Kategorie: Animals

The post I’m ME, Not MEAT. See The Individual. Try A Vegan Roast! appeared first on PETA.

PETA has obtained a U.S. Department of Agriculture report revealing a recent violation of law at Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp. in Denison, where a worker shot an immobile pig in the head twice with two captive-bolt guns, but the bleeding pig remained conscious and attempted to roll over until a third shot finally ended the animal’s suffering. A federal official who documented the incident instructed the worker to take the second and third shots in order to render the pig unconscious. In response, PETA sent a letter this morning calling on Crawford County Attorney Colin Johnson to review the matter and, as appropriate, file criminal cruelty-to-animals charges against the worker.

“This disturbing report shows that a pig experienced a prolonged, agonizing death at Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp.,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling for a criminal investigation on this pig’s behalf and urging everyone to help prevent more animals from suffering in slaughterhouses by going vegan.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. The group notes that pigs, sheep, cows, chickens, and other animals feel pain and fear and value their lives, just as humans do.

For more information on PETA’s investigative newsgathering and reporting, visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Johnson follows.

December 14, 2021

The Honorable Colin Johnson

Crawford County Attorney

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to request that your office (and the proper local law enforcement agency, as you deem appropriate) investigate and file suitable criminal charges against the Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp. worker who repeatedly shot a pig in the head while the bleeding animal remained conscious on November 16 at the company’s slaughterhouse located at 800 Industrial Dr. in Denison. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) documented the incident in the attached report, which states the following:

The employee attempted to stun the animal with one of the HHCB [handheld captive bolt] device[s], but the attempt was unsuccessful, and the animal remained conscious, attempting to roll over from a recumbent position. [USDA Inspection Program Personnel] observed blood trickling down the forehead from where the stunning attempt had made contact. IPP then had to instruct the establishment employee to make a second stun attempt on the animal. The employee then used the second HHCB device in attempt to stun the animal and again the animal remained conscious, attempting to roll over. After the second attempt IPP observed the animal blinking and tracking movement with [his or her] eyes. IPP then had to instruct the employee to make a third attempt to stun the animal.¹

This conduct appears to violate Iowa Code § 717.2(1)(c). Importantly, FSIS action does not preempt criminal liability under state law for slaughterhouse workers who perpetrate acts of cruelty to animals.²

Please let us know what we might do to assist you. Thank you for your consideration and for the difficult work that you do.

Sincerely,

Colin Henstock

Assistant Manager of Investigations

1FSIS District 25 Manager Dr. Dawn Sprouls, Notice of Intended Enforcement, Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp. (November 17, 2021) https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-12/M717-NOIE-11172021.pdf. Last accessed December 13, 2021.

2See Nat’l. Meat Assoc. v. Harris, 132 S. Ct. 965, 974 n.10 (2012) (“. . . States may exact civil

or criminal penalties for animal cruelty or other conduct that also violates the [Federal Meat

Inspection Act (FMIA)]. See [21 U.S.C.] §678; cf. Bates v. Dow Agrosciences, LLC, 544 U.S.

431, 447 (2005), holding that a preemption clause barring state laws ‘in addition to or

different’ from a federal Act does not interfere with an ‘equivalent’ state provision. Although

the FMIA preempts much state law involving slaughterhouses, it thus leaves some room for

the States to regulate.”).

The post Conscious Pig Repeatedly Shot; PETA Seeks Criminal Probe appeared first on PETA.

Yesterday, PETA received a tip from a concerned citizen about a dog on Rivermill Circle in Portsmouth who was tied to a tether (which was hanging from a fence) that was so short that the animal’s front feet couldn’t touch the ground—and, according to the witness, it wasn’t the first time that the dog had been tied up this way. PETA rushed to the scene and confirmed that the animal—who is malnourished and had no food or water—was hanging from a fence, as shown in this video. The dog’s owner was belligerent to PETA’s fieldworker and said that he had tied the animal up for “ruin[ing] the grass.”

PETA alerted the Portsmouth Police Department on Sunday, and today, an officer spoke with the dog’s owner, but the animal wasn’t seized. Accordingly, PETA is now calling on police to seize the dog for an emergency medical exam and charge the animal’s owner with cruelty to animals.

For more information on PETA’s newsgathering and reporting, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The post Video: Seizure, Cruelty Charges Sought in Dog-Hanging Case appeared first on PETA.

