IDA eNews: 10/31/07

IDA ACTION ALERTS
- IDA Seeks Whistleblowers at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
- Port Authority Exterminating Feral Cats at NY's JFK Airport
- Rhode Island Woman Severs Stolen Parrot's Leg

CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES
- Stay In Touch with IDA on Facebook
- World GO VEGAN Days Wrap-Up
- Cold Snap: Tips for Keeping Animals Safe & Warm This Winter


IDA ACTION ALERTS

IDA Seeks to Whistleblowers at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
$2500 reward offered for evidence of animal cruelty at amusement park

As Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif. prepares for limited winter hours that will restrict public access to the animals there, IDA is launching a whistleblower campaign in an effort to expose and document animal cruelty at the amusement park. Our campaign includes:

- A toll-free hotline (1-888-4-ZOO-TIP) that whistleblowers can call anonymously to report negligence or animal abuse.

- A $2500 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of Six Flags or its agents for violating federal, state, or local animal cruelty and/or animal welfare laws.

- A series of ads in Vallejo-area newspapers publicizing the hotline and the reward.

- Direct outreach to park employees and patrons.

IDA is launching the campaign on the eve of the two-month anniversary of the death of Makonnen ( http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/06/MN5IRVHO7.DTL ), a two-year-old giraffe who perished in an overnight fire at the park that is suspected to have been caused by a malfunctioning electrical system. The giraffe was one of numerous animals -- including seven elephants, two orcas, and at least four dolphins -- who have died at the park since Six Flags took over management a decade ago.

"We know that there are park employees who care about animals and are distressed by the way they are treated at this amusement park," said IDA president Elliot M. Katz, DVM. "Our whistleblower program will enable them to help the animals at Six Flags without fear of losing their jobs."

Noting that the several former park employees who have come forward with allegations of negligence and abuse did not feel safe doing so while still employed at the park, Katz said, "We are calling on people of integrity within Six Flags to call the hotline anonymously so they don't have to wait until they retire or leave the park to report negligence or animal abuse."

IDA has been critical of the park's treatment of animals, particularly the elephants ( http://helpelephants.com/six_flags.html ), seven of whom remain confined at the park in the shadow of a rollercoaster. Since 1995, nine elephants, including two full-term calves, have died at the park, and many of the current elephant residents suffer from health problems including foot disease and arthritis -- the leading causes of death in captive elephants.

What You Can Do:

Please Take Action ( http://ga0.org/campaign/sfdkelephants2 ) to urge Six Flags to send the elephants to a sanctuary. Also follow up with polite letters, phone calls, faxes, or emails.

Mr. Martin Lathrop
Park President
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
2001 Marine World Parkway
1001 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, CA 94589
Fax: (707) 644-0241
Email: mlathrop [at] sftp.com

Learn more about IDA's Whistleblower Campaign ( http://www.helpelephantsinzoos.com/zootips.html ).


Port Authority Exterminating Feral Cats at NY's JFK Airport
IDA joins coalition to save cats and stop the killing

The Port Authority is rounding up of feral cats and kittens at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, and then dumping them at area shelters. Feral cats brought to shelters are typically killed on sight because they are considered unadoptable and a safety risk to staff. The Port Authority knows this, but instead of seeking a humane solution that would allow the cats to live, the transportation agency has threatened to terminate any employees who provide food or water to the cats still at the airport, and they continue to tell the public bald-faced lies about what they are doing.

To save the cats and counter the misinformation the Port Authority's spin doctors are spreading to the media to justify the exterminations, IDA has teamed up with the NYC Feral Cat Initiative, SaveKitty Foundation, Animal Care and Control of NYC, and caring volunteers so that the first ten cats -- most of whom turned out to be kittens -- caught in the Port Authority's purge were pulled from the shelter and set up in new colonies. IDA provided a grant to cover the costs of saving this first group who all needed to be sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, micro-chipped, and ear-tipped before they could be taken from the shelter.

