petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-10--Chained Puppies, an Orphaned Owl, and Many More Animals PETA Helped in July

In the middle of a hot summer day , Fifi languished alone , chained to a dilapidated picnic table .
Her owner left filthy water in a bucket nearly too tall for her to drink from .
She ’ s now waiting for adoption—but if PETA hadn ’ t come along , who knows how long she would ’ ve been forced to live every day like this .
Countless animals like Fifi need PETA ’ s help .
Like always , our field team was busy in July getting animals spayed or neutered , delivering doghouses , ending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescuing others from hellish backyards .
Thankfully , numerous animals are on their way to a new life .
Just like humans , animals want to live free from agony , fear , loneliness , and neglect .
They long for the safety and comfort of family .
But it ’ s often the case that the only food , clean water , or loving touch some ever receive are provided by PETA ’ s field team .
Check out these highlights of animals PETA helped in July : We continued vital spay/neuter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spaying and neutering makes a big difference : Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only six years .
In seven years , one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens !
We liberated these neglected and abused animals from hellish backyards .
Some have already found a new family !
Many people don ’ t realize the overwhelming number of sick , neglected animals out there who are forced to spend their entire lives on chains or inside cramped pens .
McGill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
We found Bear in agony resulting from a severe flea allergy .
Cupcake would probably have died of heartworm disease if we hadn ’ t found her .
Dogs forced to live every minute of every day outside in deadly summer heat need—at minimum—water and proper shelter .
Many dogs we visit have nothing to protect them from the elements .
Lady ‘ s only shelter was an area under the steps she was tethered to .
We found Neva so tangled that she could barely move .
And Jax ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need of being replaced .
For miserable animals on the brink of death , euthanasia is a necessary kindness .
Almost daily , we find animals suffering from deadly conditions like heartworms , horrendous infections , untreated injuries , or debilitating tumors .
In other cases , guardians of elderly animals without the means for end-of-life care come to us for help .
We ’ re there for them in those emotionally overwhelming times .
PETA helps and cares about all species .
You , Too , Can Make a Difference for Animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , always try to stop it or at least report it .
Remember : Adopt , don ’ t shop—and have your animal companions spayed or neutered .
You could also volunteer at your local animal shelter or rescue center and ask local government officials how you can help get laws passed that would require animal care standards and ban tethering , breeding , and the selling of animals in pet shops .

In the middle of a hot summer day, Fifi languished alone, chained to a dilapidated picnic table. Her owner left filthy water in a bucket nearly too tall for her to drink from. She’s now waiting for adoption—but if PETA hadn’t come along, who knows how long she would’ve been forced to live every day like this.
Countless animals like Fifi need PETA’s help. Like always, our field team was busy in July getting animals spayed or neutered, delivering doghouses, ending the suffering of beloved animal companions, and rescuing others from hellish backyards. Thankfully, numerous animals are on their way to a new life.
Just like humans, animals want to live free from agony, fear, loneliness, and neglect. They long for the safety and comfort of family. But it’s often the case that the only food, clean water, or loving touch some ever receive are provided by PETA’s field team.
Check out these highlights of animals PETA helped in July:
We continued vital spay/neuter efforts to combat overpopulation and homelessness.
Spaying and neutering makes a big difference: Just one unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only six years. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens!
We liberated these neglected and abused animals from hellish backyards. Some have already found a new family!
Many people don’t realize the overwhelming number of sick, neglected animals out there who are forced to spend their entire lives on chains or inside cramped pens. McGill suffered with a painful eye infection for weeks. We found Bear in agony resulting from a severe flea allergy. Cupcake would probably have died of heartworm disease if we hadn’t found her.
Dogs forced to live every minute of every day outside in deadly summer heat need—at minimum—water and proper shelter.
Many dogs we visit have nothing to protect them from the elements. Lady‘s only shelter was an area under the steps she was tethered to. We found Neva so tangled that she could barely move. And Jax‘s flimsy plastic doghouse was in desperate need of being replaced.
For miserable animals on the brink of death, euthanasia is a necessary kindness.
Almost daily, we find animals suffering from deadly conditions like heartworms, horrendous infections, untreated injuries, or debilitating tumors. In other cases, guardians of elderly animals without the means for end-of-life care come to us for help. We’re there for them in those emotionally overwhelming times.
PETA helps and cares about all species.
You, Too, Can Make a Difference for Animals
When you see animal abuse, please, always try to stop it or at least report it. Remember: Adopt, don’t shop—and have your animal companions spayed or neutered. You could also volunteer at your local animal shelter or rescue center and ask local government officials how you can help get laws passed that would require animal care standards and ban tethering, breeding, and the selling of animals in pet shops.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-10--Paragon Sports to End Fur Sales

Paragon Sports to End Fur Sales

Once a Major Canada Goose Seller and PETA Target , Retailer Cites Consumer Demand as Cause for Switch to High-Tech Fur-Free Outerwear New York – Following a three-year campaign by grassroots animal activists in New York City—backed by PETA and its members and supporters—Paragon Sports has announced that this winter will be the last season that it sells fur , including Canada Goose ’ s so-called “ reclaimed fur , ” stating that many customers prefer innovative fur-free products .
The move follows weekly PETA-supported protests outside Paragon Sports and demonstrations outside the home of Vice President and COO Zachary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters plastered fliers all over Blank ’ s neighborhood , the company agreed to meet with them , kicking off negotiations that recently reached a successful conclusion .
“ Paragon Sports is moving into the future by leaving fur behind , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ As Canada Goose struggles and fails to change its cruel image , PETA looks forward to seeing Paragon ’ s racks finally free of the brand ’ s fur-trimmed coats.
” Nathan Semmel , one of the activists who led the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is simply no good reason to exploit sentient beings for their fur when warm , beautiful , eco-friendly alternatives exist .
When future generations look back at the images of coyotes writhing in agony in steel leg-hold traps or being anally electrocuted on fur factory farms , they will be just as horrified as we are today of the atrocities committed by those who came before us.
” New York City–based fashion designer and industry expert Joshua Katcher adds , “ The fashion industry is finally coming to terms with the callous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public demand is overwhelming .
It is no longer possible for design to be considered good or beautiful when it is made in such a horribly ugly way.
” PETA ’ s numerous video investigations of the global fur industry have revealed that animals on fur farms spend their entire lives confined to cramped , filthy wire cages .
Fur farmers use the cheapest killing methods available , including neck-breaking , suffocation , poisoning , and genital electrocution .
Trapped coyotes can succumb to the elements , blood loss , infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shoot , bludgeon , or kill them in some other horrific way .
Paragon Sports joins hundreds of top outdoor retailers in going fur-free , including The North Face , Columbia Sportswear , Patagonia , and Burton .
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 .

Once a Major Canada Goose Seller and PETA Target, Retailer Cites Consumer Demand as Cause for Switch to High-Tech Fur-Free Outerwear
For Immediate Release:
August 10, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
New York – Following a three-year campaign by grassroots animal activists in New York City—backed by PETA and its members and supporters—Paragon Sports has announced that this winter will be the last season that it sells fur, including Canada Goose’s so-called “reclaimed fur,” stating that many customers prefer innovative fur-free products.
The move follows weekly PETA-supported protests outside Paragon Sports and demonstrations outside the home of Vice President and COO Zachary Blank, among other efforts. After protesters plastered fliers all over Blank’s neighborhood, the company agreed to meet with them, kicking off negotiations that recently reached a successful conclusion.
“Paragon Sports is moving into the future by leaving fur behind,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “As Canada Goose struggles and fails to change its cruel image, PETA looks forward to seeing Paragon’s racks finally free of the brand’s fur-trimmed coats.”
Nathan Semmel, one of the activists who led the effort, says, “In 2020, there is simply no good reason to exploit sentient beings for their fur when warm, beautiful, eco-friendly alternatives exist. When future generations look back at the images of coyotes writhing in agony in steel leg-hold traps or being anally electrocuted on fur factory farms, they will be just as horrified as we are today of the atrocities committed by those who came before us.”
New York City–based fashion designer and industry expert Joshua Katcher adds, “The fashion industry is finally coming to terms with the callous reality of fur production because the evidence and public demand is overwhelming. It is no longer possible for design to be considered good or beautiful when it is made in such a horribly ugly way.”
PETA’s numerous video investigations of the global fur industry have revealed that animals on fur farms spend their entire lives confined to cramped, filthy wire cages. Fur farmers use the cheapest killing methods available, including neck-breaking, suffocation, poisoning, and genital electrocution. Trapped coyotes can succumb to the elements, blood loss, infection, or attacks by predators before trappers return to shoot, bludgeon, or kill them in some other horrific way.
Paragon Sports joins hundreds of top outdoor retailers in going fur-free, including The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, and Burton.
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--2020-08-10--How His Mother’s Schizophrenia Taught Him to Have Empathy for All Animals

