A n i m a l W r i t
e s
© sm
The official
ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com Issue # 05/17/00
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ PrkStRangr@aol.com
~ MRivera008@aol.com
~ SavingLife@aol.com
THE NINE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1
~ Behind Closed Doors by PrkStRangr@aol.com
2
~ Don't Buy That Doggie In The Window
3
~ Animal Rights & Animal Welfare
4
~ Household Dangers to Companion Animals
5
~ Peace For The New Millennium
6
~ Sabrina Fund
7
~ Anniversary of Death
8
~ Alien (Poem) by MRivera008@aol.com
9
~ Quote To Remember
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Behind Closed Doors
by
PrkStRangr@aol.com
Last
weekend our speaker at the Vegetarian Society of El Paso dinner was Gail
Eisnitz, author of the book Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed,
Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry.
Gail
is the main investigator for the Humane Farming Association and a former
investigator for the Humane Society of the US, and an incredibly courageous
woman who has given so much of herself to find and expose the truth behind the
closed doors of slaughterhouses across America.
The
information she has gathered is the result of almost ten years of field
research, interviewing hundreds of slaughterhouse workers, USDA meat inspectors
and others in the industry. And the
information is horrendous to contemplate.
Attendance
at our dinner was about 75, down from the usual hundred or so people who
normally attend, and sales of Gail's book weren't great that evening. Even I wasn't sure I wanted to read it, but
after Gail's talk I decided I needed to.
The next day I read two-thirds of the book at one sitting and finished
it the following day. Technically, it
is well constructed, and has been compared to a detective story. To me it read like a mystery story, and the
mystery remains - How could a branch of our government become as corrupt as the
US Department of Agriculture and go unexposed for so long?
The
USDA is the federal agency entrusted with the responsibility to inspect meat
for quality and is also charged with enforcing the Humane Slaughter Act. This act, made law by Congress in 1958 and
updated in the late seventies, made it mandatory for slaughterhouses to render
animals unconscious before slaughtering and provided that no animals would be
subjected to unnecessary pain or cruelty before slaughter.
Ever
since the deregulation of the meat industry during the Reagon/Bush years, USDA
meat inspectors have lost their powers to even enforce meat quality
regulations. The meat industry controls
the USDA through bribery and collusion and profit drives the industry above all
else; animal abuse and even the health of the workers and the US consumers is
of little importance.
Slaughterhouse
workers and meat inspectors who complain about sanitation, animal abuse and
other conditions are disciplined, punished or fired. One of my favorite quotes in the book is from a USDA inspector
who says...
"We
used to trim the shit off meat,
then
we washed the shit off meat.
Now
the consumer eats the shit off the meat."
The
Humane Slaughter Act (HSA) is completely ignored by the industry and is not
enforced by the federal meat inspectors, who have enough trouble inspecting for
obvious fecal contamination, tumors and pus, as carcasses pass them at rates as
fast as one body every three seconds.
The
current "meat inspection" program in effect by the USDA is to leave
the inspection in the hands of the meat industry plant managers, it is called
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and leaves the inspection
for points in the plant where the meat might be contaminated up to the plants
to correct.
USDA
meat inspectors have another name for the HACCP program - Have A Cup of Coffee
and Pray. Cases of food poisoning from
meat have increased by a factor of 4 in the last decade.
The
shocking truth from behind slaughterhouse doors is how rampant animal cruelty
is in the industry, and that between a quarter and a third of all the cows,
pigs and chickens are not properly stunned and bled as required by the Humane
Slaughter Act and are being skinned, dismembered, and/or boiled alive and
conscious.
To
learn more about this fascinating book and it's incredible revelations about
the meat industry and government corruption, go to Amazon.com: buying info: Slaughterhouse : The Shocking Story of
Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D1573921661/underthecoversboA/002-9355550-7735423
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Don’t Buy That Doggie in the Window!
Compiled
from information from The Humane Society of the United States
As
you are shopping at the mall, you come to the mall pet store and can’t help
going in. You are instantly captivated by the beautiful puppies in shiny cages
along one wall. Their tails wag ferociously as they reach their paws between
the bars, eyes and fur shining, eager to go to their new home.
What
a contrast to the place these puppies left behind.
These
puppies probably came from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a commercial breeding
facility that mass-produces dogs for resale in pet stores. The majority of
puppy mills are located in the Midwest, with the largest concentration in
Kansas and Missouri. Profit, not quality pets, is the ultimate goal of the
puppy mill owner, so breeding practices are often shoddy, and the breeding dogs
are kept under the most inexpensive conditions that will keep them alive and
producing.
Investigators
from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) visited hundreds of puppy
mills across the Midwest, and found that almost all puppy mill dogs endure
inadequate housing and poor sanitation. Indoor dogs inhabit converted chicken
coops, pig pens, barns, sheds, or even old house trailers. Most outdoor dogs
are chained to small doghouses or kept in pens with wire bottoms. The wire bottoms allow waste to fall through
and make it easier to clean up after the dogs. Investigators even found dogs
living in wooden rabbit hutches, rusty barrels, discarded washing machines,
empty fuel tanks, and junked trucks.
