petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-03--PETA Tells You Where to Order the Top Food Delivery Trends

Grubhub , a popular mobile app food delivery service similar to Uber Eats , revealed the year ’ s most popular food delivery trends as of July 2020 , based on more than half a million orders placed in the online food delivery market in the U.S. Vegans love a ready-to-eat meal delivered to their door just as much as the next person , so here are the top 10 trends with a vegan spin and where to order them : What ’ s better than a vegan chicken sandwich ?
A spicy vegan chicken sandwich !
Eat your heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste like chicken doesn ’ t mean we need to eat chickens—welcome to the 21st century .
Get Your Spicy Chicken Sandwich On at Any of These Restaurants People are obviously having no trouble finding delicious vegan burgers—the hard part is probably deciding which option to go with .
We suggest ordering from any place that sells the Beyond Burger .
It ’ s delicious , reliable , and never tested on animals .
These Are All the Chains With the Beyond Burger on the Menu While we ’ re totally on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online ordering , vegan shakes are , like , really easy to make yourself .
If you have a blender , some vegan ice cream , and some vegan milk , you can have a vegan shake .
But if you insist on ordering one , we ’ d never try to stand in your way .
Imagine a coffee chain that doesn ’ t offer any plant-based milks !
What is this , the ’ 90s ?
More coffee chains than not are probably vegan-friendly these days .
So if you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your local café , a mobile app order will bring a delicious vegan iced latte to you before the ice melts .
Find Out Which Coffee Chain Has the Most Vegan-Friendly Options to Choose From It ’ s getting colder outside , and you ’ re staying in—we get it .
A bowl of chili delivered to your door is the ultimate in comfort .
A fair amount of chain restaurants do offer vegan chili , but when you ’ re searching in your food delivery app , try typing in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to find some that ’ s actually vegan if you get it without cheese .
Here are few chain restaurants that offer vegan chili : • TGI Fridays has Beyond Meat chili—just order it without cheese to make it vegan .
As there are 42 locations around the U.S. , there ’ s a decent chance that you can order a delicious vegan cinnamon roll from Cinnaholic , with all the decadent toppings your heart desires !
If you ’ re not near a Cinnaholic , you can move search for local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You could also use a delivery service to buy these brands ’ vegan cinnamon rolls from a grocery store : Or make your own : • The Best Ever Vegan Cinnamon Rolls by Tasty • Vegan Cinnamon Rolls ( with make-ahead option ! )
by Oh She Glows A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito in the Tex-Mex/Southwestern cuisine category .
• Vegan Van makes a vegan chimichanga with your choice of seasoned soy “ chicken ” or seasoned seitan “ beef.
” • The Buff Restaurant makes a “ vegan chimi ” with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black beans .
If your town is currently vegan chimichanga–less , try one of these delicious recipes : • The Best Vegan Chimichangas by Vegan Blueberry • Del Taco offers an Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito , which comes vegan .
• Freebirds World Burrito has Beyond Meat beef at some locations , so check the nearest one .
• Chipotle ’ s Sofritas has a beefy consistency but is 100 % plant-based .
• Tocaya Organica ‘ s vegan picadillo tastes similar to beef—and don ’ t forget to add the vegan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharky ‘ s has organic tofu , and try adding pinto beans , Mexican-style rice , and guacamole—just skip the cheese and sour cream to enjoy a fully vegan burrito .
If you ’ re ordering potato tacos from somewhere else , just be sure to request no dairy-based sour cream and cheese to make them vegan .
Rounding out the top 10 is taro milk tea , which is a drink derived from taro , a high-starch root vegetable .
You can make this beverage vegan simply by using a dairy-free milk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegan boba or red beans , which taste like mochi .
Find vegan milk options at any of these places ( but ask about the toppings before ordering ) : • Bubble U in Los Angeles has taro milk tea that you can order with soy , oat , or almond milk .
• Mi ‘ N Tea in Philadelphia has Purple Daze taro milk tea , which can be ordered with vegan milk—but you have to ask for it in the “ special requests ” field if you order online , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website .
• Loving Fruit Bubble Tea in Atlanta has a taro bubble tea that can be ordered vegan .
As you can see , it ’ s super-easy to enjoy America ’ s favorite food delivery trends without paying people to exploit and kill animals .
And many of these are national chain restaurants , so be sure to check out your local options on Google or HappyCow , as there may be loads more choices near you !
Still hungry ?
We ’ ve got you covered : Check Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chain Restaurants

November 3, 2020 by Michelle Feinberg Publishedby
Grubhub, a popular mobile app food delivery service similar to Uber Eats, revealed the year’s most popular food delivery trends as of July 2020, based on more than half a million orders placed in the online food delivery market in the U.S. Vegans love a ready-to-eat meal delivered to their door just as much as the next person, so here are the top 10 trends with a vegan spin and where to order them:
1. Spicy Chicken Sandwich
What’s better than a vegan chicken sandwich? A spicy vegan chicken sandwich! Eat your heart out, Chick-fil-A. Enjoying sandwiches that taste like chicken doesn’t mean we need to eat chickens—welcome to the 21st century.
Get Your Spicy Chicken Sandwich On at Any of These Restaurants
2. Plant-Based Burger
People are obviously having no trouble finding delicious vegan burgers—the hard part is probably deciding which option to go with. We suggest ordering from any place that sells the Beyond Burger. It’s delicious, reliable, and never tested on animals.
These Are All the Chains With the Beyond Burger on the Menu
3. Vanilla Shake
While we’re totally on board with a lazy day of leisure and online ordering, vegan shakes are, like, really easy to make yourself. If you have a blender, some vegan ice cream, and some vegan milk, you can have a vegan shake. But if you insist on ordering one, we’d never try to stand in your way.
Order a Vanilla Shake From These Vegan-Friendly Ice Cream Parlors
4. Iced Latte
Imagine a coffee chain that doesn’t offer any plant-based milks! What is this, the ’90s? More coffee chains than not are probably vegan-friendly these days. So if you don’t have the energy to walk to your local café, a mobile app order will bring a delicious vegan iced latte to you before the ice melts.
Find Out Which Coffee Chain Has the Most Vegan-Friendly Options to Choose From
5. Chili
It’s getting colder outside, and you’re staying in—we get it. A bowl of chili delivered to your door is the ultimate in comfort. A fair amount of chain restaurants do offer vegan chili, but when you’re searching in your food delivery app, try typing in “vegetarian chili”—you’re more likely to find some that’s actually vegan if you get it without cheese. Here are few chain restaurants that offer vegan chili:
McAlister’s Deli offers vegan chili on its vegan menu.
offers vegan chili on its vegan menu. Hard Times Cafe has a vegan-friendly “vegetarian chili” made with soy.
has a vegan-friendly “vegetarian chili” made with soy. TGI Fridays has Beyond Meat chili—just order it without cheese to make it vegan.
6. Cinnamon Roll
As there are 42 locations around the U.S., there’s a decent chance that you can order a delicious vegan cinnamon roll from Cinnaholic, with all the decadent toppings your heart desires!
If you’re not near a Cinnaholic, you can move search for local options in your mobile delivery apps. You could also use a delivery service to buy these brands’ vegan cinnamon rolls from a grocery store:
Or make your own:
7. Chimichanga
A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito in the Tex-Mex/Southwestern cuisine category.
Modern Love makes a delicious mushroom potato chimichanga with cashew sour cream.
makes a delicious mushroom potato chimichanga with cashew sour cream. Vegan Van makes a vegan chimichanga with your choice of seasoned soy “chicken” or seasoned seitan “beef.”
makes a vegan chimichanga with your choice of seasoned soy “chicken” or seasoned seitan “beef.” Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli makes a delicious-looking vegan chimichanga.
makes a delicious-looking vegan chimichanga. The Buff Restaurant makes a “vegan chimi” with potatoes, veggies, avocado, and black beans.
If your town is currently vegan chimichanga–less, try one of these delicious recipes:
8. Beef Burrito
Del Taco offers an Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito, which comes vegan.
offers an Epic Beyond Original Mex Burrito, which comes vegan. Freebirds World Burrito has Beyond Meat beef at some locations, so check the nearest one.
has Beyond Meat beef at some locations, so check the nearest one. Chipotle ’s Sofritas has a beefy consistency but is 100% plant-based.
’s Sofritas has a beefy consistency but is 100% plant-based. Tocaya Organica ‘s vegan picadillo tastes similar to beef—and don’t forget to add the vegan cheese and vegan chipotle crema.
vegan picadillo tastes similar to beef—and don’t forget to add the vegan cheese and vegan chipotle crema. Sharky ‘ s has organic tofu, and try adding pinto beans, Mexican-style rice, and guacamole—just skip the cheese and sour cream to enjoy a fully vegan burrito.
‘ has organic tofu, and try adding pinto beans, Mexican-style rice, and guacamole—just skip the cheese and sour cream to enjoy a fully vegan burrito. Pancheros Mexican Grill has a vegan option called the Tofusada.
9. Potato Tacos
Find delicious vegan potato tacos at these restaurants:
If you’re ordering potato tacos from somewhere else, just be sure to request no dairy-based sour cream and cheese to make them vegan.
10. Taro Milk Tea
Rounding out the top 10 is taro milk tea, which is a drink derived from taro, a high-starch root vegetable. You can make this beverage vegan simply by using a dairy-free milk and selecting a vegan topping such as vegan boba or red beans, which taste like mochi. Find vegan milk options at any of these places (but ask about the toppings before ordering):
Bubble U in Los Angeles has taro milk tea that you can order with soy, oat, or almond milk.
in Los Angeles has taro milk tea that you can order with soy, oat, or almond milk. Mi ‘ N Tea in Philadelphia has Purple Daze taro milk tea, which can be ordered with vegan milk—but you have to ask for it in the “special requests” field if you order online, as the option doesn’t appear on the website.
‘ in Philadelphia has Purple Daze taro milk tea, which can be ordered with vegan milk—but you have to ask for it in the “special requests” field if you order online, as the option doesn’t appear on the website. Loving Fruit Bubble Tea in Atlanta has a taro bubble tea that can be ordered vegan.
As you can see, it’s super-easy to enjoy America’s favorite food delivery trends without paying people to exploit and kill animals. And many of these are national chain restaurants, so be sure to check out your local options on Google or HappyCow, as there may be loads more choices near you!
Still hungry? We’ve got you covered:
Check Out Our Guide to Order Vegan Food at Chain Restaurants


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-03--What Is Trauma-Informed Education?

