Compassionate Animal.TV Blog

Never before has there been a need so great

2011-12-07T08:08:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release
Wild for Life Foundation
Saving America's Horses
Los Angeles, Ca
Dec 7, 2011

Never before has there been a need so great to ban together for the greater good in the protection of one of our most precious and historic natural resources, the horse.

The recent lifting of a ban on funding for USDA inspectors at horse slaughter plants in the U.S., fueled by pro slaughter propaganda has led to a proverbial media frenzy with reports based on proponent anecdotes rather than reality, or actual fact checking.

Documented evidence of egregious violations and a lack of enforcement by the USDA in U.S. slaughterhouses led to the defunding of USDA inspections in 2007, but in the absence of federal ban on horse slaughter, our wild and domestic horses continue to be shipped across federal borders where they are slaughtered just as inhumanely to this very day.

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011, S.B. 1176, amends the Horse Protection Act (HPA) to prohibit the sale or transport of horses or equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent of processing for human consumption. The House version of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act is known as H.R. 2966.

Regardless of why, we as a culture, are so repulsed by the thought of consuming horse flesh, and the reasons are many; if we fail to uphold our fundamental moral and social responsibilities, we are in effect dooming the fate of our own humanity.

If you are concerned about the inhumane treatment of animals, or concerned about serious threats to human health, or concerned about sustaining our environment, support Saving America's Horses. Only a federal ban can protect us from the destructive and predatory trade of horse slaughter.

“Saving America’s Horses, A Nation Betrayed is a loud wake up call for every American,” says Laura Allen of Animal Law Coalition. This international award winning documentary film is the single most comprehensive and compelling resource ever made available, and it features many leading equine welfare professionals in the U.S.

"The beauty of the cinematography lay in stark contrast to the dark truths that the film so painstakingly and irrefutably laid bare. The public must see this film!" —John Holland, Equine Welfare Alliance

We invite all those that wish to uphold the integrity in doing the right thing, to come stand with us. Join us in support of saving, protecting and preserving America's wild and domestic equines. Support the "Saving America's Horses" initiative and not only be part of the solution, but also take part in this powerful vehicle for change.

Sincerely,
Katia Louise
Wild for Life Foundation
Saving America's Horses

PS- You can also help by sharing Clips and telling your friends about "Saving America's Horses".

Contact your U.S. Representatives, Support our Work, Like us on Facebook, Join our Cause, Subscribe to our Blog, Get Educational Banners, Corporate Giving, On Screen Credits, Join our Team.

Link to this on line post: http://savingamericashorses.blogspot.com/2011/12/never-before-has-there-been-need-so.html

Link to PDF: http://www.savingamericashorses.org/120711_Never_before-has_there_been_a_need_so_great.pdf

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America's Horses Now Destined for Abusive USDA Slaughter

2011-11-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release
Nov 16, 2011
Wild for Life Foundation,
Los Angeles, CA

Since 2006, Congress has prevented horse slaughter in the U.S. by cutting funds for inspections of horse meat from its annual Agriculture Appropriations bill, but the fate of America's horses has now been undercut by three members of Congress in one swift move. There has been overwhelming support by the American public, the horse community and the House of Representatives to include defunding language in the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill but special Conference Committee members Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), just removed that language from the final bill.

The extensive evidence of insidious cruelty when horse slaughter was permitted in the U.S. underscores the crucial need for protective legislation, but the truth about the misuse of humane guidelines by the proponents of slaughter has been a powerful device in their deceiving campaigns. "One of the biggest challenges in getting protection against the cruelty of horse slaughter is the constant misinformation propagated by proponents of horse slaughter and then circulated by the media," said Katia Louise, Founder Wild for Life Foundation, Director "Saving America's Horses".

"The action to restore the federal program will cost Americans at least $5 million a year and pull limited USDA inspectors from ensuring the humane treatment and safety of our nation’s food supply,” said Chris Heyde, deputy director of AWI’s government and legal affairs department.

We are calling on everyone who cares about the welfare of America’s horses to demand that Congress pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act immediately.

For more information contact
Katia Louise, Katia[@]wildforlifefoundation.org
Phone 310.439.9817

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Learn more about this issue by visiting www.savingamericashorses.org

"Saving America's Horses" is an educational project under Wild for Life Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit charity dedicated to the protection of animals.

www.wildforlifefoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter, www.savingamericashorses.org

Federal appeals judge halts NV wild-horse roundup

2011-07-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Federal appeals judge halts NV wild-horse roundup
MARTIN GRIFFITH, Associated Press
Updated 11:57 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2011

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A federal appeals judge on Friday night granted a temporary injunction to halt a government roundup of about 1,700 wild horses from the range in Nevada.

Judge Richard Paez of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the order after U.S. District Judge Howard McKibben earlier in the day denied a motion to stop the federal Bureau of Land Management's removal of mustangs from public lands near the Utah line.

Paez's order will remain in effect until a three-judge panel (continued)
http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Federal-appeals-judge-halts-NV-wild-horse-roundup-1468449.php

Lawsuit Filed to Challenge Triple B Roundup

2011-07-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Jul 6, 2011

By Laura Allen

Animal Law Coalition
Wild for Life Foundation
Saving America's Horses

A lawsuit has been filed to try to stop BLM's planned round up and removal of at least 1,726 wild horses from 1,682,998 acres of the Triple B, Maverick Medicine and Antelope Valley herd management areas (HMAs) in eastern Nevada.

Plaintiff The Cloud Foundation describes, "The wild horses of the Triple B, Maverick Medicine and Antelope Valley HMAs are free-roaming on the remote high desert mountains and valleys of east central and northeast Nevada--north of Ely, south of Elko on the Utah border. They have been characterized as a diverse, colorful, intermingling herd with some possessing old mustang origins. Many wild horses descend from an old Shoshone Indian herd known for pintos and paints, as well as a number of medicine hats, horses sacred to Native Americans".
Only 472 horses would remain after the Triple B roundup, and the mares would all be treated with an immunocontraceptive drug, PZP, to prevent pregnancy for up to 2 years. This would leave an unnatural sex ratio of 60% male.
46,000 cows and sheep would be allowed to remain to graze.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the 1,726 wild horses, with about 975 acres per horse, are destroying the range. But apparently 46,000 cows and sheep are having no effect at all on the condition of the range or water. The BLM refused even to consider the effect of so many cows and sheep on the range, let alone reducing their numbers.

As the Complaint filed by Plaintiffs The Cloud Foundation, Craig Downer and Lorna Moffat explains, "Those that are not re-released (about 1,700) would be transported by big rig trucks to long term holding facilities in the Midwest of the United States, where they would live out their lives in confined, zoo-like conditions, separated by sex or sterilized, wild and free-roaming no more.
"Family members would be permanently separated-stallions and mares from each other, and mares and stallions from their foals. Long-term family bonds would be forever severed. Incarcerated in long-term holding facilities in the Midwest, stallions would be gelded, mares would typically be separated from the gelded stallions, and the acres per wild horse in these fenced facilities would be only a tiny fraction of what it is in their natural homeland in the HMA."

The BLM is required to justify its brutal roundups and removal of wild horses and burros from the range in Environmental Assessments called EAs. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, "whether by Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment, the agency must ‘study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommended courses of action in any proposal...'" 42 U.S.C. §4332(E). The implementing regulations provide that this consideration of all reasonable alternatives is "the heart of" the environmental analysis. 40 CFR §1502.14.

EAs when issued in cases recommending roundups of wild horses and burros are typically cookie cutter reports go something like this: The few wild horses and burros, as in this case, are causing degradation of the range and water sources; the range cannot support the horses and most or all are "excess" which must be removed.

Typically, these EAs fail to mention the numbers of livestock that are more likely the culprit of any range degradation or lack of water. There are any number of cases where the evidence establishes that, in fact, the range can support the few wild horses that under the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, 16 U.S.C. §§1331 et seq., are supposed to be protected from "capture", "harassment" and "death" and managed at "the minimal feasible level". Only "excess" horses, those that represent an overpopulation, can be removed. The goal is to maintain a "thriving ecological balance".

In this case the Decision Record ("DR"), Finding of No Significant Impact ("FONSI"), and Final EA ("FEA") were issued on May 17, 2011. True to form, BLM claims the few horses are degrading the range. As the plaintiffs' point out, "the BLM [fails to] explain how any noncompliance with land standards ...is not primarily the result of livestock grazing, which is about eight times higher and more intensive than grazing from wild horses". Complaint, par. 36.

The roundup was to have begun by now but the BLM delayed it pending a July 14, 2011 hearing before the Nevada federal District Court on the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the roundup and removal.
(read complete article here)

Defending Their Freedom and Saving Their Lives

2011-07-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The nation’s anniversary is once again upon us; a time to celebrate and a time to reflect. We hope that you'll take a moment to remember America’s horses for whom America's freedom may not have been possible.

The freedom of America’s wild horses from a life of torment and cruelty may only come through a violent and barbaric death. Right now, thousands of America’s horses—including show horses, racehorses, wild horses, companion horses, and others—are suffering on U.S. soil; hundreds of wild horses stampeded down lava fields by helicopter, all breeds stockpiled into feedlots, and crammed into double-deck cattle trailers for days on end, in record high temperatures without water, food or rest. Their days are spent in agony and some won’t even survive this final journey as they cross federal borders to be butchered alive for wealthy dinner plates abroad.

Even if you've already pledged to stop the round ups and ban the slaughter, these animals need your help today. Please support WFLF's work to put an end to the horse slaughter trade and our work to preserve and protect wild horses right now.

Horses have helped to bring freedom to the people of this country. Please help us stand up for America’s wild horses who are brutality removed from their rightful range lands using tax payer dollars. Help us put an end to the barbaric slaughter of America’s horses for human consumption. Polls show that over 70% of the American people who know what’s happening to them are against these activities.

“Saving America’s Horses”, a cause driven film just started the festival circuit, and has already won multiple awards including BEST OF FESTIVAL at its first showing in Los Angeles and is getting rave reviews but… the slaughter of our American Horses may never end unless our horses are able to tell their story.

Wild for Life Foundation is dedicated to saving, protecting and preserving these majestic animals who are being abused and killed against the wishes of the American people. Thousands of horses are exported every year to Canada and Mexico to be slaughtered for their meat, but "Saving America's Horses" is the life saving film that can change all that for our American horses. Horses been there for us when we needed them most and it’s time for Americans that care about these animals to help in Defending Their Freedom and Saving Their Lives.

Help us help them with the promise of freedom for our American horses. Your gift today will support these and all our efforts to end equine suffering and abuse.

Thank you for all that you do toward raising compassion for these and all animals. Our successful work would not be possible without the benevolence of people like you.

Warmest regards,

Katia Louise

Wild for Life Foundation
Saving America’s Horses

BTW, Please remember to help these horses and burros who are suffering all over the country this 4th of July, especially those being killed in the brutal slaughter pipeline. Please help us tell the world that America’s horses are not food by donating online right now!

Life Saving Film Launches Campaign to Go Far and Wide

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wild for Life Foundation
Americans Against Horse Slaughter

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2011

Life Saving Film Launches Campaign to Go Far and Wide

“Saving America’s Horses”, a cause driven film just started the festival circuit, and has already won multiple awards including BEST OF FESTIVAL at its first showing in Los Angeles and is getting rave reviews but…... the slaughter of our American Horses may never end unless our horses are able to tell their story.

Thousands of horses are exported every year to Canada and Mexico to be slaughtered for the purpose of wealthy dinner plates overseas, but "Saving America's Horses" is the life saving film that can change all that for our American horses.

“A powerhouse narrative.” – Paula Bacon, Former Mayor Kaufman Texas
“A brilliant and heartbreaking exposé.” — Laura Allen, Executive Director, Animal Law Coalition
"Masterfully presented and balanced rather than filled with graphic images." – Larry Lindner, New York Times best-selling writer and former columnist for The Washington Post and The Boston Globe
"It’s a life changing film!"—Michael Bailey, Producer/ Director Planetviews Productions, Environmentalist
"Transcends the finest investigative journalism... A passionate reverence for all animals" —Debra Lopez, AAHS, Animal Advocate TV

Click here to see this important message now:
http://youtu.be/5lyuEtB0Nzc

Contact:
Wild For Life Foundation at admin[@]wildforlifefoundation.org regarding the film.

Americans Against Horse Slaughter at aahsus[@]gmail.com about this PSA

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House Rep May Threatne Defunding- More Calls Needed

2011-06-14T09:01:00.001-07:00

House Rep Lummis (WY) expected to threaten defunding with amendment to FUND horse slaughter. DEFUNDING is vital to protecting horses.

Call TODAY and urge your legislator to strongly OPPOSE ANY amendment to restore horse slaughter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewGFPfS1U9I

Tax Payer Funding of Horse Slaughter goes to Vote this Week!

2011-06-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

The full House of Representatives will vote on the FY12 Agriculture Appropriations bill this Wednesday, June 15. An amendment may be offered to remove the Committee-approved language prohibiting the USDA from spending your tax dollars to inspect horse slaughter facilities. Maintaining the USDA language defunding inspections of horse slaughter facilities as currently included is vital to protecting our horses. It is critical that you call TODAY and urge your legislator to strongly OPPOSE ANY amendment to restore horse slaughter.

Please call your Representative immediately, urging opposition to any attempt to restore horse slaughter.

You can call the main Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative's office by your state and zip code.

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011

2011-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jun 10, 2011
By Laura Allen
Animal Law Coalition

WFLF Saving America's Horses

Just as U.S. Representatives Jim Moran (D-VA) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) are calling for an end to horse slaughter, a bill to make that happen is introduced in the Senate. Here is what Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the sponsors, have released about this bill:

The Problem: Somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 horses/year are exported from the United States each year with the intent to slaughter for human consumption.

There are no horse slaughterhouses in the United States, and there is not a demand for horse meat in the United States. Two out three Americans believe the practice of horse slaughter is unnecessary and inhumane. Transport to foreign slaughterhouses is lengthy and cruel.

Horses in the United States differ from other livestock in that they have never been raised for the purpose of slaughter. As such, they are frequently treated with drugs that are toxic when ingested by humans and not approved for use in animals raised for human consumption.

Additionally, we have no system in the United States to track which medications a horse has received throughout its lifetime, which makes horse meat a serious food safety/American food export risk.
The Solution: The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011, S.B. 1176, amends the Horse Protection Act (HPA) to prohibit the sale or transport of horses or equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent of processing for human consumption.

The bill, filed on June 9, already has a number of co-sponsors.

(more)

Senate Reintroduces Bill to Permanently Ban Horse Slaughter

2011-06-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Washington, D.C. -- A bill to ban horse slaughter was reintroduced in the United States Senate today. Sponsored by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the "American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011" will end the slaughter of American horses here and, most urgently, will stop these horses from being exported abroad for slaughter. The sponsors, who have long championed the cause, have the bipartisan support of 14 colleagues who are co-sponsoring the bill.

"As a lifelong horse lover and rider, this practice is appalling to me, and more importantly, the majority of Americans oppose it. We raise and train horses to trust us, perform for us, and allow us on their backs, and as such, they deserve to be treated with human compassion. When horse owners are faced with the sad reality of having to put their animals down, it should be by humane euthanasia," said Senator Landrieu. "I intend to work with Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina and my other colleagues to get this bill passed and permanently end the slaughter of our American horses."

