IDA eNews: 2/21/07

IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. Navy to Proceed with Whale-killing Sonar Exercises
2. FDA Approves Sale of Meat from Cloned Animals
3. Congress Considers Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act

NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES
1. IDA Continues to Help Animals Affected by Hurricane Katrina
2. Portland Fur Store Announces Permanent Closure
3. Teens who Cooked Puppy the Death Sentenced to Prison


IDA ACTION ALERTS

1. Navy to Proceed with Whale-killing Sonar Exercises
Urge California Coastal Commission to file a lawsuit to stop deadly war games

We reported several weeks ago ( http://ga0.org/campaign/protectwhales/explanation ) that the Defense Department had officially exempted the Navy from compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) ( http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/mmpa ) for the next two years. This enables them to go ahead with sonar training exercises off the southern California coast that are a grave threat to whales and other marine mammals. As expected, the U.S. Navy confirmed last week that they will in fact ignore the California Coastal Commission's ( http://www.coastal.ca.gov ) mitigation recommendations to protect whales and other marine life from ear-shattering military sonar during war games scheduled to start this month.

At a public hearing in January, the Commission voted to condition its approval of the Navy's exercises on a set of a dozen requirements aimed at lessening harm to whales and other marine mammals from blasts of mid-frequency active sonar. These include avoidance of key marine mammal habitat, powering down at night and in other conditions of low visibility, and expanding safety zones around ships to prevent the blasting nearby whales.

However, the Navy submitted a four-page letter to the Commission last week formally refusing to accept any of the sonar-related mitigation measures, agreeing only to submit any monitoring reports it prepares. The exercises would take place in some of the most diverse and biologically rich waters off the continental U.S., where blue whales, humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, porpoises and other species live.

Whales exposed to high-intensity sonar have been found bleeding from the eyes and ears, with lesions in their organ tissue. Marine biologists worry that whales found dying on beaches are only the tip of the iceberg, and that many more are dying at sea unbeknownst to scientists. Overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that the Navy's sonar exercises are the cause of the mass strandings.

At one Commission hearing, Rear Admiral Len Hering defended the Navy's sonar exercises by exclaiming "We're at war, you know!" Obviously, the Navy believes that our conflicts with other nations take precedence over the survival of other species. In this sense, the Navy is fighting not only a War on Terror, but also a potentially genocidal war against some of the ocean's most incredible and precious creatures, viewing them as mere collateral damage when they are in fact non-human casualties of war.

What You Can Do:

The California Coastal Commission is meeting today through Friday, February 23rd in San Diego to decide whether they will sue the Navy in federal court to maintain their authority to protect the animals dwelling along the state's 840-mile coastline. Please "Take Action" ( %takeaction-cccsuenavy% ) to thank the California Coastal Commission for defending marine mammals by standing up to the Navy and urge them to file a lawsuit to stop the Navy's deadly sonar tests.

You can also send a polite letter, email or fax of your own to the Commission.

California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street
Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94105-2219
Fax: (415) 904-5400
mdelaplaine [at] coastal.ca.gov


2. FDA Approves Sale of Meat from Cloned Animals
Opponents raise animal welfare and food safety concerns

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has declared the meat and milk of cloned animals to be just as safe as that of non-clones, allowing replicated animal products to be sold in supermarkets and restaurants. The FDA also stated that these products would not have to carry a label indicating that they came from cloned animals.

This should be of grave concern to anyone who cares about animals because those brought into the world by cloning suffer from a range of serious "reprogramming errors," including dysfunctional organs, intestinal blockages, malformed faces, deformed limbs, respiratory distress, bacterial complications, and other disorders. Many are delivered stillborn or survive only a few days. According to a recent study, only about 6% of cloned cattle embryos implanted in host mothers were healthy enough to live to adulthood.

Surrogate mother animals also suffer as a result of the cloning process, which sometimes kills both them and their cloned children. Fetal overgrowth is a common problem in the cloning of cattle and sheep, producing calves that may be 25% larger than normal. This usually requires a caesarian birth, an invasive procedure in which the calf is literally sliced out of the mother. This operation may be performed numerous times on the same surrogate mother.

