Michael Markarian: Animals & Politics

Talk Back: Wolves, Wags, and Warming

Today I’d like to share some of your comments in reaction to my recent blog entries. We received many comments in response to my post regarding the killing of Yellowstone’s most celebrated wolves:

I am so saddened by this. I have visited Yellowstone three times and was so happy when wolves were reintroduced. —Mary R.

This is so upsetting. Where is the common sense? This is what put them on the endangered species list in the first place, and now they will probably have to be put back on it, just to save them again. I'm so angry about this. What can we as American citizens do about this? —Karomy H.

How disgusting. Sarah Palin's slaughter of wolves from the air and on the ground was sickening and now our government killing innocent, helpless wolves in Yellowstone Park. Will we never learn that we have to co-exist with the rest of nature or simply wipe each away a step at a time? —Katherine N.

I enjoyed interviewing the winner of HSLF’s first-ever “There Oughta Be a Law” contest. Her concept will create a tax credit for spaying and neutering pets to help curb pet overpopulation and euthanasia:

This is awesome. I would be ecstatic if this bill passed! —Sandra D.

We also received feedback to the hostile maneuver by Congress giving another free pass to factory farms and putting a major roadblock in the way of efforts to combat global warming:

Agribiz cooked this highly deceptive strategy up because they know that the results of the simple reporting will be a revelation that would force every clear-headed citizen to drive "every American farmer out of business." —Louche

What discouraging news. Thank you for your work and for this exposé. —Alex

Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals.

Talk Back: Thanks and Spanks

I always like to hear your thoughts on my blogs and today I’d like to post a few reader comments to recent posts.

I’ve received many comments praising Ben Byrom, a 14-year-old Californian, who has been a stellar advocate for animals.

Awww, kids like Ben are very inspiring to me. As a teacher, I deal with a lot of apathetic and narcissistic kids. Hearing stories like Ben's reminds me that there are nice and caring children around the world who take the initiative to end injustices when they see them. Thank you for your good heart, Ben!—Sara N.

Ben has touched my heart and gives me hope because children are our future and their voices do count. He is an inspiration and a real hero!! Way to go Ben!!!—Lisa K.

Last month, The Ad Council, The Humane Society of the United States, and Maddie’s Fund launched The Shelter Pet Project, a national public service advertising campaign urging pet lovers to make shelter adoption their first choice.

It’s always good to hear about new pet programs but I really am only concerned with ones that actually do something to increase ownership responsibility. We need to pass a breeder permit law for everyone who wants to keep their pet from being fixed. We need to stop the selling of dogs and cats in all flea markets, newspapers, and out of their cars. I want to see every pet owner commit to keeping their pet for their entire life and if they must relinquish their duty, a system is in place to keep accurate records of where this animal goes. It should be the same responsibility one would have if they had a child.—Michael A.

Virginia state Sen. Ken Cucinnelli is an apologist for cockfighting and has a record of extreme opposition to animal protection policies. This November, he is running for attorney general in Virginia.

This person is a disgrace to the human race. How on earth he could be elected is beyond me. Thank you for exposing him and his philosophy to the voters in Virginia. I have faith in them; now that he has been exposed. I have faith he will be defeated.—Penny B.

A federal court in Kentucky made a step in the right direction this week when it upheld nearly every component of Louisville’s animal care and control ordinance, which protects pets and their owners.

A kennel club tried to overturn prohibitions on animal cruelty? What on earth is wrong with them? Good for the courts for not giving in to temptation to demonize a whole breed of dog. The owner should bear responsibility for how the dog was trained (or not!). Every pet deserves a loving home and a chance to be valued as a living family member.—T.A. P.

Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals.

Talk Back: Dogfighting, Toxic Lead Shot, and Animal Cruelty

Today I’d like to share some of your comments to recent blog posts. I recently wrote about Michael Vick working to steer at-risk youth away from dogfighting:

Nobody despised Michael Vick more than myself but HSUS is making a smart move by allowing him to speak on what he has learned (hopefully) in the dogfighting business. The younger generation who is involved in this “form of activity” will pay more attention to what a famous athlete has to say than to anyone else. Someone who has been there, done that, but discovered the cruelty in it. Better late than never.—Pam N.