Dan Mathews is the Senior Vice President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) and is known for launching PETA 's most controversial and attention-getting campaigns .
Dan has just written a new memoir , Like Crazy : Life with My Mother and Her Invisible Friends , the first book to reveal the natural course of untreated schizophrenia in someone who made it into old age .
I was curious how Dan ’ s experience being raised in an often chaotic environment , by a ( then ) undiagnosed schizophrenic mother , led him to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists in the world .
After reading Dan ’ s page-turning memoir , I was eager to interview him to shed light on his experiences and their impacts .
Q : Dan , you ’ re one of the most compassionate and outrageous people I ’ ve ever met .
How do you think your mom 's schizophrenia and your experience as her child led both to your deep empathy for animals and what some might describe as your crazy activism ?
Dan : My mom had a hard time maintaining long-term relationships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her to believe that people had said , done , or even thought bad things , both trivial and serious .
She insisted that relatives who were very much alive were dead ; that I got fired for going too long without a haircut ; and that strangers were peeping through the curtains in a second floor window .
There was no disproving her .
But she never experienced those sorts of delusions with animals , with whom she always felt a deep emotional bond .
Animals were pure , reliable , honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was a young child , I learned through her to appreciate the unique intelligence , sensitivity , and individuality of animals .
I renounced fishing , took in stray cats , and turned vegan .
I became an outspoken advocate for animals as a teen in the late ‘ 70s , when such sentiments were mocked .
My mother was key in bolstering these convictions .
I started working at a fairly new organization called PETA when I was 20 in 1985 , and I ’ ve been here ever since .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very theatrical .
You ’ re known for recruiting unlikely personalities to front the cause , like edgy comics and drag queens .
Do you attribute your sensibilities to your mother ?
Dan : My mother was always drawn to marginalized people , outcasts , and quirky individuals who didn ’ t fit into the mainstream .
She felt a kinship with them – not just because of her schizophrenia , but because she was shunted between orphanages and foster homes during the Great Depression .
Most parents urge their kids to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and be accepted , but I was raised to value eccentrics .
This outlook was especially helpful when junior high classmates beat me up for being gay .
Unlike most parents of gays in the ‘ 70s , my mom became my biggest champion and even brought me thrift-shopping to get garish outfits to wear to The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was 13 .
Q : Do you think this approval to be as “ peculiar ” as you wished , lowering the barriers of social acceptability and norms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of animals ?
Dan : Definitely .
I was lucky to grow up in the early punk scene , which thrilled my mother .
Punk was all about being outrageous , speaking your mind , and relishing the scorn of others .
If Facebook had been around we ’ d have valued “ hates ” more than “ likes !
” I got my degree in history and studied how various movements caught on over the centuries .
The one thing they all had in common was being spearheaded by people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but who planted seeds that made culture evolve .
Q : You credit your mom with your compassion for animals .
How did her schizophrenia contribute to your compassion for people ?
Dan : First , I learned not to be afraid of people suffering from mental illness , but empathetic with them .
My husband Jack and I live around the corner from the Portsmouth Naval Hospital , and we occasionally meet freshly discharged soldiers recuperating from PTSD .
We have dinner parties for them and include them in our circle while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them come out of their shell and laugh or dance is very fulfilling .
This overlaps with a reflex my brothers and I developed without realizing it : being protective .
It started when we were kids , being protective or defensive about our mother when she was off-kilter .
But it became a part of our personalities , being mindful of the suffering of others and stepping up as caretakers when need be .
Q : I believe that we need to be solutionaries to solve the problems we face in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to identify unjust , unsustainable , and inhumane systems and transform them in ways that do the most good and least harm for people , animals , and the environment .
As a solutionary yourself , what message do you want to leave with readers of this interview in terms of animals .
Dan : Most people appreciate animals , they ’ re just unaware of how their daily habits directly contribute to animal suffering .
Eating vegan , which is more convenient now than at any time in history , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lots of people do it out of concern for their health or the way the meat and dairy trades decimate the environment .
Nowadays , many are choosing vegan because COVID – like HIV , SARS and other diseases – only jumped from animals to humans because of our addiction to meat .
Leaving animals in peace is essential for our own survival .
Q : Your book is the first to describe the natural course of schizophrenia in an untreated person who made it to old age , and I so appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s diagnosis in her 80s available to readers exclusively for this interview .
When your mom was diagnosed , what did you think , and how did you feel ?
Dan : I don ’ t hear voices , but when the doctors revealed Mom was schizophrenic , I heard the whole universe scream , “ Duh !
” I ’ m a college grad and a news junkie , yet I was totally in the dark about the source of her delusions .
For more than half a century , Mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness because she didn ’ t want to be lobotomized or lose her kids or jobs .
She used her wit and intellect to fool people , including me and my brothers .
Only when her body started breaking down as she hit 80 was she unable to fake it any longer .
Luckily , I moved her into my house just before she started falling apart .
Though that five-year ordeal was often traumatic , I take solace that I was able to give my mom , the lovable oddball who inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send-off .

Source: 'Pawel Malyszko' used with permission
Dan Mathews is the senior vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and is known for launching PETA's most controversial and attention-getting campaigns. Dan has just written a new memoir, Like Crazy: Life with My Mother and Her Invisible Friends, the first book to reveal the natural course of untreated schizophrenia in someone who made it into old age. I was curious how Dan’s experience being raised in an often chaotic environment, by a (then) undiagnosed schizophrenic mother, led him to become one of the most effective and creative activists in the world. After reading Dan’s page-turning memoir, I was eager to interview him to shed light on his experiences and their impacts.
Q: Dan, you’re one of the most compassionate and outrageous people I’ve ever met. How do you think your mom's schizophrenia and your experience as her child led both to your deep empathy for animals and what some might describe as your crazy activism?
Dan: My mom had a hard time maintaining long-term relationships with humans because her condition sometimes caused her to believe that people had said, done, or even thought bad things, both trivial and serious. She insisted that relatives who were very much alive were dead; that I got fired for going too long without a haircut; and that strangers were peeping through the curtains in a second-floor window. There was no disproving her.
But she never experienced those sorts of delusions with animals, with whom she always felt a deep emotional bond. Animals were pure, reliable, honest beings. As a result, since I was a young child, I learned through her to appreciate the unique intelligence, sensitivity, and individuality of animals. I renounced fishing, took in stray cats, and turned vegan. I became an outspoken advocate for animals as a teen in the late ‘70s, when such sentiments were mocked. My mother was key in bolstering these convictions. I started working at a fairly new organization called PETA when I was 20 in 1985, and I’ve been here ever since.
Q: Your style of activism is very theatrical. You’re known for recruiting unlikely personalities to front the cause, like edgy comics and drag queens. Do you attribute your sensibilities to your mother?
Dan: My mother was always drawn to marginalized people, outcasts, and quirky individuals who didn’t fit into the mainstream. She felt a kinship with them—not just because of her schizophrenia, but because she was shunted between orphanages and foster homes during the Great Depression.
Most parents urge their kids to avoid outrageous types hoping they’ll fit in and be accepted, but I was raised to value eccentrics. This outlook was especially helpful when junior high classmates beat me up for being gay. Unlike most parents of gays in the ‘70s, my mom became my biggest champion and even brought me thrift-shopping to get garish outfits to wear to The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was 13.
Q: Do you think this approval to be as “peculiar” as you wished, lowering the barriers of social acceptability and norms, freed you to harness that creativity on behalf of animals?
Dan: Definitely. I was lucky to grow up in the early punk scene, which thrilled my mother. Punk was all about being outrageous, speaking your mind, and relishing the scorn of others. If Facebook had been around, we’d have valued “hates” more than “likes!" I got my degree in history and studied how various movements caught on over the centuries. The one thing they all had in common was being spearheaded by people who were considered scandalous in their time, but who planted seeds that made culture evolve.
Q: You credit your mom with your compassion for animals. How did her schizophrenia contribute to your compassion for people?
Dan: First, I learned not to be afraid of people suffering from mental illness, but empathetic with them. My husband Jack and I live around the corner from the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and we occasionally meet freshly discharged soldiers recuperating from PTSD. We have dinner parties for them and include them in our circle while they’re in town. Seeing them come out of their shell and laugh or dance is very fulfilling. This overlaps with a reflex my brothers and I developed without realizing it: being protective. It started when we were kids, being protective or defensive about our mother when she was off-kilter. But it became a part of our personalities, being mindful of the suffering of others and stepping up as caretakers when need be.
Q: I believe that we need to be solutionaries to solve the problems we face in the world. By that I mean we need to identify unjust, unsustainable, and inhumane systems and transform them in ways that do the most good and least harm for people, animals, and the environment. As a solutionary yourself, what message do you want to leave with readers of this interview in terms of animals?
Dan: Most people appreciate animals; they’re just unaware of how their daily habits directly contribute to animal suffering. Eating vegan, which is more convenient now than at any time in history, is the easiest way to respect animals. Lots of people do it out of concern for their health or the way the meat and dairy trades decimate the environment. Nowadays, many are choosing vegan because COVID—like HIV, SARS, and other diseases—only jumped from animals to humans because of our addiction to meat. Leaving animals in peace is essential for our own survival.
Q: Your book is the first to describe the natural course of schizophrenia in an untreated person who made it to old age, and I so appreciate your making this chapter about your mother’s diagnosis in her 80s available to readers exclusively for this interview. When your mom was diagnosed, what did you think, and how did you feel?
Dan: I don’t hear voices, but when the doctors revealed Mom was schizophrenic, I heard the whole universe scream, “Duh!” I’m a college grad and a news junkie, yet I was totally in the dark about the source of her delusions. For more than half a century, Mom refused to see psychologists or admit mental illness because she didn’t want to be lobotomized or lose her kids or jobs. She used her wit and intellect to fool people, including me and my brothers. Only when her body started breaking down as she hit 80 was she unable to fake it any longer. Luckily, I moved her into my house just before she started falling apart. Though that five-year ordeal was often traumatic, I take solace that I was able to give my mom, the lovable oddball who inspired my career against cruelty, a sensational send-off.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-10--Alicia Silverstone and PETA: Did Abused Monkeys Pick Your Coconuts?

