Link and petition:
http://forcechange.com/133812/save-newly-discovered-whales-from-extinction/#gf_15
Save New Whale Species from Extinction
Posted by Megan Eimers
Target: Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Secretary of Commerce at National Marine Fisheries Service
Goal: Protect the world’s most recently discovered and highly endangered whales before they go extinct
A new species or subspecies of whale has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, but there are only about 50 left. A genetically distinct group of Bryde’s whales, which appear to be a new subspecies or possibly an entirely new species, is disappearing due to habitat loss caused by human threats such as oil exploration. The Bryde’s whale is the only baleen whale known to the Gulf. Scientists would like to know more about this species, but time is quickly running out to save it.
The only known habitat of the new type of Bryde’s whale is the DeSoto Canyon, which is alarmingly close to the location of the disastrous 2010 BP oil spill. The oil industry is expected to expand in this region, and the whales have been known to be struck by the busy traffic of cargo ships in the area, putting their numbers at even greater risk.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to list this species under the Endangered Species Act before it is too late for them. The Bryde’s whale needs to be added to the federal endangered species list in order to preserve its unique evolutionary lineage. Sign the petition below to urge the NMFS to approve the petition and move forward to conserve this new group of Bryde’s whales.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Kathryn Sullivan,
I am very concerned over the imperiled status of the new species or subspecies of Bryde’s whale recently discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. With less than 50 left, time is running out to study these animals and discover more about them. We need to conserve their habitat and protect this species in order to study their interesting evolutionary lineage.
I urge you to take the steps to protect these whales before it is too late, and to approve of the petition sent by NRDC to add this species to the Endangered Species List. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Rungroj Yongrit, EPA
Link and petition:
http://forcechange.com/133774/end-barbaric-practice-of-burning-bulls-alive/
End Barbaric Practice of Burning Bulls Alive
Posted by Ashley Rodriguez
Target: President Juan Vincente Herrera, Castile and Leon
Goal: Cancel the horrific torture and murder of bulls during the Toro Jubilo
Each November, the Toro Jubilo festival is held in Soria, Spain. During this festival, live bulls are burned to death while tied up to posts or set loose to run through the streets. They are affixed with balls of flammable tar, also called pitch, which are then set on fire. Residents of the city hold a belief that eating the flesh of these tortured animals after they are engulfed by flames will bring fertility and invincibility. Such a notion is archaic and unfathomable in today’s world: Fertility and invincibility will not result from horrific murder. Urge officials to cancel this bull run and tell them that the cultural customs and beliefs of a society are not an excuse to kill an animal, let alone in such a horrific fashion.
Bulls, like any other animal, are perfectly capable of feeling pain and experiencing emotions. Their last hours of life during this bull run are spent in immense pain and fear as they are literally burned alive. Terrified bulls run aimlessly through the streets of Soria in a blind rage of pain and fear, their faces burned off by the flames. Others remain tied up and unable to move throughout the death sentence that can last for hours. Spectators look on while the animals’ faces, bodies, and flesh are burned away until the animal is finally dead.
The fact that this practice is part of a festival and provides some type of entertainment or satisfaction for spectators is vicious. Sign this petition to stop and ban this sadistic practice immediately, as it was during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Herrera,
I am absolutely horrified and disgusted with your city’s horrific rituals during the Toro Jubilo. No animal or being deserves to have their bodies scorched alive in a public display for human entertainment. Such acts have no place in society and serve no real purpose. Burning animals alive for fertility is inhumane, and “tradition” is not a justification for murder.
I refuse to travel to Soria while festivals such as this are still taking place. Please consider the gravity of the situation and the wellbeing of the animals being tortured while still alive and fully able to feel pain.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Stuart Yeates via Wikimedia Commons
Petition and Link:
http://forcechange.com/134054/dismiss-inspector-who-ignored-animal-abuse/
Dismiss Inspector Who Ignored Animal Abuse
Posted by Jennifer Schwager
Target: Dr. Bruce Archibald, President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Goal: Demand the suspension or termination of government inspector who disregarded blatant animal abuse
An undercover investigation into the abuse of animals at a hog facility recently revealed employees kicking, shocking, and clubbing pigs. Even more shockingly, the investigation uncovered evidence of blatant complicity on the part of a government inspector, who not only allowed the abuse to continue, but even provided employees with an electric prod to use on the pigs.
