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

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

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.

Where do animals from dissection come from?

Made by: Hannah Easley

Imagine being ripped away from your home, put in very small cages, and being killed for dissection. That's what happens when you used animals for dissection.
This happens to frogs, mice, rabbits, fetal pigs, cats, and more.
Let's look more into this.

Cats

  Cats are taken away from the streets, shelters, or even cats that could have been very loved by a family. 

Once they take them, they put them in a horribly small cage and are abused.

 PETA investigators documented cases in which animals were removed from gas chambers and injected with formaldehyde without first being checked for vital signs, a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Formaldehyde is a severely irritating caustic substance that causes a painful death. Investigators’ video footage documents incidences in which cats and rats were struggling during injection and employees were spitting on them. 

 Rabbits

Reality for these rabbits used for dissection very painful, (like all of the poor animals used to dissection.)  One rabbit, still alive after being gassed, tried to crawl out of a wheelbarrow full of water and dead rabbits. Employees laughed as a coworker held the rabbit’s head underwater and pulled him out just as death seemed near, repeating the process again and again until, bored with the “game,” the employee held the animal’s head underwater long enough to drown him. Rabbits aren't toys.

   Frogs

Sadly, frogs are the most commonly dissected animals in classes below the university level, although other species, like cats, mice, rats, dogs, rabbits, fetal pigs, and fish, are also sometimes used. Frogs are also among the first species to succumb to environmental pollution and habitat destruction, and their deaths are often the first indicators of environmental problems because they’re so sensitive to their surroundings. 

All species of frogs are disappearing from the Earth at an alarming rate, with a devastating and not yet fully understood environmental impact. As a result, some frog populations have crashed, wiping out entire species. Populations of grass frogs and bullfrogs, the most common victims of high school dissection, are threatened by both mass collection and environmental hazards. Some are even performed on alive during dissection.

 Pigs

 Many students object to using fetal pigs because of their concern for the treatment of animals raised for human consumption. Almost all of the 97 million pigs slaughtered annually for human consumption in the United States are raised in crowded, confined conditions, where they are deprived of space, fresh air, and fresh forage for the duration of their shortened lives. 

Many also have their tails cut off and their teeth excised as piglets. The fetuses that end up in dissection trays are taken from pregnant sows at the slaughterhouse. Some biological supply houses breed animals such as mice,: obtain fetal pigs from slaughterhouses that cut them from their mothers' are killed: and trap or take other types of animals from a variety of locations.

 Mice

Mice, or other small animals used for dissection are nothing but dollar signs for breeders who kill them and sell their  corpses. Millions of animals are killed every year, in high schools alone, including the unknown number of animals used for college or middle school grades. Many mice, or rats are even embalmed. 

Alternatives to Dissection
Numerous studies have shown that students using humane alternatives learn as well, if not better, than students who dissect.

• Observation of animals in their natural habitat
• Anatomical models such as the “Great American Bullfrog” 
• Computer programs such as Visifrog and The Rat Stack
• CD-ROMS such as the Cat Dissection Library CD-ROM, Bio-Lab Invertebrate D-ROM, and the Biology Dissection CD-ROM
• Non-animal projects such as the Bio-Feedback Micro-lab
• Videotapes 
• Videodiscs 
• Charts
• Transparencies
• Slides 
• Books and manuals
• Online virtual dissection kits such as the Whole Frog Project.

The Expense
In the long run, dissection alternatives are less expensive than dissecting live animals. Unlike the former, alternatives such as CD ROMS can be used time and time again, therein permitting students to practice the techniques as many times as they need to truly learn the material. In addition, they are typically accompanied by a manual and do not require supplementary tools such as scalpels or dissections pans.

