BREAKING NEWS.... HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL.. I was in awe as my eyes filled with tears to hear the most incredible news coming out of Korea.. I had recently posted on my FB page the outcry from Humane Society International to sign their Petition to shut down this particular dog meat farm. I was in tearful amazement to hear from them, that they had an overwhelmingly received thousands of signatures for shut down. The outcry to demolish the largest DOG MEAT FARM AND SLAUGHTER HOUSE was in process. ... with the help of Compassionate donors this was a VICTORY beyond their dreams. This victory was a victory filled with tearful emotion, as they tore down the buildings that held these poor dogs and other animals in cages awaiting their death by knife, electrocution or other means they had on hand. This is what Humane Society International has been waiting for and new their continued undying efforts and pleas for help would be heard. The Light Beings, Angelic Donors and all who have taken the time to read, sign the petitions and shared them with friends and family BRAVO.. WE DID IT... Remember walk the walk you will be amazed on how you feel.... MAHALO NUI LOA..

💗💗  P.S. If you’re interested, you can watch the Facebook livestream of me on the ground at the slaughterhouse here.           PLEASE WATCH AMAZING just click...

                                               (have some tissues tears of happiness)

Dear Tia, Last week in Seongnam, South Korea, your support allowed HSI and our partner groups, KAWA and KARA, to help shut down the country’s largest dog slaughterhouse. As a compassionate donor, this is your victory too, and I'm so proud to carry out the lifesaving work that you make possible. The blood-stained walls of this slaughterhouse were demolished, and no dog will suffer and die here again. The city council plans to build a peaceful community park in its place. At the slaughterhouse, I found many empty wire pens that once held hundreds of dogs, as well as the electrocution equipment used to kill them, knives and a de-hairing machine. I was filled with emotion knowing that this place and these cruel devices will never be in use again – thanks to you. You are truly helping turn the tide against the dog meat trade in South Korea.The closure of the country’s largest dog slaughterhouse–one that supplied meat to traders at the infamous Moran market for generations–marks a major victory toward ending it for good. Hopefully, this will be just the beginning for these types of actions by government agencies across the country. To celebrate this landmark closure, please consider making your Giving Tuesday gift early to keep up the momentum and help save animals from cruelty all over the world. Thank you so much for your continued support, for fighting with us and for all that you do for animals. Sincerely, Adam Parascandola Senior Director, Animal Protection & Crisis Response Humane Society International 💗💗

Breaking News from the ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND.. and a new LOGO.. Reynard the FOX.. "PLEASE READ THE SUIT FILED AND PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS IS HAPPENING" Backyard slaughter has always been a gut wrenching experience. Animals are treated most severely in backyard farms and slaughtered in the most inhumane ways. They are kicked, bludgeoned with 2x4's to the shoulders, head, hips and ribs. Care2 had petitions to stop the slaughter of animals in backyards. Care 2 petitions stated "there are several reasons why unregulated backyard slaughter operations are harmful. The animals are routinely mistreated and even bludgeoned, stabbed and butchered while still alive. The carcasses and body parts that cannot be sold on the black market are discarded among the living animals, risking their health and well-being. In Idaho in particular, the blood from these butchered animals spreads into protected wetlands, harming the water quality and wildlife. Additionally, these backyard slaughter operations often happen in populated areas, where nearby residents are exposed to harmful diseases from the careless disposal of the dead bodies". Backyard slaughtering operations must come to a stop and with many of the animal advocates, farm animal advocates, and with the power and the expertise of the ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSIVE FUND.. maybe we can put a halt against these practices and ensure that these illegal vicious killings will stop. These heinous crimes of backyard slaughtering are not only in Ft Myers, Florida, but in many states including the state many call paradise. They are mass slaughtering dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep and much more. We must stand together, sign the petitions, help in anyway we can, but most of all spread the word to everyone. WE ARE THEIR VOICE TO SAVE AND PROTECT!!! Mahalo

