petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--State Warns 34 PetSmart, Petco Stores Found Skirting Animal Welfare Act

Inspections Find Sick Cats , Animals Denied Water , Filthy Cages , and More ; Stay Away , Says PETA Raleigh , N.C. – PETA has reviewed damning North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services records revealing that 21 PetSmart and 13 Petco locations across the state were ordered to improve conditions for animals in order to comply with the state ’ s Animal Welfare Act ( AWA ) .
A Charlotte PetSmart store was assessed a $ 500 penalty for failing to supply veterinary care to Beethoven , a dog who had developed a painful , inflamed scrotum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A PetSmart store near Asheboro was cited for at least 23 violations of the AWA , including after inspectors found cats who “ consistently ” sneezed and the facility in need of cleaning , including a litterbox “ overflowing ” with feces .
Sick cats and filthy facilities were found at numerous other stores , such as the Petco in Chapel Hill , where an inspector found waste splattered on a wall , which apparently had not been cleaned in at least five months .
“ Any person who takes care of animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , clean living conditions , and other basic necessities , and billion-dollar companies shouldn ’ t consider themselves above the law , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA regularly receives reports of bad practices and animal suffering at big-box stores , and our advice to caring consumers is to stay away.
” Other stores written up by state inspectors include PetSmart locations in Asheville , Burlington , Fayetteville , Jacksonville , Wilkesboro , Wilmington , and Winston-Salem as well as Petco locations in Durham , Greensboro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mooresville .
According to the records , cats were found without any water at all or with water contaminated by litter , cats were caged with filthy litter boxes , an agent who inspected one store at 12:50 p.m. found that the cats there had yet to be fed that day , and numerous stores were told to improve their recordkeeping for animals offered for adoption .
Online stores that aren ’ t affiliated with chains that sell animals , like Petco and PetSmart , include Target , PetFlow , and Wag.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Inspections Find Sick Cats, Animals Denied Water, Filthy Cages, and More; Stay Away, Says PETA
For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Raleigh, N.C. – PETA has reviewed damning North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services records revealing that 21 PetSmart and 13 Petco locations across the state were ordered to improve conditions for animals in order to comply with the state’s Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
A Charlotte PetSmart store was assessed a $500 penalty for failing to supply veterinary care to Beethoven, a dog who had developed a painful, inflamed scrotum while being boarded at its kennel. A PetSmart store near Asheboro was cited for at least 23 violations of the AWA, including after inspectors found cats who “consistently” sneezed and the facility in need of cleaning, including a litterbox “overflowing” with feces. Sick cats and filthy facilities were found at numerous other stores, such as the Petco in Chapel Hill, where an inspector found waste splattered on a wall, which apparently had not been cleaned in at least five months.
“Any person who takes care of animals is required to provide them with veterinary care, clean living conditions, and other basic necessities, and billion-dollar companies shouldn’t consider themselves above the law,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA regularly receives reports of bad practices and animal suffering at big-box stores, and our advice to caring consumers is to stay away.”
Other stores written up by state inspectors include PetSmart locations in Asheville, Burlington, Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Wilkesboro, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem as well as Petco locations in Durham, Greensboro, Hickory, Kannapolis, Kernersville, and Mooresville. According to the records, cats were found without any water at all or with water contaminated by litter, cats were caged with filthy litter boxes, an agent who inspected one store at 12:50 p.m. found that the cats there had yet to be fed that day, and numerous stores were told to improve their recordkeeping for animals offered for adoption.
Online stores that aren’t affiliated with chains that sell animals, like Petco and PetSmart, include Target, PetFlow, and Wag.com.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Reward of Up to $5,000 Offered in Fatal Dog-Burning Case

PETA Joins Search for Culprit ( s ) Who Set Dog on Fire at Henderson County Fairgrounds Henderson , Ky. – PETA is offering a reward of up to $ 5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the person ( s ) who burned a dog to death in the men ’ s restroom at the Henderson County Fairgrounds in the early morning of Sunday , June 7 .
The male dog , whose name was Duke , had been reported missing by his guardian .
“ We want to find the person who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Henderson Police Department told PETA .
“ Instead of being returned home , this lost little dog experienced the terror and agony of being burned alive , ” says PETA Vice President Colleen O ’ Brien .
“ PETA urges anyone with information about this horrific crime to come forward immediately so that this dog ’ s killer can be held accountable and stopped from hurting anyone else.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —cautions families to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re outdoors and never leave them unattended in the backyard .
Anyone with information about this case should call the Henderson Police Department at 270-831-1295 .
PETA opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview that fosters violence toward other animals .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Joins Search for Culprit(s) Who Set Dog on Fire at Henderson County Fairgrounds
For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Henderson, Ky. – PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the person(s) who burned a dog to death in the men’s restroom at the Henderson County Fairgrounds in the early morning of Sunday, June 7. The male dog, whose name was Duke, had been reported missing by his guardian.
“We want to find the person who is responsible,” Detective John Nevels of the Henderson Police Department told PETA.
“Instead of being returned home, this lost little dog experienced the terror and agony of being burned alive,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA urges anyone with information about this horrific crime to come forward immediately so that this dog’s killer can be held accountable and stopped from hurting anyone else.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—cautions families to keep an eye on animal companions when they’re outdoors and never leave them unattended in the backyard.
Anyone with information about this case should call the Henderson Police Department at 270-831-1295.
PETA opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview that fosters violence toward other animals. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


Duke the dog

“ Almost all of us grew up eating meat , wearing leather , and going to circuses and zoos .
@ @ @ @ @ of these actions on the animals involved .
For whatever reason , you are now @ @ @ @ @ should animals have rights ?
” READ MORE

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE
— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--‘Grim Reapers’ to Haunt JBS Slaughterhouse

As the Novel Coronavirus Infects Thousands of Workers Nationwide , PETA Calls For Slaughterhouses to Shut Down Green Bay , Wis. – Two “ Grim Reapers ” holding scythes with the message “ Slaughterhouses Kill Animals AND Workers ” will lead a protest on Thursday outside the JBS slaughterhouse—which is showing no mercy for animals or workers by remaining open even though nearly 300 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 .
“ Filthy , wet , blood- and offal-soaked slaughterhouses are breeding grounds for deadly diseases that can jump from animals to humans—and they ’ re the least safe workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ As COVID-19 spreads like wildfire from worker to worker , PETA is calling for slaughterhouses to shut down , for everyone ’ s protection.
” The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “ wet market , ” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption ; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm ; and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75 % of recently emerged infectious diseases affecting humans originated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent JBS a letter offering to help with the cost of retraining its employees to produce exclusively vegan meat .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit .

As the Novel Coronavirus Infects Thousands of Workers Nationwide, PETA Calls For Slaughterhouses to Shut Down
For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Green Bay, Wis. – Two “Grim Reapers” holding scythes with the message “Slaughterhouses Kill Animals AND Workers” will lead a protest on Thursday outside the JBS slaughterhouse—which is showing no mercy for animals or workers by remaining open even though nearly 300 employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
When: Thursday, June 11, 12 noon
Where: 1330 Lime Kiln Rd., Green Bay
“Filthy, wet, blood- and offal-soaked slaughterhouses are breeding grounds for deadly diseases that can jump from animals to humans—and they’re the least safe workplaces in the world,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “As COVID-19 spreads like wildfire from worker to worker, PETA is calling for slaughterhouses to shut down, for everyone’s protection.”
The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “wet market,” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm; and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75% of recently emerged infectious diseases affecting humans originated in other animals.
Recently, PETA sent JBS a letter offering to help with the cost of retraining its employees to produce exclusively vegan meat.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Did You Know Most Snakes Are Shy? Learn More With ‘Animalkind’

Did Did you you you know know know there there are over over 3000 3000 kinds kinds kinds of of snakes ?
of of snakes snakes snakes and and and and most most being being shy pose pose no no threat threat to to to to humans , humans , humans .
humans , but but but they they are are they are still still still .
still feared feared feared and killed killed even for even frivolous for frivolous frivolous frivolous fashion fashion fashion fashion fashion .
in in in his poem .
Snake DH DH Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at at .
a snake a a drinking snake .
snake snake from drinking drinking from a from a trough .
water trough .
He 's He 's succumbs succumbs succumbs to to irrational to .
irrational irrational fear fear fear and .
fear and impulsively throws throws a log a log at at the the the very very animal very .
animal animal he he he admired admired admired admired .
moments before he he writes writes and and and immediately .
immediately immediately immediately I I I regret .
regretted regretted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Volga what I Act I despise myself and the the voices my human education and I he would come back my snake for he seemed to me again like a a King like a King exile uncrowded in the underworld .
This is Ingrid Newkirk with Peter reminding us .
It 's easy to be kind by fake snake over real skin for belts , bags and shoes .

