Article:

Scottie Sadie wins Westminster after PETA protest

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100217/ap_on_sp_ot/dog_show

AP – Security closes in on a protester holding a sign that reads 'Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs' during the best …

By BEN WALKER, AP National Writer Ben Walker, Ap National Writer – Wed Feb 17, 9:48 am ET

NEW YORK – Sadie the Scottie was fully expected to reach the purple podium at America's top dog show. She did, after two intruders turned the center ring at Westminster into their own platform.

The heavily favored Scottish terrier won best in show Tuesday night and seemed to be an easy choice. Her team waited quite a while for this victory — it took a little longer, too, because of a startling protest inspired by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Shortly before judge Elliott Weiss picked Sadie, a pair of well-dressed women walked into the big ring at Madison Square Garden and held signs over their heads that said "Mutts Rule" and "Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs' Chances," the latter a slogan popularized by PETA.

The crowd of 15,000 gasped at the sudden protest, booed the women and then cheered as a half-dozen security guards ushered them away without incident.

PETA members Dana Sylvester and Hope Round were charged with criminal trespass, police said. They acted on their own, the organization said, but it supported them.

The interruption lasted about a minute and came between judging of a Doberman pinscher and brittany. Moments later, 4-year-old Sadie climbed the best in show podium where one of the women had stood.

"I thought it was well-controlled by our people," Westminster spokesman David Frei said, without elaborating. Frei, the host of USA Network's coverage, is a veteran of the show world and a longtime advocate of therapy and rescue dogs.

Sadie was a big favorite coming into the show, which is for 2,500 purebred dogs. There have been previous PETA protests at Westminster, but none nearly so dramatic. During every day of the show, the public-address announcer at the Garden reads an announcement urging people to visit shelters and adopt their dogs.

PETA contends the focus on purebreds leaves many mutts homeless. In a statement, vice president Daphna Nachminovitch said "euthanasia becomes a sad necessity."

Sadie earned her 112th best in show ribbon. The last time a show dog came to Westminster ranked No. 1 in America and actually won was 2001, when a perfectly primped bichon frise called J.R. did it.

"She was perfect," said Sadie's handler, Gabriel Rangel. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

Also reaching the final ring were a brittany that recently had two litters, a whippet that can run 35 mph, a Doberman pinscher headed into retirement, a white toy poodle who overcame his anxiety around crowds, a Canadian-bred French bulldog and a puli that twice won the herding group.

Her tongue out and her tail wagging, Sadie was right in step with Rangel. She is owned by Amelia Musser of Mackinac Island, Mich., and sports the champion's name of Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot.

Rangel kidded that his relationship with Sadie was like a marriage. "I'm happily married," he said, "as long as I say, 'Yes, honey.'"

Sadie became the eighth Scottie to win at Westminster, second most to the 13 wins by wire fox terriers. She was the record 45th terrier to win in a show that began in 1877.

Judge Elliott Weiss picked the winner. He'd already seen Sadie — he chose her as the winner of an event in North Carolina last September.

Sadie became the first Triple Crown winner of dogdom. She took the National Dog Show in suburban Philadelphia in November and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in California in December.

She also did well last year at the world's largest show — Crufts, in England, draws nearly 25,000 dogs — when she was judged as the best Scottish terrier.

This was Sadie's third try at Westminster. She got spooked by strange sounds at the Garden two years ago, and last February had a potty accident on the green carpet.

Dogs from 173 breeds and varieties entered this show. Sadie takes over as Westminster champ from Stump, the 10-year-old Sussex spaniel who'd come to New York as an underdog.

Sadie was set to go on the talk-show circuit Wednesday and make a visit to Donald Trump. By night, maybe she'd see herself.

"She likes to watch TV," Rangel said. "We have dinner together at the hotel and watch Animal Planet.

Italian State TV Suspends Cooking Show Host Beppe Bigazzi After he Voices His Love of Eating Cats

Wow. One sick guy. His quotes below say it all. Be careful…they’ll make your stomach turn.

Article:

Cat stew lover skewered in Italy

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100217/ap_on_re_eu/eu_italy_cat_stew

AP – This Sept. 3, 2003 photo made available Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 shows cooking show host Beppe Bignazzi … .By FRANCES D'EMILIO, Associated Press Writer Frances D'emilio, Associated Press Writer – Wed Feb 17, 5:51 pm ET

ROME – Italian state TV has suspended a cooking show host who shocked the nation by saying cat stew is a Tuscan delicacy he swears he has enjoyed many times.

RAI TV confirmed on Wednesday that it had suspended Beppe Bigazzi, the 77-year-old host of a popular morning program that offers food tips and recipes in a country fiercely proud of its cuisine.

