IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Chicago Foie Gras Ban in Danger of Repeal
2. Teen Brothers Bake Puppy to Death in Oven
3. Dog Rescuer Arrested for Saving Dying Canine's Life

CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
1. Live Elephant Exploited for Art Exhibit
2. Kenneth Williams in the News and On the Road
3. IDA Blasts Safari Park for Cruelly Separating Elephants


IDA Action Alerts

1. Chicago Foie Gras Ban in Danger of Repeal
Two Aldermen introduce ordinance to annul new law

Chicago's historic foie gras ban is backed by strong public support, but a small number of individuals with a vested interest in profiting from cruelty are trying to force their distasteful values down everyone else's throats. In our eNews last month ( http://www.stopforcefeeding.com/page.php?module=press_release&article_id=1668 ), we reported that the Illinois Restaurant Association and a small number of restaurateurs were determined to skirt the law by selling the outlawed dish under the table. Serving this constituency, two Chicago Aldermen have now jumped on the bandwagon by introducing an ordinance to repeal the original one banning foie gras in the Windy City, which is backed by Mayor Richard Daley.

Given that Aldermen Bernard Stone and Burton Natarus both voted for the foie gras ban when the City passed it by 48 to 1 in April 2006, it seems strange that they are reneging on their support now. Defending his turnabout, Natarus claims that people should be allowed to exercise personal choice in whether to support animal cruelty, but fails to mention that the ducks and geese who are force-fed and killed for foie gras have no choice, and therefore need protection from abuse.

Stone cites a different reason for backpedaling on his original position. While he still believes that force-feeding ducks and geese to enlarge their livers constitutes cruelty to animals, he is afraid that people in other parts of the U.S. "are laughing their heads off" at Chicago. However, even if some find banning the brutal practice of force-feeding funny, animal abuse is no laughing matter for most people.

"The inhumane treatment of birds to produce foie gras has been banned in the entire state of California, and several other states are currently considering similar legislation," notes IDA founder and President Elliot Katz, DVM. "Anyone who is laughing at Chicago -- or California, for that matter -- for banning this cruel practice should take a good hard look at the documented evidence of abuse these animals endure just so an elite minority can feast on their diseased organs."

In order to succeed, Stone and Natarus' proposal to repeal the foie gras ban first needs to be passed by Chicago's Health Committee. If that happens, it would need a simple majority of votes at the City Council to become law. IDA is committed to fighting any and all efforts to overturn the ban on foie gras in Chicago, and calls on our members to join us.

What You Can Do:

- Take Action ( %takeaction-ChicagoFGban% ) to let Aldermen Bernard Stone and Burton Natarus know that people throughout the U.S. look up to Chicago for having the courage to take a stand against animal cruelty, and urge them to withdraw their proposal to reverse the foie gras ban. Also contact them by phone, personal email and postal mail.

Alderman Bernard L. Stone, Ward 50

Ward Office:
6199 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
bstone [at] cityofchicago.org
Tel: (773) 764-5050

City Hall Office:
121 N. La Salle
Room 209, Office 20
Chicago, IL 60602
Tel: (312) 744-6855 or (312) 744-6106

2. Alderman Burton F. Natarus, Ward 42

Ward Office:
121 N. LaSalle St.
Room 306
Chicago, IL 60602
bnatarus [at] cityofchicago.org
Tel: (312) 744-3062 or (312) 744-3065

- Chicago residents: Tell your Chicago City Councilmember ( http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalProgramAction.do?programId=536879154&channelId=-536879035&topChannelName=Government ) that you support the ban on foie gras. Let them know that the criticism they are getting right now is only coming from a small group of people with a vested economic interest in perpetuating the cruelty of foie gras, and that the majority of Chicago residents are proud to live in the first U.S. city to take a stand against the abuse of ducks and geese for a frivolous and overpriced "delicacy."

- Bills to ban foie gras are pending in several states right now. Find out if legislation is pending where you reside ( http://www.stopforcefeeding.com/page.php?module=article&article_id=25 ). If you live in a state where a ban has not been introduced, please contact banfoiegras [at] idausa.org for information on how to get your legislators to introduce a ban.

For more information about foie gras, please visit http://www.StopForceFeeding.com .


2. Teen Brothers Bake Puppy to Death in Oven
Urge D.A.'s office to prosecute to fullest extent of the law

Two brothers in Atlanta, Ga. -- 17-year-old Joshua Molder and 18-year-old Justin Molder -- have been accused of aggravated cruelty to animals for cooking a five-month-old puppy to death in the oven of a community center they burglarized and vandalized.

