PETA Brings New Campaign to Boulder

For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Boulder, Colo. -- Accompanied by an activist dressed as a half-plucked goose and holding signs that read, "Plucked Alive," with graphic imagery, PETA supporters will congregate in Boulder on Wednesday as part of a tour through Colorado, known for its many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The battered bird's point? Compassionate shoppers who would never think of buying fur often purchase sleeping bags, jackets, gloves, pillows, or comforters filled with down because they aren't aware of the hideous suffering of birds who are often repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers.

When:   Wednesday, December 19, 12 noon

Where:  Corner of Broadway and Pearl Street, Boulder

"PETA wants Coloradans to know that buying down products is every bit as cruel as purchasing fur, exotic skins, leather, or wool," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "The rule of thumb is easy to remember: If a product came from an animal, the chances that abuse and suffering were involved are roughly 100 percent."

Warm, animal-friendly bedding and winter clothing are available everywhere. PETA encourages shoppers to check labels for synthetic down, down alternative, polyester fill, or high-tech fabrics such as PrimaLoft® and Thinsulate™—soft, washable, down-like fibers. In most cases, these are a superior option for climbers and campers, as down, loses much of its insulating properties when it gets wet.

In a new PETA video exposé, Alicia Silverstone offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how millions of geese and ducks are plucked for their feathers while they are still alive—a traumatic and painful experience. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here, and Silverstone's video interview can be downloaded here.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Otero County, Colo. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather creates additional hardships for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This step is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when a car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, supply food and water and call your local Humane Society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or whiteouts by spreading birdseed on the ground. Supply access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

For TV:PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here. For Print: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here. For Radio: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Wants to Hold Corporations Accountable for Animal Use, Seeks Reforms

For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2012

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- How does PETA get the attention of General Electric, Pfizer, Charles River Laboratories, and Merck—four huge corporations that have refused to stop archaic animal testing or even discuss alternatives? By buying stock in them and submitting shareholder resolutions.

PETA bought just enough stock in these companies to introduce resolutions, which it has just filed, calling on these corporations to detail new procedures that will reduce and replace animal use—particularly the number of animals forced to endure painful experiments—and improve the horrendous treatment of the millions of nonhuman primates, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, rats, and mice who are used by these companies each year. 

The four companies have a history of violating the most minimal laws protecting animals. Recent documented abuses include the following:

• Charles River Laboratories has killed animals by incorrectly ramming tubes into their stomachs. 
• Hundreds of dogs and cats used in painful experiments at Pfizer were not given pain relief, including some who stopped eating and were eventually killed.
• Merck denied veterinary treatment to a dog with cysts and other dogs who bled after careless nail trimming.
• General Electric failed to give proper pain relief to rabbits who were cut open in experiments.

"Shareholders have a right to know what goes on behind the closed doors of their companies' laboratories," says PETA Senior Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Kathy Guillermo. "PETA's resolutions offer shareholders the opportunity to demand that their companies stop using cruel, unreliable, and expensive animal tests."

Resolutions frequently open the door to regular, constructive discussions between PETA scientists and companies' upper management and scientists.

PETA's shareholder resolutions are available upon request.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Fond du Lac, Wis. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

Because heavy snow and low temperatures are hitting your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Muskegon, Mich. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Milwaukee -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

For TV:PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here. For Print: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here. For Radio: PETA's cold-weather public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Every year, PETA receives thousands of complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard dogs," who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, and it can also pose challenges for wildlife.

With snow and low temperatures predicted for your area, will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience now and throughout the winter in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals indoors. This is absolutely critical when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or a coat on walks.
• Don't allow your cat or dog to roam outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started.
• Wipe off your dogs' or cats' legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them. You should also increase animals' food rations during the winter because they burn more calories in an effort to stay warm.
• Keep an eye out for stray animals. Take unidentified animals indoors until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• If you see animals left outside without shelter from the elements, please notify authorities. For information on what constitutes adequate shelter, click here.
• During extreme winter weather, birds and other animals may have trouble finding food and water. Offer rations to wildlife who are caught in storms or white-outs by spreading birdseed on the ground. Provide access to liquid water by filling a heavy water bowl and breaking the surface ice twice a day. Remember to remove the food once the weather improves to encourage the animals to move on to warmer areas.