When his 27-year-old female co-host looked stunned as Bigazzi said he has eaten cat stew "many times," the white-haired, grandfather figure defended his tastes.

"Why, people maybe don't eat rabbit, chicken, pigeon?" Bigazzi said. He could have added horse meat, which many butchers and supermarket meat departments stock.

"Who's not fat, kills the cat," is how Bigazzi began his lighthearted prattle about cat stew.

Bigazzi claimed cat stew was a Tuscan specialty near the Arno river valley, but co-host Elisa Isoardi looked so embarrassed she ducked behind a cart of fresh salad greens whose healthy virtues the two were supposed to be chatting about.

"Cat, soaked for three days in the running water of a stream" in Tuscany "comes out with its meat white, and I assure you — I have eaten it many times — that it is a delicacy," Bigazzi continued.

His critics included Health Ministry Undersecretary Francesca Martini.

"Cats are pets protected by law," Martini noted, specifically against "cruelty, maltreatment and abandonment."

She lamented in a statement issued by the Health Ministry that Bigazzi's advocating cat stew "hurts sensibility, which is fortunately steadily growing, of citizens toward animals."

The director of the RAI channel the show runs on, Mauro Mazza, called the decision to suspend Bigazzi for an unspecified amount of time as "painful but inevitable."

Only a few moments after revealing his startling recipe, Bigazzi seemed to anticipate he would be barraged with criticism. "Now there will be letters from nature lovers. Why don't they defend rabbits?" he asked.

By Wednesday, two days after the showed was broadcast, the YouTube video clip had recorded more than 55,000 hits, and more than 800 comments registered.

Tallulah Jane - NYC Based Cruelty-Free Perfumery: All Products are Vegan and Created Without Animal Testing

From time to time I will do a posting on small businesses that are creating products without animal products and without animal testing. I’ve included the text of an email sent to me regarding Tallulah Jane, a NYC Based Perfumery.


Here is a copy of our press release which can give you some insight into our company and our products. We are part of PETAs Cruelty-Free Companies program and are awaiting our Leaping Bunny certification. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

In the tradition of old world luxury but with a modern sensibility, Tallulah Jane is a NYC based perfumery creating natural scents made from botanical essences and absolutes. These ingredients are organic or wildcrafted whenever possible, without compromising the quality of the perfume. All of our alcohols and carrier oils are certified organic.

Each of Tallulah Jane's vintages are mixed in small casks to maintain purity and left to macerate before pouring. Many of our ingredients are rare and grown seasonally so mass production is difficult, making each vintage that much more unique.

We are committed to making our products ethically, ensuring to never use extracts from plants and trees that are considered unsustainable. Our priorities are not only to create desirable luxury products that are free of parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals but to preserve and cause no harm to the environment around us. All of our products are vegan and we are completely against animal testing.

Eleanor Jane
Perfumer
www.tallulahjanenyc.com

True Activist, Bob Barker, Puts His Money where his Mouth is and Gives Five Million Dollars for an Anti-Whaling Ship

Bob Barker has always been a man of his word and convictions. This time he really spoke up and will help lead the battle against the evil whaling practices of evil Japan. “Barker donated that amount to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which named its new 1,200-ton anti-whaling ship The Bob Barker.”

Article:

Bob Barker helps stop whaling with namesake ship

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100106/ap_en_tv/us_people_bob_barker

LOS ANGELES –

Five million dollars for an anti-whaling ship? Bob Barker says the price is right.Barker donated that amount to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which named its new 1,200-ton anti-whaling ship The Bob Barker.The ship had its first confrontation with whalers on Tuesday when it joined two other Sea Shepherd vessels aiming to stop a Japanese whaling mission near Antarctica.

"Whaling was shut down today," Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson said via satellite phone from aboard a nearby ship. "There's no whaling now and hopefully no whaling after this."The Bob Barker is a high-speed former whaling ship that can cut through ice, Watson said, adding that the vessel "makes it a lot easier for us to shut down these whaling operations."Sea Shepherd, which Watson describes as an "anti-poaching organization," aims to enforce the United Nations World Charter for Nature by physically intervening in illegal whaling missions.

"They're targeting endangered and protected whales," he said.Barker, a longtime animal activist, stepped up his efforts even more after retiring from his 35-year gig hosting "The Price Is Right." He met Watson through a fellow animal activist and was instantly impressed."He said he thought he could put the Japanese whaling fleet out of business if he had $5 million," Barker recalled. "I said, 'I think you do have the skills to do that, and I have $5 million, so let's get it on,' so that's what we did."Barker, 86, said he was "genuinely proud" to be associated with Sea Shepherd. And while the TV studio where "The Price Is Right" is filmed is officially called the Bob Barker Studio, the veteran broadcaster said he's never had a ship named after him."It was our idea to name it the Bob Barker. He's a little too humble for that," Watson said. "I thought it was the least we could do."

