Hello Readers,

I’m continuing my tradition of posting a guide to animal welfare organizations that can use your year end donation if you can give. This is my sixth year posting this and it always gets a good response. Charities and relief organizations have been hit especially hard these past few years so please give what you can.  If you can afford to do some Black Friday shopping, you can afford to give some money to help animals.

As a kid I used to send off pennies in an envelope to the Los Angeles SPCA… every cent counts. All of these groups take donations online and it takes like 2 seconds. I have supported the majority of these organizations for most of my life so I can vouch for the work they do.

REALLY EVEN $5 MAKES A DIFFERENCE!! And you will be surprised by how good it makes YOU feel to know you are helping. So skip Starbucks a few days next week– this is better than a caffeine rush.

Please repost!

Thank you for caring and Happy Holidays!

xo Polly

P.S. To give EVERYDAY for FREE don’t forget to Good Search and visit The Animal Rescue Site.

BEST FRIENDS SOCIETY
Located in Utah, Best Friends runs one of the largest “no kill” animal sanctuaries in the country with THOUSANDS of abused, neglected and abandoned animals from all over the world. They are the ones that took in the Michael Vick dogs.  And for a limited time, your gift to the animals at Best Friends will be doubled! That’s right, every gift made – up to $2 million – will be matched! 

THE GENTLE BARN FOUNDATION
The Gentle Barn is a farm sanctuary based in Southern California that invites groups of at-risk, abused and mentally disabled children and young adults to come and meet farm animals maybe for the first time. All 60 of their animals have be rescued from severe abuse, and by hearing the animals stories and seeing their progress, the children gain courage to overcome their own traumas.

MUTT MATCH LA
Mutt Match is run by a dear friend of mine, Sheilah Aragon, so I can attest that all her funds go to help the dogs of all breeds that she rescues when they are about to be put down at shelters across LA county. Her website is great, especially her story on how she because an animal rescuer. Sheilah is an example of how one person can really make a difference.

HOOVED ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY
I love horses and I love this organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of hooved animals, horses in particular. I have been sending them contributions since I was a little girl.

FARM SANCTUARY
I have been supporting this organization since it was founded in 1986. It is dedicated to the rescue of abused farm animals caught in the horrific web of factory farming, including “downed” animals dumped and left to die literally in the trash behind stockyards.

DELTA RESCUE
Located on 94 acres, DELTA has been around for over 20 years and houses thousands of abandoned animals in its California mountaintop sanctuary that I visited and toured as a teenager. The number of animals they help per year is astounding.

WORLD WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN AFRICA
What an amazing site. It hosts blogs for the hundreds of activists risking their lives EVERY DAY to protect endangered animals in Africa from dangerous militias, rebels and poachers who kill everything from hippos to gorillas in cold blood. You can read daily blogs from rangers in the Congo and sponsor such things as uniforms, food and medical supplies. The rangers themselves write these blogs and post photos, even thank you’s for tiny $20 donations. The stories are just heart wrenching. These rangers are out there with little to no military support and only basic weapons and supplies. Many are killed, but the bravery that jumps off the pages of these blogs is just awe inspiring. I have cried many times reading them. Definitely check out their stories even if you can’t donate right now…

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS FOUNDATION
Located in Los Angeles, this is where I got my amazing Lucia and James who are the loves of my life. I have been a volunteer here for 15+ years. Donate securely via Paypal HERE.

ANIMAL ACRES
Lovely little farm sanctuary in Acton, California that not only is constantly taking in rescued and abused farm animals, but has done an excellent job of balancing celebrity support with a grassroots approach without being obnoxious.  If you live in the LA area and haven’t made it out to Animal Acres, check out their website for info on farm tours and volunteer days.  It really is a great place to visit and bring city kids of all ages to get acquainted with the animals they don’t see in daily life.

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Today’s Guest Post is brought to you by Environment911.org
Check out the site to read about everything from organic shopping and eco travel tours, to being green on a budget and Eco Friendly School Supplies.

