WAN Update: The Carr Fire, The Ferguson Fire & The Complex Fire Continue To Burn Across Northern California; Important Animal Rescue Information – World Animal News

By Lauren Lewis

July 31, 2018

ABC7 News
There are reportedly 16 wildfires currently scorching across California with the monstrous Carr Fire near Redding becoming the 7th most destructive fire in the history of the state.
Northern California has been hit especially hard with the Carr Fire, the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite Valley, the Complex Fire, River Fire, and Ranch Fire in Mendocino County.
The Carr Fire, which has burned more than 100,000 acres, tragically has already claimed the lives of two firefighters and six civilians. The number of animals that have perished in the fire has yet to be addressed, but sadly, there has been many.
“Haven Humane is filling up quickly with evacuated animals. We are desperately trying to make space for all incoming evacuees,” the non-profit posted on its Facebook page, noting that they were ‘receiving everything from goats to rabbits.’
Fortunately, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek is helping to clear Haven Humane to make room for more animal evacuees. It has already taken in close to 40 dogs and cats.

ARF
“Haven Humane actually had a pool of over 500 animals since Thursday, and in order to alleviate the burden on their efforts, we are pulling their existing population and trying to get them re-homed,” ARF posted on its Facebook page. “Our teams are returning with more animals from our partners in Carr Fire evacuation areas. Taking in these adoptable animals creates local space for the more than 800 pets displaced since last week.”
The relocated animals will be up for adoption at ARF following medical assessment.
In addition to Haven Humane, 530-241-1653, located at 1816 CA-273 in Anderson, which is taking in small animals, the following evacuation centers have also been set up:

Large animal shelter: Tehama County Fairgrounds, 530-527-5920, 650 Antelope Blvd Red Bluff
Large animal shelter: Intermountain Fairgrounds, 530-336-5005, 44218 A St, McArthur
Large and small animal shelter: Redding Rodeo Grounds, 530-241-5731, 715 Auditorium Dr, Redding. While WAN does not support rodeos, we appreciate the organization opening their doors to temporarily house displaced animals during the fire.

Ferguson Fire
As of this morning, the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite National Park has burned 57,846 acres. Sadly, this fire also resulted in the loss of the lives of two firefighters.
Yosemite National Park remains closed with Yosemite Valley expected to reopen to all visitors at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 3, 2018. Limited visitor services will be available inside Yosemite Valley, including campgrounds, lodging, and food service operations.

Yosemite National Park
The small animal shelter at SPCA of Mariposa County, 209-966-5275, located at 5599 Highway 49, is reportedly at full capacity.
Animal evacuation centers include:

Small pets may now be accommodated at the Mariposa Elementary School Shelter at 5044 Jones Street, where Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) is operating an emergency animal shelter.
Large animals are being accepted at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 209-966-2432, located at 5007 Fairgrounds Road in Mariposa.

Complex Fire, River Fire, and Ranch Fire in Mendocino County
Multiple fires continue to burn in Mendocino, Lake, and Napa counties. The weather remains hot, dry, and windy. Firefighters remain hard at work trying to contain the fire that has already consumed more than 56,000 acres.

Animal evacuation centers are as follows:

Small animals are being accepted at Animal Care Services, 707-463-4427, located at 298 Plant Road in Ukiah.
Horses are temporarily housed at Redwood Riders Arena at 8300 East Road in Redwood Valley.

WAN will continue to update this breaking story. We are sending our prayers!

https://worldanimalnews.com/wan-update-the-carr-fire-the-ferguson-fire-important-animal-rescue-information/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Watch “3-Legged Deer Is So Grateful His Mom Saved Him | The Dodo” on YouTube

Join One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic Movement!

onegreenplanet.org

Plastic can be found in virtually every shape and form. It is a material that makes our lives incredibly convenient, but most people rarely think about the impact plastic has on the world around us.

Unlike other materials, plastic never really goes away. We love plastic because it is durable, waterproof, and versatile, but the downside of these qualities is that it lasts forever.

Plastic does not biodegrade and it takes hundreds of years for it to break down through a process of photodegradation. Basically, plastic can only disintegrate if it is exposed to UV rays which break its structural bonds apart – and even when this happens, it never truly goes away, it just becomes tons of microscopic pieces of plastic.
Marine Animal Extinction is the Real Cost of Convenience

Globally, we produce 300 million tons of plastic every year, 78 percent of which is NOT reclaimed or recycled.
Around 8.8 million tons of plastic get dumped into the oceans every year!
700 marine animals are faced with extinction due to the threat that plastic poses to them in the form of entanglement, pollution, and ingestion.
50 percent of sea turtles have plastic in their stomachs.
By 2050, 99 percent of all seabird species will have ingested plastic waste.

While efforts are being made to remove debris from the oceans, improve recycling systems and innovate barriers to prevent plastic from getting into waterways, we can all take action in our daily lives to stop plastic waste at the source.

“Plastic is ubiquitous in modern society and seemingly unavoidable. But is it worth risking the lives of marine species, the health of the oceans and our own future in the name of convenience? By taking baby steps to minimize hidden plastics in our lives, we can crush plastic at its source and help the world take a giant collective leap into a better future,” said Nil Zacharias, Co-Founder of One Green Planet.

If we all take steps to identify where we use plastic and actively look for alternatives, we can drastically cut down on the amount of plastic pollution that finds its way into the ocean. The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic a year. If everyone in the U.S. alone were to stop using plastic that would keep over 555 billion pounds of plastic out of the oceans!

As the leading organization at the forefront of the conscious consumerism movement, One Green Planet believes that reducing hidden plastics from our lives is not about giving up anything or sacrificing convenience, but rather learning to reap the maximum benefit from the items you use every day while having the minimum impact.
5 Ways You Can #CrushPlastic in Your Daily Life

DIY your own cosmetics instead of buying ones in plastic tubes.
Try DIY-ing your shampoo and conditioner instead of buying plastic bottles.
Skip the plastic tube toothpaste and make your own!
Switch to bar soap and shampoo to avoid plastic packaging.
Use mason jars when grocery shopping to store all your bulk food items.
Use small cloth or reusable bags instead of produce bags when food shopping.
Replace your plastic food storage bags with stainless steel tins or mason jars.
Reduce plastic packaging in your cleaning routine by making your own natural cleaners.
Avoid microbeads in your exfoliating face or body wash.
Buy plastic-free beauty, hygiene, and cleaning products, like bamboo toothbrushes, plastic-free makeup brushes and natural material sponges.

For more information on how plastic harms oceans and marine animals, click the link

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/crushplastic/.

