Welcome to the New Change.org and the Animal Rights Blog

Published October 08, 2008 @ 03:57AM PT

As I'm writing this, and as you are reading this, thousands of animals are dying. In the one minute it takes you to read this paragraph, 19,000 animals will be killed in the United States alone—so that humans can eat them. Thousands more are waiting their turn in line. Some of them are squealing, squawking, or bellowing and straining and fighting for their lives. Others are terrified but too dejected, weak, and injured to fight. But each of them—every single one—is feeling something, something awful. They don't want to die, not now, not like this.

Somewhere else, shelter workers are heaving the bodies of dead dogs and cats, who just a day ago were not only alive but even healthy, into a pile for disposal because no one adopted them in time.

The next city over, a circus is pulling into town, and depressed, stressed, and maddeningly bored animals are crammed in trailers, where they will stay for hours more until it is time to perform unnatural stunts, which they will do out of fear—because they were trained through torture.

Inside a tall building at a local university, a young monkey is cowering at the back of a cage, trying to get as far away as he can from the human hands reaching in to drag him out and perform another experiment, another mutilation, or, if it's a bad day for the researcher or assistant, another act of cruel abuse just for fun.

The list goes on. But something else is happening too.

Someone is having an eye-opening conversation with a friend. Someone is crying as she watches a video that shows her things she's never seen before. Someone is looking into the eyes of an animal and finally seeing a soul there, a personality, an individual life. Someone is sitting down with a book, wondering how it's possible that he never before knew the things he's reading now—why didn't anyone tell him? Someone is seeing the world in an entirely new way. Someone out there is making a commitment to stop contributing to the violence, to the injustices. Someone out there is making a change.

Maybe it's you.

Some of you reading this are animal rights advocates and vegans or vegetarians already. Others of you agree with some of my values and beliefs—you oppose cruelty, you boycott circuses, you believe in adopting rather than purchasing companion animals, and so on—but you aren't quite where I am. And still others of you think I'm nuts—and that's OK. We can work with that.

On a daily basis here, we will be exploring current animal issues; challenging and hopefully changing some ingrained human assumptions about nonhuman animals' worth, purposes, and rights; looking at the myriad ways that animal rights issues intersect with issues of environment, health, human rights, and more; and encouraging changes in humans' behavior toward and use of animals.

Already, there is a great deal of content here for you to explore, so please do take your time to meander around—wander back to the first pages, read the information under the About tab, and scan the list on the left to see if anything specific catches your interest. My hope is that as we move forward, we'll be able to learn a few things from one another—you from me and I from you.

Welcome to the conversation. The animals and I are glad you're here.

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Comments (20)

I know I'm SO GLAD you're here!! Good luck, I'm just sitting here w/a big smile on my face.

Posted by Lisa Smolen on 10/10/2008 @ 09:43PM PT
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to All Friends 11/21/08 @ 07:25PM Wild Horses I think it is a very Noble thing what Madeleine Pickens is doing to save the Wild Horses and Burros and I think it is pretty sad that it takes a private Citizen to help the wild horses when our federal goverment wastes Billions of dollars on Things that are unimportant. My Husband and I would love to find a way to get a hold of the Pickens Famil... X

Posted by Edna Price on 11/21/2008 @ 07:51PM PT
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I have found as I become older that I feel more and more for all animals.

A year ago I made the mistake of watching a bull fight on youtube. This unthinkable incredible horror must stop.Most of these countries are Catholic and it just amazes me how the pope has never spoken out against this disgusting ritual blood bath.

If tourists cared about these helpless terrified animals they would not ever spend their money on Spain, Portgual,Mexico and other countries that allow this horror.

Posted by dn br on 12/06/2008 @ 05:48PM PT
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how dare anyone kill, abuse, not feed their pet or use them 4 dog fighting! Animals are Angels from God.i cant stand the fact that Anyone can abuse a animal Read the book Angel Animals.& may GOD have mercy on your soul,4 abusing any of Gods animals.Rachel

Posted by RachelAnnFl... I Love Jesus on 12/08/2008 @ 12:44PM PT
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TRUE DAT!!

Posted by Will yusci on 05/07/2009 @ 07:21AM PT
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I am so glad to have found people like you. My biggest issue is slaughtering horses thought they have shut down the slaughter houses in Texas they are still buying horses for slaughter houses in mexico where they are treated with more cruelty there than here. I have 2 horses and everyday I worry that some one is going to drive up and decide they will be worth some money and steal them. It happens all the time. My mare is currently in foal so thats alot more money if there are three. Please some one stop the selling of horses for slaughter. These animals use to be a reason for pride in our country.