Environment Minister of India, Jairam Ramesh, Calls for Reduced Animal Testing Via New Technology

It's well known that animal testing / vivisection is outdated and ineffectual in many ways and that technology has put forth superior non-animal testing methods. For more on this see our Alternatives to Animal Testing page at http://www.geari.org/alternatives-to-animal-testing.html

Article:

Ramesh for technology to replace clinical trial of animals

Press Trust of India / New Delhi January 15, 2010, 16:20 IST

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ramesh-for-technology-to-replace-clinical-trialanimals/83223/on

Concerned over increasing use of animals for clinical trials, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh today advocated alternatives to reduce the practice and said India was taking certain steps in that direction.

"Recent trend shows the use of primates in experimentation is on an upward climb. With the development of human genome research, activities of commercial units and industries and modern methods, there is growing demand of primates in experimentation.

"But, we need not open the floodgates to use animals in experimentation in the name of academic knowledge," he said after inaugurating 'National Conference, 2010' of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), here.
He said it was because of international concern and action taken by animal rights activists, civil society organisations, NGOs etc in the country that there was growing awareness and consciousness in the commitments to not use animals.

"But we need to transform to replacement and use modern technology to ensure alternatives which meets the concern of animal lovers. We are taking tentative steps to enter refinement phase.

"We must refine our methods, and replace animals in experiments. Indian culture respect all forms of life, human as well as animal. We will show respect in use of animals in experimentation," he added.

"Save the Dogs from the Chill Project" Saving Shelter Dogs from the Freezing Cold by Taking in Used Sweaters

Great project. Donate if you can. Received an email about and I’m happy to spread the word.

Learn more at: http://bignutshell.com/blogs/dogproject/

Here is the text of their email

We are trying to save shelter dogs from the freezing cold this year by taking in used sweaters (donated to us) and then recycling them into doggy sweaters for all the dogs stuck outside the shelters this time of year.

I noticed on your website you had a list of resources and I was hoping you would ad us to that list to help us spread the word about this cause. We not only want to reach dog lovers to obtain old sweaters but also shelters who may be in need of these sweaters.

So please ad our blog to your resource list.
http://bignutshell.com/blogs/dogproject/

You have no idea how much your support means to us and these dogs. Due to over population in many dog shelters around the country, thousands of dogs are forced to sleep outside the shelters in a damp and cold environment and some even die.

Thank you.

Clarissa Jones / Member of the "Save the Dogs From the Chill Project"
http://bignutshell.com/blogs/dogproject/

PS We will be taking sweater donations through next year to prepare for the following winter as well. Anything you can do to help spread the word is appreciated.

Blog: Christian Vegetarianism - an archive

Was told of this via an email. Always willing to spread the word about interesting and relevant resources.

www.christianvegetarianarchive.blogspot.com

The HSUS 2009 Victories Video: Some Battles Were Won Last Year

You can find the video here: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2009/victories_2009.html?page=1

I provide this link not as a plug; I receive nothing from them. Also, I don’t give my explicit support to any one group. I’m providing this link as an FYI and to see that some good victories were won last year. Not enough, but at least some.

Video Proves that Cruel Denmark Engages in Brutal and Cruel Dolphin and Whale Slaughter

I’ve included videos below for those who don’t believe this is happening.

There is a petition to sign to demand an end to this useless cruelty. It can be found at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tell-denmark-to-end-whale-dolphin-slaughter-in-their-waters

Here is the description given at that site regarding the brutal event:

Islanders in motorboats first drive the whales into a bay. The chase may be lengthy. The exhausted, terrified and confused whales are eventually driven into the shallows. Here the bloodbath begins. The islanders repeatedly hammer 2.2 kg metal gaffs into the living flesh of each whale until the hooks hold. A 15 cm knife is then used to slash through the blubber and flesh to the spinal column. Next the main blood vessels are severed. The blood-stained bay is soon filled with horribly mutilated and dying whales.

The Faroese celebrate the butchery of their victims in an carnival atmosphere of entertainment. Indoctrinated from an early age, children are often given a day off school to watch the fun. They run down to the bay and clamber over the carcasses of slaughtered whales.