The
HSUS also found a disgusting, and possibly hazardous, lack of sanitation at
most puppy mills. It was all too common to see piles of excrement in and under
the cages, exposing the puppies and their mothers to parasites, viral
infections, and the threat of diseases carried by flies. The investigators even
found dead puppies and dogs in some of the pens.
Puppy
mill owners also cut costs by neglecting the dogs' nutritional and health care
needs. At one puppy mill, all of the water in the dishes was frozen and the
only food available was the remains of a carcass. A mill owner admitted that he
had paralyzed more than one dog by hitting a nerve in its back leg while giving
shots. Several mill owners said they never took sick puppies to the vet because
it was cheaper to expect some to die and take the loss.
The
fate of the puppies
At
around seven weeks of age, the lucky survivors are removed from their mothers
and shipped hundreds of miles across the country. They change hands several
times through middlemen called dog brokers before they reach their final
destination – the pet store.
Even
adoption into a loving home may not end the nightmare. According to
veterinarian and columnist Dr. Michael Fox, severely inbred dogs often develop
emotional problems such as excessive shyness or nervousness and even fear
biting. The lack of human contact during the first eight weeks of their lives,
coupled with the trauma of separation from their mother and shipping stress,
frequently results in these animals not growing up to be good pets. In
addition, the unsanitary conditions that the puppies experience in the
vulnerable first weeks of their lives often leave them with parasites and
diseases. As you can imagine, these puppies often die or are taken to an animal
shelter.
There
ought to be a law!
All
fifty states have anti-cruelty laws which should prevent this neglect and
mistreatment. At the federal level, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires
wholesale commercial breeders to be licensed, inspected, and regulated to
ensure humane standards of care. However, state anti-cruelty laws are seldom
enforced in rural areas, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is
responsible for enforcing the AWA, is apathetic about this law and never has
enough funds to enforce it.
What
can I do?
It
is natural to feel sorry for the puppies in the pet store window, but
purchasing these dogs only keeps the industry profitable and encourages them to
churn out more puppy mill puppies. If you have your heart set on a purebred
puppy, buy one from a local breeder. Good breeders are happy to have you come
visit their kennels or homes and meet one or both parents of the puppies. If
you just want a good family pet, and/or a purebred adult dog, visit a humane society
or animal control shelter and save a life.
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Animal Rights & Animal Welfare
"What
is the difference between ‘animal rights’ and ‘animal welfare’?"
Animal
welfare theories accept that animals have interests but allow these interests
to be traded away as long as there are some human benefits that are thought to
justify that sacrifice.
Animal
rights means that animals, like humans, have interests that cannot be sacrificed
or traded away just because it might benefit others. However, the rights
position does not hold that rights are absolute; an animal’s rights, just like
those of humans, must be limited, and rights can certainly conflict.
Animal
rights means that animals are not ours to use for food, clothing,
entertainment, or experimentation. Animal welfare allows these uses as long as
"humane" guidelines are followed.
http://www.peta-online.org/
People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals
Email:
peta@norfolk.infi.net
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Household Dangers to Companion Animals
WASHINGTON
(March 15, 2000) - The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reminds pet
owners that many common household items can pose a threat to their animal
companions. Even some items specifically meant for pets could cause health
problems. Although rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources
of companion animal poisoning, the following list of less common potentially
toxic agents should be avoided if at all possible:
*
Antifreeze-the types containing ethylene glycol have a sweet taste that
attracts animals but are deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one
teaspoon can kill a seven pound cat. The types containing propylene glycol are
safe in small amounts but still toxic in large doses. The HSUS recommends pet
owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles.
*
Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine-emit fumes that may be
dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
*
Chocolate-poisonous to dogs, cats and ferrets.
*
De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice-paw irritants that can be poisonous if
licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from
the snow. Other options: doggie boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido's
feet, and make your cat an indoor pet.
*
Insect control products-the insecticides used in many over-the-counter flea and
tick remedies may be toxic to companion animals as well. Prescription flea and tick control products
are much safer and more effective. Pet owners should never use any product
without first consulting a veterinarian.
*
Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to
birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.
Human
medications. Pain killers (including aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen),
cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins and diet pills
can all be toxic to animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments
and creams away from pets who could chew through them and be vigilant about
finding and disposing of any dropped pills.
*
Leftovers and other human foods: chicken bones easily shatter and can choke a
cat or dog. Other foods to keep away from pets include onions and onion powder;
alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and beans; salt; macadamia
nuts; tomato, potato and rhubarb leaves and stems; avocados (toxic to birds,
mice, rabbits, horses, cattle and dairy goats) and anything with mold growing
on it. Contact The HSUS for a complete list of dangerous food products.
*
Poisonous household plants: azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane),
mistletoe, philodendron and poinsettia among others. For a comprehensive list,
contact The HSUS.
*
Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with salmonella, which can infect pets
and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should only
be given when you're with your pet, as they can pose a choking hazard as well.
*
String, yarn, rubber bands and even dental floss -- easy to swallow and can
cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.
