petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-08--New Lawsuit Filed Against Bandera Ham Rodeo

PETA Challenges the Bandera Wranglers Over Cruelty to Animals , Public Disease Risk at Annual Wild-Pig Chase Bandera , Texas – This morning , PETA filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the Bandera Wranglers—the organizers of the Bandera Ham Rodeo , an annual event during which frightened wild pigs are jumped on , dragged through the dirt by their legs , and otherwise harassed and harmed for entertainment—from planning any more “ hog catch ” contests .
PETA contends that the event violates Texas state law , which prohibits any person from intentionally causing unjustifiable pain , suffering , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the “ hog catch ” terrorizes and injures the pigs , including young piglets .
And because participants , including children , have been directly exposed to injured animals ’ open wounds and bodily fluids ( including blood and likely urine and feces ) , the event poses a zoonotic ( transmissible to humans ) disease risk .
PETA ’ s lawsuit alleges that these conditions constitute nuisances in violation of Texas law .
“ By urging adults and children to terrorize and tackle terrified wild pigs and piglets , we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to protect animals , public health , and common decency , ” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk .
“ PETA ’ s lawsuit asks the court to end this spectacle of suffering and nuisance and restore community values.
” The most recent Bandera Ham Rodeo , held on March 14 , followed the same disturbing pattern of behavior as the 2019 event .
Video footage from that year shows staff dragging young , screaming wild pigs by one or more legs around the arena , their snouts raked through the dirt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ them by the ears , tail , or snout ; hoisted them off the ground by the legs ; and stuffed them into sacks .
Many panicked animals leapt face-first into the metal arena fencing as they frantically tried to escape , cutting and bloodying their faces .
In the youth event , children were encouraged to chase and “ get ” the animals .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat , use for entertainment , or abuse in any other way ” —opposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that other animals are nothing more than commodities to use , abuse , and torment at will .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Challenges the Bandera Wranglers Over Cruelty to Animals, Public Disease Risk at Annual Wild-Pig Chase
For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Bandera, Texas – This morning, PETA filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the Bandera Wranglers—the organizers of the Bandera Ham Rodeo, an annual event during which frightened wild pigs are jumped on, dragged through the dirt by their legs, and otherwise harassed and harmed for entertainment—from planning any more “hog catch” contests.
PETA contends that the event violates Texas state law, which prohibits any person from intentionally causing unjustifiable pain, suffering, or serious bodily injury to an animal, as the “hog catch” terrorizes and injures the pigs, including young piglets. And because participants, including children, have been directly exposed to injured animals’ open wounds and bodily fluids (including blood and likely urine and feces), the event poses a zoonotic (transmissible to humans) disease risk. PETA’s lawsuit alleges that these conditions constitute nuisances in violation of Texas law.
“By urging adults and children to terrorize and tackle terrified wild pigs and piglets, we believe the Bandera Wranglers are violating Texas laws designed to protect animals, public health, and common decency,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA’s lawsuit asks the court to end this spectacle of suffering and nuisance and restore community values.”
The most recent Bandera Ham Rodeo, held on March 14, followed the same disturbing pattern of behavior as the 2019 event. Video footage from that year shows staff dragging young, screaming wild pigs by one or more legs around the arena, their snouts raked through the dirt. Contestants chased the petrified animals; grabbed them by the ears, tail, or snout; hoisted them off the ground by the legs; and stuffed them into sacks. Many panicked animals leapt face-first into the metal arena fencing as they frantically tried to escape, cutting and bloodying their faces. In the youth event, children were encouraged to chase and “get” the animals.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way”—opposes speciesism, which is the human-supremacist belief that other animals are nothing more than commodities to use, abuse, and torment at will. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-08--Animal Agriculture Is to Blame for Wildfires Around the Globe

Around the world , prolonged heatwaves and droughts have extended seasonal wildfire periods—climate change is clearly exacerbating wildfires .
Yet a leading cause of climate change is animal agriculture , so you can actually blame that for exacerbating the wildfires—and in many cases , for starting them , too .
Many ranchers burn land to clear space for raising and feeding animals used for food , which leads to droughts , greenhouse-gas emissions , and deforestation , all of which contribute to global warming .
So the fires are often started for animal agriculture and are then prevented from stopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably a huge reason why the U.N. has stated that meat consumption must decrease by as much as 90 % in order for us to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change .
Or else we can expect more of this : It ’ s estimated that over 1 billion animals were killed in Australia ’ s late-2019 fires .
This is about the same number of land animals ( like pigs and cows ) slaughtered every few days so that humans can eat their flesh .
The news of charred koala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many caring folks went into their own pockets to help support relief efforts .
Yet many of those same people show no compassion for the animals they pay to have killed for their meals .
How can they donate to save one species while paying to have another tortured and slaughtered ?
This major disconnect is exactly what ’ s causing cows , pigs , chickens , and beloved koalas bears alike to suffer .
About 41,000 fires in the Brazilian Amazon from January to August 2019 were recorded by scientists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than one week that summer , the majority clustered inside the Amazonian basin .
Cattle ranchers are known to start illegal wildfires deliberately in order to make room for more animals , and experts have reason to believe that they started the roaring blazes in Brazil .
Three football fields ’ worth of the Brazilian Amazon are destroyed every minute , and humans ’ appetite for beef is largely to blame .
The World Bank reported that cattle ranching has fueled up to 91 % of deforestation since 1970 .
In 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a report concluding that the demand for leather was fueling the destruction of the Amazon in its own right , not just as a byproduct of beef .
It ’ s all connected : Brazilian beef companies were supplying leather to leading global fashion brands and retailers .
Brazil is filled to the brim with cows , specifically the Nelore breed , an Indian import .
From 1993 to 2013 , the Brazilian herd grew to more than 60 million cows .
Brazil exported $ 1.4 billion in leather products in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , Italy , and the U.S. , according to the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry .
The cattle sector in the Amazon , the world ’ s most important forest carbon store , is the single largest driver of global deforestation .
Experts say that deforestation is the root cause of the increase in forest fires in Brazil .
In 2019 , nearly 2 million acres of Bolivia ’ s vital Chiquitano forest burned down in a five-day span largely caused by animal agriculture .
According to reports , Bolivia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to clear land for farming but quickly became uncontrollable .
Such practices aren ’ t uncommon .
Not only do these fires cause massive deforestation , displace countless indigenous peoples , and contribute to climate change , they ’ re also responsible for the deaths of many animals .
According to experts , at least 500 species were put at risk because of Bolivia ’ s flames .
The Chiquitano dry forest is home to jaguars , giant armadillos , tapirs , and other wildlife .
This problem isn ’ t limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. , too , and the culprits are the same .
Roughly 260 million acres of U.S. forests have been cleared in order to create cropland to feed animals raised for food .
By clearing forest , we eliminate the trees that would have absorbed the rising levels of CO and supplied us with oxygen .
Do you like breathing and not burning in a fire ?
Then we suggest you go vegan .
Animal agriculture requires massive amounts of land , feed , energy , and water and causes billions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cramped , filthy conditions on farms , industry-standard mutilations , and forced impregnations .
Then , they ’ re sent by the truckload to the slaughterhouse , where they ’ re shackled upside down and their throats are slit before they ’ re hoisted—bleeding and screaming—across the kill floor , usually to be dumped into a scalding-hot tank of water , often while they ’ re still conscious .
You Can Help Prevent Wildfires If everyone went vegan , global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75 % —an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , and the European Union combined—and still feed the entire world , all while sparing billions of animals every year horrific suffering and a needless death .
An in-depth report from The New York Times found that even the most environmentally harmful way of eating vegan is still better for the planet than the most carbon-saving omnivore diet .
Going vegan is the single biggest solution to the destruction that humans are causing our planet .
Eating and wearing vegan require zero government interference or promises from corporations .
All you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your kitchen and closet .
So what ’ ll it be : switching from animal flesh to vegetable protein and from skin to plant-based leather—or having a planet that can ’ t support life ?
Those are your only two options .
Choose wisely !

