HERO VEGAN TEEN - INSPIRES ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

This lactating slave-prisoner has a champion and so do I! I'm thrilled to hear of young Sam Tucker, a Vegan Abolitionist Animal Rights Activist. Sam is from New Zealand and has just launched an informative podcast: NZ Vegan Teen He hosts a weekly radio show too... AND if that weren't enough... this remarkable young man also created the NZ DAIRY CRUELTY website which straightens out the many myths behind the "wholesome" milk industry. At NZ Dairy Cruelty, there's an in depth explanation of the all the issues surrounding the dairy industry. There is an abundance of well documented examples of cruelty to cows and calves alike. His site also features a forum, tasty dairy-free recipes and vegan related videos. Sam's blog is here. But be forewarned... you will not meet a talented 17 or 18 year old teen - not at all! Instead, you will see a brilliant and inspiring 13 year old. Mature beyond any one's expectations... That's right! This young man, passionately committed to this cause of great consequence, is only 13 years old! Goodness knows what energy and enthusiasm he'll bring to the movement as the years go on... Sam - you are an inspiration to us all! Thanks for all you do! And we will not let you down either. We'll continue the good fight by spreading the word, every chance we get to tell people to: Go Vegan. Thanks NZ Vegan Teen & NZ Vegan for spreading the word down under and here!

About Kids Who Kill & A Culture That Supports It

Something irked me on a blog where a woman wrote about the "pride" she felt when her son shot a fish, killed a squirrel, a groundhog... and doves.... So pleased was she, that she posted photos of his "conquests"... And as I read her words, I wondered why a mother would do this... encourage her child to kill?

Fortunately I found Roger Yates' essay "Rituals of Dominionism in Human-NonhumanRelations: Bullfighting to Hunting, Circuses to Petting". And after reading this enlightening piece, I now know her motivation and her methods. And I also understand that this woman is operating in the microcosm of what culture does in the absolute.

She encourages a "ritual" to kill, by creating a "need to be rescued". Once she named the doves, squirrels and groundhogs as "pests"... Her little boy was given license to "save" her from these "things". She rewards with praise, and creates a "warrior" mentality in her son.

The woman says:"he wants to take shooting when he gets into middle school, they have a great shooting and archery program for the kids".

And this is also what the National Rifle Association suggests to parents - "that hunting is an extremely positive socialization tool".

It is. But only if you want to "socialize" someone into the predator and patriarchal model of manhood.

Mom and culture are indoctrinating this young boy to believe that animals are his to "take". And also that there is need for his skill to save us from the harm of unwanted "others". The patriarchal/predator system exists because we don't question our right (or necessity) of "dominion". It creates a paragon that requires "others" and "enemies" in order to validate "masters" and "victors". It is an army of supremacists, and powerful financial interests are keeping this barbaric killing tradition (lie) alive.

Hunters. Our champions. Our saviors. Our shame...

And this sort of gets me back to the original fret I had with the proud mother and her young killing son. Not unlike the doe who wishes nothing more than to bond with and nurture her fawn, this human mother and son are caught in an ancient system that glorifies killing and forfeits innocence.

Would it not be better for all, if we nurtured young men to respect others... all others? To allow them a full and genuine range of emotions that would include empathy and

compassion. A world view that a life has value unto itself... Beyond the limits of what an archaic and repressive patriarchal culture wishes to claim. Beyond the addiction society has for

a "hero". And beyond the wants of a "hero" to have a victim.... If we do not begin to respect the lives of all - both human and nonhuman mothers will continue to grieve for the loss of their young. One mother looses her child to the emptiness of a dead spirit. The other looses her young to the killing.

Either way... we are sacrificing the innocent, and none of it is "necessary".

Please free the animal slaves - Go Vegan.

