Safeway sold ground beef containing multi-drug resistant Salmonella bacteria. The beef was sold in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico between September 19 and November 5, 2007.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2129170720071221
But don't worry, folks! Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) believes no one should be concerned since the beef is no longer be sold. I mean I'm glad they aren't selling ground beef dated September 2007, but isn't that sort of missing the point? (Rhetorical question, people).
What these reports miss is the fundamental problem: the confinement of thousands of animals in small quarters. Cattle raised for consumption spend most of their days on feedlots, where up to 150,000 animals are contained. Animals can barely turn around, let alone lie down and stand up comfortably. There are no green pastures and animals are fed a high-energy diet that causes gut and leg problems.
The reality is that animals confined in such tight quarters get sick easily and spread disease quickly. So instead of decreasing the number of animals housed (how would people get cheap beef?!?) or expanding enclosures (how would farmers make more money?!?), producers feed antibiotics subtherapeutically.* Cattle no longer spread disease to one another, they spread antibiotic-resistant supergerms. And then people eat it. Yum, supergerms, it's what's for dinner!
You can avoid all this supergerm craziness by not eating animal flesh. Pigs, chickens and cattle are all fed subtherapeutic antibiotics on factory farms. Why contribute to an industry that makes moot life-saving antibiotics?
*Fed at a level that does not treat disease but "theoretically" prevents disease.
donating an animal to poor people isn't a good idea
The photos are cute: bright-eyed, smiling children embracing doe-eyed, happy animals. Some of the animals even have digitally added gift tags around their necks for that extra special holiday cheer! For $45-500 US dollars, you can put money into a general fund of an organization who may or may not take a perfectly intelligent, emotional animal, ship them thousands of miles by boat to a poor family in a far off land who will raise and slaughter them. Charming.
Here's why not to support animal donation programs like OxFam's, Heifer International's, or MercyCorps'. This is not a complete list, of course.
If you are an animal lover: Farm animals are smart. They are emotional. All can suffer, experience pain and know joy. Why take a nice, happy-go-lucky goat, stick her on a boat for a thousand mile treacherous trip to where she may not be fed properly and will definitely have her throat slit? Besides, it should just really offend your sensibilities when these animals are referred to as "products" and then portrayed as cheerful participants in their own subjugation and death. It should at least creep you out.
If you care about people: Asia and Africa have the highest levels of lactose intolerance, with upwards of 90% being unable to properly digest milk. In Zambia, nearly 100% of the population is lactose intolerant. Yet Heifer International has several dairy cattle projects in Zambia. Sending dairy cows to areas with a mostly lactose intolerant population is mind-boggling, really.
If you like the environment: Farm animals are resource freaks. They drink a lot (one of our pigs will drink 5 gallons a day, one of our cows around 25 gallons). They eat a lot (our two cows could probably munch through a bale of hay a day). Goats especially are known destroyers of land and creators of deserts. Some of these people have enough problems with deserts, they don't need more. Since these recipients are already living on such limited resources, why add another resource-guzzling burden in the form of livestock?
If you like fine print: Read the fine print of these organizations. Your money isn't going to buy an animal. It's going to go in a general fund. While this may be common practice to avoid litigation, it is definitely misleading. If you care about that sort of thing, anyways.
Fine Print: OxFam, Heifer International has two fine print answers (Yes, your money goes into a specific fund, and No, it doesn't -scroll down to the tiny print), MercyCorps (at the bottom in barely readable font color)
Instead of donating an animal to an impoverished family in another country, why not check out these alternatives? These organizations are working to reduce human suffering through programs that are sustainable and animal friendly.
Sustainable Harvest International
Food for Life
Trees for Life
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Women's Bean Project
Here's why not to support animal donation programs like OxFam's, Heifer International's, or MercyCorps'. This is not a complete list, of course.
If you are an animal lover: Farm animals are smart. They are emotional. All can suffer, experience pain and know joy. Why take a nice, happy-go-lucky goat, stick her on a boat for a thousand mile treacherous trip to where she may not be fed properly and will definitely have her throat slit? Besides, it should just really offend your sensibilities when these animals are referred to as "products" and then portrayed as cheerful participants in their own subjugation and death. It should at least creep you out.
If you care about people: Asia and Africa have the highest levels of lactose intolerance, with upwards of 90% being unable to properly digest milk. In Zambia, nearly 100% of the population is lactose intolerant. Yet Heifer International has several dairy cattle projects in Zambia. Sending dairy cows to areas with a mostly lactose intolerant population is mind-boggling, really.
If you like the environment: Farm animals are resource freaks. They drink a lot (one of our pigs will drink 5 gallons a day, one of our cows around 25 gallons). They eat a lot (our two cows could probably munch through a bale of hay a day). Goats especially are known destroyers of land and creators of deserts. Some of these people have enough problems with deserts, they don't need more. Since these recipients are already living on such limited resources, why add another resource-guzzling burden in the form of livestock?
If you like fine print: Read the fine print of these organizations. Your money isn't going to buy an animal. It's going to go in a general fund. While this may be common practice to avoid litigation, it is definitely misleading. If you care about that sort of thing, anyways.
Fine Print: OxFam, Heifer International has two fine print answers (Yes, your money goes into a specific fund, and No, it doesn't -scroll down to the tiny print), MercyCorps (at the bottom in barely readable font color)
Instead of donating an animal to an impoverished family in another country, why not check out these alternatives? These organizations are working to reduce human suffering through programs that are sustainable and animal friendly.
Sustainable Harvest International
Food for Life
Trees for Life
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
Women's Bean Project
Change the world
Change.org is a social networking tool aimed at creating change in the world. Every action moving toward the goal of reducing suffering is a positive one.
Support us in working to reduce the pain and misery the billions of farmed animals and all other animals endure at the hands of humans. We are their only hope.
Support us in working to reduce the pain and misery the billions of farmed animals and all other animals endure at the hands of humans. We are their only hope.
This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
Piglet Makeover
Once upon a time there was a freshly groomed piglet named Hazel.
And then she was not (freshly groomed, that is).
Ah, the joys of mud baths (according to Hazel, they are real joyful).
Hazel can now enjoy the simple things, like rooting in the grass and belly rubs. This wasn't always so. A few months ago, she was confiscated as part of a cruelty case because she wasn't being fed. You could see her ribs and hip bones. She had an inner ear infection and mange. She was a mess. We're grateful to have her with us - she brightens our days with her playful antics!
And then she was not (freshly groomed, that is).Ah, the joys of mud baths (according to Hazel, they are real joyful).
Hazel can now enjoy the simple things, like rooting in the grass and belly rubs. This wasn't always so. A few months ago, she was confiscated as part of a cruelty case because she wasn't being fed. You could see her ribs and hip bones. She had an inner ear infection and mange. She was a mess. We're grateful to have her with us - she brightens our days with her playful antics!
