Disallow Michael Vick from the Cortland Campus

Please consider signing the following petition on Change.org

Michael Vick has recently become a member of the New York Jets football team, which practices on the SUNY Cortland campus.  Vick has served a short sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy, but animal cruelty charges were dropped in return for his guilty plea.  This does not mean, however, that his crimes should be forgotten-  He tortured more than fifty dogs, attaching them to car batteries via jumper cables and throwing them into water to watch them drown, beating and hanging them, slamming their heads and spines into the ground until they died, setting them against each other in brutal fights, rendering them defenseless and using them as bait for training, and more.  He is a monster and a disgrace, and has never once apologized.  He has even admitted that he would continue to fight dogs if given the chance.

I love SUNY Cortland, and cannot abide welcoming this sociopath onto our campus with open arms.  We need to stand by what is right as a university by barring him from the grounds.  I don't want him anywhere near my beloved college or community.  We MUST send the message that we won't be party to the torture of animals by conveniently forgetting what he has done.  If we welcome Vick onto our campus, we are complicit in his crimes.

If you agree and think that Michael Vick should not be allowed on SUNY Cortland property, please sign this petition and share it with your friends.

Demand Justice for Bryan

CARE2.COM PETITION

When Janice Galloway of Hohenwald, Tennessee, left her daughter at home sick with the family dog, Bryan, a few days ago, she never expected to receive a call saying that Bryan was dead. Tragically, that's exactly what happened -- the Galloways' neighbor had shot Bryan to death in front of his 13-year-old owner, Peggy.

According to Peggy, Bryan was out in the front yard when she heard the sound of a gun going off. Terrified, she ran to see what was happening. That's when she saw her neighbor, an off-duty postal worker, shooting her dog at point-blank range. Though Peggy screamed "Please stop shooting my dog!" her neighbor wouldn't stop. He shot Bryan a total of three times, leaving the family dog dead on the ground.

According to the neighbor, Bryan "approached him" in his front yard. After he tapped the dog in the face "to get it moving along," he went in, retrieved a semi-automatic rifle, and started shooting.

On what planet is this an appropriate reaction to a dog being in your front yard? Bryan lived very nearby. He had never attacked anyone. He may have recognized the neighbor and wanted to make friends. And instead, he suffered a painful, agonizing death in front of his teenage owner.

Bryan and the Galloways deserve a full investigation into this matter. Sign the petition to demand justice for Bryan!

Demand an END to Selling Pets on Craigslist

Selling pets on Craigslist is actually against Craigslist's Terms of Service, but the company is failing to enforce their own rules, leaving hundreds of helpless animals open to abuse. Most people offer to give away their pets for FREE. They have no idea the environment their pet is going into. It is unfair and not right in any sense.

Craigslist also needs to stop "Free to Good Home" ads. The animals are even more in danger from these ads. Here are several ways animals given away on Craigslist could be in danger:

• These helpless animals may be used as bait animals for dog fighting. 
• People who torture and kill animals like to search the listings for new victims. 
• Other people that source animals for research facilities all use these ads to find pets. 
• A newer phenomena is pet flipping – searching free adds for pets to sell for a profit elsewhere (they often end up in one of the above categories).

(source http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/08/rehoming-pets-on-craigslist/)

Take a stand against animal abuse and help put an end to selling animals for a small fee and giving away for free ALL ANIMALS on Craigslist. 

SIGN THE CARE2 PETITION TODAY!!

GREAT RESOURCES:  http://www.craigslist.org/about/prohibited

USDA: Please Stop Random Source Dog Dealers

Petition - The Humane Society of the United States

Our undercover investigation revealed that Georgia Regents University buys dogs from a random source Class B dealer, Kenneth Schroeder, who obtained multiple dogs from unauthorized sources and has serious animal housing problems, among other violations. Class B dealers obtain dogs and cats from "random sources," such as auctions, flea markets, or questionable means, and sell them to laboratories. Pets can get caught up in this pipeline.

We are pleased that USDA is bringing federal enforcement action against Schroeder, but we must urge the agency to crack down on the remaining handful of random source Class B dealers that have ongoing animal welfare violations.

TAKE ACTION
Watch our undercover investigation video here featuring actress and advocate Kim Basinger, then fill in and submit the form below to send a message to the USDA.

 CLICK TO HERE TO SEND YOUR MESSAGE!

Petition against animals on Craigslist

UPDATE April 2, 2014:  During the six months since I started this petition asking Craigslist to change their policies on pet ads, many positive things have happened, including media coverage, attorneys, and multiple communications sent directly to Craigslist.

