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

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!

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

Happy National Dog Day!!

Written by: Hannah Easley

This video the PERFECT way to share something for a national day and to share awareness for pigs!
Please watch this video below and please share as well, thank you!

15 Things to Think About Before Adopting a Dog

Posted August 20, 2015 by Hannah Healy

For many, the idea of abandoning a companion animal is heartbreaking! In spite of this, every year in the U.S. more than 6 million dogs and cats end up in animal shelters. Many of them are there because their families abandoned them. Here are some of the lame excuses that people give for turning their backs on their own animals:

1. “I had to move.”

If you’ve found a way to take all your valuables with you, you can find a way to take your animal companion. Adopting an animal doesn’t mean adding to your possessions—it means adding a member to your family. And as the Disney character Lilo says, “Family means nobody gets left behind.”

2. “He got too big.”

Puppies, like human babies, don’t stay the same size forever. This is not surprising. All one needs to do is simply Google how big a certain breed will get. If you don’t want a big dog, stick to smaller dog breeds.

3. “She’s expensive.”

You’re right—companion animals cost money. They need food, water, shelter, and medical care just like us. That’s why it’s so important to consider this before bringing one into your life. But once you have an animal companion and expenses do come up, your animal needs to take priority over less important items, like vacations and pedicures.

4. “He’s not cute anymore.”

Excuse me? Did you adopt an animal companion only so that you could take cute Instagram pictures? Animals aren’t pieces of artwork that you acquire to make your home more aesthetically pleasing. They’re living, feeling, breathing beings who depend on us. Plus, ALL animals are cute!

5. “Caring for him takes too much time and effort.”

Caring for a companion animal DOES take time and effort. While it’s good to recognize your limitations, make sure you recognize them BEFORE you choose to adopt. An animal companion is a lifelong commitment, and it’s a give-and-take relationship. Don’t be selfish. Give your animal companions what they need.

6. “He’s too old now.”

This excuse is just MEAN. From the minute you bring them into your home, your animal companions will love you with every ounce of their being. You are their protector. How is it OK for you to give them up because they got too old? We all age. And you’re going to get old, too, one day, so think about how you’ll want to be treated. I bet it doesn’t include being abandoned.

7. “My new boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t like her.”

OK, so if your new boyfriend or girlfriend didn’t like one of your human family members, would you get rid of that person, too? Probably not. Boyfriends and girlfriends who love us care about everything that’s important to us, including our animals. Any partner who can’t accept that probably isn’t the best person to be with. And regardless, you made a promise to your animal companion—it’s your job to keep it, no matter who else comes into your life.

Adopting an animal companion is a compassionate choice that can bring much joy. It’s also an important, serious decision that warrants time and reflection. Before saying yes to a new animal companion, please make sure that you’re prepared for this great responsibility. Your animal friend will be devoted to you for life, and you should return the favor.

Check out Peta2's adoptable dog guide!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/why-people-abandon-animals/#ixzz3jOQ4SuqP