Secretly Taped, Horse Hauler Admits to Using Invalid Health Documents—PETA Files Complaint With State Agency

For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Stroud, Okla. -- PETA is calling on the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) to investigate immediately why state officials have failed to act on evidence of serious violations involving apparent fraudulent veterinary health forms in the transport of horses across state lines from Iowa through Kansas and Missouri, into Oklahoma, and finally to Texas. Last year, a PETA undercover investigator rode along with a "kill buyer," someone who purchases horses and transports them to slaughterhouses or feedlots. The kill buyer was caught on tape admitting that the test forms he carried "certifying" that the horses in his trailer were free of equine infectious anemia (EIA)—a potentially fatal viral disease with no known cure or preventive vaccine—were those of other horses, not those of the horses on board his truck, and that his veterinarian had taught him how to falsify the EIA forms. So potentially infected horses were unloaded onto the crowded feedlot in Stroud, risking the health of hundreds of other horses. Although the ODAFF had been made aware that the kill buyer, by his own admission, had brought horses into the state without valid EIA paperwork, the agency has taken no action.

"Agency inaction means that potentially infected horses traveling from Iowa to Oklahoma may have spread this deadly disease from the Texas feedlot to the entire state," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "While agencies look the other way, kill buyers like this one are still transporting horses to Oklahoma today."

The group has also submitted a complaint to the Texas Animal Health Commission regarding its failure to prevent the same kill buyer from bringing horses with apparently fraudulent EIA test forms to Texas and has posted an action alert on its popular website urging its supporters to call on the ODAFF to protect horses.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Inventive 14-Year-Old Converts 'Extreme Couponing' Into Extreme Kindness for Animals Languishing in Shelters

For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Florence, Ala. -- "Extreme couponing" has become so popular that the cable TV channel TLC even has a show by that name. And who can blame anyone for trying to save a few dollars? But 14-year-old Florence residentMonica Williford, a ninth-grader at Florence Freshman Center, has her own unique take on the hobby. That's because Monica gathers every single coupon for cat food, dog food, toys, and other companion-animal supplies that she can, then purchases the products (or even gets them for free); and donates them to her local animal shelter. "The more you save with coupons, the more you have money to donate more supplies," says Monica, who's becoming quite adept at the "business" of giving.

For going above and beyond when it comes to bringing some comfort into the lives of often-forgotten animals, Monica has received a Star Street Teamer Award from peta2, PETA's youth division.

"Monica looked at the national mini-craze of extreme couponing, and the first thing that came to her mind—and her heart—was how she could seize on it to help cats, dogs, and other animals," says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. "Young people are leading the animal rights charge, and Monica is a trailblazer they can look to for inspiration."

Monica's involvement at the animal shelter goes beyond collecting discount coupons to help buy food, toys, and other supplies for animals. She also volunteers at the facility every chance she gets and uses her knack for crafts to make candles and other items, which she donates to the shelter to use for fundraising.

Monica will receive a framed certificate and be added to peta2.com's "Everyday Heroes" feature.

The peta2 Street Team is a group of youth activists dedicated to helping animals through in-person events, online campaigns, and social media.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

'A Pork Chop Stops a Beating Heart' Message Offers Food for Thought to People on Both Sides of Fierce Debate

For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Fargo, N.D. -- Offering the animal protectionists' take on "right to life" and "choice," PETA is now negotiating with Fargo-area outdoor advertisers to display a billboard that shows a picture of a little pig peering up at the world and reads, "A Pork Chop Stops a Beating Heart. Go Vegan." The ad comes as Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed a bill today that bans abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected—something that can happen six weeks into a pregnancy—giving North Dakota the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country. PETA's point? That no matter where we stand on abortion, we can save a life every time we sit down to eat. If you're pro-life, it only makes sense to adopt a vegan diet. If you're pro-choice, it's important to remember that the billions of animals raised and killed for food every year never have a choice in the matter. PETA is starting the campaign in Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, before expanding it to other cities.