Everyday Tips for Sustainable Living
by Environment 911

2. Reduce Water Consumption

On top of the over consumption of energy, is the over consumption of water. Luckily for us, there are many products on the market that help us to reduce our water consumption such as low-flow shower heads and toilets, water gauges for your hoses and rain barrels to collect rain water to use for your gardening or other outdoor activities. By making a conscious decision to use less water you are doing the environment a favor as well as saving on your monthly bills.

3. Buy Local

Another sustainable living trend is to buy local food. When you purchase locally, you are not only supporting the farmers in your area, but you are also reducing the carbon footprint of that purchase. When you buy fruits and vegetables that are grown across the country, you are increasing the carbon output because of the fuel and pollution required to get those vegetables to you. It is much more sustainable to purchase locally and therefore, reduce your impact on the environment.

4. Drive Smart

Ideally, sustainable living means to drive a hybrid or not drive at all, however, that isn’t an option for all of us at this time. So instead of telling you to do that, I wanted to focus on some ways to drive smart and reduce gas consumption and thereby reduce pollution. You can do this by removing excess weight from your vehicle, insuring proper maintenance and tire pressure, accelerating and braking slowly and filling your tank in the morning when gasoline is cooler and denser.

5. Reduce Waste

Lastly, is one of the most common and well-known ways of helping the environment (reduce, reuse and recycle). I want to focus on the reduce part of this equation though as it is the part that directly relates to the environment and the waste that ends up in our landfills. There are many ways you can reduce waste in your home such as buying less or buying in bulk. Another way to reduce waste is to simply reuse old products or containers into something new.

By following these simple tips, you can start to implement sustainable living throughout your daily life. The environment will thank you!

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I’m so excited to have been a guest editor of this month’s Coco Eco Magazine!  The issue, focusing on “Wild Life” is one of my favorites.  Sebastian Copeland, the award-winning photographer and filmmaker who photographs remote locations like the North Pole to support the cause of climate change, is the cover story (and he looks hot!).  The issue also features some GREAT vegan products that I haven’t heard heard of, like the super sexy body lotion prtty peaushun apparently favored by Gwyneth Paltrow (you can be sure I already emailed them for a sample).

The issue also has a great series of articles on conservation, and celebrities like Tippi Hedren and Moby who are furthering and bringing animal welfare issues into the public consciousness.  Of course, I’m biased and think my article on the rhino poaching crisis in Africa is the best.  Titled Hunting the Unicorn, it was kind of a random subject to tackle, as most of you are used to me writing about cupcakes and shoes.  But I wanted to write something that was more hard hitting, and the facts I came across were so shocking to me that I wanted to spread the word to as many people as possible.

Click HERE to read this month’s entire issue!  My article is on page 112.
OR click HERE to go right to it.

Let me know what you think!

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Great strides were again made in the world of animal rights this year. Celebrate some of the 2010 milestones and feel good that you contributed by caring about suffering of animals used for food, entertainment, research and clothing (and unfortunately much more).  When you see all of these victories listed like this, it really drives home the point that “a [once] small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.”

Thanks to HSUS and PETA where I got most of this information.
Check out the HSUS Year End Video HERE
Check out the PETA Year End Video HERE