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petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--State Sues G.W. Zoo Owner for at Least $50,000 in Back Taxes

Legal Troubles Mount for Jeff Lowe : PETA Lawsuit Is Ongoing , Property Has Been Lost to Carole Baskin , and Hearing in Las Vegas Approaches Wynnewood , Okla. – PETA has just obtained court documents revealing that the state of Oklahoma is suing Jeff Lowe—operator of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park ( G.W .
Zoo ) , now branded as “ Tiger King Park ” —over delinquent sales taxes , seeking repayment of at least $ 50,274.01 and injunctive relief , including that the park cease operation .
And because Lowe has continued to operate and collect revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was denied on May 1 , he also faces criminal penalties of up to $ 5,000 in fines and up to one year in the county jail .
The lawsuit is the latest in a long list of legal troubles for Lowe .
He is also a defendant in an ongoing PETA Endangered Species Act lawsuit challenging cruel big-cat cub petting , he just lost ownership of the G.W .
Zoo property to Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue , and in July , he will face another hearing in Las Vegas relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating a business without a license .
“ Jeff Lowe is a felon who may very well follow Joe ‘ Exotic ’ behind bars , ” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet .
“ The state of Oklahoma can hold him accountable for his taxes—PETA will see him in court to hold him accountable for exploiting big-cat cubs.
” Lowe ’ s charges in Las Vegas followed a 2017 PETA complaint relating to his unlicensed big-cat cub operation , after which authorities raided his home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He previously pled guilty to felony mail fraud for posing as a domestic violence charity to get marked-down products for his business .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Legal Troubles Mount for Jeff Lowe: PETA Lawsuit Is Ongoing, Property Has Been Lost to Carole Baskin, and Hearing in Las Vegas Approaches
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Wynnewood, Okla. – PETA has just obtained court documents revealing that the state of Oklahoma is suing Jeff Lowe—operator of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (G.W. Zoo), now branded as “Tiger King Park”—over delinquent sales taxes, seeking repayment of at least $50,274.01 and injunctive relief, including that the park cease operation. And because Lowe has continued to operate and collect revenue, even though his sales tax application was denied on May 1, he also faces criminal penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in the county jail.
The lawsuit is the latest in a long list of legal troubles for Lowe. He is also a defendant in an ongoing PETA Endangered Species Act lawsuit challenging cruel big-cat cub petting, he just lost ownership of the G.W. Zoo property to Carole Baskin of Big Cat Rescue, and in July, he will face another hearing in Las Vegas relating to charges of possessing exotic animals and operating a business without a license.
“Jeff Lowe is a felon who may very well follow Joe ‘Exotic’ behind bars,” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet. “The state of Oklahoma can hold him accountable for his taxes—PETA will see him in court to hold him accountable for exploiting big-cat cubs.”
Lowe’s charges in Las Vegas followed a 2017 PETA complaint relating to his unlicensed big-cat cub operation, after which authorities raided his home and seized two big-cat cubs and a lemur. He previously pled guilty to felony mail fraud for posing as a domestic violence charity to get marked-down products for his business.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals

Tucson , Ariz. – Because the Bighorn fire is threatening the Tucson area and evacuations are underway , animals must @ @ @ @ @ die if abandoned .
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep @ @ @ @ @ outdoor activities , such as running with dogs .
If visibility is less than 5 @ @ @ @ @ the air quality and reached unsafe levels .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and @ @ @ @ @ should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
Trapped horses and other animals can @ @ @ @ @ They should never be locked in their stalls or confined in any way , unable @ @ @ @ @ never be left behind .
Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for @ @ @ @ @ PETA has released a wildfire-preparedness public service announcement featuring Dean Winters .
Make plans to @ @ @ @ @ companions in advance of trouble in order to avoid being caught unprepared .
PETA also @ @ @ @ @ animal companions safe during fires .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Tucson, Ariz. – Because the Bighorn fire is threatening the Tucson area and evacuations are underway, animals must be kept indoors and will die if abandoned.
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities, such as running with dogs. If visibility is less than 5 miles, smoke has compromised the air quality and reached unsafe levels. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help, should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Trapped horses and other animals can’t outrun wildfires. They should never be locked in their stalls or confined in any way, unable to flee.
Animals must never be left behind. Anyone who evacuates and intentionally abandons animals to fend for themselves may be prosecuted.
PETA has released a wildfire-preparedness public service announcement featuring Dean Winters. Make plans to ensure the safety of animal companions in advance of trouble in order to avoid being caught unprepared. PETA also offers a video about keeping animal companions safe during fires. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--Federal Probe Sought: Pigs Repeatedly Shot in Head, Electrically Shocked

Nash County , N.C. – PETA has obtained recent U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) reports revealing recent violations of federal law at Custom Quality Packers outside Sims .
In response , we sent a letter today calling on U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon Jr. to review these violations of the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act and , as appropriate , file criminal charges against the facility and the workers responsible for repeated botched stunning attempts that left severely injured pigs crying out in agony .
A USDA inspector documented that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stun a pig electrically and then shot the animal in the head , after which the pig remained conscious .
An inspector also documented that on February 19 , a worker botched the shooting of a pig who couldn ’ t walk—after the shot , the inspector had to point out that the animal was still conscious and crying out .
The worker then retrieved more ammunition to shoot the pig again .
Records going back to 2018 reveal that workers cut the throat of a hoisted , “ stunned ” pig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and attempt to raise his or her head .
The animal was lowered , cried out , and attempted to walk away , bleeding from the throat , before a shot to the head ended the pig ’ s agony .
In yet another incident the same year , a malfunctioning electrical stunner allowed a pig to regain consciousness .
A worker then shot the pig , who stood up while bleeding from the head before being shot again .
“ These disturbing eyewitness reports show that these pigs endured prolonged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling for a federal investigation on behalf of the pigs who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan to help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
The group notes that pigs , sheep , bulls , cows , chickens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and value their lives , just as humans do , and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .
I hope this letter finds you well .
I would like to request that your office investigate and file appropriate criminal charges against Custom Quality Packers , LLC , and its workers responsible for repeated violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act , which requires that animals be “ rendered insensible to pain by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is rapid and effective , before being shackled , hoisted … or cut.
” 1 At the company ’ s slaughterhouse , located at 3571 Friday Rd .
in Nash County , its staff have repeatedly shot and electroshocked pigs in botched slaughter attempts , leaving gravely injured , bloodied animals crying out and struggling to stand and escape , as documented in the attached reports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety and Inspection Service ( FSIS ) .
According to the reports , federal officials documented the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ A ] n employee attempted to stun a hog using an electrical stunning device .
The initial stun attempt was unsuccessful as Inspection Program Personnel ( IPP ) observed the hog lying on its side with tracking eye movement , eye blinking , and natural breathing … .
The employee immediately retrieved the backup hand-held captive bolt stunning device ( HHCB ) and attempted to stun the hog again , placing the HHCB on top of the pig ’ s head between its ears .
The second attempt to stun the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed the hog moving its eyes ( tracking eye movement ) , blinking , and breathing .
The employee then grabbed a second backup HHCB and applied a third stun attempt that rendered the hog unconscious.
” 2 • February 19 , 2020 : “ IPP identified an egregious humane handling non-compliance in which there was no immediate and effective corrective action following [ a ] n ineffective stun .
The Inspector in Charge ( IIC ) observed an establishment employee attempt to stun a non-ambulatory market hog in the holding pen area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
… After the initial stun attempt , the hog remained conscious , exhibiting vocalization and attempts to right itself .
The employee failed to recognize that the hog was conscious and moved to stun a different non-ambulatory hog .
The IIC informed the employee that the hog was still conscious , and the employee observed the hog before another employee went into the establishment to retrieve extra ammunition for the HHCB .
Upon his return , the first employee administered a second stun attempt to the hog , and the hog was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2018 : “ [ T ] he electrical stunner operator [ was ] standing over a stunned hog .
… The stunner operator … attempted to apply another stun using the electrical stunning device .
The animal did not appear to be receiving an electrical stimulus … and the gauges on the [ electrical stunner ] box indicated that no electrical power was flowing through it .
… At this point , the hog began to show signs of movement .
Another application of the stunner wand by the stunner operator had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … began to attempt to right itself into sternal recumbency .
The hog ’ s attempt to right itself indicates that it [ had ] regained consciousness .
At this point , [ federal personnel ] suggested that the stunner operator apply the back-up stunning protocol ( i.e .
a [ HHCB ] ) to appropriately stun the hog .
The stunner operator applied a blow with the captive bolt , after which the animal stood up with blood flowing from the wound in its head .
The plant employees reloaded the captive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the hog which effectively rendered the hog unconscious.
” 4 • February 1 , 2018 : “ [ A ] n establishment employee [ stuck ] a pig that was shackled and hanging in the bleeding area .
… Immediately after the employee stuck the pig to bleed it , the pig began to vocalize and kick/move its legs .
The IPP observed blood flowing from the stick wound … [ and ] observed the hog attempt to right itself as well as move its head side to side .
The hog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving .
… The pig was lowered to the floor adjacent to the knock box and unshackled .
Immediately after … it vocalized , stood up and attempted to walk away .
The pig was still bleeding from the stick wound at this point .
As the pig was attempting to walk away , an establishment employee immediately used the captive bolt and placed a shot to the top of the head of the pig which rendered the pig unconscious on the ground.
” 5 The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 classifies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $ 1,000.6 The persistence of inhumane handling at the establishment makes it clear that FSIS enforcement actions alone are insufficient to deter future violations and that criminal prosecution is in the best interests of both the animals killed there and the public .
Given that the FSIS “ fully supports the investigation of all those involved in alleged violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act ” and that “ [ i ] nvestigators from [ its ] enforcement division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … stand ready to work ” 7 with offices such as yours , we respectfully ask that you investigate and bring appropriate criminal charges against those responsible for these violations .
Please let us know what we might do to assist you .
Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do .
2FSIS District 80 Manager Todd Furey , Notice of Reinstatement of Suspension , Custom Quality Packers , LLC , Est .
M20129 ( May 19 , 2020 ) https : //www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/b0d1a5b2-958d-440c-83f0-dec23990e3e5/M20129-NOROS-05192020.pdf ?
MOD=AJPERES .
7U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under Secretary for Food Safety Shares Some Insight on the Humane Handling of Livestock ” ( Jan. 7 , 2011 ) https : //www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/01/7/under-secretary-food-safety-shares-some-insight-humane-handling-livestock ( Last accessed on June 11 , 2020 ) .