The mourning dove hunting season has now begun in many states, and even though there are plenty of nontoxic alternatives, many hunters will spew toxic lead shot and ammunition into our environment:

What an excellent blog. It is only reasonable that if hunters must slaughter these little birds, they can, at the very least, do it in a less polluting way than spewing lead all over the environment. I can’t see how anyone can possibly object to that, although it doesn’t surprise me that the NRA does. They think any legislation at all, even the most reasonable kind that even hunters agree with, is an attack on their precious (and totally outdated) second amendment. Thanks for the info.—BanWolfHunting

I grew up with hunters and fishers, who participate in a better sort of conservation and knowledge of natural resources than most folks. So, it’s great to see the Humane Society helping to make the connection between how hunting can be harmful to the environment, and the reasons why. The lead-based ammo is something I don’t know if many people consider.—Ginevra

In response to a recent blog regarding the major U.S. Supreme Court case to determine whether to uphold a federal law that bans the commercial sale of videos depicting illegal acts of animal cruelty:

Some human behavior is so sick and twisted, so aberrant and dangerous, that there can be no question but that it should be outlawed and severe penalties imposed on those who commit such heinous acts. There simply is no excuse for allowing anyone to inflict such abuse on any sentient creature. Reading this makes me feel ashamed to be considered a part of any culture that allows such unthinkable acts to continue!—VR

Thank you all for your comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals!

Talk Back: First Ladies, Vick and Veterans

Today I’d like to share some of your comments to recent blog posts. I recently wrote about First Ladies Michelle Bruni-Sarkozy and Michelle Obama, and their fur-free fashion statements:

The media’s fixation with Michelle Obama’s clothing has always unsettled me, in light of her incredible achievements. I feel like it diminishes her to little more than a clothes hanger. Thank you for reminding me that the personal is political, and that clothing critique can serve a purpose. If Michelle Obama is anti-fur, than I will join others in lauding her as a style icon!—SB

For the first time in more than 15 years, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a major animal protection case to decide whether to uphold a federal law that bans the commercial sale of videos depicting illegal acts of animal cruelty:

Great report—blogged on the topic...made me ill just reading the words describing the other extreme cruelties inflicted on puppies kittens and other small animals.—Mary H.

In legislative news, a bill has been introduced in Congress to help provide service dogs for wounded warriors and disabled veterans. Pets are good for our emotional and physical health, and studies show that having a pet can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels:

What a wonderful idea, all returning soldiers, etc. should be able to bring back their dogs or cats. These animals served their time over there helping our guys survive and they deserved to come home also, with the person they love most. The idea about shelter dogs is so wonderful. I think all pet stores should have to get the animals they sell from shelters. Man, there would be a run on shelters which would eliminate some of the animals killed ever year because they don’t have homes. It would also eliminate the puppy mills and cat dungeons.—Johnnie W.

I’ve also received a flood of comments in response to my post about Michael Vick reaching out to young men in community-based programs to steer them away from dogfighting:

At first I was really disgusted to hear that the HSUS was partnering with Michael Vick. Then, I listened to Wayne Pacelle say that the Humane Society is about change. Vick has a long road ahead to prove himself worthy of association with the Humane Society. The HSUS and Michael Vick share a pragmatic point of view. Street kids WILL listen to him. I just love the wonderful pictures of the anti-fighting team. It’s fabulous to know these guys are on our side.—Georgette

I applaud HSUS’s courage in handling the Vick situation. How much easier it would be to boycott Vick, call him a barbarian and judge him as an immoral unsalvageable human being. HSUS had not given up on Vick and the countless others like him who perpetuate these abominable practices. Instead, the work HSUS is doing has the possibility of saving the lives of pit bulls who are so brutally exploited. By doing so, there is a chance of helping change cultural practices that arise from a culture of poverty and deprivation.—Jean B.

Thank you all for your feedback, and please keep the comments coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals!

