10/27/09: Everyone – Help Pass

Landmark Devocalization Ban

ALERT WRITER: Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, CPRPets@aol.com

BACKGROUND: The Massachusetts legislature is considering a bill to ban
devocalization — cutting a dog or cat’s vocal cords to suppress his voice.
This convenience surgery renders the animal mute, chronically hoarse, wheezy
or shrill. Long-term risks include breathing problems, persistent gagging
and coughing, difficulty swallowing or even death, regardless of the
veterinarian’s skill or how vocal cords are cut (through the oral cavity or
a neck incision). Because tissue regrowth is common, the animal may be
subjected to the pain, stress and repeated surgeries.

Devocalized dogs and cats don’t benefit at all; they are abandoned just like
any other companion or breeding animal. Still, devocalization is more common
than most people think. In fact, some breeders devocalize routinely, to run
their businesses without complaints from neighbors or because they don’t
want to hear their own animals. Dogs tend to bark more when kept in groups.

Stella was devocalized, then dumped by an AKC breeder. Her adopter spent
$1,500+ to correct scar tissue that obstructed 50% of Stella’s airway.

An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H. 344 would ban devocalization in
Massachusetts. The bill is sponsored by Coalition to Protect and Rescue
Pets, an unfunded, volunteer network of animal caretakers and compassionate
people. It is endorsed by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn., more
than 200 Massachusetts vets, and many animal shelters statewide.

However, powerful lobbies that profit from devocalization want to kill the
bill: Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assn., the American Kennel
Club-affiliated Mass. Federation of Dog Clubs…and others. Without your
voice, animals will continue to be robbed of theirs.

Devocalized dogs, their rescuers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPoyuMw870
Experts on devocalization: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ADbMoX4aw

Over 12 years, Phoebe has regained much of her bark, but still gags
persistently. Only 1-1/2, Fritz sounds like “he’s chain-smoked unfiltered
cigarettes.” He rarely even tries to bark anymore.

TAKE ACTION – WHEREVER YOU LIVE:
Please MAIL a letter to the House Speaker of the Massachusetts legislature.
Emails are not very effective…and could negatively influence the bill’s
passage. Key point: Massachusetts should exercise the leadership to ban an
inhumane, unethical practice that the global community frowns upon.

TO MAIL A LETTER:

1. SELECT THE SAMPLE LETTER TEXT BELOW & COPY IT.
2. PASTE text into a word processing program like Microsoft Word.**
3. Change some words and add your own feelings.
4. Sign the letter with your name/address/country.
5. Print the letter from your computer, fold it into a stamped envelope and send to:
   

House Speaker Robert DeLeo
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

**ASK FOR A FORMATTED LETTER TO PRINT (WORD DOC): info@kinshipcircle.org

SAMPLE LETTER BY: Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets
(Kinship Circle did not write this)

Dear Speaker DeLeo:

I urge your full support for An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H.344. I
hope you will ensure it becomes law soon, without amendments that enable
this barbaric practice to continue.

Plainly, it is cruel and unethical to cut a dog or cat’s vocal cords to
suppress his voice. The UK already bans devocalization. The United States
should not tolerate this mutilating surgery.

Devocalized dogs and cats don’t benefit at all; they are abandoned just like
any other companion or breeding animal. Irrespective of a vet’s experience
or how vocal cords are cut, the surgery poses risks from massive infection
to aspiration pneumonia, difficulty swallowing and even death.

Tissue re-growth is common, subjecting animals to stress, pain and repeat
surgeries. Caretakers unable to pay ongoing costs further jeopardize animals
with surrender or euthanasia.

I speak for many worldwide in saying we hope Massachusetts leads the way
toward humane, responsible care of animals by prohibiting devocalization.

Respectfully,
Name and address (including country)

=================================================================
Take Meaningful Action, Quickly

1. Go to any link below and click EMAIL THIS LETTER, beneath the sample letter.
2. A ready-to-send message opens in the email software on your computer.
3. Sign letter (personalize words if you have time) and hit send.
   

10/20/09: Two Dogs Shot At Point Blank Range In New York
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1867&seriesfirst=true

10/13/09: Get Serial Cat Killer Off New York Streets
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1865&seriesfirst=true

10/10/09: Cop Shoots Deaf, 19-Year-Old Family Cat
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1863&seriesfirst=true

9/28/09: Release Cancun Tigers From Misery
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1861&seriesfirst=true

9/15/09: Freedom Interrupted – Cloud’s Herd Caught In BLM Roundup
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1858&seriesfirst=true

9/11/09: Mutilated Sharks – Fin Soup’s Main Ingredient
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1856&seriesfirst=true

9/5/09: Save Gray Wolves So We Can Slaughter Them?
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1854&seriesfirst=true

=================================================================
Help Kinship Circle win $50,000!
Thank you for caring…

PLEASE DONATE TODAY (try either link):
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https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?ts=1256064299&cause_id=226645

HERE IS HOW KINSHIP CIRCLE CAN WIN AMERICA’S GIVING CHALLENGE:
*   From now till Nov. 7, 2009, we have to get the most donations to our cause
(each person can donate once daily and it counts as a unique donation).
*   We can also win daily awards of $1,000 and $500 if we can get the most
people to donate in any 24-hour period.

The great thing about this Challenge is that even the minimum donation of
$10 makes a difference. The contest is based on HOW MANY PEOPLE give.

YOU CAN DONATE RIGHT NOW (try either link):
https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?cause_id=226645
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PLEASE KEEP KINSHIP CIRCLE IN MIND FOR YOUR YEAR-END GIVING!
If you prefer to bypass this contest, you may make a tax-deductible
contribution to Kinship Circle here: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation/

Thank you for supporting Kinship Circle’s work for animals,
Beverly Nation, Kinship Circle Social Media Director

KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

SUBSCRIBE NOW – FOR BREAKING NEWS & ACTION:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

1) Hey Kids, Florida Government Wants You To Kill Pigs
ALERT WRITER: WE DO NOT KNOW WHO RESEARCHED THIS ALERT It is circulating the
internet UNIDENTIFIED. However, KC supporters asked us to forward it.

Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is quoted in news stories and your best
area contact if you want more information on this issue:
Animal Rights Foundation of Florida
1431 N. Federal Highway / Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
954-727-ARFF; arff@animalrightsflorida.org

http://huntwhisperingpines.org/PhotoGallery/tabid/125/Default.aspx

BACKGROUND: The Southwest Florida Water Management District is sponsoring a
“hunt” by winning essay contest applicants, children 8-16. There were to be
24 winners, but the contest attracted only 20 applicants. The Children’s
Hunt is scheduled for October 17 and October 24, 2009 at the Edward W.
Chance Reserve – Gilley Creek Tract in the Lake Manatee Lower Watershed
southeast of the city of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Guns will be loaded when children are situated in a blind. Since the
shooting is to take place from a blind, it is probable that bait will be
placed in front of the blind(s) (where hogs were likely drawn by bait
previously to habituate them to the site), making the hog’s set-up targets.
This is extremely unethical from a number of perspectives. Some would call
it psychologically damaging child abuse that may do permanent harm.

Children unlikely allies in feral hog hunt
http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1043489.ece
In its effort to control Florida’s overpopulation of feral hogs, the state
has enlisted some unlikely partners: children.

[PHOTO: JAMES BORCHUK | Times] Kids like 9-year-old Cecilia Plummer
(pictured above with mom Alyssa Collazo), a fourth-grader at St. Jude’s
Cathedral in St. Petersburg. She will be one of 20 children to don gear and
rifle for a hog-hunting expedition on a state reserve in Manatee County.

The youth hunt will be a first for the Southwest Florida Water Management
District… Little Cecilia is ready. She’s not the frilly pink type. She
prefers light blue. She’ll take guitar lessons over Barbie. And when it
comes to wild hogs? She’s not at all squeamish about killing them. “They’re
creepy,” she said. She learned to shoot during a recent camping trip.

Not everyone supports the idea. “We don’t think having a young child shoot
an animal and watch that animal die before his or her eyes is a positive
thing,” said Nick Atwood, spokesman for Animal Rights Foundation of Florida.

TAKE ACTION / CONTACT THE PUBLIC OFFICIALS LISTED BELOW:
Todd Pressman, Governing Board Chairman
Southwest Florida Water Management District [SWFWMD]
possible home ph: 727-784-3084
email: todd.pressman@watermatters.org, info@watermatters.org

Cori Cuttler, Community Affairs Program Manager
Southwest Florida Water Management District
Tampa Service Office / 7601 US Hwy. 301 / Tampa, FL 33637-6759
ph: 813-985-7481, 1-800-836-0797 (Florida only)
email: cori.cuttler@watermatters.org

Rodney L. Barreto, Chairman
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Chairman/CEO, The Barreto Group, Inc.
Founding Partner, Floridian Partners, LLC
235 Catalonia Avenue / Coral Gables, FL 33134-6704
ph: 305-444-4648; fax: 305-444-1128
other numbers: 305-596-5167, 305-275-8123
web contact form: http://www.flapartners.com/contact.php
(select Rodney Barreto)
Barreto was co-chair for finance, campaign of FL Governor Charles J. Crist.

Governor Charles J. Crist, Jr.: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp: Jeff.Kottkamp@MyFlorida.com
switchboard: 850-488-7146; fax: 850-487-0801
State of Florida, The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St. / Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Florida Department of Children and Families
George H. Sheldon, Secretary
1317 Winewood Blvd. / Building 1, Room 202
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
ph: 850-487-1111; fax: 850-922-2993
email: dcf-osc@dcf.state.fl.us

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum
State of Florida, The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
switchboard: 850-414-3300
web contact form:
http://myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact?Open&Section=Attorney_General

*KINSHIP CIRCLE DID NOT RESEARCH THESE CONTACTS*

EXPRESS YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT ARMING 8-16 YEAR OLD KIDS…
Indifference to suffering is a dangerous lesson for children. Indeed, high
profile classroom shooters such as Columbine’s Eric Harris, D.C. serial
killer Lee Boyd Malvo and murderer Kip Kinkle — all “practiced” on animals
before graduating to people. In today’s increasingly desensitized world,
essay contests ought to focus on acts of compassion, not killing. Please add
your OWN THOUGHTS as well, about children killing animals…

MORE STATISTICS/INFO ON ANIMAL/HUMAN VIOLENCE LINK:
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/AnimalVictimsHumanVictims.pdf
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/TheViolenceLink.pdf

===============================================================
2) Kinship Circle Is In America’s Giving Challenge
LET’S WIN $50,000!

PLEASE DONATE TODAY:
https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?cause_id=226645

HERE IS HOW KINSHIP CIRCLE CAN WIN:
*   From now till Nov. 7, 2009, we have to get the most donations to our cause
(each person can donate once daily and it counts as a unique donation).
*   We can also win daily awards of $1,000 and $500 if we can get the most
people to donate in any 24-hour period.

The great thing about this Challenge is that even the minimum donation of
$10 makes a difference. The contest is based on HOW MANY PEOPLE give. I
think we can do it! But it’s going to take all of us. Check out the Giving
Challenge <http://www.causes.com/>, then visit our cause to see how we’re
doing so far and get involved.