Calendar Contest Winners
Contests are fun, but we always like it when everyone wins. Nearly 40 submissions were entered into our first annual Barnyard Pals calendar contest. We selected three winners and made all other entries available for purchase with no mark-up at our cafepress store.
Here are the first, second and third place winners! Congrats and thanks to everyone who participated.
First Place: Peaches, the handsome sheep.
Second Place: Jena, the adorable bunny
Third Place: Rusty, the pretty hen
Here are the first, second and third place winners! Congrats and thanks to everyone who participated.
First Place: Peaches, the handsome sheep.
Second Place: Jena, the adorable bunny
Third Place: Rusty, the pretty hen
A will to live
Caring for farmed animals has its ups and downs. One of our pigs, Isabelle, is a shining example of both! Isabelle is a "production" pig, bred to gain weight in a short amount of time for slaughter at six months.
Because of their size, when they fall down or injure their back or hips, euthanasia is often the only option. Unlike dogs and cats or smaller farmed animals, we can't just pick up a 700-lb pig and carry her to the vet. When they go down, it's often for good.
Several weeks ago, Isabelle slipped in the mud and injured the muscles and nerves in her lower back. We put up a shelter around her and called the vet. The initial prognosis was not good, the vet suggested we consider euthanasia if she didn't show signs of improvement after a few days.
Sometimes, you just know when an animal is ready. A look, their behavior, or such clear distress the answer is simple. With Isabelle, this wasn't the case - she was alert, eating, drinking, talking to us and the other pigs...she looked like she wanted to live. We called another vet, desperate for another answer.
The vet came out and suggested electro-acupuncture. It was a last resort and if it didn't work, nothing would. We thought, why not? Euthanasia is always a final option. Since Isabelle wasn't suffering, wasn't in pain, and was acting like Isabelle, we gave it a go.
Not much changed after the first treatment. Our hopes were dimming. Isabelle wasn't giving up, though, so we agreed to do one last treatment as a last ditch effort. The vet was kind enough to provide the service for free, knowing it was an unlikely victory.
Two days after the second treatment, Isabelle boosted our hopes by getting up and walking! She walked a good hundred feet to our center pasture full of fresh grass. After a few nibbles, she collapsed from the effort. We again moved shelter to her and arranged for another treatment. By this point, Isabelle was showing signs that she could feel the acupuncture...and get grumpy about it! That she was showing signs of discomfort was good, it meant she had regained some feeling!
Finally, Isabelle was able to walk all the way up to a stall in the barn and there she's remained. She's showing gradual signs of improvement and is tentatively walking around. We don't know if she will fully recover, and we know the final option may still be inevitable. But we aren't giving up hope, because Isabelle has shown us that she has a powerful will to live.
We'll keep you updated.
-Marji Beach, Program Coordinator
Because of their size, when they fall down or injure their back or hips, euthanasia is often the only option. Unlike dogs and cats or smaller farmed animals, we can't just pick up a 700-lb pig and carry her to the vet. When they go down, it's often for good.
Several weeks ago, Isabelle slipped in the mud and injured the muscles and nerves in her lower back. We put up a shelter around her and called the vet. The initial prognosis was not good, the vet suggested we consider euthanasia if she didn't show signs of improvement after a few days.
Sometimes, you just know when an animal is ready. A look, their behavior, or such clear distress the answer is simple. With Isabelle, this wasn't the case - she was alert, eating, drinking, talking to us and the other pigs...she looked like she wanted to live. We called another vet, desperate for another answer.
The vet came out and suggested electro-acupuncture. It was a last resort and if it didn't work, nothing would. We thought, why not? Euthanasia is always a final option. Since Isabelle wasn't suffering, wasn't in pain, and was acting like Isabelle, we gave it a go.
Not much changed after the first treatment. Our hopes were dimming. Isabelle wasn't giving up, though, so we agreed to do one last treatment as a last ditch effort. The vet was kind enough to provide the service for free, knowing it was an unlikely victory.
Two days after the second treatment, Isabelle boosted our hopes by getting up and walking! She walked a good hundred feet to our center pasture full of fresh grass. After a few nibbles, she collapsed from the effort. We again moved shelter to her and arranged for another treatment. By this point, Isabelle was showing signs that she could feel the acupuncture...and get grumpy about it! That she was showing signs of discomfort was good, it meant she had regained some feeling!
Finally, Isabelle was able to walk all the way up to a stall in the barn and there she's remained. She's showing gradual signs of improvement and is tentatively walking around. We don't know if she will fully recover, and we know the final option may still be inevitable. But we aren't giving up hope, because Isabelle has shown us that she has a powerful will to live.
We'll keep you updated.
-Marji Beach, Program Coordinator
Signature gathering in California
We are part of a growing group of Californians who want to see changes made in the way farm animals are confined. Californians for Humane Farms is collecting 650,000 signatures to get on next November's ballot. The initiative would require veal calves, breeding sows and egg-laying hens have enough room to stretch their limbs and turn around. It's as simple as it gets.
If you are in California, please join us in this historic effort!
Volunteer - if you can gather signatures or help with data entry, fill out the form!
Endorse - if you know a vet, farm, business or animal protection group who would endorse this campaign, have them fill out a form.
If you are in California, please join us in this historic effort!
Volunteer - if you can gather signatures or help with data entry, fill out the form!
Endorse - if you know a vet, farm, business or animal protection group who would endorse this campaign, have them fill out a form.
Help farmed animals in California!
HELP PREVENT FARM ANIMAL CRUELTY IN CALIFORNIA! CAMPAIGN KICK OFF & SIGNATURE GATHERING RALLY
We need your immediate help to put a measure on the 2008 ballot that would outlaw the cruel confinement of veal calves, egg-laying hens, and breeding pigs. This important measure will phase out the use of the gestation crate for pigs, the battery cage for egg-laying hens and prevent the use of the "veal crate" for male calves.
WE NEED YOUR HELP to collect 650,000 signatures in five short months to qualify this initiative for the November 2008 ballot! Become a crucial member of the team of volunteers that will put this precedent-setting measure on the ballot! Come hear about the campaign and how YOU can get involved in this amazing effort for farm animals!
**Special Guests**Wayne Pacelle, CEO/President, The Humane Society of the U.S.Gene Baur, Founder/President, Farm SanctuaryPlease Attend a Kick-off Rally Near You!