"Each of us holds the power to save a life or take a life when we choose a meal," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Going vegan is a positive, life-affirming way of eating that is good for our arteries, the Earth, and animals."

In today's industrialized meat and dairy industries, chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they're still conscious, piglets have their tails and testicles cut off without being given painkillers, fish are cut open while they're still alive on the decks of fishing boats, and calves are taken away from their mothers within hours of birth, which is extremely distressing to both mother and calf. The majority of animals killed for human consumption are just babies who have yet to see their first birthday.

Animals raised and killed for food aren't the only ones who suffer. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that vegetarians have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than meat-eaters do. Meat, eggs, and dairy products are loaded with artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. Raising animals for food is also a major source of water pollution and land degradation.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Animal With Crushed Muzzle Left to Die in Dumpster

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Swain County, N.C. -- A dog believed to be 6 to 8 months old was found struggling to breathe after being tied up inside a plastic bag and thrown into a Dumpster off U.S. Route 19 just outside of Bryson City. The dog—since named Bryson by rescuers—was found on March 20 next to the discarded body of a dead dog. Bryson was apparently left to suffocate but managed to force his head and paws out of the trash bag in an effort to breathe. He sustained serious injuries, including a crushed muzzle, but is safely recovering at a local veterinary hospital.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with Bryson's apparent beating and abandonment. That's why PETA is offering up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this violent crime.

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Swain County residents have good reason to be concerned. According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals—including humans."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Swain County Sheriff's Office at 828-488-0159.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. To view PETA's anti-violence public service announcement featuring Inglourious Basterds star and Hostel director Eli Roth, please visit http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=eli_roth_violence_link_psa_peta.

Group Asks for Criminal Charges Against John Cuneo, Lance Ramos After Whistleblower Reports Abuse and Illegal Display of Big Cats

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Grayslake, Ill. -- Based on a whistleblower's sworn affidavit documenting multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by Grayslake-based animal exhibitor Hawthorn Corporation and unlicensed exhibitor Lance Ramos, PETA has submitted a formal complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for the revocation of Hawthorn's license and criminal charges against its owner, John Cuneo, and Ramos. The whistleblower came forward with compelling evidence of alleged physical abuse of tigers, Hawthorn's blatant disregard of federal law, and its illegal contracting with Ramos. Hawthorn's sordid decades-long history of AWA violations has already resulted in more than $250,000 in fines.

"Hawthorn's reign of terror over tigers, elephants, and other animals has continued for more than 30 years," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "And although it has exceeded the grounds for license revocation on several fronts, it still holds a USDA exhibitor's license—which Cuneo apparently believes is a license to neglect, deprive, and physically abuse animals."

The following is just a small sample of the whistleblower's reported observations regarding Hawthorn's and Ramos' apparent violations of federal animal-protection laws:

• Ramos' buse of tigers, including whipping them in the face
• Failing to provide tigers, who were suffering from bloody gashes on their foreheads, with veterinary care
• Routinely failing to refrigerate and properly store meat intended for tiger consumption and allowing it to become covered with flies
• Forcing tigers to live in unsanitary urine-saturated enclosures
• Leaving tigers outside in metal transport cages for several hours without protection from wind and near-freezing temperatures

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

Whistleblower Testifies in Sworn Affidavit That Animals Were Repeatedly Struck With Steel-Tipped Bullhooks

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Uniondale, N.Y. -- Based on a sworn affidavit from an events director for the company that manages the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (aka "Nassau Coliseum") that at least two elephants were repeatedly struck, hooked, and jabbed with bullhooks—weapons that resemble a fireplace poker with a sharp steel tip at one end—during Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' March 15 evening performance there, PETA has submitted a formal complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to the whistleblower, one of the elephants was struck with such force that the animal repeatedly wailed and made distressed grunting sounds. The apparent violations of animal-protection laws have also been reported to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office and are currently under investigation.