• Massachusetts passed “Logan’s Law” banning the devocalization of dogs and cats.
• Missouri passes Prop B, historic legislation to establish a basic level of care for large scale commercial dog breeding facilities.  Missouri is home to an estimated 3,000 puppy mills breeding hundreds of thousands of puppies, far more than any other state in the country.
• Arizona votes rejected Proposition 109, a referendum that would have amended the Arizona Constitution to give the legislature “exclusive” authority over wildlife issues while seeking to also forbid citizens from initiating statutory petitions.  Prop 109 also would have threatened voter rights regarding the initiative process when it came to inhumane and unethical wildlife treatment.
• H.R. 5566 the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010 was signed into law in December.  The statute immediately bans the creation and distribution of obscene animal torture videos that show the intentional crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating and impaling of puppies, kittens and other live animals for the titillation of viewers. Championed by Reps. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., the legislation had overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
• Shark Conservation Act (HR 81) was given final congressional approval in December.  The legislation that will increase protection for sharks from the cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning – cutting the fins off a shark and tossing the mutilated live animal back into the ocean to die.
• The Truth in Fur Labeling Act (H.R. 2480), an important bipartisan bill to protect consumers and animals, passed the House of Representatives in July and the Senate in early December.  The bill will bring much-needed accuracy and disclosure to fur products.
• Pennsylvania passes S.B. 1200 that allows the state to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, a nationwide law enforcement network that aims to prevent wildlife criminals who have lost their hunting privileges in one member state from hunting in another. Pennsylvania will join 35 other states in the Compact, including neighboring New York, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.
• H.R. 305, the Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2009, passed by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee— will vastly improve the welfare of horse transport in the United States.
• Historic decision made by the Catalan Parliament to ban bullfighting. Although only 50,000 signatures were needed to force a parliamentary vote, more than 180,000 Catalonian citizens signed the initiative calling for a bullfighting ban.
• Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois for signed multiple important animal protection and public safety measures. The bills prohibit the private ownership of primates as pets (H.B. 4801( and require the addition of a bitter flavor agent to antifreeze and engine coolant sold in the state in order to prevent poisoning of children and animals (H.B. 4722).  Also, H.B. 5772 will require that pet shops disclose information about the origin of the dogs and cats they sell.
• Gov. John Lynch of New Hampshire for signs the Greyhound Protection Act into law that will ban the sport in that state.
• A deal struck among The HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues.
• The New York state Senate unanimously passed legislation to strengthen the state law against animal fighting
• A key vote in the U.S. Senate upholds the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to address climate change.
• The Louisiana legislature for overwhelmingly passes a bill to crack down on cruel mass dog-breeding facilities.
• Minnasota lawmakers passed S.F. 2990, prohibiting the possession of drugs and implements used in animal fighting. Lawmakers also passed S.F. 2437, providing victims of domestic violence relief from abusers who threaten to harm their pets. S.F. 133, which would have urged Congress to oppose federal legislation to stop the slaughter of American horses for human consumption, was stopped.
• Arizona legislators passed a bill that includes protections for human and animal survivors of domestic violence.
• Florida legislature for unanimously approves a bill to address the trade in certain dangerous reptiles as pets, as well as a bill to protect Florida horses from slaughter
• Alaska state lawmakers for pass legislation to make the most egregious acts of cruelty to animals a felony on the first offense.
• The federal Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act. SJR 22, passed by a 27-7 vote in the California Senate, extends support for the federal bill that would prohibit the long-distance transport and slaughter of American horses for human consumption.
• Members of the UK Parliament signed a motion calling on the government to support increased protection for polar bears.
• West Hollywood city council passed an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores.
• NASA has grounded plans for a $1.75 million study in which dozens of squirrel monkeys would have been exposed to a harmful dose of radiation.
• Lufthansa Airlines announced a new policy prohibiting the transport of dogs and cats to laboratories.
• A horrifying video of an employee at Conklin Dairy Farm in Ohio brought the abuse of animals raised for food to national attention.  Amazingly, while the employee was charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty, the owner of the farm escaped unscathed.  While not a victory of course per se, the incident did bring worldwide attention to farm animal cruelty…even though it happens every day, and the Conklin incident was far from an aberration.

P.S. How proud am I to be a resident of the state ranked #1 by the HSUS in terms of animal cruelty laws!  See where your home state falls HERE.

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Hello Readers,

After the crazy shopping extravaganza of my Black Friday/Cyber Monday Guide, I’m continuing my tradition of sending out a guide to animal welfare organizations that can use your year end donation if you can give. This is my fifth year posting this and it always gets a good response. Charities and relief organizations have been hit especially hard these past few years so please give what you can.  If you can afford to do some Thanksgiving shopping, you can afford to give some money to help animals.

