Zoe's Story September 16, 2009
Posted by Shannon Phillips at September 16, 2009 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBackAbout six months ago, I met an amazing girl with a personality to match, and we quickly became best friends. Like a best friend should, she doesn't care what I look like in the morning, she supports every decision I make, and she's there for me between laughter and tears. My only complaints about our friendship are that she can't go shopping with me, we're unable to go out for fancy vegan dinners, and the strangest of all? She doesn't talk. All of this might sound a little off, but it makes a little more sense when I let you know that my best friend is a dog.
As a regular volunteer at the city animal shelter, Norfolk Animal Care Center, I see a lot of animals come and go, and my best friend is really no different. She came to the shelter as a stray from one of the worst neighborhoods in Norfolk. She was lethargic, scared, had visible scars on her legs and neck, and was a little skinny. While I genuinely love each and every dog that comes through the shelter doors, there was just something different about Zoe. In the beginning, Zoe didn't even want to leave her kennel to go on walks, and she curled up on her bed and slept for the entire day. There was no doubt in my mind that she was depressed, and I wanted to do everything I could to change that for her. Over the weeks, I spent more and more time with Zoe and eventually gained her trust. We went on long walks, played fetch, and the amazing staff made sure that she got her favorite pink comforter to lay on every night at bedtime.
Over the next few months, I showed Zoe to just about every family that walked through the doors looking for a new companion. Unfortunately, a lot of people judged Zoe by her appearance and opted to look at smaller dogs, puppies, or purebreds. After multiple rejections, I started to feel like I was letting Zoe down. More than anything, I wanted someone to give her a chance and a forever home, but little did I know ... that person would be me. After about three months in the shelter, I heard word that Zoe had a chance of being euthanized as no one seemed to be interested, and the shelter was full of other dogs who also needed forever homes. At that moment, I knew I had to do something. I scribbled a note for the shelter manager on a post-it and stuck it on his office door. On May 8th, 2009, I picked up my new companion and we've been inseparable ever since.
It feels so great to know that Zoe has a second chance in life, but more than anything, I wish that so many other dogs in shelters could have that same chance. Every year, approximately 6 to 8 million animals are turned into shelters, and 4 million of those animals are either euthanized or end up in no-kill shelters where they may spend years living in a cage. Many animals come in as strays, but some are even surrendered by their guardians for reasons like "allergies," "we're moving," "can't keep anymore," "too expensive"—there are just too many to list. If there's anything I've learned from Zoe and volunteering at the shelter, it's the importance of spaying and neutering (the world doesn't need any more puppies, trust me!), only getting an animal companion if you have the time, money, and means to do so, and avoiding pet stores and
So if you're looking for a friend and have the time and the means to do so, please adopt a companion from your local shelter—they will thank you with a lifetime of unconditional love.
xoP.S. In her new life, Zoe loves the PETA dog park, cuddling on the couch, peanut butter biscuits, playgrounds filled with children (she absolutely adores kids), car rides, trying to play with my cats—Mr. Chow and Bean, and grooming my bunny, Princess Bun-Bun. I'm also happy to say that Zoe is now a PETA office dog and comes to work with me every day! In fact, she's curled up at my feet as I type this.
PETA's Position on Pit Bulls (Warning: Graphic Images) July 21, 2009
Posted by Ryan at July 21, 2009 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 8 ) | TrackBackHere at peta2, we receive lots of questions on how we feel about pit bulls and breed-specific legislation. To help clear up any confusion, here is our official position, reposted from PETA, on pit bulls: We're for 'em.
By "for 'em," I mean that we are for pit bull protection, for their happiness, and for treating them like dogs instead of like cheap burglar alarms, punching bags, or gladiators in perverted death matches.
