IDA News

Table of Contents


IDA Action Alerts and Events

1. IDA Joins Worldwide Protest Against Canadian Seal Slaughter
2. Korea Moves to Legalize Dog Meat
3. Chicago Zoo Elephant May Go To Sanctuary
4. Connecticut To Ban Elephant Acts?
5. Save America's Wild Horses
6. 2nd Annual National Feral Cat Summit
7. Animal Opinion Survey Results Support Guardian Campaign
8. World Week for Animals In Laboratories


Campaign News & Updates

1. Website Allows People to Shoot Real Animals
2. Eastern States Introduce Laws to Protect Animals Sold As Pets
3. Last-Minute Meatout Ideas
4. Grassroots Animal Rights Conference




IDA Action Alerts and Events



1. IDA Joins Worldwide Protest Against Canadian Seal Slaughter

On Tuesday, March 15, IDA joined dozens of animal protection groups in a massive worldwide protest of the annual Canadian seal slaughter scheduled to begin just days from now. Every year, the Canadian Government sanctions the killing of 350,000 seals off the country's eastern shores, most of whom are just days or weeks old, and are shot, beaten, stabbed and often skinned alive. Many eyewitnesses have even seen hunters sadistically torturing seals with apparent pleasure and absolutely no regard for the animals' pain.

Demonstrations were held in twenty-eight countries, including four Canadian provinces. IDA organized protests outside of the Canadian consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Ore. Dozens of demonstrators held signs, passed out leaflets and gathered petition signatures. IDA activists also delivered letters to consulate representatives condemning the carnage on behalf of our 85,000 members. Media coverage and public reaction to the demonstrations was very positive. We would like to thank all of those who came to the demonstrations for joining us in this powerful action against greed and cruelty.

What You Can Do

Tell the Canadian Government to end the annual seal slaughter.
Write or call:

Frank McKenna
Office of the Ambassador, Canada
Canadian Embassy
501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202) 682-1740
Fax: (202) 682-7701 or (202) 682-7678
webmaster [at] canadianembassy.org



2. Korea Moves to Legalize Dog Meat

A decision by the South Korean Government to hygienically control and legalize the dog meat trade has animal advocates around the world barking mad. Up until now, the dog meat trade has been an illegal industry that has flourished without interference from either government regulations or police, who basically ignore this criminal activity. Selling dog meat in black markets and back alleys, purveyors often deliberately torture dogs before slaughter because of a superstition that pain makes the meat taste better.

The Government's attempt to inspect dog meat to ensure its sanitation, thus sanctioning the dog meat trade, would make South Korea the first and only country in the world to specifically legalize the eating of dogs. Animal advocates agree that rather than legalizing the dog meat trade, the Korean Government must ban the practice altogether and pass laws that enable effective prosecution of those who sell dog meat.

What You Can Do

We must let the Korean Government know their scheme to legalize dog meat is seen as a tremendous setback, an unacceptable custom for a "civilized" nation. Click here
(http://ga0.org/campaign/koreandogs) to send an automatic email to the South Korean Government urging them to abandon their plans to regulate the dog meat trade and work to create enforceable laws that protect both people and animals.



3. Chicago Zoo Elephant May Go To Sanctuary

On March 9, Chicago Alderman George Cardenas introduced a resolution recommending that Wankie, the lone surviving elephant at the Lincoln Park Zoo, be retired to a sanctuary and that the Zoo's elephant exhibit be closed for good. Two elephants have suffered premature deaths at Lincoln Park Zoo during a three-month period due to captivity-induced health problems caused by zoo conditions. The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Parks and Recreation and will be heard at their next meeting. Along with hundreds of other animal advocates, legendary comedian and Illinois native Richard Pryor sent a letter to Committee members urging them to support the resolution and send Wankie to a sanctuary rather than another zoo, as is now planned.

What You Can Do

If you live in Chicago, please urge the Alderman serving your Ward to vote in favor of the resolution to send Wankie to a sanctuary, where she can roam hundreds of acres of grassy hills and socialize with other elephants. Click here
(http://tinyurl.com/5noqd) to find contact information for your Alderman.



