IDA eNews: 11/28/07

Help Stop Elephant Abuses in South Africa
Oppose Development of Canned Hunting Facility
Colombian Lab Illegally Importing Owl Monkeys
Fur Free Friday Generates Heat on the Fur Trade
IDA-Project Hope Adoption Spotlight - Lilian


Help Stop Elephant Abuses in South Africa
Take Action to oppose cruel capture & training for safaris and circuses

Your help is needed urgently to halt the continued capture and training of elephants in South Africa for elephant-back safaris and circuses.

Elephant experts met with officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) twice recently. On November 8th, they provided sound scientific input outlining the welfare and conservation problems linked to the wild capture of elephants and with free contact training. This is an inhumane method in which there is no protection between trainers and elephants, and the animals are threatened and beaten if they do not behave exactly as the trainer wants.

At the second meeting on November 12, it became clear to the elephant experts that they had not made as much progress with DEAT as they were led to believe. DEAT was supposed to update the draft norms and standards with outputs from the scientific meeting on 8th. Yet they totally failed to do this, and re-opened the door for wild capture and captive breeding.

There are currently 120 captive elephants in South Africa, and capture and forced breeding of these wild animals is still taking place. The training methods for these elephants include chaining, beating, food and water deprivation, and forcing behaviors with the use of the bullhook, shock sticks and other weapons. DEAT wants to publish the norms and standards in the first week of December, so we only have about three weeks to stop the wild capture, captive breeding, and abusive training of elephants.

What You Can Do:

Please Take Action ( %takeaction-deat% ) to respectfully urge the Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism and the Provincial Members of the Executive Council to listen to the recommendations of elephant experts and put a halt to the capture, captive breeding, and free contact training of wild elephants.


Oppose Development of Canned Hunting Facility
Deer, migrating geese, and non-native species caught in the crosshairs

At a recent Seneca County Industrial Development Agency meeting in Upstate New York, a real estate development company proposed a plan to build a $1.3 million canned hunting facility on 2,300 acres of currently vacant land on the former Seneca Army Depot. The Seneca County Economic Development Corporation approved the plan on October 16th.

Everyone who cares about animals should oppose this plan because it is inhumane to hunt them in the first place. But putting them behind fences so that they have absolutely no chance of escaping with their lives is not even hunting: it's slaughter. The proposed canned hunting facility would also destroy the habitat of animals living there now, and take outdoor recreation opportunities away from hikers, nature photographers, wildlife watchers, and other non-consumptive users of public land.

What You Can Do:

- Another hearing will be held on December 13th to discuss this proposal. Please Take Action ( %takeaction-seneca% ) before then to urge the Executive Director Seneca County Industrial Development Agency to reject the canned hunting facility idea and use this prime real estate for a better purpose that will truly serve the community.

- New Yorkers: Attend the hearing on Thursday, December 13th and speak out against the proposal. The meeting will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Varick Town Hall, 4782 State Route 96, Romulus, N.Y. ( http://tinyurl.com/2vgmge )


Colombian Lab Illegally Importing Owl Monkeys
Take Action to urge government officials to halt traffic in wild-caught primates

A research facility in Colombia called the Foundation for Experimental Immunology (FIDIC) is engaged in the illegal international trafficking of wild-caught owl monkeys from the jungles of Peru and Brazil. The lab's director, Dr. Manuel Elkin Patarroyo, has used hundreds of monkeys in experiments during his nearly 20 years of research, and has recently obtained permission to procure thousands more.

All owl monkey species are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which means they cannot be exported from their countries of origin without permits. However, such permits have not been issued to FIDIC, so smugglers deliver monkeys to the lab under cover of night to evade authorities. Once inside, they are doomed to live in horrific conditions and endure tortuous treatment.

What You Can Do:

Please Take Action ( %takeaction-fidic% ) to ask government officials to prohibit FIDIC from importing owl monkeys from neighboring countries, and to investigate conditions at the foundation’s lab.