Talk Back: Wildlife Abuse, Fur and Turtle Safety

Today I’d like to share some of your responses to past blog posts. I recently wrote about the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act, which would ban the remote shooting of live animals over the Internet and the trophy shooting of exotic mammals held captive inside fenced enclosures:

I am sickened to read that people actually consider it a sport to shoot and kill an animal that is held captive in a pen. How could a person take pleasure and pride in killing something they were too lazy to chase? I'm also shocked at the cowardice and cruelty of those who use remote-controlled weapons for sport. This is just not acceptable.—Leigh

The polar bear was recently listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. But Rep. Don Young (R-AK) has introduced a pair of bills that would undermine this listing and allow for the importation of sport-hunted polar trophies from Canada:

What are the names of the bills introduced by Congressman Don Young, regarding allowing polar bear trophy hunters to bring bear parts into the US? All HSLF members need to know so we can contact our own Congress reps.—Susan

Thanks for writing, Susan. It's important for legislators to hear from constituents who want to make a difference for animals. I encourage all readers to contact their U.S. Representative to urge opposition to these bills.

The Lake Jackson Ecopassage, a community-based project in Florida, would help turtles and other animals cross a busy and deadly stretch of U.S. Highway 27 in Tallahassee:

It's a nice change to see someone actually report the facts. Why does the media keep parroting Coburn's misinformation? Finally, we have someone who accurately reports about the project. Kudos to you - let's hope the rest of the media will actually do some leg work and report what the project is really about. After all, there's a reason the ecopassage has 13 million supporters. It's a great project! Read more by going to the project's web site. www.lakejacksonturtles.org.—Bob

We've also received feedback in response to yesterday's posting on the approval of the fur labeling bill in New Jersey:

Great news. I live in NJ and noticed this practice is flagrant. I brought the false advertising to the attention of the salesperson when I was shopping at Chicos. She was very reasonable and agreed to pass along my complaint.—Georgette

Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals.

Talk Back: Wildlife Abuse, Dogfighting and New Books to Check Out

Today I’d like to share some of your responses to past blog posts. I recently wrote about the National Rifle Association’s defense of poaching and its efforts to derail anti-poaching legislation in Pennsylvania:

I like this tough release, putting us on the side of law enforcement, game rangers & "responsible" hunters & NRA on the side of criminals.—Lew

Congress took a step backwards for animals when it approved a provision attached to the credit card reform bill, which would allow visitors to national parks to carry loaded weapons. A rule that struck a nerve with many blog readers:

What a sad state of affairs when we allow concealed handguns in our national parks. As stated, there is already a big problem with poaching, and now this! Where has all the common sense gone?—Karomy H.

The HSUS recently expanded its End Dogfighting campaign, which began in Chicago in 2006, to Atlanta and Los Angeles. The official kickoff event, “Casino Royale: Playing for Change,” was held on May 9th in Hollywood:

Thanks for reminding me and everyone else of this program—it doesn't get enough play, so I investigated the Chicago program, shot several street video interviews in the training center's Austin neighborhood with the "boots on the ground" people: Tio, Anthony and Antonio Pickett, Sean Moore, the reformed dog fighter, and did a phone interview with the trainer, Jeff Jenkins. I put it on my blog, as well as in my examiner.com column. It is good to highlight positive programs that are having success—so often the news on Pits is pretty bleak!—Mary H.

We also received feedback on the recent Q&A’s with AdVocacy Guru, Stephanie Vance, and Marilyn Greenwald, author of the new biography “Cleveland Amory: Media Curmudgeon and Animal Rights Crusader.”

In response to Vance’s new book, “Citizens in Action: A Guide to Lobbying and Influencing Government”:

I enjoyed this book very much. Communicating (just trying to stay informed about) even "local" government can be frustrating and intimidating. I often think that aspect of "the system" is intentional! It's useful to have a source such as this one, which can be used as a sort of virtual "cheerleading" squad to encourage you in your advocacy efforts.—Peter

In response to Greenwald’s critical biography:

Thanks for pointing this book out - I had not known about his animal rights background as I'm fairly new to the formal world of animal activism. I'm picking this up this weekend.—Frank

Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email. Thanks for all you do for animals.