Around the world, prolonged heatwaves and droughts have extended seasonal wildfire periods—it’s clear that climate change is intensifying wildfires, forcing people to evacuate their homes and putting their lives at risk. And the death tolls of these catastrophic events don’t stop at humans. Billions of other animals die in them, and their deaths mostly go unreported.
A leading cause of climate change is animal agriculture, so you can actually blame using animals for food and clothing for exacerbating the wildfires—and in many cases, for starting them, too. Many ranchers burn land to clear space for raising and feeding animals to be killed for food or skinned for leather, which leads to droughts, greenhouse-gas emissions, and deforestation, all of which contribute to global warming. So the deadly fires are often started for animal agriculture and are then prevented from stopping because of it.
@officialpeta Don’t be fooled by an industry that profits from cruelty—wool hurts sheep AND the planet. ♬ Sad Somber Piano and Cello – Moko_Music
That’s probably a huge reason why the U.N. has stated that meat consumption must decrease by as much as 90% in order for us to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Or else we can expect more of this:
Wildfires in California
California’s more than 650 wildfires in 2020 have burned through at least 1.2 million acres of land as of August—that’s four times the size of all the wildfires that occurred in the state in 2019 combined. These fires have claimed at least seven humans and an unreported and inconceivable number of foxes, rabbits, deer, frogs, mice, coyotes, and other animals who were smoked out of their homes and burned alive. Wildfires are nothing new to California, the country’s largest dairy producer, which confined over 1.7 million cows exploited for their milk as of 2019. It’s no secret that clearing land in the name of animal agriculture makes fires more likely to start, and the hot and dry climate on the West Coast sure doesn’t help.
Wildfires in Australia
It’s estimated that over 1 billion animals were killed in Australia’s late-2019 fires. This is about the same number of land animals (like pigs and cows) slaughtered every few days so that humans can eat their flesh. The news of charred koala bears was devastating to most people, and many caring folks went into their own pockets to help support relief efforts. Yet many of those same people show no compassion for the animals they pay to have killed for their meals. How can they donate to save one species while paying to have another tortured and slaughtered? This major disconnect is exactly what’s causing cows, pigs, chickens, and beloved koalas bears alike to suffer.
Koala: CityNews Toronto | YouTube Koala: CityNews Toronto | YouTube
Wildfires in the Brazilian Amazon
About 41,000 fires in the Brazilian Amazon from January to August 2019 were recorded by scientists, with more than 9,500 new fires in less than one week that summer, the majority clustered inside the Amazonian basin. Cattle ranchers are known to start illegal wildfires deliberately in order to make room for more animals, and experts have reason to believe that they started the roaring blazes in Brazil. Three football fields’ worth of the Brazilian Amazon are destroyed every minute, and humans’ appetite for beef is largely to blame. The World Bank reported that cattle ranching has fueled up to 91% of deforestation since 1970.
In 2009, Greenpeace published “Slaughtering the Amazon,” a report concluding that the demand for leather was fueling the destruction of the Amazon in its own right, not just as a byproduct of beef. It’s all connected: Brazilian beef companies were supplying leather to leading global fashion brands and retailers. Brazil is filled to the brim with cows, specifically the Nelore breed, an Indian import. From 1993 to 2013, the Brazilian herd grew to more than 60 million cows. Brazil exported $1.4 billion in leather products in 2018 and most of it went to China, Italy, and the U.S., according to the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry.
The cattle sector in the Amazon, the world’s most important forest carbon store, is the single largest driver of global deforestation. Experts say that deforestation is the root cause of the increase in forest fires in Brazil.
The Amazon Rainforest supplies Earth with 20% of oxygen and is thought to be home to 30% of all species. And yet this beautiful place is being destroyed by a fire that has lasted 20+ days the smoke alone can be seen from Space .#AmazonRainforest #PrayForTheAmazon pic.twitter.com/LCmALQOVOF — MeTheNature (@MeTheNature) August 21, 2019
Wildfires in Bolivia
In 2019, nearly 2 million acres of Bolivia’s vital Chiquitano forest burned down in a five-day span largely caused by animal agriculture. According to reports, Bolivia’s fires were likely started deliberately in order to clear land for farming but quickly became uncontrollable. Such practices aren’t uncommon. Not only do these fires cause massive deforestation, displace countless indigenous peoples, and contribute to climate change, they’re also responsible for the deaths of many animals. According to experts, at least 500 species were put at risk because of Bolivia’s flames. The Chiquitano dry forest is home to jaguars, giant armadillos, tapirs, and other wildlife.
Thread on the current fires in #Bolivia: Fires have been used to expand agro-cattle area before, but our current catastrophe stems from the government authorizing further fires on FOREST lands in a new alliance with private sectors who wanted these lands.https://t.co/lfS7btxcNW pic.twitter.com/Ho4AuFm1xZ — Jhanisse Vaca Daza (@JhanisseVDaza) August 20, 2019
Wildfires Everywhere
Roughly 260 million acres of U.S. forests have been cleared in order to create cropland to feed animals raised for food. By clearing forest, we eliminate the trees that would have absorbed the rising levels of carbon dioxide and supplied us with oxygen. Do you like breathing and not burning in a fire? Then we suggest you go vegan.
Animal agriculture requires massive amounts of land, feed, energy, and water and causes billions of sentient beings to endure a lifetime of cramped, filthy conditions on farms, industry-standard mutilations, and forced impregnations. Then, they’re sent by the truckload to the slaughterhouse, where they’re shackled upside down and their throats are slit before they’re hoisted—bleeding and screaming—across the kill floor, usually to be dumped into a scalding-hot tank of water, often while they’re still conscious.
© Jo-Anne McArthur
You Can Help Prevent Wildfires
If everyone went vegan, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75%—an area equivalent to Australia, China, the European Union, and the U.S. combined—and still feed the entire world, all while sparing billions of animals every year horrific suffering and a needless death. An in-depth report from The New York Times found that even the most environmentally harmful way of eating vegan is still better for the planet than the most carbon-saving omnivore diet. Going vegan is the single biggest solution to the destruction that humans are causing our planet.
Eating and wearing vegan require zero government interference or promises from corporations. All you have to do is leave animal-derived items out of your kitchen and closet. So what’ll it be: switching from animal flesh to vegetable protein and from skin to plant-based leather—or having a planet that can’t support life? Those are your only two options. Choose wisely!


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-08--Urgent Tips for Protecting Animals During Tropical Storm

Norfolk , Va. – As Tropical Storm Cristobal approaches , bringing heavy rain , PETA is using a reminder that people should never leave dogs tethered or penned outside , and should take their animal companions with them if they have to evacuate .
Believe it or not , every time there ’ s a natural disaster , many dogs and other animal companions are left outside to fend for themselves and left behind when humans evacuate .
Dogs kept tethered will swim to exhaustion and then drown , and there are tethered dogs everywhere .
PETA ’ s Animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that animals endure when left behind to face floodwaters and flying debris .
During previous storms , we have found dogs dead .
We have also found them up to their necks in water , unable to sit or lie down , in almost-submerged crates inside houses and seen animals who have been flung around in high winds .
And of course , animals are petrified in these kinds of weather conditions .
PETA ’ s natural disaster-preparedness PSA is available here .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .
Cities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tropical storm survival tips include Biloxi and Jackson , MS ; Little Rock , AR ; and Jacksonville , FL .

For Immediate Release:
June 7, 2020
Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Va. – As Tropical Storm Cristobal approaches, bringing heavy rain, PETA is using a reminder that people should never leave dogs tethered or penned outside, and should take their animal companions with them if they have to evacuate.
Believe it or not, every time there’s a natural disaster, many dogs and other animal companions are left outside to fend for themselves and left behind when humans evacuate. Dogs kept tethered will swim to exhaustion and then drown, and there are tethered dogs everywhere. PETA’s Animal Rescue Team has witnessed firsthand the trauma that animals endure when left behind to face floodwaters and flying debris. During previous storms, we have found dogs dead. We have also found them up to their necks in water, unable to sit or lie down, in almost-submerged crates inside houses and seen animals who have been flung around in high winds. And of course, animals are petrified in these kinds of weather conditions.
PETA’s natural disaster-preparedness PSA is available here. For more information, please visit PETA.org.
Cities that have been alerted to PETA’s tropical storm survival tips include Biloxi and Jackson, MS; Little Rock, AR; and Jacksonville, FL .


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Summer Activity: Kids Can Learn About Animals in Their Own Backyard!

As coronavirus precautions have most students limited to taking walks , going on short trips to the park with their closest friends and family , or spending more quality time in their own backyards , summer education may seem a bit challenging—but there are still lots of ways students can observe and learn about the truly amazing abilities of animals they likely see every day .
An easy way to help kids relate to other species and see that they ’ re “ like us , only different , ” is to have them consider the fascinating traits , capabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their very own neighborhoods .
Encourage students to engage in this animal scavenger hunt .
Order our FREE stickers to give to those who find all 15 !
In your own backyard , while on a picnic with your family , or when taking a walk this summer , notice the amazing animals all around you .
Be sure not to touch , bother , or get too close to wild animals—just watch them from a distance .
See if you can spot all 15 on this list : • Geese have 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say hello , and even express happiness .
How do you express happiness ?
How similar or different is your way of showing happiness from a goose ’ s way ?
• These animals go “ bzzz bzzz , ” and sometimes people are afraid of them , but bees are truly amazing .
They have a complicated social system , can remember colors and landmarks , and can recognize different types of flowers , shapes , and patterns .
Just like us , they can make plans and decisions and understand concepts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in our ecosystem , and we should never hurt them .
• These animals have eight legs—and when we spot one in the house , we should think of them as roommates , not pests .
Did you know that some male spiders pluck their webs like a guitar to attract females ?
Pretty cool !
• Deer are gentle and intelligent .
Did you know that baby deer ( also called fawns ) stay close to their moms for two years before going out on their own ?
You probably like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
• These little guys are all around us—and because they ’ re so small , their abilities may be hard to believe .
But ants can carry up to 20 times their own weight .
That ’ s some strength !
• In a bad mood or feeling sad ?
Dogs can tell !
Studies show that they can do this by paying attention to how your voice sounds , how you smell , and the look on your face .
And we know dogs can be very comforting to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Did you know that many birds , like pigeons , have great memories ?
Pigeons care about their family , stay with the same mate for life , and can even recognize themselves in a mirror .
• Just like humans , frog fathers watch their babies closely and protect them .
Some species of frog dads even swallow their babies when danger is near and spit them back out again when it ’ s safe !
Frogs belong in nature—don ’ t ever catch them and take them away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell you to eat your greens , right ?
Then you have something in common with rabbits—they eat greens like grass , clover , wildflowers , and vegetable plants .
Rabbits sometimes live underground in burrows with lots of tunnels that they dig for safety .
• When moths want to signal each other , they use light patterns that only other moths can see .
Do you have a secret language that you use with someone special ?
• How long can you hold your breath ?
Some kinds of turtles can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice !
• Crows and ravens are very smart birds .
The crows in your neighborhood might remember your face after seeing you for a few days—and they can also remember if you ever seemed like a threat .
Ravens have shown that they can use tools to get food and solve problems , just like us .
• You learn a lot as a kid , and you ’ ll remember some of it forever .
Butterflies are the same way—they can even remember things they learned when they were caterpillars !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might wander into your kitchen looking for a snack , right ?
Worms can think and make decisions based on what they want , too !
We have so many things in common with even the smallest animals !
• Even though they look really different from us , snails and humans have a lot in common .
These small animals can remember the smells of good things to eat and can also smell danger .
For more animal-friendly activities to help keep your students busy all summer long , check out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Choice Boards !