As a kid I used to send off pennies in an envelope to the Los Angeles SPCA… every cent counts. Almost all of these take donations online and takes like 2 seconds. I have supported the majority of these organizations for most of my life so I can vouch for the work they do.

REALLY EVEN $5 MAKES A DIFFERENCE!! And you will be surprised by how good it makes YOU feel to know you are helping. So skip Starbucks a few days next week– this is better than a caffeine rush.

Please repost!

Thank you for caring and Happy Holidays!

xoxo Polly

P.S. To give EVERYDAY for FREE don’t forget to Good Search and visit The Animal Rescue Site.

BEST FRIENDS SOCIETY
Located in Utah, Best Friends runs one of the largest “no kill” animal sanctuaries in the country with THOUSANDS of abused, neglected and abandoned animals from all over the world. They are the ones that took in the Michael Vick dogs.

THE GENTLE BARN FOUNDATION
The Gentle Barn is a farm sanctuary based in Southern California that invites groups of at-risk, abused and mentally disabled children and young adults to come and meet farm animals maybe for the first time. All 60 of their animals have be rescued from severe abuse, and by hearing the animals stories and seeing their progress, the children gain courage to overcome their own traumas.

MUTT MATCH LA
Mutt Match is run by a dear friend of mine, Sheilah Aragon, so I can attest that all her funds go to help the dogs of all breeds that she rescues when they are about to be put down at shelters across LA county. Her website is great, especially her story on how she because an animal rescuer. Sheilah is an example of how one person can really make a difference.

HOOVED ANIMAL HUMANE SOCIETY
I love horses and I love this organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of hooved animals, horses in particular. I have been sending them contributions since I was a little girl.

FARM SANCTUARY
I have been supporting this organization since it was founded in 1986. It is dedicated to the rescue of abused farm animals caught in the horrific web of factory farming, including “downed” animals dumped and left to die literally in the trash behind stockyards.

DELTA RESCUE
Located on 94 acres, DELTA has been around for over 20 years and houses thousands of abandoned animals in its California mountaintop sanctuary that I visited and toured as a teenager. The number of animals they help per year is astounding.

WORLD WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN AFRICA
What an amazing site. It hosts blogs for the hundreds of activists risking their lives EVERY DAY to protect endangered animals in Africa from dangerous militias, rebels and poachers who kill everything from hippos to gorillas in cold blood. You can read daily blogs from rangers in the Congo and sponsor such things as uniforms, food and medical supplies. The rangers themselves write these blogs and post photos, even thank you’s for tiny $20 donations. The stories are just heart wrenching. These rangers are out there with little to no military support and only basic weapons and supplies. Many are killed, but the bravery that jumps off the pages of these blogs is just awe inspiring. I have cried many times reading them. Definitely check out their stories even if you can’t donate right now…

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS FOUNDATION
Located in Los Angeles, this is where I got my amazing Lucia and James who are the loves of my life. I have been a volunteer here for 15+ years. Donate securely via Paypal HERE.

ANIMAL ACRES
Lovely little farm sanctuary in Acton, California that not only is constantly taking in rescued and abused farm animals, but has done an excellent job of balancing celebrity support with a grassroots approach without being obnoxious.  If you live in the LA area and haven’t made it out to Animal Acres, check out their website for info on farm tours and volunteer days.  It really is a great place to visit and bring city kids of all ages to get acquainted with the animals they don’t see in daily life.

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In honor of Memorial Day, please check out Bagdad Dog and Cat Rescue, the website for a lovely British woman named Louise who facilitates the rescue of cats and dogs from Iraq and Afghanistan. She also helps soldiers bring home animals they have “adopted” while overseas.

She is truly an example of one person making a difference, and all the vet, legal and transportation charges are paid by donations. In her words:

To donate to Baghdad Dog & Cat Rescue via Paypal click below.  Even a few dollars helps!

