Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Stand with Alley Cat Allies in 2014

 GreaterGood is committed to helping people and animals who are vulnerable or at risk from one or more
factors. The following email message is one of their recent calls for action.

~ ~ ~

Cats are killed in shelters across the country every day. Seven out of every 10 cats who are brought into animal pounds and shelters in the U.S. are killed there. For feral cats, the kill rate in pounds and shelters rises to virtually 100%.

Animal nonprofits, veterinarians, and other experts agree: killing in pounds and shelters is the leading cause of death of all cats in the United States. Millions of cats are killed every year, but no one knows exactly how many. And the killing is done behind closed doors, away from the public eye. With 2013 coming to a close, let’s make a New Year’s Resolution to put an end to the killing. Alley Cat Allies is fighting every day to save cats' lives, but we need your support.

Stand with Alley Cat Allies in 2014 to call for an end to the killing of innocent cats.

Sign the petition here.

Monday, December 30, 2013

36 Hours Left to Stop Wolf, Bear Killers

The following message comes from Center for Biological Diversity as an email from to supporters of animal rights and preservation of wildlife.

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Animal Damage Control was a secretive federal agency rocked by scandals because of its brutal killing of

Faced with this crisis, the agency cynically changed its name to the almost-cuddly U.S. Wildlife Services. In 2012 this "service" included killing 503 gray wolves, 533 river otters, 396 mountain lions, 567 black bears and 25,000 beavers.

But as The Washington Post recently reported, the hunter is now the hunted: The Center for Biological Diversity has launched a campaign to stop Wildlife Services' killing in 2014.

bears, wolves, otters and eagles. People were outraged to learn that their tax dollars were being used to "control" -- i.e. kill -- millions of animals every year to benefit corporations and anti-environmentalists.
Please help by donating today to our Endangered Species Protection Fund. All gifts made by Dec. 31 will be matched by a generous donor, so please donate by Tuesday.

Stories of Wildlife Services agents killing dogs, torturing coyotes and hiding eagle carcasses are true. But even more devastating is the systematic killing of millions of hawks, songbirds, owls, badgers and wolverines.

The agency uses every killing method imaginable: spring-loaded cyanide cartridges, leg-hold traps, poison, guns, helicopter gunning, drowning, asphyxiation and even starvation.

But in 2014, the Center is going to stop the killing. Please help by donating today to our Endangered Species Protection Fund. Your gift will go directly to shining a spotlight on this secretive agency and taking legal action to stop the killing.

The Center has filed a legal demand with Wildlife Services to establish rules to protect endangered species, ensure all animals are treated humanely, and publicly document all animals killed: where the agency kills them, how it kills them, which industries benefit from the killing, and why nonlethal tactics aren't being used instead.

We'll have to go to court to enforce our legal demand. At the same time the U.S. Inspector General is investigating the agency, and our congressional allies are pressing reform legislation and demands for public accountability.

After decades of secretive killing, the tide is turning against Wildlife Services. 2014 is our best, and maybe last, chance to hold this rogue agency accountable once and for all.

Please help by donating generously today to our Endangered Species Protection Fund and passing this message to your friends and family.

Thanks in advance for your help,

KierĂ¡n Suckling
Executive Director
Center for Biological Diversity

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Say "NO" to Gestation Crates for Pigs!

Greater Good - Animal Edition has sent the following message with call for action to end cruelty to pigs.

Can you imagine living your whole life in a space no larger than an airplane seat? This is the sad reality that
millions of pigs face across the nation while the pork industry inhumanely locks them into tiny cages day and night.

Pigs are intelligent and social animals, and are normally very physically active. Forcing them to live out their lives immobilized is sentencing them to a miserable and cruel existence.

Some food giants have pledged to eliminate these cruel gestation crates, but there's still work to be done. Speak out against the use of gestation crates for pigs. Join other animal lovers and help pigs live a life free from such torture.

Say "NO" to gestation crates for pigs!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Reform of Nashville's Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC)

The following update was received via email this morning. 

With the February 2013 launch of our petition to reform Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC), some increased transparency and public awareness, and new program initiatives from the health department, MACC’s kill rate has dropped from 78% to 69%. Hey, we’ll take it.

The adoption ban on pit bulls and pit bull type dogs was lifted for pups younger than 6 months old, and in July, we saw pit bull puppies successfully adopted for the first time in decades. Several MACC staff members participated in the ASPCA’s SAFER temperament test training in August and are currently undergoing the certification process. Once certification is awarded, adult pitties will have the same opportunity at adoption as the little guys.

The new rescue partner policy/application is now in place. Gone is the two-week waiting period, and rescues are finally being offered discounted adoption fees. We’ve even seen some creative adoption promotions, such as $5 cat adoptions.

