petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-18--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals

Nevada County , Calif. – Because the Jones fire is threatening areas in Nevada County and evacuations are underway , animals must be kept indoors and will die if abandoned .
Residents in areas affected by smoke and falling ash should keep animals indoors and avoid all outdoor activities , such as running with dogs .
If visibility is less than 5 miles , smoke has compromised the air quality and reached unsafe levels .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help , should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
Trapped horses and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

For Immediate Release:
September 10, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Butte County, Calif. – Because the North Complex fire is threatening areas across Butte County and evacuation warnings are in place, 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--2020-08-18--‘Too Hot for Spot and Tot’: Urgent Hot-Weather Safety Tips From PETA

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

For Immediate Release:
August 18, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Edmond, Okla. – As temperatures remain high across the country and amid reports that a 3-year-old girl died in a hot car in Edmond, PETA is taking action with an ad campaign, “Too Hot for Spot and Tot,” warning people never to leave dogs or children in parked cars on hot days. Even a “quick” errand can turn fatal, since social distancing because of COVID-19 extends store wait times and prolongs errands and forgetfulness—being distracted by running into a friend, taking a phone call, or otherwise being delayed—can take a vulnerable life.
This year, 19 children and at least 25 dogs and cats have died from heat-related causes. PETA suggests doing the following in order to safeguard humans and animals:
Never leave anyone inside a hot vehicle. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside. If you see an animal and/or a child left alone inside a car, call local humane authorities or 911 immediately and remain on the scene until the situation has been resolved. If authorities are unresponsive or too slow and a life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness who will back up your assessment before carefully removing the child or animal from the car and carrying them into the shade. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in these life-or-death situations.
and remain on the scene until the situation has been resolved. If authorities are unresponsive or too slow and a life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness who will back up your assessment before carefully removing the child or animal from the car and carrying them into the shade. for help with intervening in these life-or-death situations. To treat an animal suffering from suspected heatstroke, wrap a cool, wet towel around the head and neck without covering the eyes, nose, or mouth and wring out, resoak, and reapply it every few minutes. Pour lukewarm water over his or her body, and wipe excess water away, especially from the abdomen and between the hind legs. When authorities arrive, ensure that the animal is taken to a veterinarian for further care.
Law-enforcement officials across the country are also warning people of the dangers of hot weather. “Every year, we alert people to the danger of leaving children or pets inside cars in the summer,” says Chief of Police James R. Kruger Jr. from Oak Brook, Illinois. “The temperature inside a vehicle climbs approximately 43 degrees in just an hour. The loss of a defenseless animal in this manner is avoidable and should never happen. There is no reason to take your pet out in extreme heat without adequate air conditioning and water.”
Anyone who leaves a child or an animal to bake to death in a vehicle could face felony charges.
For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-18--5 Reasons to Love Alpacas (Not Cut Them Up or Wear Their Fleece)

What is an alpaca ?
They ’ re actually quite remarkable animals .
( Duh ! )
And just as acclaimed author Gene Stone and PETA President Ingrid Newkirk tell us in Animalkind , there are many important “ ways to show them compassion.
” So absorb these notable alpaca facts and discover the one simple thing that we can all do to show these vulnerable animals kindness : • None What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca ?
Alpacas are a mix of vicunas ( a South American member of the camel family ) and llamas—they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are raised so that their fleece can be violently sheared off their bodies , made into sweaters and scarves , and sold by companies such as Anthropologie .
Like “ designer ” dogs inbred at the expense of their own health and tiger/lion hybrids bred to suffer for an exhibitor ’ s quick buck , alpacas were created by greedy humans looking to profit from fleece that isn ’ t theirs to take .
• None Our animal companions and alpacas are more similar than you might think .
Like cats with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their business just anywhere—they have a designated place where they relieve themselves .
Those in a herd all use the same “ bathroom ” area , much like certain lemurs and other animals , which can help control the spread of parasites .
“ Are alpacas dangerous ?
” No—just like our canine friends , alpacas can be described as docile , gentle , curious , and social .
Some can be shy and timid .
For alpacas , it ’ s the humans raising and shearing them who are dangerous .
Alpacas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meowing , too : humming .
They hum to communicate with their herd and express their emotions .
• None Alpaca moms carry their cria ( or baby ) for roughly 355 days .
An expectant alpaca has a gestation period of 11 to 11.5 months .
Alpacas give birth to one baby—called a cria—at a time .
Like many mothers , alpaca moms are very protective of their young , who typically nurse for six to eight months .
In the fleece industry , expectant alpacas are seen merely as hair-producing pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the alpaca industry , PETA ’ s undercover investigation showed pregnant alpacas slammed onto tables , all just for sweaters , scarves , or balls of yarn .
• None Just like us , alpacas feel fear .
“ Why do alpacas spit ?
” is a commonly asked question about the animal .
Like camels , they often spit because they ’ re distressed—typically , when they feel threatened .
When they feel that they ’ re in danger , alpacas may shriek , too .
PETA ’ s investigation exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to fear .
At Mallkini—the world ’ s largest privately owned alpaca farm in Peru—workers hit , kicked , tied down , and mutilated crying alpacas .
Able to hear , smell , and see what was happening , other alpacas huddled together in fear .
Restraint is highly distressing to alpacas , who are prey animals and fear that they ’ re about to be killed .
At Mallkini , terrified alpacas cried out , spit , and vomited in fear as workers grabbed them by the ears .
• None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their fleece ?
Alpacas at Mallkini and other similar farms are right to be fearful .
Just like sheep used for their wool , cows used for their milk , and chickens used for their eggs , once alpacas used for their hair are no longer wanted for their coats , many are slaughtered for food .
Alpacas Need Our Help The best thing that you can do for alpacas is refuse to buy anything made of their fleece !
It ’ s easy to check the label when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ alpaca , ” leave it on the shelf .
Please also ask Anthropologie to drop alpaca items immediately in favor of animal-friendly materials : We should all always strive to be the compassionate humans alpacas—our fellow living , feeling beings—deserve .
They , like all other animals , deserve to coexist with us in peace .
Impress your friends : Order a copy of Animalkind and show off your animal trivia skills !
End Speciesism With a Little Help From a Book That ’ s the ‘ Best of All Time ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services LLC Associates Program , an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com .

