My Life in a Laboratory

Posted November 10, 2015 by Kim Johnson

Hi. My name is Rabbit 32*. I’m one of more than 170,000 rabbits who will be killed in U.S. laboratories this year for cruel experiments and product testing. Here in the laboratory, animals like me don’t get names, just numbers. That’s because the humans who experiment on us think of us as tools—not individuals with feelings. Experimenters like to use rabbits in their painful tests because we’re small, gentle, and easy to handle.

Outside the laboratory, many rabbits like me get to hang out with other animals and humans, but instead of hurting them, these humans pet their fur softly and give them treats and scratches on their ears. It makes me sad to think that I’ll never get to live in a warm house or snuggle with other rabbit friends or humans—or even know any kindness or affection at all from a human.

I’ve spent my whole life alone inside a cramped, empty metal cage, often for weeks or months at a time.

Testing

Experimenters poison me in order to see what happens when a high dose of a chemical is given to an animal. Many rabbits in the cages around me have died because of these excruciatingly painful tests. I’m scared and in pain, and I wish this would stop.

During another test, they put me in a restraining device so that I can’t move, then they force chemicals into my eyes, which burns them and hurts so much. They also scrape my skin and spread harsh chemicals onto it. The experimenters watch to see how long it takes for the chemicals to burn my eyes or my skin and to see the damage that they’ve caused. 

They leave the chemicals on me for up to two weeks and don’t give me any painkillers. I wish they would make it stop hurting, but instead, they just take notes as the substances burn me and I scream in pain.

During and after the tests, my skin sometimes bleeds and swells. Other times, my insides hurt, my eyes swell up, or scabs form on my back. My eyes are cloudy now, and they always hurt. Some of my friends have already gone blind because of the tests, and I’m afraid that I will, too.

After they finish torturing me, I’ll probably be killed without ever getting to have a single moment of happiness. I’ve seen experimenters cut up the bodies of other rabbits that they’ve killed, and I’m so scared. I don’t want to suffer anymore, and I don’t want to die. The products they test on me include things like soap, shampoo, household cleaners, and makeup—all of which can be safely made WITHOUT testing chemicals on me. 

The Law

There’s no law in the U.S. that says that these products need to be tested on animals like me. In fact, in some countries it’s ILLEGAL to test products on us. But lots of companies, like Johnson & Johnson, ChapStick, Revlon, and Secret, still perform or pay for horrible tests on animals. Chemical companies test on animals like me, too, even though there are many reliable, superior, non-animal test methods available.

Why Do These Tests?

There’s no reason to test a chemical on an animal. There are plenty of other tests out there that don’t hurt animals and are more reliable than animal tests. One test uses a model of human skin grown in test tubes, which is made from real human skin cells, so the results can better predict how a chemical will affect a human. Animal-test results usually can’t be applied to humans because we react to substances differently.

What You Can Do

Rabbits aren’t the only animals who are tested on in laboratories. Mice, rats, guinea pigs, and other animals are poisoned and killed in cruel product tests, and monkeys, cats, and dogs are also used and killed in other painful experiments in the U.S. every year. You can help end this suffering by buying cruelty-free products and avoiding any products that have been tested on animals like me. Will you help me and the millions of other animals who suffer every day in cruel and deadly tests?

Not sure how to tell if a product is cruelty-free? Look for the PETA bunny logo on the package, check PETA’s cruelty-free database, or e-mail peta2@peta2.com. You can also order a cruelty-free shopping guide.

*This is not the story of one specific rabbit in a laboratory. The facts in this feature are based on the experiences of many different rabbits used in laboratory tests.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/animal-testing-rabbits/#ixzz3rmU1mVfn

Nothing to Celebrate: Orca Shows To Continue at SeaWorld

osted November 9, 2015 by Kim Johnson

UPDATE: On November 9, SeaWorld announced that it will phase out its circus-style orca shows at its San Diego location next year, but it turns out that orcas will still be performing! SeaWorld officials haven’t shared what specific changes would occur in the orca shows, other than saying that some “tricks” would “probably” be eliminated.

Regardless of any changes to the performances, the orcas are still forced to suffer in cramped swimming pools until the day they die. What these animals—and every orca imprisoned by SeaWorld—really need are lives outside the prison-like tanks.

© Ingrid N. Visser, Ph.D.

As U.S. Rep. Adam B. Schiff indicated when he introduced a federal orca-protection bill recently, no change to SeaWorld’s tanks will be enough to give the orcas what they need to be happy and healthy.