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Nash County, N.C. – PETA has obtained recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports revealing recent violations of federal law at Custom Quality Packers outside Sims. In response, we sent a letter today calling on U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon Jr. to review these violations of the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act and, as appropriate, file criminal charges against the facility and the workers responsible for repeated botched stunning attempts that left severely injured pigs crying out in agony.
A USDA inspector documented that on May 19, a worker attempted to stun a pig electrically and then shot the animal in the head, after which the pig remained conscious. An inspector also documented that on February 19, a worker botched the shooting of a pig who couldn’t walk—after the shot, the inspector had to point out that the animal was still conscious and crying out. The worker then retrieved more ammunition to shoot the pig again.
Records going back to 2018 reveal that workers cut the throat of a hoisted, “stunned” pig, who proceeded to scream, kick, and attempt to raise his or her head. The animal was lowered, cried out, and attempted to walk away, bleeding from the throat, before a shot to the head ended the pig’s agony. In yet another incident the same year, a malfunctioning electrical stunner allowed a pig to regain consciousness. A worker then shot the pig, who stood up while bleeding from the head before being shot again.
“These disturbing eyewitness reports show that these pigs endured prolonged, agonizing deaths at Custom Quality Packers,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a federal investigation on behalf of the pigs who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan to help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. The group notes that pigs, sheep, bulls, cows, chickens, and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives, just as humans do, and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Higdon follows.
June 11, 2020
The Honorable Robert J. Higdon Jr.
United States Attorney
Eastern District of North Carolina
Dear Mr. Higdon,
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office investigate and file appropriate criminal charges against Custom Quality Packers, LLC, and its workers responsible for repeated violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, which requires that animals be “rendered insensible to pain by a single blow … or other means that is rapid and effective, before being shackled, hoisted … or cut.”1 At the company’s slaughterhouse, located at 3571 Friday Rd. in Nash County, its staff have repeatedly shot and electroshocked pigs in botched slaughter attempts, leaving gravely injured, bloodied animals crying out and struggling to stand and escape, as documented in the attached reports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
According to the reports, federal officials documented the following:
May 19, 2020: “[A]n employee attempted to stun a hog using an electrical stunning device. The initial stun attempt was unsuccessful as Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) observed the hog lying on its side with tracking eye movement, eye blinking, and natural breathing …. The employee immediately retrieved the backup hand-held captive bolt stunning device (HHCB) and attempted to stun the hog again, placing the HHCB on top of the pig’s head between its ears. The second attempt to stun the hog was unsuccessful, as IPP again observed the hog moving its eyes (tracking eye movement), blinking, and breathing. The employee then grabbed a second backup HHCB and applied a third stun attempt that rendered the hog unconscious.” 2
“[A]n employee attempted to stun a hog using an electrical stunning device. The initial stun attempt was unsuccessful as Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) observed the hog lying on its side with tracking eye movement, eye blinking, and natural breathing …. The employee immediately retrieved the backup hand-held captive bolt stunning device (HHCB) and attempted to stun the hog again, placing the HHCB on top of the pig’s head between its ears. The second attempt to stun the hog was unsuccessful, as IPP again observed the hog moving its eyes (tracking eye movement), blinking, and breathing. The employee then grabbed a second backup HHCB and applied a third stun attempt that rendered the hog unconscious.” February 19, 2020: “IPP identified an egregious humane handling non-compliance in which there was no immediate and effective corrective action following [a]n ineffective stun. The Inspector in Charge (IIC) observed an establishment employee attempt to stun a non-ambulatory market hog in the holding pen area using a .25 caliber [HHCB]. … After the initial stun attempt, the hog remained conscious, exhibiting vocalization and attempts to right itself. The employee failed to recognize that the hog was conscious and moved to stun a different non-ambulatory hog. The IIC informed the employee that the hog was still conscious, and the employee observed the hog before another employee went into the establishment to retrieve extra ammunition for the HHCB. Upon his return, the first employee administered a second stun attempt to the hog, and the hog was rendered unconscious.” 3
“IPP identified an egregious humane handling non-compliance in which there was no immediate and effective corrective action following [a]n ineffective stun. The Inspector in Charge (IIC) observed an establishment employee attempt to stun a non-ambulatory market hog in the holding pen area using a .25 caliber [HHCB]. … After the initial stun attempt, the hog remained conscious, exhibiting vocalization and attempts to right itself. The employee failed to recognize that the hog was conscious and moved to stun a different non-ambulatory hog. The IIC informed the employee that the hog was still conscious, and the employee observed the hog before another employee went into the establishment to retrieve extra ammunition for the HHCB. Upon his return, the first employee administered a second stun attempt to the hog, and the hog was rendered unconscious.” February 13, 2018: “[T]he electrical stunner operator [was] standing over a stunned hog. … The stunner operator … attempted to apply another stun using the electrical stunning device. The animal did not appear to be receiving an electrical stimulus … and the gauges on the [electrical stunner] box indicated that no electrical power was flowing through it. … At this point, the hog began to show signs of movement. Another application of the stunner wand by the stunner operator had no effect. The [animal] … began to attempt to right itself into sternal recumbency. The hog’s attempt to right itself indicates that it [had] regained consciousness. At this point, [federal personnel] suggested that the stunner operator apply the back-up stunning protocol (i.e. a [HHCB]) to appropriately stun the hog. The stunner operator applied a blow with the captive bolt, after which the animal stood up with blood flowing from the wound in its head. The plant employees reloaded the captive bolt and delivered a second stunning blow to the hog which effectively rendered the hog unconscious.” 4
“[T]he electrical stunner operator [was] standing over a stunned hog. … The stunner operator … attempted to apply another stun using the electrical stunning device. The animal did not appear to be receiving an electrical stimulus … and the gauges on the [electrical stunner] box indicated that no electrical power was flowing through it. … At this point, the hog began to show signs of movement. Another application of the stunner wand by the stunner operator had no effect. The [animal] … began to attempt to right itself into sternal recumbency. The hog’s attempt to right itself indicates that it [had] regained consciousness. At this point, [federal personnel] suggested that the stunner operator apply the back-up stunning protocol (i.e. a [HHCB]) to appropriately stun the hog. The stunner operator applied a blow with the captive bolt, after which the animal stood up with blood flowing from the wound in its head. The plant employees reloaded the captive bolt and delivered a second stunning blow to the hog which effectively rendered the hog unconscious.” February 1, 2018: “[A]n establishment employee [stuck] a pig that was shackled and hanging in the bleeding area. … Immediately after the employee stuck the pig to bleed it, the pig began to vocalize and kick/move its legs. The IPP observed blood flowing from the stick wound … [and] observed the hog attempt to right itself as well as move its head side to side. The hog repeatedly vocalized and blinked its eyes while moving. … The pig was lowered to the floor adjacent to the knock box and unshackled. Immediately after … it vocalized, stood up and attempted to walk away. The pig was still bleeding from the stick wound at this point. As the pig was attempting to walk away, an establishment employee immediately used the captive bolt and placed a shot to the top of the head of the pig which rendered the pig unconscious on the ground.”5
The Federal Meat Inspection Act of 1906 classifies such offenses as misdemeanors and provides penalties of imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000.6 The persistence of inhumane handling at the establishment makes it clear that FSIS enforcement actions alone are insufficient to deter future violations and that criminal prosecution is in the best interests of both the animals killed there and the public. Given that the FSIS “fully supports the investigation of all those involved in alleged violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act” and that “[i]nvestigators from [its] enforcement division and from USDA’s Inspector General … stand ready to work”7 with offices such as yours, we respectfully ask that you investigate and bring appropriate criminal charges against those responsible for these violations.
Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Assistant Manager of Investigations
[1]7 U.S.C. § 1902.
2FSIS District 80 Manager Todd Furey, Notice of Reinstatement of Suspension, Custom Quality Packers, LLC, Est. M20129 (May 19, 2020) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/b0d1a5b2-958d-440c-83f0-dec23990e3e5/M20129-NOROS-05192020.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
3FSIS District 80 Manager Todd Furey, Notice of Suspension, Custom Quality Packers, LLC, Est. M20129 (February 19, 2020) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/6d321565-3e46-48b2-93c2-f058c90a71fa/m20129-nos-021920.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
4FSIS District 80 Manager Steve Lalicker, Notice of Suspension, Custom Quality Packers, LLC, Est. M20129 (Feb. 13, 2018) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/b0e44adb-c5e0-4058-bd14-aae06074fb78/M20129-Suspension-021318.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
5FSIS District 80 Manager Steve Lalicker, Notice of Intended Enforcement, Custom Quality Packers, LLC, Est. M20129 (Feb. 1, 2018) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/86adc8b8-ed0c-434c-9826-5bc08b53b8fa/M20129-NOIE-020118.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
621 U.S.C. § 676.
7U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS, “Under Secretary for Food Safety Shares Some Insight on the Humane Handling of Livestock” (Jan. 7, 2011) https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/01/7/under-secretary-food-safety-shares-some-insight-humane-handling-livestock (Last accessed on June 11, 2020).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--Local Animal Torture Case Prompts Appeal to PetSmart