I recently read a post from PETA regarding Monkeys and Thai Coconuts , and I needed to know more immediately !
My Pal , Lisa wrote this guest blog for us to share all the information about Thai coconuts and the problems surrounding them .
Lisa was a huge inspiration to me in going vegan over 20 years ago , and her work for animals has always been stellar .
Please read her call to boycott the Thai coconut , and then contact your favorite coconut companies to find out the location and source of their coconuts to ensure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Encouraging companies to do better shows that consumers are aware , and that we want them to make kinder , more ethical choices !
xo Alicia Like many longtime vegans who remember the days of trekking to the nearest co-op on weekends just to buy soy milk , I ’ m still amazed that I can now walk into almost any supermarket and find an abundance of dairy-free products , even decadent treats like coconut whipped topping and coconut milk ice cream .
It ’ s a sign of how much progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most people choose these products instead of those made with cruelly produced cow ’ s milk because they don ’ t want to support industries that exploit animals .
So compassionate consumers will be appalled to learn that what they thought was an animal-friendly purchase may actually be causing animals to suffer .
My colleagues at PETA Asia recently released a disturbing investigation revealing that monkeys in Thailand who are reportedly stolen from their families are kept almost constantly chained and forced to climb trees to pick the coconuts that are used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia investigators visited eight farms in Thailand where monkeys are used for picking coconuts—including those for the country ’ s major coconut milk producers , Aroy-D and Chaokoh—as well as several monkey-training facilities and a coconut-picking competition .
What they found was heartbreaking .
Many of the monkeys exploited by this industry are reportedly kidnapped when they ’ re just babies , never to see their families again .
While this practice is illegal , the animals ’ origin is virtually untraceable once they are sold to farmers .
These terrified youngsters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are kept tethered , chained to old tires , or confined to cages barely any larger than their own bodies .
Denied mental stimulation , companionship , freedom , and everything else that is important to them , they slowly lose their minds .
Driven to desperation , they pace and circle endlessly—repetitive behavior indicative of extreme stress .
PETA Asia ’ s investigator recorded one monkey confined to a cage on a truck bed violently shaking the bars of the cage in a futile attempt to escape .
Another monkey tied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to run away from a handler .
 The monkeys are forced to perform the grueling task of twisting heavy coconuts until they fall off the trees from a great height .
Tethered by the neck with a metal collar , they climb up and down trees and collect up to 1,000 coconuts per day .
If they resist or try to defend themselves , their canine teeth may be pulled out .
Some trainers also use the monkeys in circus-style shows in order to make even more money off them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shoot basketballs , and perform other “ tricks ” that are confusing to them and demeaning .
While other coconut-growing regions—including Brazil , Colombia , and Hawaii—harvest coconuts using humane methods such as tractor-mounted hydraulic elevators , willing human tree-climbers , rope or platform systems , or ladders or by planting dwarf coconut trees , according to an industry insider , monkeys are used to pick most of the coconuts that come from Thailand .
The good news is that following PETA Asia ’ s exposé , many major retailers have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after hearing from PETA , Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed not to stock Aroy-D or Chaokoh products or sell any own-brand coconut food or drink products of Thai origin in its more than 9,000 Walgreens and 250 Duane Reade stores in the U.S. and its 2,700-plus Boots stores in the U.K. and Thailand .
Cost Plus World Market stopped buying coconut products from Chaokoh .
And Ahold Delhaize and its 2,000 U.S. store locations and distribution centers ( including Food Lion , Giant Food , Hannaford , and Stop & Shop ) committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sourced from suppliers that use monkey labor .
Everyone reading this can make a difference , too .
Please take a moment to sign PETA ’ s appeal urging Aroy-D and Chaokoh to obtain coconuts for their products without the use of monkey labor .
Until Thai officials crack down on this cruel industry ( which PETA Asia is pushing for ) , be sure to read food labels and buy coconut products that are sourced elsewhere .
So , how do I know if my coconut products are procured kindly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers committed to protecting monkeys , and these coconut brands do not support monkey labor .
We will win this campaign , and I ’ m looking forward to a day when the biggest dilemma surrounding coconut milk ice cream is … should I buy one pint or two ?
Lisa Lange is the Senior Vice President of Communications at PETA

I recently read a post from PETA regarding Monkeys and Thai Coconuts, and I needed to know more immediately! My Pal, Lisa wrote this guest blog for us to share all the information about Thai coconuts and the problems surrounding them. Lisa was a huge inspiration to me in going vegan over 20 years ago, and her work for animals has always been stellar. Please read her call to boycott the Thai coconut, and then contact your favorite coconut companies to find out the location and source of their coconuts to ensure they aren’t participants in this brutality. Encouraging companies to do better shows that consumers are aware, and that we want them to make kinder, more ethical choices! xo Alicia
Like many longtime vegans who remember the days of trekking to the nearest co-op on weekends just to buy soy milk, I’m still amazed that I can now walk into almost any supermarket and find an abundance of dairy-free products, even decadent treats like coconut whipped topping and coconut milk ice cream. It’s a sign of how much progress the animal rights movement has made. Most people choose these products instead of those made with cruelly produced cow’s milk because they don’t want to support industries that exploit animals. So compassionate consumers will be appalled to learn that what they thought was an animal-friendly purchase may actually be causing animals to suffer.
My colleagues at PETA Asia recently released a disturbing investigation revealing that monkeys in Thailand who are reportedly stolen from their families are kept almost constantly chained and forced to climb trees to pick the coconuts that are used in coconut milk and other products.
PETA Asia investigators visited eight farms in Thailand where monkeys are used for picking coconuts—including those for the country’s major coconut milk producers, Aroy-D and Chaokoh—as well as several monkey-training facilities and a coconut-picking competition. What they found was heartbreaking.
Many of the monkeys exploited by this industry are reportedly kidnapped when they’re just babies, never to see their families again. While this practice is illegal, the animals’ origin is virtually untraceable once they are sold to farmers.
These terrified youngsters are forced to wear rigid metal collars and are kept tethered, chained to old tires, or confined to cages barely any larger than their own bodies. Denied mental stimulation, companionship, freedom, and everything else that is important to them, they slowly lose their minds. Driven to desperation, they pace and circle endlessly—repetitive behavior indicative of extreme stress. PETA Asia’s investigator recorded one monkey confined to a cage on a truck bed violently shaking the bars of the cage in a futile attempt to escape. Another monkey tied by a rope was recorded screaming while frantically trying to run away from a handler.

The monkeys are forced to perform the grueling task of twisting heavy coconuts until they fall off the trees from a great height. Tethered by the neck with a metal collar, they climb up and down trees and collect up to 1,000 coconuts per day. If they resist or try to defend themselves, their canine teeth may be pulled out.
Some trainers also use the monkeys in circus-style shows in order to make even more money off them. Visitors pay to see them ride bicycles, shoot basketballs, and perform other “tricks” that are confusing to them and demeaning.
While other coconut-growing regions—including Brazil, Colombia, and Hawaii—harvest coconuts using humane methods such as tractor-mounted hydraulic elevators, willing human tree-climbers, rope or platform systems, or ladders or by planting dwarf coconut trees, according to an industry insider, monkeys are used to pick most of the coconuts that come from Thailand.
The good news is that following PETA Asia’s exposé, many major retailers have already taken meaningful action. For example, after hearing from PETA, Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed not to stock Aroy-D or Chaokoh products or sell any own-brand coconut food or drink products of Thai origin in its more than 9,000 Walgreens and 250 Duane Reade stores in the U.S. and its 2,700-plus Boots stores in the U.K. and Thailand. Cost Plus World Market stopped buying coconut products from Chaokoh. And Ahold Delhaize and its 2,000 U.S. store locations and distribution centers (including Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop) committed to not stocking or selling any coconut products sourced from suppliers that use monkey labor.
Everyone reading this can make a difference, too. Please take a moment to sign PETA’s appeal urging Aroy-D and Chaokoh to obtain coconuts for their products without the use of monkey labor. Until Thai officials crack down on this cruel industry (which PETA Asia is pushing for), be sure to read food labels and buy coconut products that are sourced elsewhere.
So, how do I know if my coconut products are procured kindly in the meantime?
Here are a list of retailers committed to protecting monkeys, and these coconut brands do not support monkey labor.
We will win this campaign, and I’m looking forward to a day when the biggest dilemma surrounding coconut milk ice cream is … should I buy one pint or two?
Lisa Lange is the Senior Vice President of Communications at PETA
Main Photo by Brian Mann on Unsplash


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-10--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals in Mesa County

Mesa County , Colo. – Because the Pine Gulch fire is threatening areas in Mesa County 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They should never be locked in their stalls or confined in any way , unable to flee .
PETA has released a wildfire-preparedness public service announcement featuring Dean Winters .
It will remind everyone to make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions in advance of trouble in order to avoid being caught unprepared .
PETA also offers a video about keeping animal companions safe during fires .
For more information , visit PETA.org .
Animals must never be left behind .
Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend @ @ @ @ @ @

For Immediate Release:
August 10, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Mesa County, Colo. – Because the Pine Gulch fire is threatening areas in Mesa County 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.
PETA has released a wildfire-preparedness public service announcement featuring Dean Winters. It will remind everyone to make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions in advance of trouble in order to avoid being caught unprepared. PETA also offers a video about keeping animal companions safe during fires. For more information, visit PETA.org.
Animals must never be left behind. Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may be prosecuted.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-10--Bus Driver’s Skunk Rescue Nets PETA Award

After Bob Ervin Frees Skunk From Plastic Container , Group Reminds Everyone to Protect Wildlife by Crushing Cups and Cans Milwaukee – A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to Milwaukee County Transit System ( MCTS ) bus driver Bob Ervin , who sprang into action on July 10 to save a skunk whose head was stuck in a yogurt cup .
This MCTS video shows that after Ervin spotted the distressed animal on his bus route , he popped into a store to buy an extended grabber tool .
When he saw the skunk again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a moment , exited the bus , and quickly freed the animal from the cup—and he or she scampered off , unharmed .
“ Bob really loves animals , and he knew he had to do something to help this skunk out , ” Matt Striker , MCTS ’ integrated marketing manager , tells PETA .
“ Bob Ervin ’ s intervention meant the difference between life and death for a little skunk struggling to get free just feet away from speeding traffic , ” says PETA Vice President Colleen O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will inspire everyone to come to the aid of animals in need and always crush cans and cups before throwing them in the trash.
” PETA has tips on its website for living in harmony with wildlife and disposing of trash properly , including by tightly sealing all garbage in chew-proof containers , rinsing out aluminum cans and dropping the tops inside so that they can ’ t cut an animal ’ s tongue , crushing cans and cups , putting the tops back on bottles , and cutting open empty cardboard and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get their faces or heads trapped inside them .
Ervin will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist view that other animals are disposable .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

After Bob Ervin Frees Skunk From Plastic Container, Group Reminds Everyone to Protect Wildlife by Crushing Cups and Cans
For Immediate Release:
August 10, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Milwaukee – A Compassionate Action Award is on its way from PETA to Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver Bob Ervin, who sprang into action on July 10 to save a skunk whose head was stuck in a yogurt cup. This MCTS video shows that after Ervin spotted the distressed animal on his bus route, he popped into a store to buy an extended grabber tool. When he saw the skunk again, he asked his passenger to pardon him for a moment, exited the bus, and quickly freed the animal from the cup—and he or she scampered off, unharmed.
“Bob really loves animals, and he knew he had to do something to help this skunk out,” Matt Striker, MCTS’ integrated marketing manager, tells PETA.
“Bob Ervin’s intervention meant the difference between life and death for a little skunk struggling to get free just feet away from speeding traffic,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story will inspire everyone to come to the aid of animals in need and always crush cans and cups before throwing them in the trash.”
PETA has tips on its website for living in harmony with wildlife and disposing of trash properly, including by tightly sealing all garbage in chew-proof containers, rinsing out aluminum cans and dropping the tops inside so that they can’t cut an animal’s tongue, crushing cans and cups, putting the tops back on bottles, and cutting open empty cardboard and plastic containers so that small animals can’t get their faces or heads trapped inside them.
Ervin will receive a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist view that other animals are disposable. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-11--VIDEO: Belugas Return to Sea for First Time Since Capture Years Ago

Remember Little Grey and Little White , the two female beluga whales who had been imprisoned at a marine park in China ?
They ’ ve officially been released into a seaside sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay in Iceland .
The footage above depicts their intense journey from Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai , where they were forced to perform for visitors for nearly a decade , to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary some 6,000 miles away .
The gals are currently in a bayside care pool where they ’ re acclimating to their new refuge , “ just one step away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water home , ” according to Andy Bool of SEA LIFE Trust , which joined forces with Whale and Dolphin Conservation to make Little Grey and Little White ’ s move possible .
“ [ T ] he first stage of their release back to the ocean was as smooth as we had hoped and planned for , ” Bool said .
“ We are carefully monitoring Little Grey and Little White with our expert care team and veterinarians and hope to announce their final release very soon.
” Bool referred to Little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 300 other beluga whales [ who ] are in human care across the world.
” The clear success of the Iceland sanctuary certainly has us wondering : What ’ s SeaWorld ’ s holdup ?
SeaWorld Has No More Excuses We applaud the work of SEA LIFE Trust and Whale and Dolphin Conservation , and we hope SeaWorld executives follow their lead and allow the animals trapped there to be transferred to sea sanctuaries—something that PETA has been urging the abusement-park company to do for years .
In sea sanctuaries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in large areas of the ocean while still benefiting from humans ’ care for as long as they might need .
But in order for this to become a reality , SeaWorld executives must get their heads out of … the clouds .
It ’ s up to us to convince the company that the animals it holds captive should be granted the same freedom now enjoyed by Little Grey and Little White—which is what all animals deserve .
PETA has made it clear to SeaWorld that we ’ ll gladly pay to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctuary , one where these deserving animals could finally dive deep and feel the ocean currents .
In April , after another ex–SeaWorld CEO called it quits after just a few months , we made the company an offer : In exchange for a quarter of a million dollars toward building a seaside sanctuary , SeaWorld must agree to release the whales , orcas , and other dolphins currently being denied any semblance of happiness or a natural life .
We ’ re still waiting for the company ’ s response .

Remember Little Grey and Little White, the two female beluga whales who had been imprisoned at a marine park in China? They’ve officially been released into a seaside sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay in Iceland.
The footage above depicts their intense journey from Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai, where they were forced to perform for visitors for nearly a decade, to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary some 6,000 miles away. The gals are currently in a bayside care pool where they’re acclimating to their new refuge, “just one step away from being released into their wider open water home,” according to Andy Bool of SEA LIFE Trust, which joined forces with Whale and Dolphin Conservation to make Little Grey and Little White’s move possible.
“[T]he first stage of their release back to the ocean was as smooth as we had hoped and planned for,” Bool said. “We are carefully monitoring Little Grey and Little White with our expert care team and veterinarians and hope to announce their final release very soon.”
Beluga Whale Fun Fact Did you know that despite having impressive teeth, beluga whales don’t chew their food? Instead, their sharp teeth grab their food, which they swallow whole.
Bool referred to Little Grey and Little White as “ambassadors for the 300 other beluga whales [who] are in human care across the world.”
The clear success of the Iceland sanctuary certainly has us wondering: What’s SeaWorld’s holdup?
SeaWorld Has No More Excuses
We applaud the work of SEA LIFE Trust and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and we hope SeaWorld executives follow their lead and allow the animals trapped there to be transferred to sea sanctuaries—something that PETA has been urging the abusement-park company to do for years. In sea sanctuaries, orcas and other marine animals could live in large areas of the ocean while still benefiting from humans’ care for as long as they might need.
What do experts say about orcas at #SeaWorld? @JMCousteau's story will make you cry.https://t.co/O7Jobk2UMF — PETA (@peta) May 3, 2016
But in order for this to become a reality, SeaWorld executives must get their heads out of … the clouds. It’s up to us to persuade the company to save the whales and other animals at SeaWorld and grant them the same freedom now enjoyed by Little Grey and Little White—which is what all animals deserve.
PETA has made it clear to SeaWorld that we’ll gladly pay to get the ball rolling on a seaside sanctuary, one where these deserving animals could finally dive deep and feel the ocean currents.
In April, after another ex–SeaWorld CEO called it quits after just a few months, we made the company an offer: In exchange for a quarter of a million dollars toward building a seaside sanctuary, SeaWorld must agree to release the whales, orcas, and other dolphins currently being denied any semblance of happiness or a natural life. We’re still waiting for the company’s response.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-11--Simple Answers to 8 Burning Questions, Including ‘What Is Vivisection?’

