Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts – Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D

fda.gov

Office of Regulatory Affairs

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure, and dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Pet parents with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian. In most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.

In the United States, the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide. No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

Pet parents who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose of those products immediately. To have discarded products replaced at no cost, please contact Hill’s via our website or at 1-800-445-5777.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high quality products. Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients.

For further information, please contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday during the hours of 9am-5pm (CST) or at contactus@hillspet.com. Information can also be found at http://www.hillspet.com/productlistdisclaimer icon

This voluntary recall only impacts canned dog food and primarily in the United States. It is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Impacted products outside of the United States will be subject to separate notices on the country-specific website. If you are outside of the United States, please check your own country’s Hill’s website for more information.

SKU and Date Code/Lot Code Locations on Impacted Canned Dog Food Products
Product Name SKU Number Lot Code/Date Code
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® c/d® Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 3384 102020T10
102020T25
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 3389 102020T04
102020T10
102020T19
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 5.5oz 3390 102020T11
112020T23
122020T07
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® z/d® Canine 5.5oz 5403 102020T17
112020T22
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® g/d® Canine 13oz 7006 112020T19
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine 13oz 7008 092020T30
102020T07
102020T11
112020T22
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® j/d® Canine 13oz 7009 112020T20
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® k/d® Canine 13oz 7010 102020T10
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine 13oz 7017 092020T30
102020T11
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® z/d® Canine 13oz 7018 102020T04
112020T22
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic + Mobility Canine Vegetable & Tuna Stew 12.5oz 10086 102020T05
102020T26
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz 10129 102020T04
102020T21
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Low Fat Canine Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz 10423 102020T17
102020T19
112020T04
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Derm Defense® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 10509 102020T05
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Small & Toy Breed Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 5.8oz 4969 102020T18
Hill’s® Science Diet® Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée 13oz 7036 102020T12
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7037 102020T13
112020T23
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food 13oz 7038 102020T06
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7040 102020T13
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Light with Liver Dog Food 13oz 7048 112020T19
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7055 092020T31
102020T13
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7056 092020T31
112020T20
112020T24
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée 13oz 7057 112020T19
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew dog food 12.5oz 10452 102020T14
102020T21
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew dog food 12.5oz 10763 102020T04
112020T11

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm630232.htm

###

Endangered sharks sold as food in Britain

Dear Kitty. Some blog

This 2014 video says about itself:

In this Shark Academy video, Jonathan Bird explains the biology and behavior of Scalloped Hammerhead sharks with exciting footage shot at Cocos Island and the Galapagos Islands.

If you like hammerheads, check out the Jonathan Bird’s Blue World episode on Scalloped Hammerheads:

From the University of Exeter in England:

Endangered sharks being eaten in UK

January 31, 2019

Endangered species of hammerhead and dogfish are among the sharks being sold as food in the UK, researchers have revealed.

University of Exeter scientists sampled shark products from fishmongers and chip shops, as well as shark fins from an Asian food wholesaler in the UK.

The majority of chip shop samples (usually sold under generic names like huss, rock salmon and rock eel) were spiny dogfish — a species “endangered” in Europe and “vulnerable” worldwide.

The fin samples included scalloped hammerheads —…

View original post 373 more words

Sad but true……

Purplerays

 

No other animal has brought more shame to the animal kingdom than man. 

– A.D. Williams

Text & image source: Precious World https://web.facebook.com/ourpreciousworld/

View original post

#PolarVortex Hits State of Emergency called in some parts as at least 8-people have died in US Midwest with temperatures hitting -53-degrees in Chicago and residents are advised to keep in doors and not spend more than 10-minutes outside and avoid breathing deeply as many flights are cancelled and hospitals treating a number cases of frostbite #AceNewsDesk reports

(CAPE TOWN, S.A.) #ClimateChange Country is used of dry season and limited rainfall but this year Kamfers Da m in the Northern Cape, is one of only three breeding grounds for the famously pink birds in Southern Africa , say its its ‘ Drought Stricken ‘ as rescuers try to move the birds from their breeding gro und #AceNewsDesk reports

Petition · Jay Inslee: Ban styrofoam and single use plastics in Washington State · Change.org

S. Carpenter started this petition to Governor Jay Inslee and 2 others

From our beautiful coasts, to our rainforests, our mountains, our farmlands and deserts: Washington State is rich in natural beauty. It’s time to take bold measures to protect it for future generations. We urge you to pass legislation that will ban the sale and use of styrofoam and single use plastics in WA State.

Styrofoam and single use plastics are relatively new products of convenience and are not critical consumer goods. There are less harmful alternatives, and we need to legislate this switch away from harmful fossil fuel-based disposable goods to keep the economic impact equitable across businesses statewide.