*
Toys with removable parts-like squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic
eyes -- that can come apart can pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same precautions with your pets as
you would with a small child.
The
HSUS recommends that pet owners use all household products with caution, and
keep a pet first aid kit and manual readily available. The HSUS puts out a
first aid book in conjunction with the American Red Cross entitled Pet First
Aid: Cats and Dogs. If all of your precautions fail and you believe that your
pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary service
immediately. Signs of poisoning include listlessness, abdominal pain, vomiting,
diarrhea, muscle tremors, lack of coordination and fever.
The
National Animal Poison Control Center operates a hotline 24 hours a day, seven
days a week at 888-426-4435 for a fee of $30 per case. If you call, you should
be prepared with the following information: the name of the poison your animal
was exposed to, the amount and how long ago; the species, breed, age, sex and
weight of your pet and the symptoms the animal is displaying. You'll also be
asked to provide your name, address and phone number.
Source: "Bonnie" <bbwest@snet.net>
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Peace for the New Millennium:
Conference on Non-Violence to all Creatures
SPEAK
(Supporting and Promoting Ethics for the Animal Kingdom) will host Peace for
the New Millennium: Conference on Non-Violence to all Creatures, Saturday, July
8, 2000, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the Dominican Conference Center, 7200 W. Division,
River Forest, IL.
The
conference features nine speakers including:
*
Chris DeRose, President, Last Chance for Animals and author of In Your Face.
*
Ingrid Newkirk, President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and
author of
Save the Animals! 101 East things You
Can Do and Free the Animals.
*
Dr. Tom Regan, President, The Culture and Animals Foundation, and author of
The Case for Animal Rights and The
Struggle for Animal Rights.
*
Dr. Ken Shapiro, President, Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,
and
author of Animal Models of Human Psychology.
Topics
include compassionate living, humane education, the no-kill movement, the
importance of street activism, and the link between human and animal
violence. A vegan (strict vegetarian)
lunch is included and conferees can participate in a Peace for the Planet and
her Creatures Meditation exercise.
Exhibit tables by related non-profit organizations and vendors will be
available.
ALL
NAMES WILL BE HELD AT THE DOOR. Advance
registration is $40 if postmarked by July 1st.
Registration at the door is $50, but will not include lunch. Overnight accommodations are also available. For additional information contact SPEAK, PO
Box 643221, Chicago, IL 60664-3221 or call 773-925-1277. E-mail is speak@chicagotoday.com.
SPEAK
(Supporting and Promoting Ethics for the Animal Kingdom) is a national humane
education speakers bureau. Our speakers
offer presentations on animal welfare animal rights, and environmental issues
in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, universities, civic, and
community organizations. SPEAK can be
viewed on the Internet at www.speakingout.org, and emailed at
speak@chicagotoday.com
Source:
Veggirl91@aol.com
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Sabina Fund
FARM's
Sabina Fund is soliciting grant applications from grassroots groups by May 31.
The next application deadline will be November 15. Application guidelines are
available by visiting http://farmusa.org/grant.html or by calling 301-530-1737.
The
Fund provides grants of $500-$2,000 for grassroots projects promoting a
plant-based diet and exposing the devastating impacts of animal agriculture.
Last year, 11 groups received grants totaling $7,500 for research, internet
access, display materials, and community awareness campaigns.
The
Sabina Fund honors the memory of FARM President Alex Hershaft's mother who died
in 1996.
Source: FARM
<farm@farmusa.org>
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Anniversary of Death
FROM
WASHINGTON CITIZEN'S COASTAL ALLIANCE
One
year ago. It's almost hard to believe that at this time one year ago, we all
watched in horror as the United States rejoined the pirate whaling nations of
the world.
One
year ago this morning, Makah whalers slaughtered a juvenile female gray whale
in the waters of a federal Marine Sanctuary - she came right up to the whaling
canoe, expecting a friendly hand. Instead, she received a cold harpoon and a
multitude of blasts from an anti-tank gun.
The
fight continues. A year of research and education is under our belts, our
resolve is as strong as ever to end this hunt, and with the generosity and
efforts of people just like you, we will.
We
will prevail. With the truth on our side, the outcome was never in doubt, only
the length of time it takes to rid our shores of this evil.
Source:
dano@rockisland.com
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Alien
by Michelle
Rivera - MRivera008@aol.com
I am an alien
an outsider in
an unfamiliar world
But I am not
alone
and sometimes
we find one
another
and when we
meet
Oh, such Joy
such symmetry
“Are we the
only ones?” we ask
but no - there
are many more
they’re everywhere,
really
some still
waiting for enlightenment, revelation
certitude
arriving not
as a thunderclap
but incessant
and soft,
a purr
and there will
be one more
in the world
until soon
we will be a
greater number
embracing
balance,
compassion and peace
as it was in
the very beginning
when humans
and animals lived together in paradise
and saw that
it was good
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Quote To Remember
"If there
are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
-- Unknown
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Susan Roghair
- EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights
Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl
33673-7053
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights
Online=-
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boards:
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