Kategorie: Animals

Tomorrow, a PETA supporter wearing a pill bottle costume depicting a drowning mouse and the words “Lilly: Not Nice to Mice” will lead socially distanced protests outside two local pharmacies that sell Eli Lilly prescriptions—and the first location is mere blocks from the pharmaceutical company’s headquarters. The protesters will point out that Eli Lilly has tormented 3,400 mice and rats in the forced swim test since 1993, with nothing to show for it.

When:    Thursday, February 25, 12 noon–12:45 p.m.

Where:    CVS Pharmacy, 336 Delaware St., Indianapolis

When:    Thursday, February 25, 1–1:45 p.m.

Where:    Walgreens, 335 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis

In the forced swim test (video), rats and other small animals are often dosed with test substances, placed in inescapable beakers of water, and made to swim to keep from drowning. Terrified and exhausted, they eventually stop swimming and start floating. Experimenters compare the time spent swimming and floating, on the debunked assumption that this can tell us something about the psychological states of humans with neurobehavioral disorders. The test has been heavily criticized by experts who argue that floating is not a sign of despair but rather a positive indicator of learning, saving energy, and adapting to a new environment.

“Eli Lilly’s refusal to ban the use of the forced swim test is a bitter pill we refuse to swallow,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “PETA is calling on the company to formally prohibit tormenting gentle animals in this useless test.”

GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and many other pharmaceutical companies have banned the forced swim test after discussions with PETA.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The post PETA ‘Pill Bottle’ to Rattle Eli Lilly Over Forced Swim Test appeared first on PETA.

Because Millennium Hotels and Resorts continues to sponsor the Iditarod even as other companies have dropped their support, PETA has plastered People Mover buses downtown in the lead-up to the race with ads targeting the company that feature a dog named Snickers chained up on an Iditarod champion’s property.

PETA’s undercover investigation into champion Iditarod mushers’ “kennels” first captured the image. Snickers had suffered from painful arthritis for years—including when she led John Baker’s team to victory in 2011—but was kept chained up 24/7 by the frozen sea and limped and cried out constantly.

“Imagine providing hotel guests with only a dilapidated box or barrel to protect them from freezing wind and rain, yet that’s what Millennium Hotels finds acceptable for dogs who want nothing more than to spend the night in a warm bed,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA urges Millennium to embrace the 21^st century and end its support for this cruel, archaic race.”

Following PETA campaigns, Jack Daniel’s, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, and Alaska Airlines have dropped support for the Iditarod. ExxonMobil, a major Iditarod sponsor giving $250,000 a year, has confirmed that 2021 is the last year it will support the race. Craft Sportswear, Medical Park Family Care, and Anchorage Distillery have also cut ties.

Sled Dogs, a documentary film that shines a spotlight on the dogs who are forced to run until their bodies break down or killed if they don’t measure up, is available on Prime Video and Plex.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The post New PETA Ad Blitz Blasts Millennium Hotel’s Iditarod Ties appeared first on PETA.

A Compassionate Police Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Southlake Department of Public Safety, which sprang into action on Valentine’s Day to save a dog named Shadow who had fallen through thin ice on a frozen pond near White’s Chapel. Sgt. Gaylon Music bravely entered the pond, broke through the ice, and waded through freezing water up to his shoulders to reach the dog’s side. Shadow’s guardian soon followed with a pool float, and officers worked with him to hoist the dog onto the float and pull him to shore. Video footage of the rescue is available here.

“This dog could easily have drowned in frigid water or died of hypothermia if it weren’t for the kindness and swift action of the Southlake Department of Public Safety,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this happy ending inspires everyone to look out for animals in need, especially during dangerous inclement weather.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks using a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on them when they’re outdoors.

The Southlake Department of Public Safety will receive a framed certificate, a letter, and boxes of delicious vegan cookies.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The post PETA Awards Southlake Department of Public Safety for Dog Rescue appeared first on PETA.

After hearing from PETA and more than 80,000 of the group’s members and supporters, The Pearl Hotel has stopped displaying betta fish in cramped bowls in its rooms. In thanks, PETA is sending the hotel a box of delicious vegan fish-shaped chocolates.

“The Pearl Hotel did the right thing by recognizing that even tiny fish have an interest in enjoying their life,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA thanks the hotel for showing goodwill to everyone and urges people not to buy fish as ‘pets.’”

Prior to its compassionate decision, The Pearl Hotel was the last stop for betta fish who, it has been well documented, endure a grueling and often deadly journey to the U.S. from Thailand. A PETA Asia investigation into the betta fish industry revealed fish gasping for air on waterless trays as workers roughly sorted them for shipping. Some, who had suffocated, were left rotting on the floor, and others were found floating motionless in tanks of filthy water. Bettas are typically packed without food and left to starve for days during international transport.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

 

The post The Pearl Hotel Ends Betta Fish Displays After PETA Appeal appeared first on PETA.

Following reports that a dog had to be rescued from the Detroit River in Woodhaven—and because freezing temperatures are forecast to occur in the Wayne County area—PETA is sharing tips for keeping animals safe. Animals are especially vulnerable in cold weather and winter storms, and there were at least 37 cold weather–related companion animal deaths in 2019. (Those are just the ones that were reported—most aren’t.) A glimpse of just some of the dogs PETA’s fieldworkers have found suffering in the cold this winter can be seen here.

The following steps can go a long way in helping animals survive throughout cold weather:

• Bring Them Indoors

Companion animals should always live indoors. “Backyard dogs” and “outdoor cats”—like those featured in Breaking the Chain, the new documentary produced by Oscar winner Anjelica Huston—often go without adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. They are no better equipped to survive freezing temperatures or extreme weather conditions than humans are, they suffer terribly from frostbite, and they can die of exposure.

• Gear Up

Coats will keep dogs comfortable in cold weather, secure harnesses can help prevent them from getting loose on walks, and booties will protect their sensitive paw pads from the frozen ground. Keep walks short in cold weather, especially for shorthaired dogs.

• Don’t Forget Birds

During extreme winter weather, provide birds and other wild animals with access to an emergency water supply by filling a heavy nonmetal water bowl (tongues can freeze to metal) and breaking the surface ice at least twice a day.

Good Samaritans who see companion animals kept chained or penned outside 24/7 or without adequate shelter from the elements should note the animals’ exact location and alert local law-enforcement authorities immediately. Anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted.

PETA has released a cold-weather public service announcement. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The post Urgent Message From PETA: Winter Survival Tips for Animals in Michigan appeared first on PETA.