A n i m
a l W r i t e s © sm
The
official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue # 02/11/01
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park StRanger@aol.com
~
MicheleARivera@aol.com
~ SavingLife@aol.com
THE EIGHT ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Doctors Keep Women in the Dark About
Premarin
2 ~ Science Gone Over The Edge
3 ~ Job Opportunity
4 ~ Feral Cat Seminar
5 ~ How Could You?
6 ~ Dangerous Cat Toy
7 ~ Break The Chain
8 ~ Quote To Remember
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National Survey Shows
Doctors Keep Women in Dark About Premarin
from United Animal Nations - info@uan.org
Women Prefer Cruelty-Free Alternatives When Told
Pregnant Mares and Foals Suffer to Produce Popular Hormone Replacement Drug.
SACRAMENTO, CA (February 6) - A new survey of nearly 500 women age 40 and over
shows that medical professionals aren't telling most American women that
Premarin -- the most commonly prescribed hormone replacement drug in the United
States -- is made with estrogens derived from the
urine of pregnant mares.
The survey, conducted by Zogby International, also reveals that most women
would prefer to take an alternative to Premarin once they know that tens of
thousands of pregnant mares suffer every year to produce this drug. The number
of women who object to Premarin increases even more once they know that the
majority of baby foals born to these mares are discarded for slaughter as an
annual "byproduct" of Premarin production.
"This survey shows just how critical our education effort is on the
Premarin issue," said Jeane Westin, president of United Animal Nations
(UAN), a nationwide animal advocacy and rescue group based in Sacramento,
California, which commissioned the survey. "More and more prescriptions
are being written for Premarin and no one is telling women where this drug
comes from." Manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst, Premarin is taken by an
estimated 9 million American women and those numbers are predicted to escalate
as millions of baby boomers reach menopause during the next decade.
"Evidence clearly indicates that Premarin users face increased risk of
breast cancer," says Neal D. Barnard, M.D., president of the Physicians
Committee for Responsible Medicine. "In fact, there's no reason to take
Premarin. Diet and other lifestyle choices are much healthier and more powerful
over the long run. However, women looking for a hormone replacement therapy
product will find many effective alternatives to Premarin."
The survey, which was conducted via telephone by Zogby International, asked
women ages 40 and over if they were aware that Premarin and other like-sounding
hormone replacement therapies such as PremPro and Premphase (which are used to
treat menopausal symptoms) are derived from the urine of pregnant horses. About
half of the respondents (231 women of the 487 respondents or 47 percent) said
they were not aware of the source of Premarin while only 31 percent (less than
a third of the respondents) said they were very aware of where Premarin comes
from.
When asked if their doctor or other medical professional had told them that
there were various alternatives available to Premarin, by more than two to one
respondents said they hadn't been told about cruelty-free plant-based and
synthetic options. (Sixty-three percent of respondents, or 309 women, said they
hadn't been told that options were available while only 30 percent or 147
respondents said their doctors had shared this information with them.)
When respondents were told that tens of thousands of pregnant mares are forced
to stand in small stalls, with a urine collection device hooked to them, for as
many as six months out of every year to produce Premarin, a majority of
respondents (53 percent or 255 women) said they would choose a plant-based or
synthetic treatment as opposed to Premarin. That percentage increased to 54
percent (265 women) when respondents were told that the majority of foals born
to these mares are sent to slaughter, their meat shipped overseas to Europe and
Japan to be eaten.
Animal advocates, including members of United Animal Nations, have been working
to spread the message about Premarin for years. However, they are fighting a
long-established industry (Wyeth-Ayerst has been producing Premarin in Canada
since 1942) and its close connections with the medical
and insurance community. (Wyeth-Ayerst is currently facing an anti-trust
lawsuit filed by a competitor, Duramed, based on the administrative rebates and
fees it offers doctors and insurers who limit their prescriptions to Premarin.)
The industry also has increased its use and abuse of horses in recent years
with the opening of a new "pregnant mares' urine" (PMU) plant in
Minnesota by Natural Biologics. This company has applied for a permit from the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration to produce a generic version of Premarin and
is already contracting with more than 40 farmers throughout the midwestern
United States to keep pregnant mares hooked to urine collection devices.