HUNTING SECRETS: BAMBI IS A SLAVE TO DEER "CONTROL"

No one need be offended by this photo - "There's no sacrifice. Nothing is being done that is without absolute necessity!" "We need protection from unwanted deer populations! We are innocent... Hunting and killing is just a cruel "fact" of life." Or is it? These guys are obviously not starving. Nor are they far away from civilization. No... these guys tearing at what's left of this innocent being, aren't stranded or isolated either. Poke around... I'm sure there's ATV's, IPODS, GPS, laptops... spotting scopes and high powered rifles/guns, galore! This is not "survival" this is recreation! But these men will say that it is their "tradition" to hunt and that it's "heritage". Yeah, nothing like tearing at flesh to stay in touch with your primordial ancestry! ... with a chrome watch on, at that. Let's face it... these guys like doing this! And they go through great lengths to insure this will remain their privilege. Even to the extent of creating a "problem" to be the solution. The "problem" seems to be this innocent being. Or rather too many innocent beings. The best solution to this "problem" is to just stop breeding more innocent beings! If we don't wish to see them starve... if we need to protect us from them on the highway and on golf courses - Just stop breeding them! If we're worried our malls will be over run with the critters... and if we just can't stop ourselves from claiming every square mile of their habitat... Just stop making more! It's very clear to me... Isn't it to you? But once the cash figures in... it gets different. You see, money is made by breeding these innocent beings.... About $3 billion a year according to the North American Deer and Elk Farming Association. There are more than 15,000 deer breeders, ranchers and farmers in the US. Each facility has about 100 deer and they operate similar to "factory farms". The animals are confined, darted (tagged), given drugs, are artificially inseminated, with buck semen that is also a genetically modified commodity. Fawns are removed from their mothers and nursed on artificial "milk replacements". After they are grown they either enter the "breeding herd" or are released for the "taking" of hunters. Many wind up in "canned hunts" as well. So there is no "necessity" for hunters; except that they can "control" a "problem" they create... all to further their "recreation"! Even the "excuse" of "natural meat" doesnt' work! These animals are pumped full of antibiotics and pharms just like all "agricultural animals" are! These innocent deer are slaves in a self perpetuating killing machine. They are livestock presented as "wildlife". And their sacrifice is condoned by ignorance and greed. Hunting supporters - gig is up! Meat eaters - gig is up... there's thousands of other choices besides cow-pig-chicken slave sacrifices. Finally there's this from the Code of Ethics for Hunting Preserves: Their Global Goal is to "provide the client with a positive and safe hunting experience while ensuring the welfare of the animal." HA! bottle feeding of fawns semen collection & tagging deer

Anti Hunting Resources

Weird Animal Science - Cows Even Women Can Exploit!

Oh Goodie! There's now a new animal to exploit! (Micro)Miniature cows! Pet size cows! From Meat and Poultry: "There are currently three categories of miniature cattle. Animals 42 inches and under and 4 years of age are considered a full miniature, and cattle 42 to 48 inches are considered mid-sized miniatures. "We’re adding a third definition—if an animal is 36 inches and under, it’s considered a micro-miniature." Seven niche markets exist for miniature cattle: the pet market; breeder market; show market; mini-milker market; all-natural farm-grown beef market; organic beef market; and the semen and embryo market."

"Miniature cattle semen and embryos are exported to Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Live cattle are difficult to ship. You’d have to fly them, it would be very expensive. It’s a lot cheaper to collect embryos and semen and ship them out U.P.S." Oh... so that's what the man in the brown uniform is delivering... cow gizzz - got it! But too bad - seems these wee ones aren't allowed in the industrial slaughterhouses... They aren't profitable... Too puny for the big guys! Pity... these tiny guys must be relegated to the butchers that process only a few thousand carcasses a day. And according to the article these mini cows are useful as pets too: "Women enjoy the miniature cattle because they don’t feel intimidated by them. If an animal gets smart with them, they can push them out of the way...they don’t have to fight with them." That's right... we women can just kick them out of the way! "Bad cow! Off to the slaughterhouse with you! - And that goes for you too... you little tea-cup poodle!" Another fine example of how science is fulfilling my hopes for women's and animal's liberation!

Fur Expressions & Leather Art - Do You Wear Animal's Skins?