PLEASE CLICK THE FIRST LINE IN BLUE!!!! IT WILL TELL YOU ALL THAT IS HAPPENING AND WHERE!!!!.. MAHALO

Stopping Black Market Backyard Slaughter Operations We filed a lawsuit to shut down Florida backyard slaughter operations where animals including pigs, goats, and chickens, are illegally tortured. Celebrate Our New Look To celebrate our new look, you can purchase limited-edition t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the Animal Legal Defense Fund logo. Act fast, shirts are only available through August 6. Animals Rescued from Maryland Roadside Zoo After threatening legal action, the Animal Legal Defense Fund rescued more than a dozen exotic and endangered animals, including lemurs and arctic foxes, from Deer Haven Mini Zoo.  Justice for Animals Fundraising Gala Join us to celebrate almost 40 years of legal progress for animals at the Justice for Animals Fundraising Gala in Los Angeles, California. Tickets are available for purchase online.  For the animals, Stephen Wells Executive Director

Breaking News from Humane Society of the United States.. UPDATE: Justice has been served for the 84 Great Danes that were rescued from a suspected puppy mill operation in a New Hampshire mansion last June. This is a monumental VICTORY.. FOR ALL OF THE GREAT DANES RESCUED and for Humane Society of US.. The Humane Society of the United States, based in Washington, D.C., is an American nonprofit organization founded by journalist Fred Myers, Helen Jones, Larry Andrews, and Marcia Glaser in 1954 ,Mahalo

 I have great news to share. Yesterday, the woman responsible for the horrifying Great Dane commercial breeding operation in New Hampshire was found guilty on 17 counts of animal cruelty—marking a huge victory in our ongoing fight against commercial breeders who abuse animals in their care.

These dogs endured unimaginable suffering. I'll never forget the overpowering smell that hit our team members when we walked into the mansion and the sight of feces and debris smeared across all the walls. Many of the dogs suffered from an array of health problems and appeared to have spent countless hours in cages with no access to water.

Since the extraordinary rescue nine months ago, an army of dedicated people have been giving these sweet dogs the love and attention they deserve. They've been in our care living at an emergency animal shelter we constructed especially for them.

This is a BIG win for these BIG, lovable dogs—and it would not be possible without the support of compassionate animal lovers like you. Read more about this long-fought win our blog.

Sára Varsa
Senior Director of Animal Cruelty, Rescue and Response

Breaking News.. Senator Greg Steube presenting Sarasota and Charlotte Counties has had a tremendous victory in the legislature protecting and saving our pets from abusers, and high kill shelters. He has written into law policies and procedures for all shelters to take the time to find home and to take all measures to return pets that are lost or stolen to their rightful owners.. this is definitely a milestone and stepping stone for all shelters to meet these policies and procedures. This law also denies ownership or having any contact with animals for all those convicted of animal abuse, neglect or abandonment. BRAVO.. FLORIDA,

Hi, Senator Greg Steube would like to provide you with important information and updates on what's happening in the community as well as in the legislature. Animal Welfare Today, the Florida Legislature sent a great bill to the Governor's desk. CS/CS/SB 1576 requires animal shelters that take in stray dogs and cats to adopt written policies and procedures to ensure that every reasonable effort is made to quickly and reliably return the animals to their owners.  The bill allows a court to prohibit a person convicted of animal cruelty from owning, possessing, keeping, harboring, having contact with, or having custody or control over any animal.  I am thrilled we were able to pass legislation that will protect our pets from animal abusers as well as ensure animal shelters take every reasonable effort to return stray pets back to their owners. This evening, SB 1576 passed the Legislature unanimously. For more information on SB 1576, click here. As always, I greatly value all of your comments and emails. Please feel free to reach out to my office to share your thoughts or concerns, or if we can ever be of any assistance. I look forward to representing you this Legislative Session.    Your Friend and Neighbor, Greg Steube Proudly Serving Sarasota and Charlotte Counties

STAY CONNECTED:

Animal Legal Defense Fund is asking for signatures and take action to hold all abusers accountable from zoos to puppy mills.. Please share and sign.. Mahalo

Keep the USDA Transparent and Accountable | Animal Legal Defense Fund: Act now and tell the USDA that you oppose third party inspections.

Dear Tia, The USDA is charged with ensuring the millions of animals in roadside zoos, puppy mills, and research labs across the country receive the basic care required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Despite this mandate, the USDA fails year after year to fulfill its duty. Now the USDA proposes action that could dramatically reduce government inspections of facilities like puppy mills and let the industry police itself. Under the proposal, USDA would decrease inspections at facilities that obtain certifications from industry groups (in other words an organization that represents the interests of roadside zoos could “certify” roadside zoos). These industries profit from abuse and will not be accountable to the public or the animals. Act now and tell the USDA that you oppose third party inspections. Please take a few minutes and let the USDA know that you oppose third party inspections by making a comment through the regulations.gov page. Take action today and urge the USDA to reject this dangerous plan. The USDA is also holding a listening session in Tampa on March 8 where you can voice your disapproval. We strongly encourage you to attend and tell the USDA you don’t support outsourcing animal welfare inspections. For more information about listening sessions, click here. For the animals, Stephen Wells Executive Director

Please sign and share..

