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Act Now! to Help Animals
Write a letter to the Vermont Attorney General asking for Prosecution in the Bushway Slaughterhouse Abuse Case
No criminal charges have yet been filed in the Bushway Slaughterhouse abuse case! We'd really appreciate it if you'd take the time to send a respectful letter or postcard to the Chief of the Criminal Division of the Vermont Attorney General's office, asking that they file criminal charges in this case. The address, and some letter writing tips, are below:
LETTER WRITING TIPS
WHO WE ARE WRITING TO
Assistant Attorney General Bob Menzel
Vermont Attorney General's Office
109 State Street
Montpelier VT 05609-1001
TIPS
- Be polite and respectful.
- Short and concise is fine!
- Use your own words and ideas.
WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR
That the state file charges of aggravated animal cruelty against all of the individuals involved in the abuse of calves that occurred at the Bushway Slaughterhouse plant in Grand Isle, VT.
FACTS YOU CAN INCLUDE
- The Bushway plant was shut down three previous times by the USDA for inhumane treatment of the calves (in May, June and July 2009), and again in October 2009 after the HSUS investigation.
- They KNEW they were operating outside of the federal and state laws, yet the abuse continued.
- The abuse included kicking, beating, and repeatedly shocking the downed calves, and skinning the calves while still alive.
- The maximum sentence of 3 years and a $5,000 fine should be sought.
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Help Gather Signatures for the Justice for the Calves Petition
Even if you've signed the online petition, if you are a Vermont resident, we'd like to get your signature on our formal, legal petition to the State. You can download it Here. Feel free to help us gather the signatures of other Vermont residents, or just mail it back to us with your signature, to GMAD, PO Box 4577, Burlington, VT 05406. You don't have to be a registered voter to sign, just a Vermont resident. Thank you!
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Urge Rep. Welch to co-sponsor Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act
Why do we need the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act?
- American horses are shipped to Mexico and Canada to be slaughtered for human consumption.
- They are forced onto crowded trucks, and they endure hours without food, water, or rest.
- Families and rescuers who want to buy the horses to give them a second chance have to bid against the buyers who want to send the horses to slaughter.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released documents that contain shocking images of the extreme suffering of horses transported to slaughter.
We need to pass the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503). The bill is gaining fast momentum, but Peter Welch, hasn't yet signed his support of H.R. 503. It is critical that we reach out to him to secure more support for this bill.
TAKE ACTION
To reach Representative Welch, call (202) 225-4115. Politlely ask him to co-sponsor H.R. 503, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.
Give him your name and address and make it is clear that you are a constituent. You can say:
"Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your town] to urge Representative Welch to co-sponsor H.R. 503, the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, to end the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Thank you."
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Pet and Animal Lovers - protect your pets from Trapping Season
Pet and animal lovers BEWARE! Trapping season in Vermont begins on October 24 and all animals, including your pets, are in danger.
Traps indiscriminately snap shut on ANY animal who is unfortunate enough to be attracted to the bait. Despite what trappers may want you to believe, common sense tells you that what follows for the victim—regardless of the species—is excruciating pain and fear. In fact, the experience is so unbearable that many animals try to escape by chewing off their own trapped limb, only to hobble away and die of gangrene or starvation.
Unfortunately, many of our cats and dogs, as well as targeted and non-targeted wildlife, will endure this cruelty.
Please, do not let your pet be one of them! Keep your pets indoors, or on a leash throughout the season for their safety and your peace of mind.
Sadly, wild animals will not be protected and therefore many will needlessly suffer a cruel and premature death.
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GMAD is going the extra mile to end Pet Overpopulation with our Mile of Money Fundraiser!!
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In our latest fundraising effort, GMAD will be attempting to raise a FULL mile of dollar bills, with all the proceeds going to help spay and neuter dogs and cats in our area.
While many may think that over-crowded shelters are a thing of the past, every year between 6 and 8 Million dogs and cats enter shelters, and it is estimated that half of those are euthanized (HSUS). We believe the only answer to the pet overpopulation crisis is to reach as many dogs and cats as possible before they can produce more unwanted puppies and kittens.
Since a $1 bill is approximately 6 inches long (based on an old MacGyver tip) we will need $10,560 to raise a mile of money. You can donate 0.5 feet ($1), a yard ($6), or longer! And you will have the opportunity to remember your pet, or a loved one, with each donation.
To donate online, please go to the Special Donations sections of our Donate page. And check back for updates on our progress!
If you would like more information about our Mile of Money fundraiser, or if you would like to donate by mail, please e-mail Lindsey and she will set you up!
Together our dollars can prevent puppies and kittens from entering an already overpopulated world and give the ones here a better chance.
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Congressman Welch to Co-Sponsors the Great Ape Protection Act!
Action: Representative Welch co-sponsored this act on 7-13-09! Thank you for your help in getting him to co-sponsor this act!
From: New England Anti-Vivisection Society
The Great Ape Protection Act (H.R. 1326) is currently in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Vermont Representative Peter Welch sits on this committee. To ensure the bill's passage, we need as many committee members as possible to cosponsor the bill.