-----------------------------
SACRAMENTO
Monday, October 1st
Sacramento SPCA
6201 Florin Perkins Rd
Sacramento, CA 95828
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SAN FRANCISCO
Tuesday, October 2nd
San Francisco SPCA
2500 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SANTA BARBARA/MONTECITO
Wednesday, October 3rd
Montecito Fire Station
595 San Ysidro Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
6:00 - 9:00pm
LOS ANGELES
Thursday, October 4th
LA Animal Services - East Valley Shelter
14409 Vanowen Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SAN DIEGO
Friday, October 5th
Health Services Complex - Rosencrans
3851 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110
7:00pm - 10:00pm
For more information, please contact Director@humanecalifornia.orgWE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!THANK YOU FOR HELPING FARM ANIMALS IN CALIFORNIA!
We need your immediate help to put a measure on the 2008 ballot that would outlaw the cruel confinement of veal calves, egg-laying hens, and breeding pigs. This important measure will phase out the use of the gestation crate for pigs, the battery cage for egg-laying hens and prevent the use of the "veal crate" for male calves.
WE NEED YOUR HELP to collect 650,000 signatures in five short months to qualify this initiative for the November 2008 ballot! Become a crucial member of the team of volunteers that will put this precedent-setting measure on the ballot! Come hear about the campaign and how YOU can get involved in this amazing effort for farm animals!
**Special Guests**Wayne Pacelle, CEO/President, The Humane Society of the U.S.Gene Baur, Founder/President, Farm SanctuaryPlease Attend a Kick-off Rally Near You!
-----------------------------
SACRAMENTO
Monday, October 1st
Sacramento SPCA
6201 Florin Perkins Rd
Sacramento, CA 95828
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SAN FRANCISCO
Tuesday, October 2nd
San Francisco SPCA
2500 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SANTA BARBARA/MONTECITO
Wednesday, October 3rd
Montecito Fire Station
595 San Ysidro Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
6:00 - 9:00pm
LOS ANGELES
Thursday, October 4th
LA Animal Services - East Valley Shelter
14409 Vanowen Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
7:00pm - 10:00pm
SAN DIEGO
Friday, October 5th
Health Services Complex - Rosencrans
3851 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92110
7:00pm - 10:00pm
For more information, please contact Director@humanecalifornia.orgWE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!THANK YOU FOR HELPING FARM ANIMALS IN CALIFORNIA!
Free Baby Mendes
Dairy calves are removed from their mothers after birth. In California, thousands end up at Mendes Calf Ranch. On any given day, 12,000 calves are housed in crates so tiny they can barely turn around. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has filed a complaint in Tulare County's Superior Court that the treatment of these calves is in violation of state anti-cruelty laws, which requires all animals be provided adequate exercise space.
Click on the banner to see how you can help.
Tell Lollypop Farm to stop serving meat!
Humane societies are in a unique position - they have a chance to be leaders in compassion. But some shelters are still serving meat at fundraising events. How can humane societies promote a vision of "preventing cruelty" to animals when they serve the flesh of those they shelter?
In this alert, we focus on one shelter - Lollypop Farm in New York. They strive to place all animals, from cattle to dogs into loving, permanent homes. Their programs include pet-assisted therapy, senior citizen pet assistance, spay and neuter incentives, and tours.
Unfortunately, while Lollypop adopts out cattle, goats, sheep, turkeys, and chickens, they also serve them at their fundraising events, including their upcoming fundraiser, the Barktober Fest on October 6.
The policy of serving meat is not in alignment with Lollypop's vision statement, which includes treating "all fellow beings with care, compassion and respect." This vision will not be achieved while meat is still served at events.
We need your help letting Lollypop Farm know that the only humane menu policy of an animal shelter is a vegetarian one.
Write a letter to the editor
The Democrat & Chronicle: dceditpage@DemocratandChronicle.com
Please keep your letter under 175 words. Include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.
Write a letter to Lollypop Farm
Ask the shelter to take meat off their October 6, Barktober Fest menu and to implement a vegetarian menu policy at their fundraising events. Thank them for their commitment to helping animals, and that all animals would be better served by NOT being served for dinner.
Write to:
Alice Calabrese, executive director
Lollypop Farm
99 Victor Road
Fairport, New York 14450
info@Lollypop.org
Talking Points for your letters:
1) Serving meat at fundraising events contradicts the mission of Lollypop Farm, which includes preventing cruelty to animals.
2) A vegetarian menu policy is not extreme; it aligns Lollypop's behavior with its vision (treating fellow beings with compassion). With so many animal friendly options available, it is senseless to continue serving meat at events.
3) With a policy of adopting farmed animals out to people who will not kill, breed or eat them, Lollypop is being disingenuous by permitting the flesh of farmed animals at fundraising events.
4) Humane societies should not serve who they shelter. Several of Lollypop's rescued farmed animals were to be killed and eaten, how can one group of animals be given protection while another be served at Lollypop's fundraising events?
5) Humane shelters have the opportunity to be leaders in compassion. They exist not to bend to what is accepted, but strive to do what is right.
6) Personal dietary choices should not be confused with organizational menu policies. No one is being asked to modify their own dietary preference, but an animal organization should not serve meat at their shelter-sponsored events.
While requesting that Lollypop Farms not serve meat at their events, please also thank them for the work they are doing to lessen the suffering of animals.
To learn more about Animal Place's effort to encourage shelters to adopt a vegetarian policy, request a copy of our Food for Thought pamphlet or download from our website at: http://www.animalplace.org/food.html
In this alert, we focus on one shelter - Lollypop Farm in New York. They strive to place all animals, from cattle to dogs into loving, permanent homes. Their programs include pet-assisted therapy, senior citizen pet assistance, spay and neuter incentives, and tours.
Unfortunately, while Lollypop adopts out cattle, goats, sheep, turkeys, and chickens, they also serve them at their fundraising events, including their upcoming fundraiser, the Barktober Fest on October 6.
The policy of serving meat is not in alignment with Lollypop's vision statement, which includes treating "all fellow beings with care, compassion and respect." This vision will not be achieved while meat is still served at events.
We need your help letting Lollypop Farm know that the only humane menu policy of an animal shelter is a vegetarian one.
Write a letter to the editor
The Democrat & Chronicle: dceditpage@DemocratandChronicle.com
Please keep your letter under 175 words. Include your full name, address and phone number for verification purposes.
Write a letter to Lollypop Farm
Ask the shelter to take meat off their October 6, Barktober Fest menu and to implement a vegetarian menu policy at their fundraising events. Thank them for their commitment to helping animals, and that all animals would be better served by NOT being served for dinner.
Write to:
Alice Calabrese, executive director
Lollypop Farm
99 Victor Road
Fairport, New York 14450
info@Lollypop.org
Talking Points for your letters:
1) Serving meat at fundraising events contradicts the mission of Lollypop Farm, which includes preventing cruelty to animals.
2) A vegetarian menu policy is not extreme; it aligns Lollypop's behavior with its vision (treating fellow beings with compassion). With so many animal friendly options available, it is senseless to continue serving meat at events.
