petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-08--Animals Beheaded for Blueberries? USDA Farmer ‘Tax’ Funds Cruel Tests

Experimenters are douching , poisoning , force-feeding , starving , radiating , bleeding , suffocating , beheading , and dissecting animals purportedly to market health claims about blueberries , watermelons , and other common foods to consumers .
PETA has fired off a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to abolish what effectively amounts to a draconian `` tax '' on farmers who pay for these cruel tests and forever end this senseless bloodshed .
Funding for these worthless and deadly experiments comes from a portion of the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual fees that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commodity research and promotion ( R & P ) boards , whose boards of directors are appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) .
These fees—levied on farmers such as agricultural commodity producers , handlers , processers , importers , and others—totaled $ 885 million in 2016 alone , according to the Government Accountability Office .
Many of the 21 R & P boards overseen by the USDA waste some of these fees paid by farmers on horrific experiments on animals for marketing agricultural commodities .
Here are just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an experiment in which pigs were fed white button mushrooms , their anuses were repeatedly poked , their blood was taken , and they were killed and dissected .
• The National Processed Raspberry Council funded an experiment in which mice mated , the vaginas of the females were swabbed , the mice were fed a high-fat diet with an ingredient common in grapes and raspberries , some of the babies were killed , the remaining babies were fed a high-fat diet , mice were starved , mice were injected with glucose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were put in a 39.2-degree room for six hours , a thermometer was repeatedly shoved into their rectums , the moms ' and babies ' necks were broken to kill them , and they were dissected .
• The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council funded an experiment in which experimenters fed rats strawberries or blueberries , forced them to perform a series of stress-inducing psychomotor and cognitive tests ( including grabbing wires while suspended , walking and balancing on accelerating rotating rods , and swimming in a maze ) , repeatedly injected them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
Five rats were killed before the end of experiment because of excessive weight loss , likely from stress .
More than 2,600 sensitive and intelligent mice , rats , and pigs were used in harmful and invasive tests funded by agricultural commodity R & P boards between 2015 and 2019 .
These agricultural products include commonplace items such as mushrooms , blueberries , and watermelons , which have a long and safe history of human consumption .
Instead of torturing animals in crude experiments , researchers could have pursued safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-animal methods , which would yield human-relevant results .
These animal tests are neither applicable to humans nor required by law .
Importantly , animals are scientifically unfit for human food research in part because of the vast physiological differences between species .
After discussions with PETA , dozens of major food and beverage manufacturers have established policies against animal testing and it 's time for the USDA to do the same .
PETA 's letter to Perdue urges the USDA to prohibit the assessment fees paid by farmers from going toward animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than to be ripped off by an exorbitant assessment fee , part of which is used by R & P boards to fund crude , wasteful , and misleading experiments on animals that do n't translate to useful results for humans , '' the letter says .
Rats are as capable of thinking about things and figuring them out as dogs .
They also have clearly demonstrated empathy , as many would prioritize helping other rats in crisis or distress over getting a treat themselves .
Rats can also recognize expressions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ react to them .
Animals are not laboratory equipment , and treating them as such supports speciesism—the belief that humans are inherently superior to other animals based solely on species membership .
Please take action and help PETA keep up the pressure on the USDA to prohibit gouging farmers with fees that fund animal testing that 's inhumane and junk science .

Animals Beheaded for Blueberries? USDA Farmer 'Tax' Funds Cruel Tests
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Campaign Updates
Experimenters are douching, poisoning, force-feeding, starving, radiating, bleeding, suffocating, beheading, and dissecting animals, purportedly to establish health claims used to market blueberries, watermelons, and other common foods to consumers. PETA has fired off a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging him to end this senseless cruelty and abolish what effectively amounts to a draconian tax on farmers to pay for these cruel tests. (In 2020, we sent a similar letter to his predecessor, Sonny Perdue.)
Funding for these worthless and deadly experiments comes from a portion of the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual fees that farmers are required to pay to agricultural commodity research and promotion (R&P) boards, whose boards of directors are appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These fees—levied on agricultural commodity producers, handlers, processers, importers, and others—totaled $885 million in 2016 alone, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Many of the 21 R&P boards overseen by the USDA waste some of these fees paid by farmers on horrific experiments on animals for marketing agricultural commodities. Here are just a few:
The Mushroom Council bankrolled an experiment in which pigs were fed white button mushrooms, their anuses were repeatedly poked, their blood was taken, and they were killed and dissected.
The National Processed Raspberry Council funded an experiment in which mice mated, the vaginas of the females were swabbed, the mice were fed a high-fat diet with an ingredient common in grapes and raspberries, and some of the babies were killed. The remaining babies were fed a high-fat diet. Mice were starved, injected with glucose, their blood was repeatedly taken, they were put in a 39.2-degree room for six hours, a thermometer was repeatedly shoved into their rectums, the mothers’ and babies’ necks were broken in order to kill them, and they were dissected.
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council funded an experiment in which experimenters fed rats strawberries or blueberries, forced them to perform a series of stress-inducing psychomotor and cognitive tests (including grabbing wires while suspended, walking and balancing on accelerating rotating rods, and swimming in a maze), repeatedly injected them with a chemical, and killed and dissected them. Five rats were killed before the end of experiment because of excessive weight loss, likely from stress.
More than 2,600 sensitive and intelligent mice, rats, and pigs were used in harmful and invasive tests funded by agricultural commodity R&P boards between 2015 and 2019.
The results of these tests were used to market commonplace agricultural products, such as mushrooms, blueberries, and watermelons, which have a long and safe history of human consumption. Instead of torturing animals in crude experiments, researchers could have pursued safe and effective human studies and other advanced, non-animal methods, which would have yielded human-relevant results.
These animal tests are neither applicable to humans nor required by law. Animals are scientifically unfit for human food research, in part because of the vast physiological differences between species.
Following discussions with PETA, the Hass Avocado Board, which is a major R&P board, adopted a public policy banning the funding and conducting of animal tests, as have dozens of major food and beverage manufacturers. It’s time for the USDA and the R&P boards to do the same.
PETA’s letter to Vilsack urges the USDA to prohibit the assessment fees paid by farmers from going toward animal experiments:
We want to emphasize again that America’s farmers deserve better than to be ripped off by an exorbitant assessment fee, part of which is used by R&P boards to fund crude, wasteful, and misleading experiments on animals that don’t yield useful results for humans.
Rats are notably intelligent individuals capable of problem-solving. They have also clearly demonstrated empathy. In one study, the vast majority of the rats tested chose to help another rat who was being forced to tread water, even when they were offered the opportunity to help themselves to a chocolate treat instead. Rats can also recognize expressions of pain on other rats’ faces and react to them. Animals are not laboratory equipment, and treating them as such is an example of speciesism—the belief that humans are inherently superior to other animals based solely on species membership.
Please take action and help PETA keep up the pressure on the USDA and the R&P boards to prohibit gouging farmers with fees that fund inhumane, junk-science animal tests.
You can do so by sending polite comments to the following person:
Ramon Ojeda
Executive Director
National Mango Board
[email protected]
Then, use the form below to contact other R&P boards and the USDA.
After You Take Action Below, Please Visit Our Action Center Page to Do More


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--A Day in the Life of a PETA Animal Rescue Team Fieldworker