If you ’ re a PETA member or supporter , you no doubt know that—at our core—we ’ re an anti-vivisection organization .
We oppose all forms of speciesism , but we never forget that our 1980s origins are rooted deeply in ending animal experimentation .
But if you ’ re scratching your head and wondering “ What is vivisection ?
” don ’ t fret—you ’ re not alone .
We ’ ve broken down everything you need to know about the ruthless , archaic practice : Merriam-Webster defines vivisection as “ the cutting of or operation on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation ” or—broadly— “ animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject.
” To put it even more simply , vivisection is animal testing—think of the two as synonymous .
If you ’ ve seen Legally Blonde 2 or if you ’ ve ever opted for wet n wild mascara over Maybelline because the former uses PETA ’ s Global Beauty Without Bunnies logo , you probably already realize that animal testing is bad .
If you don ’ t , that ’ s OK—keep reading .
Greek physician Claudius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vivisection .
During the Roman Empire , Galen cut open monkeys , pigs , sheep , and goats .
The conclusions he drew about human anatomy based on his dissections were reportedly flawed—a phenomenon we see often in today ’ s ineffective animal tests when lives and precious resources are wasted by trying to infect animals with diseases that they would never normally contract .
What Do Vivisectors Do ?
Much like Galen , today ’ s vivisectors experiment on and almost always kill animals in the name of “ science.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing animals is all in a day ’ s work for vivisectors .
Because many states ’ anti-cruelty statutes include language that exempts abuse of animals in laboratories , vivisectors are given a pass to get away with murder .
And they often use our tax dollars to do so—for example , over the course of the last 13 years , National Institutes of Health experimenter Elisabeth Murray has received more than $ 36 million in taxpayer funding to frighten monkeys with rubber snakes and spiders , allegedly to study mental illness in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans has come out of it .
No experiment on animals , no matter how gruesome , is illegal .
Are Vivisection and Animal Testing the Same Thing ?
Yes , vivisection is the practice of experimenting on animals .
To learn more about what ’ s wrong with vivisection , check out these top five reasons to stop animal testing .
You can call it vivisection , or you can call it animal testing—any way you spin it , animals will never be ours to experiment on .
Which Animals Are Used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At any given moment , millions of mice , rats , rabbits , primates , cats , dogs , and other animals are locked inside barren cages in laboratories across the U.S .
They languish in pain , suffer from extreme frustration , ache with loneliness , and long to be free .
In Murray ’ s laboratory , sections of monkeys ’ skulls are carved out and toxins are injected into their brains .
At Johns Hopkins University , experimenter Shreesh Mysore holds barn owls captive in his laboratory , cutting into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their brains .
At Liberty Research , Inc. , dogs and cats were injected with pesticides and holes were drilled into their heads—some cats suffocated under flipped-over litterboxes .
Are Vivisection and Dissection the Same Thing ?
“ Vivisection , ” an early–18th century word , is actually a combination of the Latin “ vivus ” ( “ living ” ) and the English word “ dissection.
” When pertaining to animals , dissection is the act of cutting up or dismembering a body .
Dissection is most common in classroom settings—typically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fish , and invertebrate animals are the ones students are instructed to cut open for a grade , but others , including sharks , birds , and turtles , are dissected , too .
Vivisection and dissection have more in common than just a root word : Animals who are used in cruel experiments are often killed and then dissected .
Is Vivisection Legal in the U.S. ?
Yes , vivisection—aka “ animal testing ” —is legal in the U.S .
Although some of the experimentation conducted on animals today is required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t .
A number of countries have implemented bans on testing certain types of consumer goods on animals , such as the cosmetics-testing bans in the European Union , India , Israel , New Zealand , Norway , and elsewhere .
Unfortunately , the U.S. has no ban on testing cosmetics or household products on animals , so companies that make and sell their products here can choose to conduct tests on animals—but thanks to PETA ’ s campaigns , very few of them do .
With the help of our members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expose and end the use of animals in experiments .
Check out a few of our anti-vivisection efforts and the victories PETA has scored for animals imprisoned in laboratories .
YES , PETA is against animal testing .
Our first case—the precedent-setting 1981 Silver Spring monkeys case—resulted in the first arrest and criminal conviction of an animal experimenter in the U.S. on charges of cruelty to animals , the first confiscation of abused animals in a laboratory , and the first U.S. Supreme Court victory for animals in laboratories .
And we haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , how does PETA end animal tests ?
Just read our 2019 recap to find out .
If you want in on the “ How can we stop animal experiments ?
” action , you ’ re in the right place .
Click on the button below to join PETA in helping to stop animal testing : 6 Ways to Help Animals Suffering in Experiments

If you’re a PETA member or supporter, you no doubt know that—at our core—we’re an anti-vivisection organization. We oppose all forms of speciesism, but we never forget that our 1980s origins are rooted deeply in ending animal experimentation. But if you’re scratching your head and wondering “What is vivisection?” don’t fret—you’re not alone. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the ruthless, archaic practice:
What Is Vivisection?
Merriam-Webster defines vivisection as “the cutting of or operation on a living animal usually for physiological or pathological investigation” or—broadly—“animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject.” To put it even more simply, vivisection is animal testing—think of the two as synonymous. If you’ve seen Legally Blonde 2 or if you’ve ever opted for wet n wild mascara over Maybelline because the former uses PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies logo, you probably already realize that animal testing is bad. If you don’t, that’s OK—keep reading.
Who Started Vivisection?
Greek physician Claudius Galen is often named as the originator of vivisection. During the Roman Empire, Galen cut open goats, monkeys, pigs, and sheep. The conclusions that he drew about human anatomy based on his dissections were reportedly flawed—a phenomenon that we see often in today’s ineffective animal tests when lives and precious resources are wasted by trying to infect animals with diseases that they would never normally contract.
Take a trip through time using PETA’s interactive timeline, “Without Consent,” to learn about almost 200 stories of twisted animal experiments from the past century.
Without Consent: A Century of Animal Experiments
What Do Vivisectors Do?
Much like Galen, today’s vivisectors experiment on and almost always kill animals in the name of “science.” Poisoning, shocking, burning, and killing animals is all in a day’s work for vivisectors. Because many states’ anti-cruelty statutes include language that exempts abuse of animals in laboratories, vivisectors are given a pass to get away with murder. And they often use our tax dollars to do so—for example, over the course of the last 13 years, National Institutes of Health experimenter Elisabeth Murray has received more than $36 million in taxpayer funding to frighten monkeys with rubber snakes and spiders, allegedly to study mental illness in humans—and not one treatment or cure for humans has come out of it. No experiment on animals, no matter how gruesome, is illegal.
Are Vivisection and Animal Testing the Same Thing?
Yes, vivisection is the practice of experimenting on animals. To learn more about what’s wrong with vivisection, check out these top five reasons to stop animal testing.
You can call it vivisection, or you can call it animal testing—any way you spin it, animals will never be ours to experiment on.
Which Animals Are Used in Animal Testing (Vivisection)?
At any given moment, millions of mice, rats, rabbits, primates, cats, dogs, and other animals are locked inside barren cages in laboratories across the U.S. They languish in pain, suffer from extreme frustration, ache with loneliness, and long to be free.
In Murray’s laboratory, sections of monkeys’ skulls are carved out and toxins are injected into their brains. At Johns Hopkins University, experimenter Shreesh Mysore holds barn owls captive in his laboratory, cutting into their skulls and poking electrodes around in their brains. At Liberty Research, Inc., dogs and cats were injected with pesticides and holes were drilled into their heads—some cats suffocated under flipped-over litterboxes.
Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. Join the Movement
Are Vivisection and Dissection the Same Thing?
“Vivisection,” an early–18th century word, is actually a combination of the Latin “vivus” (“living”) and the English word “dissection.” When pertaining to animals, dissection is the act of cutting up or dismembering a body. Dissection is most common in classroom settings—typically, cats, frogs, pigs, rats, fish, and invertebrate animals are the ones students are instructed to cut open for a grade, but others, including sharks, birds, and turtles, are dissected, too. Vivisection and dissection have more in common than just a root word: Animals who are used in cruel experiments are often killed and then dissected.
Find out why PETA encourages all teachers to be anti-vivisection—starting with dissection.
© Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals
Is Vivisection Legal in the U.S.?
Yes, vivisection—aka “animal testing”—is legal in the U.S. Although some of the experimentation conducted on animals today is required by law, most of it isn’t. A number of countries have implemented bans on testing certain types of consumer goods on animals, such as the cosmetics-testing bans in the European Union, India, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the U.S. has no ban on testing cosmetics or household products on animals, so companies that make and sell their products here can choose to conduct tests on animals—but thanks to PETA’s campaigns, very few of them do.
With the help of our members and supporters, PETA works globally to expose and end the use of animals in experiments. Check out a few of our anti-vivisection efforts and the victories PETA has scored for animals imprisoned in laboratories.
Is PETA Against Animal Testing (Vivisection)?
YES, PETA is against animal testing. Our first case—the precedent-setting 1981 Silver Spring monkeys case—resulted in the first arrest and criminal conviction of an animal experimenter in the U.S. on charges of cruelty to animals, the first confiscation of abused animals in a laboratory, and the first U.S. Supreme Court victory for animals in laboratories. And we haven’t stopped campaigning—and winning—for animals since.
So, how does PETA end animal tests? Just read our 2019 recap to find out.
How PETA Is Ending Vivisection
If you want in on the “How can we stop animal experiments?” action, you’re in the right place. Click on the button below to join PETA in helping to stop animal testing:
6 Ways to Help Animals Suffering in Experiments


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-11--Monterey Zoo Sued Over Weapon Used on Elephants