Take Action for Animals This Summer

It’s a life-changing event, and two months from now you can be part of it. Here’s what animal advocates had to say after previously attending the Taking Action for Animals (TAFA) conference in the nation’s capital:

If you are looking for the quotable quotes, the issues in depth, the nudge to get you really started in advocating for animals TAFA is a must.  TAFA will give you the skills to take your concern/advocacy to the next level.—Marcia from Boise, Idaho

This was my first animal activist seminar and IT KICKED A**!! I was so inspired. It was so wonderful to be around all those people…I felt so empowered. I have been an “armchair activist” but feel ready to jump in. Thanks HSUS and TAFA for providing me with the opportunity to gain this knowledge, learn, and grow as an activist.—Lise from Landover, Md.

This was an incredible experience. I learned some very useful information, and, more importantly, I left feeling absolutely inspired. It was an amazing feeling to be in a room full of people with similar concerns, passions, and interests.—Lisa from Hope Mills, N.C.

And TAFA 2009, to be held July 24-27, will be better than ever. Keynote speakers include U.S. Congressman and Congressional Animal Protection Caucus Co-Chair Jim Moran (D-Va.), “Big Love” and “He’s Just Not That Into You” star Ginnifer Goodwin, comedian and author Carol Leifer, and HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. A special banquet dinner will feature a musical performance by singer Nellie McKay.

The plenary sessions and workshops have just been posted online, and you can find everything from planning effective campaigns to using social media to promote your cause. Learn about the critical issues facing pets, farm animals, wildlife, and animals in research, and what you can do to make a difference in your community. You’ll hear from 80 inspiring speakers and leaders from the field, representing groups like The HSUS, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Farm Sanctuary, Maddie’s Fund, and more.

TAFA is about boots on the ground for animals, and hundreds of advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with their federal lawmakers about animal protection issues. We need people from all over the country who care about animals to take part in this unique opportunity to move the ball forward in Congress—with legislation pending on puppy mills, horse slaughter, fur labeling, and other critical issues, the timing could not be more urgent.

The early registration rate ends on June 19, so I hope you will take advantage of it and join me there. At just $140, TAFA is an incredible value for a comprehensive national conference, with so many stellar speakers and workshops. TAFA registration cost includes two lunches, a banquet dinner, food and drinks at a welcome reception, and other snacks between workshops. It also includes access to the exhibit hall where you can learn about dozens of nonprofit organizations, browse the wares of animal-related businesses, and even see a cooking demonstration from a gourmet chef.

This is the one animal protection conference not to miss. I hope to see you there in July.

Talk Back: Primates, Palin, Fur Sellers, and Pet Dealers

Today I’d like to post a selection of comments that have come into the blog. Even before Travis the pet chimp critically mauled a Connecticut woman this week, I’d written about the need for Congress to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act, and many of you responded:

It always surprises me when common-sense legislation for animal welfare is shot down. Shame on Westmoreland and Bishop who won’t even stand up to fight our closely related “cousins” who grow more endangered every day. I hope that a more liberal America will allow more animal friendly legislation into Congress.—Sara N.

In addition to the primate legislation, Congress is considering a raft of other wildlife protection bills, including the Shark Conservation Act:

As a surfer I am no fan of sharks, I am actually quite terrified of them after seeing one swimming below my board once in Waikiki. But finning is so cruel and I can’t believe that it has only been illegal since 2000.—T.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been in the news again, defending her state’s unsporting and inhumane program of shooting wolves from helicopters:

Gov. Palin’s agenda is archaic and despicable and you can’t make a wrong become a right until everyone is involved. I am not an American citizen. I am an international citizen and I strongly disagree that “culling” Alaskan wolves so that “sport hunters” have more moose to kill is the weirdest line of thought I’ve ever encountered. Obviously Gov. Palin needs to be stopped and hopefully “we” of the world can stop her. I give her a “thumbs down.”—MicHale K.