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National Journal Magazine published a GREAT cover story this month about the history of the animal rights movement, with ultimately a positive outlook.

If you haven’t read it already, I would urge everyone with interest to check it out HERE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meredith Turner, Farm Sanctuary, 646-369-6212, mturner@farmsanctuary.org

Farm Sanctuary Issues Statement on Graphic Undercover Video of Abuse at an Ohio Dairy Farm

GeneBaur, President and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary: “This video should be an eye-opener to anyone still unsure of what all the fuss is about concerning the treatment of farm animals in Ohio.”

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — May 26, 2010 — Gene Baur, President and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, today issued the following statement about the disturbing undercover video showing wanton animal abuse at an Ohio dairy farm in Union County, west of Columbus, that was obtained by the animal protection group Mercy For Animals. The footage shows workers beating cows in the face with crowbars, stabbing them with pitchforks, breaking their tails, and punching, throwing and kicking calves.

“This video should be an eye-opener to anyone still unsure of what all the fuss is about concerning the treatment of farm animals in Ohio. The cruel and violent behavior depicted in the video is indicative of an attitude that sees farm animals as mere production units, rather than as living, feeling animals. Undercover investigations at farms in Ohio and elsewhere routinely turn up instances of systemic cruelty. Farm Sanctuary has witnessed these cruelties on farms firsthand.

“Bad has become normal on today’s farms as workers brag and gloat about torturing animals and agribusiness leaders insist that it’s humane to keep animals confined in cages so small that they can’t walk, turn around, or even stretch their limbs.

“Conklin Dairy, the subject of Mercy For Animals’ investigation, asserts that its farm operates according to high standards, but the video shows that they operate by a different set of standards than most Americans. The cruelty and violent behavior that is now common on farms where animals are seen as commodities is outside the boundaries of acceptable conduct in our society.

Most people oppose animal cruelty, and Ohioans now have an important opportunity to prevent animal suffering in their state. Citizens are now collecting signatures to place a measure on the Ohio ballot to enact modest reforms and protect farm animals. It’s a positive step in the right direction for Ohioans who feel justifiably outraged by the abuse at Conklin Dairy Farms.”

If you would like to speak with Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, a leading supporter of Ohioans For Humane Farms, please contact Meredith Turner at 646-369-6212 or mturner@farmsanctuary.org.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the “food animal” industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts.

Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming.

Additional information can be found at farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.
Follow Farm Sanctuary on Twitter: twitter.com/FarmSanctuary

If you haven’t seen this horrific video, view it here. But be warned it is very graphic. I urge you to re-post and show your friends/family who are convinced that animals raised for milk are “not harmed” like those raised for meat.

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Near Pure Luck.  Photo by Veggywood.

Near California Vegan.  Photo by quarrygirl – quarrygirl.com

* Spoiler Alert: I curse a lot in this post.

As much as it made me physically ill to read this shit, I decided to do a little research on the ignorant fucks putting up those “Protect Your Pets from Animal Radicals” around Los Angeles.  Supposedly there are about 100 all over the city.

The group is called “The National Animal Interest Alliance”.  Despite starting their nauseating billboard campaign in Los Angeles, the group is based out of Portland.  Their vague and ambiguous websites include: bewareanimalradicals.com, exposeanimalrights.com, and naiaonline.org .  They list that the billboards are being funded by “Southern California Professional Dog Handler,” Kathy Grayson, with “the support of Marion Bradshaw.”  Bradshaw has something to do with dog shows.  I don’t know anything about Grayson except that this campaign was apparently her idea according to this on their website.  As a 501 (3)(c) org (for their “animal welfare” work – despite not operating one shelter or sanctuary), they also ask for public donations.

Interestingly enough, the company seems to have adapted the advertising tactics of the animal rights group they hate the most, PETA.  Apparently in 2001 NAIA even lobbed President Bush to revoke PETA’s 501 (c)(3) status.  They have adapted PETA’s use of multiple websites, social networking, “provocative” billboards…  Oh, and they also offer some nifty banners to put up on your website.  Make sure and check those out here.