Alicia Silverstone is an advocate for animals who fills her closet with pieces that are good for animals and the planet. Take a page from her book by building your winter wardrobe with the same values in mind. These flattering, fashionable sweater selections are ones that Alicia would love—they’re all wool-free, and many are made with recycled materials. Sheep are gentle individuals who are treated like machines in the wool industry. When you buy vegan clothing, you’re helping to build a better future for sheep and all animals.

H&M Cable-Knit Chenille Sweater

H&M has partnered with PETA to create and launch a vegan fashion collection called “Co-Exist Story.” This new collection features knitwear made with innovative, animal-free materials, like this oversized sweater in super-soft, cable-knit chenille made from recycled polyester.

LBLC The Label Casey Sweater

LBLC The Label, a vegan brand and a PETA Business Friend, offers this relaxed, oversized turtleneck, which could be the perfect cozy addition to your wardrobe.

Noize Miley Short-Length Faux Sherpa

This “PETA-Approved Vegan” cropped faux Sherpa jacket is made with a textured vegan wool for that cute teddy bear look.

Threads 4 Thought Joslyn Triblend Pullover

For a classic look perfect for layering, choose this crewneck sweatshirt made of Triblend Fleece composed of 90% organic or recycled fibers. It is a carbon-neutral product and has a positive impact of 77.6 days of drinking water saved, 1.3 miles of driving emissions avoided, and 7.2 plastic bottles recycled.

MATE Organic Thermal Crop Top

MATE’s 100% organic thermal crop top is the epitome of luxurious winter loungewear. Compared to products that use non-organic materials, the production of this top involves 81.5% less water use, 20.3% fewer carbon emissions, and no pesticides or plastic. It’s also better for the environment when compared to the wool industry, which causes water pollution and land damage.

Apparis Alicia Sweater

Apparis is a vegan brand known for its winter wear, including this deep V-neck sweater. It is made of 100% recycled polyester RE-KNIT fabric and features a flattering slouchy cut.

Fashion Union Relaxed High Neck Boxy Knit Fairisle Sweater (ASOS)

Recycled plastic bottles and textile waste are processed into polyester fibers for this soft, vintage-look turtleneck. It features a boxy fit that looks great with high-waisted denim.

Tradlands Cottage Crewneck Sweater

This boxy crewneck is made of 100% cotton, sourced and knit in Peru. Tradlands is focused on creating “high-quality, timeless products through small-batch, responsible production” and “prolonging the life of clothing” to help reduce environmental impact. It also offers a “Worn Well Exchange” program that allows customers to resell gently worn Tradlands pieces, giving “new life to garments that are made to last.”

Zara Knit Sweater

This round-neck sweater is made following Inditex’s Join Life standard, with viscose sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Mango Checks Knit Sweater

If you’re looking for a bold pattern, this sweater is for you. It’s part of Mango’s line of “Committed” products, which have been produced using “sustainable fibers or processes, reducing their environmental impact.”

Joie Reser Crewneck Sweater

Joie’s retro crewneck is light enough for layering with your favorite corduroy jacket.

*****

Build a year-round vegan wardrobe with tips from PETA:

How to Make a Vegan Fashion Statement

The post Wool-Free Sweater Picks That Alicia Silverstone Would Love appeared first on PETA.

What do dogs and cats really want for the holidays? Keep reading to discover what they would ask Santa for if they could on PETA’s holiday wish list for cats and dogs.

A Holiday Wish List From Cats and Dogs

Dogs want a harness to replace any shock, prong, or choke collars on their necks. Cats want to see declawing banned and to receive a scratching post—an appropriate place to scratch so that they can keep their claws in good shape, as nature intended.

Dogs want to be allowed to sniff the bushes during their walks, as well as setting the pace and choosing the route once in a while. Cats dream of a room with view or having a “catio” to lounge in.

Both want states to pass spay/neuter laws to help end animal homelessness and shelters to “fix” all adopted animals before they go home so that they won’t add to the companion animal overpopulation crisis. They also want people to be brave enough not to subject their animal companions to prolonged suffering in their final days because it’s so hard to say goodbye.

Most of all, animals want your love and attention.

On their behalf, PETA wants the words “owner” and “pet” replaced with “guardian” and “companion” and all animals to be treated as cherished and respected members of the family.

Learn More: 250 Vital Things Your Cat Wants You to Know

The post PETA’s Wish List for Cats and Dogs: What Animal Companions Want This Christmas appeared first on PETA.