IDA eNews: 6/12/06

IDA ACTION ALERTS
1. IDA's Guardian of the Month for July - California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine
2. IDA Guardians Magazine Now Available
3. World Vegetarian Day in San Francisco

NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES
1. IDA Helps Rescued Rats Find New Homes
2. What Lab-Grown Meat Could Mean for Animals
3. IDA-Sponsored Humane Leadership Academy a Success


IDA ACTION ALERTS

1. IDA's Guardian of the Month for July - California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine
Legislator puts important animal issues on state's political agenda

July's Guardian of the Month, California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) was elected in 2002 to represent 400,000 residents in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. The author of many important bills to help animals in the state, this 37-year-old legislator is fast becoming one of state politics' most powerful voices for animal protection, standing up for the interests of California's wild and domestic animals. From homeless cats and dogs to elephants in zoos, this compassionate legislator speaks for the voiceless and vulnerable by introducing and supporting important bills aimed at ending abuse and cruelty.

Levine's most impressive bill for animals so far is probably his Elephant Protection Act (AB 3027), which sought to radically improve the treatment of elephants in California's zoos and circuses. The bill would have required all zoos in the state to provide a minimum of five acres for up to three elephants, with another half acre provided for each additional elephant. All circuses would have had to provide hundreds of square feet -- both indoor and out -- for their elephants, and the use of bullhooks and chains would have been outlawed.

After visiting former zoo and circus elephants at the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sanctuary ( http://www.pawsweb.org ) near San Andreas and getting a personal tour from Director Pat Derby, Levine wrote a letter to the Los Angeles City Council and then-Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa. In it, he expressed his serious concern over the welfare of the three elephants at L.A. Zoo -- Billy, Ruby and Gita -- and pressed for their transfer to a sanctuary. Only a few short months later, the 48-year-old Gita died from captivity-related illness. In his statement decrying the avoidable tragedy of Gita's untimely death ( http://www.savezooelephants.com/feature_060614.html ), Levine noted, "AB 3027 would have provided adequate space for, and the humane treatment of captive elephants in California," which might have saved Gita's life.

Gita's death in June also prompted Assemblymember Levine to action. He responded by sending a letter to the California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez requesting the formation of an Assembly Select Committee on Animal Welfare with Levine as Chair. In a statement, he said, "The purpose of the Committee would be to investigate, highlight and understand what the state can do to move away from the often unnecessary exploitation of animals in California." The Committee would have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents and to place witnesses under oath. This would be an especially powerful tool in the investigation of the care Gita received in her final days, a crusade in which IDA has taken a leading role ( http://www.helpelephants.com/feature_060628.html ).

In addition to his many campaigns to benefit California residents - from education and the environment to health and fitness - Levine has introduced numerous bills to improve the lot of animals in the state:

AB 2513: Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation
This bill would require all independent breeders and sellers in California to report their income and pay taxes on their profits, two requirements from which they are currently exempt. This would combat animal companion overpopulation by regulating the sale of unsterilized cats and dogs and put government checks on irresponsible breeders and sellers. This could save millions of animals' lives and save California taxpayers tens of millions of dollars a year which are now used to collect, house, euthanize and dispose of unwanted animals.

ACR 113: Spay Day USA
This bill, passed in 2005, declares the last Tuesday in February every year to be Spay Day USA throughout California. Spay Day USA is a national campaign of the Doris Day Animal League (http://www.ddaf.org/spayday) to provide affordable spay and neuter services for low-income guardians. The campaign aims at sterilizing at least 155,000 cats and dogs a year.

AB 1118: Animal Welfare License Plates
This bill would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to sell illustrated special interest license plates, with revenue funding spay and neuter programs, animal adoptions and the maintenance and expansion of animal shelters. At least 20 other states have already raised millions of dollars by selling such plates, helping to reduce overpopulation and provide better care for homeless animals.

AB 1428: Cloned & Genetically Modified Pets
This bill would prohibit the sale and transfer of cloned or genetically modified animals as companions within California. Scientists and veterinarians have denounced the commercial sale of stylized animal companions, which may pose unforeseen consumer safety and public health risks. Cloned and genetically modified animals also suffer abnormally high rates of miscarriage, early death, deformity, disease and other serious medical conditions. Many are stillborn at birth or are born with missing limbs and organs. AB 1428 would hold irresponsible companies who sell cloned animals without any government oversight accountable to consumers and society.