PETA Asks Court to Stop Roadside Zoo From Defying Animal- and Worker-Protection Laws—and Send Elephants to Accredited Sanctuary Salinas , Calif. – This morning , PETA filed a lawsuit in the Monterey County Superior Court against the Monterey Zoo and its president , Charlie Sammut , alleging that the facility engages in unlawful business practices by using canes to threaten and control elephants in violation of state laws .
PETA ’ s lawsuit asks the court to order the roadside zoo to stop this cruel practice immediately , move the elephants to an accredited sanctuary , and prohibit it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
California has banned bullhooks—weapons that resemble a fireplace poker with a sharp hook on one end—and other devices “ designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant , ” and the state ’ s worker safety laws require employers to provide safe places of employment .
The Monterey Zoo is the only facility in California that controls elephants by using old , circus-style “ free contact , ” in which handlers share the same unrestricted space with elephants and use domination , force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ California has banned nearly all animal circuses , county fairs and theme parks have stopped offering elephant rides , and Hollywood elephant trainers have fled the state—but the Monterey Zoo is still using the threat of physical pain to control elephants , ” says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews .
“ PETA is asking the court to stop this facility from breaking the law at elephants ’ and workers ’ expense.
” In June 2018 , a handler at the Monterey Zoo took “ aggressive action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She stepped on , “ began thrashing , ” and threw the handler—who sustained a broken back and ankle and was hospitalized—while a second worker beat her with a cane .
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health subsequently cited the roadside zoo for failing to ensure a safe work environment , and PETA recently called on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to revoke Sammut ’ s restricted species permit for apparently failing to report the incident and for apparent violations of the state ’ s ban on using weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necropsies for Paula and another elephant named Kristy , both of whom died at the Monterey Zoo .
Paula , who was euthanized in January 2019 after she was unable to stand , had severe osteochondrosis , a painful joint condition that typically results in lameness , joint swelling , and a reduced range of motion .
Kristy died in October 2019 from a severe bacterial infection that was causing her intestinal tissue to rot away .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Asks Court to Stop Roadside Zoo From Defying Animal- and Worker-Protection Laws—and Send Elephants to Accredited Sanctuary
For Immediate Release:
August 11, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Salinas, Calif. – This morning, PETA filed a lawsuit in the Monterey County Superior Court against the Monterey Zoo and its president, Charlie Sammut, alleging that the facility engages in unlawful business practices by using canes to threaten and control elephants in violation of state laws. PETA’s lawsuit asks the court to order the roadside zoo to stop this cruel practice immediately, move the elephants to an accredited sanctuary, and prohibit it and Sammut from owning or exhibiting elephants ever again.
California has banned bullhooks—weapons that resemble a fireplace poker with a sharp hook on one end—and other devices “designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant,” and the state’s worker safety laws require employers to provide safe places of employment. The Monterey Zoo is the only facility in California that controls elephants by using old, circus-style “free contact,” in which handlers share the same unrestricted space with elephants and use domination, force, and punishment to make them obey.
“California has banned nearly all animal circuses, county fairs and theme parks have stopped offering elephant rides, and Hollywood elephant trainers have fled the state—but the Monterey Zoo is still using the threat of physical pain to control elephants,” says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews. “PETA is asking the court to stop this facility from breaking the law at elephants’ and workers’ expense.”
In June 2018, a handler at the Monterey Zoo took “aggressive action” toward an elephant named Paula. She stepped on, “began thrashing,” and threw the handler—who sustained a broken back and ankle and was hospitalized—while a second worker beat her with a cane. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health subsequently cited the roadside zoo for failing to ensure a safe work environment, and PETA recently called on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to revoke Sammut’s restricted species permit for apparently failing to report the incident and for apparent violations of the state’s ban on using weapons on elephants.
PETA also recently obtained necropsies for Paula and another elephant named Kristy, both of whom died at the Monterey Zoo. Paula, who was euthanized in January 2019 after she was unable to stand, had severe osteochondrosis, a painful joint condition that typically results in lameness, joint swelling, and a reduced range of motion. Kristy died in October 2019 from a severe bacterial infection that was causing her intestinal tissue to rot away.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-11--‘Too Hot for Spot and Tot’: Urgent Hot-Weather Safety Tips From PETA

Franklin County , Ala. – As temperatures remain high across the country and amid reports that a 3-year-old boy died in a hot car in Franklin County , PETA is taking action with an ad campaign , “ Too Hot for Spot and Tot , ” warning people never to leave dogs or children in parked cars on hot days .
Even a “ quick ” errand can turn fatal , since social distancing because of COVID-19 extends store wait times and prolongs errands and forgetfulness—being distracted by running into a friend , taking a phone call , or otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , 15 children and at least 25 dogs and cats have died from heat-related causes .
PETA suggests doing the following in order to safeguard humans and animals : • Never leave anyone inside a hot vehicle .
On a 78-degree day , the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes , and on a 90-degree day , the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes .
Dogs , who don ’ t sweat and can cool themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to heatstroke , even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open , which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside .
• If you see an animal and/or a child left alone inside a car , call local humane authorities or 911 immediately and remain on the scene until the situation has been resolved .
If authorities are unresponsive or too slow and a life appears to be in imminent danger , find a witness who will back up your assessment before carefully removing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and carrying them into the shade .
PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in these life-or-death situations .
• To treat an animal suffering from suspected heatstroke , wrap a cool , wet towel around the head and neck without covering the eyes , nose , or mouth and wring out , resoak , and reapply it every few minutes .
Pour lukewarm water over his or her body , and wipe excess water away , especially from the abdomen and between the hind legs .
When authorities arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a veterinarian for further care .
Law-enforcement officials across the country are also warning people of the dangers of hot weather .
“ Every year , we alert people to the danger of leaving children or pets inside cars in the summer , ” says Chief of Police James R. Kruger Jr. from Oak Brook , Illinois .
“ The temperature inside a vehicle climbs approximately 43 degrees in just an hour .
The loss of a defenseless animal in this manner is avoidable and should never happen .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extreme heat without adequate air conditioning and water.
” Anyone who leaves a child or an animal to bake to death in a vehicle could face felony charges .

For Immediate Release:
August 11, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Franklin County, Ala. – As temperatures remain high across the country and amid reports that a 3-year-old boy died in a hot car in Franklin County, PETA is taking action with an ad campaign, “Too Hot for Spot and Tot,” warning people never to leave dogs or children in parked cars on hot days. Even a “quick” errand can turn fatal, since social distancing because of COVID-19 extends store wait times and prolongs errands and forgetfulness—being distracted by running into a friend, taking a phone call, or otherwise being delayed—can take a vulnerable life.
This year, 15 children and at least 25 dogs and cats have died from heat-related causes. PETA suggests doing the following in order to safeguard humans and animals:
Never leave anyone inside a hot vehicle. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside. If you see an animal and/or a child left alone inside a car, call local humane authorities or 911 immediately and remain on the scene until the situation has been resolved. If authorities are unresponsive or too slow and a life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness who will back up your assessment before carefully removing the child or animal from the car and carrying them into the shade. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in these life-or-death situations.
and remain on the scene until the situation has been resolved. If authorities are unresponsive or too slow and a life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness who will back up your assessment before carefully removing the child or animal from the car and carrying them into the shade. for help with intervening in these life-or-death situations. To treat an animal suffering from suspected heatstroke, wrap a cool, wet towel around the head and neck without covering the eyes, nose, or mouth and wring out, resoak, and reapply it every few minutes. Pour lukewarm water over his or her body, and wipe excess water away, especially from the abdomen and between the hind legs. When authorities arrive, ensure that the animal is taken to a veterinarian for further care.
Law-enforcement officials across the country are also warning people of the dangers of hot weather. “Every year, we alert people to the danger of leaving children or pets inside cars in the summer,” says Chief of Police James R. Kruger Jr. from Oak Brook, Illinois. “The temperature inside a vehicle climbs approximately 43 degrees in just an hour. The loss of a defenseless animal in this manner is avoidable and should never happen. There is no reason to take your pet out in extreme heat without adequate air conditioning and water.”
Anyone who leaves a child or an animal to bake to death in a vehicle could face felony charges.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-11--Canada Goose to Face PETA Pressure at Annual Meeting

Cruel Company Will Be Urged—Again—to Ban Fur and Down Toronto – “ Given that animals trapped in the wild and those raised on farms always suffer , how can Canada Goose … continue to sell fur-trimmed and down-filled jackets ?
” That ’ s the question a PETA employee will ask during the company ’ s online annual meeting on Wednesday .
During the meeting , PETA supporters wearing masks and practicing social distancing will also protest outside Canada Goose ’ s Toronto headquarters .
They ’ ll carry signs showing graphic images of dead geese and coyotes alongside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Your Canada Goose Jacket ” and display a QR code that passersby can scan to access a hands-free “ virtual leaflet ” with information about the cruelty inherent in every Canada Goose garment .
PETA will point out that while Canada Goose has pledged to stop buying “ new ” fur starting in 2022 , “ reclaimed ” fur still comes from coyotes who suffered in steel traps before they were shot , bludgeoned , or killed in other violent ways .
The company is also “ humane washing ” its use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Down Standard , which allows for injured animals to languish in pain for days before they ’ re put out of their misery .
“ Canada Goose is hoping it can get away with lip service to animal welfare while profiting from the same old cruelty , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ PETA will keep the company in its crosshairs until it steps up and stops making parkas from animals ’ fur and feathers.
” It ’ s standard practice in the fur and down industries for fur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slam down on coyotes ’ legs and for birds to be shipped in all weather extremes to slaughterhouses , where they ’ re stunned , their throats are cut , and their bodies are dunked into scalding-hot defeathering tanks .
Following a PETA complaint and a subsequent Federal Trade Commission investigation , Canada Goose has stopped claiming that its standards ensure that its suppliers don ’ t abuse animals .
A wide variety of top brands—including Hemp Tailor , Save the Duck , NOIZE , and Wuxly Movement—sell warm , stylish all-vegan coats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that “ animals are not ours to wear ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Cruel Company Will Be Urged—Again—to Ban Fur and Down
For Immediate Release:
August 11, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Toronto – “Given that animals trapped in the wild and those raised on farms always suffer, how can Canada Goose … continue to sell fur-trimmed and down-filled jackets?” That’s the question a PETA employee will ask during the company’s online annual meeting on Wednesday.
When: Wednesday, August 12, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Where: 250 Bowie Ave., Toronto
During the meeting, PETA supporters wearing masks and practicing social distancing will also protest outside Canada Goose’s Toronto headquarters. They’ll carry signs showing graphic images of dead geese and coyotes alongside the words “Here Is the Rest of Your Canada Goose Jacket” and display a QR code that passersby can scan to access a hands-free “virtual leaflet” with information about the cruelty inherent in every Canada Goose garment.
PETA will point out that while Canada Goose has pledged to stop buying “new” fur starting in 2022, “reclaimed” fur still comes from coyotes who suffered in steel traps before they were shot, bludgeoned, or killed in other violent ways. The company is also “humane washing” its use of down by touting the abysmally inadequate Responsible Down Standard, which allows for injured animals to languish in pain for days before they’re put out of their misery.
“Canada Goose is hoping it can get away with lip service to animal welfare while profiting from the same old cruelty,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA will keep the company in its crosshairs until it steps up and stops making parkas from animals’ fur and feathers.”
It’s standard practice in the fur and down industries for fur trappers to use painful steel traps that slam down on coyotes’ legs and for birds to be shipped in all weather extremes to slaughterhouses, where they’re stunned, their throats are cut, and their bodies are dunked into scalding-hot defeathering tanks.
Following a PETA complaint and a subsequent Federal Trade Commission investigation, Canada Goose has stopped claiming that its standards ensure that its suppliers don’t abuse animals.
A wide variety of top brands—including Hemp Tailor, Save the Duck, NOIZE, and Wuxly Movement—sell warm, stylish all-vegan coats.
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--2020-08-12--Glide Along With These Leather-Free Roller Skates

