IDA eNews: 8/29/07

IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. World Farm Animals Day - October 2nd
2. Police Officer Accused of Killing K-9 Partner
3. New York Passes Fur Labeling Legislation

NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES
1. Undercover Investigation Exposes Korean Dog and Cat Meat Cruelty
2. Stars Lend a Hand at IDA-Africa Benefit in Hollywood
3. Back to School - Veg Style!


IDA ACTION ALERTS

1. World Farm Animals Day - October 2nd
Start planning your activities to promote a compassionate diet

Did you know that every year around the world, about 50 billion animals are killed for food? Most of them spend their entire lives crowded into factory farms where they are mutilated and brutalized, and their suffering only ends in a terrifying death on a disassembly line at the slaughterhouse.

World Farm Animals Day
( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-V3.msAYdjyLOk%402695358-PvjoSQ/jUjyEw ), observed every year on or around October 2nd, is a time to reflect on the injustice of exploiting animals for meat, dairy, and eggs, and to join together with other caring people to find ways to speak up for animals and be a voice for their liberation. This annual event, coordinated by Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM) ( http://farmusa.org ) and sponsored by IDA, is designed to raise awareness of farmed animal abuse and the benefits of a plant-based diet ( http://www.idausa.org/vegandays/faq.html#q2 ) for people and the planet.

This year, World Farm Animals Day events will be held in all 50 states and two dozen other countries. Activities range from leafleting, information tables, and workplace feed-ins, to vigils, marches, video screenings, and more. Here's how you can help:

Be an Event Coordinator. Last year's biggest event was a USDA Die-in ( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-DV375/OEAQM1w%402695360-SZtweqMvrvpEE ) in Washington, D.C., and this year's featured event is a cage-in ( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-s.mbG8GqXd1Zk%402695361-NadYe0FF1PYas ). Of course, you can host any kind of event you want in your community to promote farmed animal welfare.

- Get activity ideas and tips on organizing your event by visiting FARM's online Action Center ( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-niDwWsIQVEc2.%402695359-dm6.rJJLyUM62 ).

- Register your event ( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-gkzfblIpqJPRg%402695362-owuFZdcAYzrmM ) online, or call (800) 632-8688 to request a free Action Kit ( http://m1e.net/c?38161729-VVqP4Pn3miQgk%402695363-Yz/vES4QkhRFw ). FARM will provide you with guidance, materials, media assistance, and networking tools.

- Conduct your event! Large or small, all events count.

Learn more about World Farm Animals Day ( http://www.wfad.org/ ).


2. Police Officer Accused of Killing K-9 Partner
"Take Action" to ask State Attorney to seek maximum sentence

Sergeant Allen Cockfield of the Miami-Dade Police Department was recently charged with felony animal cruelty charges for allegedly kicking his K-9 partner Duke to death during an obedience training exercise with more than a dozen other police dogs and trainers present. The reason, according to an anonymous witness: Duke barked when he wasn't supposed to, so Cockfield hoisted the four-year-old German shepherd by the leash around his neck and repeatedly kicked him in a fit of rage until he lost consciousness. Duke reportedly died later at a veterinary clinic from injuries sustained during the attack.

Following the incident, the Miami-Dade Police Department suspended Cockfield from duty without pay, and opened an internal affairs investigation of his violent actions. After his arrest, Cockfield was released on bail. Miami-Dade police told reporters that Cockfield, a veteran of the force with 27 years experience, is a model officer with a file full of commendations and no history of disciplinary problems. However, with more than two decades of K-9 training under his belt, it is possible that this is just the first time this loose cannon got caught or reported for abusing an animal.

All too often, police officers get away with breaking the law simply because they are police officers. That is why it is especially important that Cockfield be held accountable for his actions -- just like any citizen who commits murder should be. Sentencing guidelines for third degree felony animal cruelty charges call for a maximum of five years in prison, which is actually a small price to pay considering that Cockfield brutally took the life of his young canine companion and partner for something as innocent as an ill-timed bark.

What You Can Do:

Sergeant Allen Cockfield's trial is scheduled to begin on September 24th. Please write to prosecuting attorney Isis Perez before then and politely ask that she seek the maximum penalty in the case against Cockfield.

Isis Perez
Public Corruption Unit
1350 NW 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136


3. New York Passes Fur Labeling Legislation
"Take Action" to ask Congress to pass federal fur labeling bill

New York recently passed an important consumer and animal protection bill that will require fur products to be accurately labeled as either "real" or "faux," regardless of the fur's price tag. This new law closes a loophole in the federal Fur Products Labeling Act of 1951 that exempts garments containing less than $150 worth of fur from having to list the name of the species, the manufacturer, the country of origin, and other pertinent information on clothing labels. Now, New Yorkers who want to avoid buying animal fur because of ethical or health reasons (such as allergies) will now have the information they need to make informed purchases.