Disney to Eliminate Plastic Straws, Stirrers, and Styrofoam Cups in All Parks, Hotels, and Cruise Line!

onegreenplanet.org
Aleksandra Pajda
Disney has announced its commitment to making a positive impact on the environment by reducing plastic waste at their parks and other venues across the globe! The entertainment giant is cracking down on non-biodegradable plastic straws and stirrers, reducing the use of plastic bags, and eliminating polystyrene cups – all in the spirit of Walt Disney’s conviction that “conservation isn’t just the business of a few people. It’s a matter that concerns all of us.”

The company will eliminate single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers in all of its owned and operated locations globally by mid-2019. The change will reduce more than 175 million non-biodegradable straws and 13 million stirrers a year. The company has not yet revealed details as to possible alternatives.

Disney is also going to transition to refillable in-room amenities in its hotels and on cruise ships over the next few years. The switch is expected to reduce plastic in guest rooms by 80 percent. They will also slash the number of plastic shopping bags in their parks and cruise line, instead offering guests the option to buy reusable bags at a nominal price. Lastly, Disney pledged to fully end their use of polystyrene cups across all its global businesses.

“Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products. “These new global efforts help reduce our environmental footprint, and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”

Disney is also looking forward to making further progress on its overall sustainability goals. According to the company’s data, in 2017, it reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions by 41 percent and diverted almost 50 percent of waste from landfills and incineration.

“Disney has always been inspired by nature – and it is a uniquely powerful brand that inspires, educates, and entertains, all at the same time,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International. “Today’s announcement is more than about reducing single-use plastic waste, it’s also about showing millions of kids and adults from around the world the many ways we can change our daily habits to care for the oceans and protect nature that sustains us all. It also builds on Disney’s longstanding commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship, a legacy that stretches from the highlands of Peru to the islands of the South Pacific.”

In America, 500 million plastic straws are used every day! While it is wonderful to see companies take steps to eliminate unnecessary plastics, we can all make the same effort in our daily lives. To find out how you can be a part of the change by reducing your personal use of single-use plastics, check out One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic campaign!

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/disney-eliminate-plastic-straws-stirrers-styrofoam-cup/

Image source: rgrivas/Pixabay

Petition: This Horse Camp Let Kids Paint on This Rescue Pony!

by: Care2 Team
recipient: Hípica de Brasília

55,547 SUPPORTERS – 60,000 GOAL
An equestrain camp in Brazil allowed children to color and paint all over a poor horse. Apparently they thought it would be a fun and cute idea to encourage interaction between the children and the horse. It’s not fun or cute. It’s gross.

Sign the petition to demand the camp ends the “activity” of kids coloring on animals.

When teaching kids about animals, it’s so important to teach them that they are living beings who deserve respect and good treatment. Coloring all over them does not send that message. Not to mention the horse must have been so stressed out with the kids doing this.

The camp clarified that the pigments used were non-toxic, which is great. But letting kids color a horse still sends the wrong message.

If the camp wants to expose kids to horses, great! They could teach the kids to brush the horses, ride them and feed them. They could teach the kids that horses take care and love and responsibility. Not that they are play objects like a piece of paper.

Please sign on to the petition to demand the camp ends this horrible activity!

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/460/889/695/this-camp-lets-kids-paint-all-over-ponies/?TAP=1732

Photo via FB

Fawn Saved From The Devastating Carr Wildfire In Northern California By San Francisco CHP Sergeant Fawson – World Animal News

By WAN

July 30, 2018

Photos from CHP
While working on an update on the devastating wildfire in Northern California that is currently threatening people and animals in Redding and surrounding areas, WAN came across a special story of survival.
As per posts on numerous California Highway Patrol Facebook pages, on Saturday, July 28th, San Francisco Sergeant Fawson responded to a call about a young deer who was alone, stranded, and in need of being rescued from the 80,000 acre fire.
“SF Area CHP units have been deployed to the #CARRfires in Redding, CA. This baby deer was pulled from fire danger and was turned over to a deer rescue organization, shared the Facebook post. “God speed CAL FIRE and all other fire and first responder agencies providing mutual aid. You are truly the Bravest.”

Redding CHP explained on its Facebook page that the fawn was so close to the fire that they could not wait for her mother to return.

While the deer rescue organization has not been identified yet, it did send the department some pictures of the rescued fawn now named Carra, and assurred them that she is “doing well and drank a lot of water and took quickly to the bottle.”

Tragically, the Carr fire claimed numerous lives so far including two young children and their great-grandmother. It is unfathomable how many animals have also already fallen victim to the flames.
WAN is praying for everyone who has been affected by the wildfires and hopes that no more lives are lost as a result of the tragedy.
WAN will continue to provide updates as they come.

https://worldanimalnews.com/fawn-saved-from-the-devastating-carr-wildfire-in-northern-california-by-san-francisco-chp-officer/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Breaking! Ralph Lauren Marks The Latest Major Global Brand To Ban Use Of Mohair In Their Products – World Animal News

By WAN –
July 30, 2018

Ralph Lauren is the latest fashion retailer to join a long list of companies that will no longer use mohair from angora goats in their products.
The New York–based retail giant joined the more than 270 brands worldwide that have pledged not to sell the cruelly obtained material. The ban applies to all Ralph Lauren brands, including Ralph Lauren Home, Polo Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Club Monaco, and American Living.
Like many others, the move by Ralph Lauren follows PETA‘s video expose of the extremely cruel mohair industry in South Africa, which is the source of more than 50 percent of the world’s mohair.
As previously reported by WAN, the brutal industry includes many travesties including careless shearers who are paid by volume, not by the hour, animals left with gaping wounds that are then roughly stitched up without any pain relief, and goats deemed to be no longer useful, heartlessly killed in agonizing ways.
“PETA’s exposé pulled back the curtain on the violent mohair industry, and Ralph Lauren responded by banning the cruelly produced material,” PETA Director of Corporate Affairs Anne Brainard said in a statement. “Ralph Lauren has joined the growing list of fashion brands that recognize that today’s shoppers don’t support cruelty to animals in the fashion industry.”
PETA has requested that law-enforcement agencies in South Africa investigate and file charges, as appropriate, for potential violations of that country’s Animals Protection Act, 1962.
In banning mohair, Ralph Lauren joins a growing number of brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Brooks Brothers, Gap, Banana Republic, H&M, Topshop, UNIQLO, Overstock.com, and Zara, among hundreds of others of other designers and retailers, that have also decided to become more cruelty-free.
Fortunately, fashion brands are not only banning mohair but are also eliminating or considering the elimination of other inhumanely sourced materials such as fur, leather, and wool.
#MakeCompassionTheFashion

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-ralph-lauren-marks-the-latest-major-global-brand-to-ban-use-of-mohair-in-their-products/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

7 Tonnes of Scales From Endangered Pangolins Seized In Hong Kong – Second Largest Seizure In A Decade – World Animal News