The powerful new documentary Breaking the Chain takes you behind the scenes as PETA fieldworkers provide neglected and abused animals with food , water , flea preventive medication , doghouses , and emergency veterinary care and do anything else they can to improve their lives .
You can stream the film on Apple TV , Google Play , iTunes , Prime Video , Vimeo , or Vudu—but to give you a taste , one PETA fieldworker featured in the movie , Ashley Beard , shares one of her typical days in the field .
9 a.m.—I grab a couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to rural North Carolina , to a county so impoverished that it doesn ’ t even have a veterinarian .
PETA fieldworkers are often the only resource for animals there .
10:30 a.m.—My first stop is the home of a tethered pit bull named Layla .
Unfortunately , tethering isn ’ t illegal here ( yet ) , although PETA has managed to get it banned in numerous other communities .
We ’ re still working on this one !
Like a depressingly large number of chained dogs , Layla is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her as a puppy , which is now grotesquely too small and is rubbing her skin raw .
I replace the collar with a larger one and beg her owners to bring her indoors , spend time with her , and meet her other basic needs .
11:15 a.m.—Since I ’ m in the neighborhood , I drop by to check on my buddy Scarface , a beloved pit bull who lives indoors with his elderly guardian .
I transported him to the PETA clinic for treatment of a skin infection a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how he ’ s doing and give him some toys , which he pounces on like a kid at Christmas .
Look at that face !
Is it any wonder that I ’ m crazy about this guy ?
11:45 a.m.—I spot a turtle attempting to cross the road ( a common sight during the summer months ) and stop to pick her up and carry her the rest of the way across .
I often rescue several turtles a day , including some who are so horrifically injured that they must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which could otherwise last for days because of their slow metabolism .
12:30 p.m.—I check on Luna , a pit bull confined to a small pen who I try to visit at least once a month .
I ask Luna ’ s owner if I can let her have a few minutes out of the pen while I clean it and fill her water bucket .
She has an absolute blast running around and rolling in the grass—such a simple thing that brings her so much joy .
1:30 p.m.—I show the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean out their dogs ’ pens , fill their water buckets , and give them treats .
I leave some animal-friendly children ’ s books to inspire them to keep looking after the dogs until the next time we check in .
2:30 p.m.—One of the highlights of my day is when I pick up a cat named Sunrize to take him to one of PETA ’ s mobile spay/neuter clinics for sterilization .
His guardian uses a wheelchair and is legally blind , so she had asked if we could transport Sunrize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s so grateful for this service that she gives me a painting she made !
3:30 p.m.—Today is a very special day for Addie , a yellow Lab mix I ’ ve been visiting for over a year .
Because she ’ s being evicted and can ’ t take the dog , Addie ’ s owner has decided to free her from her chain at long last and allow PETA to find her a new home .
I nearly break into song during the two-hour drive back to Norfolk , Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SPCA , a high-traffic shelter PETA partners with that has agreed to place the pup .
Have a wonderful rest of your life , sweet girl !
10 p.m.—The day ’ s not over yet !
I ’ m on call today for PETA ’ s 24-hour pager , so when a call comes in about a 20-year-old pit bull who has been hit by a car and is gravely injured , I jump into action .
The dog ’ s owners were contemplating shooting him to put him out of his misery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it .
Thank God they called PETA !
I ’ m so glad that I was able to escort this poor old guy peacefully over the rainbow bridge .
Every day and every story is different , but I leave work each day feeling that , as in the fable about the person saving starfish washed up on the beach , I may not be able to help them all , but I can help Layla , Scarface , Luna , Sunrize , Addie , and many , many others .
Learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s field team by watching Breaking The Chain today !
PETA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com .

The powerful new documentary Breaking the Chain takes you behind the scenes as PETA fieldworkers provide neglected and abused animals with food, water, flea preventive medication, doghouses, and emergency veterinary care and do anything else they can to improve their lives.
You can stream the film on Apple TV, Google Play, iTunes, Prime Video, Vimeo, or Vudu.
The incredibly moving documentary, #BreakingTheChain, is now streaming for FREE on @PrimeVideo & only $0.99 across all other video-on-demand services for the next month. The film shows how PETA fieldworkers spend every day helping animals in need. https://t.co/q2e4Jr6Lgo pic.twitter.com/bH9UcktRmC — PETA (@peta) November 10, 2020
Below, one PETA fieldworker featured in the movie, Ashley Beard, shares one of her typical days in the field.
*****
9 a.m.—I grab a couple of Clif Bars for the road and head out to rural North Carolina, to a county so impoverished that it doesn’t even have a veterinarian. PETA fieldworkers are often the only resource for animals there.
10:30 a.m.—My first stop is the home of a tethered pit bull named Layla. Unfortunately, tethering isn’t illegal here (yet), although PETA has managed to get it banned in numerous other communities. We’re still working on this one! Like a depressingly large number of chained dogs, Layla is still wearing the collar that was put on her as a puppy, which is now grotesquely too small and is rubbing her skin raw. I replace the collar with a larger one and beg her owners to bring her indoors, spend time with her, and meet her other basic needs.
11:15 a.m.—Since I’m in the neighborhood, I drop by to check on my buddy Scarface, a beloved pit bull who lives indoors with his elderly guardian. I transported him to the PETA clinic for treatment of a skin infection a few months ago, so I want to see how he’s doing and give him some toys, which he pounces on like a kid at Christmas.
Look at that face! Is it any wonder that I’m crazy about this guy?
11:45 a.m.—I spot a turtle attempting to cross the road (a common sight during the summer months) and stop to pick her up and carry her the rest of the way across. I often rescue several turtles a day, including some who are so horrifically injured that they must be mercifully euthanized to end their suffering, which could otherwise last for days because of their slow metabolism.
12:30 p.m.—I check on Luna, a pit bull confined to a small pen who I try to visit at least once a month.
I ask Luna’s owner if I can let her have a few minutes out of the pen while I clean it and fill her water bucket. She has an absolute blast running around and rolling in the grass—such a simple thing that brings her so much joy.
1:30 p.m.—I show the children at the next stop how to clean out their dogs’ pens, fill their water buckets, and give them treats. I leave some animal-friendly children’s books to inspire them to keep looking after the dogs until the next time we check in.
2:30 p.m.—One of the highlights of my day is when I pick up a cat named Sunrize to take him to one of PETA’s mobile spay/neuter clinics for sterilization. His guardian uses a wheelchair and is legally blind, so she had asked if we could transport Sunrize for the lifesaving surgery. She’s so grateful for this service that she gives me a painting she made!
3:30 p.m.—Today is a very special day for Addie, a yellow Lab mix I’ve been visiting for over a year. Because she’s being evicted and can’t take the dog, Addie’s owner has decided to free her from her chain at long last and allow PETA to find her a new home. I nearly break into song during the two-hour drive back to Norfolk, Virginia, and then I swing by the Norfolk SPCA, a high-traffic shelter PETA partners with that has agreed to place the pup. Have a wonderful rest of your life, sweet girl!
10 p.m.—The day’s not over yet! I’m on call today for PETA’s 24-hour pager, so when a call comes in about a 20-year-old pit bull who has been hit by a car and is gravely injured, I jump into action. The dog’s owners were contemplating shooting him to put him out of his misery but couldn’t bring themselves to do it. Thank God they called PETA! I’m so glad that I was able to escort this poor old guy peacefully over the rainbow bridge.
*****
Every day and every story is different, but I leave work each day feeling that, as in the fable about the person saving starfish washed up on the beach, I may not be able to help them all, but I can help Layla, Scarface, Luna, Sunrize, Addie, and many, many others.
*****
PETA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--PETA Calls for State Audit of University of Montana After COVID-19–Related Animal Killings

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School 's COVID-19 Response Plans , Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers Missoula , Mont .
– Today , PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money , personnel , property , equipment , and space by the University of Montana ( UM ) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic .
This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school ’ s laboratories .
In its letter , PETA notes that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 99 million in state appropriations , some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled .
In March , UM implemented a plan in which “ researchers with active animal studies ” were urged to “ consider finalizing experimental endpoints and reducing population numbers ” and “ delay starting longitudinal studies until further notice.
” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals whom the school deemed extraneous .
PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel , and apparently not even the school can justify them , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.
” Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives , as more than 90 % of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans .
( Please read under “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
And 95 % of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School's COVID-19 Response Plans, Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Missoula, Mont. – Today, PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money, personnel, property, equipment, and space by the University of Montana (UM) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school’s laboratories.
In its letter, PETA notes that in the last fiscal year, the university received $99 million in state appropriations, some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled. In March, UM implemented a plan in which “researchers with active animal studies” were urged to “consider finalizing experimental endpoints and reducing population numbers” and “delay starting longitudinal studies until further notice.” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals whom the school deemed extraneous. PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential.
“The University of Montana’s experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel, and apparently not even the school can justify them,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.”
Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives, as more than 90% of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans. (Please read under “Lack of benefit for humans” here.) And 95% of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--Flacos Wins Spot on PETA’s List of Top 10 Latinx-Owned Vegan Restaurants