The legislation comes at a time when horse slaughter no longer occurs on U.S. soil, but each year approximately 100,000 American horses are hauled to Canada, Mexico and beyond. Reports show that horses regularly travel for hundreds or even thousands of miles to the slaughterhouses on double-deck cattle trucks without food, water or rest. At some Mexican slaughterhouses horses are stabbed repeatedly in the spine until they are paralyzed, after which they are butchered while still fully conscious. This country's last three horse slaughter plants - two in Texas and one in Illinois - were shut down in 2007.
"The slaughter of horses is not a substitute for humane euthanasia though it is often mischaracterized as such by opponents who are more concerned with wringing a few bucks from a suffering animal than doing what is right," said Chris Heyde, of Animal Welfare Institute.

For years, the pro-slaughter camp has led a concerted and disingenuous effort to resurrect the industry domestically and has used scare tactics in an attempt to defeat the federal ban. The federal legislation is desperately needed to stop the slaughter of American horses, irrespective of where the killing takes place.

Act Now to Defund Horse Slaughter in the US!

2011-06-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Full House Vote on Funding for inspections of horse slaughter in the U.S. will take place June 15th. Calls, faxes and emails to your representatives are still needed.

Legislation to be voted on June 15th that could fund horse slaughter in the U.S. with your tax dollars

Learn more
Article By Rep Jim Moran "U.S. should get out of horse meat business"
1 Minute PSA by Wild for Life Foundation
Roll call from May 31st: Your representatives and where they stand!

www.savingamericashorses.org

Funding for inspections of horse slaughter in the U.S.

2011-05-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Good news! Great work! Thanks for your calls :) Funding for inspections of horse slaughter in the U.S. will not take place. We still need to protect our horses from being shipped over federal borders though and strong support is needed to make that happen.

Learn more here:

www.savingamerocashorses.org

Urgent call to Action

2011-05-30T22:41:00.001-07:00

Please watch this 1 minute PSA then call your representatives first thing Tuesday May 31st!

Legislation voted on Tuesday that could fund horse slaughter in the U.S. with your tax dollars

Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-2131 or the Committee's number at (202) 225-2638.
(202) 225-2771 for Republicans
(202) 225-3481 for Democrats

Details: http://www.savingamericashorses.org/Urgent%20message%20STOP%20U.S.%20Government%20from%20FUNDING%20Horse%20Slaughter.pdf

In Defense Of Animals Applauds Film Festival Selection Of “Saving America’s Horses”

2011-03-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elliot M. Katz, DVM, 415-448-0075, emk@idausa.org

In Defense Of Animals Applauds Film Festival Selection Of “Saving America’s Horses”

Documentary’s premiere is Sunday March 27 through the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival

Los Angeles, Calif. (March 19, 2011) – In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization with over 100,000 members, applauds the selection of “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed” by the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival. The film, directed and produced by Katia Louise, is a feature length documentary that examines the arguments made by both the proponents and opponents of horse slaughter as related to both domestic and wild equines. The film also explores environmental issues and the lethal health risks associated with the consumption of America’s horses by people.

IDA has been promoting the film to its membership throughout the past year.

What: Los Angeles premiere of “Saving America’s Horses” at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival

When: Sunday March 27, 2011, 12:45 p.m. – seating begins at 12:30 p.m. Ticket holders will be invited to stay for a special reception following the screening.

Where: Laemmle's Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90041

According to director/producer Katia Louise, “The film is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. “A Nation Betrayed” depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.”

IDA President Elliot M. Katz, DVM said “finally - a film that reveals the tragic consequences and cruelties of the horse racing industry and the horror of horse slaughter. We hope this film arouses the voices America’s horses need for their very survival.”

Michael Blake (Dances With Wolves), Randal Kleiser (Grease), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Linda Gray (Dallas), Ken Wahl (Wiseguy), The Barbi Twins, and Jennifer Lee Pryor are all involved and have confirmed their appearances for this event, as has Mexican matinee idol Jorge Rivero. Food for the reception will be provided by The Veggie Grill, with wine supplied by Du Vin.

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Demonstration re the Canadian Seal Slaughter

2011-03-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Concerned Citizens in Los Angeles to Demonstrate at the Canadian Consulate in order to Pressure Canada to End the Annual
Canadian Seal Slaughter

Event Date: Tuesday, March 15th, 2010
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Location: Canadian Consulate, 550 South Hope Street, Downtown Los Angeles
Contact: Ian Robichaud, Harpseals.org
ian108@earthlink.net
310-266-9009

What & Why: Hundreds of concerned citizens in Los Angeles will gather outside the Canadian Consulate building in downtown
Los Angeles, to protest Canada's annual harp seal slaughter and promote the boycott of Canadian seafood. This event is part
of an international effort taking place in cities all around the world this week, marking the International Day of Action for
the Seals. Despite the danger to the seal population of insufficient sea ice, caused by global warming, the Canadian government
is allowing and promoting the wholesale slaughter of hundreds of thousands of seal pups - for their fur alone. This is the
largest slaughter of marine mammals in the world.

Citizens will present a petition to the Consul General of Canada with over 1,000 signatures demanding an end to this
industrial-scale slaughter of seal pups. Citizens will also educate passersby about the Canadian seafood boycott. This boycott
is designed to put direct economic pressure on the Canadian fishing industry, the industry behind this massacre.

Each spring in Atlantic Canada, a few thousand off-season Canadian fishermen beat and shoot over 200,000 defenseless baby
harp seals. In a matter of weeks, a pristine white nursery turns crimson, with hundreds of thousands of lifeless, skinless
bodies strewn all over the ice and left to rot. This industrial slaughter nets these off-season fishermen about $40 a pelt
and provides them only about 5% of their yearly income - in a good year.
Since it is the support of the Canadian seafood industry that perpetuates the slaughter, the Canadian seafood boycott can
pressure this industry to take a stand against this annual massacre. The U.S. is the largest consumer of Canadian seafood,
importing about 70% of Canada's seafood exports. Since the beginning of the boycott, Canadian seafood exports to the U.S.
have dropped over a billion dollars. American consumers are putting pressure on Canada's seafood industry to end the massacres
once and for all. Today, citizens of Los Angeles will be helping in this effort.

For more information, visit:
www.harpseals.org
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=130992256969884

www.protectseals.org
www.seashepherd.org

Premiere screening of Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed

2011-02-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed is set to premiere at the 2011 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival!

It will screen on Sunday, March 27th at The Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theater, 8000 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.

Julie Caramante: “As a cruelty investigator and someone deeply committed to banning the slaughter of American horses, I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed, miserable truth about horse slaughter”.

See the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED at YouTube and on the official film website. "Saving America's Horses-A Nation Betrayed brings to surface a topic which nobody wants to talk about in a way that everyone will want to see. “ –Kate Dudley

The film is currently being entered into the festival circuit as a showcase for industry reps and moviegoers. Donations are crucial in order to get this film into theatres and out on DVD. You can help the horses by helping us to bring this issue to the public eye. No donation is too small. Supporters are also encouraged to COLLABORATE... Individuals, groups and businesses can be recognized during the on screen credit role in the film for their support.

Saving America’s Horses is a Project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a CA 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

About the Festival: The 2011 Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival runs from March 25 - March 31, 2011 and is produced by Alliance of Women Filmmakers Inc. a non-profit 501c (3) organization The Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival was established to honor and advance the careers of accomplished and emerging female filmmakers by providing a forum for them to showcase their work to industry decision makers, as well as Southern Californian moviegoers.

Learn more:
http://www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html

Feb 4th deadline for Massachusetts horse slaughter bill survival

2011-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

By: Katia Louise
Americans Against Horse Slaughter, California & Western Regional Coordinator

MA State residents are asked to note the Friday 2/4 deadline for gaining cosponsors for the bill. Cosponsors are absolutely necessary for the bill's survival. Opponents of horse slaughter are appealing to Massachusetts residents to call their state Reps/Senators and to be persistent in their request for cosponsoring.

To: Our Massachusetts Equine and Animal Rescue community, and all animal lovers . . .

Thanks for distributing this action request to your members, this bill on Beacon Hill has
until FEBRUARY 4th to gain cosponsors for it!

1. Find your state Rep and Senator here:
http://www.malegislature.gov/People/FindMyLegislator

2. Call their offices and ask them both to support and cosponsor SD 228 by Senator Stephen Brewer, a state bill banning horse slaughter for human consumption (and related bulk transport) in Massachusetts.

3. Politely remind your MA Rep/Senator that you are a constituent of theirs, and ask them to contact Brewer's staffer Alicia G. Bandy to sign on as a cosponsor promptly.
Alicia is Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director for the Office of bill sponsor Senator Stephen Brewer at (617) 722-1540, fax (617) 722-1078
Alicia.Bandy@masenate.gov

And thanks too for forwarding this to all of your Massachusetts friends. Our horses need everyone's help!
A copy of the bill is attached.
Thanks!

Kathryn Webers
Massachusetts State Coordinator, Americans Against Horse Slaughter

1 Day left to Vote and ask your questions to Obama

2011-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday January 25 at 9 p.m. ET, President Obama will deliver his 2011 State of the Union Address, which will be streamed live on YouTube. We have submitted a question to President Obama for an exclusive YouTube Interview that will take place just two days later, on January 27. Votes are needed in order to have this question considered and addressed.

We want to know...
"What's it going to take to get you to stand behind your own commitment to protect wild and domestic horses/ equines from slaughter, (including sale authority) order a moratorium on round ups and a full judicial investigation of BLM WH & B program?"

Follow this link, sign into your YouTube account and copy and paste part of the question above into the search box. Please watch and vote:
http://www.youtube.com/worldview/?utm_source=changeorg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email

For the horses and burros~
Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed
Wild for Life Foundation

MA Residents: Call State Senators to Co-Sponsor Horse Slaughter Ban

2011-01-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

MA Residents: Call State Senators to Co-Sponsor Horse Slaughter Ban

By Laura Allen

Animal Law Coalition

Massachusetts state Sen. Stephen Brewer plans to introduce and sponsor the attached bill, Senate Docket 228, to ban horse slaughter for human consumption in Massachusetts.

The bill was drafted by Equine Welfare Alliance and Animal Law Coalition working with the Massachusetts state chapter of Americans Against Horse Slaughter.

If you are a Massachusetts resident, please contact your state senator whom you can find by going to this site: http://www.malegislature.gov/people/findmylegislator Ask your state senator to co-sponsor the bill to ban horse slaughter by contacting Sen. Brewer's aide, Alicia Bandy at Alicia.Bandy@masenate.gov or Phone: 617-722-1540/Fax: 617-722-1078. Do not contact Ms. Bandy yourself; have your state senator contact her. She only wants to hear from state senators interested in co-sponsoring the ban. The deadline for obtaining co-sponsors is Feb. 4, 2011! So there is no time to waste.

While a ban on horse slaughter for human consumption in Massachusetts will not end the slaughter of American horses elsewhere, it will certainly protect horses in Massachusetts and prevent sale and shipment of horses from Massachusetts for slaughter for human consumption. The bill would also prevent buyers from shipping horses for slaughter through the commonwealth. More than anything, this bill will send a message to Congress and the President that Massachusetts supports a federal ban on this arcane and cruel practice of horse slaughter.

Talking Points:

1. Horses are our companions and pets; they helped build this country and still work in the military and law enforcement and, provide entertainment in horse racing, shows and other sports and exhibitions. Horses are not raised for food in the U.S.

2. The slaughter of horses simply cannot be made humane: Dr. Lester Friedlander, DVM & former Chief USDA Inspector, told Congress in 2008 that the captive bolt used to slaughter horses is simply not effective. Horses, in particular, are very sensitive about anything coming towards their heads and cannot be restrained as required for effective stunning. Dr. Friedlander stated, "These animals regain consciousness 30 seconds after being struck, they are fully aware they are being vivisected." The Government Accountability Office and dozens of veterinarians and other witnesses have confirmed that ineffective stunning is common and animals are conscious during slaughter.

3. The FDA does not regulate American horsemeat as food because there is no market for it in the U.S. and most importantly, horsemeat is dangerous, if not deadly, for humans to consume. Horses are given all manner of drugs, steroids, de-wormers and ointments throughout their lives. Horses are not tracked and typically may have several owners. A kill buyer has no idea of the veterinary or drug history of a horse taken to slaughter, and many of the most dangerous drugs have no or a very long withdrawal period. A typical drug given routinely to horses like aspirin, Bute, is a carcinogen and can cause aplastic anemia in humans. Bute is banned in all food producing animals and there is no withdrawal period.

4. The availability of slaughter actually increases the numbers of excess horses on the market. Slaughter creates a salvage or secondary market that encourages overbreeding. Banning slaughter would reduce the number of excess horses. Slaughter is not "an alternative" for so called unwanted horses or horses in need. Slaughter is a for profit industry driven by a demand for horsemeat, and has nothing to do with the numbers of excess or unwanted horses. Slaughter actually encourages overbreeding and adds to the problem of horses in need. The USDA has confirmed more than 92% of horses that end up at slaughter are healthy; they are not unwanted, neglected or abused. Horses are in need right now because of the economy and, in fact, slaughter is still available which is further proof that lack of slaughter does not result in excess or unwanted horses. Just the opposite!

For more information: log onto ;http://www.animallawcoalition.com/horse-slaughter/article/1519

Pro Horse Slaughter "Summit" Not Happy with Dr. Grandin

2011-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Jan 6, 2011

By Laura Allen

Temple Grandin, Ph.D. delivered another disappointment to organizers of the misnamed "Summit of the Horse" in Las Vegas yesterday. Dr. Grandin was touted as a "featured speaker" who was said to be designing a horse slaughter facility in Wyoming that would be owned and operated by Wy state Rep. Sue Wallis.

Prior to the "summit", Dr. Grandin told Animal Law Coalition "I have told Sue Wallis that I want no involvement in her business dealings. ...[W]e have done no design work." Dr. Grandin was also quoted by Horseback Magazine as saying Wallis had "misrepresent[ed]" her involvement.

At the "summit" Dr. Grandin told attendees that many people had contacted her and urged her not to attend.

Dr. Grandin was a sobering reminder that this should be about what is best for the horses.

She described herself as "neutral" on the issue of whether to ban horse slaughter for human consumption. And, Dr. Grandin's reluctance to endorse a ban on horse slaughter for human consumption stems from two concerns: 1. She said several times that a "horse's worst nightmare" was to end up at a Mexican slaughterhouse, particularly a municipal abbatoir, where they are repeatedly jabbed with puntilla knives and slaughtered while conscious. 2. Dr. Grandin was skeptical that legislation to close the border and stop export of horses for slaughter for human consumption would be enforceable. She noted that it would be very easy to smuggle horses in closed vehicles or state other reasons for their export, particularly to Mexico.

But Dr. Grandin also told "summit" attendees that only about 20% of animal slaughter facilities operate within acceptable humane guidelines and the rest "slip into bad practices" with a full 10% intentionally treating animals cruelly.

Dr. Grandin said that in auditing slaughter facilities, 95% of the animals, whether they are horses, pigs, cows, etc., must be stunned effectively on the first blow or shot or the facility should be considered to have failed. She also strongly advocated video monitoring, non-slip flooring and high solid sides to prevent the animals from seeing anything. She agreed there are behavioral signs that can indicate when an animal is afraid and steps should be taken to alleviate the fear.