What Is Trauma-Informed Education?

If you ’ re an educator , you ’ ve probably at least heard of trauma-informed education .
Simply put , a trauma-informed educator takes into consideration distressing events that students may have experienced in their lifetime , acknowledges that the adverse effects of those experiences may impede the students ’ ability to learn , and adjusts teaching practices to help them feel more at ease , thus increasing their chances of learning .
Such events can include the divorce of a student ’ s parents , the death of a loved one , poverty , homelessness , a natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing or witnessing violence—including violence toward animals .
What Does Trauma-Informed Teaching Look Like ?
The trauma-informed educator knows that students who are feeling stress , fear , or anxiety or experiencing other negative side effects of trauma may exhibit a wide range of behavioral issues , from difficulty focusing on tasks to avoiding social interactions to lashing out violently to hurting themselves .
While there are a variety of strategies for making your classroom and your curriculum more trauma-informed , teaching compassion for animals can have a host of benefits .
Students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell anyone for a number of reasons , but if you ’ ve cultivated a safe space in which they are free to express themselves ( verbally , in writing , through art , etc . )
, they may feel comfortable opening up to you .
It can be difficult to share details of a traumatic event , especially if talking about other unpleasant topics , such as animal abuse , is altogether avoided in the classroom .
Some teachers shy away from discussing sensitive topics because students may become upset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only empower students to help solve real-world problems but also provide them with the vocabulary to tell you their story .
Even if students won ’ t tell you about the abuse that they ’ ve experienced , they may tell you about the abuse that their family ’ s animal companion has experienced , providing you with a clue that other acts of violence could be taking place in the home as well.1 Use Students ’ Interests to Motivate Them Academically Students suffering from trauma may have a hard time paying attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the activity around them during the school day .
Most kids have a soft spot for animals and care about their well-being , though , so incorporating lessons about animals and ways kids can help them can engage even the most reluctant learners .
All of TeachKind ’ s materials are aligned with Common Core Learning Standards and help students practice academic skills , while teaching them about real-world animal issues and the power that they have to make a difference .
Many students who have experienced trauma have a strong sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves have been wronged in some way .
Equipping them with the means to help others can help these students feel in control and empowered .
Trauma-informed resource : Let the Revolution Begin—Student Activism May Be Key to Academic Achievement Unfortunately , you can ’ t change what students have already experienced , and you can ’ t control their home life .
But you can equip them with a set of tools that they can use to overcome adversity and thrive as they get older .
Especially now , as we navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills , be actively aware of their own well-being , and flex their empathy muscles , including for animals .
These foundational skills can boost students ’ resilience , help them deal effectively and ethically with life ’ s challenges , and encourage them to participate in prosocial interactions with their peers so that they ’ ll contribute to their communities in a positive way for years to come .
Trauma-informed resource : Help Children Develop Social and Emotional Learning Skills With TeachKind Resources You may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current students have experienced , but you do have the power to help prevent future generations of both humans and other animals from experiencing abuse and neglect by teaching this generation the importance of empathy .
Like our muscles , empathy must be exercised regularly in order for it to grow strong , and students who are taught to be kind to animals and to consider their wants and needs tend to be more empathetic toward their peers .
Teaching the easy-to-understand concept of the Golden Rule is a simple , straightforward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this core value in your students .
Trauma-informed resources : “ Share the World ” ( for grades K–5 ) and 39 Images and Daily Writing Prompts That Will Help Your Students Develop Empathy for Animals ( for grades 6–12 ) Cruelty to animals is often overlooked as a form of trauma in young people , but a growing body of research shows that committing violent acts against animals can have traumatic effects on children and teens and that—perhaps even more alarming—simply witnessing violence toward animals can have negative consequences as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ serial killers2 and school shooters3,4 tend to have a history of cruelty to animals , they must also recognize that it is common for young people to have witnessed animal abuse,5,6,7,8 that seeing such abuse is a form of trauma,9 and that children who have observed acts of cruelty to animals are more likely to abuse animals.10,11,12,13 The most egregious cases of cruelty to animals make headlines , but many children encounter animal abuse that goes unreported .
This is why it ’ s urgent that schools implement preventive , trauma-informed measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all students .
It is a moral imperative that teachers identify and actively support students who have witnessed animal abuse—for the safety of both the animal and the child .
According to Dr. Barbara Boat , director of the Program on Childhood Trauma and Maltreatment at the University of Cincinnati and executive director of the Childhood Trust at Cincinnati Children ’ s Hospital Medical Center , “ up to 76 % of animal abuse occurs in front of children ” 14 and “ the environment in which animal abuse is prevalent can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never the target of a parent ’ s aggression.
” This stress can have enormous consequences on a child ’ s cognitive development and their ability to learn : Because educators are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse , it ’ s important to be on the lookout for any indicators—and animal abuse is certainly one .
Because domestic abuse is directed toward the powerless , animal abuse and child abuse often go hand in hand .
While animal abuse is an important sign of possible child abuse , the parent or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one harming the animal .
Children who abuse animals may be repeating a lesson learned at home—reacting to anger or frustration with violence , as they ’ ve seen adults do .
Their violence is directed at the only individual in the family more vulnerable than themselves : an animal .
Children may also see a sibling or friend abusing an animal .
Indeed , animal abuse frequently occurs at the same time and in the same place as other types of violence , particularly family violence .
Since TeachKind sees reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the U.S. on a regular basis , we have created “ Empathy Now , ” a step-by-step guide that assists schools in addressing these incidents within their communities and in implementing humane education to help prevent future tragedies .
This trauma-informed tool can guide your school district ’ s response to an incident of cruelty to animals , as well as helping you proactively implement humane education across the board .
Empathy Now : Why Humane Education Is Urgently Needed and How to Implement It Teaching virtually ?
These trauma-informed practices can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1Boat , B.W.
, Loar , L. & Phillips , A .
( 2008 ) .
Collaborating to assess , intervene , and prosecute animal abuse : A continuum of protection for children and animals .
In F.R .
Ascione ( Ed. )
.
International handbook of animal abuse and cruelty : Theory , research , and application ( pp .
392-422 ) .
West Lafayette , IN : Purdue University Press .
2Wright , J. , & Hensley , C. ( 2003 ) .
From animal cruelty to serial murder : Applying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology , 47 ( 1 ) , 72–88 .
3Verlinden , S. , Hersen , M. , & Thomas , J .
( 2000 ) .
Risk factors in school shootings .
Clinical Psychology Review , 20 ( 1 ) , 3–56 .
4Arluke , A. , & Madfis , E. ( 2014 ) .
Animal abuse as a warning sign of school massacres : A critique and refinement .
Homicide Studies , 18 ( 1 ) , 7–22 .
5Thompson , K.L.
, & Gullone , E. ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association between the witnessing of animal abuse and adolescents ’ behavior toward animals .
Society & Animals , 14 ( 3 ) , 221–243 .
6Baldry , A.C. ( 2003 ) .
Animal abuse and exposure to interparental violence in Italian youth .
Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 18 ( 3 ) , 258–281 .
7Gullone , E. , & Robertson , N. ( 2008 ) .
The relationship between bullying and animal abuse behaviors in adolescents : The importance of witnessing animal abuse .
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology , 29 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B.C .
( 2004 ) .
The relationship between animal cruelty , delinquency , and attitudes toward the treatment of animals .
Society & Animals , 12 ( 3 ) , 185–207 .
9Randour , M.L.
, Smith-Blackmore , M. , Blaney , N. , DeSousa , D. , & Guyony , A.A. ( 2019 ) .
Animal abuse as a type of trauma : Lessons for human and animal service professionals .
Trauma , Violence , & Abuse , 1–12 .
10Thompson & Gullone .
11Hensley , C. , Tallichet , S.E.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Recurrent childhood animal cruelty : Is there a relationship to adult recurrent interpersonal violence ?
Criminal Justice Review , 34 ( 2 ) , 248–257 .
12Baldry .
13DeGue , S. , & DiLillo , D. ( 2009 ) .
Is animal cruelty a “ red flag ” for family violence ?
Investigating co-occurring violence toward children , partners , and pets .
Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 24 ( 6 ) , 1036–1056 .
14Faver , C.A.
, & Strand , E.B .
( 2003 ) .
To leave or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern for vulnerable pets , Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 18 , 1367–1374 .
15Koenen , K.C.
, Moffitt , T.E.
, Caspi , A. , Taylor , A. , & Purcell , S. ( 2003 ) .
Domestic violence is associated with environmental suppression of IQ in young children .
Development and Psychopathology , 15 ( 2 ) : 297–302 .
Retrieved from http : //www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/Articles/122.pdf .
16De Bellis , M.D.
, Keshavan , M.S.
, Clark , D.B.
, Casey , B.J.
, Giedd , J.N.
, Boring , A.M. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ N.D. ( 1999 ) .
Developmental traumatology .
Part II : brain development , Journal of Biological Psychiatry , 45 ( 10 ) : 1271–1282 .
Retrieved from https : //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10349033/ .
17Boat , B.W .
( n.d. ) .
Connections among adverse childhood experiences , exposure to animal cuelty and toxic stress : what do professionals need to consider ?
National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse : Update , 24 ( 4 ) , 1–3 .
Retrieved from http : //nationallinkcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Barbara-Boat-CTA-as-ACEs-toxic-stress.pdf .
18Randour et al .