I won't post these Youtube videos... but I will tell you what they are about... A young Dutch woman killed a her cat (because the cat was depressed). After she broke his neck... she skinned him and made a handbag from his fur. Shortly after this she was on television, and in the interview she demonstrated how she killed her cat, and showed off the purse she had made. The audience seemed to find her very clever, as they chuckled at each of her jokes. Eventually Tinkerbell had an exhibition at a gallery which included her latest works of "art" - a small dog and small cat carcass which could be folded into each other... If you are curious it is here. And a year ago there was the story about an "artist" who tied up and starved a dog to death... Patrons who visited his gallery... appeared to enjoy the show.... And this week, an Oklahoma couple killed and skinned a puppy to make a belt...I suppose it was their expression of "art" as well. It is only reasonable now... to wonder -

What's the difference? dumping leather... part 1 of 3

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Addendum - June 25th

I don't have all the answers... But additional information makes me believe that the case of a person killing a *pet* animal is more damaging to Animal Rights because the "disconnect" from animals even includes those we "should" traditionally value: our companion family members. From Animal Right and Animal Liberation:

"1. The connection between pet and the rest of the family is normally very important. If this connection is lost in society, then we can kiss animal rights goodbye. If people don't have pity or empathy with the animals we share our lives with, then all hope is lost for chickens or pigs. This is quite evident in countries such as South Korea or China, where basically anything goes in regard to animals (including the skinning alive of cats and dogs).So a fur bag made out of strangled cats is an even worse thing then a leather purse made from a cow. This doesn't mean it is ok that cows are killed. But the catbag is even more 'evil' and will cause even more animal suffering, misery and death in this society if this becomes accepted."

And this is an excellent point - But then there's this from the Abolitionist Approach about the couple who killed the puppy...

However, I'm stuck... because both opinions seem to make sense... So I'm still "stuck".

Of course I'll continue to think about reasons why we should (or shouldn't) be more concerned about the cat or dog being killed than the cow or pig. What gets in the way for me is that I abhor all killing - and I just can't reach solid footing on this issue.

I welcome any more thoughts that could help me along the way to reach a reasonable understanding of why one is or isn't "more wrong" than the other... thanks - Bea

E COLI COOKIE DOUGH - VEGANS EAT IT RAW!

Just one of the really awesome things about being vegan is the baking! No kitchen worries - eat the batter right out of the bowl... and cookie dough is not a problem either. Unlike the issues regarding Nestle Toll House dough - Today's report from the Colorado Department of Public Health announces the possible link of 66 cases of E. coli O157:H7 in 28 states to the consumption of Nestle Toll House raw cookie dough. The Joy of Vegan Baking

Cows Never Go Hungry - 1 Billion Humans Do - Go Vegan

I love the line: "Cows never go hungry"... For that matter neither do pigs, chickens or goats... 16 times more people can be fed on a plant based diet than what it takes to live on a meat based diet. And with all the greenhouse gasses associated with livestock - a vegan diet is much better for the planet... ...and more people could be fed. It's a win/win situation!Go Vegan

Brazil Beef JBS Giant Corruption Investigation - Operation Slaughter

Reuters: "The world's biggest beef processor JBS is under investigation by Brazil's federal prosecutor's office in a widespread corruption case that has targeted several companies in the beef industry. Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of beef, and its cattle industry has come under increasing criticism from environmentalists at home and abroad for its role in the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest." Included are other meatpackers who are also part of the investigation which includes charges of bribing public officials, racketeering, corruption, fraud and collusion. Several people from the beef, dairy and leather industries were being rounded up and held in police custody in a broad-reaching sting operation spanning several states. "Public prosecutor Reginaldo Trindade, who is leading the investigation, said companies under investigation had paid inspectors and public servants to approve projects and clear products such as meats for consumption. He added that JBS's operations in Porto Velho in the Amazon state of Rondonia was under investigation for arranging for inspectors turn a blind eye to their allegedly adding water to meats to boost weights." One of the companies is Margen who has recently filed for bankruptcy protection, or the local equivalent to the U.S. Chapter 11. "Federal police reported that 22 people had been arrested by Tuesday evening in an operations involving 250 police officers." In a hundred years, it's the same old shenanigans regarding the meat industry. Not much has changed for consumers, laborers or animals... The only thing Upton left out was a rain forest... Go vegan

Being Vegan is a Compassionate Choice

Of course if you do not eat meat or consume animal secretions - you have absolutely no need to watch this video:

However... if you do consume animals - there is absolutely no justification you can give for not watching. This deed is being done in your name... paid for by your donation.... done by your will and consent.