PETA's cold-weather public service announcement featuring Justin Theroux is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

City Joins Other South Florida Towns in Telling Circuses to Stay out if They Beat Elephants and Tigers

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Hallandale Beach, Fla. -- In a move that could inspire cities throughout Florida and beyond, the Hallandale Beach City Commission voted last night to ban the use of bullhooks—weapons with a sharp steel hook that are used to gouge and beat elephants—as well as whips used on tigers and electric prods. So PETA is sending a box of elephant-shaped chocolates to the commission to show the group's appreciation. The action means that Ringling Bros. and Barnum& Bailey Circus, Cole Bros. Circus, and other notoriously cruel ciruses that rely on bullhooks to keep elephants in constant fear of being whacked and also use whips on tigers will be prohibited from exhibiting these animals in the city.

"By banning the cruel use of bullhooks and whips, Hallandale Beach is continuing a trend that is setting South Florida apart as an ethical leader," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "The commission's action puts Ringling Bros. and other circuses on notice that forcing elephants and tigers to perform through beatings will no longer be tolerated."

PETA has gathered extensive video and photographic evidence showing Ringling trainers and handlers as they beat and jab elephants—including babies—with bullhooks as well as the abuse of tigers and other animals.  PETA dispatched an action alert to area members to contact the commission and attend the final-vote meeting to show support for the measure. PETA also directly sent the commission hard evidence of Ringling's routine abuse of animals, in case Ringling furnishes any misinformation.

Hallandale Beach joins Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Margate, Fla.; Fulton County, Ga.; Southampton, N.Y.; and other municipalities nationwide in prohibiting the use of bullhooks.

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

PETA Brings New Campaign to Denver

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk

Denver -- Accompanied by an activist dressed as a half-plucked goose and holding signs that read, "Plucked Alive," with graphic imagery, PETA supporters will congregate in Denver on Thursday as part of a tour through Colorado, known for its many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The battered bird's point? Compassionate shoppers who would never think of buying fur sometimes purchase sleeping bags, jackets, gloves, pillows, or comforters filled with down because they aren't aware of the hideous suffering of birds who are often repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers.

When:   Thursday, December 20, 12 noon 

Where:  Corner of 16^th Street and Tremont Place, Denver

"PETA wants Coloradans to know that buying down products is every bit as cruel as purchasing fur, exotic skins, leather, or wool," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "The rule of thumb is easy to remember: If a product came from an animal, the chances that abuse and suffering were involved are roughly 100 percent."

Warm, animal-friendly bedding and winter clothing are available everywhere. PETA encourages shoppers to check labels for synthetic down, down alternative, polyester fill, or high-tech fabrics such as PrimaLoft® and Thinsulate™—soft, washable, down-like fibers. In most cases, these are a superior option for climbers and campers, as down loses much of its insulating properties when it gets wet.

In a new PETA video exposé, Alicia Silverstone offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how millions of geese and ducks are plucked for their feathers while they are still alive—a traumatic and painful experience. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here, and Silverstone's video interview can be downloaded here.

Group Says Only the Truly Needy Have Any Excuse for Wearing Fur 

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Toronto -- PETA members will distribute 30 fur coats—donated by those who have moved on to garments whose production did not involve cruelty to animals—to some of Toronto's neediest residents at the John Innes Community Centre on Thursday. PETA has invited women from several homeless shelters to attend the event and receive a free coat.

When:   Thursday, December 20, 12 noon 

Where:  John Innes Community Centre, 150 Sherbourne St., Toronto

"We can't bring the animals who were slaughtered to make these coats back to life, but we can send a message that only people truly struggling to survive have any excuse for wearing fur," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk.

