petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-09--Feds Cite Local Slaughterhouse for Animals’ Agonizing Deaths

PETA Issues Consumer Alert After Three Years of Persistent Violations at Jones Meat & Food Services , Inc. Rigby , Idaho – Damning federal reports of cruelty to animals documented at Jones Meat & Food Services , Inc. , has prompted PETA to issue a consumer advisory : Buying meat from the slaughterhouse ’ s local store supports an operation that has unlawfully shot pigs , a lamb , and a steer in the head and left animals to bleed and suffer for minutes before ending their pain .
The reports reveal the following : • On October 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to shoot a lamb with a rifle , a U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) agent saw that the animal was still conscious and bleeding from the head , nostrils , and mouth .
A second shot to the head finally rendered the lamb unconscious .
• On July 15 , a worker shot at a steer twice with a rifle , hitting him once in the head and leaving him conscious and crying out and kicking .
He suffered for three minutes before a third shot from a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In January 2018 , a worker shot a pig in the head with a captive bolt gun , which left the animal bleeding from the head and conscious until the employee shot the pig again with a rifle .
• In November 2017 , a USDA veterinarian found a pig who was bleeding from a hole in the skull trying to escape a restraining box .
Approximately two minutes passed before a worker shot the pig a second time .
“ Shoppers , beware : Meat sold by Jones Meat & Food Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ botched slaughters , ” says PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ The only sure way to keep cruelty off your shopping list is to go vegan , and PETA stands ready to help everyone make the switch.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—offers a free vegan starter kit filled with recipes and tips for making the transition .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

PETA Issues Consumer Alert After Three Years of Persistent Violations at Jones Meat & Food Services, Inc.
For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Rigby, Idaho – Damning federal reports of cruelty to animals documented at Jones Meat & Food Services, Inc., has prompted PETA to issue a consumer advisory: Buying meat from the slaughterhouse’s local store supports an operation that has unlawfully shot pigs, a lamb, and a steer in the head and left animals to bleed and suffer for minutes before ending their pain.
The reports reveal the following:
On October 20, after the slaughterhouse owner indicated that he was going to shoot a lamb with a rifle, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agent saw that the animal was still conscious and bleeding from the head, nostrils, and mouth. A second shot to the head finally rendered the lamb unconscious.
On July 15, a worker shot at a steer twice with a rifle, hitting him once in the head and leaving him conscious and crying out and kicking. He suffered for three minutes before a third shot from a larger caliber firearm finally stunned him.
In January 2018, a worker shot a pig in the head with a captive bolt gun, which left the animal bleeding from the head and conscious until the employee shot the pig again with a rifle.
In November 2017, a USDA veterinarian found a pig who was bleeding from a hole in the skull trying to escape a restraining box. Approximately two minutes passed before a worker shot the pig a second time.
“Shoppers, beware: Meat sold by Jones Meat & Food Services could come from animals who endured agonizing botched slaughters,” says PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch. “The only sure way to keep cruelty off your shopping list is to go vegan, and PETA stands ready to help everyone make the switch.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—offers a free vegan starter kit filled with recipes and tips for making the transition.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-09--PETA Wants Suspected California Wildfire Starter Investigated for Cruelty to Animals

The Dersch Fire Killed Countless Wild Animals—Group Says Cruelty Charges Must Not Also Be Lost in the Fire Shasta County , Calif. – This morning , PETA sent a letter urging the Shasta County district attorney to investigate and file appropriate cruelty-to-animals charges against Caleb Michael Eckert , who is scheduled for a November 10 plea disposition conference on charges that he faces in connection with a vehicle fire outside Anderson that reportedly sparked the Dersch fire in Northern California .
California law states that any person who causes an animal “ unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PETA notes in its letter , contributing to a wildfire that caused countless animals ’ horrific deaths should qualify .
“ When the Dersch fire swept through 133 acres of vegetation , an enormous number of wild animals undoubtedly experienced terrifying , agonizing deaths , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ The enforcement of cruelty-to-animals laws must not go up in smoke—the person responsible needs to be held accountable for violating California ’ s animal protection statutes.
” PETA made a similar request in September in the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire in Oregon—and that man now faces eight counts of first-degree animal abuse for “ unlawfully and recklessly and cruelly ” causing the deaths of a sheep , a canary , a lamb , a goldfish , chickens , and a raccoon .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

The Dersch Fire Killed Countless Wild Animals—Group Says Cruelty Charges Must Not Also Be Lost in the Fire
For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Shasta County, Calif. – This morning, PETA sent a letter urging the Shasta County district attorney to investigate and file appropriate cruelty-to-animals charges against Caleb Michael Eckert, who is scheduled for a November 10 plea disposition conference on charges that he faces in connection with a vehicle fire outside Anderson that reportedly sparked the Dersch fire in Northern California.
California law states that any person who causes an animal “unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering” is guilty of cruelty to animals—and as PETA notes in its letter, contributing to a wildfire that caused countless animals’ horrific deaths should qualify.
“When the Dersch fire swept through 133 acres of vegetation, an enormous number of wild animals undoubtedly experienced terrifying, agonizing deaths,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “The enforcement of cruelty-to-animals laws must not go up in smoke—the person responsible needs to be held accountable for violating California’s animal protection statutes.”
PETA made a similar request in September in the case of an accused arsonist connected to the Almeda fire in Oregon—and that man now faces eight counts of first-degree animal abuse for “unlawfully and recklessly and cruelly” causing the deaths of a sheep, a canary, a lamb, a goldfish, chickens, and a raccoon.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-09--Down-Free Vegan Pillows for Your Best Night of Sleep

Your pillow can mean the difference between a night of sleep that ’ s restful and one that leaves you in pain in the morning .
Whichever pillow type is right for you , there ’ s sure to be an option that doesn ’ t use birds ’ feathers—and we ’ ve compiled a list to help you find it .
All birds used for their down are inevitably sent to the slaughterhouse , where standard practice is to hang them upside down , stun them , and then slit their throats .
There ’ s nothing warm or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pillows , bedding , and coats supports this cruelty , which is why it ’ s important to choose non-animal materials such as cotton , polyester , bamboo , memory foam , and more .
Here are some picks for vegan pillows based on various sleeping styles and needs : The unique curved shape of this pillow makes it ideal for those who sleep on their side .
Zoma ’ s MicroCushions technology keeps this pillow from going flat , making it perfect for back sleepers who need a thinner pillow with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegan pillows are allergy-friendly and fluffy without using down .
The plush version of this one is ideal for stomach sleepers .
In general , supportive pillows help reduce migraine pain .
This firm pillow is certified organic and completely wool- and down-free .
Elevating the head can help relieve some symptoms of sleep apnea .
This one made of memory foam also has support for the head and neck .
The shredded memory foam filling in this pillow helps cradle the neck , so you wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s thin enough for stomach sleepers .
This shredded memory foam pillow can be extra-stuffed for increased thickness .
If you ’ re looking for fluffy , lightweight pillows , this hypoallergenic Tuft & Needle set is a good option .
It ’ s made with polyester fill instead of feathers that were painfully plucked from sensitive birds .
Vegan fabrics are paving the way to the future .
Make sure your wardrobe is as humane as your home , with our guide to vegan fashion : Note : PETA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program , an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com .