By Karen Lane –
July 31, 2018

Picture from South China Morning Post. The shipment arrived from Lagos, Nigeria.
Sad news from Hong Kong was revealed last week after the Tsing Yi customs cargo examination compound came across a 40 foot container which the manifest claimed contained more than 880 bags of plastic raw materials.
Tragically, the custom agents discovered that the large container was actually carrying 7 tonnes of scales from critically endangered pangolins, which was in route from Nigeria to Hong Kong.
The Customs Department stated that the shipment had an estimated market value of HK$3.55 million (US$450,000) making it the second largest seizure of its kind in a decade.
According to The South China Morning Post, the biggest recent seizure that was also found in a container from Nigeria, contained 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales, which was discovered in May of 2017.
Regarding the recent shipment discovered last week, a law enforcement source said, “A total of 284 bags carrying suspected pangolin scales were found in the container.” He also mentioned that the shipment was en route for Guangdong province, and that it was possible the scales would be used in Chinese medicine.
According to World Wildlife Fund, Pangolins continue to be the most trafficked mammals in Asia and increasingly, in Africa. Their meat is considered a delicacy and their scales are used in traditional medicine in countries like China and Vietnam.
It’s infuriating that these beautiful and shy creatures continue to be killed even though their species are protected under national and international laws. What is even more heartbreaking is that in recent years, the illegal trade in pangolins have actually increased due to growing demand.
In Hong Kong, importing or exporting undeclared cargo carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and a HK$2 million fine.
Any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a license is liable to a maximum fine of HK$10 million ($1.3 million) and imprisonment for 10 years, under Hong Kong’s “Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.”
The department said no one has been arrested and the investigation was still under way.

https://worldanimalnews.com/7-tonnes-of-scales-from-endangered-pangolins-seized-in-hong-kong-second-largest-seizure-in-a-decade/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Breaking! Thomas Cook Travel Group Announces That It Will Stop Selling Tickets To SeaWorld Beginning Next Year – World Animal News

By Lauren Lewis –
July 31, 2018

In a blog post titled “The Next Step In Our Animal Welfare Policy,” one of the world’s leading leisure travel groups announced that it would discontinue offering trips to destinations that exploit whales held in captivity such as SeaWorld.
The update was made yesterday by Thomas Cook’s CEO Peter Fankhauser, who noted that this marks the latest step in the company’s animal welfare policy that was announced 18 months ago.
“The policy was clear,” stated Fankhauser. “Any animal attractions we sell must be 100% compliant with ABTA animal welfare standards, as verified by our program of independent audits.”
ABTA is the acronym for the Association of British Travel Agents, which working in partnership with the Born Free Foundation, launched the one-and-a-half-year-old Global Welfare Guidance for Animals in Tourism initiative that sets a benchmark for minimum requirements in animal welfare for tourism and animal attractions industries globally.
According to Fankhauser, since the new animal welfare policy was launched, the company has audited 49 animal attractions of which it removed 29 from its offerings.
The remaining are reportedly making “significant improvements” to the way they treat their animals as a direct result of the company’s audit process.
“Today we are announcing a new addition to our animal welfare policy based on that same principle. Next summer, we will no longer sell any animal attractions that keep orcas in captivity,” explained Fankhauser who shared that more than 90% of their clients told them that it was important that their company takes animal welfare seriously. “This was not a decision we took lightly. We always said that we would continue to review our policy, conscious that the more we got into this area, the more we would learn, and conscious also of changing customer sentiment.”
Fankhauser reiterated the important role tourism has to play during the transition of ending practices that are known to harm animals.
“Today’s announcement will see Thomas Cook remove two attractions which we currently offer customers, both of which passed our audit process and made improvements to the way they treat animals,” continued Fankhauser referring to SeaWorld, in Florida, and Loro Parque in Tenerife. “We respect and applaud the work that has been done, and we will work with both over the next 12 months to prepare for our exit.”
The company will also continue to work to identify more sustainable alternatives.

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-thomas-cook-travel-group-announces-that-it-will-stop-selling-tickets-to-seaworld-beginning-next-year/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Petition: This Cruise Line Just Killed an Endangered Polar Bear! Cancel the Cruise That Puts These Bears At Risk

by: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

11,832 SUPPORTERS – 12,000 GOAL

Out of the many animals under threat of disappearing due to human-caused climate change, perhaps the most endangered is the polar bear. With only 25,000 of the largest bears on Earth remaining, they face some serious challenges to their survival. At every opportunity, we as humans should be doing everything we can to protect them so the species has a fighting chance of making it to the next century.

That’s why so many people were outraged earlier this week when word got out that a German cruise line — Hapag-Lloyd Cruises — was responsible for killing one of these amazing animals.

The cruise line was docked at Spitsbergen, an island in the Svalbard archipelago belonging to Norway. Because of the prevalence of polar bears — according to officials, there are more bears than humans on the island — “polar bear guards” are required by law for any cruise ship wishing to come ashore. The guards’ role is to search the area before tourists step on land to make sure no bears are nearby. This time they did a horrible job, and while the guards were scanning the area, one was attacked and another guard shot and killed the attacking bear.

While the guard’s injuries weren’t life-threatening, his negligence and that of his colleagues left one of Svalbard’s bears dead.

Hapag-Lloyd is putting their bottom line before the safety and of an entire species of animal that could very well disappear if we don’t take action. We can’t afford to shoot these bears simply because we want to have a closer look at their habitat. That doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of wanting to see polar bears up close and personal in the first place.

The cruise line should no longer put their employees, tourists or bears in harm’s way by docking and coming ashore in areas where they are likely to come into close contact with polar bears.

Please sign the petition if you agree. Sign and demand that Hapag-Lloyd cancel their cruise that puts polar bears at risk.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/684/489/834/

Photo credit: Gustav Busch Arntsen via Getty Images

 

Petition: Tasmania, Do Something to Save the Beautiful Swift Parrot From Extinction

by: Care2 Team
recipient: Tasmanian Environment Minister, Elise Archer

41,121 SUPPORTERS – 45,000 GOAL
The swift parrot isn’t as famous as some of its Australian relatives. Part of the reason could be because it’s so rare. In fact, it’s one of Australia’s most endangered birds, listed as — critically endangered in the IUCN Red List of endangered species. According to a study conducted in 2014, the species may face extinction by 2031 due to predation and loss of habitat.

Yet despite that warning more than four years ago, the government of Tasmania has yet to implement measures that would halt the destructive logging that is devouring this beautiful bird’s home.

Now conservationists are fighting back. Armed with a new study, they allege that the government is sitting on its hands while the old growth trees the birds rely on for breeding are slowly disappearing. Tasmania has had common sense management plans on the books for years. One that would ensure enough breeding habitat, for example, has been around for a decade. Yet, it hasn’t been put into action.

This is inexcusable, Australia has recently won the undesirable title of the country with the highest rate of extinction worldwide. If that title is only met with inaction, then the chances of survival for dozens of endangered species struggling to survive Down Under looks dire.