It is time we commit to phasing out these environmentally harmful products in order to protect our fields, streams, coasts, wildlife and reduce the legacy of environmental degradation that our kids will inherit.

https://www.change.org/p/jay-inslee-ban-styrofoam-and-single-use-plastics-in-washington-state/sign?utm_medium=email&utm_source=aa_sign_human&utm_campaign=482716&utm_content=&sfmc_tk=HN59zdK007tLL%2bIgCs05Zbxnw24U7asrmAoJB5jQ%2ftxpDnpaqlN3QePbzXPCaKOI&j=482716&sfmc_sub=61374949&l=32_HTML&u=66250603&mid=7233053&jb=363

© 2019, Change.org, PBCCertified B Corporation

New Study Finds MicroPlastics in Every Sea Creature Tested

firepaw.org

Published by firepawinc View all posts by firepawinc

The disturbing results from a new study revealed plastic in every sea creature tested…

A Hundred Percent of Dolphins, Whales and Seals Tested had Microplastics in their Bodies.

A team analyzed a total of 50 animals across 10 species for their research published in the journal Scientific Reports. Microplastics were defined in the study as fragments measuring up to 5 millimeters (0.2 inches).

The samples used in the study were taken from 50 animals by members of the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS) and the Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme. Both projects are based in the U.K.

Of the plastics found in the sea creatures, 84 percent were synthetic fibres which generally originate from products such as clothing and fishing nets. The remainder of the contaminants were what the scientists described as fragments, likely to come from food and drink packaging.

A separate piece of research by scientists at the University of Plymouth, U.K., found billions of nanoparticles contaminated shellfish exposed after six hours. The research was published last year in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Journal Reference: Nelms, S.E., et al. (2019). Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory? Scientific Reports, 9, Article number: 1075.

https://firepaw.org/2019/01/31/new-study-finds-microplastics-in-every-sea-creature-tested/

How often should you clean your water bottle?

treehugger.com
By MelissaBreyer January 30, 2019

An infectious disease physician dishes the dirt on water bottles.

Here’s a curious thing about modern humans. We went for most of history without needing to carry a bottle of water around with us everywhere we went. But now, many of us find it hard to manage without constant and immediate access to hydration. Since the rise of the now-ubiquitous single-use water bottle in the 1970s, we’ve become unusually attached to portable water. Now that plastic water bottles have become such an untenable source of pollution, at least we’re seeing the light and increasingly moving on to reusable versions.

The only thing is, unlike a water glass at home that gets washed on a somewhat regular basis, the water bottle may get a bit neglected in the washing department. I mean, it’s filled with water, how dirty can it get?

Writer Hana Asbrink at Food52 wondered the same thing and decided to explore the question of how often one should wash their reusable water bottle. She reached out to Dr. Brian Chow, an infectious disease physician at Tufts Medical Center, who told her:

“Ideally once per day. Or have a few bottles that you rotate through, and clean them all at once.”

Of the bacteria found on bottles, his take is similar to what I discovered when writing about whether or not day old water is safe to drink:

“They are bacteria that live in our mouth and throat that our bodies know, and they don’t make us sick. However, if you share bottles with someone else, they may not be used to your bacteria or viruses. The germs that cause strep throat, mononucleosis, colds and the flu, and even bacterial meningitis can be spread by sharing bottles.”

That said, if you are not washing your bottle daily, don’t fret. “In most cases, people with healthy immune systems will be okay going a day or two between washing bottles,” says Chow … as he goes on to explain that actually, there are germs everywhere that can end up on your bottle that you then drink out of. Thus:

“A quick wash and scrub at the end of the day and letting the bottle dry overnight is an easy step to keep you healthy while you stay hydrated.”

“Water that is hot to the touch is best,” says Chow. “While it may not kill all the germs directly, it does help dissolve the residue that allow germs to live on plastic and metal. Using soapy water and a scrub brush are as important (this removes the dirt and grime), and also dislodges the germs if they are stuck to the bottle.”

At my house we rinse all the water bottles in hot water at the end of the day and let them dry over night, and we seem to have survived, and without too many bouts of illness. That said, I may now start introducing some dish soap and a scrub brush every once in a while.

Importantly, check with the maker of your bottle to see what they advise for washing. Some can take the dishwasher, many can not. I did a little digging on some popular brands, which you can read below.

SIGG
You’re going to want to start by rinsing out the bottle and bottle top with hot water after every use. Leave open to dry and always store with the top off.

Our best tip is to fill your SIGG halfway with hot water. But be sure to be careful because the bottle can heat up quickly. Add one teaspoon of unscented dish soap and shake. Let sit for a few minutes then rinse with lukewarm water until the soapy water runs clear.

Remember to always make sure that the lip of the bottle is thoroughly cleaned in the same way as the bottle as this is the part that comes in the most contact with your mouth.