SeaWorld San Diego 2010 | Martin Wippel | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

That’s why we’re calling on SeaWorld to stop breeding orcas and start building sea sanctuaries where these intelligent and sensitive animals can experience a natural setting in the ocean.

What You Can Do

1. Never go to any SeaWorld park and urge your friends and family to stay away, too. Every dollar spent at SeaWorld contributes to the animals’ miserable lives.
2. Keep the pressure on SeaWorld and urge the company to retire all the orcas it uses.
3. Share this blog post, and spread the word.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/seaworld-san-diego-ending-orca-shows/#ixzz3rmTBDwmm

Four Dog Stories That Will Melt Your Heart

Posted October 29, 2015 by Hannah Healy

Every dog needs a loving family. Sadly, not all dogs receive the love and care they deserve.

Every day and night, in all weather extremes, PETA’s fieldworkers answer calls for help from people living in some of the poorest communities in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, where animals have no one else to help them.

PETA’s fieldworkers transport dogs to local veterinarians, provide them with fresh water and food, loosen collars that have become too tight, and supply tangle-free tie-outs for dogs on heavy chains. They rescue injured and dying animals and catch skittish strays other agencies have given up on. 

Here are just a few of the dogs they’ve recently helped: 

Max

Dogs are social pack animals who need companionship, scratches behind the ears, regular walks, and the opportunity to curl up with their guardians at night indoors. But, like many of the dogs PETA’s fieldworkers come across, Max was forced to live outdoors, in all weather extremes. He was kept chained alone all day, EVERY day, for almost his entire life. Chaining dogs isn’t illegal in Max’s area, so PETA’s fieldworkers did everything they could to improve his lonely life by checking on him regularly and giving him tummy rubs, treats, and fresh straw for his doghouse. This sweetheart quickly stole their hearts.

Recently, PETA was able to obtain custody of Max! For the first time in years, his chain was removed. He was transferred to the Virginia Beach SPCA, where he quickly found a new and loving home. Max will never be forced to spend another night outdoors. 

From chained to loved… brought to us by Peta, Maxwell has his very own family and a bed inside.

Posted by Virginia Beach SPCA Kennel on Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Charlotte

“Pup” was chained among boards, nails, and debris when PETA fieldworkers found her. 

They managed to gain custody of the fuzzy cutie and rescued her from this dangerous environment. She has been renamed Charlotte and was transferred to the VBSPCA to start a new life. 

Skylar

This pit bull puppy illustrates perfectly why no dog should be forced to “live” outside. Skylar’s back was covered with burn-like lesions, and her guardian didn’t know what had caused them. He took her to two different veterinary clinics but was turned away by both because he didn’t have enough money to pay for her treatment. He decided to surrender her to PETA.

PETA transferred her to our friends at the VBSPCA, where she was treated for her wounds and is now available for adoption. 

https://www.facebook.com/VBSPCA/videos/10154482394878306/ Check out this video! 

Sammie

Sammie was a super-sweet elderly poodle mix. When she stopped eating, lost interest in her favorite activities, and became so weak that she could no longer walk, her loving guardian brought her to PETA for euthanasia because she couldn’t afford costly veterinary prices. Her guardian wrote a kind note to PETA expressing her gratitude for this service.

Never be silent when you see an animal in need! If you aren’t sure what to do, please call PETA for help—any time, day or night—at 757-622-7382, option 2.

Learn more about taking action for animals:

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/dog-rescue-stories/#ixzz3qRofz8sj

Tips Every Animal Guardian Should Read Before Halloween

Posted October 26, 2015 by Hannah Healy

Candy, costumes, scary movies, parties—what’s NOT to love about Halloween?

Unfortunately, animals often don’t enjoy Halloween as much as we do. Noisy, costumed trick-or-treaters can be frightening, and mischief makers sometimes target animals who are left outdoors alone.

Here are some tips for keeping your four-legged friends safe on the spookiest day of the year:

Keep Cats Indoors

As crazy as it seems, some people are still afraid of black cats because of old superstitions. (Black cats are even less likely to be adopted from animal shelters than those who aren’t black!) Cats left outdoors can become targets for Halloween hoodlums, who may hurt or steal them. All cats, black or otherwise, should always be kept indoors unless they’re leashed or safely contained and supervised—it’s just a lot safer.

Keep Dogs Indoors

With all the noise and commotion, terrified canines might escape your yard and run in a blind panic, getting lost or hit by a car. Imagine how horrible it would be to look out into your yard and see the gate open and your pup gone! Keep your canine companions indoors unless you’re outdoors, too, to supervise them.