Dr. Grandin made the point that "you manage what you measure" and told attendees slaughter facilities should be audited using criteria such as whether animals are stunned on the first attempt, whether they vocalize which is a sign of fear, whether they slip or fall, how they are handled by employees, etc.

It was not what "summit" attendees wanted to hear. One man, claiming he was speaking on behalf of most people present, said Dr. Grandin's standards to prevent cruelty would be "costly".

But there was no compromise from Dr. Grandin. She pointed out humane euthanasia as an option. She also said people had sent her a number of ways to reduce numbers of excess horses or help horses in need. She then read them to the attendees: birth control including low cost gelding though only one facility currently offers that service, raising awareness about overbreeding, find jobs for older horses, establish a "horsefinder" that like petfinder.com would help owners network to find homes for horses they cannot care for any longer, establish hay banks and allow hay to be harvested on land that the government pays farmers to leave unplanted, allow in place rescue, create horse parks, or impose surcharges on stall fees at tracks and horsebreeding to cover the cost of humane euthanasia.

In effect, the solutions relayed by Dr. Grandin are (1) stop the overbreeding, (2) find ways to care for horses in need.

And the best way to do that? Ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. The availability of slaughter creates a salvage or secondary market that encourages the overbreeding. As Dr. Grandin warned, however, any legislation to ban slaughter must be enforceable.

Was "summit" organizer, Wy state Rep. Sue Wallis listening to the high standards for humane treatment that Dr. Grandin would impose on her proposed slaughter facility should it ever be legally and otherwise operational? Unlikely, as Wallis appears to have been busy angrily shoving reporter and horse advocate Simone Netherlands out of the "summit" conference room. The police were called and Netherlands was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Dr. Grandin is lucky to have escaped unscathed given Wallis' treatment of people who don't agree with her.

Call for Investigation of Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis

2010-12-19T19:33:00.001-08:00

Wyoming Resident Files Complaint against State Rep. Sue Wallis

Dec 20, 2010

By Laura Allen

CHICAGO - Wyoming resident, Patricia Fazio, Ph.D. has filed a complaint with state officials, requesting an investigation of alleged violations of ethics laws and securities fraud by Wyoming State Rep. Sue Wallis (R-Campbell).

Animal Law Coalition (ALC), Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) and Habitat for Horses Advisory Council (HfHAC) applaud Dr. Fazio and join in the call for authorities to investigate Wallis' activities.

The complaint alleges Rep. Wallis is improperly and even fraudulently abusing her position as a Wyoming legislator. The complaint further alleges that Rep. Wallis not only neglected to recuse herself or disclose her personal financial interest in votes, but that she has actually "sponsored" bills that would materially benefit her or her family.

Wallis has publicly claimed to be forming a business under the name, Unified Equine LLC, which she says will slaughter horses and sell the meat within Wyoming. At the same time, in her capacity as a legislator, she is promoting legislation that would deregulate, promote and favor horse slaughter operations.

Wallis published a web page enticing people to invest in Unified Equine LLC which turned out to be a non-existent entity for months. Also according to the Complaint, the apparent solicitation for investors may have violated other federal and state securities laws.

The fraud on investors may go deeper: Not only is commercial horse slaughter for human consumption illegal in the U.S., as the complaint states, "there is no market in the U.S. for human consumption of horsemeat, nor is there a market for use of horsemeat in pet food". To be a viable business within Wyoming with its population of 544,270, such a facility "would have to ...sell approximately 10,000,000 pounds of horsemeat per year, or 18 pounds for every man, woman and child in the state".

Wallis has also sponsored the "Food Freedom Act", a bill that would eliminate all regulation of food sold directly to the consumer. The bill was dubbed by one health department official as a "fraud".
The bill could allow Wallis' slaughter business to sell contaminated horse meat directly to Wyoming consumers without any form of government oversight, testing or inspection. American horses are not raised for food and are typically administered drugs including carcinogens that, according to the FDA, are prohibited in horsemeat sold as human food.
The deceptively named Food Freedom Act would likely also benefit Wallis' family's business which sells homemade jellies and syrups, among other food goods.

The complaint further calls into question Wallis' use of 501(c)3 charitable designations to solicit funds for her promotion of horse slaughter. Wallis has a number of ever-changing, interrelated organizations and websites that solicit funds for allegedly "charitable" or "educational" purposes. But Wallis' efforts appear to be purely political, focused on passing laws from which she can benefit personally and financially.
It is not clear where donations are actually going, and Dr. Fazio requests an investigation into possible commingling of tax exempt and non-tax exempt funds. Wallis has also openly touted her position as a legislator to solicit funding for pro-horse slaughter interests.

Most recently, Wallis has announced she is holding a pro-horse slaughter "summit" in Las Vegas with a hefty price tag for attendees. She was to announce the winner of a raffle for a new pick-up truck. Then according to the complaint, Wallis announced she may not be able to buy the truck and asked raffle participants if she could just keep the money from ticket sales. According to the complaint, Wallis may be "running an unlicensed lottery, and at worst she has attempted to defraud those who bought the tickets at $100 apiece."
According to the Wyoming Minority Floor Leader Rep. W. Patrick Goggles, the complaint has been referred to the Legislative Service Office for review. Dr. Fazio also requested the Wyoming Attorney General as well as the Secretary of State's ethics disclosure and compliance offices to investigate these allegations.
Animal Law Coalition

National Call-In Day to support of the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act

2010-10-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Please join us by calling on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi Tuesday, October 19th and Ask her to schedule a vote NOW on the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 503), legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption. Schedule the vote NOW. Tell her she has the power to end immense suffering by scheduling the vote NOW during the remaining session of Congress THIS YEAR! NOW is the time for her to step up and do this. Tell Speaker Pelosi that this bill has 183 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, 28 in the Senate, and tremendous public support.

After you call Speaker Pelosi,(202) 225-0100 or her San Francisco office, (415) 556-4862, call on Senate Majority LeaderSen. Harry Reid702-388-5020 / Fax: 702-388-5030, and Assistant Majority Leader Sen. Dick Durbin(202) 224-2152 or fax (202) 228-0400to schedule a vote on the senate version, S.B. 727. Don’t wait. Do it now. For the horses.

For more information please go to Animal Law Coalition here:

http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=-1&msgid=0&act=11111&c=295898&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.animallawcoalition.com%2Fhorse-slaughter%2Farticle%2F1443

Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is a 501 (c) (3) volunteer based, nonprofit corporation dedicated to protecting and saving animals from cruelty. The cornerstone of our work is centered on the welfare of horses. WFLF works to accomplish its mission through education, investigation, multimedia exposure, rescue and outreach.

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED.

2010-10-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct 5, 2010

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Animals' Angels, USA & CHDC join WFLF Humanion Films’ in the release of the official film trailer for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce the release of the OFFICIAL TRAILER for the feature documentary film, SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. The Official Trailer features appearances with many cast members including several celebrities and other prominent figures who have all joined Humanion Films’ effort in support this film’s mission; Protection for All Equine from Slaughter… In order of appearance: JoAnne Normile, Beverly Strauss, Shelley Abrams, Dr Nicholas Dodman, Dr Nena Winand, Linda Gray, Senator Mary Landrieu, Susan Wagner, Representative Dan Burton, Paul Sorvino, Julie Caramante, Craig Downer, Michael Blake, Ginger Kathrens, Tippi Hedren, Shane and Sia Barbi, Dr Elliot Katz, Amy Nelson and Paul Rainbird.

Sonja Meadows, Executive Director of Animals’ Angels, USA: “For the first time a film brings together a comprehensive look at what all is involved in this cruel, predatory business; An excellent documentary, suitable for a broad public audience.”

Sinikka Crosland, Executive Director of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) states: "SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED delivers a compelling case for the abolition of a cruel, archaic and predatory industry. A civilized society yearns to be just and compassionate, not supporting practices that are inhumane and potentially detrimental to human health."

“REALLY powerful. Packed!” – Paula Bacon

Julie Caramante, Equine Cruelty Investigator/ Animals Angels: “As a cruelty investigator and someone deeply committed to banning the slaughter of American horses, I strongly applaud this important, straight-up film—it has the courage not to back down but to tell the un-whitewashed, miserable truth about horse slaughter”.

Tribal Leader, former Lt Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo, Paul Rainbird speaks on behalf of Native Americans that oppose the slaughter of horses and burros in effort to help save equines from slaughter. “It offends me that horses are being slaughtered. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED presents the hard truth and must be seen. I hope awareness really has an impact on people making an effort to become involved." - Paul Rainbird, 1st Lt. Governor of San Ildefonso Pueblo

Michael Blake, Writer DANCE WITH WOLVES, Horse Advocate, American West: “To view Saving America's Horses is essential for stopping the killing. Since the American Government came about it has destroyed Indians, Buffalo and Wolves, and for the last several decades horses are being butchered. No individuals or organizations have been able to stop the removal of what has been put on earth. If the public stands up it can be done. Be sure to see SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED and watch it all.

Now see the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED at YouTube and on the official film website. "Saving America's Horses-A Nation Betrayed brings to surface a topic which nobody wants to talk about in a way that everyone will want to see. “ –Kate Dudley

SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED is a compelling compilation of expert testimony, undercover footage and true life stories shot against the dramatic backdrops of America’s beautiful countryside. The film depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros from cruelty.

"The cruelty of equine slaughter recognizes no borders. Over half of the horses slaughtered in Canadian plants originate in the United States. In this predatory industry there is no guarantee of humane treatment at the receiving end where profit, not animal welfare, is the driving force." - CHDC

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES - A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through PayPal or mailed directly to support this CAUSE. Your generous donation will help bring this film to the public eye.

Please support this film and help us to save America's equines. “We are their voice and they need to be heard” – Katia Louise

More great ways to support this CAUSE

Come Stand With Us! Sign up for Updates! Donate! Collaborate!

Humanion Films, IMA Studios

Music by
Maria Daines, Paul Killington, Peter Rowen, Debra Lopez, Ronnie Niles, Nancy Stanley, Karl Joseph, Emily Shreve & more!

Contact:
WFLF Humanion Films
Email

Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Saving America’s Horses is a Project under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a CA 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The mission of Saving America’s Horses is to protect all equines from slaughter.
www.savingamericashorses.org

Link to PDF of this Post

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Australian Government Plans to Eradicate the Horse Population to further develop a Cattle Station

2010-09-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

By Linda Mira-Bateman
Sept 6, 2010

The Australian government wants to eradicate the horse population and further develop a cattle station on the land. A local group, Wild Horse Kimberley, who has been working with these horses for five years, is willing to work to manage the population through gelding of stallions and use of a contraceptive for the mares, and so manage the population.

After many weeks of deliberations, the Government has announced that …….

In October, when mares have just given birth to their foals, the government will slaughter the horses by gunning them down from helicopters..

Their last aerial slaughter in the Kimberley on Frazier Downs resulted in 662 horses dying slowly from bullet wounds in legs and shoulders. Independent observers went in afterward and found horses shot in the back and stomach. Mares had aborted foals as they died. All the horses lay dying in agony. No follow up was done. Foals were found beside their mothers dying of starvation. Locals were alerted to the slaughter when a loan foal wandered onto an Aboriginal Community. He was rescued only to die later. The cull resulted in an investigation and a commitment to change the management of practices – however there is no evidence of such changes having eventuated. And no program was implemented to manage wild horse populations without recourse to wholesale slaughter.

As a matter of urgency, the public is asked to take action to tell the Government, once and for all, that wholesale slaughter is not the answer. Compassionate, humane, long term and sustainable population management is called for.

Assistance is needed to:

Advise the Ministers of your strong opposition to the killing of the horses at Lake Gregory.
The welfare risks of aerial shooting of wild horses at Lake Gregory are high. Chasing and shooting horses from a moving platform is fraught with danger to the animals. Foals in particular cannot keep up with the mob and may be injured in the pursuit. Many horses may die slowly after being wounded.
Call on the WA government to initiate trials of fertility control measures and other non-lethal population management of wild horses on remote properties and State parks.
Demand government develops plans for sustainable animal populations and humane approaches for population control.

Animals Australia has set up a further action on their website to protest against this latest planned atrocity. Animals Australia is requesting the public to take a couple of minutes to access and send an e-mail of protest and to personalize the letter as much as possible.

http://www.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/save-kimberleys-wild-horses/

For more information go to:

http://www.wildhorseskimberley.com/index.html

http://www.savethebrumbies.org/2008/11/19/another-aerial-atrocity-this-time-on-frazier-downs-wa/

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/regions/content/2007/s2349835.htm

NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts to Save America's Horses!

2010-08-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

WFLF Humanion Films
Los Angeles, CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21st, 2010

NorthStar Music Publishing Ltd (UK), together with Maria Daines and Paul Killington are joining WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts by composing musical contributions and donating several songs for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

WFLF Humanion Films is pleased to announce that Maria Daines, Paul Killington and NorthStar Music Publishing have joined WFLF Humanion Films’ efforts as composers and musical contributors for Saving America's Horses - A Nation Betrayed!

Maria Daines is a multi-award winning International vocalist and songwriter whose band supported US artist Pink at Cardiff International Arena for the Party For Animals World Wide in August 2007. The concert raised over £90,000 for six animal welfare charities. Based in the UK, Maria is an advocate for animal rights and welfare campaigning against breed specific legislation and many other issues of animal cruelty.

Paul Killington's craftsmanship on guitar shines brightly as the driving force behind Daines' melodic compositions for animal causes, and his slick production, sympathetically unique to specific project pieces is constantly in demand for film and media release. Together they are an unstoppable and prolific force for good, rising to the need for sentient beings wherever a strong voice is needed.

Musical pieces by Maria and Paul will become part of the official film sound track which will be available on CD after the film has released. 100% of the proceeds from the sound track will go toward the protection of all equines from slaughter.

COMING SOON: Watch for the powerful OFFICIAL TRAILER for SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED on the film website and also on YouTube. SAVING AMERICA’S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED depicts a country divided and inspires great hope for the protection of all horses and burros.

Supporters are requested to tell their friends and family about SAVING AMERICA'S HORSES A NATION BETRAYED. Donations can be made on line through the film website using PayPal or through Guidestar, and Facebook, or mailed directly.

More great ways to support this CAUSE
Come Stand With Us!
Sign up for Action Alerts
Donations
Collaborate

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed Director
Producer ~ Katia Louise
Associate Producer ~ Debra Lopez
Associate Producer ~ Nancy Stanley

Executive Advisory Board
Paula Bacon Laura Allen
Dr Nena Winand
John Holland
Julie Caramante
Shelley Abrams

Advisory Board Members
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman
Dr. Lisa Jacobson
Craig C. Downer
Sinikka Crosland
Valerie James-Patton
Jo Anne Normile
Joy Aten
Debra Lopez
Ellen-Cathryn Nash
Nancy Stanley
Vicki Tobin

Contact:
Kate Dudley, Publicist
Email

Production
Email

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Ohio House votes to repeal law defining vicious dogs to include pit bulls!

2010-05-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

The provisions of the bill, HB 79, to repeal the Ohio law discriminating against dogs “commonly known” as “pit bulls,” were attached to another bill, HB 55, a bill related to animal cruelty penalties. The amended HB 55 passed by a vote of 93-3!

Learn more about breed specific legislation at

"Sentenced by Profile" on WFL Endangered Stream Live

http://wflendangeredstreamlive.org/bsl.html

Learn more about the Ohio bill at

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/breed-bans/article/733

300+ Acres per Wild Horse and Burro is Not Enough Space says BLM?