Center of Biological Diversity...updates on our Florida Panther, as they have partnered with the Florida Panther Society. The Center has been honored to carry their work forward to PROTECT AND SAVE OUR FLORIDA PANTHERS. Puma concolor coryi. The Florida panther is a subspecies of Puma concolor (also known as mountain lion, cougar, or puma) and represents the only known breeding population of puma in the eastern United States. In 1967, the Department of the Interior listed the Florida panther as an endangered subspecies. (reference: US Fish and Wildlife 2017) Today, the panther is recognized as Florida's official state animal but it is one the most endangered mammals on Earth. Did You Know? Proportionately, panthers have the largest hind legs of any cat, allowing them to leap up to 15 feet vertically and 45 feet horizontally. Panthers are an umbrella species and they once prowled and flourished in woodlands and swamps throughout the Southeast. When European settlers arrived in the 1600s, the clear-cutting, building and other human activities that destroy, degrade and fragment habitat began, and the fear and misconceptions that led to panther persecution took root. Today, they are one of the most Endangered Species known. In 2017, the ranchers of Southeast and here in Florida are pushing to delist our Florida Panther, so they may be shot on sight. Center of Biological Diversity, their advocates and other very high powered organizations will fight and take their fight to the courts of Florida to keep our Panther SAFE AND PROTECTED by the Endangered Species Act. Today the most threat to our Panthers are vehicles and trucks especially down Alligator Alley and State Road 29 where they roam along the Everglades. Referencing Big Cat Rescue what is actually being done? There are only 120 to 200 on last count, and plans to save the panthers focus on 3 areas of action. First, additional habitat must be secured and enhanced. Second, programs are under way to breed panthers in captivity for later release back in the wild. Third, scientists are exploring ways to increase the genetic variability of panthers through cross-breeding with closely related subspecies. We need team support from all peoples of Florida, and as Florida increases its population by leaps and bounds educating the public on our Panthers, and taking the education to the schools will give the newcomers, and locals the tools to allow our Florida Panthers to flourish not to become extinct... EXTINCT IS FOREVER!!!! Mahalo

                             

A New Chapter in Saving Florida Panthers
Saving Florida Panthers has long been a shared goal between the Center and the Florida Panther Society. With the Society winding down, we're honored that they've chosen us to carry on this important work to protect and conserve one of the most awe-inspiring wild cats on the continent. Learn more.

SAVING THE FLORIDA PANTHER

A reserved, stealthy predator of enormous physical grace and power, the Florida panther is one of the most majestic large felines in the wild. While jaguars roamed as far east as Louisiana, and pumas were widespread from the East to the West coasts, today the Florida panther is the only large feline remaining in the Southeast, and it's separated from western puma populations by more than 1,000 miles. Once found throughout the southeast United States, the Florida panther now occupies only a small area of South Florida, about 5 percent of its former range, and it numbers just 100 to 120 individual cats. 

By far the greatest threats to Florida panthers are habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation — all driven by Florida's burgeoning human population and the developments and highways that accommodate it. Without room to roam, male Florida panthers clash, often with fatal consequences; with its restricted size and absolute isolation, the panther population remains particularly vulnerable to fatal diseases and parasites. Roads, besides slashing through precious panther habitat, also directly kill the great cats through vehicle collisions. But Florida development and road-building can only increase as humans expand; already, numerous new towns are planned to be built inland from the state's southwest coast.

For the Florida panther to survive — much less recover — it needs federally protected critical habitat, as well as reintroductions to additional habitats in Florida and the Southeast. The Center petitioned for the protection of roughly 3 million acres of critical habitat in September 2009, but early the next year, the Obama administration denied our petition — so we and four allies sued, and when our lawsuit was struck down, we appealed. In 2011, we also petitioned to reintroduce the panther in and around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia and northern Florida. That petition was denied, but we won't give up on earning this species the room it needs to roam and recover, and we've won several victories defening its habitat, such as a 2014 settlement to significantly curtail damaging off-road vehicle use in Big Cypress National Preserve, where the panther roams

.The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is one of the 58 refuges established under the authority of the Endangered Species Act. The refuge area has long been known as an important Florida Pantherhabitat. Several female panthers have had litters and raised kittens on the refuge in recent years.