An easy way to help kids relate to other species and see that they’re like us in all the ways that really matter is to have them consider the fascinating traits, capabilities, and hidden lives of animals in their very own neighborhoods.
Encourage students to engage in this animal scavenger hunt. Order our FREE stickers to give to those who find all 15!
Instructions for Students
When you’re in your own backyard, on a picnic, or taking a walk, notice the amazing animals all around you. Be sure not to touch, bother, or get too close to wild animals—just watch them from a distance. See if you can spot all 15 on this list:
Geese have 13 different calls—they honk to give warnings, say hello, and even express happiness. Do you make sounds? How about when you say hello or give warnings?
These animals go “bzzz bzzz,” and sometimes people are afraid of them, but bees are truly amazing. They have a complicated social system, can remember colors and landmarks, and can recognize different types of flowers, shapes, and patterns. Just like us, they can make plans and decisions and understand concepts like time. Honeybees play an important part in our ecosystem, and we should never hurt them.
These animals have eight legs—and when we spot one in the house, we should think of them as a roommate, not a pest. Did you know that some male spiders pluck their webs like a guitar to attract females? Pretty cool.
Deer are gentle and intelligent. Did you know that baby deer (also called fawns) stay close to their moms for two years before going out on their own? You probably like to be close to your family, too.
These little guys are all around us—and because they’re so small, their abilities may be hard to believe. But ants can carry up to 20 times their own weight. That’s some super human ant strength!
ant strength! In a bad mood or feeling sad? Dogs can tell! Studies show that they can do this by paying attention to how your voice sounds, how you smell, and the look on your face. And we know dogs can be very comforting to us, so this is really no surprise.
Did you know that many birds, like pigeons, have great memories? Pigeons care about their families, stay with the same mate for life, and can even recognize themselves in a mirror.
Just like humans, frog fathers watch their babies closely and protect them. Some species of frog dads even swallow their babies when danger is near and spit them back out again when it’s safe. Frogs belong in nature—don’t ever catch them and take them away from their homes outdoors.
Your grownups tell you to eat your greens, right? Then you have something in common with rabbits—they eat greens like grass, clover, wildflowers, and vegetable plants. Rabbits sometimes live underground in burrows with lots of tunnels that they dig for safety.
When moths signal to each other, they use light patterns that only other moths can see. Do you have a secret language that you use with someone special?
How long can you hold your breath? Some kinds of turtles can hold theirs for 100 days under the ice!
Crows and ravens are very smart birds. The crows in your neighborhood might remember your face after seeing you for a few days—and they can also remember if you ever seemed like a threat. Ravens have shown that they can use tools to get food and solve problems, just like us.
You learn a lot as a kid, and you’ll remember some of it forever. Butterflies are the same way—they can even remember things they learned when they were caterpillars!
If you’re hungry, you might wander into your kitchen looking for a snack, right? Worms can think and make decisions based on what they want, too! We have so many things in common with even the smallest animals.
Even though they look really different from us, snails have a lot in common with humans. These small animals can remember the smells of good things to eat and can also recognize the smells of dangerous animals.
*****
For more animal-friendly activities to help engage your students, check out PETA Kids’ Animal Rights Activity Choice Boards.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Boy Feeds Sheep, Contracts a Viral Illness ‘With Parallels to COVID-19’

What is orf ?
It ’ s your body telling you to leave sheep the hell alone .
Case in point : A 15-year-old boy contracted the viral zoonotic illness ( meaning that it ’ s transmissible from animals to humans ) , likely after feeding sheep at his family farm in Conwy , a town in Wales .
Brychan was admitted for emergency care and spent four nights and five days in the hospital .
Hospital staff reportedly struggled to pinpoint the cause of the boil-like welts that covered his body , eventually determining that it was orf—a viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to humans .
It may have given Edwards ’ physicians a run for their money , but farmers are all too familiar with it .
Humans infected with orf often develop red , raised skin lesions , like the ones seen above on Brychan ’ s hand .
Orf is a “ virus with parallels to COVID-19 , ” multiple news outlets reported .
Bats and pangolins have been suspected of being the novel coronavirus ’ s reservoir species—COVID-19 has even been referred to as “ the revenge of the pangolin.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bats and pangolins alone won ’ t prevent the spread of zoonotic viruses .
Orf is just one example of the many zoonotic diseases that can result from rearing sheep for wool or meat : Like orf , rabies is a viral infection that can be passed from other mammals , including sheep , to humans .
Although many associate rabies with bites , the deadly disease can be transmitted via direct contact with saliva , mucous membranes , or blood .
Symptoms include headache , fever , hallucinations , hydrophobia ( fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rabies in unvaccinated humans is almost always fatal .
A bacterial zoonotic disease , Q fever ( aka “ query fever ” ) is most related to ruminants , such as sheep and goats , and can be transmitted to anyone who has contact with animals infected with Q fever bacteria .
Slaughterhouse workers and farmers who rear animals to send to slaughterhouses are among those most at risk of being exposed .
Inhaling dust that contains Q fever bacteria and touching milk from an animal infected with the disease are two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
However , multiple outbreaks of Q fever have occurred simply because infected sheep walked through town or wind carried contaminated matter off .
Living close to a sheep farm could be enough to catch the disease .
Flu-like symptoms are the most common indicators of Q fever , and the disease can cause stillbirth and miscarriage in pregnant women .
Q fever can be deadly , and no vaccines for it are approved in the U.S. Chlamydi-what ?
Ovine chlamydiosis is typically contracted by humans through direct contact with birthing tissue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , “ If infected , in most humans it leads to a mild flu-like disease , but in pregnant women it can cause a severe life-threatening disease in the mother and lead to stillbirth or miscarriage of the unborn child.
” Anthrax ( aka “ malignant edema ” or “ woolsorters ’ disease ” ) affects those who touch contaminated animal-derived products like wool ( e.g.
, the bacteria enters an open wound ) , inhale the spores of the bacteria , or eat infected meat .
People who work in wool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among those most at risk—Bangladesh , China , India , and South Africa are the countries with the greatest number of people susceptible to the disease .
Just like all types of anthrax , woolsorters ’ disease is potentially fatal .
Many people who have dogs are cautiously aware of ringworm—but did you know that the fungal infection can be transmitted from sheep to humans , too ?
Anyone who has had direct contact with the spores on an infected animal can become infected .
The spores can be on the infected animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even be found on the brushes or clippers used to shear sheep .
If infected with ringworm , humans may develop itchy , inflamed spots that appear red and scaly and will sometimes blister .
The zoonotic diseases mentioned above are only a few of the ones that can be passed from sheep to humans .
Humans who have contact with sheep can also contract leptospirosis , campylobacteriosis , listeriosis , salmonellosis , tularemia , and Caseous lymphadenitis .
We ’ ve released 13 exposés of more than 100 sheep operations across four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have revealed that sheep are systemically beaten , kicked , punched , and mutilated in the wool industry .
In 2018 , one eyewitness who worked on a sheep farm in Victoria , Australia—the world ’ s top wool exporter—observed workers using shears to cut chunks of flesh off the hindquarters of lambs ( i.e.
, baby sheep , who form deep bonds with their mothers ) , leaving them with exposed , bloody wounds that often become infected .
In light of the novel coronavirus crisis , we should all avoid wool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having compassion for sheep ( who wag their tails when they ’ re happy , just like our canine best friends ) : If you buy wool , you could be fueling the next pandemic .
Raising and killing sheep for sweaters , scarves , and meat can increase the risk of outbreaks of dangerous illnesses like the ones mentioned above—or even create an opportunity for new mutated viruses and bacteria to form and spread .
The best way to help sheep and yourself is to refuse to buy wool .
Tell Retailers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Should Be , Too Once you ’ ve clicked above and taken action , be sure to share this page with your friends and family on social media .
Let them know that wearing wool—like wearing fur , leather , down , exotic skins , and every other animal-derived material—is cruel and dangerous .