Some pit bull fanciers out there seem to think that PETA is "against" pit bulls because we don't oppose breed-specific measures to address what is obviously a breed-specific crisis. Au contraire. If someone proposed a ban on breeding Labrador retrievers or Chihuahuas or poodles (you get the picture—any dog), we'd be for those too. That's because we don't think any dogs should be brought into the world as long as millions are dying for lack of homes in animal shelters and on the streets every year.
Millions, people. Millions of dogs just like the ones you share your homes with have to be euthanized because too many people fail to spay and neuter their animals and choose to buy from breeders and pet stores instead of saving lives by adopting from animal shelters. Wouldn't we be derelict in our duty if we didn't support laws that would alleviate suffering and reduce those numbers? If those laws saved just one animal from suffering a miserable life or a painful death, wouldn't they be worth it?
Pit bulls are often singled out by legislators because they are involved in so many attacks on humans and other dogs—as well as horrific cruelty cases. Our fieldworkers know firsthand just how frequently and mercilessly pit bulls are abused. These dogs are hands-down the most common victims of heartbreaking abuse and severe neglect that our caseworkers encounter.
I'm going to warn you—the following pictures, which were taken by our caseworkers of pit bulls they have helped, are graphic and disturbing. But I hope you'll steel yourself to look at them and decide for yourself whether or not these suffering dogs would have been better off if they had never been born:
This is Rikus.
PETA fieldworkers found him cowering in his doghouse with a gaping wound on one of his legs, exposing muscle and bone. His face was swollen to the size of a melon because of infected wounds that he had suffered during a dogfight.
Music was nothing more than skin and bones when we found him, chained, without food or water, and with nothing but a rusty pile of junk for shelter. He was shivering in freezing weather, trapped at the end of a heavy chain when we found him.
Music's ears were shredded and his body was covered with scabs and scars—an indication that he had been forced to fight with other dogs.
In December of last year, PETA staffers found Zoo—also skin and bones—chained and starving in Suffolk, Virginia.
Our vet determined that Zoo was 20 to 30 pounds underweight. Zoo tested negative for intestinal parasites—meaning that his emaciated body condition was because of starvation. He was also filthy, flea-ridden, and heartworm positive. We charged his callous owners with cruelty to animals. They pleaded not guilty in court, but the judge saw through their lies and convicted them. They were sentenced to 30 days in jail (suspended) and forced to pay fines of $250 each as well as restitution for Zoo's veterinary bill.
On New Year's Day, heartbroken PETA staffers discovered this angel, Hugo, dead inside his PETA-supplied doghouse. A necropsy report confirmed that Hugo had been starved to death—the only contents of his stomach were grass and orange peels. He had scars consistent with dogfighting and had a fractured rib that was the result of trauma. We worked with law enforcement officials to bring charges against the person who was responsible for Hugo's prolonged suffering and death. A judge sentenced the defendant to 120 days in jail and five years of probation during which time he is not allowed to inhabit a residence that has any animals in it.
Blackie was chained to an old carrier with no food or water. He was painfully thin, and his right rear leg had a compound fracture that had been left to rot for weeks.
For more information about PETA's position on pit bulls, check out our new pamphlet on the subject.
Free Stuff Friday: Vegan Condoms December 26, 2008
Posted by Ashleigh at December 26, 2008 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 110 ) | TrackBackHomelessness isn't just a human problem. Animal shelters in the United States must euthanize nearly 4 million dogs and cats every year because of simple math: too many animals and not enough worthy adoptive homes. The good news is that you can help prevent this; it's as easy as ABC—Animal Birth Control! The main tenets of ABC are: never breed or buy animals; always adopt; and always spay and neuter. Simple, right?
Unfortunately, not everyone has gotten the message. Sixteen percent of the approx. 90 million owned cats in the US and thirty percent of the approx. 73 million owned dogs remain unsterilized. That's 35 million animals who are unsterilized! (And that's not even counting the millions of "unowned" animals who are struggling to survive on the streets.)