S’well
S’well products should be cleaned regularly—we recommend washing your bottle with warm water and soap after every use and drying and storing it with the top off. Our S’well Bottle Brush is a great tool to ensure your bottle stays thoroughly clean. Avoid submerging your bottle and cap in water for long periods of time as this will interfere with the vacuum seal. S’well bottles are NOT dishwasher safe! Running a S’well through the dishwasher can cause paint to chip and the vacuum seal to become ineffective. After washing your S’well, we recommend that you dry your beverage container by airing it out upside down and storing it with the lid off. This will help keep your S’well looking and smelling fresh.

Soma
Hand-wash with warm, soapy water or wash on the top-rack of your dishwasher. Do not remove the sleeve. Store with the cap off. Cap: Hand-wash only. Do not place in the dishwasher.

CamelBak
Cleaning Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Vessels: The Chute, eddy and KickBak stainless steel vessels can be easily cleaned with a bottle brush using warm water and mild soap.

Bottle caps, spout caps, tethers and bite valves can all be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand with warm, soapy water. Remove the cap, spout cap, tether or bite valve from the vessel before washing.

For a deeper cleaning, add a drop of mild soap or tablespoon of bleach to a clean glass jar filled with water. Drop the bite valve, straw and cap into the solution, and tightly close the jar’s lid. Shake the mixture around for 30 seconds, and then let the parts soak for about 15 minutes. Rinse and shake dry.

https://www.treehugger.com/health/how-often-should-you-clean-your-water-bottle.html?utm_source=TreeHugger+Newsletters&utm_campaign=fae7d0fd73-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_11_16_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_32de41485d-fae7d0fd73-243719061

Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Food Recall

dogfoodadvisor.com

January 28, 2019 — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is notifying consumers of a recall of raw turkey pet food from Woody’s Pet Food Deli due to Salmonella contamination.

This recall was issued after product samples collected by the MDA tested positive for Salmonella.

What’s Being Recalled?

The recalled product was sold in 5-pound plastic containers labeled “Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey” and can be identified by the white date sticker on the cover of the pet food container.

The product was sold at Woody’s Pet Food Deli locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Woodbury.

The following three lots of product are being recalled:

Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
Use by date: 01/10/20
Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
Use by date: 01/12/20
Woody’s Pet Food Deli Raw Free Range Turkey
Use by date: 01/15/20

No other lots of Woody’s Pet Food Deli products are affected by the recall.
What Caused the Recall?

Sampling was begun after the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) identified a human case of Salmonella linked to the pet food.

The person with Salmonella infection was identified as part of an ongoing, multistate investigation of Salmonella Reading infections coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

MDH’s interview of the person revealed that Woody’s Pet Deli raw ground turkey pet food was regularly fed to a pet in the household.

The pet also tested positive for Salmonella, but not the outbreak strain.

In February 2018, MDA and MDH investigated two other cases of Salmonella Reading that matched the outbreak strain and were linked to raw ground turkey pet food from a different manufacturer.
About Salmonella

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.

Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 96 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to two weeks after exposure.

Infections usually resolve in five to seven days, but about 28 percent of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization.

If you’ve handled these products or had contact with an animal that has eaten these products, become ill and are concerned about your health, please consult your health care provider for more information.

After eating or coming into contact with Salmonella-containing food, pets can spread the bacteria from their mouths, saliva, fur and feces, even if they’re not showing signs of illness, to humans and other animals in the household.

Pet dishes, floors and the environment around the feeding station should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Pets with a Salmonella infection may be lethargic and have decreased appetite, diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

Pets exposed to contaminated food can also be infected without showing symptoms.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella bacteria can survive for weeks in the household environment, which can serve as a continuing source of infection.

CDC does not recommend feeding a raw meat diet to pets because it can make animals and people sick.

If you choose to use pet food containing raw meat, follow CDC’s tips for healthy feeding.

What to Do?

If you have recalled product in your home, you should throw it out or return it to a Woody’s Pet Food Deli for a full refund.

Do not feed the contaminated product to pets.

Consumers with questions can contact the Woody’s Pet Food Deli stores directly at the following phone numbers:

Minneapolis: 612-208-0335
St. Paul: 651-493-7269
Woodbury: 651-340-8678

Or by email at info@woodyspetdeli.com.

U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.

Or go to https://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
Get Dog Food Recall Alerts by Email

https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/woodys-pet-food-deli-raw-food-recall/

Concerning levels of heavy metals arsenic, lead in some fruit juices

Chemical Free Life

A new investigative report conducted by Consumer Reports has just revealed that many commercial fruit juices* still contain “concerning levels” of heavy metals arsenic, cadmium and lead. For infants and children who typically consume a lot of juice and have still-developing brains and immune systems the findings are a red flag for parents to reduce their children’s consumption of commercial fruit juices testing high in heavy metals**.  The same holds true for pregnant women.  As for other adults, this is just one more source among many that add to the body burden toxic chemicals building up from food, food packaging, drinking water, personal care and home care products and the general environment.  Electing for fruit juices that did not test in the “concerning levels” category would be a prudent choice.