2010-05-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

From In Defense of Animals:

Act Today To Oppose Roundup Of 2,000 Horses And Burros In California

Earlier this week, a federal judge dismissed the our lawsuit, on a technicality, to stop the roundup and long-term holding of 2,000 horses from the Calico Mountain Complex in Nevada. We are more committed than ever to continue to fight this injustice against American wild horses and burros. Please stick with us through this long battle – we must continue to submit public comments against each and every roundup, and urge Congress to change the broken system that has for decades wrongly taken freedom and family away from innocent wild horses and burros.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently issued its formal proposal to roundup 2,000 wild horses and burros in the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area in California. The BLM says this nearly 800,000-acre area can only have 448-758 horses and 72-116 burros; the BLM plans to remove 1,855 wild horses and 210 burros. Thousands of you commented earlier this year, opposing this ill-conceived plan and we must again document our opposition. We must not give up until wild horses and burros are protected from these horrible roundups.

https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1501&JServSessionIdr004=lzgb5628j3.app246b

Wild Horses sent to Slaughter while Cattle Graze?

2010-05-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

From Animals Australia:
Thousands of wild horses in Western Australia desperately need our voice today.

For decades wild horses have grazed peacefully around Lake Gregory in the Kimberley. Bred from two purebred Arab stallions taken to Balgo Mission in the 1950's, these beautiful part Arab horses were considered so unique and valuable that the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, chose 13 for his stables.

Now the 5,000 horses at Lake Gregory have been issued a death sentence by the WA Department of Regional Development and Land who say they are causing 'unacceptable environmental damage'. The lake that these horses graze around is over 100 Km in circumference, and the entire area the horses inhabit is a huge 400,000 hectares. The Department has no issue with the 5,000 cattle grazing on the same property remaining.

The indigenous groups that live around Lake Gregory have grown up with these horses and love them. Despite the Department being aware that the horses were increasing in numbers every year, they provided no assistance to indigenous groups to introduce humane population control. Now they have ordered that the horses be rounded up and transported 3000 Km to an abattoir in South Australia for slaughter; their meat to be exported for human consumption.

Local group Wild Horses Kimberley are calling on the government to allow them to geld the stallions and inject the mares with a fertility drug. Despite this, the WA government is proceeding with the plan to round up the horses for slaughter as early as next week.

Please urgently demand of Minister Brendan Grylls — the minister whose department is responsible for the proposed cull — that the horses not become the innocent victims of government mismanagement, and to instigate Wild Horses Kimberley’s humane alternative proposal.

Learn more

Congress Moves to Restore Ban on Animal Crush Videos

2010-05-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Animal Welfare Institute:

Washington, DC (May 26, 2010) - Members of Congress and constitutional experts testified today before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on the recent Supreme Court decision invalidating a law prohibiting interstate commerce in crush videos, dog fighting videos, and other depictions of extreme animal cruelty. (Crush videos portray scantily clad women in stilettos, or even their bare feet, literally crushing, stomping on, or impaling small, helpless animals to satisfy sadistic viewers with a bizarre sexual fetish.)

When this law was passed in 1999, at the request of prosecutors, the market for crush videos quickly dried up. The Supreme Court took up the case of an individual challenging his conviction for selling dog fighting videos, and overturned the law on grounds that it was overbroad and violated the First Amendment.

Within hours of the Supreme Court’s decision, the crush video market reopened. Two bills, H.R. 5092 (with 306 cosponsors) and H.R. 5337, have been introduced to restore the ban in a way that will pass constitutional muster.

“The Animal Welfare Institute is grateful to Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Scott and Ranking Member Louie Gohmert for holding this hearing to explore the constitutional issues raised by the Court’s decision,” said Nancy Blaney, senior policy advisor, Animal Welfare Institute. They and the other members who attended asked very serious and thoughtful questions, with a clear interest in crafting a new law that will accomplish the goal of closing down the production of depictions of extreme animal cruelty and punish those who traffic in them.

AWI lobbied for the original law and will push for quick passage of a new measure. To learn more about the issue and how you can help, please visit www.awionline.org/crushvideos. The Washington, DC law firm of Patton Boggs LLP is providing legal advice to AWI as we work with the Committee and Members of Congress on this important legislative measure.

For More Information:

Nancy Blaney, (202) 337-2332

Chief Arvol Looking Horse's 2010 WORLD PEACE & PRAYER DAY

2010-05-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Chief Arvol Looking Horse's 2010 WORLD PEACE & PRAYER DAY will be held in Western Mass on 6/21/2010...at a refuge for abandoned horses run by Pam Rickenbach...see Blue Star Equiculture – 3090 Palmer St, Palmer, Massachusetts 01069. (413) 289 9787 http://www.bluestarequiculture.com

Arvol was just here in Wash DC at a gathering at the Native American Indian Museum on behalf of saving America's endangered horses. He gave a powerful blessing with two mustang horses flanking him, each kneeling on one knee as Arvol prayed. Amazing and holy all at once! One of Arvol's personal names is "Horseman," and saving the horses is his special passion, as it is host Pam Rickenbach's. If you --or ANYONE--can get up to WORLD PEACE & PRAYER DAY 6/21/2010 in W MASS, it will be a VERY sacred experience. Please pass this message on to friends. Blessings, /Harvey Arden

For more on Arvol, the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Pipe (c’anumpa) of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota (Great Sioux) Nation, see his website www.wolakota.org

Inquiries about attending World Peace & Prayer Day 6/21 to rickenbach2@hotmail.com

'Ol Southern Style - A Look at Shelter Cruelty Across the U.S.

2010-05-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Tune in and learn how lost & forgotten dogs and cats are being treated in the U.S. WFL Endangered Stream Live presents 'Ol Southern Style; join us as we take a look into shelter cruelty with the southern U.S. as an example of the kind of cruelty that's actually happening across America. In most cases these are county shelters that are funded by US tax payer dollars.

The segment will bring to light some prime examples of shelter cruelty that’s been going on for many years and will inform listeners of current pending bills to make it stop.

Listen on line at WFL Endangered Stream Live beginning on Saturday, May 22, 2010

http://wflendangeredstreamlive.org/olsouthernstyle.html

Since the original airing of this segment in 2009, GA has banned gas chambers and bills are now pending in Louisiana, Pennsylvania!

WFL Endangered Stream Live is the broadcast radio and audio documentary program under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a California 501 (c) 3(c) nonprofit public benefit corporation. Learn more about WFLF at http://www.wildforlifefoundation.org/home.html. Support WFLF.

Attack on the Innocence of the Sacred Horses of the First Nations People

2010-05-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

WFLF Saving America's Horses stands together with the people of the First Nations. A Nation Betrayed is a nation of horses and a nation of all people. The root of this situation reaches deep into the hearts of all those who respect and appreciate the horse and our planet Earth.

The below statement describes the situation as of May 3, 2010 by Elder David Swallow Wowitan Yuha Mani, Porcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

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Statement by David Swallow, Jr., Wowitan Yuha Mani
Teton Lakota Spiritual Leader, Sun dance Chief of the Medicine Wheel Sun dance, and a Headman of the Lakota Nation Band of Wana Way Gu (Broken Bow)

Statement Date; May 3rd 2010
Transcribed To and edited by Keith Rabin and Allison Gutirrez-Bundy

Hau, Mitakuyepi na Mita Kola. [ Hello. Greetings my relatives and my friends. ]

My name is Dave Swallow Jr. My Lakota name is Wowitan Uha Mani, Walks With Pride. I'm a Lakota. I live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation [South Dakota]. I was born and raised there. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is The United States Prisoner of War Camp Number 344. That's where I was born and raised.

We are the People of the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota People. We have adopted the Sacred Horse, [ Sunka Wakan ] into our nation and into our families. It is part of who we are. It is hard in our ways to remember our lives with out our Horses. They are part of our family. We give them names and honor them. They take part in our ceremonies. They are part of our lives, not only for transportation but also the Sunka Wakan help heal our minds, bodies and spirits.

Sunka is the Lakota word for "dog". Before the horse, Sunka helped us with our transportation. They also are our family members. When Sunka Wakan, the "Sacred Horse" came, it became a blessing a gift from our Creator to be forever in our lives.

Today, our grandchildren and children still need the Sunka Wakan for our healings of body, mind and spirit. Some of the grandparents and parents save their money for months just to buy a colt, a Sunka Wakan for their children and grandchildren. This keeps our children and grandchildren away from alcohol, drugs and gang activities. This why we need our Sunka Wanka is part of our families.

But today, in 2010, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council at the Pine Ridge Agency created their own laws against the People of the Reservations and one of these new laws is against our Sacred Horse [ Sunka Wakan ]. Two Councilmen from the Porcupine District of the Pine Ridge have spear headed this law. The whole Tribal Council supports it. Without asking the People on the Pine Ridge Reservation to whom they are to represent, they created new Park Ranger positions on the Reservation to confiscate the People's horses, impound the Sacred Horses of the People and then charge the owners an outrageous amount of money to get their horses back. It seems they have no intent to return the Horses to the People.

Every other foreign nation conquered by the United States has received huge efforts towards rehabilitation and rebuilding. Yet, while the U.S. cries about 20% unemployment, we have 80% unemployment. We remain isolated and have living conditions which are as bad as or worse than any “third world country.” Our life expectancy is only 48 years old for men and 52 years old for women.

On March 2, 1889, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America established the Reservations. They said we are to live here on the Reservations, hunt and fish without any permits and the Reservations were established as "Open Range" without any fences.

It seems to the " The People" [ The Lakota Oyate ] that the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council has forgotten these rules set by the Senate of the United States of America and has taken upon itself some goal of not only hurting the Horse itself but the People and the families of the Lakota People .

This is a Reservation. We are NOT living in a park or a National park. It is the land of the People. We already have the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Police, the Oglala Sioux Tribal (OST) Public Safety Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Marshals watching over us. I believe we Lakota Oyate have enough jurisdiction watching over us . Now come the Oglala Sioux Park Rangers, confiscating our Sacred Horses and arresting us if we don't cooperate. The Oglala Sioux Park Rangers are selling our horses to local ranchers (who then sell them to slaughter houses for slaughter) or the OST Rangers sell our horses directly to slaughter houses. THIS NEEDS TO BE STOPPED AND RETURN OUR Sacred Horses returned back to the People.
We are the People of the Sacred Horse. It is as much to our lives as your cars and trucks are to yours.

We have a treaty council, a council of elders, all kinds of councils but none of them are effective. The government and state have kept us hungry and distracted with their projects which accomplish very little.

But they need to know. If we are to survive, people need to understand. When we’re talking about the Black Hills, it’s not just the land that was lost but our way of life. It’s not just money. Money is the least important thing. We have lost our way of life.

When we talk about the Sacred Horses, It is not about only Horses it is about everything.

Ho he’cetu yelo, I have spoken these words.

David Swallow, Wowitan Yuha Mani

Porcupine, South Dakota - The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Thoroughbreds Racing to their Death?

2010-04-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Thoroughbreds Racing to their Death?

Watch Jane Velez-Mitchell on HLN to learn more.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/04/30/jvm.racing.horse.slaughter.cnn

About Jane Velez-Mitchell
Jane Velez-Mitchell hosts Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, a topical event-driven show on HLN with a wide range of viewpoints. Jane’s Man vs. Nature shows focus on pets and animal rights and in 2009, she did a segment entitled “Wild Horses Sold to Slaughter?” A veteran television news journalist, Velez-Mitchell reported for the nationally syndicated Warner Brothers/Telepictures show Celebrity Justice and regularly served as guest host for Nancy Grace, another HLN program. While working on Celebrity Justice, Velez-Mitchell's reporting earned the show two Genesis Awards from the Humane Society of the United States. As a commentator on high-profile cases, Velez-Mitchell has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and other national cable television programs. Velez-Mitchell previously spent more than a decade anchoring and reporting for KCAL-TV in Los Angeles. She also served as a reporter/anchor for eight years at WCBS-TV in New York City. Velez-Mitchell is the recipient of a Los Angeles Emmy Award and a New York Emmy Award. The KCAL-TV newscasts she co-anchored won three Southern California Golden Mike Awards and an Emmy. She also wrote, directed and produced Dancing Through Life, an award-winning documentary.

Representatives Move Quickly to Stop Crush Videos

2010-04-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Representatives Move Quickly to Stop Crush Videos

Apr 23, 2010

By Laura Allen

U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (D-CA) has wasted no time in addressing the Supreme Court's decision to strike down 18 U.S.C. Sec. 48 which prohibited the creation, sale and possession for commercial gain of illegal animal cruelty.
He has introduced H.R. 5092 which would make it a federal crime to sell or offer to sell animal crush videos for commercial gain in interstate or foreign commerce.

An animal crush video is defined as "any visual depiction, including any photograph, motion-picture film, video recording, or electronic image, which depicts animals being intentionally crushed, burned, drowned, or impaled, that--

(A) depicts actual conduct in which a living animal is tortured, maimed, or mutilated that violates any criminal prohibition on intentional cruelty under Federal law or the law of the State in which the depiction is sold; and
(B) taken as a whole, does not have religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.
A violation can mean fines and up to 5 years in prison.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
The bill already has dozens of co-sponsors! If your U.S. representative, found here, is not a co-sponsor, write or call and urge him or her to sign on and support this important legislation! Also, sign Animal Law Coalition's petition to Congress to pass legislation overturning the Supreme Court decision.

The Massachusetts bill to ban de-vocalization of dogs and cats is now on the governor’s desk!

2010-04-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Massachusetts bill to ban de-vocalization of dogs and cats is now on the governor’s desk! But, opponents are pressuring him to veto this humane bill. Please take a minute right now and write or call MA Gov. Deval Patrick and urge him to sign this important legislation that will stop the cruelty to thousands of dogs and cats. Urge your family and friends to write or call. If you don’t live in MA, forward this to someone who does.

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/animal-cruelty/article/684

GA Gas Chamber Ban Passes House!

2010-03-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

GA Gas Chamber Ban Passes House!

By Laura Allen

Update March 16, 2010: The Georgia House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly, 132-49, to pass H.B. 788 which would ban use of the remaining CO gas chambers to kill shelter animals in Georgia and also make heartstick illegal by statute.

The sponsor, Georgia state Rep. Tom Knox, showed his fellow representatives photos of dogs killed in a CO gas chamber. It was obvious they had suffered, attacking each other as they died.

Rep. Knox said a CO gas chambers is more like "a contraption. It is not humane.... What happens is that when several dogs and several cats are put into the container, like a dark closet and gas is turned on...they don't go to sleep real quick....For those of you who have dogs, you understand...if one gets excited ....they might all get excited and start fighting...They attack each other in there....It's pretty frightening to hear it."

Rep. Knox concluded, "Lethal injection is better...cheaper and more humane...It's working well in all those jurisdictions that use it....And it will work well in the remaining jurisdictions [in Georgia that haven't been required to use it]".

Reps. Gene Maddox and Sean Jerguson spoke most vehemently in opposition to the bill, claiming, contrary to cost studies, that lethal injection will be more costly. Rep. Maddox asked his colleagues, "Am I not a veterinarian?" He said, "This is a bad bill...The carbon monoxide chamber is the most humane method [of killing shelter animals]." Even the American Veterinary Medical Association doesn't agree, citing lethal injection, done properly, as the preferred method of euthanasia.
The bill now goes to the state Senate.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
Anyone who lives in any of the counties or cities where CO gassing is still used to kill shelter animals (see list) should call their state senator found here and urge him or her to vote yes on H.B. 788! Also send your state senator the important documents HERE!

