A n i m a l W r i t e s ©
sm
The official ANIMAL
RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Established 1997
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Issue # 11/16/03
Publisher ~ Susan
Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Journalists ~ Greg Lawson -
ParkStRanger@aol.com
~ Michelle Rivera - MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ Dr. Steve Best -
sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ An Ahimsa ThanXgiving - Fast 2003
2 ~ 2003 Holiday Websites
3 ~ Call Neiman Carcass About Fur That Has "Dalmatian Spots"
4 ~ Don't Get Mad, Get Even...for the Animals, that is!
5 ~ Tests Reveal Dog, Cat Fur Products Are Toxic
6 ~ Grants Available
7 ~ Fur Free Friday - What You Can Do
8 ~ Prayers of Compassion
9 ~ Memorable Quote
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`
~1~
An Ahimsa ThanXgiving - Fast 2003
By fidyl@yahoo.com
Oh, no! Here it comes again! Those dreaded holidays where
Vegans waffle between:
A) Going to a family get-together and literally suffer through hours of staring
at dead carcasses, watching as others gulp down – not chewing – these abused
souls,
B) Going to a family get-together and endure all those not so casual comments
about anti-Veganism,
C) Not going to these gatherings and trying to arrange a dinner for like-minded
folks,
D) Not going to these gatherings and staying by themselves with their
Tofurkeys,
E) Not going to these gatherings and wondering if we hurt the feelings of
unconcerned/uncaring humans,
F) Not going to the dinners, but arriving afterwards for “dessert”
G) Not going to these gatherings and fasting.
That's right! I said FASTING. I will be fasting this ThanXgiving again - this
has been a tradition since 1998. I hope some list members will be joining me on
this day of torture, death, greed, selfishness and debauchery by doing the
same.
My fast is in HONOR/REMEMBERENCE/REVERENCE of the MILLIONS of animals that are
tortured and abused, then slaughtered just for this one (1) day alone in the
U.S.
I am not discussing one (1) day fasts. My fasts run from Wednesday until
Sunday.
Fasting achieves numerous benefits. It is a wonderful way to clean out the body
as far as health is concerned.
Spiritually, it also cleanses the soul.
Originally, fasting was used to 'get closer to the higher being.'
It was also used to rid sick bodies of diseases. This was copied from watching
animals when they are ill. They either eat greens or nothing at all.
Modern times has shown fasting to be a form of protest. Gandhi also used
fasting to bring his point across.
My fasting tradition has came about when I could no longer go to family
gatherings for this 'holiday' and sit around a table infested with dead carcass
and by-products. Even the 'religious' holidays were laughable as we traipsed to
our building of worship only to march back to a home full of death, abuse and
chemical irresponsibility.
I have had numerous opportunities to join like-minded folks for a holiday
feast, but prefer to not look upon this holiday as a festive occasion. Why? Because
it also represents false facts throughout American history. Native Americans
were thwarted into slavery and near-annihilation by the 'white man' in the name
of 'god.' Recent findings are coming out that there was no turkey - or even any
kind of 'meat' - at the dinner; only fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.
Then, back to modern times, it always bothered me that after these dinners, the
male attendees would gather together in front of a television set to watch the
bloodsport known as 'football,' leaving the women (slaves again to the 'white
man') to clean up and watch after the children.
You are invited and welcome to join my discussion list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoFlaVegans/
Starting [soon] there will appear articles, information and guides about the
history and hypocrisy of ThanXgiving, as well as how to cope with the upcoming
holidays. Additionally, you will find ways to fast safely and wisely. For those
who wish to “celebrate” and not fast, you will find tons of recipes and tips,
as well!
As we ready ourselves for Fur-Free Friday, I wish everyone who is willing to
“take the plunge” the best of luck in a successful and quick fast, and may all
of our efforts pay off!
<> <> <> <> <>
Here are my other discussion lists that also contain tons of information in
each of their categories – DAILY!!! Please research the message archives for
information you are seeking and what you have missed:
Everything Yoga!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Yoga-With-Nancy-SoFla/
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SignSoFla/
Alternative Schooling Within The School System
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoFlaSchools/
Om Shanti
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~2~
2003 Holiday Websites
Compiled and annotated by
Demnymets@aol.com
http://www.petfinder.org/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/livingwithyourpets/holidayswithpets/1.46.8.txt
Animals As Holiday Gifts - from Petfinder and the Animal News Center
Common sense advice why you shouldn't give an animal as a gift during the most
chaotic time of the year. It's not always the ultimate gift, it could be the
ultimate nightmare too!