–

*Investigators examined 45 juices in four flavors: apple (22), fruit juice blends (13), grape (7), and pear (3).

–

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Justice for Pit Bull Mother and Puppies Reportedly Wrongly Put Down

A mother pit bull was reportedly euthanized by an animal shelter while she was in labor, with her puppies being put down just moments later. This is seemingly another act of hateful cruelty against pit bulls, who are constantly mischaracterized as dangerous aggressors when nothing could be further from the truth. Sign this petition to hold the shelter responsible for their alleged actions.

Source: Justice for Pit Bull Mother and Puppies Reportedly Wrongly Put Down

Stray Cat Shot With Arrow Deserves Justice

A cat was shot with an arrow at point blank range, nearly leading to her death. The person responsible is still at large. Demand justice for this innocent animal.

Source: Stray Cat Shot With Arrow Deserves Justice

Dog Beaten, Strangled, and Spray Painted Deserves Justice

A dog was beaten, strangled, and spray painted as part of a possible gang initiation. The people responsible are still at large. Demand justice for this innocent animal.

Source: Dog Beaten, Strangled, and Spray Painted Deserves Justice

Petition: Stop the Cruel and Unnecessary Wolf Hunts in Norway!

idausa.org

Despite global opposition, the survival of Norway’s endangered population of wolves is once again being threatened. Plans to allow the mass killing of the country’s 60 remaining wolves spells out certain extinction for the species. Please urge Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment to end wolf hunts once and for all.

In 2016, the Norwegian government halted its plans to kill off nearly two-thirds of the wolves in the county of Hedmark, thanks in part to the 7,000 emails sent by our supporters from around the world and also to a petition with 70,000 signatures. Despite this recent victory, protests and demonstrations are taking to the streets in response to plans of yet another wolf hunt targeting the estimated 60 wolves found within its borders, including the killing of wolves in designated wolf zones that “were supposed to be set aside as conservation zones to protect Norway’s wolf population.”

Animal rights activists and conservationists strongly oppose the hunt due to the potentially catastrophic effect mass killings would have on the small wolf population, most likely resulting in the complete annihilation of the already critically endangered species.

Anti-wolf ranchers incorrectly blame wolves for the loss of sheep, yet the vast majority of free-grazing sheep are killed due to the negligence of the ranchers, and the small remaining percentage die due to attacks by other predators.

Those in favor of killing off wolves are fueled by greed and myths of the “big bad wolf,” and have no interest in the well-being of the animals in their “care” or the conservation of endangered wolves. Paradoxically, individuals who support the wolf hunt because they claim the animals pose a major threat “have never actually encountered a wolf” and those who have done so have called it a “memorable” and even “fantastic” experience, indicating wolves are tragically the “victim(s) of an undeservedly bad reputation.”

What YOU Can Do:

Norway’s wolves must be protected from the disastrous and misguided plans to hunt them. Please urge Ola Elvestuen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, to put an end to wolf hunting once and for all. Please sign our letter to Minister of Climate Change and Environment Ola Elvestuen, by filling out the form on this page.

https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/latest-news/stop-the-cruel-and-unnecessary-wolf-hunts-in-norway/

Are larger dogs smarter than smaller dogs? In some ways, say scientists – FIREPAW, Inc.

According to the results from a new scientific study, bigger dogs have better short-term memory and self-control then smaller dogs, but in other areas of intelligence there is no difference…

More scientifically, the study demonstrated that bigger dogs, with larger brains, perform better on certain measures of intelligence then they’re smaller canine counterparts.

Continue reading here…

https://firepaw.org/2019/01/30/are-larger-dogs-smarter-than-smaller-dogs-in-some-ways-say-scientists/

How I Made 5 Different Natural Cleaning Solutions With Only 3 Ingredients.

The Honest Housewife

“You want to do WHAT with the vodka?” The liquor store clerk looked at me incredulously.

“I want your cheapest vodka to make household cleaning solutions out of it.” I repeated myself to her.

Maybe your eyeballs are a bit wide right now. Mine were too the first time I read you could use vodka as a house hold cleaner! But the science makes sense. Vodka is typically 40% alcohol and has been proven effective at killing germs and bacteria.

I am on a journey, my friends. I’m learning so much about the nasty chemicals in our common household products. Did you know common household air fresheners like Febreze and Airwick score D’s and F’s on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning? GROSS. Clorox also FAILS on their rating in nearly every product. EWG scores household cleaners by standards such as hazardous chemicals contained and if the product clearly states all…

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Deadly Heart Disease in Dogs Linked to Trendy Diets, report scientists – FIREPAW, Inc.