What is orf? It’s your body telling you to leave sheep the hell alone. Case in point: A 15-year-old boy contracted the viral zoonotic illness (meaning that it’s transmissible from animals to humans), likely after feeding sheep at his family farm in Conwy, a town in Wales.
Rare sheep virus leaves teenager feeling like his 'body's on fire and burnt all over'https://t.co/vxj335CyL3 pic.twitter.com/y737rCzAXB — Daily Star (@dailystar) June 2, 2020
“He felt as if his hands and feet were on fire,” said Brychan Edwards’ mom. “It looked like he’d been burnt all over.”
Brychan was admitted for emergency care and spent four nights and five days in the hospital. Hospital staff reportedly struggled to pinpoint the cause of the boil-like welts that covered his body, eventually determining that it was orf—a viral illness that can be passed from sheep to humans. It may have given Edwards’ physicians a run for their money, but farmers are all too familiar with it. Humans infected with orf often develop red, raised skin lesions, like the ones seen above on Brychan’s hand.
Orf is a “virus with parallels to COVID-19,” multiple news outlets reported. Bats and pangolins have been suspected of being the novel coronavirus’s reservoir species—COVID-19 has even been referred to as “the revenge of the pangolin.” But clearly, leaving only exotic animals like bats and pangolins alone won’t prevent the spread of zoonotic viruses.
“Domesticated mammals—including cats and dogs, pigs and cattle, horses and sheep—host 50% of the viruses that can be passed to mankind, despite representing only 12 species,” CNN reported.
Orf is just one example of the many zoonotic diseases that can result from rearing sheep for wool or meat:
Rabies
Like orf, rabies is a viral infection that can be passed from other mammals, including sheep, to humans. Although many associate rabies with bites, the deadly disease can be transmitted via direct contact with saliva, mucous membranes, or blood. Symptoms include headache, fever, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. Rabies in unvaccinated humans is almost always fatal.
Q Fever
A bacterial zoonotic disease, Q fever (aka “query fever”) is most related to ruminants, such as sheep and goats, and can be transmitted to anyone who has contact with animals infected with Q fever bacteria. Slaughterhouse workers and farmers who rear animals to send to slaughterhouses are among those most at risk of being exposed.
Inhaling dust that contains Q fever bacteria and touching milk from an animal infected with the disease are two of the ways it’s most commonly spread. However, multiple outbreaks of Q fever have occurred simply because infected sheep walked through town or wind carried contaminated matter off. Living close to a sheep farm could be enough to catch the disease. Flu-like symptoms are the most common indicators of Q fever, and the disease can cause stillbirth and miscarriage in pregnant women. Q fever can be deadly, and no vaccines for it are approved in the U.S.
Chlamydiosis
Chlamydi-what? Ovine chlamydiosis is typically contracted by humans through direct contact with birthing tissue of infected animals. According to one report, “If infected, in most humans it leads to a mild flu-like disease, but in pregnant women it can cause a severe life-threatening disease in the mother and lead to stillbirth or miscarriage of the unborn child.”
Woolsorters’ Disease
Anthrax (aka “malignant edema” or “woolsorters’ disease”) affects those who touch contaminated animal-derived products like wool (e.g., the bacteria enters an open wound), inhale the spores of the bacteria, or eat infected meat. People who work in wool mills, slaughterhouses, and tanneries are among those most at risk—Bangladesh, China, India, and South Africa are the countries with the greatest number of people susceptible to the disease. Just like all types of anthrax, woolsorters’ disease is potentially fatal.
Ringworm
Many people who have dogs are cautiously aware of ringworm—but did you know that the fungal infection can be transmitted from sheep to humans, too? Anyone who has had direct contact with the spores on an infected animal can become infected. The spores can be on the infected animal’s wool or skin and can even be found on the brushes or clippers used to shear sheep. If infected with ringworm, humans may develop itchy, inflamed spots that appear red and scaly and will sometimes blister.
The zoonotic diseases mentioned above are only a few of the ones that can be passed from sheep to humans. Humans who have contact with sheep can also contract leptospirosis, campylobacteriosis, listeriosis, salmonellosis, tularemia, and Caseous lymphadenitis.
These sheep-associated zoonotic diseases make our wool exposés extra-disturbing.
We’ve released 13 exposés of more than 100 sheep operations across four continents, including North America, that have revealed that sheep are systemically beaten, kicked, punched, and mutilated in the wool industry. In 2018, one eyewitness who worked on a sheep farm in Victoria, Australia—the world’s top wool exporter—observed workers using shears to cut chunks of flesh off the hindquarters of lambs (i.e., baby sheep, who form deep bonds with their mothers), leaving them with exposed, bloody wounds that often become infected.
In light of the novel coronavirus crisis, we should all avoid wool for reasons beyond the important one of having compassion for sheep (who wag their tails when they’re happy, just like our canine best friends): If you buy wool, you could be fueling the next pandemic. Raising and killing sheep for sweaters, scarves, and meat can increase the risk of outbreaks of dangerous illnesses like the ones mentioned above—or even create an opportunity for new mutated viruses and bacteria to form and spread. The best way to help sheep and yourself is to refuse to buy wool.
Once you’ve clicked above and taken action, be sure to share this page with your friends and family on social media. Let them know that wearing wool—like wearing fur, leather, down, exotic skins, and every other animal-derived material—is cruel and dangerous.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Urgent From PETA: Tips for Keeping Dogs Safe During Hot Weather

Micanopy , Fla. – Following recent reports that a dog had to be euthanized after suffering from severe heatstroke during a K-9 training exercise for the Alachua County Sheriff ’ s Office in Micanopy last month , PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of keeping dogs safe during hot weather , including by curbing activity , watching for signs of distress , and never leaving them outdoors in extreme heat or in hot vehicles .
Three dogs have died in just the last two weeks after being left in hot cars , and with dogs being brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times and errands , PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths .
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty .
With protests currently sweeping the country , this reminder is especially important for dogs , who need to rehydrate frequently and may quickly overheat and burn their paws on hot pavement .
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather : • Keep animals indoors , and leave them at home when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans , dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting , so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
• Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle .
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars , and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open , which has little to no effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations .
• Avoid hot pavement .
When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s , asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees , causing pain , burns , and permanent damage to dogs ’ paws after just a few minutes of contact .
Walk dogs on grass whenever possible , and avoid walking in the middle of the day .
Never run with dogs in hot weather—they ’ ll collapse before giving up , at which point , it may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has released a hot-car PSA featuring Mckenna Grace .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Micanopy, Fla. – Following recent reports that a dog had to be euthanized after suffering from severe heatstroke during a K-9 training exercise for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in Micanopy last month, PETA is issuing an urgent warning about the importance of keeping dogs safe during hot weather, including by curbing activity, watching for signs of distress, and never leaving them outdoors in extreme heat or in hot vehicles. Three dogs have died in just the last two weeks after being left in hot cars, and with dogs being brought to protests and COVID-19 prolonging store wait times and errands, PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths.
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty. With protests currently sweeping the country, this reminder is especially important for dogs, who need to rehydrate frequently and may quickly overheat and burn their paws on hot pavement.
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:
Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately. Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. for help with intervening in life-or-death situations. Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.
PETA has released a hot-car PSA featuring Mckenna Grace. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Reps. Boyle and Calvert Lead Demand to End Taxpayer-Funded Psych Tests on Animals

Bipartisan Legislators Urge National Institute of Mental Health to End Foot Shock , Tail Suspension , and Near-Drowning Tests Washington – Reps. Brendan Boyle ( D-Pa. ) and Ken Calvert ( R-Calif. ) along with Reps. David Cicilline ( D-R.I. ) , Steve Cohen ( D-Tenn. ) , Tulsi Gabbard ( D-Hawaii ) , Raúl Grijalva ( D-Ariz. ) , Barbara Lee ( D-Calif. ) , and Lucille Roybal-Allard ( D-Calif. ) sent a letter today calling on National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) Director Joshua Gordon to provide a timeline for ending cruel and pointless psychological tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methods .
The controversial taxpayer-funded experiments drawing congressional scrutiny include the forced swim test , in which mice and other small animals are made to swim for their lives ; the foot shock test , in which they ’ re electrically shocked ; the tail suspension test , in which they ’ re hung upside down ; and social defeat experiments , in which mice are attacked by larger mice .
These experiments induce extreme fear , panic , despair , and trauma in the animals and have failed to produce treatments for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon has acknowledged that these tests have “ wasted time and $ ” and are “ lacking … specificity to be of general use in clarifying … human depression , ” but his agency continues to fund them .
“ [ T ] he use of mice and other animals for depression research , particularly when it involves crude and cruel tests such as the ones in [ PETA ’ s ] video , has been cited as a major contributor to the failure of new drugs to treat this condition , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NIMH spent more than $ 26,602,694 of taxpayers ’ hard-earned money on cruel , ineffective , and wasteful experiments , including the forced swim test and other psychological tests on animals .
“ NIMH knows very well that tormenting mice tells us nothing about human depression , yet it ’ s funneling millions of taxpayer dollars into these worthless tests , ” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala .
“ PETA joins Reps. Boyle and Calvert and the other legislators in calling for animals to be spared the pain , despair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hung upside down , and nearly drowned.
” 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 click here .