Trauma-Informed Education Defined
If you’re an educator, you’ve probably at least heard of trauma-informed education. Simply put, a trauma-informed educator takes into consideration distressing events that students may have experienced in their lifetime, acknowledges that the adverse effects of those experiences may impede the students’ ability to learn, and adjusts teaching practices to help them feel more at ease, thus increasing their chances of learning. Such events can include the divorce of a student’s parents, the death of a loved one, poverty, homelessness, a natural disaster, neglect, abuse, and experiencing or witnessing violence—including violence toward animals.
What Does Trauma-Informed Teaching Look Like?
The trauma-informed educator knows that students who are feeling stress, fear, or anxiety or experiencing other negative side effects of trauma may exhibit a wide range of behavioral issues, from difficulty focusing on tasks to avoiding social interactions to lashing out violently to hurting themselves. While there are a variety of strategies for making your classroom and your curriculum more trauma-informed, teaching compassion for animals can have a host of benefits.
Provide Students With an Outlet
Students who have experienced trauma may be reluctant to tell anyone for a number of reasons, but if you’ve cultivated a safe space in which they are free to express themselves (verbally, in writing, through art, etc.), they may feel comfortable opening up to you. It can be difficult to share details of a traumatic event, especially if talking about other unpleasant topics, such as animal abuse, is altogether avoided in the classroom. Some teachers shy away from discussing sensitive topics because students may become upset. But having hard conversations can not only empower students to help solve real-world problems but also provide them with the vocabulary to tell you their story. Even if students won’t tell you about the abuse that they’ve experienced, they may tell you about the abuse that their family’s animal companion has experienced, providing you with a clue that other acts of violence could be taking place in the home as well.1
Trauma-informed resource: TeachKind’s Rescue Story Reading Comprehension Worksheets
X
Use Students’ Interests to Motivate Them Academically
Students suffering from trauma may have a hard time paying attention in class or may be altogether detached from the activity around them during the school day. Most kids have a soft spot for animals and care about their well-being, though, so incorporating lessons about animals and ways kids can help them can engage even the most reluctant learners. All of TeachKind’s materials are aligned with Common Core Learning Standards and help students practice academic skills, while teaching them about real-world animal issues and the power that they have to make a difference. Many students who have experienced trauma have a strong sense of fairness and detest injustice because they themselves have been wronged in some way. Equipping them with the means to help others can help these students feel in control and empowered.
Trauma-informed resource: Let the Revolution Begin—Student Activism May Be Key to Academic Achievement
Bolster Students’ Social and Emotional Skills
Unfortunately, you can’t change what students have already experienced, and you can’t control their home life. But you can equip them with a set of tools that they can use to overcome adversity and thrive as they get older. Especially now, as we navigate these unprecedented times, children should be encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills, be actively aware of their own well-being, and flex their empathy muscles, including for animals. These foundational skills can boost students’ resilience, help them deal effectively and ethically with life’s challenges, and encourage them to participate in prosocial interactions with their peers so that they’ll contribute to their communities in a positive way for years to come.
Trauma-informed resource: Help Children Develop Social and Emotional Learning Skills With TeachKind Resources
After … the video [about a puppy mill rescue], … a boy raised his hand and started making fun of another student … who was crying during the video. So I just gently said, “That’s OK, because it made me cry. It just shows that you’re compassionate.” And no sooner did I say that [than] about five, six other hands go up to say they were crying during the video as well. And when I reflected on that, I realized that these children who have hard lives at home … don’t always have a safe place to show their emotions. So what we did in that moment was create a safe space for them to be able to show that they care. —Lisbet Chiriboga
Help Students Strengthen Their Empathy Muscles
You may not be able to erase the trauma that your current students have experienced, but you do have the power to help prevent future generations of both humans and other animals from experiencing abuse and neglect by teaching this generation the importance of empathy. Like our muscles, empathy must be exercised regularly in order for it to grow strong, and students who are taught to be kind to animals and to consider their wants and needs tend to be more empathetic toward their peers. Teaching the easy-to-understand concept of the Golden Rule is a simple, straightforward, effective, and trauma-informed approach to instilling this core value in your students.
Trauma-informed resources: “Share the World” (for grades K–5) and 39 Images and Daily Writing Prompts That Will Help Your Students Develop Empathy for Animals (for grades 6–12)
Animal Abuse as a Form of Childhood Trauma
Cruelty to animals is often overlooked as a form of trauma in young people, but a growing body of research shows that committing violent acts against animals can have traumatic effects on children and teens and that—perhaps even more alarming—simply witnessing violence toward animals can have negative consequences as well.
While many trauma-informed educators are aware that serial killers2 and school shooters3,4 tend to have a history of cruelty to animals, they must also recognize that it is common for young people to have witnessed animal abuse,5,6,7,8 that seeing such abuse is a form of trauma,9 and that children who have observed acts of cruelty to animals are more likely to abuse animals.10,11,12,13 The most egregious cases of cruelty to animals make headlines, but many children encounter animal abuse that goes unreported. This is why it’s urgent that schools implement preventive, trauma-informed measures, such as incorporating humane education, for all students.
It is a moral imperative that teachers identify and actively support students who have witnessed animal abuse—for the safety of both the animal and the child. According to Dr. Barbara Boat, director of the Program on Childhood Trauma and Maltreatment at the University of Cincinnati and executive director of the Childhood Trust at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, “up to 76% of animal abuse occurs in front of children”14 and “the environment in which animal abuse is prevalent can be highly stressful to a child who was never the target of a parent’s aggression.” This stress can have enormous consequences on a child’s cognitive development and their ability to learn:
[D]ata on brain development in young children who are chronically exposed to domestic violence support that a state of heightened arousal (cortisol flooding) results in smaller brains and loss of up to 8 IQ points.15 A brain in constant alarm mode cannot take in or retrieve information efficiently. School performance suffers as do sleep, social skills and emotional and physical health.16 The child’s brain health is compromised.17
Animal Abuse and Child Abuse
Because educators are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse, it’s important to be on the lookout for any indicators—and animal abuse is certainly one. Because domestic abuse is directed toward the powerless, animal abuse and child abuse often go hand in hand. While animal abuse is an important sign of possible child abuse, the parent or other adult isn’t always the one harming the animal. Children who abuse animals may be repeating a lesson learned at home—reacting to anger or frustration with violence, as they’ve seen adults do. Their violence is directed at the only individual in the family more vulnerable than themselves: an animal. Children may also see a sibling or friend abusing an animal. Indeed, animal abuse frequently occurs at the same time and in the same place as other types of violence, particularly family violence.
Animal abuse as it occurs in families and communities often is overlooked as a form of trauma. Because of its strong association with other forms of family and community violence, understanding the occurrence and effect of animal abuse can lead to earlier and more effective identification of children and families at risk and improve the interventions they receive.17 —Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 2019
Since TeachKind sees reports of cruelty to animals perpetrated by young people across the U.S. on a regular basis, we have created “Empathy Now,” a step-by-step guide that assists schools in addressing these incidents within their communities and in implementing humane education to help prevent future tragedies. This trauma-informed tool can guide your school district’s response to an incident of cruelty to animals, as well as helping you proactively implement humane education across the board.
Teaching virtually? These trauma-informed practices can be integrated into your distance-learning curriculum:
Virtual Lessons to Teach Students Empathy
References
1Boat, B.W., Loar, L. & Phillips, A. (2008). Collaborating to assess, intervene, and prosecute animal abuse: A continuum of protection for children and animals. In F.R. Ascione (Ed.). International handbook of animal abuse and cruelty: Theory, research, and application (pp. 392-422). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press.
2Wright, J., & Hensley, C. (2003). From animal cruelty to serial murder: Applying the graduation hypothesis. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 47(1), 72–88.
3Verlinden, S., Hersen, M., & Thomas, J. (2000). Risk factors in school shootings. Clinical Psychology Review, 20(1), 3–56.
4Arluke, A., & Madfis, E. (2014). Animal abuse as a warning sign of school massacres: A critique and refinement. Homicide Studies, 18(1), 7–22.
5Thompson, K.L., & Gullone, E. (2006). An investigation into the association between the witnessing of animal abuse and adolescents’ behavior toward animals. Society & Animals, 14(3), 221–243.
6Baldry, A.C. (2003). Animal abuse and exposure to interparental violence in Italian youth. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18(3), 258–281.
7Gullone, E., & Robertson, N. (2008). The relationship between bullying and animal abuse behaviors in adolescents: The importance of witnessing animal abuse. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(5), 371–379.
8Henry, B.C. (2004). The relationship between animal cruelty, delinquency, and attitudes toward the treatment of animals. Society & Animals, 12(3), 185–207.
9Randour, M.L., Smith-Blackmore, M., Blaney, N., DeSousa, D., & Guyony, A.A. (2019). Animal abuse as a type of trauma: Lessons for human and animal service professionals. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 1–12.
10Thompson & Gullone.
11Hensley, C., Tallichet, S.E., & Dutkiewicz, E.L. (2009). Recurrent childhood animal cruelty: Is there a relationship to adult recurrent interpersonal violence? Criminal Justice Review, 34(2), 248–257.
12Baldry.
13DeGue, S., & DiLillo, D. (2009). Is animal cruelty a “red flag” for family violence? Investigating co-occurring violence toward children, partners, and pets. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24(6), 1036–1056.
14Faver, C.A., & Strand, E.B. (2003). To leave or to stay? Battered women’s concern for vulnerable pets, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 18, 1367–1374.
15Koenen, K.C., Moffitt, T.E., Caspi, A., Taylor, A., & Purcell, S. (2003). Domestic violence is associated with environmental suppression of IQ in young children. Development and Psychopathology, 15(2): 297–302. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/Articles/122.pdf.
16De Bellis, M.D., Keshavan, M.S., Clark, D.B., Casey, B.J., Giedd, J.N., Boring, A.M., Frustaci, K., & Ryan, N.D. (1999). Developmental traumatology. Part II: brain development, Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 45(10): 1271–1282. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10349033/.
17Boat, B.W. (n.d.). Connections among adverse childhood experiences, exposure to animal cuelty and toxic stress: what do professionals need to consider? National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse: Update, 24(4), 1–3. Retrieved from http://nationallinkcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Barbara-Boat-CTA-as-ACEs-toxic-stress.pdf.
18Randour et al.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-05--Breeder Convicted, Shuts Down Mill After PETA Tips Off Authorities