The youths, who live in the Englewood Manor Apartments where the crime took place, allegedly first tried to burn the dog alive after covering him in paint, tying his paws together and wrapping duct tape around his jaw. When they failed to set him alight, they removed two shelves from the recreation center's gas range, placed the dog inside and turned on the heat. Afterwards, they purportedly bragged to their friends about what they had done.

The maximum penalty allowable under state law for these crimes is currently a five year prison term and a $15,000 fine for each defendant. However, in response to the sadistic nature of this particular case, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard has called on Governor Sonny Purdue to increase the punishment for individuals who engage in such cruelty to animals. This would ensure that the Molder brothers pay for the pain they caused and the innocent life they remorselessly took and help prevent future cases of animal abuse in Georgia.

What You Can Do:

- "Take Action" ( %takeaction-prosecuteMolders% ) to urge Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr. to prosecute Joshua and Justin Molder to the fullest extent of the law for cooking a puppy to death in an oven. Also contact D.A. Howard and Governor Purdue by phone, fax, email and postal mail.

Paul Howard, Jr.
Fulton County District Attorney
136 Pryor Street, SW, Third Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Tel: (404) 730-4981
Fax: (404) 730-4785
Email: Paul.Howard [at] FultonCountyGA.gov

The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor
State of Georgia, State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Tel: (404) 656-1776
Fax: (404) 657-7332
Web email: http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml


3. Dog Rescuer Arrested for Saving Dying Canine's Life
Help achieve justice for founder of Dogs Deserve Better and "Doogie"

On Monday, September 11th, Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better ( http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com ), got separate calls from two concerned citizens about a chained dog in an East Freedom, Pennsylvania backyard. Both callers said the dog had not been able to stand since at least Saturday. One was a neighbor named Kim Eicher who said she had been calling the local humane society all weekend and had gotten no response. After one more failed attempt to get in touch with a humane officer, Grimes and her team went out to see if they could help.

From the road, the dog appeared dead to Grimes and her team. However, when they went to investigate, they found that he was still alive but in bad condition. Severely undernourished and his coat bald in patches, the poor creature was unable to stand, his legs flailing about in the mud and his own feces. The rescuers documented the animal's condition with video and photos, and -- putting the dog's welfare ahead of any fears of legal action -- Grimes took him to a local veterinarian, who determined that the dog had very painful back spurs that were probably causing his inability to walk. After the exam, Grimes took the dog (who she'd dubbed "Doogie") home, where she gave him a bath, food and water.

That evening Grimes was arrested and taken into custody for refusing to return Doogie to the "owners" whose long-term neglect was responsible for his suffering and near-death at the end of a chain. For taking courageous action, Grimes now faces misdemeanor charges of theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Meanwhile, Doogie's "owners," Steve and Lori Arnold, who were absent at the time of Grimes' visit, are demanding the return of their "property," even though by all rights they should be arrested for animal cruelty.

What You Can Do:

- See videos of Doogie before and after being rescued:

Doogie lying on the ground ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9t1rv4pj4 )

Doogie at Grimes house after visit to vet ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8wxGP1N7QQ )

- Sign a petition to help get justice for Tammy Grimes and Doogie
( http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/146424339?ltl=1158184268 )

- Politely urge the following individuals and agencies to drop all charges against Tammy Grimes and to arrest Steve and Lori Arnold for cruelty to animals based on video and photo evidence, the testimony of a neighbor and another citizen, and the testimony of a veterinarian.

Richard Consiglio, Esq.
Blair County District Attorney
423 Allegheny St. Suite 421
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Tel: (814) 693-3010

Honorable Craig Ormsby, District Justice
District Court 24-3-04, Blair County Court House
800 East Main Street
Roaring Spring, PA 16673-1324
Tel: (814) 224-4168
Fax: (814) 224-5683

Honorable Paula M. Aigner, District Justice
Blair County, Magisterial District 24-3-03
311 Union Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Tel: (814) 693-3210

Freedom Township Police Headquarters
Municipal Street
East Freedom, PA 16637
Tel: (814) 695-8545

Central Pennsylvania Humane Society
1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
Altoona, PA 16602
Tel: (814) 942-5402
Fax: (814) 942-8505

COPY: Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania
postmaster [at] humaneinpa.org

- Pennsylvania residents: A rally will be held during Grimes' preliminary hearing on Thursday, September 21st, 2006 starting at 11:00 a.m. at the courthouse at 423 Allegheny St. in Hollidaysburg ( http://tinyurl.com/s77rz ). Please come and bring signs of support for Tammy and Doogie.