3) With a policy of adopting farmed animals out to people who will not kill, breed or eat them, Lollypop is being disingenuous by permitting the flesh of farmed animals at fundraising events.
4) Humane societies should not serve who they shelter. Several of Lollypop's rescued farmed animals were to be killed and eaten, how can one group of animals be given protection while another be served at Lollypop's fundraising events?
5) Humane shelters have the opportunity to be leaders in compassion. They exist not to bend to what is accepted, but strive to do what is right.
6) Personal dietary choices should not be confused with organizational menu policies. No one is being asked to modify their own dietary preference, but an animal organization should not serve meat at their shelter-sponsored events.
While requesting that Lollypop Farms not serve meat at their events, please also thank them for the work they are doing to lessen the suffering of animals.
To learn more about Animal Place's effort to encourage shelters to adopt a vegetarian policy, request a copy of our Food for Thought pamphlet or download from our website at: http://www.animalplace.org/food.html
2008 Calendar Contest!
Grunt! Moooo! Baaaa! Join us for our first ever Animal Place Calendar Contest!!
For the first time, Animal Place is holding a farmed animal calendar contest! If you share your life with a companion farmed animal, we invite you to submit photos.
During the month of October, Animal Place will review the entries and select the photos that will appear in the calendar. Winners will be notified via e-mail and calendars will go on sale in our Cafepress store. A portion of sales will help the animals at our sanctuary.
Prohibited: We will not accept photos of animals at fairs (including 4-H & FFA events), petting zoos or animals who have been or will be slaughtered. Only pictures of companion or rescued farmed animals are acceptable.
For the first time, Animal Place is holding a farmed animal calendar contest! If you share your life with a companion farmed animal, we invite you to submit photos.During the month of October, Animal Place will review the entries and select the photos that will appear in the calendar. Winners will be notified via e-mail and calendars will go on sale in our Cafepress store. A portion of sales will help the animals at our sanctuary.
Photo subject rules:
Species: Cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, goats, rabbits and sheep. At this time, we are not accepting photos of equines – not because we don’t love them (we do!) but we want to focus on traditionally farmed animals. Other species will be considered on a case-by-base basis (e.g. llamas, ostriches, etc).
Species: Cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, goats, rabbits and sheep. At this time, we are not accepting photos of equines – not because we don’t love them (we do!) but we want to focus on traditionally farmed animals. Other species will be considered on a case-by-base basis (e.g. llamas, ostriches, etc).
Prohibited: We will not accept photos of animals at fairs (including 4-H & FFA events), petting zoos or animals who have been or will be slaughtered. Only pictures of companion or rescued farmed animals are acceptable.
Submission Rules
Deadline: October 4, 2007
Please submit a maximum of THREE (3) entries.
All entries must be in color.All entries must be submitted via email or CD (no printed photos, please)
Photos must be high resolution – at least 200-300 dpi. Photos at 72 dpi are not acceptable.
Pictures should only have animals present – no humans, please!
Required information
In your email or with your CD, include the following:
Your name
Street address, city & state
Contact Phone Number
Email (preferred)
Name of animal
Optional Information
Age, breed and species of animal
Story of animal
Submit via email: info@animalplace.org
CD Mailing Address
Animal Place
Animal Place
Calendar Contest
P.O. Box 5910
Vacaville, CA 95696
P.O. Box 5910
Vacaville, CA 95696
California Legislation - Help Needed!
Contact the Governor!
Two complementary bills are pending at the California Capitol. Both affect wildlife.
The Bills
AB 1477: Would require that wildlife control operators notify customers of non-lethal methods and that lethal methods will be used, if necessary, to kill the animal. Non-target animals (dogs and cats, eg) must be released and, if injured, receive treatment. Wildlife operators would be required to receive continuing education.
AB 449: If animals are to be killed, would require that animals captured be killed using only methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association panel on euthanasia.
Why the bills are needed:
Wildlife control operators fly under the radar - there are no statistics on how the animals are killed or the number. And. operators are not required to pursue further training. Furthermore, there is no law regarding how trapped animals may be killed. Cases exist in which animals have been injected with acetone, hung or drowned.
What you can do
Contact the Governor TODAY and urge him to sign AB 1477 and AB 449 into law!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-2841
Email: governor@governor.ca.gov
Two complementary bills are pending at the California Capitol. Both affect wildlife.
The Bills
AB 1477: Would require that wildlife control operators notify customers of non-lethal methods and that lethal methods will be used, if necessary, to kill the animal. Non-target animals (dogs and cats, eg) must be released and, if injured, receive treatment. Wildlife operators would be required to receive continuing education.
AB 449: If animals are to be killed, would require that animals captured be killed using only methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association panel on euthanasia.
Why the bills are needed:
Wildlife control operators fly under the radar - there are no statistics on how the animals are killed or the number. And. operators are not required to pursue further training. Furthermore, there is no law regarding how trapped animals may be killed. Cases exist in which animals have been injected with acetone, hung or drowned.
What you can do
Contact the Governor TODAY and urge him to sign AB 1477 and AB 449 into law!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-2841
Email: governor@governor.ca.gov
Cafepress shop
When you shop at our Cafepress store, you don't have to worry about long lines or screaming children (yours or others).
Choose from several designs, including "Go Veggie", "I Love Animals - that's why I don't eat them" and several others. You can even show off your love for Howie with the hand-drawn How-Cow design!
All proceeds benefit farmed animals, including the nearly 300 animals at Animal Place. Click on Howie to visit the shop!
http://www.cafepress.com/animal_place
Choose from several designs, including "Go Veggie", "I Love Animals - that's why I don't eat them" and several others. You can even show off your love for Howie with the hand-drawn How-Cow design!
All proceeds benefit farmed animals, including the nearly 300 animals at Animal Place. Click on Howie to visit the shop!
http://www.cafepress.com/animal_place
Help Kangaroos in California
Action Needed for Kangaroos in California
WHAT: SB 880 would allow the sale of kangaroo skins and body parts in the state of California.
STATUS: It passed the Senate and the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. It has two more steps: to be voted on by the entire the Assembly and then signed by the Governor.
WHY WE MUST STOP THIS BILL: SB 880 would erase a law that was implemented in 1970 to protect kangaroos by prohibiting the sale of their skins.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please do 2 things:
1. Call, email, or fax your state Assemblymember today and ask that thet vote NO on SB 880. If you previously contacted your Assemblymember on behalf of the kangaroos, please do so again and remind them of your opposition to this bill.
2. Contact the Governor and urge him to veto (oppose) SB 880 should it pass the Assembly.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-2841
916-445-4633 fax
governor@governor.ca.gov
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR: If you do not know the name or contact information of your Assemblymember, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.