IDA is proud to honor Assemblymember Levine for his dedication to California's animals and their guardians. Please join us in supporting his efforts on behalf of the state's animals.

What You Can Do:

- California residents: click http://ga0.org/campaign/CAWelfareCommittee to encourage Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez to approve the Committee's creation. You can also contact him by phone, email or postal mail:

The Honorable Fabian Núñez
Assembly Speaker
California State Legislature
State Capital, Room 219
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (213) 620-4646
Assemblymember.Nunez [at] assembly.ca.gov

- Read Assemblyman Levine's op-ed about captive elephants in the L.A. Daily News ( http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/The%20Daily%20News%20of%20Los%20Angeles.pdf ).

- To learn more about Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, visit his homepage at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a40/ .


2. IDA'S Guardians Magazine Now Available
New look makes publication an even stronger force for animals!

IDA is proud to introduce the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, now called Guardians and sporting a brand new look. The magazine features actor and animal advocate Pierce Brosnan on the cover and is packed with IDA's campaign updates, informative articles about the plight of animals, and ways that you can help animals in your own community or far away. It also includes inspirational and motivational stories about people who are making a difference for animals, delicious vegan recipes, animal care columns and advertisements from animal-friendly companies.

In the latest issue, you can read about IDA's precedent-setting legal victory in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, our successful protection of Arizona's wild horses, our rescue of 40 fighting-birds, our dramatic disaster relief efforts in hurricane-ravaged areas of Mississippi, how we're helping animals in the villages and streets of India and the jungles and forests of Cameroon, Africa…and more.

What You Can Do:

Read the magazine and learn about IDA's recent campaigns and victories for animals. Visit our magazine webpage at http://www.IDAMagazine.com to read an electronic version, or click https://secure.ga0.org/02/idadonations_in_honor to subscribe. Just type "magazine" in the "in honor of" first name field in the donations area and donate at least $10 to IDA. This will entitle you to four issues of our quarterly magazine. You can also subscribe using your MasterCard or Visa by calling (415) 388-9641.


3. World Vegetarian Day in San Francisco
SFVS & IDA co-present 2-day event in Golden Gate Park

San Francisco, California -- named for Saint Francis, patron saint of animals -- is one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities on the planet, making it a fitting location for a World Vegetarian Day celebration co-presented by the San Francisco Vegetarian Society (SFVS) ( http://www.sfvs.org ) and IDA.

SFVS and IDA's World Vegetarian Day celebration will take place at the San Francisco County Fair Building in beautiful Golden Gate Park (click http://tinyurl.com/pbrzd for a map) on Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) ( http://www.navs-online.org ), which started World Vegetarian Day in 1977, declared SFVS’s 2005 celebration a winner in their Best World Vegetarian Day contest (group/institution category). Last year, approximately 3,000 visitors enjoyed the day at the San Francisco County Fair Building. With IDA on board, we hope this year's event will be even bigger and better!

SFVS and IDA's World Vegetarian Day celebration will feature:

- World-renowned speakers John Robbins ( http://www.foodrevolution.org ), Howard Lyman ( http://www.madcowboy.com ), Dr. Alan Goldhamer ( http://www.healthpromoting.com/Articles/articles/meet.htm ), Dr. Joel Fuhrman ( http://www.drfuhrman.com ), Dr. Doug Graham ( http://www.doctorgraham.cc ), IDA Spokesperson Kenneth Williams ( http://www.idausa.org/kgw_frame.html ) and more

- The OrganicAthlete (http://www.organicathlete.org) Conference on Saturday, September 30th with speakers and presentations from top vegan athletes

- International vegan cuisine and healthy food demos

- Vegan vendors and non-profit booths

- A fabulous eco-fashion show

- Live entertainment

- A catered vegan dinner (Saturday at 6:00 p.m.) for $12

World Vegetarian Day is free to kids, students and seniors. It is also free to everyone who comes before 10:30 a.m., after which a $5 donation is suggested.