We also received comments in response to the new HSUS investigation revealing that major department stores are violating a New York state law on fur labeling:

When one finds out the truth of the suffering of helpless animals for fashion or otherwise, who endure for the sake of fashion or profit, unspeakable pain and torture, it simply sickens one to their core. No fashion is worth the pain and suffering of any creature.

Would anyone allow their dog, cat, bunny, horse, etc. to ever suffer such abuse/torture? I think not. Do we really believe that any animal should??

All living creatures feel pain, fear and helplessness. Can you imagine the pain they are feeling? We only fool ourselves to think that any one of them does not suffer profound intense pain, or that it is not important that they suffer for our vanity!!—Katherine N.

Some blog readers were also interested to learn what they can do to help with the pet overpopulation problem in this country:

How can we coordinate a spay and neuter campaign across the U.S.? We volunteer in shelters and cannot make a dent in the problem, working night and day. Can you please help?—Stacey

Stacey, you’re in luck, because next Tuesday, February 24, is the 15th Annual Spay Day USA. More than 500 events in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are taking place on Spay Day and throughout the month of February, shining a spotlight on spay and neutering as a humane and effective means of reducing pet overpopulation. Click here to find local events in your area.

More animals are entering U.S. shelters than there are people willing to adopt and provide them with loving homes. As a result, nearly 4 million cats and dogs must be euthanized each year. Millions of pet deaths each year is a tragedy—but it can be solved. By spaying or neutering your pet, and encouraging others to participate, you can be an important part of the solution.

And finally, many blog readers were excited about the formation of the new Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and offered their kudos. Here’s a comment and a question from Mary:

Thanks for the news—making it an entry in my blog tonight. On another matter, what’s happening with federal laws regulating the sale of animals from animal care and control agencies to research facilities and Class B dealers? Many thanks.—Mary H.

Mary, we had hoped that the issue of Class B dealers—those who sell “random source” dogs and cats to research, and often scoop up people’s pets and obtain animals fraudulently through flea markets and “free to a good home” ads—would have been addressed in last year’s Farm Bill. There was tremendous support for legislation to phase out these unscrupulous pet dealers, and it was championed by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Reps. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), and Phil English (R-Pa.) in the last Congress.

The House version of the Farm Bill included an immediate ban and the Senate version included a five-year phase-out, but unfortunately the conference committee scrapped the provision altogether. Instead, they substituted language calling for a study on the use in research of random source dogs and cats from Class B dealers, and we hope that study will ultimately lead to the end of this practice. We will be watching the issue closely, and urging the new leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to put an end to this practice of funneling pets to research.

Talk Back: From Puppies to Palin

Today I’d like to share some of your comments in reaction to my recent blog entries, on a wide range of issues affecting pets, farm animals, and wildlife. The first comment came after I posted my blog on the use of taxpayer dollars to stock tame pheasants for sport hunting:

Thank you for this post. I’m a lifelong Illinois resident and had no idea my tax dollars had been going to this type of operation. I’m also going to keep this in my records for when hunters talk about killing animals to prevent them from starving to death.—Tracy

In response to the video of Sarah Palin’s interview while a turkey was slaughtered in the background:

Palin’s behavior on this video is indicative of so many people in this and other countries—people who have not woken up to the fact that animals such as turkeys and pigs and cows and chickens and horses should enjoy the same basic protections as humans. Why is cruelty to animals allowed but cruelty to humans punishable by law? Why are puppy mills and rodeos and circus acts and dog racing legal? We all need to wake up and change the way we see and treat animals—if only for the fact that if an individual can accept or partake in cruelty to animals, they just might have it in them to do the same to people. I have a letter out to Palin as we speak. I am praying she doesn’t become any more powerful than she is today.—Michael B.