YOU CAN DONATE RIGHT NOW:
https://www.causes.com/fb/donations/new?cause_id=226645

LET’S WIN $50,000 FOR KINSHIP CIRCLE!
Thank you in advance for supporting Kinship Circle’s work for animals,
Brenda Shoss, President
Beverly Nation, Social Media Director

===============================================================
3) National Primate Liberation Week Is 10/17-10/24/09
ALERT WRITER: Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN,
saen@saenonline.org

NATIONAL PRIMATE WEEK BEGINS TOMORROW, OCTOBER 17!
National Primate Liberation Week (October 17th – 24th) begins tomorrow.
Events have been confirmed in 20 cities — please support these actions if
possible. Activists in Arizona (Phoenix/Chandler), California
(Sacrament/Davis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Long Beach), Nevada
(Reno), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), New York (NY City), Massachusetts
(Boston), Florida (Tampa & Gainesville), Washington (Seattle), Missouri (St.
Louis), Michigan (Ann Arbor & Kalamazoo), Kansas (Kansas city), New
Hampshire (Concord), and Ohio (Columbus) are coming together to fight for
the freedom of non-human primates.

LIST OF EVENTS: http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/event-nplw-2009.html

TAKE ACTION:
Learn primate experiments nationwide:
Government Grants Promoting Cruelty to Animals
http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/grants-gov.html

Find 4 thing you can do now to help primates in laboratories:
120,000 Suffering Primates
http://www.all-creatures.org/saen/articles-20090925.html

Please attend one of many National Primate Liberation Week events across the
U.S. Whether you demo, write emails/letters or make phone calls you can make
a difference for primates imprisoned in U.S. laboratories.

ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

SUBSCRIBE NOW – FOR BREAKING NEWS & ACTION:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

9/20/09, IN THIS ALERT:
1) 11th Hour For California’s Wild Burros And Horses – ACT NOW
2) Little No-Name Mattered. Demand Justice

===============================================================
1) 11th Hour For California’s Wild Burros And Horses
ALERT WRITER: Linda Lee, llee@uci.edu / PJ Bremier, mustangs@mindspring.com

BACKGROUND: On Tuesday, 9/29/09, the last wild burros, along with hundreds
of wild horses throughout the West, leave California — rounded up and
trucked off to government holding pens. Unadoptable animals commonly wind up
at auction, sold to kill floors in Canada or Mexico… EVERYONE (no matter
where you live): Contact President Obama, plus Senators Feinstein and Boxer
– whom we understand may have the power to intervene…

TAKE ACTION:
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
The White House / 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW / Washington, DC 20500
comments: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-9000
switchboard: 202-456-1414; fax: 202-456-2461
contact forms: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ContactUs/

Senator Diane Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Building / Washington, D.C. 20510
ph: 202-224-3841; fax: 202-228-3954
contact form: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe

Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building / Washington, D.C. 20510
ph: 202-224-3553; fax: 202-224-0454
contact form: http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfm

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS (Kinship Circle did not write this):
From: Linda Lee, llee@uci.edu / PJ Bremier, mustangs@mindspring.com

Dear President Obama, Senator Feinstein, and Senator Boxer:

The Bureau of Land Management has been on a rampage many call “America’s
Summer of the Wild Horse and Burro Wipe-Out.”

BLM has misused the Wild Horse and Burro Program for years, managing for
extinction rather than preservation. Instead of protecting our beloved wild
horse and burro herds, BLM caves to pressure from special interests such as
big game hunting, mining, oil drilling, development, and ranching.

On September 29, 2009, BLM will permanently erase California’s last wild
burro herds from the Mojave Natural Preserve — unless you stop it.

Since last month alone, BLM eliminated 12 horse herds, along with 1.6
million acres of legally designated land in Ely, Nevada. These historical
bloodlines are lost forever. In Wyoming, BLM seized 300 horses. In Challis,
Idaho, a roundup of 400 horses left six dead and six foals orphaned.

BLM recently reduced Cloud’s Herd, famously documented on PBS Nature series,
to 120 horses — too few for genetic viability. And they removed the herd’s
“elders,” horses crucial to herd survival.

But BLM is not finished. In upcoming weeks, 270 wild horses will vanish from
Caliente, Nevada. Over 200 others will be confiscated from ranges in Idaho,
450 in Tobin, Nevada, nearly 500 in Oregon, and 650 in California. Wyoming’s
Red Desert Complex will lose 700 wild horses, including 250 foals.

Taxpayers shell out an annual $25 to $49 million to sustain more than 30,000
captured wild horses and burros in federal compounds. Despite BLM denial, it
is believed surplus American horses are commonly sold to “killer buyers” and
shipped to foreign slaughterhouses.

During these hard economic times, the fiscally responsible solution is to
return the 19 million acres that BLM illegally stole from these animals and
manage herds on the land, not in holding pens.

Please call for an immediate stop to removal of wild burro herds in the
Mojave Desert on 9/29/09. I hope you will do everything within your power to
terminate more roundups and hold BLM and DOI accountable for their
non-compliance with laws meant to shield our treasured herds.

President Obama’s administration promised government transparency and
accountability. I call upon you to fulfill that promise with the Bureau of
Land Management, an agency that acts as a law unto itself.

Sincerely, <YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

===============================================================
2) Little No-Name Mattered. Demand Justice.
ALERT WRITER: Sandra Nathan-Moody, sandrazz@mchsi.com
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/demand-justice-for-dog-left-to-rot-among-other-victims-of-prichard-animal-shelter-prichard-alabama

BACKGROUND: He was only one more homeless dog, given no name or refuge,
existing in the shadows… It is most probable that his life began in
abandonment and consisted of daily struggle for life on the mean streets of
Prichard, Alabama. His struggle ended in the ultimate betrayal, while
impounded at a hell hole for animals, Prichard Animal Pound. His decaying
body was discovered by visitors searching for their own lost dog, in the
back of what they say was a stinking, feces and urine soaked facility.

Witnesses gasped at the stench and sight of this poor dog’s rotting eyeballs
oozing down his injured, gaping jaw… The dog, “Little No Name” I call him,
has no one to remember his struggle or painful death. The other dogs and
cats who languish here until death…have no one to turn to, but YOU.

Neglect at Prichard Animal Shelter Video, aired nationally via Internet
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/824-neglect-at-prichard-animal-shelter/648728406

Dead Animal, Unsanitary Conditions Among Claims Against Prichard Animal Shelter
http://www.local15tv.com/news/local/story/Dead-Animal-Unsanitary-Conditions-Among-Claims/6AYgpGuVkU-6wg464rb7jw.cspx

TAKE ACTION:
Mobile District Attorney
PO Box 574 / Mobile, AL 36652
ph: 251-574-8400; email: nancy_mcconnell@mobile-da.org

Prichard Chief of Police Lawrence Battiste
ph: 251-452-7800; email: l.battiste@thecityofprichard.org

Mobile County Commission
205 Government Street / Mobile, AL 36644-1001
MOBILE COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Dist 1-Merceria L. Ludgood 251-574-1000
Dist 2-Stephen Nodine: 251-574-2000
Dist 3-Mike Dean: 251-574-3000

Nancy Johnson, Public Affairs/Community Services Director
ph: 251-574-5088; email: njohnson@mobile-county.net

Email and telephone numbers for Prichard, AL officials:
http://www.thecityofprichard.org/

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS (Kinship Circle did not write this):
From Sandra Nathan-Moody, sandrazz@mchsi.com

- Ask for the name or recorded number, and origin of this victim
of ineffective animal shelter staff and managers.

- State that you will remember “Little No Name,” and want to know under what
circumstances he was brought to Prichard Animal Shelter.

- Ask why he was denied medical attention and left to rot.

- Please include in your own words: I ask the city attorney and officials to
ensure a thorough investigation of Prichard Animal Shelter and its staff. If
evidence of animal cruelty is found, I urge you to charge all parties
involved and prosecute them under Alabama state’s anti-cruelty laws. Those
entrusted to protect companion animals must be held accountable for crimes
of abuse and neglect. I hope you will take swift punitive action against
anyone who ignored or contributed to this innocent creature’s death.

NOTE: LEGAL RESTRAINTS REQUIRE THESE CLAIMS ARE LABELED ALLEGATIONS. AS OF
SEPT. 20, 2009, NO WORD OF FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND NO PLANS FOR CRIMINAL
CHARGES ARE IN  PROGRESS, OTHER THAN CHIEF BATTISTE’S “LOOKING INTO IT”, (AS
PER MOBILE DISTRICT ATTY’S OFFICE AND PRICHARD OFFICIALS.)

Alabama anti-cruelty law: http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusalst13A_11_14.htm

===============================================================
Take Meaningful Action — Quickly

1. Go to any link below and click EMAIL THIS LETTER, beneath the sample letter.
2. A ready-to-send message opens in the email software on your computer.
3. Sign letter (personalize words if you have time) and hit send.
   

9/11/09: Mutilated Sharks – Fin Soup’s Main Ingredient
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1856&seriesfirst=true

9/10/09: San Francisco – Take Political Action Against Live Markets
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1855&seriesfirst=true

9/5/09: Save Gray Wolves So We Can Slaughter Them?
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1854&seriesfirst=true

8/4/09: Target – HLS Top Customers AstraZeneca & GlaxoSmithKline
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1850&seriesfirst=true

7/28/09: Puerto Rico – New Source For Primate Suffering?
http://kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1848&seriesfirst=true

7/10/09: Namibia Seal Slaughter Has One Buyer Left. Stop Him.
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1846&seriesfirst=true

6/8/09: Protect ALL Downers: Cows, Pigs, Goats, Sheep…
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1836&seriesfirst=true

===============================================================
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DONATE NOW: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation


60+ DIFFERENT FACT SHEETS – EACH IS DOWNLOADABLE & FREE:
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/

KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

SUBSCRIBE NOW – FOR BREAKING NEWS & ACTION:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

7/16/09, FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE
IN THIS ALERT:
1) Help Sallie And Ellie Find Their Forever
2) Ask Governor To “Pardon” San Diego Seals
3) More Pressure To Free Tina, Jewel, And Queenie
4) No Charges After Chained Dog Roasts Alive In Heat
5) A Truck Stop Is No Place For A Tiger
6) Taylor Swift Has A Voice — What About A Heart?
7) Stop New Primate Breeding Lab In Puerto Rico

===============================================================
Quick-Send Kinship Circle Letter Campaigns

1. Go to any link below and click EMAIL THIS LETTER, beneath the sample letter.
2. A ready-to-send message opens in the email software on your computer.
3. Sign (personalize letter if you have time) and hit send.
   

TAKE ACTION NOW:
7/10/09: Namibia Seal Slaughter Has One Buyer Left. Stop Him.
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1846&seriesfirst=true

7/4/09: Seven Dogs Perish, Trapped Inside Hot Van
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1844&seriesfirst=true

7/2/09: Outlaw Dog-Cat Killing Squads In China
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1843&seriesfirst=true

6/14/09: NYC To Gas 2,000 Canada Geese, June-July 2009
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1841&seriesfirst=true

6/8/09: Protect ALL Downers: Cows, Pigs, Goats, Sheep…
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1836&seriesfirst=true

5/21/09: Stop Dog Mutilation In Ohio State University Lab
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1832&seriesfirst=true

5/15/09: Shot In The Dark – Australia’s Kangaroo Massacre
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1828&seriesfirst=true

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1) Help Sallie And Ellie Find Their Forever
ALERT WRITER: Kelly Jenkins, jenkins.kelly@gmail.com

Photos by Vickie Richeson and courtesy of the Pet Justice Project. Posted by
Cheri Moon, Best Friends staff. Read Officer Petitt’s assessment of the dogs
and more: http://www.petjustice.org/sallie-ellie.html

BACKGROUND: Kinship Circle member Kelly Jenkins, a former New Orleans
resident, local coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), and now an
attorney in Georgia — is on a mission to place two pit bulls saved by a
rural Georgia police officer. Kelly writes: “This officer is an inspiration
to us here in dogfight/neglect country, as he took a chance to save two
grateful and abused dogs.” Can you help Sallie and Ellie find forever?