November 9, 2020 by Rebecca Maness Last Updated July 7, 2023. Publishedby
Your pillow can mean the difference between a night of sleep that’s restful and one that leaves you in pain in the morning. Whichever pillow type is right for you, there’s sure to be an option that doesn’t use birds’ feathers—and we’ve compiled a list to help you find it.
All birds used for their down are inevitably sent to the slaughterhouse, where standard practice is to hang them upside down, stun them, and then slit their throats. There’s nothing warm or cozy about the cruelty. Purchasing down pillows, bedding, and coats supports this cruelty, which is why it’s important to choose non-animal materials such as cotton, polyester, bamboo, memory foam, and more.
Here are some picks for vegan pillows based on various sleeping styles and needs:
For an All-Around Option: Pillow-Fight Knockout Original
We love Pillow-Fight’s down-free pillows because they can be customized and because the brand never uses bird feathers in any of its products. In fact, we love them so much that we gave the company a Compassionate Business Award! The Knockout Original’s vegan down fill can be adjusted to create the perfect plushness for anyone’s needs.
For Side Sleepers: Zoey Sleep Curve Pillow
The unique curved shape of this pillow makes it ideal for those who sleep on their side.
For Back Sleepers: Zoma Pillow
Zoma’s MicroCushions technology keeps this pillow from going flat, making it perfect for back sleepers who need a thinner pillow with a bit of support.
For Stomach Sleepers: Brooklinen Plush Down Alternative Pillow
Brooklinen’s vegan pillows are allergy-friendly and fluffy without using down. The plush version of this one is ideal for stomach sleepers.
© Brooklinen
For Migraine Sufferers: Avocado Green Pillow
In general, supportive pillows help reduce migraine pain. This firm pillow is certified organic and completely wool- and down-free.
For Sleep Apnea Sufferers: Cushy Form Wedge Pillow
Elevating the head can help relieve some symptoms of sleep apnea. This one made of memory foam also has support for the head and neck.
© Amazon
Pillow to Prevent Neck Pain: Sleepsia Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
The shredded memory foam filling in this pillow helps cradle the neck, so you wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Thin Pillow: Belly Sleep Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam makes this pillow firm, but it’s thin enough for stomach sleepers.
Thick Pillow: Coop The Original Pillow
This shredded memory foam pillow can be extra-stuffed for increased thickness.
If you’re looking for fluffy, lightweight pillows, this hypoallergenic Tuft & Needle set is a good option. It’s made with polyester fill instead of feathers that were painfully plucked from sensitive birds.
Nurses with experience in the fields of anti-aging and sleep wellness helped with the creation of this clean, natural latex option. You can’t do much better than a pillow that helps address skincare concerns while you sleep!
Pillow for Toddlers: Organic Toddler Pillow by Brentwood Home
This pillow has the perfect level of firmness to support your little one through their growth and development. It’s also sustainable, free of toxins, and free of pesticides.
Vegan fabrics are paving the way to the future. Make sure your wardrobe is as humane as your home, with our guide to vegan fashion:
How to Wear Vegan
Urge Urban Outfitters to Ditch Down in Pillows and All Other Products
Note: PETA participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide websites with a means to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-10--Former SeaWorld Site Should Include a Dolphin Memorial, Says PETA

Cleveland , Ohio – This afternoon , PETA dispatched a letter to Industrial Commercial Properties—the Cleveland-based property development firm that purchased the former SeaWorld Ohio property and has said that its design will “ pay homage to the history ” of the site—encouraging the company to do the right thing by including a memorial to the 10 dolphins who died prematurely at the park during its operation .
“ As this site embraces a future that ’ s free of animal abusement parks , the memory of the captive dolphins who lost their lives there mustn ’ t be lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ PETA is offering to help design a memorial that would pay tribute to their years of suffering and to the more than 100 dolphins who are still trapped in SeaWorld ’ s concrete tanks elsewhere.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com or PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) and our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide following the news that Industrial Commercial Properties bought the former SeaWorld Ohio property in Aurora .
As you transform this land for new businesses and homes while paying homage to its history , will you please include a memorial to ensure that the animal suffering and deaths at the abusement park won ’ t be forgotten ?
We ’ d be pleased to collaborate with you on such a project .
When SeaWorld Ohio was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligent and social animals to cramped , chemically treated tanks and deprived them of opportunities to swim far , dive deep , and choose their own mates .
Ten dolphins died during this time—many prematurely—from causes such as systemic infection , lung disease , and gastrointestinal disease .
While animals are no longer held captive at this location , hundreds of dolphins and other animals are still suffering at SeaWorld parks across the country .
Dolphins and whales are being forcibly impregnated—sometimes after being drugged—and used as breeding machines to create generations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squeezed into just seven small tanks , where they can ’ t escape attacks from other frustrated , aggressive animals .
In the midst of the global pandemic and growing awareness of injustice to others , people are searching their souls and examining their impact on society .
For most organizations , this societal reckoning includes reflecting on all the deeply disturbing ways in which animals have been and still are being violated .
We hope you ’ ll agree that a memorial to the dolphins who died at SeaWorld would go a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t endure the same fate in the future .
Thank you for your consideration .
Very truly yours ,

For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Cleveland, Ohio – This afternoon, PETA dispatched a letter to Industrial Commercial Properties—the Cleveland-based property development firm that purchased the former SeaWorld Ohio property and has said that its design will “pay homage to the history” of the site—encouraging the company to do the right thing by including a memorial to the 10 dolphins who died prematurely at the park during its operation.
“As this site embraces a future that’s free of animal abusement parks, the memory of the captive dolphins who lost their lives there mustn’t be lost to the past,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is offering to help design a memorial that would pay tribute to their years of suffering and to the more than 100 dolphins who are still trapped in SeaWorld’s concrete tanks elsewhere.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com or PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Industrial Commercial Properties Chief Operating Officer Chris Salata follows.
November 10, 2020
Chris Salata
Chief Operating Officer
Industrial Commercial Properties LLC
Dear Mr. Salata:
I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide following the news that Industrial Commercial Properties bought the former SeaWorld Ohio property in Aurora. As you transform this land for new businesses and homes while paying homage to its history, will you please include a memorial to ensure that the animal suffering and deaths at the abusement park won’t be forgotten? We’d be pleased to collaborate with you on such a project.
When SeaWorld Ohio was still in business, it confined highly intelligent and social animals to cramped, chemically treated tanks and deprived them of opportunities to swim far, dive deep, and choose their own mates. Ten dolphins died during this time—many prematurely—from causes such as systemic infection, lung disease, and gastrointestinal disease.
While animals are no longer held captive at this location, hundreds of dolphins and other animals are still suffering at SeaWorld parks across the country. Dolphins and whales are being forcibly impregnated—sometimes after being drugged—and used as breeding machines to create generations of suffering animals, and 140 dolphins are squeezed into just seven small tanks, where they can’t escape attacks from other frustrated, aggressive animals.
In the midst of the global pandemic and growing awareness of injustice to others, people are searching their souls and examining their impact on society. For most organizations, this societal reckoning includes reflecting on all the deeply disturbing ways in which animals have been and still are being violated. We hope you’ll agree that a memorial to the dolphins who died at SeaWorld would go a long way toward ensuring that others don’t endure the same fate in the future.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Melanie Johnson
Manager, Animals in Entertainment Campaign


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-10--New PETA Ad Targets Publix Over Coconut Milk Produced With Forced Monkey Labor

Lakeland , Fla. – As part of its campaign to compel Publix to reconsider its relationship with Thai brand Chaokoh—which a PETA Asia investigation revealed uses monkeys who are chained for life to pick coconuts—PETA is posting a billboard near a local Publix store urging shoppers to leave the products of cruel monkey labor on the shelf .
PETA ’ s campaign to persuade the grocery chain to do the right thing also includes sending deliveries of humanely picked coconuts to the company ’ s CEO .
“ Every can of Chaokoh coconut milk on Publix ’ s shelves harms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA is calling on Publix to reject its role in these monkeys ’ misery and reconsider its relationship with the brand.
” PETA Asia ’ s investigation revealed that monkeys are chained , isolated from their peers , transported in cages , and forced to climb trees in order to collect coconuts day in and day out .
The captive animals display stereotypic types of behavior , such as circling endlessly , that are indicative of severe mental anguish .
Costco recently told PETA that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world—including chains Walgreens , Giant , and Food Lion—that have pledged not to sell coconut products obtained through monkey labor .
Publix is one of the last remaining holdouts still selling cruelly produced coconut products .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
The billboard is located at 5121 Florida Ave. S. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , less than 1 mile from a Publix store .