States that Have Dissection Choice Laws

States with informed student consent laws (K-12):

• California, 1988, Cal. Education Code Section 32255.1-32255.6
• Florida, 2003, Fla. Stat. ch. 233.0674 (2001) 1003.47
• Illinois, 2000, 105 ILCS 5/27-13.1
• New Jersey, 2005, 18A:35-4.24 and 18A:35-4.25
• New York, 1994, N.Y. Educ. Law Section 809
• Oregon, 2005, OR REV. STAT. § 337.300
• Pennsylvania, 1992, 24 P.S. § 15-1523
• Rhode Island, 1997, Gen.Laws 1956, § 16-22-20
• Vermont, 2008, 16 V.S.A. § 912
• Virginia, 2004, Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-200.01 (2004)

States with student choice policies:

• Maine, 1989 (State Dept. of Ed policy)
• Maryland, 1997 (majority of individual county policies)

States with legislation proposing student choice:

• Michigan, HB 4218
• Tennessee, HJR 1077

Read each state’s individual law.

Passing a Student Choice Policy
Ask your school to adopt a student dissection choice policy.

Ask your school district or state Department of Education to adopt a student dissection choice policy. More information

Read more: http://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/other-issues/dissection

Maybe dissecting isn't that good after all.

'Once Upon A Time Cast' Speaks Up For Animals!

Posted September 25, 2015 by Matt Kilbourne

The new season of Once Upon a Time debuts this Sunday, and we couldn’t be more excited! The series returns viewers to the quiet, made-up town of Storybrooke, whose residents are fairytale characters stuck in the real world, thanks to a powerful curse. An awesome show AND a cast that is SUPER-supportive of animal rights? Swoon! We’ve compiled a list of cast members who share our compassion for animals:

See what Jared Gilmore (aka “Henry Mills”) has to say about being a responsible companion to his animals.

Emilie de Ravin (aka “Belle”) is a true champion for animals, always standing up for them on Twitter. We ♥ her.

When Lana Parrilla isn’t busy playing the Evil Queen and Regina, she’s a voice for animals like her adorable pup, Lola.

Whether sharing her favorite vegan cheese or posing with her adopted canine, Asher, Kristin Bauer van Straten (aka “Maleficent”) is one of our favorite people on Twitter and Instagram. As a bonus, check out the rad “Say No to Ivory” tee that she designed!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/once-upon-a-time-show/#ixzz3n3LEMOGT

Grab your favorite snack, and check out OUAT when it returns on Sunday, September 27. We can’t wait to see what twists and turns this season has in store!

While you’re waiting for the next episode of Once Upon a Time, check out these movies on Netflix.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/once-upon-a-time-show/#ixzz3n3JN2VOG

7 Ways to Have a Blast WITHOUT Hurting Animals

Posted August 27, 2015 by Diana Mendoza

There are a few things we need to talk about—like what counts as entertainment and what DOESN’T. While we can spend our summer days being carefree and eating vegan ice cream, animals held captive in zoos, circuses, and marine parks NEVER get a vacation. 

Captive elephants, tigers, orcas, dolphins, bears, and other animals might have been stolen from their homes and families in the wild. They may be beaten with bullhooks or shocked with electric prods. Kept in incompatible groups, some may be bullied by other animals, and some may become so stressed from being confined to tiny cages, tanks, or pits that they attack people. Check out our list of what counts as entertainment and what definitely doesn’t.

ENTERTAINMENT: HIKING

If you’re jonesing to get some one-on-one time with nature, you need to hit the trails ASAP. Spend a day in the woods, hike to a waterfall, or wander through a canyon and listen to the soothing soundtrack of birds chirping, the wind blowing, or the trickle of a flowing stream. Many state parks—some of which also serve as protected habitats for endangered plants and animals—offer a variety of scenic trails for all skill levels that will allow you to observe nature in all its glory. Bonus points if you catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset!

NOT: ZOOS

We Animals | Jo-Anne McArthur

Seeing animals in cages tells you very little about their species and how they behave in the wild, since their needs are rarely met in captivity. Zoos often breed animals primarily because cute babies attract more visitors—not because they’re trying to preserve the species. Most animals born in captivity are never released into the wild.

ENTERTAINMENT: MUSIC FESTIVALS

Our favorite tour ever, Warped Tour, has vendors, a ton of talented bands that WANT to perform for you, and, of course, the peta2 booth—where we give out loads of free stickers, DVDs, and more. Warped Tour not going through your town? Chances are, there are probably about a million other music festivals happening nearby where you can go rock your face off without exploiting animals. It’s a win-win situation!

