After reading TheirTurn’s post stating that the American Humane Association “endorses” SeaWorld’s proposal for larger orca tanks, the AHA sent a letter disputing our claim. Following is the relevant excerpt:

“We have not given a stamp of approval to any project. One of our scientists has been asked to serve on an Independent Advisory Panel with other leading experts. The panel has not yet met, and we have not provided any input or recommendations at this point.” 

TheirTurn’s original post was written in response to a news story which stated that the construction of the larger orca enclosures “will be overseen by a group of advisors that include executives from The American Humane Association.” While “overseeing” might not be an official endorsement, the participation of a “humane” organization would lend credibility to this extraordinarily misguided project. Shouldn’t the AHA, like other humane organizations, be using its influence to end – and not prolong – orca captivity?  If the AHA’s “oversight” role was misrepresented in the original news story, then the organization should say so and clearly state its position on the proposed larger tanks.

Finally, SeaWorld picked the AHA for a reason: it supports of the use of animals in entertainment.

Rendering of SeaWorld’s larger orca enclosure

Victor de Souza, a celebrity fashion designer who has created dresses for Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Rihanna, is using horse-drawn carriages in the busy streets of Midtown Manhattan for his September 3rd runway show. The Argentinian designer says the horses perfectly represent the “romantic” vision of his collection. Activists who have been fighting to end NYC’s inhumane, unsafe and archaic horse-drawn carriages will crash this last ditch promotion of the industry. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has promised to take the carriages off the streets by the end of the year.

Photo: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images

If NYC’s horse-drawn carriage trade wasn’t the subject of a highly publicized war between the industry and those who want to ban it, would Mr. de Souza have chosen to use carriages in his fashion show? Probably not. De Souza knows this stunt will get press coverage because of the controversy (it already has), and he knows he will get even more press coverage because of the planned protests. Is all PR good PR?  Maybe – unless a horse spooks on the “runway,” and a fashion model flies head first onto the pavement. Perhaps de Souza will cancel the show if he feels he has already received enough free publicity. Please sign PETA’s petition and, if you live in the NYC area, join the protest. Finally, please watch the award-winning documentary film BLINDERS if have any questions about why horse-drawn carriages must be banned from NYC.

Gretchen Wyler, the late Broadway actress and advocate for animals, once said, “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” If you think that’s fair, then please watch and share this new 60-second video about bacon. You and the pigs will be glad you did.

Primera Management, a company that cannot be traced, is attempting to build a large monkey breeding facility in Central Florida over objections of the State Senator who represents the area. Monkeys from Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa, will be transported to the facility in Hendry County, where they will be bred and sold to laboratories. Animal Defenders International released footage of monkeys in Mauritius being abused, though Primera insists that their monkeys will come from a different, unnamed source. Citing health, safety and animal care concerns, the Senator is demanding a public hearing with all stakeholders, including the Center for Disease Control.

Who is behind this primate breeding facility? Who is accountable if monkeys escape or disease is transmitted? Given the environmental and land-use issues associated with a 3,000 monkey facility, why is it being constructed without so much as a public hearing? As a starting point, please thank Florida State Senator Dwight Bullard for attempting to stop the construction of this facility until the community has answers. And stay tuned for more information as advocacy groups put together the pieces of the puzzle.

Like many other animal rights activists, I’m always thinking about the plight of animals, and I’m always asking people to consider animals in the decisions they make each day. I don’t advocating for animals is all-consuming. Maybe it’s just the way I’m wired. But, every so often, I see abuse that is so extreme that I short circuit – and give up hope.

Photo: sundayworld.com

Today I came across an article – with accompanying video – about live frogs being served as sushi in Japan. I’ve seen the footage of people eating live fish in Japan, but this took a bigger toll on me. Perhaps it’s because the frog footage is more graphic. Whatever the reason, I struggled through the video, put my head in my hands, and had one of those moments when I asked myself, “Humans have been – and always will – monsters, so what’s the point in trying?”

Then I eat a row of cookies, focus on the animals who are counting on us, think about the victories and get back to work.