Pet News: July 2009 Archives

From Farm Sanctuary:

Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal protection organization, is extremely close to reaching its goal of collecting 10,000 signatures on its "Truth Behind Labels" petition to the USDA to tell them their "naturally raised" label is not natural.

They're currently at 9,556 signatures.

Sign the petition to let the USDA know we won't stand for their deceptive claims.

Here's some background from Farm Sanctuary:

Most people believe that the "naturally raised" label implies animals have access to sunshine, fresh air, freedom of movement and the ability to perform natural behaviors. Yet, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently allowed companies to slap a "naturally raised" label on meat and meat products that come from animals whose upbringing was far from natural.

Cramped crates aren't natural living conditions for calves and sows. Cows and pigs need fresh air, sunlight and open space to engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and rooting for food, taking mud baths, and raising their young. Furthermore, such a label misleads the public and exploits consumer trust in advertising and packaging claims and in government regulation of agriculture.

From Best Friends Network:

An 8-year-old autistic boy wants his potbellied pig back. Loopey, Anthony's 1-year-old Vietnamese pig, was recently ordered out of the family's Fayetteville, North Carolina home, with officials citing a violation of a city ordinance.

Anthony's mother, Lisa Pia, is taking her appeal to City Hall with the goal of changing a 20-year-old ordinance so that it classifies potbellies as companion animals. Most of all, Anthony wants to keep Loopey by his side because she helps him with his autism. "She has been a blessing for my son," Pia says. "He has been comforted and unconditionally loved by Loopey, as she has by him. The way my son has reacted to Loopey is amazing. She is a very smart animal and has become a very important part of this family."

Read more...

From Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

CNN's Wolf Blitzer calls it a growing controversy. Last month, The Situation Room aired military videos obtained by PCRM through the Freedom of Information Act that reveal the unlawful use of live animals for medical training.

Congress and PCRM are asking the military to switch from these inhumane exercises to nonanimal teaching methods.

Find out more...