NOT: CIRCUSES

Buying a ticket to a circus that uses animals directly supports the physical, emotional, and mental abuse of animals. Think about it: Tigers are naturally afraid of fire, yet in circuses, they’re forced to jump through rings of fire. So … how scared must they be of their trainers for them to do that?! Footage has shown that big cats are whipped, smacked, and yelled at during training. Definitely NOT entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT: MOVIE NIGHT

Popcorn: FreeImages.com/Linnell Esler

Sometimes, we just want to relax on the couch with a giant bowl of popcorn and some delicious accidentally vegan candy and watch all the Harry Potter movies in a row. Get your snack on and enjoy a night in—bonus points if you watch some cool animal documentaries! Here’s a list of our faves.

NOT: BUYING TICKETS TO MOVIES THAT USE ANIMALS

Unlike humans, no great ape ever dreams of becoming a star of the big screen. For chimpanzees and orangutans, performing is stressful and confusing. In order to force young apes to perform on cue, trainers often strike the animals with their fists, clubs, or even broom handles. The presence of American Humane Association representatives on set is no guarantee that the animals weren’t exploited, hurt, or even killed, as inspectors don’t monitor the animals’ living conditions or preproduction training.

ENTERTAINMENT: WHALE WATCHING

Humpback Whales | Photo by: National Marine Sanctuaries | CC by 2.0

You can experience the mind-blowing beauty of marine life up close by taking a boat ride out to sea for some whale watching. Many boating expeditions that take you out on the water to observe marine animals are surprisingly inexpensive. Before booking, ask about the company’s code of conduct to ensure that the operation is responsible and doesn’t put animals at risk. A day on the water might include spotting a variety of animals—like sea lions, otters, whales, curious dolphins (who’ve been known to follow alongside boats), pelicans, bald eagles, and others—as they’re meant to be: free in the wild.

NOT: MARINE PARKS

So … orcas are really smart and can swim, like, 100 miles a day. How’s THAT for a star athlete, eh?! Too bad orcas at SeaWorld and other marine parks are forced to live in concrete bathtubs, where they can only swim in endless circles when they’re not being forced to perform stupid tricks.

ENTERTAINMENT: ANIMAL SANCTUARY

A trip to an animal sanctuary is a definite MUST for true animal lovers. Meet some rescued animals and learn about their stories and what you can do to help them and others like them in the future. Don’t be duped by unscrupulous posers—only support facilities that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

NOT: ROADSIDE ANIMAL DISPLAYS

The stress that animals living in unnatural environments in roadside zoos endure can cause abnormal and self-destructive behavior such as swaying, pacing, and even self-mutilation. This behavior rarely happens in the wild but is regularly seen in animals who are confined to zoos. This is referred to as “zoochosis,” a disturbing and unnatural psychological condition.

ENTERTAINMENT: THE BEACH

FreeImages.com/Dragan Sasic

Claim your spot on the sand and bust out a good book, because the beach is all about relaxing! Get comfortable and spend some time soaking up the sun with friends or family, paddle out and catch some surf, or just chillax.

NOT: MARINE PARKS

If you’re a dolphin at a marine park, some trainer jerk may treat you like you’re his effing surfboard! And unlike when YOU go surfing, there’s no endless horizon in those small tanks. To get dolphins to perform dumb tricks, trainers isolate these highly intelligent and social animals or deprive them of food .

ENTERTAINMENT: SPORTING EVENTS

FreeImages.com/Aaron Schwab

Round up some friends and head to the ball game—it’ll give you plenty of time to catch up with your pals, and you’ll see some amazing athletes strutting their stuff.

NOT: CIRCUSES

The Ringling Bros. circus tears baby elephants away from their mothers, The young elephants are bound, forced to the ground, threatened with bullhooks, and chained to break their spirit and force them to perform confusing and dangerous tricks. SO HEARTBREAKING!

Animals are not ours to use for entertainment. Pledge never to go to zoos, marine parks, or animal circuses. If we don’t take action, nothing will change.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/cruelty-free-vacation-ideas/#ixzz3kAQHJvNH