These parrots must be saved and the Tasmanian government must take action now to avoid disaster.

Please sign the petition and tell Tasmania that they have a duty to save the swift parrot. Your signature can make a difference.

Photo Credit: Jade Craven

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/794/736/717/

 

Petition: Protect Dolphins from Oil Spills

act.oceana.org

Opening the floodgates to dirty and dangerous offshore drilling is a catastrophe waiting to happen, made all the worse by President Trump’s proposal to gut a key safety rule.

The BP oil spill was the most devastating oil spill in our nation’s history and the Well Control Rule was one of the only safety regulations implemented in the aftermath.

We cannot allow the Trump Administration to eliminate this key safety rule right when they are pushing to radically expand offshore drilling in nearly all federal waters. We need more safety, not less.

Tell the Trump Administration and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement: Do not dismantle the Well Control Rule and risk another oil spilling catastrophe.

We need 30,000 people to speak up before the Aug. 6 deadline to stop offshore drilling – make yourself heard.

https://act.oceana.org/page/27224/action/1?locale=en-US

Facts On How Holtec Spent Nuclear Fuel Canisters Are Substandard And Should Not Be Used, Parked, Or Buried Anywhere – Comment By July 30th, 11:59 PM ET

Mining Awareness +

Comment By Jul 30 2018, at 11:59 PM ET, ID: NRC-2018-0052-0058 on Holtec’s spent nuclear fuel facility in New Mexico: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NRC-2018-0052 Documents here: https://www.nrc.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/cis/hi/hi-app-docs.html

The Holtec spent fuel casks are huge, as can be seen in the photo below, but only one half (1/2) inch thick. And, yet, Kris Pal Singh’s Holtec spent fuel canister-casks lack the continuous monitoring of pressure, temperature and radiation which its thicker German competitor CASTOR has. Holtec’s canisters are welded shut and lack removable lids, so that spent nuclear fuel cannot be checked or removed without destruction of the canister.

Welded shut and with no monitoring systems, India born and raised Kris Singh’s Holtec and France’s Areva spent fuel canisters stand in stark contrast to the German CASTOR which have two removable lids and where a “pressure sensor continuously measures pressure in the gap between the primary and secondary lid“, and the “system is…

View original post 187 more words

Urgent Calls Needed Now Through August 7th To Help Turn The CA Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act Into Law! – World Animal News

By Judie Mancuso –
July 26, 2018

Call To Action Needed By End Of Day On Tuesday August 7th.
SB 1249 (Galgiani) CA Cruelty-Free Cosmetic Act
HEARING DATE AUGUST 8TH – ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS
Need Calls, Tweets and Attendance!
The opposition (lead by PCPC, Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, Estee Lauder) to SB 1249 has “lobbied up.” As one of their lobbyist told us, the big corporations “do not want to be told what to do.” They just want to keep going along – same ole, same ole, needlessly allowing the torturing and killing of over 500,000 animals per year.
They have hired over four lobbying firms in just a few weeks to oppose SB 1249. Their ramped-up efforts will not deter us from our goal to end the cruelty of cosmetic animal testing. SB 1249 is a paramount bill, and we are determined to see it signed into law.
Below is a list of “Myth vs Facts” regarding the opposition’s talking points.
SB 1249 is good for people, business, and the animals!
We need you to do 4 things to help us NOW!
1) Call the Appropriations Committee Members and ask them to vote “YES” on SB 1249.
Appropriations Committee Members:
Lorena S. Gonzalez Fletcher (Chair) (916) 319-2080
Frank Bigelow (Vice Chair) (916) 319-2005
Richard Bloom (916) 319-2050 (coauthor-thank him)
Rob Bonta (916) 319-2018
William P. Brough (916) 319-2073
Ian C. Calderon (916) 319-2057
Wendy Carrillo (916) 319-2051
Ed Chau (916) 319-2049 (voted yes in Judiciary Committee, thank him)
Susan Talamantes Eggman (916) 319-2013
Vince Fong (916) 319-2034
Laura Friedman (916) 319-2043
James Gallagher (916) 319-2003
Eduardo Garcia (916) 319-2056
Adrin Nazarian (916) 319-2046
Jay Obernolte (916) 319-2033
Bill Quirk (916) 319-2020
Eloise Gómez Reyes (916) 319-2047 (voted yes in Judiciary Committee, thank her)
2) Please Tweet out the following:
Make California’s Cosmetic Market Cruelty-Free by Supporting SB 1249! Animal testing is antiquated, unreliable, and not necessary for safe cosmetics! Stop the torture! Tell @LorenaSGonzalez and @FrankBigelowCA that you want #Crueltyfree #Cosmetics and #YesOnSB1249!
3) Attend the hearing on Wednesday, August 8th at 9am, State Capitol, Room 4202.
4) Share this email, post, etc. and get others involved

MYTHS vs FACTS ABOUT SB 1249
MYTH #1 – SB 1249 will take away my favorite shampoo because it was tested on animals.
False! – Because we are aiming for a cruelty-free cosmetics market in the future, the bill only affects products tested on animals after 2020 or, to meet international requirements, after 2023. All products and ingredients tested on animals before the bill takes effect can still be sold. If a product is found to have been tested on animals after 2020 (or 2023 for testing conducted to meet international requirements) and it is not covered by one of the listed exemptions in the bill, the manufacturer will be fined until it is removed from the market.
MYTH #2 – SB 1249 will impact medical testing and development of new therapies.
False! – NO. The bill disallows the sale or marketing of new cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients which are tested on animals. It has no jurisdiction over the development or testing of pharmaceuticals, which are governed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and requirements specific to those products. SB 1249 does not govern any medical testing taking place at universities, research institutes, or the National Institutes of Health. Just to be safe, the bill specifically exempts products or ingredients tested as a result of a requirement by the FDA or by California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control.
MYTH #3 – SB 1249 will pose an economic burden on California companies.
False! – California companies have access to worldwide markets in a number of different ways that do not require animal testing. Specifically regarding China, one of California’s largest cosmetic manufacturers, John Paul Mitchell Systems, a cruelty-free company from inception and one of California’s leading cosmetic manufacturer based in Santa Clarita, negotiated to sell their products in China using alternative testing. Other companies opt to open storefronts in Hong Kong or sell via the internet usingAlibaba.com, the world’s largest online retailer. SB 1249 will not lead to job loss. In fact, there is evidence that SB 1249 could
be a job creator. Alternative methods of testing, not only for cosmetics, but for other industries is a growing sector. SB 1249 will make California the epicenter of alternative testing in the United States.
MYTH #4 – A cosmetic manufacturer will be punished because an ingredient in their product is also used in a pharmaceutical product subject to animal testing.
False! – SB 1249 has 2 major exceptions which make this a false claim. Subdivision c(1) of SB 1249 creates an exemption for any cosmetic testing required by the Federal Drug Administration or California Department of Toxic Substance Control. Further, subsection c(3) allows for testing that is required by a state, federal, or foreign regulatory body so long as that testing is not for cosmetic purposes and the ingredient is already in use for cosmetics. Thus, testing required by a governmental authority for pharmaceuticals, drugs, pesticides, etc. will not punish cosmetic manufacturers.
MYTH #5 – This bill would ban the sale of a product if someone, somewhere in the world, unknown and unknowable to the manufacturer, tested it on an animal.
False! – That is patently false. SB 1249 creates a “knowingly” standard in subsection (a) of the law, which states, “…it is unlawful for a manufacturer to knowingly import for profit, sell at retail, or offer for sale or promotional purposes at retail in this state, any cosmetic if the final product or any component thereof was tested on animals for any purpose afterJanuary 1, 2020.” Thus, manufacturers are not liable when they had no knowledge of the animal testing that took place outside of their scope of influence. Further, the exceptions discussed above are another layer of protection for cosmetic manufacturers for testing done for non-cosmetic purposes even when all parties are aware of the testing.
Thank you for helping with our grassroots campaign. Please help us to continue to save animals. Please donate today, we need additional financial resources to get this done!
#CACrueltyFree #YesOnSB1249