For every cuff, collar, piece of trim, or coat made from real fur, animals endured miserable lives and died in agony. For this reason, many people—including celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Kim Cattrall, and Sharon Osbourne—have chosen to donate their fur coats to PETA for use in educational displays, to supply bedding for orphaned animals, or to be given to needy people in the U.S. and elsewhere.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Subject of Sting—Involving Tens of Thousands of Suffering Rats, Sick and Dying Reptiles—Has History of Cruelty Going Back to 1985

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Lake Elsinore, Calif. -- Law-enforcement officials, who last week entered Lake Elsinore–based animal dealer Global Captive Breeders LLC (GCB), acted on evidence gathered during a two-month PETA undercover investigation that revealed severe neglect of and cruelty to animals on a massive scale. More than 18,000 rats and 600 reptiles were found suffering at the business. This rescue operation is the largest seizure of rats in U.S. history and the largest-ever seizure of animals in California. Video footage and photographs from PETA's investigation—the first images from inside GCB to be released—are available.

PETA's investigator documented a failure to provide animals with adequate space, food, and water; injured and sick animals deprived of veterinary care; and reptiles left to languish and die in filth-encrusted tubs, surrounded by their own waste and the maggot-ridden remains of other animals. GCB workers, including its manager, shot at rats with a BB gun, froze them alive, bludgeoned them with metal tongs and gun handles, and smashed them against hard surfaces in an attempt to kill them.

"GCB was a reeking hellhole for the rats, snakes, and other animals who were left to starve, drown, and die among the rotting corpses of other animals," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "The individuals responsible for this staggering cruelty must be prosecuted and banned from laying their hands on another animal."

When a team of veterinary experts from Animal Friends of the Valleys, PETA, the Marin Humane Society, the Colorado Reptile Humane Society, and others first entered GCB on December 12, they found thousands of suffering, dying, dead, and decomposing animals. An overwhelming stench of death, decay, and ammonia burned first responders' lungs and eyes as they found animal carcasses teeming with maggots, young rats confined by the hundreds to plastic containers without food or water, and mother rats confined with their newborn babies to drawers so small that the adults could not stand upright. Animals had drowned, and rats' bodies floated in flooded bins. Snakes and rats were also loose in the warehouse.

"By far, this is the most severe and large-scale single facility forcing animals to live in vile and horrific conditions that I have experienced in my nearly 30 years as an animal cruelty investigator," says Captain Cindy Machado, Marin Humane Society animal services director and an expert in investigations of cruelty to animals who assisted in coordinating and leading the response and investigative teams at GCB. "We found evidence of animals drowning; dying in enclosures; rotting and decaying in cages; living for days without water; deprived of simple, basic care; and living in high levels of contaminated air—by far exceeding the level of suffering we have ever encountered."

This is not PETA's first encounter with GCB owner and Orange County resident Mitch Behm. In the mid-'80s, when he was a college student, he videotaped himself throwing mice, rats, and rabbits into a bathtub with ferrets, who attacked and killed them. Behm admitted to conducting these unapproved "experiments" in part for his own "enjoyment," but the statute of limitations had expired by the time law-enforcement authorities discovered the video footage.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Pair Will Ask Shoppers to 'Be Sweet to Animals' 

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Rochester, N.Y. -- Wearing mistletoe bikinis, a pair of PETA activists will brave the elements to hand out dairy-free chocolates to holiday shoppers in chilly downtown Rochester on Friday. The tags on the candy hearts will read, "Be Sweet to Animals," and the ladies will hold signs reading, "Have a Heart—Go Vegan." The shivering duo's point? That consumers should give animals some comfort and joy by trying a delicious meat-free holiday feast this year.

When:   Friday, December 21, 12 noon

Where:  Northeast corner of E. Main and Franklin streets, Rochester

Besides causing the daily suffering of billions of animals raised and killed for food, the consumption of meat and other animal products has been conclusively linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

"The holidays should be a celebration of life," says bikini-clad PETA activist Virginia Fort. "Meat makes you sick, and it's murder on animals. I can't think of a bigger turnoff at Christmas or any other time of year."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

After PETA Complaint, USDA Cites Have Trunk Will Travel for Ignoring Basic Safety Precautions During Dangerous Elephant Rides

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Perris, Calif. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just released records to PETA revealing that in August 2012, the agency—prompted by a PETA complaint—inspected Perris-based animal exhibitor Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT) and cited the outfit for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to safely supervise the elephant rides that HTWT supplied at the Central States Fair in Rapid City, S.D. The USDA inspector noted that several times, handlers failed to supervise an elephant directly, and at least twice, only a single handler was left to supervise two elephants.