For National Hispanic Heritage Month , Local Eatery Celebrated for Dishing Up Some of the Best Taquitos and Tamales in the U.S. Berkeley , Calif. – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month ( September 15 to October 15 ) , PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the top 10 Latinx-owned vegan restaurants nationwide—and Flacos has secured a spot on the list .
For over a decade , Flacos owner and chef Antonio Magana has been dishing up vegan versions of his family ’ s traditional recipes from Mexico .
Standouts include his huarache—a large handmade corn tortilla topped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , onions , cabbage , radish , and salsa—and his tamales , which are stuffed with potatoes and either mole , soy protein , capers , and olives or roasted poblano peppers and black beans .
Hungry yet ?
“ Whether you ’ re in the mood for crispy taquitos or a comforting bowl of pozole , Flacos has a super-tasty vegan dish for you , ” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo .
“ The restaurants on PETA Latino ’ s top 10 list put vegan twists on classic Latin dishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are animal-friendly.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice , as slaughterhouse workers , who are disproportionally Latinx , are facing a practically unchecked spread of COVID-19 , which originated in a meat market .
Everyone who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism , the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it ’ s acceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants like Flacos , making the switch is easier than ever .
Other honorees include Viva Vegeria in San Antonio , Mama ’ s International Tamales in Los Angeles , and Nuno ’ s Tacos & Vegmex Grill in Dallas .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or PETALatino.com .

For National Hispanic Heritage Month, Local Eatery Celebrated for Dishing Up Some of the Best Taquitos and Tamales in the U.S.
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Berkeley, Calif. – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the top 10 Latinx-owned vegan restaurants nationwide—and Flacos has secured a spot on the list.
For over a decade, Flacos owner and chef Antonio Magana has been dishing up vegan versions of his family’s traditional recipes from Mexico. Standouts include his huarache—a large handmade corn tortilla topped with avocado, beans, rice, cilantro, onions, cabbage, radish, and salsa—and his tamales, which are stuffed with potatoes and either mole, soy protein, capers, and olives or roasted poblano peppers and black beans. Hungry yet?
“Whether you’re in the mood for crispy taquitos or a comforting bowl of pozole, Flacos has a super-tasty vegan dish for you,” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo. “The restaurants on PETA Latino’s top 10 list put vegan twists on classic Latin dishes that are as taste bud–friendly as they are animal-friendly.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice, as slaughterhouse workers, who are disproportionally Latinx, are facing a practically unchecked spread of COVID-19, which originated in a meat market. Everyone who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism, the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it’s acceptable to exploit them—and thanks to delicious vegan restaurants like Flacos, making the switch is easier than ever.
Other honorees include Viva Vegeria in San Antonio, Mama’s International Tamales in Los Angeles, and Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill in Dallas.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or PETALatino.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--Criminal Probe Sought by PETA: Conscious Cow Shot in the Head Five Times

Viroqua , Wis. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Nordik Meats outside Viroqua .
In response , the group sent a letter today calling on the Vernon County district attorney to review the matter and , as appropriate , file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker who shot a cow in the head five times .
According to the August 19 incident report , after the first shot , the cow was left crying out , bleeding from her nose , and with a hole in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she tried to escape .
After the third and fourth shots , she swayed back and forth .
The fifth shot finally stunned her .
A federal inspector later found four wounds in the cow ’ s head , including one that was a full inch in diameter .
“ This disturbing report shows that this cow experienced a prolonged , agonizing death at Nordik Meats , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the cow who suffered at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
The group notes that cattle , sheep , pigs , chickens , and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives , just as humans do , and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you well .
I would like to request that your office ( and the proper local law-enforcement agency , as you deem appropriate ) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against Nordik Meats , Inc. , and the staff responsible for shooting a conscious heifer at least five times in her head on August 19 at its slaughterhouse located at E7342 Three Chimney Rd.
, outside Viroqua .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety and Inspection Service ( FSIS ) documented the incident in the attached report , which states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] IPP heard vocalizing coming from the kill floor .
IPP immediately entered the kill floor and witnessed … a conscious heifer , standing in the restrainer .
The animal was bleeding from its nose and had a hole from a previous stunning attempt in the forehead .
The animal was conscious , still standing and didn ’ t go down after this first observed stun attempt with the hand-held captive bolt gun .
The plant manager had reloaded the primary hand-held captive bolt gun with the .22 blank .
After the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained conscious , vocalized and tried to buck out of the restrainer .
The third and fourth observed stun attempts were also unsuccessful , however , the conscious animal was starting to sway side to side in a standing position .
The fifth observed stun attempt rendered the animal unconscious.1 This conduct appears to violate Wis. Stat .
§ 951.02 .
Importantly , FSIS action doesn ’ t preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2 Please let us know what we might do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration and for the difficult work that you do .
2See Nat ’ l .
Meat Assoc .
v. Harris , 132 S. Ct. 965 , 974 n.10 ( 2012 ) ( “ States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [ Federal Meat Inspection Act ( FMIA ) ] .
See [ 21 U.S.C . ]
§678 ; cf .
Bates v. Dow Agrosciences , LLC , 544 U.S. 431 , 447 ( 2005 ) ( holding that a preemption clause barring state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘ equivalent ’ state provision ) .
Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses , it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.
” ) .

For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Viroqua, Wis. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Nordik Meats outside Viroqua. In response, the group sent a letter today calling on the Vernon County district attorney to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker who shot a cow in the head five times. According to the August 19 incident report, after the first shot, the cow was left crying out, bleeding from her nose, and with a hole in her head. After the second shot, she tried to escape. After the third and fourth shots, she swayed back and forth. The fifth shot finally stunned her. A federal inspector later found four wounds in the cow’s head, including one that was a full inch in diameter.
“This disturbing report shows that this cow experienced a prolonged, agonizing death at Nordik Meats,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the cow who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. The group notes that cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives, just as humans do, and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them.
For more information, visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Vernon County District Attorney Timothy Gaskell follows.
September 9, 2020
The Honorable Timothy Gaskell
District Attorney
Vernon County
Dear Mr. Gaskell,
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law-enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against Nordik Meats, Inc., and the staff responsible for shooting a conscious heifer at least five times in her head on August 19 at its slaughterhouse located at E7342 Three Chimney Rd., outside Viroqua. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented the incident in the attached report, which states the following:
[Inspection program personnel] IPP heard vocalizing coming from the kill floor. IPP immediately entered the kill floor and witnessed … a conscious heifer, standing in the restrainer. The animal was bleeding from its nose and had a hole from a previous stunning attempt in the forehead. The animal was conscious, still standing and didn’t go down after this first observed stun attempt with the hand-held captive bolt gun. The plant manager had reloaded the primary hand-held captive bolt gun with the .22 blank. After the second observed unsuccessful stun attempt, the animal remained conscious, vocalized and tried to buck out of the restrainer. The third and fourth observed stun attempts were also unsuccessful, however, the conscious animal was starting to sway side to side in a standing position. The fifth observed stun attempt rendered the animal unconscious.1
This conduct appears to violate Wis. Stat. § 951.02. Importantly, FSIS action doesn’t preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2
Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Investigations Specialist
1FSIS District Manager Dawn Sprouls, D.V.M., Notice of Intended Suspension (August 19, 2020) .
2See Nat’l. Meat Assoc. v. Harris, 132 S. Ct. 965, 974 n.10 (2012) (“States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA)]. See [21 U.S.C.] §678; cf. Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 544 U.S. 431, 447 (2005) (holding that a preemption clause barring state laws ‘in addition to or different’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘equivalent’ state provision). Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses, it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.”).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--PETA Calls For State Audit of University of Louisville After COVID-19–Related Animal Killings