Today, FDA approval of meat from cloned animals could lead to their commercial sale. While this is frightening enough, it opens the door for agribusiness to start producing monstrosities that would make today's genetically modified species seem tame by comparison. While agribusiness has already selectively bred chickens who grow so fast that their legs cannot support their own weight, tomorrow there could be, for example, cloned pigs with human feet that make it easier for them to walk on concrete, or something even worse.

Meanwhile, consumer groups charge that the FDA's research does not conclusively settle all safety concerns. For instance, critics have pointed out that the FDA assessment does not resolve the issue of whether stress caused by developmental disorders might amplify the shedding of pathogens which may be found in the feces of animal clones. Such a surplus of bacteria could introduce more contaminated carcasses into the food supply.

Meat from cloned animals should not be on the market, especially when there remain significant animal welfare and food safety concerns. Polls show that about two-thirds of those surveyed believe it is "morally wrong" to clone animals. This shows that there is widespread opposition to the sale of meat from cloned animals that can be mobilized.

What You Can Do:

Please politely write to the FDA urging them to reconsider their approval of meat and dairy from cloned animals for commercial sale, as it is cruel, unethical and unnecessary. Also urge the agency to at least label these foods if they are approved for sale, as the effects of cloning are not fully known, and consumers have a right to know the risks they may be taking if they eat cloned animal meat. Comments should reference docket number 2003N-0573.

Email the FDA through their website: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/oc/dockets/comments/commentdocket.cfm?AGENCY=FDA

Or address a letter to:

Andrew C. Von Eschenbach
Commissioner
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852


3. Congress Considers Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act
Urge your elected officials to support important animal protection bill

Even though dogfighting has been banned in all 50 states and cockfighting is illegal in 48 states (and New Mexico is currently considering legislation to ban it), these criminal activities continue in the U.S., often because penalties are too weak to deter people from organizing and attending these lucrative but cruel blood sports. That is why we desperately need the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (HR 137/S 261). This legislation would be a great step forward in protecting animals by making the interstate transport of fighting animals and specialized weapons (such as cockfighting gaffs) a felony.

Forcing animals to fight death matches for amusement is bloody, painful and often fatal for the "contestants" who are bred to be aggressive and trained to kill. Many are pumped full of chemicals -- such as stimulants and blood-clotting drugs -- to make them fight longer and more fiercely. Both birds and dogs used for fighting suffer gruesome injuries. Sometimes, after killing an opponent, the "winner" is so injured that he too dies. Cockfights and dogfights are also a breeding ground for other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, and weapon and drug dealing.

Last year, a similar bill to the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act was introduced, and the Senate unanimously passed their version of it. Even though the House version had over 300 co-sponsors, it was not brought up for a vote on the floor before the last Congressional session ended. This bill now has to start over again and be passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President for it to become law.

What You Can Do:

Urge your elected officials to help stop cruel and dangerous animal fighting rackets by supporting the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act ( %takeaction-afpea% ). For best results, edit the sample letter to express your personal perspective. Also contact your Representative by postal mail or phone. Get contact information for your elected officials ( http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/leg-lookup/search.html ).


NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES

1. IDA Continues to Help Animals Affected by Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert raised funds for rescue; Transport of animals from Mississippi continues

Although almost a year and a half has passed since Hurricane Katrina first tore a path of destruction through the Gulf states, IDA is still helping the animals affected by this tragedy. Sadly, homeless animals still wander the streets, scared and starving. Uncounted numbers of dogs and cats, the offspring of animals who were never spayed or neutered, have been born since the storm struck, feeding what was already a massive crisis to begin with.

IDA is committed to helping the animal victims of Katrina, and working with those who continue to work on the ground in the Gulf region. This past weekend, IDA held our Benefit Concert for the Animal Victims of Disasters at the historic Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Calif. Hosted by singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul, the concert raised the funds needed to continue relief work, as well as launch our Disaster Relief Fund to help animals in future disasters and fund other IDA rescue operations throughout the world.