1.Enter your zip code and press “search” to find your state officials.
2.When contacting your Assemblymember, please use the “Capitol Office” information.
3.You can also click on your Assemblymember’s name for further contact details (including email addresses for most legislators).
TALKING POINTS TO USE IN YOUR COMMUNICATION
•Kangaroos are not farmed. They are taken from the wild in Australia, and exist only in Australia.
•Kangaroos are shot at night by hunters. The hunters are not always able to distinguish between those who are “approved” to be killed and those who are endangered. In Queensland, Australia, the Western Grey Kangaroo is protected, but can easily be mistaken for the Eastern Grey who is allowed to be hunted.
•SB 880 would change the existing law that protects certain “look-alike” species, so that Californians do not unwittingly contribute to the extinction of a species.
•If a mother kangaroo is killed, her baby is taken from the pouch and killed by a heavy blow to the head (according to the Australian Code of Practice). Note: similar methods are used in Canada’s seal hunt; both California and Federal laws prohibit the sale of seal products from Canada because of the cruel killing methods used.
•According to Australian government statistics, kangaroo populations continue to decline and are now the lowest they have been in over a decade. Current populations are below half of what they were in 2001. (Source: Sustainable Wildlife Industries, Dept. of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, 2006).
•Reintroducing the trade in kangaroo skins into California would be disastrous, as there are already too few kangaroos to meet the industry's demands.
•SB 880 was recently amended that seemingly limits the number of kangaroos that can be killed in a given year. However, the amendment does not provide any real protection for kangaroos. In fact, it could allow more kangaroos to be killed to supply soccer cleats to Californians.
WHAT: SB 880 would allow the sale of kangaroo skins and body parts in the state of California.
STATUS: It passed the Senate and the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. It has two more steps: to be voted on by the entire the Assembly and then signed by the Governor.
WHY WE MUST STOP THIS BILL: SB 880 would erase a law that was implemented in 1970 to protect kangaroos by prohibiting the sale of their skins.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please do 2 things:
1. Call, email, or fax your state Assemblymember today and ask that thet vote NO on SB 880. If you previously contacted your Assemblymember on behalf of the kangaroos, please do so again and remind them of your opposition to this bill.
2. Contact the Governor and urge him to veto (oppose) SB 880 should it pass the Assembly.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-2841
916-445-4633 fax
governor@governor.ca.gov
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR: If you do not know the name or contact information of your Assemblymember, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.
1.Enter your zip code and press “search” to find your state officials.
2.When contacting your Assemblymember, please use the “Capitol Office” information.
3.You can also click on your Assemblymember’s name for further contact details (including email addresses for most legislators).
TALKING POINTS TO USE IN YOUR COMMUNICATION
•Kangaroos are not farmed. They are taken from the wild in Australia, and exist only in Australia.
•Kangaroos are shot at night by hunters. The hunters are not always able to distinguish between those who are “approved” to be killed and those who are endangered. In Queensland, Australia, the Western Grey Kangaroo is protected, but can easily be mistaken for the Eastern Grey who is allowed to be hunted.
•SB 880 would change the existing law that protects certain “look-alike” species, so that Californians do not unwittingly contribute to the extinction of a species.
•If a mother kangaroo is killed, her baby is taken from the pouch and killed by a heavy blow to the head (according to the Australian Code of Practice). Note: similar methods are used in Canada’s seal hunt; both California and Federal laws prohibit the sale of seal products from Canada because of the cruel killing methods used.
•According to Australian government statistics, kangaroo populations continue to decline and are now the lowest they have been in over a decade. Current populations are below half of what they were in 2001. (Source: Sustainable Wildlife Industries, Dept. of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra, 2006).
•Reintroducing the trade in kangaroo skins into California would be disastrous, as there are already too few kangaroos to meet the industry's demands.
•SB 880 was recently amended that seemingly limits the number of kangaroos that can be killed in a given year. However, the amendment does not provide any real protection for kangaroos. In fact, it could allow more kangaroos to be killed to supply soccer cleats to Californians.
A factory farm near you...
A new website from advocate group Food & Water Watch shows us where factory farms are located along with the most polluting states for each industry. It also shows number of animals in each state for each industry. You can go further in detail by clicking on the number of sites or animals by county! This is a great educational tool.
Visit: http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/
From the website, we learn:
Cattle
Nebraska (644 sites) and Iowa (552 sites) are most polluting based on site/farm number
Texas (2.6 million cattle), Kansas (2.2 million cattle), and Nebraska (2.1 million cattle) are most polluting based on number of animals.
Pigs
Iowa leads the states with most number of sites (3,876) and number of animals (13.3 million pigs). As an aside, Iowa has a population of 3 million - that's four pigs per person in Iowa.
In a distant second is North Carolina (human population 8.8 million) with 9.8 million pigs.
Dairy
California is the number one most-polluting dairy state with 1.4 million dairy cows and 1,075 dairy farms.
No other state matches California with number of animals or number of farms: Wisconsin is a distant second with 189 farms and Idaho has 318,000 dairy cows.
Broilers/Chicken raised for their flesh
Georgia houses and raises 148 million baby birds (meat birds are killed at 6 weeks of age), Alabama is second with 99 million baby birds.
Even more shocking is the number of sites - Georgia has less than a 1,000 sites for 148 million birds. That's an average of 154,000 birds per site.
Egg-laying hens
Visit: http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/
From the website, we learn:
Cattle
Nebraska (644 sites) and Iowa (552 sites) are most polluting based on site/farm number
Texas (2.6 million cattle), Kansas (2.2 million cattle), and Nebraska (2.1 million cattle) are most polluting based on number of animals.
Pigs
Iowa leads the states with most number of sites (3,876) and number of animals (13.3 million pigs). As an aside, Iowa has a population of 3 million - that's four pigs per person in Iowa.
In a distant second is North Carolina (human population 8.8 million) with 9.8 million pigs.
Dairy
California is the number one most-polluting dairy state with 1.4 million dairy cows and 1,075 dairy farms.
No other state matches California with number of animals or number of farms: Wisconsin is a distant second with 189 farms and Idaho has 318,000 dairy cows.
Broilers/Chicken raised for their flesh
Georgia houses and raises 148 million baby birds (meat birds are killed at 6 weeks of age), Alabama is second with 99 million baby birds.
Even more shocking is the number of sites - Georgia has less than a 1,000 sites for 148 million birds. That's an average of 154,000 birds per site.
Egg-laying hens
Iowa, Ohio, California and Indiana all have more than 20 million egg-laying hens. Iowa, with 33 million birds has approximately 46 sites - that's a whopping 700,000 birds per site.
Pennsylvania houses 15 million birds on 75 sites. That means, on average, each farm is housing (indoors in battery cages) 200,000 birds.