What is an alpaca? They’re actually quite remarkable animals. (Duh!) And just as acclaimed author Gene Stone and PETA President Ingrid Newkirk tell us in Animalkind, there are many important “ways to show them compassion.” So absorb these notable alpaca facts and discover the one simple thing that we can all do to show these vulnerable animals kindness:
What is the difference between a llama and an alpaca?
Alpacas are a mix of vicunas (a South American member of the camel family) and llamas—they’re “human-made” animals who are raised so that their fleece can be violently sheared off their bodies, made into sweaters and scarves, and sold by companies such as Anthropologie.
Like “designer” dogs inbred at the expense of their own health and tiger/lion hybrids bred to suffer for an exhibitor’s quick buck, alpacas were created by greedy humans looking to profit from fleece that isn’t theirs to take.
Our animal companions and alpacas are more similar than you might think.
Like cats with their litterboxes, alpacas don’t do their business just anywhere—they have a designated place where they relieve themselves. Those in a herd all use the same “bathroom” area, much like certain lemurs and other animals, which can help control the spread of parasites.
“Are alpacas dangerous?” No—just like our canine friends, alpacas can be described as docile, gentle, curious, and social. Some can be shy and timid. For alpacas, it’s the humans raising and shearing them who are dangerous.
Alpacas have their own version of barking or meowing, too: humming. They hum to communicate with their herd and express their emotions.
Alpaca moms carry their cria (or baby) for roughly 355 days.
An expectant alpaca has a gestation period of 11 to 11.5 months. Alpacas give birth to one baby—called a cria—at a time. Like many mothers, alpaca moms are very protective of their young, who typically nurse for six to eight months.
In the fleece industry, expectant alpacas are seen merely as hair-producing pieces of equipment. In a first-ever exposé of the alpaca-fleece industry, PETA’s undercover investigation showed pregnant alpacas slammed onto tables, all just for sweaters, scarves, or balls of yarn.
Just like us, alpacas feel fear.
“Why do alpacas spit?” is a commonly asked question about the animal. Like camels, they often spit because they’re distressed—typically, when they feel threatened. When they feel that they’re in danger, alpacas may shriek, too.
PETA’s investigation exposed how alpacas used for their fleece have much to fear. At Mallkini—the world’s largest privately owned alpaca farm in Peru—workers hit, kicked, tied down, and mutilated crying alpacas. Able to hear, smell, and see what was happening, other alpacas huddled together in fear.
Restraint is highly distressing to alpacas, who are prey animals and fear that they’re about to be killed. At Mallkini, terrified alpacas cried out, spit, and vomited in fear as workers grabbed them by the ears.
True or false: Alpacas are killed for their fleece?
Alpacas at Mallkini and other similar farms are right to be fearful. Just like sheep used for their wool, cows used for their milk, and chickens used for their eggs, once alpacas used for their hair are no longer wanted for their coats, many are slaughtered for food.
Alpacas Need Our Help
The best thing that you can do for alpacas is refuse to buy anything made of their fleece! It’s easy to check the label when you’re shopping. If it includes the word “alpaca,” leave it on the shelf. Please also ask Anthropologie to drop alpaca items immediately in favor of animal-friendly materials:
Take Action for Alpacas
We should all always strive to be the compassionate humans alpacas—our fellow living, feeling beings—deserve. They, like all other animals, deserve to coexist with us in peace.
Impress your friends: Order a copy of Animalkind and show off your animal trivia skills!
End Speciesism With a Little Help From a Book That’s the ‘Best of All Time’
As an Amazon Associate, PETA earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy something after clicking the Amazon links on this page, a percentage of the qualifying purchase will be donated to PETA and help us protect more animals from exploitation.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--10 Facts Reveal How North Carolina’s Meat Industry Kills People of Color

The Environmental Working Group ’ s ( EWG ) extensive analysis of new and expanding farms in North Carolina makes one thing clear : The Tar Heel State ’ s meat industry doesn ’ t give a damn about people of color .
Disproportionately , Black , brown , and Indigenous people in North Carolina have long suffered as a result of the enormous quantities of animal waste and its stench in their communities .
The overwhelming amount of feces and liquid waste threatens their water and affects their health .
Here are 10 revelations from the EWG showing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetuates environmental racism : 1 .
The EWG revealed that in less than a decade , corporations added 30 million chickens and turkeys to Duplin , Sampson , and Robeson counties—where people of color make up over 57 % of the residents .
2 .
These predominantly Black , Native American , and Latino counties already house 4.5 million pigs , which is over half the state ’ s total .
3 .
From 2012 to 2019 , North Carolina increased the amount of chickens and turkeys by 17 % , excluding Duplin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those three counties , that number swells to 36 % .
4 .
In Robeson County , farmers now raise 24 million chickens and turkeys—an 80 % increase in just eight years .
These millions of living , breathing individuals are crammed together in filthy , dank sheds .
5 .
According to the EWG , “ The growing population of chickens and turkeys in the three counties could produce one million tons of waste each year—almost one-fifth of all estimated poultry waste statewide ” [ emphasis added ] .
6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina ’ s meat-industry operations found a “ linear relationship between race/ethnicity [ of residents within 3 miles of industrial hog operations ] and … density of hogs.
” 7 .
It took a civil rights lawsuit to regulate the amount of animal waste that pig farms can spray over communities of color .
Despite new air- and water-monitoring practices for pig farms , the state has allowed an exponential increase in poultry farms into these same counties with little or no regulatory oversight .
8 .
Environmental regulators often don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much animal waste is sprayed over crop fields by poultry farms .
It ’ s apparent that the meat industry feels that it can treat communities of color like its own dumping grounds .
9 .
According to a Duke University study , North Carolinians who live near industrial pig farms have a higher rate of mortality from several health conditions than other residents in the state .
These include anemia , kidney disease , bacterial infection , and tuberculosis .
10 .
In general , communities affected by filthy pig farms suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infant mortality .
Children who go to school near these operations reportedly have higher cases of wheezing and asthma .
Anyone surprised by the environmental racism that ’ s perpetrated by the meat industry hasn ’ t been paying attention .
The meat industry doesn ’ t care about animals , the Earth , or your health .
It only cares about profit—so much so that it will kill for it .
Everyone can take a stand against the meat industry by living vegan .
Order a free vegan starter kit from PETA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentor .
You can make a real difference and save nearly 200 animals a year—simply by not eating them !

The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) extensive analysis of new and expanding farms in North Carolina makes one thing clear: The Tar Heel State’s meat industry doesn’t give a damn about people of color.
Disproportionately, Black, brown, and Indigenous people in North Carolina have long suffered as a result of the enormous quantities of animal waste and its stench in their communities. The overwhelming amount of feces and liquid waste threatens their water and affects their health.
Here are 10 revelations from the EWG showing that the North Carolina pig and poultry industry perpetuates environmental racism:
1. The EWG revealed that in less than a decade, corporations added 30 million chickens and turkeys to Duplin, Sampson, and Robeson counties—where people of color make up over 57% of the residents.
2. These predominantly Black, Native American, and Latino counties already house 4.5 million pigs, which is over half the state’s total.
3. From 2012 to 2019, North Carolina increased the amount of chickens and turkeys by 17%, excluding Duplin, Sampson, and Robeson counties. For those three counties, that number swells to 36%.
4. In Robeson County, farmers now raise 24 million chickens and turkeys—an 80% increase in just eight years. These millions of living, breathing individuals are crammed together in filthy, dank sheds.
5. According to the EWG, “The growing population of chickens and turkeys in the three counties could produce one million tons of waste each year—almost one-fifth of all estimated poultry waste statewide” [emphasis added].
To protect the health of all North Carolinians, especially those who already bear disproportionate burdens, the state must address the rampant proliferation of poultry CAFOs. Explore “Exposing Fields of Filth,” the latest report we released with @ewg: https://t.co/1voS90lI8I — Waterkeeper Alliance (@Waterkeeper) July 30, 2020
6. An Environmental Protection Agency review of North Carolina’s meat-industry operations found a “linear relationship between race/ethnicity [of residents within 3 miles of industrial hog operations] and … density of hogs.”
7. It took a civil rights lawsuit to regulate the amount of animal waste that pig farms can spray over communities of color. Despite new air- and water-monitoring practices for pig farms, the state has allowed an exponential increase in poultry farms into these same counties with little or no regulatory oversight.
8. Environmental regulators often don’t know where, when, or how much animal waste is sprayed over crop fields by poultry farms. It’s apparent that the meat industry feels that it can treat communities of color like its own dumping grounds.
9. According to a Duke University study, North Carolinians who live near industrial pig farms have a higher rate of mortality from several health conditions than other residents in the state. These include anemia, kidney disease, bacterial infection, and tuberculosis.
10. In general, communities affected by filthy pig farms suffer from higher rates of death, including infant mortality. Children who go to school near these operations reportedly have higher cases of wheezing and asthma.
Anyone surprised by the environmental racism that’s perpetrated by the meat industry hasn’t been paying attention. The meat industry doesn’t care about animals, the Earth, or your health. It only cares about profit—so much so that it will kill for it.
Everyone can take a stand against the meat industry by living vegan. Order a free vegan starter kit from PETA. You can make a real difference and save nearly 200 animals a year—simply by not eating them!


