A n i m
a l W r i t e s © sm
The
official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue #
12/30/01
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park StRanger@aol.com
~
MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE FIVE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Rodeo Abuse
2 ~ Providing For Your Companion Animals
3 ~ Giving Gift of Compassion
4 ~ The Circus Animal
5 ~ Memorable Quote
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~1~
Rodeo Abuse
by JJswans@aol.com
One
of the more important issues involving animals recently is the impending chance
that rodeo will become an event in the Olympics. Inclusion of rodeo and
it's inherent abuse would not only showcase America's cruelty to animals to the
world, but would also open the door to emulation of that cruelty. Do we
really want to encourage other country's Olympic hopefuls to begin their own
rodeo competitions in their own countries? This is why it's so important
to stand up against rodeo in the Olympics now, and stop it before it
starts. Once it's in the Olympics, there is little doubt that it will be
next to impossible to remove.
There are various groups working hard to keep this from happening, prominent
among them is Steve Hindi's SHARK. SHARK and it's Tiger Truck have been
in the forefront, informing the public, and have earned a fair amount of press
coverage, but this week there was a wonderful opportunity to bring the truth to
the public and CBS decided instead to give us what could at best be called a
fluff piece, and did little more than glorify rodeo, ignoring the cruelty
involved. There was even a segment showing a calf being roped, but it was
creatively edited so that the audience didn't see the calf being whiplashed
around at the end of the rope, nor did it show the "cowboy" slamming
the calf to the ground. Not because it didn't happen, but because it was
conveniently out of sight of the camera.
It is still of primary importance to keep pressure on the Olympic committee to
remove all chances of the rodeo being in the Olympics, and you can do this by
writing to:
Salt Lake Organizing Committee
Mitt Romney, President
299 S. Main St., Ste. 1300
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone : 801-212-2002
Fax: 801-364-7644
E-Mail: media.relations@saltlake2002.com
United States Olympic Committee
Ms. Sandra Baldwin, President
Mr. Scott Blackmun, Acting Secretary General
One Olympic Plz.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Tel.: 719-578 4529
Fax: 602-840-4438
E-Mail: usoc@sandrabaldwin.com
Canadian Olympic Association
Mr. Michael A. Chambers, President
Mr. Lou Ragagnin, General Secretary
Olympic House
av. Pierre Dupuy 2380
Montréal, Québec H3C 3R4
Tel.: 514-861-3371
Fax: 514-861-2896
E-Mail: webmaster@coa.ca
Deanna Slapack
Assistant to Executive Director, Business Operations
Canadian Olympic Association
Tel.: 416-324-4134
Fax: 416-967-4902
E-Mail: dslapack@coa.ca
International Organizing Committee
Jacques Rogge, President
Château de Vidy
Case Postale 356
1007 Lausanne
Switzerland
But it is also important to let the producers of CBS's
"48 Hours" know that their piece on rodeos was entirely
unacceptable. SHARK's Steve Hindi suggested the following:
"Friends,
You can post your thoughts on the outrageous 48 Hours rodeo promo on their
website at <http://bbs.cbsnews.com/48hours>. There is a slight
hassle
getting registered, but then you can let them have it for everyone to see.
Here is what I posted (you don't have to be so longwinded):
I am a rodeo investigator with over eight years of experience. My
organization (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness) and I regularly expose
rodeo animal abuse across the United States to local, national and
international media, and to legislators, county boards, city councils and
potential corporate sponsors.
Some months back, I was interviewed by 48 Hours regarding the rodeo
issue.
My organization had heard about the impending rodeo story, and called to
argue that there should be balance. We had to push 48 Hours to cover the
other side of the rodeo issue, as this so-called "news program" made
no
effort to conduct itself according to legitimate journalistic standards.
It
was only under pressure that 48 Hours came to my home to talk about rodeos.
In advance of the interview, I supplied 48 Hours with very extensive video
documentation from eight years of rodeo investigations, along with still
pictures and other evidence. This documentation constitutes irrefutable
proof that rodeos are not only cruel, but that animals are regularly injured
and killed. At no time did 48 Hours challenge or contradict this
documentation in any way.
Furthermore, I provided 48 Hours with evidence that the Professional Rodeo
Cowboys Association (PRCA) and other rodeo associations do NOT enforce
so-called humane rules. On the contrary, I named a long list of PRCA
stock
contractors who violate the PRCA's rules with impunity year after year.
When the 48 Hours crew was at my home, I appealed to them to go to rodeos
undercover to see what really goes on. I did not ask 48 Hours to believe
what I said, but rather what was documented, and to further obtain their own
documentation. The producer outright refused.