Fur Free Friday Generates Heat on the Fur Trade
Holiday shoppers exposed to the true price of fur

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Fur Free Friday at any of our many exciting demonstrations around the nation. Since 1986, this national day of action has been held on the day after Thanksgiving (which this year was November 23rd), also called "Black Friday" because it is the busiest shopping day of the year. We were therefore able to reach thousands of people, convincing many of them not to buy or wear fur.

IDA supporters and local organizers coordinated a total of 30 Fur Free Friday activities in 19 states to help end the exploitation of animals for their fur. Here are just a few of the ways they celebrated Fur Free Friday in 2007:

San Francisco, California

IDA held our traditional holiday Fur Free Friday event in San Francisco's Union Square again this year. Our huge display featured a large banner, two literature tables, furs with red paint on them, and stuffed specimens of fur-bearing species. There were many families with children there who were attracted to the animals, and parents couldn't help but read our message: "On their behalf, thank you for not buying fur."

We also showed footage of fur farms on a body-screen TV, and protesters held signs and handed out flyers in front of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, two Union Square stores that sell fur. There was a great anti-fur message humming from people's mouths throughout the area. Radio, TV, and newspaper reporters all showed up to cover the protest.

Los Angeles, California

IDA's Bill Dyer and Last Chance for Animals coordinated a Fur Free Friday march in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive, home to many fur salons. Dozens of activists carried signs and banners to remind shoppers that one single fur garment means the death of many animals. "Holidays are a time for celebration and reverence for life, so we're calling on shoppers to respect all life by not buying fur," Dyer told CBS ( http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_326122515.html ). "Ripping the skin off an animal's back simply for the sake of vanity is cruel and unnecessary."

San Luis Obispo, California

Animal Emancipation organized a protest at Mr. Michaels fur store in downtown San Luis Obispo, chanting "compassion is the fashion" outside the salon. Volunteers also passed out flyers depicting the lives of suffering and horrible deaths endured by animals used for fur. Animal Emancipation plans to continue holding protests at Mr. Michaels until the store no longer sells real animal fur.

Portland, Oregon

About 100 activists marched through the streets of downtown Portland, chanting, carrying signs, and handing out literature in the busy streets. The group paused at every downtown store that still sells fur to tell passerby about the fur industry over a bullhorn, and radical cheerleaders provided entertainment and education. Lots of holiday shoppers saw the marchers, heard their message, and expressed their support.

The procession also stopped near where Schumacher Furs used to be located to mark the store's permanent closure on May 31, 2007 and recognize the contributions of those who made this victory for animals possible. They also celebrated the recent failure of Schumacher's lawsuit against IDA, which the former fur salon owner filed to intimidate activists from exercising their right to free speech. After visiting all the stops on their route, the marchers held a short rally and enjoyed eating two vegan cakes from Sweet Pea Bakery donated by IDA.

Dallas, Texas

Thirty-nine animal advocates joined IDA and the Vegetarian Network of Dallas ( http://www.vegNOD.com ) at a Fur Free Friday demonstration, handing out flyers and speaking with the public. Many passersby expressed appreciation for the information, and some motorists driving by gave them the thumbs-up. Special thanks to Lacey Conner of VH1's Rock of Love ( http://www.myspace.com/laceyrockoflove ) for supporting her hometown's Fur Free Friday efforts to enlighten fellow Dallasites.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Actress and IDA celebrity spokeswoman Elaine Hendrix ( http://www.elainehendrix.com/ ) got smiles from drivers cruising past the West Town Mall by donning a pair of rabbit ears and holding a sign that read "Honk if you love animals." Hopping up and down like a bunny probably helped get their attention, too. "So many people love animals," she told reporters ( http://knoxnews.com/news/2007/nov/24/actress-gives-time-for-animals/ ), "and I believe if they knew what happened to them (to make clothing or in shelters), then they would make a different choice."