The food, music, and festivities were enjoyed by all who attended, including IDA members, event sponsors, and VIPs. Performances by Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Howard Scott (from War), Robbie Dupree, Lester Chambers (from The Chambers Brothers), Stephen Bishop, Jaared, Joey Gian, Deborah Gibson, E.G. Daily, Rich Dikerson, Tony Maiden & Amanda Maiden of Rufus, Warren Hill, Amana Melome, Laura MacLean, Sally Zito, Justin Hopkins Steve Ferrone, Alphonso Johnson, Haley Kitts, Peter Wolf, Jeff Pevar (from CPR), Jaared, John Leftwich, Seleno Clarke, Paul Peress, Steve Postell, Jeff Levine, got everyone to their feet.

While we are delighted that special guests like James Cromwell, Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, Mariana Tosca, Steve Valentine, Bernie Williams, the Barbi Twins, and many more, joined us for this special event, the real stars that evening were the individuals who risked their personal safety rescuing animals in the wake of hurricane Katrina, and the animal victims who attended the event. IDA thanks everyone who helped make this event a success and we hope to see you at our next one!

In addition, IDA's Connie Durkee has made seven road trips since August 2006 from Portland, Ore. to Waveland, Miss. to transport animals in need of homes to shelters in other states where their chances of adoption are higher. Shelters in the Gulf region are still overcrowded with homeless animals, and many people who lost their homes to Katrina are still living in trailers and do not have the resources to take care of an animal. Connie's most recent adventure last week, in which she drove 19 dogs and 21 cats (including three five-day old kittens with their mom) from Waveland to several humane societies in the Seattle, Wash. area, helped ease the burden on these strained shelters. She is planning to make another cross-country run in April. Read the full story of Connie's road trip to Waveland ( http://www.idausa.org/hurr_070220.html ).

IDA will continue to help the animal victims of Katrina and future disasters. Please join us in this important effort.

What You Can Do:

IDA has established a disaster relief fund to help animals in future disasters. Please help us support this crucial work by donating to IDA's Disaster Relief Fund. To donate, send checks made payable to IDA with a note reading "Disaster Relief Fund" to:

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael, CA 94901

Click here ( https://secure.ga0.org/02/idadonations_in_honor ) to donate online using your credit card. Please indicate "Disaster Relief Fund" in the first name field in the "in honor of" section of the form.


2. Portland Fur Store Announces Permanent Closure
Attempt to move from downtown to suburban mall location unsuccessful

Schumacher Fur and Outerwear has occupied the same location in downtown Portland, Ore. for over a century, but that is all about to change. In December 2006, the Schumachers declared their intention to leave due to ongoing anti-fur protests outside of their store and move outside of city limits to the suburban Bridgeport Village Shopping Center. Yet, as it turns out, the mall doesn't want to host a business based on the torture and killing of animals, so the Schumachers are closing down shop for good.

The shuttering of Schumacher Furs is a sign of the times indicating that people are becoming more aware -- and less tolerant -- of the fur trade's inherent cruelty. If the Schumachers have been shut out by area property owners, it has more to do with changing attitudes about violence towards animals than any orchestrated campaign. As Fred Bruning, president of CenterCal (which owns the upscale shopping center Bridgeport Village), told Willamette Week, "That's not a tenant we want to have on our property because I'd be one of the protesters, probably."

Gregg and Linda Schumacher repeatedly portrayed themselves as victims of the protesters who held weekly demonstrations outside their store, who they repeatedly referred to as "eco-terrorists" in statements to the media. Yet the Schumachers' characterization of animal advocates is as outrageous as it is inaccurate. The protests have attracted a wide range of animal advocates -- including seniors, doctors, lawyers, teachers and families with children -- and have, by and large, been peaceful and law abiding. Compassionate individuals have come back week after week because they know how brutally animals are treated in the fur industry.

