Animal Legal Defense Fund, updates on news... Today I have received news, as many of you have from ALDF. They have been in a legal battle since 2015 when they filed suit against a Louisiana amusement park under the Endangered Species Act. This particular chimpanzee was abused, neglected and confined to a jail cell. Animals of this species are extremely intelligent and her social needs were never met. Chimpanzees live in a fisson-fusion style society. In this type of living they know everyone in their community. Candy did not have a companion, let alone a community so she may thrive. All chimps love to communicate and they communicate through facial expressions, loud gestures, and drumming of trees. Candy could not drum a tree or communicate with her own kind. These are the most intelligent of species and must intermingle with others. Can anyone of us be isolated alone, unable to communicate to others? I believe we would not be able to exist if our habitat was taken from us, our friends, loved ones and we just sat on the floor hanging on for dear life and wondering does anyone care.. Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) fought a courageous battle, but she lost her fight. She is in chimpanzee Heaven now, communicating, running and forever happy. Bravo Stephen, and all of your legal teams

On Friday afternoon, the Animal Legal Defense Fund received devastating news; Candy the chimpanzee had died. To hear of any animal’s death is heartbreaking, but losing Candy was especially difficult. For decades, Candy was held captive at Dixie Landin’ amusement park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in lonely, cramped captivity and without any interaction with other chimps. Her isolation was torture. In November 2015 we filed a lawsuit against Sam Haynes and the Dixie Landin’ amusement park under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for inhumanely confining Candy in isolation and neglecting her welfare. We also made multiple offers to transfer her to a sanctuary capable of meeting the needs of such a complex, intelligent, social creature. It is a tragedy that Candy spent her final days in such conditions. I’m writing to tell you about this today because I want you to know that we will never stop fighting for animals like Candy. Everyone here at the Animal Legal Defense Fund is heartbroken over Candy, but this terrible loss highlights the urgency of similar cases of animals in captivity. For six years we have had litigation pending to release Tony, a 16-year-old tiger in potentially declining health held captive at a truck stop less than an hour away from where Candy was held. I assure you that we will continue fighting for Tony, in Candy’s honor. I wish I never had to write to you with such sad news, but it’s important to us at the Animal Legal Defense Fund that everyone knows we will never forget Candy, and we will never stop working to save animals like her and Tony. Thank you for your tireless effort to help us release Candy from her barren cage. May she rest in peace now. For the animals,                                                    "No life is greater than another and all life was created with                                                               purpose"         Stephen E. Wells           Executive Director

Breaking News... Center of Biological Diversity and Endangered Earth have put approximately 10 lawsuits against our government to not only stop the slaughter of our wolves, the gassing of our hibernating bears and their cubs, but to halt the pipeline on the borders of the Sioux Reservation, and to stop the mining of coal. These are huge lawsuits and we need to sign their petitions when presented and help anyway we can, either my donation, sharing with social media and contacting our representatives to help us. All wolves, bears throughout all states are listed as Endangered. Starting a cull on Endangered Species is barbaric and it can be the start of our Endangered Species Act becoming extinct itself. We are a powerful voice and we must take a stand on what is right. All of us who share the same ideals of protection and saving, must act NOW!!!!!... many of our organizations who work everyday need us to stand behind them in every way possible. Sign everything you can and share, share and share... this helps more than anything to get our voice out in numbers.. Mahalo

Trump Sued for Revoking Protection for Alaska Wolves, Bears The Center for Biological Diversity took the Trump administration to court again this morning, this time with a first-of-its-kind constitutional challenge aimed at Trump's decision to end an Obama rule protecting wolves and bears at Alaska's wildlife refuges from being killed in their dens and gunned down from the air. President Trump signed legislation April 3 that was rushed through Congress under the Congressional Review Act. Our suit challenges the constitutionality of the Act, a 1996 law allowing legislators to repeal federal regulations adopted in the last few months of the previous presidential administration. Before 2017, Congress successfully used the Act only once -- in 2001 -- but Trump and the current Congress have now used it to revoke 13 different Obama-era regulations. The fight is on to stop Trump's disgusting wildlife-killing law. Read more in The Hill and consider donating to our Trump Resistance Fund.