PETA Urges Chain to Stop Selling Live Animals After Kelowna Man Allegedly Tortures and Kills Hamsters He Claims to Have Purchased There Kelowna , B.C .
– Following the arrest of Kelowna resident Leighton Allen Labute—who has been charged with six counts of cruelty to animals after posting online videos of himself stabbing and drowning hamsters he says he purchased at a PetSmart store—PETA has fired off a letter to PetSmart ’ s CEO urging the company to implement a screening system for animal buyers or , better yet , end its sales of live animals entirely .
PETA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man ’ s disturbing videos and provided law-enforcement authorities with extensive forensic research that helped in tracking him down .
“ This man posted videos of himself tormenting and killing gentle hamsters he says he purchased at PetSmart , which will sell animals to anyone who can pay , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling on PetSmart to help prevent acts of cruelty like this from happening again by ending its sale of animals.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .
PETA ’ s letter to PetSmart President and CEO J.K. Symancyk follows .
Re : The Torture and Killing of Animals Purchased From PetSmart Your attention is urgently requested .
A British Columbia man has been charged with three counts of killing or injuring an animal and three counts of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal , after torturing hamsters and distributing images of the abuse online .
In an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ recently purchased … hamsters from PetSmart , ” and a PetSmart box is in the video in which he first handles the animals , as seen in the attached screenshot .
We ask that PetSmart please honestly assess its practices and consider that the animals you sell remain completely vulnerable to the whims of anyone who has a few dollars to buy them .
Given your company ’ s claim to “ love pets ” [ 1 ] and your personal goal of “ be [ ing ] the trusted partner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 ] we would like to know that you are taking immediate , concrete action to ensure that such a horrific incident will never recur if you can help it .
Will you immediately implement screening measures to at least attempt to prevent individuals who seek to harm animals from purchasing them and to ensure that buyers are capable of and committed to providing them with appropriate care ?
Better by far , given that thorough , adequate screening of customers is likely impossible for the volume of animals you sell , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on selling supplies to caring guardians who have adopted animals from qualified and appropriately staffed shelters ?
I look forward to hearing from you .
Thank you for your consideration .
[ 2 ] ” PetSmart Appoints J.K. Symancyk as Chief Executive Officer , ” BusinessWire.com , May 21 , 2018 < https : //www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180521005918/en/PetSmart % C2 % AE-Appoints-J.K.-Symancyk-Chief-Executive-Officer > ( Last accessed on June X , 2020 ) .

PETA Urges Chain to Stop Selling Live Animals After Kelowna Man Allegedly Tortures and Kills Hamsters He Claims to Have Purchased There
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Kelowna, B.C. – Following the arrest of Kelowna resident Leighton Allen Labute—who has been charged with six counts of cruelty to animals after posting online videos of himself stabbing and drowning hamsters he says he purchased at a PetSmart store—PETA has fired off a letter to PetSmart’s CEO urging the company to implement a screening system for animal buyers or, better yet, end its sales of live animals entirely. PETA’s Emergency Response Team received complaints about the man’s disturbing videos and provided law-enforcement authorities with extensive forensic research that helped in tracking him down.
“This man posted videos of himself tormenting and killing gentle hamsters he says he purchased at PetSmart, which will sell animals to anyone who can pay,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling on PetSmart to help prevent acts of cruelty like this from happening again by ending its sale of animals.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.
PETA’s letter to PetSmart President and CEO J.K. Symancyk follows.
June 11, 2020
J.K. Symancyk
President and CEO
PetSmart Inc.
Re: The Torture and Killing of Animals Purchased From PetSmart
Dear Mr. Symancyk,
Your attention is urgently requested. A British Columbia man has been charged with three counts of killing or injuring an animal and three counts of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal, after torturing hamsters and distributing images of the abuse online. In an online post, the defendant explains that he “recently purchased … hamsters from PetSmart,” and a PetSmart box is in the video in which he first handles the animals, as seen in the attached screenshot.
We ask that PetSmart please honestly assess its practices and consider that the animals you sell remain completely vulnerable to the whims of anyone who has a few dollars to buy them. Given your company’s claim to “love pets”[1] and your personal goal of “be[ing] the trusted partner to pets and pet parents,”[2] we would like to know that you are taking immediate, concrete action to ensure that such a horrific incident will never recur if you can help it.
Will you immediately implement screening measures to at least attempt to prevent individuals who seek to harm animals from purchasing them and to ensure that buyers are capable of and committed to providing them with appropriate care? Better by far, given that thorough, adequate screening of customers is likely impossible for the volume of animals you sell, will you please stop selling them and instead focus on selling supplies to caring guardians who have adopted animals from qualified and appropriately staffed shelters?
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Assistant Manager of Investigations
[1]PetSmart, “About PetSmart” (Last accessed on June X, 2020).
[2]”PetSmart Appoints J.K. Symancyk as Chief Executive Officer,” BusinessWire.com, May 21, 2018 (Last accessed on June X, 2020).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--Animal Torture Case Prompts Appeal to PetSmart

PETA Urges Locally Headquartered Chain to Stop Selling Live Animals After Hamsters Reportedly Bought at a PetSmart Store Are Killed Phoenix , Ariz. – Following the arrest of a man who has been charged with six counts of cruelty to animals after allegedly stabbing and drowning hamsters he says he purchased at a PetSmart store , PETA has fired off a letter to PetSmart ’ s CEO urging the company to implement a screening system for animal buyers—or better yet , to end its sales of live animals entirely .
PETA ’ s Emergency Response Team had received complaints about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided law-enforcement authorities with extensive forensic research that helped in tracking him down .
“ PetSmart sold vulnerable hamsters to someone who tortured them , in part because the chain sells vulnerable animals to anyone who can pay , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling on PetSmart to try to prevent acts of cruelty like this from ever happening again—and the only foolproof way for it to do that is to stop selling animals.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or click here .
PETA ’ s letter to PetSmart President and CEO J.K. Symancyk follows .
Re : The Torture and Killing of Animals Purchased From PetSmart Your attention is urgently requested .
A British Columbia man has been charged with three counts of killing or injuring an animal and three counts of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal , after torturing hamsters and distributing images of the abuse online .
In an online post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently purchased … hamsters from PetSmart , ” and a PetSmart box is in the video in which he first handles the animals , as seen in the attached screenshot .
We ask that PetSmart please honestly assess its practices and consider that the animals you sell remain completely vulnerable to the whims of anyone who has a few dollars to buy them .
Given your company ’ s claim to “ love pets ” [ 1 ] and your personal goal of “ be [ ing ] the trusted partner to pets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] we would like to know that you are taking immediate , concrete action to ensure that such a horrific incident will never recur if you can help it .
Will you immediately implement screening measures to at least attempt to prevent individuals who seek to harm animals from purchasing them and to ensure that buyers are capable of and committed to providing them with appropriate care ?
Better by far , given that thorough , adequate screening of customers is likely impossible for the volume of animals you sell , will you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on selling supplies to caring guardians who have adopted animals from qualified and appropriately staffed shelters ?
I look forward to hearing from you .
Thank you for your consideration .
[ 2 ] ” PetSmart Appoints J.K. Symancyk as Chief Executive Officer , ” BusinessWire.com , May 21 , 2018 < https : //www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180521005918/en/PetSmart % C2 % AE-Appoints-J.K.-Symancyk-Chief-Executive-Officer > ( Last accessed on June X , 2020 ) .