"This is the second sworn affidavit within a year from arena workers of elephants being beaten, and both incidents occurred after Ringling paid a $270,000 fine for abusing and neglecting the animals it forces to perform," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "Ringling is synonymous with animal abuse, so if your kids love animals, the last place to take them to is the circus."

According to the affidavit, a Ringling animal handler yanked an elephant with the sharp end of a bullhook embedded in the soft tissue of her mouth and also struck her torso and shoulders—over the course of several minutes—and each blow to her body made a loud "whack" sound. The handler also screamed several profanities at the animal, who was apparently reluctant to move forward. In a separate incident that same evening, a handler repeatedly jabbed and poked another elephant—the smallest one—with a bullhook when she hesitated to perform an awkward trick. PETA's complaint also refers to apparent violations of the law in Ringling's treatment of tigers.

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

Video Reveals Illegal Gambling, Massive Losses Over English Channel, Cruel Killings of Losers as PETA Asks The Queen to Withdraw Support From Cruel Death Races

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

London -- On the heels of PETA's undercover video investigation that exposes the disappearance and presumed deaths of tens of thousands of pigeons in cross-Channel races, PETA is calling on Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth—who is a patron of The Royal Pigeon Racing Association and maintains a loft of 250 birds at her Sandringham Estate—to reconsider her participation in the deadly "retirement sport." Secretly shot video footage reveals widespread apparently illegal activity and documents a race in which more than 90 percent of the pigeons did not return and are believed to have died as the already-exhausted birds attempted to cross what racers call "The Pigeon Graveyard," the English Channel. What's more, PETA's investigation and review of racing statistics show that every one of the birds from The Queen's loft who was entered into a race that PETA investigators filmed failed to return home.

Recorded conversations with presidents of top British pigeon-racing organizations and an analysis of more than a decade's worth of publicly available statistics show that, on average, three-quarters of all birds forced to fly the grueling journey across the Channel—which can be 150 miles wide at points and is often reached by the birds only after they have already flown hundreds of miles—go missing, almost all presumed to have died after becoming exhausted, being attacked by predators, hitting electrical wires, or crashing into the sea. Many birds who do return but fall out of the money have their necks painfully and clumsily separated from their spines—caught on film for the first time—to make way for younger birds. Pigeons can live approximately 20 years, but in pigeon racing, most birds do not survive their first year, and only a tiny percentage will make it to 4 years of age because of race deaths and manual "culling."

"By patronizing pigeon racing, The Queen is supporting what PETA's investigation has revealed to be a seedy culture of deliberate cruelty to birds," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "We ask Her Majesty to set an example by withdrawing her support from this greed-driven, dirty, and deadly pastime."

Pigeons serving with the Royal Air Force during World War II were the first recipients of the Dickin Medal—the animals' Victoria Cross—for delivering messages that led to the rescue of British aviators. Yet for nothing more than a bet, pigeon racers today will separate birds from their mates (a cruel practice known as "widowhood") and their young so that they will fly faster. Some racers place plastic eggs beneath hens before races with live worms or live flies inside to trick them into thinking that they have babies waiting for them back at the loft.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Mutt Alerts Hikers to Man Trapped in Rock Crevice for Nearly a Week

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Riverside, Calif. -- On Monday, March 25, Ramon Llamas and his beloved mutt, Mole, were hiking with a group on Mount Rubidoux in Riverside, Calif., when Mole began tugging on Ramon's pant leg and whining, pulling him in the direction of a crevice between two boulders. The group soon realized that someone was trapped in the crevice and called 911. Rescue workers responded to the scene and spent an hour pulling the man, named Paul, from the crevice, where he had been trapped for an estimated five days. He was hospitalized for severe dehydration and is expected to make a full recovery—which, according to rescue workers, never would have happened without Mole's help: "He'd be dead if it wasn't for that dog," one firefighter said.

For saving Paul's life, Mole will receive a Heroic Mutt Award from PETA along with a special "doggie bag" full of vegan dog treats, a comfortable new harness, and a fun toy.

"Dogs are more than our best friends—as Mole demonstrated, they're our family members, our protectors, and our heroes," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA hopes that Mole's tenacity and care will inspire anyone looking for a dog to head to an animal shelter—they're full of lovable, wonderful mutts just like Mole."

PETA's gift basket is an acknowledgment of the many rewards of sharing our lives with animal companions—and the importance of valuing their devotion by becoming the best guardians possible. The group encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for a dog properly to adopt a mutt from a shelter, rather than contributing to the animal homelessness crisis by buying from a breeder or a pet store.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Asks for Criminal Charges Against John Cuneo, Lance Ramos After Whistleblower Reports Abuse and Illegal Display of Big Cats

For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Grayslake, Ill. -- Based on a whistleblower's sworn affidavit documenting multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by Grayslake-based animal exhibitor Hawthorn Corporation and unlicensed exhibitor Lance Ramos, PETA has submitted a formal complaint to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for the revocation of Hawthorn's license and criminal charges against its owner, John Cuneo, and Ramos. The whistleblower came forward with compelling evidence of alleged physical abuse of tigers, Hawthorn's blatant disregard of federal law, and its illegal contracting with Ramos. Hawthorn's sordid decades-long history of AWA violations has already resulted in more than $250,000 in fines.

"Hawthorn's reign of terror over tigers, elephants, and other animals has continued for more than 30 years," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "And although it has exceeded the grounds for license revocation on several fronts, it still holds a USDA exhibitor's license—which Cuneo apparently believes is a license to neglect, deprive, and physically abuse animals."

The following is just a small sample of the whistleblower's reported observations regarding Hawthorn's and Ramos' apparent violations of federal animal-protection laws:

• Ramos' abuse of tigers, including whipping them in the face
• Failing to provide tigers, who were suffering from bloody gashes on their foreheads, with veterinary care
• Routinely failing to refrigerate and properly store meat intended for tiger consumption and allowing it to become covered with flies
• Forcing tigers to live in unsanitary urine-saturated enclosures
• Leaving tigers outside in metal transport cages for several hours without protection from wind and near-freezing temperatures

For more information, please visit PETA's blog.

'It's a Good Friday to Go Vegan,' Says Group

For Immediate Release:
March 28, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk  202-483-7382

Oakland, Calif. -- Holding a sign that reads, "Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? For Christ's Sake, Go Vegan," a costumed "pig" from PETA will hit HoneyBaked Ham in Oakland during lunchtime on Good Friday to promote merciful meals for Easter. Other PETA members will distribute copies of the group's video exposé of the meat industry, which reveals how factory farms are hell on Earth for animals.

When:   Friday, March 29, 12 noon

Where:  HoneyBaked Ham, 4364 Piedmont Ave. (near the intersection with Glen Eden Avenue), Oakland

"Jesus would be appalled by the suffering inflicted on the pigs, chickens, cows, and other animals on today's factory farms," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "PETA encourages Christians and non-Christians alike to show mercy for all creatures by choosing vegan meals—for Easter Sunday and beyond."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Owner of The Farm at Walnut Creek Should Be Prosecuted After Recently Released Inspection Report Reveals Pattern of Neglect, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
March 28, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Sugarcreek, Ohio -- Outraged that the most recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report for Sugarcreek-based roadside zoo The Farm at Walnut Creek revealed that a baboon there has suffered for a long time from an ulcerated eyelid, PETA has sent an urgent letter to the Holmes County Prosecutor's Office asking that authorities confiscate the baboon and press charges against Walnut Creek owner Henry Hampton if the animal's condition remains unresolved. Records show that Hampton has repeatedly failed to provide the baboon—whose eye condition was inadequately treated for at least 17 months—with veterinary care, and PETA is concerned that the animal may still be suffering without proper medical attention. Last month's inspection marks the 10th time that the USDA has cited Walnut Creekfor failure to provide the baboon with adequate veterinary care.

"Hampton has shown a complete disregard for the animals he has left to suffer from painful medical conditions over the years," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "USDA citation after citation didn't compel him to get proper medical help for this baboon, so we are asking Holmes County officials to step in and ensure that this animal receives the veterinary care that he has needed for at least 17 months."