Keep Animals Away From Trick-or-Treaters—and From Open Doors

When you open the door to trick-or-treaters, cats can easily slip through unnoticed. It’s far safer to keep them away from all the commotion. The same can be said for dogs, who could escape or knock over a child. Some dogs may even bite children, thinking they’re intruders. To avoid this type of trouble, you could put a basket of candy on your front porch with a sign reading, “Help yourselves, kids!” Or, if your animals are easily stressed out by the sounds of noisy kids, consider just turning your porch light off and forgoing the tradition altogether.

Halloween Stress Busters for Sensitive Dogs and Cats

If your companion animal finds Halloween stressful, you can apply some of the same stress-relieving techniques that people use on the Fourth of July, such as a ThunderShirt, soothing music, or calming nutritional supplements.

Don’t Take Dogs Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treaters are focused on running from house to house in pursuit of candy, not watching out for animals. Some dogs might get scared and break loose or even end up biting someone. For everyone‘s safety, just leave pups at home.

Keep Candy Away From Animals

Candy and even the wrappers it comes in can make animals sick. Chocolate can even be deadly to dogs. Keep candy in a secure place where animals can’t get to it, and keep an eye on young kids to make sure they don’t share their Halloween haul with their animal companions.

If you think your dog or cat may have eaten candy or something else that could be dangerous, contact the Pet Poison Helpline right away at 1-800-213-6680.

Be Careful With Halloween Decorations and Supplies

Jack-o’-lanterns and candles can be dangerous to animals, and fake goo (which could be poisonous) can be tempting to a curious cat or dog, so keep these items well out of reach.

Remember That Animals Aren’t Props

No matter how adorable you think they look dressed up, dogs and cats aren’t here for our amusement and don’t want to wear costumes, which are often held on with tight rubber bands or straps that can cut off circulation and pull fur. They can’t easily tell us when they’re stressed or uncomfortable, so show them some consideration and let them go au naturel. 

Have Fun!

You and your animals deserve to have the best Halloween EVER! We know you won’t enjoy the big day if your animals aren’t happy, so follow these tips and make sure the worst thing you wake up to on November 1 is a sugar hangover. 

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/halloween-animal-safety-tips/#ixzz3q6wV639E

It's Official: Eating Bacon and Hot Dogs Causes Cancer

Posted October 27, 2015 by Kim Johnson

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that eating bacon, hot dogs, ham, and other processed meats causes cancer. According to the WHO, processed meats are now in the same category of cancer risk as cigarettes and asbestos in terms of how dangerous and deadly they are. The WHO also said that all types of red meat, including beef, pork, veal, and lamb, are likely to cause cancer. 

Not only do these meats cause cancer in humans, they also cause unimaginable suffering for the pigs, cows, and sheep whose body parts are used to make them. But not to worry! There are tons of healthier, cruelty-free “meat” options (including bacon) available at many grocery stores across the country. Here’s a list of our faves:

Bacon Substitutes

Lightlife Smart Bacon

Sweet Earth Hickory & Sage Smoked Seitan Bacon

Tofurky Smoky Maple Bacon Marinated Tempeh

Upton’s Naturals Bacon Seitan

Hot Dog and Sausage Substitutes

Tofurky Jumbo Hot Dogs

Lightlife Smart Dogs

Tofurky Kielbasa

Field Roast Italian Grain Meat Sausages

Ham Substitutes

Yves Meatless Ham Slices

Tofurky Smoked Ham Style Deli Slices

Loving Hut “Cheerful Log” Vegan Ham Loaf

Yves Veggie Cuisine Meatless Canadian Bacon

Red Meat Substitutes 

Gardein Sweet and Sour Porkless Bites

Gardein Beefless Tips

Beyond Meat Beefy Crumble

Boca Original Vegan Veggie Burger

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/meat-causes-cancer/#ixzz3q6vOpHq4

Pitbulls Need Protection Now!

Posted October 22, 2015 by Kim Johnson

Millions of dogs enter animal shelters each year in the U.S., and because there aren’t enough homes for all of them, many will never find a “forever” family. But pit bulls, more than any other dog breed, are in crisis and need help right now. Urgently. They often face relentless abuse and neglect, and they are the breed that is most often abandoned. As a result, tens of thousands of them are euthanized (“put down”) in shelters every year.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/pit-bulls/#ixzz3pXoEE3co

Besides being the most abandoned, pit bulls are also the most common victims of the heartbreaking cruelty and severe neglect that PETA fieldworkers encounter every day. These dogs are often seen as macho status symbols or cheap burglar alarms. They’re taunted, abused, and treated like inanimate objects. 