"It's always dangerous to place adults and children on the backs of stressed, frustrated captive elephants—and when you have only one handler supervising multiple elephants, that risk skyrockets," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is telling parents and event organizers alike that it's unconscionable to support HTWT's abusive, irresponsible, and hazardous elephant rides."

Just last year, Animal Defenders International released video footage of adult and baby elephants crying out in pain as HTWT trainers repeatedly struck them with sharp metal-tipped bullhooks and shocked them with electric prods. Abused elephants are known to lash out: One elephant owned by HTWT ran amok at the Denver Zoo, throwing a trainer against a wall, scattering crowds of visitors, and knocking over a mother and her baby. Elephant rides at numerous other venues have also resulted in injuries.

In light of this citation, PETA is renewing its call on San Diego County Fair organizers to follow the lead of the Orange County Fair, the L.A. County Fair, and the Santa Ana Zoo by ending its affiliation with the notorious elephant abuser.

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

PETA Renews Appeal for San Diego County Fair to Cancel Cruel and Dangerous Elephant Rides

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

San Diego -- PETA has fired off a letter to the organizers of the San Diego County Fair alerting them to a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act by notorious animal exhibitor Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT), which has supplied elephant rides for the fair. In the letter, PETA explains that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just released records to PETA revealing that in August 2012, the agency—prompted by a PETA complaint—inspected HTWT and cited the outfit for failing to supervise its elephant rides properly, noting that at least twice, only a single handler was left to supervise two elephants. In light of this violation, PETA is renewing its call on the fair to follow the lead of the Orange County Fair, the L.A. County Fair, and the Santa Ana Zoo by ending its affiliation with HTWT.

"It's always dangerous to place adults and children on the backs of stressed, frustrated captive elephants—and when you have only one handler supervising multiple elephants, that risk skyrockets," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is telling the San Diego County Fair that these latest violations are yet one more reason to sever ties with HTWT's abusive, irresponsible, and hazardous elephant rides."

Just last year, Animal Defenders International released video footage of adult and baby elephants crying out in pain as HTWT trainers repeatedly struck them with sharp metal-tipped bullhooks and shocked them with electric prods. Abused elephants are known to lash out: One of the elephants owned by HTWT ran amok at the Denver Zoo, throwing a trainer against a wall, scattering crowds of visitors, and knocking over a mother and her baby. Elephant rides at numerous other venues have also resulted in injuries.

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

Health-, Earth-, and Animal-Friendly Restaurant Serves a Plethora of Delicious Dishes to Please Every Palate

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Memphis, Tenn. -- Voter turnout was heavy, as usual, but now all the ballots have been cast and tallied to help peta2, PETA's youth division, decide who should be named the winners in the group's seventh annual Libby Awards. Libby Awards ("Libby" is for "liberation," as in animal liberation) went to animal-friendly people, companies, and products in 22 categories this year, and the victor in the category of Best Vegan Local Restaurant is Memphis' Imagine Vegan Cafe.

"Imagine is a mecca for people looking for great food that didn't cost an animal an arm and a leg," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And with its savory entrées and delectable desserts, it's proof that even the most discerning palates can enjoy delicious, exciting, and satisfying vegan food."

First-time visitors to Imagine might be fooled by the numerous mentions of "cheese," "chicken," "steak," "pepperoni," "sausage," and "milk" on the menu, but nothing at Imagine contains so much as a speck of meat, dairy products, or eggs. Specialties include Southern fried "chicken," deep-fried "shrimp" with cocktail sauce, "crab" cakes, "turkey" cutlets, "calamari," and "beef" tips with rice. Gluten-free options are also available and clearly marked.

Desserts run the gamut from devilishly rich brownie sundaes to banana splits with a variety of toppings and fresh-baked cupcakes. Imagine even features a special kids' menu that includes such favorites as "chicken" nuggets, veggie dogs, and mac 'n' cheese. And you'll definitely want to try the Sunday brunch, a feast offering biscuits and gravy, French toast, pigs in a blanket, and the stick-to-your-ribs Memphis Slam—two open-faced biscuits topped with tofu scramble, "sausage," gravy, and vegan cheese.