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Texas A&M Faces Second Lawsuit Over Facebook, YouTube Censorship

PETA Challenges School 's Deletion of Comments About Cruel Muscular Dystrophy Experiments on Dogs College Station , Texas – PETA has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas A & M University ( TAMU ) challenging the school ’ s deletion of comments on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel during its graduation ceremonies in the spring , which were held virtually in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
TAMU manually deleted visitor comments associated with PETA ’ s high-profile campaign against its muscular dystrophy experiments on golden retrievers and other dogs .
This lawsuit follows one brought by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and manual deletion of posts and comments on its Facebook page .
As a result of that groundbreaking lawsuit , TAMU agreed not to discriminate against its critics on the basis of their viewpoint on its social media pages , an agreement that PETA now alleges it has violated .
“ How and when a government-operated social media account becomes a ‘ public forum ’ is a critically important free speech issue , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo .
“ Texas A & M is violating its own social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its cruel experiments on dogs.
” PETA ’ s latest lawsuit argues that TAMU ’ s Facebook page constitutes a public forum and that the school ’ s censorship represents viewpoint- , content- , and speaker-based discrimination , which is a violation of PETA ’ s constitutional right to free speech .
The group is again represented , in part , by attorneys with the Electronic Frontier Foundation ( EFF ) , a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the privacy and free speech rights of all people in the digital era .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when agencies and officials block comments they don ’ t like or disagree with , ” says EFF Civil Liberties Director David Greene .
“ And the rights of all readers are affected when the government manipulates its social media pages to make it appear that its policies and practices are universally embraced , rather than widely condemned.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —has released eyewitness video footage showing that dogs who were deliberately bred to develop a crippling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling to walk , swallow , and even breathe .
These experiments have continued for 37 years , and no cure for the disease has been found .
For more information , please visit PETA.org/TAMU or EFF.org .

PETA Challenges School's Deletion of Comments About Cruel Muscular Dystrophy Experiments on Dogs
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
College Station, Texas – PETA has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas A&M University (TAMU) challenging the school’s deletion of comments on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel during its graduation ceremonies in the spring, which were held virtually in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic. TAMU manually deleted visitor comments associated with PETA’s high-profile campaign against its muscular dystrophy experiments on golden retrievers and other dogs.
This lawsuit follows one brought by PETA against TAMU over the automatic filtering and manual deletion of posts and comments on its Facebook page. As a result of that groundbreaking lawsuit, TAMU agreed not to discriminate against its critics on the basis of their viewpoint on its social media pages, an agreement that PETA now alleges it has violated.
“How and when a government-operated social media account becomes a ‘public forum’ is a critically important free speech issue,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “Texas A&M is violating its own social media policy because it can’t defend its cruel experiments on dogs.”
PETA’s latest lawsuit argues that TAMU’s Facebook page constitutes a public forum and that the school’s censorship represents viewpoint-, content-, and speaker-based discrimination, which is a violation of PETA’s constitutional right to free speech. The group is again represented, in part, by attorneys with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the privacy and free speech rights of all people in the digital era.
“Our First Amendment rights are infringed when agencies and officials block comments they don’t like or disagree with,” says EFF Civil Liberties Director David Greene. “And the rights of all readers are affected when the government manipulates its social media pages to make it appear that its policies and practices are universally embraced, rather than widely condemned.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—has released eyewitness video footage showing that dogs who were deliberately bred to develop a crippling and painful form of muscular dystrophy are left struggling to walk, swallow, and even breathe. These experiments have continued for 37 years, and no cure for the disease has been found.
For more information, please visit PETA.org/TAMU or EFF.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Struggling Bowling Alley to Score Some Funds From PETA?

Pro-Vegan 'Spare Animals ' Ad That Replaces Whole Gutter Top With a Gaping Mouth Could Help Keep Local Bowling Alleys in Good Financial Health Honolulu – As Leeward Bowl and Pali Lanes have closed temporarily and many bowling alleys are struggling to stay in business amid state COVID-19 regulations , PETA sent a letter this morning offering to help by paying to run a pro-vegan ad above the pin decks when the bowling alleys reopen .
PETA points out that confining and killing animals for food has caused COVID-19 , avian flu , swine flu , and SARS—and that eating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including heart disease , diabetes , and cancer .
“ To save animals , prevent future pandemics , and safeguard our own health , going vegan is like bowling a 300 , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA staff love bowling almost as much as they love promoting delicious , healthy , and humane vegan meals.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—also encourages Leeward Bowl and Pali Lanes to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burgers , and crispy soy tenders .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .
PETA ’ s letter to Leeward Bowl follows .
The group ’ s similar letter to Pali Lanes is available upon request .
Aloha !
I ’ m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) in response to the news that , like many bowling alleys , Leeward Bowl has temporarily closed because of COVID-19 guidelines .
We have an offer that could score you some funding : We ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ad that reads , “ Spare Animals .
Get Your Health out of the Gutter !
Go Vegan .
PETA , ” above the pin deck when you reopen .
As you may know , the novel coronavirus originated at a live-animal market where animals are crammed together and sold for human consumption .
Pathogens flourish on filthy factory farms and in slaughterhouses and animal markets worldwide , making such places perfect breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and deadly viruses .
In addition to the high risk of contamination from pathogens—including E. coli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiber and is packed with artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol .
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , vegans reduce their risk of developing diabetes by 62 % , their chance of being hospitalized for a heart attack by 33 % , their risk of suffering from heart disease by 29 % , and their risk of developing cancer by 18 % .
A vegan diet is also linked to a decrease in the risk of suffering from obesity , since vegans are about 18 % thinner and 10 to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their meat-eating counterparts .
Consuming meat , eggs , and dairy has long been known to be unhealthy and unnecessary , and the current COVID-19 crisis is just one more reason why we , as a society , need to aim higher .
We also urge you to serve vegan foods—such as pizza with dairy-free cheese , the vegan Beyond Burger , Yves Veggie Dogs , and Gardein Crispy Tenders—at your grill .
I look forward to hearing from you to get the ball rolling on this win-win offer .
Thank you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Pro-Vegan 'Spare Animals' Ad That Replaces Whole Gutter Top With a Gaping Mouth Could Help Keep Local Bowling Alleys in Good Financial Health
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Honolulu – As Leeward Bowl and Pali Lanes have closed temporarily and many bowling alleys are struggling to stay in business amid state COVID-19 regulations, PETA sent a letter this morning offering to help by paying to run a pro-vegan ad above the pin decks when the bowling alleys reopen.
PETA points out that confining and killing animals for food has caused COVID-19, avian flu, swine flu, and SARS—and that eating animals is linked to deadly health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
“To save animals, prevent future pandemics, and safeguard our own health, going vegan is like bowling a 300,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA staff love bowling almost as much as they love promoting delicious, healthy, and humane vegan meals.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—also encourages Leeward Bowl and Pali Lanes to offer vegan foods like dairy-free nachos, veggie burgers, and crispy soy tenders.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Leeward Bowl follows. The group’s similar letter to Pali Lanes is available upon request.
August 19, 2020
Richard Akimoto
Owner
Leeward Bowl
Dear Mr. Akimoto,
Aloha! I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in response to the news that, like many bowling alleys, Leeward Bowl has temporarily closed because of COVID-19 guidelines. We have an offer that could score you some funding: We’d like to pay to place this eye-catching ad that reads, “Spare Animals. Get Your Health out of the Gutter! Go Vegan. PETA,” above the pin deck when you reopen.
As you may know, the novel coronavirus originated at a live-animal market where animals are crammed together and sold for human consumption. Pathogens flourish on filthy factory farms and in slaughterhouses and animal markets worldwide, making such places perfect breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria and deadly viruses. In addition to the high risk of contamination from pathogens—including E. coli, campylobacter, and salmonella—meat contains no fiber and is packed with artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans reduce their risk of developing diabetes by 62%, their chance of being hospitalized for a heart attack by 33%, their risk of suffering from heart disease by 29%, and their risk of developing cancer by 18%. A vegan diet is also linked to a decrease in the risk of suffering from obesity, since vegans are about 18% thinner and 10 to 20 pounds lighter, on average, than their meat-eating counterparts.
Consuming meat, eggs, and dairy has long been known to be unhealthy and unnecessary, and the current COVID-19 crisis is just one more reason why we, as a society, need to aim higher. We also urge you to serve vegan foods—such as pizza with dairy-free cheese, the vegan Beyond Burger, Yves Veggie Dogs, and Gardein Crispy Tenders—at your grill. I look forward to hearing from you to get the ball rolling on this win-win offer. Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Urgent From PETA: Cruel—and Criminal—to Leave Dogs in Hot Cars in Toledo