PETA Urges Locally Headquartered Chain to Stop Selling Live Animals After Hamsters Reportedly Bought at a PetSmart Store Are Killed
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Phoenix, Ariz. – Following the arrest of a man who has been charged with six counts of cruelty to animals after allegedly stabbing and drowning hamsters he says he purchased at a PetSmart store, PETA has fired off a letter to PetSmart’s CEO urging the company to implement a screening system for animal buyers—or better yet, to end its sales of live animals entirely. PETA’s Emergency Response Team had received complaints about the man’s disturbing videos and provided law-enforcement authorities with extensive forensic research that helped in tracking him down.
“PetSmart sold vulnerable hamsters to someone who tortured them, in part because the chain sells vulnerable animals to anyone who can pay,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling on PetSmart to try to prevent acts of cruelty like this from ever happening again—and the only foolproof way for it to do that is to stop selling animals.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.
PETA’s letter to PetSmart President and CEO J.K. Symancyk follows.
June 11, 2020
J.K. Symancyk
President and CEO
PetSmart Inc.
Re: The Torture and Killing of Animals Purchased From PetSmart
Dear Mr. Symancyk,
Your attention is urgently requested. A British Columbia man has been charged with three counts of killing or injuring an animal and three counts of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal, after torturing hamsters and distributing images of the abuse online. In an online post, the defendant explains that he “recently purchased … hamsters from PetSmart,” and a PetSmart box is in the video in which he first handles the animals, as seen in the attached screenshot.
We ask that PetSmart please honestly assess its practices and consider that the animals you sell remain completely vulnerable to the whims of anyone who has a few dollars to buy them. Given your company’s claim to “love pets”[1] and your personal goal of “be[ing] the trusted partner to pets and pet parents,”[2] we would like to know that you are taking immediate, concrete action to ensure that such a horrific incident will never recur if you can help it.
Will you immediately implement screening measures to at least attempt to prevent individuals who seek to harm animals from purchasing them and to ensure that buyers are capable of and committed to providing them with appropriate care? Better by far, given that thorough, adequate screening of customers is likely impossible for the volume of animals you sell, will you please stop selling them and instead focus on selling supplies to caring guardians who have adopted animals from qualified and appropriately staffed shelters?
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Assistant Manager of Investigations
[1]PetSmart, “About PetSmart” (Last accessed on June X, 2020).
[2]”PetSmart Appoints J.K. Symancyk as Chief Executive Officer,” BusinessWire.com, May 21, 2018 (Last accessed on June X, 2020).


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petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--Paul McCartney’s Birthday Wish: ‘Watch My PETA Video and Ditch Meat’

Music Legend Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Glass Walls , ' His Hard-Hitting Look Inside the Meat Industry New York – “ All I ’ ve ever wanted for my birthday is peace on Earth—including for the animals , ” McCartney writes in a guest blog for PETA , a week ahead of his June 18 birthday .
“ That ’ s why this year I ’ m urging fans to watch a video I hosted for PETA titled ‘ Glass Walls.
’ We called it that because if slaughterhouses had glass walls , who would want to eat meat ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , filmed “ Glass Walls ” exactly 10 years ago for PETA ’ s website , where it has been seen by over 20 million people .
“ Glass Walls ” reveals that chickens and turkeys are confined to filthy sheds by the tens of thousands , pigs are often conscious while their throats are cut , and fish are dragged out of their marine homes and left to suffocate on the decks of fishing boats .
In the age of COVID-19 , the video also serves as a reminder that when animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease runs rampant : The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese wet market where live and dead animals were sold for human consumption , swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm , and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens .
The meat industry is also a major producer of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change .
“ Whether you ’ re worried about diseases that spring from slaughterhouses , the animals who suffer terribly and needlessly , or the catastrophic impact of the meat industry on our environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share it with your friends , ” says McCartney .
McCartney is part of a long list of celebrities—including Natalie Portman , Alicia Silverstone , Thandie Newton , Joaquin Phoenix , Jermaine Dupri , Pamela Anderson , Maggie Q , Woody Harrelson , Bellamy Young , RZA , Peter Dinklage , Madelaine Petsch , Evanna Lynch , and Mýa—who ’ ve teamed up with PETA or its affiliates to encourage people to stop eating animals .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free vegan starter kit ( available here ) full of recipes , tips , and more .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Music Legend Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Glass Walls,' His Hard-Hitting Look Inside the Meat Industry
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
New York – “All I’ve ever wanted for my birthday is peace on Earth—including for the animals,” McCartney writes in a guest blog for PETA, a week ahead of his June 18 birthday. “That’s why this year I’m urging fans to watch a video I hosted for PETA titled ‘Glass Walls.’ We called it that because if slaughterhouses had glass walls, who would want to eat meat?”
McCartney, soon to turn 78, filmed “Glass Walls” exactly 10 years ago for PETA’s website, where it has been seen by over 20 million people.
“Glass Walls” reveals that chickens and turkeys are confined to filthy sheds by the tens of thousands, pigs are often conscious while their throats are cut, and fish are dragged out of their marine homes and left to suffocate on the decks of fishing boats. In the age of COVID-19, the video also serves as a reminder that when animals are packed together in filthy conditions, disease runs rampant: The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese wet market where live and dead animals were sold for human consumption, swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm, and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens. The meat industry is also a major producer of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
“Whether you’re worried about diseases that spring from slaughterhouses, the animals who suffer terribly and needlessly, or the catastrophic impact of the meat industry on our environment, please watch this short video and share it with your friends,” says McCartney.
McCartney is part of a long list of celebrities—including Natalie Portman, Alicia Silverstone, Thandie Newton, Joaquin Phoenix, Jermaine Dupri, Pamela Anderson, Maggie Q, Woody Harrelson, Bellamy Young, RZA, Peter Dinklage, Madelaine Petsch, Evanna Lynch, and Mýa—who’ve teamed up with PETA or its affiliates to encourage people to stop eating animals.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—offers a free vegan starter kit (available here) full of recipes, tips, and more. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-11--PETA Statement: Iowa ‘Ag-Protection’ Bill

Des Moines , Iowa – Please see the following statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk regarding SF 2413 , the @ @ @ @ @ passed earlier tonight that could result in harsh penalties for whistleblowers and animal advocates seeking @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s meat industry : At a time when the meat industry is baking @ @ @ @ @ slaughterhouses are closed and putting workers and consumers at risk by keeping COVID-19–riddled slaughterhouses open @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny is inexcusable pandering at the expense of human health and animal welfare .
Lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ on free speech , and PETA urges Iowa to focus its economy on crops like @ @ @ @ @ more—so there ’ s no reason for secrecy and no one gets hurt .
PETA @ @ @ @ @ in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat , ” and we @ @ @ @ @ worldview .

For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Des Moines, Iowa – Please see the following statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk regarding SF 2413, the Iowa “ag-protection” law passed earlier tonight that could result in harsh penalties for whistleblowers and animal advocates seeking to expose cruelty in the state’s meat industry:
At a time when the meat industry is baking animals to death because many slaughterhouses are closed and putting workers and consumers at risk by keeping COVID-19–riddled slaughterhouses open, protecting them from public scrutiny is inexcusable pandering at the expense of human health and animal welfare. Lawmakers are attempting another chilling restriction on free speech, and PETA urges Iowa to focus its economy on crops like soybeans, oats, and more—so there’s no reason for secrecy and no one gets hurt.
PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat,” and we oppose speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-12--Full-Page Newspaper Ad Seeks Myrtle Beach Safari and Waccatee Zoo Whistleblowers