Please let your family and friends with dogs know about the findings of a new study: some of the new, trendy boutique diets popular today have been linked to deadly heart disease in dogs.

Continue reading here…

https://firepaw.org/2019/01/29/deadly-heart-disease-in-dogs-linked-to-trendy-diets-report-scientists/#comments

OUTRAGE: Democrats Remove “So Help Me God” From Key Congressional Oath

Democrats on The House Committee on Natural Resources have made a controversial proposal to remove the words “So Help Me God” from a key congressional oath.

According to Fox News, “a key committee in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives is moving to eliminate the words “so help you God” from the oath administered to witnesses testifying before the panel, as part of a new rules package expected to be approved this week, according to a draft obtained exclusively by Fox.”

VOTE NOW: Should Nancy Pelosi be removed from office?

The new Oath would read “Do you solemnly swear or affirm, under penalty of law, that the testimony that you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? [so help you God],” with the ending of the oath in blocks removed.

Per reports, the committee will vote on the decision to remove the wording from the rules this week. The change would take place immediately if passed.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming criticized the move to remove the phrasing from the committee’s rules in a statement to Fox News.

First, the Democrats booed God out of their party. Now they have kicked him out of the oath. It is now utterly impossible for a Christian in good conscience to vote for a Democrat. https://t.co/Mm7YRpGcPi

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanJFischer) January 29, 2019

“It is incredible, but not surprising, that the Democrats would try to remove God from committee proceedings in one of their first acts in the majority,” she said.

Adding, “They really have become the party of Karl Marx.”

Fox also Noted:

The proposed rules change was not the first time Democrats have sought to strike references to “God” in official party documents. In 2012, the floor of the Democratic National Convention erupted over a sudden move to restore to the platform a reference to “God” and recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital — after heavy criticism from Republicans for initially omitting them. Democrats, though, were hardly in agreement over the reversal.

What are your thoughts on the attempt to remove the language [so help you God] from the committees oath? Let us know in the comment section below.

https://ilovemyfreedom.org/outrage-democrats-remove-so-help-me-god-from-key-congressional-oath/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

VOTE NOW: Should Nancy Pelosi be removed from office?

Trump Blindsides Congress, Finds All The Border Wall Money Needed And BILLIONS More

President Donald Trump just blindsided Congress and found all the border wall money that he needs — and billions more.

In a column from The American Thinker, conservative author Rovvy Lepor reveals that Congress has over one trillion dollars sitting in what he calls “unobligated balances.”

Lepor cites a former GOP lawmaker in his piece, who stated that the “unobligated balances” would give Trump the ability to very easily build the entire wall along the southern border between the United States and Mexico.

While President Trump is correct to remain committed to building a border barrier and has asked all Cabinet agencies for wall funding, he can fund the entire barrier without having to declare a national emergency.

Instead, he can draw full funding for a complete border barrier from unobligated balances. Unobligated balances “are the amounts of budget authority that have not yet been committed by contract or other legally binding action by the government.”

Former senator Tom Coburn described unobligated balances as “essentially money for nothing.” While in 2012 there was an estimated $687 billion in unobligated balances, unobligated balances in federal and trust funds in FY 2019 is estimated to be a whopping $1,156,136,000,000.

In a recent article, Scot Faulkner advises that President Trump should mine the available funds from unobligated balances to fund the border wall. Faulkner notes that “reallocating unused federal funds” for building the border wall could be done with “the stroke of President Trump’s pen – and a push of a button from the Office of Management and Budget.”

According to Faulkner, unobligated balances were used by President Lyndon Johnson to help fund his Great Society, by both Johnson and Nixon to help with funding for the Vietnam War, to assist with Carter’s expanding domestic programs, to go toward Reagan’s work to bring down the Soviet empire, to help fund both Iraq wars by Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, and by President Clinton to help him stay within Republican congressional budget limits.

President Obama never used a budget sweep, allowing $914.8 billion in unspent, unobligated balances to continue to accrue. As a result, there will be an estimated $1.156 trillion in unobligated balances by the end of F.Y. 2019 if these balances are permitted to languish.

Any funds that President Trump can reallocate to building the border barrier without the need for approval to reprogram those funds from the Democrat-controlled House should be allocated for the barrier. However, if President Trump can take the unobligated balances and have the Treasury reclaim that money, it can be used to fully pay for a border barrier, additional border security personnel, and accompanying technology.

Further, other funding can be used to fund other critically important initiatives that would not receive Democrat support. Much of the over $1 trillion in unobligated balances could be used toward paying down the national debt that is currently close to $22 trillion.

This plan would certainly work on multiple levels.