Toledo , Ohio – Following recent reports that a dog was left inside a hot car in Toledo , PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of never leaving animals in hot vehicles .
Twenty-five animals have already died this year from heat-related causes , and because COVID-19 is prolonging store wait times and errands , PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths .
On a 78-degree day , the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes , and on a 90-degree day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes .
Dogs , who don ’ t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting , can rapidly succumb to heatstroke , even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open , which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside .
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty .
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather : • Keep animals indoors , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hot outside .
Unlike humans , dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting , so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
• Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle .
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars , and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temperature inside the car .
PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations .
• Avoid hot pavement .
When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s , asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees , causing pain , burns , and permanent damage to dogs ’ paws after just a few minutes of contact .
Walk dogs on grass whenever possible , and avoid walking in the middle of the day .
Never run with dogs in hot weather—they ’ ll collapse before giving up , at which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save them .
PETA has released a hot-car public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Toledo, Ohio – Following recent reports that a dog was left inside a hot car in Toledo, PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of never leaving animals in hot vehicles. Twenty-five animals have already died this year from heat-related causes, and because COVID-19 is prolonging store wait times and errands, PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside.
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:
Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately. Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. for help with intervening in life-or-death situations. Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.
PETA has released a hot-car public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Urgent From PETA: Cruel—and Criminal—to Leave Dogs in Hot Cars in Clermont County

Clermont County , Ohio – Following recent reports that a puppy had to be rescued from a hot car in Clermont County , PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of never leaving animals in hot vehicles .
Twenty-five animals have already died this year from heat-related causes , and because COVID-19 is prolonging store wait times and errands , PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths .
On a 78-degree day , the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes .
Dogs , who don ’ t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting , can rapidly succumb to heatstroke , even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open , which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside .
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty .
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather : • Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home when it ’ s hot outside .
Unlike humans , dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting , so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
• Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle .
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars , and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car .
PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations .
• Avoid hot pavement .
When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s , asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees , causing pain , burns , and permanent damage to dogs ’ paws after just a few minutes of contact .
Walk dogs on grass whenever possible , and avoid walking in the middle of the day .
Never run with dogs in hot weather—they ’ ll collapse before giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be too late to save them .
PETA has released a hot-car public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Clermont County, Ohio – Following recent reports that a puppy had to be rescued from a hot car in Clermont County, PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of never leaving animals in hot vehicles. Twenty-five animals have already died this year from heat-related causes, and because COVID-19 is prolonging store wait times and errands, PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside.
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:
Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately. Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. for help with intervening in life-or-death situations. Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.
PETA has released a hot-car public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals in Penticton

Penticton , B.C .
– Because the Mount Christie fire is threatening areas near Penticton 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 fire .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Penticton, B.C. – Because the Mount Christie fire is threatening areas near Penticton 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 fire. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Urgent From PETA: Wildfire Survival Tips for Animals in California

Norfolk , Va. – Because the LNU Lightning Complex fire is threatening areas in Solano , Napa , and Sonoma counties 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been alerted to PETA ’ s wildfire survival tips include Solano , Napa , and Sonoma , CA .

For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – Because the LNU Lightning Complex fire is threatening areas in Solano, Napa, and Sonoma counties 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.
Counties that have been alerted to PETA’s wildfire survival tips include Solano, Napa, and Sonoma, CA.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Pepperoni Price War Prompts Vegan Offer to Local Pizzerias

PETA Will Buy the First Round—if Charlie 's Pizza House , R-Pizza Use Meat-Free Meat Yankton and Vermillion , S.D .
– Following reports of a pepperoni price spike caused by COVID-19 , PETA sent letters this morning to two local pizza parlors affected by the shortage , urging them to use vegan pepperoni and cheese instead of the meat and dairy versions and offering to send a supply of the animal-free toppings to get them started .
“ Considering other aspects of the pandemic , such as that zoonotic diseases may originate in live-animal markets and on factory farms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to rethink the pie and make it vegan , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA is encouraging pizzerias to pivot to plants and leave meat and dairy toppings in the past.
” Blood- and offal-soaked factory farms and slaughterhouses in the U.S. are every bit as filthy as China ’ s “ wet markets , ” all of them breeding grounds for disease .
Swine flu , bird flu , SARS , and now COVID-19 have all been linked to eating animals—and a new strain of swine flu with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from pigs to humans in China .
The meat industry has allowed slaughterhouse workers to face a nearly unchecked spread of COVID-19 .
In addition , vegans have a reduced risk of suffering from heart attacks , diabetes , obesity , cancer , and strokes than meat-eaters do—plus , they each save nearly 200 animals a year and maintain a smaller carbon footprint .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—recently purchased stock in major U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce and pack exclusively vegan meats .
The group has rounded up a long list , available here , of all the pizza chains currently offering healthy and humane vegan options .
PETA ’ s letters to R-Pizza owner Brandon King and Charlie ’ s Pizza House manager Nick Johnson are available upon request .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Will Buy the First Round—if Charlie's Pizza House, R-Pizza Use Meat-Free Meat
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Yankton and Vermillion, S.D. – Following reports of a pepperoni price spike caused by COVID-19, PETA sent letters this morning to two local pizza parlors affected by the shortage, urging them to use vegan pepperoni and cheese instead of the meat and dairy versions and offering to send a supply of the animal-free toppings to get them started.
“Considering other aspects of the pandemic, such as that zoonotic diseases may originate in live-animal markets and on factory farms, the national pepperoni shortage is an opportunity to rethink the pie and make it vegan,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is encouraging pizzerias to pivot to plants and leave meat and dairy toppings in the past.”
Blood- and offal-soaked factory farms and slaughterhouses in the U.S. are every bit as filthy as China’s “wet markets,” all of them breeding grounds for disease. Swine flu, bird flu, SARS, and now COVID-19 have all been linked to eating animals—and a new strain of swine flu with “pandemic potential” is now spreading from pigs to humans in China. The meat industry has allowed slaughterhouse workers to face a nearly unchecked spread of COVID-19.
In addition, vegans have a reduced risk of suffering from heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and strokes than meat-eaters do—plus, they each save nearly 200 animals a year and maintain a smaller carbon footprint.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—recently purchased stock in major U.S. and Canadian slaughter companies to urge them to produce and pack exclusively vegan meats. The group has rounded up a long list, available here, of all the pizza chains currently offering healthy and humane vegan options.
PETA’s letters to R-Pizza owner Brandon King and Charlie’s Pizza House manager Nick Johnson are available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Reward of Up to $5,000 Offered in Fatal Puppy-Abuse Case