Another abusive breeder has been busted !
After PETA alerted authorities to cruelty , neglect , and suffering at a Pennsylvania guinea pig– and rabbit-breeding mill , owner and breeder Joshua Stoltzfus was charged and convicted of two counts of cruelty to animals .
Best of all , he agreed to shut down his facility and not possess any animals for two years !
This victory comes after PETA tipped off local humane law–enforcement officials earlier this year to a disturbing U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report in which Stoltzfus admitted to killing guinea pigs by “ blunt force trauma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads in .
As the inspecting veterinarian wrote , this method of killing likely caused the animals unnecessary pain and suffering .
The report also notes that Stoltzfus let large amounts of feces , dirt , and grime build up in cages—resulting in filthy conditions and a disease risk .
PETA later provided a tip that the breeder had left a severely injured guinea pig with open sores on her back to languish in a cage .
Local officials rescued her and another guinea pig and rushed them for veterinary care .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into loving homes .
Guinea pigs are sensitive animals known to “ popcorn ” —hop joyfully—when they get excited .
Rabbits have individual personalities , purr when they ’ re happy , and can live for 10 years or longer .
Both types of animals require specialized care , and like cats and dogs , they face a severe overpopulation and homelessness crisis in which there ’ s a lack of responsible , loving guardians to care for them .
There is simply no excuse for breeding or selling these fragile animals under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have revealed , guinea pigs , rabbits , and other small animals sold in pet stores come from filthy , abusive breeding mills not unlike the one Stoltzfus operated .
And that ’ s exactly why PETA urges everyone not to buy animals from pet stores , breeders , or anywhere else—every dollar given to the exploitative pet industry contributes to animal overpopulation , homelessness , and suffering .
But you can help break this cycle by pledging to adopt , not shop !

Update: April 19, 2022
Victory! The final nail is in the coffin for a Pennsylvania guinea pig– and rabbit-breeding mill now that owner and breeder Joshua Stoltzfus’ federal Animal Welfare Act license has been revoked. He had been barred from owning animals for two years after pleading guilty to cruelty-to-animals charges, and this new license revocation forces him out of the business of breeding and dealing companion animals for wholesale—for good. Officials also slapped him with a $40,000 fine. Read more below to find out how PETA exposed the cruelty to animals at Stoltzfus’ decrepit breeding operation.
Update: November 10, 2020
Another abusive breeder has been busted! After PETA alerted authorities to cruelty, neglect, and suffering at a Pennsylvania guinea pig– and rabbit-breeding facility, owner and breeder Joshua Stoltzfus was charged and convicted of two counts of cruelty to animals. Best of all, he agreed to shut down his facility and not possess any animals for two years!
This victory comes after PETA tipped off local humane law–enforcement officials earlier this year to a disturbing U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report in which Stoltzfus admitted to killing guinea pigs by “blunt force trauma”—in other words, bashing their heads in. As the inspecting veterinarian wrote, this method of killing likely caused the animals unnecessary pain and suffering. The report also notes that Stoltzfus let large amounts of feces, dirt, and grime build up in cages—resulting in filthy conditions and a disease risk.
PETA later provided a tip that the breeder had left a severely injured guinea pig with open sores on her back to languish in a cage. Local officials rescued her and another guinea pig and rushed them for veterinary care. Both animals have since recovered and been adopted into loving homes.
Guinea pigs are sensitive animals known to “popcorn”—hop joyfully—when they get excited. Rabbits have individual personalities, purr when they’re happy, and can live for 10 years or longer. Both types of animals require specialized care, and like cats and dogs, they face a severe overpopulation and homelessness crisis in which there’s a lack of responsible, loving guardians to care for them. There is simply no excuse for breeding or selling these fragile animals under any circumstance.
As multiple PETA investigations have revealed, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals sold in pet stores come from filthy, abusive breeding mills not unlike the one Stoltzfus operated. And that’s exactly why PETA urges everyone not to buy animals from pet stores, breeders, or anywhere else—every dollar given to the exploitative pet industry contributes to animal overpopulation, homelessness, and suffering. But you can help break this cycle by pledging to adopt, not shop!


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-05--Celebs Buying Dogs Targeted by PETA As Sheltering Crisis Worsens During Pandemic

Los Angeles – You ’ d never know that October was “ Adopt a Shelter Dog ” Month from the newly purchased “ purebred ” puppies that popped up on the Instagram pages of Channing Tatum , Viola Davis , Jennifer Lopez , J Balvin , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , James Charles , and others .
That ’ s why PETA is placing a billboard in Los Angeles and a pointed appeal from “ Max the shelter dog ” in this week ’ s issue of The Hollywood Reporter , calling out stars and influencers who , through their irresponsible purchases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales while millions of dogs waiting in shelters and suffering on the streets have nowhere to call home .
The billboard will be located at Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard .
“ I ’ m trying to keep my spirits up , but to be honest , it ’ s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging , ” writes Max .
“ I guess I just want to know what ’ s wrong with me .
Sure , I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give.
” PETA notes that around 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time .
An estimated 10 % of them end up at animal shelters , where many have to be euthanized because there simply aren ’ t enough good homes for them .
PETA ’ s motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way , ” and the group opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hollywood Reporter follows .
I ’ m trying to keep my spirits up , but to be honest , it ’ s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging .
You see , I ’ ve been in this shelter for months , waiting for my new family , and they still haven ’ t found me .
The wonderful humans here always tell me , “ You ’ re such a good boy , Max !
” But if I ’ m such a good boy , how come nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you whose faces are on the big and small screens have spent a lot of money buying puppies from breeders .
That ’ s why there aren ’ t enough homes for dogs like me .
I guess I just want to know what ’ s wrong with me .
Sure , I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life ahead of me and so much love to give .
You may not know exactly what “ breed ” I am , but I promise you that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Even if you are looking for a certain “ breed , ” why don ’ t you adopt ?
Many of my friends here are “ purebreds ” —I ’ d be happy to introduce you !
I know they can ’ t keep me here forever .
The people here are doing everything they can to help me find a home , but the situation makes them so sad .
My days are numbered .
When you buy a dog , you hurt me .
You hurt us— “ us ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at shelters every year .
“ Us ” being the more than 70 million animals living out on the streets—if you call that living .
You could so easily adopt a homeless dog like me and influence so many others to do the same .
But when you buy a dog and post a photo of your new “ purebred ” puppy online , it makes things so much worse for dogs like me .
I may not be shiny and new—but I promise I ’ m the best snuggle partner ever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ always clean , and I can make you laugh when I get the zoomies .
You can ’ t put a price tag on the amount of love that I have to give .

For Immediate Release:
November 5, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Los Angeles – You’d never know that October was “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month from the newly purchased “purebred” puppies that popped up on the Instagram pages of Channing Tatum, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, J Balvin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Charles, and others. That’s why PETA is placing a billboard in Los Angeles and a pointed appeal from “Max the shelter dog” in this week’s issue of The Hollywood Reporter, calling out stars and influencers who, through their irresponsible purchases, are fueling pet store and breeder sales while millions of dogs waiting in shelters and suffering on the streets have nowhere to call home.
The billboard will be located at Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard.
“I’m trying to keep my spirits up, but to be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging,” writes Max. “I guess I just want to know what’s wrong with me. Sure, I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life ahead of me and so much love to give.”
PETA notes that around 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time. An estimated 10% of them end up at animal shelters, where many have to be euthanized because there simply aren’t enough good homes for them. PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way,” and the group opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.
Max’s letter in The Hollywood Reporter follows.
Dear Famous People,
I’m trying to keep my spirits up, but to be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging. You see, I’ve been in this shelter for months, waiting for my new family, and they still haven’t found me. The wonderful humans here always tell me, “You’re such a good boy, Max!” But if I’m such a good boy, how come nobody wants me?
I hear that some of you whose faces are on the big and small screens have spent a lot of money buying puppies from breeders. That’s why there aren’t enough homes for dogs like me. I guess I just want to know what’s wrong with me. Sure, I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life ahead of me and so much love to give. You may not know exactly what “breed” I am, but I promise you that I’m truly one of a kind! Even if you are looking for a certain “breed,” why don’t you adopt? Many of my friends here are “purebreds”—I’d be happy to introduce you!
I know they can’t keep me here forever. The people here are doing everything they can to help me find a home, but the situation makes them so sad. My days are numbered. When you buy a dog, you hurt me. You hurt us—“us” being the 6 million animals dropped off at shelters every year. “Us” being the more than 70 million animals living out on the streets—if you call that living. You could so easily adopt a homeless dog like me and influence so many others to do the same. But when you buy a dog and post a photo of your new “purebred” puppy online, it makes things so much worse for dogs like me.
I may not be shiny and new—but I promise I’m the best snuggle partner ever. I can make sure your floor is always clean, and I can make you laugh when I get the zoomies. You can’t put a price tag on the amount of love that I have to give.
Your friend,
Max


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-05--PETA Fires Back at Puppy-Purchasing Celebs With New Campaign