Breaking News .. Defenders of Wildlife.. Whales an endangered species and our Right Whale are dying faster than they are procreating. We are loosing them to fishing nets throughout the North Atlantic Seas.. Defenders of Wildlife and their legal teams are now taking their battle to the courts and have filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries, for not protecting and setting guidelines and regulations for the commercial fisheries in using these death traps.. Please lets take this fight and help them, if you cannot help with a donation, then please share this newsletter. We are all advocates for all species of animal and marine life.. we are their voice to stop such needless deaths.. Mahalo

It’s tragic. Last month, another critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was found dead – entangled in fishing gear – off the coast of Virginia. The situation is dire – and without our immediate intervention, the species will likely become functionally extinct in the next 20 years. That is why Defenders is suing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for failing to protect right whales from fatal entanglements in fishing lines. But we need your help to raise $150,000 by February 28th to support our legal team and our life-saving work of protecting right whales and other wildlife. Tia, fewer than 450 North Atlantic right whales remain, and this latest death comes on the heels of one of the deadliest years for right whales since the days of commercial whaling. In 2017, at least 17 of these critically endangered whales died – and a majority of their deaths were attributed to deadly entanglements in fishing gear. Entanglement in fishing gear is the primary threat to the survival of right whales. In fact, scientists estimate that 83 percent of right whales have experienced entanglement in fishing gear at least once in their lifetimes. A right whale can die within minutes, drowning as it struggles to free itself – or it can die slowly and painfully over many months from injury, infection, or starvation. It is a horrific end that no animal should have to suffer. But the harms of entanglements don’t stop there. Scientists have learned that stress from chronic and long-term entanglements reduces female whales’ reproductive rates. Sadly, 2017 was also one of the worst on record for calf births – with only five recorded. The math is clear: right whale deaths are far outpacing their birth rates and it’s putting them on an escalating trajectory toward extinction. But their fate is not yet sealed. Defenders is pulling out all the stops to ensure a future for right whales and other imperiled species. We are mounting a defense for wildlife in courtrooms across the country. Your urgent donation will provide the funds we need to defend wildlife whenever threats arise. Get us to our goal of $150,000 by Feb. 28th! Sincerely, Jamie Rappaport Clark President, Defenders of Wildlife

National Justice for Animals... February 25 through March 3, is dedicated to all animals. Fighting animal abuse, changing laws, educating the public, prosecutors and law enforcement regarding all animals is what founder Stephen Wells and his team of attorney's have dedicated their lives. It is now time to join ALDF, prosecutors, and law enforcement in raising the bar and making animal abuse a felony in all 50 states. This year our horses are facing the battle of their lives and with the continued help of Animal Legal Defense Fund, lawmakers and advocates they are taking the battle to the courtroom to save them from the most inhumane slaughter known. They continue to fight the battles for all animals including our Endangered Species, Marine Life, shutting down all roadside zoo's and puppy mills. Stand with them, as they count on our support in signing petitions, sharing their newsletters and continue to work as a team for all species of animals, mammals and marine life. Mahalo

National Justice for Animals Week Next week (Feb. 25 – March 3) is National Justice for Animals Week. Join us in raising public awareness of animal abuse and celebrating the prosecutors, law enforcement officials, lawmakers, and others who champion the cause of animal crime victims. Protecting Our Wild Horses Wild horses across the country are under attack – but we’re fighting back in the courtroom to defend wild horses from cruel roundups and slaughter. Animal Welfare Blackout The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s animal welfare blackout continues. Get the latest update. Become a Partner in Protection Ensure that Animal Legal Defense Fund attorneys are able to bring animal abusers to justice across the country by becoming a Partner in Protection. Simply sign up to make a monthly tax-deductible donation of any amount. For the animals, Stephen Wells Executive Directors