However, we are facing an impending crisis as more feral cats are removed from the airport and brought to shelters. IDA's East Coast Director Valerie Sicignano, who is coordinating the rescue effort, said "I expect that we will run out of suitable colonies for relocation in the next day or two, and when that happens, the feral cats and kittens will start to be killed."

In the face of tens of thousands of emails, faxes, and phone calls protesting their actions, the Port Authority continues to deceptively tell the public that the cats will all be sent to new homes, despite the likelihood that many in the very next group of cats will be euthanized as local groups and rescuers exhaust their resources. The transportation agency continues to invoke the scare tactic of the cats being an "aviation threat" despite a complete lack of evidence and growing skepticism of that claim. They also continue to claim that they only recently became aware of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) solutions despite a series of emails proving they have known about such programs since at least 2004.

What You Can Do:

Please Take Action ( %takeaction-jfkcats% ) to urge New York State officials to immediately put a stop to the feral cat roundups at JFK, and to hold the Port Authority accountable to the public they serve by ordering them to work with feral cat experts to implement a humane TNR solution.


Rhode Island Woman Severs Stolen Parrot's Leg
Take Action to urge prison sentence for animal abuser

Pamela Worden, 56, of Rhode Island was arrested in May for stealing a baby parrot from a Petco store and cutting the bird's leg off in an attempt to remove the identification bracelet. She has been charged with possession of $500 in stolen goods (a felony) and cruelty to animals (a misdemeanor). Worden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police traced the stolen bird back to Worden after she visited Petco's Warwick store and asked to hold the baby parrot, expressing interest in purchasing the bird and mentioning that she had already bought another parrot from Petco. Several minutes after Worden left the store, a Petco clerk notice the bird was gone. Store employees obtained Worden's name and address from their customer files, and called 911.

Officers who tracked Worden down at her apartment found the kidnapped bird in a cage with another parrot, only the baby bird was missing a leg and still bleeding from the wound. They discovered the amputated limb on a counter right next to a pair of scissors and the ID band. Police removed the parrots as well as a poodle from Worden's residence, and took the injured bird to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

What You Can Do:

1) Worden's next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, November 5th, so please Take Action ( %takeaction-petcoparrots% ) now to urge Special Assistant Attorney General Gina Lopes to seek a prison sentence for the accused as well as mandatory psychiatric evaluation and treatment. To have the most influence, edit the sample letter to your liking and print it for mailing, and follow up with a polite telephone call.

The Honorable Gina Lopes
Special Assistant Attorney General
Kent County Superior Court
222 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02286
Tel: (401) 822-6915
Email: glopes [at] riag.state.ri.us

2) Write a polite email to Petco via their website ( http://www.petco.com/content/contactsubtopic.aspx?PC=contactanimalcare&nav=17#top ) asking them to stop selling and breeding birds, as this case exemplifies how these innocent creatures are easily obtained by people who may not be qualified to have an animal in their possession. Also insist that they tighten security so birds are better protected and not so easily stolen or handled.

Read about IDA's Captive Bird Campaign ( http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/exotic_birds/index.htm ).


CAMPAIGN NEWS & UPDATES

Stay In Touch with IDA on Facebook
Networking site promotes friendship and animal advocacy

Dear Friends,

These days, friends and family are able to keep in touch better than they have ever been before. Cell phones have made it possible for news to be shared instantly, and with advancements in email we no longer have to wait weeks to receive letters and photos from our loved ones. The developing of networking sites has made it possible for lifelong friends to remain close and new friendships to be found anywhere in the world. They have also made it easier than ever for animal advocates to reach more people faster and more effectively with images, videos, and action alerts. In a matter of minutes advocates can educate hundreds -- if not thousands of people -- and take action at any time of the day on any day of the week!

One of these networking sites has even built in services to help make it easier to promote compassion for animals and encourage action in multiple ways.

Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/ ) has over 47 million active users and applications that allow fundraising and information-sharing specifically designed for non-profit organizations. By including applications like cause pages, video sharing, discussion groups, and speed granting, Facebook has not only changed the way armchair activists, dedicated letter writers, and animal advocates are able to expand their outreach -- it has also increased their impact and influence significantly.