Since July 1, Rebecca Morris, a program specialist with the health department, has been charged with developing and implementing new programs aimed at further lowering MACC’s kill rate:1. A robust volunteer program; 2. A program called “Saving Lives Through Photography;” and 3. The utilization of social media to promote impounded animals. (We don’t want to gloat here, but…sound familiar?) We’re pleased to say we’ve seen some really great photos of animals. We’re also excited about the MACC-dedicated Twitter and Facebook pages that were recently launched to increase visibility of MACC’s impounded animals. We hope these initiatives will increase awareness of Nashville’s unfortunate stray animal population, as well as encourage public participation in the solution.

…but let us not forget how far we have yet to go.

To date, no details regarding a new volunteer policy have been released. As far as we know, the hefty price tag of the criminal background and motor vehicle check is still a deterrent, and the volunteer tasks available remain somewhat limited. We anxiously await an announcement to the contrary. In the meantime, we look forward to any feedback from you regarding your attempts to volunteer – either successful or unsuccessful.
We’d like to see volunteers utilized to update PetFinder – volunteer photographers on a routine schedule, who write bios and upload pictures. We realize this process is very time consuming, and we believe PetFinder can and should be a volunteer-managed initiative. Many profiles on PetFinder have no photos, and those with photos are still not accompanied by descriptive bios. And remember, there are many “hidden” animals at MACC that the public never sees – animals that don’t appear on PetFinder. We think the public should decide which animals are “adoptable,” not MACC staff.

Maybe it’s too much to ask, but we hope at some point extended adoption hours will be considered. The current adoption hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, are very limiting, especially when considering working families. Extended adoption hours have been implemented successfully in neighboring counties by utilizing volunteers and limited staff during “adoption only” hours – yet another possible win-win solution that can be reached with no negative fiscal impact.

We continue to hear from rescue partners who believe MACC’s rescue partnerships are not truly partnerships. We consistently hear that the line of communication with MACC is not open to all rescues – that MACC continues to “play favorites.” And that unwritten rules apparently still exist – like only certain animals are available for rescue, and for some animals, there is still an arbitrary waiting period. Until all rescue partners are treated equally and the unwritten bureaucracy of saving an animal is removed, there will be no true partnerships. And this is something that falls solely in the purview of MACC’s director.

As always, we want more transparency. Tax payers want to know how their money is being spent, and animal lovers want to know how policies and programs are being developed. Where MACC is concerned, the public is constantly denied the right to information and the right to participate in their government. People desire an active partnership with MACC. They want to help – to be part of the solution. MACC just needs to open the door.

After several months and with more than 10,800 signatures (both online and manual), it’s time. It’s time to close the petition. Our goal was to build an army of supporters for reform and send a message to elected officials and key decision-makers. Our message? We want change. And we will not go away until we get it. The petition has served its purpose, so it’s time to close that chapter and begin a new one.

So here you are. Thank you. And here we are – 1 year after we embarked on this journey. We are not going away – we will continue fact gathering and shining the light where it needs to be shined. Stay with us, and keep fighting the good fight.

As always – for the animals.

Concerned Citizens for Change 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Saving Wolves from Extreme Politics

This message has been sent from by the Defenders of Wildlife, calling on all Americans to join hands and spirit to save America's wolves from the extreme political interests of its authorities.

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Why is FWS caving to the pressure to delist wolves?

If you’re wondering this too, just take a look at the people aggressively pushing the anti-wolf agenda.

We’re going up against a powerful, well-funded coalition that includes many vocal wolf-haters, fiercely pressuring FWS to delist wolves. But it also includes anti-environmental political interests, who have turned wolf conservation into an ultra-conservative political punching bag. Extreme politics should have no role in wolf conservation! Help us save wolves and turn back FWS’ misguided delisting proposal.

You have to ask: What’s more American than our nation’s wild heritage? Shouldn’t conservation be a value that we all share regardless of political party?

Here’s how one investigative journalist describes some of the more extreme anti-wolf forces supporting delisting: “…A loose coalition of hunters’ groups, outfitters, and ranchers—along with the many disaffected men embracing militia groups, local 'sovereignty' and states rights, particularly rights to use public lands without federal regulation—coalesced around the idea that wolves represented icons of the hated federal government.”

More than 1,100 wolves have been killed in the Northern Rockies since Congress stripped them of ESA protections back in 2011. This is a perfect example of what happens when politics is allowed to steam roll science.

We need all Americans to speak out to remind FWS that they are legally and ethically obligated to protect these magnificent creatures until they are fully recovered.