In a video released by Mercy for Animals, workers at the Western Hog Exchange in Red Deer, Alberta were seen beating hogs that were sick, injured, or unable to move with bats while a Canadian Food Inspection Agency agent stood watch. In the video, the agent clearly recognizes the abuse, stating, “If anybody has a camera, this will be on the Internet.”
Each week, 40,000 live animals pass through Western Hog Exchange, a transport hub from which most of the animals continue to slaughterhouses. According to the Company’s chairman, Brent Moen, the employees seen participating in the cruelty have been fired, and an independent, third-party contractor has been hired to conduct an investigation. In addition, another inquiry is being conducted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it has begun an investigation, they have not yet suspended or terminated the inspector in question. In the meantime, it is possible that the inspector is displaying the same disregard for his duty that he displayed previously. In order to ensure that CFIA inspections are effective in preventing cruelty to animals, it is imperative that the inspector is suspended from his position pending disciplinary action. Sign the petition below to demand that this negligent and incompetent inspector is suspended during the investigation.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Archibald,
Evidence from a recent investigation showed a government inspector watching and allowing the beating of pigs by employees at Western Hog Exchange. At one point, the inspector is seen passing an electric prod to the employees as well as admitting recognition of egregious breaches of Canadian animal protection laws.
While the CFIA has launched an investigation, there is potential that the inspector will continue to allow abuses in other facilities until a conclusion is reached. I demand that, while the investigation is pending, the inspector is suspended from his duties, and that if the investigation finds guilt, further measures are taken, including dismissal.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Jon Sullivan via Creative Commons
Petition and Link:
http://forcechange.com/134034/punish-cruel-and-neglectful-pet-owners/
Punish Cruel and Neglectful Pet Owners
Posted by Jackie Ip
Target: Monthian Boonthan, National Legislative Assembly Member
Goal: Impose punishments on pet owners who fail to adequately take care of animals
In Thailand, many pets are subjected to abuse and neglect by the very people who are meant to love and take care of them. Fortunately, a new piece of legislature aims to punish people who neglect, torture, or fail to properly take care of their animals. Cruelty, as defined by this bill, is any action or absence of action which causes an animal agony, disability, or death. This bill will also require owners to provide care for their pets. Failure to comply will result in a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of no more than $600.
Pets’ owners are their entire lives. They rely on them for care, food, and love. Animals should not have to be subjected to abuse or neglect by the people who should be taking care of them. This bill will give pet owners in Thailand the push they need to become more responsible pet owners. They will have to give their animals the proper care they deserve.
If this bill passes, a high-level committee to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare will be established and the lives of pets in Thailand will benefit greatly. Sign this petition and support this animal welfare bill.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Boonthan,
It has come to my attention that you and many others in the National Legislative Assembly are focusing on passing an animal welfare bill that would punish pet owners who abuse or fail to provide adequate care for their pets. Many pets are suffering abuse and neglect in Thailand at the hands of the people who are meant to take care of them and I believe that this bill will change that for the better.
If this bill passes, a committee to prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare will be established. I believe that this, in congruence with the punishments against pet owners who neglect, abuse, or fail to care for their animals, will give pet owners in Thailand the push they need to become more responsible pet owners.
I would like you to know that you have my full support in regards to this bill. It will greatly improve the lives of pets in Thailand.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: yeowatzup via Wikimedia Commons
Check out many other petitions at:
http://forcechange.com/category/animal-welfare/
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional, GLOBAL PETITIONS - Anything Animal, Anywhere ! | Leave a comment »