Considering this, the Schumachers' claims of personal victimization are only an attempt to draw attention away from the fact that the animals are the real victims here. Every year, over 40 million minks, foxes, rabbits and other species are killed for fur clothes and fashion accessories. They spend their entire lives in tiny barren cages and are killed by crude gassing, neck breaking, poisoning and anal electrocution, and are sometimes even skinned alive. Others are trapped in the wild, and can linger for days or weeks in the frigid winter before a trapper comes to club them to death.

As the protester's unofficial spokesperson, Matt Rossell, the Outreach Coordinator for Northwest IDA, proposed a solution months ago that could have ended the demonstrations: labeling all fur garments sold in the store with an accurate description of the inhumane treatment of fur-bearing animals to educate consumers about the conditions animals endure on fur farms. However, the Schumachers rejected the proposal and dropped out of city-sponsored mediation, and continued to falsely accuse activists of breaking the law and be physically and verbally aggressive towards them. Perhaps more than anything else, the Schumacher's provocative behavior was the undoing of their cruel business.

The permanent closure of Schumacher Fur and Outerwear marks a great day for the animals. IDA will use the momentum from this victory to either work for a ban on fur sales in Portland or to push for labeling of fur garments sold within city limits to warn customers of the inherent cruelty of the industry. For more information about fur or the Schumacher protests, visit http://www.furkills.org .


3. Teens who Cooked Puppy the Death Sentenced to Prison
Molder brothers will each serve a 10-year term on nine felony counts

Justice has been served in the case of two Atlanta, Ga. brothers, Joshua and Justin Molder, who pled guilty to cooking a three-month-old puppy to death in the oven of a community center they vandalized and burglarized ( http://ga0.org/campaign/puppykillers/nz2bbn8ki? ). IDA has been following this case in our eNews for several months, and we are now happy to report that each of the brothers has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on nine felony counts, including aggravated cruelty to animals, burglary and property damage.

IDA members were instrumental in holding these puppy killers accountable for their crimes. In September 2006, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard received thousands of letters and emails, many of them from IDA supporters who responded to our alerts. "We wanted to send a message to people in our county that we really respected the life of an animal in this case," he told reporters.

In early 2007, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore also received many letters and phone calls from animal advocates responding to IDA's last alert urging her to punish the Molders accordingly. These messages let her know that people from around the nation believe the brothers need to be served a strong penalty that will make them and others think twice about abusing and killing defenseless animals. IDA is grateful to all of our members who spoke up and made a difference in this case.


New Issue of IDA's Guardians Magazine Now Available!

IDA's Guardians magazine chronicles our ongoing efforts and campaigns to help animals. Our latest issue ( http://idamagazine.com/ ) is hot off the presses, and includes stories about IDA's court battle with the "New Coulston," our successful campaign to free 11 of the CU-34 monkeys, our continued nationwide effort to get elephants out of zoos and into sanctuaries, dramatic animal rescue stories from Project Hope, how we're helping animals in the villages and streets of India and the jungles and forests of Cameroon, Africa…and more.

If you are already an IDA member, look for your copy of Guardians in your mailbox. If you are not yet an IDA member, join now and we will send you a copy for your reading pleasure. To subscribe to IDA's Guardians magazine, visit our donation page ( https://secure.ga0.org/02/idadonations_in_honor ) and type "magazine" in the "in honor of" first name field in the donations area when making a minimum $10 donation. You can also subscribe using your MasterCard or Visa by calling (415) 388-9641.

Bid for Awesome Items in IDA's eBay Auction for the Animals

IDA's eBay Auction for the Animals is in full swing, so be sure to visit http://www.idausa.org and click on the Auction for Animals button to see and bid on the exciting items we have to offer. New items will be added on February 23rd, and every Friday thereafter until the auction ends. And remember, every item purchased helps animals by supporting IDA's important work.

IDA is also still accepting items for the auction. To donate items or for more information about the auction, please contact Nicole Otoupalik at (800) 338-4451 or via e-mail at nicole [at] idausa.org . All donations are tax deductible.