Thank you to all of the IDA supporters in New York who responded to our Action Alert asking them to encourage Governor Elliot Spitzer to sign this bill which was passed overwhelmingly by the state legislature. While similar labeling laws have been passed in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, the Empire State is the most lucrative fur market in the United States, so this new law will affect many purchases and ensure that consumers who want to buy synthetic fur get what they pay for. Unfortunately, this is more difficult than ever today, because many designers now use fur as trim on jacket collars or cuffs, sometimes shearing or dying it so that it looks fake, even though animals were brutally killed for this "fabric."

In addition, New York's new law will go a long way toward ensuring that illegal dog and cat fur never makes its way into stores. Though the sale of canine and feline fur has been illegal in the U.S. since 2000, results of an investigation released earlier this year revealed that many major department stores (including Macy's, J.C. Penney's, and Neiman Marcus) sold jackets made from dog fur that were labeled as faux fur or coyote, and items labeled as raccoon were actually raccoon dog fur (which is still legal in the United States).

Soon after the lid was blown off this illegal trade, Representatives Jim Moran ( http://moran.house.gov ) (D-Virginia) and Mike Ferguson (R-New Jersey) ( http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http://www.house.gov%2Fferguson ) introduced a bill to Congress called the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act. Like the recently-passed law in New York, this proposal aims to require all garments trimmed with fur to be labeled, regardless of value, but would also outlaw the importation of fur from raccoon dogs.

What You Can Do:

- Please "Take Action" now to encourage your Representative to support and cosponsor the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act ( http://ga0.org/campaign/dcfpea-house ). To have the most impact, edit the sample letter to express your personal point of view and print it out as a letter to mail. You can also contact your elected officials by phone and postal mail (http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/leg-lookup/search.html).

- Also "Take Action" to ask your Senators to introduce a companion bill to the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act in the Senate ( http://ga0.org/campaign/dcfpea-senate ).

- Delaware residents: Please also "Take Action" to urge your state Representative to support H.B. 216 ( http://ga0.org/campaign/hb216 ), a bill currently under consideration that would require all fur sold in Delaware, regardless of monetary value, to be accurately labeled with the species of origin.


NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES

1. Undercover Video Exposé Spotlights Korean Dog and Cat Meat Cruelty
IDA and AFK capture disease, forced cannibalism, and rampant abuse on camera

On July 25th, 2007, IDA supporters gathered at South Korean Consulates in cities around the globe on the Third Annual International Day for Korean Dogs and Cats armed with TVs showing video footage from a recent undercover investigation exposing the brutality and horror of the dog and cat meat trade. The video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSHA2-BeQiQ ), filmed by Animal Freedom Korea (AFK), exposes the cruel, illegal dog and cat meat trade that continues to thrive in South Korea, one of the last remaining places in the world where people still eat dog and cat meat.

IDA provided with AFK funds to purchase concealable video equipment so they could go undercover to film dogs and cats packed by the dozens into tiny, filthy cages and left in the hot sun with no shade or water. The investigation revealed dogs crammed so tightly together that the stress caused them to fight and cannibalize one another. Sick dogs were callously left to suffer and die with no veterinary attention. The video also provided proof that despite dog meat proponents' claims, it is not just dogs who are specially bred for their flesh killed in these markets, but that canine "pets" of various breeds -- from huskies to cocker spaniels -- are kidnapped from their guardians and eaten, as well.

While much work remains to be done, South Korea has passed new animal welfare laws that will offer increased protections to animals used for food, clothing, experimentation, and entertainment. Unfortunately, the new laws do not specifically ban the killing of cats and dogs for human consumption, so IDA will remain committed to stopping the dog and cat meat trade in South Korea and continue to support our allies working for this change from within their own country. With our support, South Korean organizations are coordinating an educational campaign to discourage youth from eating dog meat while lobbying decision makers to strengthen animal protection laws.

View IDA and AFK's undercover video investigation of the illegal dog and cat meat in South Korea's Moran Market ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSHA2-BeQiQ ). Warning: the footage is graphic and may be disturbing to some viewers.


2. Stars Lend a Hand at IDA-Africa Benefit in Hollywood
Vegan delicacies, exciting auction, and live music make for a grand evening

Partygoers went wild at IDA-Africa's "Born To Be Wild" event in Beverly Hills on July 12th. Soccer star Cobi Jones, and actors Zachary Quinto, Steve Valentine, Esai Morales, and Charlotte Ross were among the celebrities that came out to support and promote the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center.

The evening started with vegan specialty dishes from L.A.'s finest restaurants, along with exotic cocktails from Navan Liqueur and Chopin Vodka. A signed guitar from rock star Gwen Stefani, a Grammy package, and several original works by legendary modern artists Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall were some of the favorites up for auction, but the raffle prize stole the night! A safari for two was given away to a lucky winner in Newport Beach California. As the evening came to a close, guests gathered to listen to a magnificent musical performance by West African-born Prince Diabate', who ended the night with a bang. "Born To Be Wild" raised much-needed funds to support IDA-Africa's lifesaving work.

About IDA-Africa

Sheri Speede, DVM created IDA-Africa ( http://www.ida-africa.org ) in 1998 to advocate for endangered wild chimpanzees and gorillas, and later opened the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center ( http://ida-africa.org/index.php?page_id=214 ) in Cameroon to provide a refuge for orphaned chimpanzees whose mothers were killed for bushmeat ( http://www.idausa.org/facts/bushmeat.html ). Today, the Center is home to 57 chimpanzees living safely together in extended family groups under forested canopies.