FULL STORY: Officer who rescued two abused pit bulls tries to find homes…
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/news.aspx?pID=11674

EXCERPTS (6/30/09, Best Friends Network) – For Officer Bruce Petitt, it was
just a normal day patrolling the town of Wadley, Georgia. But for two very
lucky pit bulls, that June day marked the end of a miserable life tied to a
tree by a four-foot logging chain… The two dogs he found were emaciated
and covered in cuts and scars. They had no shelter, water or food… Even
more disturbing was the sight of a litter of dead puppies just out of reach
of the dogs. “The dog that is now called Ellie had the puppies. They died
because…she couldn’t get to her babies.” says Petitt.

Wadley has no animal control or shelters, but…the two dogs were brought to
the local veterinarian clinic… “Nobody had ever attempted to prosecute an
animal abuse case in this county… Luckily, with a little bit of Internet
research I found a guide for law enforcement that explained how to
successfully prosecute animal abuse,” says Petitt…

Today, Ellie and Sallie are loving, safe dogs reveling in the discovery of
human interaction and love. Pettit says, “My boys (ages 7 and 5) and I go to
the vet clinic and handle them and walk them around, and the dogs lick and
love and do everything that a good dog should do.” Officer Pettit believes
the dogs were born to be family pets and encourages people looking for a
loyal, loving dog to consider these two ladies.

POTENTIAL ADOPTERS OF SALLIE AND/OR ELLIE:
CONTACT Kelly Jenkins: jenkins.kelly@gmail.com, 478-589-7264

Kelly Jenkins: “I am presently trying to find foster and/or permanent
placement for these two. I believe I have one placed in Oregon and continue
to work to find forever for the second. Local rescues donated the dogs’
spays, along with money toward their heartworm treatment. We also have
volunteers standing by to transport these two to their happily ever after.”

===============================================================
2) Ask Governor To “Pardon” San Diego Seals
ALERT WRITER: Barb Dunsmore, tochashona@yahoo.com
Protect the harbor seals of La Jolla: Help Seal the Deal.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=205812585505&ref=share

BACKGROUND: In our last FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE newsletter, we told you
about tiny Casa Beach (the Children’s Pool) in La Jolla, California –
famous for its colony of harbor seals. The seals’ home has been threatened
since swimmers sued the City of San Diego and won. The 2005 ruling from a
state court judge orders the city to dredge the sand on which seals rest, to
return it to its 1931 condition as a “bathing pool.” You were asked to help
pass SB-428, legislation to add the language “marine mammal park for the
enjoyment and educational benefit of children” that could save the seals.

UPDATE: SB 428 passed the Assembly 71-0! Now the Governor must sign the bill
into law. Problem: he is only signing bills that are fiscally related.

TAKE ACTION: Tell the Governor’s office you support SB 428…and stress that
this bill IS a fiscal issue because it saves San Diego money yearly.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
fax: 916-558-3160, 619-525-4640, 202-624-5280
web mail: http://gov.ca.gov/interact
Governor’s staff: Cameron.Durckel@gov.ca.gov, lisa.page@gov.ca.gov,
regina.evans@gov.ca.gov, Susan.Kennedy@gov.ca.gov, Tracy.Arnold@gov.ca.gov

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger offices:
- State Capitol Building; Sacramento, CA 95814
- San Diego Office: 1350 Front Street, Suite 6054; San Diego, CA 92101
- D.C. Office: 134 Hall of the States; 444 North Capitol St. NW; Washington D.C. 20001

SAMPLE LETTER / Deana Gunn (Kinship Circle did not write this)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=205812585505&ref=share#/DeanaGunn?__a=1

Dear Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Please sign Senate Bill SB-428 as soon as possible. SB-428 has no fiscal
considerations to the State, but signing the bill will save the City of San
Diego millions of dollars.

A judge will try to disperse the seal rookery on 7/20/09, the next court
date in Superior Court, without your support and signature on the bill.

Please save this popular tourist attraction and educational treasure. It is
the last harbor seal rookery in Southern California and extremely popular
with residents and visitors to San Diego!

Sincerely, <YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
New law promises to bring an end to divisive clash over seals
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/14/lz1ed14top21307-eyes-city-council/?opinion&zIndex=131529
VIDEO, La Jolla Harbor Seals
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=109092584427&h=vTcPF&u=VNUx0
Animal Protection and Rescue League
http://www.aprl.org/seals.php

===============================================================
3) More Pressure To Free Tina, Jewel, And Queenie
ALERT WRITER: In Defense Of Animals (IDA), idainfo@idausa.org
http://ida.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=6301.0&printer_friendly=1

Tina and Jewel with Cole Bros. Circus. USDA inspectors have documented
Animal Welfare Act violations — multiple ankus abuse wounds, eyewitness
reports of beatings… Yet USDA hasn’t upheld its own confiscation
regulations to ensure no further harm to Tina, Jewel and Queenie.

BACKGROUND: Thanks to all [including Kinship Circle activists!] who
contacted Congress and USDA on behalf of Tina, Jewel and Queenie, elephants
suffering at the hands of their trainer, Will Davenport, a chronic violator
of federal animal welfare law. USDA set up a special team to handle all the
calls. We are confident that only a little more pressure can achieve…

TAKE ACTION:
1) Urge your Congressional Representative and Senators to demand that
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s agency confiscate Tina, Jewel and
Queenie and send them to a sanctuary. Ask them to insist that the new
administration correct the USDA’S historic failure to enforce the Animal
Welfare Act in the manner intended when passed four decades ago.
To identify your federal legislators and find contact info, try:
Congress.org – http://www.Congress.org
USA Senate – http://www.senate.gov
USA House of Representatives – http://www.house.gov
Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121

2) Remind USDA to take immediate steps to save these elephants. Ms. Wright
oversees animal welfare enforcement at USDA. If her office is reluctant to
take a message, politely explain that she needs to exercise her supervisory
powers over this situation, before it is too late.
Ann Wright, Deputy Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulation, Department
of Agriculture: ph: 202-720-4256, 202-720-7813; ann.wright@osec.usda.gov

SAMPLE LETTER BY IDA (Kinship Circle did not write this):
Dear Representative and Senators:
I am write in regard to the dire situation involving three circus elephants,
Tina, Jewel and Queenie. New USDA inspection reports indicate that the
health of these elephants continues to deteriorate. They have lost a
combined total of nearly 2,000 pounds in less than a year.

The elephants are reportedly back in Texas, undergoing Tuberculosis testing
and veterinary analysis. Yet, inexplicably, the USDA still leaves the
elephants in the control of Will Davenport, under whose watch the elephants
have become dangerously debilitated not once, but twice in two years. During
this time, the USDA, which is supposed to enforce the AWA, has done little
more than chronicle Mr. Davenport’s repeated failures to provide adequate
veterinary care to the elephants and handle them safely and humanely.

The USDA’s refusal to act in this case, despite their own documentation of
the elephants’ declining health, is unacceptable. The USDA’s claim that it
cannot confiscate these elephants is simply not supported by the facts. As
your constituent I request that you contact the USDA, remind them they’re
empowered to save these elephants, and demand that they do so.

Many thanks for your consideration,
<YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

FOR MORE BACKGROUND AND/OR TALKING POINTS:
In Defense of Animals’ latest plea:
http://www.helpelephants.com/pdf/IDA_RESPONSE_TO_VILSACK_06_09_fin.pdf
Unchain Tina, Jewel And Queenie From Circus Slavery
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1813&seriesfirst=true

===============================================================
4) No Charges After Chained Dog Roasts Alive In Heat
ALERT WRITER: Laura Catterton, Thecattertons@aol.com

TAKE ACTION:
David Morgan, Sheriff
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; P.O. Box 18770; Pensacola, FL. 32523
ph: 850-436-9630; web form: http://www.escambiaso.com/contactUs.aspx

State’s Attorney, William Eddins
Office of State Attorney; 190 Governmental Center; Pensacola, FL 32501
ph: 850-595-4200; fax: 850-595-4212; Exec. Secretary: kisha_murphy@sa01.org
website: http://sao1.co.escambia.fl.us/contact.htm

SAMPLE LETTER BY Laura Catterton (Kinship Circle did not write this)
RE: Incident # ECSO 09CAD133681 / Officer Jason Barnes ECSO
6/20/09 (between 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM) 827 N. 61st St: Pensacola, FL 32506

Dear Sheriff Morgan,

I bring to your attention a crime that was committed in Pensacola on 6/20/09
in which no criminal charges were filed by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
On 6/20, with a heat index of approximately 105 degrees, a chained dog died
after becoming entangled on a root, thereby making it impossible for the dog
to access water. The dog, a large Newfoundland breed with a heavy coat, had
no shelter and basically cooked to death.

According to records for the address where the dog died on 6/20 (827 N. 61st
St.), Animal Control Officer Jankowski contacted ECSO and Officer Jason
Barnes went out. The ECSO record shows no investigation, no write-up, no
animal cruelty charges filed. ACO Jankowski was forced to issue a mere
citation (Civil Infraction) with mandatory court appearance because Officer
Barnes failed to file any criminal charges.

The dog died in the arms of ACO Jankowski, who recorded: “The dog had water
but could not get to it because it was tangled on a ground stump. I took the
dog off its chain and moved him to the shade. I told the owners to get water
buckets and a hose now. One owner refused to do anything. The second owner
did help out but it was to late the dog died due to the heat.”

Under 2008 Florida Statutes (828.12 Cruelty to animals), deprivation of
“necessary sustenance or shelter” warrants misdemeanor charges. Moreover, a
person whose deliberate actions result in the “cruel death or excessive or
repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering” is guilty of a felony
of the third degree.

I sincerely hope an investigation is underway to bring criminal charges
against the owner(s). If this case doesn’t constitute animal cruelty, what
does in Escambia County? I’d appreciate any assistance in this matter.

Sincerely, <YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

===============================================================
5) A Truck Stop Is No Place For A Tiger
ALERT WRITER: Alicia Graef, http://www.care2.com/causes/author/amgraef/
http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/a-truck-stop-is-no-place-for-a-tiger/

BACKGROUND: Tony the Siberian Bengal tiger sadly resides at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, LA, as an attraction for his owner Michael Sandlin.
Previously, Sandlin had violated a public ordinance that prevents people
from owning and displaying wild/exotic animals. This also kept the state’s
Wildlife and Fishery Dept. from granting him a permit to own Tony. When they gave Sandlin 30 days to find Tony a new home, he instead filed a lawsuit.

Iberville Parish Council chose to amend the ordinance to legalize keeping a
tiger, instead of enforcing their own laws. So, Tony isn’t going anywhere.