Tiger King Exposed Trafficking in Endangered Animals , Veterinary Care Failures , and Other Crimes : Now PETA Seeks Insiders to Report Physical Abuse , More Myrtle Beach , S.C. – After Tiger King gave the public a glimpse into the neglect and abuse prevalent at roadside zoos across the U.S. , PETA has placed a full-page ad in Sunday ’ s edition of the Myrtle Beach Sun News to encourage Myrtle Beach Safari and Waccatee Zoo employees and volunteers to share their firsthand accounts at PETA.org/Abuse .
Myrtle Beach Safari operator Bhagavan “ Doc ” Antle has been repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prematurely separated cubs from their mothers for use in public encounters , and engaged in animal-abusing publicity stunts .
Fellow Tiger King subject Joe “ Exotic ” Maldonado-Passage and others have said that Antle puts tiger cubs who ’ ve grown too old for playtime events into a gas chamber to kill them and then burns their bodies in an on-site crematorium .
At the nearby Waccatee Zoo , Lila the tiger has gone almost completely bald , and she and other animals have been documented exhibiting signs of severe distress .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doc ’ Antle and the Waccatee Zoo are hiding , ” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet .
“ We need kind people on the inside to come forward if they have witnessed the type of abuse , neglect , and trafficking in endangered species that the whole world saw in Tiger King.
” A whistleblower tip from inside The Mobile Zoo in Alabama led to the rescue of a chimpanzee and three bears , the closure of the facility , and a plea of guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the owner .
Through whistleblowers , PETA has learned of egregious cruelty in circuses , at roadside zoos , in laboratories , and elsewhere .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
The ad will also appear in the Wynnewood Gazette—the hometown paper of Joe “ Exotic ’ s ” former facility , now operated by Jeff Lowe and rebranded as “ Tiger King Park ” —and in the Sun Sentinel , a hometown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is run by Mario Tabraue , who was also featured in Tiger King .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Tiger King Exposed Trafficking in Endangered Animals, Veterinary Care Failures, and Other Crimes: Now PETA Seeks Insiders to Report Physical Abuse, More
For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – After Tiger King gave the public a glimpse into the neglect and abuse prevalent at roadside zoos across the U.S., PETA has placed a full-page ad in Sunday’s edition of the Myrtle Beach Sun News to encourage Myrtle Beach Safari and Waccatee Zoo employees and volunteers to share their firsthand accounts at PETA.org/Abuse.
Myrtle Beach Safari operator Bhagavan “Doc” Antle has been repeatedly cited under federal animal welfare laws, prematurely separated cubs from their mothers for use in public encounters, and engaged in animal-abusing publicity stunts. Fellow Tiger King subject Joe “Exotic” Maldonado-Passage and others have said that Antle puts tiger cubs who’ve grown too old for playtime events into a gas chamber to kill them and then burns their bodies in an on-site crematorium. At the nearby Waccatee Zoo, Lila the tiger has gone almost completely bald, and she and other animals have been documented exhibiting signs of severe distress.
“PETA wants to know what secrets ‘Doc’ Antle and the Waccatee Zoo are hiding,” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet. “We need kind people on the inside to come forward if they have witnessed the type of abuse, neglect, and trafficking in endangered species that the whole world saw in Tiger King.”
A whistleblower tip from inside The Mobile Zoo in Alabama led to the rescue of a chimpanzee and three bears, the closure of the facility, and a plea of guilty to 14 counts of cruelty to animals by the owner. Through whistleblowers, PETA has learned of egregious cruelty in circuses, at roadside zoos, in laboratories, and elsewhere.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. The ad will also appear in the Wynnewood Gazette—the hometown paper of Joe “Exotic’s” former facility, now operated by Jeff Lowe and rebranded as “Tiger King Park”—and in the Sun Sentinel, a hometown paper of the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, which is run by Mario Tabraue, who was also featured in Tiger King.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-12--PETA to German Defense Minister: Stop Injuring Live Animals in Trauma Drills

Group Points to New Studies Showing Superiority of Human Simulators , Officials Blocking Animal Use for U.S. Military Trauma Drills in Germany Washington – This morning , PETA and PETA Germany fired off a letter urging the German minister of defense to end that country ’ s armed forces ’ use of animals in live tissue training ( LTT ) —during which live pigs are mutilated and killed—in the wake of new studies confirming the superiority of human-relevant models , which nearly three-quarters of NATO allies already use instead of animals .
The groups ’ action comes after the ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a “ thorough examination ” of non-animal simulation models and pledged to PETA in 2018 that it would “ abandon live tissue training entirely as soon as suitable simulation models are available.
” In 2010 , PETA convinced German regulators to block applications from U.S. Army Europe to conduct LLT for American service members stationed in Germany on the grounds that such invasive and lethal exercises would violate the German Animal Welfare Act .
That same year , the German armed forces erroneously told PETA that they “ do no animal tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted the country ’ s ministry of defense to “ formally apologise ” to the group in 2017 and confirm in 2018 the use of up to 12 pigs for training 18 surgeons per year .
“ Using gentle pigs as disposable tools and inflicting massive injuries to poorly mimic human war wounds are indefensible and inferior training , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA is calling on the German ministry of defense to cease this practice—which the U.S. Coast Guard has called ‘ abhorrent ’ and itself ended—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simulation technology.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —notes that sensitive , intelligent pigs have vastly different anatomy from humans , making these trainings irrelevant .
Cutting-edge , high-tech human simulators that “ breathe ” and “ bleed ” are more effective , ethical , and economical .
The groups ’ letter to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer , Germany ’ s minister of defense , is available here .
PETA opposes speciesism , the human-supremacist belief system that other animals exist for humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , please visit PETA.org .

Group Points to New Studies Showing Superiority of Human Simulators, Officials Blocking Animal Use for U.S. Military Trauma Drills in Germany
For Immediate Release:
June 12, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Washington – This morning, PETA and PETA Germany fired off a letter urging the German minister of defense to end that country’s armed forces’ use of animals in live tissue training (LTT)—during which live pigs are mutilated and killed—in the wake of new studies confirming the superiority of human-relevant models, which nearly three-quarters of NATO allies already use instead of animals.
The groups’ action comes after the ministry assured PETA last year that it would conduct a “thorough examination” of non-animal simulation models and pledged to PETA in 2018 that it would “abandon live tissue training entirely as soon as suitable simulation models are available.”
In 2010, PETA convinced German regulators to block applications from U.S. Army Europe to conduct LLT for American service members stationed in Germany on the grounds that such invasive and lethal exercises would violate the German Animal Welfare Act. That same year, the German armed forces erroneously told PETA that they “do no animal tests for training purposes”—a misstatement that prompted the country’s ministry of defense to “formally apologise” to the group in 2017 and confirm in 2018 the use of up to 12 pigs for training 18 surgeons per year.
“Using gentle pigs as disposable tools and inflicting massive injuries to poorly mimic human war wounds are indefensible and inferior training,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA is calling on the German ministry of defense to cease this practice—which the U.S. Coast Guard has called ‘abhorrent’ and itself ended—and to switch to modern and superior human simulation technology.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—notes that sensitive, intelligent pigs have vastly different anatomy from humans, making these trainings irrelevant. Cutting-edge, high-tech human simulators that “breathe” and “bleed” are more effective, ethical, and economical.
The groups’ letter to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Germany’s minister of defense, is available here. PETA opposes speciesism, the human-supremacist belief system that other animals exist for humans to exploit at will. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-12--Unlearning Speciesism: A Lesson in Media Literacy