Shop beautiful jewelry and help Animal Place!
Every month, McFarland Designs donates 5% of all purchases to a selected charity. For the month of August, 5% of every purchase made will go to Animal Place!! The jewelry is hand-made and absolutely gorgeous.
Choose from beautiful rings (even vegan pearls!), charming earrings, and stunning necklaces & pendants.
Click on any of the images to go to McFarland Designs' shop. Or, click HERE. Remember, your purchase will help Howie, the cow, Flower, the pig, and all the critters at the sanctuary!
Going Veg Saves Money...and your health
An interesting MSN Money Market article discusses the cost-effectiveness of a vegetarian or vegan diet.Basics are easy on the wallet: Animal proteins are generally more expensive than plant proteins.
Fresh, canned, frozen or organic: Buying local is generally cheaper than purchasing out of season fruits and vegetables. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often less expensive too. Organic produce, while more available, is often pricier. Check out your local farmers markets for more affordable, in-season produce.
A payoff in better health: Overall, the health care costs for a vegetarian or vegan are much lower than for non-vegetarians. Less chronic disease, better heart health and a lower risk of certain cancers are all benefits of a vegan diet.
It's good for insurers: Health insurance agencies are promoting lifestyle changes to try and offset the costs associated with heart disease. A plant-based diet improves key health indicators (blood pressure, cholesterial, body mass index & blood sugar).
MSN Money Market Article
Nervous about what to cook on a vegan diet? Check out these awesome cook books for some great recipes! This is by no means a complete list, but it should help you get started!
Vegan with a Vengeance: Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: Isa Chandra Moskowitz
The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen: Donna Klein
Vegan Planet: Robin Robertson
How it all Vegan: Sarah Kramer
The Garden of Vegan: Tanya Barnard
La Dolce Vegan: Sarah Kramer
Vegan Cooking for One: Leah Leneman
Ontario fire kills 40,000 chickens
A fire at Burnbrae Farms killed 40,000 hens. Hens in the egg-laying industry are housed in stacked wire cages inside buildings, making escape from fire impossible for the birds. This is yet another reason to give up eggs.
Toronto Star article
For egg alternatives in baking, try boiled flaxseeds, applesauce, banana or Ener-G egg replacer. You can also season tofu and scramble it for a scrambled egg alternative.
Toronto Star article
For egg alternatives in baking, try boiled flaxseeds, applesauce, banana or Ener-G egg replacer. You can also season tofu and scramble it for a scrambled egg alternative.
One more reason to go vegan
It’s hard to fathom but estimates now put the total number of sea animals killed in the US annually at 34.6 billion. Over-fishing has depleted our ocean’s biodiversity and increased pollution.
Fish kills were calculated by taking the weight of commercial landings from Fisheries of the United States (U.S. Department of Commerce), obtaining average weight of each species, and then calculating the estimated number of individuals slaughtered. The initial numbers exclude discards – individual animals caught, then released back into the water. Over 40% of discarded animals die, including turtles, dolphins and other marine animals.
Fish experience pain and can suffer – this is scientific fact. Commercial fishing increases the spread of disease to wild populations, and it harms other species, like seals and sea birds who are mercilessly killed for trying to eat the farmed fish.
Do the oceans a favor – skip the fish and go veggie!
Fish kills were calculated by taking the weight of commercial landings from Fisheries of the United States (U.S. Department of Commerce), obtaining average weight of each species, and then calculating the estimated number of individuals slaughtered. The initial numbers exclude discards – individual animals caught, then released back into the water. Over 40% of discarded animals die, including turtles, dolphins and other marine animals.
Fish experience pain and can suffer – this is scientific fact. Commercial fishing increases the spread of disease to wild populations, and it harms other species, like seals and sea birds who are mercilessly killed for trying to eat the farmed fish.
Do the oceans a favor – skip the fish and go veggie!
Bakersfield, CA- Man tortures snake for tv audition
Disturbing news story from Bakersfield - during an audition for CBS' Survivor, a man bit into a live snake, peeled the skin and ate the animal alive. News source
According to a brief news report, charges may not be filed because of "convoluted" laws surrounding reptiles, particularly venomous ones.
This is not acceptable - the brutal, prolonged killing of any animal, especially in this case's context (as a television show audition) should not be left unpunished. Evidence in the psychological and human behavioral fields establish a clear connection between aberrant behavior towards animals, like animal cruelty, and dangerous & deadly behavior towards humans.
Please contact the District Attorney's Office and ask them to file charges against Brent Scheibel.
Contact Information:
Chief Deputy District Attorney J. Michael Saleen
E-mail: dacriminal@co.kern.ca.us
Phone: 661-868-2340
Mail: 1215 Truxton Ave; 4th Floor; Bakersfield, CA 93301
Copy correspondence to: Elsa Martinez, Administrative Services Officer
E-mail: DA@co.kern.ca.us
Police Department: BPDgen@bakersfieldpd.us
According to a brief news report, charges may not be filed because of "convoluted" laws surrounding reptiles, particularly venomous ones.
This is not acceptable - the brutal, prolonged killing of any animal, especially in this case's context (as a television show audition) should not be left unpunished. Evidence in the psychological and human behavioral fields establish a clear connection between aberrant behavior towards animals, like animal cruelty, and dangerous & deadly behavior towards humans.
Please contact the District Attorney's Office and ask them to file charges against Brent Scheibel.
Contact Information:
Chief Deputy District Attorney J. Michael Saleen
E-mail: dacriminal@co.kern.ca.us
Phone: 661-868-2340
Mail: 1215 Truxton Ave; 4th Floor; Bakersfield, CA 93301
Copy correspondence to: Elsa Martinez, Administrative Services Officer
E-mail: DA@co.kern.ca.us
Police Department: BPDgen@bakersfieldpd.us
Animal Place coordinates rescue
It started with an e-mail. A shelter in California needed help with a cruelty case. Twenty-five ducks, eighteen rabbits, thirty geese, three turkeys and three pigeons were in desperate need of help.
The ducks were confined in a small, wire enclosure - no room to flap their wings and no water source. The property was littered with debris, clearly unsafe for the free-roaming geese and turkeys. A wire cage housed 18 un-neutered rabbits. It was not a happy place.
Animal Place could not take all the animals. So, we sent out an e-mail to our volunteer list asking for help in placing the animals. Our plea was answered, homes were found for all the animals...and a few remained here at the sanctuary.
Imagine for one second how different this story would be had we felt nothing could be done, we couldn't take all the animals, so why bother? But we knew one thing: People care and people care enough to help. We are so thankful to all the volunteers, the shelters and everyone who helped. We couldn't have done it without you!