We encourage you to create a Facebook page for yourself today! It is a great way to reconnect with loved ones and meet other animal advocates who care about the same issues that you do.

We also hope you'll join In Defense of Animals' group page ( http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5805552238 ), where you can keep up with our media and campaign updates as well as meet other IDA supporters in our discussion board and comment wall.

We have several cause pages (viewable to Facebook members) where you can take action on issues close to your heart and also donate and fundraise:

IDA pages
In Defense of Animals
Ban Foie Gras!
Chinese/Global Fur Trade

Anti-cruelty cause page started by IDA supporters:
Save Our Animals: Adam's Amendment Animal Protection

By joining Facebook and becoming and IDA friend, you can check out our cause pages, network with like-minded individuals, and recruit your friends and family as well. IDA also has several cause pages that will be going up soon, and we always encourage you to start your own!

And of course I hope you will become my friend as well ( http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=661211587 )! On my page, you can find links to other IDA locations on networking sites like Flickr and Myspace. I send out regular updates and invites to animal advocates, and am always interested in hearing the latest news and posting photos from our supporters!

Looking forward to meeting you again on Facebook!

For the Animals,

Annie Judah
Internet Division Manager
annie [at] idausa.org


World GO VEGAN Days Wrap-Up
IDA holds outreach events, awards prize to winner of our e-Card contest

IDA held our 3rd annual World GO VEGAN Days ( http://www.worldgovegandays.com ) this weekend, and we would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebration and made it such a success. We would especially like to thank our many co-presenters, including The American Vegan Society, Animal Acres, Animal Place, The Animals' Voice, the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, CAPE, Compassion Over Killing (COK), East Bay Animal Advocates, Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM), Farm Sanctuary, The Food Empowerment Project, Friends of Animals (FOA), Go Vegan Radio, Grassroots Anthropology, Happy Cow, Mercy for Animals, Organic Athlete, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), ProBar, Tofurky, San Francisco Vegetarian Society, United Poultry Concerns, Veg Dining, VegNews magazine, Vegan Bean, and Vegan Outreach. Everyone involved made this year's World GO VEGAN Days a fun and enlightening experience.

In our eNews last week, we encouraged our readers to enter our World GO VEGAN Days contest by sending friends and family an e-Card ( http://www.idausa.org/vegandays/ecards/ ) emphasizing the benefits of a healthy vegan diet. We are happy to announce that the winner of this contest is Amanda Butcher, who will take home:

• A $50 gift certificate from Alternative Outfitters ( http://www.alternativeoutfitters.com/ );
• A $35 gift certificate from Food Fight! ( http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/ ) vegan grocery; and
• A Compassionate Cooks Vegetarian Cooking DVD ( http://compassionatecooks.com/video.htm ).

Congratulations Amanda!

In addition, IDA held World GO VEGAN Days events in Portland and San Francisco this year. IDA staff and volunteers in San Francisco handed out hundreds of IDA vegan starter kits ( http://www.idausa.org/vegandays/ecards/vegan_kit_order.htm ), as well as coupons for delicious Tofurky ( http://www.tofurky.com/ ) graciously donated by Turtle Island Foods ( http://www.tofurky.com/aboutus/background.htm ), outside of the Metreon, a popular downtown entertainment and shopping center. Not surprisingly, the person dressed as a giant cow got the most attention.

From now through the end of the year, the Metreon is presenting a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit ( http://www.davincithegenius.com/sanfran.html ) highlighting the life and work of the legendary Renaissance artist and inventor. Da Vinci is often referred to as the greatest genius who ever lived, so it is little wonder then that he was a vegetarian, predicting over 500 years ago that "The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look on the murder of men." We like to think that da Vinci would have been proud of the efforts of IDA and our many friends who joined with us on World GO VEGAN Days, and that together we are helping to bring about that compassionate and peaceful future he envisioned.