Tony’s champions, including Care2 member Sky Williamson, have joined forces
with Big Cat Rescue to move Tony to their accredited wildlife preserve…
Williamson, who stumbled upon the truck stop in 2005, says, “It took me down
to my knees. There were 15 big trucks lined up nearby, all of them running.
The smell was horrid. There was feces all over the cage.”

Sandlin has 20 years worth of USDA violations including unsanitary feeding
practices, mishandling tigers, failure to provide clean water, adequate
shelter, veterinary care…and most recently (2007), failure to clean cages
and maintain adequate sanitation.

The ordinance was amended with conditions that Sandlin improve Tony’s living
space. However, Williamson says he’s only repainted Tony’s cage… Louisiana
Wildlife and Fishery Department has not issued Sandlin a permit, so he may
keep Tony in these wretched conditions indefinitely.

TAKE ACTION: Speak up for Tony!
J. Mitchell Ourso, Iberville Parish President: jburleigh@ibervilleparish.com

Maria Davidson, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries:
mdavidson@wlf.louisiana.gov

Governor Bobby Jindal web form:
http://www.gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor

===============================================================
6) Taylor Swift Has A Voice — What About A Heart?
ALERT WRITER: SHARK | Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, contactshark@gmail.com

Chaos is created in this “Wild Horse” event, where many horses are thrust
into the rodeo arena together. The horses quickly become agitated and
terrified, as thugs jump, pull, and push on them to get on the horses’
backs. Injuries are common…such as a horse unable to rise and hauled away
by a tractor to certain death. http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000459

BACKGROUND: The 2009 Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) soon begins in Cheyenne,
Wyoming…and with it, two of the most violent and indefensible events in
rodeo — steer busting and the misnamed “wild horse race.” Well-known
country music star Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform 7/23/09 during the
2009 CFD celebration. On 7/1/09, a letter sent to Taylor Swift Entertainment
detailed the cruelty of Cheyenne and listed entertainers who have said “No!”
to  rodeos, including Carrie Underwood, the band Matchbox Twenty and Rikki
Rockett of the rock group Poison. So far, Ms. Swift has not responded.

TAKE ACTION: Urge Taylor Swift to speak against rodeo cruelty. No performer
should profit at the expense of animals brutalized, maimed, killed.

Ms. Taylor Swift, c/o Taylor Swift Entertainment
242 West Main St.; P.M.B 412
Hendersonville, TN 37075
email: Nikki.Burns@bigmachinemail.com; scott.borchetta@bigmachinemail.com;
Jack.purcell@bigmachinemail.com

FOR TALKING POINTS, SEE LETTER FROM SHARK’S STEVE HINDI:
http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000946

===============================================================
7) Stop New Primate Breeding Lab In Puerto Rico
ALERT WRITER: British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), http://www.buav.org/home
International Primate Protection League (IPPL), http://www.ippl.org/

BACKGROUND: Stop the building of a primate breeding facility in Guayama City
in Puerto Rico. There is already local opposition to this construction and
we want to launch an international effort to stop Puerto Rico from becoming
a major player in the cruel trade in primates for research.

TAKE ACTION:
Hon. Glorimari Jaime
Municipio Autonomo de Guayama
Oficina de Plan de Orden Territorial
P.O. Box 360, Guayama, Puerto Rico 00785-0360
email: municipiodeguayama@hotmail.com, pfgma@coqui.net

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi
1218 Longworth HOB; Washington, DC 20515
fax: 202-225-2154; email: PR00-WYR@housemail.house.gov,
case.work@mail.house.gov
[This email may bounce: PR00-WYR@housemail.house.gov]

SAMPLE LETTER / Author Unknown (Kinship Circle did not write this):
I am concerned over recent reports of plans to build a primate breeding and
supply facility in Guayama City. I understand the project, led by the
Bioculture company, will ship long-tailed macaques and their offspring from
Mauritius for use in research. This proposal is a major step backwards at a
time when use of nonhuman primates in research is questioned by scientists,
ethicists and others worldwide.

Primates are intelligent, social animals with complex behavioral and
psychological needs. Perhaps you are unaware of their fate inside research
laboratories. These animals are subjected to extreme pain and suffering. For
example, many are used in toxicity testing which involves the forced
ingestion, inhalation or injection of poisonous chemicals. After years of
abuse, the animals are killed. Many researchers now agree that primate
experimentation is scientifically unnecessary and morally unacceptable.

I am disheartened to learn that Puerto Rico plans to to become a major
player in the supply of primates for research. Such a move will not only
result in the suffering of thousands of monkeys, it will also have a
negative and detrimental impact on Puerto Rico’s image abroad.

Sincerely, <YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

===================================================================
Help Fund Kinship Circle Research & Educational Materials

*   DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

*   DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

Subscribe Now – For Breaking News & Action:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

Vote For Historic Spay/Neuter Bill Is 6/30. Act Now.
ALERT WRITER:
Judie Mancuso, President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)
stc34@aol.com * http://www.SocialCompassionInLegislation.org
http://www.yesonsb250.com/sb250-home.php

TAKE ACTION:
SB 250 will be voted on in the Assembly Committee on Business and
Professions THIS TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2009

2 EASY ACTIONS TO HELP THIS BILL PASS OUT OF COMMITTEE
1.  ENTER YOUR NAME/INFORMATION TO SEND AN AUTO LETTER:
http://www.yesonsb250.com/sb250-send-a-letter.php

2.  TAKE 60 SECONDS TO LEAVE A PHONE MESSAGE:
http://www.yesonsb250.com/sb250-make-calls.php

BACKGROUND:
California’s SB 250, The Pet Responsibility Act
Each year, over $250 million dollars is spent housing and euthanizing
homeless dogs and cats in California. Approximately 1 million dogs and cats
enter California’s shelters each year, and over half are euthanized (killed)
simply because there are not enough homes. California shelters are seeing an
explosion of animals relinquished to shelters in this bad economy, meanwhile
the shelters are faced with budget cuts and laying off staff.

SB 250 provides a reasonable, fiscally responsible step towards reducing pet
overpopulation in California in two ways: by fostering responsible pet
ownership through increased animal licensing, and by offering incentives for
owners to spay and neuter their pets.

Please note that SB 250 does not affect feral cat caregivers. The bill
applies only to pets that live on your property… Since January 1, 2009,
California has spent over $100,000,000 tax dollars just to house and
euthanize unwanted pets… To learn more about SB 250, including several
interviews and video segments: http://www.YESonSB250.com

===============================================================
Don’t Let Calif. Kill Shelter Animals After Just 3 Days
ALERT WRITER:
Kristi Hutchison, stc34@aol.com


http://webflyer.kindnews.org/flyers/7a4ff520/default.htm

BACKGROUND:
Please email or make calls to oppose Governor Schwarzenegger’s intent to
allow pound animals only three days before being killed as a way of handling
the current financial situation… He was blocked when he tried to do this
Before. All animal lovers need to act again to block this more serious
attempt. http://webflyer.kindnews.org/flyers/7a4ff520/default.htm

TAKE ACTION:
Oppose the Governor’s plan to speed shelter killings to save money.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
email: http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
ph: 916-445-2841; fax: 916-558-3160

Five members directly involved in working to negotiate California’s budget.
Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass: 916-319-2047
Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee: 916-319-2033
Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg: 916-651-4006
Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth: 916-651-4036

Long Beach Residents:
Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal: 562-495-2915

===============================================================

ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

Subscribe Now – For Breaking News & Action:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*   KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
*   QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITER. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.


Save San Diego Seals. Deadline: 6/22/09
ALERT WRITER: Barb Dunsmore, tochashona@yahoo.com

BACKGROUND:
Animal Protection and Rescue League, http://www.aprl.org/seals.php — Casa
Beach (the Children’s Pool) is a tiny beach in La Jolla, California that is
famous for its colony of harbor seals who rest and give birth there. The
seals’ home is now in jeopardy because swimmers sued the City of San Diego
(of which La Jolla is a part) and won a ruling in 2005 from a state court
judge ordering the city to dredge the sand on which the seals rest to return
it to its 1931 condition as a “bathing pool.” La Jolla Harbor Seals:
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=109092584427&h=vTcPF&u=VNUx0

UPDATE, 6/15/09, City: More Time Needed To Review Seal Removal Plan
http://www.10news.com/news/19758367/detail.html — Superior Court Judge Yuri
Hoffman gave the city of San Diego a month to respond to plaintiff Valerie
O’ Sullivan’s plan to use a sprinkler system — called the Scarecrow — to
disperse a colony of harbor seals from Children’s Pool beach in La Jolla…

HELP PASS SB-428 TO LET SAN DIEGO SEALS REMAIN! SB-428 would add “marine
mammal park for the enjoyment and educational benefit of children” as an
additional and legal use to the original 1931 land grant language. The bill
has already passed the State Senate and will be voted on by the Assembly’s
Natural Resources Committee on June 22, 2009.

TAKE ACTION BEFORE 6/22/09:
Ask California Legislature Assembly Natural Resources Committee
representatives TO VOTE “YES” ON SB-428. Deadline: June 22, 2009
INCLUDE SUPPORT OF SB-428 in subject line.

MAIN ADDRESS: State Capitol; P.O. Box 942849; Sacramento, CA  94249

Nancy Skinner: Assemblymember.Skinner@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2114; ph: 916-319-2014
Mail: Room 4126, Sacramento, 94249-0014

Julia Brownley: Assemblymember.Brownley@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2141; ph: 916-319-2041
Mail: Room 2163, Sacramento 94249-0041

Wesley Chesbrro: Assemblymember.Chesbro@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2101; ph: 916-319-2001
Mail: Room 2176, Sacramento 94249-0001

Kevin de Leon: Assemblymember.deLeon@assembly.ca.gov
fax 1-916-319-2145; ph: 916-319-2045
Mail: Room 2114, Sacramento, 94249-0045

Danny Gillmore: Assemblymember.Gilmore@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2130; ph: 916-319-2030
Mail: Room 5126, Sacramento, 94249-0030

Jerry Hill: Assemblymember.Hill@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2119; ph: 916-319-2019
Mail: Room 4146, Sacramento, 94249-0019

Jared Huffman: Assemblymember.Huffman@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2106; ph: 916-319-2006
Mail: Room 3120, Sacramento, 94249-0006

Steve Knight: Assemblymember.Knight@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2136; ph: 916-319-2036
Mail: Room 2016, Sacramento, 94249-0036

Don Logue: Assemblymember.Logue@assembly.ca.gov
fax: 1-916-319-2103; ph: 916-319-2003
Mail: Room 2002, Sacramento, 94249-0003

Committe on Natural Resources:
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=18

SAMPLE LETTER / Barb Dunsmore, tochashona@yahoo.com
(Kinship Circle did not write this):
Assembly Member _________
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849; Sacramento, CA 94249
Subject:  SUPPORT OF SB 428

Dear Assembly Member,

Senator Kehoe has sponsored a bill in the state legislature (SB 428) to
change the language of the 1931 Tidelands Grant at Casa Beach (aka
Children’s Pool) in La Jolla to include “marine mammal viewing for the
enjoyment and education of children ” as an addition to the other seven uses
named in the original deed.