The latest news is that on February 3rd 2014, my attorneys, David Feldman and Norm Sherman from ForeverCare Pet Mediation sent a second communication to Craigslist's CEO, Jim Buckmaster. This letter was confirmed received by his office, as it was signed directly by a Craigslist employee. Since he has not responded, I wanted to share the content of that letter with all 380,000 of you.

I created my own website to keep everyone updated so please visit http://puppydoekiya.com/ to sign up to receive updates. You can also read the entire letter to Craigslist and view a complete timeline of the story.

Thanks again for all of your signatures and support!

Justice for Puppy Doe: Tell Craigslist to Help Stop Violence Against Pets

SIGN THE PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG

Petition by Joyel E.
Braintree, MA

On August 31st 2013, a young, small, female dog named ‘Puppy Doe’ was found brutally tortured in a Quincy, Massachusetts park, and we were all left wondering who could let this happen to any animal. The dog’s injuries were so violent and severe that the only humane thing to do was to euthanize her. She had been starved, burned, stabbed, and limbs pulled from her joints in what’s been described as a “medieval’ style torture.

It was later determined that the original owner of the dog had to give her up for undermined reasons. According to media reports, the owner decided to put the dog, named Kiya, up for adoption on Craigslist. Craigslist is often a go-to source for animal abusers looking for victims because it is anonymous and there is no accountability or screening process like regular shelters and rescue groups provide. I'm asking Craigslist to change their policies on these re-homing ads, and only allow registered shelters and rescues to post adoptable pets so it is never again a part of tragedies like what happened to Puppy Doe.

The before and after pictures of "Puppy Doe" speak for themselves. How many more times does this have to happen before Craigslist stops allowing people to give their pets away to strangers without any background checks or accountability? They already prohibit the sale of these animals, so I want them to update their policy to not allow the re-homing of pets by anyone not working for a registered shelter or rescue group that is able to conduct background checks to make sure animals are placed in loving homes.

I'm passionate about this cause because no animal should have to suffer anything close to what 'Puppy Doe' endured.  I'm a passionate animal lover who grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts and remember playing at the playground where Puppy Doe was found.  I’ve tested the Craigslist platform since this horrendous incident and there are no warnings whatsoever on the ‘Pets’ section about the dangers of posting these re-homing ads. These are breathing, feeling, loving animals we’re talking about, not old sofas or televisions -- we need to challenge Craigslist to do better by adopting a new policy that protects these vulnerable animals.

It's beyond words that this sweet, innocent dog, that once knew love had to suffer this violent, evil fate. If actions were taken to change the "free to a good home" style ads, there would be some justice in Puppy Doe's name knowing that another pet will never suffer such violence as a result of being dumped on Craigslist.

I have been gutted since the moment I heard about Puppy Doe, and recalled hearing about the "dog serial killer" who tortured dogs he collected off of Craigslist last year, along with other countless horror stories. Also, we must not forget the story of the notorious Boston 'Craigslist Killer' murders which led Craigslist to ban the "erotic services" section on their site.

I believe strongly that this petition is an effective way to make a difference. I will take it as far as it can possibly go to make sure Craigslist updates its policy to not allow any re-homing of animals through its site unless done by proper shelters and rescue groups.

To Puppy Doe: Rest in Peace sweet angel girl, and know that there are thousands of people who love you and are seeking justice.

SIGN THE PETITION ON CHANGE.ORG

Petition: Black Bear Shooting in Uniontown, OH

Calling for an investigation of the recent shooting
of a black bear by police in Uniontown, OH

 The tragic incident of a young black bear killed by police on May 31, 2013, as he wandered through backyards of Uniontown in Ohio, can only be described as an unjustifiable, misguided and a tragic overreaction by police officials. Their unprofessional behavior, coupled with the complete absence of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has led to the death of a young, healthy and non-threatening wild animal—a black bear, who had simply lost his way in search of a mate and food and protected as an endangered species under OH’s wildlife law.

This unnecessary and tragic outcome could and should have been easily avoided. Neither was the police officer “forced to shoot the bear,” nor was killing of the bear “necessary for safety reasons,” as claimed by police, the Ohio Department of natural Resources (ODNR). The real reasons for this tragic incident are the fact that Uniontown’s police officers are untrained to solve encounters with wild animals in nonlethal manners—they didn’t even have a tranquilizer gun--and the ODNR, being unresponsive and unavailable for more than 13 hours after the first sighting of the bear was reported to the state wildlife agency. Why?