Breaking News from Alice Jay - Avaaz.. Our bees are in the greatest danger of becoming extinct. Remember without our bees and other pollinators our EARTH as we know it will die!! Many other organizations are noting that we are in our own environmental holocaust. Scientists have recently reported as of 2017, that the mass extinctions of marine animals may soon be occurring at alarmingly rapid rates than previously projected due to pollution, rising water temperatures and loss of habitat. Many land species also face a similar fate for the same reasons, as well as Trophy Hunting. The biggest foreboding danger of all facing humans is the loss of the global honeybee population and other pollinators. The consequence of a dying bee population impacts man at the highest levels on our food chain, posing an enormously grave threat to human survival.(facts.global research.com). The Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is the bee phenomenon which is currently recognized as an urgent crisis. I am a novice Beekeeper and as an advocate for all species, I believe we all need to recognize, that we are in a severe crisis of global proportion. I need to do more, we all need TO DO MORE.. sign the petitions, write your Congressman, State Representative and most of all write, use social media and sound off to the big chemical companies who sell these poisonous pesticides. We are the voice for all species, and we are heard throughout the world. Please share, we need to be very active and YES WE can stop this extermination of our Honey Bee's.. Below are links that one can read and share.. Mahalo

Dear friends,

Right now, billions of bees are dying. Already, there are nowhere near enough honeybees in the US to pollinate the crops, and in Europe beekeepers are losing at least 10% of their bees each year.

We're in the middle of an environmental holocaust that threatens all of us, because without pollination by bees, our whole food chain is under threat! 

Scientists are sounding the alarm about pesticides that are toxic to bees, and say we’re using way, way more pesticides on our crops than we need. And as with oil companies and climate change, big chemical companies that sell pesticides are fighting back with dubious corporate-funded science that questions the evidence, giving politicians an excuse to delay. 

But this year we could finally see a crackdown on these toxins in Europe, Canada, and the United States! -- and Avaaz has mapped a plan to make it happen:

1. Turn the pesticide scientists into whistleblowers to testify to officials and Ministers;
2. Run urgent studies to show how crops will flourish without these poisons;
3. Launch massive public campaigns with political champions to win the bans.

Scientific studies and global public campaigns are expensive. Avaaz may be the only crowdsourced funding model in the world able to raise enough, fast enough to fund global-scale, grassroots-supported studies into how we farm without these poisons, to decisively challenge the compromised science of big pharma. The need is urgent, and if we can't do this, it's not clear who can. 

Europe poised for total ban on bee-harming pesticides (The Guardian) 
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/23/europe-poised-for-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides 

Strongest evidence yet that neonicotinoids are killing bees (New Scientist) 
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2139197-strongest-evidence-yet-that-neonicotinoids-are-killing-bees/ 

Would we starve without bees? (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zg4dwmn 

Attack of the bee killers: Documents show Bayer and Syngenta teamed up with farmers to get around bee-friendly regulation (Politico)
https://www.politico.eu/article/europes-lost-colonies-bees-neonicotinoids/ 

Controversial pesticides can decimate honey bees, large study finds (Science)
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/06/controversial-pesticides-can-decimate-honey-bees-large-study-finds 

Farms could slash pesticide use without losses (The Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/06/farms-could-slash-pesticide-use-without-losses-research-reveals

Pesticide Lobby Spends Millions To Defend Chemicals Tied To Bee Deaths (Huffington Post)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/pesticide-lobby-bees_n_2980870.html

ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND..BREAKING UPDATES ON CRITICAL LEGISLATION.. Please take the time to act and share. We as their supporters cannot let this happen to any of our endangered species, farm animals, horses, dogs or cats. Please sign and share we are their voice and support.. Mahalo

Many critical laws protecting animals, including those regulating factory farms and preventing the sale of dog and horse meat, are in danger. Representative Steve King (R-IA) is trying to pass HR 3599, the so-called "States' Rights Elimination Act," which would undo many of the legislative victories you've achieved for animal protection. Tell your legislators that you oppose HR 3599. HR 3599 takes away your state’s ability to enact animal welfare laws protecting animals and consumers from food produced in unsafe conditions. Rep. King tried to pass similar legislation a few years ago, and animal advocates like you fought back. Congress needs to hear from you again. Please take a few minutes to make a short, respectful phone call to your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121. When you call this number, the automated system will direct you to your legislators based on zip code. A sample message: "I am (name of legislator)'s constituent. I am calling to ask you to oppose HR 3599, sponsored by Representative King, and instead support legislation that protects animals.” To make sure your message is heard, click here to send a follow-up email message in support of states’ rights to protect animals and consumers. Thank you for helping us protecting our state and local animal welfare laws. For the animals,                                                                     Stephen Wells Executive Director