From the time we ’ re young , most humans are conditioned to view certain species as worthy of care and compassion and others as unworthy—all based on arbitrary human preferences .
Intentionally or not , parents , teachers , the media , and other influences send children the message that puppies and kittens are friends , cows and chickens are food , and rats and mice are pests .
Most children are also taught that human desires , needs , and interests always trump those of any other species .
This is called speciesism , the misguided belief that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it results in all kinds of negative consequences .
But although most of us were taught to think that way , speciesism can also be unlearned .
After all , we aren ’ t born with an innate understanding of this human-made hierarchy of species .
Speciesism is a social construct , much like racism , sexism , ableism , homophobia , and other harmful forms of discrimination designed to benefit those in power .
In other words , through education , we can teach ourselves and our students to recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media we consume .
Use the following lesson to help students in grades 6 through 12 unlearn speciesism and acknowledge animals ’ rights and to address the following Common Core Learning Standards for Speaking & Listening : • Grades 6–8 • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats ( e.g.
, visually , quantitatively , orally ) and explain how it contributes to a topic , text , or issue under study .
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats ( e.g.
, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain how the ideas clarify a topic , text , or issue under study .
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats ( e.g.
, visually , quantitatively , orally ) and evaluate the motives ( e.g.
, social , commercial , political ) behind its presentation .
• Grades 9–10 • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats ( e.g.
, visually , quantitatively , orally ) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source .
• Grades 11–12 • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse formats and media ( e.g.
, visually , quantitatively , orally ) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems , evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data .
If you ’ re teaching virtually , students can still complete the activities using popular online conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype .
If these tools aren ’ t available to you , you could have students respond to the discussion questions in an online forum , such as Google Classroom .
Designate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post their responses .
Then , have them give a thoughtful reply to at least three of their classmates ’ posts .
Continue reading for more tips on adapting this lesson for distance learning .
Have students watch the following video of a young girl explaining to her mother why she refuses to eat animals .
Use these questions to discuss the video as a class : • What are some of the reasons why the girl refuses eat animals ?
Answer : She says she doesn ’ t want to eat them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I like animals.
” She later says , “ I know [ humans ] like to eat animals … but that ’ s not nice.
” • What is the girl ’ s response when her mother asks what she ’ ll do if she misses “ eating chicken and meat ” ?
Answer : She emphatically says , “ I don ’ t miss eating chicken and meat.
” • What is the girl ’ s response when her mother asks her if she ’ ll eat fish ?
Answer : She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which her mother says yes .
The girl then says , “ I won ’ t eat [ them ] , either.
” • Why do you think the girl is so upset ?
Do you remember when you first learned that animals were killed for food ?
How did it make you feel ?
Answer : The girl feels empathy* for animals and doesn ’ t want to participate in hurting them—she hadn ’ t realized that eating meat causes animals to suffer and die , so she ’ s upset upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions will vary based on student experience , but encourage students to try and recall what it was like to learn that the types of animals they grew up reading about in story books and watching in their favorite television shows were killed so that humans could eat them .
• Do you think a child who doesn ’ t want to eat animals should be forced to ?
Why or why not ?
Answer : These will vary based on student experience .
If the “ health benefits ” of consuming meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American Dietetic Association concludes that vegetarian or vegan eating is “ healthful , nutritionally adequate , and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
” *You can define empathy as “ the ability to understand how someone else feels in a certain situation.
” For example , the girl in the video has never been killed and eaten , but she ’ s able to imagine how horrible that must be for animals—she ’ s able to empathize with them .
There are many other thought-provoking videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eat animals .
If there ’ s time , you and your students can check out a few here .
Divide students into four groups or create four separate threads in your online forum of choice .
Assign each group one of the following animals : Have each group find three to five examples of advertisements for foods made of or using their assigned animal .
If you ’ re teaching virtually , give students at least a couple of days to find and gather their examples .
The ads may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some examples : • A banner or sidebar on a webpage advertising a bacon breakfast sandwich at a fast-food chain In their groups , have students go through the Media Education Foundation ’ s steps for deconstructing an advertisement .
Have them answer the questions provided as well as the following questions .
• Does the ad feature your group ’ s assigned animal ?
( For example , an ad for milk may show cows grazing in a meadow . )
If so , how are they depicted ?
Answer : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• What claims does the ad make ( about taste , health , sustainability , etc . )
, either using words or images ?
Possible answer : The ad claims that a company ’ s eggs are “ great-tasting ” and “ farm fresh.
” Images of a mom , an elderly couple , and young athletes preparing or eating eggs in a variety of dishes suggest that eggs are convenient , healthy , and versatile .
Step 2 : Determine the Purpose of the Ad • Who created the ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company that produces the fish sticks created this ad to persuade customers to buy its product .
In some cases , it may not be clear who created the ad .
This is important for students to note in their discussion .
• Who does the ad most appeal to ?
How ?
Possible answers : Kids , teens , parents , or people who are health conscious .
Ads may use celebrities , characters , or specific phrases and images to appeal to a certain audience .
Step 3 : Determine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It Sends • What assumption does the ad make about animals ?
Are these assumptions realistic ?
Why or why not ?
Do these assumptions reinforce or challenge stereotypes about animals ?
Answers : These will vary based on the ad .
Possible answers could be : Cows willingly give humans their milk .
Fish don ’ t feel pain .
If students are struggling with this question , it may be because their assumptions about animals are so deeply engrained that they don ’ t recognize them as assumptions but rather believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk about this question with their group , and spend extra time discussing responses as a class .
Step 4 : Consider the Possible Consequences of These Messages • Would you change the ad to address the consequences of its messages ?
If so , how ?
Answers : These will vary based on the ad .
Encourage students to review their answers to the other questions in this step and consider how they might change the ad to promote social change and make it more socially responsible .
Have each group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class—ideally the one that sparked the most discussion among members .
Have a spokesperson from each group brief the class on the group ’ s responses to the discussion questions above , noting any disagreements or relevant observations that members had .
If you ’ re teaching virtually , have each group work together to write a brief summary of their discussion and post it to the main thread .
Have students from other groups post thoughtful responses .
Next , have students read “ Down on the Farm : Where Meat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mini books and answer the questions at the end .
Discuss responses as a class .
It ’ s important to point out to students that cows , pigs , chickens , and fish are not the only animals who are raised and killed so that humans can eat their flesh , milk , or eggs .
An estimated 245 million turkeys are raised and killed for their flesh every year in the U.S. More than 31 million ducks are killed each year for their flesh and for cruelly obtained foie gras .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other animals humans eat .
Make it clear that regardless of the species or how they ’ re raised and killed , no sentient being wants to die .
In their groups , have students analyze the ad that they presented to the class , now knowing what animals raised and killed for food often endure .
Ask them to consider why advertisers depict animals in picturesque pastures rather than in slaughterhouses—or don ’ t depict them at all .
Introduce students to the idea of the “ absent referent , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sexual Politics of Meat : A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory .
Define the absent referent as “ the death of the animal whose place the meat takes.
” In other words , when someone refers to their meal as “ a hamburger ” as opposed to “ cow flesh , ” the absent referent is the cow who was killed .
Meat-eaters use the absent referent—often unknowingly—to avoid making the connection between the food that they consume and the living , feeling individual who died and became meat .
Ask each group to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referent , and if so , have them identify it .
You may wish to expand your discussion of the absent referent into a full lesson on the psychological phenomenon known as cognitive dissonance and “ the meat paradox.
” While a lesson about this can be uncomfortable , it can be used very effectively in the classroom to help students reflect on , understand , and change their own beliefs and behavior .
Studies show that cognitive dissonance can be used to foster prosocial behavior and promote change .
To close the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a class : • As a consumer , do you expect companies to tell you the truth about their products ?
Why or why not ?
• Should misleading ads be banned , or should consumers be responsible for doing their own research about the products they purchase ?
• How can you as a consumer make sure that the products you purchase are ethical ?
Point out to students that the meat , dairy , and egg industries are just three of many that use speciesism to make money by using and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea that humans can treat some animals one way and others a different way simply based on their species ” ( which , of course , is wrong ) .
Ask students to consider if a similar way of thinking would be right under other circumstances .
For example , would it be acceptable to hurt someone because they are short , have brown eyes , or are left-handed ?
Of course not .
Just as these traits aren ’ t good reasons to take advantage of others , species isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following examples of speciesism and ask them to think of times they ’ ve experienced speciesism in their lives : • The idea of eating a dog absolutely breaks people ’ s hearts and sounds barbaric , yet they ’ ll eat a cow , a chicken , a turkey , or a pig without thinking twice .
• Some cities—or states , like California—don ’ t allow fur to be sold there , yet wool is still sold in these places even though using animals for fur and wool is equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold fundraisers to help certain species ( like dogs , cats , and rabbits ) have a better life , while serving food made out of the dead bodies of other species ( like pigs , chickens , and cows ) .
Although this is done with good intentions , it can confuse the people attending and prevent farmed animals from getting the help they need .
• The thought of drinking cat ’ s or dog ’ s milk is seen as more disgusting than drinking cow ’ s milk—even though all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like humans , they make milk for just one reason : to nourish their own young .
• Wearing the skin of a dog or cat would freak most people out , yet many wear shoes made of cow skin ( aka “ leather ” ) without thinking twice .
Remind students that whenever they ’ re assessing the validity of any kind of media , it ’ s important to ask the following questions : • Who created this content ?
Why ?
• What is the source of the creator ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” group funding the creation of this content ?
• What do the creators of this content have to gain from its success ?
Who might be hurt by it ?
• How old is this content ?
What have we as a society learned since its creation ?
• Who is being excluded from this content ?
Why ?
Thinking critically and asking questions about the media they consume is just one of the many ways we can teach our students to challenge the assumptions they ’ ve held about animals for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps toward rejecting speciesism .
Students who are taught empathy for animals tend to demonstrate empathy for their peers , so by incorporating lessons in compassion , respect , and equality for all living beings—regardless of their species—into your curriculum , you ’ ll be broadening your students ’ understanding of social justice .
Is speciesism justifiable ?
Have students craft an argument using TeachKind ’ s debate kit :