What You Can Do:

Take a vacation in the City by the Bay -- America's top tourist destination -- during this special two-day event. San Francisco experiences its famed Indian Summer in September and October, so expect to enjoy some comfortably warm, sunny weather. Here are some essential veggie visitor tips and resources for your West Coast adventure:

- Vegan Dining: San Francisco boasts over 20 vegetarian and vegan restaurants (and about 90 in the greater Bay Area) that run the gamut of cuisines, from the culinary stylings of Millennium ( http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com ) to Café Gratitude's exquisite raw foods ( http://www.withthecurrent.com/cafe.html ) and Golden Era's vegan Vietnamese (http://www.goldeneravegetarian.com). Consult Bay Area Vegetarians' "Ultimate Guide to Veg Living in the Bay Area" ( http://www.bayareaveg.org/ug/index.htm?city=-1&cat=1&veg=1&sort=4 ) to read reviews of the Bay Area's array of vegan restaurants.

- Visit a Sanctuary: There are two farmed animal sanctuaries within driving distance of San Francisco: Animal Place ( http://www.animalplace.org ) and Farm Sanctuary ( http://www.farmsanctuary.org ). Please go to their websites for more information on planning visits to these wonderful places where rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep and rabbits live naturally in peace and harmony without fear of abuse or slaughter.

- Travel & Tourism: Visit the San Francisco Convention & Visitor's Bureau ( http://onlysf.sfvisitor.org ) for more information about planning a trip to the Bay Area, from finding an affordable hotel to exciting sights and activities that you and your family can enjoy during your stay.


NEWS & CAMPAIGN UPDATES

1. IDA Helps Rescued Rats Find New Homes
Authorities seize over 1,000 rats from animal hoarder; shelter euthanizes most

Late last month, Animal Services in the Northern California city of Petaluma seized well over 1,000 rats from the home of animal hoarder Roger Dier, charging him with a misdemeanor for animal cruelty. Dier kept all of the animals in his one-bedroom house in about twenty 30-by-24-inch cages, with up to 50 rats crowded into each. Some rats also ran loose throughout the residence shared with seven cats.

Less than a week later, the Petaluma animal shelter euthanized about 1,020 of the rats, claiming that the animals suffered from serious injuries, including infected wounds and missing eyes, and were unsocialized to humans. However, many rat advocates feel betrayed that the shelter killed them so quickly, and that they weren't given a chance to save more of the rats. The shelter was inundated with angry phone calls and emails in the days following the mass euthanization.

Sadly, only about 150 of the rats were put up for adoption, with rat lovers and animal protection groups mobilizing to find homes for them up and down the West Coast. Six of the babies now live with IDA staff members Anita Carswell and Aubrey Perry, both avid rat aficionados. IDA also coordinated with Debra Mendelsohn -- director of Bay Area Rat Rescue ( http://www.BayAreaRats.com ) and IDA's Guardian of the Month for July 2005 -- and other rat advocates to find homes for another 50 animals.

The 67-year-old Dier -- who is a convicted armed robber and in 1963 provided his house as a hideout for the kidnappers of the young son and namesake of famed "Rat Packer" Frank Sinatra -- in many ways fits the profile of other animal hoarders. These include a Petaluma woman who kept 200 cats in her home that resorted to cannibalism in her overcrowded house, a Menlo Park man who collected more than 300 mice, and a practitioner of the Santeria religion who hoarded 80 chickens, pigs and goats for animal sacrifice. Dr. Lynn Loar, a clinical social worker who recently co-authored a pioneering study of hoarding through Tufts University Veterinary School, characterizes it as a psychological disorder that is difficult to control. The group's report ( http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding ) is intended to help authorities and communities prevent hoarding and the consequent animal suffering it inevitably causes.

What You Can Do:

Rats make excellent companions: they are intelligent, portable, easy to care for and affectionate. Rats are shy at first but have friendly temperaments and are very inquisitive once they get used to new surroundings. If you are interested in adopting a rat (or two or three), please visit your local animal shelter or rat rescue group.


2. What Lab-Grown Meat Could Mean for Animals
Emerging technology could be ultimate weapon in war against factory farming

Hard as it may be to imagine or believe, some scientists predict that meat grown in laboratories by cloning animal cells will be on supermarket shelves as soon as 2012. Apparently, not a single animal would have to be killed to manufacture this meat. Cells could be obtained from host animals using a muscle biopsy, and the cell cultures themselves would be utterly insensate -- totally lacking a central nervous system, pain receptors or a brain, and therefore incapable of suffering like living creatures. Researchers also claim that lab-grown meat would be healthier and more environmentally-friendly than flesh sliced from animals' bodies

Ready or not, we may be fast approaching the futuristic next evolution of food with repercussions as potentially world-changing as those wrought by the agricultural revolution itself. Only time will tell, but this technology could potentially spare the lives of billions of exploited animals and perhaps someday make factory farming obsolete. Yet some also fear that cloning technology could open a Pandora's Box of unforeseen health and ecological consequences.