Please take action today and request an investigation of the circumstances that led to the killing of a harmless, young healthy black bear, who simply got lost in our urban jungle in search of a mate and food. Send a letter and follow-up with a call to John Kasich, Governor of OH and the Trustees of Lake Township, Stark County, OH, who oversee the Uniontown Police Department, and let them know that you want questions answered.

For more information, please contact anja@idausa.org.

Sign Petition Against Ohio Kitten Shooting

From Alley Cat Allies:

A "humane" officer in North Ridgeville, Ohio, shot and killed five kittens in a resident's yard on Monday, June 10. This is a clear act of cruelty in violation of state law—but this officer will have no charges brought against him.

Please sign our petition urging North Ridgeville Mayor David Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies immediately to discuss more humane measures for feral cats, including community-supported Trap-Neuter-Return.

Calling this brutal killing “euthanasia” and claiming it was a public safety issue is absurd. Officers should be educating residents about how to treat animals humanely and coexist peacefully, not shooting kittens in front of children.

We can’t stand by while more cats are needlessly killed. Urge Mayor Gillock to meet with Alley Cat Allies—and to issue an immediate order halting the “euthanasia” of healthy cats.

Alley Cat Allies will be on the ground in North Ridgeville on Monday, June 17, for a rally protesting this cruel kitten killing—and we will present your signatures at the City Council meeting that evening. We need as many signatures as possible by Monday, so please ask your friends and family to sign!

Thank you so much for taking action.

Sincerely,

Becky Robinson

UPDATE 6/19/13:  Alley Cat Allies Meets with North Ridgeville Police Chief about a Humane Approach

Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but in America, many of us don’t treat dogs or cats very well. Most people think that pets who enter the nearly 5000 independently operated community animal shelters in America usually find new homes.  According to the ASPCA, a less happy fate awaits them. Nearly, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats who enter shelters are euthanized. That’s 3 million domestic animals per year crying out for someone to speak for them yet they are left to face death alone in what was intended to be a place of refuge. Additionally, the violence perpetrated on animals has been proven to have a direct correlation to community violence.

Civic leaders in a handful of cities around the U.S., including Austin, Texas, are doing something to change this intolerable situation. They have successfully implemented a NO-KILL policy in their animal shelters proving it is possible to reverse this gruesome reality. To expand the NO-KILL model nationwide, a high-profile figure backed by sufficient resources must take the lead. 

Bo—The White House dog—is perfectly positioned to speak on behalf of these beleaguered animals who want nothing more than a loving home. Help us gather 3 million signatures, one voice for each of the 3 million innocent pets who find themselves through no fault of their own on “Death Row” in animal shelters each year. Ask Bo to Speak Up for Homeless Pets! 

Sign the petition at:
http://signon.org/sign/ask-bo-to-speak-up-for

Innocent Cat Shot and Killed by Lebanon, OH Police

Haze

On August 20, 2011, a local house cat, Haze, wandered a few blocks from his home in Lebanon. After a bystander called the police to report Haze as a stray, Officer Covey of the Lebanon Police Department arrived on the scene. After arriving on the scene, Officer Covey discharged his firearm in a residential area and ended Haze's life. Officer Covey left the scene and the bystander then placed Haze in the garbage can. Officer Covey did not contact the homeowner on whose property Haze was killed either before or after the incident even though she was at home at the time of the shooting. From the time the officer was dispatched, arrived on the scene, shot Haze and left, the police log shows the call was less than 5 minutes.

After more than a day of searching for Haze and calling all the local authorities, the Stone's finally pieced together what happened to Haze and found him in a garbage bag concealed in a trash can in the backyard where he was shot. Haze had no other external injuries besides the bullet wound to his head.

Haze was a beloved member of the Stone family. His loss has caused tremendous sadness for his owners. This tragic and unnecessary end to Haze's life was permitted under the Lebanon Police Operations Manual which allows officers to use deadly force on domestic, non-threatening animals. The provision of the Lebanon Police Operations Manual which permitted this unnecessary act of violence to occur is in direct conflict with the Ohio Revised Code and the City of Lebanon Ordinance which prohibits the malicious killing of animals.

The purpose of this petition is to persuade the Lebanon City Council, City Manager and Police Chief to require all Lebanon, Ohio Police officers to take an animal rescue training course, which the Ohio Humane Society has offered to provide. This petition also seeks to revise the Lebanon Police Operations Manual to prohibit officers from using deadly force on any non-threatening animal and to formally reprimand Officer Covey and his supervisor for using unnecessary deadly force on Haze in a residential area.