Dow Urges Halt to Work Protecting Species From Pesticides Dow Chemical is pushing the Trump administration to abandon legally mandated efforts to protect endangered species from three dangerous pesticides. The ploy to abandon a nearly four-year effort to safeguard endangered species from these pesticides was revealed in letters obtained by the Center. Dow wants the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to withdraw "biological evaluations" that were finalized in January detailing how the highly toxic organophosphate insecticides -- chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon -- harm nearly all 1,800 threatened and endangered U.S. animals and plants. "Unable to win on the facts, Dow is now adopting the same disgraceful tactics honed by the tobacco industry and the climate deniers to try to discredit science and scrap reasonable conservation measures that will protect our most endangered animals and plants," said the Center's Brett Hartl. Read more in U.S. News & World Report.

Wildlife Services Sued Over Colorado Carnivore Killing In December 2016 the state of Colorado approved a highly controversial plan to use Wildlife Services, the federal government's animal-extermination arm, to kill as many as 120 mountain lions and black bears in a misguided experiment for the benefit of hunters. So along with our allies, last week we sued Wildlife Services over its Colorado scheme. "I'm outraged that Colorado plans to kill bears and mountain lions to boost deer populations for hunters," said the Center's Collette Adkins. "The state relies on outdated and unscientific thinking that disregards the importance of predators. The scientific study our lawsuit seeks would show that Colorado's predator-killing program is ecologically harmful -- as well as ineffective and cruel." Read more in The New York Times.

Center Seeks Records on Monsanto's Ties to EPA The Center and U.S. Right to Know have submitted requests under the Freedom of Information Act seeking public records to determine whether pesticide giant Monsanto inappropriately influenced the Environmental Protection Agency in its declaration that the toxic chemical glyphosate -- the main ingredient in Roundup -- does not cause cancer. "With many independent studies linking glyphosate to cancer," said Center Senior Scientist Nathan Donley, "it's vital to understand how much influence Monsanto had on the agency that's supposed to protect public health." Read more.

Endangered Species Act Protection Sought for Giraffes Africa's giraffe population has plunged nearly 40 percent over the past three decades, largely due to mounting habitat loss, hunting for meat and international trade in bone carvings and trophies. That's why this week the Center and allies filed to protect giraffes under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The United States imported more than 21,400 bone carvings, 3,000 skin pieces and 3,700 hunting trophies over the past decade, so limiting that import will give giraffes important protections. "There are now fewer giraffes than elephants in Africa," said the Center's Tanya Sanerib. "It's time for the United States to step up and protect these extraordinary creatures." Read more in USA Today and check out our new giraffe webpage.

BLM Fracking Plan Endangers Sage Grouse in Utah The Bureau of Land Management is proposing to auction off 15,000 acres of public land in Utah for fracking and drilling -- a move that will hurt local greater sage grouse that are already in trouble. The Sheeprocks population of sage grouse in central Utah has dropped by nearly 40 percent over the past four years. "Despite admitting that the Sheeprocks population is in critical condition and requires more protection, BLM officials want to encourage drilling in the sagebrush?" said the Center's Michael Saul. "It makes no sense." Read more.

Rare Salmon Mural Unveiled in Portland Airport Residents of Portland, Oregon -- plus millions of others journeying through the PDX airport -- will now be inspired and educated by the latest installment in the Center's Endangered Species Mural Project. The exhibit depicts a different kind of journey: the epic migration of Columbia River sockeye salmon from the ocean to their natal inland Oregon streams. The nine-panel, 15-square-foot exhibit -- called Sockeye Salmon Bring the Ocean to the Mountains -- was painted and installed by Portland artist Roger Peet, who also spearheads our mural project. This nationwide art series aims to connect communities with local imperiled wildlife by highlighting threatened species of regional significance; so far it includes 10 murals across the country. Read more in Willamette Week.

Solarize State Government Buildings -- Take Action To avoid catastrophic climate change, we must rapidly transition to renewable energy, and a concrete step we can take is installing solar panels on government buildings. But with a cabinet of climate deniers running the federal government, this step will require visionary leadership and political will at the state level. Take a moment right now to tell your state representatives to put solar panels on all solar-compatible state government buildings and to obtain energy from local distributed solar energy for buildings not compatible with solar energy technology.