Every year around 2,000 whales are driven ashore and cruelly slaughtered in the Faroe Islands, mid-way between the Shetland Islands and Iceland. For centuries the Faroe Islanders have hunted pilot whales, driving entire schools into killing bays, where they are speared or gaffed from boats, dragged ashore and butchered with knives. Although the Islands are a protectorate of Denmark, they have their own Government and regulations governing the pilot whale hunt or "grind" as it is known.

Aside from the fact that the number of North Atlantic long-finned pilot whales is unknown and they are listed as 'strictly protected' by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, this is an act of barbarism and pointlessness. By slaughtering 100 whales at a time, the Faroese are wiping out entire pods and family groups. They are removing building blocks from the gene pool of the species and damaging the web of life in the North Atlantic and the North Sea.

The drive hunt is a practice abandoned elsewhere many decades ago, and now outlawed by other European states. The inhabitants of the Faroe Islands have no subsistence need for whale meat, and much of the flesh is left to rot and be dumped; it cannot be exported, as it is polluted with heavy metals and other toxins and therefore cannot meet EU heath standards for human food.

According to Faroese legislation it is also permitted to hunt certain species of small cetaceans other than pilot whales. These include: Bottlenose dolphin; Atlantic white-beaked dolphin; Atlantic white-sided dolphin; and Harbour porpoise (There are also specific regulations for the hunting of harbour porpoise. Harbour porpoises are killed with shotguns).

Video Proves that Two University of Utah Facilities Engaging in Animal Torture: “purposely paralyzing mice..injecting chemicals into kitten brains..."

“purposely paralyzing mice, drilling holes in monkey skulls, injecting chemicals into kitten brains, and giving rats epileptic seizures”

Sad that once again the realty of vivisection is exposed (see video below). This time it’s the University of Utah.

Video doesn’t lie, as you’ll see below. Footage taken includes “purposely paralyzing mice, drilling holes in monkey skulls, injecting chemicals into kitten brains, and giving rats epileptic seizures”

Article:

PETA detective uncovers alleged animal cruelty - November 12, 2009

http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond/2009/11/peta_detective_uncovers_allege.html

An eight-month undercover investigation by a leading US animal rights group has documented alleged mistreatment of animals inside two University of Utah facilities.

Officials from the Virginia-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which opposes all research with animals as well as their use in food and clothing, said they will file formal complaints to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture after the group's undercover agent, who worked as an animal support technician at the Salt Lake City University from 12 February to 29 October, gathered videos and photos that

PETA says violate the federal Animal Welfare Act.

University officials defended the lab's practices, arguing that the PETA investigator does not understand routine procedures in animal research. "None of the things she alleges are substantive," said Tom Parks, the University of Utah's vice president for research. "It's a remarkably banal list of ordinary events in an animal-care facility." (Salt Lake Tribune)

The alleged cruelties that the PETA investigator observed, according to a PETA press release, include purposely paralyzing mice, drilling holes in monkey skulls, injecting chemicals into kitten brains, and giving rats epileptic seizures.

NFL Tight End Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons and His Wife October Pose for an Anti Fur Ad: Gonzalez Again Living Up to His Words

As readers of this blog know, I’m a big fan of Tony Gonzalez. Ever since his decision to look more closely at his decisions in terms of food, I’ve seen a positive role model for a more compassionate life. I wrote about his promotion of a diet with less meat in this article - http://geari.blogspot.com/2008/08/kansas-city-chiefs-all-pro-tight-end.html .

He’s obviously since learned more about the realities of life, including the horrors of the fur industry. I thank you again Tony for being a real man and stepping up to educate. You are bringing others with you. We need guys like you.

Proving his new outlook, here is a great quote from him regarding fur: ''We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,'' Gonzalez says. ''October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.''

Article:

Tony Gonzalez, wife pose naked

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/quickhits/1880452,Tony-Gonzalez-PETA12.article

November 12, 2009

ELLIOTT HARRIS Sports Columnist

No nudes is good news.

So it appears to the naked eye — as well as other body parts.

There will be no reference to tight ends in this caption: Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons and wife October pose for an animal rights ad campaign from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Quick Hits promises not to make any wisecracks about tight ends or make anyone the butt of any jokes, but ...

Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons (yes, he plays tight end) and his wife October appear in a new ad for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They also appear to be totally unclothed.

''We had clothes on,'' Gonzalez told media in Atlanta on Wednesday.

It would appear that seeing is disbelieving, if Gonzalez is to be believed.

''We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,'' Gonzalez says. ''October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.''

The Falcons had a chance to see the ad and gave Gonzalez some typical locker-room reaction.

''My wife is a pretty woman,'' Gonzalez said. ''She's like a flower. It's nice to be looked at.''

Hey, as long as it's OK with him ...