Let's help prevent this from happening to another innocent animal again!  Please sign Haze's petition at the following link:
https://www.change.org/petitions/why-did-the-police-shoot-me

Breeder Gases 93 Dogs in Makeshift Gas Chamber

URGENT PLEA FOR SIGNATURES!!!

David Yoder must be prosecuted for this horrific act of animal abuse. Just to lose his kennel license is NOT enough.

Please take time to read, sign, and pass on to others.

Thank you.
Jo Ann

David and Barbara Yoder of Black Diamond Acres kennel in Seneca County, New York, decided to "depopulate" their kennel. David Yoder created a makeshift gas chamber out of a wooden whelping box (a wooden box usually used as a safe place for birthing dogs) retrofitted with a metal door and a three-horsepower engine. Filling the box with five or six dogs at a time, he pumped in carbon monoxide, walked away so he wouldn't get a headache, then came back a few minutes later to see if the dogs were dead. He repeated this cruel process over and over again, killing a total of 78 dogs and 15 puppies.

Following the massacre, the USDA told the Yoders that euthanasia needs to be performed by a vet, and the kennel's license was cancelled. It's too little, too late. The Yoders need to be prosecuted for animal cruelty.

Tell the Seneca County District Attorney to prosecute the Yoders to full extent of the law.

Photo credit: In Defense of Animals

To sign the petition, please visit:
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/prosecute_commercial_breeder_for_gassing_93_dogs

Read more at:
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1442

Stop Animal Abuse at Conklin Dairy Farms Ohio

Graphic video secretly taped by Mercy for Animals shows workers at the federally-subsidized farm holding down newborn calves and stomping on their heads. It shows one worker wiring a cow's nose to a metal bar near the ground and repeatedly beating it with another bar while it bleeds.

Please sign the following petition to stop the animal abuse at Conklin Dairy Farms:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/250/Stop-Animal-Abuse-at-Conklin-Dairy-Farms-Ohio

Beluga Whales in Danger

Petition from the NRDC:

Industry giants are pressuring the Obama Administration to abandon endangered beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. We need your urgent action to help protect these rare whales from extinction.

Please tell the National Marine Fisheries Service to finalize its proposal to designate an area of more than 3,000 square miles as critical habitat for Cook Inlet beluga whales.

Cook Inlet belugas live in one of the most populated and industrialized regions in Alaska. Their health and habitat is continuously threatened by the devastating effects of development and pollution.

In fact, this genetically distinct population of beluga whales has plummeted in number from 1,300 in the 1980s to fewer than 400 today.

Following years of advocacy by NRDC and others, the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed designated critical habitat for Cook Inlet beluga whales under the Endangered Species Act this past December.

Without these habitat protections, which are backed by decades of scientific research and data, Cook Inlet beluga whales could be wiped out forever.
Yet powerful industries are falsely claiming that designating critical habitat will hurt local development.

In truth, this designation simply helps ensure that new development projects will move forward with safeguards necessary to protect belugas and their habitat.

Please make your voice heard right now.

Demand Justice for Oreo

Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary has started a petition to demand the resignation of ASPCA President Ed Sayres. According to the petition, Pets Alive says:

"Ed has demonstrated that he no longer has the capacity to act in the best interest of the animals in their care.

One of many examples is the case of Oreo. The MIRACLE dog, thrown from a six story building, and LIVED. After getting her broken bones fixed and her health restored, Mr. Sayres believed her to be a danger to society and ordered her euthanasia.

Pets Alive, a no kill animal sanctuary - one of the largest in the United States offered sanctuary to Oreo and was rebuffed. When the head of the ASPCA decided that DEATH is better than rehabilitation under a well respected organization, it is time he GETS OUT.

SIGN THIS PETITION TO PROTECT THE ANIMALS OF NEW YORK. Ed Sayres MUST GO."

The petition can be signed at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/demand-resignation-of-aspca-pres-ed-sayre

Also see the following article on Gothamist.com:
Oreo The Dog Is Dead, Blame Game Is Not

Although I understand that some abused dogs can be extremely difficult to rehabilitate, I still feel that every effort should be made to at least try. Perhaps the ASPCA didn't have the qualified personnel to understand and correct Oreo's behavior issues. However, other options should have been considered before making the decision to euthanize. We have several good rescues and sanctuaries that are well qualified to deal with abused, aggressive animals. We also have Cesar Milan who has performed miracles with this type of dog. I'm sure Mr. Milan would have been happy to access Oreo's behavior, provide a much more accurate evaluation, and possibly even been able to get her back on track to becoming a good canine citizen. So sad that the ASPCA believes they are above asking for outside help and chose to kill instead.