April 22: March for Science Science is under serious attack by the Trump administration -- and that attack threatens to undermine our laws and liberties, drive endangered species over the brink of extinction, and hobble urgently needed action on climate change. So when citizens march for science across the country on Earth Day this Saturday, Center staff will be there -- including our climate science director Shaye Wolf in San Francisco, climate staff scientist John Fleming in D.C., and senior attorney and biologist Collette Adkins in Minneapolis. We'll also be in Los Angeles; New York; Portland, Ore., and other cities. Read commentary from Shaye in The Mercury News, an article by John at Medium, and an op-ed by Collette at Minnpost. Then find a march near you in which to participate -- and take amessage of conservation and environmental protection with you.

Wild & Weird: Five Animal Cams Late to meet a work deadline? Stuck on a boring conference call? Never fear, these five amazing animal cams will make you forget all about it. 1. Katmai National Park Bear Cam 2. Weedy Seadragon Cam 3. Underwater Penguin Cam 4. Otter Cam 5. African Watering Hole Cam

Breaking News.... Center for Biological Diversity filed another suit against our Government Administration.. We can shut down this brutal attack against our Endangered Species of Wolves their pups, Bears and their cubs during hibernation. This is the most offensive and unkind act allowing the state of Alaska to kill wolves and their pups by aerial killing and gassing the bears and cubs in their dens. I am amazed how many people are using blinders to see what is happening to all Endangered Species and the executive orders signed and sealed to continue such slaughter. Please sign the petitions when presented and donate if you can, so that organizations can start filing suit and get injunctions against this travesty. These organizations also understand that one may not be able to donate, but spreading the word and sharing their news and petitions to friends and relatives is another way to help. If we are protecting our dogs, cats, birds and the environment, then we must stand up for the rights of all animals including our Endangered Species, as the Endangered Species Act can become extinct itself. We are the popular vote and we can say and voice loud and clear to STOP the culling of our animals. Who decides who lives and dies and the means of which they will slaughter the animals? Governments from each state, then each state can go rogue and cause chaos in our ecosystems throughout the world. Mahalo

Recently you and more than 38,000 other Center members took action to protect Alaska's wild predators from being slaughtered. Congress ignored our demands, and Trump signed the bill into law on April 3. But we won't back down. We just filed a constitutional challenge to shut down this brutal assault for good. Now we're calling on you, once again, to help us fight. -- Kierán Protect Alaska's wildlife with a matched gift to the Trump Resistance Fund today. Just minutes ago the Center for Biological Diversity sued Trump anew -- this time targeting his callous decision allowing wolves to be gassed in their dens and bears to be shot by aerial gunners in Alaska's wildlife refuges. This is no ordinary lawsuit. We're filing a constitutional challenge to a provision that allowed Congress to ram through this law before sending it to Trump for his signature. It's exactly the kind of action the Center has built its reputation on: swift, fierce and creative. But lawsuits like this one and the other 10 we've just filed against Trump are expensive. Please donate to the Trump Resistance Fund right now. Every dollar will be matched by a generous supporter. The law Trump signed earlier this month is vicious. It repeals lifesaving measures the Obama administration put in place to protect some of Alaska's most iconic wildlife. Trump's new law allows wolves and their pups to be killed while asleep in their dens and bears to be caught in steel-jaw traps or shot from the air. We're suing to reinstate protections and save these animals from these disgusting acts. The war on wildlife is heating up under Trump. Right-wing politicians in the White House and both houses of Congress have made it clear: Wolves, bears and hundreds of endangered species are in their crosshairs. We know the next four years will be a bare-knuckle fight to protect wild creatures from constant attack. We know how to win, but we can't do it without you. Please donate today to our Trump Resistance Fund to help us see this lifesaving work to completion -- your gift will be matched dollar for dollar. Earth to Trump: We'll see you in court.