Battle Creek, Michigan

Members of IDA and All Species Kinship ( http://www.greenpeople.org/searchResults.cfm?memid=17004 ) held an outreach event outside of Burtrum Furs near the Lakeview Square Mall. They displayed pictures of foxes, beavers, wolves, and other fur-bearing animals with the words, "Thank you for not buying fur." They also showed video footage of animals being skinned for their fur.

Asheville, North Carolina

Volunteers with Mercy for Animals ( http://www.mercyforanimals.org/ ) held a protest in front of Kriegsman Furs located in downtown Asheville. They carried signs and banners, and handed out leaflets explaining that tens of millions of animals are caged, trapped, drowned, beaten, electrocuted, suffocated, and skinned to make fur coats and trim every year.

North Hampton, New Hampshire

Volunteers with the New Hampshire Animal Rights League (NHARL) ( http://www.nhanimalrights.org/ ) gathered for a protest in front of Dino International Furs. A group of about 10 animal rights activists held posters with such messages as "Your fur had a face." They were supported by many friendly motorists on Route 1 who waved and beeped their horns. NHARL plans to hold another demo at Dino on Saturday, December 1st.

See photos from Fur Free Friday events across the U.S. ( http://flickr.com/photos/idausa ). If you organized a Fur Free Friday event, please send us your photos ( annie [at] idausa.org ) so we can add them to our gallery.

Even though Fur Free Friday has passed, it’s not too late to organize an anti-fur event. Contact us for literature ( lit [at] idausa.org ) or to help you get started ( Melissa [at] idausa.org ).


IDA-Project Hope Adoption Spotlight - Lilian
Mother hound has a huge heart and smile to match

As a dedicated animal rescue organization and sanctuary, IDA-Project Hope ( http://www.project-hope.net ) is a vital part of the community here in Mississippi, where so many animals need our help. With all the cruelty cases I deal with on a daily basis, sometimes I forget that there are many wonderful people out there who care about animals as much as we do. It was a call from one of these everyday heroes that led us to Lilian, an awesome dog who deserves an awesome guardian.

In February of 2006, Project Hope employee Jeff and I spotted a hound running across the back road to Duck Hill, Miss. She was clearly a stray who had pups somewhere, but there was no way we could follow her as she flew through one private yard after another until we completely lost sight of her. Fortunately, less than a week later, a precious woman called to say that a mother hound and her pups had taken up in and under her shed, as well as across the street from her beneath a neighbor's home.

I responded to the call and initially was able to catch a lone pup who'd been stranded at the home across from the callers. She didn't see me sneaking up on her in the bright morning sun.

Then, when I crossed the street, I saw the most delightful sight. The hound mother that Jeff and I had spotted was rolling on the ground with her other pups. As soon as they saw me they dispersed, but I was able to catch two pups by hand and then trap the others. Mom wasn't so easy to nab, but I did finally get her -- our Lilian.

Lilian had a few health problems, including a fungus covering her body that took much time to treat and a heartworm-positive diagnosis. Because of complications, she wasn't treated for heartworms until recently, but now she is doing well. When her pups were placed, she played surrogate mom to several sets of pups, loving and protecting them just as she had her own.

If ever there was a dog deserving of a good home, it's Lilian. She is a loving girl with a huge heart and a hound smile to match that cheers everyone she greets. We truly want our Lillian to get the best home in the universe, as we do all of our rescues.

What You Can Do:

- If you are interested in adopting Lilian, call me at (662) 237-0233 or email doll [at] idausa.org. Or pay an online visit to the other animals at Project Hope who are in need of loving guardians ( http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?shelterid=MS05&preview=1 ).

- Financially sponsor a dog, cat, pig, goat, or chicken living at Project Hope. See pictures of animals and learn how ( http://www.project-hope.net/adoption_gallery.html ). Project Hope's Animal Sponsorship Program starts at just $25 a month.

Thank you for your support of IDA's Project Hope sanctuary. The animals and I truly appreciate it!

Doll Stanley
Director, IDA's Project Hope


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