Walnut Creek was also recently cited for interfering with a USDA inspection after a representative deliberately withheld information to prevent the inspection of a llama who is suffering from patches of dry, flaky skin. Hampton, who owns another roadside zoo in North Carolina, has been repeatedly cited for failing to procure veterinary care for the animals at both of his facilities.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

'It's a Good Friday to Go Vegan,' Says Group 

For Immediate Release:
March 28, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

San Diego -- Wearing a white robe and holding a sign that reads, "Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? For Christ's Sake, Go Vegan," a costumed "pig" from PETA will hit HoneyBaked Ham in San Diego during lunchtime on Good Friday to promote merciful meals for Easter. Other PETA members will distribute copies of the group's video exposé of the meat industry, which reveals how factory farms are hell on Earth for animals.

When:   Friday, March 29, 12 noon

Where:  HoneyBaked Ham, 4295 Genesee Ave. (near the intersection with Mt. Etna Drive), San Diego

"Jesus would be appalled by the suffering inflicted on the pigs, chickens, cows, and other animals on today's factory farms," says PETA Associate Director of Campaigns Lindsay Rajt. "PETA encourages Christians and non-Christians alike to show mercy for all creatures by choosing vegan meals—for Easter Sunday and beyond."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Will Give Students a Feel for Intensive Confinement That May Have Them Going Vegan

For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Harrisonburg -- Most students at James Madison University have probably never been to a factory farm, so peta2—PETA's youth division—is bringing factory farms to them. As part of a national college tour, the group will set up a 20-foot-by-30-foot inflatable tent, inside of which students can confine themselves to sow gestation crates—which are so small that pregnant pigs can't even turn around or take two steps—and watch "Glass Walls," a video exposé of the meat industry narrated by PETA pal Paul McCartney, who famously said, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian." Students will also receive samples of vegan foods and free vegetarian/vegan starter kits with recipes and tips for helping the Earth, animals, and their own arteries by going meat- and dairy-free.

When:   Monday, April 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where:  The Festival Conference and Student Center, James Madison University, Harrisonburg

"College is the time to consider new ideas, and peta2's factory-farm display gives students an idea of how much suffering goes into a chicken nugget or a beef burger," says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. "Once students see what cows, chickens, and other animals go through on factory farms, in transit, and in slaughterhouses, they'll want to load up their cafeteria trays with humane vegan selections."

Pigs, chickens, fish, and cows feel pain and fear just as intensely as do the animals who share our homes with us, yet they are abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs and cats were the victims. Chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they're still conscious, piglets are castrated and have their tails cut off without being given any painkillers, and calves raised for their milk have their horns burned out of their skulls. On the decks of fishing boats, fish suffocate or are cut open while they're still alive.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

Pint-Sized Pooch Stops Aggressive Pit Bull From Killing 8-Year-Old

For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Chilliwack, B.C. -- On Tuesday, March 19, an 8-year-old girl named Jenna was picking up golf balls near her grandparents' home when a neighbour's large, aggressive dog burst through a gate, knocked her to her knees, and bit her head. That's when Jenna's grandparents' tiny dog, Honey, ran to Jenna's rescue, barking furiously at the much larger pit bull until his attention turned to Honey and he released his grip on Jenna, giving his guardian the chance to pull him off her. Jenna needed hundreds of stitches and may still require plastic surgery, but she is recovering from her terrifying ordeal—and Honey, described by Jenna's grandfather as her best buddy, is there to comfort her.

For saving Jenna's life, Honey will receive a Small Dog, Big Hero Award from PETA along with a special "doggie bag" full of vegan dog treats, a comfortable new harness, and a fun toy.

"Every dog who finds a loving home is fortunate—but, as Honey demonstrated, so are the families who earn the love of a cherished companion," says Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA hopes Honey's selflessness and bravery will remind everyone of the many rewards of sharing our lives with animal companions—and the importance of valuing their devotion by becoming the best guardians possible."