PETA’s fieldworkers have helped and won justice for hundreds of pit bulls in Virginia and North Carolina, but countless others languish in backyards and back alleys across the country. They don’t receive any affection or exercise, and they’re often beaten to make them “mean.” Pit bulls are also used in dogfights, in which they’re thrown into a ring and encouraged to tear each other apart. The ones who lose the fights are then electrocuted, drowned, hanged, or even worse. 

If you care about pit bulls, help them! 

Millions of dogs (of all breeds) end up euthanized each year because too many people buy dogs from breeders and pet stores instead of saving lives by adopting from animal shelters and too many people fail to get them spayed or neutered. Support a ban on breeding dogs of ANY breed—including pit bulls and pit bull mixes—and support strict regulations on their care, including a ban on chaining. Breed-specific laws can protect pit bulls and prevent more from being born into a world of exploitation, abandonment, and abuse.

With the overpopulation crisis, there’s simply no justification for bringing more dogs of any breed into the world while so many in animal shelters are in need of homes. Urge people who keep their dogs chained to let them live indoors as members of the family. And always report abuse and neglect. Pit bulls need all the friends they can get.

Spread the word!

The Vamps' James McVey Teams Up With Rescued Cats to Save Animals

Posted October 21, 2015 by Matt Kilbourne

James McVey from the pop band The Vamps has teamed up with rescued cats Bap and Bagel to urge everyone to adopt, don’t shop. James and these adorable kittens remind us that millions of animals are waiting in animal shelters for a loving home.

Despite the fact that more than 6 million homeless animals enter shelters every year, breeders and pet stores continue to crank out more litters of puppies and kittens. Buying from a pet store or a breeder means that you’re rejecting an equally deserving shelter animal who’s hoping and waiting for a home. But when you adopt from a shelter, you save a life!

What You Should Know About Pet Stores

• Most puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills, facilities with massive rows of outdoor cages that force mother dogs to have litter after litter of puppies at an exhausting rate in cramped, filthy conditions.
• Many animals sold in pet stores suffer from chronic health and behavior problems because they haven’t received adequate veterinary care or socialization.
• The pet trade encourages people to see animals as impulse purchases instead of complex beings who require a lifetime of care. Pet shops sell animals to anyone who can pay, often sending them home with unprepared, incompetent, or even abusive guardians. 

How You Can Help

• Adopt from a shelter! Because so many adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals are waiting in shelters for a good home, there’s no reason to purchase an animal from a pet store or a breeder.
• Spay and neuter your animals. Once you’ve adopted your new best friend, always have him or her sterilized. The only way to end the homeless-animal crisis is by spaying or neutering to prevent new litters from being born.
• Be proud of your rescued friends and show them off on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to use #AdoptDontShop and #Rescued to spread the love. ♥

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/the-vamps-james-mcvey-adoption-ad/#ixzz3pJML6FkB

Taco Bell has WHAT??

Made by: Hannah Easley

That's right, folks! Taco Bell has came out with a vegetarian menu! I know what you're thinking,
'Could Taco Bell get any better?' Yes, yes it can.

Here's what they got:

1. Biscuit Burrito

$1.99

So good for breakfast and it's only 310 calories!

Check it out here!

2.  7 Layer-Burrito

 $2.69

As if a 7 layered burrito didn't sound good enough, it's only 430 calories!

Check it out here!

3. Bean Burrito

 $1.19

Let's see, not only is this delicious, it is only 370 calories!

Check it out here!

4. Black Bean Burrito

 $1.99

If this picture is gonna make not drool enough, it is only 390 calories!

Check it out here!

5. Cheesy Roll Up

 $1.00

When you look at this, what do you think? That it must be so good? Yep! And it's

only 180 calories!

Check it out here!

6. Cheesy Bean & Rice Burrito

 $1.00

This thing is so good, and the best part is that it's only 420 calories!

Check it out here!

8. Cantina Power Bowl

 $4.99

Can you say "Hashtag, NEED!" I know I can, because it's only 460 calories! 

Check it out here!

9. Cantina Power Burrito

$3.79

What else can be so yummy, and 430 calories?!
Check it out here!

And guess what??

You can find everything on the vegetarian menu here! And if you're vegan, even better! 

You can simply find something that could be made without dairy or eggs (or meat) and ask for that! 

Being a vegetarian is not that hard! If you have any questions about help,   Please comment below.

Thanks for reading!

Zoo kills healthy lion and then dissects it in front of crowd?!