For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Lakeland, Fla. – As part of its campaign to compel Publix to reconsider its relationship with Thai brand Chaokoh—which a PETA Asia investigation revealed uses monkeys who are chained for life to pick coconuts—PETA is posting a billboard near a local Publix store urging shoppers to leave the products of cruel monkey labor on the shelf. PETA’s campaign to persuade the grocery chain to do the right thing also includes sending deliveries of humanely picked coconuts to the company’s CEO.
“Every can of Chaokoh coconut milk on Publix’s shelves harms the company’s reputation,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is calling on Publix to reject its role in these monkeys’ misery and reconsider its relationship with the brand.”
PETA Asia’s investigation revealed that monkeys are chained, isolated from their peers, transported in cages, and forced to climb trees in order to collect coconuts day in and day out. The captive animals display stereotypic types of behavior, such as circling endlessly, that are indicative of severe mental anguish.
Costco recently told PETA that it would join the more than 25,000 stores around the world—including chains Walgreens, Giant, and Food Lion—that have pledged not to sell coconut products obtained through monkey labor. Publix is one of the last remaining holdouts still selling cruelly produced coconut products.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
The billboard is located at 5121 Florida Ave. S., at the intersection with S. Lakeland Drive, less than 1 mile from a Publix store.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-10--Feds Find Neglect at Guinea Pig Mill—PETA Urges Police to Act

Group Urges Public Never to Buy Animals or Shop at Pet Stores That Sell Them Mifflintown , Pa. – Armed with damning U.S. Department of Agriculture reports documenting that hundreds of guinea pigs were forced to live in filth and denied potable water at a breeding mill near Mifflintown , PETA sent a letter today to the Pennsylvania State Police urging them to investigate , with a veterinarian in tow , and , as appropriate , pursue cruelty-to-animals charges against those responsible for causing animals to suffer .
“ These reports reveal a hellhole where hundreds of guinea pigs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which contaminate their water , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ This abject neglect is exactly why PETA urges everyone never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders and always adopt from shelters.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
PETA ’ s letter to Lt. David A. Surra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police , follows .
PETA requests that your agency promptly investigate and , as appropriate , file criminal charges against those responsible for keeping hundreds of guinea pigs amid their own feces and denying them potable water earlier this year at a breeding mill near Mifflintown operated by U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) licensee Ammon Lapp .
A USDA veterinarian documented the neglect and squalor detailed in the attached reports .
We urge your agency to have an independent veterinarian with expertise in guinea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you visit the facility to identify any animals in need of care and opine on the conditions of and for the animals there .
On October 6 , the federal veterinarian found that a majority of the cages confining 273 guinea pigs contained so much feces and debris that the animals ’ bedding was barely visible , which she noted can cause disease in the animals and attract “ pests.
” The veterinarian instructed Lapp to sanitize the cages at least once every two weeks .
In February , the same USDA agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pigs on the property at the time only had access to water that was contaminated with their own feces .
She warned Lapp about the dangers of failing to provide the animals with potable water .
This systemic neglect appears to violate 18 Pa.C.S .
§ 5532 , which makes it a crime to deny animals clean and sanitary shelter as well as potable water .
Action by the USDA doesn ’ t preclude criminal liability under state law for federally licensed facilities and workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty against animals there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn more about the USDA ’ s findings , please see the relevant contact information for the Riverdale , Maryland , office here .
Thank you .

Group Urges Public Never to Buy Animals or Shop at Pet Stores That Sell Them
For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Mifflintown, Pa. – Armed with damning U.S. Department of Agriculture reports documenting that hundreds of guinea pigs were forced to live in filth and denied potable water at a breeding mill near Mifflintown, PETA sent a letter today to the Pennsylvania State Police urging them to investigate, with a veterinarian in tow, and, as appropriate, pursue cruelty-to-animals charges against those responsible for causing animals to suffer.
“These reports reveal a hellhole where hundreds of guinea pigs were being kept amid piles of waste, which contaminate their water,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “This abject neglect is exactly why PETA urges everyone never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders and always adopt from shelters.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Lt. David A. Surra, commander of the Criminal Investigation Section, Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police, follows.
November 10, 2020
Lt. David A. Surra
Commander
Criminal Investigation Section, Troop G
Pennsylvania State Police
Dear Lt. Surra:
PETA requests that your agency promptly investigate and, as appropriate, file criminal charges against those responsible for keeping hundreds of guinea pigs amid their own feces and denying them potable water earlier this year at a breeding mill near Mifflintown operated by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensee Ammon Lapp. A USDA veterinarian documented the neglect and squalor detailed in the attached reports. We urge your agency to have an independent veterinarian with expertise in guinea pig health and welfare with you when you visit the facility to identify any animals in need of care and opine on the conditions of and for the animals there.
On October 6, the federal veterinarian found that a majority of the cages confining 273 guinea pigs contained so much feces and debris that the animals’ bedding was barely visible, which she noted can cause disease in the animals and attract “pests.” The veterinarian instructed Lapp to sanitize the cages at least once every two weeks.
In February, the same USDA agent found that most of the 357 guinea pigs on the property at the time only had access to water that was contaminated with their own feces. She warned Lapp about the dangers of failing to provide the animals with potable water.
This systemic neglect appears to violate 18 Pa.C.S. § 5532, which makes it a crime to deny animals clean and sanitary shelter as well as potable water. Action by the USDA doesn’t preclude criminal liability under state law for federally licensed facilities and workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty against animals there. If you’d like to learn more about the USDA’s findings, please see the relevant contact information for the Riverdale, Maryland, office here. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Paden
Vice President of Evidence Analysis
cc: Trooper Christopher Fox, Public Information Officer, Troop G


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-10--‘Jack and the Bean Stew’: A Tale of Plants, Animals, and Adventure

Jack and the Bean Stew by Barbara Cole Gates , founder and president of Lean & Green Kids , is a story about a young boy who finds himself on an adventure after he is given some magical beans .
Children will enjoy the creative allusions to favorite fairy tale characters from familiar stories such as “ Goldilocks and the Three Bears , ” “ Little Red Riding Hood , ” “ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , ” and “ Jack and the Beanstalk.
” Its message highlights the real-life power of beans and other vegan foods to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also saves animals and helps protect the environment .
Engage your students and teach them the importance of eating vegan with this story and the following activities !
Read the book aloud to your students ( either in person or via an online tool like Zoom or Skype if you ’ re teaching virtually ) , and use the following questions to initiate a class discussion : Why do you think Jack has a bad day ?
Answer : Many things go wrong for Jack during his school day .
His bean doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he loses his special gold coin during recess , and he sees his best friend being bullied .
What does Jack do with his bean stew ?
What happens to the beans ?
Answers : He throws his bowl of stew out his bedroom window .
The beans turn into a giant beanstalk .
Why do you think Goldie tells Jack that it ’ s not safe when the hunter is near ?
Answer : The hunter is shooting his gun , and Jack and the animals could get hurt .
Goldie makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is made of grain , which gives us energy—and many people add fruit , too .
What other healthy meals give us energy ?
Answer : Meals that include fruits and vegetables are healthy and nutritious and give us energy .
Why do you think Jack decides to leave the golden eggs alone instead of taking one ?
Answer : He knows that the Mother Goose would miss one of her babies if he were to take an egg away .
How does Jack help one of the fish in the stream ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some rocks , and he helps the fish get back into the stream .
Queen Bean tells Jack that she ’ s a vegetarian .
What do you think this means ?
Answer : A vegetarian is someone who doesn ’ t eat meat .
A vegan is someone who doesn ’ t eat , wear , or use any products made from animals .
What three kind deeds does Jack do to break the spell ?
What kind deeds can you do for other living beings ?
Answer : Jack leaves the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps a fish get back into the stream , and he protects the forest animals from danger .
( Answers to the second question will vary . )
What fairy tales do you recognize in this story ?
Answer : Fairy tales alluded to in the text include “ Jack and the Beanstalk , ” “ Goldilocks and the Three Bears , ” “ The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs , ” “ Little Red Riding Hood , ” and “ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
” • “ I learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect children , animals , and nature.
” • “ My mom is the illustrator of Jack and the Bean Stew , so it was a family effort , and I inherited much of my love for animals from her.
” • “ The story was inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about compassion for animals ‘ The Queen Bee . '
” • “ Integrating familiar fairy tale characters engages the kids and lets them be active participants in the story.
” • “ I have been a visiting guest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we always make Queen Bean ’ s Stupendous Bean Stew ( see below ) with the students .
As we sit and eat the stew , I read the nutrition information included at the end of the book .
Students go home with the recipe and a note to parents so we can extend the lesson further.
” • “ When I was a little girl , I loved nature and wanted to protect animals .
I would find homes for stray animals and relocate spiders from inside my house to the remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kids has a standards-based nutrition education curriculum , Cool Beans From Around the World , * in which kids learn about wonderful places and wondrous foods.
” *Teachers , we encourage you to use this resource after reading Jack and the Bean Stew .
Cool Beans From Around the World includes multiple lessons with activities and recipes for grades K–6 .
If you ’ re reading this story with young learners , have them participate by pantomiming scenes from the story and use the empathy stations as extension activities .
Scene : Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bean stew at the beginning of the story .
• Pantomime : Students can pretend to eat and share bean stew with their friends and family .
• Empathy station : Set up a station in the classroom with kitchen supplies and toy vegetables .
Ask students what their favorite vegetable is .
Scene : Jack climbs up the bean stalk and finds himself in a new world .
• Pantomime : Students can stretch their arms up high , as if they were climbing up the bean stalk .
Have them show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the animals in the new world .
• Empathy station : Set up a station with stuffed animals .
Have students pretend that each animal is in a suitable habitat .
Have them describe their happiness about seeing all the animals in their homes .
• Pantomime : Students can pretend to talk to all their new animal friends .
They can then show their surprise while you read about Jack ’ s discovery of the golden eggs .
• Empathy station : Create a nest in the classroom along with fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goose .
Have students take turns playing the role of Jack , and explain why he makes the right choice in leaving the eggs with the mother .
Scene : Jack helps the fish back into the stream .
• Pantomime : Flexing their empathy muscles , students can pretend to help the fish stuck between the rocks , gently placing him back into the stream .
Explain why Jack needed to free the fish .
• Empathy station : Set up a station with a small bucket alongside a blue cloth to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fish inside the bucket , and explain to students that the fish needs to be in his natural home in order to be healthy and happy .
Have students take turns gently moving the fish from the small bucket to the “ stream.
” Allow students to connect with the story in their own way to create lasting empathy for all sentient beings .
Encourage students to make this recipe ( adapted from the one in the book ) at home with a trusted adult .
Then ask them what their favorite vegetable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cups cooked beans ( kidney , garbanzo , or a mix of your favorites ) In a saucepan , boil or steam 1 of the chopped potatoes until soft .
Drain , reserving just enough water to mash the potato .
Mash and set aside .
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot , warm the oil over medium heat .
Add the onions , celery , and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes .
Stir in the mashed potatoes and the remaining ingredients , except for the corn , salt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasionally , until the vegetables are tender , about 30 minutes .
Add the corn and season with the salt and pepper .
• Plant Power !
An Introduction to Vegan Nutrition for Grades 3–5 • TeachKind Presents ‘ Eat Green !
’ —a Song to Help Kids Learn About Fruits and Vegetables Encourage Students of All Ages to Explore Vegan Eating and the Power of Plants !

