No Great Apes and Plenty of CGI Mark a New, Kinder Super Bowl

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

New Orleans -- With a power outage, a Destiny's Child reunion, and a questionable last-minute call, this year's Super Bowl was full of surprises. But no surprise to PETA was the kinder direction that this year's crop of ads took: This was the first Super Bowl since all of the top 10 advertising agencies in the U.S. agreed never to use great apes in their ads—and sure enough, not one of this year's ads featured a chimpanzee or other great apes, and many used computer-generated imagery (CGI) to portray other animals.

"As this year's Super Bowl illustrated, top advertisers nowadays are exercising kindness and creativity instead of relying on captive great apes for cheap laughs," says PETA primatologist Julia Gallucci.

As shown in PETA's hard-hitting video exposé, narrated by Anjelica Huston, great apes are torn away from their mothers shortly after birth and frequently beaten during training to perform in ads. Other animals suffer, too: During an undercover investigation of a facility that trains exotic cats, for example, PETA documented that big cats were dragged by chains around their necks, hit in the face, smashed over the head with ax handles, and deprived of food. When they're not being forced to perform, exotic animals used in ads are kept in extreme confinement and deprived of everything that is natural and important to them, including companionship and a spacious, enriching environment.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Will Hit the Sheets on the Streets of Montréal and Ottawa to Promote Feather-Free Outerwear and Bedding

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Montréal -- After spending the fall and winter encouraging U.S. shoppers to keep products made with cruelly produced down off their shopping lists, PETA is heading to Canada. Demonstrations—planned for Montréal on February 5 and Ottawa on February 6—will feature a pair of PETA members cuddling on a bed in front of a banner that reads, "Get Down Without Down," while other activists, accompanied by a half-plucked goose, hold signs that read, "Down Hurts," and distribute leaflets to passersby explaining how birds are repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for down.

"Many people who would never even think of wearing fur still buy down because they simply have no idea that birds are plucked alive and ripped open for their feathers," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "As winter continues, PETA looks forward to helping Canadians choose coats and comforters that are as kind as they are warm."

In a new PETA video exposé, Alicia Silverstone offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how workers rip out the feathers of geese. Afterward, the birds lie on the floor, bleeding and paralyzed with fear. Many are seriously injured, and some die from shock or infected wounds. Birds are often plucked so hard that their skin tears open, leaving gaping wounds, which workers crudely stitch back together, often in unsterile environments. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here.

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 fibres. In most cases, these alternatives are superior to down, which loses much of its insulating properties when it gets wet.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Will Hit the Sheets on the Streets of Montréal and Ottawa to Promote Feather-Free Outerwear and Bedding

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Montréal -- After spending the fall and winter encouraging U.S. shoppers to keep products made with cruelly produced down off their shopping lists, PETA is heading to Canada. Demonstrations—planned for Montréal on February 5 and Ottawa on February 6—will feature a pair of PETA members cuddling on a bed in front of a banner that reads, "Get Down Without Down," while other activists, accompanied by a half-plucked goose, hold signs that read, "Down Hurts," and distribute leaflets to passersby explaining how birds are repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for down.

"Many people who would never even think of wearing fur still buy down because they simply have no idea that birds are plucked alive and ripped open for their feathers," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "As winter continues, PETA looks forward to helping Canadians choose coats and comforters that are as kind as they are warm."

In a new PETA video exposé, Alicia Silverstone offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how workers rip out the feathers of geese. Afterward, the birds lie on the floor, bleeding and paralyzed with fear. Many are seriously injured, and some die from shock or infected wounds. Birds are often plucked so hard that their skin tears open, leaving gaping wounds, which workers crudely stitch back together, often in unsterile environments. A broadcast-quality version of PETA's video exposé featuring Silverstone can be downloaded here.

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 fibres. In most cases, these alternatives are superior to down, which loses much of its insulating properties when it gets wet.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Ruffles Feathers to Expose Cruelty to Birds in Down Production

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Montréal -- A couple will greet passersby from a bed on the sidewalk under a banner reading, "Get Down Without Down," at a busy intersection in downtown Montréal on Tuesday. The two will be accompanied by an activist dressed as a giant half-plucked goose holding a sign that reads, "Plucked Alive."

When:   Tuesday, February 5, 12 noon sharp 

Where:  Northwest corner of Sainte-Catherine Street W. and Avenue Union, Montréal

The battered bird's and cuddling couple'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 suffering of birds who are often repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers. Other PETA supporters will hold signs that read, "Feathers Ripped Out," which will include photos from an investigation of the down industry.

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.