"The PMU industry has a vested interest in keeping women hooked on hormone
replacement that is derived from horse urine," said Dr. Nancy Harrison, a
UAN board member from San Diego. "Our goal is to ensure that women aren't
kept in the dark about the needless suffering of the horses or about successful
alternatives that would end their suffering."
"Wyeth-Ayerst is misleading and deceiving women by withholding important
information," said Dr. Paula Rothman, a gynecologist specializing in
reproductive endocrinology in the Atlanta, Georgia area who offers alternatives
to Premarin to her patients. "We need to do a better job educating women
about the needless suffering of PMU horses and the many safe, effective and
more natural forms of ERT that would end the suffering of the innocent."
For more information about United Animal Nations and its anti-Premarin campaign
visit the website at www.uan.org or for a complete copy of the survey results
contact UAN, P.O. Box 188890, Sacramento, CA 95818, Tel: (916) 429-2457, email:
info@uan.org.
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Science Gone Over The Edge
from AAVSCM@aol.com
The
American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) expressed grave concern today over the
ongoing uses of animals in biomedical research. This stems from recent
published reports announcing the genetically altered monkey, "ANDi",
and the intent to produce a human infant through cloning, as reported in last
week's Science.
AAVS urged the American public to become more vigilant when it comes to genetic
engineering, because it is no longer simply a question of scientific
possibility; it is a moral one.
Within a few weeks of government funded researchers basking in the media
coverage of their new animal creations, other scientists have reported their
intent to clone a human baby within the next two years. In addition,
Britain's Parliament recently voted to allow limited cloning of human embryos.
"We have always opposed the genetic modification of animals because it is
morally wrong and because of the inherent animal suffering," said Tina
Nelson, Executive Director of AAVS. "The fact that this research is
now seeping towards the use of humans as experiments is extremely troublesome. We believe that this use of animals-both
human and non-human-represents an overriding lack of ethical grounding and
justification in scientific research. Where and when will they draw the
line?"
"ANDi" was the object of scientists' manipulation of gene structure
and is the result of an egg injected with a green fluorescent protein, like
that of jellyfish. Though genetic alteration of animals has been ongoing
since 1976, researchers believe that this latest discovery will allow them to
specifically inject genes into animals that cause human-specific diseases and
ailments.
"Considering that researchers are intentionally "creating"
diseases in animals that would otherwise never suffer from them, makes the
practice of using animals all the more unnatural," Nelson added.
"Furthermore, once an animal's genetic pattern has been disrupted, new
effects may very well occur that would not ordinarily be present in
humans."
The American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) is a non-profit animal advocacy
and educational organization dedicated to ending experiments on animals in
research, testing, dissection, and education. Founded in 1883, AAVS is
the oldest organization in the United States dedicated to eliminating
experiments on animals. AAVS pursues its objectives through legal and
effective advocacy, education, and development of alternative methods.
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Job Opportunity
In
Defense of Animals, a national animal protection organization, seeks
experienced communication director to manage media, publications, and public
relations. Exceptional written and oral skills are a must. The individual
will be responsible for development and coordination of marketing, writing
press releases, advertising, supervision of media relations, coordination of
website and newsletter editing and production. Salary DOE.
Mail/FAX resume and writing samples to:
In Defense of Animals
Attn: Human Resources
131 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, Ca 94941
FAX (415) 388 - 0388
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Feral Cat Seminar
from Mike Phillips - graph1099@juno.com
President Neighborhood Cats
Mark your calendars for the ASPCA Feral Cat
Seminar to be held Friday, March 16th at the New York ASPCA offices on E. 92nd
Street (I believe between 1st and York) from noon to 5 P.M.
The panel will include Margaret Slater (a professor from Texas A & M) who
has an expertise in feral cats, Dr. Marter, the head of the ASPCA's veterinary
behavioral department (she'll talk about rehabilitating ferals), Lisa Weisberg,
the ASPCA senior VP on governmental affairs (she'll discuss legal issues), a
representative of Neighborhood Cats (Bryan Kortis), and possibly others.