Jack and the Bean Stew by Barbara Cole Gates, founder and president of Lean & Green Kids, is a story about a young boy who finds himself on an adventure after he is given some magical beans. Children will enjoy the creative allusions to favorite fairy tale characters from familiar stories such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Its message highlights the real-life power of beans and other vegan foods to support health. Embracing a vegan lifestyle also saves animals and helps protect the environment. Engage your students and teach them the importance of eating vegan with this story and the following activities!
Discussion Questions
Read the book aloud to your students (either in person or via an online tool like Zoom or Skype if you’re teaching virtually), and use the following questions to initiate a class discussion:
Why do you think Jack has a bad day?
Answer: Many things go wrong for Jack during his school day. His bean doesn’t sprout in science class, he loses his special gold coin during recess, and he sees his best friend being bullied.
What does Jack do with his bean stew? What happens to the beans?
Answers: He throws his bowl of stew out his bedroom window. The beans turn into a giant beanstalk.
Why do you think Goldie tells Jack that it’s not safe when the hunter is near?
Answer: The hunter is shooting his gun, and Jack and the animals could get hurt.
Goldie makes Jack a bowl of porridge. Porridge is made of grain, which gives us energy—and many people add fruit, too. What other healthy meals give us energy?
Answer: Meals that include fruits and vegetables are healthy and nutritious and give us energy.
Why do you think Jack decides to leave the golden eggs alone instead of taking one?
Answer: He knows that the Mother Goose would miss one of her babies if he were to take an egg away.
How does Jack help one of the fish in the stream?
Answer: The fish gets stuck in some rocks, and he helps the fish get back into the stream.
Queen Bean tells Jack that she’s a vegetarian. What do you think this means?
Answer: A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat. A vegan is someone who doesn’t eat, wear, or use any products made from animals.
What three kind deeds does Jack do to break the spell? What kind deeds can you do for other living beings?
Answer: Jack leaves the golden eggs in the nest, he helps a fish get back into the stream, and he protects the forest animals from danger. (Answers to the second question will vary.)
What fairy tales do you recognize in this story?
Answer: Fairy tales alluded to in the text include “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
Fun Facts From the Author, Barbara Cole Gates (aka ‘Queen Bean’)
“I learned that teaching good nutrition was a way to protect children, animals, and nature.” “My mom is the illustrator of Jack and the Bean Stew, so it was a family effort, and I inherited much of my love for animals from her.” “The story was inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about compassion for animals ‘The Queen Bee.'” “Integrating familiar fairy tale characters engages the kids and lets them be active participants in the story.” “I have been a visiting guest author in dozens of classrooms, and we always make Queen Bean’s Stupendous Bean Stew (see below) with the students. As we sit and eat the stew, I read the nutrition information included at the end of the book. Students go home with the recipe and a note to parents so we can extend the lesson further.” “When I was a little girl, I loved nature and wanted to protect animals. I would find homes for stray animals and relocate spiders from inside my house to the remarkable outdoors.” “Lean & Green Kids has a standards-based nutrition education curriculum, Cool Beans From Around the World,* in which kids learn about wonderful places and wondrous foods.”
*Teachers, we encourage you to use this resource after reading Jack and the Bean Stew. Cool Beans From Around the World includes multiple lessons with activities and recipes for grades K–6.
Dramatic Play Activities
If you’re reading this story with young learners, have them participate by pantomiming scenes from the story and use the empathy stations as extension activities.
Scene: Jack and his family sit down to eat bean stew at the beginning of the story.
Pantomime: Students can pretend to eat and share bean stew with their friends and family.
Empathy station: Set up a station in the classroom with kitchen supplies and toy vegetables. Ask students what their favorite vegetable is.
Scene: Jack climbs up the bean stalk and finds himself in a new world.
Pantomime: Students can stretch their arms up high, as if they were climbing up the bean stalk. Have them show their surprise and joy when they see all the animals in the new world.
Empathy station: Set up a station with stuffed animals. Have students pretend that each animal is in a suitable habitat. Have them describe their happiness about seeing all the animals in their homes.
Scene: Jack finds the nest of golden eggs.
Pantomime: Students can pretend to talk to all their new animal friends. They can then show their surprise while you read about Jack’s discovery of the golden eggs.
Empathy station: Create a nest in the classroom along with fake golden eggs and a stuffed animal Mother Goose. Have students take turns playing the role of Jack, and explain why he makes the right choice in leaving the eggs with the mother.
Scene: Jack helps the fish back into the stream.
Pantomime: Flexing their empathy muscles, students can pretend to help the fish stuck between the rocks, gently placing him back into the stream. Explain why Jack needed to free the fish.
Empathy station: Set up a station with a small bucket alongside a blue cloth to simulate a stream. Place a fake fish inside the bucket, and explain to students that the fish needs to be in his natural home in order to be healthy and happy. Have students take turns gently moving the fish from the small bucket to the “stream.”
Allow students to connect with the story in their own way to create lasting empathy for all sentient beings.
Recipe for Queen Bean’s Stupendous Bean Stew
Encourage students to make this recipe (adapted from the one in the book) at home with a trusted adult. Then ask them what their favorite vegetable in the stew was!
3 potatoes, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14.5-oz can crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. oregano
4 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, thinly sliced
3 cups seasonal vegetables (like zucchini, green beans, spinach, etc.), chopped
3 cups cooked beans (kidney, garbanzo, or a mix of your favorites)
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 cup corn
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a saucepan, boil or steam 1 of the chopped potatoes until soft. Drain, reserving just enough water to mash the potato. Mash and set aside.
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the mashed potatoes and the remaining ingredients, except for the corn, salt, and pepper, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Add the corn and season with the salt and pepper.
Makes 9 to 10 servings
Additional Vegan Nutrition Resources


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-10--PETA Challenges Putting Turkeys on the Table in New Holiday Billboard