Bipartisan Legislators Urge National Institute of Mental Health to End Foot Shock, Tail Suspension, and Near-Drowning Tests
For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2020
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Washington – Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) along with Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) sent a letter today calling on National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Director Joshua Gordon to provide a timeline for ending cruel and pointless psychological tests on animals and switching to modern research methods.
The controversial taxpayer-funded experiments drawing congressional scrutiny include the forced swim test, in which mice and other small animals are made to swim for their lives; the foot shock test, in which they’re electrically shocked; the tail suspension test, in which they’re hung upside down; and social defeat experiments, in which mice are attacked by larger mice. These experiments induce extreme fear, panic, despair, and trauma in the animals and have failed to produce treatments for humans—and as the letter points out, Gordon has acknowledged that these tests have “wasted time and $” and are “lacking … specificity to be of general use in clarifying … human depression,” but his agency continues to fund them.
“[T]he use of mice and other animals for depression research, particularly when it involves crude and cruel tests such as the ones in [PETA’s] video, has been cited as a major contributor to the failure of new drugs to treat this condition,” the congressional letter states. In 2019, NIMH spent more than $26,602,694 of taxpayers’ hard-earned money on cruel, ineffective, and wasteful experiments, including the forced swim test and other psychological tests on animals.
“NIMH knows very well that tormenting mice tells us nothing about human depression, yet it’s funneling millions of taxpayer dollars into these worthless tests,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA joins Reps. Boyle and Calvert and the other legislators in calling for animals to be spared the pain, despair, and helplessness of being electrically shocked, hung upside down, and nearly drowned.”
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 click here.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Urgent From PETA: Hot-Weather Survival Tips for Animals in Austin

Austin , Texas – With a heat advisory in effect for the Austin area , animals—who can quickly succumb to heatstroke if left outdoors or in a parked car—are at risk .
Three dogs have died in just the last two weeks after being left in hot cars , and with dogs being brought to protests and COVID-19 prolonging store wait times and errands , PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths .
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty .
With protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is especially important for dogs , who need to rehydrate frequently and may quickly overheat and burn their paws on hot pavement .
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather : • Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle .
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars , and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open , which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car .
PETA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with intervening in life-or-death situations .
• Keep animals indoors , and leave them at home when it ’ s hot outside .
Unlike humans , dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting , so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences .
Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately .
• Avoid hot pavement .
When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s , asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees , causing pain , burns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paws after just a few minutes of contact .
Walk dogs on grass whenever possible , and avoid walking in the middle of the day .
Never run with dogs in hot weather—they ’ ll collapse before giving up , at which point , it may be too late to save them .
PETA has released a warm-weather public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace .
For more information , visit PETA.org .

For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Rossi 202-483-7382
Austin, Texas – With a heat advisory in effect for the Austin area, animals—who can quickly succumb to heatstroke if left outdoors or in a parked car—are at risk. Three dogs have died in just the last two weeks after being left in hot cars, and with dogs being brought to protests and COVID-19 prolonging store wait times and errands, PETA is concerned that this summer could see an unprecedented number of hot weather–related animal deaths.
Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty. With protests currently sweeping the country, this reminder is especially important for dogs, who need to rehydrate frequently and may quickly overheat and burn their paws on hot pavement.
The following tips will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:
Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. for help with intervening in life-or-death situations. Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately. Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140 degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day. Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.
PETA has released a warm-weather public service announcement featuring Mckenna Grace. For more information, visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--Dolphin-Breeding Debate to Hit SeaWorld Annual Meeting

SeaWorld Shareholder PETA to Call for a Ban on Breeding Whales and Dolphins at Annual Meeting As New Campaign Launches on Abusement Park 's Reopening Day Orlando , Fla. – This is the question a PETA representative will pose to SeaWorld executives and shareholders on Wednesday : “ When will SeaWorld recognize that in order to survive , it must stop breeding dolphins and whales and move its long-suffering captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries ?
” It will come one day before the abusement park is set to reopen following its COVID-19 closure .
PETA supporters will be present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest what they see as the continued exploitation of marine mammals to turn a buck .
“ In nature , belugas and dolphins maintain dynamic relationships with large social networks , choose their own partners , and swim freely in the huge expanse of the ocean .
But at SeaWorld , they ’ re used as breeding machines to create generations of animals who are confined for life in tiny , concrete tanks , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ PETA wants SeaWorld to stop shipping these intelligent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to park to breed and start moving them to seaside sanctuaries.
” Following PETA ’ s previous campaign , SeaWorld agreed in February to stop allowing trainers to stand on dolphins ’ faces and ride on their backs in cruel circus-style shows—but dolphins are still being bred , sometimes forcibly after being drugged .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to use for entertainment ” —opposes speciesism , a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com .
My name is Melanie Johnson , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals .
Even though SeaWorld has spent years trying to repair its image , which was badly damaged after the release of Blackfish , it ’ s clear that the tide of public opinion has turned against the company ’ s failing business model .
When facilities across the country reopen as COVID-19 lockdowns end , public disdain for the practice of exploiting animals for entertainment will continue to pummel SeaWorld ’ s bottom line .
SeaWorld recognized this undeniable trend when it stopped breeding orcas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand on dolphins ’ faces and ride on their backs in cruel circus-style shows .
It knows that its remaining customers come for the new rides , concerts , and other amusements that don ’ t harm animals .
Last month , PETA offered the company a quarter of a million dollars to help build a seaside sanctuary for the orcas and other dolphins it holds captive .
SeaWorld can take the opportunity to reinvent itself at this crucial time , or it can sink along with other animal-exploiting businesses that don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My question is this : When will SeaWorld recognize that in order to survive , it must stop breeding dolphins and whales and move its long-suffering captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries ?

SeaWorld Shareholder PETA to Call for a Ban on Breeding Whales and Dolphins at Annual Meeting As New Campaign Launches on Abusement Park's Reopening Day
For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Orlando, Fla. – This is the question a PETA representative will pose to SeaWorld executives and shareholders on Wednesday: “When will SeaWorld recognize that in order to survive, it must stop breeding dolphins and whales and move its long-suffering captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries?” It will come one day before the abusement park is set to reopen following its COVID-19 closure.
PETA supporters will be present at the park’s reopening to protest what they see as the continued exploitation of marine mammals to turn a buck.
When: Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m.
Where: 7007 Sea World Dr., Orlando
“In nature, belugas and dolphins maintain dynamic relationships with large social networks, choose their own partners, and swim freely in the huge expanse of the ocean. But at SeaWorld, they’re used as breeding machines to create generations of animals who are confined for life in tiny, concrete tanks,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA wants SeaWorld to stop shipping these intelligent, social, deprived marine mammals from park to park to breed and start moving them to seaside sanctuaries.”
Following PETA’s previous campaign, SeaWorld agreed in February to stop allowing trainers to stand on dolphins’ faces and ride on their backs in cruel circus-style shows—but dolphins are still being bred, sometimes forcibly after being drugged.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com.
PETA’s full shareholder statement follows.
My name is Melanie Johnson, and I have a question on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Even though SeaWorld has spent years trying to repair its image, which was badly damaged after the release of Blackfish, it’s clear that the tide of public opinion has turned against the company’s failing business model. When facilities across the country reopen as COVID-19 lockdowns end, public disdain for the practice of exploiting animals for entertainment will continue to pummel SeaWorld’s bottom line.
SeaWorld recognized this undeniable trend when it stopped breeding orcas and when it agreed to stop allowing trainers to stand on dolphins’ faces and ride on their backs in cruel circus-style shows. It knows that its remaining customers come for the new rides, concerts, and other amusements that don’t harm animals. Last month, PETA offered the company a quarter of a million dollars to help build a seaside sanctuary for the orcas and other dolphins it holds captive. SeaWorld can take the opportunity to reinvent itself at this crucial time, or it can sink along with other animal-exploiting businesses that don’t get with the times.
My question is this: When will SeaWorld recognize that in order to survive, it must stop breeding dolphins and whales and move its long-suffering captive marine mammals to seaside sanctuaries?