https://worldanimalnews.com/urgent-calls-needed-now-through-august-7th-to-help-turn-the-ca-cruelty-free-cosmetics-act-into-law/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

WAN’s Most Wanted; Help DonkeyLand Identify Perpetrator Who Shot & Wounded A Wild Burro With An Arrow In Riverside County, California – World Animal News

By WAN –
July 27, 2018
Photos from DonkeyLandA wild burro with who was shot and had an arrow dangling from its ear was gently captured in Riverside County, California.
Spirit, the injured animal, which has since been transported to SoCal Equine Hospital in Norco, California, was initially noticed on Wednesday of last week wandering around the Inland Empire’s Reche Canyon where hundreds of burros are known to gather. An animal services officer reportedly was able to take a photo that revealed that the arrow was gone, but sadly, the wounds it left behind remain.
“This is our third time trying to capture him; third time’s the charm,” noted non-profit organization DonkeyLand on its Facebook page. “We don’t know if a piece of the broken arrow is in his head or eardrum, we don’t know if he has an infection, we don’t know if he will require surgery, but he is in good hands with our surgeon Dr. Wan.”

“Three outraged animal lovers have come forward to offer a reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrible act of animal cruelty by shooting this innocent free-roaming wild burro with an arrow. Everybody needs a safe way to give information about something they know or even suspect without fear of retaliation for telling the truth,” the post continued stating that the generous reward is now at $3,000. “Help be the voice for these innocent animals today.”
Anyone with information regarding this case can send anonymous tips by emailing dhorn@riversidesheriff.org or calling Riverside County Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387.
Longtime animal advocate and former game show host Bob Barker recently donated to DonkeyLand to help it in its efforts to purchase 460 acres to be used for a sanctuary for the wild donkeys.
“Our wild burro emergency rescues involve safely capturing, providing onsite first-aid treatment, transporting to the hospital, rehabilitating, castrating the males rescued, then releasing the burros back to the wild with their family, as we never want to take away their freedom. Ultimately that is our goal but, in some cases, the ideal situation does not always happen, and the burro becomes a permanent resident of DonkeyLand,” the organization notes on its website explaining that most of their rescued donkeys have usually suffered terrible abuse by the hands of their cruel owners. “We are a forever home for those who can’t be released back to the wild because of a traumatic car accident, injury, illness or a special needs situation. They come to us traumatized, desperate and betrayed. With us, they find love, safety, compassion, dignity, trust, hope and a new beginning.”
Donations to DonkeyLand can also be made HERE!

https://worldanimalnews.com/wans-most-wanted-help-donkeyland-identify-perpetrator-who-shot-wounded-a-wild-burro-with-an-arrow-in-riverside-county-california/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Breaking! U.S. Court Orders Ban of Imported Seafood Caught With Deadly Gillnets to Save Mexico’s Endangered Vaquita Porpoise From Extinction – World Animal News

By Karen Lane –
July 27, 2018
Photo by Paula Olson / NOAA
Great news was reported yesterday after U.S. Court of International Trade orders the Trump Administration to ban seafood imports from Mexico that are caught with gillnets, in order to save the critically endangered vaquita porpoise.
Sadly, scientists believe that the vaquita population has dwindled from 567 in 1997 to only 15 remaining in the wild today, which has created an urgency to protect them from going extinct in the wild.
According to Viva Vaquita, an organization that aims to promote awareness and conservation for the endangered propoise, its fate is tied to that of the upper Gulf of California ecosystem and is one of the rarest and most-endangered mammal species in the world.
Mexico has continued to fail to ban all gillnets permanently in the vaquita habitat, despite scientific evidence showing the damage they are causing to the dwindling species.
Unfortunately, gillnets are commonly used by commercial and artisanal fishermen. Gillnets are vertical panels of netting normally set in a straight line that are made of transparent monofilament line, so fish and other animals are unable to see it before becoming entangled.
Often times other larger ocean animals that are not targeted by fisherman become entangled in the netting, including whales, seals, sea turtles, seabirds and sharks, many of which are also threatened or endangered by extinction.
All of this evidence makes it more apparent as to why the ban of these gillnets is so crucial.
Natural Resources Defense Council stated, “A ban on gillnet-caught seafood from Mexico’s Gulf of California is the life line the vaquita desperately needs,” said Giulia Good Stefani, staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, who argued the case before the Court. “Collectively, our organizations have spent over a decade working to save the vaquita—and never has extinction felt so close—but now, the world’s smallest and most endangered porpoise has what may be its very last chance.”
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed in March by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Animal Welfare Institute and the Center for Biological Diversity, and it affirms Congress’ mandate under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act that the United States should protect not just domestic marine mammals, but foreign whales, dolphins and porpoises as well.
Mexico must meet these standards that have recently been implemented, and failure of the Trump Administration to enforce the ban would be a direct violation of a federal judge’s order.

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-u-s-court-orders-ban-of-imported-seafood-caught-with-deadly-gillnets-to-save-mexicos-endangered-vaquita-porpoise-from-extinction/

© Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Petition: This Hero Dog Could Be Put Down if We Don’t Stop It

by: Care2 Team
recipient: Avon and Somerset police

99,761 SUPPORTERS – 100,000 GOAL
A couple’s dog saved their lives, now the police want to put him down.

The couple from Bristol, United Kingdom was minding their own business when a group of 20 angry and screaming men attacked them on their own doorstep.