Louisville , Ky. – Vegan foods are selling like hotcakes , so Thanksgiving is morphing into “ ThanksVegan ” —and PETA is encouraging Kentuckiana to hop on the trend , via its billboard that just went up along I-64 as part of a nationwide push for everyone to give turkeys a break by celebrating with a vegan feast .
Indiana and Kentucky ( including Louisville ) rank high in instances of Google searches for “ turkey , ” and PETA ’ s billboard aims to inspire a fresh , 21st century way of viewing the birds much admired by President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as centerpieces .
“ PETA offers tips , recipes , and more so that everyone can have a delicious ThanksVegan meal that leaves gentle birds off the table , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ When it comes to having feelings , loving their families , and valuing their lives , turkeys are individuals , just as much as humans are.
” Turkeys are now understood to be caring parents , good flyers , and clever , spirited explorers who can live up to 10 years in nature , while those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re between 12 and 26 weeks old—and more than 46 million are killed each year for Thanksgiving alone .
The young birds are hung by their feet from metal shackles and dragged through an electrified bath , and they ’ re often still conscious when their throats are slit and they ’ re dumped into scalding-hot defeathering tanks .
As part of its # ThanksVegan campaign , PETA is placing pro-turkey billboards across the country ; offering holiday cooking tips ; running its “ Grace ” TV ad , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while saying grace at the dinner table ; protesting outside turkey slaughterhouses that are COVID-19 hotspots ; and partnering with restaurants and grocery stores to promote their ready-to-roast vegan turkeys and other animal-free options .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—offers a ThanksVegan menu and recipe guide .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
PETA ’ s billboard is located along I-64 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 ( 264E/Shively ) and 3 ( 22nd Street ) .

For Immediate Release:
November 10, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Louisville, Ky. – Vegan foods are selling like hotcakes, so Thanksgiving is morphing into “ThanksVegan”—and PETA is encouraging Kentuckiana to hop on the trend, via its billboard that just went up along I-64 as part of a nationwide push for everyone to give turkeys a break by celebrating with a vegan feast.
Indiana and Kentucky (including Louisville) rank high in instances of Google searches for “turkey,” and PETA’s billboard aims to inspire a fresh, 21st century way of viewing the birds much admired by President Abraham Lincoln—as sensitive living beings, not as centerpieces.
“PETA offers tips, recipes, and more so that everyone can have a delicious ThanksVegan meal that leaves gentle birds off the table,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “When it comes to having feelings, loving their families, and valuing their lives, turkeys are individuals, just as much as humans are.”
Turkeys are now understood to be caring parents, good flyers, and clever, spirited explorers who can live up to 10 years in nature, while those raised for food are normally slaughtered when they’re between 12 and 26 weeks old—and more than 46 million are killed each year for Thanksgiving alone. The young birds are hung by their feet from metal shackles and dragged through an electrified bath, and they’re often still conscious when their throats are slit and they’re dumped into scalding-hot defeathering tanks.
As part of its #ThanksVegan campaign, PETA is placing pro-turkey billboards across the country; offering holiday cooking tips; running its “Grace” TV ad, in which a little girl makes some pointed comments while saying grace at the dinner table; protesting outside turkey slaughterhouses that are COVID-19 hotspots; and partnering with restaurants and grocery stores to promote their ready-to-roast vegan turkeys and other animal-free options.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—offers a ThanksVegan menu and recipe guide. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s billboard is located along I-64 west at 27th Street, between exits 1 (264E/Shively) and 3 (22nd Street).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--New PETA Billboard Calls Out Dog-Buying Celebs

Los Angeles – You ’ d never know that there are millions of homeless dogs and cats in the U.S.—a crisis worsened by the pandemic—from the newly purchased “ purebred ” puppies that have popped up on the Instagram pages of Channing Tatum , Viola Davis , Jennifer Lopez , J Balvin , Julia Louis-Dreyfus , James Charles , and others .
That ’ s why a new PETA billboard makes a pointed appeal from “ Max the shelter dog , ” calling out stars and influencers who , through their irresponsible purchases , are fueling pet store and breeder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelters and suffering on the streets have nowhere to call home .
An appeal from Max recently appeared in The Hollywood Reporter : “ I ’ m trying to keep my spirits up , but to be honest , it ’ s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging , ” he writes .
“ I guess I just want to know what ’ s wrong with me .
Sure , I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life ahead of me and so much love to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time .
An estimated 10 % of those end up at animal shelters , where many have to be euthanized because there simply aren ’ t enough good homes for them .
PETA ’ s motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way , ” and the group opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit or follow the group on , , or .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Los Angeles – You’d never know that there are millions of homeless dogs and cats in the U.S.—a crisis worsened by the pandemic—from the newly purchased “purebred” puppies that have popped up on the Instagram pages of Channing Tatum, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, J Balvin, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Charles, and others. That’s why a new PETA billboard makes a pointed appeal from “Max the shelter dog,” calling out stars and influencers who, through their irresponsible purchases, are fueling pet store and breeder sales while so many dogs waiting in shelters and suffering on the streets have nowhere to call home.
An appeal from Max recently appeared in The Hollywood Reporter: “I’m trying to keep my spirits up, but to be honest, it’s getting harder and harder to keep my tail wagging,” he writes. “I guess I just want to know what’s wrong with me. Sure, I may not be a puppy—but I still have years of life ahead of me and so much love to give.”
PETA notes that around 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time. An estimated 10% of those end up at animal shelters, where many have to be euthanized because there simply aren’t enough good homes for them.
PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way,” and the group opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
PETA’s billboard is located at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--Cow Repeatedly Shot in the Head; PETA Seeks Criminal Probe

Kersey , Colo. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Steving Meats Company in Kersey .
In response , the group sent a letter this morning calling on Weld County District Attorney Michael J. Rourke to review the matter and , as appropriate , file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker ( s ) who shot a cow three times in the head on October 16 .
The cow remained standing and moving his or her head after the first two shots and was left conscious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a higher caliber rifle to shoot the animal a third time .
“ This disturbing report shows that this cow experienced a prolonged , agonizing death at Steving Meats Company , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the cow who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
The group notes that cows , sheep , pigs , chickens , and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives , just as humans do , and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them .
I hope this letter finds you well .
I would like to request that your office ( and the proper local law enforcement agency , as you deem appropriate ) investigate and file suitable criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker ( s ) responsible for misplacing two rifle shots to a cow ’ s head , leaving the severely wounded animal conscious while another rifle was sought , on October 16 at its slaughterhouse located at 443 4th St. in Kersey .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety and Inspection Service ( FSIS ) documented the incident in the attached report , which states the following : “ [ A ] cow was [ shot ] with the .22 magnum rifle but it remained standing and moving its head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A second stun attempt was applied with the same rifle .
The cow remained standing and moving its head after the second stun attempt .
… The stun operator left the area to retrieve a larger caliber rifle .
After returning with a 30/30 rifle , the establishment employee applied a third stun attempt to the cow … I observed the dressed head and verified that there were three penetrating stun holes .
Two of the holes were outside of the acceptable target area for stunning placement.
” 1 This conduct appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , FSIS action does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2 Please let us know what we might do to assist you .
Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do .
2See Nat ’ l .
Meat Assoc .
v. Harris , 132 S. Ct. 965 , 974 n.10 ( 2012 ) ( “ .
.
.
States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [ Federal Meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ See [ 21 U.S.C . ]
§678 ; cf .
Bates v. Dow Agrosciences , LLC , 544 U.S. 431 , 447 ( 2005 ) ( holding that a preemption clause barring state laws ‘ in addition to or different ’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘ equivalent ’ state provision ) .
Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses , it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.
” ) .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Kersey, Colo. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Steving Meats Company in Kersey. In response, the group sent a letter this morning calling on Weld County District Attorney Michael J. Rourke to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker(s) who shot a cow three times in the head on October 16. The cow remained standing and moving his or her head after the first two shots and was left conscious and suffering while a worker went to retrieve a higher caliber rifle to shoot the animal a third time.
“This disturbing report shows that this cow experienced a prolonged, agonizing death at Steving Meats Company,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the cow who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. The group notes that cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives, just as humans do, and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them.
For more information, visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Rourke follows.
November 11, 2020
The Honorable Michael J. Rourke
District Attorney for Weld County
Dear Mr. Rourke,
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against Steving Meats Company and the worker(s) responsible for misplacing two rifle shots to a cow’s head, leaving the severely wounded animal conscious while another rifle was sought, on October 16 at its slaughterhouse located at 443 4th St. in Kersey. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented the incident in the attached report, which states the following:
“[A] cow was [shot] with the .22 magnum rifle but it remained standing and moving its head away after the first stun attempt. A second stun attempt was applied with the same rifle. The cow remained standing and moving its head after the second stun attempt. … The stun operator left the area to retrieve a larger caliber rifle. After returning with a 30/30 rifle, the establishment employee applied a third stun attempt to the cow … I observed the dressed head and verified that there were three penetrating stun holes. Two of the holes were outside of the acceptable target area for stunning placement.”1
This conduct appears to violate C.R.S.A. § 18-9-202. Importantly, FSIS action does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2
Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Assistant Manager of Investigations
1FSIS District 15 Manager Valerie Clay, Notice of Suspension, Steving Meat Company, Est. M6161 (Oct. 16, 2020) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/31437d98-7664-4ec1-b64c-e6bbf76af1b8/m6161-nos-10162020.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
2See Nat’l. Meat Assoc. v. Harris, 132 S. Ct. 965, 974 n.10 (2012) (“. . . States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA)]. See [21 U.S.C.] §678; cf. Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 544 U.S. 431, 447 (2005) (holding that a preemption clause barring state laws ‘in addition to or different’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘equivalent’ state provision). Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses, it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.”).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--PETA to Protest Texas A&M Board of Regents Over Golden Retriever Experiments