Much thanks from,
Tiffany, Odessa , Chloe , Wrangler, Sandy key and the baby

Posted by Tiffany Drastata on 12/16/2008 @ 06:55PM PT
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I became a vegetarian 4 years ago after watching the video "The Witness". I decided I didn't want to support the exploitation and abuse of animals on factory farms. Every human and animal has feelings - it just seems to be taking us humans a while to realize that animals have very many of the same emotions as we do and can suffer in similar ways. We need to use our capacity for empathy to feel what these caged and trapped animals are feeling.

Thanks for starting an animals rights cause. Some people argue that animals aren't important when there are so many problems people are having, but I think it's all interconnected and that making the world better for animals also makes it better for people.

Posted by Sara Pollock on 01/05/2009 @ 06:46PM PT
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I had to share this with anyone that would listen/care.

Action: To write (Huntingdon Research Centre), Katie Sullivan (Staples USA) and Robert Corbishley (Xerox Europe) about the animal testing that they have been useing.... it's awful.

The reply I got from Staples :
Thank you for reaching out to Staples, Adrea.

All of our customers have open access to shop Staples' Web site and stores. We do not and cannot
restrict anyone's ability to purchase products based upon the nature of their business or personal
beliefs.

We certainly respect your opinion and look forward to continuing to serve you as a Staples'
customer.

Thank you for your patience concerning this matter.

Kim
Staples Customer Service Supervisor

e-mail: support@orders.staples.com
phone : 1-800-3STAPLE (1-800-378-2753)
fax : 1-800-333-3199
online: http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/help/contact/index.html
Yes, I responed to this as well. It made me ill. Also sent it to Peta2. Hopefully somthing is done.

Posted by Andrea M on 01/06/2009 @ 02:57PM PT
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I think your article is very well written and encompasses the whole picture and how far reaching the abuses are. It is so difficult for me to read about and see the animal abuses. I cry for these animals. I just cannot imagine the depth of the black heart it would take to inflict pain, abuse and neglect on another creature.

Thank you for your article. It has certainly inspired me to do more for the rights of animals.

Posted by Carrie James on 01/09/2009 @ 04:57PM PT
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I agree

Posted by Will yusci on 05/07/2009 @ 07:22AM PT
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Thank you for helping me to see what I should have been doing all along. I've not eaten beef, pork, lamb or dairy in almost 2 years. I didn't become this way because I thought it was the right thing to do. I became ill with IBS and can no longer eat certain things. I never really ate alot of meat to being with so I didn't miss it much. Now I'm glad and have been for some time that I don't eat beef, pork or lamb because of what I already knew but didn't pay attention to. I now want to step up my game and stop eating chickens, eggs and turkey. These things I'll be honest I will miss but am willing to miss them because it's saving a life each time I don't eat them. Call it an awakening or what you want but after reading and watching all that I have there is no way I could ever eat what I'm fighting for again. Thanks for opening my eyes a little bit bigger.

Posted by Andrea M on 01/11/2009 @ 03:00AM PT
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Andrea, thanks so much for sharing this. Comments such as this one are my favorites, and it means a great deal to me to know that the blog has had some impact on you. Congratulations on this important, compassionate decision; you're doing an incredible thing, and you won't regret it. :)

Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 01/13/2009 @ 08:09AM PT
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Spread Compassion with FREE Vegan Food!

How many times have you gone to a fundraiser or event that has a compassionate mission, but serves food that promotes violence and environmental degradation? Now, there is a cost-free way to promote compassion for all beings!

VegFund provides funding to groups and individuals wanting to table at community events and give away free delicious vegan food! Recipients aren't the event organizers, but rather serve vegan food and distribute free educational materials at a booth.

VegFund covers the cost of all food, serving supplies and booth/table fees for events such as: Rescue/Shelter events, School Events, Farmers Markets, Art Openings, Religious Socials/Events, etc. For more information and an application form visit VegFund.Org.

Posted by JC Corcoran on 03/03/2009 @ 12:10PM PT
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Hi, I'm posting this in case you don't know about our new non-profit group www.VegFund.Org. We help vegan activists fund food, literature and tables/booths. Check us out and spread the word :) Thanks, JC

Posted by JC Corcoran on 03/13/2009 @ 08:12AM PT
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JC, I am so sorry that I haven't responded to you or addressed this yet. I am indeed very excited about your group and your work! I'm just constantly behind in getting to my influx of e-mails. Will post on this soon.

Posted by Stephanie Ernst on 03/13/2009 @ 08:29AM PT
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Thanks Stephanie, I know how hard it is to keep up on these things :)

We have given away thousands of dollars in grants to vegan activists around the world and they are making a big impact. We want every vegan activist to know about this fabulous means of outreach!