From the time we’re young, most humans are conditioned to view certain species as worthy of care and compassion and others as unworthy—all based on arbitrary human preferences. Intentionally or not, parents, teachers, the media, and other influences send children the message that puppies and kittens are friends, cows and chickens are food, and rats and mice are pests. Most children are also taught that human desires, needs, and interests always trump those of any other species. This is called speciesism, the misguided belief that one species is more important than another, and it results in all kinds of negative consequences.
But although most of us were taught to think that way, speciesism can also be unlearned. After all, we aren’t born with an innate understanding of this human-made hierarchy of species. Speciesism is a social construct, much like racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and other harmful forms of discrimination designed to benefit those in power. In other words, through education, we can teach ourselves and our students to recognize and reject speciesism, starting with the media we consume. Use the following lesson to help students in grades 6 through 12 unlearn speciesism and acknowledge animals’ rights and to address the following Common Core Learning Standards for Speaking & Listening:
Grades 6–8 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
Grades 9–10 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
Grades 11–12 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
If you’re teaching virtually, students can still complete the activities using popular online conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype. If these tools aren’t available to you, you could have students respond to the discussion questions in an online forum, such as Google Classroom. Designate a time frame during which students are to post their responses. Then, have them give a thoughtful reply to at least three of their classmates’ posts. Continue reading for more tips on adapting this lesson for distance learning.
Warm-Up
Have students watch the following video of a young girl explaining to her mother why she refuses to eat animals.
Use these questions to discuss the video as a class:
What are some of the reasons why the girl refuses eat animals?
Answer: She says she doesn’t want to eat them “because they’re animals and I like animals.” She later says, “I know [humans] like to eat animals … but that’s not nice.”
Answer: She says she doesn’t want to eat them “because they’re animals and I like animals.” She later says, “I know [humans] like to eat animals … but that’s not nice.” What is the girl’s response when her mother asks what she’ll do if she misses “eating chicken and meat”?
Answer: She emphatically says, “I don’t miss eating chicken and meat.”
Answer: She emphatically says, “I don’t miss eating chicken and meat.” What is the girl’s response when her mother asks her if she’ll eat fish?
Answer: She asks if fish are animals, to which her mother says yes. The girl then says, “I won’t eat [them], either.”
Answer: She asks if fish are animals, to which her mother says yes. The girl then says, “I won’t eat [them], either.” Why do you think the girl is so upset? Do you remember when you first learned that animals were killed for food? How did it make you feel?
Answer: The girl feels empathy* for animals and doesn’t want to participate in hurting them—she hadn’t realized that eating meat causes animals to suffer and die, so she’s upset upon learning this. Answers to the remaining questions will vary based on student experience, but encourage students to try and recall what it was like to learn that the types of animals they grew up reading about in story books and watching in their favorite television shows were killed so that humans could eat them.
Answer: The girl feels empathy* for animals and doesn’t want to participate in hurting them—she hadn’t realized that eating meat causes animals to suffer and die, so she’s upset upon learning this. Answers to the remaining questions will vary based on student experience, but encourage students to try and recall what it was like to learn that the types of animals they grew up reading about in story books and watching in their favorite television shows were killed so that humans could eat them. Do you think a child who doesn’t want to eat animals should be forced to? Why or why not?
Answer: These will vary based on student experience. If the “health benefits” of consuming meat are brought up, point out that the American Dietetic Association concludes that vegetarian or vegan eating is “healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”
*You can define empathy as “the ability to understand how someone else feels in a certain situation.” For example, the girl in the video has never been killed and eaten, but she’s able to imagine how horrible that must be for animals—she’s able to empathize with them.
There are many other thought-provoking videos showing young children explaining why they refuse to eat animals. If there’s time, you and your students can check out a few here.
Before the Discussion
Divide students into four groups or create four separate threads in your online forum of choice. Assign each group one of the following animals:
Cows
Pigs
Chickens
Fish
Have each group find three to five examples of advertisements for foods made of or using their assigned animal. If you’re teaching virtually, give students at least a couple of days to find and gather their examples. The ads may be in print or digital format. Here are some examples:
A poster in a grocery store advertising cow’s milk
A banner or sidebar on a webpage advertising a bacon breakfast sandwich at a fast-food chain
An online video advertising eggs
A page in a magazine advertising frozen breaded fish sticks
During the Discussion
In their groups, have students go through the Media Education Foundation’s steps for deconstructing an advertisement. Have them answer the questions provided as well as the following questions.
Step 1: Make Observations
Does the ad feature your group’s assigned animal? (For example, an ad for milk may show cows grazing in a meadow.) If so, how are they depicted?
Answer: These will vary based on the ad.
Answer: These will vary based on the ad. What claims does the ad make (about taste, health, sustainability, etc.), either using words or images?
Possible answer: The ad claims that a company’s eggs are “great-tasting” and “farm fresh.” Images of a mom, an elderly couple, and young athletes preparing or eating eggs in a variety of dishes suggest that eggs are convenient, healthy, and versatile.
Step 2: Determine the Purpose of the Ad
Who created the ad? Why?
Possible answer: The company that produces the fish sticks created this ad to persuade customers to buy its product. In some cases, it may not be clear who created the ad. This is important for students to note in their discussion.
Possible answer: The company that produces the fish sticks created this ad to persuade customers to buy its product. In some cases, it may not be clear who created the ad. This is important for students to note in their discussion. Who does the ad most appeal to? How?
Possible answers: Kids, teens, parents, or people who are health conscious. Ads may use celebrities, characters, or specific phrases and images to appeal to a certain audience.
Step 3: Determine the Assumptions the Ad Makes and the Messages It Sends
What assumption does the ad make about animals? Are these assumptions realistic? Why or why not? Do these assumptions reinforce or challenge stereotypes about animals?
Answers: These will vary based on the ad. Possible answers could be: Cows willingly give humans their milk. Fish don’t feel pain. If students are struggling with this question, it may be because their assumptions about animals are so deeply engrained that they don’t recognize them as assumptions but rather believe them to be facts. Encourage students to talk about this question with their group, and spend extra time discussing responses as a class.
Step 4: Consider the Possible Consequences of These Messages
Would you change the ad to address the consequences of its messages? If so, how?
Answers: These will vary based on the ad. Encourage students to review their answers to the other questions in this step and consider how they might change the ad to promote social change and make it more socially responsible.
After the Discussion
Have each group pick one ad to share with the class—ideally the one that sparked the most discussion among members. Have a spokesperson from each group brief the class on the group’s responses to the discussion questions above, noting any disagreements or relevant observations that members had. If you’re teaching virtually, have each group work together to write a brief summary of their discussion and post it to the main thread. Have students from other groups post thoughtful responses.
Next, have students read “Down on the Farm: Where Meat, Eggs, and Milk Come From” mini books and answer the questions at the end. Discuss responses as a class.
It’s important to point out to students that cows, pigs, chickens, and fish are not the only animals who are raised and killed so that humans can eat their flesh, milk, or eggs. An estimated 245 million turkeys are raised and killed for their flesh every year in the U.S. More than 31 million ducks are killed each year for their flesh and for cruelly obtained foie gras. Ask students to make a list of other animals humans eat. Make it clear that regardless of the species or how they’re raised and killed, no sentient being wants to die.
In their groups, have students analyze the ad that they presented to the class, now knowing what animals raised and killed for food often endure. Ask them to consider why advertisers depict animals in picturesque pastures rather than in slaughterhouses—or don’t depict them at all. Introduce students to the idea of the “absent referent,” a concept explored by Carol J. Adams in The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory. Define the absent referent as “the death of the animal whose place the meat takes.” In other words, when someone refers to their meal as “a hamburger” as opposed to “cow flesh,” the absent referent is the cow who was killed. Meat-eaters use the absent referent—often unknowingly—to avoid making the connection between the food that they consume and the living, feeling individual who died and became meat. Ask each group to determine whether their ad has an absent referent, and if so, have them identify it.
You may wish to expand your discussion of the absent referent into a full lesson on the psychological phenomenon known as cognitive dissonance and “the meat paradox.” While a lesson about this can be uncomfortable, it can be used very effectively in the classroom to help students reflect on, understand, and change their own beliefs and behavior. Studies show that cognitive dissonance can be used to foster prosocial behavior and promote change.
To close the conversation, discuss the following questions as a class:
As a consumer, do you expect companies to tell you the truth about their products? Why or why not?
Should misleading ads be banned, or should consumers be responsible for doing their own research about the products they purchase?
How can you as a consumer make sure that the products you purchase are ethical?
Point out to students that the meat, dairy, and egg industries are just three of many that use speciesism to make money by using and abusing animals. Define speciesism as “the idea that humans can treat some animals one way and others a different way simply based on their species” (which, of course, is wrong). Ask students to consider if a similar way of thinking would be right under other circumstances. For example, would it be acceptable to hurt someone because they are short, have brown eyes, or are left-handed? Of course not. Just as these traits aren’t good reasons to take advantage of others, species isn’t, either. Provide students with the following examples of speciesism and ask them to think of times they’ve experienced speciesism in their lives:
The idea of eating a dog absolutely breaks people’s hearts and sounds barbaric, yet they’ll eat a cow, a chicken, a turkey, or a pig without thinking twice.
Some cities—or states, like California—don’t allow fur to be sold there, yet wool is still sold in these places even though using animals for fur and wool is equally cruel and wrong.
Animal shelters hold fundraisers to help certain species (like dogs, cats, and rabbits) have a better life, while serving food made out of the dead bodies of other species (like pigs, chickens, and cows). Although this is done with good intentions, it can confuse the people attending and prevent farmed animals from getting the help they need.
The thought of drinking cat’s or dog’s milk is seen as more disgusting than drinking cow’s milk—even though all these animals are other species and, like humans, they make milk for just one reason: to nourish their own young.
Wearing the skin of a dog or cat would freak most people out, yet many wear shoes made of cow skin (aka “leather”) without thinking twice.
Remind students that whenever they’re assessing the validity of any kind of media, it’s important to ask the following questions:
Who created this content? Why?
What is the source of the creator’s information? Is a “hidden” group funding the creation of this content?
What do the creators of this content have to gain from its success? Who might be hurt by it?
How old is this content? What have we as a society learned since its creation?
Who is being excluded from this content? Why?
*****
Thinking critically and asking questions about the media they consume is just one of the many ways we can teach our students to challenge the assumptions they’ve held about animals for much of their lives and to take steps toward rejecting speciesism. Students who are taught empathy for animals tend to demonstrate empathy for their peers, so by incorporating lessons in compassion, respect, and equality for all living beings—regardless of their species—into your curriculum, you’ll be broadening your students’ understanding of social justice.
Is speciesism justifiable? Have students craft an argument using TeachKind’s debate kit: