Maiming and Killing Fish Is Violent and Should Be Discouraged, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
October 24, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Baltimore -- PETA has submitted a suggestion to the Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Board, which is sponsoring a naming contest for six streams that feed into the river, three each in Frederick and Carroll counties. PETA's submission for what is now known as "Frederick County Stream #2"—which is in the vicinity of New Midway and LeGore Bridge—is "Fishing Hurts" Stream. In the entry, submitted on PETA's behalf by a local supporter in Frederick, PETA points out that numerous scientific studies have proved that fish are intelligent, sensitive animals who experience pain just as all animals do. In fact, their mouths are particularly sensitive, causing fish to feel intense pain when they are hooked.

"Naming the stream 'Fishing Hurts' would send the message that fish should be allowed to enjoy the peacefulness of the beautiful Monocacy River area, too," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "The more that people learn how clever and sensitive fish are, the less likely they'll be to stick a hook or a fork in them."

For more information, please visit PETA.org. 

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 24, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Cleveland, Ohio -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will return to Cleveland to protest on Thursday as President Barack Obama prepares to deliver a speech. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

When:   Thursday, October 25, 5 p.m.

Where:  Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland

Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus also recently paid a fine to settle numerous violations of the AWA.

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

PETA's elephant will appear at President Obama's events across the country.

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From U.S. Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 24, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

Richmond, Va. -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will protest in Richmond on Thursday as President Barack Obama prepares to deliver a speech. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus was also recently fined for animal welfare violations.

When:   Thursday, October 25, 7 a.m.

Where:  The Carillon at Byrd Park, near the intersection of Blanton Avenue and Park Drive, Richmond

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

Sticky Fingers Cooks Up Bountiful Sandwiches That Are as Kind to Animals as They Are to Your Taste Buds

For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Washington -- More and more people concerned about the cruel treatment of animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses—along with the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products—are increasingly trying out delicious vegan versions of their favorite foods. That includes the ever-popular BLT. There's been a revolution in mock meats: Many are now so good that they beat the animal-based versions at their own game. Nowhere is that more evident than at Washington's Sticky Fingers Bakery, which PETA has just named in its survey of the top 10 vegan BLTs in the U.S.

Located on Park Road in Columbia Heights, Washington, Sticky Fingers Bakery offers a BLT that's more of a culinary triumph than a sandwich: crispy tempeh (made from soy) bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Vegenaise piled high between two slices of bread. Grab a premade, ready-to-go sandwich, and you'll forget about meat-based bacon the second that you take your first bite.

"Sticky Fingers Bakery proves every day that a delicious BLT doesn't have to cost a pig 'an arm and a leg,'" says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "All our picks are winners because they're leading the charge to satisfy America's growing hunger for humane, healthy, and Earth-friendly foods."

First place goes to DC Vegetarian in Portland, Ore., and Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., has grabbed second place. Rounding out the top 10 are Spiral Diner & Bakery, with locations in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Yorgo's Bageldashery in Norfolk, Va.; Seattle's Highline; San Diego's Loving Hut Mira Mesa; the Green Owl Cafe in Madison, Wis.; Seva in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Sugar Apple Natural Foods in Key West, Fla. Garnering honorable mention is the Bouldin Creek Café in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please click here.

Evidence Supplied by PETA of Physical and Psychological Threats to Two Elephants Leads to Government Action

For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Palm Beach County, Fla. -- After PETA filed two complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the physical safety and psychological well-being of two elephants with Cole Bros. Circus, the circus has agreed to pay a $15,000 penalty to the USDA to settle formal charges against the circus, which is scheduled to perform in West Palm Beach from November 1 to 4 and in Boca Raton from November 8 to 11. The charges came after PETA pointed out that two elephants, Tina and Jewel, were hundreds of pounds underweight and had been deprived of adequate veterinary care, including for a protruding spine. They were also sent to an unlicensed exhibitor with a long history of violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Cole Bros. has settled more than 10 charges with the USDA, including failure to provide the elephants with adequate veterinary care and failure to hire personnel capable of caring for them.

In 2009, the USDA felt that the case was so serious that the agency confiscated Jewel and also removed Tina. Even so, Cole Bros. continues to use other elephants in old-fashioned circus acts. It now uses an elephant act supplied by Carson & Barnes. The act includes elephant trainer Tim Frisco, who was caught on camera viciously beating terrified elephants and shocking them with electric prods. Carson & Barnes also just paid a fine for 10 violations of the AWA, including for allowing an elephant to get loose and leaving animals unattended during elephant rides at Cole Bros. performances. In one instance, a handler left six children on an elephant and walked away to talk on his cell phone.

"The USDA's actions against Cole Bros. and Carson & Barnes should put all animal circuses on notice that, sooner or later, they must pay for animal abuse," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "Since children love animals, the last place that parents and grandparents should take them is the circus."

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

A list of the violations named in the charges follows.

The violations of the Animal Welfare Act for which Cole Bros. Circus was ordered to pay a $15,000 penalty include the following:

Elephants

• Failure to supply adequate veterinary care to two underweight elephants, including one with a prominent spine and sunken body image
• Failure to have records for vet exams and tuberculosis tests
• Failure to handle an elephant in a way that minimizes the risk of harm to the public and the elephant
• Failure to employ personnel capable of caring for elephants
• Failure to house elephants at a facility that could meet their needs
• Failure to follow recommendations of an elephant specialist
• Failure to store medications properly
• Transporting elephants to another person who was not equipped to care for them against the recommendation of an elephant specialist
• Inadequate enclosures
• Handlers who lacked training and knowledge and weren't regularly on site 

Tigers

• Employing a handler who lacked training, knowledge, and experience
• Selling tigers without a dealer license

Sugar Apple Natural Foods Cooks Up Bountiful Sandwiches That Are as Kind to Animals as They Are to Your Taste Buds

For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Key West, Fla. -- More and more people concerned with the cruel treatment of animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses—as well as artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products—are trying out delicious vegan versions of their favorite foods. That includes the ever-popular BLT. There's been a revolution in mock meats: Many are now so good that they beat the animal-based versions at their own game. Nowhere is that more evident than at Key West's Sugar Apple Natural Foods, which PETA has just named one of the top 10 vegan BLTs in the U.S.

Located at 917 Simonton St. in Key West, Sugar Apple offers an "FLT " that's more of a culinary triumph than a sandwich: Fakin ' Bacon (made from soy), lettuce, and tomato piled high between two slices of whole grain bread. Add soy mayonnaise, and you'll forget about meat-based bacon the second that you take your first bite.

"Sugar Apple Natural Foods proves every day that a delicious BLT doesn't have to cost a pig 'an arm and a leg,'" says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "All our picks are winners because they're leading the charge to satisfy America's growing hunger for humane, healthy, and Earth-friendly foods."

First place goes to DC Vegetarian in Portland, Ore., second place goes to Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., and the Spiral Diner & Bakery, with locations in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, has grabbed third place. Rounding out the top 10 are Yorgo's Bageldashery in PETA's hometown of Norfolk, Va.; Seattle's Highline; San Diego's Loving Hut Mira Mesa; the Green Owl Café in Madison, Wis.; Seva in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Sticky Fingers in Washington. Garnering honorable mention is the Bouldin Creek Cafe in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please click here.

The Green Owl Cafe Cooks Up Bountiful Sandwiches That Are as Kind to Animals as They Are to Your Taste Buds

For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Madison, Wis. -- More and more people concerned about the cruel treatment of animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses—as well as the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products—are trying out delicious vegan versions of their favorite foods, including the ever-popular BLT. There's been a revolution in mock meats: Many are now so good that they beat the animal-based versions at their own game. Nowhere is that more evident than at Madison's Green Owl Cafe, which PETA has just named in its survey of the top 10 vegan BLTs in the U.S.

Located at 1970 Atwood Ave., The Green Owl Cafe offers a BLT that's more of a culinary triumph than a sandwich: smoky baked tempeh (made from soy) bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado piled high between two slices of Madison Sourdough bread with a vegan aioli spread. Order the sandwich with a side of oven-roasted red potatoes, kale chips, or a salad, and you'll forget about meat-based bacon the second that you take your first bite.

"The Green Owl Cafe proves every day that a delicious BLT doesn't have to cost a pig 'an arm and a leg,'" says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "All our picks are winners because they're leading the charge to satisfy America's growing hunger for humane, healthy, and Earth-friendly foods."

First place goes to DC Vegetarian in Portland, Ore., and Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., has grabbed second place. Rounding out the top 10 are Spiral Diner & Bakery, with locations in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Yorgo's Bageldashery in PETA's hometown of Norfolk, Va.; Seattle's Highline; San Diego's Loving Hut Mira Mesa; Seva in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich.; Sticky Fingers in Washington; and Sugar Apple Natural Foods in Key West, Fla. Garnering honorable mention is the Bouldin Creek Café in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please click here.

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From U.S. Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 25, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

Washington -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will protest in Washington on Friday as President Barack Obama hosts a live question-and-answer session with MTV. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus was also recently fined for animal welfare violations.

When:   Friday, October 26, 3 p.m.

Where:  The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

Group Joins Danville Area Humane Society, Police Department in Effort to Bring Animal Torturer to Justice

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Danville, Va. — A male Jack Russell terrier died on Tuesday, October 23, a few hours after his guardian discovered that the dog had apparently had a large section of his fur and skin cut and hacked off with a knife, exposing his bloody midsection. The dog also had apparently been bitten by other dogs. Police believe that the animal sustained these injuries—reportedly the worst that the Danville Area Humane Society has ever seen—sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. in the 100 block of Oakland Avenue near Halifax Road.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the dog's mutilation and death. That's why PETA is adding up to $2,000 to the Danville Area Humane Society's $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this violent crime.

Would you please consider sharing this information with your audience? It might be the only way to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Danville 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 Danville Area Humane Society at 434-799-0843. PETA is also urging residents not to leave animals outside unattended.

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 click here.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

Hampton Roads, Va./ Roanoke Rapids, N.C./Bertie County, N.C. -- As "Frankenstorm" Sandy poses a serious threat to your area, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of companion animals during flooding or evacuations. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds, and other companion animals who need to be included in disaster-preparedness plans:

• Have your animals microchipped, and put secure, legible ID tags on them.
• During a flood, never leave your animals outdoors, tied up, or confined in any way, as they will be trapped and unable to flee rising waters. (Please click on the hyperlinks to see photos of dogs who were left outside during past storms.)
• In the event of an evacuation, never leave your animals behind to fend for themselves.
• Know your emergency destination ahead of time. Although human shelters often refuse animals, motels in the area will probably accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is provided and the windows are slightly open. Animals can also be stolen out of parked vehicles.
• Place small animals in secure carriers and keep dogs on a leash. Frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt. Take water and food bowls, your animal's favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food to last at least a week.
• Watch for other animals in need, including strays and animals who are left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in distress and are unable to help, note the animal's condition and location and call authorities for help as soon as possible.

A copy of PETA's disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Unconscious 17-Year-Old Animal Resuscitated, Recovering Nicely

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Portsmouth, N.H. -- On the morning of October 23, the Portsmouth Fire Department responded to a fire at a historic house in the South End. Although the owners weren't home, a neighbor told the firefighters that the family's 17-year-old cat, Tiki Bear, was trapped inside. When firefighters located Tiki Bear in the basement, she wasn't breathing. Fortunately, the rescuers were equipped with oxygen masks specially designed for cats, dogs, and other animals and were able to revive Tiki Bear—to the cheers of onlookers. Officers with the Portsmouth Police Department transported Tiki Bear to a veterinary emergency center, where she is reportedly making progress in her recovery.

For their heroic rescue of little Tiki Bear and for wasting no time in seeking lifesaving medical care, Portsmouth firefighters will receive PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award, and the police will receive PETA's Compassionate Police Department Award.

"Portsmouth's bravest and finest are also some of Portsmouth's kindest and best prepared," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "We hope that the compassion and know-how that these firefighters and police officers showed will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need."

The fire department and the police department will each receive a letter of appreciation, a framed certificate, and a box of vegan chocolates.

New Hampshire firefighters have been recognized by PETA twice this year. In May, the Manchester Fire Department received a Compassionate Action Award for rescuing a dog who had been swept away in the Merrimack River.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From U.S. Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382  

Nashua, N.H. -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will protest in Nashua on Saturday as President Barack Obama prepares to deliver a speech. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus was also recently fined for animal welfare violations.

When:   Saturday, October 27, 12 noon

Where:  Elm Street Middle School, 117 Elm St., Nashua

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 26. 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Youngstown, Ohio -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will protest in Youngstown on Monday as President Barack Obama prepares to deliver a speech. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

When:   Monday, October 29, 12 noon

Where:  Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown

Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus also recently paid a fine to settle numerous violations of the AWA.

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

PETA's elephant will appear at President Obama's events across the country.

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

For Immediate Release:
October 26, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. -- As Hurricane Sandy poses a serious threat to your area, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of companion animals during flooding or evacuations. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds, and other companion animals who need to be included in disaster preparation plans:

• Have your animals microchipped and put secure, legible ID tags on them.
• During a flood, never leave your animals outdoors, tied up, or confined in any way, as they will be trapped and unable to flee rising waters. (Please click on the hyperlinks to see photos of dogs who were left outside during past storms.)
• In the event of an evacuation, never leave your animals behind to fend for themselves.
• Know your emergency destination ahead of time. Although human shelters often refuse animals, motels in the area will probably accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is present and the windows are slightly open. Animals can also be stolen out of parked vehicles.
• Place small animals in secure carriers and keep dogs on a leash. Frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt. Take water and food bowls, your animals' favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food to last them at least a week.
• Watch for other animals in need, including strays and animals who are left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in distress and are unable to help, note the animal's condition and location and call authorities for help as soon as possible.

Print: A copy of PETA's disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here. TV: A copy of PETA's disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here. Radio: A copy of PETA's disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Evidence Supplied by PETA of Physical and Psychological Threats to Two Elephants Leads to Government Action

For Immediate Release:
October 29, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382 

Lakeland, Fla. — After PETA filed two complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the physical safety and psychological well-being of two elephants with Cole Bros. Circus, the circus has agreed to pay a $15,000 penalty to the USDA to settle formal charges against the circus, which is scheduled to perform in Lakeland from November 5 to 7. The charges came after PETA pointed out that two elephants, Tina and Jewel, were hundreds of pounds underweight and had been deprived of adequate veterinary care, including for a protruding spine. They were also sent to an unlicensed exhibitor with a long history of violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Cole Bros. has settled more than 10 charges with the USDA, including failure to provide the elephants with adequate veterinary care and failure to hire personnel capable of caring for them.

In 2009, the USDA felt that the case was so serious that the agency confiscated Jewel and also removed Tina. Even so, Cole Bros. continues to use other elephants in old-fashioned circus acts. It now uses an elephant act supplied by Carson & Barnes. The act includes elephant trainer Tim Frisco, who was caught on camera viciously beating terrified elephants and shocking them with electric prods. Carson & Barnes also just paid a fine for 10 violations of the AWA, including for allowing an elephant to get loose and leaving animals unattended during elephant rides at Cole Bros. performances. In one instance, a handler left six children on an elephant and walked away to talk on his cell phone.

"The USDA's actions against Cole Bros. and Carson & Barnes should put all animal circuses on notice that, sooner or later, they must pay for animal abuse," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "Since children love animals, the last place that parents and grandparents should take them is the circus."

The USDA's original complaint against Cole Bros.—filed after the USDA was contacted by PETA and In Defense of Animals—and the settlement agreement are available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.

A list of the violations named in the charges follows.

The violations of the Animal Welfare Act for which Cole Bros. Circus was ordered to pay a $15,000 penalty include the following:

Elephants

• Failure to supply adequate veterinary care to two underweight elephants, including one with a prominent spine and sunken body image
• Failure to have records for vet exams and tuberculosis tests
• Failure to handle an elephant in a way that minimizes the risk of harm to the public and the elephant
• Failure to employ personnel capable of caring for elephants
• Failure to house elephants at a facility that could meet their needs
• Failure to follow recommendations of an elephant specialist
• Failure to store medications properly
• Transporting elephants to another person who was not equipped to care for them against the recommendation of an elephant specialist
• Inadequate enclosures
• Handlers who lacked training and knowledge and weren't regularly on site

Tigers

• Employing a handler who lacked training, knowledge, and experience
• Selling tigers without a dealer license

Seva Cooks Up Bountiful Sandwiches That Are as Kind to Animals as They Are to Your Taste Buds

For Immediate Release:
October 29, 2012

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382

Detroit — More and more people concerned about the cruel treatment of animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses—as well as the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products—are trying out delicious vegan versions of their favorite foods. That includes the ever-popular BLT. There's been a revolution in mock meats: Many are now so good that they beat the animal-based versions at their own game. Nowhere is that more evident than at Detroit's Seva, which PETA has just named in its survey of the top 10 vegan BLTs in the U.S.

Located at 66 E. Forest Ave. in Midtown, Seva offers a sandwich called the "TLT" because it's made of chargrilled tempeh (a popular vegetarian substitute for bacon), shredded lettuce, tomato, Daiya cheddar cheese, and guacamole rolled up in a whole-wheat tortilla. Try the sandwich at the Detroit or Ann Arbor location, and you'll forget about meat-based bacon the second that you take your first bite.

"Seva proves every day that a delicious BLT doesn't have to cost a pig 'an arm and a leg,'" says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "All our picks are winners because they're leading the charge to satisfy America's growing hunger for humane, healthy, and Earth-friendly foods."

First place goes to DC Vegetarian in Portland, Ore., and Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., has grabbed second place. Rounding out the top 10 are Spiral Diner & Bakery, with locations in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Yorgo's Bageldashery in PETA's hometown of Norfolk, Va.; Seattle's Highline; San Diego's Loving Hut Mira Mesa; the Green Owl Cafe in Madison, Wis.; Sticky Fingers in Washington; and Sugar Apple Natural Foods in Key West, Fla. Garnering honorable mention is the Bouldin Creek Café in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please click here.

Seva Cooks Up Bountiful Sandwiches That Are as Kind to Animals as They Are to Your Taste Buds

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7482

Ann Arbor, Mich. — More and more people concerned about the cruel treatment of animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses—as well as the artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fats found in animal products—are trying out delicious vegan versions of their favorite foods. That includes the ever-popular BLT. There's been a revolution in mock meats: Many are now so good that they beat the animal-based versions at their own game. Nowhere is that more evident than at Ann Arbor's Seva, which PETA has just named in its survey of the top 10 vegan BLTs in the U.S.

Located at 314 E. Liberty St. in downtown Ann Arbor, Seva offers a sandwich called the "TLT" because it's made of chargrilled tempeh (a popular vegetarian substitute for bacon), shredded lettuce, tomato, Daiya cheddar cheese, and guacamole rolled up in a whole-wheat tortilla. Try the sandwich at the Ann Arbor or Detroit location, and you'll forget about meat-based bacon the second that you take your first bite.

"Seva proves every day that a delicious BLT doesn't have to cost a pig 'an arm and a leg,'" says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "All our picks are winners because they're leading the charge to satisfy America's growing hunger for humane, healthy, and Earth-friendly foods."

First place goes to DC Vegetarian in Portland, Ore., and Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., has grabbed second place. Rounding out the top 10 are Spiral Diner & Bakery, with locations in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Yorgo's Bageldashery in PETA's hometown of Norfolk, Va.; Seattle's Highline; San Diego's Loving Hut Mira Mesa; the Green Owl Cafe in Madison, Wis.; Sticky Fingers in Washington; and Sugar Apple Natural Foods in Key West, Fla. Garnering honorable mention is the Bouldin Creek Café in Austin, Texas.

For more information, please click here.

Company Ships 'Relinquished' Turtles to Meat Factory Farm, Which Exports 80 Percent of Turtles Overseas for Slaughter

For Immediate Release:
October 29, 2012

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382 

San Diego — After learning that PETCO has been soliciting pet turtles from the public for months and shipping them to its own turtle supplier—a major exporter of turtles to China's turtle-meat market—PETA has posted an urgent action alert on its popular website asking visitors to contact PETCO and call on the company to end its so-called "Turtle Relinquishment Program" as well as its sale of pet turtles. The program was evidently prompted by recent news of pet turtle–related cases of salmonella poisoning in humans.

Because of the link between turtles and salmonella, the sale of baby turtles less than 4 inches long has been banned in the U.S. since 1975; however, turtles of all sizes naturally carry salmonella in their intestinal tracts. PETCO's program solicits free turtles from unknowing families and ships them to its supplier turtle factory farm, presumably for eventual resale into the pet trade—thereby increasing and spreading the risk of salmonella poisoning by recycling turtles and putting them back into the market.

"If PETCO truly cared about protecting children and families from salmonella, it would stop selling turtles—not funnel them into the pet trade for profit," says PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETCO's 'relinquishment' program is nothing but a scam that will send family pets to a filthy factory farm and compromise human health by perpetuating the ownership of captive turtles and the risk of salmonella poisoning."

The factory farm that PETCO does business with is Concordia Turtle Farm in Louisiana, which advertises itself as the "largest commercial turtle farm in the United States." It keeps nearly 200,000 adult turtles in only 17 ponds. Concordia breeds 60,000 pet turtles a year for PETCO alone and ships more than 2 million turtle hatchlings overseas for slaughter annually, mostly to China.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

PETA Tackles Company's Use of Rabbit Skins in Halloween Protest 

For Immediate Release:
October 30, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Holding signs that read, "Stein Mart: Fur Is Dead," and wearing Grim Reaper costumes, several PETA members will gather outside Stein Mart's Jacksonville headquarters on Tuesday as part of a protest against the department store's continued sales of clothing made with rabbit fur. Other PETA members will hand out leaflets explaining why buying and wearing any fur supports one of the most ghoulish industries on the planet.

When:   Tuesday, October 30, 11 a.m.

Where:  Stein Mart headquarters, 1200 Riverplace Blvd. (near the intersection with Main Street S.), Jacksonville

"When it comes to terror and death, the Grim Reaper could take lessons from Stein Mart," says PETA Associate Director Lindsay Rajt. "To satisfy the whims of fashion, Stein Mart is sentencing countless rabbits—who are among the gentlest animals on Earth—to a horrific life and a violent death."

As shown in Eva Mendes' video exposé of the fur industry, rabbits on fur farms are pulled out of cages by their ears and stunned with electrical devices. The animals watch as other rabbits have their throats cut and their heads and paws cut off with knives before the skin is peeled off their bodies. PETA sent Mendes' video to Stein Mart executives, and many members of the public have used PETA's website to urge the company to stop selling fur, but so far, these appeals have been ignored.

Dozens of top fashion retailers—including Caché, Mango, Polo Ralph Lauren, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew, and Gap—are 100 percent fur-free.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Outside During Blizzard Conditions

For Immediate Release:
October 29, 2012

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382 

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

Will you please consider sharing the following information with your audience immediately in order to help protect animals?

• Keep animals inside. 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 inside until you can find their guardians or take them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, given them 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 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.

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

For more information, please visit PETA.org.