<>
http://www.animalrightstuff.com/
Animal Rights Stuff Shirts
Loads of items that "speak for the animals". Be sure to check out the
Clearance page too!
<>
http://www.all-creatures.org/cash/ccatalog.html
Committee to Abolish Sports Hunting - Catalog -
Wild Animalopoly, instead of buying properties, players become caretakers of
animals. Other anti-hunting items, including the beautiful poster "I Am My
Brother's Keeper."
<>
http://www.animaladvocacy.net/happyholidays.html
Happy Howlidays to ALL Creatures!
From AnimalAdvocacy.net a website full of holiday news items, animal writings,
an extensive list of other advocacy holiday websites full of shopping and
recipes. Also, gift giving information on adoption/sponsorships for sanctuary
animals and others in need.
<>
http://www.petfinder.org/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/livingwithyourpets/holidayswithpets/1.46.7.txt
Holiday Pet Health Tips from Petfinder and the ASPCA
Great advice "before" you start decorating for the holidays. There's
also more information at :
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc
ASPCA: Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
<>
http://www.ussartf.org/holiday_safety_tips_and_greeting.htm
Holiday Safety Tips And Greetings - US SAR TASK FORCE
Who better to offer safety tips to humans than from our Search and Rescue
friends.
<>
http://www.parkc.org/
People for Animal Rights
This group is holding an appreciation holiday party for their shelter and
adoption groups, which includes a wish list of items to bring. There's also a
long list of compassionate shopping websites for your convenience.
<>
http://www.klsnet.com/wish.html
Shelter Wish Lists
Can shelters, rescues and rehabbers ever run out of wishes? This list is long,
generic and printable! It's also recommended you do call your local groups
before you haul the old fridge over there.
<>
https://secure5.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=vegane&BusType=BtoC&Count1=713466823&Count2=630607247&Target=products%2Easp&CategoryID=15
VeganEssentials Online Store
vegan products for all ages and species in your family!
<>
http://www.recipezaar.com/browse/index.zsp?pg=1&path=0110A00A90A8
Vegetarian / Vegan / Holiday/Event recipes - Recipezaar
The website claims to be the World's Smartest Cookbook where..."Real
people from all over the world share their favorite recipes here. Get their
cooking experience at your fingertips for free, while Recipezaar helps you find
the best recipes to match your diet and tastes." Registration is free and
there were almost 4,000 recipes in the Veg*an category!
<>
http://www.veggieglobal.com/travel/
Vegetarian Holidays World Map Finder
From Veggieglobal.com, includes travel and restaurant guides, shops and
entertainment, jobs and e-mail pals.
<>
http://www.boutell.com/vegetarian/Thanksgiving.html
Vegetarian Thanksgiving, 2003
A vegetarian family celebrates the holiday, especially with tips for hosting a
vegetarian, at a more traditional gathering, for our non-veg*an friends.
<>
http://www.montelis.com/satya/first_veg.html
This is Satya | The First Vegetarian Thanksgiving From the website: "But
it's tradition," is the cry when vegetarians wonder why killing an animal
should make Thanksgiving special. Vegetarian historian Rynn Berry begs to
differ. Read all about it here.
<>
http://www.peta.org/feat/HolidayAuction/
PETA Holiday Auction
For eBay fans especially, six pages of really interesting items to bid on with
100% of the proceeds going to PETA.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~3~
Call Neiman Carcass
About Fur That Has "Dalmatian Spots"
From the Fund For Animals - www.fund.org
As the weather gets colder, so do the hearts of Neiman
Marcus executives, as they turn into modern-day versions of Disney's
"Cruella De Vil." The company's Christmas catalog features a white
fox fur wrap with "dalmatian spots, just for fun." Please call Neiman
Marcus on Thursday, November 13, 2003, and politely ask Karen Katz, the
company's president, to stop selling ALL real fur and fur trim. Let
her know that there is nothing "fun" about life in a tiny wire cage
for the millions of foxes killed each year for the fur trade. Karen Katz can be
reached at 1-800-937-9146. If you cannot get through to that number, please
call customer service at 1-888-888-4757. For more information on the campaign,
please visit:
http://www.NeimanCarcass.com
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~4~
Don't Get Mad, Get Even.....for the Animals, that is!