Learn more about this case and see photos ( http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com/doogie.html ).


CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES

1. Live Elephant Exploited for Art Exhibit
L.A.'s Dept. of Animal Services orders paint washed from pachyderm

A spray-painted elephant was put on display in downtown Los Angeles last week as part of an art exhibit entitled "Barely Legal" by a British artist called Banksy. The 38-year-old elephant, named Tai, was leased from Have Trunk Will Travel, a commercial elephant "rental" agency, and placed in a warehouse decorated like a living room where she stood separated from crowds of people by a picket fence.

When IDA learned of the exhibit, Southern California Coordinator, Bill Dyer immediately called Los Angeles Animal Services out to investigate. Ed Boks, general manager of Animal Services, said, "I think it sends a very wrong message that abusing animals is not only OK, it's an art form." After learning that the paint used on the elephant was unsafe according to government regulations, Boks ordered it removed from the elephant's skin. By Sunday, Tai remained in the room, although unpainted.

A host of animal advocates spoke out strongly against the irresponsible use of a live elephant in an art show. "(This exhibit) degrades the elephant," said former L.A. Zoo curator Les Schobert. "Here we have an endangered species. And we're taking it and moving it into a warehouse and painting it. It's a mockery."

Dyer, who attended the exhibit to check on Tai's treatment, confirmed that while she had adequate food and water throughout the day, as he told news reporters, the exhibit was "another example of our exploitation of animals -- so gimmicky and unnecessary."

The debate over whether elephants should be on display at all is particularly heated in Los Angeles, where activists have spent years working to close the L.A. Zoo's elephant exhibit and send the animals to a sanctuary. It was a mere three months ago that beloved 48-year-old elephant Gita died prematurely at the Zoo due to captivity-induced ailments. Meanwhile, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who campaigned on a pledge to move the L.A. Zoo's elephants to a sanctuary, has yet to fulfill this promise. However misguided his intentions, Banksy's installation is a reminder that there is indeed an "elephant in the room," and it's the way elephants are routinely exploited for "entertainment" and profit.

What You Can Do:

Read the article "Paint Is Washed Off Animal" ( http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-elephant18sep18,0,2331751.story?coll=la-home-headlines ) in the Los Angeles Times, and then write a letter to the editor (or your local paper if it prints the story) in response to the article. Send letters to the Times to letters [at] latimes.com , and make them less than 150 words. Please do not send attachments and remember to include your full name, address and phone number (for verification purposes -- street names and phone numbers will not be published).


2. Kenneth Williams in the News and On the Road
Bodybuilder and IDA spokesperson promotes World GO VEGAN Days

As a healthy and fit vegan bodybuilder, Kenneth Williams sets a positive example for others to follow and inspires people to make compassionate choices for themselves, the Earth and the animals. As IDA's vegan spokesperson, Kenneth is reaching ever more people through a variety of means, including public service announcements, hosting Undercover TV, and being profiled in the media.

Most recently, the Marin Independent Journal, a Northern California newspaper with a daily circulation of over 40,000, published an article entitled "Bodybuilder puts a new face on veganism" ( http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_4347580 ) by Rick Polito. The article tells readers how and why Kenneth went vegan, and what it's like to be the world's first champion vegan bodybuilder. Kenneth also recently told his story to Satya magazine in an interview called "Pumped Up!" ( http://www.satyamag.com/aug06/index.html ). The interview appeared in the magazine's August 2006 "Myth-Busters!" issue, and convincingly dispels the stereotype of vegans being wimps.

This media coverage comes just as Kenneth is preparing for an exclusive East Coast speaking tour taking place in the month of October. Kenneth is scheduled to address audiences at eight venues leading up to IDA's 2nd annual World GO VEGAN Days ( http://www.worldgovegandays.com ) from October 27th to 29th. During World GO VEGAN Days, IDA will partner with restaurants across the country to offer diners discounted meatless meals and specials -- delicious dishes made without meat, dairy, eggs or other animal products. The celebration is an excellent opportunity to introduce family, friends and co-workers to the wonderful world of great-tasting plant-based foods while enjoying some yourself.

To promote World GO VEGAN Days, IDA plans to run our ad about the horrors of factory farming ( http://www.onlinevideoservice.com/clients/ida/vid2.html ) featuring Kenneth leading up to the celebration dates. In the ad, Kenneth makes a powerful case for compassion while viewers see shocking footage of abused pigs, chickens, and other animals in slaughterhouses and factory farms. "Being vegan is not only healthy," Williams states in the spot, "it's the key to a compassionate way of life." We are also placing billboards featuring Kenneth is several major U.S. cities.