In response to the investigation revealing that Petland retail stores support puppy mills:

I too have asked the employees and managers of the Petland store here in my area if their puppies come from breeding mothers at puppy mills and they all told me the same thing, that they absolutely do not get their puppies from puppy mills, but from reputable breeders. The HSUS puppy mill/Petland investigation once and for all puts those doubts to rest for sure! We’re doing our part here in Plano to educate the citizens about a veterinarian who works with Petland. The vet’s wife told me that they don’t like their names thrown around on the street. I told her, “Well, we don’t like dogs suffering in cages breeding over and over for pet shops either!” I’m keeping the faith that not only more laws will change for the breeding mothers at puppy mills, but that consumers will realize they have the power to end this atrocity as well.—Pamela B.

THANK YOU for uncovering and documenting this abuse. I have contacted my local Petland store plus corporate office on this matter. As a volunteer humane educator I try to educate people of all ages on this epidemic. Great job HSUS...keep it up!!!!—Helene

In response to President-elect Obama’s desire to adopt a shelter dog and his participation in Jana Kohl’s book, A Rare Breed of Love:

You cannot imagine how happy I am to see President Obama with a little poodle rescued from a puppy mill. I have been voicing my outrage so often to the governors of different states and I am deeply disturbed that puppy mills still exist. I am so happy to know that Barack Obama may finally do something about this terrible and inhumane problem. I am so happy to learn that he is very much aware of this. He is our best hope to put an end to all the suffering of all these beautiful dogs.—Elisabeth S.

Thank you all for submitting these comments, and please keep the feedback coming. If you have a question or comment and would like to join the conversation, please send me an email.

Talk Back: Celebrating an Historic Election for Animals

Readers joined us in celebrating the Election Day victories for animal protection, and looking toward the challenges ahead. I want to express my thanks to all of you who supported humane candidates for office, contacted your friends about the animal protection ballot measures, and helped to put animal issues on the political map this election season. Here are some of your comments.

AMAZING!!!! This is so historic! I’m so glad. I hope this brings monumental change for animals!! No more backward policies on animal welfare and the environment! :) How exciting! —Sara N.

This is truly amazing. Thank you to HSLF for all the time, expertise, and good heart you espoused on behalf of farm animals. I was worried for a bit, but now the egg industry knows it doesn’t have the upper hand like it thought it did. Millions of people were educated about animal cruelty, and Prop 2 gave them a reason to do something to change it. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a realization of the work we can achieve when we stand against cruelty. —Daniela

I am pleased that the long-suffering animals are finally getting a “voice” in Congress. To all who participated by voting, e-mailing friends, knocking on doors, or handing out literature in support of animals I offer my sincerest thanks and say CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done. Keep up the good work. —George D.

I can’t believe the people who are out of joint about HSLF recommending certain candidates based on their voting record for animal causes. I appreciate the information and no one held a gun to my head at the polls. How else would we know the candidates’ positions so we could factor it in with the other factors when considering our vote? —Barbara

This is a big day for animal rights! It just goes to show that when people of a like mind band together, advocate for animals, and lobby their politicians, animal rights can go forward. Now it has to be instituted. There’s a lot more animal legislation that needs to be on future election ballots, banning animal experimentation, ending horse slaughter, etc. This is a good beginning! Thanks HSLF! —Cynthia S.

I’m embarrassed to say that after so many years as an animal advocate the “Humane Scorecard” blog was my eye opener to the importance of voting humanely. I should have read the scorecard before voting, but I have been very set in my ways until now so I ignored it. From now on my votes will go to the candidates with the highest scores on animal welfare, no matter the party. I can now see that there are two sides to being an effective animal advocate. Not only must we raise awareness of animal issues, but we must also be dedicated in educating ourselves via the HSLF legislative scorecard on the candidates who best serve the needs of the animals. It all sounds so simple now and I’ve seen the legislative scorecard a million times, but until this election and this blog it just didn’t sink in. —PJB

I would like to thank the HSLF for offering insight into the candidates and issues for the 2008 election. Sadly, it can be difficult to find clear information on a candidate’s record toward animals. A person’s views toward animals and hunting, especially an elected official, speaks to their compassion, integrity, respect for life or aggression, intolerance and manifest hostility. Thank you for providing this helpful information. —Kathy N.

I am thrilled at the outcome of several elections on Nov. 4th. It goes to show that protecting animals is of utmost concern to many informed Americans. —Carol R.