Please write or call Rep. Welch and ask him to consponsor the Great Ape Protection Act, H.R. 1326. Tell him you no longer want millions of tax dollars wasted on scientifically unnecessary and inhumane chimpanzee research. Let him know that you appreciate his impressive record on animal issues (Humane Score 92), and that you trust that you will be able to count on him again to support and cosponsor this important legislation.
If you would like to volunteer to help get the word out in your area, or would like to order legislative postcards, please email
releasechimps@neavs.org
Finally, please pass this information onto fellow VT constituents, thank you!
More Info: http://www.releasechimps.org/mission/end-chimpanzee-research/
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Homes Desperately Needed for Rescued Sheep & Goats
As you may have heard, over 110 neglected animals were rescued in a recent animal cruelty case. Now the goats and sheep from this case urgently need homes - either permanent or foster.
There are 14 goats - some males, some females. All females are pregnant with the exception of one. There are pygmies and a couple dairy goats. There are 7 sheep - one of which is a ram. Please have interested people call Gina ASAP if interested in helping out 802 353-6540
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Help Stop Canada?s Cruel Seal Hunt
Canada's annual seal hunt is the largest commercial hunt of marine mammals on the planet. The hunt faces harsh criticism the world over because it is both cruel and unsustainable. Over the past three years, nearly one million seals have been killed, often suffering immensely before being skinned.
Don't Buy While Seals Die: Boycott Canadian Seafood. Please sign the pledge here.
To make an even greater impact, please ask your local grocery store to join the ProtectSeals campaign by boycotting Canadian seafood.
Please visit the action tool kit for information and lots of ways to help the seals and end Canada?s brutal seal hunt for good!
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Take the Leap to Cruelty Free Products!
FROM: LeapingBunny.org
Make a commitment to eliminate animal testing by pledging to only purchase products approved by the Leaping Bunny Program, which provides the best assurance that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers. The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics? (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers a cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized Leaping Bunny Logo for companies producing cosmetic, personal care, and household products.
To encourage more companies to sign on to the Leaping Bunny Program, we have launched a nation-wide pledge campaign to urge consumers to take the leap to cruelty-free products. By signing the pledge you will help to make our collective voices even stronger and drive more companies to go cruelty-free, saving animals from cruel and unnecessary testing.
More Info: http://www.leapingbunnypledge.org/pledge.aspx
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Maisy, a Horse Rescued in Vermont, Needs your Help
As the result of a cruelty/neglect case, Maisy the horse was rescued on November 14th by Spring Hill Horse Rescue in Clarendon, VT. She is a sweet young filly who was found tangled in some fencing and emaciated. Sadly, the goat on the same property was already dead. A necropsy showed he had most likely starved to death.
The good news is that Maisy has been seized from that situation and is slowly recuperating, regaining her will to live & now able to stand up (with help)!
Maisy's Palomino coat is now clean and dry. She is expected to make a full recovery, but this will take time and money. Green Mountain Animal Defenders hopes to sponsor Maisy's recuperation, at least in part. The price of hay and other supplies is up, and funds are needed to cover these costs, as well as veterinary bills.
For example, a bale of hay costs approximately $4 and as Maisy recovers, she is expected to eat about a bale a day, at a cost of about $4/day, $25/week, or $100/month. If you are able to sponsor her for a day, a week or a month, that would be fabulous! Of course, a donation in ANY amount will be greatly appreciated and put to immediate use. Let's give Maisy and her rescuers something to be thankful for this holiday season!
If you send a donation for Maisy's care online on the Donate page. You may also send a donation in the mail: GMAD, PO Box 4577, Burlington, VT 05406, please be sure to note that is it for Maisy. Since we are a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to GMAD are tax deductible.
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ReportAnimalCruelty.com
Vermont?s Animal Cruelty Reporting System has a new website! This website, www.reportanimalcruelty.com is designed to help in preventing cruelty and responding to acts of neglect and cruelty against animals in Vermont. It is a useful and wonderful resource for all Vermonters who care about animals.
At ReportAnimalCruelty.com, you can report a case of animal cruelty or neglect on-line & anonymously, find a listing of phone numbers for reporting animal cruelty in each VT county, and also learn about Vermont?s animal cruelty laws.
Reporting cases of animal cruelty is extremely important in protecting animals in Vermont. Please forward this resource to all of your contacts
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Vermont Companion Animal Neutering (VT-CAN!)
VT-CAN! is a stationary low cost, high quality, high volume dog & cat spay/neuter clinic located in Middlesex, Vermont and is run by GMAD member & friend Pamela K.
The clinic opened in August and they are in need of donations of these supplies:
Smaller items
Paper towels
Office supplies- copy paper, paper clips, file folders, staplees, pens etc.
Pee Pads
Towels
Trash bags (all sizes)
Triple A batteries
Bleach
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Larger Items
Items hospitals may be throwing out (that are unused) such as blue paper drapes, surgeons hand towels, lidocaine, syringes etc.