The format will be questions from a moderator and from the audience. The
room holds 100 people. The time is awkward for those who have to work,
but if you can possibly come, please do. Also please let others who are
interested know about it. This is a real opportunity to present our work
and to try to build support.
To reserve a spot, contact Inna at the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4423, or
(preferably) e-mail her at innak@aspca.org
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How Could You?
Copyright Jim Willis 2001
Director, The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust,
accredited member of The American Sanctuary Association,
Program Coordinator, International Society for Animal Rights
e-mail: jwillis@bellatlantic.net
When
I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh.
You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of
murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was
"bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could
you?" - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly
busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you
in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that
life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the
park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice
cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting
for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more
time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you
through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions,
and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into
our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you
were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I
was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother
them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of
my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love
them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled
themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears,
and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -
because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with
my life if need be.
I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams,
and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had
been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo
of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years,
you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from
being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every
expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will
be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision
for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I
was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.
It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the
paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They
shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a
middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's
fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let
them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just
taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and
about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my
eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a
deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming
move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook
their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow.
They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever
anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had
changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at
least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could
not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to
their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded
along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She
placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart
pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of
relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more
concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I
know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek.
I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She
expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the
cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind
eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so
sorry." She hugged me, and
hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where
I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a
place of love and light so very different from this
earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a
thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It
was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for
you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
The End
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Dangerous Cat Toy
cat toy promo linked to cat injuries and deaths
from - Barbara Stagno - bstagno@mindspring.com
The
makers of Fresh Step cat litter today issued a voluntary Safety Advisory
covering approximately 450,000 free blue bouncing mouse toys that were packaged
inside specially marked 14-pound (UPC # 44600-02002) and 21-pound bags (UPC #
44600-02031) of Fresh Step regular cat litter. The small, blue felt toy mouse
is attached to a wire that may present a strangulation hazard or other risk of
injury to cats and kittens if they are left alone with the toy.
Fresh Step has received six calls from pet owners regarding injuries to cats
and kittens that may have been caused by the toy, including two reports of cat
deaths. Three of the cats sustained minor cuts, but the other three - including
the two that died - reportedly became entangled in the wire while alone. Fresh
Step has stopped shipment of litter containing the toy and is working with
retailers to remove the specially marked Fresh Step regular cat litter bags
containing the toy from store shelves.
"Safety is our top priority and we deeply regret any incidents involving
this toy," said Tom Britanik, general manager, The Clorox Pet Products
Company, which manufactures Fresh Step. "We are taking immediate action to
address any safety concerns by removing bags containing the toy from store
shelves and asking consumers to return the toy to us."
Cat and kitten owners should immediately discard the blue bouncing mouse toy or
mail it back to Fresh Step at the following address:
The Clorox Pet Products Company
1221 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Attention: Consumer Services
Consumers returning the toy will receive a coupon for a free 14-pound bag of
Fresh Step regular cat litter.
For more information, consumers can call Fresh Step at 1-800-325-9259. The
hotline can be reached from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST), Monday through
Friday. A recorded message will be available at all other times.
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Break The Chain
by WantNoMeat@aol.com
New life enters upon the earth
but greed fouls the precious birth
He takes his first baby breath
unknowing of his destined death
Mother protects him all she can
but she's powerless against man
As soon as he was able to stand
he met the harsh human hand
To the dairy farm he is waste
mother's milk he'll never taste
All of her milk we humans take
he's denied mother for dairy's sake
He arrives at the farm for veal
from innocent birth to someone's meal
In his lonely, barren crate he cries
hopelessness and terror in his eyes
His would-be loving mother
has frantically lost another
Her relentless bellows easily heard
and her anguish clear without word
Dairy kills ~ that's the deal
but the solution is to boycott veal?
Break the chain at its start
don't have dairy ~ have a heart
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Quote
To Remember
"A hundred years from now, it will not
matter the sort of house I live in, what my bank account was, or the car I
drove....but the world may be different because I was important in the life of the
animals and the creatures on this earth."
--Author 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=-
&
Advisory Board Member, Animal Rights Network Inc.,
not-for-profit publisher of The Animals' Agenda Magazine
http://www.animalsagenda.org/
The Animals' Agenda Magazine: WebEdition
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