Calls needed right now to help bring Grace's Law to a vote to ban animal CO gas chambers in GA, make cruel heartstick illegal by statute.

2010-03-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

By Laura Allen

The Georgia House Rules Committee will take up Grace's Law, H.B. 788, on Monday, March 8, 2010 and decide whether to schedule the bill for a full vote by the House. H.B. 788 would ban use of the remaining CO gas chambers to kill shelter animals in Georgia and also make heartstick illegal by statute. The bill is named for a dog, Grace, who survived a gassing.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
This bill has passed a House Committee but could die in the Rules Committee.
Call the Rules Committee office, 404-656-5141 - POLITELY, let the staff know you are a Georgia voter and you ask that the Rules Committee vote YES to put H.B. 788 on the calendar for the House of Representatives to hear this bill. Also, go here to find Rules Committee members (click on the names to get contact info) and call and urge them to schedule a vote on this bill, H.B. 788 and vote Yes to end cruel gas chambers and heartstick in Georgia!

Call your Georgia state representative - Find your representative here.
( Click on "Find Your Legislator"under the picture of the Capitol, then click "Vote-Smart" and on the left, under the box "Find Your Representative" type in your zip code, click GO! If you do not know your +4 ZIP, on the right side of this screen click "Don't know your 9 digit zip," follow the instructions, then go back to the legislative site and type it in under "Find Your Representative" and click GO!) Once you find your representative, click on his or her name for contact information.

Urge your GA state representative to contact the Rules Committee to allow a vote on H.B. 788 and vote yes on H.B. 788 when it is called for a vote! Send your representative the documents attached for downloading below!

Ask your family, friends, veterinarian, co-workers and fellow students who live in Georgia to call in support of Grace's Law. If you don't live in Georgia, send this link to someone who does. Please be polite!
For more on this bill, read Animal Law Coalition's report below.

Update February 17, 2010: Grace's Law, H.B. 788, introduced by Georgia state Rep. Tom Knox has passed the Science and Technology Committee. The vote was unanimous in favor of the bill that would close the loopholes in Georgia's Humane Euthanasia Act that still allow some counties and cities to use carbon monoxide gas chambers to kill shelter animals.
The bill would also make it illegal by statute to use heartstick unless the animal is heavily sedated, unconscious or comatose.

It's now on to a vote by the full Georgia House of Representatives!

Cont'd:

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/gas-chambers/article/695

FL Legislative Committee Votes to Allow Breed Discrimination

2010-03-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

FL Legislative Committee Votes to Allow Breed Discrimination
by Laura Allen

Update Mar. 4: The Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee has voted 9-2 today to repeal the state's prohibition on breed discriminatory laws outside of Miami Dade County.

The bill, S.B. 1276, as amended by the Committee, would prohibit bans on owning particular breeds but would open the door to other regulation based on breed.

Currently, Florida law bans breed discrimination throughout the state except basically in Miami Dade County where there is a long standing ban on pit bull type dogs. Fl. Stat. Sec. 767.14.

If this bill becomes law, local governments could require owners of particular breeds to obtain costly liability coverage and impose onerous requirements for confinement, handling and even walking dogs based on breed.

Call on your Florida state senators to oppose S.B. 1276! (Put in your zipcode in the form to the left of the page to find your senator.)

Use talking points from this article below or contact Animal Law Coalition for help!

Original report: Florida State Rep. Perry E. Thurston, Jr. has filed House Bill 543, to repeal the state's prohibition on breed specific legislation. An identical Senate version, S.B. 1276, has also been filed by Florida State Sen. Tony Hill, Jr.

Read about successful challenges to Miami Dade County Animal Services confiscations of dogs said to be "pit bulls".

Also, for more information, read Miami Dade County: Two decades of BSL has produced no positive results.

Under H.B. 543/ S.B. 1276 local governments would be allowed to enact breed specific laws.

A similar effort has been unsuccessful in the last 2 legislative sessions.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

H.B. 543 has been assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee. Find committee members and their contact information here and write (faxes or letters are best) or call and urge members to vote no on H.B. 543. If one of the members is your representative, be sure to let him or her know that! Above all, be polite.

Read more

Is China Embracing a Ban on the Consumption of Dogs and Cats?

2010-02-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

Feb 6th, 2010
From Animals Asia Foundation
Published with permission

In recent months there has been much discussion with regards the content of the draft legislation. Animals Asia will be attending a conference in March 2010 to meet with the lawyers drafting this law and provide further input into its development.

The development of a draft animal protection law is a unique opportunity to develop legislation to provide (at the very least) basic protection for animals across China and one which Animals Asia wishes to embrace for the benefit of all animals across the country.

The Chinese and international media are currently highlighting the possibility of the law including a ban on the consumption of dogs and cats within China. The current draft legislation allows individual provinces to ban the slaughter of dogs and cats within their own jurisdiction.

After many years of campaigning for an end to this barbaric practice we are delighted that this issue is now being openly discussed within China.

As with many issues this debate is polarized. Many people in China feel that the government should not protect one species of animal over another species; others feel that people should be provided with greater protection before animals, and an increasingly large section of society support moves to ban acts of animal cruelty such as the eating of dogs and cats.

Through our Friends or Food programme our team in China has generated immense support for an end to the consumption of dogs and cats. We will continue to support such a ban and contribute to this debate through the media, by providing information with regards the inability of raising such large numbers of dogs and cats in a humane manner to support the demand, the health myths associated with dog and cat meat consumption, the health risks of consuming such diseased animals and the immense cruelty suffered in raising, transporting and slaughtering dogs and cats.

The development of animal protection legislation within China still has a long way to go and it may take many years before such legislation is accepted into Chinese law.

The debate is taking place within China and Animals Asia will continue to call for measures to provide protection for all animals as well as ban the immensely cruel practices such as farming bears for their bile and the killing and eating of dogs and cats for food.

For more comprehensive details on the development of this legislation please click here:
Animals Asia Foundation

For more comprehensive details about the consumption of dogs and cats in Asia, please listen to "Tails of Asia" at WFL Endangered Stream Live.

NV officials propose sending "feral" wild horses to auction

2010-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Nevada is home to many of our country's last free roaming wild horses. Despite the current economic slump, this is a state where tourism has flourished causing development to sprawl. In one such case, wild horses; native to the lands have been labeled feral by the NV Dept of Ag. The labeling in NV enables officials to round up these horses and send them to auction with no protection from the slaughter pipeline. Neighboring communities are lacking fences that should have been built when the area was developed. Cattle in the area seem to be contained and managed, yet officials have not been willing to step up and take responsibility for the protection of these horses. Much like the wild horses under the charge of the BLM and the Forest Service, these horses are guilty of not paying heed to the road signs that mark the invisible boundaries. America is in an uproar over the removal of thousands of wild horses across the west by the BLM; now comes the Dept of Ag. Will enough Americans rise up to challenge these atrocities?

One solution to save these so called "feral" wild horses is to raise funds for fencing; an expense that should have been covered with funds received by the local government during the development of the area. In the meantime, exposure and support is imperative for the sake protecting these wild horses.

Learn more

Under the Guise of Euthanasia

2010-02-01T18:03:00.001-08:00

Part 2 of a 3 part series
Feb 1, 2010
By Katia Louise

Despite the overwhelming opposition to horse slaughter in America, many of those who oppose it have been misled to believe that there are too many horses and/or that horse slaughter is humane.

Most Americans are surprised when they find out that the AVMA(1) and the AAEP(2) are two leading proponents of horse slaughter. “The AAEP, along with the AVMA and other members of the Horse Welfare Coalition, oppose the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.” - Scott E. Palmer, VMD, AAEP President. In reference to the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, the AAEP "has partnered with the AVMA, the AQHA and some 200 other state and national equine and agricultural organizations to try to defeat this bill.” - David L. Foley AAEP Executive Director.

The USDA says that 90% of the horses are healthy when they begin their horrific journey to the slaughterhouse. These horses are shipped in overcrowded transports, during which time they often have no food, water or rest for days and days. A 900 page document produced by the USDA in response to a FOIA(3) request provides irrefutable evidence that horse slaughter is INHUMANE. Yet the AVMA and AAEP continue to inform their member base, the general public and U.S. policy makers that horse slaughter is humane.

Horse slaughter proponents have been relentless in their barrage of misinformation, reciting a handful of unsupported claims. Kill buyers, aka horse dealers and many others who stand to profit or that are involved in the slaughter pipeline, propagate the AVMA & AAEP stance that horse slaughter is humane when they know firsthand that it’s not. What’s worse is that many professional equine practitioners, with no firsthand knowledge of the slaughter process, wind up forming opinions, conducting consultations and educating others based on the same information propagated by the AVMA and AAEP.

Despite what most people have been led to believe by the proponents of slaughter, the majority of these horses are young, vibrant and healthy. “The average age of these horses is seven. These horses are wanted for their meat,” explains Dr Lisa Jacobson, DVM.

“The so called ‘unwanted horse problem’ is a phrase coined by the AAEP to support their position in favor of horse slaughter,” explains Dr Nicholas Dodman DVM. In fact it’s one of the most popular and misleading arguments used by the slaughter movement. Even rescues that work in the trenches to save horses from slaughter find their work exploited by proponents such as the AAEP and its use of the “unwanted” horse argument. Despite proponents’ claims that, without horse slaughter, the instances of abuse, neglect and abandonment would sky rocket; it has been found that “no increase in the abandonment or neglect of horses has been documented since the closure of the three domestic slaughter plants in the earlier part of 2007”(4).

Several horse rescues from around the country are struggling due to the economy, yet these same rescues do manage to find homes for many of these homeless horses. Unfortunately because of slaughter, for every horse that is rescued, another horse takes its place to fill the daily quotas set by the kill buyers.

Every day, there are countless horses in need of rescue; but it’s the international market of horsemeat that leads to the most urgent and widespread need of horse rescue in America. More than 90,000 American horses were purchased in 2009 by kill buyers. These horse dealers oftentimes outbid legitimate adopters and rescue groups at auction. Furthermore, there is an overwhelming lack of media exposure about horses and the cruelty they suffer due to slaughter. Without the convenience of horse slaughter, horse owners would be forced to take responsibility for the care of their horses and rescues could focus more of their efforts and resources on the placement of horses that need new homes.

"The duplicity of some horse people and of some horse organizations is appalling. They expect good treatment of the horse until it is convenient to dispose of them at which time they are OK with the horribly inhumane treatment of the horse in the horse slaughter system (from sale yard, hauling, feed lots to the slaughter plant)." - Dr Lisa Jacobson, DVM

The pro slaughter lobby argues that there are too many "unwanted" domestic horses and “excess” wild horses. They have stepped up their efforts toward government support to cull one of America’s most majestic and historic species. Just since the beginning of 2010, Illinois, Missouri & South Dakota have initiated aggressive campaigns calling for the return of horse slaughter to the U.S. for human consumption. (More on the subject of the pro slaughter lobby in Part Three of this special Slaughter Alert report.)

Read part one of this report to get the facts about the UOH’s newest campaign effort; a nationwide so-called 'Do Not Slaughter' registry.

(Read part three of this report Monday Feb 8, 2010)

Learn more:
Saving America’s Horses - A Nation Betrayed
Americans Against Horse Slaughter
Veterinarians for Equine Welfare
Animal Law Coalition
Equine Welfare Alliance
Kaufman Zoning

1 American Veterinary Medical Association Position re HR 503
2 American Associate of Equine Practitioners Press Release
3 Evidence produced by the USDA dated Oct 8, 2008 in response to a Nov 17, 2005 FOIA request by Julie Caramante
4 Deleting the Fiction by John Holland, Valerie James-Patton & Terry Torrence

Death Toll Rising - Horses Don't Lie

2010-01-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

WFLF/AAHS
By Katia Louise
Jan 30,2010

There are news stories published nearly every day now about the Federal BLM Round Up of Wild Horses. Due to the efforts of those looking out for the best interest of the horses, more information has been surfacing and both local news stations and mainstream news outlets have been covering the topic more and more. As of Jan 30, the BLM admits to 27 horses killed during the current Calico round up in NV and this ever rising death toll has gotten worldwide attention.

Despite of the publicity and exposure, pro horse advocates are disappointed in the way media is presenting this issue to the public. Advocates worry that important information and facts are being left out, and that this paves the way for those that profit from these cruel and controversial activities. The BLM has made this issue appear as though it's between the BLM and the advocates, but in truth, it's all about what the BLM is doing to the horses.

The horse advocates are looking out for the horses. The BLM is looking out for themselves.

One of the most widely contended aspects of the BLM roundup/ removal of wild horses is the BLM's claim that the horses are starving due to an absence of forage on their assigned range lands. What has proven to be a clear pattern is the governments' creative & selective production of imagery. For example, a couple of pictures have recently surfaced in media reports where nursing mares are depicted. The problem arises when these images depict isolated and rare instances of thin nursing mares. These same mares are then touted by DOI Secretary Salazar and other BLM officials as an accurate example of what they claim to be the poor health and condition of the entire wild horse population.

In speaking from my own firsthand experience as an observer of the Calico round up, what I find concerning is that the number of horses that appear less fat and healthy is actually a mere small fraction of the overall population. Further, these thinner horses are predominantly mares with foals still nursing. When looking at the entire population of horses, it's important to note that their body condition at the time of roundup, as the BLM admittedly reports; is good. And when you look specifically at the remaining population of horses (the stallions, yearlings and mares without foals) from the same HMA's they do not show the so called signs of malnourishment. Further, it should also be pointed out the that it’s a common natural occurrence for most any species living on the land in their natural environment during the dead of winter, while nursing to lose more body weight than other members of their herd. Based on the same, this type of natural weight loss is more appropriately attributed to the foal’s need for nourishment from the mare, rather than the claim that these mares are starving from insufficient forage.

The exposure of the truth has caused the DOI and BLM to step up their misinformation campaigns. If wild horses were truly starving out on the range, the so called excess populations wouldn't be a problem, and the round ups would NOT be necessary. On the other hand if there were such a thing as an excess wild horse problem, then the wild horses would be in fact thriving and doing quite nicely on their own.. Again no need for the BLM to step in and place them on feed lots at taxpayer's expense. And if the BLM truly cared about our wild American horses and they wanted to do the best thing for them, they would leave them out on the open ranges and allow they to transverse their assigned HMA's on their own, rather than stampede them across lava fields with helicopters and removal them permanently.

The BLM is clever to call the round up a gather. They shoot these nursing mares leaving behind orphaned foals and then call that euthanasia. They then spin the death tolls and statistics to bolster their misinformation campaign. What other indiscriminate tactics are being used by the BLM in effort mislead the public?