When PETA saw newly purchased dogs popping up on the Instagram feeds of stars such as Channing Tatum , Viola Davis , Jennifer Lopez , Shia LaBeouf , J Balvin , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , and James Charles , all of whom bought puppies in just the last few months , we knew we had to take action .
So this week , PETA will be debut a full-page letter in The Hollywood Reporter with some help from “ Max the shelter dog , ” who begs “ famous people ” to stop hurting dogs like him by purchasing puppies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hollywood , with a very simple message for all to see : STOP .
BUYING .
DOGS .
In the midst of a global pandemic , these influential celebrities have made a national crisis even worse by purchasing dogs .
These stars and influencers are setting a dangerous example for their millions of impressionable fans and fueling demand for purpose-bred dogs , while millions of animals await adoption in shelters as we speak , desperate for good , loving homes .
The U.S. faces a companion animal overpopulation crisis , as an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive on the streets .
And that staggering number doesn ’ t include the more than 6 million companion animals coming through our country ’ s shelter system every year .
“ I guess I just want to know what ’ s wrong with me , ” writes Max .
“ My days are numbered .
When you buy a dog , you hurt me .
… You could so easily adopt a homeless dog like me and influence so many others to do the same .
But when you buy a dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ purebred ’ puppy online , it makes things so much worse for dogs like me.
” Like unicorns and “ humane meat , ” there is no such thing as a “ responsible breeder.
” There ’ s nothing responsible about bringing more dogs into the world when so many are already here , dying for homes .
And purchasing from a “ private breeder ” is no better than going to a pet shop or puppy mill .
If you buy a dog , you are killing another dog ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For celebrities used to getting everything they want , when they want it—guess what ?
They still can !
There ’ s a beautiful thing called petfinder.com , where everyone from A-listers to mere mortals like us can identify an animal who already exists and is in need of a good home—one whose age , temperament , and activity level are a fit to our lifestyle .
Shelters are full of dogs , many of them “ purebreds ” —frequently impulse purchases by folks falling for the latest Instagram or TV show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breed-specific adoption groups looking to find homes for dogs like golden retrievers and goldendoodles .
Caring for an animal companion takes commitment and work .
If you don ’ t have the patience and time to commit to the adoption process , then you certainly won ’ t have what it takes to give an animal the care they deserve .
Please pledge to help end the homeless-animal crisis by never buying an animal and having your animal companions spayed or neutered .

When PETA saw newly purchased dogs popping up on the Instagram feeds of stars such as Channing Tatum, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Shia LaBeouf, J Balvin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and James Charles, all of whom bought puppies in just the last few months, we knew we had to take action.
So this week, PETA will be debut a full-page letter in The Hollywood Reporter with some help from “Max the shelter dog,” who begs “famous people” to stop hurting dogs like him by purchasing puppies. PETA will also debut a billboard in Hollywood, with a very simple message for all to see: STOP. BUYING. DOGS.
In the midst of a global pandemic, these influential celebrities have made a national crisis even worse by purchasing dogs.
These stars and influencers are setting a dangerous example for their millions of impressionable fans and fueling demand for purpose-bred dogs, while millions of animals await adoption in shelters as we speak, desperate for good, loving homes. The U.S. faces a companion animal overpopulation crisis, as an estimated 70 million dogs and cats struggle to survive on the streets. And that staggering number doesn’t include the more than 6 million companion animals coming through our country’s shelter system every year.
“I guess I just want to know what’s wrong with me,” writes Max. “My days are numbered. When you buy a dog, you hurt me. … You could so easily adopt a homeless dog like me and influence so many others to do the same. But when you buy a dog and post a photo of your new ‘purebred’ puppy online, it makes things so much worse for dogs like me.”
Like unicorns and “humane meat,” there is no such thing as a “responsible breeder.” There’s nothing responsible about bringing more dogs into the world when so many are already here, dying for homes. And purchasing from a “private breeder” is no better than going to a pet shop or puppy mill. If you buy a dog, you are killing another dog’s chance of finding a home. Period.
For celebrities used to getting everything they want, when they want it—guess what? They still can! There’s a beautiful thing called petfinder.com, where everyone from A-listers to mere mortals like us can identify an animal who already exists and is in need of a good home—one whose age, temperament, and activity level are a fit to our lifestyle. Shelters are full of dogs, many of them “purebreds”—frequently impulse purchases by folks falling for the latest Instagram or TV show trend. There are also plenty of breed-specific adoption groups looking to find homes for dogs like golden retrievers and goldendoodles.
Caring for an animal companion takes commitment and work. If you don’t have the patience and time to commit to the adoption process, then you certainly won’t have what it takes to give an animal the care they deserve. Please pledge to help end the homeless-animal crisis by never buying an animal and having your animal companions spayed or neutered.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-05--VIDEO: ‘You’re Required to Hang 28 Birds a Minute,’ Tyson Whistleblower Says

It isn ’ t easy thinking about the things Lakesha Bailey and Shawn Ward have to say about working on Tyson slaughterhouse kill floors , but it ’ s more difficult—maybe impossible—to listen to their stories and still eat chicken .
Bailey worked at a Tyson slaughterhouse in Virginia—the one where 257 workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least one worker died of COVID-19 .
She quit in May out of concern that she would expose her mother to the virus .
Ward currently works at a Tyson slaughterhouse in Shelbyville , Tennessee , where 79 workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two recently shared their stories with PETA .
Bailey and Ward report that on the high-speed slaughter line , there ’ s no way to practice social distancing—because if workers don ’ t stay close together and work quickly , they ’ ll be disciplined .
Ever wondered how many chickens Tyson kills each day ?
Ward told PETA , “ You ’ re required to hang 28 birds a minute , so that ’ s over 12,000 birds a shift per person.
” Bailey said , “ They clock you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t meet that , they ’ ll write you up .
So how can you social-distance in there , you know , with demands that high ?
It ’ s highly impossible.
” Bailey says that Tyson didn ’ t distribute masks until two weeks after the first outbreak , and Ward says that workers are given only one mask and one pair of easily torn gloves per day .
The kill floors of slaughterhouses are notoriously soaked with blood , urine , and other bodily fluids .
According to Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , too : “ It ’ s a good chance that the sweat can actually fall onto the product because it is that hot , ” she recalled .
Ward echoed her report : “ You have the hairnets on , you have the face mask on , and you ’ re working seven and a half hours of constant reaching and hanging .
You ’ re bound to just pour down with sweat , ” Ward admitted .
“ You ’ re supposed to wash your hands before you get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean that everybody does that .
There ’ s no one there to supervise you.
” For Animals and Workers , Please , Go Vegan Bailey is encouraging other fed-up slaughterhouse workers to join her in taking a stand .
Kind consumers are responsible for taking an important step , too : Don ’ t wait for Tyson to do the right thing—you could be waiting a long time .
The best way to save chickens is to refuse to eat them .
Everyone can help protect chickens and workers by going vegan @

It isn’t easy thinking about the things Lakesha Bailey and Shawn Ward have to say about working on Tyson slaughterhouse kill floors, but it’s more difficult—maybe impossible—to listen to their stories and still eat chicken.
Bailey worked at a Tyson slaughterhouse in Virginia—the one where 257 workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least one worker died of COVID-19. She quit in May out of concern that she would expose her mother to the virus. Ward currently works at a Tyson slaughterhouse in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where 79 workers have tested positive for the virus. The two recently shared their stories with PETA.
Bailey and Ward report that on the high-speed slaughter line, there’s no way to practice social distancing—because if workers don’t stay close together and work quickly, they’ll be disciplined.
Ever wondered how many chickens Tyson kills each day? Ward told PETA, “You’re required to hang 28 birds a minute, so that’s over 12,000 birds a shift per person.” Bailey said, “They clock you. They time you. And if you don’t meet that, they’ll write you up. So how can you social-distance in there, you know, with demands that high? It’s highly impossible.”
Bailey says that Tyson didn’t distribute masks until two weeks after the first outbreak, and Ward says that workers are given only one mask and one pair of easily torn gloves per day.
“The gloves that they give us do tear very easily because of the claws on chickens,” Ward said. “You’re using the same gloves for eight hours, and they’re just plastic gloves. You can just picture how easy it is to rip them.”
The kill floors of slaughterhouses are notoriously soaked with blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. According to Bailey, the bodily fluids include those of workers, too: “It’s a good chance that the sweat can actually fall onto the product because it is that hot,” she recalled. Ward echoed her report:
“You have the hairnets on, you have the face mask on, and you’re working seven and a half hours of constant reaching and hanging. You’re bound to just pour down with sweat,” Ward admitted. “You’re supposed to wash your hands before you get to the workstation, but that does not mean that everybody does that. There’s no one there to supervise you.”
For Animals and Workers, Please, Go Vegan
Bailey is encouraging other fed-up slaughterhouse workers to join her in taking a stand.
“For anyone working for Tyson or any [other] poultry plant that’s feeling scared in this pandemic, don’t be scared to speak out. You can go get another job, but you only have one chance to live,” she says.
Kind consumers are responsible for taking an important step, too: Don’t wait for Tyson to do the right thing—you could be waiting a long time. The best way to save chickens is to refuse to eat them. Everyone can help protect chickens and workers by going vegan.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-05--PETA to Protest Seaquarium Reopening

PETA to Protest Seaquarium Reopening

Park Must Release Lonely Orca Lolita to a Seaside Sanctuary , Group Says Miami – After being shut down for six months , the Miami Seaquarium will reopen to the public on Friday—and PETA supporters will be there with signs proclaiming , “ 50 Years in Lockdown , ” in protest of the park ’ s imprisonment of orca Lolita , who has spent five decades in the smallest orca tank in the world , which does not meet federal minimum standards .
The Seaquarium ’ s parent company also owns Marineland in Antibes , France , where leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquiring orcas and other dolphins for marine parks and that there will be a transition period for moving the existing captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries .
PETA is calling on the company to include Lolita in its cetacean-release plan .
“ Lolita can ’ t dive any deeper than the length of her own body , swim more than 80 feet in any direction , or even glimpse another orca , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ We know too much about these intelligent animals to allow them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of entertainment , and PETA is calling on the Miami Seaquarium to end this lonely orca ’ s 50 years of lockdown now.
” 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 or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