"Down is a product of cruelty to birds," says Alicia Silverstone in a new PETA video exposé. She offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how millions of geese and ducks are "violently plucked bloody 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. Her video interview can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Beauty Will Expose All, Including Truth About Ringling's Abuse of Animals

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Greensboro, N.C. -- Wearing nothing but shackles and covered with "scars" from violent "beatings"—which are an everyday reality for animals in circuses—PETA member Monika Meilleur will protest in Greensboro on Tuesday against the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

When:   Tuesday, February 5, 12 noon

Where:  At the intersection of N. Elm Street and W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro

"I'm here to expose what the circus is so desperate to hide from the public," says Meilleur. "These animals have been beaten and deprived of their precious freedom for a lifetime of cheap tricks."

PETA has released dozens of compelling photos taken inside Ringling's Florida training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment.

In late 2011, Ringling paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

For more information, please visit PETA's websiteRinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

Group Asks Former First Couple to Open Hearts Again to Adoption in Letter of Condolence

For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Dallas -- PETA's president has sent a letter to former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush expressing the group's condolences for the death of their beloved dog Barney, who died last week at the age of 12. In the letter, PETA lets the Bushes know that a leaf will be added to PETA's Tree of Life memorial at its Norfolk, Va., national headquarters. The leaf will read, "In Memory of Barney Bush, Loving and Loved."

"In the best of homes, animal companions are family members, and nothing is more difficult than losing a loved one," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "We are urging President and Mrs. Bush to consider saving a life by adopting from their local government shelter, where dogs await a loving family like theirs. We look forward to the Bushes' adoption."

PETA has offered to assist the Bushes with locating a dog who, like Barney, will bring joy into their lives. The Bushes have one other dog, Miss Beazley.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Ruffles Feathers to Expose Cruelty to Birds in Down Production

For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Ottawa -- A couple will greet passersby from a bed on the sidewalk under a banner reading, "Get Down Without Down," at a busy intersection in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday. The two will be accompanied by an activist dressed as a giant half-plucked goose holding a sign that reads, "Plucked Alive."

When:   Wednesday, February 6, 12 noon sharp 

Where:  Northeast corner of Bank and Albert streets, Ottawa 

The battered bird and cuddling couple'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 suffering of birds who are repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers. Other PETA supporters will hold signs that read, "Feathers Ripped Out," which will include photos from an investigation of the down industry.

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.

"Down is a product of cruelty to birds," says Alicia Silverstone in a new PETA video exposé. She offers a behind-the-scenes view of the down industry, showing how millions of geese and ducks are "violently plucked bloody 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. Her video interview can be downloaded here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants 

For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Raleigh -- A giant inflatable elephant will lead PETA members in a protest against the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Wednesday. The protesters will display signs that read, "This Is Ringling Baby-Elephant Training," alongside banners emblazoned with compelling photos taken inside Ringling's training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment.

When:   Wednesday, February 6, 12 noon

Where:  Dail Plaza (on the sidewalk along the southeast side of E. Stephen Stroud Way), Raleigh

"Raleigh-area residents would run screaming from the big top if they knew how baby elephants are violently forced to perform difficult, confusing, and sometimes painful tricks," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "We're telling parents that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them to is the circus."

In late 2011, Ringling paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Penobscot County, Maine -- 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 the greater Bangor 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.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Kennebec County, Maine -- 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 the greater Augusta 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.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Cumberland County, Maine -- 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 the greater Portland 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 featuringJustin Theroux 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:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Detroit -- Following reports that a dog nearly froze to death after being left outside during a night when temperatures were below freezing, PETA asks that you please share the following lifesaving information with your audience.

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.

• Keep animals inside. 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 inside 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:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Canton, Mich. -- Following reports that a dog nearly froze to death after being left outside during a night when temperatures were below freezing, PETA asks that you please share the following lifesaving information with your audience.

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.

• Keep animals inside. 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 inside 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.

Top Agency Ogilvy & Mather Donates Animated Musical Spot to PETA

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

New York -- Just in time for New York Fashion Week, PETA is rolling out a computer-generated parody that makes consumers think twice about wearing animal skins. In the video, foxes are disguised as statuesque runway models draped in human body parts—including a wrap consisting of dozens of arms. PETA's point? That every year, millions of animals are killed in the name of fashion—but what if the tables were turned? The parody, titled "Runway Reversal," was donated by Ogilvy & Mather, the world's top ad agency, with offices located in 169 cities on six continents.