PETA asks guardians to ensure that their dogs are not a threat to anyone and to take special care with breeds such as pit bulls—dogs who are too often bred to be as aggressive as possible. The group urges everyone to spay and neuter all dogs of any breed and never to chain them, which can make them aggressive, and also encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for an animal properly to save a life by adopting a homeless animal from a shelter.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Diners Asked to Choose Merciful Meals This Easter—and All Year  

For Immediate Release:
March 30, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Washington -- Holding signs that read, "Love Rabbits—Don't Eat Them" and "Only Bullies Eat Bunnies," a group of PETA members will gather outside Dupont Circle restaurant Firefly—which is serving a "rabbit tasting menu," including real leg of rabbit, for Easter weekend—to encourage potential patrons and passersby to exercise compassion for all animals by choosing vegan meals.

When:   Saturday, March 30, at 7 p.m.

Where:  Firefly, 1310 New Hampshire Ave. N.W. (near the intersection with N Street N.W.), Washington

"PETA is asking diners to relate to who is on their plate—in Firefly's case, gentle rabbits who felt pain and fear and did not want to die," says PETA's D.C. coordinator, Justen Jones. "Easter is a time to celebrate life—and that means choosing vegan meals, not cutting up the Easter Bunny."

Not only do vegans save rabbits, pigs, chickens, and other animals from immense suffering on factory farms and in slaughterhouses, they also increase their own chances of a long life: According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans are less prone to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer than meat-eaters are.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Iconic Maker of Natural Personal-Care Products Willing to Lose Sales Instead of Meeting China's Animal Testing Requirements

For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2013

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Chatsworth, Calif. -- Natural personal-care products giant Nature's Gate is pulling out of the Chinese market—and losing sales—to show its opposition to animal testing requirements for its products in that country.

The decision follows extensive discussions between the California-based company and PETA about China's demand that cosmetics companies pay to have their products tested on animals in Chinese laboratories before they can be sold there.

Nature's Gate is the latest in a growing list of companies that refuse to do business in China if it means supporting cruel, archaic tests on animals. After talks with PETA, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Dermalogica, and Pangea Organics all ended sales in China. Other companies, including NYX Cosmetics, Urban Decay, and Yes To Inc., have pledged to stay out of China until the requirement is lifted. For Nature’s Gate compassionate move, PETA is presenting the company with its Courage in Commerce Award.

"Nature's Gate is a hero for animals and for millions of consumers who want personal-care products that come without a death toll," says PETA Senior Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Kathy Guillermo, who notes that now that the European Union has completely banned all sales of cosmetics products tested on animals, China is the new front in the battle. "PETA is working to help Chinese officials modernize their testing requirements, but companies can—and should—stay out of that market until no animal is poisoned or blinded."

Not all companies are as dedicated to staying cruelty-free as Nature's Gate is. Mary Kay, Avon, and Estée Lauder, which for decades were on PETA's list of companies that don't test on animals, recently began paying for tests that poison animals in order to market their products in China. Consumers can find out whether a company tests on animals by checking PETA's lists here.

Scientists funded in part by PETA are currently working with the Chinese government to accept non-animal tests for cosmetics ingredients.

For more information, please visit PETA.org and read more about Nature’s Gate decision here.

Group Will Give Students a Feel for Intensive Confinement That May Have Them Going Vegan 

For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

College Park, Md. -- Most students at the University of Maryland have probably never been to a factory farm, so peta2—PETA's youth division—is bringing factory farms to them. As part of a national college tour, the group will set up a 20-foot-by-30-foot inflatable tent, inside of which students can confine themselves to sow gestation crates—which are so small that pregnant pigs can't even turn around or take two steps—and watch "Glass Walls," a video exposé of the meat industry narrated by PETA pal Paul McCartney, who famously said, "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegetarian." Students will also receive samples of vegan foods and free vegetarian/vegan starter kits with recipes and tips for helping the Earth, animals, and their own arteries by going meat- and dairy-free.