4. Connecticut to Ban Elephant Acts?

Connecticut Representatives Steve Fontana and Diana Urban have introduced H.B. 6413, a bill that would effectively ban the use of elephants by traveling shows for the purpose of entertainment, theatrical exhibitions and circuses in the state.
This important bill was heard on March 4 by the Environment Committee, which is now preparing to vote on it. If it is passed, Connecticut will be the first state to effectively ban circuses and traveling shows that use elephants.

What You Can Do

If you are a Connecticut resident, you can help get this historic bill passed. Please call, email, fax or mail letters to the two chairs of the Environment Committee. You can either write directly to the addresses below or click here
(http://ga0.org/campaign/connele) to quickly send a pre-written letter online.

Connecticut Joint Committee on the Environment, Environment Committee Room 3200, Legislative Office Building Hartford, CT 06106
Tel: (860) 240-0440

Senator Andrea Stillman (D), Co-Chair
Legislative Office Building, Room 3200
Hartford, CT 06106-1591
Tel: (860) 240-8600
Fax: (860) 240-0208
E-mail: Stillman [at] senatedems.ct.gov

Representative Richard Roy (D), Co-Chair Legislative Office Building, Room 3201 Hartford, CT 06106-1591
Tel: (860) 240-8585
Fax: (860) 240-0067
E-mail: Richard.Roy [at] cga.ct.gov

Also please send messages of thanks to the two sponsors of H.B.
6413:
- Rep. Diana Urban (on the Environment Committee):
Diana.Urban [at] housegop.state.ct.us.
- Rep. Steve Fontana, 87th District: SAFontana [at] aol.com.



5. Save America's Wild Horses

Few Senators and Representatives who voted for the Omnibus Appropriations Bill in December 2004 noticed that Republican Senator Conrad Burns had slipped in a rider to remove protections for wild horses that have been in place since 1971.
Buried in the 4,000 page document was an Amendment to the Wild Horses and Burros Act that would allow all wild horses and burros over the age of ten and those not adopted out within three attempts to be sold for slaughter.

In response, Congressmen Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Ed Whitfield
(R-KY) introduced H.R. 297, a bill that would restore all the protections in the Wild Horse Act. More recently, Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) has sponsored S. 576, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 297. With wild horse populations dwindling and the lives of 8,400 wild horses at stake, we must act now to reverse the Burns Amendment.

What You Can Do

1. Urge your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 297. Click here
(http://ga0.org/campaign/horsephonetree) to send an automatic email to your Representative.

2. Urge your Senators to co-sponsor S. 576. Click here
(http://ga0.org/campaign/horsephonetree_Senate) to send an automatic email to your Senators.

Please note that personal letters are the most effective way to influence your elected officials. You can click on the links above for sample letters, then get contact information for your elected officials by clicking here
(http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/home.html) and entering your zip code. You can also get contact information for elected officials by calling the Government Information Hotline at (916) 322-9900 and giving the operator your address.



6. Neighborhood Cats' 2nd Annual National Feral Cat Summit

IDA is a proud co-presenter of the 2nd Annual National Feral Cat Summit to be held this year in Philadelphia. Last year's Summit in New York City, the first of its kind anywhere, drew a sellout crowd. With workshops featuring some of the country's top trap-neuter-release (TNR) experts, including IDA's Valerie Sicignano and Issues Specialist Lawrence Carter-Long, this year's Summit is sure to be just as successful and exciting.

The Summit will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Philadelphia in Franklin Plaza.
Tickets for the event purchased before September 1 are $40.00 apiece. This price includes a vegan lunch. To register and to learn more about the Summit, please visit http://www.neighborhoodcats.org .



7. Animal Opinion Survey Results Support Guardian Campaign

IDA recently conducted a survey to determine people's attitudes about animal companions and our Guardian Campaign. Results gathered from over two hundred responses indicate that the majority of people feel a strong emotional connection with the animals in their lives. As an illustration of this, 91% consider animal companions members of the family, and 98% regularly express love for their animal friends.

The survey results also demonstrate widespread support for IDA's Guardian Campaign among the public. Two-thirds of respondents consider themselves "guardians" rather than "owners" of their animal companions, and the majority see "guardian" language as a positive force in improving people's attitudes about animals. To see the full results of the survey, visit http://guardiancampaign.org/SurveyContestResults.htm .