The men believed a pedophile lived at the premises and wanted to send him a very violent message. But the mob was mistaken, the person they were looking for no longer lived there. But that didn’t stop their attacks.

Luckily, the pair’s five-year-old Staffie cross Labrador, Kylo was there and managed to run the majority of the group off. But the couple was still badly hurt. The thugs laid into the 25-year-old man, leaving him with a broken nose, fractured rib and bruising. And the 24-year-old woman was spat on by the hooligans as well.

Kylo had saved their lives. She was a hero. But when the police arrived, the dog was so agitated by the recent attack that it bit two of the officers in the confusion. Now, the officers have seized him and he could be put down.

Kylo was clearly doing what a good dog is supposed to do, protect his human family from danger. There was no way for him to know that the police were there to help.

The couple is fighting for Kylo’s life and you can help.

Please sign the petition and ask the Avon and Somerset police to spare Kylo’s life and return him to his owners.
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/465/277/612/this-hero-dog-could-be-put-down-if-we-dont-stop-it./?TAP=1724

 

Petition: Bull-Fighting Is Neither Art Nor Culture ~ Ban It NOW!!

by: Protect All Wildlife

938 SUPPORTERS – 1,000 GOAL

It seems hard to believe that in this so-called civilised age, a most vicious and cruel spectacle of blood continues to flourish in Spain and certain other countries. Bullfighting is barbaric and should have been banned long ago, as bear-baiting was. It is difficult to understand how crowds of people will pay money and take pleasure in watching one lone creature – who has never done them any harm — getting hacked to death. How can anyone with an ounce of compassion, cheer and chant olé as a banderilla or lance is thrust into the animal’s pain-racked body?

Prime Minister ~ NOW is the time to end bull-fighting. It is NEITHER art nor culture – IT IS BARBARIC!!

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/113/645/498/bull-fighting-is-neither-art-nor-culture-~-ban-it-now/

 

Let Compassion Be Your Fashion! Check out the range of Ban Bull-Fighting clothing at https://www.teezily.com/stores/ban-bullfighting

 

Holtec-US NRC Pushing for More Safety Related Exemptions for Nuclear Dry Cask Storage. 2nd Month in a Row! Holtec wants to Avoid Quality Testing! Comment Deadline July 30 11.59 pm

miningawareness.wordpress.com
Holtec-US NRC Pushing for More Safety Related Exemptions for Nuclear Dry Cask Storage. 2nd Month in a Row! Holtec wants to Avoid Quality Testing! Comment Deadline July 30 11.59 pm
by miningawareness
2 minutes

Comment By Jul 30 2018, at 11:59 PM ET, ID: NRC-2018-0052-0058 on Holtec’s spent nuclear fuel facility in New Mexico: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NRC-2018-0052 Documents here: https://www.nrc.gov/waste/spent-fuel-storage/cis/hi/hi-app-docs.html Earlier post to give people an idea of what kind of company Holtec is.

Mining Awareness +

Some will recall that March 9th 2015 was the comment deadline for another of Holtec’s attempts to decrease safety by asking for exemptions re dry cask storage of damaged spent nuclear fuel rods, and other safety related exemptions. Well, they are at it again this month, trying to avoid material quality testing for the basket which holds the spent nuclear fuel, within the flimsy 1/2 inch metal container. Basket failure could lead to a catastrophic nuclear accident. The deadline for this one is April 20th: “NRC-2014-0275, List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks – Holtec International HI-STORM Flood/Wind Cask System, Amendment No. 1, Revision 1, 04/20/2015” Comment here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NRC-2014-0275
[Update Note: Current Holtec casks are 1/2 inch thick. The 5/8ths inch was proposed for San Onofre, but is apparently not approved yet by the US NRC. The sealed internal 1/2 inch metal cask is surrounded by vented concrete…

View original post 3,703 more words

https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2018/07/27/holtec-us-nrc-pushing-for-more-safety-related-exemptions-for-nuclear-dry-cask-storage-2nd-month-in-a-row-holtec-wants-to-avoid-quality-testing-april-20th-nrc-comment-deadline-2/

Science-based policy for the national parks? Not on Zinke’s watch.

grist.org
By Elizabeth Shogren on Jul 26, 2018

This story was originally published by Reveal and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

As deputy director of the National Park Service, Michael Reynolds played a key role in developing a sweeping new vision for managing national parks. The new policy, enacted in the final weeks of the Obama administration, elevated the role that science played in decision-making and emphasized that parks should take precautionary steps to protect natural and historic treasures.

But eight months later, as the first acting director of the Park Service under President Donald Trump, Reynolds rescinded this policy, known as Director’s Order 100. Newly released documents suggest that top Interior Department officials intervened, ordering Reynolds to rescind it.

A memo addressed to Reynolds states: “Pursuant to direction from [Interior] Secretary [Ryan] Zinke, I hereby instruct you to rescind Director’s Order #100.”

Reynolds, now the superintendent of Yosemite National Park, did not respond to requests for an interview.

The emails were among 170 pages of documents released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Union of Concerned Scientists, an activist group.

Some top officials in the National Park Service were dismayed that the policy was canceled in August 2017, according to the emails. Chris Lehnertz, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, called it “hard news for me to swallow,” according to an email she wrote to Reynolds and others.

Jonathan Jarvis, who was President Barack Obama’s Park Service director, said now that the order has been rescinded, national parks could become more welcoming to drones, jet skis, and private companies that want to build luxurious accommodations.

“We’re back into the era when those kinds of things will be proposed,” Jarvis said. “I’m sure we’re going to see some.”

Jarvis, who signed Director’s Order 100, said he thinks the Trump administration objected to the policy because it stressed that parks follow the “precautionary principle,” preventing actions or activities that plausibly threaten park resources and human heath, even when there is uncertainty. It also acknowledged the significant impact that climate change has on parks and directed them to incorporate climate change science in management decisions.

One memo to Reynolds said that Zinke will replace the order with his own strategy for the national parks, “including potential changes to the Department’s priorities and organization over the next 100 years.”

The emails show that Daniel Jorjani, the Interior’s principal deputy solicitor, played a key role in reversing the order. Jorjani is a Trump appointee who was an attorney from 2010 to 2016 for foundations funded by the Koch brothers, fossil fuel billionaires who support the spread of free-market principles throughout government. During the Bush administration, Jorjani was an Interior Department counselor and chief of staff.

In one June 13, 2017, email exchange heavily redacted by the Interior Department, a lawyer in the solicitor’s office said Jorjani “or someone else may want to change the language, but …” The next part of the email is blanked out. The next day, another lawyer asked Jorjani in an email: “Do you want us to hold this pending your review or should we start moving it through to get it signed?”

On June 19, Jorjani emailed another lawyer, asking her to “strengthen the language” on the rescission memo. Later the same day, Jorjani emailed Reynolds and another top Park Service official asking: “Do you have a preferred date for withdrawing DO-100?” Later that day, Jorjani sent the rescission memo to the Park Service.