If you find the video offensive please reconsider your part in this barbaric tradition of meat eating and make the compassionate choice to go vegan.

Animal Cruelty - Slaughter of Cats or Cows - What's the Difference?

Here's a horrible story, according to Associated Press "18-year old arrested in Florida cat mutilations"MIAMI (AP) — A South Florida teenager was arrested early Sunday and accused of killing and mutilating the cats of his neighbors — a disturbing string of deaths that has horrified residents and shaken animal lovers in two Miami-area communities. Tyler Hayes Weinman, 18, was taken into custody at a party, police said. He was still being questioned at Miami-Dade police headquarters while authorities praised the arrest at a press conference Sunday morning." "I understand that pet owners feel very strongly about their little family members," Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson said. "Animals bring happiness and comfort to our lives. So, to see them so violated and mutilated just defies all common sense and it's painful for everyone involved. Thankfully, for this community, the terror has come to an end." The police said that some of the dead cats were missing fur — neighbors said some had been skinned — and appeared to have been cut with a sharp, straight instrument... He used tools to slice open cats' bellies and gut them, often throwing the carcasses in front yards where they were found by horrified pet owners. For more than a month, gutted cats with crushed skulls appeared on owners' lawns eyes had been gouged out and her snout cut off. Here are some comments from members in the community which I also wish to examine. A 77-year-old remarks that the boy's family must be in a sort of mourning, "It's like a death in the family, I'm sure." "Twisted and depraved, somehow really not right as a human being.'' "It's shocking to think that someone who lives right here and is our neighbor could do something like this." Someone else says they have a hard time picturing the teen as a serial cat killer."I don't think, the way he acts and his demeanor, I don't think he could physically do it." Yet, what if this boy had gotten a job at the local slaughterhouse? What if he cut the throats, dismembered and skinned animals all day? What if he enjoyed this job? Does this make a difference in their perception of what is evil? Do these people not see that they are paying others, even younger to do this deed... for a living... So that they may buy their packaged body parts of other animals in the grocery store? ''Cruelty is inhuman, no matter what form it takes. 'These awful scenes inflicted a great human toll.'' Yes it does, cruelty against animals has been closely linked to crimes against humans. And the kill floor at slaughterhouses has a 100% yearly turn-over rate. ''Our communities have been on edge for many weeks now because of the horrific and unspeakable slaughterings of many of their beloved feline pets.'' "I sincerely hope that with his arrest, the residents will feel relieved and their cats will be safe once again. It is expected that the vicious crimes that have plagued these communities will not be repeated.'' What if people would acknowledge that their cats are actually no smarter, or more aware, or more interested in continuing their lives than the cows, pigs and chickens that are brutalized every day? Would they see that they are responsible for the "horrific and unspeakable slaughterings" of those animals? Ahhh... but they will say that such horrors are a necessity. That we need this food of flesh to live. Yet, most would be told by their doctors to reduce/eliminate flesh consumption. Most might be obese because of a diet high in fat and animal proteins. Many are probably on cholesterol reducing drugs - or have heart conditions being closely monitored by their physicians. So the "necessity" is hardly a reason for justification. The choice for other foods is abundant in the grocery isles filled with thousands of healthier alternatives. This story clearly illustrates the moral dissonance society must face. And if a person avoids this reckoning aren't they guilty too? Just because your neighbors condone and mutually participate in a wrong does not make it right. Just because you avoid thinking about something doesn't mean you're absolved from responsibility, even if you are paying someone else to do the crime. "Hopefully he gets what he deserves." "He should go to prison for life". His bail has been set at $154,500. Still don't get it? Simon blow torches his dog:

Meat is Made from Might, Greed & Ignorance - Choose Vegan

No one wishes to die.