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-09--4 Reasons Why It’s Unethical to Buy a Corgi (or Any Other Animal)

You may have seen corgis in pictures beside the Queen of England or on Instagram , but corgis and other “ purebreds ” don ’ t need our “ likes ” —they need our help .
Buying animals supports pet shops—many of which let smaller animals like rats and lizards suffer and die because they ’ re deemed “ unworthy ” of veterinary care costs—and unscrupulous breeders , who treat animals as birthing machines .
So when you see a corgi for sale from a breeder , pet shop , or anywhere else , tell everyone you know the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FROM AN ANIMAL SHELTER You ’ ll Help End the Cycle of Animal Homelessness Did you know U.S. shelters take in more than 6 million animals every year ?
While healthy and loving animals in shelters are waiting for homes , breeders are pushing even more animals into the world .
Who is a breeder ?
This is anyone who forces a dog to mate and give birth , whether they run an industrial-size puppy mill or a small-time backyard operation .
Around half the animals in shelters will be euthanized because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
The only ethical option for bringing a dog into your life is to adopt from a socially conscious ( open-admission ) animal shelter or a reputable rescue group .
And if your mind is set on finding a specific kind of dog , about 25 % of animals in shelters are “ purebreds.
” So , no excuses !
Corgi Breeding , Like All Animal Breeding , Is Irresponsible and Deadly Breeders try to bring out the most “ likeable ” physical traits , without regard for the health problems dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corgis are no exception .
The exaggerated proportions that people consider “ cute ” and are willing to pay for are the exact features that put dogs like them at risk .
The American Kennel Club makes matters worse by setting bizarre and random aesthetic standards , many of which can result in serious health defects for as many as one in four dogs .
Because of these standards , people breed corgis to have a genetic mutation called achondroplasia , a form of dwarfism that can lead to hip and joint pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also can have this mutation .
IF YOU BOUGHT AN AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB-REGISTERED DOG AND THEY BECAME ILL OR VIOLENT OR DIED PREMATURELY , LET US KNOW .
Some breeders even dock the tails of Cardigan Welsh corgis to make them look more like Pembroke corgis .
This is a painful mutilation that can cause physiological damage .
Why do they do this ?
Because people are buying more Pembroke corgis .
The purchase of these dogs is leading to increased health problems and unnecessary cosmetic surgeries .
Corgis and other dogs bred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bodies share similar health problems .
If you already have a corgi , it ’ s a good idea to have a veterinarian check them for any of the following : If you ’ re surprised that breeding creates so many health issues for corgis , check out the health issues that other well-known dog breeds have .
There ’ s no such thing as a responsible breeder—or buyer .
Breeders force corgis to mate or they artificially inseminate them , when spaying or neutering is the only responsible thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogs ’ lives on the line during pregnancies and births in order to make a profit .
When they ’ ve bred females to exhaustion , the dogs are often given to shelters , auctioned off , or killed .
Meanwhile , some puppies who survive the filthy conditions at puppy mills die during the grueling journey to pet shops .
Breeders have blood on their hands , but people who buy dogs do , too .
That ’ s because buying a dog from a breeder or pet shop means that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at finding a loving home .
When you adopt an animal from a socially conscious shelter , you save that animal ’ s life and make room for another animal to have a chance at adoption .
If you ’ re determined to find a “ purebred ” companion , check out your local breed-rescue group or open-admission shelter or use Petfinder.com .
Help end animal homelessness today by pledging to adopt—never buy—an animal if you ’ re in the position to give one a lifelong , loving home .
Tell everyone you @ @ @ @ @ @

You may have seen corgis in pictures beside the Queen of England or on Instagram, but corgis and other “purebreds” don’t need our “likes”—they need our help. Buying animals supports pet shops—many of which let smaller animals like rats and lizards suffer and die because they’re deemed “unworthy” of veterinary care costs—and unscrupulous breeders, who treat animals as birthing machines. So when you see a corgi for sale from a breeder, pet shop, or anywhere else, tell everyone you know the following information.
4 LIFESAVING REASONS TO ADOPT FROM AN ANIMAL SHELTER
You’ll Help End the Cycle of Animal Homelessness
Did you know U.S. shelters take in more than 6 million animals every year? While healthy and loving animals in shelters are waiting for homes, breeders are pushing even more animals into the world. Who is a breeder? This is anyone who forces a dog to mate and give birth, whether they run an industrial-size puppy mill or a small-time backyard operation. Around half the animals in shelters will be euthanized because there aren’t enough good homes for them.
The only ethical option for bringing a dog into your life is to adopt from a socially conscious (open-admission) animal shelter or a reputable rescue group. And if your mind is set on finding a specific kind of dog, about 25% of animals in shelters are “purebreds.” So, no excuses!
Corgi Breeding, Like All Animal Breeding, Is Irresponsible and Deadly
Breeders try to bring out the most “likeable” physical traits, without regard for the health problems dogs might have later in their lives. Corgis are no exception. The exaggerated proportions that people consider “cute” and are willing to pay for are the exact features that put dogs like them at risk.
The American Kennel Club makes matters worse by setting bizarre and random aesthetic standards, many of which can result in serious health defects for as many as one in four dogs. Because of these standards, people breed corgis to have a genetic mutation called achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that can lead to hip and joint pain. Dachshunds and some breeds of terriers also can have this mutation.
IF YOU BOUGHT AN AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB-REGISTERED DOG AND THEY BECAME ILL OR VIOLENT OR DIED PREMATURELY, LET US KNOW.
Some breeders even dock the tails of Cardigan Welsh corgis to make them look more like Pembroke corgis. This is a painful mutilation that can cause physiological damage. Why do they do this? Because people are buying more Pembroke corgis. The purchase of these dogs is leading to increased health problems and unnecessary cosmetic surgeries.
Corgis and other dogs bred to have large heads and small legs and bodies share similar health problems. If you already have a corgi, it’s a good idea to have a veterinarian check them for any of the following:
Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia
Intervertebral disc disease
Bladder stones
Von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder)
Progressive retinal atrophy
If you’re surprised that breeding creates so many health issues for corgis, check out the health issues that other well-known dog breeds have.
Buying Hurts and Kills Animals—Period
There’s no such thing as a responsible breeder—or buyer. Breeders force corgis to mate or they artificially inseminate them, when spaying or neutering is the only responsible thing to do. People who breed animals put mother dogs’ lives on the line during pregnancies and births in order to make a profit. When they’ve bred females to exhaustion, the dogs are often given to shelters, auctioned off, or killed. Meanwhile, some puppies who survive the filthy conditions at puppy mills die during the grueling journey to pet shops.
Breeders have blood on their hands, but people who buy dogs do, too. That’s because buying a dog from a breeder or pet shop means that a dog in a shelter loses a chance at finding a loving home.
You’ll Save Two Lives by Adopting
When you adopt an animal from a socially conscious shelter, you save that animal’s life and make room for another animal to have a chance at adoption. If you’re determined to find a “purebred” companion, check out your local breed-rescue group or open-admission shelter or use Petfinder.com.
Help end animal homelessness today by pledging to adopt—never buy—an animal if you’re in the position to give one a lifelong, loving home. Tell everyone you know by sharing this page:


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--‘No One Needs to Kill to Eat’—but Shore Transit Doesn’t Want You to Know It

Does Shore Transit have a problem with PETA ’ s freedom of expression in our effort to save the lives of animals , slaughterhouse workers , and workers ’ families ?
Judging by the way the Maryland agency recently stomped on our right to free speech , we ’ d say so .
Today , our legal counsel sent a letter formally objecting to Shore Transit ’ s refusal to run our ads—including the ones above and below—which proclaim , “ Close the Slaughterhouses : Save the Workers , Their Families , and the Animals.
” These ads were designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonbinding order for slaughterhouses nationwide to remain open despite widespread coronavirus infections , including in Maryland , where hundreds of local Perdue and Amick Farms slaughterhouse workers have tested positive for the virus .
The number of infections among slaughterhouse workers is still rising .
The meat industry is killing vast numbers of animals , 86 slaughterhouse workers have died from COVID-19 , and many more as well as their families are sick .
So we ’ re asking Shore Transit to do the right thing by allowing us to inform the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as simple as not supporting the slaughter industry and going vegan .
Already Convinced ?
Here ’ s How to Go Vegan The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “ wet market , ” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption ; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm ; and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens ( who love their families and value their own lives , just as we do ) .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other animals .
Don ’ t let suppressed freedom of expression stop you from saving the lives of animals such as chickens , who have been known to complete complex mental tasks , learn from watching each other , demonstrate self-control , and worry about the future .
Shore Transit may not want you to learn more about going vegan or that slaughterhouses are the least safe workplaces in the world , but that doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t .
Click on the links below to learn more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save nearly 200 lives per year ( including maybe your own ) just by making the switch : Save the Workers , Their Families , and the Animals—Go Vegan Why PETA Stands in Solidarity With Slaughterhouse Workers Note : PETA supports animal rights , opposes all forms of animal exploitation , and provides the public with information on those issues .
We do not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or any political party .