Jarvis, who worked with Jorjani during the Bush administration, wasn’t surprised that Jorjani directed the withdrawal of the order.

“This fits well with Jorjani’s worldview — the private sector can do anything better than government,” Jarvis said. During the Bush administration, Jorjani pushed to transfer various activities in the national parks to the private sector, Jarvis said.

The rescinded policy was developed in response to the 2012 “Revisiting Leopold” report from the science committee of the Park Service’s advisory board. The scientists urged the Park Service to update the vision of national parks to reflect the many changes underway in parks due to climate change and other factors. (In January, most members of that board quit in protest after Zinke hadn’t met with them even once.)

The Trump administration has repeatedly downplayed climate science and eliminated efforts by previous administrations to address climate change. The National Park Service pressured a scientist to remove every reference to the human role in causing climate change from a scientific report projecting the risk to parks from sea-level rise and storm surge.

Tony Knowles, the last chair of the Park Service’s advisory board, said the Trump administration is veering far from the principles outlined in Director’s Order 100.

For example, in May, the Trump administration proposed canceling rules that ban certain types of hunting in much of Alaska’s large national preserves. These rules, developed in 2015 through an extensive scientific and public process, prohibit using artificial light to kill black bear sows and their cubs at their dens, using bait to lure black bears to their deaths, and shooting swimming caribou from a motorboat.

If the order was still in place, “it would be very difficult to justify doing away with these regulations,” said Knowles, a former governor of Alaska.

The trove of documents also provides insight into the Interior Department’s public relations strategy. Officials drafted news releases to explain the rescission of the policy but the day the withdrawal became effective, Park Service spokesperson Jeremy Barnum told top Park Service officials that Interior’s communications team had decided there would be no press release. Reynolds emailed the press official asking: “If no press I’m curious how we are now to notify folks.” No response to his question was included in the released documents. Barnum declined to comment.

https://grist.org/politics/science-based-policy-for-the-national-parks-not-on-zinkes-watch/

North Korea returns remains of soldiers missing since Korean War

nypost.com
North Korea returns remains of soldiers missing since Korean War
By Joe Tacopino

North Korea has turned over the potential remains of US soldiers who have been missing since the Korean war — part of a commitment made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to President Trump.

A US Air Force plane carrying 55 cases of remains landed at Osan Air Base in South Korea where a formal ceremony will be held on August 1, the White House said in a statement Thursday night.

Also on the plane were technical experts from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

“It is a solemn obligation of the United States Government to ensure that the remains are handled with dignity and properly accounted for so their families receive them in an honorable manner,” the statement read.

The agreement to return the remains were made during a historic summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore last month.

The White House said the move was the first step in achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

https://nypost.com/2018/07/26/north-korea-returns-remains-of-soldiers-missing-since-korean-war/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_alert&utm_content=20180726&mpweb=755-7148561-719298164

All creatures great and small, . . .

Purplerays

“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.”

~ Cecil Frances Alexander

Text & image Contemplative Monk https://web.facebook.com/ContemplativeMonk/

View original post

20 Adorable Dog-Friendly Interior Ideas

Koby Kepert

Today?s list is one of the interior designs that I love most. This is dedicated to all pet lovers, specifically for dog lovers. Yes! Dog lovers, brace yourselves because these spaces you are about to see were distinctively done with so much love for dogs.

Okay, I know what you are thinking. You may think that this will contain those out of this world, impractical homes created for our canine cuties by famous celebrities and people.

Hold your horses. I hate to disappoint you but I am not going to show you those. Are you getting a little skeptical now? Yes? Good! I love that!

I will not be dwelling on those interiors that we, ordinary people, may never get to achieve. Of course not! I am all for giving inspiration and hopefully ignite your creative and innovative ideas and make your lives and eventually make our world a better…

View original post 1,317 more words

A mother grieves : Orca whale continues to carry her dead calf into a second day (Washington state, USA – Canada)

The ocean update

Biologists say orcas mourn the loss of newborns as any family would. On Wednesday, J35 was still carrying her dead calf for the second day straight. In 2010, L20, photographed in Haro Strait, did the same thing with her dead newborn in a behavior biologists say is a common expression of grief. (Robin W. Baird/Cascadia Research Collective)

July 25^th, 2018 (Linda V. Mapes). For two days she has grieved, carrying her dead calf on her head, unwilling to let it go.

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Petition · Brian Sandoval: Change Nevada Law to Protect our Pets like we do our Children · Change.org

Change Nevada Law to Protect our Pets like we do our Children
Save Our Animals in Nevada started this petition to Governor Brian Sandoval and 8 others

In Nevada it is illegal to leave a child or animal in a hot vehicle, however, according to State Law you can ONLY break in the vehicle to save the child. You can be held civilly AND criminally liable to saving the animal. It’s time that changed!

Even on a perfectly lovely 70°F day, it only takes 20 minutes for the internal temperature of a car to rise above 100°F! And on a sweltering summer day where tempts can reach 110°F, it’s pretty much immediately too hot for an animal to be left in the car as temps can reach 150°F within minutes!

In Nevada, the “Good Samaritan Law” protects Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, Animal Control and other “First Responders” from any civil liability should they break a vehicle window to rescue a pet in distress that has been left in an extremely hot or cold car unattended. (NRS 202.575).

What we need is a law the protects a private citizen, like you or I, should we come face to face with this situation. As it is now, a private citizen is required to call 311 (or their local non-emergency phone number) to report the situation. A call to 911 is ONLY allowed when the pet is in serious danger of dying. You are NOT PERMITTED to touch the vehicle!

So, how do you know if there’s enough danger to the animal to require action?
1. How hot is too hot?
* In areas like Las Vegas, even 70°F is to hot, because in a vehicle with the windows rolled up, temperatures can fly well past 100°F in a matter of minutes!

1. What can and should you do to help an animal in a hot or cold car?

* According to Nevada State Law, you can’t do ANYTHING, except call the police, and if and when they show up, hope the animal hasn’t died by then.

1. Not to mention, what can you legally do to rescue that animal, and is it legal to break the car window?

* It is ILLEGAL in Nevada to attempt or break into a vehicle to save an animal.

How State Rules Differ About Rescuing Animals From Hot Cars
In many states, (AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, IN, MA, OH, TN & WI) ordinary citizens are granted legal immunity if they damage someone’s vehicle to rescue “an animal.” There is pending legislation in AL & OR. Other states, like Nevada, DO NOT have “Good Samaritan” laws that protect ordinary citizens who rescue animals that are trapped in hot cars.

Does this mean that you could or should run around, willy-nilly, smashing car windows with rocks if you live in a state that grants you legal immunity? Of course not. What it does mean is that Nevada needs to get in line with several other states and protect our animals. Citizens can break a car window to save a child, but not an animal. This does not make sense!