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

Forever 21, Urban Decay, and The Body Shop Grab Libby Awards for Taking the Pain Out of That Killer Look

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- Voter turnout was heavy, as usual, but now all the ballots have been cast and tallied to help peta2, PETA's youth division, decide who should be named the winners in the group's seventh annual Libby Awards. Libby Awards ("Libby" is for "liberation," as in animal liberation) went to animal-friendly people, companies, and products in 22 categories this year. The following are peta2's winners in teen fashion and makeup:

Forever 21 is known for being trendy and affordable, and the company also refuses to sell fur, which netted it a Libby for Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company. Forever 21 also carries a great line of faux-leather jackets and wool-free sweaters. Alternative Outfitters was a shoe-in for Most Vegan Friendly Shoe Store for its top-quality faux-leather high heels, sandals, sneakers, boots, men's dress shoes, and more. The studded vegan belt from Angry, Young and Poor was a cinch to clinch the prize for Best Cruelty-Free Accessory. The 17-year-old company also sells longtime vegan favorite Dr. Martens boots for men and women as well as some very radical punk heels.

The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Company Libby went to Urban Decay, whose many luxurious makeup products are never tested on animals and contain no animal-derived ingredients. Venerable Libby nominee The Body Shop picked up the award for Best Vegan Bath and Body Product for its popular Tea Tree Face Wash. Best Vegan Cosmetics Product went to e.l.f.'s Studio 144-Piece Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette in a range of fun and funky colors. And Sparklehearts took home the Libby for Best Cruelty-Free Hair Product for its all-natural Shine Shampoo, which really lives up to its name.

"Fashion and cosmetics are a priority for young people, and thanks to our winners and nominees, buying the very best products available with a clear conscience is easier than ever," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "Kids can have that killer look without having to worry about harming animals."

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count. For more information, please visit peta2.com or click here.

Voters on peta2.com Help Musicians, TV Stars Land Libby Awards for Promoting Animal-Friendly Attitudes

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
Wendy Wegner 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- Six young celebrities' efforts to help animals have garnered them top honors from peta2, PETA's youth division, in the seventh annual Libby Awards ("Libby" is for "liberation," as in animal liberation), which honor animal-friendly people and products. We are pleased to announce the following winners:

• Trace Cyrus, who appeared in peta2's edgy "Ink, Not Mink" anti-fur campaign, has been named Most Animal-Friendly Hip-Hop Artist.
• Bring Me the Horizon's Jona Weinhofen's head-turning, naked "Vegan Like a Boss" campaign was dubbed the Best peta2 Ad.
• We The Kings' efforts to urge its fans to be superheroes for animals landed the group the title of Most Animal-Friendly Band.
• Vegetarian NY Ink star Megan Massacre has been crowned Favorite peta2 Hottie.
• Australian band Tonight Alive, whose members spoke with peta2 about going vegan, the importance of spaying and neutering dogs and cats, and the cruelty of forcing animals to perform in circuses, landed the award for peta2 Breakthrough Artist.
• And Secret Life of the American Teenager star, vegan crusader, and reigning Sexiest Vegetarian CelebrityRenee Olstead—who also ran in the PETA Pack this year—snagged the title of Most Animal-Friendly Celebrity.

"Trace Cyrus, Renee Olstead, and peta2's other Libby winners have encouraged countless people to make animal-friendly choices about what they eat, what they wear, and what they do for entertainment," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "Young people today care about making the world a better place for animals—and their favorite celebrities are leading the charge."

Twenty-three Libby Awards were given out this year, recognizing everything from the best animal-friendly clothing company to the best vegan food truck. Winners were chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count. Each winner will receive a framed certificate and be featured on peta2.com.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

PETA Calls On Fair to Nix Cruel and Dangerous Elephant Rides in the Future

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Rapid City, S.D. -- PETA has fired off a letter to the organizers of Rapid City's Central States Fair calling on them to make 2012 the last year that notorious animal exhibitor Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT) will offer elephant rides at the fair. In the letter, PETA explains that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just released records to PETA revealing that the agency—prompted by a PETA complaint—inspected HTWT during its first-ever appearance at the fair in August 2012 and cited the outfit for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to supervise its elephant rides properly, noting that at least twice, only a single handler was left to supervise two elephants.