It would not only fully fund the entire wall, but it also appears that there’s nothing Democrats could do to stop Trump.

On top of that, a president using the unobligated funds to finance a project is hardly unprecedented, as detailed by Lepor in the piece above.

It appears all Trump would need to do is order the Treasury Department to reclaim the funds, and then he can use a portion of the $2 trillion in unused federal and trust funds to build the entire wall.

https://ilovemyfreedom.org/trump-blindsides-congress-finds-all-the-border-wall-money-needed-and-billions-more/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

Urgent Alert Regarding Ending Wildlife Killing Contests in Wisconsin Take Action by Friday February 1st, 2019

Wolves of Douglas County WI Films

There is hope in the form of bill circulating through Wisconsin State Senate written by Senator Fred Risser and he is Seeking Legislators for Co-Sponsorship of LRB-1453/1 Prohibiting Contests for Killing Wild Animalsand providing a penalty. Advocates must contact their Wisconsin State Senators (click here) in order to get formerly introduced LRB-1453/1 needs co-sponsorship. Well advocates we are “the power of the storm.”

“Every human being is a raindrop. And when enough of the raindrops become clear and coherent they then become the power of the storm.” John Trudell

Every winter across Wisconsin we see hundreds of these wildlife killing contests, where there’s no limits or regulations.

While fishing tournaments in Wisconsin are regulated, special hunting tournaments of this type are not says Todd Schaller, Chief Conservation Warden for the DNR.

He describes the rules regarding these tournaments…

“…Hunting tournaments, coyote, rabbits I think are another one that we…

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Frigid Cold Weather Hitting The US Again

Please… if you see an animal stuck out in the cold…talk to the people, encourage them to bring them in or call your local humane society!

I hope everyone is safe and warm…❄️

Ben & Jerry’s to Phase Out All Single-Use Plastic Utensils Worldwide!

onegreenplanet.org
By Sharon Vega

In the last few years, Ben & Jerry’s has released many dairy-free ice cream flavors. And they continue making more, just recently adding another flavor to their line of dairy-free ice cream. Given that the dairy industry is harmful to the environment, this was a progressive move in the right direction. Now, they will be doing even more for the environment and setting an example for other companies by removing all single-use plastics from their Scoop Shops.

Ben & Jerry’s has more than 600 stores worldwide. They will phase out single-use plastics from their stores one step at a time. In August 2018, they made plastic straws available by request only with many of the shops having plastic alternatives, but the first step of the new plan is to no longer offer plastic straws or spoons beginning early this year. On April 9, 2019, Scoop Shops will complete the transition to wooden spoons and paper straws will only be available by request. The ultimate goal is to find an alternative to clear plastic cups, plastic-lined cups, and plastic lids by the end of 2020.

Source: Shutterstock

“Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops currently hand out 2.5 million plastic straws a year, and 30 million plastic spoons. If all the plastic spoons used by Ben & Jerry’s in the US were placed end to end, they’d stretch from Burlington, Vermont to Jacksonville, Florida,” explained Ben & Jerry’s Global Sustainability Manager, Jenna Evans. She said, “We’re not going to recycle our way out of this problem. We, and the rest of the world, need to get out of single-use plastic.”

Ben & Jerry’s is a very well-known brand and their analysis of their own contribution to plastic pollution and plan to make a change is just the example the world needs right now. As Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group said, “Across the globe, discarded plastics are choking our environment and threatening wildlife. The only solution is to stop using them.”

For more information on plastic pollution and why the elimination of single-use plastic is such an important and necessary change, check out 5 Realities About Plastic Pollution That Won’t Go Away Until We Do Something and These 5 Marine Animals Are Dying Because of Our Plastic Trash… Here’s How We Can Help.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/ben-jerrys-to-phase-out-all-single-use-plastic-utensils-worldwide/

Sign Petition: Seals Didn’t Evolve to Survive the Threat of Plastic

thepetitionsite.com

The seals of Waxham Beach in Norfolk are facing a deadly new predator. It attacks when they least expect it, wraps itself around their necks and slowly but surely strangles them to death.

This threat is so fatal precisely because evolution never prepared them for it. What is it, you ask? Plastic.

According to Friends of Horsey Seals — a local seal rescue charity — plastic waste on UK beaches have hit record levels. Thus there’s a growing number of seals that have come to shore recently with plastic material wrapped around their bodies. Whether it’s an old frisbee, fishing line, netting or a plastic bag, once the plastic gets around the animal’s body, it slowly tightens as the animal grows, cutting deep into its skin, hindering its mobility, causing infections and resulting in a slow and painful death.

That’s what would have likely happened to Pinkafo — the female seal pictured above. If Friends of Horsey Seals hadn’t rescued her in time, she would have eventually died an agonizing death, painful and unrelenting as the frisbee slowly dug into its skin. Luckily, she is now being nursed back to health, although it will be months before she is completely healthy.