Posted October 16, 2015 by Kim Johnson

It was like a nightmare brought to life. Children covered their mouths and turned away as a lion cub’s body was cut open and her intestines were laid out on a table before them. No, this wasn’t a Halloween movie—just business as usual at the Odense Zoo in central Denmark.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/denmark-zoo-dissects-lion-cub/#ixzz3on7Wg7YE

Reportedly, the Odense Zoo killed the female lion cub nine months ago after zoo officials decided that she was “surplus” and no other zoos would take her. According to its website, the zoo kills animals to prevent inbreeding and acknowledges that zoo employees have been dissecting animals in front of crowds for 20 years. A spokesperson from the zoo told the BBC’s Newsbeat that this is a “normal process,” and while killing young animals may be normal for the zoos, it certainly isn’t normal for the lions. In the wild, the lion population and breeding would be controlled naturally, without human intervention.

This isn’t the first time that a Danish zoo has come under fire for killing a healthy animal and cutting him or her up in public. Last year, a giraffe named Marius was dissected in front of a crowd at the Copenhagen Zoo and fed to the lions after the zoo killed him with a bolt gunshot to the head. The zoo’s spokesperson said he was actually “proud” that the zoo dissected Marius.

Zoos teach people that it’s OK to interfere with animals’ lives and keep them locked up in captivity so we can gawk at them. And dissection doesn’t teach children ANYTHING. Instead, studies show that it actually fosters callousness toward animals and nature. In the wild, this lion cub would have been free to roam with her family, rather than being made the subject of a gruesome science “lesson.”

What You Can Do

If you are interested in animals, it’s only natural that you would want to be close to them—but animals shouldn’t have to live in misery because of our curiosity! Animals don’t belong to us, and they’re not ours to imprison in zoos or to kill and cut up for dissection. Say no to dissection and never visit any zoo. 

Learn more about how dissection kills and how we can help you say no!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/denmark-zoo-dissects-lion-cub/#ixzz3on7qAzkU

What's wrong with McDonald's?

Posted by: True Activist

1.) Ammonium Sulfate

Dong Ming

Nothing helps mass-produce bread like ammonium sulfate. Unfortunately, nothing fertilizers soil or kills bugs like it either. Read more about ammonium sulfate and other nasty bread additives here: 5 Dangerous Additives Hidden In Packaged Bread

2.) Silicone Oil

redrc

Chicken McNuggets are full of dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone oil that is often used for making contact lenses and other medical items. Learn more about your beloved McNuggets here: The Chicken That Should Be Banned

3.) Cysteine-L

continentalfeathers

Fast food restaurants use Cysteine-L, an amino acid synthesized from human hair or duck feathers, to flavor their meat and soften their breads and pastries.

4.) TBHQ

J.smith

This additive can be found in 18 McDonald’s menu items. It’s potentially lethal, but don’t worry, the FDA says it’s generally regarded as safe (GRAS). Learn more about TBHQ here: The Petroleum Byproduct You Are Most Likely Eating

5.) Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a chemical compound that can be found in anti-freeze, e-cigarettes, and that’s right! Fast food!

6.) Prescription Drugs

rudoilaw

By testing feathers, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found some very interesting characteristics of factory-farm-raised poultry. And you thought the pink slime scandal was bad? Anti-depressants as well as other prescription drugs are added to chicken feed for fast food “poultry” items. That’s right, those McChicken sandwiches and McNuggets come from chickens that were raised on a steady diet of prescription, over-the-counter, and even banned drugs. Learn more about it here: 3 Dirty Chicken Facts Exposed

7.) Dimethylpolysiloxane

Shuttershock

You’ll find this in almost any fried fast food menu item and also in silly putty, contact lenses, caulking, shampoo and conditioners, cosmetics, polishes, heat resistant tiles, and the list goes on… Learn more about Dimethylpolysiloxane by following this link.

8.) Carminic Acid

Wikimedia Commons

Synthesized by Cochineal beetles, Carminic acid is used to dye foods, especially meats, red. You can learn more about the beetles in your food HERE.

9.) Cellulose

w8themes

You’ll find this organic compound, which is produced from wood pulp, in nearly every fast food menu item. Learn more about cellulose by following this link.

10.) Silicon Dioxide

Wikimedia Commons

This industrial sand is used in things like Wendy’s chili to keep it from clumping together. Mmm… industrial sand. Learn more about silicon dioxide HERE.

Cooking your own food has never sounded more appealing. If you think you can’t afford it, follow this link to learn how to grow your own organic produce. What’s that all you have is an apartment? Check out these tips for apartment gardening!

Have you heard enough about this discusting place called "McDonald's?"  Good.