Park Must Release Lonely Orca Lolita to a Seaside Sanctuary, Group Says
For Immediate Release:
November 5, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Miami – After being shut down for six months, the Miami Seaquarium will reopen to the public on Friday—and PETA supporters will be there with signs proclaiming, “50 Years in Lockdown,” in protest of the park’s imprisonment of orca Lolita, who has spent five decades in the smallest orca tank in the world, which does not meet federal minimum standards.
When: Friday, November 6, 10 a.m.
Where: Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami
The Seaquarium’s parent company also owns Marineland in Antibes, France, where leaders have just announced a ban on breeding or acquiring orcas and other dolphins for marine parks and that there will be a transition period for moving the existing captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries. PETA is calling on the company to include Lolita in its cetacean-release plan.
“Lolita can’t dive any deeper than the length of her own body, swim more than 80 feet in any direction, or even glimpse another orca,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “We know too much about these intelligent animals to allow them to suffer so hideously in the name of entertainment, and PETA is calling on the Miami Seaquarium to end this lonely orca’s 50 years of lockdown now.”
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 or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-06--What’s Hygge? Here’s What You Need to Know to Create a Cozy Vegan Home

We all need a little extra comfort right now , especially as we head into the colder months .
Hygge ( pronounced “ HEW-guh ” ) is a Danish word that roughly translates to a feeling of coziness , contentment , and simplicity .
It ’ s often associated with plush blankets , roaring fireplaces , and warm food enjoyed indoors while the weather outside is cold and harsh .
This winter , support your mental health by creating a hygge-inspired home while keeping animals ’ well-being in mind , too .
Here ’ s how to bring hygge into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : While hygge is really more about your mindset ( slowing down , spending high-quality time with loved ones , and appreciating the simple things ) , a few decor additions can help you create a cozier home environment .
Surrounding yourself with fabrics that no animals were harmed for can enhance this soothing feeling , since you ’ ll be reminded of your compassionate choice every time you use that throw blanket or pillow .
Help protect sheep , cows , foxes , coyotes , and other animals used for fashion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fur , leather , suede , and down .
Whether you ’ re heading out into the brisk weather or curling up in front of the fireplace , cozy clothing can feel like a big hug .
Just stay away from animal-derived materials , because there ’ s no excuse for torturing and killing someone to steal their wool , fur , feathers , or skin .
Why should you choose vegetable wax candles ?
Because bees work hard and are exploited and often killed for beeswax , a material that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , soy wax is clean and safe , unlike paraffin wax .
Here are a few of our favorite soy wax choices : The phrase “ comfort food ” can bring to mind many different dishes , but most of them are probably warm , filling ones that bring back memories .
This can be very personal , so make whatever dishes help you feel the most comforted .
Family recipes can easily be veganized by using vegan milk , butter , meat , cheese , eggs , and sweeteners .
These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : In the winter months , having a warm drink can be a nice way to start or end your days .
If you are of legal drinking age and choose to enjoy an alcoholic beverage , check to make sure it ’ s vegan and always drink responsibly .
Warm tea lattes and hot chocolate are great nonalcoholic options .
The age of information can be overwhelming , especially when the world seems more chaotic than usual .
Set aside some time each day to step away from the distractions of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple things you can do instead of endlessly scrolling through TikTok : • Go for a nature walk with your dog ( and bundle them up in a warm coat , too ) .
Do you need help going vegan ?
Our vegan mentors are here to assist you :

November 6, 2020 by Rebecca Maness Last Updated April 29, 2021. Publishedby
We all need a little extra comfort right now, especially as we head into the colder months. Hygge (pronounced “HEW-guh”) is a Danish word that roughly translates to a feeling of coziness, contentment, and simplicity. It’s often associated with plush blankets, roaring fireplaces, and warm food enjoyed indoors while the weather outside is cold and harsh. This winter, support your mental health by creating a hygge-inspired home while keeping animals’ well-being in mind, too.
Here’s how to bring hygge into your home while being kind to animals:
Chunky Throw Blankets and Pillows
While hygge is really more about your mindset (slowing down, spending high-quality time with loved ones, and appreciating the simple things), a few decor additions can help you create a cozier home environment. Surrounding yourself with fabrics that no animals were harmed for can enhance this soothing feeling, since you’ll be reminded of your compassionate choice every time you use that throw blanket or pillow. Help protect sheep, cows, foxes, coyotes, and other animals used for fashion and home goods by avoiding wool, silk, fur, leather, suede, and down.
Cozy Vegan Clothing
Whether you’re heading out into the brisk weather or curling up in front of the fireplace, cozy clothing can feel like a big hug. Just stay away from animal-derived materials, because there’s no excuse for torturing and killing someone to steal their wool, fur, feathers, or skin.
© NOIZE
Bee-Free Vegan Candles
Why should you choose vegetable wax candles? Because bees work hard and are exploited and often killed for beeswax, a material that they use to build their honeycombs. Plus, soy wax is clean and safe, unlike paraffin wax. Here are a few of our favorite soy wax choices:
Comfort Food
The phrase “comfort food” can bring to mind many different dishes, but most of them are probably warm, filling ones that bring back memories. This can be very personal, so make whatever dishes help you feel the most comforted. Family recipes can easily be veganized by using vegan milk, butter, meat, cheese, eggs, and sweeteners. These are just a few recipes to inspire you:
Annie Shannon | MeetTheShannons.com
Warm Drinks
In the winter months, having a warm drink can be a nice way to start or end your days. If you are of legal drinking age and choose to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, check to make sure it’s vegan and always drink responsibly. Warm tea lattes and hot chocolate are great nonalcoholic options.
Detox From Technology
The age of information can be overwhelming, especially when the world seems more chaotic than usual. Set aside some time each day to step away from the distractions of your phone or TV. Here are some simple things you can do instead of endlessly scrolling through TikTok:
Curl up with a good book.
Go for a nature walk with your dog (and bundle them up in a warm coat, too).
Knit a hat or sweater with vegan yarn.
Indulge in your favorite self-care
Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit!


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-06--Planning a Vegan Thanksgiving? PETA’s Here With Holiday Cheer