Posted by JC Corcoran on 03/13/2009 @ 12:33PM PT
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Next time you reach for a Coke, think first about what the company does with your money. Coca-Cola's animal welfare policy states, "...[T]he company does not sponsor or promote events where there is a risk of physical harm to animals." Yet, the company uses your money to sponsor rodeos. Rodeos are inherent animal cruelty, pure and simple. Baby calves are violently roped by their necks and slammed to the ground as they run up to 27 miles per hour. "Bucking" straps are placed around the sensitive part of bulls' abdomens to inflict pain, causing them to buck wildly. Animals are shocked and tormented in the chute so that they run out into the arena. The list of cruelty goes on and on. A rodeo contestant said of bucking straps and electric prods, "If you can't use those devices, then you have no rodeo" (Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Dec. 26, 2000). Injuries and deaths to the animals are common in rodeos. In fact, C.G. Haber, DVM once said he has seen rodeo animals with broken ribs and punctured lungs.

Coca-Cola claims the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has humane rules that must be followed in rodeos. However, the rules are rarely enforced. When violations of the humane rules are enforced, it is just a slap on the wrist. Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) even caught an official with the PRCA abusing animals on tape, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgznBINTHN0.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, one example of a rodeo Coca-Cola sponsors, is notorious for abusing animals. An article in Wyoming Tribune Eage (http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2006/08/06/news/import-108327.txt) says animals were shocked with a Hot-Shot at Cheyenne and the PRCA does little or nothing to stop it.

Leading humane organizations including The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, The Humane Society of Canada, and World Society for the Protection of Animals oppose rodeos.

Ask Coca-Cola to live up to its animal welfare policy and stop sponsoring rodeos:

Muhtar Kent
Chairman, President, and CEO
The Coca-Cola Company
1 Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, GA 30313-2499
Fax: 404-515-7099
MKent@na.ko.com

Posted by William McMullin on 05/16/2009 @ 02:38PM PT
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I AM NEW HERE AND THIS IS MY MAIN SITE TO WORK ON, I AM AN ARA. I LOVE ALL ANIMALS, BUT HORSES ARE MY HEART & SOUL. PEOPLE THAT OWN HORSES--LIKE DOG'S--STOP BREEDING THEM! THOUSANDS OF UNWANTED HORSES FACE A HORRIFYING JOURNEY/SLAUGHTER IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. THEY ARE NOT JUST SICK & OLD HORSES--MANY BABIES-2/3/4 YR. OLD'S ARE SLAUGHTERED TOO. THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE WORST--THEY BREED--RAISE THEM TO 18 MO./2 YR. OLDS AND RACE THEM--IF THEY BREAK DOWN (AT 2 THE BABIES KNEES ARE NOT GROWN TOGETHER YET) OR NOT FAST ENOUGH TO MAKE $$$$$$ THEY ARE SENT TO SLAUGHTER. EVERY RACE TRACK HAS A "KILL BUYER" WAITING BACK AT THE BARNS TO BUY THEM. I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT--I'VE SEEN IT HAPPEN. OUR HORSES DESERVE BETTER THAN A TRIP TO HELL!

Posted by Brenda H. on 05/30/2009 @ 05:34PM PT
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I want looking for a cruelty-free deodorant brand that does the job. I've only tried Tom's Natural Deodorant, but it didn't help. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Posted by Laura Enllanche on 09/17/2009 @ 06:00PM PT
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THE BLM HAS EXTENDED PERIOD TO RECEIVE COMMENTS REGARDING WILD HORSE GATHERS SCHEDULED TO RESUME DECEMBER1. THEY ARE DECIMATING OUR WILD HORSE HERDS AND VIOLATING WILD HORSE AND BURRO PROTECTION LAWS. THEY USE HELICOPTERS TO RUN DOWN HORSES, KILLING AND MAIMING MANY. PLEASE email them and demand a moratorium on wild horse roundups. MAIL TO: wfoweb@blm.gov. YOU MUST PUT THE FOLLOWING ON THE SUBJECT LINE: "Calico Complex Capture Plan(Fox)". THANK YOU .CATHERINE RITLAW, jeranimalsanctuary.org.

Posted by Catherine Ritlaw on 11/16/2009 @ 10:00PM PT
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Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the ideas covered in the posts. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; that contain ad hominem attacks; or that are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion.

Author

Stephanie is an independent animal rights advocate, a vegan, a tree-hugging environmentalist, and a freelance editor and writer. She lives in St. Louis with an aging corgi-lab and an adolescent rescued pit bull.