What You Can Do

If your own city officials have not yet changed their animal-related ordinances to include guardian language, please join us as we encourage additional cities and towns to officially recognize the term "animal guardian." Please contact Max Green at (415) 388-9641 extension 222 or max [at] idausa.org to discuss how to get started.



8. World Week for Animals In Laboratories

Each year, millions of animals are dissected, infected, injected, gassed, burned and blinded in hidden laboratories on college campuses and research facilities under the guise of improving human health. But public ignorance of the horrors that take place behind locked laboratory doors is anything but bliss for animals used in experiments. You may have an animal testing lab in your own neighborhood and not know it. Vivisection labs intentionally keep a low profile to hide their abuses, but IDA can help you find out more about the hidden experiments occurring in your community. As the saying goes, "Think Globally and Act Locally." Help us expose the cruel truth about animal experiments being conducted in your back yard by taking part in this year's World Week for Animals In Laboratories (WWAIL) events from April 23 through 30.

What You Can Do

Animal advocates are taking a stand against animal cruelty by planning WWAIL events around the globe. Visit http://www.wwail.org or contact event organizer Kristie Phelps at Kristie [at] idausa.org to find out what events are planned in your area or for assistance in organizing your own. IDA will gladly provide you with free materials and help you plan events.




Campaign News & Updates



1. Website Allows People to Shoot Real Animals

An unlikely coalition of animal advocates, sport hunters and lawmakers is determined to ban remote hunting before it has a chance to spread. The first website allowing computer users to shoot animals on a ranch near San Antonio, Texas with a simple mouse click has raised serious concerns from all sides. Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS) sums up the animal advocacy position by calling the practice "pay-per-view slaughter." Even the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other pro-hunting organizations oppose Internet hunting because it violates the ideals of fair chase and sportsmanship.

California Senator Debra Bowen has recently introduced S.B.
1028, a bill to make computer-based hunting illegal in the state and prohibit the importation of animals killed remotely.
Opponents are also working with Congress to introduce a similar bill at the federal level. Click here
(http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/03/10/WEBHUNT.TMP)
to read an article from the San Francisco Chronicle on this controversy.

What You Can Do

If you are a California resident, urge your Senators to vote Yes on S.B. 1028. You can get contact information for your elected officials by clicking here
(http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/home.html) and entering your zip code, or by calling the Government Information Hotline at
(916) 322-9900 and giving the operator your address. Bills to ban computer-based hunting have been introduced in other states, as well, so you can write to your legislators urging them to support a ban no matter where you live in the U.S.



2. Eastern States Introduce Laws to Protect Animals Sold As Pets

A new law in New York and a groundbreaking bill introduced in Connecticut respectively aim to address some very important issues regarding which animals make appropriate pets and the suffering caused by puppy mills.

As of the beginning of this year, a law passed in New York State prohibits private citizens from keeping certain wild animals as pets, including venomous snakes, monkeys, bears and exotic cats.
The bill is intended to both ensure public safety and promote conservation of wild animals in their natural habitats. Those who acquired wild animals as pets before the ban went into effect will be allowed to keep them as long as they register for a special permit. Exceptions to the law are made for zoos, research facilities and mobility-impaired individuals who are assisted by monkeys in daily living.

In Connecticut, a bill has been introduced to the General Assembly to prevent pet stores from selling dogs under one year old. H.B. 5010 targets the puppy mill industry, which mass produces puppies in deplorable conditions for sale in pet stores. Poor sanitation, confinement in cages and overcrowding in most puppy mills create sick dogs that are then sold through pet stores to unsuspecting customers. If it is passed, H.B. 5010 will protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick animals, and promote adoption of animals from shelters.

What You Can Do

If you are a Connecticut resident, please contact members of the state's Joint Committee on Environment, which is set to vote on this issue soon. Click here
(http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/MemberList.asp?comm_code=ENV&doc_type)
to find names and contact information for committee members.



3. Last-Minute Meatout Ideas

Even though the annual Great American Meatout officially takes place on March 20, March is really Meatout month, so you can participate in Meatout activities from now until April 1. This leaves you plenty of time to organize an event even if you haven't lifted a finger yet. That's because there are ways to help animals that take little or no planning, like:

- Providing a veggie lunch for your coworkers: give them a taste of the wonderful meat substitutes available at the local supermarket.