Obviously, the rodeo story did NOT show any of the extensive video
documentation of rodeo animal abuse, nor any other evidence we made
available. 48 Hours did NOT obtain it's own evidence.
Additionally, at least one large animal veterinarian with experience treating
injured rodeo animals contacted 48 Hours in advance of the story. Clearly
her evidence, based on decades of experience, was completely ignored.
Untalented or undedicated journalists sometimes produce coverage that is
nothing more than a "he said, she said" story. That's bad
journalism.
Incredibly, 48 Hours did not even aspire to this substandard. This was a
case of a predetermined story line, damn the facts, and the most blatant
disregard for truth I have, or hopefully ever will witness.
I now call upon CBS News to either refute the extraordinary amount and
quality of evidence of rodeo animal abuse, or to issue a retraction and
public apology, and fire all staff involved in the creation of this
abomination masquerading as journalism, from Dan Rather on down.
This is not a question of differing philosophies or ethics. This is a
case
of CBS News, while publicly claiming to be at the pinnacle of journalism,
sinking to a depth that boggles the imagination. To call this story
corrupt
is an understatement. This was nothing more than a shameless promo piece
for
animal abuse.
The entire CBS News organization should be utterly ashamed.
For more information on rodeo cruelty NOT covered by 48 Hours, go to
<www.sharkonline.org>."
SHARK will soon be going on tour with the Tiger Truck, right along with
the relay of the Olympic Torch, in order to educate the public on this
important issue. Help support their efforts by giving them a welcome at
one of the stops they make near you. The schedule is below:
Expected Tiger schedule as it tracks the Olympic Torch relay
1/4/02
Lunch: South Bend, Ind., Convention Center
Dinner: Chicago, Ill., Navy Pier
1/5/02
Visiting: Oak Brook, Ill.
Evanston, Ill.
Kenosha, Wis.
Mt. Pleasant, Wis.
Lunch: Highland Park, Ill., Ravinia Park
Dinner: Milwaukee Wisconsin State Fair Park
1/8/02
Visiting: Terre Haute, Ind.
Clark Co., Ill.
Effingham Co., Ill.
Saint Claire Co., Mo.
Dinner: Saint Louis, Mo., Kiener Plz.
1/9/02
Visiting: Wentzville, Mo.
Lunch: Columbia, Mo., Hearns Field House
Dinner: Kansas City, Mo., Corner of Ward and Broadway Streets
1/10/02
Visiting: Saint Joseph, Mo.
Nebraska City, Neb.
Lunch: Council Bluffs, Iowa, Town Plaza on First Avenue
Dinner: Omaha, Neb., Farnum and 14th Streets
1/11/02
Visiting: Topeka, Kan.
Wichita, Kan.
Lunch: Oklahoma City, Okla., Bricktown Event Center
1/12/02
Visiting: Amarillo, Texas
Vaughn, N.M.
Lunch: Santa Fe, N.M., Downtown Plaza
Dinner: Albuquerque, N.M., Civic Plaza
1/13/02
Visiting: Maricopa, Ariz.
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Lunch: Tucson, Ariz., Reid Park
Dinner: Phoenix, Ariz., Patriot's Square Park
1/14/02
Visiting: Yuma, Ariz.
Jacumba, Calif.
Imperial Co., Calif.
Chula Vista, Calif.
Lunch: Coronado Co., Calif., Speckles Park
Dinner: San Diego, Calif., Embarcadero Marine Park
1/15/02
Visiting: Dana Point, Calif.
Newport Beach, Calif.
Lunch: Los Angeles, Calif., L.A. Coliseum
Dinner: Los Angeles, Calif., City Walk
1/16/02
Visiting: Pasadena, Calif.
Oxnard, Calif.
Ventura, Calif.
Guadalupe, Calif.
Lunch: Santa Barbara, Calif., Railroad Station
Dinner: San Luis Obispo, Calif., Monterrey and Osos Streets
1/17/02
Visiting: Paso Robles, Calif.
King City, Calif.
Soledad, Calif.
Carmel, Calif.
Monterey, Calif.
Lunch: Salinas, Calif., John Steinbeck Center
Dinner: Seaside, Calif., Canyon del Rey, Corner of Harcourt Street
1/18/02
Visiting: Santa Cruz, Calif.
Oakland, Calif.
Lunch: San Jose, Calif., Center for Performing Arts
Dinner: San Francisco, Calif., Ferry Building and Justin Herman Plaza
1/19/02
Visiting: Sausalito, Calif.
Richmond, Calif.
