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

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.

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.