To see the chimpanzees for yourself, view an eye-opening slide show about daily life at IDA-Africa's Sanaga-Yong Center ( http://www.ida-africa.org/index.php?page_id=12&newsletter_id=42 ).


3. Back to School - Veg Style!
Timely tips for student animal advocates

The end of summer vacation and the start of a whole new school year means great opportunities for students who want to make a big difference for animals. As a student, there are many ways you can make speaking up for animals an integral part of your social life, academic studies, and extracurricular activities. Whether you're a middle school sophomore, a senior in college, or anywhere in between, here are some ideas for taking effective action to help animals.

Compassion In Fashion

When shopping for new school clothes and accessories, be sure they aren't made from the skin or fur of animals. Today there are lots of cool shoes, belts, coats, purses, cell phone cases, and other items made from synthetic leather and wool, so you can look great without supporting cruelty to animals. Some of these are available in stores, but a much wider selection can be found online at sites like VeganEssentials ( http://www.veganessentials.com/ ), Pangea ( http://www.veganstore.com/ ), Alternative Outfitters ( http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/ ), and The Vegetarian Site ( http://www.thevegetariansite.com/ ).

Another great way to help animals is to wear your message on your sleeve -- literally. Check out IDA's line of stylish shirts ( http://www.idausa.org/shop-ida/clothing.html#mid ) -- from short-sleeve tees and long-sleeve sweatshirts to spaghetti-strap and tank tops -- to make a real fashion statement.

Animal Academics

As a student, you can educate your classmates and teachers about animal issues while you learn. This year, write papers on the history of the animal protection movement, the philosophy of animal rights, the environmental impact of factory farming, or any other animal-related subject that interests you. If you are told to dissect an animal in biology class, tell your science teacher that you morally object to this assignment, and that you want to learn about anatomy without killing an animal. Today there are computer programs, instructional videos, and other non-animal alternatives that can more than satisfy even the highest educational standards, but if your school refuses to budge, consult IDA's Dissection Resources page ( http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/dissection/resourcesdis.html ) for ways to sway them to your perspective.

Join or Start an Animal Welfare Club

Living in a world that abuses other species so badly, animal advocates can sometimes get pretty lonely and feel like they're the only ones who really care. Fortunately, it's likely that there are other students who feel the same way you do, and all you have to do is find them. Joining together with other like-minded students can empower you to become more active for animals and make your efforts more effective.

Many schools already have clubs dedicated to animal issues that you can join, but if your school is not one of them, then start your own club. If possible, find a supportive teacher to sponsor your group, and start organizing your first meeting at a time when the greatest number of people can come. Then spread the word through posters, the homeroom intercom announcements, or an article or ad in the school newspaper.

When the group gets together, share your ideas for activities and ask other members for theirs. Popular activities include veganizing your school cafeteria ( http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/choice/choice.html ), tabling and handing out leaflets ( http://idausa.org/shop-ida/lit.html ) at a busy location on or off campus, and showing videos ( http://idausa.org/shop-ida/video.html ) as part of a class project or after-school presentation.

Also get everyone's contact information so you can keep in touch. The internet makes it easier than ever to promote communication among group members and recruit new members. Form a Yahoo! group ( https://login.yahoo.com/config/login_verify2?.intl=us&.src=ygrp&.done=http%3a//groups.yahoo.com%2Fstart ), or create a page on MySpace ( http://www.myspace.com/) , Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/ ), or another file-sharing website. And while you're at it, be sure to make IDA your friend ( http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=9673941 )!

Get Active!

To learn more about starting an animal welfare club at school and get additional ideas for activities, visit Club SAGA (Student's Animal Guardian Alliance) ( http://www.clubsaga.org ), an organization that is dedicated to helping students form effective animal welfare clubs.


Invest in Compassion: Give a Gift that Gives Back

A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a combination gift and investment that allows smart investors to increase current income while helping stop animal abuse and exploitation. When you establish a CGA, you transfer cash or securities to IDA and, in return, we pay you a guaranteed, fixed payment for the rest of your life. You can even name someone else as the beneficiary, or annuitant, of a gift annuity. Generally, the older you are when your gift annuity begins, the higher your scheduled payment. Upon your passing, or that of the last survivor of a "two-life" annuity, the principal underlying the annuity then becomes available to IDA.

The benefits of an IDA Charitable Gift Annuity include:

- The security of fixed interest income of up to 11.3% for the lifetime of you and/or a loved one.

- A charitable income tax deduction for a portion of your gift in the year it is established. Reduced capital gains taxes (if your annuity is funded with long-term, appreciated securities).

For more information on establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity (including interest rate information as proposed by the American Council on Gift Annuities), or to learn about other Planned Giving options, please contact IDA's Planned Giving Coordinator Nicole Otoupalik at (714) 389-2823 or via email at nicole [at] idausa.org .