Watch this video to learn more:
Ready to help? We're giving away 5 boxes of 100 Glyde condoms (ultra licorice flavored) that you can give out to your friends in an effort to educate them about ABC (and to encourage them to be safe in their own sexual practices)! Let them know that dogs and cats can't use condoms, so in order to prevent pregnancy they need to be spayed and neutered. And don't forget to sign here to pledge to end animal homelessness.
To win, comment below with why everyone should practice their ABCs!
FYI – these condoms expire in April of 09, so distribute them quickly and tell everyone about the expiration date!
Oh, and this contest ends January 9, 2009 and the five winners will be chosen and notified by January 16, 2009!
All entrants must be at least 18 years old. By commenting on the blog and entering the contest, you are confirming that you are 18 or older. Also, by commenting here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.
Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.
Be safe!
PS - Does this remind you of the sex talk your parents had with you?
Jenna Jameson Says Too Much Sex Can Be a Bad Thing August 8, 2008
Posted by Lara Sanders at August 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
spay neuter ABC animal birth control Jenna Jameson Rob and Big companion animal animal shelters
Got your attention? I thought so. Jenna Jameson has been known to do that! Don't believe me? Take a look...
Jenna posed for PETA's latest ABC ad to raise the very important issue of birth control—animal birth control that is.
Every year, nearly 7 million dogs and cats are abandoned at animal shelters in the U.S. because there are simply not enough good homes. The good news is, like Jenna, you can help—and you don't even have to take your clothes off to do so! It's as easy as ABC (animal birth control).
What does animal birth control mean? It means always spaying and neutering your companion animals and never buying from a breeder or pet store. If every animal lover took these small steps we could all help put an end to the companion animal overpopulation crisis!
Comment below on which ABC ad you like better: Jenna's or Rob and Big's?
xoxo- Lara
Hi. I'm Indy. May 23, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi at May 23, 2008 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
spay neuter adopt Indy cute campaign coordinator
Hi. My name is Indy, and I'm peta2's new Cute Campaign Coordinator. I enjoy making ladies' hearts skip a beat, peeing in the PETA dog park, and scaring the crap out of squirrels. I also enjoy naps, but really who doesn't love an afternoon snooze? My favorite food is vegetarian deli slices and my favorite band currently has got to be The Dillinger Escape Plan.
It's always fun to come into the office with my buddy Wheels since I get to hang out with a bunch of other dogs here. Here are some pics of me.
I've been in the office for the last few weeks as you can see here, but will soon make my way to West Virginia. I'll be working hard to raise awareness about the plight of all cute and non-cute animals who are suffering due to the greed of pet stores and breeders, and other industries that exploit animals.
Unfortunately, not every animal is as cute as me, so that's why it's up to me to get out there and be a representative for my friends in the animal world. I'm confident that you humans will realize how horribly animals suffer for stupid stuff like those fur coats, buckets of flesh, and all that.
I was hoping you can do me a favor. The issue of adopting animals is really close to my heart. After all, I was adopted and know that for every animal bred or sold at a pet store, another one just like me is going to be killed.
So please never buy an animal, only adopt. Please! The folks in peta2 need your help.
I'm going to go for a walk now and then it's back to work. But take care and maybe I'll check in another time with you humans.
In cuteness,
-Indy
Free Stuff Friday: It's Raining Cats And Dogs April 18, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi at April 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 339 ) | TrackBackYou know that whole "April showers bring May flowers" thing? Well, it's April and to help protect you from those rain showers, we've got a unique prize pack for you including an "It's Raining Cats and Dogs" umbrella and your choice of "My Dog Is A Rescue" or "My Cat Is A Rescue" t-shirt! To win, all you have to do is comment below with the name of your favorite dog or cat (yep, you can choose a few animals, there's plenty of love to go around).