Despite being ahead of the pack in terms of anti-plastic policies, UK beaches are still inundated with plastic debris. Debris that often ends up around the necks of marine animals. So while last year, the government announced that they were banning single-use plastic items like drink stirrers, straws, and cotton buds and have implemented a 5p bag charge that has reduced plastic bag usage there is still more they can do to help end their plastic addiction.

One thing they could do is ban single-use plastic bags altogether. Over the past several years governments as disparate as Rwanda, Kenya, California and Washington D.C. have implemented plastic bag prohibitions with stunning results. It’s now time for the UK to do the same.

Tell the government you want them to take action to fight their plastic addiction. Sign the petition and tell Parliament to #banthebag.Photo credit: Matthew Perring and the RSPCA

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/297/760/032/seals-didnt-evolve-to-survive-the-threat-of-plastic/

Rest in Peace Kayla

 Kayla was only 30 years old when she died today, which is normally far too young for a female orca to die (average lifespan is 50 years in the wild) but not at SeaWorld. Kayla’s mother Kenau at the age of 15, her father Orky died at age 26, and her only calf Halyn died at age 2

But at SeaWorld all they lost was money… Please do not support the cruelty!

Sign Petition: No More Animal-Killing Contests on Federal Land!

thepetitionsite.com

by: Joel Boyce
recipient: US Fish and Wildlife Service

93,866 SUPPORTERS – 95,000 GOAL

State land commissioner for New Mexico, Stephanie Garcia Richard, wrote an executive order putting an end to New Mexico animal-killing contests. This has saved hundreds or thousands of coyotes from wanton slaughter each year during disgusting contests of piling up dead animals for cash or prizes.

The commissioner calls these events an exercise in animal cruelty, and she’s right. But they are not unique to New Mexico by any means, nor are they limited just to coyotes. Eliminating these kinds of gratuitous killing contests is absolutely a win for conservation and the humane treatment of wild animals, but does not interfere with ordinary, small-scale hunting. It’s an important step which should also be a non-controversial one.

Legislation similar in language and purpose to the executive order of New Mexico’s land commissioner should be applied across the country, starting with all federal lands. It’s well past time for killing contests, of any animal species and in any state, to become extinct.

Sign Petition: No More Animal Killing Contests on Federal Land!

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/450/259/429/

Petition: Legal Loopholes Are Giving Poachers Permission to Hunt Protected Birds

by: Margherita B
recipient: Malta

Thousands of birds fly over Malta during the migratory season.

And thousands are killed, both legally and illegally. Illegal killings amount to more than 200,000 birds per year — and these are only the documented ones.

Legally, birds that are protected worldwide (including storks) can be shot and caught in nets in Malta, by taking advantage of loopholes that allow hunters to collect birds for “traditional” and “cultural” practices. The black stork is an extremely rare bird and people have been shooting them, using these loopholes.

Although not as screen-worthy as the slaughtering of dolphins in other countries, what happens in Malta is no different. There is no need to hunt these protected species — they are protected for a reason!

These loopholes must be filled and Malta has to abide by the rest of the EU’s laws. Currently, Malta is considered a true sinkhole for migratory birds — this has to change. Malta, stop this slaughter now!
https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/790/699/070/

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Sign Petition: This Imperiled Bumble Bee Can’t Wait Any Longer for Help

thepetitionsite.com

The rusty patched bumble bee, which can be identified by a rust-colored patch on its abdomen, was once a commonly seen pollinator from the midwest to the east coast.

Unfortunately, scientists believe that they have disappeared from 87 percent of their historic range since just the 1990s and that their population has declined by more than 90 percent.

While conservation organizations have been working for years to help them, it wasn’t until 2016 that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) agreed that protection was warranted, and it wasn’t until 2017 that they were actually protected.

The listing marked the first time in history a bumble bee species has been federally protected, and the first time any bee has received federal protection in the continental U.S.

Still, this little bumble bee has continued to wait for the help it desperately needs. Under the Endangered Species Act, the FWS is legally required to designate critical habitat for protected species within one year of their listing, but has still managed to miss that date for this bumble bee – even with a one-year extension.

The agency is now facing a third lawsuit filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council on behalf of this bumble bee, which seeks to compel it to take action to protect their home from further destruction.

You can show your support for protecting the rusty patched bumble bee by signing and sharing this petition urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take immediate action to designate critical habitat for them.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/198/488/489/

Sign Petition: Stop Bird Hunting on the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge

thepetitionsite.com

To be delivered to Jeffrey Stoddard, Program Manager, Charlton H. Bonham, Director, Governor Gavin Newsom, The California State House, The California State Senate.