PETA Joins Police in Search for Culprit ( s ) Who Apparently Starved Dog , Taped His Mouth Shut , and Abandoned Him Adrian , Mich. – 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 ) responsible for abusing Brave , an emaciated 10-week-old pit bull mix who was discovered in McFarland Park on July 24 .
Police transferred the dog—who was so weak that he could barely stand or keep his eyes open—to the Lenawee Humane Society , which found wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his muzzle had been taped shut .
Despite emergency veterinary care , he died .
“ This puppy should have been loved and cared for , but instead , someone apparently taped his mouth shut and starved him until he was little more than skin and bones , ” says PETA Vice President Colleen O ’ Brien .
“ PETA is asking for the public ’ s help in identifying this dog and holding his abusers responsible for mistreating and abandoning him.
” “ There has been an outcry from the community about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the person held accountable , ” Gary Ward of the Lenawee County Sheriff ’ s Office tells PETA .
“ We encourage anyone who knows anything to come forward.
” Anyone with information about this case should contact Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County at p3tips.com/431 or at 517-266-6161 or 1-877-276-8477 .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview that fosters violence toward other animals .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Joins Police in Search for Culprit(s) Who Apparently Starved Dog, Taped His Mouth Shut, and Abandoned Him
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Adrian, Mich. – 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) responsible for abusing Brave, an emaciated 10-week-old pit bull mix who was discovered in McFarland Park on July 24. Police transferred the dog—who was so weak that he could barely stand or keep his eyes open—to the Lenawee Humane Society, which found wounds around Brave’s mouth indicating that his muzzle had been taped shut. Despite emergency veterinary care, he died.
“This puppy should have been loved and cared for, but instead, someone apparently taped his mouth shut and starved him until he was little more than skin and bones,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is asking for the public’s help in identifying this dog and holding his abusers responsible for mistreating and abandoning him.”
“There has been an outcry from the community about this case, and the people here want the person held accountable,” Gary Ward of the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office tells PETA. “We encourage anyone who knows anything to come forward.”
Anyone with information about this case should contact Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County at p3tips.com/431 or at 517-266-6161 or 1-877-276-8477.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview that fosters violence toward other animals. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--‘The One and Only Ivan’ Is Already Winning Awards—From PETA!

Groundbreaking New Disney+ Film Tackles Wild-Animal Exploitation With Digitally Created Gorillas , Elephants , Dogs , and More Los Angeles – A Free the Animals Award is on its way from PETA to Disney , which uses animal-friendly computer-generated imagery ( CGI ) to tell the story of Ivan and Ruby , a gorilla and an elephant held captive at a shopping mall , in The One and Only Ivan , which premieres on Disney+ this Friday .
“ This is a story about liberation—you can ’ t tell that story by exploiting real animals , ” The One and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike White exclusively tells PETA .
“ CGI is the only humane way to depict animals , and one look at Ivan ’ s face proves that we didn ’ t lose an ounce of realism.
” “ Countless wild animals just like Ivan and Ruby are trapped behind bars in Hollywood training compounds , in circuses , and at roadside zoos across the country , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange .
“ PETA thanks Disney for shining a spotlight on their suffering and showing filmmakers how to tell important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wild animals used by the entertainment industry are separated from their mothers shortly after birth and denied everything that ’ s natural and important to them .
PETA investigations and law enforcement probes into animal suppliers for the film and TV industries have revealed deplorable conditions , whippings , and deaths .
And at roadside zoos and other facilities like the shopping mall in The One and Only Ivan , animals are put on display in cramped , barren enclosures ; denied adequate veterinary care ; and forced to perform tricks or endure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show signs of extreme psychological distress , such as endlessly pacing or swaying back and forth .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—previously recognized the use of CGI to portray animals in The Jungle Book , Rise of the Planet of the Apes , The Walking Dead , and Noah , among other productions .
PETA operates a hotline for Hollywood whistleblowers at PETA.org/Report .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

Groundbreaking New Disney+ Film Tackles Wild-Animal Exploitation With Digitally Created Gorillas, Elephants, Dogs, and More
For Immediate Release:
August 19, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Los Angeles – A Free the Animals Award is on its way from PETA to Disney, which uses animal-friendly computer-generated imagery (CGI) to tell the story of Ivan and Ruby, a gorilla and an elephant held captive at a shopping mall, in The One and Only Ivan, which premieres on Disney+ this Friday.
“This is a story about liberation—you can’t tell that story by exploiting real animals,” The One and Only Ivan screenwriter and longtime PETA pal Mike White exclusively tells PETA. “CGI is the only humane way to depict animals, and one look at Ivan’s face proves that we didn’t lose an ounce of realism.”
“Countless wild animals just like Ivan and Ruby are trapped behind bars in Hollywood training compounds, in circuses, and at roadside zoos across the country,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA thanks Disney for shining a spotlight on their suffering and showing filmmakers how to tell important stories about animals without exploiting them.”
Wild animals used by the entertainment industry are separated from their mothers shortly after birth and denied everything that’s natural and important to them. PETA investigations and law enforcement probes into animal suppliers for the film and TV industries have revealed deplorable conditions, whippings, and deaths. And at roadside zoos and other facilities like the shopping mall in The One and Only Ivan, animals are put on display in cramped, barren enclosures; denied adequate veterinary care; and forced to perform tricks or endure excessive handling for photo ops. Many show signs of extreme psychological distress, such as endlessly pacing or swaying back and forth.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—previously recognized the use of CGI to portray animals in The Jungle Book, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Walking Dead, and Noah, among other productions.
PETA operates a hotline for Hollywood whistleblowers at PETA.org/Report. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--After 7+ Years in a Chain-Link Prison, Mingo Is Living Her Best Life

Have you ever seen chain-link pens for sale at your local feed-and-seed store and wondered about the sad lives of the unfortunate animals forced to live in them ?
Well , PETA fieldworkers don ’ t have to imagine it : For seven years , they visited a sweet golden retriever mix named Mingo who was never allowed to leave a 6-foot-by-10-foot box : That ’ s a PETA doghouse Mingo is perched on in the photo above—its weathered appearance is mute testimony to the length of time she was confined on that depressing patch of dirt .
The few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , treats , straw bedding , fresh water , scratches behind the ears , and more—were mostly supplied by PETA fieldworkers , who repeatedly pleaded with her owner to free Mingo from her chain-link prison cell , to no avail .
It wasn ’ t until Mingo ’ s health began to decline that her owner finally relented and gave PETA permission to give her a chance at a better life .
Her freedom almost came too late : A veterinary exam revealed that she ’ s suffering from heartworm disease and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the heartworms are treatable , Mingo ’ s liver disease may be terminal—but she has no idea she ’ s living on borrowed time .
In her new home with the PETA fieldworker who negotiated her release , she ’ s celebrating every day like it ’ s as precious as a peanut butter biscuit .
She ’ s inhaling the sweet smell of freshly mown grass .
( It ’ s much nicer , she reports , than the urine-saturated and feces-littered muck she was surrounded by before . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She ’ s mock wrestling with her new brother and chasing him around the yard as if she were only 2 years old , not over 10 !
She ’ s indulging her passion for collecting blankets and towels ( including those worn by her guardians when they emerge from the shower ) .
Last but not least , she ’ s reveling in open-window car rides and sniffing the breeze as it tousles her golden locks .
“ Adopt a Senior Pet ” Month is still months away , but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long to make the golden years the happiest ones for a deserving senior cat or dog like Mingo .

Have you ever seen chain-link pens for sale at your local feed-and-seed store and wondered about the sad lives of the unfortunate animals forced to live in them? Well, PETA fieldworkers don’t have to imagine it: For seven years, they visited a sweet golden retriever mix named Mingo who was never allowed to leave a 6-foot-by-10-foot box:
That’s a PETA doghouse Mingo is perched on in the photo above—its weathered appearance is mute testimony to the length of time she was confined on that depressing patch of dirt.
The few comforts she had during those long years—toys, treats, straw bedding, fresh water, scratches behind the ears, and more—were mostly supplied by PETA fieldworkers, who repeatedly pleaded with her owner to free Mingo from her chain-link prison cell, to no avail.
It wasn’t until Mingo’s health began to decline that her owner finally relented and gave PETA permission to give her a chance at a better life.
Her freedom almost came too late: A veterinary exam revealed that she’s suffering from heartworm disease and what is suspected to be early-stage liver cancer.
While the heartworms are treatable, Mingo’s liver disease may be terminal—but she has no idea she’s living on borrowed time. In her new home with the PETA fieldworker who negotiated her release, she’s celebrating every day like it’s as precious as a peanut butter biscuit.
She’s inhaling the sweet smell of freshly mown grass. (It’s much nicer, she reports, than the urine-saturated and feces-littered muck she was surrounded by before.)
She’s roll-roll-rolling on the carpet.
And then rolling on it some more.
She’s making new friends, including fellow PETA rescued dog Edith.
She’s mock wrestling with her new brother and chasing him around the yard as if she were only 2 years old, not over 10!
She’s indulging her passion for collecting blankets and towels (including those worn by her guardians when they emerge from the shower).
Last but not least, she’s reveling in open-window car rides and sniffing the breeze as it tousles her golden locks.
“Adopt a Senior Pet” Month is still months away, but we hope you won’t wait that long to make the golden years the happiest ones for a deserving senior cat or dog like Mingo.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Animal Rights Take Center Stage in Disney’s ‘The One and Only Ivan’