I urge you to vote YES on this bill. The San Diego City Council recognized
that the language in the 1931 land grant needs to be changed to reflect
reality today. They approved a proposal by an 8-1 vote to ask the State to
consider legislation that reflects current conditions. This unique rookery
is under attack due to a State judge’s misinterpretation of the existing
land grant and focusing solely on one of the intended uses, “wading pool for
children,” while ignoring the six other intended uses. He then made an
erroneous judgment based on that misinterpretation. To date the City has not
been able to get out of this legal quagmire which could force the City to
spend millions of dollars, both for dispersing the seals and following
through on an order to dredge the beach.

Citizens of San Diego and tourists from other states and countries have been
enamored by seeing seals undisturbed in a natural setting. Not only is it
the home for 200 harbor seals who can safely give birth to their pups on the
beach, but it is also an important educational opportunity for children and
thousands of locals and tourists who come each month to enjoy learning about
the rookery and harbor seal behavior.

The City wants to avoid dispersing the seals and dredging the beach.
Visitors and local businesses recognize the importance of preserving the
rookery for environmental and economic reasons. Passage of this important
legislation would insure the protection of this beach for wildlife.

If the bill is not passed and signed into law this legislative session, the
City may be forced to implement seal dispersal and dredging. In addition to
eliminating the rookery and seals, the world would be deprived of the
wonderful treasure that has drawn visitors to San Diego. It would also upset
the ecosystem of which seals play an important role in biological diversity.

Thank you for considering a YES vote on SB-428.

Sincerely, <YOUR FULL NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY>

===============================================================
KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

Subscribe Now – For Breaking News & Action:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE, 6/7/09
http://friendsofkinshipcircle.wordpress.com

*   KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
*   QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALERT WRITERS. PLEASE DO NOT HIT REPLY.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Egypt: Mass Pig Slaughter During Swine Flu Panic
2. Stop Texas Tech’s Senseless Torture Of Cats
3. Support New Film On Illegal Trade In Wild Animals
4. Shield Polar Bears From Deadly Global Warming
5. End “Jumps Racing” Carnage For Good
6. Shocking Elephant Abuse Video From Greek Circus
7. Brookfield Zoo Elephant Deserves Safe Haven
8. Check Out Karen Dawn’s Blog
9. 50+ Years In A Lab – Save Elder Chimps From Hell
   

===============================================================
Easily Send Kinship Circle Letters – Be Their Voice

1. Click on a recent sample-letter title in Kinship Circle’s Letter Library.
2. Click on EMAIL THIS LETTER, beneath the sample letter.
3. A ready-to-send message opens in the email software on your computer.
   

TAKE ACTION NOW:
5/29/09: Bullfight Bust Uncovers Cruelty In Los Angeles
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1834&seriesfirst=true

5/24/09: Horse-Drawn Buggies In Kinship Circle’s Backyard? No Way!
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1833&seriesfirst=true

5/21/09: Stop Dog Mutilation In Ohio State University Lab
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1832&seriesfirst=true

5/19/09: Trophy Hunters To Prey On Delisted Wolves
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1830&seriesfirst=true

5/15/09: Shot In The Dark – Australia’s Kangaroo Massacre
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1828&seriesfirst=true

5/1/09: Profit From Misery – Dogs And Cats Sold To Research
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1826&seriesfirst=true

4/29/09: Coke & Rodeo – Official Soft Drink Of Cruelty?
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1824&seriesfirst=true

===============================================================
1) Egypt: Mass Pig Slaughter During Swine Flu Panic
ALERT WRITER: Compassion in World Farming (United Kingdom)
http://www.ciwf.org.uk/about_us/contact_us/default.aspx

BACKGROUND:
Al-Masry Al-Youm: The Culling of Pigs in Egypt
http://www.youtube.com/almasryalyoum
Mass Graves For Pigs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwMIlw7rCSc&feature=channel_page

Appalling scenes of mass pig killing in Egypt have sparked international
protest. From media footage, we have seen hundreds of live pigs thrown on
top of each other in a huge dumper truck. Some must surely suffocate or
break limbs. They’re driven to a mass grave, thrown into it, and covered in
what appears to be quicklime. They must endure a slow and agonizing death.

Egyptian media reports that “When the lorry is filled with 400 pigs on
average, it sets off for the burial ground in Abou Zabal. Once there,
something like soft sand is sprinkled on the pigs inside the lorry. This
material is made up of factory wastes. The pigs start to scream because of
the searing pain until they die some 30 or 40 minutes later.”

MORE: GLOBAL STORM OF PROTEST AT EGYPT’S PIG ATROCITY
http://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/pig_farming/global_protest_at_egypts_pig_atrocity.aspx

TAKE ACTION:
1. Tell the Egyptian Authorities: Never Again
http://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/pigs/swine_flu/tell_the_egyptian_authorities_never_again.aspx
(follow instructions at link above)

2. Lobby the Egyptian Prime Minister (web form letter)
http://action.ciwf.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=119&ea.campaign.id=3660

3. Send a protest email to Egypt’s Minister for Tourism (web form letter)
http://action.ciwf.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=119&ea.campaign.id=3634

4. WSPA web form letter
http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=24&ea.campaign.id=3557

===============================================================
2) Stop Texas Tech’s Senseless Torture Of Cats
ALERT WRITER: Live Cats Used in Cruel Training Courses at Texas Tech
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2081

BACKGROUND: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) buys cats
from Odessa, Texas Animal Control for use in cruel medical training courses.
PETA has filed a complaint urging university officials to replace use of
cats in this training with educationally superior medical simulation tools.

The cats undergo painful intubation procedures in which hard plastic tubes
are repeatedly forced down their wind pipes by course participants. This can
result in bleeding, swelling, scarring of the animals’ throat tissue,
collapsed lungs, and even death. In another procedure, cats have air forced
into their chest cavities so that participants can repeatedly practice
inserting a needle into the animals to remove the excess air.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, which
sponsor the most widely taught pediatric life-support courses in the
country, exclusively endorse modern, human-like manikins, not live animals,
for this type training. Urge TTUHSC’s vice president of medical affairs, Dr.
Steven L. Berk, to stop cruel and outdated training drills on cats.

TAKE ACTION / SIGN WEB FORM LETTER:
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2081

FOR MORE IMPACT, SEND COMMENTS DIRECTLY TO:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dr. Steven L. Berk, Academic Dean, School of Medicine
3601 4th Street, Mailstop 6207; Lubbock TX 79430
ph: 806-743-3000; fax: 806-743-3021
email: Steven.Berk@ttuhsc.edu

===============================================================
3) Support New Film On Illegal Trade In Wild Animals
ALERT WRITER: Tim Gorski, timgorski@rattlethecage.org
Rattle The Cage Productions: http://www.rattlethecage.org

BLACK MARKET ASIA, Battling the Illegal Trade in Endangered Species
http://www.rattlethecage.org/elephant_traffic-proposal.htm

Our undercover work in Asia led to one significant bust in Bangkok and
exposed the infamous Tiger Temple in Thailand for the illegal tiger farm
that it really is… View the intense video pitch with an intro by
Investigator Tim Gorski: http://www.rattlethecage.org/BM-Pitch.htm

We desperately need $25,000 to continue our investigations in SE Asia. If
each of you donates just $25, we can document crimes against nature,
work to bring the perpetrators to justice, and raise public awareness…
Asian jungles are being silenced at an alarming rate due to western (and
eastern) consumption. Each year, from hundreds to thousands are sold
illegally: Elephants, tigers and tiger parts, primates, reptiles and birds.
Together we can expose the crimes, educate the public, and save animals…

TAKE ACTION:
TO SPONSOR THIS VIDEO DOCUMENTARY SERIES, CONTACT:
Tim Gorski, producer: 954-673-5331 or timgorski@hotmail.com

DONATE ONLINE OR BY MAIL:
http://www.rattlethecage.org/BM-Pitch.htm
Rattle the Cage Productions
1126 S. Federal Hwy. #288; Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
ph: 954-673-5331; email:  info@rattlethecage.org
FL 501c3 not-for-profit / FEI: 421563897

===============================================================
4) Shield Polar Bears From Deadly Global Warming
ALERT WRITER: Save Polar Bears
http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/biogems_polar_0109

SAMPLE LETTER BY NRDC (Kinship Circle did not write this):
Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.; Washington DC 20240
email: Secretary_of_the_Interior@ios.doi.gov, feedback@ios.doi.gov

Dear Secretary Salazar,
I’m dismayed that you have decided to adopt a Bush-era policy against using
vital Endangered Species Act protections to save polar bears from global
warming and Arctic oil development — short-circuiting President Obama’s
pledge to follow a science-based approach to environmental protection.

The scientific evidence is overwhelming that rising temperatures could cause
two-thirds of the world’s polar bear populations, including all of Alaska’s
polar bears, to go extinct by 2050. Polar bears are already drowning and
starving. In the face of this unfolding disaster, it is too late for
half-measures and polluter exemptions.

It’s not too late to withdraw this Bush-era plan. Please act now to close
polluter loopholes and give the polar bear full-fledged endangered species
protection to safeguard its habitat from global warming pollution, oil and
gas development, and other threats.

The plight of the polar bear is urgent. We can still save this magnificent
species, but the window for action is closing rapidly. Please act
immediately to pull polar bears back from the brink of extinction.

Sincerely, [NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY]

===============================================================
5) End “Jumps Racing” Carnage For Good
ALERT WRITER: Animals Australia – Help End Jumps Racing Carnage
http://www.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/jumps-racing-tragedy/

BACKGROUND: Jumps racing is a cruel “sport” in which horses are forced to
jump metre-high fences at high speed. It’s 10 – 20 times more dangerous than
flat racing, and many injuries can be horrific. As a result, 13 horses died
on the track last year (Victoria), and now 7 horses have died within the
past fortnight (5 in Victoria and 2 in South Australia).

At the recent Warrnambool racing carnival 3 horses — Pride of Westbury,
Hassle and Clearview Bay — died after suffering grave injuries. Please let
Racing Victoria CEO Rob Hines and Chairman of the Victorian Racing Board
Michael Duffy know that the community will no longer tolerate Racing
Victoria endorsing this cruel sport…

TAKE ACTION / SIGN WEB FORM LETTER:
http://www.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/jumps-racing-tragedy/

===============================================================
6) Shocking Elephant Abuse Video From Greek Circus
ALERT WRITER: In Defense Of Animals (IDA), 415-448-0048; idainfo@idausa.org
VIDEO: http://ida.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=4621.0&printer_friendly=1

BACKGROUND: When IDA received this sickening video of a female elephant,
Andra, being beaten with a bullhook (ankus) at a circus in Greece, we
immediately contacted animal advocates working on this situation there.
Greek organizations PSYCHANIMAL and ARCTUROS report that the abuser is a
trainer with an Italian circus named MASSIMO. The video, released to Greek
media, has attracted much concern. The Minister of Agriculture has
apparently issued a press release promising to ban animal circuses in Greece
after the European elections. Let’s hold the Minister to that pledge.

TAKE ACTION: Email Minister of Agriculture, Greek parliament, Greek
newspapers – minister@minagric.gr, infopar@parliament.gr,
epistoles@tovima.gr, epistoles@tanea.gr

SAMPLE LETTER / IDA (Kinship Circle did not write this):
I am horrified by the video now circulating on the internet of an elephant
being beaten in a circus in Greece. I strongly urge the Government to
immediately confiscate the elephant from the circus and work with animal
welfare groups to place the elephant in a more suitable home. Please punish
the circus responsible for this abuse.