Defenders is working around the clock to:

  • Organize grassroots efforts around the upcoming public hearings. 
  • Provide a public platform for concerned scientists. 
  • Rally Americans around the country to speak out for wolves and keep the pressure on FWS. 

We only have about 36 days left in the public comment period. With your help, we will use every hour of every one of these days to make sure FWS gets the message: Extreme politics has no role in wolf conservation!

Please help us today with a generous donation to save wolves and other endangered wildlife.

For the wolves,
Jamie Rappaport Clark
President Defenders of Wildlife
http://www.defenders.org/

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Tell the House You Care for Hens

The following message from the Humane Society of the United States calls for action toward humane hens. Some great cause there!

The House of Representatives will soon take up its version of the Farm Bill, and it’s a critical time to continue our fight for a national change in the U.S. egg-laying industry. We need every member of the House to hear from constituents who support better treatment of laying hens. H.R. 1731, The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013, would nearly double the amount of space each hen receives, require labeling on egg cartons to tell consumers how birds were raised, and more.

A simple phone call could significantly help improve the lives of these suffering birds. Can you make a brief, polite phone call to Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (202) 225-0855 and urge co-sponsorship of The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013, H.R. 1731?

And remember your follow-up message is just as critical.

Thank you for being a hero for these hens.

Wayne Pacelle,
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
humanesociety@hsus.org
 202-452-1100
humanesociety.org

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Mob and Media Terrorize Dog and Owner in Lawless Bulgaria

It is too hard to put in words the kind of terrorism happening in a European Union member country. A lynch
mob incited by some media outlets in the country raided the house of Dr. George Litov and beat his dog Borko so bad that his spine was broken, causing him permanent disability.

The reason for this brutality, as says the petition, was the help of Dr. Litov was giving to stray dogs in his village where there are no vets or shelters working for homeless animals. To punish him for the good he was doing, the fanatics of the village raided his house and terrorized him and his rescued dogs. And if that wasn’t enough, the mob has been persecuting the doctor to leave the village while the yellow journalists in the area are siding with the aggressors.   

K9 Rescue of Bulgaria has launched a petition demanding justice for disabled Borko. Their video about the story has received close to 60 thousand views on YouTube.   

What happened to Borko and his owner is so cowardly and shameful that only the word terrorism can come close to defining it. We have seen US war on terror in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Now, will the west please consider taking serious measures against these kinds of terrorists!


Please sign the petition asking for justice for Borko and his owner. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Murder Masked as Art


Art was supposed to be about life, its richness and value. Now we have some heinous hands with a claim to
art and bathed in blood. The following description on a petition page against this kind of barbarianism summarizes it well:

The "3-Tage-Spiel" by Hermann Nitsch will be performed on the 21th, 22th and 23rd of June. One cow and three pigs will be slaughtered for the sake of "art"! Please refuse to accept this! Animals are conscious beings and are not on this planet to entertain us. By signing this petition, you can help saving these animals lives and make clear, that this absurd act of cruelty should not be considered as art!

To stop this brutality in name of art, please sign the petition here.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Coats of Cruelty Making Life Suffer



When greed becomes need, humanity gives way to cruelty; compassion dies; and life suffers at the hands which were meant to protect them. The scene of suffering of live birds whose bodies are ripped and torn for down is an open illustration of this cruelty. And not only do many people close an eye to it but actually wear it – as down jackets.

Ripping off a bird’s natural dress to turn into profitable coats may bring money but the color of that money is red, like the blood gushing from the wounds of the victims who don’t know why they are being tortured, but who do feel the same pain that makes us writhe when someone torture our human bodies.
Needless to say that caring people and anyone who respects life would say “no” to these coats of cruelty who not only keep us warm against winter but also cold against humanity’s warmth.

Visit this page now to say No to down jackets made by The North Face.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Heroes Saving Deer in WA


The news of an endangered deer species possibly facing complete wipeout in Washington is alarming and invites serious attention to the matter.

King5.com reported on February 27th that the Columbian White Tail Deer near Cathlamet, Washington, are at risk of serious harm by the Columbia River floods on the refuge this spring. US Fish and Wildlife Manager Jackie Ferrier was quoted saying that the small number of surviving deer – around 100 now – have been at the risk of harm to life after a critical dike started falling into the Columbia River.

So the deer now need to be removed from the refuge, not to mention the millions of dollars that will be lost as flood damages the refuge facilities.

The upbeat news is that rescuers aren’t giving up on these endangered deer. They are being rescued, often one at a time, and transported to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. These rescuers are the true heroes that aren’t finding nationwide recognition in media that is too busy with flaming gun control debates and promoting vaccines.   

Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Blue Cross Raising Funds for Helpless Dogs

The Blue Cross has been helping vulnerable animals in United Kingdom for years. Following is a call for helping them raising money for vulnerable dogs.

Have a bit of fun adopting and looking after your own virtual rescue dog while helping to raise £20,000 for Blue Cross at the same time courtesy of Samsung.
Samsung, Blue Cross and Crufts have come together to launch the Help-A-Dog-A-Thon Facebook app and Blue Cross will receive a £1 donation for every like it gets. The money will be used to fund much needed health checks for homeless dogs.

Last year we took in 3,015 unwanted and abandoned dogs and we give all new pets a full health MOT before we find them happy homes.

On the app you can choose your very own virtual dog and make sure they have everything they need to be happy and healthy – from taking them on a walk to getting them a new ball to play with.
Give it a try today – the more likes it gets, the more donations we’ll receive.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Stop Cruel Treatment of Condors in Peruvian Festivals


Cultural festivals in many parts of the world can be cruel to one or more animals with whom the local people associate many myths and traditional values. Condors suffer this fate in Peru where a traditional celebration victimizes a condor by dragging it into bull-fighting. Donna Harrison has started the following petition on Care2 to ask the government in Peru for intervening and saving condors from cruel treatment in the name of culture: 
Urge the central and local Peruvian government to stop the inhumane act of tying a condor to the back of a bull for bullfighting.  Although the condor is revered in this area of the Andes, and the festival is part of a 'celebration'...the bird is forced to endure harassment before the fight as drunken festival goers attempt to pluck the bird's feathers....and it's wings and legs are easily broken as the bird tries to free itself from the bull. If it manages to escape, it likely faces death in the wild from it's injuries.  The Andean condor is an endangered species.  Threats to its survival should be based in it's home range.  Please urge the Peruvian government to make this portion of the festival illegal and find an alternative and humane way to pay homage to the condor. 
Sign the petition online at Care2 to join this cause.
Thank you!


Thursday, January 31, 2013

Stop Reckless Hunting and Trapping of Wolves in the Northern Rockies


Following is an important update from Defenders of Wildlife: 
In the coming days we will reach a heartbreaking milestone:
The 1,000th wolf will die from hunting and trapping in the Northern Rockies since Congress stripped gray wolves of their Endangered Species Act protection in 2011. 
Mothers, pups and packs have fallen to hunters’ bullets and traps – 990 at last count in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. It’s a tragic, unsustainable toll, and it cannot be allowed to go on.
Make no mistake – there is a war on wolves and these magnificent and misunderstood top predators need our help.
Among the most recent victims of this reckless killing was OR16, an Oregon-born male wearing a radio collar. He was shot on January 19thin Idaho.
OR16 was a remarkable wolf. His wanderings took him through three states and he even swam the Snake River. Yet, after his astonishing journey, he made the tragic mistake of crossing into Idaho. He lasted only 33 days there, and was the second Oregon wolf to be killed in Idaho.
Now we’re looking at the loss of nearly 1,000 wolves in just two years.This accelerated killing is an example of how states like Wyoming are managing wolves as vermin to be eliminated, not as wildlife to be managed responsibly. There is no basis for allowing this many wolves to be killed this quickly. It’s 100% politics that is driving state management.
The restoration of wolves in the Lower 48 is one of the greatest success stories of the Endangered Species Act. It’s tragic that in this day and age we are still fighting myths, misconceptions and old hatreds toward these magnificent animals.
Defenders of Wildlife is America’s premier advocacy organization working to protect endangered wildlife. Our science and legal teams are renowned in the field. We are the voice of wildlife in Washington, DC – and we are your voice as well.
We will not let politics get in the way of our work for wolves. Your urgent support today will make a big difference.
Thank you for all that you do. 
For our wildlife,
Jamie Rappaport Clark
President
Defenders of Wildlife

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Dog in New York Needs Urgent Foster by SUnday


Tony, a dog in need of treatment for a sever foot condition, faces euthanasia unless someone agrees to foster him and let a rescue pull him from the Manhattan Center, New York.
Tony came to the shelter on January 16th as a stray, but is said to have been surrendered by his owner. While Tony’s condition is not contagious, his left foot is swollen and needs treatment. But the shelter is having him scheduled for euthanasia, on Sunday as apparent from his Facebook page. To save Tony, Saving Paws Rescue is ready to pull him but they need somebody to step up and commit to fostering the dog. The rescue requires someone within 30 minutes of White Plains, NY, be ready to foster the dog while donations are being raised for the dog’s treatment. The dog needs to be saved within the next 24 hours.

To commit to fostering Tony, visit http://www.savingpawsrescue.org/ and contact them about the dog.