On their main website NAIA includes the following people on their board/staff/volunteer staff:

Thomas L. Albert – Vice President of Government Relations for Feld Entertainment, Inc., parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® and the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC). (Of course he is. The “Center for Conservation” btw is just a front for where the animals are “trained” for their future days of slavery in the circus and is the target of a current cruelty investigation by PETA.)

Sharon Beck – A “fourth generation” cattle rancher and former president of Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. (Of course she is.)

Nancy Campbell and John Connolly - Dog Breeders. (Of course.)

Wendy Davis - Associate Coordinator of the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program.

Anne Edwards - A former research assistant at the Harvard University Department of Chemistry. At Harvard, she raised and cared for laboratory animals and performed research in the use of radioactive tracers in cholesterol metabolism. (Fucking Christ. This is like a who’s-who of industries I find despicable. My nightmare is getting stuck in an elevator with all these people. )

All they are missing is someone from the egg indus… Ah, fuck!

Gene Gregory - President and CEO of United Egg Producers, a national organization with egg producers in nearly every state.

Kenneth A. Marden - Past president of the American Kennel Club who apparently has a “deep understanding of the negative consequences of animal extremism and terrorism.” (Sure.)

Paul Mundell - A consultant for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) assisting in a project to develop specialized search dogs that will remotely detect improvised explosive devices.

Well, at least they don’t have anyone having anything to do with rode– Fuck!

Cindy Schonholt – The Director of Industry Outreach for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Kristine Phillips – Who in her free time ”enjoys backpacking, running, biking, experimental cooking, and playing with her Labrador Retriever.” (WTF?)

Okay, to be honest, I got tired of reading the bios.  It would be humorous if it wasn’t so disgusting.
See the full list HERE

The organization was started by Patti Strand, a Dalmatin breeder, AKC judge, and co-author of The Hijacking of the Humane Movement: Animal Extremism. See her blogger profile and photo HERE.

Anyway, in my research, I was surprised to learn that this organization has been around for awhile, since 1991.

According to Sourcewatch, “The National Animal Interest Alliance is a front group and industry funded lobbying organization for animal commerce and agribusiness based in Portland, Oregon… NAIA receives its primary financial support from “member donations” from related businesses and associations in farm animal agribusiness, commercial breeding, hunting, fishing, trapping, fur ranching, animal testing, rodeos and circuses. The Fur Commission is a member of the NAIA.”

By the way, check out the group’s impressive Facebook Page.  They have a wopping 377 fans.  PETA has 592,057. HSUS has 236,779.

Read ALF’s blurb on NAIA HERE

Why this group is pissing me off so much is because they’re from fucking OREGON, and yet are there any of this billboards up there? No.  They’re down here in OUR city putting this shit up.

In addition, they are clearly choosing spots near vegan places.  California Vegan?  Pure Luck / Scoops?  What the fuck is that?

I did some research on this Vista Media place whose name is on the billboards.  I found out that the company (previously owned by Entravision) was taken over by Lamar Advertising in 2008, a company new to LA.  The dilapidated billboards are definitely a sore spot in LA according to a post on BanBillboardBlight.org.

As far as I can tell, this is the website for Lamar.  And this seems to be the LA advertising rep.  Feel free to call / email him and ask him to stop taking these wackos money.

Ray Baker
rbaker@lamar.com
5670 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1690
Los Angeles, CA 90036
P:(877) 655-2627
F:(323) 933-3225

And how about this shit?  In December, Lamar started taking down medical marijuana billboards that fell under Vista’s contract with another company.  Apparently, Lamar has a policy against placing any advertisements for alcohol, medical marijuana, or other content not suitable for children within 1,000 feet of schools or churches.  Well that’s rich.  So politically correct — but they’ll put up this crap?  Within 1,000 feet of vegan restaurants I might add.  Which some people might consider church.