While this could be one of the most exciting developments in the vegetarian movement's history, lab-grown meat raises complex and controversial issues. This "meat without a face" could be just around the corner, so it is essential that animal advocates be informed about this technology's potential promise and perils. Should mass-produced cultured meat become a reality, vegetarian and animal rights activists must be prepared to respond in the animals' best interests, as billions of lives may be at stake.

What You Can Do:

- Learn more about lab-grown meat and its potential implications by reading "iMeat: How Lab-Grown Meat Could Revolutionize Vegetarianism and the World," by IDA staff writer Mat Thomas, originally published in the June issue of VegNews magazine. Visit http://www.animalrighter.org/Feature_Article.html to read the article, hear podcasts of Mat's radio interviews and find links to over 30 other articles on lab-grown meat.


3. IDA-Sponsored Humane Leadership Academy a Success
Conferences Bring Together, Educate, and Inspire Animal Protectionists

IDA is pleased to have joined the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals in sponsoring the Humane Leadership Academy in New York City on Sunday, July 9th. The successful event, organized by Valerie Sicignano -- IDA's Northeast Director and Director of Companion Animal Outreach -- brought together attendees from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and places as far away as Croatia to learn effective animal advocacy from leaders in the animal protection movement.

Attendees heard keynote speeches from Jane Hoffman (founder of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals) and Randy Grim (founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis and guardian of Quentin the "Miracle Dog" who survived the gas chamber at the St. Louis pound). Later in the day, Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats, Katherine McGowan of HSUS, Esther Mechler of SpayUSA, and IDA's Communications Director Kristie Phelps talked to attendees about the importance of building bridges and coalitions within the animal protection movement. Meanwhile, Josephine Bellaccomo, author of Move the Message: Your Guide to Making a Difference and Changing the World, discussed messaging and communications. Paul Shapiro, Farm Animal Campaign Manager for HSUS, discussed effective campaign planning while Katherine McGowan described how to break down barriers through dialogue and conflict resolution. Attendees enjoyed a vegan lunch and watched inspiring films while networking and meeting others, both those new to animal protection and longtime activists.

If you missed this conference, then attend one of the many animal-related conferences happening this summer and fall around the country:

- Animal Rights 2006 Conference ( http://www.arconference.org ): August 10th to 14th in Washington, D.C.
- Taking Action for Animals Conference ( http://www.takingactionforanimals.org ): September 2nd to 5th in Washington, D.C.
- 3rd Annual National Feral Cat Summit ( http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/special/nfc_summit_2006.htm ): September 9th in San Francisco, Calif.
- The Strength of Many Conference ( http://www.animalsandsociety.org/conference06.htm ): October 6th to 8th in Los Angeles, Calif.

IDA representatives will be present at each of these events. We hope to see you there!


Help Make a Difference for the Animals! Donate to IDA!

Your support is vital to IDA's efforts to protect the rights, welfare, and habitats of animals. Your donation will strengthen our work to end the exploitation and abuse of animals - whether they are in the jungles of Africa, the dog markets of South Korea, the countryside of rural America, or at the hands of the vivisection, puppy mill, or fur industries.

You can give a tax-deductible donation directly to IDA via your MasterCard or Visa using our secure donation website by clicking https://secure.ga0.org/02/idadonations_general .

Or, if you prefer, you may send your contribution via mail to:
In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael, CA 94901

You can also make a gift over the phone with your MasterCard or Visa by calling (415) 388-9641. If you'd like to find our more about supporting IDA please visit: http://www.idausa.org/supportf.html .

With your help we can truly make a difference for the animals!

Beyond Body, Mind, and Spirit: Fast Food Can Be Healthy Food

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_060712.html to read Jan’s latest column, Fast Food Can Be Healthy Food.


The Cat Therapist

Twice a month, Carole Wilbourn, the Cat Therapist, answers questions and offers advice on how guardians can enrich their relationships with their beloved feline companions. Click http://idausa.org/cat_therapist/index.html to read the latest Cats on the Couch column. Also visit Carole's Cat Store ( http://www.thecattherapist.com/cat_store.htm ) to purchase a copy of her classic book, "Cat Talk: What Your Cat is Trying to Tell You."