We are very grateful to everyone who took part in World GO VEGAN Days. You can view photos of IDA's outreach events on our Flickr page ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/idausa ), as well as send us pictures (annie [at] idausa.org) of your own World GO VEGAN Days activities for posting.


Cold Snap: Tips for Keeping Animals Safe & Warm This Winter
Protect your furry friends from frostbite, hypothermia & other seasonal health hazards

With fall in full swing, winter will be here in a few weeks, bringing with it snow, sleet, and inclement weather. But the shivery season can still be lots of fun for you and your animal friends, so long as you provide them with the extra protection they need as the numbers on the thermometer start to drop. As the climate turns cooler, follow these tips for keeping cats and dogs toasty, comfy, and out of harm's way until spring.

Exercise Caution

Animals need exercise just like we do, but getting outside for some fitness fun can be more of a challenge in wintry weather. Sometimes, it's just too frigid for our friends' well-being, and as responsible guardians we need to know when they've had enough exposure to the elements. For example, long-haired dogs can safely spend short periods outdoors when it is at least 20°F, but anything below 40°F may be dangerous for short-haired dogs, puppies, and senior dogs. Dogs exposed to extreme cold can get frostbite and hypothermia in less than an hour's time, so if your friend has a case of the shivers, bring him or her inside and provide a nice blanket.

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, keep in mind that your feline friend will live longer and be healthier as a full-time housecat, so consider keeping him or her inside this winter and making this a transition period towards living permanently indoors.

Winter Coats

Just because dogs have furry coats doesn't mean they are invulnerable to winter weather. As domesticated animals, they get cold just like us, so when the temperature plummets below freezing, you'll want to have a quality sweater or coat for your dog on hand when you go out for exercise. Also invest in a pair of doggie boots that will protect your pup's sensitive paw pads. Dog clothing is available both at your local pet store and online. In addition, you can help your feline and canine friends keep warm by brushing their coats frequently, as matted fur does not make effective insulation.

Food as Fuel

Cold weather increases the physical demands on our bodies because it takes extra energy just to stay warm. Your dog may therefore need to eat and drink more during winter than at other times of the year, especially after vigorous exertion. If you leave a food or water dish outside so your friends can snack while they play, make sure it's made of plastic because an animal's tongue will stick to metal in below-freezing temperatures.

Thin Ice: Other Perils & Pitfalls of Winter

Extreme cold is not the only threat you should protect your animal companions from during winter. Dangers associated with cars can pose other problems. For instance, the rock salt and chemicals used to melt snow driveways and roads can burn and chafe animals' paws, so be sure to wipe your friends' feet down with warm, damp towels after spending time outside. Most antifreeze on the market acts as a deadly poison if ingested, so buy the kind that tastes bitter and is not fatal if swallowed. Also, some animals like to bask in the warmth of a heated-up car engine, so before putting your keys in the ignition, knock on the hood to shoo away any animals that may be hiding there.

The health and safety of our animal companions is of paramount importance, especially during a season when we need to take extra caution to ensure their welfare. These guidelines will help you and your four-legged friends get through the winter safe and sound so you can enjoy each other's company for a long time to come.


IDA Benefit Concert: 2007 World Flute Fest

The 2007 World Flute Fest is a musical event to benefit IDA's work for animals. This concert will feature flutists from around the world, including Ravichandra Kulur, Skip Healy, Roger Glenn, Carol Alban, Philip Gelb, Eric Fraser, Nancy Tyler, and Antonia David, as well as the San Francisco Flute Quartet, the Fluteville Flute Choir, and others. Vocalist Alvenson Moore will also perform with the Bay Area Chamber Symphony.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great music in a spectacular setting while helping IDA.

What: 2007 World Flute Fest: A Benefit Concert for IDA
When: Saturday, November 3rd from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Chapel of the Chimes, ( http://tinyurl.com/ja3a3 ), 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, Calif.

Admission is free, but donations to benefit IDA will be accepted. For more information, write to worldflutefest [at] aol.com .


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