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December 2010 Sharks Keep Their Fins Paws Up! To the Both the House and Senate have passed the Shark Conservation Act, which prohibits shark finning and allows the Sharks play a vital role in the health of our oceans. However, tons of them are killed every year for their fins, considered a delicacy in some cultures. Once the fins are cut off, the sharks are tossed back into ocean to bleed to death. Since sharks are slow to reproduce, their numbers have been declining. Passage of this legislation, which awaits the president’s signature, will help endangered shark populations recover. Take Action: The best action you can take where endangered sea creatures is concerned is to first, not fish for them; second, not eat them; and third, support organizations whose mission it is to protect ocean life. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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Truth in Labeling Paws Up! To Congress for enacting and President Obama for signing the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010. According to a news report, the law “…requir[es] all products containing real fur to be labeled as such. Previously, the fur labeling law contained a loophole that exempted products if the value of the fur was under $150, leaving consumers in the dark about the real fur in their gloves, hats and fur-trimmed coats.” Consumers will be able to know if the fur trim on an item is real or fake. Take Action: To protect yourself and the animals you care so much about, never wear the skin or fur of any animal. Also, learn more about the fur industry. Source: http://animalrights.about.com/ # Penguins and Reindeer Belong in the Wild Paws Up! According to a news source, Hamleys, a world-famous toy shop, cancelled plans to have a penguin pool with live penguins and real reindeer in the store during the holiday season. According to a news source, the store has had similar displays in the past. Even if the animals were well cared for, they should not be part of a holiday exhibit. Live animals are not commodities to be displayed ina toy store just as their stuffed counterparts are displayed. Penguins and reindeer belong in the wild with their families and not between puzzles and electronic gadgets. Take Action: Write a note of thanks to Hamleys for the company's decision to withdraw live animals from its Regent Street store. In addition, if there are shops in your community displaying live animals, contact the companies and request they follow Hamleys' lead and remove those animals to the safety of a sanctuary or shelter. Hamleys Source: # Oh, Thank Heaven® Paws Up! According to a news source, "The home of the Big Gulp has gone vegan. "[The chain] has added artichoke spinach noodles, vegetable lo mein and two types of dumplings - all minus meet, egg or dairy - to Slurpees and hot dogs at [eight] New York city stores." If the test market works, the company may offer similar choices in stores around the country. As many of us know, a vegetarian/vegan diet is healthy for humans, the animals, and the planet. Take Action: Write a note of thanks to 7-Eleven and encourage them to offer choices in all their stores. Joseph DePinto Source: # |