What ’ s one of the only good things to come out of 2020 so far ?
Disney ’ s The One and Only Ivan !
The latest project from writer , actor , director , and longtime friend to animals Mike White is chock-full of powerful animal rights messaging .
Adapted from the award-winning book of the same name , Ivan tells the story of a silverback gorilla ( named Ivan , in case that wasn ’ t clear ) and his escape from exploitation after being kidnapped from his natural habitat .
Along the way , he meets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be free .
Check out the stunning computer-generated imagery ( CGI ) in Ivan ‘ s trailer , and be sure to stream the film on Disney+ starting August 21 : Below are just a few reasons why Ivan is a must-see for people of all ages who appreciate animals .
It has anti-exploitation messaging : The film ’ s theme is deeply rooted in the idea of “ home ” —in particular , what home means for animals “ living ” in roadside attractions and circuses .
According to the film ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a baby elephant recently separated from her family in the wild , he begins to “ question his life , where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be.
” Wild animals belong in their natural habitat or , if that ’ s not possible , in expansive sanctuaries—not stuck in cramped cages , forced to perform for human entertainment .
Ivan explores these themes and paints animals as individuals who have their own wants and needs and deserve respect .
It uses CGI animals : From a gorilla ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elephant ( voiced by Angelina Jolie ) to a seal ( voiced by Mike White ) , the animals portrayed in Ivan are CGI , once again showing the world that technology is both stunningly lifelike and the only humane way to depict animals on screen .
When live animals are used in films and television , they are often forced to “ live ” inside cramped , filthy cages and deprived of exercise and enrichment .
Many are even taken from their mothers as babies , which is another theme explored in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest : PETA loves a good protest , as it ’ s frequently one of the best tactics to inform the public and draw media attention to issues of animal exploitation .
In Ivan , activists protest outside the mall to call for Ruby ’ s and Ivan ’ s release and speak out against circuses ( “ Big Top Must Stop ” is a favorite slogan of ours ) .
It reminds us of that time we took down Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus after decades of powerful protests : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very own demo to speak up for animal rights !
There was kindness in the writers ’ room : We have longtime PETA supporter White to thank for expertly adapting author Katherine Applegate ’ s beautiful story for the silver screen—or is it silver stream ?
—and amplifying her strong message of animal liberation for millions to enjoy .
White has incorporated animal rights themes into many of his past projects , including Beatriz at Dinner and Year of the Dog .
The HBO series Enlightened , which White co-created and starred in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kindness and even featured a guest appearance by PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange .
PETA is honoring Disney with a Free the Animals Award for using animal-friendly CGI to tell Ivan and Ruby ’ s story of escape from exploitation .
We hope the award will remind Disney and other studios that CGI is the only humane way to tell stories about animals on the big screen .
Hopefully Ivan will inspire kindness to animals suffering in places like roadside zoos , circuses , and training compounds for film and TV—including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploited in The Wolf of Wall Street , advertisements , and other publicity stunts by the Rosaires , a notorious circus family .
This 11-year-old chimpanzee has been forced to perform in a circus-style show for years at Big Cat Habitat , a roadside zoo in Florida .
How You Can Help Support films and TV shows that use CGI instead of real wild animals and avoid ones that exploit them .
You can also report that animals are being used and abused in films and on TV at PETA.org/Report .

What’s one of the only good things to come out of 2020 so far? Disney’s The One and Only Ivan!
The latest project from writer, actor, director, and longtime friend to animals Mike White is chock-full of powerful animal rights messaging. Adapted from the award-winning book of the same name, Ivan tells the story of a silverback gorilla (named Ivan, in case that wasn’t clear) and his escape from exploitation after being kidnapped from his natural habitat. Along the way, he meets many other animals who also long to be free.
Check out the stunning computer-generated imagery (CGI) in Ivan‘s trailer, and be sure to stream the film on Disney+ starting August 21:
Below are just a few reasons why Ivan is a must-see for people of all ages who appreciate animals.
It has anti-exploitation messaging: The film’s theme is deeply rooted in the idea of “home”—in particular, what home means for animals “living” in roadside attractions and circuses. According to the film’s description, when Ivan meets Ruby, a baby elephant recently separated from her family in the wild, he begins to “question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be.” Wild animals belong in their natural habitat or, if that’s not possible, in expansive sanctuaries—not stuck in cramped cages, forced to perform for human entertainment. Ivan explores these themes and paints animals as individuals who have their own wants and needs and deserve respect.
“This is a story about liberation—you can’t tell that story by exploiting real animals. CGI is the only humane way to depict animals and one look at Ivan’s face proves that we didn’t lose an ounce of realism.” —The One and Only Ivan screenwriter Mike White
It uses CGI animals: From a gorilla (voiced by Sam Rockwell) to an elephant (voiced by Angelina Jolie) to a seal (voiced by Mike White), the animals portrayed in Ivan are CGI, once again showing the world that technology is both stunningly lifelike and the only humane way to depict animals on screen. When live animals are used in films and television, they are often forced to “live” inside cramped, filthy cages and deprived of exercise and enrichment. Many are even taken from their mothers as babies, which is another theme explored in Ivan.
Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2020 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
It highlights the power of protest: PETA loves a good protest, as it’s frequently one of the best tactics to inform the public and draw media attention to issues of animal exploitation. In Ivan, activists protest outside the mall to call for Ruby’s and Ivan’s release and speak out against circuses (“Big Top Must Stop” is a favorite slogan of ours). It reminds us of that time we took down Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus after decades of powerful protests:
Learn how to organize and lead your very own demo to speak up for animal rights!
There was kindness in the writers’ room: We have longtime PETA supporter White to thank for expertly adapting author Katherine Applegate’s beautiful story for the silver screen—or is it silver stream?—and amplifying her strong message of animal liberation for millions to enjoy. White has incorporated animal rights themes into many of his past projects, including Beatriz at Dinner and Year of the Dog. The HBO series Enlightened, which White co-created and starred in, also touched on treating animals with kindness and even featured a guest appearance by PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange.
A life being forced to perform in the circus is no life at all. PETA awarded @Disney’s #TheOneAndOnlyIvan a #FreeTheAnimals Award for using CGI instead of wild animals to tell the story of animals escaping exploitation!@IvanMovie is on @disneyplus 8/21. https://t.co/W73mbuGtMI pic.twitter.com/xoFjIzi67m — PETA (@peta) August 19, 2020
PETA is honoring Disney with a Free the Animals Award for using animal-friendly CGI to tell Ivan and Ruby’s story of escape from exploitation. We hope the award will remind Disney and other studios that CGI is the only humane way to tell stories about animals on the big screen.
Hopefully Ivan will inspire kindness to animals suffering in places like roadside zoos, circuses, and training compounds for film and TV—including those like Chance, a chimpanzee used and exploited in The Wolf of Wall Street, advertisements, and other publicity stunts by the Rosaires, a notorious circus family. This 11-year-old chimpanzee has been forced to perform in a circus-style show for years at Big Cat Habitat, a roadside zoo in Florida.
How You Can Help
Support films and TV shows that use CGI instead of real wild animals and avoid ones that exploit them. You can also report that animals are being used and abused in films and on TV at PETA.org/Report.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-19--Primates Are Suffering in a Fake Sanctuary—Take Action Now!