Finally, I urge you to endorse a ban on the exploitation of animals by
circuses in Greece.

Sincerely, [NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY]

===============================================================
7) Brookfield Zoo Elephant Deserves Safe Haven
ALERT WRITER: In Defense Of Animals (IDA)
Contact: Catherine Doyle, 323-301-5730; Suzanne Roy, 919-697-9389

BACKGROUND: http://www.savezooelephants.com/news_releases_07.html
Help Elephants: http://www.helpelephants.com/

Recently, a 39-year-old African elephant, Affie, died prematurely at
the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. While no cause of death has been released,
she likely suffered from painful foot and/or joint disease, conditions
prevalent in zoos due to inadequate conditions for elephants…

It is inhumane to keep Christy at the Brookfield Zoo, especially now that
she is alone. Bringing in another elephant is not the answer because the Zoo
cannot provide a high quality of life for elephants.

Elephants are highly intelligent and physically vigorous animals that hail
from warm climates. In the wild, they range 7 to 14 miles or more per day,
and are active for 20 out of 24 hours, as they forage, explore, socialize
and raise their young. Yet, at Brookfield Zoo elephants are held in a
cramped exhibit where they spend the majority of the long Midwest winters in
tiny indoor cages without adequate movement or mental stimulation.

Since 1975, 7 Brookfield Zoo elephants have died; more than half did not
live to age 40. Elephants have a natural lifespan of 60-70 years…18 zoos
have closed or plan to close their elephant exhibits.

TAKE ACTION: Urge Brookfield Zoo director Stuart Strahl to send Christy, now
the lone elephant at Brookfield Zoo, to a natural-habitat sanctuary.

Stuart D. Strahl, PhD, Director, Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road; Brookfield, IL 60513
ph: 708-688-8300; fax: 708-688-7309
email: bzadmin@brookfieldzoo.org

===============================================================
Check Out Karen Dawn’s Blog
BACKGROUND: If you want to cry or laugh (or cry from laughing, due to an
inserted Jon Stewart clip on Michael Vick) — visit Karen Dawn’s new blog.
Karen is a great writer, author of Thanking The Monkey, and you’ll enjoy her
observations, humor, and celebrity name-dropping. For a reflective and
lighter take on animals: http://www.ThankingtheMonkey.com/blog

===============================================================
9) 50+ Years In A Lab – Save Elder Chimps From Hell
ALERT WRITER: Project R&R: Release and Restitution for Chimpanzees in U.S.
Laboratories * 617-523-6020, releasechimps@neavs.org
(a project of) New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS)
http://www.releasechimps.org/2009/03/09/help-wenka-and-all-elder-chimpanzees

BACKGROUND: Wenka is a frail 55-year-old chimpanzee, held at Yerkes National
Primate Research Center in Atlanta, who deserves sanctuary. Her time is
running out. While Project R&R is committed to getting all chimpanzees out
of U.S. labs, your immediate help is needed to secure Wenka’s release, along
with that of all of other elders in captivity — most if not all of whom
have been in a lab for 40 years or more. Many have spent their entire lives
enduring multiple procedures or being repeatedly “bred” to make more
research babies. Some were captured as infants in Africa.

TAKE ACTION / SIGN WEB FORM LETTER:
http://ga1.org/campaign/wenka

FOR MORE IMPACT, SEND COMMENTS DIRECTLY TO:
Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D., Acting Director
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
9000 Rockville Pike; Bethesda, Maryland 20892
301-496-7322; kingtonr@mail.nih.gov

Emory University, Office of the President
James W. Wagner, President of Emory University
Mail Stop #1000/001/1AP; Atlanta, Georgia 30322
404-727-6013; wagner@emory.edu

Yerkes National Primate Research Center
Stuart Zola, PhD, Director
954 Gatewood Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329
404-727-7707; szola@rmy.emory.edu
web form: http://yerkes.emory.edu/contact

SAMPLE LETTER / PROJECT R&R (Kinship Circle did not write this):
Dear Dr. Kington:
We urgently request that you, as Acting Director of the National Institutes
of Health, exercise your power to secure the transfer of the eldest
chimpanzees known to be in research laboratories into sanctuary. The most
recent information we are able to obtain indicates that these chimpanzees
(listed below) were born in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.

Many of these individuals have been used in research protocols or for
breeding purposes for more than 40 years — many for their entire lives. They
deserve release into the comfort and protections that sanctuary provides
before they die. They have little time left.

Project R&R partners with several highly reputable sanctuaries who have
indicated their ability to accept these individuals immediately.

CHIMPANZEE ELDERS (and labs where held): Wenka, age 55 (Yerkes); Cheeta, age
52 (Yerkes); Lulu, age 52 (Yerkes); Maxine, age 52 (Yerkes); Flo, age 52
(Alamogordo); Karen, age 51 (New Iberia); Guy, age 50 (Alamogordo); Diana,
age 49 (New Iberia); Jan, age 49 (New Iberia); Julius, age 49 (New Iberia);
Lady Bird, age 49 (New Iberia); Pumpkin, age 49 (New Iberia); Sandy, age 49
(New Iberia); Walter B., age 49 (New Iberia); Clay, age 49 (New Iberia);
Martha, age 49 (Yerkes); Mary, age 49 (Yerkes); Winny, age 48 (Alamogordo);
Kirby, age 48 (Alamogordo); Maxwell, age 48 (Alamogordo); Pierre, age 47
(M.D. Anderson); Gigi, age 47 (M.D. Anderson); Happy, age 47 (Primate
Foundation of AZ); Josam, age 47 (Alamogordo); Iyk, age 47 (Yerkes); Beleka,
age 47 (Yerkes); Janice, age 47 (New Iberia)

Given the importance of chimpanzee social bonding, we also request that each
individual be sent with at least one (or more) chimpanzee cage mate or
friend. Chimpanzees form powerful bonds. These relationships must be
respected as critical to the individuals’ well being. The elders should not
pay for their release with the loss of one more relative or friend.

An independent public opinion survey commissioned by Project R&R found that
71% of Americans support the release of chimpanzees who have spent longer
than 10 years in a laboratory. These chimpanzee individuals have far
surpassed that mark.

Sincerely, [NAME, FULL ADDRESS, COUNTRY]

===============================================================
Humane Educators Use Kinship Circle Literature…
A teacher in Tampa. A humane educator who travels the country. Kinship
Circle educational literature is reaching students… But not fast enough!

HELP RAISE $5,000 TO PRINT MORE KINSHIP CIRCLE FACT SHEETS:
*   DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

*   DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

Kinship Circle produces more than 60 different Fact Sheets.
Download any — FREE — to print for tabling, media, presentations…
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/

KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS * EDUCATION * ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.


SUBSCRIBE TO KINSHIP CIRCLE – FOR BREAKING NEWS & ACTION:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide
Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: disasteraid@kinshipcircle.org
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

Can you help fund Kinship Circle’s investigative research?
Kinship Circle composes action campaigns that bring results. Supporters like
you take public outcry to the decision-making tables. Our past campaigns and
future goals require extensive research, investigation and materials.

GOAL: $10,000
Any amount you can donate helps. We are deeply grateful for your support!

AMONG MANY VICTORIES FOR ANIMALS, KC CAMPAIGNS HAVE HELPED:
*   Expose a pet-killing dogcatcher and prompt his firing and subsequent
investigation. “Thanks to Kinship Circle’s help and publicity,” our source
writes, “We WON for the humane treatment of animals in our small town!”

*   Hurricane Gustav: Send volunteers to New Orleans to evacuate pets with their people.
*   Hurricane Ike: Coordinate volunteers to care for stranded animals.
*   Iowa Floods 2008: Rescue dogs, cats and even a few pigs displaced in the floods.

*   Network for funds and transport to ferry 8 sheep from a California
research lab to their 1,000-acre refuge at The Kindness Ranch.

*   Persuade medical schools to drop live animal labs: New York Medical
College, Washington University School Of Medicine, Saint Louis University,
University of Rochester, University of Illinois…

*   Give voice to Michael Vick’s dogs, who were spared, and push for maximum
penalties in federal and state cases.

*   Influence Congresspersons to support the Animal Fighting Prohibition
Enforcement Law, which passed in 2007!

*   Lead to the cancellation of Camarillo, CA July 4th fireworks near the
Ventura County Animal Shelter, which traumatized animals.

*   Sway POM Wonderful pomegranate juice to cease all animal testing.

*   Craft letter campaigns and press materials for Senator Fontenot’s office
to pass the Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Cathy Wells, Sen. Fontenot’s aide at the time, writes: “We all know if it
weren’t for Kinship Circle’s campaigns to legislators, this bill would not
have had the success it did…”

Just a few months ago, Kinship Circle helped send Christopher Barnett to
jail for filing his dog Lucas’ teeth down to the bloody gumline. “Thanks to
Kinship Circle for notifying the wider animal advocate community to write,
email, fax or call principal contacts,” Emilie Bottiggi writes.

Your tax-deductible donation lets us address more animal cruelty issues in
action campaigns, published articles, educational materials. A research aide
allows us to coordinate in disasters, when time is of essence for animals.

Think how much more we could accomplish with one Investigative Research
Aide! Please help us fund the research arm of Kinship Circle. Your
tax-deductible donation to Kinship Circle goes directly to work for animals.

*   DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

*   DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130

ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/

KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.
No goods or services are received in exchange for donations.

*   KINSHIP CIRCLE DOES NOT WRITE OR RESEARCH THESE ALERTS.
*   WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VALIDITY OF FRIENDS OF KC ALERTS.
*   CONTACT ALERT WRITERS.

1. Trouble For Greyhounds in South Africa
2. Jamaica Wants Greyhound Races Too
3. Jason Wu Puts Aside Fur, For Now
4. Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses
5. Guandong – Cats Skinned And Boiled Alive
6. Fight Horse Slaughter State By State
7. Prosecute Bird Killers In Florida
8. Ask For End To NYC Horse Carriages
9. World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week
   

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1) Trouble For Greyhounds in South Africa
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
South West Animal Protection, southwestanimalprotection@yahoo.co.uk

BACKGROUND:
2/20/09: SAY NO TO PROPOSED GREYHOUND RACING IN SOUTH AFRICA
http://www.care2.com:80/causes/animal-welfare/blog/trouble-ahead-for-greyhounds-in-south-africa/

TAKE ACTION:
The University of the Free State Faculty of Law has been appointed by the
Department of Trade and Industry to conduct research on the possible
legalization of greyhound racing.

Professor Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer
University of the Free State Faculty of Law
fax: 051-401-2698; email: snymane.rd@ufs.ac.za

===============================================================
2) Jamaica Wants Greyhound Races Too
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Animal Aid, info@animalaid.org.uk
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/f/ACTIVE/blog/ALL/1//?be_id=190

BACKGROUND:
Plans to bring greyhound racing to Jamaica are of great concern due to the
inevitable cruelty involved. Huge numbers of greyhounds are destroyed each
year after they’ve ‘retired’ from racing, and many pups are killed just
because they’re deemed ‘unsuitable’ for racing. In addition, many greyhounds
are subjected to abuse by owners who view them as mere commodities.