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School 's COVID-19 Response Plan , Group Questions Why Extraneous Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers Louisville , Ky. – Today , PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money , personnel , property , equipment , and space by the University of Louisville ( UofL ) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic .
This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school ’ s laboratories .
In its letter , PETA notes that in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 129 million in state appropriations , some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled .
In March , UofL informed its experimenters that “ all non-essential research activities are suspended ” and that “ [ n ] on-essential research studies and experiments that have not yet started should be immediately postponed.
” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals whom the school deemed extraneous .
PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential .
“ UofL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruel , and apparently not even the school can justify them , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.
” Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives , as more than 90 % of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans .
( Please read under “ Lack of benefit for humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials .
PETA ’ s letter to Kentucky State Auditor Mike Harmon is available upon request .
The group—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School's COVID-19 Response Plan, Group Questions Why Extraneous Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Louisville, Ky. – Today, PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money, personnel, property, equipment, and space by the University of Louisville (UofL) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school’s laboratories.
In its letter, PETA notes that in the last fiscal year, the university received nearly $129 million in state appropriations, some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled. In March, UofL informed its experimenters that “all non-essential research activities are suspended” and that “[n]on-essential research studies and experiments that have not yet started should be immediately postponed.” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals whom the school deemed extraneous. PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential.
“UofL’s experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel, and apparently not even the school can justify them,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.”
Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives, as more than 90% of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans. (Please read under “Lack of benefit for humans” here.) And 95% of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials.
PETA’s letter to Kentucky State Auditor Mike Harmon is available upon request. The group—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--‘Pill Bottle’ to Take Eli Lilly to Task Over Forced Swim Test

PETA Will Demand a Ban on Cruel Near-Drowning Test on Small Animals Indianapolis – On Thursday , a PETA supporter wearing a pill bottle costume depicting a drowning mouse and the words “ Lilly : Not Nice to Mice ” will lead a socially distanced protest outside Eli Lilly ’ s headquarters calling on it to ban the cruel forced swim test .
The “ pill bottle ” and fellow protesters will point out that the company has terrified 3,400 mice and rats in the test since 1993 , with nothing to show for it .
Where : 639 Delaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarty Street ) , Indianapolis In the test ( see this video ) , mice , hamsters , or other small animals are placed in inescapable beakers filled with water and made to swim to keep from drowning , purportedly to shed light on human depression .
Eventually , often exhausted , they float .
The test has been heavily criticized by scientists who argue that floating is not a sign of depression or despair , as some claim , but rather a positive indicator of learning , saving energy , and adapting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the test is less accurate than a coin toss in determining the effectiveness of antidepressant medications .
Between 1993 and 2019 , Eli Lilly employees published at least 20 papers and submitted at least 11 patent applications describing the use of the notorious test .
“ Eli Lilly needs to accept that nearly drowning mice is irrelevant to human depression , ” says PETA neuroscientist Dr. Emily Trunnell .
“ It must follow the lead of more than a dozen other major pharmaceutical companies , including Johnson & Johnson , and ban this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer , Johnson & Johnson , Bristol Myers Squibb , and many other pharmaceutical companies have banned the forced swim test after discussions with PETA .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Will Demand a Ban on Cruel Near-Drowning Test on Small Animals
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Indianapolis – On Thursday, a PETA supporter wearing a pill bottle costume depicting a drowning mouse and the words “Lilly: Not Nice to Mice” will lead a socially distanced protest outside Eli Lilly’s headquarters calling on it to ban the cruel forced swim test. The “pill bottle” and fellow protesters will point out that the company has terrified 3,400 mice and rats in the test since 1993, with nothing to show for it.
When: Thursday, September 10, 12 noon
Where: 639 Delaware St. (at the intersection with E. McCarty Street), Indianapolis
In the test (see this video), mice, hamsters, or other small animals are placed in inescapable beakers filled with water and made to swim to keep from drowning, purportedly to shed light on human depression. Eventually, often exhausted, they float. The test has been heavily criticized by scientists who argue that floating is not a sign of depression or despair, as some claim, but rather a positive indicator of learning, saving energy, and adapting to a new environment. Statistically, the test is less accurate than a coin toss in determining the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Between 1993 and 2019, Eli Lilly employees published at least 20 papers and submitted at least 11 patent applications describing the use of the notorious test.
“Eli Lilly needs to accept that nearly drowning mice is irrelevant to human depression,” says PETA neuroscientist Dr. Emily Trunnell. “It must follow the lead of more than a dozen other major pharmaceutical companies, including Johnson & Johnson, and ban this useless test.”
GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and many other pharmaceutical companies have banned the forced swim test after discussions with PETA.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--Canada Goose Sponsorship Prompts PETA Protests at Film Festival

Mobile Billboard Will Circle TIFF Venues With 'TIFF & Canada Goose : Partners in Cruelty ' Message Toronto – Armed with posters emblazoned with a spoof Canada Goose logo and images reflecting the company ’ s support of cruelty to geese and coyotes , PETA supporters will hold multiple protests tomorrow on the opening day of the Canada Goose–sponsored Toronto International Film Festival ( TIFF ) .
A PETA mobile billboard will also circle the TIFF Bell Lightbox and outdoor festival venues CityView and Ontario Place .
Where : Outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox , 350 King St. W. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin International Film Festival confirmed that it cut ties with Canada Goose in 2017 .
“ No film festival should welcome a sponsor whose name is synonymous with cruelty , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ PETA is urging TIFF to cut ties with Canada Goose until the company agrees to stop supporting the torment and death of geese and coyotes for its coats.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to wear ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETA.org .

Mobile Billboard Will Circle TIFF Venues With 'TIFF & Canada Goose: Partners in Cruelty' Message
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Toronto – Armed with posters emblazoned with a spoof Canada Goose logo and images reflecting the company’s support of cruelty to geese and coyotes, PETA supporters will hold multiple protests tomorrow on the opening day of the Canada Goose–sponsored Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). A PETA mobile billboard will also circle the TIFF Bell Lightbox and outdoor festival venues CityView and Ontario Place.
When: Thursday, September 10, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: Outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., Toronto
When: Thursday, September 10, 8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Where: Outside Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto
After hearing from PETA, the Berlin International Film Festival confirmed that it cut ties with Canada Goose in 2017.
“No film festival should welcome a sponsor whose name is synonymous with cruelty,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging TIFF to cut ties with Canada Goose until the company agrees to stop supporting the torment and death of geese and coyotes for its coats.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--PETA Calls for State Audit of Mizzou After COVID-19–Related Animal Killings

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School 's COVID-19 Response Plans , Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers Columbia , Mo .
– Today , PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money , personnel , property , equipment , and space by the University of Missouri ( Mizzou ) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic .
This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school ’ s laboratories .
In its letter , PETA notes that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than $ 408 million in state appropriations , some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled .
In March , Mizzou informed its experimenters about “ ramping down research activities where possible ” and stated that no new experiments on animals could be started .
These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals the school deemed extraneous .
PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential .
“ The University of Missouri ’ s experiments on animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even the school can justify them , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.
” Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives , as more than 90 % of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans .
( Please read under “ Lack of benefit for humans ” here . )
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials .
PETA ’ s letter to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway is available upon request .
The group—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School's COVID-19 Response Plans, Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Amanda Tumbleson 202-483-7382
Columbia, Mo. – Today, PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money, personnel, property, equipment, and space by the University of Missouri (Mizzou) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school’s laboratories.
In its letter, PETA notes that in the last fiscal year, the university received more than $408 million in state appropriations, some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled. In March, Mizzou informed its experimenters about “ramping down research activities where possible” and stated that no new experiments on animals could be started. These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals the school deemed extraneous. PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential.
“The University of Missouri’s experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel, and apparently not even the school can justify them,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.”
Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives, as more than 90% of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans. (Please read under “Lack of benefit for humans” here.) And 95% of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials.
PETA’s letter to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway is available upon request. The group—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--PETA to USDA: End Draconian ‘Tax’ on Farmers That Pays for Cruel, Deadly Animal Tests

Group Urges Agency to Stop Experiments That Involve Douching , Poisoning , Starving , and Beheading Thousands of Mice , Rats , and Pigs Washington – This morning , PETA sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to prohibit what amounts to an exorbitant “ tax ” on farmers , who must pay hundreds of millions in annual fees to agricultural commodity research and promotion boards ( known as “ checkoffs ” ) .
Some of these funds are used for deadly animal tests for marketing fruits and vegetables .
PETA ’ s letter notes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards of directors are appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) —fund these experiments , which include douching , poisoning , force-feeding , starving , irradiating , bleeding , suffocating , beheading , and dissecting animals in misguided efforts to establish human health claims for marketing their agricultural products and ingredients , despite drastic physiological differences between species .
These tests on animals are neither relevant to humans nor required by law .
More than 2,600 animals , including mice , rats , and pigs , were used in tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 2015 and 2019 .
The Government Accountability Office reports that in 2016 , assessment fees for agricultural commodity producers , handlers , processors , importers , and others totaled over $ 885 million .
After discussions with PETA , —including PepsiCo , the Kellogg Company , and Barilla—have established policies against animal testing .
PETA points out that these agricultural products—including blueberries , mushrooms , and watermelons—are commonplace foods with a long history of safe human consumption .
Researchers could have instead pursued safe and effective human studies , which would yield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay what amounts to a draconian ‘ tax ’ to fund barbaric , lethal animal experiments for marketing agricultural products is cruel and doesn ’ t advance human health , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is urging the USDA to cut wasteful spending on misguided animal tests and instead require agricultural commodity boards to use superior , non-animal research methods.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @

Group Urges Agency to Stop Experiments That Involve Douching, Poisoning, Starving, and Beheading Thousands of Mice, Rats, and Pigs
For Immediate Release:
September 8, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Washington – This morning, PETA sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to prohibit what amounts to an exorbitant “tax” on farmers, who must pay hundreds of millions in annual fees to agricultural commodity research and promotion boards (known as “checkoffs”). Some of these funds are used for deadly animal tests for marketing fruits and vegetables.
PETA’s letter notes that many of the 21 agricultural commodity boards—whose boards of directors are appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—fund these experiments, which include douching, poisoning, force-feeding, starving, irradiating, bleeding, suffocating, beheading, and dissecting animals in misguided efforts to establish human health claims for marketing their agricultural products and ingredients, despite drastic physiological differences between species. These tests on animals are neither relevant to humans nor required by law.
More than 2,600 animals, including mice, rats, and pigs, were used in tests funded by agricultural commodity boards and published between 2015 and 2019. The Government Accountability Office reports that in 2016, assessment fees for agricultural commodity producers, handlers, processors, importers, and others totaled over $885 million.
After discussions with PETA, dozens of major food and beverage manufacturers —including PepsiCo, the Kellogg Company, and Barilla—have established policies against animal testing.
PETA points out that these agricultural products—including blueberries, mushrooms, and watermelons—are commonplace foods with a long history of safe human consumption. Researchers could have instead pursued safe and effective human studies, which would yield human-relevant results.
“Forcing American farmers to pay what amounts to a draconian ‘tax’ to fund barbaric, lethal animal experiments for marketing agricultural products is cruel and doesn’t advance human health,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is urging the USDA to cut wasteful spending on misguided animal tests and instead require agricultural commodity boards to use superior, non-animal research methods.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill Wins Spot on PETA’s List of Top 10 Latinx-Owned Vegan Restaurants

For National Hispanic Heritage Month , Local Eatery Celebrated for Dishing Up Some of the Best Tacos and Tortas in the U.S. Dallas – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month ( September 15 to October 15 ) , PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the top 10 Latinx-owned vegan restaurants nationwide—and Nuno ’ s Tacos & Vegmex Grill has secured a spot on the list .
Vegan food is a family matter for restaurant owner Nuno Arias Jr. , whose parents operate the vegan bakery El Palote Panaderia in southeast Dallas and whose wife , three children , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuno ’ s , which is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary , dishes up vegan twists on classic Tex-Mex fare , including the Cowboy Torta , featuring Beyond Meat chicken fried steak , chilaquiles rojos , chipotle mayo , and all the trimmings ; the Bistec Ranchero Tacos , served with housemade crema , creamy jalapeño salsa , jalapeño toreado , and a hearty helping of beans and rice ; and Nuno ’ s KrunchWrap—a fresh take on a certain fast-food dish .
Hungry yet ?
“ Whether you ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or made-to-order sopapillas , Nuno ’ s Tacos & Vegmex Grill has a super-tasty vegan dish for you , ” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo .
“ The restaurants on PETA Latino ’ s top 10 list put vegan spins on classic Latin dishes that are as taste bud–friendly as they are animal-friendly.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice , as slaughterhouse workers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practically unchecked spread of COVID-19 , which originated in a meat market .
Everyone who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism , the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it ’ s acceptable to exploit them—and thanks to delicious vegan restaurants like Nuno ’ s , making the switch is easier than ever .
Other honorees include Viva Vegeria in San Antonio , Mama ’ s International Tamales in Los Angeles , and Miami Nice in Portland , Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETA.org or PETALatino.com .

For National Hispanic Heritage Month, Local Eatery Celebrated for Dishing Up Some of the Best Tacos and Tortas in the U.S.
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Dallas – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the top 10 Latinx-owned vegan restaurants nationwide—and Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill has secured a spot on the list.
Vegan food is a family matter for restaurant owner Nuno Arias Jr., whose parents operate the vegan bakery El Palote Panaderia in southeast Dallas and whose wife, three children, and dog are all vegan, too. Nuno’s, which is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary, dishes up vegan twists on classic Tex-Mex fare, including the Cowboy Torta, featuring Beyond Meat chicken fried steak, chilaquiles rojos, chipotle mayo, and all the trimmings; the Bistec Ranchero Tacos, served with housemade crema, creamy jalapeño salsa, jalapeño toreado, and a hearty helping of beans and rice; and Nuno’s KrunchWrap—a fresh take on a certain fast-food dish. Hungry yet?
“Whether you’re in the mood for enchiladas, a quesadilla, or made-to-order sopapillas, Nuno’s Tacos & Vegmex Grill has a super-tasty vegan dish for you,” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo. “The restaurants on PETA Latino’s top 10 list put vegan spins on classic Latin dishes that are as taste bud–friendly as they are animal-friendly.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice, as slaughterhouse workers, who are disproportionally Latinx, are facing a practically unchecked spread of COVID-19, which originated in a meat market. Everyone who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism, the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it’s acceptable to exploit them—and thanks to delicious vegan restaurants like Nuno’s, making the switch is easier than ever.
Other honorees include Viva Vegeria in San Antonio, Mama’s International Tamales in Los Angeles, and Miami Nice in Portland, Oregon.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or PETALatino.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--See Which Eateries Won a Spot on PETA’s List of Top 10 Latinx-Owned Vegan Restaurants

For National Hispanic Heritage Month , Group Celebrates the Restaurants Dishing Up the Best Jackfruit Tacos and Dairy-Free Flan in the U.S. Norfolk , Va. – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month ( September 15 to October 15 ) , PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the nationwide : “ Whether you ’ re in the mood for a savory banana leaf tamale , jackfruit pupusas , a delicious flan , or sopapillas , these eateries have a super-tasty vegan dish for you , ” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo .
“ The restaurants on PETA Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twists on classic Latin dishes that are as taste bud–friendly as they are animal-friendly.
” PETA Latino—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice , as slaughterhouse workers , who are disproportionally Latinx , are facing a practically unchecked spread of COVID-19 .
U.S. farms and slaughterhouses are every bit as filthy as any “ wet market , ” with floors soaked with blood , urine , and feces—and they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully aware that those around them are being violently hacked apart .
People can take a stand against such abuse , help prevent future pandemics , and improve their own health simply by supporting vegan-centric restaurants .
In addition , each person who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism , the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it ’ s acceptable to exploit them .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or PETALatino.com .