Roller rinks and beach boardwalks aren ’ t the only places where you ’ re bound to see roller skaters these days .
While the COVID-19 pandemic limits indoor recreational activities , more people are looking to find fun in the sun .
Luckily , you don ’ t have to look too far to find a roller skate made with animals in mind .
Whether you ’ re a recreational or competitive skater , many vegan roller skates will suit your needs .
Various brands make “ accidentally vegan ” skates out of flexible faux-leather options , but many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for a vegan skate .
By choosing a leather-free skate , you help save cows , pigs , kangaroos , and other animals who are commonly killed for their skin .
These are just a few great options if you ’ re looking for vegan roller skates : Impala ’ s “ PETA-Approved Vegan ” skates , made from high-quality vegan leather , come in a variety of bright colors and cute patterns .
( Tip : Keep an eye on Impala ’ s Instagram for the scoop on new restocks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll love these inline skates .
These vegan roller skates by Moxi come in five bright colors that will make you feel like you ’ re gliding along Venice Beach .
For a high-performance option , Moxi makes the customizable Vegan Jack skate with Clarino microfiber leather , which is softer and stronger than leather made from animals .
Innovative vegan leather materials like Clarino are better for the environment than conventional leather and outperform it .
Glittery pink , blue , black , or gold boots will help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t forget the kids !
Sure-Grip makes these fun sparkly pink skates , perfect for true beginners .
These skates from U.K. brand Rookie come in two bubblegum-inspired pastel colors : blue with purple accents and pink with blue accents .
These beginner skates are affordable , come in four cute colors , and are made of a lightweight vegan leather that makes it easy to learn the ropes .
All C7 skates are made with vegan leather , so check out the Premium collection , too , if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some added support .
Riedell offers a variety of vegan roller skates , ranging from beginner to professional .
The Riedell Citizen is a great beginner boot , available in either black or white .
Make a statement in these flashy sneaker-style skates , which feature LED lights on the wheels .
Animals used in the leather industry are often abused and subjected to horrific conditions before being killed .
Their lives are cut short , when they should be free to live without fear for years longer .
Leather not only hurts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the people who work in the industry or live near tanneries .
Plus , it ’ s a massive source of greenhouse-gas emissions and water pollution .
There ’ s no reason to support this toxic industry—make sure your wardrobe stays free from leather and other animal-derived materials by using our guide to compassionate clothing : Note : PETA participates 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 .

August 12, 2020 by Rebecca Maness Publishedby
Roller rinks and beach boardwalks aren’t the only places where you’re bound to see roller skaters these days. While the COVID-19 pandemic limits indoor recreational activities, more people are looking to find fun in the sun. Luckily, you don’t have to look too far to find a roller skate made with animals in mind. Whether you’re a recreational or competitive skater, many vegan roller skates will suit your needs. Various brands make “accidentally vegan” skates out of flexible faux-leather options, but many also make ones specifically tailored to people looking for a vegan skate. By choosing a leather-free skate, you help save cows, pigs, kangaroos, and other animals who are commonly killed for their skin.
These are just a few great options if you’re looking for vegan roller skates:
Impala’s “PETA-Approved Vegan” skates, made from high-quality vegan leather, come in a variety of bright colors and cute patterns. (Tip: Keep an eye on Impala’s Instagram for the scoop on new restocks.)
If speed is more your thing, you’ll love these inline skates.
These vegan roller skates by Moxi come in five bright colors that will make you feel like you’re gliding along Venice Beach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDCi2RXDiaN/
For a high-performance option, Moxi makes the customizable Vegan Jack skate with Clarino microfiber leather, which is softer and stronger than leather made from animals. Innovative vegan leather materials like Clarino are better for the environment than conventional leather and outperform it.
Glittery pink, blue, black, or gold boots will help you make a statement on the streets.
Don’t forget the kids! Sure-Grip makes these fun sparkly pink skates, perfect for true beginners.
These skates from U.K. brand Rookie come in two bubblegum-inspired pastel colors: blue with purple accents and pink with blue accents.
These beginner skates are affordable, come in four cute colors, and are made of a lightweight vegan leather that makes it easy to learn the ropes.
All C7 skates are made with vegan leather, so check out the Premium collection, too, if you’re looking for a bright boot with some added support.
Riedell offers a variety of vegan roller skates, ranging from beginner to professional. The Riedell Citizen is a great beginner boot, available in either black or white.
Make a statement in these flashy sneaker-style skates, which feature LED lights on the wheels.
Animals used in the leather industry are often abused and subjected to horrific conditions before being killed. Their lives are cut short, when they should be free to live without fear for years longer. Leather not only hurts animals, it’s also hazardous to the people who work in the industry or live near tanneries. Plus, it’s a massive source of greenhouse-gas emissions and water pollution. There’s no reason to support this toxic industry—make sure your wardrobe stays free from leather and other animal-derived materials by using our guide to compassionate clothing:
PETA’s Vegan Clothing Shopping Guide
Note: PETA participates 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--2020-08-12--Empathy Lessons for a Pandemic World: TeachKind’s Lisbet Chiriboga on ‘The PETA Podcast’

The PETA Podcast gives you behind-the-scenes access to the group ’ s philosophy , current initiatives , victories over animal @ @ @ @ @ more humane world , and everything that makes the organization sometimes controversial , always effective @ @ @ @ @ .
Listen in on the ways in which the world ’ s largest animal rights @ @ @ @ @ members and supporters worldwide—has changed the world with effective animal advocacy since 1980 .
Hosted @ @ @ @ @ The PETA Podcast features PETA insiders , activists , investigators , legal strategists , experts @ @ @ @ @ their activities and why animals need more than simple kindness—they deserve to have the right @ @ @ @ @ exploited in any way .
You ’ ll also get an inside look at what @ @ @ @ @ for a future in which animals are valued for themselves , not their worth to @ @ @ @ @ and be sure to subscribe so you ’ ll never miss an episode !

The PETA Podcast gives you behind-the-scenes access to the world’s largest animal rights organization’s philosophy, current initiatives, victories over animal abuse, ideas for a more humane world, and everything that makes the organization sometimes controversial, always effective, and impossible to ignore. Listen in on the ways in which PETA entities—with more than 9 million members and supporters globally—have changed the world with effective animal advocacy since 1980. Hosted by journalist Emil Guillermo, The PETA Podcast features PETA insiders, activists, investigators, legal strategists, experts, and others speaking about their activities and explaining why animals deserve the right not to be used, abused, or exploited in any way.
Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. Join the Movement
You’ll also get an inside look at what PETA’s plans are for a future in which animals are valued for themselves, not their worth to humans. Listen below, and be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode!
Latest Episode
Episode #288: How This Scientist Saw the Light: A Journey to Ethical Science
Recent Episodes


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petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-12--International Homeless Animals’ Day Is August 15