The Promotion of Criminal Animal Cruelty sweeps the US under the Guise of Euthanasia

2010-01-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Part 1 of a 3 part series
Jan 26, 2010
By Katia Louise

There’s an alarming and aggressive campaign of deception sweeping the country to establish HORSE SLAUGHTER plants nationwide. Illinois State Rep. Jim Sacia wasted no time this year in introducing H.B. 4812, a bill to repeal the state's 2007 ban on slaughtering horses for human consumption. Rep. Sacia's bill, H.B. 4812, would also allow horses to be shipped into the state for slaughter for human consumption, with no certificate of veterinary inspection, contrary to current state law governing horses. In Missouri, state Rep. James Viebrock just introduced a bill, H.B. 1747, that would authorize registration and inspections for commercial horse slaughter for human consumption. South Dakota's legislature has already passed a resolution this session, H.C.R. 1003, calling for the return of horse slaughter to the U.S. “The resolution exhorts Congress to defeat the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503/S.B. 727. A similar resolution is pending in Kentucky, H.C.R. 47. Like the others, it is full of disinformation. These resolutions and bills claim "rising numbers of unwanted and abandoned horses" are the result of the closing of horse slaughter houses in 2007 in the U.S.” – Laura Allen, Animal Law Coalition. For the record, the proponents' claim that there has been a rise in what they call "unwanted" horses simply is NOT true. (More on the subject of so-called "unwanted" horses in Part Two of this special Slaughter Alert report.)

So who is behind these phenomena? …And how are they able to gain such empowerment and momentum despite the overwhelming opposition to this insidious industry? In a nutshell, when you follow the money, it leads you to Ag; otherwise known as the agriculture industry. State Representatives are lobbied by large corporations, associations & wealthy constituents that, together, control a vast network of worker bees, so to speak. Large organizations are created for the purpose of distributing propaganda to mainstream media and beyond. One such organization is under the helm of Wyoming State Rep. Wallis. She's also known as “Slaughterhouse Sue” to many, and she's at it again. This time she is rallying support to open horse slaughter plants in Oregon.

Cult-like slaughter meetings are funded by what some critics call Ag puppets. Otherwise known as the ‘United Organizations of the Horse’ (UOH) and the ‘United Horsemen's Front’ (UHC), they work to promote the inhumane slaughter of American horses in the US for human consumption, and to empower the BLM’s illegal round up & removal of wild horses & burros from public, tribal, and private lands.

The UOH and UHC are linked together with the American Horse Council and the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners). The UHO is spreading disinformation by enlisting the support and soliciting money from livestock handlers and other hard working people in the equine industry at small town auction houses and saloons. Communities full of unassuming and trusting people are misled by the proponents’ misinformation which is spread until enough supporters successfully pass the next state bill in favor of horse slaughter.

Horse enthusiasts are concerned that, with enough state bills in place, the Ag Lobby leaders and its affiliates (USDA and the Department of Interior) could soon gain enough power to begin slaughtering both domestic and wild horses across the country.

Dr Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, and Veterinarians for Equine Welfare, testified before U.S. representatives during a hearing on the ‘Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act’ that “Horse slaughter has never been considered by veterinary professionals to be a form of euthanasia. Congress and the general public must hear from veterinarians that horse slaughter is not and should not be equated with humane euthanasia. Rather, the slaughtering of horses is a brutal and predatory business that promotes cruelty and neglect.”

Deep pocket foreign and US special interests continue to reap huge profits from this bloody trade of flesh bound Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Mustangs, Quarter Horses, Ponies, Burros and more. All are brutally killed for their meat while American tax payers foot the bill. Every day, thousands of horses are being shipped across state and federal borders to later face gruesome slaughter in Mexico and Canada. The BLM is rounding up thousands of wild horses from across the west, never to be seen again. “There are horses missing, lots and lots of horses missing.” - John Holland, Equine Welfare Alliance. “The BLM is managing horses to extinction.” - Ginger Kathrens, The Cloud Foundation.

Pro-horse advocates urge the general public to look beyond the smoke and mirrors of the slaughter proponents’ campaign. The Ag Lobby is extremely well funded and organized. Findings indicate that a small number of top corporate executives stand to make huge profits, while the workers on the kill-floor are generally people with few choices about where they work like criminals or those illegally in the country.. Local communities are left with hazardous health and environmental conditions which the plant owners ignore. Often referred to as corporate thugs, these deep pocket interests use fear based campaigns to mislead an army of faithful farmers, ranchers and unassuming equine specialists. The result is a nation divided… but it’s a nation of blurred lines.

One of the most popular pro-slaughter claims is that horse owners will lose their right to humanely euthanize their horse, when in fact that is not true. The pending bill (HR503) would make it a crime to slaughter a horse in the U.S. for human consumption, but it doesn’t restrict the right of an owner to humanely euthanize their own horse. Another popular myth used by proponents is that, if horse slaughter is made illegal then the next thing will be to make slaughtering cattle illegal. This misinformation has then been repeated based on fear of an industry wide shut down within the Ag/ Livestock industries. Many in misguided Ag leaders have even gone so far as to rally farmers and other related groups against regular everyday people who care about their animals, by labeling them as radical animal activists and eco-terrorists. What most people don’t know is that horse slaughter proponents are said to be working hard behind closed doors to prepare Americans’ palate for what they hope will become America’s next red meat. . . “Horsemeat, the New Beef”.

The UOH just revealed one of their newest campaign efforts, the development of a nationwide so-called 'Do Not Slaughter' registry. The UOH states that horses would purportedly be checked at slaughter plants and at borders, so that registered owners could retrieve their horses. The UOH does not mention who would be responsible for the required veterinary care to revive the horses that might survive the cruel 24-48 hour transport without food, water or rest. Nor does the UOH explain who would pay for humane transport back to the registered owner.

President of Equine Advocates, Susan Wagner states, “Horse slaughter actually encourages the violation of animal cruelty laws because people who starve their horses or take non weight bearing horses to slaughter auctions, are supposed to be charged with animal cruelty; but instead, they are rewarded, getting paid, and being allowed to sell these animals.”

Most Americans have no idea that the slaughter process begins at the auction. Once a horse enters into the food chain, most animal cruelty protection laws become inapplicable. Even worse, regulations meant to provide a “humane” experience for slaughter-bound equines have a proven record of not being enforced.

WFLF supports The Prevention of Equine Cruelty bills HR503 and S727. “The legislation is pending in both the House and the Senate. It will prohibit the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and end the transport of our American horses to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.” – Debra Lopez, Americans Against Horse Slaughter.

For those left wanting to know a little more about UOH, sitting on their co-founders board is Conrad Burns, who in 2004 pushed through a midnight amendment that legalized the slaughter of America’s wild Mustangs. Also on the UOH board is Frank Bowman of the American Horse Council which claims not to be pro slaughter; however US Lobby reports reveal the Frank Bowman spends quite a bit of money lobbying for slaughter. …So, who is “Slaughterhouse Sue”?

In addition to being the Wyoming State Rep. (R) she is UOH President and CEO.

(Read part two of this report Monday Feb 1, 2010)

Learn more:

Learn more about this while issue through the film "Saving America's Horse A Nation Betrayed" which features the country's most renown equine experts. This is a collaborative effort. Coming 2010!

Saving America’s Horses - A Nation Betrayed

Animal Law Coalition

Veterinarians for Equine Welfare

Americans Against Horse Slaughter

Equine Welfare Alliance

Kaufman Zoning

Link to PDF of this report

Missouri state Rep. James Viebrock Endorsement of Horse Slaughter

2010-01-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Show MO Legislators Why They Should Oppose H.B. 1747

Jan 24, 2010

Posted with Permission
By Laura Allen,
Animal Law Coalition

Missouri state Rep. James Viebrock has introduced a bill, H.B. 1747, that would authorize registration and inspections for commercial horse slaughter for human consumption.

The bill proposes that the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture would register commercial horse slaughter operations and certify "that the parts of horses to be processed are fit for human food, and the processing establishment to be operated complies with ... sanitary standards". All registration and inspection fees collected" would "be paid to the director of agriculture and deposited into the state ‘Horse Meat and Product Fund'". Annual inspection fees would be used "to pay for USDA inspection of horse meat products and horse meat processing facilities."

According to the bill, H.B. 1747, "the [state] director [of Agriculture] shall make all necessary inspections and investigations" and the USDA would also have access "at all reasonable times to any building, room, vehicle, boat, or other premises in which any horse carcass, horse meat, or horse meat food product is processed, packed, transported, sold, exposed, or offered for sale at retail."

The USDA would be free to pay for samples or specimens of the carcass or "product" to determine if there are violations of USDA regulations.

The new law would have requirements for labeling, remedies to protect against adulteration, misbranding, failure to label or brand, or unfitness for human consumption. Places that serve horsemeat would be required to post conspicuous warning signs.

The proposal, of course, is simply another tactic to try to create a market in the U.S. for horse meat or at least pretend there is one with the hope of forcing a return of horse slaughter to this country. This bill is similar to a number of bills and resolutions introduced in 2009 in an effort to defeat the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act, H.R. 503/S.B. 727, now pending in Congress and which would make it illegal to "possess..., ship..., transport..., purchase.., sell... deliver..., or receive" in interstate or foreign commerce any horse "with the intent that it is to be slaughtered for human consumption".

Right now, commercial horse slaughter for human consumption is illegal in the U.S. though horses can be transported to other countries, typically Mexico and Canada, for slaughter. Since 2006 Congress has de-funded ante-mortem inspections required to slaughter horses for human consumption. Congress continued the de-funding in the 2010 Appropriations Act, Sec. 744.

In 2007 a federal court rejected an attempt by the USDA to allow horse slaughter operators to pay for the inspections. The USDA is currently not authorized to conduct ante-mortem inspections of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. Without those inspections, it is illegal under the Federal Meat Inspection Act ("FMIA"), 21 U.S.C. §§601(w)(1), 603, to slaughter horses for human consumption.

If this bill becomes law, it is not clear the USDA would authorize Missouri state inspectors to conduct the required inspections. The funds to pay for the state as well as USDA inspections would come from horse slaughter operators, the same situation in the previous litigation. The judge in that case found the USDA violated the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. § 4321, et seq., by failing to consider adequately, or, really, at all, the environmental impact of its action in allowing horse slaughter operators to pay for their own inspections.

(Cont'd)

Wild Horse Remain Under Seige by Government Authorities

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wild for Life Foundation (Jan 22, 2010)
The BLM reports that 118 horses taken to the Fallon facility on Wednesday. They intend to ship the remaining horses at the trap sites to Fallon on 1/22/10 and a new location in the Calico HMA will be established. BLM states that approx 30 mares from the Warm Springs HMA range in body condition from a 2.5 to 3.0, but the BLM does not mention the fact that these mares are still nursing their young. An estimated 20 to 25 horses at the facility have received treatment for vaioius injuries or lameness. Other reports are still coming in.

No wind breaks will be constructed for the general population of wild horses now penned inside the new BLM feed lot, though after much pressure from pro horse advocates, the BLM just announced they now intend to build wind breaks for sick & lame animals...

Recently free roaming Calico wild horses adversely impacted as follows: 1,195 REMOVED, 1,074 AT FEED LOT, 30 IN TRAPS, 2 SHOT AT TRAP SITES, 1 DIED DURING STAMPEDE, 1 ESCAPED- CURRENT WHEREABOUTS UNCONFIRMED, SIX DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO FEED LOT. (Said totals per BLM) *Note that inconsistencies remain as to the true number of horses on site at the Fallon feed lot.

Read the WFLF Report on the Calico Round Up, "The Look in Their Eyes"

From The Cloud Foundation:
Two more horses were killed at the Fallon Facility in conjunction with the Calico roundup on 1/21/10. Based on the posted BLM report: The Cattoors/BLM ran the feet off a colt on Tuesday, let him stand for a day, then made him ride four hours in a trailer to Fallon where he was unloaded and then shot. At least two of his hooves had fallen off. This colt and his family may have been run by helicopter up to 14 miles on Tuesday. We don’t know how fast over rough volcanic rock and terrain this foal was run. Another mare was down in the trailer, arrived at Fallon alive and then died subsequently. No members of the public were allowed to observe on 1/21/10 and no one will be allowed to go to Fallon Facility until Tuesday, Jan. 26th.

This from In Defense of Animals:
It’s time to get public comments in on another large removal of wild horses which is planned by the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This time the BLM intends to remove over 500 of the estimated 645 horses living in or near the “Eagle Herd Management Area” in eastern Nevada outside of Ely. While 500 individuals is fewer than the 2,500 horses currently being rounded up and removed from the Calico Complex in northwest Nevada (click here for Calico update), the Eagle roundup is even more ludicrous because it is 125,000 acres larger than Calico, but the government will only allow 100 horses to remain! In Calico, by contrast, 500-900 horses will be left behind in the approximately 500,000-acre public land complex.

The Obama Administration is continuing the Bush Administration policy of targeting wild horses in order to serve special cattle and other industry interests. Under President Obama's oversight, the BLM is actually accelerating the pace of wild horse removals, with 12,000 horses targeted for capture from our public lands in Fiscal Year 2010 alone. The majority of these horses will be sent to government holding facilities, where they will join the 35,000 wild horses already stockpiled at taxpayer expense.

This from the Cloud Foundation:
Captured Calico Wild Horses Denied Windbreaks
BLM’s double-standards leave nearly 1000 captured mustangs in the cold
Fallon, NV (January 19, 2010)— 956 wild American mustangs rounded up off public land by helicopters in the past two weeks now stand in a feedlot-style Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contracted holding facility outside of Fallon, Nevada on private land. The new Fallon facility is not equipped with shelter, windbreaks or protection of any kind for the horses. High winds, rain and snow are expected to continue through the end of the week. In Calico, herds can move to sheltered canyons for protection from the harsh winter weather. Yet, in Fallon, they are deprived of adequate protection despite recommendations from wild horse advocates. This is in direct opposition to BLM’s own standards.
“I’m confused by the double standard. Before members of the public are allowed to adopt a wild horse from BLM we must prove we have adequate shelter. Why doesn’t BLM have to meet the same standards?” asks Ann Evans, adopter of three mustangs.
Yesterday, members of the public reported an inhumane lack of windbreaks. No apparent effort has been made to tie canvas tarps on fences to block the howling wind and the anticipated driving snow. On Friday January 15, advocates asked local Nevada BLM staff, Directors and top-level Department of Interior (DOI) under-secretaries to intervene on behalf of the horses by creating wind blocks.

Click here to join the Unified Call for an Immediate Moratorium on Wild Horse & Burro Roundups
.
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LIVE BAIT DOG TRAINING IN INDIANA

2010-01-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

LIVE BAIT
DOG TRAINING IN INDIANA

ETHICALLY INDEFENSIBLE

ECOLOGICALLY RECKLESS

COUNTER TO SOUND SCIENTIFIC WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Current loopholes in Indiana ’s wildlife regulations allow the capture and killing of coyotes and red foxes by dogs in the wild. Moreover, no rule or law exists prohibiting the trapping and selling of coyotes and foxes in state or across state lines to “penning” facilities where these wild canines are then used to “train” hunting dogs in “running pens.” Operators of the running pens often charge a fee for individuals to “train” their hunting dogs on the captive coyotes and foxes. Penned wild canids are often killed by being torn apart by the dog pack. Other States are moving away from such barbaric activities such as the use of “running pens”.
As a society we have decided that dog and cock fighting are ethically indefensible and we have banned these practices nationwide. Setting dogs onto wild animals has no place in a civilized society.

Does Indiana want to be known worldwide as supporting and facilitating such cruel ‘sports’?

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY TO HELP STOP THE BARBARISM!