"No one should die so that their skin can be worn by someone else—and that includes the millions of foxes, rabbits, minks, and other animals abused and slaughtered for their fur every year," says PETA Vice President Dan Mathews. "If the idea of an animal draped in human body parts seems grotesque, how can anyone who wears animal skins think that they're making a 'fashion statement'?"

Every year, humans kill millions of animals for fashion. Foxes on fur farms are kept in cages so small that they go insane. Snakes are commonly nailed to trees and skinned alive. In the U.S., most animals whose skin is turned into leather endure all the horrors of factory farming, including extreme crowding and confinement, deprivation, castration, branding, tail-docking, and dehorning—all without being given any painkillers. And geese are violently plucked alive in order to produce down-filled products. In China—where there are no penalties for abusing animals on fur farms,  millions of cats and dogs are strangled or bled to death for their fur, which is often intentionally mislabeled as that of other animals.

Animals trapped for fur endure excruciating pain before their chests are stomped on or their necks are broken by trappers. In Canada, seal pups are shot or have their heads bashed in while other babies watch in fear and try in vain to escape.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Hunting and Fishing Are Cruel and Damaging to Ecosystems, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Toronto -- Holding signs that read, "Teach Kindness, Not Killing" and "Be a Good Sport: Stop Hunting," PETA members will descend on the Toronto Sportsmen's Show at the Direct Energy Centre on Thursday. The activists will also hand out anti-fishing leaflets titled "Don't Let Your Kids Become Hookers." Their point? That hunting and fishing cause animals excruciating pain, promote insensitivity toward the suffering of others, and disturb the natural balance of animal populations. Instead of cruel, deadly activities, such as hunting, fishing, and trapping, PETA advocates respectful, environmentally sound alternatives, such as wildlife photography, hiking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing.

When:   Thursday, February 7, 12 noon

Where:  Outside the Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd. (near the intersection with Strachan Avenue), Toronto

"Hunting and fishing are nothing more than a campaign of terror against animals," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "The phony claim that hunters and anglers are 'stewards of the land' is as ridiculous as saying that pirates are stewards of the sea."

In addition to the millions of animals reportedly killed by hunters each year, millions more are wounded and left to die slowly of blood loss or infection. Also, game management agencies are notorious for manipulating animal populations to maximize the number of game animals, just so that they can be killed by hunters. Fish are intelligent, sensitive animals who experience severe stress and pain when they are cruelly hooked or hauled up from the deep in commercial nets and left to suffocate.

For more information about PETA, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Members to Converge on Buffalo to Expose Cruel Industry

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Buffalo, N.Y. -- 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 Buffalo on Friday. The battered bird's point? That shoppers who would never think of buying fur often purchase jackets, gloves, pillows, or comforters filled with down because they aren't aware of the hideous suffering of birds who are repeatedly—and painfully—plucked alive for their feathers.

When:   Friday, February 8, 12 noon

Where:  Northwest corner of Niagara Square at Court Street, Buffalo

"PETA wants shoppers 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 alternatives are superior to down, which 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.

Actor Joins PETA in Calling for End to Experiments Depicted in Gruesome Photos

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2013

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Madison, Wis. -- Academy Award nominee and longtime PETA activist JamesCromwell was arrested Thursday morning after interrupting a University of Wisconsin (UW) Board of Regents meeting to demand an end to cruel and deadly brain experiments on scores of cats at UW-Madison.

Shouting "Shame on UW for mutilating and killing cats!" and holding graphic blown-up photos showing how UW drilled into, deafened, and decapitated a cat named Double Trouble, Cromwell and PETA supporters were surrounded by university police and taken out of the building. Video of the event will be available shortly.

"The University of Wisconsin may think that grant money matters more than animals' suffering, but the public who unwittingly funds this cruelty demands an end to these hideous experiments," says Cromwell. "My friends at PETA and I will continue to call on UW-Madison to stop cutting into and killing cats in this useless experiment."

Thursday's protest follows a January 22 letter sent by PETA to the UW Board of Regents describing the abuse of nine other cats in the same laboratory where Double Trouble was experimented on and killed, as documented by UW's own records. PETA asked the regents for an immediate end to the cruel experiments but received no response.

Double Trouble and other cats developed bacterial infections from the traumatic head and eye wounds inflicted on them, were starved for days at a time, and had their heads mutilated and stainless-steel posts screwed to their skulls. They were deafened and forced to work for small bits of food. Double Trouble was killed and decapitated. Some of the other cats may still be alive in a UW laboratory.

More than $3 million in federal funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been wasted on this ongoing project, even though leading clinicians in the field have never cited the published study as contributing to improving human hearing. More than 200,000 people have used PETA's website to ask theNIH to cut funding for these experiments.