College Station , Texas – Tomorrow , a giant costumed “ golden retriever ” will lead PETA supporters in a spirited , socially distanced protest at the Texas A & M University System Board of Regents meeting to call for the end of the school ’ s canine muscular dystrophy ( MD ) experiments on dogs .
“ Texas A & M regents are charged with promoting research that benefits the nation , not imprisoning sick dogs , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo .
“ The regents need to shut down this despicable laboratory and let these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now.
” Video footage released by PETA shows golden retrievers and other dogs at Texas A & M who were deliberately bred to develop a crippling and painful form of canine MD struggling to walk , swallow , and even breathe .
Under pressure from PETA supporters , 500 physicians , and people with MD , the university stopped breeding dogs to develop the disease .
The lead experimenter has retired , and many of the nearly 100 dogs were adopted into homes—but the laboratory still keeps 25 dogs imprisoned there .
PETA—whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ animals are not ours to experiment on ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
College Station, Texas – Tomorrow, a giant costumed “golden retriever” will lead PETA supporters in a spirited, socially distanced protest at the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents meeting to call for the end of the school’s canine muscular dystrophy (MD) experiments on dogs.
When: Thursday, November 12, 12:30 p.m.
Where: 177 Joe Routt Blvd. (near Wellborn Road), College Station
“Texas A&M regents are charged with promoting research that benefits the nation, not imprisoning sick dogs,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “The regents need to shut down this despicable laboratory and let these dogs be adopted into loving homes right now.”
Video footage released by PETA shows golden retrievers and other dogs at Texas A&M who were deliberately bred to develop a crippling and painful form of canine MD struggling to walk, swallow, and even breathe. Under pressure from PETA supporters, 500 physicians, and people with MD, the university stopped breeding dogs to develop the disease. The lead experimenter has retired, and many of the nearly 100 dogs were adopted into homes—but the laboratory still keeps 25 dogs imprisoned there.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--Tiny Kitten Saved From Storm Drain in the Nick of Time (PETA Video)

Norfolk , Va. – As a shows , a tiny kitten was recently at the center of a big drama in Chesapeake , Virginia .
A concerned woman heard frantic cries coming from inside a storm drain and alerted PETA , whose first responders rushed to the scene and tried for hours to locate the terrified kitten , who was hiding inside the dark , dank drain .
With no sign of him , they set a humane trap—and after a long , tense night , they finally managed to pull the soaking wet , starving kitten to safety .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the kitten , now named Mikey , fell fast asleep .
Now , Mikey is thriving in foster care—and he ’ s up for adoption .
“ Lucky little Mikey can wash this trauma down the drain , as he ’ ll soon have a loving family who ’ ll make sure that he stays warm , safe , and dry , ” says PETA Vice President Colleen O ’ Brien .
“ PETA encourages animal guardians to keep their cats indoors , where they ’ ll be protected from cars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
More information about the group is available at PETA.org , or follow the organization on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – As a new PETA video released today shows, a tiny kitten was recently at the center of a big drama in Chesapeake, Virginia. A concerned woman heard frantic cries coming from inside a storm drain and alerted PETA, whose first responders rushed to the scene and tried for hours to locate the terrified kitten, who was hiding inside the dark, dank drain.
With no sign of him, they set a humane trap—and after a long, tense night, they finally managed to pull the soaking wet, starving kitten to safety. After a hearty meal and a bath, the kitten, now named Mikey, fell fast asleep. Now, Mikey is thriving in foster care—and he’s up for adoption.
“Lucky little Mikey can wash this trauma down the drain, as he’ll soon have a loving family who’ll make sure that he stays warm, safe, and dry,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA encourages animal guardians to keep their cats indoors, where they’ll be protected from cars, predators, cruel people—and sneaky storm drains.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. More information about the group is available at PETA.org, or follow the organization on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--Penn National Gaming Bans Animal Circuses After PETA Appeal

Wyomissing , Pa. – A vegan chocolate in the shape of a zebra is on its way from PETA to Wyomissing-based Penn National Gaming in thanks for its new pledge to never again host an animal circus at its 41 properties nationwide .
The decision comes after talks with PETA about the cruelty inherent in such circuses when Sam Houston Race Park , a Penn National-owned racetrack in Texas , decided to host UniverSoul Circus—the last time such a circus will appear at a Penn National property .
“ Circuses sentence elephants , big cats , camels , zebras , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living their lives in nature to ones of chains and cages in parking lots and arena basements , ” says PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Debbie Metzler .
“ Every company that follows Penn National Gaming ’ s lead helps PETA stamp out these cruel spectacles nationwide.
” It ’ s standard practice in circuses to beat , shock , and whip wild animals in order to force them to perform confusing and often painful tricks .
Among others , UniverSoul has featured big-cat exhibitor Mitchel Kalmanson , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maggot-infested trailer .
Video footage from a UniverSoul performance last year showed a worker punching a camel who was being used for rides , and during a 2017 inspection in Georgia , officers discovered wounded camels , an injured zebra , and elephants with bruised feet at UniverSoul .
Penn National Gaming ’ s commitment makes nearly 750 venues and dozens of communities nationwide that now prohibit or restrict circuses that use animals .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382
Wyomissing, Pa. – A vegan chocolate in the shape of a zebra is on its way from PETA to Wyomissing-based Penn National Gaming in thanks for its new pledge to never again host an animal circus at its 41 properties nationwide.
The decision comes after talks with PETA about the cruelty inherent in such circuses when Sam Houston Race Park, a Penn National-owned racetrack in Texas, decided to host UniverSoul Circus—the last time such a circus will appear at a Penn National property.
“Circuses sentence elephants, big cats, camels, zebras, and other vulnerable animals who should be living their lives in nature to ones of chains and cages in parking lots and arena basements,” says PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Debbie Metzler. “Every company that follows Penn National Gaming’s lead helps PETA stamp out these cruel spectacles nationwide.”
It’s standard practice in circuses to beat, shock, and whip wild animals in order to force them to perform confusing and often painful tricks. Among others, UniverSoul has featured big-cat exhibitor Mitchel Kalmanson, who was caught transporting big cats around in a maggot-infested trailer. Video footage from a UniverSoul performance last year showed a worker punching a camel who was being used for rides, and during a 2017 inspection in Georgia, officers discovered wounded camels, an injured zebra, and elephants with bruised feet at UniverSoul.
Penn National Gaming’s commitment makes nearly 750 venues and dozens of communities nationwide that now prohibit or restrict circuses that use animals.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--State’s Fur Farms Must Be Shut Down Because of Human Health Risk

