Protect Our Wolves

This is an animal issue that I’ve been concerned about for a long time. It’s such a national dilemma often it’s difficult to get people to pay attention, especially when there is so much cruelty in our local animal population already.

These majestic creatures have been around for as long as scientists could remember. They are ancestors to dogs, and the reasons dogs exist today in so many forms, as beloved companions to millions around the world. Centuries of literature and fables misrepresent wolves as barbaric wild monsters that lurk the woods, killing people. Did you know, that there as never been a proven, documented case where a wolf has maimed or killed a person unprovoked?

No doubt, they are wild, and dangerous when their families and territory are threatened. They never purposefully seek out human beings. Long story short, wolf population, especially in the Northern Rockies, has declined faster than any known mammals alive today due to hunting and loss of habitat. As a result, in 1973 they were placed under the Endangered Species Act, with reintroduction in the rockies to restore population. Still, they are being illegally hunted, even in Yellowstone National Park which is protected by federal law. In the past decade, ranchers and farmers targeted them to allegedly protect their livestock, many from Idaho and neighboring states. People also hunt them for their pelts and as trophies; they fight in government for their right to kill.

Very recently, they got their wish, and the wolves were hastily lifted from the Endangered Species Act. Within 2 days, one of the most cherished senior member of a particular pack was gunned down. Enraged, animal advocates was able to get a district judge to place the gray wolves under protection immediately, now awaiting a court decision from the challenging parties. I hope that they will restore this protection permanently.

Wolves are an essential part of our environment. Like most life on earth, they are here to keep the order of the forests, of the animal life within, and maintain the food chain in balance, since they are top predators. With less wolves around, deer population will explode even further, necessitating the need to hunt them as well to keep their population in check. This requires us to re-examine our ways. Why do we kill animals that are doing nothing but fighting for their survival?  Like the harp seals which get slaughtered every winter in the Arctic and Canada, these animals do not get in our way. Why can’t we let them be?

Thankfully, there is such a thing called human intervention. Defenders of Wildlife is the nation’s leading wildlife organization in fighting for our wolves, next is perhaps World Wildlife Fund. I urge you to visit their website www.defendersofwildlife.org to learn more.

Think nationally, act locally. Thanks!

Filed under: animal cruelty, humane organizations, hunting, local issues , defenders of wildlife, endangered species act, hunting, wolves, yellowstone national park

No Dog Meat During the Olympics in Beijing

For fear of animal rights groups criticism and offending Western visitors and countries against such customs, Beijing has taken dog meat off the menu for the duration of the Olympics. We’d only wish that they make this permanent. If they understand that they must respect our opposition against the eating of dogs, why can’t they understand that we oppose this for a reason and just stop eating them?

Korean and China are known for their dog meat-loving delicacies – well, if you call it that. What many people don’t know is that certain dog meat is not just a dish. The chinese and korean claims that it provides aphrodisiac effects for humans. More horrifically, the WAY in which a dog is killed is merciless. It has been documented that these poor dogs are hung by the neck, slowly suffocating while being beaten, which is believed to unleash certain chemicals or hormones by the brain which makes the aphrodisiac. The dogs cry in agony- they can’t even die quickly. The bodies are so beaten that the flesh becomes tender enough to eat.

How sadistic and senseless. Dogs are intelligent (as are cats). They feel. They are loving beings. They are precious.

F**k China and Korea. (no offense)

Read article here

7/22/2008 – DOG FUR
I also would like to bring up the issue of fur trade, lately exposed in the U.S. to allegedly contains dog and cat fur as trims on coats and jackets. The labels claim “faux” (fake) fur but often are not. This is another import from China and Korea. Just think, the pretty hoodie on your winter parka could be someone’s dog.

Filed under: animal cruelty, dogs and cats, international issues , aphrodisiac effects, china, dog and cat fur, dog beating, dog cruelty, dog meat, False labels, korea, olympics

National Conference on Animal Protection July 19-21

Leading animal protection agencies will be hosting a conference in our nation’s capital to address current issues of animal welfare on July 19-21. If you’re in the neighborhood or feel like taking a nice trip down to D.C. this will be an educational event if you love and care for animals.

Here you will hear from 75 experts on animal campaigning and visit more than 500 exhibitors from all over the world. Speak with advocates in person about your concerns and interests. Rally at the Capitol’s doorstep to demand action against the cruelty of puppy mills. Get the latest scoop on factory farming, local animal abuse, animal fighting, and many more. Volunteer or sign up for a job and join in the fight for animals.

Register for the conference here

Filed under: Resources, Take Action, farm animals, friends, humane organizations, local issues, puppy mills , animal campaigning, animal fighting, animal protection, conference, factory farming, puppy mills, take action 2008

Sweet Talk

Something heartwarming on Independence Day. Watch the first video, then the second. Happy 4th!

Filed under: dogs and cats, friends , cute cats, purr, talking kitties, videos