For more information, please visit PETA.org/DoubleTrouble.

For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Cheyenne, Wy. -- TV iconBob Barker has just sent on PETA's behalf to Wyoming state senators. In the letter, which is available as a PDF here, Barker urges the lawmakers to block "ag-gag" House Bill (H.B.) 126, which would ban undercover cameras on factory farms—and as Barker, who grew up in the neighboring state of South Dakota, explains, video footage from undercover investigations has helped law-enforcement officials across the country prosecute cases of animal abuse. Barker, a lifelong Republican, is passionate about ensuring that law-enforcement officials have all the resources that they need to enforce the law.

"Americans today want better treatment of animals killed for food, not for their legislators to hide illegal cruelty on farms behind locked doors," writes Barker. "I hope to hear that you'll stand up for protecting our right to document and expose cruelty to animals."

Barker isn't alone in protesting bills such as HB 126: Other prominent people who have joined PETA in speaking out against them include Cloris Leachman, Katherine Heigl, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, and animal welfare expert Temple Grandin. Similar bills have been defeated or abandoned by their sponsors in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, and Tennessee as well as Arkansas, the second-largest poultry state.

The text of Barker's letter to President of the Senate Tony Ross follows. 

February 7, 2013

The Honorable Tony Ross
Wyoming State Senate

Dear Mr. Ross,

As a lifelong Republican who feels that authorities should have access to everything that they need to enforce the law, I'm writing in the hope that you will reject House Bill (H.B.) 126, which threatens to shroud illegal abuses in factory farms and slaughterhouses in secrecy by keeping cameras out of these facilities. Video footage from undercover investigations, which are often prompted by whistleblowers who work on factory farms or in slaughterhouses, has helped law-enforcement officials across the country, including in Iowa, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, prosecute cases of animal abuse. Will you protect our right to collect this evidence by opposing H.B. 126?

Because government inspection of factory farms for cruelty violations is neither mandatory nor common and workers who report abuse to supervisors are routinely ignored, evidence from undercover investigations is critical for exposing abuse and helping officials prosecute abusers. My friends at PETA, for example, went undercover in 2008 at Aviagen Turkeys, Inc., in West Virginia and found workers beating, stomping on, and maliciously killing birds, but even after the abuse was brought to a supervisor's and Aviagen management's attention, the cruelty continued. Over two months, the investigator collected detailed evidence showing that these abuses were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of routine and systematic cruelty to animals. Ultimately, the evidence helped state police and prosecutors obtain 23 indictments for cruelty to animals against three former employees, all of whom were convicted and one of whom was jailed.

Americans today want better treatment of animals killed for food, not for their legislators to hide illegal cruelty on farms behind locked doors. Over the last few years, I've been joined by figures from all walks of life, from Republican strategist Mary Matalin to animal welfare expert Temple Grandin, in opposing bills similar to H.B. 126, and legislators have listened, as such bills have died or been tabled by sponsors in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, and Tennessee as well as Arkansas, the second-largest poultry-producing state in the nation. I hope to hear that you'll stand up for protecting our right to document and expose cruelty to animals.

Sincerely,

Bob Barker

Sexy Activists Will Hit the City for 'Fur—Out, Love—In' Rally 

For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Minneapolis -- PETA's internationally renowned "Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign will hit Minneapolis on Monday. Sexy PETA activists will cuddle up in a bed on a public sidewalk wearing nothing but their underwear and holding a sign reading, "Fur—Out, Love—In."

When:   Monday, February 11, 12 noon

Where:  Nicollet Mall and S. 11^th Street, Minneapolis

PETA's message to consumers? Animals who are trapped for their fur endure excruciating pain before they are killed by trappers, who stomp on their chests or break their necks. On fur farms, animals spend their entire lives in tiny, filthy cages before workers kill them by breaking their necks or using poison or anal electrocution. In China—which is now the world's largest fur exporter—animals who are killed for their fur, including millions of cats and dogs, are often skinned alive. Video footage recorded on a Chinese fur farm shows that workers pulled rabbits out of cages by their ears and stunned the screaming animals with electrical devices. Rabbits watched as other rabbits had their throats cut and their heads and paws cut off with knives before their skin was peeled off their bodies.

"Compassion is a big turn-on, but fur-wearers leave me cold," says PETA vixen Emily Lavender. "By showing some of my skin, I hope to save animals' skins."

Many top fashion designers and retailers—including Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, J.Crew, and Forever 21—are 100 percent fur-free.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside in Freezing Temperatures

For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Hillsborough County, N.H. -- 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 at least 1 foot of snow predicted for the greater Manchester and Concord areas, 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.