Perhaps we should choose to reconsider our financial support the next time we receive that URGENT request for donations so they can SAVE another animal in need.

The ASPCA spent lots of donated money to save this dog's life... only to end up killing her. Does anyone else, besides me, see anything wrong with this?

Move for a 5 Year Ban on the Sale of Pets

The following is a petition on Care 2 site. Please visit the page below and sign the petition if you agree:

While in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, filmmaker Tom McPhee witnessed atrocities and senseless killings of many helpless animals. Part of McPhee's work is to shed a light on those atrocities. However, the fight is far from over. Millions of animals die each year because there are simply too many animals without homes. It is estimated that sixteen million animals are euthanized annually in the United States. That number is rising because of the economic downturn.

The business of selling pets is built upon the breeding of them. Every pet up for sale has been bred for that sale. Every time a pet is sold in a store, one dies in a shelter. Millions of animals are bred for sale and millions of animals die each year. It is that shocking and simple.

McPhee has called for a five year ban on the sale of pets in order to aid the efforts of controlling the pet overpopulation. Pet animals should not be bred while pet animals die. We believe that good breeders will get behind this initiative because it will clean up the industry from backyard breeders, puppy/kitten mill owners, and bunny/ferret farms. We are not looking for a permanent ban on the sale of pet animals but in these extraordinary economic times, it is absolutely necessary. We should not be okay with sixteen million animals dying each year.

With our signatures, we are hoping to institute the five year ban of the sale of animals on August 30, 2010: the five year anniversary of animal rescue efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/5-year-ban

HB 39 - Stop the Amish from Hurting Dogs for Profit

From S.P.A. Action Alert...

SUPPORT H.B. 39!

It takes an Amish farmer less than 5 minutes to "debark" one of his breeding dogs by hammering a steel rod down her throat - and breaking her jaw and shattering her back teeth. It takes 5 minutes for that same farmer/commercial breeder to cut off one of his dog's tail - in a filthy, dark barn without anesthesia. And it takes about the same amount of time for his thirteen year old son to tie the dog down and cut the puppies from her belly. Five minutes more to crop her ears using a pair of rusted hedge shears - the dog squirming and crying out in unbelievable pain.

So why is it taking Senator Stewart Greenleaf more than a week to decide that this is wrong?

When we called his office last week to ask why his Committee is sitting on H.B. 39, we were told by his aide that Senator Greenleaf is "reviewing" the bill. What's to review? Everyone on Capital Hill knows about this bill. It is the companion bill to H.B. 2525 that passed into law last fall. When ask, repeatedly, if Senator Greenleaf would support H.B. 39, his aide would would commit. This is surprising to us considering Senator Greenleaf not only toured Pennsylvania' s puppy mills with a reporter from the Inquirer in 1995, seeing firsthand the conditions these animals face, but he also coined the expression "Puppy Mill Capital of the East Coast" and expressed an urgent need for change. Well, Senator Greenleaf, here's your chance to bring about change and help these dogs!

H.B. 39 would make it illegal for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to perform these procedures, or if it is already illegal for anyone but a licensed vet to perform the procedure, it will toughen the penalties.

Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to vote the bill out of their committee so it can finally go to the floor of the Senate for a vote. The bill passed the House unanimously, and passed the Senate Agricultural Committee unanimously two weeks ago (thank you members of the Ag Committee!). This bill is a crucial step toward protecting the dogs of Pennsylvania. Please email (or call) the below legislators and ask them to to support H.B. 39 and move it to the Senate floor. Important to note, Senator Greenleaf represents Montgomery County. MLAR covers Montgomery County and many of us live in Montgomery County (I know I do) so let your voices be heard!