TAKE ACTION:
Politely email the Jamaican Tourist Board and the Jamaican High Commission
to let them know your concerns.
Jamaican Tourist Board: mail@visitjamaica.uk.com
Jamaican High Commission: Jamhigh@jhcuk.com

===============================================================
3) Jason Wu Puts Aside Fur, For Now
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Centcom, centcom@war-online.org

BACKGROUND:
2/6/09: Fashion designer Jason Wu, who designed Michelle Obama’s inaugural
ball gown, was scheduled to unveil his Fall 2009 collection at Exit Art
2/13/09. The evening was set to include a significant amount of fur as Wu
has signed a deal with Saga Furs. Win Animal Rights was scheduled to protest
this event. Working behind the scenes, along with many other animal
advocates, we are pleased that Jason Wu has decided to “back burner” his fur
collection… Special thanks to celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, who posted:
http://perezhilton.com/2009-01-24-michelle-obamas-inauguration-dress-designers-an-animal-killer

TAKE ACTION:
Wouldn’t it be lovely if Jason Wu canceled his use of fur instead of just
postponing it? Let Jason know that the whole world is watching. Ask him to
make the compassionate choice and to cancel his plans with Saga Furs.

Jwu LLC
6 West 37th St., 3rd Floor; New York, NY 10018-7505
ph: 1-212-643-0598
email: jason@jasonwustudio.com, jason@thewstudio.com
(not sure of either email address, but one or both of them might work)
(Jason Wu’s sales rep) John W. Murphy: john@thewstudio.com
website: http://www.jasonwustudio.com/

If on Myspace, leave comment: http://www.myspace.com/jasonwustudio
If on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Wu/49229617622

===============================================================
4) Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
SHARK, info@SHARKonline.org, http://www.TheCruelTruth.com

PHOTOS: SHARK, http://www.sharkonline.org/

BACKGROUND:
VIDEO: Tucson Rodeo Shocks Horses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69g6jMUMwcw&feature=channel_page
2008, SHARK exposed the Tucson Rodeo for shocking horses with 5,000 – 6,000
volts of painful electricity to make them perform. SHARK filed a complaint
requesting a criminal investigation and charges against those responsible,
with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division.

SHARK received great media coverage of this issue helping to educate many in
Arizona about rodeo animal abuse. In advance of the upcoming rodeo this
year, SHARK has sent out two press releases to the media, the City Council
and the Mayor of Tucson requesting their attention and action on this issue.

TAKE ACTION:
Request a ban on shocking the animals in the rodeo like many other rodeos in
Texas, Colorado, Wyoming…

Mayor Bob Walkup
City Hall; 255 West Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85701
ph: 520-791-4201; fax: 520-791-5348; email: mcweb@tucsonaz.gov

Vice Mayor, Karin Uhlich
Ward Three; 1510 East Grant Road; Tucson, Arizona 85719
ph: 520-791-4711; fax: 520-791-5391; email: ward3@tucsonaz.gov

Mike Hein, City Manager
City Hall; 255 West Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85701
ph: 520-791-4204; fax: 520-791-5198; email: mike.hein@tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Regina Romero
Ward One; 940 W. Alameda Street; Tucson, Arizona 85745
ph: 520-791-4040; fax: 520-791-5393; email: ward1@tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Rodney Glassman
Ward Two; 7575 E. Speedway; Tucson, Arizona 85710
ph: 520-791-4687; fax: 520-791-5380; email: ward2@tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Shirley Scott
Ward Four; 8123 E. Poinciana; Tucson, Arizona 85730
ph: 520-791-3199; fax: 520-791-4717; email: ward4@tucsonaz.gov

Council Member Steve Leal
Ward Five; 4300 South Park Avenue; Tucson, Arizona 85714
ph: 520-791-4231; fax: 520-791-3188; email: steve.leal@tucsonaz.gov

===============================================================
5) Guandong – Cats Skinned And Boiled Alive
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Maria Lopes, marialopes@iwab.org
Anti-Fur Society, http://www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html

PHOTOS: Anti-Fur Society website, http://www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html

BACKGROUND:
Cats are skinned and boiled while still alive in Guandong, a south of China
province. READ FULL STORY:
http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/international/int_ap_beijing_protest_decries_custom_of_eating_cats_20081218804

TAKE ACTION:
Write to the Guandong authorities (cc to the Chinese Embassy) asking them to stop this horrific practice. Your message will be more effective if you fax
it or send it by snail mail in addition to emailing it. Regardless, please
send them a message of disapproval. NOTE: It is very important to send
polite messages or our efforts may be in vain.

Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office
ph: (8620) 81218888; fax: (8620) 81218569; email: webmaster@gdfao.gov.cn

Food & Drug Administration Bureau of Guandong:
email: ywts@gzfda.gov.cn, xzts@gzfda.gov.cn

Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office of Guandong Province
ph: (8620) 81218888; fax: (8620) 81218569
email: waiban@gz.gov.cn, webmaster@gdfao.gov.cn

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS:
http://www.antifursociety.org/ActionAlert.html
(Scroll past addresses, mid-page)

===============================================================
6) Fight Horse Slaughter State By State
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
International Fund For Horses, http://fund4horses.org/info.php?id=1114

BACKGROUND:
2/9/09: We must now fight horse slaughter state by state since many state
legislators have introduced pro horse slaughter resolutions on behalf of
foreign investors anxious to defeat H.R. 503.

These resolutions and bills are a not-so-subtle ploy by the foreign
investors that own horse slaughterhouses to defeat H.R. 503 which would ban
the sale, transport, and possession of horses in interstate and foreign
commerce for slaughter for human consumption.

There is no point in states appropriating tax dollars for studies when
currently horse slaughter for human consumption is not allowed in the U.S.
These resolutions will simply insure horse slaughterers can continue to take
American horses to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. States taking part:
Arizona, Utah, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas,
Arkansas, Minnesota, Montana, and Illinois.

TAKE ACTION:
STATE BY STATE HORSE SLAUGHTER BILLS, TAKE ACTION HERE:
http://fund4horses.org/info.php?id=1114

FEDERAL BILL HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL, TAKE ACTION HERE:
http://www.kinshipcircle.org/letter_library/letter_new.asp?LetterID=1801&seriesfirst=true

===============================================================
7) Prosecute Bird Killers In Florida
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
C ALLARD, cdallard1@bellsouth.net

BACKGROUND:
2/25/09: Collier County, Florida: Senseless killing of birds. Article link:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090225/ARTICLE/902250353/2055/NEWS

TAKE ACTION:
These individuals need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law! Let
the Collier County States Attorney know, in a polite manner.

Collier County States Attorney’s Office
Administrative Building, 6th Floor
3301 E Tamiami Trail; Naples, FL 34112
ph: 239-252-8470; Office Head, Richard Montecalvo: Rmontecalvo@sao.cjis20.org

===============================================================
Ask For End To NYC Horse Carriages
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, coalition@banhdc.org
http://www.banhdc.org/index.shtml

PHOTOS: http://www.blindersthemovie.com/photos
BLINDERS: Award-winning documentary exposes the truth behind the tradition
of NYC horse-drawn carriage industry. http://www.blindersthemovie.com

BACKGROUND:
PLEASE HELP US: If you live in another city or country – WE NEED YOU! New
York City is in the fight of its life to rescue its carriage horses from a
life of slavery and to shut down the horse-drawn carriage trade. In three
years, we have succeeded in bringing worldwide attention to this
anachronistic and inhumane industry and we are close to making a ban a
reality. AS POTENTIAL TOURISTS, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SHUT IT DOWN! On
January 30 the City Council Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing
on two carriage horse bills. There was no vote.

The City Council likes to claim horses and buggies are a tourist attraction.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. When you visit our city, is this the first thing
you do? What about museums, theater, night life, shopping and restaurants?
Will NYC survive without carriage horses? We certainly think so. And we ask
you to send a letter to our City Council saying the same.

TAKE ACTION:
SEND LETTER TO COUNCIL EMAIL ADDRESSES:
marroyo@council.nyc.gov, avella@council.nyc.gov, baez@council.nyc.gov,
brewer@council.nyc.gov, comrie@council.nyc.gov, ecrowley@council.nyc.gov,
deblasio@council.nyc.gov, emdilan@council.nyc.gov, rarbeloc@council.nyc.gov,
mathieu.eugene@council.nyc.gov, felder@council.nyc.gov,
fidler@council.nyc.gov, foster@council.nyc.gov, garodnick@council.nyc.gov,
gennaro@council.nyc.gov, vgentile@council.nyc.gov, agerson@council.nyc.gov,
gioia@council.nyc.gov, gonzalez@council.nyc.gov, Ignizio@council.nyc.gov,
rjackson@council.nyc.gov, ljames@council.nyc.gov, katz@council.nyc.gov,
koppell@council.nyc.gov, lappin@council.nyc.gov, liu@council.nyc.gov,
viverito@council.nyc.gov, martinez@council.nyc.gov,
darlene.mealy@council.nyc.gov, rmendez@council.nyc.gov,
nelson@council.nyc.gov, palma@council.nyc.gov, recchia@council.nyc.gov,
rivera@council.nyc.gov, sanders@council.nyc.gov, seabrook@council.nyc.gov,
sears@council.nyc.gov, vacca@council.nyc.gov, vann@council.nyc.gov,
weprin@council.nyc.gov, twhite@council.nyc.gov, yassky@council.nyc.gov,
barron@council.nyc.gov, dickens@council.nyc.gov, oddo@council.nyc.gov,
quinn@council.nyc.gov, reyna@council.nyc.gov, stewart@council.nyc.gov,
vallone@council.nyc.gov

SEND LETTER TO MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG:
http://www.banhdc.org/what_you_can_do.shtml
CLICK ON LINK IN FIRST PARAGRAPH

SAMPLE LETTER / TALKING POINTS:
Please indicate in the email subject line something like this: “Californians
against horse-drawn carriages”; “Tourists against horse-drawn carriages”

Dear Council Member:
As a tourist to your great city, it is troubling to see that New York City
still has an inhumane horse-carriage trade. These 19th century slow moving
conveyances do not belong in a crowded and congested 21st century city. They
impede the flow of traffic, getting in the way of ambulances, fire trucks
and police cars – not to mention cars, taxis, buses, bikers and pedestrians.
Horses suffer in more ways than can be imagined starting with a denial of
their innate horse nature. Please support the bill to ban this industry. New
York should join the ranks of cities like London, Paris, Toronto, Oxford and
Beijing, which have banned the carriage trade. Tourists come to NYC for its
wonderful museums, theater, night life, restaurants and shopping. The
carriage trade brings shame to your city. I will not travel to New York as
long as this inhumane industry continues to operate.

===============================================================
9) World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week
ALERT WRITER / REPLY TO:
Michael Budkie, Executive Director, SAEN, saen@saenonline.org
http://www.saenonline.org, http://www.wlalw.org

BACKGROUND:
World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week April 18-26, 2009
As you read this email, untold millions of animals suffer and die in
laboratories across the United States. Most of these animals including rats,
mice, birds, amphibians, and all animals used in agricultural research
receive no protection under current laws. Federally owned laboratories (such
as those owned by the Department of Defense, the NIH, the USDA, EPA, etc.)
receive no independent inspections. It has been demonstrated that the USDA
does not adequately enforce the very limited requirements of the Animal
Welfare Act (AWA). Labs often break federal laws and more animals are hurt
by these infractions every day. Violations are often ignored, fines are
reduced or eliminated, and penalties are ineffective.