New Mutated Coronavirus Strain From Minks Threatens Us All , Says PETA Minneapolis – PETA has rushed a letter to Gov .
Tim Walz urging him to shut down the state ’ s mink farms following reports that Denmark has killed millions of minks and is seeking to kill all minks in the country—up to 17 million of them—after a new strain of coronavirus was discovered there : one that originated in human workers , was passed on to minks , mutated , and was then passed to workers again .
“ Not only are filthy fur factory farms hideously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to human health—not just in Denmark , but worldwide , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA is calling on Minnesota and all other fur-farming states to protect all living beings by pulling the plug on these pandemic petri dishes.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to wear ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
I ’ m writing to you on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members and supporters worldwide , including nearly 70,000 in Minnesota .
In light of the news that Denmark has killed millions of minks and is seeking to kill all minks in the country—up to 17 million—after workers transmitted the novel coronavirus to the animals and then it mutated and the new strain went on to infect humans , we urge you to take action to shut down Minnesota ’ s fur farms immediately .
This lifesaving move would help protect the health of workers and residents and spare countless animals agonizing and violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutated virus found in minks and now in humans in Denmark could compromise the success of a vaccine , and countries are beginning to deny entry to Danish travelers .
Fur farms in the U.S. have also detected infections—including in more than 10,000 minks in Utah and thousands more in Michigan and Wisconsin .
Even during the best of times , minks and other animals on fur factory farms are caged next to and even on top of each other .
Their waste and blood easily contaminate adjacent cages .
Animals resort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extreme stress , and infections , sores , and festering , open wounds invariably go untreated .
Cramming sick and stressed animals together in unsanitary conditions creates the perfect breeding grounds for dangerous zoonotic diseases .
When it comes to public-health risks , fur farms are akin to the live-animal markets and slaughterhouses recognized as the sources of COVID-19 and the swine flu pandemic of 2009 to 2010 , respectively .
We urge you to follow the examples already set by France , the Netherlands , Poland , and other nations by shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filthy fur farms now .
Thank you .

New Mutated Coronavirus Strain From Minks Threatens Us All, Says PETA
For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Minneapolis – PETA has rushed a letter to Gov. Tim Walz urging him to shut down the state’s mink farms following reports that Denmark has killed millions of minks and is seeking to kill all minks in the country—up to 17 million of them—after a new strain of coronavirus was discovered there: one that originated in human workers, was passed on to minks, mutated, and was then passed to workers again.
“Not only are filthy fur factory farms hideously cruel, they also pose a risk to human health—not just in Denmark, but worldwide,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is calling on Minnesota and all other fur-farming states to protect all living beings by pulling the plug on these pandemic petri dishes.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Gov. Walz follows.
November 11, 2020
The Honorable Tim Walz
Governor of Minnesota
Dear Gov. Walz:
I’m writing to you on behalf of our more than 6.5 million members and supporters worldwide, including nearly 70,000 in Minnesota. In light of the news that Denmark has killed millions of minks and is seeking to kill all minks in the country—up to 17 million—after workers transmitted the novel coronavirus to the animals and then it mutated and the new strain went on to infect humans, we urge you to take action to shut down Minnesota’s fur farms immediately. This lifesaving move would help protect the health of workers and residents and spare countless animals agonizing and violent deaths.
Health experts state that the mutated virus found in minks and now in humans in Denmark could compromise the success of a vaccine, and countries are beginning to deny entry to Danish travelers. Fur farms in the U.S. have also detected infections—including in more than 10,000 minks in Utah and thousands more in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Even during the best of times, minks and other animals on fur factory farms are caged next to and even on top of each other. Their waste and blood easily contaminate adjacent cages. Animals resort to self-mutilation or cannibalism as a result of extreme stress, and infections, sores, and festering, open wounds invariably go untreated. Cramming sick and stressed animals together in unsanitary conditions creates the perfect breeding grounds for dangerous zoonotic diseases. When it comes to public-health risks, fur farms are akin to the live-animal markets and slaughterhouses recognized as the sources of COVID-19 and the swine flu pandemic of 2009 to 2010, respectively.
We urge you to follow the examples already set by France, the Netherlands, Poland, and other nations by shutting down the state’s risky and filthy fur farms now. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--Steer Repeatedly Shot in the Head; PETA Seeks Criminal Probe

Grove City , Minn. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Carlson Meat Shop in Grove City .
In response , the group sent a letter this morning calling on Meeker County Attorney Brandi Schiefelbein to review the matter and , as appropriate , file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker who repeatedly shot a steer in the head on October 20 .
The steer remained standing and moving for “ an extended period ” before a second shot caused him to fall—though he remained conscious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him unconscious .
“ This disturbing report shows that this steer experienced a prolonged , agonizing death at Carlson Meat Shop , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the steer who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The group notes that cows , sheep , pigs , chickens , and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives , just as humans do , and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them .
I hope this letter finds you well .
I would like to request that your office ( and the proper local law enforcement agency , as you deem appropriate ) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against Carlson Meat Shop and the worker responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head—which resulted in the wounded animal enduring an extended period of suffering before it was finally ended with a third shot—on October 20 at its slaughterhouse located at 105 2nd St. N. in Grove City .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture ’ s Food Safety and Inspection Service ( FSIS ) documented the incident in the attached report , which states the following : “ An establishment employee positioned himself to stun a beef steer in the restrainer with a hand-held captive bolt stunner .
… When the establishment employee went to stun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not effective , and the shot sounded muffled .
After the stun attempt , the beef steer was conscious as [ he ] remained standing with … heavy breathing and moving back and forth within the restrainer .
… After an extended period , the employee attempted a second poll stun .
The animal went down but remained conscious , in a sternal recumbent position with rhythmic breathing , controlled movement of the head and eye tracking .
The establishment employee then reloaded the same hand-held captive bolt stunner and stunned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal unconscious .
[ Federal inspectors ] examined the head and found three stun wounds ; two of the wounds were approximately one-half inch to the right from the center of the poll area and one wound was in the center of the forehead.
” 1 This conduct appears to violate Minn. Stat .
Ann .
§ 343.21 ( 1 ) .
Importantly , FSIS action does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2 Please let us know what we might do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration and for the difficult work that you do .
2See Nat ’ l .
Meat Assoc .
v. Harris , 132 S. Ct. 965 , 974 n.10 ( 2012 ) ( “ .
.
.
States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [ Federal Meat Inspection Act ( FMIA ) ] .
See [ 21 U.S.C . ]
§678 ; cf .
Bates v. Dow Agrosciences , LLC , 544 U.S. 431 , 447 ( 2005 ) ( holding that a preemption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to or different ’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘ equivalent ’ state provision ) .
Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses , it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.
” ) .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Grove City, Minn. – PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Carlson Meat Shop in Grove City. In response, the group sent a letter this morning calling on Meeker County Attorney Brandi Schiefelbein to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the facility and the worker who repeatedly shot a steer in the head on October 20. The steer remained standing and moving for “an extended period” before a second shot caused him to fall—though he remained conscious and looking around—and a third shot finally rendered him unconscious.
“This disturbing report shows that this steer experienced a prolonged, agonizing death at Carlson Meat Shop,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on behalf of the steer who suffered at this facility and urging all compassionate members of the public who are disturbed by this cruelty to go vegan and help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. The group notes that cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives, just as humans do, and that the only way to help prevent them from suffering in slaughterhouses is not to eat them.
For more information, visit PETA.org.
PETA’s letter to Schiefelbein follows.
November 11, 2020
The Honorable Brandi Schiefelbein
Meeker County Attorney
Dear Ms. Schiefelbein:
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against Carlson Meat Shop and the worker responsible for repeatedly shooting a steer in the head—which resulted in the wounded animal enduring an extended period of suffering before it was finally ended with a third shot—on October 20 at its slaughterhouse located at 105 2nd St. N. in Grove City. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented the incident in the attached report, which states the following:
“An establishment employee positioned himself to stun a beef steer in the restrainer with a hand-held captive bolt stunner. … When the establishment employee went to stun the animal, the first poll stun was not effective, and the shot sounded muffled. After the stun attempt, the beef steer was conscious as [he] remained standing with … heavy breathing and moving back and forth within the restrainer. … After an extended period, the employee attempted a second poll stun. The animal went down but remained conscious, in a sternal recumbent position with rhythmic breathing, controlled movement of the head and eye tracking. The establishment employee then reloaded the same hand-held captive bolt stunner and stunned the animal in the forehead, rendering the animal unconscious. [Federal inspectors] examined the head and found three stun wounds; two of the wounds were approximately one-half inch to the right from the center of the poll area and one wound was in the center of the forehead.”1
This conduct appears to violate Minn. Stat. Ann. § 343.21(1). Importantly, FSIS action does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.2
Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.
Sincerely,
Colin Henstock
Assistant Manager of Investigation
1FSIS District 25 Manager Dawn Sprouls, Notice of Suspension, Carlson Meat Shop, Est. M8948 (Oct. 20, 2020) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/bd8e67e5-1acf-48a9-9a4b-6edb59f9a9c2/m8948-nos-10202020.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.
2See Nat’l. Meat Assoc. v. Harris, 132 S. Ct. 965, 974 n.10 (2012) (“. . . States may exact civil or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA)]. See [21 U.S.C.] §678; cf. Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 544 U.S. 431, 447 (2005) (holding that a preemption clause barring state laws ‘in addition to or different’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘equivalent’ state provision). Although the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses, it thus leaves some room for the States to regulate.”).