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to count our blessings , catch up with loved ones , and share delicious vegan food .
Sitting down to a holiday meal with family and friends is special , especially in a year when so many of us are isolated from each other .
Whether you ’ re gathering on Zoom or IRL , PETA is here to help you celebrate “ ThanksVegan.
” Our handy list of answers to frequently asked questions about being vegan and animal rights can steer people ’ s hearts and minds toward compassion .
Your honest conversations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s holiday the best one yet !
Q .
How do I make turkey , stuffing , pumpkin pie , mashed potatoes , and other holiday foods vegan ?
A .
The internet is our friend !
Every holiday dish can be made vegan , including with meatless roasts , dairy-free mashed potatoes , and no-egg desserts .
PETA has you covered with delicious holiday recipes to please every palate this ThanksVegan .
You can also search online for any Thanksgiving food and add the phrase “ vegan recipe ” to find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I be helpful to the host ?
I ’ m not hosting this year , but I still want to eat with my loved ones .
A .
Bring a vegan main dish , a few sides , or a dessert ( which always wins people over ! )
.
Don ’ t be shy about showing off your cooking skills—the more vegan food you can bring , the better .
If cooking isn ’ t your calling , it ’ s super-easy to pick up a premade dish from your local grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a bottle of vegan wine from Trader Joe ’ s would surely go over well .
Meal delivery services like Veestro , Boycemode , and MamaSezz are all participating in ThanksVegan , offering tasty Thanksgiving-themed options this year .
A scrumptious veganized dish helps people realize that animal-free food doesn ’ t require any compromises when it comes to flavor .
Share some fabulous vegan recipes with your host ahead of time and see if they ’ re willing to make some dishes vegan .
Check out these vegan roasts and these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If your host is receptive to your ideas so far , why not suggest a totally vegan Thanksgiving ?
Offer to help them cook a spread of vegan eats .
If they had already planned a menu , share this list of easy vegan substitutions for a delicious ThanksVegan meal .
Q .
How can I have a vegan Thanksgiving ?
A .
You can host the meal !
Not sure where to start ?
PETA has tons of free menu ideas and recipes .
Short on money and time ?
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both you and your wallet will love the $ 40 dinner , complete with vegan gravy and a pie and ready in under an hour .
Want to host but don ’ t want to cook ?
Check out PETA ’ s list of vegan restaurants that deliver or offer pickup , or search online for options near you .
Love to cook ?
This full Christmas dinner makes for an excellent ThanksVegan spread .
There are also many other free resources online to help you host an awesome Thanksgiving .
Q.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebration in my area .
Where do I start ?
A .
Depending on what ’ s available in your area—and whether social distancing restrictions are in place for public events—you may be able to attend a community vegan potluck .
Vegan potlucks are typically on Thanksgiving or on a day after the holiday .
Facebook or Meetup.com can help you find events in your area .
Talking the Talk While Holding the Fork Q .
What if nonvegan friends or family ask me questions about being vegan ?
A .
Come prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some answers ready makes conversations productive .
People might ask you questions like these : “ Why are you vegan ?
What about protein ?
Do you miss eating animals ?
” Remember that you can ’ t prepare for everything , and that ’ s OK !
You don ’ t need to be an expert on every issue to have a conversation with someone about animal rights and vegan living .
Check out PETA ’ s tips on effective advocacy techniques before your meal .
Let others know that humans can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating animals .
Vegan protein is not only better for your body but also cheaper !
Beans , quinoa , and veggie burgers are some of PETA ’ s favorite staples that save money and spare animals ’ lives .
“ What if you were stranded on a desert island with only meat to eat ?
” Being vegan is not about being perfect—it ’ s about doing the best we can .
Choosing not to eat animals is one of the best things we can do for them , the environment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t fix the entire world , but we can have a positive impact by going vegan .
“ Don ’ t you care about [ insert other issue ] ?
” Vegans care about many issues !
Noticing one form of injustice helps us notice other types of discrimination in society .
Going vegan doesn ’ t take time or attention away from other issues .
In fact , being vegan is part of the solution—it helps the environment , boosts community health , and offers an answer to world hunger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheeseburgers [ or another animal-derived food ] !
” Cows are gentle individuals who care for their young and get excited when they solve problems .
In the beef industry , these sensitive beings are forced to live amid their own feces .
The dairy industry forcibly impregnates mother cows and steals their day-old calves .
Learning about animal agriculture leads many kind people to eliminate foods that others had to suffer for , in order to be true to their values .
There are now fabulous vegan options that not only taste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have similar textures .
If your friends and family are curious about what vegans eat on a daily basis , PETA ’ s guides to meat replacements and vegan cheese may help .
Q .
What do I say when I don ’ t know what to say ?
A .
You don ’ t have to be an expert on every issue under the sun .
If someone asks you a question that you can ’ t answer , don ’ t sweat it !
It ’ s fine to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You could hop onto a cellphone together and search for the answer on PETA ’ s website .
Below are some approaches for answering tough questions .
“ What about [ insert issue you don ’ t know much about ] ?
” “ I want to make sure I get you the best information I can .
I ’ ll look into that and send you some resources later .
What ’ s your e-mail address ?
” “ What about [ insert activism tactic or group that you aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t speak on that , but I ’ m sure there ’ s information about that online .
I hope you ’ ll let me know what you find out if you look into it.
” Q .
How should I handle people who are rude to me or act offended that I don ’ t eat animals ?
A .
Assume the best .
The person asking you a seemingly rude question may be asking it sincerely .
Don ’ t roll your eyes or storm off .
Try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually do wonder if cows will explode if they aren ’ t milked by humans .
( The answer is no , and cows only need to be milked because humans steal their calves . )
If someone does try to provoke or tease you , remember that your conversation draws other people ’ s attention .
When we answer questions directly , others at the table can benefit from the information we give .
Staying calm means that other guests will feel comfortable asking you questions about going vegan or animal rights—which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What if someone pressures me to eat meat or other animal-derived foods ?
A .
We can be polite while declining cruelly derived ingredients .
We can smile at our host and say , “ Thank you for offering !
But I ’ ll stick with what I have.
” Reassure others that their company makes the holiday special for you , and tell them that you ’ re having a wonderful time without eating turkey , dairy , or eggs .
Sometimes , our family members can be insistent .
Give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a “ phase.
” Be consistent and patient and you ’ ll likely find that people in your circle adapt to your compassionate choices .
Kindness to Animals Extends to You , Too Q .
How do I handle watching people eat animals ?
A. Relate to where others are at .
Attending a Thanksgiving celebration where people are eating animals can be hard .
We know that our loved ones are good people , so it can be uncomfortable to see them eating dishes that animals were abused for .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t born and raised vegan .
Before you went vegan , you ate animals at Thanksgiving , too , right ?
Were you heartless ?
No .
It was listening to your heart that caused you to go vegan .
The other people at the table also have big hearts .
You can expose these kind folks to compassionate thinking by remaining in their lives and attending holiday events .
One day , through knowing you—and seeing how important kindness is to you—they may find that eating animal-free better aligns with their values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your vegan food say more than you may think .
Q .
What if people at my Thanksgiving event want more information on vegan foods or animal rights ?
A .
Bring literature with you .
E-mail us at [ email protected ] and ask for some vegan literature ( or order materials online ) , and come prepared with some in your bag .
If someone is clearly open to learning more , you can respond with , “ I have some information here you might be interested in !
” You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s social media pages , help them download a vegan starter kit from our website , and even encourage them to sign up for our Vegan Mentor Program .
Q .
How can I feel better after a challenging Thanksgiving experience ?
A .
Spend time with other vegans .
It can be emotionally draining to feel like the lone defender of animals at an event , so counteract those feelings by spending quality time with like-minded friends .
Don ’ t have friends interested in animal rights ?
Join PETA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your area and across the country .
You could also search online for vegan or animal rights social groups .
Keep the Holiday Spirit Going Q. I want to do something helpful after seeing animals abused for the Thanksgiving table .
What can I do ?
A. Volunteer your time or money , if you can .
Giving to those in need can help us decompress from a difficult experience .
Order PETA ’ s free Activist Starter Pack , which is full of easy and effective ways to help animals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ food with our action alerts and by supporting our campaigns .
We hope these answers have been useful and you feel well-equipped for Thanksgiving !
Do you have additional questions ?
Are you looking for some help with going—or staying—vegan ?
PETA offers one-on-one support through our Vegan Mentor Program :

October 24, 2022 by Tara DiMaio Last Updated November 8, 2022. Publishedby
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to count our blessings, catch up with loved ones, and share delicious vegan food. Sitting down to a holiday meal with family and friends is special, and PETA is here to help you celebrate “ThanksVegan.” Our handy list of answers to frequently asked questions about being vegan and animal rights can steer people’s hearts and minds toward compassion. Your honest conversations and tasty food will make this year’s holiday the best one yet!
Food, Marvelous Food
Q. How do I make turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and other holiday foods vegan?
A. The internet is our friend! Every holiday dish can be made vegan, including with meatless roasts, dairy-free mashed potatoes, and no-egg desserts. PETA has you covered with delicious holiday recipes to please every palate this ThanksVegan. You can also search online for any Thanksgiving food and add the phrase “vegan recipe” to find a delicious dish. Plus, you can order vegan roasts and holiday ingredients from convenient online grocers like PETA Business Friend Fake Meats and have them delivered right to you.
Good Guests Bring a Plate … or Three
Q. How can I be helpful to the host? I’m not hosting this year, but I still want to eat with my loved ones.
A. Bring a vegan main dish, a few sides, or a dessert (which always wins people over!). Don’t be shy about showing off your cooking skills—the more vegan food you can bring, the better. If cooking isn’t your calling, it’s super-easy to pick up a premade dish from your local grocery store—a vegan pumpkin pie from Whole Foods or a bottle of vegan wine from Trader Joe’s would surely go over well. Meal delivery services like Veestro, Boycemode, Fresh n’ Lean, and MamaSezz offer tasty Thanksgiving-themed options. A scrumptious veganized dish helps people realize that animal-free food doesn’t require any compromises when it comes to flavor.
If your host is receptive to your ideas so far, why not suggest a totally vegan Thanksgiving? Offer to help them cook a spread of vegan eats. If they had already planned a menu, share this list of easy vegan substitutions for a delicious ThanksVegan meal.
Host With the Animal-Free Roast
Q. How can I have a vegan Thanksgiving?
A. You can host the meal! Not sure where to start? PETA has tons of free menu ideas and recipes.
Short on money and time? This budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal is a great option. Both you and your wallet will love the $40 dinner, complete with vegan gravy and a pie and ready in under an hour.
Want to host but don’t want to cook? Check out PETA’s list of vegan restaurants that deliver or offer pickup, or search online for options near you.
Love to cook? This full Christmas dinner makes for an excellent ThanksVegan spread.
There are also many other free resources online to help you host an awesome Thanksgiving.
Q. I want to find a vegan Thanksgiving celebration in my area. Where do I start?
A. Depending on what’s available in your area—and whether social distancing restrictions are in place for public events—you may be able to attend a community vegan potluck. Vegan potlucks are typically on Thanksgiving or on a day after the holiday. Facebook or Meetup.com can help you find events in your area.
Talking the Talk While Holding the Fork
Q. What if nonvegan friends or family ask me questions about being vegan?
A. Come prepared with a few talking points. Having some answers ready makes conversations productive. People might ask you questions like these:
“Why are you vegan? What about protein? Do you miss eating animals?”
Remember that you can’t prepare for everything, and that’s OK! You don’t need to be an expert on every issue to have a conversation with someone about animal rights and vegan living. Check out PETA’s tips on effective advocacy techniques before your meal.
Let others know that humans can live longer, healthier lives by not eating animals. Vegan protein is not only better for your body but also cheaper! Beans, quinoa, and veggie burgers are some of PETA’s favorite staples that save money and spare animals’ lives.
“What if you were stranded on a desert island with only meat to eat?”
Being vegan is not about being perfect—it’s about doing the best we can. Choosing not to eat animals is one of the best things we can do for them, the environment, and our own health. We can’t fix the entire world, but we can have a positive impact by going vegan.
“Don’t you care about [insert other issue]?”
Vegans care about many issues! Noticing one form of injustice helps us notice other types of discrimination in society. Going vegan doesn’t take time or attention away from other issues. In fact, being vegan is part of the solution—it helps the environment, boosts community health, and offers an answer to world hunger.
“But you used to love eating cheeseburgers [or another animal-derived food]!”
Cows are gentle individuals who care for their young and get excited when they solve problems. In the beef industry, these sensitive beings are forced to live amid their own feces. The dairy industry forcibly impregnates mother cows and steals their day-old calves. Learning about animal agriculture leads many kind people to eliminate foods that others had to suffer for, in order to be true to their values.
There are now fabulous vegan options that not only taste a lot like animal-derived foods but also have similar textures. If your friends and family are curious about what vegans eat on a daily basis, PETA’s guides to meat replacements and vegan cheese may help.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Q. What do I say when I don’t know what to say?
A. You don’t have to be an expert on every issue under the sun. If someone asks you a question that you can’t answer, don’t sweat it! It’s fine to say, “I don’t know.” You could hop onto a cellphone together and search for the answer on PETA’s website. Below are some approaches for answering tough questions.
“What about [insert issue you don’t know much about]?”
“I want to make sure I get you the best information I can. I’ll look into that and send you some resources later. What’s your e-mail address?”
“What about [insert activism tactic or group that you aren’t part of]?”
“I can’t speak on that, but I’m sure there’s information about that online. I hope you’ll let me know what you find out if you look into it.”
Meet Challenges With Kindness
Q. How should I handle people who are rude to me or act offended that I don’t eat animals?
A. Assume the best. The person asking you a seemingly rude question may be asking it sincerely. Don’t roll your eyes or storm off. Try to answer their question directly. Some people actually do wonder if cows will explode if they aren’t milked by humans. (The answer is no, and cows only need to be milked because humans steal their calves.)
If someone does try to provoke or tease you, remember that your conversation draws other people’s attention. When we answer questions directly, others at the table can benefit from the information we give. Staying calm means that other guests will feel comfortable asking you questions about going vegan or animal rights—which ultimately helps even more animals.
Face Challenges With a Smile
Q. What if someone pressures me to eat meat or other animal-derived foods?
A. We can be polite while declining cruelly derived ingredients. We can smile at our host and say, “Thank you for offering! But I’ll stick with what I have.” Reassure others that their company makes the holiday special for you, and tell them that you’re having a wonderful time without eating turkey, dairy, or eggs.
Sometimes, our family members can be insistent. Give them time to realize that being vegan is not a “phase.” Be consistent and patient and you’ll likely find that people in your circle adapt to your compassionate choices.
Kindness to Animals Extends to You, Too
Q. How do I handle watching people eat animals?
A. Relate to where others are at. Attending a Thanksgiving celebration where people are eating animals can be hard. We know that our loved ones are good people, so it can be uncomfortable to see them eating dishes that animals were abused for. Remember, most of us weren’t born and raised vegan. Before you went vegan, you ate animals at Thanksgiving, too, right? Were you heartless? No. It was listening to your heart that caused you to go vegan.
The other people at the table also have big hearts. You can expose these kind folks to compassionate thinking by remaining in their lives and attending holiday events. One day, through knowing you—and seeing how important kindness is to you—they may find that eating animal-free better aligns with their values, too. Your nonjudgmental presence and your vegan food say more than you may think.
Don’t Come Empty-Handed
Q. What if people at my Thanksgiving event want more information on vegan foods or animal rights?
A. Bring literature with you. E-mail us at [email protected] and ask for some vegan literature (or order materials online), and come prepared with some in your bag. If someone is clearly open to learning more, you can respond with, “I have some information here you might be interested in!” You could also direct them to PETA’s social media pages and help them order a free vegan starter kit from our website.
Community Is Key
Q. How can I feel better after a challenging Thanksgiving experience?
A. Spend time with other vegans. It can be emotionally draining to feel like the lone defender of animals at an event, so counteract those feelings by spending quality time with like-minded friends. Don’t have friends interested in animal rights? Join PETA’s Action Team to connect with compassionate people in your area and across the country. You could also search online for vegan or animal rights social groups.
Keep the Holiday Spirit Going
Q. I want to do something helpful after seeing animals abused for the Thanksgiving table. What can I do?
A. Volunteer your time or money, if you can. Giving to those in need can help us decompress from a difficult experience. Order PETA’s free Activist Starter Pack, which is full of easy and effective ways to help animals. You can advocate for animals exploited for food with our action alerts and by supporting our campaigns.
You’ve Got This!
Download PETA’s free ThanksVegan Holiday Guide for delicious holiday recipes, tips, and advice for answering difficult questions at the dinner table!
We hope these answers have been useful and you feel well-equipped for Thanksgiving!
Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit!