For National Hispanic Heritage Month, Group Celebrates the Restaurants Dishing Up the Best Jackfruit Tacos and Dairy-Free Flan in the U.S.
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), PETA and PETA Latino are highlighting the top 10 Latinx-owned vegan restaurants nationwide:
“Whether you’re in the mood for a savory banana leaf tamale, jackfruit pupusas, a delicious flan, or sopapillas, these eateries have a super-tasty vegan dish for you,” says PETA Latino Senior Manager Alicia Aguayo. “The restaurants on PETA Latino’s top 10 list put vegan twists on classic Latin dishes that are as taste bud–friendly as they are animal-friendly.”
PETA Latino—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—notes that going vegan is an important way to stand up for social justice, as slaughterhouse workers, who are disproportionally Latinx, are facing a practically unchecked spread of COVID-19. U.S. farms and slaughterhouses are every bit as filthy as any “wet market,” with floors soaked with blood, urine, and feces—and they’re filled with terrified animals who are fully aware that those around them are being violently hacked apart. People can take a stand against such abuse, help prevent future pandemics, and improve their own health simply by supporting vegan-centric restaurants.
In addition, each person who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals every year and combats speciesism, the archaic belief that other animals are inherently inferior to humans and that it’s acceptable to exploit them.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or PETALatino.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--VIDEO: After Seven Lonely Years in a Backyard Prison, Senior Dog Is Loved at Last

Norfolk , Va. – Seven years is a long time—and for dogs like Mingo , it ’ s nearly a lifetime .
Kept far away from her owner ’ s house in a small , waste-filled chain-link outdoor pen 24/7 , she spent every day and every night , year after lonesome year , with nothing to do , no companionship , no toys , no opportunity for exercise , and often even no water to drink .
Authorities refused to intervene , so for seven years , PETA ’ s fieldworkers visited Mingo as much as they could , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affection—and as a new PETA video shows , their persistence paid off : Mingo ’ s owner finally agreed to let them take her away .
Mingo ’ s freedom almost came too late .
She suffers from advanced heartworm disease and suspected early-stage liver cancer—but the PETA fieldworker who secured her freedom took her home , where she ’ ll live out the time she has left , and is making sure that these are the best months ( or , hopefully , years ) of her life .
Mingo now spends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrestling with her new dog brother , rolling around on the carpet , sniffing new scents , collecting blankets to wrap herself in , walking new paths , and snuggling indoors on the couch with her adoptive family .
“ Mingo is savoring every second of her new life and now receiving the kindness and respect that she was long denied as a lonely ‘ outside dog , ' ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ There are countless other dogs like Mingo still out there , and PETA encourages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for laws that prohibit keeping dogs caged or chained outdoors alone and forgotten.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
More information about the group ’ s work to help dogs and cats is available here , and more photos of Mingo are available on PETA ’ s blog .

For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – Seven years is a long time—and for dogs like Mingo, it’s nearly a lifetime. Kept far away from her owner’s house in a small, waste-filled chain-link outdoor pen 24/7, she spent every day and every night, year after lonesome year, with nothing to do, no companionship, no toys, no opportunity for exercise, and often even no water to drink. Authorities refused to intervene, so for seven years, PETA’s fieldworkers visited Mingo as much as they could, giving her water, food, and affection—and as a new PETA video shows, their persistence paid off: Mingo’s owner finally agreed to let them take her away.
Mingo’s freedom almost came too late. She suffers from advanced heartworm disease and suspected early-stage liver cancer—but the PETA fieldworker who secured her freedom took her home, where she’ll live out the time she has left, and is making sure that these are the best months (or, hopefully, years) of her life. Mingo now spends her days romping on soft grass, wrestling with her new dog brother, rolling around on the carpet, sniffing new scents, collecting blankets to wrap herself in, walking new paths, and snuggling indoors on the couch with her adoptive family.
“Mingo is savoring every second of her new life and now receiving the kindness and respect that she was long denied as a lonely ‘outside dog,'” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “There are countless other dogs like Mingo still out there, and PETA encourages caring people to help them by pushing for laws that prohibit keeping dogs caged or chained outdoors alone and forgotten.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. More information about the group’s work to help dogs and cats is available here, and more photos of Mingo are available on PETA’s blog.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--JBS Deforestation Scandal Spotlighted in PETA Billboard

The Rainforest and Its Inhabitants Are Burning Because of U.S. Consumers ' Greed , Not Need Grand Island , Neb .
– New evidence connects JBS to a ranch that has illegally destroyed parts of the Amazon rainforest , prompting PETA to place a graphic new billboard near the local JBS slaughterhouse blaming the meat industry and those who support it for the deaths of parrots , monkeys , and other wildlife who make the Amazon their home .
“ JBS is complicit in the deaths of not only cattle but also other animals as well as habitat devastation—and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the meat habit , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA wants everyone to know that they can help save the rainforest by going vegan and we ’ re here to help them make the transition.
” More than 80 % of deforestation in the Amazon is linked to meat production , either for grazing or for growing food for cattle , including those in the U.S. market .
In addition , the United Nations states that animal agriculture is responsible for nearly a fifth of human-induced greenhouse-gas emissions—and warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change .
In addition to saving the lives of nearly 200 animals every year , each person who goes vegan also helps prevent future pandemics : Confining and killing animals for food has been linked to SARS , swine flu , bird flu , and COVID-19 .
The meat industry has also allowed slaughterhouse workers , including those at JBS , to face a nearly unchecked spread of the novel coronavirus .
The JBS slaughterhouse in Grand Island reported more than 200 cases by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 3005 US-30 in Grand Island , just 1.3 miles from JBS .
PETA also plans to place the billboard near other JBS locations across the country , including in Greeley , Colorado .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

The Rainforest and Its Inhabitants Are Burning Because of U.S. Consumers' Greed, Not Need
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Grand Island, Neb. – New evidence connects JBS to a ranch that has illegally destroyed parts of the Amazon rainforest, prompting PETA to place a graphic new billboard near the local JBS slaughterhouse blaming the meat industry and those who support it for the deaths of parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife who make the Amazon their home.
“JBS is complicit in the deaths of not only cattle but also other animals as well as habitat devastation—and so is anyone who’s still clinging to the meat habit,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA wants everyone to know that they can help save the rainforest by going vegan and we’re here to help them make the transition.”
More than 80% of deforestation in the Amazon is linked to meat production, either for grazing or for growing food for cattle, including those in the U.S. market. In addition, the United Nations states that animal agriculture is responsible for nearly a fifth of human-induced greenhouse-gas emissions—and warns that a global shift to vegan eating is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change.
In addition to saving the lives of nearly 200 animals every year, each person who goes vegan also helps prevent future pandemics: Confining and killing animals for food has been linked to SARS, swine flu, bird flu, and COVID-19. The meat industry has also allowed slaughterhouse workers, including those at JBS, to face a nearly unchecked spread of the novel coronavirus. The JBS slaughterhouse in Grand Island reported more than 200 cases by April 21.
The ad is located at 3005 US-30 in Grand Island, just 1.3 miles from JBS. PETA also plans to place the billboard near other JBS locations across the country, including in Greeley, Colorado.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals

Medford , Ore. – Because the Glendower fire is threatening Medford and evacuations are underway , animals must be kept @ @ @ @ @ abandoned .
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors @ @ @ @ @ , such as running with dogs .
If visibility is less than 5 miles , @ @ @ @ @ quality and reached unsafe levels .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable @ @ @ @ @ their locations and alert authorities immediately .
Trapped horses and other animals can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ never be locked in their stalls or confined in any way , unable to flee @ @ @ @ @ left behind .
Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may @ @ @ @ @ released a featuring Dean Winters .
Make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions @ @ @ @ @ order to avoid being caught unprepared .
PETA also offers a video about keeping animal @ @ @ @ @ For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Medford, Ore. – Because the Glendower fire is threatening Medford and evacuations are underway, animals must be kept indoors and will die if abandoned.
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities, such as running with dogs. If visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has compromised the air quality and reached unsafe levels. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help, should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Trapped horses and other animals can’t outrun wildfires. They should never be locked in their stalls or confined in any way, unable to flee.
Animals must never be left behind. Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may be prosecuted.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-09--PETA Calls for State Audit of U of M After COVID-19–Related Animal Killings

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School 's COVID-19 Response Plans , Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers Minneapolis – Today , PETA sent a letter to the state auditor urging an audit of the use of public money , personnel , property , equipment , and space by the University of Minnesota ( U of M ) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic .
This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school ’ s laboratories .
In its letter , PETA notes that in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 674 million in state appropriations , some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled .
In March , U of M urged its experimenters to “ euthanize [ animals ] as soon as [ their ] data is collected , ” “ review current animals … and consider euthanasia if no longer needed , ” and mark “ the 20 % of ‘ priority save ’ cages.
” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals the school deemed extraneous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on experiments considered non-essential .
“ The University of Minnesota ’ s experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel , and apparently not even the school can justify them , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.
” Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives , as more than 90 % of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Please read under “ Lack of benefit for humans ” here . )
And 95 % of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials .
PETA ’ s letter to Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha is available upon request .
The group—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .

Following Euthanasia of Animals as Part of School's COVID-19 Response Plans, Group Questions Why Non-Essential Experiments Were Ever Conducted or Funded by Taxpayers
For Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
Contact:
Amanda Tumbleson 202-483-7382
Minneapolis – Today, PETA sent a letter to the state legislative auditor urging an audit of the use of public money, personnel, property, equipment, and space by the University of Minnesota (U of M) for animal experiments deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. This apparently led to the euthanasia of animals in the school’s laboratories.
In its letter, PETA notes that in the last fiscal year, the university received $674 million in state appropriations, some of which may have gone toward funding animal experiments that were ultimately postponed or canceled. In March, U of M urged its experimenters to “euthanize [animals] as soon as [their] data is collected,” “review current animals … and consider euthanasia if no longer needed,” and mark “the 20% of ‘priority save’ cages.” These directives likely led to the killing of hundreds or more animals the school deemed extraneous. PETA questions why state funds were wasted on experiments considered non-essential.
“The University of Minnesota’s experiments on animals were undoubtedly cruel, and apparently not even the school can justify them,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is calling on state officials to follow the money and prevent taxpayer waste—and animal suffering—in laboratories that should never have received funding in the first place.”
Numerous published studies have shown that animal experimentation wastes resources and lives, as more than 90% of basic scientific research—much of it involving animal experimentation—fails to lead to treatments for humans. (Please read under “Lack of benefit for humans” here.) And 95% of new medications that are found to be safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials.
The group—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-10--PETA Victory! Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein Owner Ditches Exotic Skins

PETA ( and animals ) just claimed a hisstoric victory when fashion retail giant PVH Corp.—the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger , Calvin Klein , and others—announced that it would ban exotic-animal skins across all its brands !
This win comes after a decade of pushing from PETA and will prevent countless snakes , crocodiles , ostriches , and other animals from being warehoused and killed in the fashion industry for their skin .
Every alligator-skin or snakeskin purse , belt , or shoe is made from skinning someone who didn ’ t want to die a violent , bloody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our affiliates have documented and exposed that in the exotic-skins industry , alligators ’ necks are hacked open and metal rods are shoved into their heads ; snakes are pumped full of water to loosen their skin , which is then peeled off , often while they ’ re still conscious ; and feathers are yanked out of ostriches while they ’ re still alive .
Animals raised for their skin are kept in squalid , severely crowded conditions on farms , which create a major breeding ground for a wide of range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coli , and even coronavirus .
PVH ’ s sensible decision not only will spare countless vulnerable animals suffering and encourage consumers to shop high-quality vegan materials but also has the potential to help stop the next pandemic before it starts .
Alligators are social animals who like to hang out in groups and use a range of bellows , growls , hisses , and roars to communicate with each other .
They make great mothers , too , and are known to use tools .
When they ’ re not killed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 years !
Snakes are generally shy animals .
King cobras are cautious parents , and some snakes even give birth to live young rather than laying eggs .
You don ’ t need much more than a snake ’ s eyesight ( which is poor ) to see that these animals are sensitive individuals and that no modern brand should profit from killing them to make garments that could be made out of vegan materials instead .
This isn ’ t our first victory when it comes to the company .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major fashion designer to stop selling fur after PETA supporters occupied its office in New York , in 2013 PVH pulled all items made of angora off its shelves in response to PETA Asia ’ s investigation into angora rabbit farms in China , and in 2019 PVH made the compassionate decision to remove all mohair items from its stores by 2020 .
And now it joins the ranks of Brooks Brothers , Jil Sander , Chanel , Diane von Furstenberg , HUGO BOSS , Victoria Beckham , Vivienne Westwood , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our “ PETA-Approved Vegan ” logo on clothing and accessories .
If you see this on an item , you know that the brand never uses wool , fur , leather , feathers , scales , or any other animal-derived materials : Take Action for Crocodiles Tortured in Vietnam ’ s Exotic-Skins Trade

PETA (and animals) just claimed a hisstoric victory when fashion retail giant PVH Corp.—the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and others—announced that it would ban exotic-animal skins across all its brands! This win comes after a decade of pushing from PETA and will prevent countless snakes, crocodiles, ostriches, and other animals from being warehoused and killed in the fashion industry for their skin.
Every alligator-skin or snakeskin purse, belt, or shoe is made from skinning someone who didn’t want to die a violent, bloody, and painful death. PETA and our affiliates have documented and exposed that in the exotic-skins industry, alligators’ necks are hacked open and metal rods are shoved into their heads; snakes are pumped full of water to loosen their skin, which is then peeled off, often while they’re still conscious; and feathers are yanked out of ostriches while they’re still alive.
Animals raised for their skin are kept in squalid, severely crowded conditions on farms, which create a major breeding ground for a wide of range of zoonotic pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and even coronavirus. PVH’s sensible decision not only will spare countless vulnerable animals suffering and encourage consumers to shop high-quality vegan materials but also has the potential to help stop the next pandemic before it starts.
Alligators are social animals who like to hang out in groups and use a range of bellows, growls, hisses, and roars to communicate with each other. They make great mothers, too, and are known to use tools. When they’re not killed for boots, they can live for up to 50 years!
Snakes are generally shy animals. King cobras are cautious parents, and some snakes even give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. You don’t need much more than a snake’s eyesight (which is poor) to see that these animals are sensitive individuals and that no modern brand should profit from killing them to make garments that could be made out of vegan materials instead.
This isn’t our first victory when it comes to the company. In 1994 Calvin Klein became the first major fashion designer to stop selling fur after PETA supporters occupied its office in New York, in 2013 PVH pulled all items made of angora off its shelves in response to PETA Asia’s investigation into angora rabbit farms in China, and in 2019 PVH made the compassionate decision to remove all mohair items from its stores by 2020. And now it joins the ranks of Brooks Brothers, Jil Sander, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, HUGO BOSS, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, and many others in banning exotic skins.
Look for our “PETA-Approved Vegan” logo on clothing and accessories. If you see this on an item, you know that the brand never uses wool, fur, leather, feathers, scales, or any other animal-derived materials:


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-10--PETA Will Protest the Toronto Film Fest Until Canada Goose Is Dropped

“ Coyotes suffer for Canada Goose !
” That ’ s the message bombarding the attendees of this year ’ s Toronto International Film Festival ( TIFF ) , which has yet again taken blood money from Canada Goose .
Our mobile billboard—showing a coyote in a steel trap or a man in a Canada Goose jacket holding a dead goose and a coyote—circled TIFF Bell Lightbox and outdoor festival venues CityView and Ontario Place .
How is TIFF connected to Canada Goose ?
Canada Goose is a 2020 TIFF sponsor and is presenting awards with its name stamped on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company sometimes gives away fur-trimmed or down-filled jackets to film crews and cast members when they ’ re shooting in cold climates .
What many festivalgoers may not know is that the company uses fur from coyotes caught in painful steel traps and then killed by trappers as well as down feathers from slaughtered birds .
Here ’ s the cruelty behind every stich of a fur-trimmed , down-stuffed Canada Goose jacket .
By Canada Goose ’ s own “ standards , ” coyotes are allowed to suffer in traps indefinitely while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bone fractures .
Mothers desperate to get back to their defenseless pups have even been known to attempt to chew off their own legs .
When the trapper returns , those who have managed to survive but not escape are shot , bludgeoned , or killed in some other horrific way .
Canada Goose says that it relies on a third-party Responsible Down Standard , but there ’ s absolutely no such thing as “ responsible ” down .
These standards actually allow injured birds to suffer in pain for days before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their misery .
Down suppliers who knowingly violate the standard—by slaughtering birds while they ’ re conscious or mutilating them via painful procedures such as debeaking or wing-clipping—can still label the down as “ responsible , ” as long as they stop doing it within 30 days of being caught in the act .
All birds used by the down industry are inevitably sent to the slaughterhouse , where the standard practice is to hang them upside down , stun them , and then slit their throats .
PETA protested TIFF ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s misleading claims about down and fur .
The company has a history of hiding behind misleading marketing , and its announcement that it will use “ responsible ” down and “ reclaimed ” fur starting in 2022 is no different .
Fur is always the product of extreme cruelty , no matter when the animal it was stolen from was killed .
This worthless policy doesn ’ t go into effect for two more years , which means that coyotes will continue to be violently killed while Canada Goose keeps lining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can Help Push Canada Goose to Drop Fur and Down Right Now Dozens of top designers and outdoor companies no longer use real fur , and Canada Goose doesn ’ t need to , either .
PETA will campaign against the company until it stops selling fur , down , or any other parts of dead animals .
After hearing from us about the violent slaughter of coyotes for the fur used for Canada Goose jackets , the Berlin International Film Festival confirmed that it cut ties with the company in 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ TIFF to sever its ties with Canada Goose .