- Handing out pro-veg literature to friends and family members, or to passerby on a busy street corner or college campus.

- Hosting a feed-in outside of a fast food restaurant, or a veg potluck at your home to increase people's appreciation for delicious meatless food.

Visit http://www.meatout.org for more information and ideas. Once you've decided what you want to do, click here
(http://www.meatout.org/events/registration.htm) to register your event on the international Meatout calendar!



4. Grassroots Animal Rights Conference Coming to NYC

Liberation movements throughout history have relied on the energy, passion and creativity of grassroots activists. From March 31 to April 3, grassroots animal rights activists from across North America will join together at the first annual Grassroots Animal Rights Conference (GARC) in New York City.
GARC will feature prominent speakers (including IDA Issues Specialist Lawrence Carter-Long and Project Hope's Doll Stanley), skill-building workshops, networking sessions and demonstrations.

GARC is pleased to be able to provide FREE housing and FREE vegan food; registration is inexpensive or free for those who qualify on a first-come, first-serve basis. To view the program or to register, visit http://www.grassrootsar.org .



Donate an Item to IDA's May 2005 Auction for the Animals

Beginning in May 2005, IDA will hold a special online Auction for the Animals at eBay to raise awareness and funds to help fight animal abuse. We have already received some wonderful one-of-a-kind items from celebrities and IDA supporters that will make this auction particularly exciting.

You too can help by donating an item for our auction. Some good auction items include timeshares, airline miles, celebrity memorabilia, tickets to shows or events, jewelry, gift baskets and gift certificates to restaurants or stores. In exchange for your generosity, you or your company will gain global visibility as a supporter of IDA. We will also create a link from eBay directly to your website, affording your company exposure to over 110 million eBay users worldwide.

If you have an item that you would like to donate or if you would like more information about the event or IDA in general, please contact Nicole Otoupalik at (800) 338-4451. All donations are tax deductible, and must be received by April 15, 2005.



Help Someone Kick the Meat Habit with FARM's Meatout Monday Newsletter

If you know someone who says they'd like to cut meat out of their diet but thinks it's too hard, then tell them about Meatout Mondays, a free weekly e-newsletter designed to help those who don't want to quit "cold turkey" kick the meat habit one day at a time - starting with Mondays! Easy and fun to read, Meatout Mondays encourages individuals to make changes at a pace that is comfortable for them, and is an excellent tool for introducing vegetarianism to anyone.

Every week, Meatout Mondays includes tasty vegan recipes, new product and book reviews, important health information, and inspirational stories of people who have changed their lives for the better by cutting animal products from their diets. This week's Meatout Mondays includes a review of Dr. Michael Gregor's new book, "Carbophobia: The Scary Truth About America's Low-Carb Craze." Click here (http://www.meatoutmondays.org/05-03-14.htm) to read the latest issue.

Please visit http://www.meatoutmondays.org to review past issues and to subscribe your friends and family members. Meatout Mondays is a free e-newsletter, and individuals can easily unsubscribe at any time.

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Team IDA encourages teammates to take part in local athletic events to raise awareness of animal issues and much-needed funds to rescue and protect animals from cruelty and abuse. You don't have to be an avid runner or a serious athlete to sign up. Just by cheering and wearing your Team IDA apparel you can show your pro-animal attitude.

Wear your Team IDA t-shirt whenever you are running, biking, walking, or just hanging around your neighborhood to help promote a cruelty-free world. If you have a Team IDA t-shirt and have received comments about it, we want to hear from you! If you do not already have a Team IDA t-shirt, please call (415)
388-9641 to inquire. Also, if you have participated in any events in your area on behalf of Team IDA, or would like your picture and bio posted on our website, please let us know!

You can also make Team IDA even more successful by spreading the
word: a great way to do this is by distributing Team IDA brochures at races and placing them in athletic stores and clubs. Team IDA brochures are always available free of charge by
(415) 388-9641.

We are always interested in learning more about your experiences and hearing your ideas regarding Team IDA. Please send an email to teamida [at] idausa.org and tell us your story. Visit http://www.teamida.org for more information. Join Team IDA today!

http://ga0.org/join-forward.html?domain=indefenseofanimals

You can sign up for In Defense of Animals Action Center at:
http://ga0.org/indefenseofanimals/join.html