Walnut Grove. Calif.
Lunch: Concord, Calif., Todos Santos Plaza
Dinner: Sacramento, Calif., Old Sacramento or Capital Mall
1/20/02
Visiting: Heights, Calif.
Truckee, Calif.
Olympic Valley, Calif.
Incline Village, Calif.
Douglas, Calif.
Lunch: Squaw Valley, Calif., Sundeck at Mountain Base
Dinner: S. Lake Tahoe, Calif., Casino Parking Lot
1/21/02
Visiting: Douglas Co., Nev.
Carson City, Nev.
Lunch: Reno, Nev., Reno Arch
1/22/02
Visiting: Klamath Falls, Ore.
Eugene, Ore.
Tigard, Ore.
Lunch: Salem, Ore., Capitol Building
Dinner: Portland, Ore., Pioneer Square
1/23/02
Visiting: Vancouver, Wash.
Longview, Wash.
Tacoma, Wash.
Des Moines, Wash.
Lunch: Olympia, Wash., Farmer's Market Parking Lot
Dinner: Seattle, Wash., Seattle Center
1/25/02
Visiting: Pasco, Wash.
Kennewick, Wash.
Baker City, Ore.
Nampa, Idaho
Dinner: Boise, Idaho, Grove Plaza
1/26/02
Visiting: Pocatello, Idaho
Mountain Home, Idaho
Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Idaho
Lunch: Twin Falls, Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, Northern Parking Lot
Dinner: Idaho Falls, Idaho, Trappers Square
1/27/02
Visiting: Gallatin Co., Mont.
Lunch: Yellowstone, Wyo., Old Faithful
Dinner: Bozeman, Mont., Main Street Between Rouse and Bozeman Streets
1/28/02
Visiting: Big Timber, Mont.
Yellowstone Co.
Lunch: Columbus, Mont., Columbus High School
Dinner: Billings, Mont., Metra Park
1/29/02
Visiting: Sheridan, Wyo.
Kaycee, Wyo.
Wheatland, Wyo.
Lunch: Casper, Wyo., Recreation Center (Fourth Street)
Dinner: Cheyenne, Wyo., Frontier Days Site
1/30/02
Visiting: Ft. Collins, Colo.
Boulder, Colo.
Lunch: Longmont, Colo., Long's Peak Avenue (Recreation Center)
Dinner: Denver, Colo., Civic Center Park
1/31/02
Visiting: Littleton, Colo.
Castle Rock, Colo.
Dinner: Colorado Springs, Colo., Memorial Park
2/1/02
Visiting: Manitou Springs, Colo.
Leadville, Colo.
Lunch: Buena Vista Elementary School
Dinner: Vail, Colo., Vail Village
2/2/02
Visiting: Eagle, Colo.
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Carbondale, Colo.
Lunch: Aspen, Colo, Wagner Park (Pedestrian Mall)
Dinner: Grand Junction, Colo., Convention Center
2/4/02
Visiting: Grand Co., Utah
Garfield Co., Utah
Arches National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah
Lunch: Monument Valley, Utah, Visitor's Center
Dinner: Saint George, Utah, Red Cliffs Mall Parking Lot
2/5/02
Lunch: Richfield, Utah, Main Street and 200 S.
Dinner: Provo, Utah, Cougar Stadium Area, Brigham Young University
2/6/02
Visiting: Provo, Utah
American Fork, Utah
Camp Floyd State Park
Brigham City, Utah
Salt Lake Co., Utah
Antelope Island, Utah
Tremonton, Utah
Logan, Utah
Lunch: Tooele, Utah, Smith's Car Park
Dinner: Ogden, Utah, 25th Street
2/7/02
Visiting: Henefer, Utah
Midway, Utah
Heber City, Utah
Lunch: Park City, Utah, Main Street
Dinner: Salt Lake City, Utah, City and County Building
2/8/02
Visiting: West Valley City, Utah
Kearns, Utah
Sandy, Utah
Murray, Utah
Lunch: Salt Lake City, Utah, Location TBA
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~2~
Providing For Your Companion
Animals
Source: Fall, 2001 issue of "The Caroline Earle White
Society" of the AAVS.
Visit them online at: http://www.aavs.org
Most
of us outlive our pets, but as September 11th reminds us, we need to make plans
for our pets should disaster strike.
No matter what your age, making a provision for your companion animals by
establishing a will or living trust requires a competent attorney in your state
or legal jurisdiction. Taking this step is essential to ensure that your
wishes for your companions' care will be met. (Remember also at this time
to draft a "Durable Power of Attorney," and "Living Will"
to assist in your own care should you be incapacitated.) This is not bad luck,
it's good sense and peace of mind!