Storage units and file cabinets
Surgical Equipment- lights, tables, mayo stands
Please help if you can, as Pamela and the crew intend to minimize the devastating effects of companion animal over-population and suffering, one spay/neuter at a time!
More Info: http://www.vt-can.org
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Support the Federal Dog Protection Act
Did you know that for the sake of human profit, dogs are trained for dog fighting by being beaten, chained and fed gunpowder, illegal drugs and even live animals -- and sometimes they are not fed at all for long periods of time? In the end, dogs that do not win are either killed or left to die horrific and painful deaths.
Please help these dogs! Sign this petition from the American Humane Association to end this horrific practice by urging the U.S. Congress to support the Federal Dog Protection Act.
Both the petition and more information can be found here: http://go.care2.com/helpdogs
Your US Representative will be notified that you believe every animal deserves the right to live a cruelty-free life!
More Info: http://go.care2.com/helpdogs
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Have A Gentle Thanksgiving
Millions of vegetarian and other caring folks across the U.S. are celebrating this Thanksgiving with a rich selection of delicious vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and mock meats replacing the carcass on their dinner table. The vegetarian bill of fare may include a 'tofurky,' lentil or nut roast, stuffed squash, corn chowder or chestnut soup, candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin or pecan pie, and carrot cake.
This site is a great resource for those interesting in a cruelty-free Thanksgiving.
More Info: http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/
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Wendy's Frosty Attitude
From HSUS:
Wendy's attitude toward animal welfare is, well...frosty. After months of discussions with The HSUS, the company still lags behind its competitor, Burger King, when it comes to reducing cruelty to egg-laying hens. The freeze extends to concerned consumers, too -- now Wendy's refuses even to accept email on this issue!
In March, Burger King began phasing in the use of cage-free eggs. Yet all of the eggs that Wendy's uses come from birds crammed in cages so tiny they can barely move.
Since Wendy's is as chilly towards emails from customers as it is towards animal welfare, it's critical that you call Wendy's right now at 1-800-443-7266, ext. 2032.
It's easy; just say, "My name is (your name) and I'm calling to ask Wendy's to start switching to cage-free eggs to reduce cruelty to animals."
More Info: http://www.hsus.org/farm/news/ournews/cracking_wendys_egg_claims.html
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Free Food for Homeless Pets
Just one free click on the link below will help to feed and provide care for a homeless animal in a shelter or sanctuary. Click every day!
More Info: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/
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Sign The Fur Free Pledge
Do we even need to tell you about the cruelty and torture associated with wearing furs and fur trimmed clothing? I don't think so, but everyone should sign this fur free pledge.
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Write Write Write!
Write! Write! Write!
Letters to the editor are the second most read section of the newspaper. They are a very effective vehicle for bringing our message to many people not reached in other ways. If you are interested in writing a letter and want suggestions for possible topics, would like a list of some things to keep in mind when submitting a letter, or need an e-mail list of Vermont
newspapers, please contact Sharon.
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Sign the Petition for Poultry
The HSUS has launched an online petition drive, the Petition for Poultry, designed to collect signatures in support of amending the federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to include poultry.
The petition drive has two related goals: First, to let Congress, USDA, and industry (producers and retailers) know there's overwhelming public support for fixing this law. Second, to build a list of advocates who can take action on this issue in the future when the need is urgent.
We encourage you to sign the petition yourself and forward it along to your friends and family. Our initial goal is 25,000 signatures by Thanksgiving Day.
Joanne Bourbeau
New England Regional Director
The Humane Society of the United States
PO Box 619
Jacksonville, VT? 05342
802-368-2790 (phone)
802-368-2756 (fax)
More Info: http://www.petitionforpoultry.com
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Remove Inhumane Vet from Animal Welfare Committee
Dr. Gregg Cutler authorized the use of a wood chipper to "depopulate" (read murder) the spent hens on egg ranches. Please urge the American Veterinary Medical Association to remove Gregg Cutler, DVM, from the Animal Welfare Committee. While the AVMA continues to support forced molting, despite overwhelming scientific evidence that forced molting is a severe animal welfare abuse and a major cause of Salmonella enteritidis in hens and their eggs, the AVMA does not support the use of wood chippers or tree shredders in its 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Please visit the web site page below and read the full story.
More Info: http://upc-online.org/winter2003/emperor.htm
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Does Your Clothing Store Sell Items With Fur?
GMAD is planning to put together a Vermont consumer guide listing which stores in the area sell fur garments or fur-trimmed garments. We would appreciate if, when you are shopping, you would keep an eye out for fur products and inform us accordingly.
For example, one member informed us of rabbit fur sales at T. J. Maxx (feel free to contact them at 800-2TJ-MAXX and express your concern). Please contact Sharon with the names & contact info of these stores so that we can create a comprehensive list for our membership and fight against the cruelty & suffering that fur sales bring.
Contact Sharon at sharon@gmad.info
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