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-06--Will Live Fish Be Left to Suffocate and Die in Blair County, Pennsylvania?

Will Live Fish Be Left to Suffocate and Die in Blair County , Pennsylvania ?
Concerned Blair County , Pennsylvania , residents have contacted PETA regarding the fates of fish and other aquatic animals whose lives hang in the balance as the lake at Lakemont Park , reportedly owned by Blair County , is drained so that sediment can be removed .
According to news reports and eyewitnesses , the water level has already been dramatically lowered and the fish who remain are struggling to survive in the shallow water .
Many other aquatic animals also call the pond home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals face a horrifying death by suffocation or desiccation if they are not rescued .
A group of local residents have banded together and appear willing to undertake all the work and expense necessary to relocate the animals to private ponds ( state law prohibits relocation to state-owned waterways ) , but the agencies in charge have apparently refused to grant permission for the rescue to take place .
PETA contacted the Blair County Conservation District , whose representative claims that a plan is in place to remove the fish , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan or to explain whether a plan existed to help the turtles and other species .
This is especially concerning since Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officials apparently feel that allowing the fish to die and rot on site—or throwing the animals into a `` dead hole '' —is an acceptable plan !
These animals desperately need your voice now !
Please contact decisionmakers and urge them to take immediate steps to ensure that the fish and other aquatic animals in the lake at Lakemont Park are treated humanely .
Let them know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow these sentient animals to suffocate or desiccate , particularly when humane alternatives exist .

Please urge Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll and the Lake Station City Council to compel the police department to recuse itself from the case, to allow the Humane Society of Hobart to retain protective custody of all animals involved, and to ensure that an unaffiliated third-party agency take over the investigation immediately.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-06--PETA Statement: Using Antibodies From Llamas Against the Novel Coronavirus

Washington – Please see PETA ’ s statement regarding Pitt researchers using llama antibodies to study coronavirus treatments : Resources are best spent on the development of human-based—rather than llama-derived—antibodies .
When rapidly searching for lifesaving vaccines and treatments , researchers are turning to fully human , non-animal antibodies ( including nanobodies ) for good reason .
These antibodies overcome numerous scientific issues associated with antibodies derived from llamas , horses , camels , rabbits , mice , and other animals .
In fact , animal-derived antibodies are one of the main drivers of the reproducibility crisis in research .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ end to using animals to produce antibodies was recommended by the European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing ( EURL ECVAM ) , a government organization that plays a critical role in determining the scientific acceptance and regulatory use of non-animal testing methods within the EU as well as globally .
To share information about the applications and benefits of animal-free antibodies , the U.S. National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods , the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. , and EURL ECVAM have organized a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the first webinar of the series , experts discuss the use of animal-free antibodies to develop vaccines and treatments , including against the novel coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2 .
( View the recording here . )
The following three webinars focus on the scientific and economic advantages , application , and accessibility of animal-free antibodies .

For Immediate Release:
November 6, 2020
Contact:
Amanda Tumbleson 202-483-7382
Washington – Please see PETA’s statement regarding Pitt researchers using llama antibodies to study coronavirus treatments:
Resources are best spent on the development of human-based—rather than llama-derived—antibodies. When rapidly searching for lifesaving vaccines and treatments, researchers are turning to fully human, non-animal antibodies (including nanobodies) for good reason. These antibodies overcome numerous scientific issues associated with antibodies derived from llamas, horses, camels, rabbits, mice, and other animals. In fact, animal-derived antibodies are one of the main drivers of the reproducibility crisis in research.
For scientific and ethical reasons, an end to using animals to produce antibodies was recommended by the European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM), a government organization that plays a critical role in determining the scientific acceptance and regulatory use of non-animal testing methods within the EU as well as globally.
To share information about the applications and benefits of animal-free antibodies, the U.S. National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd., and EURL ECVAM have organized a free, publicly available webinar series. In the first webinar of the series, experts discuss the use of animal-free antibodies to develop vaccines and treatments, including against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. (View the recording here.) The following three webinars focus on the scientific and economic advantages, application, and accessibility of animal-free antibodies.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-07--‘There Was a Killing’: A Look Into Regan Russell’s Death

This Is How Far an Octopus Will Go to Stay Alive

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petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-09--Hazmat Suit–Clad PETA Protesters to Demand Fur Farm Shutdown

Salem , Ohio – PETA members wearing bright-yellow hazmat suits and gas masks will descend on the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday to call on Gov .
Kate Brown to act quickly and close all fur factory farms in the state .
The protest follows Denmark ’ s plan to kill every mink in the country—up to 17 million—after the novel coronavirus , which was transmitted from workers to the minks , mutated and went on to infect other humans .
The legislation is being debated right now .
Countries are beginning to bar entry to Danish travelers , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , including in more than 10,000 minks in Utah and Wisconsin .
“ Filthy fur factories packed with sick , stressed animals are hotspots for COVID-19 , and the virus then mutates , rendering vaccines unlikely to be effective , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA is asking Gov .
Brown to save the lives of humans and other animals by shutting these dangerous places down.
” The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in a live-animal market .
Such markets represent a public health risk similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right next to each other in wire cages , and disease can easily spread through inhalation , urine , excrement , pus , and blood .
COVID-19 cases in minks have also prompted authorities in the Netherlands to shut down such operations .
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 or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Salem, Ore. – PETA members wearing bright-yellow hazmat suits and gas masks will descend on the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday to call on Gov. Kate Brown to act quickly and close all fur factory farms in the state. The protest follows Denmark’s plan to kill every mink in the country—up to 17 million—after the novel coronavirus, which was transmitted from workers to the minks, mutated and went on to infect other humans. The legislation is being debated right now. Countries are beginning to bar entry to Danish travelers, and fur farms elsewhere have detected infections, too, including in more than 10,000 minks in Utah and Wisconsin.
When: Tuesday, November 10, 12 noon
Where: Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St. N.E., Salem
“Filthy fur factories packed with sick, stressed animals are hotspots for COVID-19, and the virus then mutates, rendering vaccines unlikely to be effective,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is asking Gov. Brown to save the lives of humans and other animals by shutting these dangerous places down.”
The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in a live-animal market. Such markets represent a public health risk similar to that posed by fur factories—animals are confined right next to each other in wire cages, and disease can easily spread through inhalation, urine, excrement, pus, and blood. COVID-19 cases in minks have also prompted authorities in the Netherlands to shut down such operations.
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 or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.