Sign the petition to send a message to our Elected Officials that it’s time to protect our animals like we do our children. Because to some, our animals ARE our children!

Updates

Closing in on 50,000 Supporters!!
Thank you all for signing, sharing and making our voice heard! We are nearing an amazing 50,000 signatures…
Save Our Animals in Nevada
https://www.change.org/p/brian-sandoval-change-nevada-law-to-protect-our-pets-like-we-do-our-children/sign?utm_medium=email&utm_source=aa_sign_human&utm_campaign=386563&utm_content=&sfmc_tk=Y65ELrEVwnOSO7%2bDYTtOcZZNci5ykrA4vRXRVfIeeyUSIRLVSs1xZsybfA4A6jR1&j=386563&sfmc_sub=61374949&l=32_HTML&u=64755398&mid=7233053&jb=1494

 

© 2018, Change.org, Inc.Certified B Corporation

Petition update · WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! · Change.org

Jul 26, 2018 — Today ( 7/26/18 ) Disney announced that by Mid-2019, all plastic single use products will be banned at all Disney Parks, Hotels, and Cruise Ships! They said that they decided to ban plastic products after both Starbucks and McDonalds announced that they would also be banning plastic single use products. Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products said ” Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.” Thank you to EVERYONE who signed my petition and bought my straws. I will still be fighting for the environment and am still selling reusable straws at http://www.holdthestrawplease.com to raise money for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. I have sold 50 bags of straws and need to sell 50 more to reach my goal! I recently visited their center and they said that they care for many animals affected by plastic pollution. Let’s keep fighting for what’s right and our environment!

https://www.change.org/p/13140106/u/23060474?utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_update&utm_campaign=387120&sfmc_tk=Y65ELrEVwnOSO7%2bDYTtOcS0UO3hpDIjzh%2fLSXRYXOsr5Efgm8oXexaBcV6xyJ8CA&j=387120&sfmc_sub=61374949&l=32_HTML&u=64756633&mid=7259882&jb=11

Animal Altruism: Animals save other animals

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Tuesday's Horse

Hello there. I am back with a wonderful dessert idea.

Need a super delicious sweet treat to take to that summer potluck? Or to serve at your next get together?

Strawberry Lemonade Pie by Feasting on Fruit.

This is tangy and sweet, gorgeous to look at and probably not like any other dessert you have tasted summer.

It’s easy. It’s Vegan. Naturally! To get you started, here’s what’s in it.

INGREDIENTS
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup evaporated cane juice (I did not use coconut sugar for color purposes, but you can substitute if you wish)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp cornstarch
4-5 strawberries
CRUST
1 cup quick oats (or rolled oats pulsed in the blender)
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp coconut sugar

You can get evaporated cane juice at Trader Joe’s and order on Amazon.com.

Now you’ve seen in the…

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Veteran’s service dog has a touching reunion with the inmate who trained him

positiveoutlooksblog.com

It takes a lot of guts to be a part of the military, you have to be physically fit, mentally stable, and emotionally strong. The time that soldiers spend in the battlefield, away from their family, friends and loved ones surely have an adverse effect on our honorable military men.

In the Vietnam war alone, 15 percent of the Vietnam veterans were diagnosed with PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a mental health disorder acquired after experiencing a traumatic, shocking, scary or dangerous event.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are a lot of ways to help one cope up with PTSD. The site advises people with PTSD to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist for professional mental health care. It also encourages people with PTSD to engage in positive activities such as sports to distract themselves with. Another way to overcome PTSD is to surround yourself with a support group and as well as acquiring the help of a service dog.

A 47-year-old veteran named Sgt. Bill Campbell who suffers from PTSD, chose to be assisted by a service dog called Pax. The veteran who also suffers from memory loss, and fear of crowds, was given a yellow Labrador, Pax, to help him cope.
According to the veteran, Pax has been a great help especially when he’s having an episode of PTSD. Without the yellow Labrador, he would have a lot of difficulties. Hence, Sgt. Bill was really interested to meet the trainer who nurtured Pax with the skills he has today.

Wanting to express his gratitude in person, Sgt. Bill reached out to Pax’s trainer, who turned out to be a woman named Laurie Kellog. After learning that Pax used to live at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, taken care of by a number of female inmates, as a part of the service dog training program, Sgt. Bill made his move.

The veteran traveled to meet Laurie, Pax’s trainer, to express his sincere gratitude for nurturing Pax. There, Sgt. Bill learned that Laurie had taken delight in training Pax to be a PTSD service dog. According to the trainer, she too suffered from PTSD after being a victim of domestic violence.

Laurie admitted that even when Pax was still in training, the dutiful dog had brought her back to live in the present when she was having a PTSD attack. She recalled how the service dog made her feel safe around him. Thus, when she found out that Pax would lend his assistance to a soldier who also suffered from PTSD, she was more than happy.

Laurie was not the only one who was thrilled to be reunited with the dog who changed her life. Evident in the way Pax wagged his tails upon seeing his old trainer, the dog was happy and excited as well. Pax, remembering Laurie, wasted no time and ran right up to her, showering her with lots of kisses!

With both of them understanding how it feels like to have a PTSD, Laurie, and Sgt. Bill greeted each other with an embrace. Pax also had the best moment of his life when his former and present owners, bonded with each other.

True enough, any baggage carried by more than one person, gets lighter and easier to carry. Fortunately for us humans, we have our pawed pals to entrust our life and share our problems with! Indeed, dogs are man’s best friend!

Watch the heartwarming reunion between Pax and his inmate trainer Laurie that will surely pull strings to your heart.

 

https://positiveoutlooksblog.com/2018/07/26/veterans-service-dog-has-a-touching-reunion-with-the-inmate-who-trained-him/

Photo and Video l The Ophra Winfrey Show

Action Alert! Please Comment to Stop Cruel and Deadly Spaying of Wild Mares by the BLM and CSU

Straight from the Horse's Heart

The BLM is Planning to Experiment On and Spay Wild Mares with an Outdated, Cruel and Deadly Procedure in Partnership with Colorado State University

By Carol Walker, Director of Field Documentation, Wild Horse Freedom Federation

The BLM proposes to work with USGS and Colorado State University (CSU) to evaluate the safety and complication rate of using overiectomy via colpotomy on wild mares from the Warm Springs Herd Management Area and also purports to study wild mare and band behavior once the spayed mares are treated and returned to the range.

In 2016 we commented and sent letters and stopped this incredibly dangerous, cruel, barbaric and inhumane outdated procedure from being used on wild mares. The BLM is back at it again and even has the incredible nerve to pretend that this will study “behavior” of the wild mares after they have been experimented upon. In order to do an…

View original post 712 more words