Why do we say that it's raining cats and dogs? Well, U.S. animal shelters must put to death nearly 4 million dogs and cats every year because of simple math: too many animals and not enough worthy adoptive homes. (And no, hoarding animals in "no kill" shelters really doesn't address the root of the problem, unfortunately). It's not shelters' fault, they're just cleaning up the unfortunate situation created by puppy mills, breeders, and pet stores which cash in while animals die in shelters.
Can I make this any more clear? For every animal who is bought or sold, one adoptable animal will die. So learn the facts and comment with your favorite dog's or cat's name for a chance to win!
This contest ends April 25, 2008 and the winner will be chosen and notified by April 28, 2008!
Just so you know, by commenting here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy. Also by commenting, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.
P.S.- Yea that's Assistant Street Team Coordinator Rachel Owen modeling the umbrella.
Ashley Is Awesome! April 7, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi at April 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
dogs spay neuter Street Team Student activism
A little while back I started corresponding with Ashley, a local high school student, and ever since then she's impressed me with her passion for animal rights whether it comes to protecting dogs, rabbits, chickens, or elephants! She's most interested in helping stop the overpopulation crisis which leaves so many animals suffering and forced to be euthanized. I wanted to introduce you to Ashley with a little interview since she has so much to say!
How did you get into animal rights?
I first got into animal rights when I was about 12... when I got into high school I found out about a club called AWARE and because it had something to do with animals, I immediately decided I would join. I've loved animals and all things living since I was a young'n, this in turn makes me the "little black sheep" of the family... Ms. Lauter, who would become my future life coach, and head of the club, got me into fixing my dog (instead of breeding). We took one trip to the shelter and I decided that was it. I decided this is what I was made for, that I would rescue homeless pets all over the world— that there was no need for the suffering. After that I (began) to do more research on different animals around the world... so that I could learn more.
Is there a particular animal rights issue you feel strongly about and why?
There are a lot of things I feel strongly about concerning animal rights. I don't believe in breeding dogs and cats at this point, for one thing. We have an OVERPOPULATION problem and thousands of thousands of homeless pets, who deserve to be loved and cared for are being euthanized each day. Why, I cannot fathom, are we still breeding... Good dogs and cats deserve homes and love...
Other than that, any killing of animals just isn't my cup of tea. I don't believe hunting is ethical, I don't believe in animal testing, and I don't like puppy mills, circuses, factory farms, I don't like fur for clothing...
Can you tell us a little bit about how you try to educate other people about animal rights?
I usually carry an array of papers in my book bag wherever I go. Then when I go out, I talk to just about anyone I see! I hand out papers and really I just talk to people. People know me in my school as "obsessed," but I counter them with the fact that I'm just passionate. The love for animals is embedded in me and I can't fight it so I just roll with the punches! We have a group in my school called AWARE and that's another way I go out and educate. We have meetings and paperwork and I educate them, then send them out to educate others! I also take pictures. People tend to be very visual, and a picture can say a thousand words.
Can you tell us about the award you recently won for your photography?
Oh yea! I won the PTA Reflections Contest for photography. I got first place for my school then moved on to city-wide where I got second place!
One of Ashley's award-winning photos
What are your favorite foods?
I guess my fave food is french fries. Preferably waffle fries. I love plantains too, Kool-aid, trail mix, and pretty much whatever else isn't good for you!
What is your favorite music?
Anything real, except country. I only like one country song by the Dixie Chicks "Goodbye Earl."
What else do you do for fun?
Photography is my hobby. I love it. And I like to bird watch. I combine the two and get pictures of birds! LOL! I pretty like anything that has to do with animals. But just like most teens I like shopping and going to the movies, hanging out and texting!
Thanks to Ashley and for anyone else with cool stories about your work to help animals, please let us know! Just send us a message!