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--Round Two: PETA ‘Lobs’ More Coconuts at Albertsons Execs

Boise , Idaho – To up the pressure on Albertsons to cut ties with Chaokoh , which a PETA Asia investigation revealed uses coconuts picked by chained monkeys , PETA is sending a second delivery of humanely picked coconuts to the grocery chain—and this time , it ’ s not just the CEO on the receiving end but also the rest of the company ’ s top brass in Boise .
The delivery comes after Costco informed PETA that it had cut ties with Chaokoh and after more than 25,000 stores around the world—including chains Walgreens , Giant , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained through monkey labor .
“ It ’ s nuts for Albertsons to sell products made from coconuts picked by monkeys in Thailand who are chained , separated from their peers , driven insane , and kept in involuntary servitude for life , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA wants to crack open Albertsons ’ executives ’ hearts and get them to do right by monkeys and customers by telling Chaokoh that they don ’ t buy animal abuse.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way ” and which opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview—is sending coconuts to Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Susan Morris , Group Vice President of Communications Christine Wilcox , Executive Vice President of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Evan Rainwater , and Director of Corporate Public Affairs & Diversity Teena Massingill .
For more information , please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram .
Greetings from PETA .
We applaud Albertsons for offering tasty vegan meats , cheeses , and other products for your customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning shoppers about the dangers of leaving dogs and children in parked cars over the summer .
We are counting on Albertsons to take action on another important issue .
Your CEO , Vivek Sankaran , has already recently received coconuts , and now , we ’ re sending these to you as well in the hope of finally cracking open a dialog about reconsidering your business relationship with Chaokoh , a brand sold by your company that was implicated in a recent PETA Asia exposé of Thailand ’ s coconut industry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an industry that ’ s forcing monkeys—confined for life , sometimes with their teeth removed , always chained , and often driven insane from being deprived of everything that ’ s natural and important to them—to climb trees in order to collect coconuts .
It seems that most ( if not all ) of these animals are illegally captured from the forest as babies .
Their training is extremely abusive .
Please visit to watch the undercover footage .
More than 25,000 other stores , including Costco , have pledged not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implicated in forced monkey labor .
We hope you will act swiftly to remove cruelly sourced coconut products from your shelves .
May we please hear from you soon ?
Very truly yours ,

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Nicole Meyer 202-483-7382
Boise, Idaho – To up the pressure on Albertsons to cut ties with Chaokoh, which a PETA Asia investigation revealed uses coconuts picked by chained monkeys, PETA is sending a second delivery of humanely picked coconuts to the grocery chain—and this time, it’s not just the CEO on the receiving end but also the rest of the company’s top brass in Boise. The delivery comes after Costco informed PETA that it had cut ties with Chaokoh and after more than 25,000 stores around the world—including chains Walgreens, Giant, and Food Lion—pledged not to sell coconut products obtained through monkey labor.
“It’s nuts for Albertsons to sell products made from coconuts picked by monkeys in Thailand who are chained, separated from their peers, driven insane, and kept in involuntary servitude for life,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA wants to crack open Albertsons’ executives’ hearts and get them to do right by monkeys and customers by telling Chaokoh that they don’t buy animal abuse.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—is sending coconuts to Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Susan Morris, Group Vice President of Communications Christine Wilcox, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Evan Rainwater, and Director of Corporate Public Affairs & Diversity Teena Massingill.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Albertsons’ executives follows.
November 11, 2020
Greetings from PETA. We applaud Albertsons for offering tasty vegan meats, cheeses, and other products for your customers and for your decision to post signs warning shoppers about the dangers of leaving dogs and children in parked cars over the summer. We are counting on Albertsons to take action on another important issue. Your CEO, Vivek Sankaran, has already recently received coconuts, and now, we’re sending these to you as well in the hope of finally cracking open a dialog about reconsidering your business relationship with Chaokoh, a brand sold by your company that was implicated in a recent PETA Asia exposé of Thailand’s coconut industry.
Our investigation revealed that Chaokoh is part of an industry that’s forcing monkeys—confined for life, sometimes with their teeth removed, always chained, and often driven insane from being deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them—to climb trees in order to collect coconuts. It seems that most (if not all) of these animals are illegally captured from the forest as babies. Their training is extremely abusive.
Please visit PETA.org/Coconuts to watch the undercover footage.
More than 25,000 other stores, including Costco, have pledged not to purchase products from this company that was implicated in forced monkey labor.
We hope you will act swiftly to remove cruelly sourced coconut products from your shelves. May we please hear from you soon?
Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-11-11--New for Your Watchlist: Anjelica Huston’s ‘Breaking the Chain’

Norfolk , Va. – From executive producer Anjelica Huston , the new documentary introduces viewers to a nationwide crisis of abused and neglected dogs , cats , and other animals through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage following PETA ’ s dedicated team of fieldworkers , who live in hope as they respond to cases and calls for help around the clock and in all weather extremes .
The film tells the stories of the animals , including those living in underserved areas of the South , and highlights efforts to improve and save their lives or , when necessary , alleviate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as of today , the film is available to Prime members at no additional cost to their membership and is only 99 cents to rent on all other platforms .
“ It ’ s one thing to hear about the animal neglect and overpopulation crisis and another to see for yourself how dogs are left to shiver , pant , limp , and suffer in backyards , where they ’ re confined to wire cages or chained to pieces of junk , ” says Huston .
“ This is what PETA fieldworkers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else to see it , too.
” From Zena , an emaciated German shepherd who spent years chained in a backyard teeming with flies , fleas , and mosquitoes , to Edith , a gentle chow mix who was chained outdoors for nearly a decade , these animals ’ stories will make viewers ask what they can do to help—and heartwarming moments and hard-won victories will show them how lives can change when people refuse to give up .
“ Breaking the Chain allows viewers to join PETA ’ s first responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and often prevail against all odds , ” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch .
“ It shows how each one of us can change the world for animals in our own communities so that one day , no one will be condemned to a life sentence of isolation and deprivation without love , respect , or even basic care.
” PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit .

For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – From executive producer Anjelica Huston, the new documentary Breaking the Chain introduces viewers to a nationwide crisis of abused and neglected dogs, cats, and other animals through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage following PETA’s dedicated team of fieldworkers, who live in hope as they respond to cases and calls for help around the clock and in all weather extremes. The film tells the stories of the animals, including those living in underserved areas of the South, and highlights efforts to improve and save their lives or, when necessary, alleviate their suffering. The trailer is available here , and as of today, the film is available to Prime members at no additional cost to their membership and is only 99 cents to rent on all other platforms.
“It’s one thing to hear about the animal neglect and overpopulation crisis and another to see for yourself how dogs are left to shiver, pant, limp, and suffer in backyards, where they’re confined to wire cages or chained to pieces of junk,” says Huston. “This is what PETA fieldworkers see every day, and I want everyone else to see it, too.”
From Zena, an emaciated German shepherd who spent years chained in a backyard teeming with flies, fleas, and mosquitoes, to Edith, a gentle chow mix who was chained outdoors for nearly a decade, these animals’ stories will make viewers ask what they can do to help—and heartwarming moments and hard-won victories will show them how lives can change when people refuse to give up.
“Breaking the Chain allows viewers to join PETA’s first responders on the front lines as they persist and often prevail against all odds,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “It shows how each one of us can change the world for animals in our own communities so that one day, no one will be condemned to a life sentence of isolation and deprivation without love, respect, or even basic care.”