Bill Smith
Main Line Animal Rescue

All email addresses below end in (@pasen.gov)

Stewart Greenleaf sgreenleaf@pasen.gov
717-787-6599 or call 215-657-7700

Mary Jo White mwhite@pasen.gov

Joseph Scarnati jscarnati@pasen.gov

Patrick Browne pbrowne@pasen.gov

Jane Earl jearl@pasen.gov

John Gordner jgordner@pasen.gov

Jane Clare Orie jorie@pasen.gov

Jeffrey Piccola jpiccola@pasen.gov

John Rafferty jrafferty@pasen.gov
(represents parts of Chester, Montgomery, Berks Counties)

All email addresses below end with @pasenate.com

Lisa Boscola boscola@pasenate.com

Jay Costa costa@pasenate.com

Wayne Fontana fontana@pasenate.com

Michael Stack stack@pasenate.com

Woman saves orphaned baby deer - Ohio government wants to euthanize it and put her in jail

It never ceases to amaze me just how many idiots we have working in our government offices.
My favorite quote, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi , says a lot about THIS nation.

How sad that the Division of Wildlife in Ohio (my own state) would advocate the killing of an innocent, orphaned fawn.... but even sadder is the fact that they now want to prosecute the woman who saved its life and found sanctuary, in another state, where it can live a safe, normal life.

From The Petition Site:

An orphaned deer in Ohio was rescued by a compassionate woman about three weeks ago, who took it to her home in Kentucky. The fawn was crying continuously, so the woman started to bottle feed it. The local community decided to find a permanent home for the fawn and started e-mailing friends to find a suitable permanent home for it. Finally a rescue and rehabilitation farm for wild animals in Kentucky was identified and the fawn was sent to the farm.

This was where this charming story turns into an example of "no good deed goes unpunished."

The woman who rescued the deer was informed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife that the faun had to be returned to the wild (presumably so that it could die a natural death by starvation). After the division of Wildlife was not able to intimidate the woman into doing this, they then started threatening her with 60 days jail time and a fine unless the fawn was handed over to them so that they can euthanize it and do post-mortem tests for diseases on it.

They contend that she has broken the law by (1) removing the fawn from it's natural habitat instead of leaving nature to run it's course and (2) transported the deer over state borders.

I ask members to please petition the Ohio State govenor to stop this persecution of a good samaritan, and to rather use it's financial resources to test the baby deer while it is alive, and should it come back disease free to release it either to the farm where it is currently happy, or release it , after it has been weaned, into a sanctuary.

Your support is needed urgently!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-Bambi-now

Live Dogs Mutilated and Abused in OSU Laboratory

From PETA Action Center...

For the past 27 years, Ohio State University (OSU) experimenter George Billman has used taxpayer dollars to cut dogs open and induce heart attacks in them. He inserts a cuff around an artery, sews the dogs back up, then forces the dogs to run on a treadmill. He then tightens the cuff, causing a coronary artery occlusion.

His conclusion—that exercise strengthens the heart—has been common knowledge for decades. Of 768 dogs used by Billman, a staggering 256 of them died—either on the operating table or in the days following the surgery—before he could even test his "hypothesis."

PETA reviewed the records for 10 dogs recently used by Billman and found evidence that federal regulations may have been violated, including failure to minimize pain, discomfort, and distress; failure to provide adequate veterinary care; and failure to euthanize animals who were in extreme distress.

PETA has filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health calling on these agencies to investigate Billman's laboratory. We are calling on OSU to stop George Billman's invasive and unnecessary experiments on dogs.

Please contact OSU President Gordon Gee and experimenter George Billman and urge them to stop these cruel and pointless experiments on dogs.

Visit the following link to send a message to Gordon Gee and George Billman:
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1920

Hard-Hitting Wolf Ads Greet Palin in Indiana

Update from Defenders of Wildlife...

APRIL 15, 2009

WASHINGTON – When Gov. Sarah Palin arrives in Evansville, Ind. tomorrow, she will be greeted by the latest installment of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund’s Eye on Palin campaign. TV and print ads will run all day on April 16, 2009 to ensure that Evansville residents are aware that she promotes the shooting of wolves from airplanes, as well as gassing wolf pups in their dens.

“Since Governor Palin is making the rounds pushing her own agenda, we wanted to give residents of Evansville the full picture and highlight the more extreme portions of her agenda,” commented Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen. “Whatever she may say on her trips across the Lower 48, Governor Palin’s aggressive pursuit of increasingly extreme wildlife policies, such as the shooting of wolves from airplanes and gassing wolf pups in their dens, places her values well outside those held by most Americans.”

Launched in January 2009, http://www.eyeonpalin.org/ was set up to track Governor Palin’s extreme anti-conservation agenda. In less than three months since the website launched, Palin’s administration and the Board of Game have approved, among many things, the use of helicopters by private hunters to shoot wolves and the use of poison gas to kill wolves and their pups in their dens. They have even butted heads with the National Park Service over their decision to shoot wolves that largely reside in a National Preserve, some of which were part of a years-long scientific study.

