For the past 60 years, the NIH has been conducting “maternal deprivation” studies in which researchers kidnap newborn monkeys from their mothers; give them surrogate mothers made of wire and wood; and hold them captive in dark metal boxes called “pits of despair” where they mutilate themselves. Video footage of one experiment shows babies crying and frantically shaking their mothers who have been chemically sedated by the researchers.

If you think that the sadistic and barbaric experiments conducted at Auschwitz by Dr. Josef Mengele are a thing of the past, think again. They are taking place today in labs all over the world – including those funded by taxpayers. Maternal deprivation and other similar studies continue at the NIH with approximately 200 monkeys. And, like the Auschwitz studies, they are being conducted in vain. As early as 1977, the researcher at the NIH who led these studies acknowledged that the findings were irrelevant to humans. Please watch this video obtained help PETA and take action against the NIH.

The Onion, a newspaper that publishes satire, irreverently and effectively debunks the “humane slaughter” myth in an article entitled “We Raise All Our Beef Humanely On Open Pasture And Then We Hang Them Upside Down and Slash Their Throats.” The article contains many graphic zingers that expose the extreme cruelty inherent in modern-day slaughter. Example:

“When we shackle a chain to a hind leg of each of our cows and hoist its terrified, quivering frame 12 feet up to the rafters, we can see firsthand just how tender, meaty, and well-marbled its entire body is—and that means exceptional flavor for you and your family!”

Some might find the use of humor in an article about death to be tasteless, but perhaps this unconventional approach will reach open-minded meat eaters who haven’t given any thought to what actually happens to animals in slaughterhouses. Please read the article and share it on social media.

In a testament to the impact of the animal rights movement, the “Animal Agriculture Alliance” sent spies to the 2014 animal rights conferences hosted by FARM and HSUS. In a press release announcing the publication of their reports from the conferences, the organization’s CEO said:

“It is so important that we be present at events like this in order to get a first-hand account of what activist groups are planning” so that we can “more effectively counter their misleading campaigns against animal agriculture.”

“I hope our members utilise these reports as tools to communicate with stakeholders about the true agenda of the activist organisations and recognise the need to actively engage in conversations along the food chain about agriculture’s commitment to animal care.”

Following is the Association’s map of “radical activist organizations.” We should all strive to make it onto this organization’s list.

“Radical Activist Groups” (photo: Animal Agriculture Alliance)

Whether we like it or not, celebrities have the power to influence public opinion in areas that have nothing to do with their careers – gun control, abortion, poverty, disease and, of course, animal rights. Many have used their voices to advance justice for animals; a few have helped to turn back the clock.

Liam Neeson, for example, has campaigned aggressively in support of NYC’s inhumane horse-drawn carriage trade, attempting to convince the public that the horses have good lives. He has used his voice to turn public opinion against the advocacy groups, reversing in a matter of weeks much of the progress made over several years in changing the hearts and minds of New Yorkers. It is moments like these when we wish celebrities would mind their own business.

Then there’s basketball star Yao Ming who is using his voice (and his 7’6 height) to convince Chinese people to stop buying ivory, which has led not only to the decimation of elephant populations but also to untold sorrow and suffering for the hundreds of thousands of elephants who have lost family members. Mr. Ming’s anti-shark finning advocacy has cut shark fin consumption in half in China, and his 30 second public service announcement about elephant orphans could make the same happen with ivory:

European Union taxpayers have been subsidizing bullfights, but the European Parliament’s Environment Committee has voted to remove this government handout from its budget.

The Committee’s decision to cut financial aid to “those who breed bulls for bullfights” is based on existing law, which states that “animals kept for farming purposes should not suffer pain, injury, fear or distress. Clearly these conditions are not met where it concerns bulls that are used for lethal bull-fighting.” (note to lawmakers: should be bulls “who” are used…)

Footage of matadors tormenting, stabbing and killing bulls for “sport” is difficult to watch. Less difficult to watch is a terrified and confused bull jumping over an arena wall and charging into the crowd:

Members of Parliament will vote on the Environment Committee’s amendment during the week on September 15th.