The ducks were confined in a small, wire enclosure - no room to flap their wings and no water source. The property was littered with debris, clearly unsafe for the free-roaming geese and turkeys. A wire cage housed 18 un-neutered rabbits. It was not a happy place.
Animal Place could not take all the animals. So, we sent out an e-mail to our volunteer list asking for help in placing the animals. Our plea was answered, homes were found for all the animals...and a few remained here at the sanctuary.
Imagine for one second how different this story would be had we felt nothing could be done, we couldn't take all the animals, so why bother? But we knew one thing: People care and people care enough to help. We are so thankful to all the volunteers, the shelters and everyone who helped. We couldn't have done it without you!
Mexican Spay Camp
At the end of June, volunteers from the United States headed down to Chihuahua, Mexico to castrate as many dogs and cats as possible during a 4-day period. The camp was spearheaded by Compassion without Borders (www.cwob.org). During the camp, 222 dogs and cats were neutered!! An article about the camp will be in Animal Place's next newsletter. Enjoy the slideshow!
Help Protect Kangaroos
For thirty years, California has taken a stance against the importation and distribution of kangaroo skin. For the past several years, shoe companies have tried to pass legislation lifting that prohibition and permitting the sale and possession of kangaroo leather (specifically for soccer shoes).
SB 880 would lift California's 30-year ban. It has passed the Senate and will probably be voted on in the Assembly next Monday, the 16th. If it passes the Assembly, the only hope of stopping the bill is if the Governor vetoes it.
Background: Hunting of kangaroos occurs at night. When mothers are killed, their young are taken from the pouch and clubbed or bludgeoned to death. According to Australian statistics, the kangaroo population is rapidly declining - it is currently half the size it was in 2001. There is no reason to open up another market that would only increase the number of kangaroos slaughtered.
Supporters of SB 880 claim that the law would prohibit the importation of protected kangaroo species. Several protected species are similar in appearance to unprotected species and since hunting occurs at night, there is no way to accurately guarantee the animal killed is unprotected.
You can Help!
We have several things you can do to help the kangaroos.
Call the Governer's Office
The absolute easiest action you can take is to call the Governer's office and register your opposition. It's all automated, so you do not have to talk to anybody. It only took me 30 seconds! :)
The number to call is: 916-445-2841
For English, press #1
For legislation: #2
For SB 880: #1
OPPOSITION: #2
E-mail your Assembly Member, asking them to OPPOSE SB 880
Find you legislator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Write or e-mail a letter to the Governer, asking him to VETO SB 880 if it passes
Governor Arnold SchwarzeneggerState Capitol BuildingSacramento, CA 95814916-445-2841916-445-4633 faxgovernor@governor.ca.gov
SB 880 would lift California's 30-year ban. It has passed the Senate and will probably be voted on in the Assembly next Monday, the 16th. If it passes the Assembly, the only hope of stopping the bill is if the Governor vetoes it.
Background: Hunting of kangaroos occurs at night. When mothers are killed, their young are taken from the pouch and clubbed or bludgeoned to death. According to Australian statistics, the kangaroo population is rapidly declining - it is currently half the size it was in 2001. There is no reason to open up another market that would only increase the number of kangaroos slaughtered.
Supporters of SB 880 claim that the law would prohibit the importation of protected kangaroo species. Several protected species are similar in appearance to unprotected species and since hunting occurs at night, there is no way to accurately guarantee the animal killed is unprotected.
You can Help!
We have several things you can do to help the kangaroos.
Call the Governer's Office
The absolute easiest action you can take is to call the Governer's office and register your opposition. It's all automated, so you do not have to talk to anybody. It only took me 30 seconds! :)
The number to call is: 916-445-2841
For English, press #1
For legislation: #2
For SB 880: #1
OPPOSITION: #2
E-mail your Assembly Member, asking them to OPPOSE SB 880
Find you legislator: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Write or e-mail a letter to the Governer, asking him to VETO SB 880 if it passes
Governor Arnold SchwarzeneggerState Capitol BuildingSacramento, CA 95814916-445-2841916-445-4633 faxgovernor@governor.ca.gov
Animal Place in the news!
A wonderful feature on Animal Place's Marji Beach, Program Coordinator, has run in two local papers. The article includes information about the sanctuary, our informative Animal Activist Training Class (next one in September) and how Marji became part of the Animal Place team. We hope you enjoy the article and take an opportunity to e-mail Ian Thompson, the reporter, with a nice thank-you note.
From the article:
The activism workshop started as an animal awareness workshop, where “we were telling them about all the horrible things, but we were not telling them anything to do about it,” Beach said.
The classes and orientations include a tour of the small farm and an introduction to the animals that have found their way to The Animal Place from Vacaville area ranches and factory farms in Louisiana.
Now, Beach lays out all the legal means activists can do.
“People want to help animals; they just don't know what they can do,” Beach said. “We want to give people things that they can do.”
Read more: http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2007/07/03/news/184new0.txt
Ian Thompson e-mail: ithompson@dailyrepublic.net
From the article:
The activism workshop started as an animal awareness workshop, where “we were telling them about all the horrible things, but we were not telling them anything to do about it,” Beach said.
The classes and orientations include a tour of the small farm and an introduction to the animals that have found their way to The Animal Place from Vacaville area ranches and factory farms in Louisiana.
Now, Beach lays out all the legal means activists can do.
“People want to help animals; they just don't know what they can do,” Beach said. “We want to give people things that they can do.”
Read more: http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2007/07/03/news/184new0.txt
Ian Thompson e-mail: ithompson@dailyrepublic.net
Finally, an update!
It's been awhile!
Meet Josephine! No picture of her brother yet, but he is pretty handsome. Josephine and her brother are two new residents at the sanctuary. They are almost big enough to be introduced to the entire group!
--
July is a pretty active month for conferences. We'll be tabling at AR 2007 in Los Angeles and Taking Action for Animals in Washington D.C. Kim Sturla, Executive Director, will be speaking at both events. Hope you can come and visit!
Meet Josephine! No picture of her brother yet, but he is pretty handsome. Josephine and her brother are two new residents at the sanctuary. They are almost big enough to be introduced to the entire group!
--
July is a pretty active month for conferences. We'll be tabling at AR 2007 in Los Angeles and Taking Action for Animals in Washington D.C. Kim Sturla, Executive Director, will be speaking at both events. Hope you can come and visit!
Animal News
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Ban Gestation Crates
You can thank Senator Ginny Burdick for introducing this legislation: sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us
(SALEM) - The Oregon State Senate approved a measure today prohibiting what has been called one of the most abusive practices in factory farming: confining breeding pigs in metal gestation crates so small the animals can’t turn around for months on end.
Salem News
California Assembly Committee Passes Spay and Neuter Bill
Most dogs and cats would have to be spayed or neutered under legislation approved Tuesday by an Assembly committee.
The measure by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Sherman Oaks, cleared the Business and Professions Committee on a 7-2 vote, sending it to the Appropriations Committee, the last stop before the full Assembly.
SF Chronicle
Thousands of Pigs Fed Tainted Pet Food
Up to 6,000 hogs in California , Kansas , New York , North Carolina , Oklahoma , South Carolina, and Utah that ate pet food tainted with industrial chemicals cannot be safely sold to humans, federal authorities said yesterday, and should be euthanized at the farms where they have been held from the market. Several hundred of the swine have already entered the human food supply.
Boston Globe
You can thank Senator Ginny Burdick for introducing this legislation: sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us
(SALEM) - The Oregon State Senate approved a measure today prohibiting what has been called one of the most abusive practices in factory farming: confining breeding pigs in metal gestation crates so small the animals can’t turn around for months on end.
Salem News
California Assembly Committee Passes Spay and Neuter Bill
Most dogs and cats would have to be spayed or neutered under legislation approved Tuesday by an Assembly committee.
The measure by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Sherman Oaks, cleared the Business and Professions Committee on a 7-2 vote, sending it to the Appropriations Committee, the last stop before the full Assembly.
SF Chronicle
Thousands of Pigs Fed Tainted Pet Food
Up to 6,000 hogs in California , Kansas , New York , North Carolina , Oklahoma , South Carolina, and Utah that ate pet food tainted with industrial chemicals cannot be safely sold to humans, federal authorities said yesterday, and should be euthanized at the farms where they have been held from the market. Several hundred of the swine have already entered the human food supply.
Boston Globe
Lots of tour fun
On Saturday, fifteen kids joined their parents for an Easter "egg-hunt" involving plastic eggs and a lot of fun. Children and company met our rabbits, learned why they don't alway make good companions for children, and fed the bunnies lots of good food. Kids also met Susie, Patty and Owen, the pigs, and Flo, the goat. It was a lot of fun!
After the kid's tour, the Bay Area Vegetarians arrived with around 24 participants. Visitors rubbed pig bellies, fed the chickens, played with the baby lambs and goat, and had a wonderful time!
We want to thank the Bay Area Veg group for a great turnout, some great vegan food, and kind donations made by the members.
You can see some pictures at the Bay Area Veg website
We do offer tours and cooking classes. If you are in the area, check out our tour/class schedule and visit if you can! Here's our schedule
After the kid's tour, the Bay Area Vegetarians arrived with around 24 participants. Visitors rubbed pig bellies, fed the chickens, played with the baby lambs and goat, and had a wonderful time!
We want to thank the Bay Area Veg group for a great turnout, some great vegan food, and kind donations made by the members.
You can see some pictures at the Bay Area Veg website
We do offer tours and cooking classes. If you are in the area, check out our tour/class schedule and visit if you can! Here's our schedule
Scrappy terriers settle in at sanctuary
Two adorable terrier mixes are spending a week at our Animal Place Doggie Spa. They will then return to the Marin Humane Society for adoption.
We warn you. These are cute dogs. With not-so-cute names. Not bad names, mind you...just odd (well, one more than the other). One is Scrappy (he is black with a lion mane) and the other is Staple. Yes. Staple. We didn't name him.
On to the pictures!
Here's Staple grinning. He's a great smiler - a skill that is super important in the doggie world.
And here's Scrappy. He has sitting like a royal canid down to an art.
We warn you. These are cute dogs. With not-so-cute names. Not bad names, mind you...just odd (well, one more than the other). One is Scrappy (he is black with a lion mane) and the other is Staple. Yes. Staple. We didn't name him.
On to the pictures!
Here's Staple grinning. He's a great smiler - a skill that is super important in the doggie world.
And here's Scrappy. He has sitting like a royal canid down to an art.
In Memory of Eve
Eleven years ago, Animal Place welcomed a beautiful Merino sheep. She was supposed to be an Easter BBQ, but was saved by a kind individual. Eve never got over her fear of humans…except when sweet grain was involved! She spent her days wandering up and down Sheep Hill. The last few years, she enjoyed tottering around the sanctuary, bleating for some food from her human caregivers. On March 27, Eve passed away. We fondly remember her beautiful face, ear-splitting yell for food, and her “old-lady” walk. She is missed, but we are all thankful for having known her.
New Lamb!!
That's right! We welcomed another lamb to the sanctuary. She and Aiden have bonded quickly, and we are so happy Aiden now has a buddy. The new lamb (we're in the process of naming her) is a chocolate-colored Merino. She is a "bummer lamb" - a lamb, for whatever reason, abandoned by her mom. She's nearly a week old and quite the little princess.
Here she is being adorable:
And here she is hanging out with Aiden:
Cute Pups woof it up at Animal Place!
Six dogs from Mexico arrived for a week's stay at the sanctuary. They will soon head off to rescues for permanent placement. Compassion Without Borders rescues dogs from Mexico, then transports them to various placement agencies in California.
Here are a couple of pictures:
Check out: http://www.animalplace.org/ for pictures to come.
Here are a couple of pictures:
Check out: http://www.animalplace.org/ for pictures to come.
Piglets enjoying the sun
While rain is what we need, the sun is what we are getting as of late. The pigs love the nice weather, and spend the day snoozing, sunbathing and grazing.
Here are three of our pigs (piglets, actually) munching on some grass.
Claire is on the left, Chester in the middle and Owen on the right. It's hard to believe, but these piglets will soon weigh in at 500-600 pounds!
Welcome!
Welcome to the Animal Place blog, where you can get an inside scoop into sanctuary life, upcoming events, and ways to help animals.
But before that, just what IS Animal Place? We are a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of farmed animals...cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep and even rabbits. We also provide temporary housing for dogs from local shelters and Mexico. Besides rescue, we strive to educate the public about factory farming, veganism and ways to help animals.
We're located in Vacaville, California (an hour from San Francisco) on 60-acres of rolling hillside. There are over 300 animals at the shelter, from 2,000 lb Howie, the steer to 2lb Cecilia, the chicken. We offer tours, volunteer opportunities, internships, cooking classes and workshops.
Check out our website for more information!
We hope you enjoy reading about sanctuary life!!
But before that, just what IS Animal Place? We are a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of farmed animals...cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep and even rabbits. We also provide temporary housing for dogs from local shelters and Mexico. Besides rescue, we strive to educate the public about factory farming, veganism and ways to help animals.
We're located in Vacaville, California (an hour from San Francisco) on 60-acres of rolling hillside. There are over 300 animals at the shelter, from 2,000 lb Howie, the steer to 2lb Cecilia, the chicken. We offer tours, volunteer opportunities, internships, cooking classes and workshops.
Check out our website for more information!
We hope you enjoy reading about sanctuary life!!