If you do not designate a person to leave your animal to, your animal may end
up in the hands of someone incapable or unwilling to provide care. If you
cannot find an individual you feel comfortable with, you may want to contact an
animal [care] organization that would be willing to foster your animal until a
suitable adopter becomes available.
Another issue to consider is whether or not to leave a sum of money or other
assets to the designated caregiver to be used to care for the animal. This
is accomplished by specifying that the money [be] bequeathed to that person for
the animal's care. This is considered an "honorary trust."
Moderator's Note: While Federal legislation is pending, the law in the U.S.
currently does NOT recognize animals as legal entities to whom one can leave
money or possessions; therefore an individual (human) or organization must be
named as trustee on behalf of the animal.)
If you are leaving your animal to an [animal care] organization, and not a
specific person, other legal steps need to be taken and you need to consult an
attorney. (Moderator's Note: You do need to consult an attorney as the
law for wills and trusts is very tricky, and varies state by state and a
"do it yourself" job for this is not appropriate.) Although
"honorary trusts" are unenforceable by the animal, they are a
recognized and useful way of providing for the care of a companion
animal. The only real concern with honorary trusts is finding a trustee
with the honor to abide by your wishes.
The following is an example of the language which a lawyer might include in
your will or living trust (again, consult with a lawyer in your state, or
jurisdiction, as what is accepted as "legal and binding" in court
differs widely depending on where you live):
I give my German Shepherd, "Sandy" to my cousin, Tommy
Goodacre. If Tommy Goodacre is unwilling or unable to accept Sandy, I
give Sandy to my friend, Penny Trueheart. If Penny Trueheart is unwilling
or unable to accept Sandy, my estate executor shall place Sandy in a home where
Sandy will receive proper care in a manner similar to how Sandy was cared for
during my lifetime. Should my estate executor be unable to locate a
loving home for Sandy, then Sandy shall go to a suitable animal care organization.
My estate executor shall fully cooperate with the animal care organization in
finding an adoptive situation for Sandy. It is my desire that the
adoptive situation be in a loving home determined to be in the best interest of
Sandy. OPTIONAL PROVISIONS: My estate executor shall distribute the
sum of $___________ to the person who accepts Sandy for the purpose of paying
expenses associated with Sandy's care. If an animal care organization is
called upon by my estate executor to assist in the placement of Sandy and such
organization is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, my estate executor shall
distribute a cash gift of $___________ to such organization.
Making arrangements like these for your companion animals can assist in
ensuring that, in the event of your death or incapacitation they will continue
to be safe, happy, and well-cared for.
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~3~
Giving Gift of Compassion
By Amy McNutt
More on giving compassion from Amy McNutt at
http://dfwnetmall.com/veg/giftcompassion.htm
When
you're out to make the world a better place, sometimes it's easy to get
discouraged here in Texas, the land of fast-food joints and steakhouses.
Then you have to step back, relax and remember that change does not happen
overnight. It is a gradual awakening process and everyday our actions
make an immense difference.
By introducing the joys of a compassionate lifestyle to those you love, you are
offering them the best gift you could ever give. Bradley Miller puts it
well when he says, "Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as
valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar."
Over the years, I have learned that as much as you want the people you love to
stop eating animals, you can never force your beliefs onto them even if you
have only the best of intentions. The most effective thing you can do is
gently introduce the subject to them and be there to answer questions, when
they are receptive to it. If they're not ready, don't be discouraged or think
badly of that person, just remember that there is a lot of "meat is
good" and "four basic food groups" patterning that people have
to undo, especially here in Texas.
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~4~
The Circus Animal
By Christina Sharik - Copyright 1998
I am the circus elephant
I'm all dressed up for you -
but when alone, I always wear
these chains, just out of view.
I am the circus tiger -
A rare sight to behold;
when whips are snapping near my face
it's hard to stay controlled.
I am the elegant circus horse
I prance and trot around
I am a noble creature
I'm not a circus clown.
The saddest choice you humans make
is to keep me chained and bound
you make me dance, you make me prance
a circus ring around.
When I am tired or sad or sick,
you strike and prod with club or stick
I want to run, to play, to roam,
I miss my far, beloved home.
I have no voice you understand,
I cannot make you see
that you should listen with your heart
and simply set me free.
I hear there are some circuses
where only you perform.
I hope that someday soon, perhaps,
they will become the norm.
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~5~
Memorable Quote
"When
a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal.
When he destroys one of the works of God we call him a sportsman."
~~ Joseph Wood Krutch
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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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