But it gets better.  This article from July of last year notes that the company was fine with selling boards to an escort service, after “refusing to take the money of an atheist group in Alabama.”  Louise Betancourt, someone having to do with the company, commented: “We allow anyone to advertise with use as long as the copy on the billboard is in good taste.”

So, apparently this is a company that thinks these fucked up billboards are in good taste.

Anyway, the one positive sign is that these boards look like shit, and can’t even hold a candle to the size and the quality of the ones bought by PETA.  Who, by the way, should make sure they aren’t buying from these clowns.  Although most of the billboards I’ve seen from PETA, HSUS, and Best Friends I believe are Clear Channel or CBS Outdoor — the companies with the more desirable locations in LA.

I’ve read that there are apparently close to 100 of these boards up around LA but I’ve only seen three.  If there are any near you, consider leaving a comment below or posting a photo on my Facebook Page so we can get some kind of count.

Personally I think it would be such a shame if someone messed up these billboards… Such a terrible, terrible shame.

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Here is an easy way to contact Starbucks and THANK THEM for coming out with a VEGAN FRAPPUCCINO.  I posted one of these a few months ago when Lucy’s Cookies were introduced and many readers found it helpful.   Just personalize this letter and send it off. It only costs a stamp and if a lot of people send in written out letters, I think it will have a bigger impact than even emailing.

***************************************

[Insert Date]

Starbucks Customer Relations
PO Box 3717
Seattle, WA 98124-3717

Dear Starbucks,

I am a long time customer and would like to thank you for your recent introduction of a VEGAN OPTION for your Frappuccinos into Starbucks stores nation wide.  The new separate pink blender was a considerate touch.  I found that most Starbucks stores were immediately knowledgable about the new customizations and able to make the drink without further explaination.  And thanks again for introducing the vegan Lucy’s Cookies a few months ago as well.  These additional options have made me really think about Starbucks in a more positive light.  Please consider offering a lite version of the vegan powder, and expanding the vegan options to fresh bakery items as well.

Sincerely,

[Sign Name by Hand]

[Insert Name]
[Insert Address]
[Insert Phone]

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Following the disaster in Haiti, a group of amazing rescue organizations have joined forces to form ARCH : Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti.

The coalition is headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and consists of a number of animal welfare groups including the ASPCA, American Humane Society, Best Friends, the Humane Society of the United States, PETA, and Humane Society International.

The organizations in ARCH share the belief that partnering across organizations is the most effective way to address the serious and enormous problems facing animals in Haiti. There are an estimated 5 million heads of livestock in the country (mostly goats), a large stray dog population, and an untold number of companion animals and native wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake.

Currently, a team of experts in animal emergency response is staging in the Dominican Republic waiting to get into Haiti to begin work. They have also begun to stock a mobile clinic with vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, food and other supplies in anticipation of bringing direct aid to animals.

Please take a moment and donate anything you can to support ARCH and directly help the animal victims of this terrible tragedy. Not only strays, but animals belonging to the human victims themselves. As Katrina proved, sometimes when everything is taken away, the only source of comfort can be an animal companion.

The photographer of the above picture commented: While taking pictures of the devastation in Haiti, I saw this group of children – camped on the pavement with no home to go back to, they represent the harsh reality that Haitians are faced with. But as the dog cheekily forced his way into the frame, the children burst out laughing… and I realized how these simple pleasures are part of their reality too!

Go HERE to donate via the WSPA or HERE to donate via IFAW.

To read the WSPA disaster blog go HERE

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ASPCA (Animal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals) has a great video about their variety of successes HERE

Best Friends Society “Pup My Ride” transfers 150 dogs rescued from puppy mills to organizations in New York.

Watch a video from HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) on the year’s biggest wins for animals HERE

Let’s hope 2010 is another great year from animals!