Norfolk , Va. – August 15 marks International Homeless Animals ’ Day , a vitally important day that draws attention to the millions of stray , lost , and abandoned dogs and cats struggling to survive on the streets or staring out from a cage at an animal shelter .
There are numerous ways humans can help reduce the companion-animal overpopulation crisis These include tackling the crisis at the root by always having animal companions spayed and neutered , helping others get their animals “ fixed , ” and adopting animals from shelters ( “ Adopt , don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from breeders or pet stores , which only exacerbates the problem .
Fostering dogs or cats , volunteering at a local animal shelter , and encouraging kids to make toys for dogs and cats are other great ways to help .
These efforts are all lifesaving .
An estimated 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time .
Roughly just 10 % of the country ’ s homeless-animal population is taken in by animal shelters each year , and many must be euthanized as a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t enough good homes for them .
The rest are out there somewhere : They are hit by cars , are attacked by other animals or wicked humans , and suffer and die from diseases , infections , parasites , starvation , and other conditions .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
August 12, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – August 15 marks International Homeless Animals’ Day, a vitally important day that draws attention to the millions of stray, lost, and abandoned dogs and cats struggling to survive on the streets or staring out from a cage at an animal shelter.
There are numerous ways humans can help reduce the companion-animal overpopulation crisis . These include tackling the crisis at the root by always having animal companions spayed and neutered, helping others get their animals “fixed,” and adopting animals from shelters (“Adopt, don’t shop!”) rather than buying them from breeders or pet stores, which only exacerbates the problem. Fostering dogs or cats, volunteering at a local animal shelter, and encouraging kids to make toys for dogs and cats are other great ways to help.
These efforts are all lifesaving. An estimated 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time. Roughly just 10% of the country’s homeless-animal population is taken in by animal shelters each year, and many must be euthanized as a result of chronic neglect or because there aren’t enough good homes for them. The rest are out there somewhere: They are hit by cars, are attacked by other animals or wicked humans, and suffer and die from diseases, infections, parasites, starvation, and other conditions.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-12--Edgy New Billboard Says We Can Stop Another Pandemic

PETA Ad Goes Up Near Fast-Food Outlets—With a Message That Factory Farms and Animal Markets Spread Disease and Going Vegan Could Save Us All Kokomo , Ind .
– As the number of COVID-19 cases increases in Indiana , PETA has placed a billboard within chewing distance of a Kroger store and several fast-food restaurants pointing out that speciesism—the pompous belief that humans are superior to other animals and that gives us the right to confine and slaughter them for food—is the source of a litany of deadly diseases , including COVID-19 .
“ It ’ s a fact : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their own filth hurts them and comes back to bite us in the form of pandemics , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA offers free vegan starter kits , free vegan mentor services , and free tips on animal-friendly eating to help people save lives , including their own.
” Confining and killing animals for food has been linked to SARS , swine flu , bird flu , and COVID-19 , and a new strain of swine flu with “ pandemic potential ” has been spreading from pigs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , workers stand shoulder to shoulder and slit animals ’ throats above blood-soaked floors , with line speeds so fast that animals end up thrashing around and injuring them—conditions that allow COVID-19 to spread .
Fewer than half of slaughterhouses report offering testing to their employees , and more than 40,000 cases among workers have been recorded .
The billboard is located at 2821 S. Washington St. , across from a Kroger store and near a McDonald ’ s , a Burger King , a Domino ’ s , and other fast-food restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive from a Tyson pig slaughterhouse , where hundreds of employees have tested positive for COVID-19 .
Resources on PETA ’ s website include vegan starter kits , its one-on-one Vegan Mentor Program , and a list of vegan-friendly restaurant chains .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Ad Goes Up Near Fast-Food Outlets—With a Message That Factory Farms and Animal Markets Spread Disease and Going Vegan Could Save Us All
For Immediate Release:
August 12, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Kokomo, Ind. – As the number of COVID-19 cases increases in Indiana, PETA has placed a billboard within chewing distance of a Kroger store and several fast-food restaurants pointing out that speciesism—the pompous belief that humans are superior to other animals and that gives us the right to confine and slaughter them for food—is the source of a litany of deadly diseases, including COVID-19.
“It’s a fact: Eating meat from animals who were confined in their own filth hurts them and comes back to bite us in the form of pandemics,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA offers free vegan starter kits, free vegan mentor services, and free tips on animal-friendly eating to help people save lives, including their own.”
Confining and killing animals for food has been linked to SARS, swine flu, bird flu, and COVID-19, and a new strain of swine flu with “pandemic potential” has been spreading from pigs to humans in China. In U.S. slaughterhouses, workers stand shoulder to shoulder and slit animals’ throats above blood-soaked floors, with line speeds so fast that animals end up thrashing around and injuring them—conditions that allow COVID-19 to spread. Fewer than half of slaughterhouses report offering testing to their employees, and more than 40,000 cases among workers have been recorded.
The billboard is located at 2821 S. Washington St., across from a Kroger store and near a McDonald’s, a Burger King, a Domino’s, and other fast-food restaurants. The ad is also a 30-minute drive from a Tyson pig slaughterhouse, where hundreds of employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Resources on PETA’s website include vegan starter kits and a list of vegan-friendly restaurant chains. PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-12--Horse Race Bettor Settles Doping, Racketeering, Fraud Lawsuit

PETA Pleased as Precedent Promises More Bettors Could Sue Over Use of Prohibited Substances Newark , N.J. – As reported by the Associated Press , the bettor who filed a first-of-its-kind , PETA-supported lawsuit alleging that a horse trainer and an owner violated state and federal racketeering laws and engaged in fraud by illegally doping a horse used for harness racing has just secured a $ 20,000 settlement .
Noting that the horse was a victim , too , the bettor will donate $ 7,500 of the settlement to the nonprofit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program , which rescues Standardbred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safe haven , rehabilitation , and placement in experienced , caring homes .
In the lawsuit , Illinois-based bettor Jeff Tretter alleged that trainer Robert Bresnahan Jr. and owner J.L .
Sadowsky LLC illegally influenced the outcome of a January 2016 race at the Meadowlands , an East Rutherford harness track , by doping the horse Tag Up and Go , who went on to win the race in an unprecedented fashion .
Unbeknownst to bettors , Tag Up and Go had tested positive for the banned substance erythropoietin , which stimulates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blood ’ s oxygen-carrying capacity .
The complaint also alleged that both Bresnahan and Sadowsky falsely affirmed via their racing application that the horse had not been illegally drugged .
Not including the amount that will be donated to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program , Tretter received twice what his winnings would have been had Tag Up and Go not run or been properly excluded from the January 2016 race .
“ Doping horses has got to stop—not only is it cruel , it ’ s also race fixing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This settlement serves as a shot across the bow to trainers who care more about their bank accounts than about horses : Stop cheating or risk having to pay up.
” “ We faced a lot of opposition because of the precedent involved , but I hope this will open the door for others to come forward and hold those responsible accountable for their blatant cheating at tracks across North America , ” says Tretter .
“ Bettors must organize and go after the cheats for every verifiable dime that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance to do just this , and we are talking about millions , if not hundreds of millions of dollars .
Hopefully , my lawsuit will lead the way and give others the confidence to do just that .
It ’ s very disturbing that people in racing with integrity will eventually be put out of business , but that is what the sport has become .
I still believe there are more good than bad in the sport , but the bad are ruining the game for everyone .
The people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the honest bettors , trainers , and owners are every bit as much to blame as those holding the syringe.
” The group notes that performance-enhancing drugs often mask horses ’ pain , allowing them to race and train with injuries that would otherwise be disabling .
Illegal doping and the overuse of medication are rampant and frequently lead to injury , broken bones , and death .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETA.org .

PETA Pleased as Precedent Promises More Bettors Could Sue Over Use of Prohibited Substances
For Immediate Release:
August 12, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Newark, N.J. – As reported by the Associated Press, the bettor who filed a first-of-its-kind, PETA-supported lawsuit alleging that a horse trainer and an owner violated state and federal racketeering laws and engaged in fraud by illegally doping a horse used for harness racing has just secured a $20,000 settlement. Noting that the horse was a victim, too, the bettor will donate $7,500 of the settlement to the nonprofit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, which rescues Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses and provides them with a safe haven, rehabilitation, and placement in experienced, caring homes.
In the lawsuit, Illinois-based bettor Jeff Tretter alleged that trainer Robert Bresnahan Jr. and owner J.L. Sadowsky LLC illegally influenced the outcome of a January 2016 race at the Meadowlands, an East Rutherford harness track, by doping the horse Tag Up and Go, who went on to win the race in an unprecedented fashion. Unbeknownst to bettors, Tag Up and Go had tested positive for the banned substance erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, thereby increasing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. The complaint also alleged that both Bresnahan and Sadowsky falsely affirmed via their racing application that the horse had not been illegally drugged.
Not including the amount that will be donated to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Tretter received twice what his winnings would have been had Tag Up and Go not run or been properly excluded from the January 2016 race.
“Doping horses has got to stop—not only is it cruel, it’s also race fixing,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “This settlement serves as a shot across the bow to trainers who care more about their bank accounts than about horses: Stop cheating or risk having to pay up.”
“We faced a lot of opposition because of the precedent involved, but I hope this will open the door for others to come forward and hold those responsible accountable for their blatant cheating at tracks across North America,” says Tretter. “Bettors must organize and go after the cheats for every verifiable dime that was lost. Electronic wagering has given bettors a chance to do just this, and we are talking about millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars. Hopefully, my lawsuit will lead the way and give others the confidence to do just that. It’s very disturbing that people in racing with integrity will eventually be put out of business, but that is what the sport has become. I still believe there are more good than bad in the sport, but the bad are ruining the game for everyone. The people in charge who have failed to protect the honest bettors, trainers, and owners are every bit as much to blame as those holding the syringe.”
The group notes that performance-enhancing drugs often mask horses’ pain, allowing them to race and train with injuries that would otherwise be disabling. Illegal doping and the overuse of medication are rampant and frequently lead to injury, broken bones, and death.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.