By Demnymets@aol.com, Website Sleuth for
ARO
Oh, the holidays must be close, judging by the print catalogs
jammed into my snail-mailbox this time of year! Nothing gets me in the holiday
spirit more than thumbing through these Adult (got credit card !) Wish Books.
AND, nothing depresses me more than seeing all the dead animals represented in
their glossy "Buy Me" pages, including those from CONSERVATION FOR
PROFIT organizations? Most noticeably, furbaby trimmed items. If you share my
grief, there's a website that's making notes, literally!
Thanks to Ban Cruel Traps.com , you too can become a "fur-spotter".
For details and instructions how "to report," please check out:
http://www.bancrueltraps.com/New/FurSightings.htm
Fur Sightings
~or~
Ban Cruel Traps
API
P.O. Box 22505
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-447-3085
fax 916-447-3070
info@BanCruelTraps.com
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~5~
Tests Reveal Dog, Cat Fur Products Are Toxic
By Patricia Collier
http://www.anc.org/pets/pets_article.cfm?identifier=2003_1112_fur
Though condemned by numerous animal rights groups, dog and cat fur
is still widely sought and traded throughout the world. Intensive fur farms, in
which dogs and cats are bred, raised and slaughtered in horrific conditions,
still operate in a number of countries; and efforts to ban the trade have so
far proven largely unsuccessful. But scientists are now saying products made
from the furs may not be safe for humans - and the technical angle may do more
to stop the fur trading than law enforcement agencies have been able to
accomplish so far. About 12 dogs or 24 cats are killed to make one coat, even
more if puppies or kittens are used. Dog and cat fur is used for coats,
jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, blankets, stuffed animals, even children's toys.
Activists say protests about the cruelty of the trade haven't helped to abate
the activity. In May the BBC reported seeing evidence - including a videotaped
interview with a Belgian cat fur farmer - which proved cats were being
intensively farmed for their skins in the European Union.
Respect For
Animals:The Trade in Dog and Cat Fur
www.respectforanimals.org/facts/fur.html
And opponents of the trade estimate more than two million cats and dogs are
slaughtered every year to support the main market for the products - in China.
Despite the apparent worldwide apathy about the suffering of farmed cats and
dogs, a new, damning piece of scientific evidence about the toxicity of
products made from their fur may be what finally ends the cruelty, authorities
said. Tests conducted recently by an independent laboratory found that products
made from dog and cat fur contain extremely high levels of chromium, levels
which exceed allowable safety limits. Toxic and carcinogenic chemicals are
introduced onto the products during the tanning process. Nicola Beynon of
Humane Society International said her organization has tested products made
from dog and cat fur on sale in Australia. "We have found that they've tested
at extremely high levels of chromium," Beynon said, "In fact, a
jacket made of German Shepherd fur tested positive for chromium levels 130
times the allowable level." Also tested was a small cat-shaped toy for
children, made of feline fur. It tested 30 times higher than the safe level.
Mariann Lloyd-Smith, with the National Toxics Network, said her biggest fear
would be for small children.
"I think as any parent knows, all toddlers test things by putting [them]
into their mouth and sucking, and certainly chromium can be absorbed into the
body, either through ingestion or through breathing in the dust,"
Lloyd-Smith said. "And in this case I would be very concerned about
toddlers sucking on the fur of these toys with those sort of levels." Dog
and cat fur trading has been banned in the United States since 2000 and Denmark
and Italy have since followed suit. There is no such ban in Australia, although
the government said the issue is "high priority." According to
Beynon, in countries where the animal cruelty aspect does not sway the demand,
other reasons must be introduced to enact a permanent ban against trading of
dog and cat furs. "If animal cruelty isn't a good enough reason to ban, if
consumer fraud isn't a good enough reason to ban, then surely public safety is
a very good reason, particularly when you're talking about products that are
children's toys," Beynon said.