“Governor Palin is pursuing her anti-science, anti-conservation policies in Alaska at breakneck speed. So while they’re shaking hands with the Governor, we hope the residents of Evansville will also ask her about her extreme agenda,” continued Schlickeisen. “She hasn’t listened to the nearly 200 scientists and wildlife experts who wrote to her and asked her to stop her unjustified aerial killing program. Maybe she’ll listen to the good people of Indiana.”

Watch the TV Ad

###

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (http://www.defendersactionfund.org/) provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.

Update on Montcalm

Below are updates to the stories I've posted regarding the sale of homeless dogs and cats in Montcalm County, Michigan for research.

From Nancy Jean Rose:

As some of you may (or may not) know, the need to stop animals from being pulled from Montcalm Animal Shelter in MI for the purpose of being sold to experimental laboratories came to my attention last November. This has been a high priority for me. Over Christmas vacation I spent my time on the telephone with a contact in MI working on rescues. She spent endless hours of her time working on this situation. We are still waging war on Montcalm and R&R Research.

A lot of time, energy, and work as well as personal and financial sacrifice has gone into the rescue work of numerous rescue groups, transporters and individuals. There are many unknown and unsung heroes and heroines involved in this battle. Sometimes it was almost like hand-to-hand combat and fighting in the trenches. Especially when it came to dealing with R&R Research, the dealer in animal misery and those from the township managers who supported the owners of R&R. The whole situation stunk of graft and corruption wherein a number of people have profited for years on the misery, suffering and tortured deaths of former family pets and helpless, unwanted animals.

What started out as a small county skirmish has evolved into a magnificent effort of people throughout the country pulling together to stop an outrageous situation. This battle has had resounding repercussions throughout the nation. As a result, other states are now banning the sale of pound animals to "research" purveyors. Some veteranarian schools have stopped using live animals (that they would damage prior to teaching by inflicting horrible damage--sometimes while awake) in training future vets--prefering modern methods of teaching anatomy and wound repair. The USDA and Humane Society have become involved, as well as the Michigan state government.

Montcalm MI has become a modern day example of the "shot that was heard round the world."

Below is an update on the results of our accomplishments thus far. Please take time to read it. If you wish, sign the petitions and forward them to the proper people. Send this email forward to all you know. This is no time to relax--we will not win freedom from torture for the Montcalm animals if we do. We have to send a tidal wave, a veritable tsunami, of petition signatures to Montcalm and all other agencies involved before the final and most critical Commission Meeting next week.

Comment from Barbara McGrady:

I want to add my plea for anyone who can attend to please attend this rally and meeting! After having waged this battle for over 30 years, I can tell you that your presence at the last meeting was vital to getting us this far and we need you to push us over the top at the April 27th meeting.

Some commissioners are holding on tight to keeping the contract. Contrary to what they say about your opinion not counting, they are WRONG! Your voices are being heard and they are making a difference!

There are other reasons we want you to come as well. We would like to thank you in person for ALL you have done and if we should win this, we want you to be there to celebrate this victory which will belong to all of YOU as well as to the animals and residents of Montcalm County. A win in Montcalm will go far to secure an end to pound seizure throughout our state!

This is it folks! Let’s give it all we have!
For the Animals!

Commissioner’s Meeting & Rally
Monday April 27, 2009
11:00 AM (Rally)
Meeting 1:00 P.M.

Third Floor Administration Building (Old Court House)
211 W. Main Street
Stanton, MI 48888

Your presence helped us the first time and we needyou again. Even though the commissioners claim to not wantto hear from people outside the county, the truth is that whatothers think of our county is important to them and does have aneffect on their decision making, so please come.

We expect the commissioners will vote on the plan and the contract at this meeting. Please come and help us speak for the animals who cannot speak for themselves.MCCAW and CCC-Montcalm will be holding a rally on the Administration Building lawn from 11:00 AM until NOON.

The rally will be in support of ending pound release and toacknowledge all of you who helped get us this far. We could not have gotten to this point without you! Our goal is to conduct a peaceful and positive demonstration. You can bring your own sign if you wish, but we will have signs available. We want to make one last effort to sway some commissioner while not offending those who have been with us from the beginning.

Please...send this to all Michigan residents on your list who have ever loved an animal.