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED AHEAD OF A CRUCIAL MEETING OF THE INDIANA NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION ON MARCH 16 2010. A DECISION WILL BE MADE ON TWO CITIZEN’S PETITIONS. ONE IS TO DISALLOW RUNNING PENS IN INDIANA AND THE OTHER IS TO STOP THE KILLING OF FOXES AND COYOTES BY DOGS.

PLEASE CONTACT THE NRC OFFICIALS LISTED BELOW AND THE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA IN SUPPORT OF BOTH PETITIONS.

Your comment must include your address.

· Email Jennifer Kane jkane@nrc.in.gov

· Email Sandra Jensen sjensen@nrc.in.gov

· Email or call Governor Mitch Daniels mdaniels@gov.in.gov telephone 1-317-232-4567

You may also write the Governor at:

Office of Governor Mitch Daniels
200 W. Washington St #206
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2731

--

Information courtesy of:
CeAnn Lambert
Indiana Coyote Rescue Center
www.coyoterescue.org

Signature Drive to Help Prevent Puppy Mill Cruelty

2010-01-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

By Laura Allen
Animal Law Coalition
Jan.14, 2010

Ohio ranks seventh among the top ten states in the nation with the most USDA licensed commercial breeding kennels, a 400% increase from just six years ago. Dogs at these facilities typically receive little to no medical care, live in conditions with little to no exercise, socialization or human interaction, and are confined inside wire cages the size of a dishwasher for life.

Coalition Launches Signature Drive to Help Prevent Puppy Mill Cruelty

A state ballot initiative committee, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions, has officially kicked off its 2010 campaign to save hundreds of "breeding" dogs which they believe are bought and sold carelessly and often treated heartlessly with little or no regard for their health and well-being.

The Ohio Dog Auctions Act is a measure whose mission is to help improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Ohio. The proposed law would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

The Coalition plans to gather the more than 120,700 valid signatures of registered Ohio voters by December 1 to place a measure on the November 2011 statewide ballot, giving Ohio citizens the opportunity to end dog auctions and raffles. As of today, the group has received over 7,000 signatures from 64 counties.

(more)

New West Coast Regional Coordinator for AAHS

2010-01-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA (Americans Against Horse Slaughter) Jan. 13, 2010

American's Against Horse Slaughter Welcomes Katia Louise from WFLF As Our New West Coast Regional Coordinator

AAHS is very pleased to announce the appointment of Katia Louise as our West Coast Regional Coordinator. "With the AAHS membership growing by leaps and bounds, we find it necessary to implement Regional Coordinators." said Shelley Abrams co founder of Americans Against Horse Slaughter. This year promises to be very active in our fight to end horse slaughter and having someone the caliber of Katia Louise in this position will prove to be a great asset.

As highly regarded spokesperson and champion for the health and welfare of both wild and domestic equines, Katia's been working to end horse slaughter since 2004. Ms Louise is a Broadcast Journalist, Talk Show Host, Filmmaker, Actress and a lifelong animal advocate. Earlier this year she produced "Saving America's Horses" an audio documentary for international radio which in part inspired the making of the film currently in production, “Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed”. As Executive Director of WFLF Humanion Films, she formed a national coalition of the top anti-slaughter equine experts and pro-horse specialists which in 2009 officially teamed up efforts with AAHS to raise even more awareness for this cause.

Americans Against Horse Slaughter is thrilled that Katia has agreed to join us as the West Coast Regional Coordinator. She is looking forward to working with our members.

Americans Against Horse Slaughter is a non funded, grassroots national movement comprised of supporters of a federal ban on the slaughter and the transport to slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. Americans Against Horse Slaughter has no other agenda, other than to stop the brutal slaughter of American horses.

Contact: Americans Against Horse Slaughter/www.americansagainsthorseslaughter.comemail: aahsus@gmail.com

MAN’S BEST FRIEND CAMPAIGNS TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER

2010-01-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAN’S BEST FRIEND CAMPAIGNS TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER

Americans Against Horse Slaughter launches a new public awareness campaign inspired by pet lovers and concerned citizens from across the country.

Philadelphia , PA (Americans Against Horse Slaughter) January 11, 2010 - Americans Against Horse Slaughter was contacted by hundreds of concerned citizens, and other animal advocates after their recent discovery of American horses being slaughtered for the sole purpose of human consumption. The meat is then shipped to foreign countries overseas to be served as a high price delicacy.

"Are our dogs next?" says Lori Colon of Wadsworth IL . "This is unbelievable and a disgrace! I thought horses are considered our pets, our companions! We don't eat horse meat here!" continued Colon.

"I think the recent press about the wild horse roundups has shed light on our country's dirty little secret, horse slaughter", said Shelley Abrams, co founder of AAHS. “The wild horse advocates and organizations that have worked for so many years to protect the wild horses have done a wonderful job of creating mass awareness to the general public through the media and that has inspired the lay person to learn more.” Abrams added.

While the wild horses are in the forefront right now due to the unconscionable round ups taking place around the country which also put them at risk for slaughter, it is important to remember that our thoroughbreds, quarter horses and all breeds of horses are currently being inhumanely slaughtered for human consumption every day.

Americans Against Horse Slaughter is calling on all animal lovers and animal advocates to rise up against this brutal practice of horse slaughter by voicing their concerns to their Congressman and their two U.S. Senators and asking them to co-sponsor The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act; House Bill HR503 and Senate Bill S727.

Chairman John Conyers, Jr. issued a statement today thanking all the members of Americans Against Horse Slaughter (AAHS) for their unwavering support of HR503, The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.:

“The transportation and slaughter of horses for human consumption is cruel and inhumane, and I intend to continue my efforts to stop this terrible practice. We now have 176 cosponsors to H.R. 503,and support for the bill continues to grow. The support of Americans Against Horse Slaughter (AAHS) is critical to passage, and I appreciate and commend their efforts.”

AAHS would like to thank Congressman Conyers Chairman of the Judiciary committee for his recognition of our efforts and assure him that we will continue to work closely with his office to pass HR503.

Contact: Americans Against Horse Slaughter (americansagainsthorseslaughter.com)

Email: aahsus@gmail.com

Homeless Yes! - "Unwanted" NO.

2010-01-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Wild for Life Foundation, Exposing the Truth

Homeless YES! "Unwanted" NO
Have you or someone you know been misled or duped about horse slaughter? Horse slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia. The so called "unwanted horse problem" is a phrase coined by the AAEP to support their position in favor of horse slaughter. You may be a follower, or be a member of one of the entities listed below and not even realize that they are actively fighting to reopen horse slaughter plants in the US. You or an entity you belong to might even be parroting their favorite pro slaughter argument; the so called "unwanted horse problem". You may be supporting an entity that has aligned with UHC's position even though you remain adamantly against horse slaughter. Your own rescue organization may even be listed on the Unwanted Horse Coalition's website as a supporter without your knowledge or permission…

Please Beware!!
Pro slaughter proponents have one of the strongest lobbyists around; the Ag Department. (The US Department of Agriculture)

A Partial Listing of some of the entities that support horse slaughter, or that are listed as member organizations of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (a pro slaughter proponent) are listed below:
* AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners)
* AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)
* The Unwanted Horse Coalition
* UOH (United Org of the Horse)
* United Horseman's Front
* AHC (American Horse Council)
* AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association)
* American Humane Association
* Various State Horse Councils
* American Paint Horse Association
* The Farm Bureau
* BLM (Bureau of Land Management)
* The Jockey Club
* California Thoroughbred Breeders Association
* Arabian Horse Association
* Maryland Horse Breeders Association

The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) and the UOH (United Org of the Horse) supports horse slaughter. Their theme is to restore horse meat processing (aka horse slaughter) in the US to control the so-called “unwanted horse problem” and what they claim to be the overpopulation of wild and feral horses on federal, state, tribal, and private lands.

For a more complete list of entities that are on record as supporting horse slaughter, click here. Current list of Unwanted Horse Coalition Member Organizations

Don't be duped by pro slaughter attempts to misinform the public. The UOH (United Org of the Horse) claims that Tribal horse people from across the Nation have joined their cause. They also claim that name celebrities have been paid off to advocate against animal cruelty... But these things are NOT true.

The UHC is clever to list rescues as available facilities. If not for their position in support of horse slaughter it might make sense to be affiliated with them in this way. We at WFLF have to wonder how many rescues inadvertently trust the misinformation propagated by the UHC, the AVMSA and the AAEP. We understand that rescues are busy saving horses and don’t have time to do their own research and discovery. Even the majority of members in the veterinary community simply rely on information put out by these types of organizations, when in truth the slaughter process has been found to be very inhumane.

WFLF suggest that Anti slaughter supports use caution when connecting with new friends and or joining new groups on social websites like Facebook and MySpace, etc. Pro slaughter proponents have been increasingly clever with distributing misguided information. (UOH)

Support the WFLF "WANTED HORSE CAMPAIGN". Stomp out cruelty. The "unwanted horse" argument is a pro-slaughter position. Slaughter makes cruelty profitable. Please support the WFLF "Wanted Horse Campaign". Together were are their voice and they need to be heard.

www.savingamericashorses.org

© Wild for Life Foundation 2010

Calico Report by WFLF: "The Look in Their Eyes"

2010-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

January 10, 2010 (modified Jan 11, 2009)
By Katia Louise
WFLF Humanion Films
Compassionate Animal TV

Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) is working hard behind the scenes and on the front lines for the protection of all equines from slaughter. We just returned from the Calico range where through our film and media programs we've documented the BLM round up and removal of wild horses from their rightful homes on the Calico range. We witnessed the separation of young foals from their mothers and documented the many wild horses now in holding at the new BLM facility in Fallon, NV.

The new Indian Lakes facility is barren at best. It is still under construction with welders and workers on site. What struck me the most was its remote location. Far off the beaten path, this new BLM short term holding facility sits on a 160 acre private flag lot property. We were told by the BLM that it will not be open to the public once they complete the current round up. The BLM states that all wild horses currently being rounded up from the Calico Complex will be transported to this facility. When asked how long the horses would be held there, we were told that after a few months some maybe placed up for adoption and some would go to the Mustang Make Over program which they are apparently expanding. When asked what would happen to the rest of them, it was uncertain. The BLM representative on site that day was Lili Thomas and she said that the remaining horses would most likely be transported from there after a couple years. It was unclear as to where they would wind up after that.

We drove across hundreds of miles of unpaved back mountain roads in the general HMA areas of the Calico Range and despite the BLM claims that wild horses in the region are “over populating and excessive”, we only sited nine horses.

When inquiring about the purpose of the round up the BLM cites a variety of justifications. BLM Winnemucca District Manager Gene Seidlitz said “the Calico Complex consists of five HMA’s with a total of 550,000 acres, and that is not enough range area for 3,040 wild horses to thrive”. Based on the same, Mr. Seidlitz explained that the BLM must therefore remove the so called “excess” horses for their own protection… BLM, says that placing these wild horses in pens of approximately 700 square feet per horse is supposed to be the best thing for them. These arguments do NOT make sense when you do the math; each wild horse living on the Calico Range prior to this round up had approximately 180 acres to roam freely (again, that's 180 acres per horse).

The BLM website states that these wild horses are starving, thin and under nourished, yet every wild horse that we observed roaming free, at the trap site and at the new holding facility was visibly well proportioned with no signs of malnourishment. When documenting the newly arrived Calico horses at the Indian Lakes holding facility, Lili Thomas said “the environment would show signs of destruction caused by these horses long before it would be apparent that the horses were starving”. She further explained this concept by using the analogy that “people would still look the same for a while after their home refrigerator had been emptied”. In a responsible management system it makes sense to relocate animals before evidence of poor body condition or plant- induced toxicoses. In my opinion, considering the natural migratory grazing patterns of equines, it makes more sense to allow the horses to migrate across the established HMA's on their own, and if the BLM has data showing that the equines are not migrating sufficiently; why hasn't the BLM provided that data to the public? Using AUM's (animal unit months) of forage from the BLM Grazing web page, in 1941, 22M AUM's were authorized to livestock. In 2008, 12.5M AUM's were authorized to livestock, but of that amount 8.6M AUM's were actually used. In 2008, only 397K AUM's were allocated to wild horses/burros, a mere 4.6% of the total forage used, concluding that cattle still far outnumber our wild herds.

What many researchers have found to be occurring is that the BLM removes the wild equines from the range lands rather than relocating them to HMA's where the BLM has zeroed them out. it seems to be a pattern that once the equines are gone, the BLM sells extended grazing permits to cattle ranchers for the same lands. Wildlife ecologist Craig Downer, states “the digestive system of this species compliments the environment and helps to replace the nutrients that are otherwise stripped by other grazing animals such as cattle and sheep”. Based on the several independent scientific studies that compare the grazing patterns of cattle to equines, it can be concluded that wild equines replenish the environment whereas cattle do the opposite. Based on these findings and other BLM activities, it's been concluded that the BLM is mismanaging the legally established wild horse and burro herd areas to the detriment of equines. Moreover, it seems that the BLM management practices are to the benefit of livestock owners rather than to the equines that have been given the rightful use of these lands by law.

The BLM reports that by the end of the day on January 8th, 2010 another 70 horses have been "gathered" from the Calico Complex. Though we are getting mixed reports from various BLM sources, in sum there now appears to be approximately 660 wild horses held at the new Fallon facility and another 105 wild horses held in pens on site where trapped. The wild horses once chased down by helicopters into the traps are maneuvered onto trailers and transported to sorting pens at the round up site. From there they are unloaded, marked by with paint on their back, by color to designate which HMA they came from and then they separated.

When asked specifically where these horses are coming from, we were told by the BLM that they are currently "gathering from two herd areas within the Calico Complex"... Black Rock Range East and Black Rock Range West. BLM representatives say that the horses cross back and forth between herd areas on their own so it's hard for them to know where the horses are actually coming from. The BLM also admits that they "push the wild horses across HMA borders" in order to meet their round up quotas. It seems that the reason for the paint markings placed on the wild horses which are supposed to define the true and correct HMA they came from are probably meeting some unknown BLM agenda. BLM authorities were not willing to say just how far these horses were run before lead into the onsite traps by their "Judas" horse.

During the briefing on site, we were told that they were being rounded up from the mountain tops where they cross back and forth between the HMA’s. BLM staff also said they would be taking horses from the Paiute Summit Lakes reservation. Concerns were raised by horse advocates about the removal of wild horses from the non public lands of the Summit Lake Paiutes. In defense of their removal of 250 wild horses from the Summit Lake area, BLM representatives stated that "the Summit Lake Paiutes requested the BLM to remove the horses because they were destroying their resources". It's important to note that the Summit Lake reservation is adjacent to the Black Rock Range West. During a recent interview WFLF conducted with a Paiute elder from another tribe; we were told that the Summit Lake reservation is completely uninhabited. It's significant to also note that when looking at the regional map of the HMA's, that the horses rounded up from these areas would have been forced to transverse miles and miles of various terrain, including vast plains of lava beds, and elevations of over 2,000 feet higher than the trap site.

Neither media nor the public were given access to observe the entire round up areas while we were there. The limited viewing area where we were told to remain made it impossible to observe the horses as they were driven by helicopter down from the range and across the terrain to the trap site. We were not allowed to get close enough to the trap site to observe the condition of the horses upon their arrival without binoculars or a special telephoto lens. By 2pm, the Lisa Ross of the BLM told us the round up was over and that we had to leave the area, but before we left, we noticed that another group of wild horses had been driven into the trap site by helicopter. We have since learned that the helicopters will continue to roundup the horses and bring them in as long as they can see, which on this particular day, under fair weather conditions, there would have been enough time that we could have observed the round up for another three hours of day light.