We the undersigned request that California Department of Fish and Wildlife end hunting on the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge. Hunting defeats the purpose of a tax payer supported wildlife refuge.

As grounds for this petition we request the state of California to take notice of the following:

1) Prior to 1971, Lakeview Drive, formerly known as Lake Earl Road, did not dead end at the lake, resulting in a walk of more than 1,000 feet. The exercise of the county’s easement to the lake has significantly increased hunters, fisherman, and crime.

2) Little if anything that is killed along the lake is ever taken home and a number of pictures proving this are in the possession of the originator of this petition.

3) Residents along Lakeview Drive have had to contend with an ongoing traffic problem from hunters and fisherman who use the lake, as well as those who visit the lake after dark to do their drug deal.

4) The whole concept of hunting on a taxpayer supported Wildlife Refuge defeats the purpose of having the wildlife refuge and the California Dept of Fish and Widlife has a conflict of interest because they receive money from hunting licenses which support staffing and officers to visit the lake.

1. Some of the dead animals in the piles surrounding the lake include endangered species which is not surprising since a hunter can’t tell the difference as to what he is killing when the bird is almost completely out of visual range.

2. With respect to over fishing, because of salt water contamination caused by incompetent breaching, the only fish that is capable of living in this lagoon (formerly a lake) is sturgeon who’s numbers have dwindled so much due to overfishing that the fish’s presence in the lake is almost extinct. Fisherman will commonly kill every sturgeon they can get their hands on, gut the fish for the eggs, and the leave the rotting fish carcasses on the side of the road at the entrance to Lake Earl.

3. A number of hobby farmers around the lake have reported hunters killing their geese in front of their homes.

For these reasons we the undersigned request that hunting and fishing be permanently banned on Lake Earl.

BACKGROUND

Hunting on the Lake Earl Wildlife Preserve, particularly off of Lakeview Drive destroys the natural serenity and peace of this community. Visitors around the lake wake up to the sound of gunfire which is hardly inviting to people who come here to vacation and enjoy the redwoods and natural beauty.

Additionally since the county exercised its easement on Lakeview Drive, formerly Lake Earl Road, the number of hunters, fisherman, and people using the Lake Access area has increased exponentially to where there is nothing less than a big crowd. The resulting humanity has left trash in the streets, increased crime, and a steady parade of traffic all night long that is disturbing the residents on this street.

Other factors are that most of the dead animals the hunters kill are left on the street and rarely taken home, and I have pictures to prove it. This includes dead dear, big piles of dead birds. Yet the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is defiant and will not change their position.

And still another factor is that a number of endangered species have shown up in the dead piles of animals and it isn’t possible for the hunter to determine what species a bird is when it is more than 100 feet higher than where he is standing.

And most importantly it is completely ludicrous for the California tax payers to pay for a Wildlife Preserve when the state is making money from hunting licenses on this property. It defeats the whole purpose. As the record stands, the state would be better off giving the property back to the Tolowa Indian Tribe who’s land was taken away from them by force during a big massacre.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/613/953/649/

Disappearing act on my blog?

Is anyone else having problems with WordPress?

I published two posts that totally disappeared into thin air and comments are disappearing, today I found one in the trash and my comment to them has now disappeared! I also have found post from people I follow in the spam folder, and I keep getting ping backs from my homepage to post that I published a while ago…🤔

 

Sign the Petition: More Than a Hundred Whales, Orcas and Belugas are Being Held in Tiny Closures on Russia’s Pacific Coast in the City of Nakodka.

change.org

More than 100 whales – orcas and belugas – are being held in tiny enclosures on Russia’s Pacific Coast in the city of Nakhodka.

This is the largest number of sea creatures to ever be held in small temporary enclosures. Some of them have been there since July.

Marine mammal experts claim that those animals were being sold to Chinese aquariums, despite the fact that legally they are only supposed to be used for scientific and educational work. In China there are thousands of millions of dollars to be made on these whales.

There are currently 11 orcas, 5 baby walrus and 90 baby belugas held in these enclosures.15 of the belugas are yearlings that are completely dependent on the mothers for survival. Yearlings need to be in constant tactile contact with a parent – in case of danger their mother will fight to the death to keep them alive. Capturing whales this young is banned in Russia.

The export of these marine mammals has finally been stopped but the problem now is that these animals are stuck in “whale prison” whilst the authorities try to find the perpetrators and work out the right procedural decision to take. Independent experts are seriously worried that the animals will die if they are kept in these conditions much longer. Whale babies who have not received enough mother’s milk will not survive the winter.

Solution

These Orca’s need to be released into their natural habitat. The belugas need to be transferred to responsible people that will feed them, rehabilitate them and release them into their natural habitat when they are ready.

https://www.change.org/p/release-orcas-and-beluga-whales-from-the-whale-jail-in-srednyaya-bay