Please check for updates at:www.cccmontcalm.org

Montcalm in the news:

USDA Investigating R&R Research
http://www.thedailynews.cc/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=2&articleID=26734

Commissioners Consider Shelter Plan April 27
R&R Research decision looms
http://www.thedailynews.cc/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=2&articleID=26735

Changes in Osceola County

The following is from the 4/7/09 Minutes from Osceola County,
Michigan Board of Commissioners meeting
and the Committee of the Whole minutes...

MOTION# 3G: Change in Animal Control Policy/Animals for Biomedical Research

Rescind the Animal Control policy of allowing animals to go for biomedical research and directed Michelle Kuz, Animal Control Director, to contact Cherryland and respond to an email regarding research. (Note: Reference seemingly is to Cheri-Hill)

Committee Minutes
April 7, 2009
County Policy Regarding Animal Research

Animal Control Director, Michelle Kuz, spoke to committee about bio medical research and the use of live animals for such research. She reported that Osceola County is one of only four counties in Michigan to participate in this program. She also reported a proposed House Bill will probably eliminate this practice in Michigan in the future. Michelle told committee members that no animals have been sent out for research since she became director. She has worked diligently on finding homes for the animals. Further discussion was held on whether to change our policy now, or just wait until the House passes the proposed Legislation. Karen Bluhm, County Clerk, reminded Commissioners of email correspondence they had received from an individual concerned about the County’s policy in this matter.

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, supported by Commissioner Tiedt to rescind the Animal Control policy of allowing animals to go for biomedical research and directed Michelle Kuz, Animal Control Director, to contact Cherryland and respond to an email regarding research. Recommendation was unanimously supported.

Dean is Available for Adoption at Montcalm County

Read more about the wonderful efforts of American Humane in Michigan
http://site.americanhumane.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=26342.0&dlv_id=19901

American Humane has worked hard for the animals of Michigan. House Bill 4663, Koda’s Law would ban the practice of allowing shelter cats and dogs to be used for experimental research. Additionally House Bill 4263, or the Humane Euthanasia of Shelter Animals Act, would ensure that when the state’s unwanted, sick or unadoptable shelter animals have to be euthanized, the procedure will only be done by injection of sodium pentobarbital. Please read and support their ongoing efforts.

Please sign/cross post to help reach the goal of 50,000 signatures

Stop Shelter Animals
From Being Sold for Research
Please Sign Petition from American Humane

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/649021463?z00m=19754642


Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals in Michigan Petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769

Stop Shelter Animals From Being Sold for Research!

The American Humane Association has started a Care2 petition that relates to my previous post this month, Cruelty in Montcalm County MI Must Come to an End.

A small handful of people, myself included, have been working very hard to stop the practice of selling shelter animals to research labs in Michigan.

I DO NOT live in Michigan, however, this is a practice that still goes on throughout the United States. If we can get this bill passed in Michigan, it will help stop this practice in other states as well.

It has been proven that experiments conducted on animals have little to NO effect on humans.

These animals are "tortured" repeatedly without anesthesia. They have surgical procedures done, limbs amputated, organs removed, their skulls are cut open to observe the brain after being given certain drugs .... and all without ANESTHESIA. Most die in agony right there on the operating table, those that survive are simply euthanized, thrown in a plastic bag, and hauled out to the trash. And yes, some are just left to die on there own. It's "cheaper" that way.

Once again, it has been proven that these barbaric and inhumane procedures performed on animals have no direct correlation to the "human" body.

Why do they continue this practice? It's simple.... GREED. Research labs receive millions of dollars each year from our government (your tax money) to conduct research on new drugs and procedures, which once again, has little to no meaning on the human body. Shelters and pounds can receive up to $200.00, per animal, that is sold to a research facility.

Please sign the petition and send a link to everyone you know. Help US to help them. We MUST stop this barbaric and inhumane treatment of our companion animals.

The Petition
Michigan House Bill 4663 will eliminate pound seizure in Michigan animal shelters. Pound seizure is the practice of allowing shelter cats and dogs to be used in experimental research. HB 4663, called "Koda's Law," is named after a shelter dog that, instead of being placed for adoption, was sold to a USDA Class B Dealer (animal broker) and resold to the University of Michigan, where he was used in the university's Advanced Trauma Life Support Class, and then euthanized. Koda's former family believed that taking him to a shelter would allow him another opportunity to find a home and did not know he would be used in a research experiment. Sadly, this happens to far too many shelter cats and dogs in Michigan.

They need 50,000 signatures. Please take a moment to sign this important Care2 petition TODAY!

Thank you,
Jo Ann & "Gang"