With further regard to the separation process at the round up site, shortly after being driven into the traps, the mares are placed into one pen, the foals in another pen and the stallions into another. The BLM states that foals age 6 months and up are ready to wean and it’s easier for them to deal with that way. These foals are being weaned under extremely stressful circumstances; a winter round up by helicopter and long distance travel, etc. It was obvious to all non BLM observers in attendance that both the mares and the foals were experiencing extreme anxiety.

Knowing that these are sentient beings, I couldn't help but notice the look in their eyes as we left the last group of mares and foals who had just been trapped. Their eyes said it all... "Why are we here? What just happened to us?..." They had no idea that they had just spent the last free roaming moments of their lives and that they were about to forever lose their family bonds.

As a side note, when asked about burros living in the area, Winnemucca District Manager Gene Seidlitz said that there was "a viable herd living just north of Winnemucca", but he was unable to tell us any more than that.

As a result of documenting and observing these conditions we at WFLF believe that the round up activities that took place during the set observation were most likely staged by the BLM in order to portray conditions that they would like the public to believe exist on any given day. We find it curious as to why the round up is being conducted on private land where additional BLM staff and armed marshals are employed as escorts to and from the round up, especially when there are hundreds of miles of public land available adjacent to the area and which could have easily provided a working trap site for the so called “excess” wild horses. Placing the trap site on public land would have likely enabled observers to fully view the round up without obstruction.

WFLF fully supports the calling of a Moratorium on all BLM round ups and further encourages a full judicial/ congressional investigation into the BLM management practices as related to wild horses and burros. We further believe that an independent entity be assigned to document and record each and every equine that is rounded up by the BLM and or is currently under their jurisdiction through holding, in transport or otherwise.

Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) will continue to monitor, research, investigate and document this and other BLM round up activities. More comprehensive information about this issue as related to horse slaughter will be included in the WFLF Humanion Films feature documentary film production, SAVING AMERICA HORSES A NATION BETRAYED.

Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed is about protection for all equines from slaughter. We have been working around the clock behind the scenes and on the front lines investigating the corruption and misinformation. Help us help save America’s horses and burros. We are their voice and they need to be heard. ~ Katia Louise

You can help bring this film to completion with a much needed donation. Please donate now!

Americans are called Upon to Help End the Slaughter of ALL Equines, Both Wild and Domestic

2009-12-04T10:18:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WFLF Humanion Films
DEC 4, 2009
LOS ANGELES, CA

American's Against Horse Slaughter and WFLF Humanion Films team up to call on all Americans to help end the slaughter of all equines, both wild and domestic.

WFLF Humanion Films is in production on the feature documentary film entitled “Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed”. The mission of the film is for the protection of all equines from slaughter. Through a focused look into the horse slaughter industry, this film seeks to advance compassion for horses, raise awareness for their suffering, and expose the corrupt driving forces supported by those who profit from the sordid practice of horse slaughter.

Humanion Films is the film label under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a California nonprofit public benefit corporation organized for the purpose of protecting animals from cruelty and protecting wildlife from extinction.

Americans Against Horse Slaughter is a grassroots movement comprised of constituents from all 50 States. Their only mission is to end horse slaughter through the passing of Federal legislation.

www.americansagainsthorseslaughter.com

WWW.WILDFORLIFEFOUNDATION.ORG
WWW.HUMANIONFILMS.COM
WWW.SAVINGAMERICASHORSES.ORG

About WFLF Humanion Films:

WFLF Humanion Films is in production on the feature documentary film entitled “Saving America's Horses A Nation Betrayed”. The mission of the film is for the protection of all equines from slaughter. Through a focused look into the horse slaughter industry, this film seeks to advance compassion for horses, raise awareness for their suffering, and expose the corrupt driving forces supported by those who profit from the sordid practice of horse slaughter. Humanion Films is the film label under Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF), a California nonprofit public benefit corporation organized for the purpose of protecting animals from cruelty and protecting wildlife from extinction.

About AAHS:

Americans Against Horse Slaughter is a grassroots movement comprised of constituents from all 50 States. Their only mission is to end horse slaughter through the passing of Federal legislation.

Motion for Injunction to Stop Calico Complex Roundup!

2009-12-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

by Laura Allen

Dec. 3, 2009: The plaintiffs, In Defense of Animals and wildlife ecologist, Craig Downer, have filed a motion for an injunction in their lawsuit alleging the proposed roundup and removal of up to 2,500 wild horses or more from the Calico Mountain Complex in Nevada, violates the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act, 16 U.S.C. Sections 1331 et seq.

A hearing is set December 16.

BLM announced yesterday, Dec. 2, that it will proceed with the Calico roundup on Dec. 28 despite the more than 10,000 comments received during the public comment period which closed barely more than a week ago. Of course, whether BLM proceeds with its plans depends on U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman who will decide the plaintiffs' motion for an injunction.

The massive roundup and removal of thousands of wild horses from the Calico herd areas was originally set to begin on Dec. 1, but after this lawsuit was filed, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered a delay until December 28. Also, the BLM had announced the roundup before the public comment period closed and before it had even issued a formal decision or complied with the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321, et seq. NEPA requires the agency to prepare Environmental Assessments or EAs or, if indicated, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) or Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), for any proposed changes to public lands that may have a significant environmental impact. The law directs the agency to identify environmental concerns, consider alternatives including no action at all and take a "hard look" at the problem and minimize significant environmental impact. A significant environmental impact includes actions that are likely to be highly controversial or have uncertain effects on the quality of our lives and that affect cultural and historical resources. 40 C.F.R. §1508.27(b).

(Continued)

Canadians Call to Stop Horse Slaughter in Canada

2009-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

News Update re Canada Horse Slaughter Story
WFLF, Los Angeles, CA
Nov 24rd, 2009 7AM
by Katia Louise

Subsequent to the alarming news that hit the wires in Squamish, BC early Monday, sources report that Mountain FM Radio 107.1, aired an update that the SPCA and RCMP of Canada visited the Sea to Sky Stables and found no signs of abuse or neglect.

It's unclear as to the fate of the horses that may be sold for slaughter this week end. An anonymous source states that the conditions at the stables have been ongoing and that authorities may or may not discover the situation with just one visit. Local Canadian horse advocates remain concerned, and they hope authorities will continue to monitor the situation.

Pro-Horse advocates encourage stable owners to release their retiring horses to rescue organizations instead of selling them off to the cruel slaughter pipeline. Funds are donated by people who oppose horse slaughter for rescue operations/ purchasing slaughter bound horses; most of which are young and healthy.

Advocates point out that stable owners and others in the horsemanship industry that are constantly criticized for profiting from the sordid practice of horse slaughter can instead benefit from viable alternatives and at the same time gain much recognition and admiration by the public for responsible efforts that would help to put an end to the cruel slaughter of horses.

###

Cloud's Herd Continues to Suffer from Recent Round Up

2009-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Famous Cloud the Stallion Wild Herd still Suffering Damage from BLM Capture

While Americans on holiday, Labor Day weekend round up decimates herd as winter arrives

LOVELL, WY --September 26, 2009 – On Saturday at noon, 57 wild horses from the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Herd, made famous in part by the PBS Nature documentaries, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. A large crowd is expected due, in part, to the publicity surrounding the controversial roundup earlier this month.

While the missing members of their herd wait, tagged and branded in BLM holding pens, the damages of this poorly planned roundup are highly visible on the range. Beyond leaving this unique wild horse herd seriously below genetic viability, the horses on the range are clearly damaged.

“We were up on the mountaintop yesterday and the cruelty of this massive roundup has not faded away,” explains Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of the Cloud Foundation. “Cloud is lame on his right front and his filly-daughter is still extremely sore. It was painful just watching them walk to water.”

One of Cloud’s mares, also injured, appears to have a possible stifle injury. His four-year-old daughter, Firestorm, has significant difficulty walking at all. “I think they will recover but it is hard to know and winter is just around the corner,” Kathrens continues. In the past 15 years all roundups in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range have occurred later in the year when the horses were lower down on the range. This roundup took place in early September when nearly all the mountain horses were the furthest away possible from the trap site. Foals less than one month old were forced to run over 12 miles along with their families to the BLM corrals at the base of the mountain.

This roundup was scheduled early due to contractor availability, BLM desire to remove all horses from Commissary Ridge outside the designated range (a plan not revealed to the public until day one of the roundup) and National Adoption Day. The BLM is holding adoption events across the country and hopes to adopt out 1000 horses. “This is a significant event and will raise awareness for mustangs, but why they had to pillage this little herd for 57 more horses to adopt out when there are 31,750 wild horses in holding already is beyond me,” says Kathrens.

While at the turn of the century, there were approximately 2 million wild horses in America, there are only 33,100 mustangs left on the western ranges according to BLM. “I think the BLM knows that these horses will draw a considerable crowd and they put all the horses in danger with this early roundup. In what was planned to be a “model” roundup, even the most famous wild horse in the world was injured,” says Kathrens.

Citing “a disturbing round up a few weeks ago,” Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) was instrumental in legislation that passed the Senate on Sept. 24, 2009. The legislation directs the BLM “to develop a new comprehensive long-term plan for wild horse populations by September 30, 2010” according to a press release from the legislation’s sponsor, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA).

“The public outcry for preservation of our wild horses and burros is being heard” says Kathrens.

“People are not willing to sit by and watch an unchecked government destroy a Western American treasure: the wild Mustang.”

Valerie Kennedy

Makendra Silverman

www.thecloudfoundation.org

NATIONAL WILD HORSE AND BURRO MEETING LIVE ON THE WEB

2009-09-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

MESSAGE FROM HORSE POWER:
SORRY FOLKS...
SEEMS TECHIES IN ARLINGTON VA , ARE HAVING A MONDAY MORNING......
WE ARE HAVING THIS MEETING FILMED AND WILL AT LEAST HAVE THAT FOR VIEWING.... ASAP

VAYA CON DIOS
~ss~

--
HORSE POWER TO STREAM
NATIONAL WILD HORSE AND BURRO

MEETING LIVE ON THE WEB

The National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board meeting will be web-streamed live

from the Hyatt Arlington, 1325 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia,

by HORSE POWER at nvhorsepower.org through their public information and educational partner Sierra Nevada Community Access Television (SNCAT).

This meeting will cover issues relating to the management, protection, and control of wild horses and burros on Western public range lands.

Topics include: Old Business, Update on Pending Litigation, Gathers, Adoptions,

Facilities and Forest Service Updates.

Including the recommendations and input from the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board , Wild Horse and Burro Advocates along with Public Comments.

HORSE POWER is a non-profit 501(c)3, and their Educational Partner, Sierra Nevada Community Access Television., is proudly Bringing the Public the complete National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory meeting, Monday, September 28th, from 8 am - 5 PM. Starting 5 AM Pacific Standard Time.

Sally Summers
Executive Director

HORSE POWER

www.nvhorsepower.org

Mustangs on the Hill

2009-09-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

On September 29Th, horse advocates will be headed to Washington D.C. in an effort to support The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (HR503/S727) and The ROAM ACT (S1579/HR1018).

"Mustangs on Capitol Hill" will be gathering on the West Front Lawn of Capitol Hill on September 29th from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. People are encouraged to bring signs with illustrations and can also bring brochures and literature to hand out. For more information on this event, please log onto The Cloud Foundation blog

In addition to “Mustangs on Capitol Hill” on September 29Th, there’s an effort to keep a strong presence in D.C. through the end of this congressional session. We are encouraging our members and all horse advocates who can attend D.C. for a day or two, to do so between September 29th and the end of October. The Horse Defense Fund will be lobbying for both The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act and for The ROAM ACT during the week of Oct. 18th. This means we would need folks in D.C. for a day or two during the week of Oct. 4th, Oct. 11th and Oct. 25th.

Please visit The Cloud Foundation to learn more

BLM Capture of Iconic Wild Horse Herd Sparks Controversy

2009-09-17T20:29:00.002-07:00

BLM Capture of Iconic Wild Horse Herd Sparks Controversy

Senator Landrieu, Congressman Grijalva Join Public in Calling for an Immediate End to the Mismanagement of the West’s Living Legends

LOVELL, WY-- September 17, 2009 -- Once wild and free, living in spectacular sub-alpine meadows designated by Congress as their home, 57 wild Mustangs now wait in dusty pens in the 90 degree heat. The BLM pens sit at the base of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range of Wyoming and Montana. The corrals offer no shade for the wild horses, now branded, with ropes and numbers around their necks. 19 year-old Conquistador is no longer a proud band stallion. He is number 5336. 21 year-old Grumpy Grulla is no longer a lead mare. She is number 5321.

The Pryor Mountain wild horses have been made world famous by the popular PBS Nature series that has followed the pale Palomino Stallion “Cloud,” throughout his lifetime. The third program will air this Fall in October, but many of the horses the world will meet next month are among those being put up for sale and adoption at the Britton Springs corrals in Lovell, WY on Sept. 26^th. “They are losing what they value most – their freedom and their families,” says Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of the Cloud Foundation.

“Despite a National outcry and letters from Congress demanding that the BLM halt these roundups until an acceptable long-term plan is made, we have yet to see them make a single concession to an outraged public. Somewhere along the line BLM forgot that these are the public’s horses on the public’s land.” Kathrens continues.

Great hopes for change lie in the Restore Our American Mustang Act (ROAM- §1579), now in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Advocates are planning a gathering, “Mustangs on the Hill,” in Washington D.C. on September 29^th. Supporters of preserving our wild herds will fan out and meet with key Senate staffers and Senators. “The ROAM Act comes too late for thousands of horses, but we are hopeful that Congress can ride to the rescue for our wild horses,” states Arizona advocate, Julianne French. The Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971 saved wild horses in the American West from complete destruction. Since then, the BLM, charged with their protection, has failed to follow the Act. Nearly 20 million acres have been taken away from the dedicated land set aside for America’s wild horses. Over 30,000 wild horses are held by the BLM at a cost of over $100,000 per day according to Ed Roberson, Department of Interior official. Advocates are demanding that the wild horses be returned to the rangelands that were stolen from them. Congressman Grijalva (D-AZ) called for a stop to all roundups and Senator Landrieu (D-LA) recently called for the management of wild horses to be taken away from the BLM altogether.

The American public is enamored with the mustang, one of the last symbols of freedom and the disappearing spirit of the American West. "Isn’t it time that the public finds out the truth, that this gross misconduct is not a result of managing for ‘healthy horses on healthy rangelands, but is an all out eradication of America’s wild horses?” questions advocate Monika Courtney. “Will hoof beats be replaced completely by oil and gas rigs and uranium mines as the old-guard BLM regime carries forth? BLM is betraying not only our horses, but our nation.” As one advocate stated, “The West will one day be about as wild as Wal-Mart.”

The small Spanish mustangs in the Pryor herd, descendents of the Lewis and Clark expedition horses and the original Crow war ponies, may not be aware that their highly contested roundup and subsequent removal has created a wave a protest from Thoroughbred racing forums to front porches in South Texas. “A whole new group of advocates concerned about our wild horses have come out against this roundup,” states Willis Lamm, a horse trainer noted for his work with BLM mustangs. “Moving forward with this roundup was a huge mistake on the part of the BLM.”

For more information contact:

The Cloud Foundation