Primates Are Suffering in a Fake Sanctuary—Take Action Now !
While the Suncoast Primate `` Sanctuary '' in Palm Harbor , Florida , bills itself as a `` safe haven , '' its numerous animal welfare violations tell a different story .
Even though license revocations are extremely rare , the U.S. Department of Agriculture yanked the facility 's exhibitor 's license in 1999 .
It took nine years for the granddaughter of the original owners to get a permit to reopen the facility , previously called the Chimp Farm , under the current misleading name .
Then in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one seriously injured a volunteer .
Footage and eyewitness accounts from Suncoast show lonely primates in small concrete cages with algae-covered toys and blankets .
Without enrichment and socialization , primates can quickly become distressed , engaging in abnormal repetitive behavior .
These conditions have landed Suncoast on PETA 's roadside zoo blacklist .
Orangutans are one of humans ' closest relatives , sharing 97 % of our DNA—in fact , their name means `` human of the forest '' in Malay .
They live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build nests high in the canopy for sleeping .
The concrete cells at Suncoast are inhumane , and imprisoning orangutans and other animals in this way is a form of speciesism—a human-supremacist worldview .
Please urge Debbie Cobb , Suncoast 's owner , to send these primates to real , accredited sanctuaries , where they can finally get the care that they desperately need .

While Suncoast Primate “Sanctuary” in Palm Harbor, Florida, bills itself as a “safe haven,” its numerous animal welfare violations tell a different story.
Even though license revocations are extremely rare, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yanked the facility’s exhibitor’s license in 1999. It took nine years for the granddaughter of the original owners to get a permit to reopen the facility, previously called the Chimp Farm, under the current misleading name. Then in 2010, two chimpanzees at Suncoast escaped and one seriously injured a volunteer, which resulted in a fine.
On November 7, 2022, a black-capped capuchin named Jack escaped from his enclosure and was missing for 24 hours before being recaptured. After PETA reported the escape to the USDA, the agency conducted an inspection and issued the roadside zoo numerous citations for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act, including two critical citations—one for the loose capuchin and another for not having an attending veterinarian to properly care for the animals—along with citations for subjecting animals to “heavily soiled” feeding tubes; enclosures with rust, chipping paint, untethered fencing, and sharp edges of metallic piping; and dangerous “enrichment” items that were cracked and broken.
Footage and eyewitness accounts from Suncoast show lonely primates in small concrete cages with algae-covered toys and blankets. Without enrichment and socialization, primates can quickly become distressed, engaging in abnormal repetitive behavior. These conditions have landed Suncoast on PETA’s roadside zoo blacklist. The concrete cells at Suncoast are inhumane, and imprisoning orangutans and other animals in this way is a form of speciesism—a human-supremacist worldview.
Please send polite comments to Suncoast at [email protected] urging the facility to send these primates to real, accredited sanctuaries, where they can finally get the care that they desperately need
Send Polite Comments to Suncoast Primate Sanctuary
Please feel free to use our sample letter, but remember that using your own words is always more effective.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-08-20--Joaquin Phoenix: The Vegan Joker in Defense of Animals (Grades 6-12)

The following activities are based on a lesson created by Maru Vigo , a high school Spanish teacher in Arizona and one of the winners of TeachKind ’ s 2012 Teacher Appreciation Contest .
Teachers : Have students read the following passage about Joaquin Phoenix , why he chose to adopt a vegan lifestyle , and how he ’ s using his fame to help animals .
You could also have students take turns reading the passage aloud in class .
Actor Joaquin Phoenix , star of the award-winning 2019 thriller Joker , put a lot of work into transforming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Award for his performance in the film ’ s leading role .
Similarly , he put a lot of effort into transforming his own life into one filled with empathy and has consequently been able to help many animals .
Phoenix ’ s performance as the Joker , DC Comics ’ iconic character , is one of the many memorable roles that have made him a Hollywood favorite .
He has said that playing that role was challenging because of the psychological commitment involved in becoming such a dark , complex , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he made to playing this complicated role wasn ’ t as decisive as the experience that made him go vegan at the age of 4 .
And he has repeatedly shown that his fame doesn ’ t detract from his commitment to living a vegan lifestyle—in fact , he uses his success to raise more awareness for animals .
Why He Went Vegan In an interview with the website Collider , Phoenix shared his vivid memory of the experience that inspired him and his family members to adopt a vegan lifestyle back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young child : Really it was seeing these fish being killed when I was on a boat as a kid .
They were catching fish , and I guess to stun them they were throwing them against the side of the boat .
I just had a profound strong reaction .
It felt like a real injustice .
It wasn ’ t just me , it was my siblings [ too ] … .
I don ’ t know how to explain it .
I think it made me distrustful , and angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just thought it was such a gross abuse of power in a way .
I think that during that moment we knew that we were not going to eat meat anymore .
We said to our parents , “ Why didn ’ t you tell us ?
” It ’ s amazing .
I remember my mom ’ s face , I remember her crying .
She didn ’ t know how to answer .
It became very obvious we weren ’ t going to eat meat anymore .
Phoenix adopted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his family , after this experience and has been a strong advocate for animals ever since .
He has since helped animal rights groups such as PETA with various campaigns aiming to protect animals and their rights .
His story will help others think about the effects of the meat industry ( one of the most harmful industries of all , when it comes to the environment ) , which produces 14.5 % of greenhouse gas emissions .
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that animal agriculture is the single largest source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scientists , methane is much more effective at trapping heat in our atmosphere than carbon dioxide or other gases , which means that it contributes to climate change .
But a vegan lifestyle can provide hope .
Experts have studied the possible effects that veganism could have on the planet and have concluded that by going vegan , we could cut greenhouse gases from food production nearly in half—as well as cutting land use for food production by 76 % .
That means that by choosing to eat less or no animal-derived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phoenix and his family have , we can all make a difference for animals and help fight climate change .
Phoenix continues to help animals , using his fame to draw attention to animal issues .
In September 2019 , just before the release of Joker , he appeared on PETA billboards in busy Times Square in New York City and on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that read , “ We Are All Animals.
” The ad urges people to “ live vegan ” and help “ end speciesism , ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed inferior to humans .
By appearing in such a powerful ad in such busy metropolitan areas , he was able to capitalize on the buzz of his upcoming movie in order to bring attention to an important issue close to his heart : animal rights .
This isn ’ t the first time that PETA and Phoenix have worked together .
He ’ s appeared in pro-vegan ads , advocated against the wool industry , and even narrated PETA ’ s undercover footage of dogs killed in the leather industry .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Person of the Year in 2019 for his lifelong dedication to ending speciesism .
All these accomplishments are really just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the many positive actions that Phoenix has taken for animals .
By directing attention to important animal rights issues at the height of his fame and success , he ’ s raising awareness and helping to guide people toward a lifestyle that doesn ’ t contribute to animal abuse or the destruction of the environment .
Have students look up the meaning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context in the passage above , and write a sentence using each of them .
Have students write synonyms of the following words : Have students write antonyms of the following words : Have students write their answers for the following questions .
• When Joaquin Phoenix says that his role in the Joker movie was a challenge , what does he mean ?
• Why does he say that he had to make a psychological commitment to take on this role ?
• What would be one benefit if the entire planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident on the fishing boat when Phoenix was a child , why didn ’ t his mother know what to say to him ?
• What does it mean to have a vivid memory of something or somebody ?
• What is the meaning of the phrase “ drop in the bucket ” in the context of that passage ?
• How does having someone like Phoenix appear in an ad help a social justice cause like animal rights ?
• What does the acronym PETA stand for ?
Ask students to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to support their views using details from the text .
Guide the discussion using the following questions .
• Why do you think comics are so important in popular culture ?
• In the 1960s , the Joker was just a buffoon who wanted to reveal Batman ’ s identity .
but over the years , the character has become darker and more violent .
Why do you think this has happened ?
If you haven ’ t seen any movies featuring the Joker , can you think of any other famous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time ?
• Do you believe violent movies promote or intensify real violence ?
• In your opinion , are today ’ s children able to distinguish between reality and fiction ?
• Coulrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of clowns and mimes .
The prefix “ coulro ” comes from the Greek language and means “ one who walks on stilts ” —in the past , clowns and jesters used stilts .
Why do you think some people might suffer from this phobia ?
• Besides not wanting animals to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have for going vegan ?
• Based on what you ’ ve learned , can it be said that Joaquin Phoenix is an artist committed to his principles ?
Why or why not ?
• Do you think it ’ s contradictory for a vegan actor to play a part in a movie that depicts violence ?
• What other examples of speciesism can you think of besides using animals for food ?
• What are some steps that individuals can take to eliminate speciesism in our society ?
Looking for more ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films ?
TeachKind is here to help :