This animal is being forced, trapped and confined with no escape. The animal is in fear... He is subject to man's might and greed... and ignorance.

Might: simply because you can - does not mean you should.

Greed: because something is profitable or pleasurable - does not make it moral.

Ignorance: check out your local grocery store... there are thousands of compassionate options.

Go vegan

Meat Eater Violence to Vegan Animal Rights Activist

Vegetarians, vegans, animal rights advocates and activists... Are you a target? Just an hour ago I was on the road - minding my own business - when a truck with 3 ya-hoos pulled beside me. One of them yelled "Hey! Vegetarian - eat this!" Then the one closest to my rolled down window threw a half full beer bottle at my car and spit at me! To say I am shaken, disgusted and angered is an understatement! No, I did not get a look at their tag - I was too shocked and stunned to even realize what happened before they sped off. Yes... my car does have opinions on it that others would rather I not voice: - but there are appropriate ways of dealing with those you don't agree with. I swear - the next time I hear someone say that vegans or animal rights activists are "extreme" or "rude" or "pushy" I do believe I am going to set them straight with a piece of my very worn-thin sense of fair play and "tolerance". Hey moron meat-eater - Eat sh*t! Oh wait... you already do! file this under: extremely aggravated!

SWINE * BACON * PIG * PORK * FLU IS A PANDEMIC

'Unstoppable' swine flu declared a pandemic, the first in 41 years. The flu is now in 74 countries.

Farmers, meat processing workers, and veterinarians were studied and all three exposed study groups demonstrated elevated odds for exposure to H1N1. This indicates that occupational exposure to pigs greatly increases workers’ risk of SIV infection.

People to pig, pig to people, pig to avian, avian to human, and avian to pig transmissions occur. This phenomenon also contributes to rapid genetic change for SIV. The above describes mechanisms for genetic change when coupled with modern swine husbandry makes swine flu a dynamic disease. The potential for rapid genetic/antigenic changes has made this zoonotic disease difficult to control. source

The short of it is... the industry may continue to use it's "pork check-off dollars" to convince people that their product is "safe" to eat... What they don't tell you though - is it's not safe to "make".

Flu or not... eating pigs like any other animal is totally unnecessary and takes an awful toll on innocent, sentient beings. Go Vegan

Turkeys Die in Fire * Inhumane Animal Agriculture - Go Vegan

A fire swept through a large turkey barn in rural Cannon Falls, Minn. And like the other factory farm fire where tens of thousands of chickens were burned alive... 25,000 turkeys met this cruel fate by flame too.

Call me old fashioned... and I might be- but does being burned alive sound "humane"? I know, the industry and people who eat chickens and turkeys will say it was an "unavoidable accident". But it would never have occurred if the birds were not in those warehouses to begin with... If people did not eat birds they would not have to endure the fires... or the transport trucks, or the slaughterhouses.

For those who may not know... As inadequate and hypocritical as the "humane slaughter act" is - birds are excluded from any kind of "protection" under this "law". So, the chickens and turkeys fate might have been to be stuffed in crates with broken wings and bones; Or they may have been scalded while alive... Or many may have had their throats slit while still conscious.

Perhaps suffocating in smoke and fumes may be a merciful death after all? And if it is - what in the world does that say about animal agriculture and "meat" consumption?

Maybe it tells you... what it did me: Go Vegan.