Sources
Animal Concerns Community
www.animalconcerns.org/external.html?www=http%3A//www.
abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s967844.htm
&itemid=200310150720280.610986
Dog and cat fur trade threatens health: lab tests BBC News
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3009537.stm
Cats 'farmed for skins in EU'
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~6~
Grants Available
ANIMALAID GRANTS FOR DISASTER RELIEF!
AnimalAid is UAN's relief program designed to assist animals affected by
personal disasters. Personal disasters can include a house fire, domestic
violence situation, or the death of a family member due to accident. AnimalAid
grants may also be awarded to families recovering from tragedies related to
large-scale natural or manmade disasters, for example the 9-11 terrorist
attacks, 2003 Midwest Tornadoes, hurricane Isabel, and the 2003 Southern
California wildfires. Situations qualifying will be evaluated on a case by case
basis and will consider the income restrictions of the family.
Animals needing care as a result of the Southern California Wildfires are
especially encouraged to apply.
To read more about the program or to apply, please go to: http://www.uan.org/animalaid.html
No phone calls, please.
<><><><><>
LIFELINE GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY VET CARE ASSISTANCE!
The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued companion
animals with life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate
emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans and grassroots
rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals.
The basic eligibility requirements are as follows: A situation may be eligible
for a LifeLine grant if there is specific emergency care needed for a
life-threatening condition, and there is financial impossibility to pay.
Situations that are not eligible include cases where treatment has already been
rendered, the bill needs to be paid, or the person or rescue group has received
a grant within the last 24 months. Typical grant range is $100-$150. Since
grants are restricted, please carefully read the eligibility requirements before
applying, and to only apply with your most eligible case.
Please see the LifeLine guidelines for complete eligibility requirements, at http://www.uan.org/lifeline/guidelines.html.
Applications are accepted through that link only. No phone calls or emails,
please.
<><><><><>
ABOUT UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS
United Animal Nations, a national animal advocacy and rescue organization based
in Sacramento, California, was founded in 1987 by a small group of humane
movement workers with more than 120 years of aggregate experience who wanted to
save forgotten animals. LifeLine is a project of United Animal Nations (UAN),
and has helped save the lives of over 1500 animals since 1997. AnimalAid began
in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and has helped over 200 animals. For
more information on these and other UAN programs, please see the UAN website: http://www.uan.org
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~7~
Fur Free Friday - What You Can Do
Traditionally, the day after thanksgiving has been the
start of the holiday shopping season. Fur Free Friday is set up to coincide
with that shopping rush. If you wish to help check out the following website:
What You Can Do
http://www.furkills.org/wycd.html
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~8~
Prayers of Compassion
http://www.all-creatures.org/prayers/holiday.html
- A Holiday Prayer -
Oh Dear Lord,
from whom all life extends
and returns.
Take under your wing
these creatures of the holiday,
lives shortened and thankless,
bereft of your sun and moon to gaze upon
and rain to feel upon their backs,
the morning crisp and bright.
Hear these small voices
hold their hearts inside your wide embrace
and let your tears
become the raindrops
as the cycle begins again.
Help us to feed upon the yield of the field
and not of the blood,
cleansing our hearts
and our bodies with these grains of truth.
Give us a real holiday from cruelty
for the sake of our soulmates, all faces,
to gain the collective wisdom of non-violence.
To this end we are truly thankful.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~9~
Memorable Quote
"Dear Lord, I've been asked, nay commanded, to thank
Thee for the Christmas turkey before us...a turkey which was no doubt a lively,
intelligent bird... a social being...capable of actual affection... nuzzling
its young with almost human-like compassion. Anyway, it's dead and we're gonna
eat it. Please give our respects to its family."
~Berke
Breathed, Bloom Country Babylon
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal
Rights Online=-
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
(Permission granted to quote/forward/reprint/repost this newsletter In
whole or in part with credit given to EnglandGal@aol.com)
* Please forward this to a friend whom you think
might be interested in subscribing to our newsletter.
* ARO gratefully accepts and considers articles
for publication
from subscribers on veg*anism and animal issues.
Send submissions to JJswans@aol.com
** Fair Use Notice**
This document may contain copyrighted material, use of which has not been specifically
authorized by the copyright owners. I believe that this not-for-profit,
educational use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material
(as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law). If you wish to use
this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you
must obtain permission from the copyright owner.