Does Shore Transit have a problem with PETA’s freedom of expression in our effort to save the lives of animals, slaughterhouse workers, and workers’ families? Judging by the way the Maryland agency recently stomped on our right to free speech, we’d say so.
Today, our legal counsel sent a letter formally objecting to Shore Transit’s refusal to run our ads—including the ones above and below—which proclaim, “Close the Slaughterhouses: Save the Workers, Their Families, and the Animals.”
These ads were designed in response to President Trump’s nonbinding order for slaughterhouses nationwide to remain open despite widespread coronavirus infections, including in Maryland, where hundreds of local Perdue and Amick Farms slaughterhouse workers have tested positive for the virus. The number of infections among slaughterhouse workers is still rising.
The meat industry is killing vast numbers of animals, 86 slaughterhouse workers have died from COVID-19, and many more as well as their families are sick.
So we’re asking Shore Transit to do the right thing by allowing us to inform the public that preventing the next pandemic can be as simple as not supporting the slaughter industry and going vegan.
The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “wet market,” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm; and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens (who love their families and value their own lives, just as we do). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75% of recently emerged infectious diseases affecting humans originated in other animals.
Don’t let suppressed freedom of expression stop you from saving the lives of animals such as chickens, who have been known to complete complex mental tasks, learn from watching each other, demonstrate self-control, and worry about the future.
*****
Shore Transit may not want you to learn more about going vegan or that slaughterhouses are the least safe workplaces in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Click on the links below to learn more about both subjects and discover how you can save nearly 200 lives per year (including maybe your own) just by making the switch:
Note: PETA supports animal rights, opposes all forms of animal exploitation, and provides the public with information on those issues. We do not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or any political party.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Update: SeaWorld Dodges Dolphin-Breeding Question

Orlando , Fla. – During today ’ s annual meeting of shareholders , SeaWorld dodged PETA ’ s question .
@ @ @ @ @ to pour some of its profits into developing seaside sanctuaries and to stop breeding dolphins @ @ @ @ @ deflected to praise its “ zoological settings ” —and didn ’ t address breeding at @ @ @ @ @ following statement from PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman : SeaWorld isn ’ t defending @ @ @ @ @ drugging and forcibly breeding generations of dolphins and whales for a miserable life in captivity @ @ @ @ @ seems intent on misleading shareholders as PETA drags it , kicking and screaming , toward @ @ @ @ @ .
For more information , please visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com .

For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Orlando, Fla. – During today’s annual meeting of shareholders, SeaWorld dodged PETA’s question. PETA had asked the company to pour some of its profits into developing seaside sanctuaries and to stop breeding dolphins and whales, but SeaWorld deflected to praise its “zoological settings”—and didn’t address breeding at all.
Please see the following statement from PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman:
SeaWorld isn’t defending its breeding program, because drugging and forcibly breeding generations of dolphins and whales for a miserable life in captivity is indefensible. The company seems intent on misleading shareholders as PETA drags it, kicking and screaming, toward making meaningful changes for animals.
For more information, please visit SeaWorldOfHurt.com.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Video: Racehorse Sustains Catastrophic Injury, Somersaults Head Over Heels

Last year , the body of a horse who ’ d raced at Mountaineer Casino , Racetrack & Resort was dumped on top of a heap of trash at a landfill in West Virginia .
Now , the track is facing new criticism—this time following the death of Shared Silence , a 5-year-old mare who was forced to race there last week , possibly while injured .
And we ’ re demanding answers .
Shared Silence was made to race for the first time after a more than 13-month layoff .
She last raced on May 4 , 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absence from racing likely indicates a serious injury or some other significant veterinary issue .
Yet she returned on June 2 , 2020 , as the favorite in what ended up being the final race—and moment—of her life .
As seen in the footage above , her fall at the top of the stretch was catastrophic—her injuries were horrific and resulted in her subsequent euthanasia .
Luis Quinones , the jockey who was sitting atop Shared Silence ’ s back , reportedly sustained a broken pelvis .
An adjacent jockey , Jordano Tunon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the horse he was riding , by Shared Silence ’ s hooves as she tumbled .
The lives of horses and jockeys will continue to be recklessly endangered without strict and comprehensive protocols … … which is why we ’ re calling for an immediate investigation of Shared Silence ’ s death—the second time we ’ ve requested that the death of a horse who ran their last race at Mountaineer be investigated .
In October , the horse below made headlines after we released whistleblower photographs showing her dead body thrown out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers again , this time for Shared Silence .
We ’ re asking the West Virginia Racing Commission to investigate and disclose the full results , including necropsy reports and medication records .
Shared Silence ’ s 13-month layoff should have been a red flag that prompted additional physical examinations as well as a review of her medication records and veterinary history , including the reason for the long hiatus .
The layoff also should have elicited the use of CT scanning technology to detect vulnerabilities from preexisting injuries—and all tracks , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
The horse racing industry is full of drugs , deception , and death .
Will you help horses in need ?
Horses are fascinating animals—they ’ re smart , gentle giants who can weigh more than 1,000 pounds !
And just like many kind humans , they stay strong by eating plants .
But even though they ’ re large animals , horses can be hurt very easily .
Thousands of them suffer in the horse racing industry .
On average , 24 horses experience fatal breakdowns every week at racetracks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even take into account the ones who are discarded by the racing industry when they ’ re no longer considered profitable and trucked or shipped to Canada or Mexico to be slaughtered for meat .
For Shared Silence and so many others , please , never be silent—click below to speak up for horses .

Last year, the body of a horse who’d raced at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort was dumped on top of a heap of trash at a landfill in West Virginia. Now, the track is facing new criticism—this time following the death of Shared Silence, a 5-year-old mare who was forced to race there last week, possibly while injured. And we’re demanding answers.
Shared Silence was made to race for the first time after a more than 13-month layoff. She last raced on May 4, 2019, also at Mountaineer. Such a long absence from racing likely indicates a serious injury or some other significant veterinary issue. Yet she returned on June 2, 2020, as the favorite in what ended up being the final race—and moment—of her life. As seen in the footage above, her fall at the top of the stretch was catastrophic—her injuries were horrific and resulted in her subsequent euthanasia.
Luis Quinones, the jockey who was sitting atop Shared Silence’s back, reportedly sustained a broken pelvis. An adjacent jockey, Jordano Tunon, was knocked off Devilish Magic, the horse he was riding, by Shared Silence’s hooves as she tumbled.
The lives of horses and jockeys will continue to be recklessly endangered without strict and comprehensive protocols …
… which is why we’re calling for an immediate investigation of Shared Silence’s death—the second time we’ve requested that the death of a horse who ran their last race at Mountaineer be investigated. In October, the horse below made headlines after we released whistleblower photographs showing her dead body thrown out like trash.
Now, we want answers again, this time for Shared Silence. We’re asking the West Virginia Racing Commission to investigate and disclose the full results, including necropsy reports and medication records. Shared Silence’s 13-month layoff should have been a red flag that prompted additional physical examinations as well as a review of her medication records and veterinary history, including the reason for the long hiatus. The layoff also should have elicited the use of CT scanning technology to detect vulnerabilities from preexisting injuries—and all tracks, including Mountaineer, should have such equipment readily available.
The horse racing industry is full of drugs, deception, and death. Will you help horses in need?
Horses are fascinating animals—they’re smart, gentle giants who can weigh more than 1,000 pounds! And just like many kind humans, they stay strong by eating plants. But even though they’re large animals, horses can be hurt very easily. Thousands of them suffer in the horse racing industry.
On average, 24 horses experience fatal breakdowns every week at racetracks across the country—and this number doesn’t even take into account the ones who are discarded by the racing industry when they’re no longer considered profitable and trucked or shipped to Canada or Mexico to be slaughtered for meat. For Shared Silence and so many others, please, never be silent—click below to speak up for horses.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Why Do Black and Brown People Go Vegan? We’re Eating for the Revolution