"It's always dangerous to place adults and children on the backs of stressed, frustrated captive elephants—and when you have only one handler supervising multiple elephants, that risk skyrockets," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is telling the Central States Fair that this violation is yet one more reason why the first year that HTWT brought its abusive, irresponsible, and hazardous elephant rides to Rapid City should be its last."

Just last year, Animal Defenders International released video footage of adult and baby elephants crying out in pain as HTWT trainers repeatedly struck them with sharp metal-tipped bullhooks and shocked them with electric prods. Abused elephants are known to lash out: One of the elephants owned by HTWT ran amok at the Denver Zoo, throwing a trainer against a wall, scattering crowds of visitors, and knocking over a mother and her baby. Elephant rides at numerous other venues have also resulted in injuries.

PETA's correspondence with the Central States Fair and the USDA's latest inspection report are available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

Delicious Fake Meats and Cheeses, Dairy-Free Snacks Net Four Food Companies a Libby

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- Voter turnout was heavy, as usual, but now all the ballots have been cast and tallied to help peta2, PETA's youth division, decide who should be named the winners in the group's seventh annual Libby Awards. Libby Awards ("Libby" is for "liberation," as in animal liberation) went to animal-friendly people, companies, and products in 22 categories this year, and four companies were victorious for offering outstanding grocery items:

• Best Vegan Burger: MorningStar Farms Grillers. MorningStar Farms has been offering creative vegetarian options for more than a quarter of a century, and the company's experience shows. Vegan grillers have all the flavor and texture of a beef burger but only a fraction of the fat and none of the cruelty.
• Best Vegan Meat: Tofurky Chorizo. Turtle Island Foods' Tofurky brand is a revered name in vegan circles, and the chorizo lives up to the company's reputation. Great for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, Tofurky chorizo is made from organic soy protein and bound to fool even the most diehard meat-eaters.
• Best Dairy Alternative: Daiya Cheddar Style Wedge. Daiya has taken dairy-free cheese to new heights. Missing from predecessors was the texture as well as the stretchiness when they were melted. Daiya solved those issues deliciously. There's also a very handy recipe section on the company's website.
• Best Vegan Snack: PROBAR Halo. Made from whole foods, certified organic, and containing only 150 calories, PROBAR Halo bars come in Rocky Road, S'mores, Honey Graham, and Nutty Marshmallow flavors. They're also an excellent source of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

"With the number of prepared vegan meats and cheeses and dairy-free snacks at an all-time high, going vegan has never been easier," says PETA Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "All our winners are making sure that vegans get all the healthy, delicious, and exciting foods that they desire."

Winners were selected based on several factors, including vote count. For more information, please visit peta2.com or click here.

PETA Brings New Campaign to Colorado Springs

For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Colorado Springs -- Accompanied by an activist dressed as a half-plucked goose and holding signs that read, "Plucked Alive," with graphic imagery, PETA supporters will congregate in Colorado Springs on Friday as part of a tour through Colorado, known for its many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The battered bird's point? Compassionate shoppers who would never think of buying fur sometimes purchase sleeping bags, jackets, gloves, pillows, or comforters filled with down because they aren't aware of the hideous suffering of birds who are often repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers.

When:   Friday, December 21, 12 noon

Where:  Colorado Avenue and Tejon Street, Colorado Springs

"PETA wants Coloradans to know that buying down products is every bit as cruel as purchasing fur, exotic skins, leather, or wool," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "The rule of thumb is easy to remember: If a product came from an animal, the chances that abuse and suffering were involved are roughly 100 percent."

Warm, animal-friendly bedding and winter clothing are available everywhere. PETA encourages shoppers to check labels for synthetic down, down alternative, polyester fill, or high-tech fabrics such as PrimaLoft® and Thinsulate™—soft, washable, down-like fibers. In most cases, these are a superior option for climbers and campers, as down loses much of its insulating properties when it gets wet.

In a new PETA video exposé, Alicia Silverstone offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how millions of geese and ducks are plucked for their feathers while they are still alive—a traumatic and painful experience. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here, and Silverstone's video interview can be downloaded here.