Los Angeles People, Help Dogs And Cats January 31, 2008
Posted by Pulin Modi at January 31, 2008 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
cats dogs spay neuter Los Angeles LA Street Team
The Los Angeles City Council has a meeting tomorrow morning (Friday, February 1st) to discuss a historic ordinance that would require virtually all dogs and cats in Los Angeles to be spayed or neutered. If you happen to live in L.A. and can help voice your support for mandatory spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats, please drop some encouragement your council member's way. You can find his or her phone number at http://www.lacity.org/council.htm. Just let the council member know that you support the spay-neuter ordinance, and you're hoping they will too. You can also attend the meeting to show your support.
If you don't live in L.A., you can still help raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering animals by checking out this page and forwarding the hilarious videos to everyone you know or streaming them on your MySpace page.
Learn more about peta2's Animal Birth Control (ABC) campaign at peta2.com
Do You Practice Your ABCs? November 30, 2007
Posted by Marta at November 30, 2007 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBackGrowing up, I was used to seeing tons of cats wandering the streets all the time and dogs running loose in my neighborhood—and sadly, I never really thought a whole lot about it. These animals were in dire need of homes, and my heart always went out to them, but it just kind of struck me as the way things had to be. That's not true though. People just need to learn to practice their ABCs—Animal Birth Control.
Sixteen percent of the approximately 90 million cats with homes in the U.S., and 30 percent of the approximately 73 million dogs with homes, remain unsterilized—and that's not even counting those homeless animals like I saw growing up! Think about it: Each time a cat or dog gets pregnant, they have many kittens and puppies—and how many people do you know that keep an entire litter? Hardly anybody at all. That adds up to lots and lots of animals that need homes.
There are already millions of animals in shelters that need good homes, and we need to do all we can not to contribute to that number. The fact that people breed animals for profit—when there are so many wonderful animals our there in need of a loving family to adopt them—absolutely breaks my heart. Every animal bred and born—on purpose or by accident—and every animal purchased from a breeder or pet store occupies a home that could have taken in a dog or cat dying for a home at an animal shelter.
What better way to spread the importance of practicing your ABCs then with some edgy new videos? Check 'em out below, and then send them to everyone you know!
Amazing, right? I can't get enough of them!
Please, please, practice your ABCs and encourage your friends and family to get their animals spayed and neutered and never to buy an animal from a breeder. You really will be saving lives.
♥ Marta
Bikes, Dogs, and France July 27, 2007
Posted by Lara Sanders at July 27, 2007 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack
TAGGED:
Levi Leipheimer Tour de France spay neuter dog
What do bikes, dogs, and France have in common? Levi Leipheimer that's what—let me tell you why. Not only is Levi Team Discovery's top hope to win this year's Tour de France (you know, that ginourmous bike race in Europe that Lance Armstrong won a bunch of times?), he is also the star of a brand new PETA ad, encouraging people to have their companion animals spayed and neutered. Check out the ad starring Levi and his rescued pup Bandit (to the right), then scroll down to read the interview.
When did you decide to pursue cycling professionally?
I started riding when I was 13, and I basically knew then that it was what I wanted to do. I race for seven months of the year and train for 10. During the off-season, I usually ride my mountain bike for fun. In an average training week, I ride between two and seven hours a day.
We heard that you enjoy eating vegetarian food. Is there one vegetarian dish that you would recommend for athletes in training?
Every day when I head out on my bike, I'm fueled by an energy-packed vegetarian breakfast of oatmeal, apples, blueberries, strawberries, and nuts. I've done this for years. My favorite post-ride meal is pasta with lots of garlic and sunflower seeds or pine nuts.
What message would you like to get out to folks about how they can help reduce companion animal overpopulation?
In the Unites States, there really isn't any excuse for not spaying and neutering your pets. There are low-cost spay-neuter options in almost every city and town. All you have to do is look.
You have a lot of fans out there, which gives you a powerful platform to reach people and make a difference. What is your message to them about having compassion and getting active to help animals?
The world belongs to animals, too—it's not just ours for the taking. Be kind to animals.
Levi is currently in 3rd place, so ride like the wind Levi...ride like the wind.
xoxo-Lara
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