Factory Farm Burns Thousands of Live Chickens (again)

Stephanie Ernst at Animal Rights - Change.org posted this story on her blog: The Center for Consumer Freedom and its unscrupulous mouthpiece are fond of pretending that they do care about at least basic animal welfare but that they're just "normal" about it, as opposed to those of us who are extreme--that is, those of us who really care about eliminating unnecessary suffering rather than just occasionally pretending to care for sake of PR. Well, here's one of those great examples of how much they care:

What's he referring to? What's so funny that it calls for his trademark flippancy and sarcasm? Thousands of chickens were burned alive in Washington State late last night and early this morning. Clearly hilarious. Fellow animals able to feel terror and pain every bit as much as you and I were trapped inside enormous sheds, while smoke joined the usual burning ammonia in their lungs, while they panicked, while they screamed out and flapped their wings as much as their cramped quarters and burdened bodies would allow, while they burned alive, trapped and with no hope of escape. And a propaganda artist who likes to set himself and his clients up as the level-headed ones, as the ones who represent the majority of Americans and consumers, thinks it's funny. He's just disappointed that they burned to a crisp inside a shed rather than on his grill. The panic, the horror, the terror, the pain--it's all irrelevant. Screw you, Martosko. Screw you.

Thank you Stephanie for exposing this man's callousness.

I might further add that this is a horrible story for sure... of course for the chickens - I can't imagine a more awful death. But then, it happens very frequently in the animal killing business... these infernos that torture imprisoned animals to their last breath. Google "hog farm fire" and you'll see what I mean. But seeing that they loose over a million pigs a year in transport alone - it's no big deal for them. However, they always think it's a "tragic" loss in the financial sense and it's always the money they grieve most. And of course, it's no coincidence that these "accidents" happen when grain prices go up... or when the industry might be facing a downward trend. Better to let the insurance companies pay for the loss. A nice crisp fire in a hog barn or chicken house... who really can trace the origin?

I've blogged before about animal agriculture and fires... It is a common occurrence - imagine a culture that accepts the routine burning alive of imprisoned animals - and then jokes about it? If you are eating meat... and supporting this industry you hold just as much responsibility for such acts as if you had lit the match yourself.

Anyone with half a conscious can see that this is barbaric treatment of sentient beings... This totally unnecessary, vile, evil is in your power to condemn. Do so. Go vegan.

Murdered Planet - Animal Exploitation - Human Greed

So here's a challenge for all who read... I bet just about anything you cannot name one single animal that has not been exploited by humans. Nope, not one...

"In the last 500 years, human activity has forced 816 species to extinction or extinction in the wild. One hundred and three extinctions have occurred since 1800, indicating an extinction rate 50 times greater than the natural rate. Many species are lost before they are discovered.

There are 180 Critically Endangered and 340 Endangered mammals. For birds, there are 182 Critically Endangered and 321 Endangered species. A total of 18,276 species and subspecies are on the Red List. Approximately 25 percent of reptiles, 20 percent of amphibians and 30 percent of fishes, so far assessed are listed as threatened. Since only a small proportion of these groups has been assessed, the percentage of threatened species could be much higher.

The primary reason: humans. Everything from expanding cities to deforestation, agriculture and fishing pose a significant threat to the planet's biodiversity. In the last 500 years, some 816 species have disappeared - some permanently, while others exist only in artificial settings, such as zoos.

The most serious threat is the clearing of forest areas for crops and cattle, and logging by lumber companies. There is also poaching animals for fur, bones and other parts of their bodies as well as thieves who steal the animals from their natural habitat to sell as "exotic pets" or as "entertainment" exhibits.

While their suffering cannot be calculated or charted - it only stands to reason that their journey to captivity or extinction has been burdened with tremendous fear and pain. Of course a vegan diet alleviates some of this... so does a reduction in consumerism, and mindfulness of where your money goes.

Live simply so that others may simply live.

ICUN Red List of Threatened Species

Rainforest Info

DAIRY FREE - CRUELTY FREE COMPASSIONATE DREAM

There are those who will say that animal advocates become vegan because of feelings of guilt due to the harm caused to animals. But this is not so. Guilt is something one feels when they continue on a course that they know is responsible for suffering or pain to another... Once one knows that their continued actions is the cause of this abuse; and they choose to ignore this suffering - then they can (and should) feel "guilt".

On the other hand, vegans are not motivated by "guilt" but rather by compassion. It is compassion that makes them choose different options.... Fortunately with no extreme self-denial along the way:

Click here for 75cent coupon off yummy Dream Products!

Happy Cows - Behind the Myth Cut Dairy Truth or Dairy