Use of non-human primates has reached an all-time high with 69,990
experiencing the cruelty of captivity in a laboratory. In university and
private settings, squirrel monkeys are confined to restraint chairs and
steel screws are drilled into the skulls of rhesus monkeys. Chimpanzees
suffer for decades as they slowly go insane. Dogs languish in runs as they
pine for their families. Electrical coils are forced into the eyes of cats.

TAKE ACTION:
World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week 2009 is April 18 – 26. However, it
is more important that you take action than that your action falls exactly
within these dates. If we are to be successful in exposing the ongoing
abuses of animals in laboratories, we must begin planning now.

SAEN WEBSITES WITH RESOURCES
Stop Animal Exploitation NOW! http://www.saenonline.org
Sections of our main website have fact sheets about product testing, primate
experimentation, a general flyer about animal experimentation, as well as
materials focusing on specific labs.

Our Government Grants Promoting Cruelty to Animals contains information on
research protocols, grant applications, and journal articles relevant to
over 120 different researchers spread throughout 47 labs in 24 states.

World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week: http://www.wlalw.org/
Contains a sign-up form for this year’s event, and listings of events from
previous years. It is very important that we are aware of all WLALW events
so that we may help in their promotion and media exposure, so please sign up
with the details of your events as soon as possible. When your event is
posted on our website, more activists will be able to attend.

Using information from our website, any activist can plan a news conference
to discuss the use of animals at a nearby laboratory. Protests, rallies and
civil disobedience can also be used to pressure a laboratory to change
policies or even eliminate specific experiments. Leafleting can be an
effective method of educating the public. Large numbers of activists can be
helpful for protest events, but media campaigns involving other methods can
be effective with a single dedicated activist.

We are the voices for millions of suffering dogs, cats, primates, rats,
mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, sheep, pigs and animals of many other
species. Please get involved with this vital event. We are their only hope.

===============================================================
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Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

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Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

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FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE ALERT
1/27/09: Save Iditarod Dogs From Brutality
WRITE To Sponsors & Supporters

SOURCE / REPLY TO:
FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT: SledDogAC@aol.com
Sled Dog Action Coalition, http://www.helpsleddogs.org

Imagine the cruelties these sled dog pups will experience in the
Iditarod…Death, paralysis, frostbite, bleeding ulcers, bloody diarrhea,
lung damage, pneumonia, ruptured discs, viral diseases, broken bones, torn
muscles and tendons and sprains… Please help end the barbaric treatment of
dogs by sending protest emails to organizations that support the Iditarod.

==========================================================
1. CONTACT INFORMATION (sample letter follows)
==========================================================

FULL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR IDITAROD SPONSORS / SUPPORTERS:
(addresses, names, phone/fax) http://www.helpsleddogs.org/sponsors.htm

HOW TO SEND EMAIL BLOCKS:

• Copy/paste a group of emails into the To: or Bcc: line of your email
• Then copy-paste sample letter into your email’s body
• Personalize your letter, sign with your name, address, county
• Hit send
• Repeat these steps for each group of emails
  

GROUP #1 EMAIL ADDRESSES:
marianne.amssoms@inbev.com, investor@discoveryholdingcompany.com,
John_Ford@discovery.com, investorrelations@columbia.com, investor.relations@medtronic.com,
executive-editor@nytimes.com, rick.ludwin@nbcuni.com, info@dlife.com,
corporate_communications@hmco.com, investorrelations@target.com,
aly.noormohamed@dpsg.com, rick.blake@harcourt.com, rosepr@rosemail.org,
aarpmagazine@aarp.org, Anne.sweeney@disney.com, rick.ludwin@nbcuni.com,
lee.davies@spcorp.com, wayne.hearn@rotary.org,
betsy.o’rourke@wyndhamworldwide.com, info@renegadepictures.co.uk,
mark.kroeger@scrippsnetworks.com, Christopher.Gay@cabelas.com,
charlene.jagannath@millenniumhotels.co.uk, karen_dmochowsky@timeinc.com,
jlopes@aurn.com, tedronneburger@680thefan.com, PDoyle@adn.com,
roy.a.betts@usps.gov, info@zoasis.com, Shareholders.IM@pg.com,
corporate.communications@blockbuster.com, mary.dillon@us.mcd.com,
yum.investor@yum.com, mike.morgan@harley-davidson.com,
toyota_cares@toyota.com, sarah.palin@alaska.gov,
Virginia.Q.Sanchez@shell.com, tmattia@na.ko.com,
Catherine.Gacad@wellsfargo.com

GROUP #2 EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Catherine.Gacad@wellsfargo.com, rabello@hollandamerica.com,
jbenson@princesscruises.com, investor_relations@scholastic.com,
biorigin@biorigin.com.br, kroger.investors@kroger.com,
media@cerberuscapital.com, Spring.Jeffrey@aaa-calif.com,
editor@independenttraveler.com, newsroom@alaskaair.com, bigshow@plj.com,
comments@komo1000news.com, angie@wnwv.com, curt.hansen@cumulus.com,
jpenchoff@csg.org, info@floridamedia.org,
pubaffmr@chevrontexaco.com,
enterprise.comments@exxonmobil.com, investor.relations@horizonlines.com,
investor_relations@netapp.com, rwhatley@jbpco.com, info@sportees.com,
abbietaylor@theblackdog.com, gene@motosolutions.com, information@lynden.com,
info@havemilk.com, ablank@gpworldwide.com, info@laderma.com.au,
Ethel.Minchello@MSDK12.net, info@eLongo.com, customerservice@jetboil.com,
info@talusoutdoortech.com, portgamble@orminc.com, lat62@alaska.net,
boardofdirectors@horizonlines.com, info@lake-rescue.org,
info@canada-goose.com, nschnell@ista-in.org

GROUP #3 EMAIL ADDRESSES:
reservations@akalpinelodge.com, info@vertikal.net, post@vomoghundemat.no,
mahays@mtaonline.net, kneern@pobox.alaska.net,
raft@talkeetnariverguides.com, customerservice@deeppurple.com,
morsecin@ssd.k12.pa.us, morsecin@ssd.k12.pa.us, mfrank@the-aps.org,
cherylm@lilacblind.org, MBenedetti@greatbatch.com, pmaddock@camrudlaw.com,
principal.perryes@pac.dodea.edu, jacksonj@mail.leon.k12.fl.us,
ktrail@sfsd.k12.pa.us, lmilitello@williamsvillek12.org,
michele_svihovec@bismarckschools.org, streadaw@cabarrus.k12.nc.us,
sonja.braziel@browardschools.com, mmaddox2@bcps.org, jquick@clearfield.org,
LHall@henhudschools.org, info@fcesptsa.org, info@crosbysmiles.com,
info@janssenfuneralhomes.com, info@trapperscreek.com,
office@toughdivorces.com, alaskarv@mtaonline.net,
info@talkeetnalodge.com, alaskarv@mtaonline.net, awp@co.hamilton.in.us,
media@aecf.org, davidnee@wcgmf.org, wginsberg@cfgnh.org,
natas@asi-seattle.net, wendy@diamondbrand.com, webmaster@ionearth.com,
wellingj@mishawaka.k12.in.us

GROUP #4 EMAIL ADDRESSES:
info@teckcominco.com, info@inlettower.com, rodney.bolls@bglobal.us,
info@ndindustries.com, bbroquet@gci.com, websales@antonbauer.com,
wccinfo@wcclp.com, help@mtaonline.net, AskMLP@muni.org,
investor_relations@netapp.com, msteele@eaglepack.com,
info@frontierflying.com, fhees@alaskanbeer.com, info@penair.com,
Mayor@ci.anchorage.ak.us, ircontact@simon.com,
info@thecrossingrestaurant.net, info@midnightsunbrewing.com,
info@canada-goose.com, mathew@mountainadventuretours.org,
info@EpicenterPress.com, info@greatriverjourney.com, info@trabitsgroup.com,
ruediger.henke@queo-media.com, ahelion@wcasd.net, lodging@mtaonline.net,
khabermann@mammut.ch, sales@handwarmers.com, info@coastalhelicopters.com,
para@alaska.net, jay@dswf.org, info@azumano.com, manager@ci.nome.ak.us,
info@penair.com, mayor@ci.wasilla.ak.us, resumes@crowley.com,
Lbeck@udelhoven.com, sean.karin@alaska.net,
rtraini@akteamsters.com

==========================================================
2. SAMPLE LETTER from SledDogAC@aol.com
Kinship Circle did not write/research this sample letter.
==========================================================

Dear Iditarod Supporter:

Please end your organization’s support of the Iditarod dog sled race. For
the dogs, this event may include death, paralysis, frostbite, bleeding
ulcers, bloody diarrhea, lung damage, pneumonia, ruptured discs, viral
diseases, broken bones, torn muscles and tendons and sprains. At least 136
dogs have died in the race. No one knows how many dogs die after this
tortuous ordeal or during training. For more facts about the Iditarod, visit
the Sled Dog Action Coalition website, <http://www.helpsleddogs.org/>

On average, 53 percent of the dogs who start the race do not make it across
the finish line. According to a report published in the American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, of those who do finish, 81 percent
have lung damage. A report published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal
Medicine said that 61 percent of the dogs who complete the Iditarod have
ulcers versus zero percent pre-race.

Iditarod dog kennels are puppy mills. Mushers breed large numbers of dogs
and routinely kill unwanted ones, including puppies. Many dogs permanently
disabled in the Iditarod, or unwanted for any reason, (including those who
have outlived their usefulness) are killed with a shot to the head, dragged,
drowned or clubbed to death. “Dogs are clubbed with baseball bats and if
they don’t pull are dragged to death in harnesses…” wrote former Iditarod
dog handler Mike Cranford in an article for Alaska’s Bush Blade Newspaper.

Dog beatings and whippings are common. During the 2007 Iditarod,
eyewitnesses reported that musher Ramy Brooks kicked, punched and beat his
dogs with a ski pole and a chain. Jim Welch says in his book Speed Mushing
Manual, “A training device such as a whip is not cruel at all but is
effective.. It is a common training device in use among dog mushers…”

Jon Saraceno wrote in his March 3, 2000 column in USA Today, “He [Colonel
Tom Classen] confirmed dog beatings and far worse. Like starving dogs to
maintain their most advantageous racing weight. Skinning them to make
mittens. Or dragging them to their death.”

During the race, dogs do not undergo veterinary exams at each checkpoint.
Mushers speed through many checkpoints, so the dogs get the briefest visual
checks, if that. Rather than pull sick dogs from the race, veterinarians
often administer massive doses of antibiotics to keep them running.

Most Iditarod dogs live at the end of a chain between events. It has been
reported that dogs who don’t make the main team are never taken off-chain.
Chained dogs have been attacked by wolves, bears and other animals. Old and
arthritic dogs suffer terrible pain in the blistering cold.

Please end your organization’s association with this horrific race.

Sincerely,

==========================================================
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==========================================================

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…And don’t forget, our MAIN WEBSITE is where you can get educational materials,
ad designs, sample letters, updates and many tools to help you communicate
as influentially as possible for animals: http://www.KinshipCircle.org

Our DISASTER AID WEBSITE is where you can register in our volunteer network
and get news on animal victims in disasters, training resources, and animal
disaster preparedness tips: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
info@kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle@accessus.net
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle@accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.