False vegan stereotypes of white bourgeoisie eating $ 10 avocado toast with a side of raw kale are fading fast .
Recent data reveals that nonwhite Americans are three times as likely as white Americans to describe themselves as vegetarian .
Now , I can ’ t speak to all the reasons why my brothers and sisters of color have cut back on eating animal flesh .
Maybe they ’ ve seen shocking video footage from inside slaughterhouses , where sensitive animals suffer every single day in dank sheds before their throats are slit .
Perhaps they ’ ve listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have cautioned that meat consumption must decrease by as much as 90 % in order for us to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change .
There are plenty of reasons to treat fellow sentient beings with respect and dignity and to go vegan .
But I do know that living vegan is a political and revolutionary act against an unjust status quo .
When it comes to people who look like me , here ’ s how going vegan positively impacts us and our communities : Eating vegan challenges systemic oppression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of segregation , redlining , and other systemically racist city planning methods have driven down the property values of many communities of color .
Food deserts severely affect Black and brown people .
Meanwhile , cheap fast-food chains move in to capitalize on vulnerable populations—selling foods filled with cholesterol and saturated fats .
According to the American Heart Association , Black and brown people are disproportionately affected by obesity and are more likely to have diabetes than our white counterparts .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that African Americans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from heart disease or strokes as whites .
Study after study links these ailments to eating animal flesh , eggs , and dairy .
A Gallup study found that nine out of 10 people who reduced their meat intake said that they did so because of health reasons .
It ’ s no surprise that more people of color are going vegan .
It ’ s the means by which we resist eating habits that have destroyed our well-being .
Living vegan is a revolutionary act for decolonizing our bodies .
It may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including tofu , rice , quinoa , black beans , and seitan , originated in communities of color .
Authors Luz Calvo and Catriona Rueda Esquibel of the cookbook Decolonize Your Diet point out that for thousands of years , indigenous people of Mesoamerica generally ate plant-based .
Many of the crops they grew , such as beans , corn , squash , and edible wild greens , are still staples in Latinx cuisine today .
Spanish colonizers introduced meat , such as pork and beef , that has led to generations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cookbook Afro-Vegan , says that “ for thousands of years , traditional West and Central African diets were predominantly vegetarian—centered around staple foods like millet , rice , field peas , okra , hot peppers , and yams.
” Even in the face of colonization and chattel slavery , this culinary heritage has survived and thrived .
I look forward to a day when “ slave food ” —things our ancestors had to eat for survival—like chitlins ( animal intestines ) , hog maw ( pig stomach ) , lard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past where they belong .
True soul food is nourishing and will improve our health and expand our compassion .
Animal agriculture is the backbone of environmental racism .
Pollution and climate change fueled by animal agriculture affect everyone , but while we all may be in the same storm , some of us grasp the sides of life rafts while others are on yachts .
As the Food Empowerment Project discusses , filthy farms and slaughterhouses are huge sources of pollution and are often located in or near Black , brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this disparity before when we reported how a rural , predominantly Black community suffered as urine and feces from a neighboring pig farm rained down on residents ’ homes .
With generation after generation sickened by air , land , and water pollution from the meat industry , going vegan means taking a direct stance against environmental racism .
Eat for the revolution by going vegan today .
It takes courage to unlearn these destructive habits that have been taught by centuries of oppression and passed down through our families .
There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health and consciousness .
Everyone can join the vegan revolution .
You ’ ll prevent nearly 200 animals from enduring a horrifying death every year , and your body will thank you .
So while the revolution continues to pop off , I ’ ll be over here at the cookout with my natural locks and abundant melanin , cooking up jerk tofu with a side of black-eyed peas .
All the ancestors are invited .

False vegan stereotypes of white bourgeoisie eating $10 avocado toast with a side of raw kale are fading fast. Recent data reveals that nonwhite Americans are three times as likely as white Americans to describe themselves as vegetarian.
Now, I can’t speak to all the reasons why my brothers and sisters of color have cut back on eating animal flesh. Maybe they’ve seen shocking video footage from inside slaughterhouses, where sensitive animals suffer every single day in dank sheds before their throats are slit. Perhaps they’ve listened to warnings from United Nations scientists who have cautioned that meat consumption must decrease by as much as 90% in order for us to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. There are plenty of reasons to treat fellow sentient beings with respect and dignity and to go vegan.
But I do know that living vegan is a political and revolutionary act against an unjust status quo. When it comes to people who look like me, here’s how going vegan positively impacts us and our communities:
Eating vegan challenges systemic oppression that has devastated our communities.
Decades of segregation, redlining, and other systemically racist city planning methods have driven down the property values of many communities of color. Food deserts severely affect Black and brown people. Meanwhile, cheap fast-food chains move in to capitalize on vulnerable populations—selling foods filled with cholesterol and saturated fats.
According to the American Heart Association, Black and brown people are disproportionately affected by obesity and are more likely to have diabetes than our white counterparts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that African Americans have nearly double the risk of dying early from heart disease or strokes as whites. Study after study links these ailments to eating animal flesh, eggs, and dairy.
© iStock.com/Rawpixel
A Gallup study found that nine out of 10 people who reduced their meat intake said that they did so because of health reasons. It’s no surprise that more people of color are going vegan. It’s the means by which we resist eating habits that have destroyed our well-being.
Living vegan is a revolutionary act for decolonizing our bodies.
It may surprise readers that numerous vegan staples, including tofu, rice, quinoa, black beans, and seitan, originated in communities of color.
Authors Luz Calvo and Catriona Rueda Esquibel of the cookbook Decolonize Your Diet point out that for thousands of years, indigenous people of Mesoamerica generally ate plant-based. Many of the crops they grew, such as beans, corn, squash, and edible wild greens, are still staples in Latinx cuisine today. Spanish colonizers introduced meat, such as pork and beef, that has led to generations of health problems.
Plant-based eating has been a part of black traditions and cultures for centuries. Here are 30 Black-owned #Vegan restaurants to support right now and always. https://t.co/KKS8VZ2mhD — PETA (@peta) June 4, 2020
Bryant Terry, author of the cookbook Afro-Vegan, says that “for thousands of years, traditional West and Central African diets were predominantly vegetarian—centered around staple foods like millet, rice, field peas, okra, hot peppers, and yams.” Even in the face of colonization and chattel slavery, this culinary heritage has survived and thrived.
I look forward to a day when “slave food”—things our ancestors had to eat for survival—like chitlins (animal intestines), hog maw (pig stomach), lard, and pigs’ feet are left in the past where they belong. True soul food is nourishing and will improve our health and expand our compassion.
Animal agriculture is the backbone of environmental racism.
Pollution and climate change fueled by animal agriculture affect everyone, but while we all may be in the same storm, some of us grasp the sides of life rafts while others are on yachts.
© Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals for The Guardian
As the Food Empowerment Project discusses, filthy farms and slaughterhouses are huge sources of pollution and are often located in or near Black, brown, and low-income communities. PETA discussed this disparity before when we reported how a rural, predominantly Black community suffered as urine and feces from a neighboring pig farm rained down on residents’ homes.
With generation after generation sickened by air, land, and water pollution from the meat industry, going vegan means taking a direct stance against environmental racism.
Eat for the revolution by going vegan today.
It takes courage to unlearn these destructive habits that have been taught by centuries of oppression and passed down through our families. There’s something powerful about taking back one’s health and consciousness.
Everyone can join the vegan revolution. You’ll prevent nearly 200 animals from enduring a horrifying death every year, and your body will thank you. So while the revolution continues to pop off, I’ll be over here at the cookout with my natural locks and abundant melanin, cooking up jerk tofu with a side of black-eyed peas. All the ancestors are invited.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--Lawsuit Looms Over Shore Transit After It Rejects ‘Close the Slaughterhouses’ Ads

PETA Plans to File Free Speech Lawsuit if Company Wo n't Run 'No One Needs to Kill to Eat ' Campaign Salisbury , Md .
– Today , PETA ’ s legal counsel sent a letter formally objecting to Shore Transit ’ s refusal to run the group ’ s ads , which proclaim , “ Close the Slaughterhouses : Save the Workers , Their Families , and the Animals.
” PETA ’ s counsel points out that rejecting the ads for being “ too offensive for [ Shore Transit ’ s ] market and political in nature ” violates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free speech and warns that if the decision is not reversed by June 17 , PETA will prepare to file suit against the transit agency .
PETA ’ s ads were designed in response to President Trump ’ s nonbinding order for slaughterhouses nationwide to remain open despite widespread coronavirus infections , including in Maryland , where hundreds of local Perdue and Amick Farms slaughterhouse workers have tested positive for COVID-19 .
The number of infections among slaughterhouse workers is still rising .
“ The meat industry is killing animals , 74 slaughterhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many more and their families are sick , ” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman .
“ PETA is asking Shore Transit to do the right thing by allowing us to inform the public that preventing the next pandemic can be as simple as not supporting the slaughter industry and going vegan.
” The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “ wet market , ” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption ; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm ; and other influenza viruses have been traced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75 % of recently emerged infectious diseases affecting humans originated in other animals .
PETA—whose motto reads , in part , that “ animals are not ours to eat ” —opposes speciesism , which is a human-supremacist worldview .
For more information , please visit PETA.org .

PETA Plans to File Free Speech Lawsuit if Company Won't Run 'No One Needs to Kill to Eat' Campaign
For Immediate Release:
June 10, 2020
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Salisbury, Md. – Today, PETA’s legal counsel sent a letter formally objecting to Shore Transit’s refusal to run the group’s ads, which proclaim, “Close the Slaughterhouses: Save the Workers, Their Families, and the Animals.” PETA’s counsel points out that rejecting the ads for being “too offensive for [Shore Transit’s] market and political in nature” violates the organization’s constitutional right to free speech and warns that if the decision is not reversed by June 17, PETA will prepare to file suit against the transit agency.
PETA’s ads were designed in response to President Trump’s nonbinding order for slaughterhouses nationwide to remain open despite widespread coronavirus infections, including in Maryland, where hundreds of local Perdue and Amick Farms slaughterhouse workers have tested positive for COVID-19. The number of infections among slaughterhouse workers is still rising.
“The meat industry is killing animals, 74 slaughterhouse workers have died from COVID-19, and many more and their families are sick,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is asking Shore Transit to do the right thing by allowing us to inform the public that preventing the next pandemic can be as simple as not supporting the slaughter industry and going vegan.”
The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese “wet market,” where live and dead animals are sold for human consumption; swine flu began on a U.S. factory farm; and other influenza viruses have been traced to chickens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that approximately 75% of recently emerged infectious diseases affecting humans originated in other animals.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org.


petapeoplefortheethicaltreatmentofanimals--2020-06-10--‘Close the Slaughterhouses’ Ads

‘Close the Slaughterhouses’ Ads

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

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