When:   Tuesday, April 2, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 

Where:  Hornbake Plaza, University of Maryland, College Park

"College is the time to consider new ideas, and peta2's factory-farm display gives students an idea of how much suffering goes into a chicken nugget or a beef burger," says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. "Once students see what cows, chickens, and other animals go through on factory farms, in transit, and in slaughterhouses, they'll want to load up their cafeteria trays with humane vegan selections."

Pigs, chickens, fish, and cows feel pain and fear just as intensely as do the animals who share our homes with us, yet they are abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs and cats were the victims. Chickens and turkeys have their throats cut while they're still conscious, piglets are castrated and have their tails cut off without being given any painkillers, and calves raised for their milk have their horns burned out of their skulls. On the decks of fishing boats, fish suffocate or are cut open while they're still alive.

For more information, please visit peta2.com.

Group Searches for Two Young People Eager to Star in Their Very Own Ad

For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Los Angeles -- The world's largest youth animal rights organization, peta2, is seeking one young man and one young woman as the group launches its first-ever CutestVegan Alive contest. Because so many young people are vegan for their health, the environment, and animals, this is the first time in the contest's eight-year history that it's been limited to vegans instead of vegetarians. As in the past, the online contest is expected to be one of peta2's biggest and most popular. Two contestants, one male and one female, will each win a professional photo shoot and star in their own peta2 ad.

"All the young people who enter the contest are already winners because they care about the welfare of others as well as their own health," says peta2 Youth Marketing Manager Emily Rodriguez. "And because eating meat and other animal products has been linked to obesity and a host of other ills—including early onset heart disease—our contestants are likely to be fitter, trimmer, and happier than their meat-eating classmates are, and that makes them cuter, too."

Entrants must be U.S. residents between the ages of 13 and 21 and can submit their photos until April 22. Voting to help peta2 pick the finalists will begin on April 25 and will close on May 16. On June 3, peta2 will announce the 20 finalists—10 males and 10 females. Visitors to peta2.com will then have until June 24 to cast their votes for their favorite finalists. Winners will be chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count, and peta2 will announce the two winners on July 1. See the full contest details here.

Going vegan has gone mainstream, and young people are leading the charge. In addition to the health benefits, every vegan saves the lives of more than 100 animals every year. Hens on egg factory farms are so tightly crammed into cages that they can't spread even one wing. On dairy farms, newborn calves are torn away from their protective mothers so that the milk meant for them can be sold to humans. And because of the growing concern about how our actions affect the environment, meat, egg, and dairy consumers might want to know that raising animals for food is a leading cause of water pollution, land degradation, and greenhouse-gas emissions.

For more information and to enter the contest, please visit peta2.com.

Wearing Nothing but Bodypaint, PETA Beauty Will Bare the Truth About Animal Abuse in Circus 

For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- Confined to a cage with her naked body painted like a tiger and a banner above her reading, "Wild Animals Don't Belong Behind Bars," local resident Jennifer Wilson will protest the impending arrival of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum& Bailey Circus in Norfolk on Tuesday.

When:   Tuesday, April 2, 12 noon 

Where:  At the intersection of Monticello Avenue and E. Freemason Street

When tigers aren't performing, they are warehoused like widgets, confined to small storage cages. Eyewitness testimony—including a new whistleblower report about the Ringling unit coming to Norfolk—and numerous inspection reports reveal that Ringling fails to let tigers out of their tiny cages except when the animals are forced to perform, an apparent flagrant violation of the requirement that tigers have daily exercise opportunities apart from performances.

PETA has also released dozens of compelling photos taken at Ringling's training center exposing how baby elephants are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions last several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform tricks out of the fear of punishment.

"I'm baring my skin to lay bare the abuse of animals in the circus," says Wilson. "The best way to show that you care about animals is to stay away from this circus and any other that cages tigers and chains elephants."

In late 2011, Ringling paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for Animal Welfare Act violations. The circus is currently under investigation for additional violations.

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