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Operation Santa Paws is gearing up again to collect toys, food, cleaning supplies and blankets/towels/pillows for animals in shelters around Los Angeles. All of us have a few things to spare (toys your dog or kitty have grown out of, a blanket you were just going to toss), and there are a TON of locations to drop items off at, so you really don’t have an excuse.

Justin Rudd, organizer of this annual holiday effort that started in 2001, is encouraging animal lovers to purchase a new dog or cat toy, treat or supply to drop-off/donate at one of the locations listed on the website that will be delivered in time for Christmas to shelters and rescues.

For a complete list of items needed and drop-off locations (including most Petcos) visit the website HERE.

This is a GREAT cause and I encourage all of you to participate! Items must be dropped off no later than friday December 18th!

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There’s a lot of veggie activities happening this weekend, including the monthly “Farm Chore Day” at Animal Acres . This month’s day will provide needed care for the “DACC Rescue” animals. The 45 rescued sheep, goats, and pigs need a team of volunteers to clean their living quarters at the evacuation center where the animals were taken for emergency rehabilitative care. A vegan lunch will be provided and a light jacket and work gloves are suggested. Volunteers should arrive between 10 and 11am, and expect to work until the 2pm lunch break.

RSVP to info@animalacres.org or call 661-269-5404 if interested in attending!

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Come protest this horrific puppy store that purchases their puppies from some of the worst puppy mills in the Midwest. The store owner served time in prison on consumer fraud in the medical industry, got out and opened a puppy store. Most of the puppies are sick yet sold for $2,000-$3,000!

Best Friends has been protesting here for almost a year. They are really hoping for a huge crowd on “Black Friday” as it’s the busiest shopping day of the year and kicks off puppy buying season.

If you have time, Best Friends will be there from 12 -5pm. They are wearing all black and are hoping for a huge protest on this busy day!

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This is a GREAT way to get rid of any extra vintage or hand-me-down fur that is haunting your closet without anything going to waste (thanks Brad!).

Starting Saturday, November 14 through Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, bring your real fur apparel, including trims, accessories and shearling, to any Buffalo Exchange and let them know it’s a donation for Coats for Cubs. Condition is unimportant as used furs provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. Since 2006, Buffalo Exchange has collected a total of 3,885 used furs on behalf of Coats for Cubs.

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Chipotle, home of my fav quick burritos and tacos, has quietly been testing products made with gardein vegan shreds in some of it’s stores! They are actively deciding right now where to expand the product, and you know it’s gotta be Veggywood.

A person at Chipotle said people should email the company via their customer comment page HERE that we want the LA stores to carry gardein, and that they definitely read the comments. They said they were surprised at the number of Angelenos who were writing in so far!

Send a quick note and don’t forget to mention they should carry daiya cheese too! Wow can you imagine??

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Animal Acres, the wonderful local farm sanctuary in Acton, CA, has recently taken in 45 animals rescued from a butchering facility in La Puente. The 26 sheep and goats, 1 horse, and 18 piglets and pigs were living in deplorable conditions and even being fed the remainders of other butchered animals.

The sanctuary is looking for volunteers 7 days a week to help care for the new animals. They ask volunteers to arrive between 10 and 11am, and although appointments are not necessary, notifying Animal Acres you are coming is appreciated. Either email info@animalacres.org or call 661-269-5404 and leave a message on extension 320.

They are also requesting donations of all sizes to help cover the estimated $20K cost of veterinary care for the newly rescued animals. To donate to their emergency fund go HERE.

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As you know, I am a big admirer of Bagdad Animal Rescue (read more about them HERE and HERE) so I was excited to hear today that Louise’s latest mission was a success. Three dogs (Sandbag, Dirtbag and Royal) and one cat (Hesco) have been safely transported from Bagdad to the UK and are currently in quarantine.

Louise has posted an update and some pics/videos on her website of the dogs, read it HERE.

And remember this is an organization who runs COMPLETELY on personal donations, so give if you can! Just by going on the site you can see the direct results of Louise’s actions, and the lives that were saved.

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