The following activities are based on a lesson created by Maru Vigo, a high school Spanish teacher in Arizona and one of the winners of TeachKind’s 2012 Teacher Appreciation Contest.
Spanish-language educators: This lesson plan is available here in Spanish.
Part 1: Reading
Teachers: Have students read the following passage about Joaquin Phoenix, why he chose to adopt a vegan lifestyle, and how he’s using his fame to help animals. You could also have students take turns reading the passage aloud in class.
Actor Joaquin Phoenix, star of the award-winning 2019 thriller Joker, put a lot of work into transforming into this character—and ultimately won an Academy Award for his performance in the film’s leading role. Similarly, he put a lot of effort into transforming his own life into one filled with empathy and has consequently been able to help many animals.
StarMaxInc.com
Phoenix’s performance as the Joker, DC Comics’ iconic character, is one of the many memorable roles that have made him a Hollywood favorite. He has said that playing that role was challenging because of the psychological commitment involved in becoming such a dark, complex, and mysterious character.
But the commitment that he made to playing this complicated role wasn’t as decisive as the experience that made him go vegan at the age of 4. And he has repeatedly shown that his fame doesn’t detract from his commitment to living a vegan lifestyle—in fact, he uses his success to raise more awareness for animals.
Why He Went Vegan
In an interview with the website Collider, Phoenix shared his vivid memory of the experience that inspired him and his family members to adopt a vegan lifestyle back in 1977, when we was a very young child:
Really it was seeing these fish being killed when I was on a boat as a kid. They were catching fish, and I guess to stun them they were throwing them against the side of the boat. I just had a profound strong reaction. It felt like a real injustice. It wasn’t just me, it was my siblings [too] …. I don’t know how to explain it. I think it made me distrustful, and angry, and frightened of … humanity. I just thought it was such a gross abuse of power in a way. I think that during that moment we knew that we were not going to eat meat anymore. We said to our parents, “Why didn’t you tell us?” It’s amazing. I remember my mom’s face, I remember her crying. She didn’t know how to answer. It became very obvious we weren’t going to eat meat anymore.
Phoenix adopted a vegan lifestyle, as did other members of his family, after this experience and has been a strong advocate for animals ever since. He has since helped animal rights groups such as PETA with various campaigns aiming to protect animals and their rights.
His story will help others think about the effects of the meat industry (one of the most harmful industries of all, when it comes to the environment), which produces 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that animal agriculture is the single largest source of methane emissions in the U.S.—and according to scientists, methane is much more effective at trapping heat in our atmosphere than carbon dioxide or other gases, which means that it contributes to climate change.
But a vegan lifestyle can provide hope. Experts have studied the possible effects that veganism could have on the planet and have concluded that by going vegan, we could cut greenhouse gases from food production nearly in half—as well as cutting land use for food production by 76%. That means that by choosing to eat less or no animal-derived foods, such as meat, as Phoenix and his family have, we can all make a difference for animals and help fight climate change.
How He’s Helping Animals Today
Phoenix continues to help animals, using his fame to draw attention to animal issues. In September 2019, just before the release of Joker, he appeared on PETA billboards in busy Times Square in New York City and on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that read, “We Are All Animals.” The ad urges people to live vegan and help end speciesism, which is a bias against other animals wrongly deemed inferior to humans.
“When we look at the world through another animal’s eyes, we have to realize that inside we’re all the same—and so we all deserve to live free from suffering,” says Phoenix.
By appearing in such a powerful ad in such busy metropolitan areas, he was able to capitalize on the buzz of his upcoming movie in order to bring attention to an important issue close to his heart: animal rights.
Most recently, in August 2020, Phoenix appeared in a PETA print campaign to raise awareness of cruelty to animals on farms and to empower fans to take action for animals from their own homes by going vegan. In addition to appearing in the ad, Phoenix narrated a PETA investigation exposing a Walmart egg supplier whose workers were caught on video abusing hens.
“There’s so much pain in the world that we are powerless over, but being party to animal suffering is not one of them,” Phoenix says
By using his image to bring attention to the suffering of chickens on this Ohio egg farm, Phoenix appeals directly to consumers, urging them to think about the impact that their choices have on animals’ lives.
These aren’t the only times that PETA and Phoenix have worked together. He’s appeared in pro-vegan ads, advocated against the wool industry, and even narrated PETA’s undercover footage of dogs killed in the leather industry. In fact, he was named PETA’s Person of the Year in 2019 for his lifelong dedication to ending speciesism.
All these accomplishments are really just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the many positive actions that Phoenix has taken for animals. By directing attention to important animal rights issues at the height of his fame and success, he’s raising awareness and helping to guide people toward a lifestyle that doesn’t contribute to animal abuse or the destruction of the environment.
Part 2: Vocabulary
Have students look up the meaning of the following words, refer to their context in the passage above, and write a sentence using each of them.
decisive (adjective)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
detract (verb)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
metropolitan (adjective)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
methane (noun)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
advocate (noun)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Part 3: Synonyms and Antonyms
Have students write synonyms of the following words:
commitment _________________________ inspire _________________________ protect _________________________ capitalize _________________________ bias _________________________
Have students write antonyms of the following words:
abuse _________________________ conclude _________________________ profound _________________________ suffering _________________________ injustice _________________________
Part 4: Comprehension Questions
Have students write their answers for the following questions.
When Joaquin Phoenix says that his role in the Joker movie was a challenge, what does he mean?
Why does he say that he had to make a psychological commitment to take on this role?
What would be one benefit if the entire planet were to go vegan?
In the incident on the fishing boat when Phoenix was a child, why didn’t his mother know what to say to him?
What does it mean to have a vivid memory of something or somebody?
What is speciesism?
What is the meaning of the phrase “drop in the bucket” in the context of that passage?
How does having someone like Phoenix appear in an ad help a social justice cause like animal rights?
What are greenhouse-gas emissions?
What does the acronym PETA stand for?
Part 5: Classroom Discussion
Ask students to participate in a discussion about the reading and to support their views using details from the text. Guide the discussion using the following questions.
Why do you think comics are so important in popular culture? In the 1960s, the Joker was just a buffoon who wanted to reveal Batman’s identity. but over the years, the character has become darker and more violent. Why do you think this has happened? If you haven’t seen any movies featuring the Joker, can you think of any other famous comic book characters who have changed over time? Do you believe violent movies promote or intensify real violence? In your opinion, are today’s children able to distinguish between reality and fiction? Coulrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of clowns and mimes. The prefix “coulro” comes from the Greek language and means “one who walks on stilts”—in the past, clowns and jesters used stilts. Why do you think some people might suffer from this phobia? Besides not wanting animals to be exploited, what other reasons might people have for going vegan? Based on what you’ve learned, can it be said that Joaquin Phoenix is an artist committed to his principles? Why or why not? Do you think it’s contradictory for a vegan actor to play a part in a movie that depicts violence? What other examples of speciesism can you think of besides using animals for food? What are some steps that individuals can take to eliminate speciesism in our society?
*****
Looking for more ways to teach students about animal rights using films? TeachKind is here to help:
Instill Kindness to Animals Using Film