“Coyotes suffer for Canada Goose!” That’s the message bombarding the attendees of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which has yet again taken blood money from Canada Goose.
Our mobile billboard—showing a coyote in a steel trap or a man in a Canada Goose jacket holding a dead goose and a coyote—circled TIFF Bell Lightbox and outdoor festival venues CityView and Ontario Place.
How is TIFF connected to Canada Goose?
Canada Goose is a 2020 TIFF sponsor and is presenting awards with its name stamped on them. As a marketing ploy, the company sometimes gives away fur-trimmed or down-filled jackets to film crews and cast members when they’re shooting in cold climates.
What many festivalgoers may not know is that the company uses fur from coyotes caught in painful steel traps and then killed by trappers as well as down feathers from slaughtered birds.
Here’s the cruelty behind every stich of a fur-trimmed, down-stuffed Canada Goose jacket.
By Canada Goose’s own “standards,” coyotes are allowed to suffer in traps indefinitely while enduring blood loss, lacerations, and bone fractures. Mothers desperate to get back to their defenseless pups have even been known to attempt to chew off their own legs. When the trapper returns, those who have managed to survive but not escape are shot, bludgeoned, or killed in some other horrific way.
Canada Goose says that it relies on a third-party Responsible Down Standard, but there’s absolutely no such thing as “responsible” down. These standards actually allow injured birds to suffer in pain for days before they’re required to be put out of their misery.
Down suppliers who knowingly violate the standard—by slaughtering birds while they’re conscious or mutilating them via painful procedures such as debeaking or wing-clipping—can still label the down as “responsible,” as long as they stop doing it within 30 days of being caught in the act.
All birds used by the down industry are inevitably sent to the slaughterhouse, where the standard practice is to hang them upside down, stun them, and then slit their throats.
PETA protested TIFF’s opening night to expose Canada Goose’s misleading claims about down and fur.
The company has a history of hiding behind misleading marketing, and its announcement that it will use “responsible” down and “reclaimed” fur starting in 2022 is no different. Fur is always the product of extreme cruelty, no matter when the animal it was stolen from was killed. This worthless policy doesn’t go into effect for two more years, which means that coyotes will continue to be violently killed while Canada Goose keeps lining its parkas and its pockets.
You Can Help Push Canada Goose to Drop Fur and Down Right Now
Dozens of top designers and outdoor companies no longer use real fur, and Canada Goose doesn’t need to, either. PETA will campaign against the company until it stops selling fur, down, or any other parts of dead animals.
After hearing from us about the violent slaughter of coyotes for the fur used for Canada Goose jackets, the Berlin International Film Festival confirmed that it cut ties with the company in 2017.
Using the form below, please urge TIFF to sever its ties with Canada Goose.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-10--PVH Corp. Bans Exotic Skins After PETA Appeal

Parent Company of Tommy Hilfiger , Calvin Klein Cuts Ties With Cruel Wildlife Trade After Experts Cite Epidemic Risk to Humans New York – After over a decade of urging from PETA , PVH Corp.—the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein—has banned exotic-animal skins , telling PETA that the decision is part of its “ long-term strategy to drive fashion forward for good.
” The move follows discussions with both designers about the wildlife trade ’ s connection to contagious diseases like COVID-19 .
In thanks , PETA sent PVH a box of gourmet vegan chocolates .
Hilfiger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re committed to creating a better fashion industry by creating fashion that ‘ Wastes Nothing and Welcomes All.
’ We have always [ taken ] and will always take the environment , human rights , our community and related matters very seriously , which is why we don ’ t use fur or exotic skins in any of our collections .
Together , we can drive fashion forward for good.
” The squalid , severely crowded , filthy conditions in which wild animals are raised and slaughtered for their skins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the novel coronavirus , and they pose a potential threat of future pandemics .
PETA has documented not only cruelty to animals but also grossly unhygienic conditions on farms in the U.S. , Africa , and Asia .
“ PETA is toasting Tommy Hilfiger for banning exotic-animal skins from his collections , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews .
“ Behind every crocodile-skin or snakeskin item is an animal who experienced a violent , bloody death .
As wildlife biologists point out , in addition to being cruel and unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slaughter of wild animals is what spawns pandemics like the one we ’ re all suffering through now.
” PETA and its affiliates have documented that in the exotic-skins industry , alligators ’ necks are hacked open and metal rods are shoved into their heads ; snakes are pumped full of water to loosen their skin , which is peeled off , often while they ’ re still conscious ; and feathers are yanked out of ostriches while the birds are still alive .
PVH joins Brooks Brothers , Jil Sander , Chanel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Victoria Beckham , Vivienne Westwood , and many other companies in banning exotic skins .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to wear ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Parent Company of Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Cuts Ties With Cruel Wildlife Trade After Experts Cite Epidemic Risk to Humans
For Immediate Release:
September 10, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
New York – After over a decade of urging from PETA, PVH Corp.—the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein—has banned exotic-animal skins, telling PETA that the decision is part of its “long-term strategy to drive fashion forward for good.” The move follows discussions with both designers about the wildlife trade’s connection to contagious diseases like COVID-19. In thanks, PETA sent PVH a box of gourmet vegan chocolates.
Hilfiger tells PETA, “At Tommy Hilfiger, we’re committed to creating a better fashion industry by creating fashion that ‘Wastes Nothing and Welcomes All.’ We have always [taken] and will always take the environment, human rights, our community and related matters very seriously, which is why we don’t use fur or exotic skins in any of our collections. Together, we can drive fashion forward for good.”
The squalid, severely crowded, filthy conditions in which wild animals are raised and slaughtered for their skins are similar to those that gave rise to the novel coronavirus, and they pose a potential threat of future pandemics. PETA has documented not only cruelty to animals but also grossly unhygienic conditions on farms in the U.S., Africa, and Asia.
“PETA is toasting Tommy Hilfiger for banning exotic-animal skins from his collections,” says PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews. “Behind every crocodile-skin or snakeskin item is an animal who experienced a violent, bloody death. As wildlife biologists point out, in addition to being cruel and unnecessary, the capture, confinement, and slaughter of wild animals is what spawns pandemics like the one we’re all suffering through now.”
PETA and its affiliates have documented that in the exotic-skins industry, alligators’ necks are hacked open and metal rods are shoved into their heads; snakes are pumped full of water to loosen their skin, which is peeled off, often while they’re still conscious; and feathers are yanked out of ostriches while the birds are still alive.
PVH joins Brooks Brothers, Jil Sander, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, HUGO BOSS, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, and many other companies in banning exotic skins.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-09-10--PVH Bans Exotic-Animal Skins

PVH Bans Exotic-Animal Skins

PVH ’ s iconic brands , including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger , banned exotic-animal skins after learning from PETA @ @ @ @ @ , workers handle ostriches violently , electrically stun them , and slit their throats , @ @ @ @ @ alligators ’ and crocodiles ’ necks and jamming metal rods down their spines .
PVH @ @ @ @ @ Sander , Chanel , Diane von Furstenberg , Vivienne Westwood , and Victoria Beckham—among numerous @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re asking all brands that still sell exotic skins to ban these @ @ @ @ @ Please urge LVMH to follow suit and shed exotic skins from Louis Vuitton and all @ @ @ @ @

PVH’s iconic brands, including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, banned exotic-animal skins after learning from PETA that in the exotic-skins industry, workers handle ostriches violently, electrically stun them, and slit their throats, as well as cutting open alligators’ and crocodiles’ necks and jamming metal rods down their spines. PVH joins Brooks Brothers, Jil Sander, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood, and Victoria Beckham—among numerous others—in making this compassionate decision. We’re asking all brands that still sell exotic skins to ban these products of extreme cruelty. Please urge LVMH to follow suit and shed exotic skins from Louis Vuitton and all its other brands immediately.