Breaking..... Funding for Horse Slaughter Sites and Inspections.. It is on the agenda for 2017, and I did have a meeting with ASPCA Washington D.C. HORSE SLAUGHTER AGAIN FOR 2017.... WE STILL HAVE TIME TO STOP THE RE-OPENING OF HORSE SLAUGHTER PLANTS THROUGHOUT EVERY STATE IN THE UNION. Horse slaughter is the most inherently inhumane action against a horse. Horses' instinctual flight response makes them ill suited for stunning. They will endure repeated blows to head and body and can remain conscious during dismemberment. The US Department of Agriculture documented rampant cruelty and barbaric action violations when horse slaughterhouses were operating throughout the U.S. The USDA reports that over 92% of the horses sent to slaughter are healthy animals that can lead a full life in loving homes. Horsemeat is unsafe for human consumption, do to the fact that they are not raised for food in this country. More than 80% of American voters do oppose the slaughter of these peaceful and productive animals and definitely not for human consumptions. We need to fight this bill for funding every year until the SAFE ACT is put in place to prohibit all slaughter of horses in the United States and their export to other countries for the purpose of SLAUGHTER!!!!!!! PLEASE SHARE, CALL OR FACEBOOK YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE... ARE VOICES CAN BE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE NATION.... LET'S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAHALO

In just a matter of a month the House of Representatives will be voting on a measure to allow horse slaughter plants to re-open in this country. JUST in time for this vote, a compelling new study was released. 

See Below.. Please do this for HORSES!!   




Please visit.....www.aspca.org/homes4horses

Please take quick and immediate action to save our horses from the inhumane slaughter.  As I mentioned before in my previous blog, it is the most inhumane killings one has ever seen.  I know, and saw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.  If you love animals, as I do, and horses are very close to me, your heart will be torn out. (IT IS SAVAGE) please visit this to save our horses...  www.aspca.org/savehorses

 Please if you are reading this Blog I would assume you fingers are not broken and you are able to use your phone or computer.  So please take the time to comment on your federal representative’s Facebook page or twitter account ( You can find their social media info by using this link and typing in your address: www.aspca.org/lookup .) 



Let them know that Edge Research study is showing that there are over 2.3 million homes available to take in and care for horses in need. With approximately 125,000 horses going to slaughter in 2016, and maybe more for 2017, these numbers indicate that there are more than enough homes for horses who are being sent to slaughter. Please consider this information and support the Farr-Dent Amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill!



I have personally contacted my State Representative, sent letters to every office, fax them, or mail them.  If we collectively reach out through Face Book, we can leave this unjust travesty behind us, 
WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN "WE ARE THEIR VOICE TO SAVE AND PROTECT" 
Please consider this information and support the Farr-Dent Amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill!

No life is greater than another and all life

Breaking News in Florida... I had blogged about this horrific slaughter of bears and put the information into my newsletter for my website about a year ago. This is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Services going rogue and allowed hunting of the Endangered Species of our Black Bear.. over 300 bears, both cubs, and adult bears were slaughtered without mercy in 2015. In fact the hunting was stopped immediately because 300 bears including cubs were killed in a matter of days. Trophy hunters kill for the pleasure and with malice. They do not care how they kill but in doing so it gives them the thrill of kill. We are now facing another possible slaughter and Florida's Fish and Wildlife is under pressure from trophy hunters and the hounds to kill, kill, and kill for 2017. Please sign the petition here that is enclosed and share with everyone, whether you live here in Florida or not your actions count and your voice is heard.. We can stop the 2017 slaughter, as we did for 2016 with our actions and our voice to save the endangered Black Bear. Petitions did work last year, lets do again... mahalo

Protect Florida's black bears  Florida's black bear population has barely recovered from a trophy hunt two years ago that resulted in 304 bears being killed statewide just two days into a week-long hunt. Now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is facing pressure from hunting groups and houndsmen to allow another trophy hunt of black bears in 2017. The only effective method to resolving human-bear conflicts is taking preventative measures such as keeping yards clean and free of food and managing trash storage. A trophy hunt is not the answer -- black bears could face extinction and orphaned cubs could die of slow starvation or predation. Please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-4676 and let them know that you support keeping Florida's black bear population safe from hunts. You can say, “As a concerned Florida resident, I am asking you not to approve a black bear hunt in Florida. It is unnecessary and ineffective at alleviating conflicts, and it threatens extinction of this subspecies.” After you call, please send a follow-up message. Thank you for all you do for animals. Wayne Pacelle, President & CEO