What You Can Do:

- Organize a restaurant outing between October 27th and 29th for World GO VEGAN Days. Find participating restaurants in your area ( http://www.idausa.org/vegandays/restaurant_specials.html ). Also encourage restaurants to offer discounted meals and specials during the three-day celebration. For more information and assistance, please write to kenneth [at] idausa.org or call (415) 388-9641, ext. 224.

- Help IDA air our vegan ad featuring Kenneth Williams on TV. Airing one spot costs roughly $50 and reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers. All contributions are tax deductible, and can be made payable and sent to: In Defense of Animals, 3010 Kerner Blvd San Rafael, CA 94901 (note "PSA" in the Memo section of the check). Or, donate by credit card ( https://secure.ga0.org/02/WGVD ).


3. IDA Blasts Safari Park for Cruelly Separating Elephants
Lifelong friends broken up after 34 years together

IDA has charged Lion Country Safari ( http://lioncountrysafari.com ) with cruelly separating three tightly-bonded elephants -- Mama, Ladybird and Stumpy -- who have lived together for more than 34 years at the facility. Ladybird was quietly shipped from Lion Country Safari in Florida to Greenville Zoo in South Carolina in August. A fourth elephant, the lone male Bulwagi, was sent to Disney's Wild Kingdom earlier this year. Reportedly, Lion Country Safari will no longer display elephants.

"Elephants are highly intelligent and complex individuals who form deep social bonds. Females remain with their natural family groups for life," explains IDA founder and President Elliot Katz, DVM. "It's wrong to rip these elephants apart after more than three decades and callously ship them off to other zoos."

Elephants are known to grieve and suffer depression when separated from long-time companions," says Katz. He called on Lion Country Safari to send Mamma and Stumpy to an elephant sanctuary, where Ladybird could be reunited with them as well.

Lion Country Safari is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a zoo industry trade group that oversees and approves all elephant moves. "The AZA clearly has no regard for the welfare of individual elephants," Katz stated, "otherwise it would have recommended sending Mama, Ladybird and Stumpy to an elephant sanctuary where they could live out their days together. Instead, the lives of three sensitive, intelligent animals have been shattered."

IDA calls Ladybird's transfer to Greenville Zoo particularly troubling. The zoo's last attempt to integrate an elephant failed, and the AZA tabled its accreditation in 2003 after finding that the zoo did not meet the organization's standards for elephant care and management.

Zoos across the nation are under intense public scrutiny because they are failing to provide for elephants' specialized needs. Lion Country Safari will be the 10th U.S. zoo to shut down its elephant display. Most recently, Detroit Zoo and San Francisco Zoo ceased keeping elephants; the Bronx Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo have announced plans to discontinue their elephant displays.

What You Can Do:

1) Contact Lion Country Safari and urge them to send Mamma and Stumpy to an elephant sanctuary, where Ladybird could be reunited with them as well.

Lion Country Safari
2003 Lion Country Safari Road
Loxahatchee, FL. 33470
Tel: (561) 793-1084
E-Mail: sales [at] lioncountrysafari.com
2) Send letters to the editors of the following Florida newspapers requesting that they run stories on the elephants' transfer:

- Orlando Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-sendaletter,0,6024919.htmlstory?coll=orl-opinion-utility
- Miami Herald: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/contact_us/contact_list/#letterstoed
- St. Petersburg Times: http://www.sptimes.com/letters

For more information see http://www.helpelephants.com .


Get an IDA-Africa Calendar

Support IDA-Africa by purchasing a calendar highlighting some of the special chimpanzees at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center. Each month features a beautiful color photograph and a short biography for a different chimpanzee, as well as important U.S. and Cameroon dates and animal welfare observance days.

Each 17" x 11" calendar is only $15, including shipping and handling and proceeds from each purchase directly benefit the chimpanzees at the sanctuary. View the calendar online and order yours today! ( http://www.ida-africa.org/index.php?page_id=241 )


Beyond Body, Mind, and Spirit

Jan Allegretti is a teacher, consultant and writer in the field of holistic health care for animals. Her books include "Listen to the Silence: Lessons from Trees and Other Masters," and "The Complete Holistic Dog Book: Home Health Care for Our Canine Companions." In every other IDA eNewsletter, Jan explores how we live with, love and care for the animals who share our homes and how we relate to our nonhuman friends as individual guardians and as a society.

Click http://www.idausa.org/askjan/askjan_060920.html to read Jan's latest column, Not In My Backyard.


Subscribe to IDA's Weekly eNews

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